Slow Loose Gravel

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Interview with Truman

Who: Truman
What: Duo pop / rock / soul act in concert
Where: ISU Quad, Pocatello, ID - map
When: Thursday, July 9, 2009 6:00 - 9:00pm

Truman is a brother duo out of Nashville, TN. Combining a range of influences from Stevie Wonder to John Mayer; the brothers create a pop/rock soul/jazz sound that bmi.com calls "ear-tickling." I caught up with Chad Truman recently about what we can expect at the show.

Ben - lead vocals, guitar
Chad - lead voclas, piano

SLG: Can you tell us what is your most popular song?

CT: Our best crowd pleaser is "I Want You There," which is the song we played to open up for Kelly Clarkson last month. The most appealing thing about us is our songs: we don't worry about any bells and whistles; we just worry about writing good songs.

SLG: Kelly Clarkson! Oh, that must have been fun. Anything else on the horizon?

CT: Another great opportunity comes in September when we open up for Josh Kelley in Kansas city.

Ben and Chad Truman are sons to keyboardist Dan Truman of the award-winning country music group Diamond Rio. Since Truman’s formation in 2005, the duo has been wowing audiences of 13 to 13,000.

SLG: Tell us where you're from? What's your background?

CT: We were raised in Nashville, and we both went to BYU. And were now fully focused on music.

While attending Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, the band took first place in the university-wide Battle of the Bands competition two years in a row.

Truman has just finished and released their first CD, "Hold On to Love."

Find out more at www.myspace.com/trumanboys

Monday, July 6, 2009

Interview with the First Ladies

Who: The First Ladies
What: Rock / pop band opening for Truman
Where: The Quad, Idaho State University, Pocatello ID - map
When: Thursday, July 9, 2009 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Truman is headlining this week's Thursday night Concert on the Quad at ISU, with The First Ladies opening. They have been performing live in the Boise, Idaho area and writing songs for two years. I caught up with the incredibly well-spoken Joel and Micah Smith about the band, their music and the upcoming show.

SLG: Tell us about your music? Your influences and in what way you appeal to your fans?

JS: Our style is primarily influenced by the Euro rock scene, as well as Northwestern innovators like Death Cab For Cutie and Modest Mouse. Our most crowd pleasing songs are "Heatbeat" and "Emotional Knapsack," both written within the first few months of starting the outfit, as well as "Your Demons and Your Smile," a newer song.

MS: I'd imagine the attraction for these tracks has to do with the memorable hooks and the rhythmic bounce pronounced dynamically throughout each piece.

Micha Smith (Guitar and Vocals) and Joel Smith (Percussion and vocals) are primarily responsible for the song writing and production of the First Ladies.

MS: We've had a number of stage musicians and temporary help, but our current bass player, Jordan Hopewell is a more permanent occupant.

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

JS: We originated out of Eagle, Idaho. Currently, I live in Seattle, Jordan lives in Boise, and Micah is between cities. Though the distance can be difficult, we are all spending the summer in Boise, so much of our time goes to writing new songs and playing shows in the area.

MS: We should be doing shows during the fall and winter also. It all depends on who's busy at the time.

SLG: Any shows or venues you've played in the past you want to brag about?

JS: We've had the privilege of playing the Neurolux Lounge in Boise twice. Both experiences have been enjoyed and we hope to be invited back soon.

MS: It's the best crowd in Boise.

The First Ladies are also playing at The Boise Venue on July 17 with Pocatello locals Somewhere in the Middle.

~Check it out.~

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?

JS: Locally, We've found that there are a few hidden gems among the casual hobbyists that make up a majority of Idaho's music scene. With the sprightly outlet of the internet, there's room for independent artists to find modest success in local and regional entertainment scenes. Auto-tune and "Birthday Sex" aside, we still believe in hope for the popular music scene to make a turnaround into a more creative and innovative direction and have dreams of one-day being a part of this... perhaps I'm jumping ahead of myself.

SLG: Naw.

MS: There are a ton of good bands out there who are creative and honest with their work. Bands like Arcade Fire, Animal Collective, and Band of Horses are becoming pretty prominent not only in finding their niche audience but bringing originality to the masses. Some people might say this is a bad thing because they want indie bands to stay a "secret." I say let the best music rise to the top...just don't let money change you.

SLG: Amen Micah. Do you have a favorite video of your music on YouTube?

MS: We have a couple videos on YouTube and Facebook of tracks from a BSU show, including our remix to "Ignition" (Remix) and a crowd favorite and original of ours "Take Your Share." But the big thing for us this summer is our video for our song "Heartbeat." Our friend Aidan Brezonick is shooting it in Boise next week and we should have it out by mid-August.

SLG: What's the best way for fans to keep in contact with you?

