iohc rednaxela nitsuj

festivus!

2009-06-17T14:56:00.000-07:00

Festival. Success!

eighth blackbird in Ojai!

2009-06-04T17:04:00.000-07:00

With so much going on over here at the Ojai Music Festival offices, I often forget why us interns are working so hard. Ah yes.... to produce the best contemporary classical music festival ever that is!

This year, the festival will feature such artists as Grammy Award-winning sextet, eighth blackbird, pianist Jeremy Denk, and sound-sculpturist Trimpin.

Sound interesting? Go crazy at www.ojaifestival.org!

Ojai Music Festival

2009-05-30T23:03:00.000-07:00

Summer is here, and another internship is in store. Ojai, here I come!

Fleet Foxes

2008-10-29T22:17:00.001-07:00

After listening to this album quite frequently over the past month, I can honestly say that I am still loving it. I even think this album is up there on my list with In Rainbows, and Oracular Spectacular; all albums where I've found something new the more I've listened.

Ahh.. Beautiful Fleet Foxes.

Loquat

2008-09-21T17:19:00.000-07:00

Loquat
"Swingset Chain" (mp3)
from "It's Yours To Keep" (Jackpine Social Club)

My first crossing with Loquat was a couple months back when they opened for Passenger. I liked their stuff a lot and decided to investigate further. I found out that they were playing at the Treasure Island Music Festival, and was pretty surprised that they were playing at such a big venue (having been watching them play at a relatively small place). They definitely deserve it, having been writing music since '96 and releasing albums since '02.

They create a really smooth, relaxing sound which is perfect for the current mood I'm in. Kylee Swenson's voice is so soothing, I kind of feel like everything around just moves more slowly and gently.

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The Stills

2008-09-07T02:22:00.001-07:00

The Stills
"Rooibos/ Palm Wine Drinkard" (mp3)
from "Oceans Will Rise"
(Arts & Crafts)

The Stills are back with their latest release, "Oceans Will Rise". Definitely sounding different from their previous albums, i'm liking the direction they are going.

Coming back with a more upbeat, rock sound, this track has an energy building kind of groove to it with strong vocal 'ooing' and 'ahhing' which is catchy. I even like the little slow down they do at the end of the song. Go ahead, download the free track, take a listen, and enjoy!

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Back to School

2008-08-30T15:06:00.000-07:00

Well, the first week of school is done and I am happy. I'm going to try to continue this blog of mine whenever I have some free time, so hang tight. Doing this for Lucastile, my other south city boys, jeffrey82 (who I suspect is john), and whoever else reads this crap! (by crap, i mean the stuff from the heart. aww..) More good music to come!

- ya boy little J

Peter Bradley Adams

2008-08-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

Peter Bradley Adams
"I'll Forget you" (mp3)
from "Leavetaking"
(Sarathan Records)

Attempting to find an appropriate song for my very last day at IODA (tear), I think i've found a winner by an artist named Peter Bradley Adams. Although the name of the song isn't all too fitting, the feeling of it is.

Before deciding to make albums of his own, Adams had a thriving career in film and TV scoring. His second solo album "Leavetaking" is a gorgeous masterpiece of soulful singing and beautiful instrumentals that I highly recommend checking out.

So what are you waiting for? Download the free track already and imagine me as a cowboy riding out into the sunset... sorta.. kinda.. ish.

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Passenger

2008-08-06T15:46:00.000-07:00

Passenger
"Night Vision Binoculars" (mp3)
from "Wicked Man's Rest"
(Cooking Vinyl USA)

From Brighton, UK comes this 5-piece band, Passenger. Best described as pen guitar-driven songs, this band creates a kind of fun, alt-pop sound which reminds me of another band from Brighton, the Kooks.

This track is off their brand new album "Wicked Man's Rest" which was released yesterday. It's a fun little song, so if you just feel like chillin out, rockin your head a bit, tapping your leg, clappin, any or all of the above, definitely give it a listen.

If you're in the San Francisco area and want to check out this band live, they are playing at the Swedish American Hall on August 13th, and also... I'll be there!

