name: Grand National
band: Rupert Lyddon & Lawrence 'La' Rudd
hometown: London
label: Sunday Best Recording (UK) / Recall (US)
label type: Indie
myspace visits: 179,381
myspace friends: 12,505
These here Londoners are not your typical post-punk garden variety depressing duos. Instead, Rupert Lyddon and Lawrence "la" Rudd (don't dare call them ru ru), responded to this emerging genre with spite and energy that comes out in songs like "playing the distance" and "boner" (sweet name, eh?). Their multi-instrument talents come out like Rupaul on Saturday nights throughout their first album kicking the national habit and in their sophomore album, a drink and a quick decision. both have creative titles but do they deliver? Yes. Plain and simple. I’ve already given accolades to two songs on the first album but the second album delivers a different feel. Songs like "joker and clown" show an easier, less rebellious side but still maintain a charismatic and mature voice while delivering a heavy message.
I think my interpretation of the few lyrics in "playing the distance" is pretty apparent. The llama was thrown in for fun and the randomness of people is an effort to show the diverse use of 'they.' I really like the guy on the top that looks like Mr. Bean. A clever fool, he is. Check out what Rupert had to say to ArtStar about the song.
AS: Playing in the Distance has a total of about 30 words in the lyrics. Kind of ambiguous. Could you enlighten us on who they is and what they did to get you playing in the distance? (somewhat serious here, but mostly just curious)
GN: It's my guess that it's fundamentally about being played and kept at arms length from someone or anything. Then the chorus line is about 'keeping on keeping on', or 'not letting the bastards grind you down', a we're not caving in sort of a thing. "They" could be anything i guess, i did feel particularly relevant at the time whilst getting a record deal and being dicked around by false promises. Fortunately we didn't cave in and our knight in shining armour Rob da bank turned up on his flossy white steed and gave us a deal and opened his arms and doors to the wonderful world of Sunday Best. By the way ambiguous is a good thing in lyrics, I love it when you can hang out your laundry dirty or otherwise onto other peoples melodies and words.
AS: Of the bands Depeche Mode, Talking Heads, The Cure and Van Halen whose band experience/ career would you rather have had? Why?
GN: Certainly not Van Halen, that's a mess. Any of the other will do nicely thank you.
AS: If you were a sticky note what would you be stuck to and what would it say?
GN: Fuck Sticky notes, don't read me you prick, look at something usefull shit for brains
AS: What is your favorite milkshake flavor?
GN: Oh fuck, we're in the flavours section of the interview. Blueberry and bull sperm please
AS: Favorite Band Live:
GN: Saw the breeders recently, great
AS: Favorite Band to open up for and/or that has opened for your.
GN: Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip opened for us when we we're doing an acoustic gig. They made us look like a right bunch of plonkers, which you could argue happens quite a lot
AS: Favorite instrument that you do not currently play
GN: Bass Clarinet and trumpet in a section. Menacing stuff, check out Miles Davis Big Fun album. In another lifetime perhaps
AS: In the 2008 election, what issue do you feel is the most important?
GN: Touch choice between environmental and Foreign Policy i guess
AS: What artist is currently revolutionizing music (other than yourself, of course)?
GN: Morgan Tsvangirai apart from the fact he's not an artist and has nothing to do with music. There's some great music around but revolution seems to big a word. I guess the internet itself is either revolutionizing music or turning it into a multi-headed toxic freak.
AS: From what do you draw musical inspiration?
GN: I've never quite got to grips with that question. Its either an esoteric arse wipe of an answer of just a long list that takes me ages to think of.
AS: What music did your parents expose you to in your youth?
GN: Tom Lehrer, some bizarre contemporary classical Olivier Messiaen i think, Fats Domino, Stevie Wonder, Nick Drake
AS: How did the band get together? If too complicated, was there a comical story in the progression of the band?
