 Leo Blais
Sincerity Maxi-Single
Carbon Neutral
Leo Blais Releases Sincerity Maxi Single “Sincerity” MP3 Available for Free Download Leo Blais is a good friend of the Pirate! family and over the next year we’ll be bringing you a collection called the “Everyone’s Feelin Alone” Collection totalling 40 songs. His latest installment is the Sincerity Maxi-Single. Feel free to download and post the title track, “Sincerity” (direct link below). “Leo is not only creative, but incredibly hardworking as evidenced by the hours of effort put into his art projects to complement his “Everyone’s Feelin Alone” project. In addition, he’s among the most personable and attentive artists that we’ve had through the WERS studio. Psyched to have local talent of his caliber!” - John Parsons, WERS Leo Blais’ Upcoming Shows “Sincerity” MP3: http://www.piratepirate.com/mp3s/LeoBlaisSincerity.mp3 LeoBlais.com
 Argyle Johansen
Argyle Johansen
NYC’s Argyle Johansen Releases Self Titled Debut RIYL: Nick Drake, Matt Kearney, Simon & Garfunkel Preview the album with “Sunny Day In Hell” Since starting as a solo project in 2007, Argyle Johansen has grown to include the ever-steady foot-tapping cadence of Sam Merrick (percussion) and David Kross (bass) with the dulcet tones of multi-instrumentalist Taylor Galassi (cello, accordion and glockenspiel) joining the effort on stage. You may already know Argyle Johansen, their song “Sunny Day In Hell” has been featured on Showtime’s Californication. They were also featured on BreakThru Radio as their artist of the week! www.argylejohansen.com
 Jon and Roy
Another Noon
Jon and Roy Release Another Noon October 13th “Another Noon” Available For Free Download Victoria BC’s Jon and Roy should already sound familiar to you. Maybe it’s because you have a friend with one of those names, perhaps their campfire crooning reminds you of Nick Drake and Robert Francis, or you could remember their song “Another Noon” from the VW Commercial it appears in, or maybe it’s the YouTube video they made with classic cartoons clipped to sing their track “Little Bit of Love“… Either way, Jon and Roy are a friendly and force that you will stay familiar with long after they self-release Another Noon on October 13th. Preview the album with “Another Noon” or all 3 Tracks the band has released for free download here: http://jonandroy.ca/jr_postcard.php Jon and Roy began playing music together years ago. Jon was deep into reading about the Politik and Roy was reflecting on the striking similarities between apes and humans. The first few years were spent stoking up a local fan base and developing as musicians. In 2005, Jon and Roy recorded Sittin’ Back and went about spreading the album anywhere their beater cars and gig money would take them. A hiatus would follow in 2006 allowing Jon to record his solo album After a Trip and Roy to get acquainted with a full drum set. After reconnecting with Stephen Franke, the producer of Sittin’ Back and After a Trip, the duo finally realized that making music is a must and their careers as beer brewers, teachers and chefs could wait. Their second collaboration Another Noon was released in summer 2008 in Canada (out in the United States in late fall of 2009), has piqued the soundbuds of listeners worldwide, launching their laid back tunes from London to Sydney. Since its Canadian release, Jon and Roy have toured Canada from coast to coast, toured through the UK with fellow Canuck Buck 65 and be prepared for sightings all over the USA during the next year. This years highlights include performing at the Ottawa Bluesfest, the Juno Awards, Telus Ski and Snowboard festival, Vancouver Jazzfest, Northern Lights festival, Sunshine Music festival and many more. Jon and Roy have shared stages with Xavier Rudd, The Beautiful Girls, Mother Mother, Hawksely Workman, and are intent on sharing the music that the National Beat describes as “disarming and artful” with listeners in the States. To fill out their sound, Jon and Roy talked bassist Ryan Tonelli out of becoming a film maker and became a trio in 2008. They also draw upon a stable of instrumentally minded musicians to keep the music fresh and dynamic. Drawing inspiration from the mountains and islands that surround them and their friends and fans, Jon and Roy look to continue writing songs from the heart, motivated by the drive to create, perform and inhabit the music they love and play. Another Noon will be distributed in the US by Burnside Distribution: America’s favourite independent music distributor myspace.com/JonAndRoy
