Every year around April, masses of music lovers from around the globe attend this 3-day festival which has grown immensely since its inception in 1999. With over 25,000 people attending the inaugural event that had headliners Beck and Rage Against The Machine, this festival is now a haven for the up and coming artist, established acts or the ever recurrence of bands reuniting for that one off show for the festival.
Indio, CA and its surrounding neighbors of Palm Desert and Palm Springs has always been a location where retirees go to and relax in their Bermuda shorts and black socks or play some leisurely golf. Since 1999 though, the Empire Polo Grounds, which is this huge oasis of irrigated lawn right smack in the middle of Indio has been the sight of the Coachella Music Festival (back then being called just Coachella).
With acts ranging from Roger Waters to Thievery Corporation, you’ll get everything here via the many music tents and stages situated all around the grounds. In one tent, you may get M.I.A. performing to a hip hop crowd and then in another tent, you may here a spoken word performance by the legendary Leonard Cohen. Since 2002 the festival had expanded from 2 days to 3 days with over 75,000 to 100,000 people attending each night and selling out quickly with last year’s event taking less than a week for all three days to sell out.. Because of this issue, 2012 will be the first year where the popular festival will be branching out over two weekends with the identical lineup. Bands like Radiohead and The Black Keys who are 2 of the 3 headliners this year will be taking advantage of this and tour the west coast to coincide with the festival.
Of the 13 years this event has taken place, I’ve been to 4 of them with the 2004 event being my favorite as Radiohead (again) as well as The Cure headlined along with the reunited Pixies and Kraftwerk. So, if you ever get the chance to attend this amazing festival once in your lifetime, I suggest you do. Oh yeah, you may have to endure the 100+ heat the desert gives you as well the occasional run in with a celebrity or two.
“At Last” is a song that will always remain buried in my memory as a song that not only makes me feel relaxed but also reminds me of my mother as I was growing up. You see, before I knew who the Stones or the Beatles were, I would hear this song play on my mother’s old Crosley record player during the holidays and always knew she was baking cookies.
Miss Peaches or better known as Etta James has that effect on people. Back in 2000 Rolling Stone Magazine ranked her #62 in their list of 100 greatest artist of all time. With her bluesy voice with a touch of gospel elements as well as her influence on so many singer/songwriters, she should be rated much better than #62. She was loved by many and worshiped by others and her voice will live on forever. Ms. Etta James passed away on January 20, 2012 at the tender age of 73.
Ever feel like there are just so many bands out there making music nowadays? You’re not wrong. In today’s Digital Age there are more groups than ever writing and recording music (which is a GOOD thing). But it does make it increasingly difficult for truly talented and gifted artists to differentiate themselves from the clutter of amateurs, unsigned acts, bedroom musicians and indie bands all vying to be heard and discovered. One proven method to stand out from the crowd and create some buzz is, of course, the ancient art of the viral video. Perhaps the best known case of a band jumpstarting their career via a video short is the example of OK Go, whose video for “Here It Goes Again” features the band performing a delightful dance routine on treadmills (sound familiar? The video has been viewed upwards of 60million times, and you are probably responsible for at least 3 of those).
So you wanna make a viral video? Well, turns out it’s not so easy to dream up and produce an original, creative and endearing video idea with little to no budget that will garner millions of YouTube views and skyrocket your career into the stratosphere overnight. But it’s not impossible… enter (previously) unknown Burlington, Ontario rockers Walk Off The Earth whose unique performance of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know” has achieved 4.5million views in the first four days of its existence. For God’s sake, the band doesn’t even have a fully built website yet: “Welcome to the official website of Walk off the Earth. We are currently busting our ass’s to get this site finished.” This stuff really does happen overnight, and spreads so quickly that even the band itself is caught off guard. Here’s a great quote from WOTE’s Facebook page that just about sums up what I was trying to say earlier about today’s music industry:
“To all the independent musicians out there. I hope this shows that you can make a name for your band with no help from record labels and management and next to no money. Stay true to your dreams and your passions, whether they be music related or not. Don’t wait for people to help you because they never will. The only time the music industry will want to help you is when you have done all the work yourself! “
Congrats to Walk Off The Earth for being awesome. And for making a freaking cool video that people dig while effectively displaying their talent to the world at the same time. Without further ado:
Gabriel Marowitz - Associate Music Supervisor
PlayNetwork
Our last of the Best of 2011 series gives us Blake Kirpes’ picks for best in Hip-Hop (put the kids to bed…consider yourselves, warned).