GN: We met in a pub through the vast interrelated underbelly of London musicians. When La turned up at the studio Rupert had a bassline (playing in the distance,) La had a melody, it seemed rude to not continue. Peanut Dreams, Leaves and Cherry Tree followed immenently
AS: What was the toughest decision you have had to make as a band? How did you come to that decision?
GN: Changing personnel in the live band setup is never easy. We just talked about it as openly as possible i guess.
AS: First Instrument:
GN: Guitar
AS: Favorite Venue to play at:
GN: To be honest, Somewhere new in a new city with great sound and an audience of over fifty of which ten people know one of our tunes.
AS: At what moment did you realize you wanted to do live music?
GN: The moment i picked up a guitar i guess.
AS: Most embarrassing moment on stage:
GN: There was some off stage politics that had nothing to do with nothing, the girl introducing us decided to have a rant in front of the audience and on Live Radio. Yep, i know you'd appreciate a funny embarrasing moment but that was an embarrasment full stop.
AS: What are you looking forward to the most about this touring session?
GN: Finishing of with Bestival 2008. Rob da banks monster festival.
AS: And finally, is there anything else that you would like to share with the Art Star audience?
GN: Thanks for reading this may you all have a long, fruitful and generally and specifically magical, wonderous lives. Lovely
help support the artist. artstar does not get any money if you buy their songs or if you visit their link. we just want to make sure these guys stay well fed so they can keep producing greatness. enjoy and be sure to check out the link below:
Name: Samantha Crain and The Midnight Shivers
Members: Samantha Crain: vocals and guitar; Jacob Edwards: drums; Andrew Tanz: bass and vocals; Stephen Sebastian: electric guitar
Hometown: Shawnee, OK
Label: Ramseur
Label type: Indie
Myspace visits: 130451
Myspace friends: 7051
The past year has been a busy one for Samantha Crain. Releasing "The Confiscation EP" in July, she’s managed to adhere to a rigorous touring schedule and already has her next full-length album, "Songs in the Night," in the bag. All the hard work seems to be paying off—besides being featured in Paste Magazine’s “Best of What’s Next,” Crain landed a spot on the Hotel Café Tour, playing with Ingrid Michaelson, Meiko, and Rachael Yamagata. If you’re not yet acquainted with Samantha’s music, you’re missing out. Crain’s unique vocal presence casts a spell on the listener, and makes for some of the best folk/folk-rock/any-genre-of-music-period you will ever hear. Check out the video and ArtStar's exclusive interview.
name: Which Way Is Home
hometown: Detroit, MI
label: unsigned
label type: unsigned
myspace visits: 173,891
myspace friends: 12,673
my take on Which Way Is Home:
Michigan. Motown. Detroit. Sufjan. Modern musical history has emerged from this metropolis of sound. Even the joys of Davidson students could be heard from the casings of Ford Field. Further impressing me is our featured band: WWIH. They are touring the Midwest and enjoying every second. An energetic band with the exuberance of 150 children on Christmas morning. Ok, the last metaphor was a bit unnecessary but the power and passion that comes through their music is quite unique.
For those who followed NC/GA/TN/SC/VA music for the last 15 years, there was a band named Jump, Little Children. Sad part, the verb "was." As they have moved on from an incredibly successful touring career to settle down, these fellas, though lacking a cello and violin, draw from the same muses and articulation that JLC rocked for so many years. "Tired and The Torn" takes me back to those glory days.
As much as I would like to leave the review at that, an injustice would have been done. I found traces of STP in a couple of their tracks like "It's Alright" where their dynamic intros are supported by catchy lyrics, guitar interludes and overall intensity. All in all, a great band that I wish would come down South. Cheers fellas and keep doing what you're doing. Check the songs and interview to follow.
AS: Names?
WWIH: Eric Nicolau (EN; vocals, guitar), Ryan Ballard (RB; bass, vocals), Lucas Zell (drums), Mike Nissen (MN; guitar)
AS: Who would win in a fight between the duo of The Beatles (circa 1967) and Bob Dylan vs. David Bowie and The Beach Boys?