 Julie Peel
Near The Sun
American Laundromat Records
Julie Peel’s (Cat Power/Sharon Van Etten) Near The Sun out September 2009 “Unfold” Released for Free Download Self-taught multi-instrumentalist Julie Peel is preparing to unleash her debut full-length album, Near the Sun, September 2009 on American Laundromat Records. Previously featured on ALR compilations including Just Like Heaven (a tribute to the Cure), Gigantic (a tribute to Kim Deal), Dig for Fire (a tribute to the Pixies), and Cinnamon Girl (a tribute to Neil Young), this will be Julie’s first solo full-length release. She counts Aimee Mann, Beth Orton, Neil Young and Joni Mitchell among her influences, and their impact is not hard to discern on Near the Sun. Julie’s lo-fi, guitar-driven pop recalls the likes of Ida, Anna Ternheim, Caithlin de Marrais, and Mirah, but bears her own distinctive indie sensibility and style. Sample the new release with “Unfold” which Julie and ALR are offering for free download. Direct link below. Born in Cannes, Julie was raised between France and Canada, and sings entirely in English on this album. As a child, she tended toward self-determination. “At 5,” she explains, “I would take my bike and go for long rides in the countryside… Sometimes I would go fishing by myself.” Though her mother worried, Julie always came home “like it’s normal a 5-6 year old kid would go out all day so far away.” That independent spirit is evident throughout Near the Sun, which Julie recorded, mixed, and produced on her own. She plays most of the instruments as well, though she is also joined on bass, cello, and upright bass by Cyrille Catois (who she met in 2005 and has worked with consistently ever since) and on drums by Andreas Dahlbäck (drummer and producer for Anna Ternheim). Though her contributions to the ALR compilations were noteworthy in their own right, this collection of original material bears testimony to Julie Peel’s own dynamic pop sensibilities. Keep an eye out for Near the Sun, and look for her hitting the road across the US later in 2009. JuliePeel.com
 The Hush Now
Constellations
The Hush Now Release Constellations October 13 “Hoping and Waiting” Released for Free Download Boston indie-pop rockers, The Hush Now, are excited to release their sophomore album, Constellations. on October 13th. You can also preview the new album with a free download of their single “Hoping and Waiting“. Recorded at Chillhouse Studios and produced by Mighty Lemon Drops‘ Dave Newton, Kurt Schneider and Noel Kelly, Constellations was supported by a cast of musicians including ex-Cerulean Frontman Rick Bolander on guitar as well as Noel’s sister, brother, brother-in-law and nephew. The Hush Now made an impression on music critics and fans with their debut self-titled release by wedding the lush sugar-spun melodies of shoegaze’s dreamy heyday to the hooky muscle of bands like Guided by Voices and Built To Spill. Their premiere album released last October, climbed easily into CMJ’s top 100 list and drew comparisons to My Bloody Valentine, Poole and The Ocean Blue, among others. Blog buzz and radio play by legendary BBC 6 DJ Steve Lamacq further fueled interest in the band, who had yet to even play their first gig. The album is still available for free Download. Between the two albums, The Hush Now’s “Traditions” ran in a Nike Women’sadvertisement, “Bedtime Stories” licensed for ABC’s Eli Stone, and the band toured the West and East Coast. With the band’s lineup set, more touring, both stateside and in the UK, is planned for this DIY group. “The Hush Now is a sort of Death Cab for Cutie of the dreamy, shoegaze-brushed pop world.” - Patrol Magazine “The Hush Now deal in the lush, sugar-spun melodies of shoegaze’s dreamy heyday while also punching up their songs with the hooky muscle of bands like Guided by Voices and Built To Spill.” - Boston Phoenix (Editors Pick) “[The Hush Now] draws on The Apples in Stereo and Built to Spill, among others, for comparison to their frenetic power chords and his own melancholy tenor.” - 3Hive MySpace.com/TheHushNow
