It’s time now for the next installment of Songs of The Revolution, our new series in which we throw free downloads around like we’re made of free downloads. Simply put, we catch some of our favorite artists as they come to town and record an exclusive session with them. As a nice little bonus, you can watch and listen to video recordings of the sessions before you download the tracks.
Now, if you’ve been following OurStage lately, you know that we’re big fans of New York-based artist Mieka Pauley. So much so that we just invited her to perform at our showcase for this year’s New Music Seminar and to join our newly-established Artist Advisory Board. And just to show that we can’t get enough Mieka, we grabbed her recently on her way to Cambridge’s Lizard Lounge, where she was having a release party for her new record, The Science Of Making Choices, and asked her to perform a few songs for us. Two of those songs, Marked Man and Wreck, are from the new record, while We’re All Gonna Die is a favorite from a 2009 EP. Check out these fantastic exclusive performances to see what all the buzz is about.
It’s officially summer, which means it’s time to roll down the windows and crank up the tunes. For this month’s Editor Picks, we’ve got an eclectic mix of singer-songwriters, indie rock bands and rappers that’s sure to please, no matter what you’re into. Check out our track descriptions below, then head over to the OurStage Facebook page to download the mix for free, or check out 8tracks to listen to it along with our past Editor Picks playlists.
The Local Strangers “All Along” — Sleepy acoustic guitar and soft vocals make this the perfect song to listen to as you nap in the hammock or relax by the ocean.
Goodnight Argent “Battlegrounds” — Haunting piano chords with an industrial touch give this track a One Republic-esque vibe.
Xavier & Ophelia “I’m Alright” — A swinging beat, hand claps and smooth vocals adorn this indie pop gem.
The Energy Commission “There Goes My” — We love the quirky quality of this song and the sultry vocals from frontwoman Danielle Cales.
The Midnight Show “All The Water” — Fan of The Hush Sound? You’ll love The Midnight Show. ‘Nuff said.
The Love Me Nots “The End of the Line” — What would summer be without Friday night yard parties? Add this track to your next party playlist!
The Design “Burn” — We can’t get enough of Kat’s powerful, raspy vocals. Look out, Melissa Etheridge!
Jitta On The Track “Cassette Tape” — No summer would be complete without a feel-good hip-hop track. Our man Jitta goes hard over this low-key beat.
In the autumn of 2011, we test-launched a new feature on OurStage, called Songs of the Revolution. This exclusive series of recording sessions features both up-and-coming and time-tested artists as they roll through our neck of the woods here in Boston. We capture them on audio and video performing stripped-down versions of their songs and we offer to you, our friends and community members, downloads of the tracks.
Well, we had great fun and success doing it and so we decided to ramp it up for 2012, with a newly redesigned page and some brand new sessions coming at you.
We’re kicking it off with The Dear Hunter, a self described progressive rock band consisting of singer/writer/producer/multi-instrumentalist Casey Crescenzo and drummer Nick Crescenzo. Casey stopped in to The Moontower Studio in the midst of a nationwide tour and played three songs for us. Please enjoy the streaming video and then download the audio tracks.
While you’re at the Songs of the Revolution page, check out some of our previous sessions, with Never Shout Never, Tim Rogers from You Am I, Tim Blane, Lady Lamb The Beekeeper, and The Hollow Sound. Lots more coming up¦
Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown Perform at OurStage's NMS Showcase in NYC
If you’ve looked at the Billboard Rock Charts lately you may be wondering what’s happening to the state of the genre. With chart-toppers like Grouplove, fun., and M83, it feels like the industry is in need of a good ole rock revival. Enter Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown. The Nashville quartet have made it their mission to perserve all that is holy with rock ‘n’ roll and are converting followers one live performance at a time.
Last week the audience of the East Village haunt Arelene’s Grocery were treated to an electrifying performance by Tyler Bryant (vox, guitar), Graham Whitford (rythymn guitar), Caleb Crosby (drums), and Gabe Anderson (filling in on bass). The band was in town for a few days to attend the premiere of Abraham Lincoln Vampire Slayer (Bryant played guitar on the film’s score), to attend OurStage’s Artist Advisory Board meeting, and to showcase at the New Music Seminar. Check out their performance of “Kick The Habit” live at Arlene’s:
It’s getting a little colder, so we drummed up some new tunes for you to warm up to. Feel free to sit down next to the fire, download these songs for free, and enjoy them alongside a nice, warm cup of hot chocolate.
Katey Laurel – “Two Birds”
You’ll love this if you want: an even-lighter Kelly Clarkson
To The Sea – “Conquer The North”
You’ll love this if you want: something to give you a fighting spirit and need a tune to shout along with
Please Do Not Fight – “Silence My Skin”
You’ll love this if you want: a thinking man’s New Found Glory
The NowhereNauts – “Try to Light My Fuse”
You’ll love this if you want: a punchy indie rock group with catchy guitar riffs
The Lost Colors – “Say OK”
You’ll love this if you want: heavy-handed soulful pop punk with a touch of Paramore
The Nearly Deads – “Fact and Friction”
You’ll love this if you want: powerful female vocals coupled with heart-wrenching alt-rock
Gabriel the Marine – “On and On”
You’ll love this if you want: a Ra Ra Riot/pop punk love child
Roses and Pirates – “Finding Fires”
You’ll love this if you want: a charming folk sound that has a bit of a kick to it
Download 8 stellar tracks from these OurStage artists for free on Facebook.
Stay tuned for new Editor Picks in December!