Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Column for November 25, 2009

With ISU students on fall break and many out of town over the holiday, local live music venues know attendance may be down. Fortunately for the concert-goer, this may inspire venues to book the best talent they can find for the weekend after Thanksgiving, and the audience is sure to get the most personal and best performance from musicians.

On Friday the 27th, Portneuf Valley Brewing on S. 1st Avenue in Pocatello (map) welcomes a regular favorite to the stage; Swingshift performs jazz, rock and pop in the brewery. On the following night, Saturday the 28th, Zach Freiwald, from Baker City, OR, is in the pub, playing Americana, folk and roots music. Both shows are from 8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., free and open to all ages.

This is a returning engagement to the pub for Freiwald. After a performance almost a year ago, he wrote in his blog, “had a great night in Pocatello at Portneuf Valley Brewing... I played a solid set without a break from 8:30pm to just after 11pm. The owner Penny was fun to get to know….”

At the time, Freiwald was touring in support of a self-titled CD, now available for purchase at his shows or online at CDBaby.com. He now counts four full albums under his belt since the first release, “Into the Sea.”

Like many solo artists, he began his career in coffeehouses and small venues. Becoming a favorite along the northern California coast, he scored some coveted opening spots for Canada’s James Keelaghan and Alabama’s Dave Potts, and traveled as far north as Alaska to perform. Find out more at www.zackfreiwald.com.

Also this weekend, the locally-based rock cover band Kaught Lookin’ is hosting the party at Taps Bar on Garrett Way (map). Kaught Lookin’ is fronted by vocalist Ed Horn, and backed by Mark Clawson on bass, Tony Roberts on drums and guitarist Rick Veilleux.

Kaught Lookin was formed in 2006 with past members of Exit 69. They play classic rock favorites from ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Foghat, Cheap Trick, 3 Doors Down, Nickelback, and more, as well as reviving Exit 69 originals from their 2002 CD. Keep up to date with Kaught Lookin at www.myspace.com/kaughtlookin.

But for me, at least, the big show this weekend is Royal Bliss’ CD release party at the Peppertree Lounge in Idaho Falls (map). Get there by 8:00 p.m., the place is sure to be packed; open to those 21+.

Royal Bliss, based from Salt Lake City, UT, has made a firm claim on the most popular regional rock band in the Mountain Region. Formed in 1997, Bliss quickly garnered a devout following in northern Utah, southern Idaho and in the Reno, Nevada area. A grass-roots effort caught the notice of Capitol Records, who signed the band in 2008.

The resulting major-label release, “Life In-Between,” (January 2009) found two singles with national attention: “Save Me” reached #25 on Billboard’s chart and “We Did Nothing Wrong” hung on at #28 for several weeks. In support of the CD, Royal Bliss toured from coast to coast with Candlebox and Buckcherry this past year.

Royal Bliss is touring the area now in support of a new, limited-edition, 7-song EP, “Live and Acoustic in Studio A,” just released yesterday, the 24th. The album has many fan favorites; “Save Me,” “We Did Nothing Wrong,” “Pocket Of Dreams,” “By and By,” “Devils and Angels,” “I Was Drunk” and the never-before-recorded “Folsom Prison Blues.” Also just released: two new singles available on iTunes, “Music Man” and “I Just Want You (For Christmas).”


Perhaps best known as an electric rock band, Royal Bliss frequently plays all-acoustic gigs, and if time allows, is known for an all-acoustic set embedded in a longer electric show. “Fine Wine” and “Sweet Rosie” are always crowd favorites.

In March of 2009, Royal Bliss played an exclusive showcase at the iconic Capitol Records Tower in Los Angeles, CA for record executives and VIP’s. The set was recorded in the renowned Studio A, designed by Les Paul, where legends Frank Sinatra, Nat “King” Cole, Merle Haggard and more recently Big Bad Voodoo Daddy have recorded.