 New Roman Times
On the Sleeve
New Granada
Preview On the Sleeve from New Roman Times “Smoke In Your Disguise” and “VCR” MP3s for Free Download *RIYL: Shout Out Louds, Airborne Toxic Event, Arcade Fire* Austin indie quartet New Roman Times is led by collaborator-husband/wife team Daniel Owens and Josie Fluri. Their new album, On The Sleeve (July 14,New Granada), is a follow-up to 2005’s International Affairs (Social Recordings). On The Sleeve is a dance/rock-tinged long-player with strong collection of driving indie rock with a flair for 80’s inspired dark-wave. Few new-millennium acts seem to have gotten the balance of familiar ’80s-club emotional throb and original contemporary energy just right, but this Austin-by-way-of-Orlando quartet is one of ‘em. Songs from the group’s upcoming full-length On The Sleeve sacrifice neither groove nor heft to their quest for resonant quality songcraft. There’s an earnestness to their tunes that defies the over-it, overly detached posturing of so much danceable rock, that pairs the cool with an engaging humanity. Also, of course, they kill it. Look for New Roman Times on tour this fall. HERE’S WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT NEW ROMAN TIMES: “(On the Sleeve)… the soundtrack of doe-eyed nights of dark drama, heightened consequence and soaring romance.” - Orlando Weekly “Spindly post-rock guitar lines and traded boy/girl vocals bounce atop a bed of dance-friendly beats as the earnest search for true love continues.” - Download.com “.. the trade-off boy/girl vocals recall punk for grownups of Versus or the Pixies.” - Under the Radar ALBUM ART AND BAND PHOTOS: NewRomanTimes.net
 Shayna and the Bulldog
States
Shayna and the Bulldog Release States “Expatriate” Available for Free Download States will be the first LP release from Davis, CA band, Shayna and the Bulldog (”SatB”), and it’s coming out August 25th. The record was constructed during the hot and hazy summer of 2008 at The Hangar (Devendra Banhart, Jason Lytle, Team Sleep) in Sacramento, CA. Production was handled by Kris Anaya of An Angle. At its core, this album is about travels and change. Its songs, like lipstick on an empty glass, hint at those moments that inspired their writings, yet stand apart as a reminder that there is always hope in change, and in the unexpected consequence of a moment in time. Listening to “Expatriate” and “Trinkets” it is tempting to say SatB has matured since their EP. However, it is more likely they just got older. Keep an eye out for Shayna and the Bulldog on the road in the Fall of 2009. RIYL: Bowery Boy Blue, Ryan Adams, Limbeck, Camper Van Beethoven, Wilco, Tom Petty Track Listing: ShaynaAndTheBulldog.com
 The Medders
The Medders
The Medders Release Self-Titled Debut “Gunslinger” Released For Free Download Jule Medders, a woodsman & songwriter (for artists like Diamond Rio, Pam Tillis, Billy Dean) and his pretty wife Joy had three sons (Cheyenne, Carson and Will) whom they raised on Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and Johnny Horton in Calhoun, GA. After three very different musical journeys, the brothers have found themselves in Nashville with the addition of piano player Joshua Stauter, prepping to release their debut album under the band name The Medders. Through the process of recording this album, the band received mentorship from Robin Eaton (Butterfly Boucher) and Lij Shaw (Autumn Defense) while all mixing was done by lead singer and songwriter Cheyenne Medders, who just so happens to have a day job as a sound engineer. The Medders self-titled album comes out September 1st. Preview the homegrown masterpiece with their song “Gunslinger” which has been cleared for free download. Speaking of “clear”, did you know the estimated cost to end the World’s shortage of water is $10 Billion? That’s not much when you consider Americans spend an average of $450 Billion on Christmas every year. The Medders are part of a new cause called Will Play For Water where they play shows to build awareness and money to help bring clean water to countries who need it. They’re currently looking to book shows on campuses this fall. But, their upcoming tour won’t be their first time on the road. The Medders have travelled all around North America, from Seattle to Montreal and New York to LA with their different bands. The Medders have even performed with Aaron Robinson of Imaginary Baseball League, Beau Jennings of Cheyenne and Country Hall of Famer Merle Haggard. Upcoming Shows myspace.com/TheMedders
