Golden Shoulders is a collective of talented musicians from Nevada City, California, lead by songwriter Adam Kline.

Formed in 2001, the group operates with a constantly rotating lineup with the contributors varying from performance to performance, song to song.

On the band’s recent full length called ‘Get Reasonable’, the music embraces the crescendoing pop opuses of the 70’s, toes tapping and heads bobbing by the end of the first track.

FREE Download: “Mountain” MP3

Golden Shoulders has released three full-length albums to date, Let My Burden Be (2002), Friendship is Deep (2004), and this year’s Get Reasonable (earning a 4-star review from Mojo), as well as two EPs, Bee 17 (2005) and Kin (2006), with all songs written by Adam Kline and arranged by all musicians on the recordings.

The band has toured across the United States several times, performing completely acoustic versions of their songs, without electricity, microphones or amplifiers used. Live arrangements differ from the recorded versions based on the whims of the performers. A true musical brainchild of Kline and his talented counterparts.

Tracklisting:

1 Mountain
2 Let My Burden Be
3 Make No Mistake
4 Golden States
5 Little Nixon
6 Unconcerned Is Not Impressive Anymore
7 Know What I Think
8 Explain Yourself
9 I Was Robbed
10 Patience Darling, Patience
11 Settle Down
12 Listen Closely (I Will Fight You Now Liar)

Golden Shoulders MySpace
Golden Shoulders Official Website

Victoria B.C. atmospheric rockers Jets Overhead, are about to embark on a cross-Canadian tour as the support act for synthpop sensation LIGHTS.

The 17-date tour begins in Vancouver on Saturday November 7th, travels as far east as Montreal and ends in London, Ontario on December 3rd.

Jets Overhead are touring in support of their sophomore album No Nations, out now on Vapor Records.

Watch video – “Weathervanes” @ Pianos, NYC:

FREE Download: “I Should Be Born” MP3

Earlier this year the band travelled to Beijing, China for a series of festival dates and have also toured across the U.S., Canada and Europe sharing the stage with Sam Roberts, Our Lady Peace, Tegan and Sara, Broken Social Scene, The Dears, The Stills, The Temper Trap, The Dandy Warhols, Powderfinger and The Frames.

Jets Overhead have also performed at the prestigious Neil Young Bridge School Benefit as well as at the CMJ, SXSW and Bonnaroo music festivals.

November/December 2009 Tour Dates – support for LIGHTS

(Dates and information subject to change.)

Nov 07 2009 The Commodore Ballroom Vancouver, British Columbia
Nov 09 2009 Alix Goolden Hall Victoria, British Columbia
Nov 10 2009 Mary Irwin Theatre Kelowna, British Columbia
Nov 12 2009 MacEwan Ballroom Calgary, Alberta
Nov 13 2009 Myer Horowitz Theatre Edmonton, Alberta
Nov 14 2009 Red Deer Memorial Centre Red Deer, Alberta
Nov 16 2009 The Distrikt Regina, Saskatchewan
Nov 18 2009 Louis’ Pub Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Nov 19 2009 The Garrick Centre Winnipeg, Manitoba
Nov 20 2009 The Outpost Thunder Bay, Ontario
Nov 22 2009 Capitol Centre North Bay, Ontario
Nov 26 2009 Kool Haus Toronto, Ontario
Nov 27 2009 Bronson Centre Ottawa, Ontario
Nov 28 2009 Studio JPR Montreal, Quebec
Nov 30 2009 Studio Theatre Hamilton, Ontario
Dec 02 2009 Ale House Kingston, Ontario
Dec 03 2009 Music Hall London, Ontario

Jets Overhead Official Website

Phoenix has been crafting his skills for some time now and is getting ready to set the country alight with this, his debut release ‘Baptism Under Fire’.

Having cut his teeth through his garage scene roots, performing alongside the likes of P MONEY, FIRMER DEE aka FUNKY DEE, LITTLE DEE and BLACKS, has all helped play a part in his exciting new pathway towards individual success.

FREE Download: “Higher Learning” MP3 ft M9

Now 1/3 of MIDAS TOUCH with AKS & J DA EXODUS, Phoenix feels it’s time to step out by himself and bring some truth, experiences and opinions of his own to the mic.

This twenty-two audio gem is hosted by Higher Heights’s comrade and label mate M9. It is mixed by super scratch DJ ROAST who cuts his way seamlessly through Hip-Hop’s more rugged side.

Features form MASIKAH, 9 PLANETS and fellow crew members AKS and J DA EXODUS all add to the heat, spraying a flurry of condensed poetically punctuated rhymes that’ll burst a hole in your brain and leave your neck aching.

If you think it is icy right now – this is just the warm up! Phoenix Da Icefire is soon to be dropping his debut album ‘THE QUANTUM LEAP’ featuring KYZA and TRIPLE DARKNESS who recently formed the new super group ORPHANS OF CUSH. With the consistently sterling beatsmith CHEMO taking on all production duties this will be a follow up not to be missed.

‘Baptism Under Fire’ is out on Higher Heights Records on the 23rd November, 2009

Phoenix Da Icefire on MySpace

Transfer is poised to release their full-length album aptly titled, Future Selves.