JS: We can be contacted through our Myspace (www.myspace.com/firstladiesmusic), Facebook page, website www.firstladiesmusic.com, or directly emailed at firstladiesmusic@gmail.com.

MS: We ARE looking for more shows in Pocatello if anyone would have us...shoot us an email.

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

MS: We have our first, 6-song EP for sale at the show. You can pick your own price for that. We also have some free stickers and our new t-shirts which are only $15 each. And stay tuned for our new album this fall.

Thank you!

SLG: No, thank you! Look forward to seeing you.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Interview with The Gorgeous Hussies

Who: The Gorgeous Hussies
What: Jam-band in concert with Broke City
When: Saturday, July 11, 2009 9:00pm - midnight
Where: Benton Street Bar & Grill, Pocatello, ID - map

I first heard of The Gorgeous Hussies shortly after they burst onto the Northern Utah music scene, and I've been following them ever since. They've had great successes all along the I-15 corridor, from Idaho to Southern Idaho.

I have special reason for being excited about this show - I'll be cooking dinner at the Benton Street Bar & Grill on this night, so come down early, grab something to eat and stay for the show.

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?

JO: People who enjoy big epic rock and jam bands will find a lot to love about The Gorgeous Hussies. We describe our music as Alternative Jam. To our knowledge we’re the first to describe music that way, but we think it’s the most fitting sub-genre that describes our live show - big alt-rock songs mixed with improvisational jams that pull from our love for hippies.

We gain a lot of inspiration from jam bands from the mid-west like Umphrey's McGee, Perpetual Groove and fusion bands like Robert Walters and Galactic. But we can’t escape our rock tendencies so we’ve done our best to find a balance of both worlds.

One of our biggest crowd-pleasers is a song called "Pop Chanteuse." It unfolds the seedy underworld of late-90’s bubble-gum pop. Sounds dramatic, eh? It follows the Britney Spears timeline from nobody, to somebody, to father-doesn’t-want-anything-to-do-with-me-now-that-I’m-not-a-big-star.

Jordan Olsen – guitar/vox
Ryan Smith – drums
John Chatelain – bass/vox/keys

SLG: How long has this line-up been together?

JO: The band has been together for around 3 years. We’ve recently signed a record deal with Slothtrop Records (blog post) out of Madison, WI, who will be releasing our next three albums. We’ve also recently released a new live DVD titled "Luscious Ladies." (buy or download)

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

JO: Our home base is Ogden, Utah. However, we seem to spend the majority of our time outside of Northern Utah. We seem to be better received the further away we get from Salt Lake City. I’m not sure why that is. But Pocatello has always been a good city for us to play. We normally play the First National Bar but we’re really looking forward to play with Broke City at Benton Street.

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

JO: As of late we’ve been playing a lot of fun summer festivals. We just played a big stage at the 4th of July celebration at Brian Head resort in Southern Utah. Good times.

SLG: Describe this particular show. What can ppl expect?

JO: This is going to be one of the bigger shows going on in Pocatello this month. We’re really excited to play with Broke City (interview - Broke City) who has done really well throughout Southern Idaho. And it’s been awhile since The Gorgeous Hussies were in Pocatello, so we’re really looking forward to getting back and playing to our fans. This is definitely a do not miss 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?

JO: Even though I’m from Utah, I’m really diggin’ on the vibe going on throughout Idaho right now. It seems people are really receptive to jam & experimental bands in your area. Bands like EqualEyes and Finn Riggins are two of my favorite bands in the West right now, and both hail from Idaho. In a world of YouTube performances it’s nice to see people are still going to see live music!

SLG: Do you have any favorite videos of your band or your music on YouTube?

JO: We have a new 2:00 minute trailer on YouTube for our new live DVD titled "Luscious Ladies." It demos a lot of what the new DVD is about.

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

JO: We’ll have our CD “Oh! Hello” as well as our DVD “Luscious Ladies” available for sale at the show on July 11th.

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

www.thegorgeoushussies.com or www.myspace.com/thegorgeoushussies

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

The Gorgeous Hussies & Broke City at Benton Street

Open to All Ages until midnight, 18+ after midnight.

Cover at the door: $3 for 21+, $5 for under 21. No cover with purchase of entree. Dinner served 6:00pm - 9:00pm.

Column for July 1, 2009

Tonight, Wednesday the 1st of July, American Steel kicks off America’s independence weekend at the Civitan’s Revive @ Five concert at the Old Town Pavilion (map), downtown Pocatello. American Steel plays from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., sponsored by the AV Center and catered by Texas Roadhouse. (Revive @ Five 2009 schedule)

American Steel plays rock covers in local bars around the area. They have fun with their crowd, with small costume changes (70’s wigs and beards for “Play That Funky Music” and “Tush”) and sound effects for the show (crickets chirping for a quiet audience). They play classic rock, funk, blues and country rock; expect to hear “Rebel Yell,” “Mustang Sally,” and a recent addition to the set list, “Low Rider.” (Full interview with American Steel)

Led by guitarist Tracy Turner and fronted by vocalist Kat Whitnah a.k.a. Pat Whitmar, American Steel includes Darrell Martin on drums, and two new members: keyboardist Marci Ridley, who also plays flute and sax, and Ray Rodriquez (watch for an Elvis impersonation) on bass.

