Just A Little Something that made me Smile.

I just came across a short video clip of really my top favorite band in my musical knowledge, a band that has always been a favorite..Augustana. I've seen them twice in Montreal, this clip of my favorite song by them "Sunday Best" is from the last show. From the first show to the second, there was a huge transformation, a great transformation and the show in May, it's been almost a year, crazy, is when I first met the boys from Wild Sweet Orange who I did an interview a while back and also David Ford, the one man band!

The video is from their May 17th show last year at Les Saints Show bar, an amazing venue that you should definetly give a try. More up soon, I just wanted to post a little something. Enjoy!

A Sit down with the boys of The Balance!

I had to "borrow" this picture from The Balance's myspace (complete photo credit!) and wondering why theren't more pictures I can find of this great band that has been constantly on tour it seems around Ontario this month. With their many dates,  I wasn’t sure where an interview would fit in with the talented and very busy guys of The Balance, a Canadian based band and a group that has many career plans, examples being astronauts, judges and a five some of boys who have big dreams which they will be at some day! They also are about to release their first full length album and whill be having a cd release party at the Hard Rock Cafe in Toronto on the 24th of April!

 These boys are fast becoming some of my favorites and can not wait to see them at a show here in Montreal and I hope you are there with me!

 I recently sat down with the boys of the Balance via the inter webs and everything was up for grabs, from favorite treats (like bite sized ice cream, I’m a two bit brownie girl too!) to their major inspirations and some may be quite surprising to you. We also talked about who they would love tour with (there are some great answers!) and the always important predictor question of their first album bought!

 What is your favorite snack?

Dan: Frozen One bite brownies... They're like bite sized chunks of ice cream!

Nick: Frosted Flakes! They're Grrrreat!

Mickey: Sour Cream and Bacon Ruffles

Steve: tostitos and Salsa

Scott: Pie!

How did you come up with your band name, The Balance?

After we finished recording our first album, we still hadn't decided on a name. Based on the album having a really varying sound, Scott suggested "The Balance" and it stuck. I still think we should have named ourselves the "Bright Green Jalepeno Peppers".

What did all of you in the band want to be when you were 10 years old? Has that changed?

Dan: I wanted to be Tarzan... Right up until I broke my ankle jumping out of a tree last summer!

Nick: Pro Hockey player... Chicks dig hockey players!

Mickey: An astronaut, but now an actor so I can just play one and not have my head explode in space!

Scott: "I wanted to be a judge until I found out you had to be a lawyer first!"

Steve: "I had no ambition and nothing has changed"

What is your favorite venue to play?

Unanimously the Opera House!

If you were touring with three bands, what would be your dream three acts to play with?

 Foo Fighters

 Kiss

Zack Attack Featuring Zack
Morris and Lisa Turtle on the
headless bass, AC Slater on the
drums, and Screech Powers on
the Keys!

Who are your major inspirations?

 All star lineup of:
Brandon Boyd, Incubus

Ray Charles

 Buddy Rich

 Flea, Red Hot Chili Peppers

 Sean Combs

Though no one likes to put their music in little boxes, what would be some genres you think your music fits along the lines of?

 In terms of soup, we could be classified as Rock Stew or Rock Gumbo, but not Rock gazpacho because that shit is cold! You could also sprinkle in some hip hop for seasoning!

What was the first record you ever bought and who was playing at the first concert you ever went to?

Dan:
First Album: Nirvana - Unplugged in New York
First Show: Fred Penner

Mickey:
First Album: Ghostbusters 2 - Soundtrack on Vinyl
First Show: Dream Theater

Steve:
First Album: Metallica - Injustice for all
First Show: Bush X

Nick:
First Album: Green Day - Dookie
First Show: Warped Tour '96 w/ Gob, NoFX

Scott:
First Album: Green Day - Dookie
First Show: Pearl Jam @ Maple Leaf Gardens '96

And now for some easy but fun would you rathers?

chocolate or vanilla:
Swirled Ice Cream - best of both worlds

Snickers or milky ways:
Snickers - seriously... A milky way?


MTV or Vh1:
Much Music - especially for French Kiss!

Winter or Summer:
Summer festivals rock!

