'I Am The Morning' is the debut album from Kentucky alt. country band, Quiet Hollers. Those familiar with songwriter and frontman Shadwick Wilde's earlier solo work will hear echoes of that brooding self-effacement that all but defined Unforgivable Things, his 2010 solo album. But the work here is a more cohesive entity, rather than a compilation of individual works.
The Louisville-based band seamlessly bridges the gap between the raw energy of Punk rock and the woeful wisdom of American heartland music, in seedy bars all around the country, and with little sleep in between. Fronted by singer/songwriter Shadwick Wilde, a veteran of hardcore punk outfits Brassknuckle Boys and Iron Cross, and whose self released solo album (Unforgivable Things, 2010) was the vehicle that sparked Quiet Hollers' inception -- originally to play just one show. But a chemistry like theirs doesn't come often... and when it does, you've got to hold on to it. Countless shows later, Quiet Hollers are still showing us why.
The band spent the better part of a balmy Kentucky summer, together inside the walls of Kevin Ratterman's Funeral Home Studio. Drummer Nick Goldring disobeyed his Doctor's orders and recorded all his drum tracks while wearing a full neck brace, and nursing a teardrop fracture in his C4 vertebra -- an injury sustained jumping from the top of a waterfall in rural Tennessee. And while five men recorded their first album together, families continued to honor their decedents in the rooms of the funeral parlor below. That haunting solemnity isn't hard to pick out of this album. Rather it is dripping with it. These eight songs range from quiet tracks (Road Song) recorded in one take with one guitar, to raucous and vast ballads pushing the seven-minute mark (Flying Song.)
Recorded inside a working funeral home, and by a band whose drummer's neck was literally broken, this stunning debut bridges the gaps between hope and despair -- and between the raw energy of Punk rock, and the woeful wisdom of American heartland music. Tracklist:
1. Road Song
2. Their Dark Robes
3. Some Day Darlin
4. Not Oceans, Not Skies
5. Boxer Song
6. Deep Sea Mama
7. Mean Avenues
8. Flying Song
Motorcycle Song (Live).mp3
Recorded live at Quiet Hollers' first show. June 12th, 2010, at the Monkey Wrench in Louisville, KY
Nick Verzosa And The Noble Union was the 1st winner of the Thirsty Throwdown Battle of the Bands Competition held over 3 months in the historic Ft. Worth Stockyards during the summer of 2012.
They competed with 12 bands selected from the venue's top draws over the previous 2 years for over $12,000 in cash and prizes including the recording, mixing, mastering and manufacturing of the first "Live at Thirsty Armadillo" record.
Staunchly independent, Nick has proven to be that necessary mix of pure talent, hard work and personality required to dig deep roots into the always competitive Texas music market and shows the ability to spread his branches outside the state lines as well. Averaging 4 shows a week is nothing uncommon for he and his 4 piece band of talented musicians as they continue to impress and entertain a constantly growing fan-base. His strong belief in working hard for what you want is self-evident in his road-warrior mentality, still finding time to vigilantly hone his songwriting craft, what he would tell you is his true passion.
“I feel very blessed to have been prepared for the opportunities that have unexplainably come my way. Everyone I’ve met along this journey, from band members to collaborators to business associates to loved ones have positively affected me somehow and even though we’ve worked very hard, the pieces have seemed to just fall together. I can’t wait to see whats around the next corner.”
Tracklist:
1. Change Your Mind
2. I Don't Mind
3. 30 Second Soulmate
4. So Mean
5. Look Back To Texas
6. I Wouldn't Answer (Intro)
7. I Wouldn't Answer
8. Love On It
9. Lazy River Days
10. 7th Year Senior
11. Stronger Than That
12. She Only Loves Me
13. Closer To You
14. Back When Love Was Easy
Recorded live at the Thirsty Armadillo, Ft. Worth, TX on December 8th, 2012 Released March 12, 2013
Available on iTunes
New Video from Don Ryan & The Blank Canvas Movement 'Live in Studio' release, recorded in the bands rehearsal space with thier good friend John Komar handling the camera. Long a favorite solo preformer and friend of this blogger, Don's new project The Blank Canvas Movement expands on his signature Americana, gypsy jazz and psychedelic-folk sound with a like minded collection of talented muscians, a full length is coming in the near future and they want to share these songs with you for free or pay what you want if you're so inclined.
