When she’s not working on tracks with Deadmau5 or head banging with pop/rock outfit The Material, Colleen D’Agostino is creating her own brand of dark, moody EDM with an 80s pop feel. A refreshing approach to a genre that has become very “mainstream” as of late, Colleen’s project With Beating Hearts promises to deliver something with just the right amount of her famous edge. Continue reading The Theme This Week features With Beating Hearts’ new video!
Tag Archives: indie pop
Award worthy performances in San Diego this week
So the Oscars are this weekend. That’s happening. But there’s also a slew of shows that you cannot miss, all with some musical acts that I’m sure even the Academy would find pleasing. So without further ado, we present to you the top shows that YOU need to see this week.
Continue reading Award worthy performances in San Diego this week
Forget Valentine’s Day: Here’s what you should do this week
If you’re single this year, don’t fret. Not everything is about chocolates, champagne and cheesy cards. There are a slew of amazing shows happening in San Diego, and you need to check them out. Who knows, maybe the person of your dreams will be waiting in the crowd? (Too cheesy? Yeah, let’s just focus on the music.) Continue reading Forget Valentine’s Day: Here’s what you should do this week
Lorde may be a picture perfect performer
To all the haters who call Lorde awkward, weird, or unusual: Go back and watch her performance, any performance, and take a second look at what makes her a really fascinating artist. Continue reading Lorde may be a picture perfect performer
Caught a Ghost is reviving the spirits of soul
On tour and coming to So Cal is modern motown act Caught a Ghost, and after speaking with frontman Jesse Nolan, I’ve discovered that this act is multifaceted, deep, not afraid to cast Nolan’s great-aunt in their music video, and most importantly, sure to be a meaningful show that you won’t want to miss.
There are a lot of musicians out there who claim to “bring things back” — Justin Timberlake brought sexy back, Daft Punk claimed to be bringing back soul, and Bruno Mars is bringing back…Soul Trains. But rarely, an artist comes along that isn’t just copying an earlier style or mimicking an era, but also making that style into something fresh, exciting and new. Enter Caught a Ghost, “a modern take on blue eyed soul” voiced by Nolan and supported by a slew of talented onstage musicians, all of whom have seamlessly created a project worth listening to. Nolan admits that he feels he’s a “conduit” of his influences, embodying the spirits of the past and channeling them into his own music, while hoping that this channel continues on to the listeners’ ears. (And from this listener’s ears, I have to agree.)
But there is more to be said about his musical influences than a simple appreciation of the throwback. Nolan self-describes his music as being influenced by “bass heavy” tunes with a “groove feel”, and yet he can still find the appreciation in artists such as Nirvana, Dr. Dre and Jimi Hendrix.
If you could mesh all of those artists together, the result might be a crazy musical Frankenstein experiment; however, in Caught a Ghost’s case, it’s a trifecta of sensational sounds. Listeners can either linger on the smooth tone of Nolan’s voice, the upbeat ‘dancability’ of the tracks, or take it all in and relish in the feel good vibes and catchy lyrics.
All of these traits are clear in the single “Sleeping at Night”, a soulful track that urges the listener to dive deeper into the meaning and themes behind the song. (The phrase “caught a ghost sleeping at night lyrics” is a popular Google search term, and I now know why.) The moody and quick-paced intro of the song sets up Nolan’s horn-infused chorus, as he croons the lines: “I hope you make it alright! You can sell dust and steal the daylight for all that I care, just as long as you’re sleeping at night.” Though I don’t believe a literal interpretation is needed here: the lyrics as a whole seem to allude to the pandering nature of society, all set to music you can move to.
The song is a clever work of R&B influenced art, and the music video follows suit. Nolan lets me in on a little background, adding that the original video was a stop-motion animation created via iPhone. After extremely positive fan review, fast forward to the full length version, which features real people who Nolan has interacted with in his life. (One is his great-aunt — which I have to admit, makes her one of the coolest great-aunts. Ever.)
