Check ‘Em Out: Ewert and The Two Dragons

Ewert

Deemed by critics as “the crown jewel of Estonian music,” Ewert and The Two Dragons are excited to announce they will be returning to the U.S. for a nationwide headline tour this Fall. Kicking off September 4 in Portland, OR, the 6-week stint includes stops in New York, Los Angeles, Austin, Denver, Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Boston, San Francisco and more. The 4-piece indie folk rockers are touring in support of the long-awaited U.S. release of their acclaimed second album Good Man Down, which is set for a digital release on June 25 and a physical release on August 13, via Sire/ADA.

Led by Ewert Sundja, Ewert and The Two Dragons is rounded out by Erki Pärnoja, Pärnoja (guitar) and Kristjan Kallas (drums), and Ivo Etti (bass, guitar). Good Man Down has received overwhelming praise since its 2011 European release, quickly becoming one of Estonia’s best-selling albums and earning them five Estonian Music Awards, including “Album of the Year,” “Song of the Year” and “Band of the Year.” Their biggest accolade, however, came this past January when the band won the European Border Breakers Awards honoring the best new acts in Europe for achieving success outside their home country with their first international release.

 The band discusses their music and life on the road in:

A Portrait of Ewert and The Two Dragons

Ewert and The Two Dragons have been steadily on the rise since the release of their 2009 debut The Hills Behind The Hills. The 4-piece has toured all over the world and are fixtures throughout the European festival circuit, performing at Iceland Airwaves, Eurosonic, The Great Escape, Germany’s Popkomm, Waves Vienna, and more. Finnish music magazine Rumbacaught them during the early stages of their career at the renowned Baltic music festival Positivus, declaring them “the best band at the entire festival” where they were on the line-up alongside Muse, The Scissor Sisters, and others. The buzz garnered by the band at these festivals got the attention of legendary A&R man Seymour Stein, who immediately signed them to Sire Records after seeing them perform live in the U.S.

EWERT AND THE TWO DRAGONS TOUR DATES

Sept 4 – Portland, OR @ MusicFestNW

Sept 6 – Vancouver, BC @ The Media Club

Sept 7 – Seattle, WA @ Barboza

Sept 9 – San Francisco, CA @ Bottom Of The Hill

Sept 10- Los Angeles, CA @ The Satellite

Sept 11- San Diego, CA @ The Casbah

Sept 12- Scottsdale, CA @ The Rhythm Room

Sept 13 – Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad

Sept 14- Denver, CO @ Moon Room

Sept 17 – Oklahoma City, OK @ The Conservatory

Sept 19- Houston, TX @ Fitzgerald’s Downstairs

Sept 20 – Austin, TX @ Stubb’s BBQ

Sept 21- Dallas, TX @ The Prophet Bar

Sept 23 – Nashville, TN @ The High Watt

Sept 24- St. Louis, MO @ The Firebird

Sept 25- Madison, WI @ The Frequency

Sept 27- Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry

Sept 28 – Chicago, IL @ Beat Kitchen

Sept 30- Columbus, OH @ The Basement

Oct 1 – Ann Arbor, MI @ Blind Pig

Oct 2 – Toronto, ONT @ The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern

Oct 3 – Rochester, NY @ The Bug Jar

Oct 4 – Pittsburgh, PA @ The Smiling Moose

Oct 5 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s

Oct 7 – Washington, DC  @ DC9

Oct 9 – Cambridge, MA @ TT the Bear’s Place

Oct 10 – New York, NY @ The Mercury Lounge

Oct 12 – Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground

Leave a Comment

Filed under Awesome, Check 'em Out!, listen, new albums, Newest Love, Shows, video

Download: Kyle Andrews – “Crystal Ball”

KA

Kyle Andrews has released several deliriously catchy albums built to make you smile. Best known for his 2010 hit “You Always Make Me Smile,” which was featured in a worldwide ad campaign and had a video that was shot during an attempt to make the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest water balloon fight, he returns with a new full-length Brighter Than The Sun, out July 23 via Elephant Lady Records!

kyle

Album track “Crystal Ball” glistens with shimmering synth and an infectious, dance-worthy beat that’s sure to lift your spirits.