To bump the successes Royal Bliss has enjoyed this past year, Capitol Records is releasing this EP in time for the holiday season, exclusively through online sales at www.royalbliss.com, at live performances and at Greywhale Record stores in Utah.

In Idaho, you can catch Royal Bliss live in Idaho Falls on the 28th, in Jerome on December 18th or at the Knitting Factory in Boise on December 19th. For more, visit www.myspace.com/royalbliss.

Linda Alexander
a.k.a. Lana Banana for Idaho Local Live Music
slowloosegravel@yahoo.com
www.myspace.com/showmetheband
http://slowloosegravel.blogspot.com

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Column for November 18, 2009

We have a reasonably quiet week of live music in the Pocatello area – a fine time to catch some locally-based music acts that you may have missed in busier weeks.

On Friday the 20th Blind Autumn, an instrumental rock / jazz combo, performs at the Vinyl Perk, located on Main Street in downtown Pocatello (map). Music starts at 7:00 p.m.; free and open to the public of all ages.

“Our style is kind of a fusion of rock and jazz. We mix in some funk, reggae, blues, and other stuff. There's a lot of variety in our songs,” says Patrick Kennedy, drummer for Blind Autumn. “Some of our songs could be considered straight-up rock while others are a lot jazzier.”

Isaac Frantz plays alto sax with Blind Autumn, joined by guitarist John Hunt and Terran Engle on bass. The group has been playing together for about a year and a half. Listen for their signature song, “Topsy Turvy,” which starts out with a catchy melody on the sax, and the whole thing builds to a guitar/sax duo at the end.

Based in Pocatello, the members of Blind Autumn are all seniors at Pocatello High School. This is their second performance at the Vinyl Perk, they’ve played a few fundraisers and had a gig at the College Market last month.

About this upcoming show at the Perk, Kennedy said, “We want anyone who's curious to come check us out.” He went on to comment that Pocatello has a good music scene, particularly considering its size. “There are a lot of really cool local bands to see if you look for them.” And Kennedy sees the fact that the Vinyl Perk is open to all ages as a plus. “I don't think a person should have to be 21 to get a chance to enjoy live music.”

Well said. For more on Blind Autumn, visit www.myspace.com/blindautumn.

And later in the evening on Friday night, for the 21+ crowd, the locally-based rock cover band Kaught Lookin’ is scheduled at Duffy’s Bar on Main Street in Pocatello (map). No cover; music starts at 9:00 p.m.

On Friday starting at 8:30 p.m., singer / songwriter Fred Anderson will be performing blues, folk and acoustic rock at Portneuf Valley Brewing, located in the warehouse district on S. 1st Avenue in Pocatello (map). And on Saturday the 21st, solo musician Pete Mason from Libby, MT returns to the brewery for a concert. For more on Mason, visit www.myspace.com/waysideblue. No cover for either show, both open to all ages.

On Friday and Saturday nights, Plain Jane, an oldies rock cover band takes the stage at Taps Bar on Garrett Way (map). No cover, music starts at 9:00 p.m., open to those 21+.

Saturday the 21st, it’s time for the ISU Marketing Association’s battle of the bands, Pokapalooza Warped. Only it isn’t so warped this time – most of the bands on the billing are metal bands, rather than the skater / post-punk bands of the Warped Tour. Nonetheless, it’s a great way to showcase local music talent.

Pokapalooza doors open at 6:30 p.m., in the Pond Student Union building on the Idaho State University campus (map). Tickets are $10 at the door.

The Pokapalooza project gives ISU marketing students some hands-on experience with event promotion. On the bill this year, a hardcore / thrash jamband Above And Below, you can find at www.myspace.com/calgotadoublepedal. Edessa, a hardcore / punk / metal project out of the members of Neckbrace is online at www.myspace.com/edessa47. The Associates, who I’ve never heard before and Crimson Overcast, an acoustic rock band with punk sounds, found at www.myspace.com/crimsonovercast. Also Sidelined, perhaps the mosted ‘warped’ band of the group, found at www.myspace.com/sidelinedrocks.