Earlier this year, the band secluded themselves in their studio for a month to write the record. Tucked away in the canyons in North San Diego among the influence of coyote howls and cricket bows, they created a collection of songs with poignant and chilling lyrics and sounds broad enough in range to deem undeniable.

FREE Download: “Losing Composure” MP3

While exhibiting all the grandeur of British rock, yet rooted in the gritty allure of the American west, Transfer beseeches personal discovery. You can either experience Transfer by being fully immersed within a good pair of headphones, or, preferably, get caught up in the intensity of their unusually captivating and dynamic live performance.

With the impending release of their digital-only second full-length release, Future Selves, Transfer stands poised to win over unsuspecting listeners and to elicit praise for its remarkably savvy take on the art of rock music.

That rare act that successfully merges evocative songwriting with pristine musicianship, the ambitiously detailed aesthetics of Transfer’s studio recordings frequently draw comparison to My Morning Jacket, while the personally resonating lyrical content often invokes the specter of Jeff Buckley.

However, this is not a group content to feel either bolstered or confined by its influences, and with each new release Transfer’s sound has grown more expansive, balancing soulful instincts with wildly charismatic rock as you can hear listening to their first single “Losing Composure”.

Engineered and mixed by bassist, Shaun Cornell with help from Mark Needham (The Killers), this record proves to be Transfer’s most ambitious work that has the potential to get under peoples skins.

Read the exclusive Transfer interview on BandWeblogs.com!

Transfer November 2009 tour dates (more dates to be announced shortly):

(Dates and information subject to change.)

11/6 San Diego, CA @ Beauty Bar
11/7 San Diego, CA @ Beauty Bar
11/9 Los Angeles, CA @ Viper Room
11/13 Seattle, WA @ High Drive Seattle
11/14 Bellingham, WA @ The Rogue Hero
11/19 Sacramento, CA @ Old Ironsides
11/20 Chico, CA @ Lasalles
11/21 San Francisco, CA @ El Rio

Transfer on MySpace
Facebook
Transfer Official Website

Watch “Finders Keepers” video

You Me At Six Alternative Press Fall Ball tour dates (below)

It takes a special kind of band to be able to write instantaneously catchy, hook-driven pop-rock songs whose appeal cuts across generations, continents and gender.

In the recent past, US-based bands like Fall Out Boy and Panic at the Disco made it look easy, and now, a new generation of young bands has emerged to take up the cause.

FREE Download: Save It For The Bedroom MP3

Leading the way is the undeniably impressive You Me At Six, whose bittersweet, sugar-coated hooks and hard-rocking riffs have fans jumping, sweating and singing to every word from shore to shore.

Watch “Finders Keepers” video:

You Me At Six began as most bands do: friends coming together and playing music to pass the time.

United by their love of bands such as Fall Out Boy and Blink-182, the South East England based quintet started out practicing in their garages and playing shows for friends.

Buy Music:

You Me At Six on amazon.com

You Me At Six on amazon.co.uk

Slowly building a fan base across the UK, thanks in part to MySpace, You Me At Six began touring the country, letting their fan base grow organically.

By the summer of 2007, with over a million plays on their MySpace page, the band played a support slot to a sold out crowd at London’s Underworld club and it was clear this band was a cut above.

Kerrang! Magazine ran an ‘Introducing’ feature on the band soon after, marking the beginning of what promises to be a very long career for Josh Franceschi (singer), Max Helyer (guitar, backing vocals), Chris Miller (guitar), Matt Barnes (bass) and Dan Flint (drums).

After touring in support of bands like New Found Glory, Angels & Airwaves and Fall Out Boy among others, You Me At Six recorded and released their debut album, Take Off Your Colours, for UK based label Slam Dunk Records in late 2008, which debuted at number 25 on the UK charts.

The band’s wave of success soon reached US shores, where they caught the attention of Epitaph Record’s owner and founder Brett Gurewitz.

The band signed to the label at the beginning of 2009 and Epitaph re-released Take Off Your Colours in the US with additional songs that July.

Virtually a household name in Britain, it’s no surprise that You Me At Six already have an established army of fans in the US awaiting their arrival. The band’s revival of fun-loving, care-free spirited pop-rock is infectious and spreads with each lyric on Take Off Your Colours.

Listeners fall fast for the band’s teen-relevant lyrics of heartache, bad breakups, jealousy and the frustrations of love and the non-stop rockfest of single-worthy sing-alongs like “Gossip,” “Save It For The Bedroom,” “Take Off Your Colours” and “Finders Keepers” (available exclusively on the re-release).

Take Off Your Colours proves without a doubt the band has the ability to craft some of the catchiest pop-rock anthems that this new generation of rock bands has to offer.

The re-release of Take Off Your Colours is only the beginning for You Me At Six. Following a slew of European festival dates including Rock Am Ring and Download Festival, the band played the last three weeks of the Vans Warped Tour in August.

