We here at SSG have recently had the pleasure of spending some time with Let’s Get Lost, and since doing so have decided one thing: We are completely sold on their music! These two gentlemen are representing the Top Hat neighborhood of South Seattle, and are creating a sound that’s all their own. They carry into their music influences that range from literature and philosophy, to good conversation and friendship. Mostly they just write about life, but their perspective is a little deeper than your average indie band.Their song writing and musical arrangements are nothing short of fantastic; they’ll have the listener singing along for sure. After you’ve taken in the aesthetic of their sound and give the lyrics a good listen, it’s apparent that these guys are trying to tell you something.
They were kind enough to invite Nikki Benson and I into their home, and eventually into their “Bat Cave,” to play us some tunes. We have posted two of them here along with the interview. They actually played us a ton of songs, however due to the bands extreme sense of modesty, we can only post two of them for now. Hopefully we will be able to talk them into letting us post the rest at a later date. Until then, these two clips should hold you over. Now go get lost!
As already mentioned by Jon Olken this morning, SSG has a major crush on People Eating People. That being said, we’re in the practice of getting up close and personal with artists we have the hots for. Good news readers, you get a peek inside Nouela Johnston’s basement to hear her sing her heart out one-on-one style.
Since you can read about how much we at SSG love Nouela Johnston here, here, here, here, and here, lets get right down to the business of the private performance and interview. Nouela Johnston and I talk about her background in music, how she feels about the being a musician in Seattle, some personal nuggets about her lyrical content, and her future aspirations. It’s hard to imagine, but you just might love People Eating People more after you watch these videos. Enjoy, and be sure to check her out tonight at The Crocodile.
First of all, Dessa could be the most beautiful girl in the world. I had the esteemed privilege of being in the same room with Dessa on February 12th. This is a woman who has made a career for herself with her mind, body, and spirit. Not relying on vanity to get ahead, or even having an interest in fame for that matter, Dessa began her career on a secular level. This innate desire for Dessa to develop her mind and express her art is what initiated the series of events that lead her to be a hip-hop professor, published author, singer, and rapper. Words lead her to poetry. Her poetry lead her to the Doomtree family and eventually the stage as the hip-hop artist we know as Dessa.
Before her sold out show at Nectar on February 12th, I had the joy of being able to interview her. Please enjoy the interview, and check out her new video for her song “Dixon’s Girl” from her new release A Badly Broken Code. Also, check out the special feature with her on Minnesota Public Radio singing A Capella, reading a short story she authored, and rapping. Dessa, the beautiful trifecta.
P.O.S. recently passed through Seattle and was kind enough t give us an interview. I hate to repeat myself so frequently, so instead I will just quote a little bit from my February 11th preview:
Now when I say fresh, I mean to say that from the first beat, you get the feeling that you are about to hear something new and different. It’s a truly fresh perspective. His beats have that unique rhythm that makes you immediately bob your head, cocked slightly to the side with curiosity for what is coming next. When the beat finally hits it’s stride and the hooks start kickin’ in, you immediately start grooving along with the energy. The arrangements of his tracks are truly above average in the genre. P.O.S.’ music has all of the standard stuff, solid beats, good hooks, and strong backing vocals. He also has slow breakdowns, tempo changes, stops and a noted lack of sampling. There are the little extras that distinguish him as a true musician.
I had the joy of spending Saturday afternoon with Ravenna Woods. They have been tearing it up a little bit around Seattle these days, and it was long overdue for SSG to get up close and personal with these gents. You might remember reading about Ravenna Woods on SSG in the beginning of January when James Gannon shared a couple tracks from their debut album, Demons and Lakes. Gannon hit the nail on the head when he said,
The album’s eponymous track“Demons and Lakes” showcases the group’s flagship sound. The slightly coarse vocals that Chris Cunningham has used in his other project Navigator vs. Navigator provide striking contrast to the otherwise sweet folky melodies, giving this band just the right edge to hold their own in the indie-rock arena.
Or perhaps you remember reading about Ravenna Woods when we shouted out their shows here and here. It’s pretty clear that SSG has a crush on Ravenna Woods. What’s with all the love? These boys are creative, fresh, exciting, and pretty darn brilliant. Taking sounds of classic rock and mixing them with the influence and ingenuity of hardcore math-rock, Ravenna Woods creates catchy, alluring aesthetics. The listener could be sucked in by the mechanics, or perhaps just the sheer enjoyment factor–Chris Cunningham shreds on his acoustic guitar.