Listen/download: Kyle Andrews – “Crystal Ball”

Brighter Than The Sun is a pulsating, fun-inducing pop album. “Looking Up” is so funky you can’t help but bounce to the feel-good bass line. “The Way To Wonder” begins with light acoustic-guitar strumming and handclaps, quickly building up to an epic climax. Drawing inspiration from society’s inclination towards the technological, Kyle is no stranger to the innovative – he uses everything from built-in laptop mics to top-of-the line studio set ups to compose and record his tunes.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Awesome, downloads, listen, new albums

New Music From Editors

CDP_Wallet.indd

The Weight Of Your Love, Editors’ fourth studio album, is, according to lead singer and songwriter Tom Smith, “a band record, a musical record, a rock record… with a foot in that alt-rock / Americana world.”

The Weight Of Your Love is the first Editors album to feature new members Justin Lockey and Elliott Williams, following the departure of founding member Chris Urbanowicz in 2012. Inspired by Scott Litt’s work with REM amongst others, and built around a live performance approach to recording, the album was recorded in Nashville at Blackbird Studio by producer Jacquire King (Tom Waits, Norah Jones, Of Monsters And Men, Kings Of Leon) and mixed by Craig Silvey (Arctic Monkeys, The Horrors, Arcade Fire, Bon Iver). It also features extra production from Clint Mansell (Grammy award winning ‘Black Swan’ soundtrack) on “Nothing”, rescored from the original to become what Tom and Ed Lay both describe as the “centerpiece” of the album.

Lyrically focused on “love songs that don’t adhere to the traditional love song type” according to lead singer Tom Smith, The Weight Of Your Love features lots of firsts for the band, not the least of which is Tom’s falsetto on “What Is This Thing Called Love”. Horns make an appearance for the first time on an Editors record, and Elliott’s amazing new vocal contributions serve as a beautifully melodic counterpoint to Tom’s, as best displayed on “Formaldehyde”. “The Phone Book”, meanwhile, seemed to need nothing more than an acoustic guitar. “I have a deep love of those big rock records that are straightforward,” notes Tom, “and we really embraced that throughout this album.”

The Weight Of Your Love is the follow up to Editors two consecutive Number One UK Albums: An End Has A Start (2007) and In This Light And On This Evening (2009). Their debut album, The Back Room (2005) has sold over half a million copies in the UK.
The Weight Of Your Love will be released by Play It Again Sam / [PIAS] America on July 2nd digitally, and July 9th on CD, double CD (with bonus tracks), & double 180g vinyl.

The first single, “A Ton of Love”, will be released digitally on June 18th  – watch the video for “A Ton of Love” below.

And here’s my forever FAVE song from Editors (from their 2005 debut album, The Back Room):

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Band Change-ups, Highly Anticipated, listen, new albums, video

Video: Goldfish – “One Million Views”

Goldfish

“They’re my favourite band right now” – Fedde Le Grande

“I couldn’t get their album off my stereo by the pool this Summer” – Pete Tong

In the new Goldfish video for “One Million Views”, the fish take a tongue in cheek look at DJ culture and it’s button pushing phenomenon.

“Some people got it right from the start, some didn’t, but it’s cool to know that Joel [Deadmau5] knew what we were expressing. Much respect to him for commenting, a cool surprise for us!” -Goldfish

deadmau5
“One Million Views” is an amazing animated piece of art which was created by longtime Goldfish animator extraordinaire, Mike Scott.

Check out the video:

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Awesome, video, Whoa!

Video: Fitz and The Tantrums – “The Walker” (LIVE)

Okay, so “The Walker” is by FAR my favorite song off of Fitz and The Tantrums new album, More Than Just a Dream. It’s been playing on repeat in my car and earlier today I was JUST thinking, “Man, I NEED to see this song live!”

So, what happens? I go through my emails and lo and behold, here’s a video of them performing it LIVE!!!! AND, they are playing here in Pittsburgh on July 8th, so hopefully I will get to go and see it live and IN PERSON!!! Yeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!