Latest 2009 tour news:

From the band’s MySpace blog:

Due to frontman Josh Franceschi coming down with bronchitis, You Me At Six are sad to announce they will be temporarily dropping off of the AP Fall Ball Tour. The affected dates include October 16 in San Diego, October 17 in Tucson and October 18 in Phoenix. The band will rejoin the tour on October 20 in San Antonio, subject to doctor’s ok.

You Me At Six 2009/2010 tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change. Go to You Me At Six Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.)

20 Oct 2009 Alternative Press Fall Tour – White Rabbit San Antonio, Texas
21 Oct 2009 AP Fall Tour – The Door Dallas, Texas
22 Oct 2009 AP Fall Tour – Warehouse Houston, Texas
24 Oct 2009 AP Fall Tour – Culture Room Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
25 Oct 2009 AP Fall Tour – Freebird Jacksonville, Florida
27 Oct 2009 AP Fall Tour – House of Blues Orlando, Florida
28 Oct 2009 AP Fall Tour – Masquerade Atlanta, Georgia
29 Oct 2009 AP Fall Tour – Rocketown Nashville, Tennessee
30 Oct 2009 AP Fall Tour – Amos Charlotte, North Carolina
31 Oct 2009 AP Fall Tour – The Norva Norfolk, Virginia

1 Nov 2009 AP Fall Tour – 9:30 Club Washington, Washington DC
3 Nov 2009 AP Fall Tour – Theatre of Living Arts Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
4 Nov 2009 AP Fall Tour – Northern Lights Albany, New York
5 Nov 2009 AP Fall Tour – House of Blues Boston, Massachusetts
6 Nov 2009 AP Fall Tour – Toad’s Place New Haven, Connecticut
7 Nov 2009 AP Fall Tour – Starland Ballroom Sayreville, New Jersey
8 Nov 2009 AP Fall Tour – Crazy Donkey Long Island, New York
10 Nov 2009 AP Fall Tour – Crocodile Rock Allentown
11 Nov 2009 AP Fall Tour – Irving Plaza New York, New York
12 Nov 2009 AP Fall Tour – Town Ballroom Buffalo, New York
13 Nov 2009 AP Fall Tour – Guvernment Toronto, Ontario
14 Nov 2009 AP Fall Tour – House of Blues Cleveland, Ohio
15 Nov 2009 AP Fall Tour – Altar Bar *rescheduled date* Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
29 Nov 2009 Jaahalli w/ Paramore Helsinki, Finland
30 Nov 2009 Arenan w/ Paramore Stockholm, Sweden

1 Dec 2009 *Venue upgraded* – KB Hallen – w/Paramore Copenhagen, Denmark
3 Dec 2009 *Venue upgraded* – Docks – w/ Paramore Hamburg, Germany
4 Dec 2009 *Venue upgraded* – Huxleys – w/Paramore Berlin, Germany
6 Dec 2009 *Venue upgraded* – Palladium w/Paramore Cologne, Germany
7 Dec 2009 Casino De Paris w/Paramore Paris, France
8 Dec 2009 013 w/Paramore Tilburg, Netherlands
10 Dec 2009 SOLD OUT: SECC Arena w/Paramore Glasgow
11 Dec 2009 NIA Arena w/Paramore Birmingham
12 Dec 2009 02 Point – w/Paramore Dublin
14 Dec 2009 SOLD OUT: CIA Arena w/Paramore Cardiff
16 Dec 2009 SOLD OUT: MEN Arena w/Paramore Manchester
17 Dec 2009 SOLD OUT: Brighton Centre w/Paramore Brighton
18 Dec 2009 SOLD OUT: Wembley Arena w/Paramore London

20 Feb 2010 Soundwave 2010 Brisbane
21 Feb 2010 Soundwave 2010 Syndey
26 Feb 2010 Soundwave 2010 Melbourne
27 Feb 2010 Soundwave 2010 Adelaide
1 Mar 2010 Soundwave 2010 Perth

Buy Music:

You Me At Six on amazon.com

You Me At Six on amazon.co.uk

You Me At Six MySpace
You Me At Six Official Website

The go-to keyboard player for Ben Harper, Natalie Merchant (Tigerlily), Macy Gray, Mazzy Star, Michael Franti, G. Love and others has just released his self-titled album via Vapor Records.

It might be the rich experience with these other artists, it might be personal influences, or it might be an old soul, but in combination, they have led to a new collection of songs from Jason Yates that truly represent his artistic voice, a voice that is reflective, vulnerable and earnest.

FREE Download: “My Way Out” MP3

The sound of the songs on Jason Yates has elements of the best soul music from the ’60s and early ’70s – easy and fluid – but with the clarity and smooth edges of modern production.

Yates’ Hammond B3 organ has a timeless sound, full of the swells and fills that make the instrument so distinctive.

Yates called on his L.A-based nucleus of Mark Lightcap (Acetone, Matmos), Oliver Charles (Ben Harper & Relentless7, Common, De La Soul) and Gary Mallaber (Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen, Steve Miller Band) to play on the sessions, with C.C. White (Ryan Adams, Edwin McCain, Ben Harper & Relentless7) on guest vocals and Marc Ford (The Black Crowes, Ben Harper, Gov’t Mule) on guitar. They recorded live with virtually no overdubs at Manuel Nieto’s Estudio in East Los Angeles.

