Tag Archives: video

April 20, 2016 · 3:24 pm

Video: Wray – “Pined”

wray

In tradition with their captivating visuals on screen, WRAY is back with the video for “Pined,” a witchy tale reminiscent of the down-South gothic first season of True Detective. The Birmingham, Alabama trio have been working on the video under the creative direction of director Dillon Hayes.

David Brown from WRAY weighs in on the music video:

“Pined is a reflection on the dichotomy between looking past and looking forward. It’s meditative in sound and concept. I think the video fits this reflection well. Dillon (Hayes) worked with us to create a unique narrative that is as vague as it is expansive. We want to show an alternative perspective to the typical southern landscape, and get lost in it; which we did. Filmed in some truly beautiful locations in the heart of Alabama, it was a pleasure.”

The track features singer/bassist David Brown’s ghostly vocals set to steady, charging percussion and dark, lurid harmonies. “’Pined’ started out very different than how it ended up on the album”, Brown said of the track, “The melody was there, but the arrangement was truly refined in the process of recording. That sets it apart from other tracks.”

WRAY is one of those rare bands that effortlessly blend smart sonic pluralities into a seamless whole without losing any of their DIY grit. It is clear that lead singer/bass player David Brown, guitarist David Swatzell, and drummer Blake Wimberly have harnessed their sound and created a cohesive and ghostly record.

This album is filled with haunting vocals, constant guitar and soft percussion that explores a space of subtle contrasts and originality. The first single off of the LP is the title track, “Hypatia”, which relays the sound of the entire LP. The single communicates the dream-like undertones and romantic lyrics in a quiet and subtle approach. With tracks like “May 23rd” and “Pined”, WRAY proves their ability to create rhythmic songs while staying true to the overall feel of the LP.

Catch their amazing show live:

  • 5/17/2016 – London, UK – Nambucca
  • 5/19/2016 – Brighton, UK – Marlborough Theatre
  • 6/13/2016 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn w/ Sunflower Bean
  • 6/29/2016 – Knoxville, TN – Pilot Light
  • 6/30/2016 – Chicago, IL – Schubas
  • 7/1/2016 – Lexington, KY – The Green Lantern
  • 7/2/2016 – Cincinnati, OH – Northside Rock and Roll Carnival
  • 7/29/2016 – St Louis, MO – Acid Kat Fest

 

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April 15, 2016 · 1:51 pm

Newest Love: Youngsmith

Youngsmith

Like Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Boxer”, Youngsmith’s “Red” at first seems like a simple song. Yet another songwriter singing his wares. But by the end, it reveals a powerful and memorable soul. The new single by this Brisbane songwriter echoes the style of narrative songwriters of the past much like Simon & Garfunkel and writers of that ilk, but with a few rougher edges.

Youngsmith’s music is about getting you in touch with parts of your soul you don’t want to talk to. If you want to remember the song and sing it as loud as you can in your car and actually feel something through the lyrics, its for you. If you want to tap your feet to something, cry to something, hurt to something… this music is for you.

“Red” is a classic mix of folk and rock, sounding better with every listen. The song talks about an old friend of Smith’s he began a relationship with after losing everything. In this dark place, he found hope in an unlikely place. A redheaded girl…. simple in its accompaniment for the first half, urging you to tap your feet to the chorus. It soon breaks down into a strong and beautiful lament, questioning “Red, how’d you do that?”.

Recorded and engineered by Smith in his home studio and mixed by Bryce Moorhead – who’s work currently sits atop the ARIA charts with Violent Soho’s WACO. “Red” includes elements similar to Vance Joy’s “Georgia” or Bon Iver’s “Skinny Love”. Laments about life and love.

With a striking film clip by Dan Greatz (Violent Soho, Ball Park Music), “Wither” started a nation wide fan base “Red” plans to expand and build on through its wider sound, unforgettable chorus and upcoming national tour in support of the track.

Smith now has been making his own music for ten years. Having played both in a band and a solo artist, he has produced several EPs, had his work featured and played on national radio, surfing documentaries, in other countries like Germany and the US.

