This is jazz, and it’s soul, cleanly produced and smoothly sung. Rivers offers an interesting mix of rhythms in “Fairy Tales” from the Play Things EP (2008).
According to her own marketing information, on the Stephanie Rivers Web site, she hails from Tulsa Oklahoma. Apparently she was a child entertainer, singing in and around Tulsa, in just about every venue you can imagine. She lists legends such as Billie Holiday and Aretha Franklin among her influences, along with more recent but equally talented singers such as Ani DiFranco, Lauren Hill and Mariah Carey.
For some reason, it seems those performers who take some time with classical piano and voice develop natural talent in a unique way. “The Whole” has some exquisite jazz guitar to accompany Rivers’ soulful singing. This writer was about to comment on her “worldly” sound when he discovered that she experienced the hip-hop world in London and tasted the music of some of the best in Italy as well. When she began to work on her own “sound” she brought in Camila Celin on lead guitar, Greg Richardson on bass, Dani Correa to contribute on drums and Keenan Walter for some wonderful keyboard work. Thomas Jacobs adds vocals.
There isn’t a label yet, according to the Web information. But it won’t take long, I’d wager.
Stephanie Rivers on MySpace
Tags: indie, independent music, music, Stephanie Rivers, indie music
This indie/pop band is certainly pop, but it sounds like fun music. Here’s their MySpace info, in short form: Based in Linköping, Sweden. In 2008, their first full-length album Spark Large was recorded and highlights the bands one-of-a-kind indie pop sound. While the group does use the mainstay rock sounds of guitars, drums and bass guitar, they also employ an array of more eccentric musical instruments for a indie/pop band, such as xylophone, marimba, banjo, vibraphone and unique vocal harmonies. Marching Band is Erik Sunbring and Jacob Lind from Linkoping, Sweden. According to this dynamic duo, all they need are two bikes, one laptop, three microphones and their keen sense of whimsical instrumentation.”
For a good sample of the light, interesting fare from this Swedish group, try “Make No Plans.” That pretty much says it about this group. But don’t feel you understand them because you see or hear the surface. There is some depth here that will only become apparent with time. They are working with the producer who helped put together collections for several top groups.
“Gorgeous Behavior” is getting a lot of listen. It’s a neat tune. Some of the “Winchester Cathedral” or Turtles sound from the 60s. Nice.
Here’s what the boys state on their Web site: “Our new record will be released on U & L Records August 5, 2008.”
Marching Band on MySpace
Tags: Marching Band, music, indie, independent music, indie music
While some may believe that, once upon a time, it was easier to break into the rock-and-roll world, the reality is it’s always been tough and will continue to remain difficult.
But contests such as “Road to Rock Fame” can be a tremendous first step for those unsigned bands whose members want to make it in the rock world. According to the contest Web site, musicians from all over the country will submit a bio, photo and one demo song. That alone gets the proverbial foot in the door. However, with the entries judged by “a panel of music industry professionals” it won’t be easy to grab the listener’s ear among dozens, maybe even hundreds of performers.
Each submission must contain a complete original song. Each participant must own all copyright and performance rights to music submission. A submission must not exceed 10 minutes in length.
Some really good news has come out of the “Road to Rock Fame” site – the contest is extended to August 31. This adds a month the original deadline of July 31. The grand prize will include a week of professional recording services. Accommodations are included. The performer or band will also be featured in an industry magazine. Email questions to questions@roadtorockfame.com.
Tags: independent music, indie music, music, Road to Rock Fame, indie
Is there really that much anger out there, among the young? Really?
Or is this frustration and disappointment?
Perhaps a bit of both.
I mean, when your first sample is “Hanging the Executioner” (TBR Wrong Island Records) the listener quickly gets the idea that revenge might be the order of the day. “Borscht” is very raw and very, well, emotional.
Here’s a lengthy, but fairly solid take on Grrrl Friend, “I have a great deal of respect for this band. Not just because they rock, but because of some of the experiences these guys have gone through to create this music. “The Rag” explores rape, abuse, drug addition, homelessness, etc. The sound of this album is extremely raw…The combination of male and female vocals is amazing, with the occasional scream over the sung text. The guitar provides a great countermelody line in the majority of the tracks…Not only that, but the individual lines play together as all music should.” - Independent Clauses
Duffy Wrong Island provides the vocals, bass, guitar and other audio contributions. Tambo is the percussionist and drummer, while also chipping in with backup vocals.
I don’t where I’d go with Grrrl Friend. I haven’t lived some of this. But in my years, life has come to piss me off too.
Grrrl Friend on MySpace
Tags: indie, indie music, independent music, Grrrl Friend, music
First of all, this is acoustic music. It’s also pop. Some will question whether the style can truly be called alternative, especially when listening to “Survive” (Origins Unknown 2008) for the first time. But the CD production is really quite good.
Eric Hogg has a youthful voice and with that, a youthful presentation. He is certainly talented. Perhaps the beauty he is able to experience outside his window has something to do with the emotions and the need to express large ideas. Victoria, British Columbia can do that to a person.
“The Fallout” from the same collection has a slightly different feel from the first-mentioned tune. This one has a bit more edge and picks up the rhythm somewhat. In fact, there are some bigger questions being asked in “The Fallout.”
It’s hard to pinpoint where the strongest influences are with Eric Hogg. His list of influences is very long and contains quite a variety of musical styles. It is tempting to close in on one classic band or legendary singer to explain a new performer. We could do that with The Beatles, Pink Floyd and King Crimson as influences here. The Flaming Lips might be a newer influence. But that doesn’t tell it all.
The title tune from his collection, “Origins Unknown” pretty much tells the story. We just don’t know the answer to the question being asked. Maybe Eric will figure this out over a long career.
Eric Hogg on MySpace
Tags: independent music, indie, indie music, music, Eric Hogg