The astute and witty details of Caught a Ghost’s music doesn’t stop with this single. Dive into the full EP, Nightworks for the same caliber of music, song after song after song. Nolan adds that the EP is meant to be an appetizer for the full-length album, which should hopefully be ready for release in early 2014.
We’re waiting. Not very patiently, might I add. But the full length is sure to be worth the wait. In the meantime, Nolan is notorious on the web for singing just as well live as he does on tape, so check out Caught a Ghost during any of their fall tour dates on the west coast. San Diegans can see them at the Griffin on Sept 30th.
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Brandon Boyd’s mystifying new solo project
The tune this week is a song in which I literally cannot stop hitting the “repeat” button. Brandon Boyd has proven to be a musical chameleon over the years, whether you’re following the flowing discography of Incubus or taking a look at his own solo work and artwork. However, he may have outdone himself with latest project, Sons of the Sea, an electrical symphony of love songs that inspire clarity and sometimes even sex appeal.
Sons of the Sea began very quietly as a duo between Boyd and multi-instrumentalist Brendan O’Brien; with a few lyric videos here and there, and an EP, Compass, released on a record label that apparently doesn’t really show up in a Google search. Boyd has never had to prove his humbleness, since even though Incubus has penned some iconic songs, they still give regularly to charities via the Make Yourself Foundation, and they’re even not afraid to meet and greet with a fan or two; however, the small ripple of Sons of the Sea’s release is a sheer testament to Boyd’s lack of interest in fanfare.
Ironically, you could juxtapose Boyd’s personal humility with his music, which offers searing vocals, clear melodies, composition with depth and mood, and lyrical lessons worth listening to. In particular, the tune “Lady Black” is a completely enchanting track which powers through a love story that is observant and sincere. The choice of music to escort this age-old tale of unrequited love has the perfect intensity, as the entire track leaves an eerily adventurous vibe in my ears and a few goosebumps on my skin. The good kind of goosebumps. You know, the ones you get when someone whispers something amazing to you. Yeah, those kind of goosebumps!
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“If love goes unrequited, can we really call it love? Do I hang on? Or should I let go?” Lyrics to live by, even if they are posed as a question. It’s a question that we all have to ask ourselves, and even Incubus frontman Brandon Boyd is not immune to the powerful feelings of uncertainty in love. Sons of the Sea is a continuation of Boyd’s brilliance, and I hope he will carry on with this project in the future, because I know I’m definitely not letting go.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments, below!
SDMT: Ra Ra Riot – Don’t miss this!
Start off your San Diego Music Thing experience with a huge pop act and a party. After all, it is Friday…
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Ra Ra Riot with Caveman at the Birch North Park Theatre – Friday September 13th
Indie pop lovers are not going to want to miss this show, with Ra Ra Riot headlining what is sure to turn into a dance party. Playful and amusing lyrics are coupled with cheery musical backdrops that are sure to get you moving. This group has gone through several trials as a band, but that didn’t stop them from playing festivals like South by Southwest and being nominees at the Independent Music Awards. Maybe their optimistic tunes are a reflection of their personal mantras, but either way, you’ll be happy you went to see them live.
Indie rock group Caveman is warming up the crowd with music that is just as riveting and energetic. Fans of Vampire Weekend, The Joy Formidable, and Matt & Kim are going to love this entire lineup.
For more information on the San Diego Music Thing, including the full lineup and how to buy tickets and passes, check out the official website.
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SDMT: Go see Baywood, your folk heart will thank you
Time to clap your hands, stomp your feet, and harmonize along to catchy songs that will instantly melt your heart. San Diego Music Thing is offering a multitude of musical genres in tonight’s shows, and this one is sure to please all the folk/indie pop fans out there.