 Guy Fantastico
Nesting
Guy Fantastico Releases Nesting (recorded in a rainforest) on August 4th Guy Fantastico is about to release his debut album, Nesting on August 4th. Get a feel for it with “Nom De Guerre” which has just been released for free download. The album was produced by Bobby Birdman over the course of two weeks while on holiday in Jaco, Costa Rica. The two would typically record between morning and afternoon surf sessions. The surf’s conditions would dictate their creative output-if they’d wake up to find favorable waves, chances are only a few bars of music would be recorded. Though each song was composed on organic instruments, Bobby Birdman’s laptop-based recording and producing techniques allowed them record anywhere-like say for instance, in the middle of the rainforest. Thematically, the album focuses on romantic plight and existential brooding and is told through first and second-person narratives. Single “Nom De Guerre” details the elaborate spectrum of characters one might assume as a result of insecurity. The eighties-inspired “Worse & Worse” concentrates on abandonment. “You Say You’re Lonesome,” the album’s most sedating track, is a dialogue between former lovers whose former relationship created an irreconcilable rift. Still, the overall lack of lyrical optimism is balanced by the melodic sensibilities. At its core, Nesting is a pop record. Hi-Res Photos
 Alexa Woodard
Speck
Constant Clip
US Tour Dates Announced 5/22 Tantra Coffee House - San Marcos, TX “Woodward is a New York (and sometimes Austin and soon to be itinerant) songwriter and banjo-player who scrapped law career to play music. She’s been compared with Joanna Newsom and Devendra Banhart, but isn’t quite as loopy as either, to her music’s credit. ” - Austin Statesman “Armed with a banjo (that at times comes across more like a harp), a full, animated voice, instantly memorable lyrics and simply excellent songwriting, Alexa Woodward does it well.” - Resonance “Woodward’s easygoing second album, Speck, sounds like a mildly psychedelic Gillian Welch in a self-imposed artist’s retreat.” - Jezebel Music
 Pet Ghost Project
New Album & New York Dates
“They Built A City In My Country Mind” MP3 Released for Free Download New York’s Pet Ghost Project is about to self-release The Wordless Conversation, a primarily instrumental montage of Animal Collective/Built To Spill/Brian Wilson-esque tracks. This album will be out just days after the release of Pet Ghost Project’s EP Idiot Brain/Genius Heart. Wondering why they didn’t just combine the two? Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Justin Stivers (the man behind Pet Ghost Project) branded his lo-fi sound melded with hi-fi imagination first in Seattle, WA. After a stint of recording and gigging in Portland, OR this ramblin’ songwriter found his way to the promise land known as Brooklyn. With 4 full LP’s and one long EP under his belt, Stivers along with fellow multi-instrumentalist Jake More and Justin Gonzales continues to meld countless styles, genres, moods and dynamics to create a musical freak of nature. Often compared to Animal Collective, Neutral Milk Hotel, Brian Wilson and Built to Spill, yet at a certain point we guarantee you will just throw your hands up in disgust trying to pinpoint where they are coming from and where Pet Ghost Project will go next. We recommend you just sit back and enjoy the ride. Upcoming Pet Ghost Project Dates in NYC: myspace.com/PetGhostProject
|  The Dø
Paris/Helsinki Duo, The Dø, Give The U.S. A Mouthful