The winning band will be featured on K-Bear's "4 locals only" program. The first 50 people through the door will receive a free event t-shirt, complements of the ISU Marketing Association and local business sponsors, including Syringa Wireless, Salty's Ink Tattoo, The Buzz Shop, JBI Paintball, Play N Trade, Tough Guy Lanes, and E-Fresh.

For more on the ISU Marketing Association and the Pokapalooza Warped: Battle of the bands, contact Dan Hill at (208) 380-2648.

One last, quick grace note. Fans of Royal Bliss will be pleased to hear they’re releasing a new CD, “Live and Acoustic in Studio A.” The CD is now available for pre-order at www.royalbliss.com/store, available world-wide on November 24, 2009.

Linda Alexander
a.k.a. Lana Banana for Idaho Local Live Music
slowloosegravel@yahoo.com
www.myspace.com/showmetheband
http://slowloosegravel.blogspot.com

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Interview with Blind Autumn

Who: Blind Autumn
What: Instrumental rock /jazz group
Where: The Vinyl Perk
When: Friday, November 20, 2009. Starts at 7:00 p.m.
How Much: Free! But bring some money for drinks / snacks


Blind Autumn is just getting started in the S.E. Idaho music scene. A group of high school seniors, these guys have plenty to which they can look forward. I caught up with Patrick Kennedy about the band, their music and their upcoming show at the Vinyl Perk.


SLG: Describe your genre of music in as much detail as you like. Maybe list your three best crowd-pleasing songs? Can you explain in what way do you most appeal to your fans?

PK: Our style is kind of a fusion of rock and jazz. We mix in some funk, reggae, blues, and other stuff. There's a lot of variety in our songs. Some of our songs could be considered straight-up rock while others are a lot jazzier. We have an alto sax player which makes us different than a typical rock band. Right now all of our songs are instrumental, but we hope to add in some vocals in the future.

People who know us pretty well like the song "Topsy Turvy." It starts out with a catchy melody on the sax, and the whole thing builds to a guitar/sax solo at the end. It was one of our first songs and kind of our "signature" song.


SLG: Band member first and last names / instruments. How long has this line-up been together?

Isaac Frantz - alto sax, keyboard
John Hunt - guitar
Terran Engle - bass
Patrick Kennedy - drums

PK: We've been playing together for about a year and a half.

SLG: Tell us where you're from and currently based in what town?

PK: We're all from Pocatello. We're all seniors at Poky high right now.

SLG: Past shows or venues you'd like to brag about? Past or future shows in the Pocatello area?

PK: This will be our second time playing at Vinyl Perk. We've played a few fundraisers and we played at the College Market last month. Basically we're just getting started and enjoying the gigs we're able to get.

SLG: Describe this particular show. What can people expect if they come to this show? All ages or 21+? Ticket prices or cover charge?

PK: It's happening on Friday, November 20 at Vinyl Perk on 150 S Main St. We're the only band playing, and we'll start around 7:00 pm. There is no cover charge, but of course Vinyl Perk will have some delicious beverages for sale.

We want anyone who's curious to come check us out. We play a wide variety of stuff and I think most people will find at least some of our songs good or interesting.


SLG: Any comments about the local live music scene, the music industry in general? What do you think is the best way to get your music out there?

PKL There are a lot of really cool local bands to see if you look for them. Pocatello has a pretty good music scene considering its size. Vinyl Perk is a great new addition for live music around here. It's got a great atmosphere and the bands are usually very good. More places like that would be good.

I don't think a person should have to be 21 to get a chance to enjoy live music.


For more on Blind Autumn, visit www.myspace.com/blindautumn

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Pocatello band enters Garage Band Playoff '09

USAA and U-TURN are looking for The Next Great American Road Song !!! U-TURN’s annual Garage Band Playoff ’09 has begun, a national battle-of-the-bands competition sponsored by USAA and open to aspiring musicians and songwriters ages 13-21.