Anyways, the band is performing tonight at 9:00pm on DIRECTV’s Audience Network (channel 239) Guitar Center Sessions.

Entertainment Weekly says:

“DirecTV’s original series Guitar Center Sessions has featured intimate live performances from some of the best names in rock, including Weezer, Jimmy Cliff, Joe Walsh, Smashing Pumpkins, Peter Frampton, Switchfoot, Megadeth, Ben Folds Five and Jane’s Addiction. The latest band to step into the arena (or more accurately, onto the small indoor stage) is Fitz and The Tantrums. The LA neo-New wavers just dropped their new album More Than Just a Dream, but the highlight of their Guitar Center Sessions performance is the skronking “MoneyGrabber,” from their 2010 debut Pickin’ Up the Pieces.”

I do — however — have just one question. WTF is ‘skronking’?

Leave a Comment

Filed under Awesome, Highly Anticipated, Holy Freaking Crap!, Shows, video, Whoa!

Download: Leftover Cuties – “One Heart”

LC

“…Leftover Cuties have added a breath of fresh air to L.A.’s music scene.”
– Paste Magazine 

“The Olympics’ most surprise breakout band was California jazz-pop outfit the Leftover Cuties.”
– Billboard

Los Angeles-based noir-pop quartet Leftover Cuties are primed to release their sophomore full-length album, The Spark & The Fire, on July 23rd! Returning with their irresistible knack for modern classics, Leftover Cuties seamlessly blend timeless songwriting with a nouveau eclectic edge that is both sophisticated and accessible.

leftovercuties

Fans and music lovers will be rewarded with a 12-track journey that swings easily from smoke-filled Bourbon St. speakeasies to quiet island getaways. Shirli McAllen’s silky voice provides the hook as the band’s sound pulls you in with upright bass, accordion, piano, brass, brushed drums, and yes, the ukulele.

“One Heart” is a powerhouse track, with handclaps and stomping percussion marching alongside seductive vocals & smoky melodies.

OneHeart

Listen/download: Leftover Cuties – “One Heart”

Starting this summer Leftover Cuties will embark on a full US Tour, giving new fans their first chance to see the Cuties captivating live show.  The tour will start in California, with stops in New York, Chicago, St. Louis, Boston, Montreal and more.

Leftover Cuties first came to global recognition when their tune “Game Called Life,”was chosen as the opening theme of Showtime’s hit series, The Big C. Their music has also been heard in worldwide ad campaigns for the likes of  Samsung & Hyundai.

Leftover Cuties has performed alongside Shelby Lynne, Alabama Shakes, Honeyhoney, Kinna Grannis, Kitty Daisy & Lewis, Saint Motel, the Be Good Tanyas and many more.

Leftover Cuties Tour Dates
6/14: Santa Monica, CA @ Casa Del Mar
6/20-6/22: Las Vegas, NV @ The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
6/28: Santa Monica, CA @ Casa Del Mar
7/12: San Francisco, CA @ Hotel Utah
7/13: Grass Valley, CA @ California WorldFest
7/14: Grass Valley, CA @ California WorldFest
7/17: Minneapolis, MN @ Dakota Jazz Club
7/18: Rochester, MN @ Thursdays on First & 3rd
7/20: Louisville, KY @ Lebowski Fest
7/21: St. Louis, MO @ Old Rock House
7/22: Chicago, IL @ Schubas
7/23: Ann Arbor, MI @ The Ark
7/25: Toronto, ON @ Rivoli
7/26: Montreal, QC @ Quai Des Brumes
7/28: Winooski, VT @ The Monkey House
7/31: Boston, MA @ Regattabar
8/3: New York, NY @ Rockwood Music Hall
8/4: Bethlehem, PA @ Musikfest
8/6: Arlington, VA @ Iota Club
8/7: Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
8/9: Tampa, FL @ Straz Center at Jaeb Theater
8/10: Jacksonville, FL @ Underbelly
8/12: Mandeville, LA @ Ruby’s Roadhouse
8/13: Fort Worth, TX @ Live Oak Music Hall
8/14: Austin, TX @ Stubbs Jr.
8/17: Phoenix, AZ @ MIM Music Theater
8/21: Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg Bar
9/4: Seattle, WA @ Triple Door
9/5: Portland, OR @ White Eagle Saloon
9/7: Fresno, CA @ The Painted Table
9/8: Larkspur, CA @ Marin Country Mart
9/13: San Diego, CA @ The Griffin

