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. (more…)
After a busy 2009, Cage the Elephant are heading back on the road for a Spring headlining tour, which kicks-off February 15 in Augusta, GA. The band is currently riding the momentum of two-chart-topping singles in “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked,” and “Back Against the Wall.”
If you’re unfamiliar with Cage the Elephant has become known for their live performances at festivals like South-by-Southwest. Media has likened frontman Matt Shultz to many things including, “a demented Bible Belt preacher,” and “a Tasmanian devil whooping and jumping up and down like a frenzied gibbon.” So if you’re into that sort of high-octane, in-your-face, performance style, you should catch them on the road. Full tour dates after the jump
My favorite Louisiana natives, Benjy Davis Project, are getting set to release a new album, Lost Souls Like Us and we’ve got the official tracklist and cover art. BDP has gone through a bit of a line-up shuffle as of late, but the group is still comprised of original members Benjy Davis (shocker) and drummer Mic Capdeivelle.
The band recently dropped their new single “Stay With Me,” a mandolin-driven song about love with room for interpretation, whether in the moment or looking back on it. It’s quintessential BDP with a focus on intensely personal lyrics written by Benjy Davis as a result of life experiences.
Check out some footage of Benjy Davis Project in action that was captured at Sullivan Hall back in December. Official track-list for Lost Souls Like Us is after the jump, the album hits March 2nd.
Matt Morrisis the latest Mickey Mouse Club alum to hit the mainstream circuit, thanks in part to his childhood friend and MMC co-star, Justin Timberlake, who signed Morris to his label Tennman Records. Recently, Morris released his debut album When Everything Breaks Open and is quickly gaining attention as he performed on The Ellen Degeneres Show and during last night’s Hope for Haiti Now telethon.
While it clearly helps to have Justin Timberlake in your corner, singer-songwriter Matt Morris’ talent is not to be taken lightly. Although you may not have realized it, you’re (probably) pretty familiar with the singer’s work already as he’s penned songs for Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, country legend Reba McEntire, and of course, Timberlake.
I haven’t finished giving When Everything Breaks Open a proper listen to post thoughts (yet), so in the meantime, enjoy him performing “Bloodline” live with Timberlake after the cut.
Hey indie bands/artists, this post is for you. Still struggling to figure out if social media can help propel your career? Well, while you mull it over, brilliant indie bands like NYC’s Love and Logic are making their dreams come true.
The band decided to cover Adam Lambert’ssong “Whataya Want From Me” then took to the streets of Manhattan to shoot an authentic video starring everyday New Yorkers (and probably tourists). The video, though simplistic in concept, is visually catching. Shot in black and white, the video features members of Love and Logic interspersed with close-up performance shots and random strangers holding up a cardboard sign that reads “What Do You Want From Me.”
Love and Logic then (smartly) uploaded the video to YouTube and used Twitter to get the video in front of Adam Lambert. The singer took notice and tweeted the video link with the message “Wow!!! This is beautiful” and his rabid following did the rest. Views skyrocketed and rumor has it, MTV has expressed interest in the video and Love and Logic.
Props to the band. Check out the video after the jump! Then listen to Adam Lambert’s original. We wanna know, which do you prefer? Give us a shout in the comments.
Beat Radio first caught my ear on the Dope Lotus Winter Sampler and, since then, every time I stumble across them on shuffle, I have to stop and listen.
I should correct myself, too – Beat Radio is more “he” than “they” and largely subsists off of the not-inconsiderable talents of Brian Sendrowitz. Being said, Brian does have some help and, live, is backed by some very able musicians.
If I had to compare Beat Radio to another group, I’d say Death Cab for Cutie, or Over the Atlantic (their earlier stuff). They’re not exactly the same, but they all excel at smart, poppy-yet-emotional indie rock. Still, decide for yourself!
The Shout Out Louds‘ new album, entitled Work, is still about a month away, but you can catch a preview of it below with the just-released video for the first single, “Fall Hard.”
The Swedish group’s album will be hitting the States on February 23rd. The album was produced by Phil Ek, who’s been behind several of Built to Spill’s best albums, the last two Shin’s albums and both Band of Horses‘ records.
Impressive work, to say the least.
“Fall Hard,” already out in Scandinavia, will be available for download everywhere else on February 2nd and the song “Walls” is available for free here, or on the band’s Web site.
In case the official announcement nearly three weeks ago passed you by, consider this a late warning to mark your calendars and clear your schedules.
Fresh off a tour promoting its most recent release, Mama, I’m Swollen, Cursive is ready to hit the road again. This time the Omaha-based band will complete the I-80 connection, sharing the road with Chicago’s Alkaline Trio.
The 34-city, 36-show tour set to begin on Feb. 16 at Glass House in Pomona, Ca. is truly a coast-to-coast production, making its way across the country for two shows in Chicago (both at the Metro on Feb. 27 and 28), and stopping in New York (March 12 at Nokia Theatre) before winding around through the southern states with its finale in West Hollywood, Ca. (more…)
It’s almost been 10 years since The Juliana Theory dropped Emotion is Dead, an album that defined the band for a lot of people, including me, and really showed a band who could push the boundaries of their genre. Ah yes, let me regale you with stories of a time when men were men, and bands were emo without being whiny babies. Think Texas is the Reason,Jimmy Eat World and Sunny Day Real Estate.
Unfortunately for all of us, The Juliana Theory broke up in 2006.
It’s no big secret by now that I’m NOT a Lady Gaga fan. This time, I’m putting my dislike for her aside (momentarily) and actually give her some props as a result of this Nirvana/Lady Gaga mashup, which pairs “Smells Like Teen Spirit” with the “Poker Face” beat.
Now, let’s not get carried away — I’m not turning into a Gaga lover by any means. More so, the just love the idea of taking a heavy song like Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and mixing it with a mindless dance song like “Poker Face.” Though, I’m pretty sure Kurt Cobain is turning over in his grave as I type this. My apologies, Kurt!
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.”