The members of American Steel are based in Pocatello; they will be playing at the Blue Moon in Lava (map) on Pioneer Weekend, the July 24th weekend, starting at 9:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. They have played in Island Park, Montana and Wyoming, For more, email americansteelrocks@yahoo.com or find them online at www.myspace.com/americansteel4u.

On Thursday July 2nd, the modern alt. rock band to watch from Idaho Falls, 2am Logic headlines Idaho State University’s concert on the Quad (map) with soloist Michael Sullivan opening. Music starts at 6:00 p.m., free and open to the public.

2am Logic released their freshman recording effort, “Shattered,” earlier this year, a twelve-track full-scale view of 2am Logic as a band; it’s something that could be described as 3 Days Grace meets Seether, with a touch of blues / jazz thrown into the mix. (Full interview with 2am Logic)

Guitarist Todd Thompson fronts 2am Logic, with Dustin Thueson and Cody Scheer on guitars, Kathy Brown on bass and drummer Shawn Ringel. They’ve shared the stage with Pop Evil and Rev Theory, and in July will open for Great White and Firehouse at Sandy Downs in Idaho Falls. Find out more at www.myspace.com/2amlogic

Michael Sullivan plays a mixture of pop, jazz, funk and what he calls “a few secret ingredients.” Originally from Chicago, IL, and now living in southern California, Sullivan plays in a 5-piece band, but is traveling for this show as a duo with a saxophonist / guitarist. (Full interview with Michael Sullivan)

I asked Sullivan if he’d recorded a video of his music. Friends wanted to help shoot a video for his song "Stay for a While," filming the emotionally darker images on the first day of a two-day shoot. But his friends “got sick on the last day … so we never got to shoot the light material to balance it out.” The resulting video showed a much deeper, darker visual, which does not accurately fit the song. “I learned a very valuable lesson: to make sure whoever offers to help you sees what you see concept-wise, so you end up with your vision, not theirs.” Find out more at www.mikesullivanband.com.

And on Friday the 3rd, PAKT House Productions presents Hollywood Undead with guests Mest and The Sleeping at the El Rey Events Center in Blackfoot, ID (map). Doors open at 6:30, music starts at 7:30. Tickets are $18.50 in advance or $20 day of the show, available at www.ticketweb.com or charge by phone at (866) 468 – 7624.

Hollywood Undead is a rap rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 2005. Their most popular song, "Undead," is featured on the Madden NFL 09 soundtrack, reaching #2 on Billboard’s U.S. Main Rock chart. The single, "Young," is featured as one of the bonus tracks in the video game Rock Band 2. More at www.hollywoodundead.com.

Mest is an alt. rock punk band from Chicago, Illinois and The Sleeping is an alt. rock band from Long Island, New York. Find them online at www.myspace.com/mest and www.myspace.com/thesleeping.

Also on Friday, Gene Galloway and Bruce Bowman will be on tap for acoustic folk music entertainment at Portneuf Valley Brewing (map) on Friday starting at 8:30 p.m. The pub will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on 4th of July, but no entertainment is scheduled for the evening.

Speaking of 4th of July, at 8:00 p.m., Aaron Ball’s band Somewhere in the Middle performs at The Biggest Show in Idaho, the Independence Day celebration at Bannock County Fairgrounds (map). It’s the place to be on Saturday. (Full interview with Aaron Ball)

Tuesday the 7th, the Kratz Bros. Band plays at Hooligans, Center St. (map) in Pocatello at 8:00 p.m.

Linda Alexander
a.k.a. Lana Banana for Idaho Live Music

slowloosegravel@yahoo.com
http://slowloosegravel.blogspot.com - blog home page
www.myspace.com/showmetheband - schedule of Live Music !!

Monday, June 29, 2009

Interview with American Steel

Who: American Steel
What: Rock cover band at Revive @ Five
Where: Old Town Pavilion, downtown Pocatello, Idaho
When: Wednesday, July 1, 2009 from 5:00 - 8:00pm

American Steel has been a long-standing area favorite for many years. I first got to know this band at Revive @ Five last year, and here they are making a return engagement. I caught up with guitarist Tracy Turner recently about what's the latest with the band.

SLG: Describe your music and how you most appeal to your fans.

TT: We play mostly cover tunes in local bars around the area. For the most part we try to have fun with our crowd; we have several small costume changes and sound effects for the show, and we bust out the seventies wigs and beards for songs like "Funky Music" and "Tush!"