EN: My god, that such a hard question! The Beatles and Bobby D. Brian Wilson was locked in his bedroom and the 70's were Bowie's golden years.
MN: I think it would come time to fight and they would put their "dukes" down and have a hippie-lovefest(circa 1969).
RB: Well, I'm goin' with Beatles and Dylan. Beach Boys were kinda losin' steam, and Bowie wasn't quite awesome yet (pre-Ziggy).
AS: If you were a sticky note what would you be stuck to and what would it say?
RB: stuck to the fridge and it would read, "DO NOT EAT MY THAI FOOD".
AS: What is your favorite milkshake flavor?
EN: Vanilla
AS: Favorite Band Live:
EN: Radiohead. Absolutely amazing.
AS: Favorite Band to open up for and/or that has opened for your.
EN: Anathallo.
AS: Favorite instrument that you do not currently play
EN: UM HELLO, THE CELLO
AS: In the 2008 election, what issue do you feel is the most important?
EN: This is tough, but I guess if I really had to pick something it'd be US involvement in Middle-east. Im really not a big politic guy.
AS: How did your band come up with the name?
EN: Its a phrase that I feel encompasses my life and my childhood.
AS: What artist is currently revolutionizing music (other than yourself, of course)?
EN: Nowadays.. Well, it is hard to answer that sadly. On a mainstream/ worldwide level, I don't feel there are any artists that are revolutionizing much really. Chris Martin could easily answer this question for all of us-- "that HE is"... sorry Chris, I'm not feeling that.
RB: Good question, and a difficult one at that. My gut reaction is no one. Not to say there aren't great artists out there now, however the entire music industry seems to be in disarray currently. I hear a good number of bands channeling the spirits of classic rock icons instead of creating their own sound. Granted, there's always a bit of your influences in what you write, my personal feeling is there's a lack of originality across the board.
AS: From what do you draw musical inspiration?
EN: I write songs purely out of habit of picking up the guitar everytime I feel something. Seriously, since I was a 7 yr old kid, I was holding a guitar. I always was working on some riff or idea, playng it for everyone, wanting to know what everyones thoughts were. The creative process is an undefined, mysterious thing.
RB: Depends on the moment I think. I find that when I'm trying to get inspired, it never works. There's something about the process that well, quite honestly, isn't a process. When the moments are spontaneous and I feel caught off guard I think musical inspiration has been at its best.
AS: What music did your parents expose you to in your youth?
EN: The Beatles, The Smiths, The Cars, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, The Talking Heads, U2, Duncansheik, Dishwalla
RB: My parents grew up in the 40's and 50's, so I was exposed to literally polar opposite sounds, generationally speaking. I have my older siblings to thank for the classic rock. To name a few: Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Beatles, Marty Robbins, Johnny Cash, Moody Blues, Sinatra, Blondie, Journey, King Crimson, Queen, The Cars
AS: How did the band get together? If too complicated, was there a comical story in the progression of the band?
EN: Very, very complicated ow it came together to where it is now. But what is very comical is that in my senior year of highschool (while WWIH was a band already), Lucas literally begged me to let him play in the band. I consistently told him no, and he consistently persisted to ask (DAILY!). A few months later, he joined the band.
AS: First Instrument:
EN: My 8th birthday-- A red fender stratocaster... Love
RB: X-mas '85, Casio mini-keyboard
AS: Favorite Venue to play at:
EN: The Magic Bag (Ferndale, MI)
AS: At what moment did you realize you wanted to do live music?
EN: Seeing my Dad play a show (I was about 4 or 5). My dad was playing guitar in bands my whole childhood. Seeing him up there jamming really got me. The seed was sewn.
RB: There's an old picture of me when I was about 4, I'm standing on a coffee table in just my underwear and socks with my brother's mandolin rockin out. Yeah, pretty sure that was the moment.
AS: Most embarrassing moment on stage:
EN: We were playing on a tiny stage, I was approaching the microphone and nearly tripped on the sea of cables and crap clustered about the stage. ahhhh How charming...