“Tammie” Released For Free Download U.S. Tour This Fall! Paris/Helsinki duo, The Dø (pronounced like the musical note “do”) are about to release their European hit album A Mouthful (on Get Down!) in the States on July 14th. Preview the album with “Tammie” which they’ve released for free download. Lead singer Olivia Merilahti (Helsinki) and multi-instrumentalist Dan Levy (Paris) first met in 2004 when they were asked to work on the soundtrack for the movie, Empire of the Wolves. Two more films and one ballet later, The Dø was born. They come together with influences ranging from Thelonious Monk to Nico, Björk to Muddy Waters, Michael Jackson to Joanna Newsom. Thus, creating an album that doesn’t fit too pretty into one mold (folk, dance,blues, rock, etc), all while hitting the right key with all types of music fans. Proof? Without a lick of French on this album, The Dø made it to #1 on France’s pop charts. Hear why with the single “Tammie” and the music video they made for “At Last” (see below). And, keep an eye out for US tour dates this fall! YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21bv5cU-waI Much a do about The Dø: “Constant unexpected twists at every turn an Olivia’s sumptuous vocals, provide the backdrop for a duo that demand experiencing for yourself.” - NME “They whizz up a weird but delicious cocktail of ingredients, including cartoonish electro-punk, guitar tunes, brass and string flourishes” - London Metro
 Various Artists
BreakThru Radio-Live Studio Volume 1
breakthruradio.com
FREE BreakThru Radio Compilation The Brunettes, Chairlift, Jason Collett and more! Download Here From BreakThru Radio (www.BreakThruRadio.com) comes BTR Live Studio: Volume 1, a compilation of exclusive live recordings from the BTR Live Studio. With contributors such as The Brunettes, Jason Collett, Ra Ra Riot and Chairlift, the compilation features an eclectic mix of both established artists and up-and-coming performers from around the world. BTR Live Studio’s director Maia Macdonald presents the program, which captures intimate moments and compelling interviews twice per week. BTR Live studio has featured one-of-a-kind performances and insights from artists ranging from legendary guitarist Gary Lucas, to British funk sensation Alice Russell, all pre-recorded for broadcast at Dubway Studios and Shelter Island Sound in New York. Sessions air on Tuesdays and Fridays at 12pm on BTR. Did you know Chairlift’s Patrick and Aaron have both hosted shows on BreakThru Radio? Their current DJs also include The Big Takeover’s Jack Rabid, BP Fallon, Pitchfork’s Matt LeMay, Austinists’ Adi Anand and tons more accomplished music professionals. They all span the country. They have remote DJs all over the US, Canada, the UK, and Germany. All of this combined makes for one diverse station. With shows varying the spectrum from Latin Hip Hop to classic Bluegrass to Indie Rock, BreakThru Radio truly has something for everyone. And, with their on demand style of online broadcast, you can hear exactly what you want at the push of a button. BTR also has a “Live from Pianos” series where they record live bands from the NY venue. The latest session features Immaculate Machine. Check it out right now at BreakThruRadio.com. Pianos will also be the venue for their 4th Birthday Party Show on June 18th. The lineup tba. Full Tracklisting Here:
 We The They
The Shabby Road Sessions
We The They Release The Shabby Road Sessions So, who are they?! We The They proudly waves the flag of a modern indie rock band heavily influenced by such vintage staples as The Beach Boys, The Kinks, The Beatles, and The Mamas and The Papas. You can hear those influences in We The They’s music, especially in the harmonies. Formed by singer Robert Wayne in the summer of 2001, the band also consists of Matthew Tyler(guitar/vocals), Peter Pantina(bass/vocals), Michael Romeo(drums/vocals), and Anthony Crisano(keys/vocals). The group’s location and time is divided between Coney Island, Upstate New York, and Philadelphia. In the early days the easiest meet up point was actually a barn in New York. This practice space was on property surrounded by horses and a very questionable dog that might have been a wolf. It was here that the group would practice through freezing winters and unquenchable summers to begin work on what would eventually be their first record, This Is What’s Coming. This 8 song EP included the opening track, “Start the Hop” which quickly began receiving radio attention throughout the country. Hitting the road in support of the album, the band eventually met up with Producer Roger Greenawalt (Ben Kweller, The Pierces, Adam Green) and began work in the studio on a 3 song EP, The Shabby Road Sessions. The limited release of 1,000 copies quickly sold out in the