This is has been a long time coming, but before COMPLETELYFULLYREALLY shutting down I wanted to make sure to get this post out there. This is the last 1 of 2 posts I will be writing for THE REAL popolio. Promise!
I intended to post this closer to the date of the event, but things came up and I never was able to get around to it.
These are all the artists and organizations that donated items (CDs, stickers, gift cards, and other goodies; hence the name) for the goodie boxes for THE REAL popolio’s 2nd Year Anniversary B&W Party featuring 1990s pop music by local DJ, HOT BRITCHES!, that went down on Saturday, September 11, 201o at local mediterranean restaurant, Phara’s.
I made 2 versions of the flyer. See them here and here at my personal Facebook Page.
So a boisterousSHOUT OUT and gigantic THANK YOU to (in no particular order):
San Antonio indie band, LEDASWAN; NYC-based collaborative alternative musicians collective, PASSION PROJECT; long-time industry guy, RICH OVERTON and his RJO ARTIST RELATIONS & MANAGEMENT (sent us stuff from multiple artists he reps); Boston pop/R&B girl group, JADA, ATX’s own rockers; THE MIDGETMEN; Dallas musician of many hats, CLAY PENDERGRASS; LA-based singer-songwriter, BILL CURD; also LA-based dance rock diva, DEBBY HOLIDAY; ATX electro hip hoppers, ONE STEP PROGRAM; NYC indie pop/rock outfit, LOVE & LOGIC; Chicago pop rocker, SCOTT WESLEY; NYC-based folk rocker,JON SANDLER; ATX old school soulstress,LISA MARSHALL; ATX power popster, PHIL DUTRA; and local Chinese food restaurant at Dobie Mall,HOA HOA (for donating gift cards).
Click on the logos, pics, and/or album covers BELOW to go to each of their official sites.
Better late than never. I don’t think I’ve forgotten anyone, but if I have, you know who you are and an equally boisterousSHOUT OUT and gigantic THANK YOU to you as well! ‘Nuff said.
4. The Lusitania 5Q El Paso rock & roll band, the Lusitania, take the Neon Desert El Paso Week crown on this countdown with the seventh and highest Neon Desert entry. It joins the summary post for all the Neon Desert content at Number 17, BB Gun Johnny’s pop quiz tied at Number 28 with Feedback’s LOTTO Interview, the the Royalty’s 5Q at Number 14, GOBI’s 5Q at Number 10, Zach Paul’s 5Q at Number 8, and Cigarettes After Sex’s 5Q at Number 7.
I first posted Bird Call’s (aka Chiara Angelicola) video for her award-winning song, “Waltz in the Snow,” a few weeks back. As I stated in that post, and will restate here, she will be playing the Hole in the WallTHIS WEDNESDAY, August 17, 2011, with Johanna and the Dusty Floor.
Before then, get to know a little bit about this intriguing up-and-coming Brooklyn-based artist with our EXCLUSIVE 10Q interview.
Listen to Bird Call’s version of Beck’s “Lost Cause.”
Click the first pic to go to Bird Call’s official site and second, at the end of the interview, to get to her Facebook Page.
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by Gretchen Robinette
1. You probably get this question all the time, but how did you come up with the Bird Call moniker? What does it mean? Quite honestly I am not quite sure if I experienced a specific moment when Bird Call came to me. I think it was more of a culmination of experiences that led to a moment where I just intuited the name and that was that.
I got my first two tattoos of these two sparrow-style birds on my forearms a few years ago, after that I started subconsciously paying more attention to birds, in general, their morning songs, bird paraphernalia, etc. I’m pretty sure I’m going to be a crazy bird woman when I’m old and gray.
2. Congrats on winning the Performance Category in this year’s International Songwriters Competition with “Waltz in the Snow!” I don’t think many up-and-coming artists even know about it. How did you hear about it? How does it feel to have won? I heard about ISC through several different mediums including Folk Alliance, Sonic Bids, and newsletters. It’s one of those things that I didn’t really pay much attention to the first few years. Once I released my first record I submitted my song, “Momentum,” and never heard back. The second year I submitted “Waltz in the Snow” and I didn’t think much of it. When I got the word that I was a finalist, I just flipped out and was like I don’t care if I win because I was just so stoked to have made the finals. When I received notice that I won, I was pumped that these greats like Tom Waits and Peter Gabriel acknowledged my songwriting. Manifested dream.
