The Philadelphia experimental-rock band mewithoutYou—brothers Aaron (vocals) and Michael Weiss (guitar) and Greg Jehanian (bass) and Rickie Mazzotta (drums)—has released four albums of post-hardcore sounds, spoken-word melodies and religious imagery all rooted in a feisty punk ethos. Although the group’s most recent disc, 2009’s It’s All Crazy! It’s All False! It’s All a Dream!, reveals some of their folk influences. See for yourself when mewithoutYou (above, doing an acoustic “O, Porcupine”) plays The Bowery Ballroom on Thursday.
Posts Tagged ‘Preview’
MewithoutYou Returns to The Bowery Ballroom
Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 Spend the Night with a Jewel
Friday, August 6th, 2010
Ramona Gonzalez grew up in Berkeley, Calif., as the daughter of musically inclined parents. She attended school in L.A., and once there she eventually joined some rock bands and became a multimedia artist. After creating several synth instrumentals for installation art, Gonzalez began concentrating on music, using the name Nite Jewel. Her sound is dreamy dance pop, but it’s done decidedly lo-fi: She records on an eight-track cassette recorder, and her debut full-length, Good Evening, came out last year. When playing live, Nite Jewel (above, performing “Chimera” on the Interface for spinner.com) does it as a three-piece, which you can see for yourself when—along with Violens—she plays Mercury Lounge on Monday.
Spend Your Weekend at The Beach
Wednesday, August 4th, 2010If you check the weather forecast for this weekend, you’ll see nothing but sunny skies ahead, which is pretty great in itself. But why not make it even better with two nights of terrific music in the great outdoors? The L.A. five-piece Local Natives first gained attention last year at SXSW and then when the band toured Europe in support of their debut disc, Gorilla Manor, which came out in the U.K. nearly four months before its release in the U.S. While some groups have a clear leader and a set of complementary pieces, Local Natives (above, playing “Airplanes” for Seattle’s KEXP FM) are a true collaboration, from singing to songwriting to artwork. And when they come to The Beach at Governors Island on Saturday, expect to be dazzled by lush harmonies, lofty melodies and thumping tribal beats.
Josh Ritter has been at the game a little bit longer. He knew at a young age that he wanted to become a singer-songwriter, and so he did, self-releasing his first disc, Josh Ritter, back in 1999. Ever since then, the prolific musician has put out a large collection of EPs and LPs filled with intimate, folk-inspired music. As noted rock historian Mary Louise Parker says, “If you love music and have a device on which to play it, you should listen to Josh Ritter whenever you need sound.” And if you need sound on Sunday, head to The Beach at Governors Island to see Josh Ritter & the Royal City Band (below, playing “The Curse” on The Late Late Show). As an added bonus, this is part of Converse’s Gone to Governors series, which means the show is FREE.
Arcade Fire on 8/5: Tickets Are Still Available! Be a Part of History!
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
Tomorrow’s Arcade Fire show at Madison Square Garden is sold out, but tickets remain for Thursday’s show. And you can help make music history because this Thursday marks the launch of UNSTAGED, an original live-music series from American Express. There will be a high- quality music stream, but there’s also much more because UNSTAGED will connect the online audience to the live show in some pretty interesting ways: You’ll be able to choose your camera angles, vote on songs and take part in digital “happenings,” which will connect the fans and the artist through creative ways.
The series kicks off this Thursday at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with a live stream of Arcade Fire directed by none other than Terry Gilliam (Time Bandits, Brazil, Twelve Monkeys and, of course, the American guy in Monty Python). Learn more at http://youtube.com/ArcadeFireVevo. Sounds pretty cool, right? And not to get all Ron Popeil on you, but wait, there’s more:
• “SHARE YOUR SUBURBS” PHOTO PROJECT Be part of the show. In support of Arcade Fire’s new album, The Suburbs, out today, everyone (including you) can upload pictures of their suburbs—front porches, back roads, empty parking lots, you name it. The band will feature their favorite submissions onstage during their live performance. Share Your Suburb here.
• “ASK ARCADE FIRE” TWEET Q&A Have some burning questions for Arcade Fire? Tweet the band using the hash tag #amexarcadefire and they’ll respond during a special preshow Q&A before their performance.
Submit photos and questions to the band by 10 a.m. tomorrow for your chance to be part of this unique experience, and remember tickets are still available for the 8/5 show.