This year – in the tradition of immortal songs like Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild”, and Rascal Flatts’ “Life is a Highway” U-TURN is looking for The Next Great American Road Song.

U-TURN’s judges are seeking original compositions that celebrate cars, driving and the freedom of the open road. Song entries can be something the artists have previously written and recorded, or a completely new creation.

If a song makes the cut, it’ll face off in a series of online, head-to-head match-ups against others… until only one song is left to be named The Next Great American Road Song.

THE GRAND PRIZE INCLUDES:

  • $2,500 cash
  • a professional photo and video shoot
  • an in-depth interview on U-TURN’s audio podcast
  • tons of free buzz on MySpace, Facebook and more!

RULES OF THE ROAD:

  • Open to solo artists, groups and bands of any musical genre
  • Song must be original (no covers)
  • Song topic must be about cars, driving or the freedom of the open road (instrumentals OK if evokes a driving feel)
  • Song must be clean/radio-friendly
  • Solo artist or at least one band member must also be a USAA member
  • Solo artist or all band members must be ages 13-21 (as of July 31, 2009)

DEADLINE TO ENTER AT GARAGEBANDPLAYOFF.COM WAS JULY 31, 2009. VOTING BEGINS OCTOBER 16, 2009. FOR MORE INFORMATION, E-MAIL UTURN@USAA.COM .

No purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning.

From KPVI,
"Take This", "Summer" and "The Truth" are three of their favorite original songs. If you believe in karma, you might not be surprised that the local band's music is getting some national attention right now.

Every year, U-Turn sponsors a battle of the bands competition where people can tune in their opinion by voting for their favorite song each week. They start with eighty bands and whittle it down to one based on the nation's votes.

The band's name is "Seven Feet Below" and besides all the practice time they put in, they also play for charity events to help out others in the community.

What does it take to be a successful band? Well, it's something their manager says he wished he had when he was younger. It's also something he says these young men currently have going for them.

"Seven Feet Below" is just warming up at just one of their weekly jam sessions. They say sometimes the original music just comes together naturally, a sure sign they could be on to something big. At such a young age, the group already has eight original songs written under the rock and/or alternative category.

Spencer Ruchti, Band Leader: "I write our lyrics for the band and then Joseph usually has some guitar part that seems to fit magically with the lyrics."

Coming up with the name is sometimes random and not as meaningful and personal as the music is.

Spencer Ruchti, Band Leader: "We actually took a dictionary and flipped through the pages and picked random words and then once we got three words we could fit together... that's how we came up with the name."

Their manager keeps the 15-year-olds and the 12-year-old in line and focused on their dream. Eric Hendricks says what makes them stand out has nothing to do with their talent.

Eric Hendricks, Band Manager: "When I was doing it, God bless her soul, I only had a mother and no dad to keep checking on me so I had a lot of chances to get into trouble. These guys don't and they put all of their energy into their music."

Tonia Bellegante, Joseph's Mother: "They're not all about making money and becoming famous, they do give back to the community. We're proud of them for that and we would just like to see the community give them some support and rally around them."

From November 13th through the 19th you can log onto www.garagebandplayoff.com to vote for "Seven Feet Below". Of course you can do so more than once. Be persistent; the website is experiencing heavy traffic and may be slow to load.

Some bands get as many as sixty-thousand votes.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Column for November 11, 2009

The Vinyl Perk, a smallish coffee shop located at 150 S. Main Street (map) in Pocatello is fast becoming a center for the local live music scene. This week, two regional travelling music acts of interest are playing free shows at “the Perk.”

Tonight, Wednesday the 11th, The Lucas Cates Band from “Mad Town” Madison, Wisconsin are in concert at the Vinyl Perk, seating at 7, music at 8:00 p.m. This is perhaps the third time Lucas Cates has played in the Pocatello area, previously at Revive @ Five, Idaho State University and at the First National Bar.

The Lucas Cates Band plays groovy, acoustic rock, blues and pop a la John Mayer, Maroon 5 or Matchbox Twenty. You can also expect to hear some alt. country, funk and a little reggae mixed in, keeping the sets interesting and fresh with each song.