The five years working with Ben Harper as a part of the seminal Innocent Criminals line-up taught him the finer points of songwriting, plus, it gave him a confidence in his own music.

From songs like “My Way Out” and “To Chance” that recall the songwriting effervescence of Van Morrison and Warren Zevon to the rich Gospel feel of “Nobody so Far,” to the emotional honesty of “Paper Tents” and “Teardrops,” Jason Yates is a deep album that sounds like someone just returning from a fantastic journey, and starting over back home.

“When we finished, and all listened back, we knew we’d done what we set out to do,” Yates says proudly. “I spent a long time thinking about this and trying to find a way to do what I wanted. And I finally did.”

Yates is currently on tour playing keyboards with Citizen Cope through the end of 2009.

Buy Music:

Jason Yates on amazon.com

Jason Yates tracklisting

1. My Way Out (co-written with Leon Mobley)
2. Nobody so Far
3. Comin’ On Back
4. Paper Tents
5. I Run
6. To Reason
7. To Chance
8. Tear Drops
9. Sing For You (co-written with Marc Ford)

Vapor Records Official Website

Jason Yates MySpace

Free MP3 of “The Uncomfortable Truth” Available Here

Digital EP available on November 3, 2009, and vinyl 7″ available this November in conjunction with US tour dates

Pop music is a “here today, gone tomorrow” world. A starburst of YouTube notoriety and then oblivion. Or at least it is for most. But when your journey has been as long and extraordinary as Nneka’s – when you’ve travelled 10,000 miles and are still only just starting out – then instant celebrity is the last thing on your mind.

FREE Download: “The Uncomfortable Truth” MP3

When your heart is as big as your Afro, when your talents stretch from teardrop soul-singing to freestyle rapping to a first-class degree from a top Continental university, when you’ve got so much to say about so much, then you are in it for the long haul.

Nneka is this artist. Every year since her musical career took off in 2005, this Afro-German warrior princess has built on her successes, stretched her muscles, and widened her range.

Her debut album, Victim of Truth (released in the UK in 2007) – an inspirational mix of hot loops, black consciousness and 21st-century soul music with equal parts Bob Marley, Nina Simone and Erykah Badu in the mix – was garlanded with praise by the British media. “As good as The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” said UK’s The Sunday Times.

Her sophomore release, No Longer At Ease, stepped up the game, generating a growing fan-base across Europe and beyond, building strong foundations France and Germany, as well as putting her center-stage on tour with the likes of Lenny Kravitz among others.

Nneka’s first US release, Concrete Jungle (in stores February 2, 2010), stands as an offering of love, hope and optimism dedicated to the people of Warri & the Niger Delta of Nigeria. Holding it all together is the emotional focus of her beautiful voice, located in a place somewhere between yearning and rage.

Nneka fans number in the hundreds of thousands across two continents, as she divides her time between homes in Lagos and Hamburg, Germany. Get ready to add a third continent to the mix, as Nneka prepares for her U.S. debut. With everything we’re going through here these days, the timing of Nneka’s optimistic message couldn’t be better!

Nneka – Concrete Jungle
(Yo Mama/ Decon/ Epic, February 2, 2010)

Buy Music:

Nneka on amazon.com

Nneka on amazon.co.uk

November 2009 US Tour Dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

Monday, 11/9 – New York, NY – Joe’s Pub
Tuesday, 11/10 – New York, NY – Highline Ballroom w/ The Roots
Thursday, 11/12 – Boston, MA – Café 939
Friday, 11/13 – Philadelphia, PA – World Café Live
Saturday, 11/14 – Vienna, VA – Jammin’ Java
Tuesday, 11/17 – New York, NY – Highline Ballroom
Thursday, 11/19 – Santa Monica, CA – Zanzibar
Friday, 11/20 – San Francisco, CA – Café Du Nord

Nneka MySpace

Nneka Official Website

Girls In Trouble celebrate the release of their self-titled debut at New York’s Joe’s Pub November 2nd and Public Assembly November 11th with friends Franz Nicholay, Pepi Ginsburg and more.

With the High Holy Days behind and Hanukkah around the corner, no time like the present to connect with your Judain sisters and brothers.

On November 2, 2009, Girls in Trouble will join forces with Eli Valley vs the Sway Machinery at Joe’s Pub in the multi-media mash up The Temple of Self Hatred, a music-meets-visual art set.

FREE Download: “Secrets / You’re Always Watching” MP3

The night will feature a reading from the winner of the Goldberg Prize for Jewish Fiction by Emerging Writers and other guests and surprises.

You can also catch Girls In Trouble’s performance at their album release party at Brooklyn’s Public Assembly on November 11.

The event will be also be a fundraiser for Julius Caesar Press and will feature additional guests including Franz Nicholay of The Hold Steady and Pepi Ginsburg.

Girls in Trouble is a folk-inspired indie group featuring inviting experimental string arrangements, lead by vocalist/violinist Alicia Jo Rabins.

