It's the chicken/egg situation for every band: Which comes first, the gigs or the fan base? "We actually were turned down by every major venue in Cincinnati that we contacted for our CD release show," says Dustin Smith, the 22-year-old singer/songwriter behind Okay Lindon. He isn't complaining, though. He's simply explaining why his band had its CD release party at a local pizza place on May 2.
by Mike Breen
02.08.2012
Squeeze the Day for Feb. 8
Cheyenne Marie Mize at MOTR, plus Today in Music with OutKast and a James Dean musical tribute
Music Tonight: Louisville Indie/Folk singer/songwriter Cheyenne Marie Mize has been on a fast track in the music biz over the past year. A member of a couple of rootsy acts in the rich Louisville music scene, once she broke out on her own, she began to draw increased attention for her lovely, ethereal sound. Last year when Mize performed in town, she was on the verge of releasing a new EP, but it was delayed … for good reason. Mize had inked a deal with Yep Rock Records (home to Nick Lowe, Liam Finn, Fountains of Wayne, John Doe and Paul Weller) and that EP, We Don't Need, became her first release for the label. Just released Jan. 24, We Don't Need fleshes out Mize's wispy sound (particularly with some creative rhythmic additives), but that dreamy, ghostly soul still hovers above each of the five songs. Click here to read more about Mize then head to MOTR Pub tonight to catch her free show (with special guest Margaret Darling of The Seedy Seeds). Below, enjoy a session Mize did recently for LaundroMatinee.com.
by Mike Breen
02.07.2012
Squeeze the Day for Feb. 7
Bluesday Tuesdays at Arnold's, plus Today In Music featuring Tom Jones, The Who, My Morning Jacket and the Forecastle Festival
Music Tonight: This Friday and Saturday, the Cincy Blues Society is presenting its annual Winter Blues Fest in its new location — four venues (the old Harry's Pizza space, the old R&B Cafe spot, The Drinkery and Below Zero) in Over-the-Rhine (after several years in Northern Kentucky). If you want to get in the mood, tonight at Arnold's you can check out the Cincy Blues Society's new every-Tuesday "Bluesday Tuesdays" series, featuring various Blues artists from the area. Tonight's performer is eclectic veteran writer/guitarist John Redell (who has played with such groups as Voodoo Blues, The Flock and Shepherd's Pi). Showtime is 7 p.m. and there is no admission charge. (Click here for more on the Blues Fest.)
by Mike Breen
02.06.2012
Foxy Shazam Debuts New 'I Like It' Video
The boys of Cincinnati's Foxy Shazam have done it again. The group's stunning new video for "I Like It" from its new album, The Church of Rock and Roll, debuted today and it's another mind-blower. The band — which recently played a packed album release show at Covington's Madison Theater — plays Irving Plaza in New York City tonight and then begins tour dates with Brit rockers The Darkness (who were just featured in one of the better Super Bowl commercials of 2012). Check the video below.
by Mike Breen
01.24.2012
Squeeze the Day 1/24
Mack West Trio in Northside, plus Gerry and the Pacemakers, Jools Holland and Bon Iver
Music Tonight: It's a slow night for touring acts, but a good one to catch a few local acts in a more laid-back-Tuesday-evening atmosphere. For example — Zach Mechlem of local "Alt-Western" group Mack West (pictured; Zach is second from the front) plays a free show at the Northside Tavern tonight with a pair of bandmates (officially, it's being billed as the Mack West Trio). Mack West's latest album, The Goodnight Trail, was one of the best local releases of 2011 and the best showcase yet of Mack West's unique, evocative spin on American Roots music. Mack West tunes have been used on History Channel's American Pickers, Discovery Channel's Auction Kings and in a commercial for AMC's The Man With No Name mini-series. Check out the title track from The Goodnight Trail below and read my review from when it was released here. Mechlem performs around 10 p.m. in the Tavern's front room.
by Mike Breen
01.18.2012
Squeeze the Day for 1/18
The Dig and The Ready Stance at MOTR, plus Today in Music with Van Halen and Frankie Knuckles
Music Tonight: MOTR Pub in Over-the-Rhine hosts a solid Indie Rock double bill tonight (made extra appealing by MOTR's "never a cover charge" policy) as "buzz band" The Dig swings through for a show with Cincinnati's The Ready Stance. Featuring a couple of former members of onetime local music heroes Middlemarch, The Ready Stance is coming into the home stretch with its debut album, Damndest. The band currently has its sights set on a March/April release for its debut (check the group's site here for the latest). The Dig began in New York City's Lower East Side just four years ago; not long after forming, they were selling out shows in the Big Apple. After a couple years touring the States non-stop (with the likes of The Walkmen, The Antlers, The Editors and even a few bands whose moniker doesn't begin with a "the"), The Dig issued its debut, Electric Toys, in 2010; by the end of that year, the album would appear on numerous "Best Of" lists by critics far and wide. The Dig's follow-up is due very soon, so you'll likely hear a few newer songs at tonight's show. Check out Brian Baker's preview of tonight's show from this week's CityBeat here and then dig The Dig's video for Electric Toys track "You're Already Gone" below.
Okay Lindon (Profile)
Dustin Smith eschews gimmicks to concentrate on good songwriting
1 Comment · Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Fuxter Schittly (Profile)
You don't know the experimental musical artist, but he knows you
0 Comments · Wednesday, February 18, 2009
It's all about the new 'Theory of Modern Isolation.' With the onset of all this break-neck advancement of technology, anybody can do just about anything, including music, with the touch of a button in even the most darkest of bedrooms, basements or converted living rooms. Fuxter Schittly tells me that DEVO wouldn't have come together if they had all these buttons, switches and power-strips around. I agree.
RaceCarProductions (Profile)
Record label revamps and thrives in a down economy
0 Comments · Wednesday, February 4, 2009
In biology class, I learned that evolution was the passing of traits from parent to offspring between specific species. In music, evolution is just good business and might be the difference between success and failure. In that spirit, Matthew Cooper and Evan Sharfe seek your attention as RaceCarProductions, a Cincinnati record label that's trying to put the city on the map using their sonic prowess.
Wonk, the New Punk
Fresh Folk Rock/Bluegrass/Indie trio Wonky Tonk hits the road like true warriors
2 Comments · Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Once upon a time she had a Chuck Taylor collection. Now, cowboy boots. Around seven pairs, less than $5 apiece. This day, Wonky Tonk wears white, fringed boots. She and her band of the same name (with Moriah Lawson and Nick Mitchell) are 'fresh and going strong.'
The Upset Victory (Profile)
Forging a Punk/Metal sound from three guitars, contemplative lyrics and broad influences
0 Comments · Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The band's three-guitar lineup is both an advantage and a challenge. Each guitarist's role changes from song to song, which presents an interesting conundrum for the rhythm section, namely providing a pulse that complements the band's shifting dynamic while keeping it anchored.