Throwing another spoke into Ravenna Woods’ wheel, their lyrics are dark, clever, and curious. There are overt lyrics of angst sang over friendly sounding melodies, and then there are songs such as “A Devil’s Coming” that have roots firmly planted in opposition to mindless political control sang in minor tones. Whatever mood Ravenna Woods is evoking, it is sure that the listener will be enthralled with their experience.
Let’s get the party started, yes? Enjoy three songs from the beloved Ravenna Woods, and then check out the interview. Special treat: e-mail contests@seattleshowgal.com with “I crush on Ravenna Woods TOO!!!” in the subject line and the answers to the the following interview trivia questions for your chance to win a copy of their album, Demons and Lakes.
Question 1) Where does Chris Cunningham wear his sleigh bells?
Question 2) What is the nickname that Nikki Benson gave to
Brantley Duke?
Enjoy the afternoon with Ravenna Woods, and be sure to check them out tomorrow night at Chop Suey! (More on this from Billy McManus, mañana.)
Band Members
Logan Borchardt – guitar
Tory Stolen – drums
Eli Show – guitar, vocals
Tony Helland – bass guitar
Isaac Show – drums
Dave Lethcoe – keyboard, trumpet
Tim Evenson – guitar, vocals
plus a host of revolving contributors
On December 8th, We All Have Hooks for Hands played at Neumos to a small yet enthusiastic crowd. Maybe it was the biting cold weather or the fact that Kid Cudi and Garage a Trois were playing sold out shows that same night, but the turnout for a Neumos show was disappointing, to say the least. Seattle band Doctor Doctor started the evening off, and I have to hand it to them for displaying a high energy level despite the mere handful of folks in attendance. Midway through their set, lead singer Nathan Gottlieb’s bouncy antics on stage drew more people into the venue from the neighboring bar, and had them bobbing their heads and dancing to the catchy Americana-pop tunes of Doctor Doctor, a fun, local rock band that should definitely be seen live. Another Seattle band, The Ironclads, were up next, and as far as anyone knew, they were the evening’s headliner. Neumos was filled with fans who sang along with The Ironclads, begged them for encores, and promptly left the venue after the band left the stage.
Those who left had no idea what they were missing. For the handful of us who stuck around for the real headliner, We All Have Hooks for Hands, were treated to a live show that few in Seattle have ever seen. According to the on-site interview I had with the band before the show, the band has played in Seattle several times in the past at smaller venues, before equally small audiences. They (and I) were expecting a much larger turnout at this show, given the venue, accompanying acts, our own preview, and the band’s earlier in-studio broadcast on KEXP, which you can listen to here. As an indie pop band with a decent sound reminiscent of The Shins and the full support of KEXP, it is difficult to surmise why the show was so poorly attended.
At any rate, the six guys who make up We All Have Hooks for Hands gave it their all, playing tracks off of their barely month-old sophomore album The Shape of Energy. With three guitarists, two drummers, and a lone trumpet/keyboardist, the band puts on a live show that is fun to watch, since there are so many band members on stage. The group has a solid, radiant sound that is subject to change depending on who is available to participate. For instance, the band’s first album The Pretender had nine members playing, while their newest release and current concert tour has only six. Since the band is a collective in terms of writing and playing music, their size and eclecticism of musical talent allow for experimenting with a variety of styles. Perhaps they need to continue experimenting to find that perfect balance of sound and publicity to finally play before the larger crowd that they deserve.
Please enjoy clips from the show, and an interview with the band.
Upcoming Shows
Dec 15 – Larimer Lounge – Denver, CO
Dec 17 – Slowdown – Omaha, NB
Dec 18 – Vaudeville Mews – Des Moines, IA
Dec 19 – Triple Rock – Minneapolis, MN
Dec 20 – Beaner’s Central – Duluth, MN
Dec 26 – Nutty’s North – Sioux Falls, SD
Seattle has a couple more rising stars that eat, sleep, and breath music. I’m talking about none other then Shenandoah Davis and Scott Teske. Davis, fresh out of college, made her way to Seattle two years ago. Not having any family or friends here, she made a home inside of her music, and opened her home for anyone who wanted to come in. Davis’s story continues. Her music has lead her to find a family inside the band Grand Hallway, she has had much success with her self titled solo work, and she has had lavish experiences with the Seattle Rock Orchestra.