The record, initially a song cycle for a master’s thesis, features mystical lyrics telling the stories of obscure Biblical women. Rabins finds a way to make the struggles of the ancient woman her own while grounding them with alluring hooks.

Set for release on JDub Records on November 3, 2009, the Girls in Trouble debut was recorded in rural North Carolina with the help of three of her closest friends: Aaron Hartman (Old Time Relijun, K Records) on upright bass, Tim Monaghan on drums and Jascha Hoffman on keys and glockenspiel. Produced by Scott Solter (Spoon, The Mountain Goats, Okkervil River).

Girls in Trouble November 2009 shows:

11/02: New York, NY @ Joe’s Pub
11/11 @ Brooklyn, NY @ Public Assembly

Buy Music:

Girls In Trouble on amazon.com

“Using folk and modern Americana Girls In Trouble is a compelling album that gets an extra lift through the smart percussion that sounds a bit like Blur in their hey-day.” – Here Comes The Flood, September 2009

For the latest tour dates, music and more, go to:

Girls in Trouble MySpace

Download FREE MP3 by Jets Overhead

Neil Young
No Doubt
Jimmy Buffett (Saturday Only)
Chris Martin of Coldplay
Adam Sandler (Sunday Only)
Sheryl Crow
Fleet Foxes
Monsters of Folk
(with Conor Oberst, Yim Yames, M. Ward and Mike Mogis)
Wolfmother
Gavin Rossdale

Saturday, October 24, 2009 – 5:00pm
Sunday, October 25, 2009 – 2:00pm
Shoreline Amphitheatre at Mountain View, California

Tickets went on sale Sunday, September 20 at 10:00 a.m.

The lineup for the 23rd annual Bridge School Benefit concerts was unveiled, bringing another star-studded lineup to Shoreline Amphitheatre including acoustic performances by Neil Young, No Doubt, Jimmy Buffett (performing Saturday only), Chris Martin of Coldplay, Adam Sandler (performing Sunday only), Sheryl Crow, Fleet Foxes, Monsters of Folk (featuring Conor Oberst, Yim Yames, M. Ward and Mike Mogis), Wolfmother and Gavin Rossdale.

These iconic annual concerts hosted by Neil and Pegi Young benefit The Bridge School, a program for the communicative and educational development of children with severe speech and physical impairments.

Tickets for the 23rd Annual Bridge School Benefit Concerts went on sale Sunday, September 20th at 10am at Livenation.com or charge by phone at (877) 598-6659.

Tickets may be purchased at the Shoreline Amphitheatre Box Office between 10am to 2pm on Sundays with no service charge. Advance tickets are $150.00 and $75.00 for reserved seating and $39.50 for general admission plus applicable service charges. Four packs of general admission tickets may be purchased for $99.00. There is a 4 ticket limit for reserved seats and 8 ticket total purchase limit for these shows.

There are a limited number of lower level reserved seats available via auction at Livenation.com beginning September 20th at 10am. Proceeds from these auction tickets will benefit the Bridge School.

2009 Annual Bridge School Benefit Lineup:

Past performers at the Bridge School Benefit concerts have included Paul McCartney, Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, Pearl Jam, Phish, Thom Yorke, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Dashboard Confessional, Death Cab For Cutie, Wilco, Beck, David Bowie, Bonnie Raitt and dozens more.

Vapor Records’ Jets Overhead will also be on the bill.

Here’s an acoustic version of “Heading For Nowhere” by Jets Overhead recorded at XM Live at The Verge:

FREE Download: “Heading For Nowhere” MP3

Jets Overhead Official Website

For more information, go to:

The Bridge School Official Website

With the release of their new album, ‘Hearts’, out October 27, 2009 on Honor Roll Music, breakout Miami band Awesome New Republic takes flight, pulling together a tight and urgent collection that comes on the heels of a summer that drew major attention for a series of sneak preview tracks and EPs.

Buy Music:

Awesome New Republic on amazon.com

From video premieres (Pitchfork) to favorable comparisons to bands like Hot Chip (Stereogum) to a nod from NPR — who called their innovative approach “one of the most interesting stories circulating the Web.”

And they just happen to be “Miami’s Best Band,” says the Miami New Times.

FREE Download: Alleycat MP3

ANR’s diverse appeal – while more electro and danceable on record, their live shows have become legend for a level of wild abandon and crowd engagement that recalls early Clash or Fugazi, perhaps with a touch of vintage Prince – has put them at the center of a vibrant Florida indie scene that includes fellow artists such as Holiday Shores, Rachel Goodrich, and the Down Home Southernaires.

“Any band hoping to make it in the diverse and somewhat isolated environs of Miami needs to be immediately arresting, artistically inventive, and incredibly dedicated.” says New York Times. “ANR are all three.”