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Broken Social Scene

2008-07-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

Broken Social Scene
"Fire Eye'd Boy" (mp3)
from "Broken Social Scene"
(Arts & Crafts)

For those who don't know, Broken Social Scene is an 'indie rock supergroup' from Canada made up of core members Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning who formed BSS in 1999. A whole cast of their other friends including: Jason Collett, Leslie Feist, Charles Spearin, David Newfield, and too many other people to name make up the rest. All of its members currently play in other bands around the Toronto indie scene.

Having won 2 Juno Awards for the 'Alternative Album of the Year', these guys definitely know what they're doing. Incorporating all of these instrumental elements at once can't be an easy task to accomplish, but surprisingly they manage to do it, and do it well.

Fire Eye'd Boy is a song which makes me feel empowered, and I can't help but move some part of my body while listening to it. If you ever get the chance to see these guys/girls live, you'll leave with a whole new meaning of what music is.

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Big Light

2008-07-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

Big Light
"Hard Knocks" (mp3)
from "Big Light"
(reapandsow, Inc.)

Another local band that is making its way up the ladder goes by the name of Big Light. Most of these guys have been playing music their whole lives, so it was only natural to decide to get together and lay down some original tracks. With their debut album releasing last month, I find this song to be one of my favorites.

With soothing instrumentals and sincere lyrics you can't go wrong with Hard Knocks. I find it to be catchy, but not in the typical pop kind of way. It also has a bit of a happy folk-ness to it and after giving this a listen, you'll pretty much feel one with the universe, and the line "you remind me of my sister with your heart of gold" will stick with you for awhile after...

If you want to check these guys out in person, they are playing at the 12 Galaxies in the Mission on July 31st at 9 pm.

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Creeping Mustard

2008-07-16T13:07:00.000-07:00

creeping mustard
"Skimming....Nothing" (mp3)
from "If You're Into That Sort of Thing"
(reapandsow, Inc.)

From my hometown of San Francisco comes this one man band, Creeping Mustard. Steve Wertheim is his name and he is the man behind the music. Having been around for nearly a dozen years now, he finally decided to make his own album.

First hearing this track, Skimming....Nothing, it immediately grabbed my attention. It starts off with what feels like a classic rock riff but when the bass kicks in, it turns into more of an alternative, progressive feel. I'm also really diggin this guy's 'no fuss' kind of voice, and the double tracked vocals on the hook make it that much more amazing.

All in all, this song rocks and you have to check it out.

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Museum Pieces

2008-07-09T15:48:00.000-07:00

Museum Pieces
"Looks Can Kill" (mp3)
from "Nor You, Nor You"
(Youth Club Records)

Museum Pieces is a band out of Halifax, Nova Scotia which includes a rotating cast of musicians but is primarily singer/guitarist Tyler Messick, and drummer/pianist Andy March.

Although this album was released back in April of '07, I only just recently stumbled upon it. "Looks Can Kill" is a track which I especially like; mostly because of its spontaneity. I find the drumming to be amazing and it makes me wish I could play drums as fluidly as this guy plays, or even at all... Atypical chord changes and catchy guitar riffs are also to my liking, and with the smooth, catchy vocals; this song pretty much just hits the spot for me. Give it a listen!

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Windmill

2008-07-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

Windmill
"Tokyo Moon" (mp3)
from "Puddle City Racing Lights"
(Friendly Fire Recordings)

Windmill first started getting attention in the alternative underground scene with a limited 7” release on the highly respected indie label ‘Static Caravan’. This caught the attention of another stellar independent label ‘Melodic Records’ and work began on Dillon's first full album.

This one man band is Matthew Thomas Dillon. His strange, high pitched voice will catch you off guard on your first listen, but once the shock has settled, you will begin to hear the beauty in his music. His piano driven songs are filled with sadness but are triumphant at the same time.

His debut album, "Puddle City Racing Lights" is available right now for digital download and the street release date is set for the 22nd of July.

