There’s a certain sort of music that any self-respecting indie lover keeps loaded on the iPod for the most emotionally sensitive of situations. Like when you’re facing your first makeout session with a new sweetheart, or recovering from a bad breakup that leaves your black-rimmed glasses fogged with tears. Bon Iver, Iron and Wine, Fields —any of these soothing salves work wonders on aching hearts, frazzled nerves or restless sleeps. Here’s one more to add to your playlist: Northampton, Massachusetts’ Winterpills.
Vivid and visceral, Winterpills create spacious slowcore rife with romanticism. Led by the gossamer vocal harmonies of singers Philip Price and Flora Reed, the band takes listeners through songs of sad boys, chamomile breezes and bee-stung hearts. The arrangements are minimal and organic, but never too sleepy. The electric whinny of guitar, analog crackles and shifting rhythms keep the mood dynamic, if low-key. Next time your Elliott Smith CD skips, or you’re sick of Fleet Foxes, give these guys a spin—they’re sure to seduce and sedate.
Today, the music industry is all about finding a unique sound, and the boys of 3OH!3 took that concept to the extreme. To get a sense of their hybrid style and immense buzz worthiness, just combine hip-hop with electro-pop, mix in a little indie rock, and maybe even a hint of Fall Out Boy or Panic at the Disco.
3OH!3 is known for their synchronized dance moves, vulgar references and clever puns on stage. The band’s eye-catching personality has afforded them opportunities including a major spot on the Warped Tour, a cover story in Alternative Press and a booking on the AP tour. The group also took the stage this year with mainstream pop artist, Katy Perry. Beyond their busy tour schedule, the music video for “Don’t Trust Me“ is getting air time on MTV2 and MTVU.
These guys are making a name for themselves in a huge way. Don’t miss out! Head on over to their fanclub, pick up the debut, full-length album Want, and catch them on tour. They’re sure to make you talk with your hips.
What do you get when you combine late-night dancing, upbeat electro-indie, glow sticks/necklaces, and a lot of jumping? Well, a Plushgun show, of course! A new CD release party, actually.
Last night, Plushgun tore up the stage at Harper’s Ferry in Allston, MA with some high-class “jump around” music. Dan Ingala and company rocked the stage by playing a nice long set, chocked full of songs off the new CD. They opened with “Dancing in a Minefield” quite appropriately as it opens the album as well. The segue into track two of the album was equally appropriate as they got the crowd moving with “How We Roll“. Being there right in the crowd as numerous glowing items were thrown out, was just further indication of one simple fact: These guys know how to perform and have the stage presence of a band 4 times their experience.
After speaking with a few crowd members, I discovered that many people were there because they “heard it was going to be a killer dance party and had no idea that they’d end up walking out of there with a new CD and a new band to follow, religiously”.
You may remember reading my review of Plushgun’s new album “Pins and Panzers” earlier this week. If you haven’t checked out the album, or any of the songs off of it, please do so by heading on over to the Plushgun Fanclub. You can also check out the album review here. Stay tuned here, because you won’t want to miss Plushgun’s next show when they come around.
In 2004, the indie quartet The Hush Sound was formed near Chicago, Illinois and has since released three outstanding albums. Gaining the attention of Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, The Hush Sound was signed in 2006 to Decaydance Records/Fueled by Ramen. They recorded their second album with producers Sean O’ Keefe and Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy. Their song, ‘Wine Red’ was chosen to be on the soundtrack to “Snakes on a Plane.” Their third album was released in 2008 and a song from it is featured on an episode of House as well as Grey’s Anatomy.
The band has toured with many groups including: All-American Rejects, Boys Like Girls, and Panic! at the Disco. Their most recent tour to Japan for “Decaydance Fest” with other artists from their label including: OneRepublic, Augustana, and Spill Canvas.
Keep an eye out for The Hush Sound, you’ll be seeing more of them as time goes on!
After over a decade writing music, Indie artist Andrew Bird has hit it big. His 11th album, hit number 1 on the iTunes Music store a few weeks ago and since then, Bird has been living big. His new album, Noble Beast, was created during the 2 year period following his previous album. Bird blogged about the experiece of making the album on the New York Times blog, Measure for Measure. His most recent album was released on Fat Possum Records.
Bird continues to stick to his Indie routes yet he continues to use first rate promotion through media agencies such as NPR. He recently appeared as the musical guest on Late Show with David Letterman and was featured during an episode of “On Canvas,” a Philadelphia TV show on WHYY promoting the performing arts to the masses. It seems as though in 2009, Bird is the word, in the indie world that is!