The band is led by Lucas Cates on acoustic guitar and vocals, now over three years with thisband. Kenny Leiser on electric guitar and violin, bassist mark Noxon, and an incredibly impressive drummer Jesse Warmka round out the touring band. And tour they have.

In the last 18 months, the Lucas Cates band has travelled from New York to Atlanta, Dallas, Phoenix to Seattle and points in between. The group has sold over 1000 CD’s in the last 12 months while on tour.

Cate’s has produced three CD’s to date, two full-band records and one "live" duo cd from their perfornace at the Stephens Performing Arts Center, right here in Pocatello. “We mixed and mastered a show we did there last Sept,” Cates said. All CD’s are available at their live performances, on iTunes and CDBaby.com. For more on this band, visit www.lucascates.com or slowloosegravel.blogspot.com for a more in-depth interview.

Also tonight, the ISU Jazz Band is making a special performance at Portneuf Valley Brewing (map) starting at 7:00 p.m. The event is part of a scholarship fund raising effort on the part of the Pinks, owners of the brewery. For more information, call 208-232-1644

On Thursday the 12th and Friday the 13th, Robert Meade from Eugene, Oregon makes an encore stop at Senang’s Tapas on S. 1st Ave. (map) and the Vinyl Perk on Main, respectively; music starts at 7:00 p.m. Although playing solo on this tour, Meade fronts the band Cambio in Oregon, a progressive R&B /rock band.

Performing and writing music for 12 years, Meade is heavily influenced by the classic and folk rock of the 60’s and by the Motown sound. He says, “The music I am most compelled to compose loosely fits into the category of progressive rhythm and blues, rock & roll, and folk. Originality and passion generate style that I would like to attribute to my experiences.”

Expect to hear Meade’s original songs, “In a Moment,” a funky, high energy and danceable song, “Holla,” with undeniable hooks, and the emotive and lyrical “Cambio.”

Cambio has been hailed has “one of Eugene’s favorite bands,” and played at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon for the regional track finals of 2008. This year, the band opened for Everest at the W.O.W. Hall in Eugene and released their freshman CD in late May 2009. Meade performed in Pocatello in September of this year. For more, visit www.myspace.com/cambiousa.

At Portneuf Valley Brewing this weekend, Gene Galloway and Bruce Bowman play acoustic folk music starting at 8:30 on Friday, and Bender performs American folk and bluegrass on Saturday the 14th. Both shows are free and open to all ages.

The big concert of the week was going to be MC Hammer with Vanilla Ice at the Idaho Falls Civic Auditorium, but the hip-hop / R&B artists have canceled their engagement for November 14th. If you are a ticket holder, you may hold on to it in exchange for any 2010 Red Tie concert; visit www.eastidahoconcerts.com or email info@redtieconcerts.com for more information. Or you can request a full refund from CD World in Idaho Falls between November 15 and 30, 2009; call 208-522-7826.

The First National Bar on W. Center Street in Pocatello is hosting three rock bands on Saturday the 14th, starting at 9:00 p.m. Senseless Obscure, Conscious Thief and Hearsay There are scheduled to play.

On Sunday the 15th, Sherwood, We Shot the Moon, Jon Van Pelt and more play at Frazier Hall on Pocatello’s Idaho State University campus.

And a metal show on Tuesday of next week is scheduled at the Bannock County Fairgrounds (map) with Throwdown, Bury Your Dead, For Today Abacabb and more.

Linda Alexander
"Lana Banana" for Idaho Live Music
slowloosegravel@yahoo.com
www.myspace.com/showmetheband

Friday, November 6, 2009

Interview with Lucas Cates (again)

Who: The Lucas Cates Band
What: Acoustic Rock Band in concert
Where: Vinyl Perk, 150 S. Main St. Pocatello, Idaho - map
When: Wednesday, November 11, 2009, 8:00 p.m.