A Double Shot of the Cat Empire
Thursday, July 29th, 2010
The Australian alternative band the Cat Empire began as a trio back in 1999, with Ollie McGill on keys, Ryan Monro on bass and Felix Riebl on percussion. Over the years, they’ve added Harry James Angus on trumpet, Will Hull-Brown on drums and Jamshid “Jumps” Kahadiwhala on turntables and percussion (plus he’s even been known to bust a move). Although the lineup has changed, the band continues to deftly combine funk, jazz, rock, ska and a little Latin flair to make quality music—three live discs and five studio albums, the most recent of which, Cinema, came out earlier this month. But let’s face it: Australia is far from here. So the Cat Empire (above, performing “The Lost Song”) is bringing the music to you: See them play Webster Hall tomorrow and Music Hall of Williamsburg on Saturday.
Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
The English space-rock band Spiritualized has been making lush, atmospheric music since its debut, Lazer Guided Melodies, came out in 1992. Despite several personnel changes over the years, the group—guided by frontman Jason Pierce (J. Spaceman)—has continued to produce quality albums, including the much acclaimed Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space, which features a gospel choir plus Dr. John on one track. Why bring up a disc that came out in 1997? Great question: Because as part of SPIN25, Spiritualized (above, playing the dreamy “Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space”) will perform the LP in its entirety with a choir and orchestra on Friday at Radio City Music Hall. And how can you top that?
See Arcade Fire in Person or on Your Computer
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010Arcade Fire sent over this trailer for their upcoming YouTube live stream of their August 5th show at Madison Square Garden as part of the AmEx Unstaged series. It’s an extravagant production for such a short clip, featuring sparklers, Win and Regine puppets and most important, part of the song “Rococo,” from the band’s upcoming album, The Suburbs. Arcade Fire also plays the Garden on August 4th.
Nappy Roots Play the Late Show
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
In 1995 six guys from Western Kentucky University formed the Southern hip-hop group Nappy Roots. They got their start making music at a local record shop/recording studio and soon enough, their debut disc, Country Fried Cess, came out in 1998. Watermelon, Chicken and Gritz, most notable for the hit single “Po’ Folks,” followed in 2002. They’ve since released two more albums, and their most recent—and second as a quintet—The Pursuit of Nappyness, dropped in June. Check out their new tunes and get your weekend started right when Nappy Roots (above, in their TV show reel) play the late show on Friday night at Mercury Lounge.
Eyedea & Abilities Play the Late Show
Friday, July 16th, 2010
Eyedea & Abilities were just a couple of friends in Minneapolis before they decided to link up as an MC (Eyedea)/DJ (Abilities) pair while still in high school. They got some well-deserved recognition in the underground hip-hop world following the release of two abstract, introspective albums, First Born and E&A, in 2001 and 2004 respectively. After several years spent working on their own sounds, they reunited on 2009’s By the Throat, which delves into the world of rock. Check them out when Eyedea & Abilities (above, doing “Burn Fetish”) hit Mercury Lounge tomorrow night for the late show.
Caribou Plays The Beach at Governors Island for Free
Thursday, July 15th, 2010
Canadian electronic musician Dan Snaith began his career under the name Manitoba, and his debut EP, People Eating Fruit, came out in 2000. But despite releasing more material under the same moniker, a lawsuit forced him to make a switch. So following a move to London, Snaith, like a, well, caribou rising from the ashes, emerged as Caribou. His most recent albums, Andorra and Swim, have earned him much praise. The talented multi-instrumentalist and composer—who also happens to hold a Ph.D. in mathematics—plays live with a full band, which you can see for yourself when as part of the Gone to Governors series, Caribou (above, performing “Odessa” for Channel 4’s Music on 4) plays for FREE tomorrow night at The Beach at Governors Island with electro-rock duo Phantogram and the psychedelic the Chain Gang of 1974 opening.
FERRY INFORMATION
We encourage everyone to come early and enjoy The Beach. Governors Island ferries will run from the Battery Maritime Building until 5:30 p.m. If you are on the island early, please make sure to get yourself to The Beach by 5:30 p.m., when concert wristbands will be available. After 5:30 p.m., ferries will depart regularly from the north end of the Battery Maritime Building, which is easily accessible from the 1, 2/3, J/Z, R/W and A/C subway lines.
See Small Black Tomorrow Night
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010Singer and multi-instrumentalist Josh Kolenik was living in Portland, Ore., when someone suggested using Small Black as a band name. He remembered that upon returning to Long Island. And once there, Kolenik and a musician friend, Ryan Heyner, headed to Kolenik’s uncle’s attic and began recording dreamy pop songs. Their self-titled EP came out last fall, and after rounding out their live sound with Jeff Curtin and Juan Pieczanski, the Brooklyn band began to play live shows. A debut LP is on the horizon, and Small Black (above, performing “Despicable Dogs” for the Tripwire)—with Beach Fossils— plays Mercury Lounge tomorrow night.