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For more music and information, you can find them on their myspace at myspace.com/thebalancemusic

If you would like to check out the band, below are a few of their ucoming dates:

April 24th, 8 pm@Hard Rock Cafe and CD Release party in Toronto, ONT(19+)

May 1st, 8 pm@Jim Bob Ways, in London, ONT (19+)

May 2nd, 5 pm@Chubby Pickle in Windsort, ONT

May 16th, 8pm@Central Public School with Forces Right and Radio Adelaide in Brampton, ONT

May 24th, 8pm@Kathedral w/ Vinny Vegas in Toronto, ONT

What You Should Be Listening To.

The Fray just released a streaming version of their cover of Kanye West's Heartless on AllHipHop.com.

If you are a fan of The Fray and even if you aren't, this is just like then the White Tie Affair cover Got Money by Little Wayne. It is pure oozing of talent and goodness. The official cover becomes available tomorrow (the same day as Chester French drops their debut album!) and right now you can find the cover streaming at : http://allhiphop.com/stories/multimedia__music/archive/2009/04/17/21389497.aspx

The song that you should be listening to right now. 

Song of the Week: "Vowels" Sew Intricate

I first heard about Sew Intricate when I clicked on to the popular project, Haley’s Ipod. I never doubt Haley’s choices and she always picks bands that I kind of adore. That is what happened when I read about her band of the month, Sew Intricate. I fell in love at first site with the song ‘You called me hot’ with  lyrics that went “Obviously cute is what we aim, I could not  even explain more, When I try to explain myself to anybody else but you it comes out wrong”. These lyrics got stuck in my head for I don’t even know how long and that’s when I knew that these guys were worth spending some more time on.

 

Going through their extensive track list (also known as their full album), I came upon the song Vowels which I even more quickly became in love with. This song is so much fun, just the upbeatness  (is that even a word?) of it and it just makes you smile and seriously want to clap along. Though it does not   seem exactly be a happy song in the lyrics, it is just incredibly catchy and something you can’t not let yourself dance to. I also love the verses and bridges that really pull together the song. “The spaces between our faces is congruent with the traces left of the fingerprints left on his clothes”.  I just can not  stop smiling and stop dancing when I hear these songs and I really hope you take a chance on them!

 You can get more of their music, including the songs I talked about at their myspace with the address being myspace.com/sewintricate

 I hope to be putting a new song of the week up every week on Wednesdays, this was just the first one and I really really wanted to post it!

A Talk with 10th Concession.

Ian and Evan Koteles hailing from Tampa, Florida are quick to give a shout out to their dad both as a major influence and what they call a international superstar performer in his rock and roll band, Conspiracy. It just shows their love for their dad and the respect for who raised them which makes many a girl swoon.

Growing up with a international superstar drummer and a professional theatre actress as a mother, it had to be known that you were made for something big.  The boys are working ridiculously hard, but it is definitely seeming to be worth the time put in from the tracks and success they have on their myspace account. It's a sound that gives a twist to the pop and rock genre making their debut album into something "provocative, edgy and real".(direct quote from their biography).  Something that is going to throw the genre into a tizzy, in a good way.

I sat down with the boys, Ian and Evan, via the Internet but all the same.  Everything was up for grabs.  We talked about everything ranging from their favorite teams and the dream acts they would most want to play with!

How did you come up with the name 10th Concession?  Was it ever something else?

We didn't necessarily come up with 10th Concession...It is actually the road our dad grew up on in Canada (near London, Ontario).  With our dad also being a musician and one of our biggest influences, we thought it was really cool to have that, "where he came from and where we are not kind of a name" it just worked! Before 10th Concession we went by "E&i" (Evan& Ian) we keep things simple..haha

How is it being in a group with your brother? Do you ever have hard times?

We have our moments: We are very different and very much the same...if that make any sense..haha=there seems to be a good balance I suppose...for now!  Anyone who says there are never hard times would be lying..especially now, geeze! But we really do get along great. 

What did you want to be when you were ten years old?  Has that changed?

Don't think I had any idea..still don't!  But until then, and I think I speak for Evan as well, we would both need nothing more out of life then to be respected musicians/songwriters/ and performers.

What is your favorite venue to play?  What would be your dream one to play?