3. Diggin’ the look on the cover of your latest EP, Other Creatures, with the rainbow braid and feathers. Very bird-y, of course. What was the inspiration? Do you ever perform in a look like this or would you appear in a video that way? As far as photos, I always like exploring different ideas that pop in my head when I’m dreaming, working out, or in the shower. I like creating stories in my head and then bringing them to life.
The cover for the EP was more of an exploration and art piece that I did with my fantastic photographer and close friend, Gretchen Robinette. I usually don’t dress too crazy on stage but I can never say no to glitter.
4. The reason I ask about videos is because you look like a totally different person in the “Waltz in the Snow” video. Not only do you look younger and more innocent, but very classic, ‘50s, I think (if I’m getting my eras right), but definitely old school. Tell me about this persona and the video. Which is more you? I’m a chameleon. I like exploring different parts of my personalities. When I write, I take on the role of the story-teller of that song. “Waltz in the Snow” is very much about an innocent girl experiencing Brooklyn for the first time. We tried to emulate that in the video. It’s all based on the story.
5. What about “Waltz in the Snow?” Why did you decide to write a song like this both lyrically and sonically? It is your ode to Brooklyn, correct? I wrote it when I first moved to Brooklyn during the daunting cold of my first real east coast winter. When I write it seems to come from some place outside of me and deep within me at the same time. I cannot try to manipulate what comes out too much. It felt right at the time. I can say that I intended the 3 count time as I have always wanted to write a waltz.
6. Use this question to wax poetic about Brooklyn and tell us all, especially us Austinites, why Brooklyn is so exquisite. I feel that when artists move to New York they move with a drive and intention to build something great. Brooklyn carries this energy constantly from day into night. You feel it around you, and it is what keeps me motivated, creating, being inspired, and challenging myself.
7. How did the co-headlining tour with Johanna and the Dusty Floor come together? Why not tour solo? Johanna and I both released our records on May 24th and we had both been talking about touring our music out. It seemed logical to split costs and combine efforts to tour the country together since our music is so compatible as well. We’re really stoked about it all and having a lot of fun.
8. Have you been to Austin before? What can we expect from your Austin stop at the Hole in the Wall? It will be my first time in Austin. I’ve never been.I’m bringing my California-native-via-Brooklyn vibes and hope everyone likes. I have heard nothing but great things about the Austin music scene. Really excited and looking forward to playing this fun spot with some great local acts as well.
9. Tell us one salacious rumor that you’ve heard about the ATX. I hear that when you walk into any bar you get your first couple of drinks on the house.
10. You’re a new bird species. What are you called, what do you look like, and what does your bird call sound like? Describe. I am the Pantheonicus Horned Pegagasius Owl. I try to balance my life with innocence and a healthy challenge on a daily basis. I also watch B-side horror films and do yoga. Hooty Hoo.
Click on the flyer to go to Carter Beckworth’s official site.
Scroll down for more deets!
+Carter Beckworth of Baker Hotel is proud to release his second solo CD!
+The CD is self-titled & will be available next Friday, August 19, 2011
+@The Saxon Pub [1320 South Lamar Blvd.]
+Carter plays from 11PM to 12:30AM
+$10 cover & 21+ ONLY!
+ Sponsors Ropollo’s Pizza and Rex-Goliath Wines provide complimentary pizza & refreshments, while supplies last!
Catch Carter Beckworth on FOX 7′sGood Day Austin next Thursday, August 18, 2011, between 7AM and 10AM!
Bird Call’s (aka Chiara Angelicola) song, “Waltz in the Snow,” won the Performance Category earlier this year in the International Songwriters Competition as judged by Tom Waits, Peter Gabriel, and others. Now it has a video that explores the historical culture of Brooklyn with zombies thrown in for good measure. Bird Call has a tour stop in Austin in a few weeks on Tuesday, August, 16, 2011, at the Hole in the Wall.
Read our EXCLUSIVE 10Q interview with Bird Call here.
WHO:Amy Cook opens for Nic Armstrong WHEN: TONIGHT, Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 9:30 PM WHERE:The Scoot Inn (1308 E. 4th Street @Navasota 78702) WHY: A chance to check out Amy Cook’s new songs before her next show in September. COVER: $5
Editor’s Note:This is a repost of the photos featured in my SECOND EVER! BONUS Photo Pictorial at my weekly music column, Urb’l (Urban Cool) Remedy, at Zubterrain, the e-zine of the Zonisphere Media Group. Featuring a photo shoot of New York-based blues vocalist, Shari Pine, by New York-area photographer, Joseph Silva, it was originally posted last Tuesday, May 31, 2011.