The Murder Industry
Don Ryan - Vocals, Guitar
Paul Vanderwal - Cello
Rich Haddad - Bass
Joe Vernazza - Drums
Footage by John Komar
Let there be no confusion, The Lappes deal in fusion... sonic excursions and tight instrumentation abound on their debut EP ‘Lappe It Up’ as they venture on a groove filled spacious jammy sound experiment. Even in these chilly dreary days of winter 'Summer Breeze' wafts around you like sun lit drops of cool water while the rest of the songs cover you with warm glows of electric tones.
The four piece alternative rock band known as The Lappes began in February of 2013. Long time friends Will Miehe and Shane Naidoo were playing music in between their careers when Will brought forward another great friend, Tom WIlkinson. Almost immediately, the trio had a connection that was difficult to believe occurred so naturally. With Tom’s voice and melodies bringing a smooth and flowing lead line, Will providing a strong groove on the guitar, and Shane bringing forth stable and soothing rhythms, all that was missing from the music was a strong foundation. John Fraze was introduced to the group one week later and the missing link was discovered.
The Lappes have been on the fast track to musical idealism ever since their first notes together. They quickly began to play in public places such as Roxy & Dukes in Dunellen, NJ, and Mexicali Live in Teaneck, NJ. The crowd response for every show they played was incredible at which point The Lappes were invited to play a variety show night in Atlantic City at the renowned Revel Hotel. Playing for a crowded hotel in America’s Playground then brought The Lappes to play for The New Jersey Walks for Tourette Syndrome at Ramapo College where the band was positively embraced.
The Lappes recently finished a 5 song EP which is available for download and are currently working on an album. Moving forward, the band will continue to branch out with upcoming performances in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York City and Virginia. Tracklist:
1. Can’t Stay
2. Through It All
3. Summer Breeze
4. Gotta Problem
5. Disinclined
Listen to the new The Black Lips single from their first full length in three years 'Underneath the Rainbow' out 3/18/14 via VICE Records.
Recorded at a variety of locations over the course of 2013, the twelve songs boast a stable of studio collaborators whose pedigree speaks to how much the band has grown and sonically matured over the course of their 15 year long career. After letters to incarcerated studio legend Phil Spector to produce went unanswered the band convened at Dunham Studios in New York to record initial tracks with Dap Kingsmusic director Tommy Brenneck (Cee Lo, Charles Bradley). The group then decamped to Nashville to record several songs with Patrick Carney of The Black Keys producing, finally rounding out the album with a couple of songs co-produced with lifetime Lips recording collaborator, Ed Rawls. The resultant collection was mixed by Grammy winner Jimmy Douglass (Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, Björk) and features artwork shot by legendary photographer Mick Rock (David Bowie, Queen, Lou Reed).
See them live, 12/31/13 Atlanta, GA at The Drunken Unicorn
"Meet the Mysterious Swaai Boys establishes its sonic agenda in the first few seconds of opener “Camilla,” as virtuosically tasteful guitarist Caleb Townsend’s sweet African licks rise atop an undulating groove set by Andrew Roth’s thick, melodic bass and Jose Ginarte’s eccentrically funky drumming. McInerney’s smooth voice is pure honey, and the song seems to advance a simple conceit: taken at face value, it is sung by a downed fighter pilot in West Africa, who is imploring his nurse Camilla to make him well again. But hidden throughout the song are tiny little clues, and by the time he gets to the final lines “And now I’ve lost another day, while you’re repeating what I’m saying, Camilla I’m begging you to stop,” we realize that the pilot is dying in his own wreckage, hallucinating wildly and calling out to a passing parrot. In the Mysterious World of Swaai, nothing is as it ever seems, and there is always some dangerously intoxicating and threatening mystery lurking beneath the warm surface." - Mama Cocos Funky Kitchen
Vocalist/guitarist Dr. Seth Applebaum, bassist Dr. Josh Park, and drummer Dr. Gregory X make up The Mad Doctors; a fusion of retro aesthetics, furious energy, and songs about barbecue. Self-described as psychofuzz, the band is a hairy snot rocket of garage punk, surf rock, and psychedelia smashed into a disgusting blender in some backwoods shanty.