Leave a Comment

Filed under Awesome, downloads, new albums, Shows

Smallpools Tour Dates

Photo credit: Dan Monick

Photo credit: Dan Monick

Smallpools is a four-piece outfit founded in Los Angeles with ties to New York, New Jersey and Oregon. Today they’re announcing their first ever live shows, a tour with Australia’s San Cisco that will take them from the East Coast to Canada, through the Mid West and San Francisco and ends in Los Angeles. The brand new band consists of Sean (vocals/keys), Mike (guitar), Joe (bass) and Beau (drums).

Their first single “Dreaming” was produced by Captain Cuts. The song instantly shot to #1 of Hype Machine within the first 3 days of revealing. The band explains the song: “In contrast to the upbeat vibe of the music, the song talks about a moment where everything goes wrong in a situation where you thought you had it all figured out. A moment we’ve all experienced to some degree, but most often if we’re lucky, in a dream where we get to wake up in a sweat and say, “Phewf, ok, that wasn’t real.” “

Listen/download: Smallpools – “Dreaming”

Smallpools live dates:
* / w San Cisco
7/15 – Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall *
7/16 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s *
7/18 – Washington DC @ Rock and Roll Hotel *
7/19 – Clifton Park, NY @ Upstate Concert Hall *
7/20 – Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse Music Hall *
7/22 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom *
7/23 – Buffalo, NY @ Tralf Music Hall *
7/24 – Toronto, Ontario @ The Garrison *
7/26 – Columbus, OH @ The Basement *
7/27 – Louisville, KY @ Zanzabar *
7/28 – Nashville, TN @ Exit/In *
7/29 – St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway *
7/31 – Minneapolis, MN @Triple Rock Social Club *
8/08 – San Francisco, CA @ Popscene
8/12 – San Francisco, CA @ Slim’s *
8/13 – Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex *

“”Dreaming” is alt radio gold with extreme crossover potential, the kind of song that only comes along a few times a year, and rarely on a debut single.” – Neon Gold

“Ladies and gentleman, your summer anthem has arrived.” – Pigeons & Planes

Leave a Comment

Filed under Check 'em Out!, downloads, listen, Shows

Mom + Pop’s Boombox: Vol. 1

Lucius

NYC’s Lucius will release their debut full-length album in North America with NYC tastemaker label Mom+Pop. Today, the label unveiled Mom+Pop’s Boombox: Vol 1, a compilation featuring tracks from its roster of acts including Lucius’ “Until We Get There demo” which earned great deal of praise after recently airing on FOX’s New Girl.With emotionally charged, upbeat, 60s inspired songs and a sincere crowd connection, the quintet has solidified its reputation as a must-see live band. Their summer tour includes stops at several festivals including Bonnaroo, Solid Sound Festival, Boston Calling + support dates with Tegan and Sara, The Head and the Heart and more.

Earlier this spring, the label launched Boombox, a monthly subscription service via Drip.fm, offering both digital downloads and deliveries of limited-edition 7”s. The 13-track sampler features Mom+Pop mainstays such as Andrew Bird and Polica as well as Hunters, Flume and the also recently signed Jagwar Ma.

mompop
The compilation is streaming in full now on Mom+Pop’s SoundCloud

Tracklist:
01 Jagwar Ma – The Throw
02 Polica – Tiff
03 Flume – Holdin On
04 Neon Indian – Hex Girlfriend (Twin Shadow Remix)
05 Hunters – Brat Mouth
06 FIDLAR – Max Can’t Surf
07 Wavves – Demon To Lean On
08 Kid Astray – The Mess
09 Mikhael Paskalev – Jive Babe
10 Beat Club – Something Better
11 Animal Kingdom – Get Away With It
12 Smith Westerns – Varsity
13 Andrew Bird – The Crown Salesman
14 Lucius – Until We Get There