“While people were busy watching the throne, ‘we’ stormed the castle” – Sage Francis
And storming the “castle” is exactly what the new faces of Hip-Hop did. The sheer abundance of new artists, break–out albums, and future classics crammed into 2011, is something of which hip-hop has never seen. In 2011, the hip-hop scene burgeoned with fresh faces and break-outs boasting styles unlike any heard before. Diversity reigned supreme.
Das Racists and Danny Brown mixed personal and social consciousness with humor. Here’s a video from Das Racists for Michael Jackson.
With a steady stream of promising new talent and accompanying diversity creating the theme in 2011, the past year may also be remembered for its preponderance of Free Album Mixtapes; fully produced and realized albums, released for free under the alias of a “Mixtape”. And while the free albums may be free, they are anything but throw outs with several garnering coveted spots on year-end lists in Rolling Stone, Spin, Pitchfork, and Stereogum.
In a year marked by immense talent and diversity, choosing favorites is no easy task, but it must be done. Rounding out the top three albums on my list; Kendrick Lamar (Section 80), Big K.R.I.T. (The Return of 4eva), andDanny Brown (XXX). All three artists have used the ‘Album as Mixtape’ format to its maximum capacity. Starting the year as “independent artists,” Big K.R.I.T and Kendrick Lamar have since signed to major labels (Island Def Jam and Aftermath Records, respectively), while Danny Brown joined the supreme indie label Fool’s Gold (Chromeo, Cool Kids, Lil B) — Speaking on the influx of new & innovative hip-hop artist, Danny Brown said, “We’re the guys trying to end hair metal in rap”, and on his track XXX, Brown echoes the sentiment of Sage Francis with the line, “I’m strategizing, plotting on the throne”. Given all of the promising acts brought to us in 2011, it’s likely some will have the chance to “take the throne”, the real question is who, and are they interested?
Here’s a great blog post by Chris Pandolfi, banjo player for The Infamous Stringdusters (one of the hottest up-and-coming bands on the forefront of the ongoing evolution of Bluegrass music). Chris talks about his band as you would any other business. You might be surprised to hear a musician discussing topics like sustainable growth, investments in infrastructure and personnel, raising capital through seed financing, supply chain management and strategic partnerships, but all of those things are mentioned here in one way or another. Of course, he doesn’t ignore the most important piece of the puzzle which is the end product itself: original music and its performance.
Just goes to show how musicians today are also independent business owners and brand managers, and perhaps now more than ever need to be well versed in both art and industry.
Gabriel Marowitz
Associate Music Supervisor
PlayNetwork
Our second to last post about our favorites in music from 2011 brings up PlayNetwork Music Supervisor, Traci Stetzer, who serves us something new, some old magic, and something to spread the word about as her favorites from 2011.
This debut from the LA based trio is an amazing first showing; every track is superior. It’s my hope they don’t fall into the sophomore slump by placing all the best eggs into the first basket. But I have hope for them, they’re young, creative and even entrepreneurial, working alongside “The Do Good Bus” during their first US Tour. “The Do Good Bus” is a Los Angeles-based volunteer organization designed to add an element of mystery and fun into volunteer work. The Do Good Bus has a simple premise, taking groups of do-gooders to sites around the city to perform services such as building houses and planting gardens. Where the fun factor comes in is that each day’s task and destination are unknown to the volunteers. You can find more information about them here: http://dogoodbus.com/
This was difficult to choose what video to share, but I think you’ll enjoy this one.
Mr. Blue Eyed Soul, Mayer hails from Ann Arbor, Michigan, not far from where American Soul/Motown was born, Detroit. “How Do You Do” is Mayer’s first Universal outing and follows his first on Stone’s Throw records, called “A Strange Arrangement”. Although not the strongest singer ever, Mayer’s voice is super smooth and possess a great falsetto to boot. “How Do You Do” will undoubtedly be joining the ranks of the classic albums it’s so clearly inspired by, the depth and range the album provides gives it an air of timelessness that will certainly outlast most of its contemporary peers. If you enjoy Soul or Neo-Soul, Mayer’s the man.
Mayer has a video for the “Dreaming”, but have to admit it’s on the cheesy side, so I’m posting this “Dreaming” video that showcases a live performance with just Mayer and his keyboard player, Benny Jay.