Asbury Park's Harpers Fellow was born from the heart and mind of Cortney Metzler, after crafting songs and honing her trade, she began to add the pieces that would become Harper's Fellow including Janelle Reyes, Brendan Smith, Eric Castellazzo and Alex Ford. The group was fully formed and started performing in October 2012 and fast became one of the rising stars of the Asbury Park music scene. After running a successful indiegogo campaign they entered the studio in March to record their debut album "Thanks for Tonight"
16. Butchers of Sky Valley - Self-Titled
“Underneath gusts of heavy distortion, bombastic blues, psychedelic soul and crooning vocals is a mysterious allure both infectious and indefinable. Butchers of Sky Valley mine the past yet thrive in the present weaving their own signatures rooted in rock and wrangling lyrics. There’s a sense of intrigue inherent within the band – from the name (which Mokotow has hinted partly derives from the Kyuss classic Welcome to Sky Valley) – to the cinematic lyrics delivered with such depth and immediacy that it leaves the listener pondering the message behind each song."
15.Ali Holder - In Preparation for Saturn’s Return After touring and releasing albums with The Raindoggs and The Broken Hearted, singer-songwriter Ali Holder is striking out on her own. In Preparation for Saturn’s Return is a stunning solo debut, incorporating traces of blues and R&R intoher folk-based sound. “I always have a rotating band, so I never seem to know what magical combination will be made out of joining together different people,” explains Holder, who plays ukulele on the record and guitar at her live shows. Here, she’s backed by a stellar collection of musicians, including Adam Ray, who contributes jazzy trumpet to album closer “Falling Up,” a song which gets itsname from a Shel Silverstein work, and guitarist Daniel Thomas Phipps, who trades vocals with Holderon “I Saw a Wolf,” an eerie duet about the pursuit of love. Country-influenced tracks like the cheating ballad “Drinking Double” feature the crying steel guitar of Jeremy Menking, which serves as a gorgeous backdrop for Holder’s smoky alto..
14.Blue & Gold – Self Titled
From the bastion of bad assery Rock & Roll, Brookly NY. Blue & Gold wrangle righteous riffs , bodacious bass slappery and indomitable drum beats while Chloe sizzles on vocals with Alex contributing hot buttery flavor to that sizzle.
13.The Lappes - Lappe It Up
Let there be no confusion, The Lappes deal in fusion... sonic excursions and tight instrumentation abound on their debut EP ‘Lappe It Up’ as they venture on a groove filled spacious jammy sound experiment. Even in these chilly dreary days of winter 'Summer Breeze' wafts around you like sun lit drops of cool water while the rest of the songs cover you with warm glows of electric tones.
12.Delco Pacers - Stereo Streets
After two years of road travel, on 'Stereo Streets' Delco Pacers hit thier stride and prove why they're one of Philly's Americana-flavored indie rock bands to pay attention to.
11.LaVendore Rogue - What's the Meaning of...
LaVendore Rogue are looking to forge a new path that combines the influence of Americana and Country Music with the attitude of Punk and Rock n Roll.
Rough and tumble Americana with songs about luck n’ loss, life n’ death and with tales ripped straight out of the tabloids.
Purchase on Amazon Track List
1.Love & Hate
2.Gangsters, Thieves & Villains
3.A.S.A.D.
4.The Road
5.Riot
6.The Maze
7.H-A-P-P-Y
8.Lucky Boy
9.What's The Meaning Of...
10.Sun Voyager - Cosmic Tides
While they consider Their debut EP Cosmic Tides, a demo and are heading back into the studio to work on a full length, it has all the ingredients of great psychedelic/garage rock mixed with a bit of stoner, raw loud and rockin’ with sprawling guitar solos, fast beats and wailing vocals. Based out of Orange County, New York, the four musicians see themselves as more of a brotherhood, having known each other for 7-8 years. They vibe on the same musical wave length and set out to write simple songs that groove. I'm looking forward to the debut of the full length, this young band has something that works.