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Drive-by Argument

2008-06-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

Drive-By Argument
"Left, Left, Walk Forward, Get On The Dragon" (mp3)
from "Dance Like No One's Watching"
(Lizard King)

Originally formed as part of a music project for their university, Drive-By Argument was a group picked at random and told to produce 5 songs. Little did they know what the result would be. They soon dropped out of school to focus and continue on with this project.

The band is a mixture of synth hooks, aggressive guitar leads, and poppy vocals. Add some dance floor beats to it, and you won't be able to help but move some part of your body to the music.

Their latest album "Dance Like No One's Watching" comes out today with this single and will be available for both street and digital release.

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Elliot Smith

2008-06-27T14:50:00.001-07:00

Elliott Smith
"Between The Bars" (mp3)
from "Either/Or"
(Kill Rock Stars)

Popularized by the film Good Will Hunting, Between The Bars is one of my favorite Elliot Smith songs. His beautiful melodies and lyrics probably made him one of the most talented songwriters of our time.

A song featuring his signature solo acoustic guitar and double tracked vocals, this song's lyrics can be interpreted many different ways. Lyrics aside, Between The Bars is a romantic song that isn't presented in that fake way which we usually hear in today's love songs.

If only he were still here today to make songs like this...

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Tracy Shedd

2008-06-25T14:59:00.000-07:00

Tracy Shedd
"You Remind Me of Someone" (mp3)
from "Red"
(Teenbeat Records)

Tracy Shedd is a slowcore, singer/songwriter specializing in heartfelt, fragile compositions. Her upcoming record "Cigarettes and Smoke Machines" will be released in the fall of '08 on Teenbeat Records.

This track, You Remind Me of Someone, is from her album "Red" which was released back in '03. There's just something special about it which appeals to me. It must the simple instrumentals combined with her melodic vocals that makes me feel relaxed. Her honest style of lyrics also has a down to earth quality which i seem to like.

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Modwheelmod

2008-06-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

Modwheelmood
"scared of everyone" (mp3)
from "Pearls to Pigs, Vol. 3"
(Modwheelmusic)

MWM is a band out of L.A. categorized as alternative pop electronica. They are led by Alessandro Cortini, who is currently performing live with NIN, and former Abandoned Pools guitarist Pelle Hillström.

Recently releasing the third album of the trilogy, "Pearls to Pigs, Vol. 3", the band is back with their use of analog synths, ambient guitars, and soft, falsetto-like vocals. Their provocative vocal melodies also add a lot to the band's sound, creating a rich, round texture.

Compared to bands like Radiohead, and associated with acts like Nine Inch Nails, it's unfortunate that MWM hasn't yet risen to popularity as much as they should have, so check em out!

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Andy McKee

2008-06-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

Andy McKee
"Into the Ocean" (mp3)
from "Art of Motion"
(Candy Rat Records)

You've probably already heard and seen Andy McKee on his hugely popular YouTube video of "Drifting". But in case you haven't, Andy McKee is a guitarist known for his 'fingerstyle mixed with percussive' guitar work.

McKee is able to create immensely beautiful sounds with only his guitar and his hands using unusual techniques that require two-hand percussive slapping, tapping, and altered tunings. He uses these as tools for his compositional masterpieces on his steel string guitar.

There are only a number of guitarists that can pull this stuff off, and as a guitarist myself, I hope that you can appreciate this as much as I do.

Here's a video of "Drifting" by Andy McKee.

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my project: blue

2008-06-18T11:42:00.000-07:00

my project: blue
"Messed Up In the Heart" (mp3)
from "my project: blue - EP"
(Boompa Records)

I recently listened to this band called 'my project: blue', and couldn't help but crack a smile. With singles like "Messed Up In the Heart", singer Chad Blues's curious voice started to grow on me. At first I was hesistant to continue listening, but once the hook came, I knew I liked them.

This band has been around for a couple of years now, so it's unfortunate that I hadn't heard of them until now. With the band's mesh of guitars, synths, and off-kilter vocals, there's something about it that will definitely catch your attention, so give it a listen!