This is a first time a guest photographer was showcased for this feature. Very interesting collaboration with myself in the ATX and Joseph and Shari, both in NYC. They shot on location in and around parts of Times Square in New York City on Wednesday, May 18, 2011. Please read and check out the original post at my music column here.
The Lusitania is brothers, Michael and Blake Duncan, Charles Berry, Adi Kanlick, and Will Daugherty. Adi Kanlick is repping The Lusitania for the purposes of this interview. They are one of the 29+ bands playing one of four stages at the inaugural Neon Desert Music Festival in El Paso on Saturday, April 30, 2011.
The Lusitania is the first band of our El Paso Week of Neon Desert interviews that is actually based in EP. Five strong, I’d say they’re holding things down on the border with their singular brand of rock & roll.
Listen to “Your Existential Hero” from The Lusitania’s debut release, Rain and Rivers, available at Tembloroso Creative Lab.
Click the first pic to go to The Lusitania’s Facebook Page and second, at the end of the interview, to get to their MySpace Page.
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Interesting Fact: If you get an out-of-town The Lusitania show early, you’ll most likely catch them playing Frisbee in the parking lot. According to the band, no tour van is complete without an orange Frisbee.
1. I asked another Neon Desert Artist what their name meant and I have to ask you the same thing. Where did The Lusitania come from? Mike said he always wanted to name the band after a shipwreck, so The Lusitania was the name that came to mind. A few years ago he said that some people may think that naming the band The Lusitania would mean that our career would sink, but he said he saw it as a catalyst for war.
2. How would you describe the sound of the El Paso music scene? The music scene in El Paso has become much more diverse in the past few years. The emo music scene was more predominant several years ago, like in the early 2000s, but it has certainly matured from that. There is a lot of variety within the scene now with post punk bands, experimental/psychedelic, singer-songwriters, and rock and roll acts like us.
3. Where does The Lusitania fit within that? I think all the local bands within El Paso fit into their own niche, including us. One of the great parts about having a diverse music scene is that you get variety when you go to shows. So, we’re definitely comfortable with our place in the scene because we’re part of this diverse group of musicians. I don’t think we’d have it any other way.
4. Since you’re from El Paso, do you feel pressure to rock harder than other Neon Desert Artists that aren’t? Any healthy competition with the ones that are? We are really excited to be part of the Neon Desert Music Festival and to be able to share the stage with all these different acts. We definitely don’t feel like there is any competition with any of the other bands. The point of the festival is to be able to see all kinds of different bands and listen to music you may have not been exposed to before.
I think that many people who have seen us live would agree that we give it everything we’ve got when we’re on stage, whether it’s to five people or to a completely packed room. We’re going to bring that same energy with us on the day of the festival.
5. How did you get hooked up with Neon Desert and what do you feel this means for El Paso? We were approached by the organizers of the festival to play several months ago. Considering this is the first real music festival for El Paso, it’s very flattering that they came to us and asked us be a part of it. As a musician and as a resident of El Paso, I think this is a huge step in the right direction. El Paso has always had a very lively music scene and this is only going to bring more attention to it.
The organizers of the festival have already done a really great job in booking some terrific bands and I think there’s nowhere to go but up. Hopefully, this music festival will get to the point where it could be in competition with ACL, Coachella, and Lollapalooza. We are definitely looking forward to the festival, seeing how it progresses in the future, and we hope that they’ll keep inviting us back.
Editor’s Note:These are outtakes from the photo shoot featured in yesterday’s repost of my FIRST EVER! BONUS Photo Pictorial at my weekly music column, Urb’l (Urban Cool) Remedy, at Zubterrain, the e-zine of the Zonisphere Media Group. Featuring Austin-based folk pop singer-songwriter, Medicine Park aka Clay Berkes, it was originally posted last Tuesday, March 29, 2011.
Arising from what was a true and full collabo with MP, we shot on location at Barsana Dham, here in the ATX, on Sunday, March 27, 2011. Please read and check it out here.
I promised five shots, but I couldn’t resist giving you one more.