This is the second time I've included an interview with the Lucas Cates Band. You can read the first one here. Much is the same, but it all bears repeating.

I've been doing this for a few years now, writing up local bands, regional and national traveling bands. There are really only a handful of these bands whose music really reaches me. Lucas Cates' is one of them. If you like groovy, pop, acoustic rock a la John Mayer, Maroon 5 or Matchbox Twenty (as recommended by CDBaby), then you'll love the Lucas Cates Band. Strap in; here goes.


SLG: Describe your genre of music in as much detail as you like. Maybe list your three best crowd-pleasing songs? Can you explain in what way do you most appeal to your fans?

LC: We are a cross-mix of genres-from alt-country/pop/rock/funk/reggae/ we cover a couple old-school hip hop tunes that really get people amped up. We have a great chemistry on stage and as friends. Shows are energetic and improvisational at points which is always nice for fellow musicians. There's a lot of raw talent and enthusiasm involved in the project. We play with soul, and that captures people.

SLG: Who's in the band, and how long has this line-up been together?

Lucas Cates - acoustic guitar/lead vocals
had a band for 3.5 years now
Kenny Leiser - electric guitar/violin/vocals
been w /us for 2 years
Jesse Warmka - drums/vocals
been w/ us for almost 2.5 years
Mark Noxon - bass/vocals
been w/ us about 1.5 years

SLG: Tell us where you're from and currently based in what town?

LC: We hail from "Mad Town" U.S., Madison, WI

SLG: Past shows or venues you'd like to brag about? Past or future shows in the Pocatello area?

LC: In Pocatello we have played at the Stephens Performing Arts Center (Jensen Hall), First National Bar, Senangs, Revive at 5, and we have an UPCOMING show at Vinyl Perk WED Nov 11th 8pm-9:30 All Ages

Nationally, in the last year and a half, we have played bars and clubs from NY-Atlanta-Dallas-Phoenix-Seattle! We tour year round and have sold over a 1000 records since Oct of last year (2008).


SLG: Describe this particular show. What can people expect if they come to this show?

LC: UPCOMING show at Vinyl Perk WED Nov 11th 8pm-9:30 All Ages (only band) Free show!!

SLG: Any comments about the local live music scene, the music industry in general? What do you think is the best way to get your music out there?

LC: Just as there are many ways to promote your music and record for next to nothing, there is a saturation of the market. A million bands are doing the same thing! For a band to be well known, if that's what you are looking for, the road is where you are noticed. Publishing deals for film and television are also lucrative avenues for musicians these days. You can make money playing shows, but sometimes its the shows with no money and exposure that get you to the next level.



SLG: Recordings? Will you have CD's or more for sale at the show?

LC: We have 3 CDs. Two full-band records and one "live" duo cd from The Stephens Performing Arts Center. We mixed and mastered a show we did there last Sept. All CDs are avail at shows, ITUNES, and CDBaby.com.

SLG: How can fans contact you? Myspace? or another website?

LC: Fans can contact us through our websites and facebook:

www.lucascates.com
www.myspace.com/lucascates
We have a band group at facebook.

Interview with Robert Meade

Who: Robert Meade
What: Acoustic solo musician, in concert
Where: Senang and Vinyl Perk
When: Thursday and Friday, November 12 & 13, 2009 respectively


SLG: What would you like SE Idaho to know about your music?

I have been performing and writing music for 12 years. Introduced to music at the age of 16, I embraced the sights and sounds of the Rolling Stones, Beatles, Bob Dylan’s “Highway 61 Revisited” and most importantly the Motown era.

The music I am most compelled to compose loosely fits into the category of progressive rhythm and blues, rock & roll, and folk. Originality and passion generate style that I would like to attribute to my experiences.


SLG: Describe your genre of music in as much detail as you like. Maybe list your three best crowd-pleasing songs? Can you explain in what way do you most appeal to your fans?

RM: My songs speak of hope and of something new to come. Written from personal experience of the pleasures and pains brought about growth in life; the lyrics suggest a desire to transcend the delusion of dualism in society by clearing away hindrances on a celebrated path to truth.