Lucius Tour Dates

6/13: Pittsburgh, PA @ Three Rivers Arts Festival (FREE)
6/14: New Albany, IN @ Bicentennial Park (FREE)
6/15: Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo (New Music Lounge / 5.20 – 6.10pm)
6/16: Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo (Sonic Stage / 1:45-2:15pm)
6/17: Charlotte, NC @ Stage Door Theater at Blumenthal PAC
6/19: Baltimore, MD @ The Metro Gallery
6/20: Sellersville, PA @ Sellersville Theater %
6/22: North Adams, MA @ Solid Sound Festival
6/26: Lewiston, NY @ Artpark *
7/10: Haddon Heights, NJ @ Sundown Music Series
7/26: Boston, MA @ The Wang Theatre 
7/27: Portland, ME @ State Theatre +
7/31: Toronto, ON @ Edgefest
8/1: Rochester, NY @ Party In The Park #
8/7: New Haven, CT @ Bar (FREE)
8/9: Newmarket, NH @ Stone Church
8/10: Bangor, ME @ Kahbang Fest
8/16: Lyons, CO @ Rocky Mountain Folks Festival
8/22: Grand Rapids, MI @ Founders Brewery (FREE)
8/23: Bloomington, IN @ The Bishop
8/28: Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo ^
8/29: San Francisco, CA @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
9/7: Boston, MA @ Boston Calling

+ supporting Tegan and Sara
% co-headlining with Hey Marseilles
* supporting Dispatch
# supporting The Head and the Heart
Touché supports

Leave a Comment

Filed under Awesome, listen, Lists, Shows

Video: Chase and Status – “Lost & Not Found”

chasestatus

Chase and Status has just released the video for “Lost & Not Found” (feat. Louis M^ttrs), filmed in California, which is the first single to be taken from their eagerly anticipated upcoming third album. The “Lost & Not Found” single will come with remixes from Dream McClean, Kove and Josh Butler, and will be available June 30th via Casablanca Records, right after Chase and Status headline the Other Stage at the world famous Glastonbury Festival.

Casablanca are also proud to announce that Chase and Status has recently been added to the Rock The Bells tour that will see the guys (and some special guest vocalists from the new album) play San Bernardino, San Francisco, Washington DC and New Jersey in September/October. Widely known for its unrivalled hip-hop line ups, this is a unique and exciting opportunity for a largely electronic act like Chase and Status to play alongside the likes of Tyler The Creator, Common, Talib Kweli and Wu Tang Clan: epitomizing just how varied and genre defying Chase and Status really are…

On “Lost & Not Found,” Chase and Status give a nod to the early 90’s rave era that inspires them, the single shows a change in direction for the duo and gives their fans a glimpse of what’s to come with their new record. Always looking to support unknown and underground talent, as they did with their last album No More Idols (Maverick Sabre, Delilah, Liam Bailey etc), “Lost & Not Found” features the talented new artist Louis M^ttrs.

Chase and Status are undoubtedly one of the most exciting and successful British bands of the past decade. Their double platinum, second album No More Idols has sold over 600,000 copies in the UK alone and spawned over 2 million singles. They were the biggest selling band in the UK in 2011, behind Coldplay and last year were nominated for ‘Best British Band’ at the Brit Awards 2012. They have also been nominated for two prestigious Q Awards, won the Q Award in 2010 for Best Video.

