Nothing Romantic About UK’s Savages

“The world used to be silent / Now it has too many voices.” – Savages (Silence Yourself Manifesto) As I prepare to see Savages at the Fonda Theatre in L.A. tonight, I look back at my first experience seeing this band earlier this year. Jerking her head back-and-forth, with sudden and purposeful movements, Jehnny Beth’s dark, piercing… Continue reading Nothing Romantic About UK’s Savages

THUMPERS: “Unkinder (A Tougher Love)”

I haven’t really been posting about “popular” indie music lately, but it doesn’t mean I’m not enjoying it. So I figured I’d take a break from my recent experimental folk pop and provide a danceable new tune from THUMPERS, a duo from London. They’re expected to release their debut full length in early 2014 via… Continue reading THUMPERS: “Unkinder (A Tougher Love)”

[Hype Hype Hooray] Pandora v. Music or How Artists Can Beat The Industry

Hype Hype Hooray is a biweekly “critique” of the music scene and the blogosphere that feeds it, told through the lens of Jamie Hale, a journalist who likes music about as much as he likes scotch and a firm leather chair. Please enjoy with a grain of salt. Portland music writer Robert Ham wasn’t happy… Continue reading [Hype Hype Hooray] Pandora v. Music or How Artists Can Beat The Industry

holychild

I can get down to this holychild pizzazz; it’s the type of live music we need now and again. Hopefully it translates as well to the stage as it does to the recorded material — there is so much energy here it’s contagious. (But, man, does she need to be wearing a Lakers shirt?) holychild… Continue reading holychild

The Kate Boy Collective

The sheer scope of vision involved in creating and executing concept art requires an incubation process that in today’s music industry, is almost impossible to accomplish. While concept albums are churned out at a feverish pace (even John Mayer dabbles in the space; which should annoy you), a group or a solo artist that symbolizes… Continue reading The Kate Boy Collective

Spires

With vocals reminiscent of Britt Daniel (Spoon) and a definitive Britpop vibe, Spires is bringing back the feel good 1990s. The NYC foursome is picking up local steam and looking to make a name for themselves outside the city. Their debut 7” and digital single “Candy Flip” is slated for official release October 8, but… Continue reading Spires

Rest easy, Josh Burdette

Known by Washington, DC’s 9:30 Club show-goers far and wide, Josh Burdette, beloved manager and crew chief, has passed away. A fixture at the 9:30 since 1997, if you didn’t KNOW him know him you knew of him: his pierced face, quiet strength and wall-like stature keeping things flowing and orderly inside and outside of the V St. venue… Continue reading Rest easy, Josh Burdette