Our favorite venues to play are always those that are a little more intimate.  Where there is a definite connection made with the audience, whether they're close friends or complete strangers hearing us for the first time.  It's always gratifying knowing that people are listening..but at the same time we can't wait for the day to play Madison Square Garden.

Who are your major inspirations in life?

Like we'd mentioned earlier, our father.  He's a phenomenal singer/drummer and has opened our eyes to many things growing up and never forced us into music.  It was just always there.  There are a wide range of artists that have inspired us along the way from oldies to punk rock.  And of course our family and friends who have surrounded us with support..without them this journey would be near impossible.

Who would be your top three artists you want to tour with?

At this stage it would be great to be out with anybody..Kinda hard to say where our music would fit in, but since we're playing "in our dreams", we would love to be on tour with U2, John Mayer or One Republic.

If you had to put your music into three genre boxes, what would they be?

We consider our music Rock/Pop/Adult Contemporary.

What was the first album you ever bought?  The first concert you ever went to?

We always had stuff of our dad's to listen to, but I remember getting Green Day "Dookie" for my tenth birthday.  Evan recalls there being so many, he doesn't remember his first..Aerosmith was the first concert our dad took us to..was a family event and remember it was very loud..ha.

What's your favorite snack?

Lately I've really gotten into Craisins (and they're good for you too!) As for Evan, he has a new found love for Hummus..also good for you!

And now some either/ors,

Mtv or VH1.

Panthers or Lightning.of course, we gotta represent!

Vanilla or Chocolate (dark for me, milk for Evan).

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These guys were great, and definitely something I personally suggest for all of you out there! They hail from a bit farther away but I know I'll be in attendance if they ever make it a little closer to Montreal or here! (Hopefully!)

You can find their music at their official myspace: www.myspace.com/10th Concession

They also have some upcoming shows with just a few upcoming dates here. You can find the rest on their myspace. These guys always seem to be playing which must be amazing: 

April 20th, 7:30 pm@ Eddie's Attic in Tampa, FL

April 21st, 9 pm@Dave's Aqua Lounge in Decatur, GA

April 23rd, 9 pm@Market on 7th in Tampa, FL

April 24th, 11 am@Tampa Downtown Market in Tampa, FL

April 27th, 10:30 pm@Meridian Hookah Lounge in Tampa, FL

Animations with Mike Mangione.

When I first youtube searched Mike Mangione, I just saw animation and for a second, I thought I had found a new cartoon show.  Instead, I found videos for my personal two favorite songs "You Don't Wanna Leave" and "It's Me, Not You".  The animation was perfect in these videos and intrigued me from the start.

This album, to my eyes, is a whole lot of romance, all about the one who wants to get out of the relationship and the one who wants to stay in.  Just take a look at the names of my favorites to give you a little hint into it.  Every song has that tinge to it and it is comprised of some strings (cello and others) with guitar licks and drums.

I recently sat down via the internet with the front man of Mike Mangione, Mike Mangione himself!  Everything was on the table it seemed.  We talked about everything from his favorite album of 2008 to who he would love to tour with if he could.

What's the origin of the name Tenebrae for your second album? How did you come up with it?

Tenebrae means shadow.  I came up with it after my brother, Tom had mentioned to me that majority of the material on the album dealt with redemption.  I didn't realize this and thought that somehow the theme of redemption needed to be in the title.  A couple days after that conversation I went to Tenebrae service which takes place during Holy Week.  The service works with shadows, light and darkness to reveal a spiritual mystery.  I thought, hey, shadows are a great metaphor for the full spectrum of redemption, I should name the album Tenebrae. And I did. 

If you could choose any three bands to do a headlining tour with, who would those bands be?

Do you mean who I would like to open up for or to headline and have them open for me? I would love to open for Dylan, U2 or Daniel Lanois.  I would love to tour with Shame Train out of Iowa City, they are fantastic all around.

What do you believe is your top favorite album of 2008?

"Here is what it is" by Daniel Lanois hands down.

What would be the top three genres you tell people Mike Mangione and band classify themselves as?

White, Boy,Soul

What's your favorite tour memory?

Leaving Indianopolis...again and again and..Australia was pretty incredible as well.

Who are you major influences?

The same as who I would open for, Dylan, U2, Daniel Lanois, Peter Gabriel, Van Morrison older cats like that.