Recently, he’s had his back catalogue added to the Albert & Sons library sharing the digital hallways with the likes of AC/DC and Cold Chisel. Releasing his first single just last year in a combined effort with Shock Records and The A&R Department, “Wither” gained airplay across the country.

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March 23, 2016 · 10:29 am

Farewell von Trapps

vontrapps

After fifteen years performing together around the world and carrying on the family’s musical traditions, The von Trapps; Sofia, Melanie, Amanda and August, are closing this chapter in their lives as full-time musicians to pursue individual dreams and interests.

The von Trapps are the great-grandchildren of the family depicted in the musical, The Sound of Music. Their extensive career has taken them everywhere from the Sydney Opera House to Beijing’s Forbidden City to Carnegie Hall; they have performed with Wayne Newton, Rufus Wainwright and many major symphonies across the globe. The most meaningful highlights of their career together have been their time teaching music in Rwanda, singing to Colo the gorilla with Jack Hanna, and creating Dream a Little Dream, their 2014 collaborative album with Pink Martini & Thomas Lauderdale.

While in the studio with Pink Martini, the four siblings began to write original material. In 2015, they released Dancing in Gold, an EP of original songs inspired by their travels as young adults.

In a celebration of new beginnings the The von Trapps will be throwing a final farewell concert at Star Theater on May 3rd (cake-lover Melanie von Trapp’s birthday) in their hometown, Portland Oregon.

“Our family story as been shared in nearly every corner of the world.  It has been a surreal honor to continue this musical tradition and be a part of such a hopeful message to the world for these last 15 years. We want to thank our family and friends who have supported and encouraged us throughout all of these adventures.”

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March 23, 2016 · 10:11 am

Celeb Video Version of Santigold’s “Can’t Get Enough Of Myself”

santigold

Following the release of her third album 99¢ on Atlantic Records, Santigold has revealed the standalone version of her innovative video for “Can’t Get Enough Of Myself (feat. B.C.),” one that viewers can enjoy without webcam access. The video features Jay Z, Andy Samberg, Alexander Wang, Olivia Wilde, Pharrell Williams, Yung Jake, and Santi herself, and some of her fans popping up as she walks through New York City.

The original interactive version of the video (posted here) uses the camera of the viewer’s computer or mobile device to incorporate them into the video in real time. It was directed by Santigold and Sam Fleischner and conceptualized and digitally developed by Yung Jake and Vince Mckelvie, with mobile app development by Bryan Yee. It plays on pop culture’s fascination with viewing and manipulating one’s own image. The video should be viewed on the web using Chrome as the browser and is available for mobile handheld devices via the “SANTIGOLD” app available in both the Apple/Android app stores. Experience it at Santigold.com/Webcam

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March 23, 2016 · 9:28 am

Video: Gin Wigmore – “Willing To Die” ft. Suffa, Logic

GW

“Sounds like heaven”  – Stereogum
“Retro-soul that feels totally refreshing.” – NYLON
“Shades of blues, jazz and even electronic music without missing a beat.”  – Noisey
“Makes you want to channel all of your frustrations into dancing the night away.”  – Teen Vogue
“Intense and uninhibited” – Billboard

Following the release of her critically acclaimed album Blood To Bone, New Zealand-born/Los Angeles-based Gin Wigmore is set to kick off her largest North American tour yet next week in D.C. on March 27th. A unique breed of soul infused rock ‘n’ roll with a fierce attitude to match, Gin’s latest work was an international success that saw Top-40 airplay in both Australia and New Zealand + over 23 million streams across platforms worldwide.