I play a variety of genres that reflect evolving interests and influences in the musical realm. Motown has played a substantial role in my developmental process as an artist. I find great hope with the self-reflection involved in song writing. Working to bring the discoveries about these revelations that in part compose our existence across just as intense and honestly to all who listen, is an important accomplishment that music must strive for. Intention gives the songs a destination; I want the music to take people on a journey and leave them enhanced in some way.

Three songs that have become set staples when I perform are:

In a Moment is a funky and danceable song that keeps the energy high. People like to “wooo” in the middle of it. This one gets a lot of participation.

‘Holla. The hooks in 'Holla are undeniable; it is progressive and fun.

Cambio builds with a melody that is emotive. This song is a bit slower than the rest, lyrics are meaningful and poetic.


SLG: Have you always been a solo act? Or do you have some history in a band?

RM: I am traveling as a solo acoustic artist at the present, though I have a band in Eugene, Oregon, called Cambio (Spanish for change). I am currently based in Eugene, Oregon.

SLG: Past shows or venues you'd like to brag about? Past or future shows in the Pocatello area?

RM: I have performed and worked with quite a few musicians over the years including: Al Jardine of the Beach Boys, Richie Cannata of Cove City Sound Studios in New York, Everest of Vapor Records, Don Latarski of Crescent Records and James Book of the Flies and Top Secret Records.

I have been performing for the public since 2002 starting at open-mics and playing for tips at coffee houses on the west coast. While living in New York City I played the open-mic circuit before graduating to paying gigs in Manhattan and Brooklyn. In Eugene, Oregon I landed a regular job every Friday night, playing for dinner crowds at a night club and not too long after formed his band CAMBIO.

With CAMBIO, we were asked to perform at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon for the regional track finals of 2008 and were labeled as “One of Eugene’s favorite Bands.” In early 2009 we performed at the W.O.W. Hall in Eugene opening for the national act Everest and then once more shortly after, while finishing up the recording of their debut album and booking a short tour of the north west in support of its release. (First Pressing and Release, Independently, May 31 2009)

On September 14th, 2009, I played in Pocatello at Vinyl Perk.


SLG: Describe these upcoming shows. What can people expect if they come?

RM: Thursday, Nov. 12th. 7:30-9pm at Senang Wine Bar/Tapas Bar, 815 S 1st Ave., Pocatello, ID 83201 (208) 478-6732

Friday, Nov. 13th. 7-9pm at Vinyl Perk, 150 S Main St., Pocatello, ID 83204 (919) 619-2441) with special guest Jon van Pelt

No cover charge for either dates.


SLG: Any comments about the local live music scene, the music industry in general? What do you think is the best way to get your music out there?

RM: Hard work and rolling with the punches; the same goes for life. We can never predict how it will all turn out. What you are experiencing is the effect of what you are putting out; if you don’t like it, reexamine your priorities. Life and music are about love, that’s all that matters.



SLG: Recordings? Will you have CD's or more for sale at the show?

RM: Absolutely. I will be selling my full-length, debut studio album "CAMBIO" for $10.

SLG: How can fans contact you? Myspace? or another website?

RM: www.myspace.com/cambiousa or email cambiousa@gmail.com.

To hear tracks off the new album, visit www.Sonicbids.com/cambio, and for booking, contact Talia Winship at cambiousa@gmail.com.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Column for November 4, 2009

This week’s local live music scene features some fun, dancey and family-friendly indie rock, a metal show and one, big, controversial concert early next week.

On Friday the 6th, Finn Riggins makes a welcome comeback to the area with Spondee and local solo guitarist Jon Van Pelt at the Benton Street Bar & Grill (map) on S. 2nd Avenue, Pocatello. Concert starts at 9:00 p.m., open to all ages, and cost is $5 at the door.

Based in western and northern Idaho, Finn Riggins has been making Pocatello a regular stop. This time, the band is celebrating the release of their new CD, “Vs Wilderness.” They have been on tour in support of the recording for two months with one more to go.