Do you have any upcoming shows?

We also have shows, it is the never ending tour.  You may find info on our website, myspace etc. www.mikemangione.com or www.myspace.com/mikemangione

Do you play covers? If so, what songs have you covered?

No, sometimes we play a Dylan song or two but we stick to our own stuff. I am happy those days are over :)

Personally, what is everyone's favorite song to play?

It really changes for me.  Songs take on different attitudes each night. I like certain things about each song and sometimes one song clicks that night while the one from last night is a stinker thsi night.  The song that bridges a strong connection to the audience is my favorite for the night.

What inspired you guys to make music together? 

Our meeting each o ther was really providence.  What inspires us to make music together is how much we enjoy the experiences we have had together already.  Sometimes when you perform the line between audience and band fades and you become one entity experiencing something together.  The relationship between giving and recieving reverses itself and the audience gives back by recieving and so on and so forth.  When this occurs the whole becomes something in and of itself seperate from the band and audience relationship.  It is really something beautiful and is the source of inspiration for any performer I feel. 

How has your music evolved since you started playing together?

It has become easier to write. I better understand where I am coming from and want to go.  The result is the songs are more clear and easier to ingest.

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If you want to catch a show soon from these guys, here are their next five dates...

April 24th, 7 pm@Cup O Joy in Green Bay, WI

April 25th, 7 pm@Greenman Music Hall in Viroqua, WI

May 22nd, 8 pm@The Heartlead Cafe in Chicago, IL

June 12th, 8 pm@318 Cafe in Excelsior, MN

July 10th, 8 pm@Horner Park in Chicago, IL

A Sit Down with Wild Sweet Orange.

From left to right, Garrett Kelly, Taylor Shaw, Preston Lovinggood and Chip Kilpatrick are the lovely southern gentleman that make up the band 'Wild Sweet Orange' hailing from Birmingham Alabama.

I met these boys for the first time at a show going on a year ago when they made a stop at Les Saints Show bar in Montreal while on their tour with Augustana and David Ford.  The guys were nice enough to post for a million pictures with my friends and I.  That's when I knew that this band was one to love and I was right.  They released their EP 'The Whale' and their first full length record 'We Have Cause To be Uneasy' this summer and they have been winning new fans in every town they have been in since. 

It's been a while in the works, but I recently sat down via the interwebs with Preston Lovinggood.  We talked everything from the way they came up with the name Wild Sweet Orange (not just after the tea variety!) to their hopeful evolving into a true rock band (they are already there!)

I know Wild Sweet Orange is a type of tea, but how did you decide to name your band that? How did it come about?

 An old man at a coffee shop that Chip works at gave him the name.

What are the top three genres you would use to describe your band for people who don't know you just yet?

 Rock, Pop, Indie

I've heard that the songs you write are very autobiographical? Are there any challenges that yourselves as a band overcame that are represented in your music?

 Yeah..It can feel weird on stage..It can wear you out..but it's the price you pay..Gotta keep it real.

Who are your major musicial influences? Any that would surprise people?

 Robert Smith/Ammiee Mann/Denison Witmer

If you were to do a tour with three other bands, who would those bands/artists be and why?

 Maria Taylor, Whispertown 2000 and the Great Book Of John because it's important to play with people you love!

How has your music evolved as a band over time?

 We have become closer. So I think there is a new vulnerability to it. I think it has become more rock. I hope it's become more of a rock band.

Are there any future shows coming up this summer for the band?

 We are in the studio for a while. Touring this summer I hope!

Any last words?

We want to be big starts!

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These guys are constantly working and you can find their music at : 

On iTunes!

On Myspace @ http://www.myspace.com/wildsweetorange

On their website @ www.wildsweetmusic.com

On their blog @www.wildsweetorange.wordpress.com

They also have some up coming shows if you are in the area:

April 17th, 8 pm @Alabama Music Box in Mobile Alabama

April 18th, 8 pm @Dogwood Arts Festival-Market Square in Knoxville , Tenessee 

April 19th, 6 pm  @University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, Ohio

April 21st, 8 pm @University Of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas

April 22nd, 6:30 pm @Stubbs Waller Creek Auditorium in Austin, Texas

April 24th, 8 pm @ Meridien in Houston, Texas