Upcoming Chase and Status Tour Dates
9/01 – New York, NY – Electric Zoo
9/07 – San Bernadino, CA – San Manuel Amphitheatre (Rock The Bells)
9/08 – San Bernadino, CA – San Manuel Amphitheatre (Rock The Bells)
9/14 – San Francisco, CA  – Shoreline Amphitheatre (Rock The Bells)
9/15 – San Francisco, CA  – Shoreline Amphitheatre (Rock The Bells)
9/28 – Washington, DC – RFK Stadium (Rock The Bells)
9/29 – Washington, DC – RFK Stadium (Rock The Bells)
10/04 – Rutherford, NJ – New Meadowlands Racetrack (Rock The Bells)
10/05 – Rutherford, NJ – New Meadowlands Racetrack (Rock The Bells)

Leave a Comment

Filed under Events, new albums, Shows, video

FILTER Magazine’s 4th Annual Culture Collide Festival

Culture Collide 2013 Flyer

• Phoenix with special guest Dinosaur Jr open the festival with Official Culture Collide Kick Off Show presented by Goldenvoice on Oct. 9 ^ (Separate Ticket Required)

• $20 limited wristbands available through midnight, June 16, at Ticketfly.com

• 25+ counties slated to participate featuring quality music, comedy, industry panels, happy hours and more

• Saturday outdoor stage added to the festival

FILTER Magazine’s reputation for delivering premier artists and uncovering new talent is bolstered each year when it brings the best bands from around the world to Los Angeles. Curated by music and lifestyle tastemaker publication, FILTER’s Culture Collide returns to Los Angeles’ Echo Park for its fourth exciting year October 9-12. This unique multi-day experience celebrating creative curiosity stretches across some of LA’s most renowned and intimate venues, where attendees are bound to discover their new favorite international band, as well as FILTER’s own favorite headliners, artists, comedians, industry experts and more. No passport needed, just a Culture Collide wristband.

Culture Collide – presented by FILTER Magazine and produced by FILTER Creative Group – proudly announces its first wave of confirmed artists including: Phoenix (France)^, Dinosaur Jr (US)^, Liars(US), The Raveonettes (Denmark), Miami Horror (Australia), King Khan & The Shrines (Canada, Germany), Iceage (Denmark), The Men (US), Rob Crow (Acoustic, US), Medicine (US), Alice Russell (UK), No Joy (Canada), Plastic Plates (AU), Mumiy Troll (Russia), The Great Wilderness (Costa Rica), SiMoN (Japan), StereonoiZ (Peru), Iza Lach (Poland) , Prāta Vētra (Latvia), Chateau Marmont (France), Maya Vik (Norway), Funeral Suits (Ireland), Mujuice (Russia), Hell Shovel (Greece, Germany, Canada, France), Wooster (US), Okta Logue (Germany), Instrumenti (Latvia), DENA (Bulgaria), PanSTARRS (Egypt), with many more to be announced in the coming months.

“We are so proud to be bringing our favorite bands to Los Angeles this October,” said FILTER co founder Alan Miller. “Culture Collide has really become THE destination to discover your new favorite band from around the world. We’d also like to thank our partners, because it is their continued support that enables Culture Collide to year after year deliver an amazing music experience for such a low price.”

Culture Collide Kick Off Tickets and Pre-Sale Wristband Info

Pre-sale tickets to Culture Collide’s Official Kick Off show for Phoenix with special guest Dinosaur Jr, presented by Goldenvoice, at the LA Sports Arena, go on sale this Thursday, June 6, 10 AM – 10 PM

Purchase Linkwww.ticketmaster.com/Phoenix-tickets/artist/946877? (Use Password: BANKRUPT)
Public on sale: Friday, June 7 at 10am
Ticket prices: $39.50 & $49.50 + fees (8 ticket limit)

Limited Culture Collide Pre-Sale Wristbands Available Now
Culture Collide wristbands^ are on sale now via Ticket Fly for just $20 (for a limited time with the pre-sale code cc2013). Culture Collide wristbands will allow access to all general^ Culture Collude shows pending capacity. Must be 21 years of age or older. Ticket prices will increase to $30 at midnight June 16.

Link to Purchase Culture Collide Pre-Sale Wristbandswww.ticketf.ly/YnA2Zx

^ wristbands are not valid for special Culture Collide shows outside the Echo Park area including the kick off performance for Phoenix with special guest Dinosaur Jr on Wednesday October 9th

Leave a Comment

Filed under Events