U.S., where it has since been released digitally. We The They have performed with such acts as Adam Green and Guster. Catch them live in a town near you when they go on tour this summer before finishing up their full length, set to release in Fall of 2009. “The EP is a throwback to a time when rock music was something that was quirky and fun, a time when rock wasn’t something that you could force yourself to dance to, but demanded that you dance to it”. - Darren McLeod, Absolutepunk.net “It’s so rare that somebody asks us to check them out and it sounds so good. Damn good.” - Blaine Thurier (The New Pornographers) “From country and beach boys influenced 4-man-guitar-band brings you back the surfboards and the summer breeze.” - TBA Magazine myspace.com/wethethey
 Trainwreck Riders
The Perch
Alive Records
Trainwreck Riders Release The Perch on Alive Records, May 12 “Safety Of A Back” Released for Free Download San Francisco’s Trainwreck Riders are all aboard to release their new album, The Perch on Alive Records on May 12. Preview their new record with the MP3 for “Safety Of A Back“, which they have just released for free download. Trainwreck Riders started out playing music with their San Francisco friends Two Gallants on the corner of 16th and Mission back in 2003, in art galleries and public parking lots, eventually releasing a DIY album in 2005, and a follow up for Alive Records, Lonely Road Revival, in 2007. Their new album, The Perch, is filled with the band’s unique brand of romantic urban country, bohemian folk and dirty punk blues, and displays Pete Frauenfelder’s and Andrew Kerwin’s amazing songwriting evolution, both lyrically and musically. On this new release, Trainwreck Riders have taken a much more modern and alternative approach to their songwriting, while still using very traditional elements in the guitar, fiddle, and lap steel parts that they play. The Perch was recorded with Patrick Brown (The Black Lips, Gomez), and mixed with Jon Kaplan (Ash, Granddaddy). Trainwreck Riders consists of singer/guitarist Pete Frauenfelder and brothers Steve and Andrew Kerwin, on drums and guitar/vocals respectively. Meat Puppets, Dinosaur Jr., Buffalo Springfield and Creedence Clearwater Revival are among the Riders admitted musical references, but it is said that the boys main influence is Rob Kerwin’s, Steve and Andrew’s dad, music collection of old timey country and fiddle playing. The band has toured the US with Langhorne Slim, Two Gallants and The Black Diamond Heavies, and will be back on the road in 2009. “Trainwreck Riders are a rocking in their chair, guitar-pickin’ on the porch band from San Francisco. This is Americana for a new America, and as train wrecks go, this one is a beauty.” - Jo-Ann Greene for AllMusicGuide.com and Billboard.com myspace.com/TheTrainwreckRiders
 Brian Olive
Brian Olive
Alive Records
Brian Olive (of Greenhornes/Soledad Brothers) releases New Album! “There Is Love” Released For Free Download Brian Olive (formerly of Greenhornes & Soledad Brothers) is releasing his solo debut Self-Titled LP on Alive Records on June 23rd. Preview the album with the MP3 for “There Is Love” which has been released for free download. Brian Olive’s name first came into the public eye as a founding guitarist/singer of the Greenhornes, and later as a member of the Soledad Brothers, for whom he provided saxophone and sundries under the pseudonym of Oliver Henry. However, unlike those prior genre-specific endeavors, this album, his self-titled debut, is a breakout multicolored affair that takes musical and lyrical cues from the British psychedelic sixties, as well as the soul-pop hit factories of Memphis, and wanders through the erstwhile streets of the Ninth Ward. The sessions took place in Cincinnati, in what was once the basement vault of a pawn shop, and were produced, recorded and mixed on analog tape by Brian himself. Beside playing guitar, woodwind and piano, Brian Olive is accompanied on the album by friends Jared McKinney and Craig Fox of the Greenhornes, Mike Weinel, formerly of the Heartless Bastards, and Dan Allaire who did time with the Brian Jonestown Massacre. Brian also sings lead and is backed by the Kadish Sisters with Donna Jay, a vocal trio brought together in the studio for the occasion. A touring band will be assembled with various members of the sessions. Alive Records’ Brian Olive Page
