Up next for TRT’s bold predictions for “makin’ it” in 2010 is Brooklyn’s own OTiS. I first caught wind of OTiS a few weeks back thanks to one of our most reliable tipsters, Jake, who sent me the band’s cover of Pharcyde’s “Passing Me By.”
Did I fail to mention, OTiS is not a rap group, by any means, but lead singer Craig Schoenbaum sure had me fooled, which points to the band’s versatility. OTiS defines themselves with three words: Rock, Soul, and Groove.
We can confirm after snagging OTiS‘ self-titled album in advance that those 3 words are certainly apparent from the album opener “All Over Again” to its closer in “Under the Gun.” But, for me the album’s stand out song has to be “American Dream,” the politically driven song that examines today’s world. Soap box not included. Read the rest of this entry »
In case you were living under a rock yesterday, here’s the video of Carrie Underwood taking on the National Anthem at the Super Bowl. Crazy Elvis jumpsuit aside, have to give Ms. Underwood props for going at one of the toughest vocal songs without pre-recording. Yes, it was a bit pitchy at times and the last note was atrocious, but honestly, I can’t hold a candle to this. Go, Carrie. Happy Monday.
I have no idea what the child of Edgar Allen Poe and Dr. Frank N. Furter would look like, but I’m guessing it wouldn’t be as pretty as April Smith and the Great Picture Show sound. Luckily, Tim Curry and Poe are only two of the arrows in the April Smith’s quiver. Other influences include Wes Anderson, PJ Harvey, Tom Waits and Electric Light Orchestra.
As you might imagine, April Smith and the Great Picture Show are a bit hard to place. Sultry horns, dancing pianos and the sense that she wouldn’t be out of place in a 1940’s dance hall are just a few of the things that come to mind. Or they do for me – what do you think?
Luckily, we don’t have to rely on my questionable ability to name genres. April Smith was kind enough to give us her own thoughts on genre, sinking ships and The Fantastic Mr. Fox. Read our interview with April after the jump.
You’ve heard me wax-poetic on how completely amazing Tony Lucca is in the past so I’ll keep this post short. Just two days ago, Mr. Lucca premiered his newest song “Anchored” during an appearance on Peter Himmelman’s “Furious World.” Check out the performance below. Oh, and you’re welcome.
Butch Walker & The Black Widows new album I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart officially hits stores on February 23rd, but you can listen to it now thanks to the fine folks at Think Indie. Now, I can’t even front to be as big of a Butch Walker fan as fellow TRTer, Forest, but let’s just say, Mr. Walker had me at the title. Front runners for favorite songs right now “Pretty Melody” and “Canadian Ten.”
April Smith and the Great Picture Show have been described by name dropping the Andrews Sisters and Tom Waits, which immediately grabbed my attention. Their album is reminiscent of 30s and 40s juke joints (or at least my impression of them) mixed with smart pop music. April Smith’s voice seduces, entertains, and crackles with sass. But don’t take my word for it. Check it out for yourself by listening to “Colors,” featured on their upcoming album, Songs for a Sinking Ship. You can pre-order the new album by visiting April’s official site.
While you’re at it, enter to win our April Smith and the Great Picture Show giveaway. We’ll select one winner at random, see details on how to enter below. Stay tuned for an exclusive interview with April Smith very soon.
Music industry’s latest marketing push hits stores March 2 with the release of Blake Shelton’s Hillbilly Bone
In a recent announcement, Warner Music Nashville answered the question on the minds of many fans as to how the industry would attempt to combat the issues of lost revenue and leaks resulting from the tireless wait for artists to release their latest tunes.
The answer, in the industry’s mind, is releasing a new format of music called a “six-pak.”
Really, the idea isn’t new, and has been used for years under the moniker EP. But in a new push to get consumers to buy the slowly-dying compact disc, it might be worth a shot.
DJs, aficionados, other? Alterna-prog heroes Dredg are currently hosting a remix contest for the song “Gathering Pebbles,” off of last year’s completely awesome release, The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion. If you haven’t heard the album yet, I strongly recommend it.
The winner of the remix contest will have their song sold, by Dredg, on iTunes and receive producer/remix royalties in addition to sweet Dredg merchandise and two tickets to any show. The two runners up will also receive rewards.
I know what you’re thinking – “But I’m not a DJ!”
That’s the coolest part! You don’t even have to be a DJ to enter. While the song stems are available for download to those inclined and equipped, Dredg has also provided remix software on-site, courtesy of MixMatchMusic.
I haven’t made my mix yet, but the controls seem pretty straightforward. Good luck everyone and, if you happen to win those two tickets, I will be your date and even buy the drinks! I have to apologize for all the exclamation points in this post, but this is FREAKING COOL and I swear that The Round Table does not employ Lolcats.
I first heard Matthew Mayfield on the Maybe Next Christmas EP (which you can still get for free) and my first impression was that he sounded like the best parts of Josh Ritter, mixed with the rockest parts of Ryan Adams and the rasp of Matthew Ryan.
If O-town had written “Liquid Dreams” about their ideal alt/country/rockstar, it probably would have been about Matthew Mayfield.
That’s not to say Matthew Mayfield is derivative, only that he can more than hold his own in your collection next to the three aforementioned singer/songwriters, as well as any others. Have a listen yourself, below, and download a free version of Mayfield’s standout track, “Better,” recently featured on Grey’s Anatomy. If this guy isn’t selling out shows in the near future, I’ll be amazed.
We started as a three friends having conversations about music during lunches together at the office. Since then we have expanded to seven members, including a Chi-town native, and the conversations have gotten bigger and better. The Round Table has grown into a casual setting where music aficionados can gather to discuss all things music. Topics include (but not limited to) artists and bands, new music releases, concerts, recording industry news and concerns, and the occasional nugget of entertainment gossip. We have tastes that cover the entire music spectrum and love to share them (and our opinions) with each other. We are The Round Table! Come join the conversation!
Up next for TRT’s bold predictions for “makin’ it” in 2010 is Brooklyn’s own OTiS. I first caught wind of OTiS a few weeks back thanks to one of our most reliable tipsters, Jake, who sent me the band’s cover of Pharcyde’s “Passing Me By.”