It’s a formula that makes for what Stereogum calls “a laptop-laced mix of guitar rock, soul, and crunked party beats,” concluding simply: “We are digging”

Stay tuned for news of a full national tour in the coming week, and in the meantime, perhaps you can dig too. Here’s how:

WATCH: Pitchfork’s premiere of the video for ‘Digital World’
READ: The New York Times’ Profile on Miami Music
LISTEN: Stereogum’s post of “Florida” from ANR’s Rational Geographic Vol. II EP

Awesome New Republic
Hearts
(Honor Roll Music)
Street Date: October 27th, 2009

01. Whatever
02. Dances When
03. Alleycat
04. Birthday
05. Digital World
06. Footstomp Decay
07. Dark Water
08. Deep Love
09. Last Drop
10. Wheels No Engines
11. Hearts

Photo credit: Peter Richardson

Facebook
MySpace
Awesome New Republic on Twitter
Awesome New Republic Official Website

The five members of the psychedelic folk-pop Real Ones are childhood friends and have been playing music together since their teenage years.

Listen, watch and enjoy the song “Every Dog Has Its Day” off their upcoming album, ‘All For The Neighbourhood’!

Watch “Every Dog Has Its Day” video:

On their US debut called ‘All For The Neighbourhood,’ you’ll hear the zany joy of The Flaming Lips, the cocooning otherworldly warmth of alt-country lynchpins Wilco, with the universal thoughts and perspectives of The Band.

FREE Download: “Every Dog Has Its Day” MP3

US tour dates TBA.

Buy Music:

Real Ones on amazon.com

Real Ones on amazon.co.uk

More information:

Real Ones

‘All For The Neighbourhood’
(The Rebel Group)

Real Ones are five childhood friends from Bergen, Norway. Adding psychedelic zest to a city that has already provided the likes of Royksopp, Annie and Kings of Convenience, here is a group that are more than deserving to be born from such an intimate, and acclaimed stable.

These close comrades who have played together since they were young teenagers, mould a magical kaleidoscope of sound. Having known each other for so many years, it should come as no surprise that despite Real Ones’ sound bouncing with tangents, it’s so precise and complete.

There’s the hearty, autumnal nature of warm folk, interspersed with a swirling psychedelic brood. Throw in a wave of cute three-part harmonies, and some devilishly intoxicating melodies to result in one fulfilling, head-spinning brew.

PRAISE FOR REAL ONES:

“If you’d like a piece of that richly melodic, psychedelic-tinged pop action, then check these crazy Bergen boys with their plaintive chord sequences and rhythmical approach to acoustic instrumentation. They’ve got it all, from tasty but plain fare (guitar, bass and banjo) to the spicy and exotic.” – Guardian UK

“Arm, hazy alt country merged with Eastern instrumentation. Hazy, uplifting loveliness.” – Music Week

“Gently psychedelic, folk-pop gem” – Sunday Express

“These Vikings are on a march – and they should be welcomed with open arms” – Mirror UK

“Real Ones turned out to be one of my favourite surprises of the week. These guys have world class talent.” – Brooklyn Vegan

“Real Ones gave a jaw-dropping performance” – New York Press

Real Ones MySpace

The Vic Chesnutt Record and Why Me and Tommy Wanted to Do it

by Jonathan Richman

My drummer Tommy Larkin and I were driving in the van across the United States as we do two or three times a year on our tours of clubs and I said, “Y’ know, we should produce Vic’s next record!” And he said he thought so too. We both were thinking that the way to get the feeling for Vic as a listener was to hear just Vic – no arrangements, no guest guitar solo guys, no “ironic” touches or anything else to cloud his voice or his poetry. His guitar playing is also the guitar playing on this recording because we think no help is needed.

Tommy and I have toured with Vic several times and he’s long been one of our favorites. So we’re both proud of this record and glad for the chance to make it our way. A lot of it was brand new stuff – a few hours old or becoming a song right there as he sang.

——————–

FREE Download: “Society Sue” MP3

Vic Chesnutt has recorded with many different people for all kinds of labels, but he’s never made an album like his debut on Vapor Records.

Chesnutt’s first two releases were produced by R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe, and from there he was featured in the PBS documentary Speed Racer and his songs were recorded for Sweet Relief II: Gravity of the Situation. A wide range of artists including Garbage, Madonna, Smashing Pumpkins, R.E.M. and Live all covered Chesnutt originals.

He has recorded with other groups like Widespread Panic and Lambchop and musicians as varied as Bill Frisell and Fugazi’s Guy Picciotto. Chesnutt recently performed on Cowboy Junkie’s Trinity Revisited, with others and over a dozen different releases of his own.

‘Skitter On Take-Off’ allows Vic Chesnutt to create his most dramatic album yet, recording devastating songs like “Rips in the Fabric” and “Dick Cheney” live with no overdubs.

This album becomes a unique addition to his history, and allows the singer-songwriter the chance to collaborate with an important influence. “I’m honored to work with Jonathan Richman. Over the years he’s taken me under his wing and mentored me in a very meaningful way, truly shaping me into the songwriter and performer I am today. And it is an ongoing process.” Chesnutt and Richman’s work together is one for the ages.