 Moutheater
Ornament
Thrashed Records
Virginia’s personal metal militia, Moutheater, will be releasing Ornament with Thrashed Records on June 30, 2009. Moutheater started as the late night rumblings of Tim Gault and Andrew Aircraft. The two would make music during the off hours at Tim’s Double O Recording Studio. Through these late night adventures and the hours of conversations concerning their personal visions of what music is and should be, the concept for Moutheater was born. Both are rabid fans of the late 80’s/early 90’s grunge and metal explosion, ignited by bands like The Jesus Lizard, Nirvana, Scratch Acid, The Melvins and Tad. These bands form the musical foundation for the Moutheater sound, with a wide range of other influences including Neurosis, Swans, His Hero Is Gone and Cursed. Moutheater recorded their debut 7inch Lot Lizard with legendary recording engineer and all around punk dignitary, Steve Albini (Nirvana, The Pixies, Page & Plant, etc). The band was promptly picked up by Thrashed Records and Lot Lizard was released in November of 2007. While waiting on the release of Lot Lizard the band set up shop in the Virginia Ballet Company’s rehearsal studio with Tim at the helm to record No Ballet which was released on Andrew’s own Swim Harder Cassettes imprint. After that, the band recorded a split 7inch with Vegas and the Volume 1 compilation tape, both released by Thrashed Records, then ventured out on tour through the US. Then, in December of 2008 the band entered the studio to record their full length entitled Ornament. The band camped out at a ballet studio (Ballet Virginia) for 4 days and recorded. Tim pulled double duty once again, handling the engineering as well as his drumming. Artwork for the record was handled by long time friend Nathan Novak who stayed with the band during the entire run of the sessions. The band along with Nathan and label head Mike Gicz ventured on exploring expeditions into the many dark chambers of the abandoned back half of the building during non recording hours. The photographs obtained by Nathan during these excursions yielded the artwork for the forthcoming record. Upcoming Moutheater Performances 4/03 Macrock - Harrisonburg, VA myspace.com/moutheaterVA
 The Decks
Breath And Bone
The Decks Release Breath and Bone The Decks formed back in 2003 after being inspired by bands ranging from local legends like The Stooges, all the way to 1950’s surf kings, The Ventures. They also draw from the sounds of The La’s, Sleater-Kinney, Black Lips, Velvet Underground, Television and Neil Young. The Decks have seen a shake up in the line up since their inception, but have solidified as Alex Glendening (lead vocals, guitar), Hank Wolfe (bass), Maria Nuccilli (drums, vocals), and Molly-Jean Schoen (guitar, vocals). Keep an eye out for Midwest tour dates in the summer of 2009. “[The Decks] sound like The Voidoids with the melodic edge of The Beatles.” “Consider this a helpful heads-up on a young band primed to grab Detroit’s ears. Holding forth with a perennially pleasing lo-fi aesthetic and a deft feel for vintage rock ‘n’ roll, the two-boy, two-girl Decks have quietly worked their way out of Grosse Pointe and up the Motor City music ladder.” http://www.myspace.com/thedecks
 Immaculate Machine
High On Jackson Hill
Mint Records
Immaculate Machine To Release High On Jackson Hill Another change you’ll notice on this album is Brooke Gallupe, stepping forward, taking a bigger role in the songwriting. Joining Brooke again are longtime band members Kathryn Calder (New Pornographers) and Luke Kozlowski, as well as newcomers Aden Collinge (drums), Caitlin Gallupe (bass) and Jordan Minkoff (guitar). Keep an eye out on upcoming tour dates from the band as they make their way to SXSW in March. ———- “[Fables] songs tackle the tenuous stage of young life when quests for knowledge are pushed aside by harsh realities, offering well-intentioned advice to navigate these moments. It’s a pious sentiment indeed…” -Pitchfork “Fables is the assured step forward many of us had been hoping from the band, a consistent album with enough catchy songs to make the rest of the indie pop world envious.” - PopMatters “…meat, muscle, and meaning.” - Bitch Magazine ———- ImmaculateMachine.com