Daniel possess a gift that not many people have. The ability to write strong songs with irresistible hooks that keep bouncing around in your cranium long after the song is over. Daniel is one of the founding members of the Nashville band, The Silver Seas and I can’t recommend these guys enough! They made a splash earlier this year in the UK with some live gigs and appearing on Later With Jools Holland, but I scratch my head all the time wondering why these guys aren’t huge everywhere, so I’m on my own little mission to spread the good word about how great they are. Daniel also had a lovely little song featured on “Our Idiot Brother” soundtrack called “Taking You With Me” with the awesome Mindy Smith sharing vocals . So, bottom line: If you enjoy imperative pop/rock/adult alternative or whatever the kids are calling it today, please do your ears a favor and pick up Daniel’s solo project Arthur and/or one of The Silver Seas discs, Starry Gazey Pie, High Society or their latest effort Chateau Revenge. You’re welcome.
Couldn’t locate any video from his solo album, so I’m including the sweet song “Taking You With Me” featuring Daniel and Mindy (Our Idiot Brother soundtrack).
Unless you’re a connoisseur of modern-day funk and soul, you likely haven’t heard of the New Mastersounds. That’s a shame, because for more than a decade this Leeds England-based outfit has been churning out some of the tightest, most hip-shaking grooves around.
Not many vocalists retain a great voice after 30 plus years in the business, but Nick Lowe is the exception here. The Old Magic doesn’t recapture the effortless rock and roll of Lowe’s youth, it does offer an appealing snapshot of an artist who clearly still has it all of these years later. The Old Magic is an album you have to take some time with, particularly if you’re only really familiar with Lowe’s classic material from the ‘70s, but the patience associated with watching an artist grow and mature gracefully after a 30-plus-year span does pay off in dividends. The Old Magic doesn’t really aspire to the great heights of Lowe’s past, but it is a portrait of an artist as an aging, graceful statesman of British rock. On this album, Lowe is not simply retreading ideas and sounds of his youth, but pushing his way forward toward being an active musician just a few years shy of collecting his pension. And while some things may change, The Old Magic shows that not only does Lowe possess an acidic pen, he still has the ability to craft memorable, hummable tunes.
One Spark is intelligent, attractive music, nicely performed, with material that is head-and-shoulders above most commercial pop. On certain songs you almost feel as though he’s channeling Bill Joel. Piano Pop wonderfully done.
Duets II has the warmth and feel of a genuine Bennett album due to his love, obviously still in the highest abundance, for the best songs ever written.
Among Nashville’s “A” list of songwriters there is 2 time Grammy winner Jim Lauderdale who will be performing on our PlayLive stage this Friday. Jim recorded his first album in 1986, and has since released 19 studio albums. Among his accolades: 2010 Grammy nominee for “Could We Get Any Closer” / 2008 Grammy winner for the “Bluegrass Diaries” / 2002 Grammy winner for “Lost in the Lonseome Pines”.
In addition to his prolific recording career, Lauderdale has also held a tremendous influence on the Country music world and is the songwriter behind dozens of country music’s biggest hits including Patty Loveless’ ‘You Don’t Seem to Miss Me,’ Mark Chesnutt’s ‘Gonna Get a Life,’ Gary Allen‘s ‘Forever and a day,’ and several George Strait tunes, including ‘Where the Sidewalk Ends’.
Jim’s unique sense of melody and song writing ability has helped forge a sound that is truly his own. Stuart Munro of the Boston Globe writes of Lauderdale who is equally known for his bluegrass talent, “…Add Lauderdale’s terrific musical stylings, the twangy expressiveness of his singing, and his backing ensemble’s crack playing, and what results is a classic bluegrass sound that is yet just a turn off-center. That’s an effect Jim Lauderdale seems to bring about no matter the genre.” - Review of “Reason and Rhyme” June, 21, 2011.
“This Is The Last Time” (from The Bluegrass Diaries)
“Lost In The Lonesome Pines” (live performance – decent audio)
We couldn’t be happier to welcome such a unique artist to the stage on Friday!
Happy New Year world! We continue our look back at 2011 in music…
Alex Espinosa, our newest member on the Music Services team, gives us a look at his favorite albums from 2011 which includes a few Latin artists you may not have heard of. Disfruten!