Lucero Hits The Beach at Governors Island (Plus a Free MP3)
Friday, July 9th, 2010
Lucero, out of Memphis, has been expertly combining country with punk and rock since 1998. They’re as much known for their red-hot live shows as for frontman Ben Nichols’ raspy, evocative growl. And the best news is, as part of the Gone to Governors series, Lucero (above, playing “I Can Get Us Out of Here Tonight” for Fuel TV) is playing for FREE tomorrow night at The Beach at Governors Island.
And as an added bonus, Converse, the Gone to Governors sponsor, is offering you a free MP3 download of “All Summer,” featuring Kid Cudi, Rostam, of Vampire Weekend, and Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino, here.
Governors Island Ferry Information Update
We encourage everyone to come early and enjoy The Beach. If you are on the island before the show tomorrow, get to The Beach venue by 5:30 p.m., as concert wristbands will be distributed earlier. Governors Island ferries will run from the Battery Maritime Building until 5:30 p.m. There will be no boats to the concert departing from the Battery Maritime Building after 5:30 p.m. Dedicated concert ferries will depart after 5:30 p.m. from Pier 11, located at the corner of South Street and Wall Street in lower Manhattan. Wristbands will be distributed at the ferry departure point on a first-come, first-served basis, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Cass McCombs Hits The Bowery Ballroom Tomorrow
Thursday, July 8th, 2010
Cass McCombs is a California kid who eventually made his way to the East Coast. Although he spent quite a bit of time traveling the country, at one point the talented singer-songwriter settled in Baltimore and recorded his debut EP, Not the Way, released in 2002. Since then, he’s headed back to his home state and has put out four LPs of funny, poppy and dark music—the most recent of which, Catacombs, came out last year. And now Cass McCombs (above, playing “That’s That” on KCRW), along with Lightspeed Champion and Melanie Moser & the Eleventh Hour Band, comes to The Bowery Ballroom tomorrow night.
Two Nights of the Latin Alternative Music Conference
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010
The Latin Alternative Music Conference, which is geared toward the marketing of Spanish-language alternative music, is going on now through this Saturday. Sure, the LAMC provides plenty of networking opportunities, but even better, there’s lots of great music and all different types. Tonight, Mercury Lounge features Chico Mann (below, playing “Anima”), San Pascualito Rey, Furland, Los Punsetes and Maleco Collective. And tomorrow, The Bowery Ballroom hosts Mexican Institute of Sound, La Bien Querida, Isa GT, Los Rakas and Moderatto. Fight these hot nights with cool music.
Northside Festival Starts Today
Thursday, June 24th, 2010
Get ready for a flurry of indie rock in Brooklyn this weekend because The L Magazine’s second annual Northside Festival, today through Sunday, brings more than 100 bands to Greenpoint and Williamsburg. Of course you know The Bowery Presents is gonna get in on that, beginning tonight at Music Hall of Williamsburg with Thao and Mira with the Most of All and These United States. Tomorrow brings the Woodsist Records Showcase featuring Real Estate and Woods to Music Hall of Williamsburg while Brooklyn Bowl hosts the Fiery Furnaces (below, playing “Keep Me in the Dark” for Seattle’s KEXP), who will also be at Mercury Lounge the next night. On Saturday, Music Hall plays host to a Brooklyn Vegan showcase, with Memory Tapes, Twin Sister, Dom and ZAZA on hand. And, finally, close out this festival in style on Sunday when Islands hits Music Hall of Williamsburg.
Win Free Tickets to See Hole on 6/25
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010Don’t call it a comeback because Courtney Love has been here for years. But her band’s fourth album (and first in 12 years), Nobody’s Daughter, came out this past April, and now Hole (above, playing “Skinny Little Bitch” on Late Show with David Letterman) is hitting The Wellmont Theatre on Friday. Want to try to win tickets? Fill out the form below, listing your name, e-mail address, which show you’re trying to win tickets to (Hole, 6/25) and a brief message explaining why you deserve a free night out on The Bowery Presents. The winner will be notified by Friday.
Double Down with Ryan Leslie
Monday, June 21st, 2010Don’t take this the wrong way, but Ryan Leslie is smarter than you are. He aced the SATs, getting a perfect score, when he was just 14 and then graduated from Harvard at 19. Leslie has gone on to become a successful, producer, rapper, singer and multi-instrumentalist (all documented on his YouTube channel). He’s written and produced for Beyoncé, Britney Spears and New Addition while still finding time to put out a few of his own singles and mixtapes. As if he weren’t busy enough with that, Leslie released two albums, Ryan Leslie and Transition, last year. Recently, he was in Europe touring in support of Ne-Yo, but now he’s back in the US, previewing music from his next album, Les Is More, at The Bowery Ballroom tomorrow and Wednesday.
© 2010