Gin’s latest single “Willing To Die” featuring Suffa and Hilltop Hoods’ Logic is accompanied by a captivating and empowering video in which the artist lays bare her own vulnerabilities. Gin explains:

“‘Willing To Die’ warranted a strong, bare-all (literally!) approach. I wanted to have a go at breaking down the false sense of security, acceptance, and short-lived happiness we, as humans, feel will come from indulging in materialism. It’s not the things we buy, the big house we dream of or the expense of the clothes we wear. It is about taking that scary first step in figuring out who we truly are.  Figuring out our insecurities and downfalls to accept and change or just to own and be aware of. It is about finding what you love about yourself so you can be a positive footprint in this world for you and others. By no means have I mastered this yet, but I guess that’s why we get a lifetime to try figure ourselves out. 🙂 Be brave, be you, and take a look at the video – you just might like it.”

Blood To Bone follows 2013’s Gravel & Wine, which spawned hit singles including “Man Like That”, synced to a Skyfall-themed Heineken advertisement, in which Gin appeared alongside Daniel Craig’s James Bond and Wigmore’s 2009 debut album Holy Smoke. Both albums reached #1 and multi-platinum status back home in New Zealand.  Revered for her spellbinding and strikingly raw live performance, be sure to catch Gin Wigmore in a city near you!

Gin Wigmore Tour Dates
3/27: Washington, DC @ U Street Music Hall
3/29: New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom – SOLD OUT
4/1: Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts
4/2: Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
4/5: South Burlington, VT @ Showcase Lounge
4/8: Toronto, ON @ Velvet Underground
4/9: Buffalo, NY @ Studio at Waiting Room
4/12: Ferndale, MI @ The Magic Bag
4/13: Chicago, IL @ Reggie’s Rock Club
4/16: Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge
4/19: Austin, TX @ The Parish
4/20: Dallas, TX @ Trees
4/23: Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre
4/26: Vancouver, BC @ Venue
4/27: Seattle, WA @ Neumos
4/29: Portland, OR @ Star Theater
5/1: San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
5/3: San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
5/5: Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre

Tickets Available Here: http://www.ginwigmorelive.com/

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February 17, 2016 · 3:50 pm

Video: Gemini – “Time To Share”

TRAVEL TO SOUTHEAST ASIA WITH GEMINI IN THE STUNNING NEW “TIME TO SHARE” VIDEO

Earlier this month, I posted a link to listen to Gemini’s (Thomas Slinger) new single “Time To Share”, a vivid, verdant electronic pop infused track with intercontinental influence. Now, the UK electronic artist debuts the stunning visual to accompany the track. Shot by Slinger himself during a 3-month voyage across South East Asia, what follows is a mesmerising and transportive video.

Speaking about the video, Slinger explains:

“Given the current political climate of the world – I wanted to share that there are many incredible people, beautiful untouched landscapes and so many positive things happening. Time To Share was filmed over 3 months – My girlfriend and I went on a life changing experience that took place across South East Asia. We climbed volcanoes, explored ancient civilisations, met the kindest people and cared for gentle giants. Each and every moment was magical. It took all of my strength to produce this video but I’m looking forward to shooting more and I’m so proud to finally share it.”

 

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February 17, 2016 · 9:50 am

Video: Telegram – “Taffy Come Home”

Telegram

Recorded on a red lighthouse boat, moored at Trinity Bouy Wharf in East India Quays, the eagerly awaited debut from London four-piece Telegram is set for release March 18 via Red Eye. Operator is a series of frenzied meditations on Time and Speed, steeped in the sensitivity and strangeness of Kurt Vonnegut and approached through the erstwhile themes of love and intoxication. Melding post industrialist kraut rock with garage rock and the best bits of Eno and Bolan, the album offers twelve luminescent tracks, rooted in solid grooves but anti-gravitational in your mind’s eye.

Lead single “Taffy Come Home” is the album’s totemic standout. The video accompaniment for the track, which premiered on BrooklynVegan, was produced by Douglas Hart (an original member of The Jesus & Mary Chain) and is featured on Q Magazine. The track is the biggest pop song on the record, it is also – quixotically – the most personal, and the best demonstration of lead singer Matt Saunders’ supremely lyrical style. His lyrics share their despair, as well as their radical optimism and their pugnacious approach to the world’s harshness. For ears that have come across Telegram and stayed attuned, singles “Follow” and “Aeons” astound a second time, licked in a fresh coat of blinding enamel, alongside live favorites “Folly” and “Regatta”. Rerecorded, they’ve been elevated through work on the minute details.