The Black Keys – El Camino (Nonesuch)
For having just two members as their core, this blues rock band from Akron, Ohio put the crunch in dirty blues rock. Their seventh release titled “El Camino” was such a surprise to me from the start that I couldn’t wait until I heard every track. With the first single “Lonely Boy” that has this guitar riff and analog synth sound at the start; I immediately wanted more. El Camino delivers especially with my favorite on the album “Run Right Back”. This song has not only sex appeal but that dirty, kick the dirt type of sound that gives the Keys a swagger like the days of Bowie and T-Rex. Listen to “Run Right Back” here
Hello Seahorse – Lejos, No Tan Lejos (Nacional Records)
Mexico’s indie sensation, Hello Seahorse latest release titled “Lejos, No Tan Lejos” which translates to “Far, not that Far” is a record that creeps up on you with Denise Gutierrez hypnotic operatic voice and soft synth sounds. This follow up to their Latin Grammy nominated “Bestia” shows that Latin electronic music is on the rise. Listen to ‘Perla Blanca’
Radiohead – King of Lambs (TBD Records)
Thom York and gang keep on churning out hit album after hit album. Ever since I heard the first chords to “Creep” off their debut album “Pablo Honey”, I’ve been a fan and when they decided to experiment with electronic beats later in there career, I became even a bigger fan. With the “King of Lambs” being their eighth release, you would think that the hoopla on this band would die; not so!!! With songs like the haunting “Give up the Ghost” that has York looping his own voice, not once or twice but three times, keeps fans still amazed by this brilliant five piece from Oxfordshire, England. Listen to ‘Give Up the Ghost’
Bon Iver – Bon Iver (Jagjahuwar)
I’m not a huge fan of folk music but when a friend suggested I go with him to see this singer-songwriter Justin Vernon play live at a cemetery, I couldn’t resist. The performance which was to be a sunrise show at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles on a Sunday of all days had lumps and tears on almost everyone’s faces with his haunting voice. I was instantly captivated with everything Vernon and his band Bon Iver after witnessing this event. With Bon Ivers’ latest and self-titled release, you almost feel the heartache he feels with the lush sounds of his acoustic guitar. Every time I listen to “Holocene” it reminds me of that day in the cemetery where it seemed like everyone involved was in a hypnotic state.
Watch the video for ‘Holocene’ from Bon Iver’s self-titled album.
Siddhartha – Naufrago (Bubler Sounds)
Mexico’s Siddhartha first started out as a drummer for Latin Rock band “Zoe” before venturing out to produce and perform as a solo artist. His latest release titled “Naufrago” has an indie element to it with a Latin electronic edge. This artist whom is not well known yet will make a huge impact in the every growing Latin scene if he keeps on releasing songs like “naufrago” which has this melody with just the right drum and synth sound that when closing your eyes, you can almost think of the classic indie band “Ocean Blue”.
Watch the video for “Náufrago”
Babasonicos – A Proposito (Universal Musica Argentina)
Argentinean rock band Babasonicos, which formed in the early 90s has been progressing with each release like a fine aged wine. With a running time of 40 minutes, their latest release from this Latin electro pop quintet is not only intelligent pop music but a creative masterpiece for them. Watch the video for ‘Muñeco De Haiti’ here
Atlas Sound – Parallax (Beggars/4AD)
When Bradford Cox of Deerhunter decided to dabble with his side project Atlas Sound, people thought he was crazy as Deerhunter was on the rise. With his latest release “Parallax”, Cox has had his best writing effort to date. Right from the first track “The Shakes” with the haunting guitar licks, one thinks of a David Lynch film; At least I do…
Le Baron – Esplendor (Sony Music Mexico)
Having Sonic Youth and Arctic Monkeys as influences is not a bad thing if your Argentinean band Le Baron. With an original sound and eclectic arrangements, this quartet is destined for success. With the exposure of the L.A. Latin Alternative scene in full effect as well as a stint at SXSW next year, Le Baron’s release “Explendor” not only surprised me with its subtle synth sounds but also with their keen ear to what their peers are experimenting with in technology. Watch the video for ‘Velicdad M’ here or listen to ‘Velocidead M’ here
The Horrors – Skying (Beggars/XL)
With a name like “The Horrors”, how could you not be intrigued to hear what this English band from Southend on Sea sound like. Back in 2009, there was buzz going around about their live show at SXSW, which had people lined up around the corner to get into. With their latest release “Skying” which had been delayed for some time, the saying “Good things come to those who wait” was hit right on the money. With resemblance to The Chameleons and The Psychedelic Furs, this release is everything closet Goths dream about.
Watch the video for “Skying”
Javiera Mena – Mena (Union Del Sur)
Javiera Alejandra Mena Carrasco of Chile started her career at the tender age of 17. With the Chilean indie music scene taking flight in 2001, she dove right in with her synthesized electronic sound. With her second release, simply titled “Mena” she discovers the pop scene while still craving that electronic sound that so many in her hometown fell in love with. With a disco-euro pop sound on her first single “Luz de Piedra de Luna”, and the addictive beat and salsa drums banging, you’d expect a mirrored ball to drop down from the ceiling while dancing. Listen to ‘Luz De Piedra De Luna’ here
Next in our ‘best of 2011′ series, is a favorite of Associate Music Supervisor, Gabriel Marowitz. If you’re a fan of bluegrass or skilled musicianship you’ll enjoy this, and if you’re not a fan…well, you just might become one.