Speaking of Seattle Rock Orchestra, SSG took the opportunity to get up close and personal with Scott Teske, founder, lead bass player, and conductor, of Seattle Rock Orchestra(SRO), and new bass player in The Kindness Kind. Scott Teske has been making so many waves with SRO, it was time to get the inside scoop directly from the horse’s mouth. In the following interview with Scott Teske, joined by Shenandoah Davis, you will see me, Nikki Benson, doing my utmost to start rumors and get the hidden juice. Before you enjoy that, please enjoy the solo interview with Shenandoah Davis, some exclusive, private performances, and some oh-so-silly banter.
Enjoy your afternoon tea with Shenandoah Davis and Scott Teske.
An interview with Shenandoah Davis
Private Performance with Shenandoah Davis and Scott Teske
Shenandoah Davis & Scott Teske performing “Proof”
Shenandoah Davis & Scott Teske performing “These Rocks”
Shenandoah Davis & Scott Teske performing “We Camera”
An interview with Scott Teske joined by Shenandoah Davis
In a climate of Independent hip-hop where subject matter is often kept to the flagrant, ostentatious, and vulgar, it is refreshing to have another Seattle spokesman who is using his candid life experiences to make a difference in others lives. Have you heard the groundbreaking song “Otherside“ off of the VS. EP from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis? Download “Otherside”, and if you want give it a listen while you read, please do.
In this song “Otherside,” Macklemore gets in deep about social drug use. Many people do it for fun without considering the long-term effects, or worse, the possible short-term effect—death. Macklemore takes a second person look at someone who didn’t think he had a problem with drugs. His girlfriend ended up finding him dead due to a mistaken overdose. Sobering thoughts followed by the words “We live on the cusp of death thinking that it won’t be us.”
Macklemore sang this song live for the first time at Bumbershoot 2009 in front of thousands of people. As he started the song, he held his head high and announced, “I celebrating one year of sobriety.” Whether the individual members of the audience were winning the same fight, still making the choice if they wanted to fight, or just respectfully looking on, everyone was touched, moved, and inspired. Macklemore might not ever know how many people’s lives, and the lives of their families, he’s effected by having the courage to use his own failures and triumphs as a beacon of hope so that others can do the same.
Ryan Lewis is not to be overlooked as the producer and other half of Macklemore’s most recent project. Ryan Lewis is the visionary when it comes to the music behind Macklemore’s words. Lewis is decisive about what direction they are going to go in, and he creates an immaculate product for Macklemore to rap to. If it weren’t for Lewis’ dedication to perfect production, Macklemore might be just another rapper with a GarageBand demo and an immense amount of potential.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis are having an album release party on November 27th, and they are doing it in grand style. They are performing an all ages show, doors at 5:30 pm, and a 21+ show, doors at 10pm. The early show will feature Hella Dope, The Next Door Neighbors, Kung Foo Grip, DJ Sabzi, and will be hosted by Grynch, “the King of Ballard.” The late show will feature The Physics, Symmetry, Xperience, The Next Door Neighbors, DJ Terry Radjaw, and will be hosted by El Mizell, Seattle’s resident S**t talker.
Please enjoy the interview below with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis where they talk about the flavor of their new EP VS., and about the experience they had making it. After you’ve enjoyed that, please enjoy the extra special video of the second half of “Otherside” performed A Cappella, recorded and produced by Ryan Lewis.
Band Members
Beardo (Jeramy Gritter) – vocals, guitar, bass, drum machines
There are many factors about Beardo, the LA-based self-proclaimed Trailer Park Hero, that will make any reviewer wary to meet him in person. Take his stereotypical white trash appearance, the AK-47 tattoo on his chest, the sleazy drug-laced lyrics of his parody rap songs, or the mere fact that he rolls with Dirt Nasty,Andre Legacy, and former prostitute Mickey Avalon. Maybe all of that sounds appealing; after all, both Mickey and Beardo drew an enthusiastic crowd at the Showbox at the Market, even the audience looked like members of the Paris Hilton/Lindsay Lohan crowd. Needless to say, SSG wasn’t sure what to expect when we met him backstage for an interview. Who knew what would come out of a guy named Beardo’s beardo?