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Plays Pretty For Baby

2008-06-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

Zolof The Rock & Roll Destroyer
"Plays Pretty for Baby" (mp3)
from "Zolof The Rock & Roll Destroyer"
(ReIgnition Recordings)

"Plays Pretty for Baby" is simply a song that makes me happy whenever I hear it, so I decided that it deserved a blog entry of its own.

This Zolof song features Anthony Greene's girlish voice, but for some reason, I find it enjoyable. In fact, a lot more enjoyable than songs from Saosin, The Sound of Animals Fighting, and Circa Survive, all bands of which he is the lead singer of.

I guess it's the playful melody and guitar parts that attracts me to this song. Even though this song was released back in '02 on Zolof's self-titled debut album, it is definitely one of their best songs.

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A Shoreline Dream

2008-06-13T13:44:00.000-07:00

A Shoreline Dream
"Love Is a Ghost In America" (mp3)
from "Avoiding the Consequences"
(Latenight Weeknight Records)

A Shoreline Dream is a band from Denver, Colorado, which has been named one of URB Magazine 's NEXT 100 of 2008. They have been described by terms such as 'melodipsych' and 'post rock'. This is because the band uses combinations of lush samples, textures, and synths.

Compared to bands like Ride, Slowdive, and Sigur Rós, A Shoreline Dream is making their way across the country and is even starting to get some international notice. A Shoreline Dream is set to tour with Ulrich Schnauss, Soundpool, and Experimental Aircraft in July of '08, so go check em out!

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Eksi Ekso's Debut

2008-06-11T11:21:00.000-07:00

Eksi Ekso
"Just Leave" (mp3)
from "I Am Your Bastard Wings"
(Magic Bullet)

Eksi Ekso is the latest creation of members of the bands The Burning Paris and On Fire. The long awaited album, I Am Your Bastard Wings, was released on the 10th, on Magic Bullet Records.

If someone were to see the instruments played in this band, they probably wouldn't think this was a rock band. Eksi Ekso combines typical rock elements with heavy classical influence by incorporating trumpets, violins, violas, oboes, and even flugelhorns.

Eksi Ekso's dramatic debut album will make you feel hopeful, triumphant, and might even make you want to conquer the world.

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The Charlatans

2008-06-09T14:13:00.000-07:00

The Charlatans
"You Cross My Path" (mp3)
from "You Cross My Path"
(Cooking Vinyl)

On May 3rd, the alternative rock group, The Charlatans, released their 10th album "You Cross My Path". This album features the singles You Cross My Path, Oh! Vanity, and The Misbegotten.

If you remember this British band from the 90's, it's because they had a hit single called "The Only One I Know", which led to great commercial success for them. Well, in this debut album, they're back with their lively sound, catchy tunes, and stylish haircuts.

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The IODA ALLIANCE!

2008-06-04T22:15:00.000-07:00

Hey bloggers, do you need a source for your music where you can download, publish and share all your favorite indie tunes? If so, you need to check out IODA's Promonet! These tracks are 100% pre-cleared for blog and podcast use and are waiting for your taking! And the best thing of all..... its FREE! You should also feel safe since you are working with IODA, the industry-leading digital distribution company for the global independent community.

Using these songs not only helps you, but it also helps artists and labels track how their music is doing. Go check it out now!

MGMT Takes My Cake

2008-06-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already heard of them, MGMT, formerly known as, The Management, is an up-and-coming band from Brooklyn, New York. MGMT's debut album, Oracular Spectacular was digitally released in October of 2007 and features the band's hit single "Time to Pretend". The track was first seen on the band's 2005 Time to Pretend EP, but was also remastered for the Oracular Spectacular album.

The band, which sounds like they're from outer space, has a psychedelic alternative feel and is accompanied with synths and a bunch of crazy fills and effects. If you recognized their song, "Time to Pretend," you probably heard it from the 2008 feature film 21 or in the season 1 finale of Gossip Girl.

MGMT is also set to release their second single, "Electric Feel" on June 23rd, 2008.

Click Here to buy MGMT's album Oracular Spectacular