AS: What are you looking forward to the most about this touring session?
EN: Playing the new material from the new record (due Thanksgiving time)
AS: And finally, is there anything else that you would like to share with the Art Star audience?
EN: Thanks a lot for reading through all of this and looking into what we have to say about all this stuff, haha. Come by our myspace and try it on. Lets dance
RB: Give WWIH a try if you haven't already, and let us know what you think.
help support the artist. artstar does not get any money if you buy their songs or if you visit their link. we just want to make sure these guys stay well fed so they can keep producing greatness. enjoy and be sure to check out the link below:
name: the roseburys
members: dominic (g-tar & vox), jordan (vox), tom (bass) and kurt (drums)
hometown: oldham/manchester, united kingdom
label: unsigned
label type: unsigned
myspace visits: 3877
myspace friends: 545
my take on the roseburys:
these guys are sprightly new rockers rising up in the madchester area not too far across the pond. as this is my first foreign band interview, it created great situations of telecommunication mysteries and obstacles to overcome.
in no way are these the rockers of the madchester era, but they do bring their youth, their partying attitude, and british roots to create "punk melodies clashing with a new indie wave." rolling through their music is a trip down pub nights of the past and general british culture. english fun is a wonderful ode to the nightlife of the youth and late-into-the-a.m. sensational behavior. other songs like miss fame have the driving beats that you hear from modest mouse with a twang in their lyrical rhythm similar to the offspring (that's a blast from the past, ladies and gentlemen).
Who would win in a fight between the duo of The Beatles (circa 1967) and Bob Dylan vs. David Bowie and The Beach Boys?
The Beatles and Bob Dylan, those Chelsea boots can do some serious damage.
If you were a sticky note what would you be stuck to and what would it say?
It would be stuck to the fridge and it would say 'drink beer'.
What is your favorite milkshake flavor?
Strawberry
Favorite Band Live:
Kasabian, Amy Winehouse, Dr. Feelgood
Favorite Band to open up for and/or that has opened for your.
To open for The Go! Team would be amazing
Favorite instrument that you do not currently play
Definitely the oboe
In the 2008 election, what issue do you feel is the most important?
How much will beer price increase.
How did your band come up with the name?
The surname of 1 of our friends that sounded cool.
What artist is currently revolutionizing music (other than yourself, of course)?
Were liking the mass of other decent bands coming out of Manchester at the moment (check out The Whip).
From what do you draw musical inspiration?
Everyday life and own our imagination.
What music did your parents expose you to in your youth?
Punk such as the Sex Pistols, The Buzzcocks, The Clash. Michael Jackson (when he was good circa the Bad album), cheesy 90s pop music.
How did the band get together? If too complicated, was there a comical story in the progression of the band?
Jordan and the orginal drummer asked Dominic (guitar) and his bassist friend if they wanted to join a band, the former and latter accepted and the Roseburys were born. However, in persuit of perfection drummers and bassists have come and gone and now we have the correct musically concentrated elements for the perfect band.
What was the toughest decision you have had to make as a band? How did you come to that decision?
In regards to getting a new bassist and sacking the old bassist. It was tough as he was a friend but he wasn't pulling his weight, we came to the right desicion in the end.
First Instrument:
Guitar.
Favorite Venue to play at:
Jacksons Pit, Oldham, Greater Manchester
At what moment did you realize you wanted to do live music?
When we were born, music is the central aspect in all our lives.
Most embarrassing moment on stage:
When we played an outside fesitval and the heavy rain caused the power to cut out mid-way through our set. We had to stand there looking busy while the stage managers tried to get the power back up and running.
What are you looking forward to the most about this touring session?
Playing new venues and making new fans.
And finally, is there anything else that you would like to share with the Art Star audience?
