I don't think I'll be able to make it to SXSW this year, and I've got to say that I'm already a bit down about that. Every day I get more and more emails promoting artists who are going to be there, and it's not making me feel any better about it.

The good news is that the emails at least allow me to discover some amazing new bands - and Dan Black is one of those. A Brit who specializes in extremely poppy electornica, Dan is part of the so-called "wonky-pop" movement, i.e. seriously quirky but catchy, melodic tunes.

His (solo) debut record, UN, is available on iTunes now, and will have a physical release in the US next week. Check out the video for his single, Symphonies, below and I've attached a link for the free six song mixtape he put out a couple of months ago, called Weird Science, that mashes up all sorts of recognizable samples with lyrics from other well known songs, as sung by Dan Black. Trust me, download and enjoy.

Dan Black - Weird Science EP





Tour Dates:

Labels: dan black, studio mp3s, tour dates, video

The Daylight vs Z Berg from michaelrunion on Vimeo.

Michael Runion and Elizabeth Anne "Z" Berg, lead singer/guitarist of L.A band, The Life.

I knew there was a reason I liked The Life.

Labels: michael runion, video, z berg

After seeing hundreds of shows over the last decade and a half I've grown accustomed to being impressed at startling acts of musicianship. One particular style that never fails to impressive (when used well) is looping.

Playing a piece of music live, looping it, then playing another over it, and another, and another - until you have mini symphonic epics in play from one artist. I've seen Howie Day, KT Tunstall and Final Fantasy perform some dazzling pieces live that use looping to perfection.

With that said, I've never seen someone pull off looping while playing an assortment of instruments and.. kitchen utensils. Check out this video for "Go to Hell" from David Ford, played live in one take. Then check out his video from "I'm Alright Now" where David plays the same song live in one take, four different times. Finally, check out his video for "I Don't Care What You Call Me", a beautiful and almost Damien Rice-esque like track, here.

Labels: indie, video

I just got back from a lovely little vacation and arrived home to a stack of new goodies to watch and listen.

First and foremost is the official SXSW 2007 DVD - the first ever DVD release of the Austin based festival.

So SXSW is spread out over dozens of clubs - so I was curious on which performances had been released. Rather than mess with the logistics of getting capturing good performances at the various venues around Austin, SXSW and Blaze TV custom-built two clubs where performances were captured in multi-camera HD with 5.1 surround sound. The Lone Star Lounge had a traditional Texas feel, while The Bat Bar was designed as more of a modern music club. Both clubs were built from the ground up inside the Austin Convention Center.

During the Festival, Shout TV broadcast the performances on DIRECTV - a three day 24 hour live concert event. Nice. The "best" performances were selected for the DVD, along with exclusive artist interviews and backstage footage.

SXSW Live 2007 Performances
Live From The Bat Bar
THE BRAVERY “Honest Mistake”
PETER BJORN & JOHN “Young Folks”
OZOMATLI “City Of Angels”
THE AUTOMATIC AUTOMATIC “Monster”
AQUALUNG “Pressure Suit”
RICKIE LEE JONES “Nobody Knows My Name”
BOWLING FOR SOUP “1985”
POLYPHONIC SPREE “When The Fool Becomes A King"

Live From The Lone Star Lounge
MARC BROUSSARD “Home”
RACHEL FULLER W/ PETE TOWNSHEND “Sunrise”
ROCCO DeLUCA & THE BURDEN “Colorful”
ANNUALS “Complete Or Completing”
RAZORLIGHT “In The Morning”
MANDO DIAO “Long Before Rock n Roll”
LEE “SCRATCH” PERRY “Kiss The Champion”
STARS OF TRACK AND FIELD “Movies of Antartica”
KRAAK & SMAAK “Money In The Bag”
JOE PURDY “White Picket Fence”

Streaming Video Links:
The Bravery “Honest Mistake”
Peter Bjorn & John “Young Folks”
Ozomatli “City of Angels”
Polyphonic Spree “When The Fool Becomes A King”

A must have for SXSW fans. Buy it here.

Labels: austin, DVD, sxsw, video