 Willie Heath Neal
Out Of Highway
Chicken Ranch Records
Willie Heath Neal to release Out Of Highway Willie Heath Neal, a walking talking country song, will be releasing Out Of Highway on Chicken Ranch Records on March 10th with SXSW performances to follow. In the era when the “Outlaws” - Wille Nelson, Billy Joe Shaver, Waylon Jennings etc. - ruled the radio, another little outlaw was born in the back of a cop car somewhere in Gwinnett County Georgia. It took him many years and many roads (including stays in foster homes, a stint in the Navy and a run with a punk band) but eventually Willie Heath Neal returned to his roots and began bashing out the kind of outlaw country that used to be so famous but now is in short supply. Neal has long been popular with his peers such as likeminded touring partners from the past ala Wayne Hancock, the Rev. Horton Heat, and J. D. Wilkes of The Legendary Shack Shakers (who makes an appearance on the record). Hank Williams III even cut (but not yet released) one of Neal’s tunes. Now it’s time for their fans to make note of Neal. Because now with Out of Highway Neal has made the album of his life, one that should make the original Outlaws proud to call him one of their own. “Willie Heath Neal’s official press release calls the unvarnished, throaty singer/songwriter “a country song.” The description is right on the mark, considering that the details of his life cover a multitude of country music themes, including a rough start, a hard life, and the rebelliousness that comes with both.” “Like Hank Williams III, Willie Heath Neal isn’t quite the cow-punk he used to be, at least in the studio. Nowadays it’s an unplugged guitar powering his eighteen-wheeler-load of ‘tude.” Willie on YouTube
 Leo Blais Slowly Releases 40 New Songs
Free Download of “All In All” off The Upcoming Slow Drivin EP The Art: The Environment: Layout of the installation of Leo Blais’ Everyone’s Feelin Alone collection:
 The Hush Now
The Hush Now
Self-Released
Boston based indie-pop-shoegazers, The Hush Now, are releasing their debut self-titled album in late October. After a life changing experience in L.A. (full story below) Noel Kelly (former guitarist of L.A.’s Cerulean) has solidified his life, line up, and track list for his debut with The Hush Now. For fans of Apples in Stereo, Guided By Voices, Shout Out Louds, Built to Spill, even Hall & Oates and 10cc, The Hush Now’s upcoming release will easily fit in with your favorites. Check out the MP3 for “Traditions” that was just released for download and hear it for yourself: So, what do a van, a priest, and Queen have in common? They all added up to one momentus night that lead to the birth of The Hush Now. It was a dark and stormy night in Los Angeles when Noel Kelly found himself careening down a windy road trying to drive stick shift with a broken wrist. Unable to make the turn in time, he came to with a flagpole shooting through the windshield, Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” on the radio, and one angry priest (due to one large dent in the side of his church) peering down at him. With this near-death / bone-shattering experience, Noel packed up and moved to Portland. It was there he began writing what we now know to be The Hush Now’s debut self-titled album. Noel eventually landed in Boston, where he teamed up with Mike DiMinno, an elementry school teacher and full scale battle re-enactor. He also happens to be a session quality bass player with a dulcet voice and an amazing knack for etching stunning background vocals. Barry Marino (Often Airborne, This Car Up, and Rock & Roll Camp Counselor) joined in on Drums. Kurt Shneider is Barry’s roommate and bandmate. He is an audio engineer by trade (from Berklee). The last piece of the puzzle was Sir David Newton of the Mighty Lemon Drops. “I had worked with Dave in the past with Cerulean and knew that I didn’t want to work with anybody else on my first solo project” says Noel, “He was cool enough to humour me and so we all flew out to Los Angeles nearly two full years to the date of my accident to record the first Hush Now album, and hence the genesis of a band.” http://www.myspace.com/thehushnow
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