Keep your eyes open as The Roseburys are coming across the pond to an American town near you!
help support the band. artstar does not get any money if you buy their songs or if you visit their link. we just want to make sure these guys stay well fed so they can keep producing greatness. enjoy and be sure to check out the link below:
the basics:
name: hot vegas
members: andrew x, alex stewart, daniel henderson, jared bruce
label: Unsigned
label type: Unsigned
myspace visits: 174843
myspace friends: 17157
my take on hot vegas:
these guys friended me when i first got on myspace about 4 years ago and have impressed me with their growth over the years. i first saw these guys at tremont music hall around the same time and thought there was a lot to improve. now, they are an institution in the charlotte music scene and a must see show if you are in the meclenburg/gaston/union county area. they're currently doing the typical nc tour of asheville, boone, charlotte and the triangle and give you plenty of opportunities for you to check em out.
remember nada surf? remember the good parts of nada surf? miix that with the great sound of singers that can actually sing and you have hot vegas. great lyrics and a progressive sound. don't dare compare them to any whiny indie bands, they rock much harder and will give a hell of a show. check the tunes:
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the interview:
AS: Who would win in a fight between the duo of The Beatles (circa 1967) and Bob Dylan vs. David Bowie and The Beach Boys?
HV: Good question. Realistically I could take them all. I'm serious. But if I had to choose.... I'm going with David Bowie and The Beach Boys. The Beatles just seem to peaceful... and The Beach Boys seem like they could possibly handle themselves... Charles Manson did live at Brian Wilson's house for a while, you know?
AS: If you were a sticky note what would you be stuck to and what would it say?
HV: Britney Spears hand. "Don't do it."
AS: What is your favorite milkshake flavor?
HV: Vanilla
AS: Favorite Band Live:
HV: Travis. If you don't know who they are... you should.
AS: Favorite Band to open up for and/or that has opened for your.
HV: Sherwood. They have been good to us. Check them out.
AS: Favorite instrument that you do not currently play.
HV: I play everything! Not really. lol umm.. piano
AS: In the 2008 election, what issue do you feel is the most important?
HV: Geezz... That's a tough one. I would say the energy crisis. It is one of many important ones.
AS: How did your band come up with the name?
HV: We thought it was marketable... seriously...
AS: What artist is currently revolutionizing music (other than yourself, of course)?
HV: Miley Cyrus... really think about it. I'm serious.
AS: From what do you draw musical inspiration?
HV: Life.
AS: What music did your parents expose you to in your youth?
HV: Some great stuff. Fleetwood Mac, Cat Stevens, Van Morrison, Genesis, and the list goes on.
AS: How did the band get together? If too complicated, was there a comical story in the progression of the band?
HV: I had written some songs and wanted to start a band. It was simple.
AS: What was the toughest decision you have had to make as a band? How did you come to that decision?
HV: We had to let a long time member go. We felt it had to be done.
AS: First Instrument:
HV: Electric guitar.
AS: Favorite Venue to play at:
HV: A Jazz Club.
AS: At what moment did you realize you wanted to do live music?
HV: I can't remember that far back.
AS: Most embarrassing moment on stage:
HV: Our bass player tripped and knocked over my half stack.
AS: What are you looking forward to the most about this touring session?
HV: All the sweet girls we meet on the road. =) Just kidding. I just love playing music. I'm most excited about songs from our upcoming album.
AS: And finally, is there anything else that you would like to share with the Art Star audience?
HV: Thanks for reading the interview. We really appreciate it. We have a lot of big announcements coming up.
help support the band. artstar does not get any money if you buy their songs or if you visit their link. we just want to make sure these guys stay well fed so they can keep producing greatness. enjoy!
the basics
name: the solos unit
label: none
label type: none
myspace visits: 35508
myspace friends: 1910
albums: electric city
my take:
another emerging band from my old stomping grounds but very different than pf. these winston-salemites are the epitome of an eclectic group. compared to groups like the eclectic collective (RIP), their vibes are their own. below is a live cut from the wonderful venue of rubber soul in winston salem. high energy hip hop themes with jazz backgrounds explode in songs like on a mission and then twista type rhymes in multiple songs. their dynamic singing duo, Mr. Mo’Halyn and renaissance, creates an atmosphereesque combo. however, the jazz background keeps everyone in check and allows them to do their rhythmical poetry in coffeehouses and poetry clubs.
