18 posts tagged “rr”

When I left the hotel this morning I was greeted by the famed Black Cab from the Black Cab Sessions, a great web series where they pick up bands to play a track while the cab drives around. Its way better than I can describe in the 80 degree heat as I await the next band. They're from the UK and big fans of the station.

After our MBE broadcast, I hit the Filter showcase at Cedar street and was happy to find they were running behind schedule so I could catch all of Wild Light. WL drummer Seth couldn't say enough good things about previous act Idle Warship, who Garth Trinidad has been championing. Wild Light wowed everybody - they just came off a tour with Tapes and Tapes and their set was tight.

I knew nothing about Manchester's The Whip but they won me over about 10 seconds in. Even the Late of the Pier guys were busting a move to their irresistable dance music. FUN. I'm so proud we are sponsoring these Filter showcases because every band I've seen has been fantastic.

RR
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As I listen to Peter Bjorn and John soundcheck for their MBE performance this morning, I'm thinking about our fantastic showcase last night. The Boat People kicked it all off with a set of poppy songs, including my personal fave, Born in the 80's, and charmed the entire room. Next up, were Oklahoma's Other Lives whose music can best be described as orchestral folk. It was packed by the point and the entire room was consumed by the music in the best way.

Port O'Brien has been touring pretty much non stop and their live show was super tight and they created a jovial ruckus at the end when they handed out pots and pans for the audience to bang on during the final song.

Aussie bro and sis Angus and Julia Stone sang sweet tunes and prepared the stage for another sibling singing duo, the lovely ladies of School of Seven Bells, along with Benjamin Curtis (Secret Machines). The room was so crowded - and the band was so good - that a bartender jumped on the bar to get a peek.

Malaysian artist Zee Avi got her first substantial airplay on KCRW and when we needed a headliner at the last minute (when Ida Maria didn't make it into the country in time), she happily filled in. Her angelic voice - and a fantastic cover of Interpol's Slow Hands - was the perfect ending to the evening.

RR

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I'm big into bluesy rock from Ohio these days! Dan Auerbach/The Black Keys are proudly from OH as are the Heartless Bastards. Singer Erika Wennerstrom has an unbelievable voice and they played some of my favorite songs off their new album, The Mountain, at the Paste Magazine party.

Afterwards,I headed down 6th St (austin's main drag of venues, bars and nightclubs) to check out Harlem Shakes. It was their first SXSW show this year and they said they were psyched to be there - and I could tell. They had, by far, the most energy of any band I've seen. I'm a big fan of their album Technicolor Health and it came alive in their live show. The singer had a pair of drumsticks in his hand the whole time and pounded on whatever was around. It was a blast.

On my way to Buffalo Billiards for our showcase...

RR
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I found out yesterday afternoon that the headliner for KCRW's official showcase - Ida Maria - was having trouble getting into the U.S. from her native Norway. It was a big disappointment that she wouldn't arrive in time however we had an incredible bit of luck in booking Zee Avi at the last minute. Her label, Brushfire Records, woke the weary singer this morning and she agreed to jump on board. Anyone who has been listening to MBE, has heard her a bunch.

Looking forward to tonight!

RR
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There's only a handful of bands I came to SXSW determined to see and Seattle's Telekenisis was one of them. I caught them at the Austinist day party. They have a singing drummer who had a raccoon stuffed animal on his kit, nice touch.

Here We Go Magic is such a good band name I wanted to hear their music as soon as I heard that a band with such a name existed. Not only that, but singer Luke Temple is the frontman. It took me a few listens to get into the CD but once I did, I really liked the combination of soundscapes, both dreamy and tribal, and straightforward songs. They were really late to start but they drew the crowd out of the shade as soon as they got going.

Waiting on the Harlem Shakes...
RR
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The last two nights of the CMJ Artist Lounge were all over the map -- from the psychedelic reggae and soul of DRI to the Aussie pop of the Boat People and my favorite cover of the festival - Portastatic's version of "Dancing in the Dark." During the day, I saw one of my favorite sets courtesy of the Miniature Tigers. I was looking forward to seeing this AZ-based band going in and they did not disappoint.

Delta Spirit closed out the showcase (and their 2-month tour) with rollicking rock. I had a long chat with singer Matt before the show about his love of old soul and how much he enjoyed raiding the Rounder Records vault when he got signed to the label.

After a full week of music, I ended my trip the way you should in New York - I grabbed a bagel and lox from a local deli on my way to the airport.
RR
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After an early morning visit to the CMJ Artist Lounge where we got Theresa Anderson dancing in the stairwell (and saw some interesting remnants of the night before - watch the video), I headed out to catch some music. I walked in at the end of Shugo Tokumaru's set. He's one of the CMJ "buzz" artists and, according to Wall Street Journal writer Jim Fusilli, it's totally justified. Jim think he may be the most impressive artist he sees at CMJ and it is only day 2!

We ran into Women (who are all men) and grabbed them for a quick chat. This is their first time playing NYC and they said they were surprised by the turnout. They were probably being modest because they also have a lot of buzz and will be playing our showcase tonight, as will Takka Takka. Nic really likes these guys and I'm really excited to see them live.

Project Jenny, Project Jan is a one MC/one DJ band but it was just what I was looking for in the late afternoon - dance music with excellent showmanship and beats.

Off to see more music...

RR
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I rushed across a huge polo field at Golden Gate park in hopes of catching a few songs from Cold War Kids but it was all in vain - this place is HUGE! I still haven't even seen the stage where they were playing. Outside Lands has solar powered cell phone chargers, lots of vegan food, and really fantastic performance video from the main stages but what I wouldn't give for a hat, scarf and gloves. It's chilly! But jumping up and down to Manu Chao with thousands of other fans warmed me up. He was spectacular and the crowd was going wild for him - the band even had some great synchronized moves! It was a blast. Now...looking forward to Radiohead. RR
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Watch Sia right now as she performs live from the Malibu Arts performing Center! http://www.kcrw.com

I truly tasted a musical buffet today starting off with the Welsh powerhouse Duffy. She's tiny, sweet and blonde and her soulful style has drawn many comparisons to both Amy Winehouse and Dusty Springfield. I accidentally sang a verse of her big hit "Mercy" as I was turning a corner to leave the studio and, of course, she was standing right there. Embarassing!

After John Doe from X gave me a language lesson (literally) backstage at the Spin party, Nic introduced Vampire Weekend and I was off to discover a new favorite band. I did pretty well with Working for a Nuclear Free City - they were everything I was looking for at that moment. Jason Bentley has been playing them so that was good enough reason to make the trip.

After a quick dinner break, I went to check out another band on the Bentley playlist, "Does it Offend You, Yeah?". It was the first show where someone climbed the rafters and they had lots of energy but as far as dance rock goes, I preferred their opener, Crystal Castles. I'm currently listening to Aloha, waiting for my friend Nik Freitas to take the stage!

RR

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