Buy Music:

Vic Chesnutt on amazon.com

Vic Chesnutt ‘Skitter On Take-Off’ Track listing

1 Feast in the Time of Plague
2 Unpacking My Suitcase
3 Dimples
4 Rips in the Fabric
5 Society Sue
6 My New Life
7 Dick Cheney
8 Worst Friend
9 Sewing Machine

Vic Chesnutt (vocals, guitar)
Jonathan Richman (guitar, harmonium)
Tommy Larkin (drums)

Produced by Jonathan Richman & Tommy Larkin

Vic Chesnutt MySpace
Vic Chesnutt Official Website

The Dirty Disco set to release debut album

Mixes by Dylan Dresdow

Co-wrote and produced two tracks for Dead or Alive’s Pete Burns

When asked to describe the pulsating electro theatrics of The Dirty Disco, one crackpot follower had this advice: “Imagine… Ziggy Stardust meets Britney Spears”. And they weren’t far from the mark. What they neglected to mention was this Britney Spears would also have to have a penchant for bad acid, more than a passing interest in the happenings of back-street Soho and a unique way of fusing gyrating electronica with infectious pop hooks.

FREE download: Sista! MP3 – mixed by Dylan Dresdow (Black Eyed Peas, The E.N.D)

The Dirty Disco’s theatrical and more-than-slightly subversive live shows have earned them a die-hard following in what seems like the blink of a mascara smeared eye; testament to their ability to write the kind of songs that suck the listener in after a single play, only to linger with a more intoxicating intent than a fistful of methamphetamine.

With a schedule that sees them completing their debut album, which will include a fantabulous collaboration with Dead or Alive’s iconic Pete Burns and mixes by the uber talented Dylan Dresdow, who worked with the Black Eyed Peas on their latest album, it seems inevitable that The Dirty Disco will be carving a trail of shattered mirrorballs straight to the unsuspecting subconscious of the nation.The question is, are you ready for The Dirty Disco?

Watch “White Room” teaser video:

The Dirty Disco MySpace
The Dirty Disco YouTube Channel
The Dirty Disco on Twitter

Although there have been a number of facets to her career and profile, Danielle Spencer’s musical career was undeniably destined from an early age. The daughter of Don Spencer – a respected musician and renowned TV presenter in Britain and Australia – Danielle first started to sing and learn the piano from her father at the age of four years old. This natural talent was parlayed into other creative endeavours such as dancing and acting in her teenage years, as she moved into stage shows and acting gigs.

FREE Download: “Citizen” MP3

Watch Danielle Spencer video – EPK; Tony Visconti interview:

“The turning point for me was when after a few years of acting in TV and film, I really began to miss singing. I was working in a few cover-bands with my brother, and then I was approached about being managed as an artist. We started to look for songs with publishers, but ultimately this lead me to the point that I started writing my own material and finding my own voice.”

Danielle’s debut album ‘White Monkey’ was released through EMI Australia in 2001 to critical approval and radio support. The Australian singer/songwriter then chose to take a break from her burgeoning and creative musical endeavours to undertake the challenging dynamics of her new role as a wife and a mother. The whirlwind of marriage and motherhood may have carried her in a different direction than originally planned, but Danielle now feels it’s time to re-engage with her craft, newly inspired.

Danielle began writing songs on her piano at home in her bedroom; detaching herself from the world outside, she wrote the songs that would ultimately feature on her second album ‘Calling All Magicians’. “It came in stages, in the sense that I was carving out little bits of time to write and record, and I then sort of felt like I’d got my musical-flow back. By the time I finished the music and the lyrics for all the songs, I realised that I’d got a bunch of songs together that I finally felt sounded like an album.”

“I knew that I wanted to make this album sound different to my last album which was quite electronic, and used a fair bit of programming. This time around I wanted it to be more of band sound and a friend suggested approaching Tony Visconti to produce it (best known for his groundbreaking work with David Bowie in the 70’s).

I’m a huge fan of his work and the way he arranges in a raw, real soundscape. I sent him 4 songs initially in demo form with just vocals and piano and was thrilled when he agreed to come on board to produce the album. For someone with such an amazing background, I couldn’t believe how much commitment and focus he brought to my project.”

Tony Visconti heard of Danielle through a mutual friend. “His description of her was really great. Danielle was described to me as a cross between Kate Bush and David Bowie. She’s not really, Danielle’s all her own person. She sounds like herself, like nobody else I’ve ever worked with. She’s got this beautiful pure voice and I knew I was dealing with someone who was a great writer. The voice captured me, she draws you in, it’s magical”.

Danielle was introduced to the UK record label Absolute whilst on an extended stay in the UK. The independent nature of the deal that Absolute offered enabled Danielle to stay true to her artistic ambitions and this encouraged her decision to launch the album in the UK.

‘Calling All Magicians’ is a wonderfully inspired and evocative collection of songs. “I love music that takes you away from the day to day experience into a different realm. I’ve always been a great lover of atmospheric film scores, so that’s definitely something I try to inject into my music.”

It seems fitting that the artwork for the project has a magical and almost-haunting style. “I like darker undertones because that’s what I feel captures my imagination,” says Danielle, herself an avid-reader. “I came across a children’s book which was like a dark fairytale, and I collaborated with Australian illustrator Steve Hunt on visual ideas for the album artwork to help create an aura about the work.