we were luck enough to have one of the duo help us out with an interview. be sure to check it out after listening to some tunes.
live at rubber soul
live at bowery poetry club - be sure to check track 15: firewater
AS: name:
TSU: Nathan (Mr. Mohalyn) Harris
AS: if there was a tag-team wrestling match between black thought, richard pryor, and the flaming lips vs john cage and the wu tang clan - who wins? what would decide the bout?
TSU: Wu-Tang, hands down. Sheer Thuggery!
AS: did you realize that you now live a stones throw from where most of us spent the last 4 years (davidson, nc)?
TCU: Yes. You should book us a show at your school!
AS: i was at an evening muse show last year and saw you guys and you had a couple technical difficulties. has there been a night that everything seemed to just not go your way?
TSU: We had to play a show in Wilmington, and our drummer got stuck in a snowstorm in Chicago. we played for an hour and a half with no drummer! horrible.
AS: what is your favorite shake at cook out (burger joint w/ great shake equivalent)?
TSU: Lactose intolerant
AS: have you ever been to summit coffee? and if not you should go - it's an institution.
TSU: I don't drnk coffee either.
AS: favorite band live:
TSU: Prince
AS: favorite instrument that you do not currently play?
TSU: Drums
AS: from what do you draw musical inspiration?
TSU: Life, emotion, relationships, everything breathes and breeds some type of melody or inspiration.
AS: what was the toughest decision you have had to make as a band? how did you come to that decision?
TSU: The band decided not to move to new york about two years ago.
AS: favorite venue to play at:
TSU: Ziggy's (R.I.P.)
AS: at what moment did you realize you wanted to do live music
TSU: I've always wanted to perform, since about 12.
ASU: most embarrassing moment on stage:
TSU: Hasn't happened yet, let's pray!
AS: what are you looking forward to the most about this touring session?
TSU: Introducing people to music that they didn't know existed
AS: and finally, what was the most ridiculous question someone has ever asked you and your response?
TSU: You would be suprised at some of the retarded stuff that people say. I can't even recall something that stands out as more ridiculous than others.
help support the band. artstar does not get any money if you buy their songs or if you visit their link. we just want to make sure these guys stay well fed so they can keep producing greatness. enjoy!
the basics:
name: the big sky project
label: craton
label type: indie
myspace visits: 17839
myspace friends: 1758
albums: the big sky project (one projected for 2009)
my take:
emerging out of the great city of columbus, ohio, the big sky project is a sound for the ages. one would not expect such mature blend from a relatively young band. there is definite evidence in their sound that the allman brothers were indeed their favorite live performers and idols.
brief, flowing guitar interludes in songs like "the bigger man" characterize the soulful classic jamband-esque blues into condensed moments of power. even though the band just celebrated their year anniversary in august (awww), they have meshed into a cohesive collection that will hopefully carry on the tradition of their idols.
reading rainbow summary:
if you're down for bluesy easy listening for car rides and any laid back party, you've found your soundtrack.
Art Star: Names:
The Big Sky Project: Dan Prolago. Matt Hopkins, Sam Manzella
AS: Who would win in a street fight between Bob Dylan and Neil Young?
TBSP: Definitely Neil Young he has to “fight to control the violent side”. There would be blood on the tracks for sure.
AS: If you were a sticky note, what would you be stuck to and what would it say?
TBSP: I would be stuck on this question and it would say “remind me later”.
AS: What is your favorite milkshake flavor?
TBS: Strawberry
AS: Favorite Band Live:
TBSP: The Allman Brothers Band, Government Mule, Ekoostik Hookah, Rat Dog.
AS: Favorite Band to open up for and/or that has opened for your.
TBSP: The Macpodz
AS: Favorite instrument that you do not currently play
TBSP: Steel Drums
AS: In the 2008 election, what issue do you feel is the most important?