If you haven't heard this trio's take on elaborate indie rock yet, now is the time. The album has been garnering praise from critics. Tom Semioli of Amplifier magazine said, "This exceedingly eccentric indie rock trio from Idaho knows an understated anthem when it sees one. Witness the amazing ‘Dali’ which deceptively commences as a sexy neo-soul offering, then graduates to a full-fledged song, praiseworthy of the mighty Bono."

Finn Riggins is swinging up from three shows in Utah with three Idaho concerts, Friday at Benton Street, Saturday the 7th at Hoki Yogi’s Attic in Rexburg and on to Boise. The band then heads to northern Idaho, Oregon and Washington. In early December, they share four dates with Idaho’s best-known jam band, Built To Spill. Visit http://finnriggins.com.

Spondee, originally based in Pocatello but now residing in Boise, plays indie powerpop. Listen for three favorites, “Lovelorn Robot,” “Pop your Socks Off” and “Dancin’ Shoes.” It’s fun music. The band played for their largest audience locally when opening for Secondhand Serenade at ISU last year. For more, visit www.myspace.com/spondee123.

Also on Friday, Soul Full of Blues takes the stage at Portneuf Valley Brewing (map) on S. 1st Avenue. On Saturday, the locally-based Somewhere In the Middle plays the pub. Music starts at 8:30, is free and open to all ages.

Aaron Ball is the creative force behind Somewhere In the Middle. The band plays melodic and fun acoustic rock, many originals and a few covers. Their sound is comparable to the GooGoo Dolls or a softer version of Shinedown.

Listen for "Better Man," "Second Gear" and "Everything That’s Nice," three of their most popular songs, and my favorite part of their performances, the humorous “Great Moments in Cowbell History.” CD’s will be available for sale at the show. For more, visit www.myspace.com/aaronballmusic.

Also on Saturday, Modern Day Escape, A Hero A Fake, Mathems and more play at 7:00 p.m. at Studio 208 (map) on S. 2nd Avenue in Pocatello. See www.myspace.com/studio208idaho.

So, what can be so controversial about a concert? This group, Insane Clown Posse, is perhaps more infamous than famous, held in disdain by mainstream record companies, yet loved and adored by their fans to the tune of a $10 million a year business in merchandise alone.

Insane Clown Posse headlines a concert with Hed PE at the Kingston Event Center (the old Ernst Building - map) in Idaho Falls on Tuesday, November 9. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $22, available at CD World in Idaho Falls, Budget Tapes & Records in Pocatello or online at www.eastidahoconcerts.com.

ICP is touring in support of their new album, “Bang Pow Boom.” At their roots, they are a hip hop duo from Detroit, MI, also described as a horrorcore shock rock band, perhaps comparable to an Alice Cooper or Kiss from the ‘70’s, with accompanying genius marketing.

Joseph Bruce and Joseph Utsler perform under the personas wicked clowns Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope, complete with face paint and elaborate live performances. To their credit, ICP has two platinum and three gold albums. Moreover, they founded their own record label Psychopathic Records, produced and starred in two feature films and formed their own wrestling federation.

Followers of the group call themselves Juggalos. Like many subcultures, there is a common dress: baggy pants with chains and rivets, hoodies and caps, commonly printed with anything having to do with artists signed to Psychopathic Records. And ICP is happy to sell it to them.

The lyrics in ICP’s songs are certainly shocking and not for the faint of heart. But there are also some valiant themes in the songs, mocking violence, satirically admonishing deadbeat parents, expressing angst against the establishment. Nothing new here, folks, just kids with an un-understandable devotion Faygo soda. Find out more at www.insaneclownposse.com.

Linda Alexander
a.k.a. Lana Banana for Idaho's local live music
slowloosegravel@yahoo.com
www.myspace.com/showmetheband
http://slowloosegravel.blogspot.com

Tell Your Friends

Bookmark and Share