Formed almost spontaneously in 2013, Matt Saunders (vocals, guitar), Oli Paget-Moon (bass) and Matt Wood (lead guitar) were repeatedly drifting together in kitchens, living rooms and makeshift studios. With whichever party it was reaching a certain depth and pressure, they decided to cut against the drift and commit their shared time to history in musical form. Wunderkind drummer Jordan Cook was recruited and, with a blistering run of shows, the band became extraordinarily tight. Moreover, they were made sensitive to the subtleties and extravagances of good performance. Once the album was recorded, Pip Stakem took over lead guitar and the band is now set to embark on a string of UK dates. Telegram will then be bringing their dynamic live show to Austin for SXSW 2016 as well as New York City on March 24 at Pianos to celebrate the release of the album.

Tracklisting:
1. Rule Number One
2. Follow
3. Inside/Outside
4. Godiva’s Here
5. Aeons
6. Under The Night Time
7. Taffy Come Home
8. Telegramme
9. Regatta
10. We’ve Got A Friend (Who Knows)
11. Have It Your Way
12. Folly

Tour Dates:
3/16 – Austin, TX at Javalina (SXSW)
3/24 – New York, NY at Pianos

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February 12, 2016 · 3:45 pm

Check ‘Em Out: Rossy – “Roses” (cover)

Rossy Picture

Check out this acoustic version of The Chainsmokers’ “Roses” by Rossy. He’s a singer/songwriter, producer and director living in San Diego. This year he plans to release his solo catalog with influences ranging from pop, reggae and hip-hop.

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November 4, 2015 · 2:59 pm

Newest Love: Paradise Animals – “Monday Morning”

Paradise

Monday morning I received an email from these guys…with their song “Monday Morning”!!! Coincidence. Nope. Not at all.

And this song is awesome!

The single is from the band’s LP Day Bed, and it’s their very first full length. The album was recorded and produced by the whole band in both Northern Ontario and Toronto.

From the band:
Day Bed is the place we go to rest in the daylight. A place where memories wash over us; a place where we pause and think about life. It’s a collection of songs that highlights the warmth and happiness of family and childhood, the heartbreak of relationships, and the randomness of social life in the 21st century.
Check out the video:
And look out for Day Bed on November 13th!

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September 23, 2015 · 1:05 pm

Must Watch Video: Brick + Mortar – “Hollow Tune”

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Brick + Mortar have released a new music video in support of their recent EP Dropped for their song “Hollow Tune.” The video shows the story of a soldier, who recently returned from duty, preventing a would-be hate crime. When reached out to comment, the band told OUT, “We make music for people who believe in equality and acceptance for everyone regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or belief. This song was written about love to say: ‘You’re not alone, I’m not alone,’ to the one you love. Love is love period.'”

Brick + Mortar have built a movement by spreading the message of positivity, understanding, and empathy with their indie rock with as much pop as there is grit.

Check out their upcoming tour dates below:
10/8: St. Louis, MO @ The Demo
10/10: Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Bar N Grill (16+ FREE SHOW)
10/12: Phoenix, AZ @ The Rebel Lounge (21+ FREE SHOW)
10/14: West Hollywood, CA @ The Roxy
10/15: San Francisco, CA @ Social Hall SF
10/17: Colorado Springs, CO @ The Black Sheep
10/18: Lawrence, KS @ The Bottleneck
10/19: Chicago, IL @ Schuba’s
10/20: Columbus, OH @ The Basement
10/22: Nashville, TN @ High Watt
10/23 Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl, Center Stage
10/26: Philadelphia, PA @ Milkboy
10/27: Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair
10/30: Montreal, Canada @ Le Petit Campus
10/31: Toronto, Canada @ Adelaide Hall
11/25: Asbury Park, NJ @ The Stone Pony

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