Intriguingly – and subtly – the songs on this new album are shrouded in a magical mystery. Whilst the sonic atmosphere of the bottom layer may seem dark and intoxicatingly haunting, the overlaying pop element of the lyrics and melodies grabs audiences by the hand and leads them to another place without ever truly revealing its allegiances. “My writing is a combination of observation, imagination and personal experience. I wouldn’t call it a diary – it’s more abstract than that”.

‘Calling All Magicians’ is an album rooted in the intensely creative energies and expressions of singer/songwriter/musician Danielle Spencer.

The first single “Wish I’d Been Here” is out in the UK on 12th October, 2009 and album ‘Calling All Magicians’ out early 2010.

Tony Visconti Official Website

Danielle Spencer MySpace

September 8th (digital), September 15th in stores

Australia’s The Grates are set to release their anticipated sophomore album ‘Teeth Lost, Hearts Won’ in the US on September 15, 2009 via Thirty Tigers/Dew Process.

The 13-song album was produced by Peter Katis (Interpol, The National) at Tarquin Studios in Connecticut and features guest appearances by Kori Gardner of Mates of State (vocals on “Milk Eyes”) and Tim Fite (vocals on “Not Today”).

FREE Download: “Burn Bridges” MP3

On this album, the follow up to their 2006 Interscope Records debut, ‘Gravity Won’t Get You High’, The Grates have brought a depth and density to the songwriting – the lyrics are raw and poignant and the sonics more biting and aggressive.

“If Teeth Lost, Hearts Won was a beast, I imagine it’d be like something from Where The Wild Things Are,” lead singer and front woman Patience says. “They’re big and scary, but they’ve also got this sensitivity, and pick up the little kid and protect him.” Drummer Alana adds, “Or maybe like the griffin In Alice In Wonderland. He’s like a lion and eagle together, but a really gentle creature.”

Watch “Aw Yeah” video:

In Australia, The Grates have played numerous sold out headline tours, played major festivals such as Big Day Out, Homebake, Falls Festival, Southbound and stole the show at Splendour In The Grass. ‘Gravity Won’t Get You High’ has gone Gold in Australia while ‘Teeth Lost, Hearts Won’ is well on its way to Gold status as well.

The American record release follows a highly successful trip to the U.S. for the SXSW Music Festival in March. While in Austin, the band played five buzzed about shows in four days and gained a massive amount of recognition for their highly energetic performances.

USA Today named the band one of ten favorite performances of the festival, stating “Lead singer Patience Hodgson blew me away with her enthusiasm … a hardcore fan suddenly appeared, dressed in a leotard, and joined her for a spontaneous dance … these are the SXSW moments you dream of.”

The Los Angeles Times added, “The Grates are a group that are impossible not to smile with … (they) will no doubt soon be laughing their way to the bank, for if the world embraced the Ting Tings last year, Patience & Co. are sure to be everyone’s new darlings any day now.”

The Austin Chronicle said of the album, “Full marks go to Aussie trio The Grates for not over thinking things and executing them almost flawlessly on new LP Teeth Lost, Hearts Won. When you rock with that kind of abandon, wearing a batgirl costume onstage works.” The highly successful trip was capped off with multiple sold out shows in New York and Los Angeles.

The band has relocated to Brooklyn, NY in order to make American touring easier and has since played a residency at Piano’s on the Lower East Side in July. They also made an appearance at the Hillside Festival in Guelph, ON July 24-26th and will play the 2009 Monolith Music Festival, held at Red Rocks on September 13th (with the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs, Phoenix, Girl Talk, M Ward, Of Montreal and many more). In addition, they have also confirmed club dates through September and October.

Buy Music:

The Grates on amazon.com

The Grates on amazon.co.uk

Teeth Lost, Hearts Won Track Listing:

1. Burn Bridges
2. Carve Your Name
3. The Fun In Every Start
4. Two Kinds of Right
5. Aw Yeah
6. Milk Eyes
7. The Sum of Every Part
8. Storms and Fevers
9. Earthquake
10. Not Today
11. When You’re Scared of Dogs
12. Let It Die
13. The Biggest and Longest Adventure Ever

The Grates September/October 2009 tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

9/4 New York, NY – The Mercury Lounge with Tiger City
9/13 Morrison, CO/Red Rocks – The Monolith Music Festival
9/18 Phoenix, AZ – The Rhythm Room with Most Serene Republic
9/19 Los Angeles, CA – Silverlake Lounge with Most Serene Republic
10/8 Little Rock, AR – White Water Tavern with Those Darlins
10/9 Norman, OK – The Opolis with Those Darlins
10/10 Lawrence, KS – Jackpot Music Hall with Those Darlins
10/14 Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court with Those Darlins
10/16 Seattle, WA – Sunset Tavern with Those Darlins
10/18 Eugene, OR – Sam Bonds Garage with Those Darlins
10/20 San Francisco, CA – The Rickshaw Stop with Those Darlins
10/27 Albuquerque, NM – Launch Pad with Those Darlins
10/29 Dallas, TX – The Cavern with Those Darlins
10/30 Austin, TX – The Continental Club with Those Darlins

The Grates MySpace
The Grates Official Website