TBSP: The Economy
AS: How did your band come up with the name?
TBSP: The original Drummer, John Ohalek, wanted to do something with the Sky during an altered state of consciousness. The Band thought of a few variations until The Big Sky Project was agreed upon. It has reference to some of the bands song lyrics, and to summits, and buildings.
AS: What artist is currently revolutionizing music (other than yourself, of course)?
TBSP: Beck
AS: From what do you draw musical inspiration?
TBSP: Life Experience, women, each other.
AS: What music did your parents expose you to in your youth?
TBSP: The Beatles, country, Pink Floyd, church hymnals, mo-town, Led Zeppelin, and ragtime.
AS: How did the band get together? If too complicated, was there a comical story in the progression of the band?
TBSP: Dan and John were originally in a band called Maplewood and decided to play again. Sam Manzella came over to jam. We wrote a few songs. Our friends liked them so we got a little geared up and decided to start playing out.
AS: What was the toughest decision you have had to make as a band? How did you come to that decision?
TBSP: Getting a new drummer was the hardest decision. We fired John, just kidding. John quit because he was too busy with personal things. So we got a new drummer and had gone through several before we got it together with Matt. The others were not the right match for the band.
AS: First Instrument:
TBSP: Violin
AS: Favorite Venue to play at:
TBSP: Ruby Tuesday
AS: At what moment did you realize you wanted to do live music?
TBSP: When I was fourteen; but I always participated in various forms of live music in school.
AS: Most embarrassing moment on stage:
TBSP: None come to mind.
AS: What are you looking forward to the most about this touring session?
TBSP: Meeting other musicians and having fun playing.
AS: And finally, is there anything else that you would like to share with the Art Star audience?
TBSP: We just recorded 2 Cd’s. One will be for sale on line soon. All of the tracks are available for download through I-tunes, and Sno-cap. At www.thebigskyproject.com and at www.myspace.com/thebigskyproject . Check it out, have fun!!
help support the band. artstar does not get any money if you buy their songs or if you visit their link. we just want to make sure these guys stay well fed so they can keep producing greatness. enjoy!
after a long day of filing and other non-consequential activities that you would rather me not bore you with, i had the pleasure of researching, witnessing and interviewing a lovely up and coming group to the north carolina and south-eastern music scene. while sipping on a cheap riesling and reflecting on my live experience with the combo of paleface and mo, collectively known as paleface, i realized how blessed i am to do this project. featuring, creating, and getting to know bands that i enjoy and truly appreciate. let me go ahead and thank all the bands that have supported the project and made this possible. let's get to the bio
singer and guitarist, paleface, joined a lovely drummer known simply as "mo" (monica samalot) to grace the stages for performances that will intrigue even the most versed music listeners. continuously you will ask yourself, "what makes them so unique?" the answer is a great chemistry between drummer and singer-songwriter. they decided not to mention if there was a romantic connection but let's only guess by the gaze in all of their pictures.
the music blends the couple in an unexpected way. in contrast to the mates of state duo, the deep mysterious voice of pf unveils the stories of new york living and the new days to come. without a doubt the influences of tom waits and bob dylan are present in their music but their sound, with mo's unique backups and personal lyrics intensely tell a biographical journey in a way that i've only heard with their partnership. the best way to experience their music is by listening. enjoy their widget below.
their next show is october 3rd in chattanooga, tennessee and then at clemson on the 4th. accoding to the paleface website, there will be a release for the new album in early 2009.
check out the interview below and enjoy their myspace and website .
the interview:
as: if tom waits and bob dylan engaged in fistacuffs, who would win? What would decide the bout?
PF: a) neil young. b) the voters of the great state of ohio.
as: did you realize that you now live a stones throw from where most of us spent the last 4 years (davidson, nc)? How is the transition to the south?
PF: we've been playin alotta shows so i havent noticed that much.except when i want to get a good meal after a certain hour.Oh and theres no subway trains.