Surprisingly, Beardo, who got his name by a critic’s offhand remark about his former beard, comes off as very humble and down to earth when not on stage. He defends his music, a blend of punk and rap, usually about lowlifes and government destruction, and his overall white trash image as staying true to his roots. It’s evident that Beardo’s worked his way to his rock star status, and he’s not at all ashamed about where he’s from and what he’s been through. Despite the humble Beardo that SSG met in his dressing room, Beardo maintains his “Trailer Park Hero” reputation when on stage as he prances about, bending over and making multiple references to drugs and wanting to “suck his own c*ck.” Even though this was an all-ages show, you couldn’t tell based on Beardo’s R-rated references.
Still, Beardo makes some catchy music that is reminiscent of the Beastie Boys’ sound that earned him a coveted gig touring with Snoop Dogg this past summer. He put on a high energy performance that got his audience dancing, cheering, and yelling out his lyrics along with him. Beardo even took advantage of his curly mullet by leaning down into the front row and attracting many hands to rub his head. His anthems “Girls N Pills” and “24 Hour Party” channel his drug-using party animal mentality, but one of his biggest hits “John Lennon” highlights Beardo’s admitted obsession with conspiracies, and is shockingly catchy. “John Lennon got shot…Bob Marley is dead…They put a tumor in his head!” You never thought you’d sing those words until you hear this song. The other highlight of Beardo’s performance was his rendition of the Beastie Boys’ “Fight for Your Right,” which got most of the Showbox singing along, if not up on their feet jumping to Beardo’s call and response act.
Even if Beardo’s parody rap music and overall appeal might be a mixed bag among many, one thing’s for sure: Beardo the Trailer Park Hero stays true to his roots, and his live show can sure get a crowd going.
Please enjoy clips from the show, and an interview with Beardo below!
Band Members:
Josh M. Carter – Vocals,Guitar
Sarah D. Barthel – Vocals Keyboard
With so many music genres and bands dipping their fingertips into electronic and synth sounds, it can be difficult to tell apart the GREAT from the “Great-but-only on cd Great.” Phantogram, comprised of Sarah and Josh from Saratoga Springs, fall into in the first category. Actually they fall more into the FANTASTIC category after the gush worthy show they put on at Vera earlier this month. If you don’t like gushing, you probably won’t want to read the rest of this review.
Having listened to Phantogram’s self-titled EP for a few weeks before the show, my expectations were pretty neutral. Many electro-synth fusion-esque groups sound great on record but fail to meet expectations during live shows and ultimately leave the audience let down–much like a disappointing sexual experience. Phantogram definitely dispelled any precognitions that the show was going to be a watered down, poor sound quality, muffled version of their album.
For an all ages show on a Friday night, it was surprising at how tuned in the mostly younger crowd stayed with Phantogram through almost the entire set. As Phantogram took the stage, it seemed they were going to get the “oh it’s only the opener” stand off from the crowd. Once the first note hit, the floor filled with bodies and everyone stood to attention to watch. Besides the synth and electronic element of the set, both Sarah and Josh’s vocals were strong and audible. Sarah manned the beat making while assuring the crowd that it was okay to dance. Moving about the stage, playing guitar Josh resembled a mellow Dan Auerbach, but maybe it was just the beard. Honestly the only bad thing about this show as the number or ridiculously tall teenage boys that travelled in packs. Trying to see over their 6’2’’ and taller heads was frustrating!
A great bonus to Phantogram’s show was hearing songs off their full album Eyelid Movies which is currently only released overseas. The good news is that shortly after the show at Vera, it was announced that Phantogram signed with Seattle’s very own Barsuk Records. Eyelid Movies will be released here in the states early 2010. Phantogram is currently in Europe. Hopefully we’ll see them next year promoting their album release. Check out a clip from the show as well as an interview with Phantogram
Seattle Show Gal is in hot pursuit of undiscovered talent! How many great bands are out there that are slipping through the cracks? Seattle is saturated with so much music, it would be nearly impossible to sift through it all to find the good stuff. The Seattle Show Gal staff is not so proud to think that we can bring you all of it, but we are actively pursuing all different types of acts to give you a pulse on what is going on--right here in Seattle! (See more in "About")