We release the crickets when its a quiet crowd (sound effects for humor). We play songs like "Rebel Yell," "Mustang Sally" and recently added "Low Rider" ... we play classic rock, funk, blues, country rock, sometimes improvise. I think we most appeal to our fans as a band having fun; that is the secret for us - fun.

SLG: I hear you have some new band members?

TT: The lineup is me, Tracy Turner, guitar player, back up vocals, local musician (a few years now)
Darrell Martin, drums, back up vocals, a lifetime drummer from a music family past
Kat Whitnah (also known as Pat Whitmar) lead vocals, lead entertainment (the babe who lays accross peoples tables sometimes and sings)
And two new members: Marci Ridley, (flaming rocker babe) adds keyboards and it really sounds great!!! Also plays flute in our songs and sax, very talented!!!!!
And Ray Rodriquez on bass, (Raybert). Ray plays a screaming bass and has great stage presence. Watch for his Elvis imitation, also a very talented guitar player and bodybuilder.

SLG: And how long have you been together?

TT: American Steel has been together a few years, and the new additions are making us even better.

SLG: Where are you from?

TT: We play out of Pocatello, mostly area bars and events. We will be playing at the Blue Moon in Lava on Pioneer Weekend, (very crazy and fun) the July 24th weekend at 9:00 p.m. both nights.

SLG: Any shows in the past you'd like to talk about?

TT: We have played Island Park, Montana, Wyoming, and a few I don't remember. [laughing -SLG] We always try to have fun. Where else are you gonna hear Loverboy, by a band in wigs, at 1 a.m. in Idaho?

SLG: How can fans reach you for more information?

TT: Our email is americansteelrocks@yahoo.com or find us on MySpace at www.myspace.com/americansteel4u.

Web-cast of The Gorgeous Hussies, Wed. July 1, 2009

The Gorgeous Hussies are pleased to announce their new live DVD titled Luscious Ladies! This is the first DVD released by the band and features all new songs performed before a live audience, filmed on November 22, 2008 in Davis County, Utah.

The live web-broadcast will be this upcoming Wednesday, July 1st at 8:00 PM Mountain Standard Time (7 PM PST or 10 PM EST).

For more information, visit www.thegorgeoushussies.com.

Interview with Michael Sullivan

Who: Michael Sullivan
What: Duo (guitar and sax) opening for 2am Logic
Where: The Quad, Idaho State University, Pocatello ID - map
When: Thursday, July 2, 2009 6:00pm
How Much: Free!

Mike Sullivan has been compared to Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews and John Mayer. His concerts on college campuses have been well received, and the Los Angeles Music Awards gave him a nod with a nomination for Independent Male Singer / Songwriter of the Year. I was interested in finding out more; here's what I found.

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?

MS: My style is different/unique. It's a mixture of pop, jazz, funk, and a few secret ingredients.

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

MS: I have a 5 piece band. For this particular concert we are performing as a duet (sax & guitar). We're looking forward to playing outdoors at your campus. It sounds like a beautiful venue.

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

MS: I'm from Chicago, but I live in Los Angeles, near the beach in a relaxing surf town. I try to surf as often as possible. I'm also trying to improve my cooking skills on my new grill. It's fun, even though I burn stuff from time to time.

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

MS: We had fun opening up for multi-platinum recording artist Taylor Dayne [wiki] last summer.

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

MS: July 2nd, 2009 at 6pm (60 min concert).

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?

MS: That question could fill a few books with info.

SLG: Do you have any favorite videos of your band on YouTube?

MS: It's funny you ask about videos because my friends wanted to help shoot a video for one of my songs....but they got sick on the last day of a 2 day shoot (director and camera guy), so we never got to shoot the light material to balance it out....so there is all this heavy stuff on it. The editor got busy working on some TV/Movie trailers (her bread and butter), so she had to take a break on my video which I totally understood.

So I tried editing it myself on final cut pro (I'm a beginner at best at editing film/videos)....but I did the best I could with the limited footage. The song "Stay for a While" is about being there for someone going through a tough time. Just to be by their side during a rough storm. It's kind of an "in the middle" song...not a dark, deep message at all.

But the video showed a much deeper, darker visual...which does not accurately fit the song. I learned a very valuable lesson. To make sure whoever offers to help you, make sure they see what you see concept-wise, so you end up with your vision, not theirs. Even if their heart is in the right place....it's important to stick to your vision. My next video will be amazing and more accurately reflect the message of the song.

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

MS: We will have 2 CD's (possibly 3 different CD's available)....we sold out of one CD (I need to order more asap). But YES, we will have CD's available for everyone to buy their own copy. I'm happy to sign them too.

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

MS: www.myspace.com/mikesullivanband or my email which is mjs@mikesullivanband.com. CD's available at mikesullivanband.com.