Mo: Yes. We moved to Concord NC and we feel that it's a central spot cuz there are so many towns to play at in North Carolina and the South East in general. So we've been really busy touring on a full-time basis...and music lovers down here are giving us a lot of their love and support, which makes it all worth it.
as: i was at an evening muse show last year and saw you guys and you mentioned the lights and being tired of them. Do either of you miss the lights?
PF: lifes full of transitions...without it things get pretty stale. People are too scared of change.They get used to shit and its comfortable.even if it sucks they'll fight to stick with it.
Mo: I miss being able to take the subway or a cab and walk around town in a city that never really sleeps. Though I miss the city lights, i don't miss the fast pace of life and the expensive cost of living...besides, now we get a star-filled sky.
as: you are now in the heart of nascar country, have you been to the speedway yet?
PF:No but we got stuck on highway 29 coming back from a gig when they let everyone out.we turned the car off on the highway and just sat there for about 45 minutes watching the carnival go by.
as: have you ever been to Summit Coffee? And if not you should go - it's an institution.
Mo: Yes, we played a show at The Summit during a 2007 Holiday festival on Main Street...
PF: There was the spot where we hatched the idea for our next record 'The Show Is On The Road', which will be released on Ramseur Records early 2009
as: favorite Band Live:
PF: The Avett Brothers, the Moldy Peaches
Mo: ah, and Langhorne Slim!
PF: yes of course my boy Langhorne....
as: favorite instrument that you do not currently play?
PF: piano
Mo: cello
From what do you draw musical inspiration?
PF:anywhere i can get it.Usually doesn't work when you try to copy other artists.You might be able to get a chord or something but its best to stay away from that.
people are a big influence-(their beliefs and actions,conceptions and misconceptions) ,
feelings, emotions, the way shit works and doesn't work,the way everything we've built looks across the skyline.against nature it looks pretty rickety.When your in the midst of it like New York city its very odd-not in a bad way but its all very pre-fab like.
Mo: Things that happen in live and make me feel happy or sad, good or bad.
as: how did you two meet?
PF: we met in the New York folk scene.There was alotta action just then.Langhorne,Regina,Jeff Lewis,Kimya,Nicole Atkins,Ian Thomas.Mo was playing drums in a band called American Anymen.I was friendly with the lead singer, we used to play together a bit.Great band.
Mo: I used to go see live shows at NYC's Lower East Side and that's how I became a Paleface fan....Then i got to meet him personally one nite that i was hanging out with a friend and PF gave us a ride to my first Daniel Johnston show. But we didn't get friendly and start playing music together until 3+ years later...cuz at the time we first met i was partying a lot and PF was over that and staying out of trouble.
as: What was the toughest decision you have had to make as a band? How did you come to that decision?
PF+Mo: leaving NYC and the band we were playing with.
as: favorite venue to play at:
PF: the bowery ballroom, the evening muse, the spazzatorium galleria
Mo: And we've had a blast playing festivals such as Floyd Fest, Shakori Hills, Pickathon and Bristol Rhythm and Roots!
as: at what moment did you realize you wanted to do live music?
PF: Just kinda fell into it.
Mo: I graduated from college, then got a job that i didn't like, then i got another job that i didn't like, and another, and another....I was living in the East Village at the time and would go see all my friends play shows and i would be kinda jeallous of the fact that they seemed to love what they did and i didn't love what i did. Then one nite at a party in Brooklyn i jumped on the house drum kit while it was free, and i even though i had never played them before, i knew that i would become a drummer...and a few months later i was onstage with my first band!
as: most embarassing moment on stage:
PF:Falling off the stage and spraining my ankle this spring in ohio
as: what are you looking forward to the most about this touring session?
PF: Getting better and better.
Mo: Playing more and more.
as: and finally, what was the most ridiculous question someone has ever asked you and your response?
PF:i try to block that shit out.
tune in next time for a great bluesy, grass roots rock band that you will definitely enjoy.
above picture by crackerfarm