9.The Black Market Merchants - Self Titled
More goodness from the fantastic Oliver Ignatius at Mama Cocos Funky Kitchen, the self-titled debut EP from NYC The Black Market Merchants benders and twisters of blues/rock. The three song EP is full of dark, delicious experiments. A bit of fuzzy dissonance, lively guitar interplay of Nick Jenkins, Nick Zide, Ryan Yero and the sexy sonorous vocals of Madeline Lingett with Chris Corsico's exceptional wizardry on the skins create a unique sound.
8.Scowlin Owl - These Strange Companions
Scowlin Owl is Nina Lovelace (vocals, rhythm guitar, flute), Yvonne Bordon (vocals, electric guitar), Karina Zakri (vocals, bass), and Sally Gainsbury (violin, vocals). Nina started up the band 2011 with the mission to form a female-led dramatic musical collective based on harmony vocals and folk-style storytelling. Nina first hooked up with Yvonne who, armed with her instrumental genius, immediately shared the vision. Soon after Scowlin Owl found their high harmony vocalist Karina Zakri and finally Nina’s friend Sally Gainsbury decided to throw in her fiddlin’ lot with the band. Since then ‘The Owl’ have been gigging on the London folk and alt-country scene and just released their debut EP, ‘These Strange Companions’
With wonderful harmonies and unique storytelling combined with British and American folk influences they soar in an effortless somewhat minimalist sound that is both haunting and uplifting.
Boxed Wine bring the fun to the dance party, rambunctious, infectious dance floor shufflers, extending the party well into the wee hours of the morning with feet sliding, hip shakin' body contortionist grab a partner groovers of melodious magic! 6.Jeanette Lynn - You’ve Got Me
Jeanette Lynne's Bio states> "She is an up and coming songwriter from West Chester, Pennsylvania" with her debut album 'You've Got Me' I think it's safe to say, She has arrived! Among the many outstanding female vocalists out there these days she holds her own in both songwriting and vocal style. A very accomplished guitar player the album is filled with gorgeous melodies and harmonies with a dream like quality that is both soothing and profound. The whole album from start to finish is like a fresh breeze that’s needed occasionally to clear away the cobwebs in the Indie scene
Singer/Songwriter based in Tuscaloosa, AL. Couch By Couchwest '13 Alumni, Mark Kirkland has been making music for over 35 years. A retired drummer and self-taught guitarist, he recorded this solo collection of reflective original songs using a ribbon mic with no multi-tracking giving it a live house concert intimacy. The songs are insightful and poignant with witty word play and excellent guitar work.
4. Sharkmuffin 1097
"The Brooklyn all female 3-piece outfit Sharkmuffin crafts adorable pop music with jagged, garage-sharpened fangs. With lyrical subjects including incest, mythical bestiality, and homicidal heroin using femebots, Thiessen's gutsy vocals jump between gentle moans to rough, forceful screams. They melt into Janet LaBelle's crashing cymbals and Natalie Kirch's thudding bass in a harmonious union. Admiration for 90s alternative girl group-esquehooks are paired with heavy 1970s inspired guitar riffs to create the raw sound of these punk rocking debutants. With these guys, it's no secret the end goal is fun. Sharkmuffin doesn't really give a fuck, they just want to have a good time." (They released two EPs this year)
3.Francie Moon – Morning Red Francie Moon is a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist based out of the Northern woods of New Jersey. A gorgeous vocalist with a delivery that will reach into your heart and move your very being, she writes poignant heartfelt songs that are wise beyond her years. An extremely talented multi-instrumentaist she can shred garage, blues, and punk riffs as well as delicate acoustic arrangements. Her recordings are DIY and highlight her many talents.
2.The Naked Sun - Space, Place, and Time
"The emotional, mid-tempo music that ebbs and flows along its own path throughout these four songs is genuine. Prog rock this is not. For a first outing, no effort is wasted nor is there any misstep to be heard on this debut EP. Space, Place, and Time is a concise yet condensed showcase for a band just starting out. While a somber, restrained affair, Space, Place, and Time is indeed conceptual in title and nature." via Bucket Full of Nails
1.The Miners - Miner’s Rebellion
The Miners are an original alt country band based in Philadelphia, PA. Miners' Rebellion their debut EP is full of great orignal songwriting, sharp steel, toe tapping beats and unique vocals, though many times throughout the album I felt like I was listening to The Traveling Wilburys Alt/Country ego. Looking forward to more from this band, definely a band on the rise in the Americana scene.