Chris Thile & Michael Daves – Sleep With One Eye Open
This album rocks because Chris Thile, possibly the best mandolin player alive, met a dude named Michael Daves at a bluegrass jam in New York City and discovered that Michael was pretty damned good himself. The new friends decided to go old-school and cut an album together playing all their favorite bluegrass tunes; naturally, they went to Jack White’s place in Nashville to make the record where they stood around the mic for a day and ripped through some live takes. What we get is a classic and authentic sound with a lot of youthful energy and bravado.
- Gabriel Marowitz, Associate Music Supervisor – PlayNetwork
We hope you’re enjoying your holidays! As we reflect back on 2011, our second installment of ‘bests’ n music as seen by PlayNetwork’s Music Superivisor’s brings up Music Supervisor, Heather Thueringer’s Top 10 Albums of 2011. Without further ado…
10. Ellie Goulding – Lights
PlayNetwork was fortunate to host a PlayLive event featuring Ellie Goulding just weeks before she was tapped to play the Royal wedding and Saturday Night Live. She did a great set on our mainstage and was as nice as could be. Listening to her album Lights, it’s easy to see why she was one of the top-selling British artists in 2010.
Watch Ellie Goulding’s “Lights” Video…
9. Jamie Woon – Mirrorwriting
I was lucky enough to catch Jamie Woon at South By Southwest and he was fantastic! His whole album is great and I would highly encourage seeing him live if you can! You will not be disappointed.
Watch Jamie Woon’s “Night Air” Video…
8. Lykke Li – Wounded Rhymes
Lykke Li had one of my favorite albums as well as my favorite video of the year. Her video for “I Follow Rivers” is perfect. I strongly encourage you to check out both!
Watch Lykke Li’s “I Follow Rivers” Video…
7. St. Vincent – Strange Mercy
St. Vincent (a.k.a. Annie Clarke) wrote most of her 2011 album Strange Mercy right here in Seattle. It’s an eclectic album that really allows her to show off her guitar chops. The woman can play!
Watch St. Vincent’s “Cruel” Video…
6. Friendly Fires – Pala
Another artist I had the pleasure to watch at South By Southwest, although regrettably I did not stay for their whole set. I am still bummed about this. I hope Friendly Fires come back to Seattle soon so I can remedy that.
Watch Friendly Fires’ “Hurting” Video…
5. Foster The People – Torches
Foster The People certainly had a banner year, but they totally deserved it. Torches is a fantastic album, designed to get your body moving. Just try to sit still while you listen to it. I dare you!
Watch Foster The People’s “Call It What You Want” Video…
4. Holy Ghost! – Holy Ghost!
What is a Top 10 album list without an electro-pop album? Nothing, that’s what! And Holy Ghost! definitely had the best electro-pop album of 2011. I could listen to their self-titled debut all day without stopping (and believe me, I have.) Good stuff!
Watch Holy Ghost!’s “Wait And See” Video…
3. Plan B – The Defamation Of Strickland Banks
Plan B is one of those artists who is absolutely massive in just about every country in the world except the US. For some reason, he just hasn’t caught on here. Yet, anyway. Here’s hoping this amazing artist finds his American audience. He totally deserves it!
Watch Plan B’s “She Said” Video…
2. Adele – 21
OK, so you’d pretty much have to have been living under a rock not to have heard from Adele this year, but that’s because every once in a great, great while the starts align and popular music and great music are actually one in the same. Congrats on your success this year, Adele. It couldn’t have happened to a better artist.
Watch Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep” Video…
1. Florence + The Machine – Ceremonials
Florence + The Machine did something that not very many artist do these days: she put out a sophomore album that is better than her debut. Ceremonials is as close to perfection as many artists got this year. Keep it up, Flo.
Watch Florence + The Machine’s “No Light, No Light” Video…
- Heather Thueringer, Music Supervisor – PlayNetwork
Every year around April, masses of music lovers from around the globe attend this 3-day festival which has grown immensely since its inception in 1999. With over 25,000 people attending the inaugural event that had headliners Beck and Rage Against The Machine, this festival is now a haven for the up and coming artist, established acts or the ever recurrence of bands reuniting for that one off show for the festival.