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Baywood, Denison Witmer, Trouble in the Wind, others at Claire de Lune Coffee Lounge – Friday September 13th
I cannot stop singing and humming this tune by Baywood, a perfectly quirky and perfectly catchy duo that is mastering their medium of folk pop. If the lyrics don’t warm your heart, then surely the happy melodies of “Gotta Get You” will. The song title is wildly appropriate, since I feel like they got me as soon as I started listening.
Denison Witmer is just as alluring, with a mellow almost bluesy tinge to his songs, reminiscent of Elliott Smith or Sufjan Stevens . His sultry voice will soothe you as you fight the urge to start singing along with mesmerizing melodies. In fact, don’t fight the urge — I’m sure he wouldn’t mind a lovestruck audience as vocal backup!
A perfect lineup of local favorites will also be on stage tonight, including Trouble in the Wind, who incorporate banjos and a lively attitude to their set. So make sure you check it all out at Clare de Lune Coffee Lounge!
For more information on the San Diego Music Thing, including the full lineup and how to buy tickets and passes, check out the official website.
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SDMT: Girl in a Coma, New Mexico at Bar Pink
This show will probably be the most interesting thing you hear this Friday. I mean it. No, seriously. If you don’t believe me, take a listen for yourself…
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Girl in a Coma, New Mexico, Buddy Banter, and others at Bar Pink – Friday September 13th
According to their Spotify bio, Girl in a Coma named themselves after a the Smiths song and bonded over their love of Nirvana. I am in love with their penchant for covering 60s songs with the perfect modern interpretation. They’ve had ups and downs throughout their musical career, but when Joan Jett signs you to her label (Blackheart Records), you know you’re doing something very right.
New Mexico has self-branded themselves as a “Four piece torture chamber ensemble”, but there’s nothing torturous about their alt rock music that dips between modern upbeat riffs and groovy throwbacks. They urge you to listen to their music to find out what they sound like, but here’s a hint: lovers of bands like Interpol and Bloc Party will most likely jump on the train to New Mexico.
Rounding out this lineup are some famous Southern Cali acts like Buddy Banter and Irontom, so make sure you get there early to party with all the amazing music happening tonight!
For more information on the San Diego Music Thing, including the full lineup and how to buy tickets and passes, check out the official website.
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San Diego Music Thing: Manuok / Ed Ghost Tucker / Boy King
Each day I’m going to discuss a San Diego Music Thing performance that you can’t miss, so that you are — hopefully — ready for this overwhelmingly awesome music festival this weekend. But a week isn’t even enough time to go through everything, because that is how big this fest really is!
Still, I can offer some highlights, so that you can make a very well-informed decision on who you should see first. Actually, just duplicate yourself and see them all. It’s for the best that way!
Starting off…
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Manuok, Ed Ghost Tucker, Boy King at Whistle Stop Bar – Friday September 13th
San Diego’s indie pop love child, Manuok, is a music project that really showcases just what this music scene can offer. Feel proud to be a So Cal music lover as you sway along to the crooning voice of the brains behind this solo project, multi-instrumentalist Scott Mercado. Legendary, impeccable, mellow and fascinating are just a few spot-on adjectives that come to mind.
Ed Ghost Tucker is the kind of act that immediately pulls you in — with a genre-bending approach to music that is mostly folky-surf tunes with a hint of jazz appeal. Smart and alluring, their music is the perfect backdrop to nearly any venue. When performing live, Ed Ghost Tucker knows how to control their volume and dynamic, adding perspective to music that is already beaming with depth. If you enjoy beachy vibes and the jazzy version of Vampire Weekend, Ed Ghost Tucker will not disappoint you.
Rounding out this trifecta of awesome sauce is Boy King, a rock ‘n roll based group that isn’t afraid to bring a bit of an edge to the party. With guitar riffs like Wolfmother and The Black Keys, and lead singer Megan Liscomb channeling a 70s rock goddess, Boy King is sure to prove they’re royalty among local rock ‘n roll.
For more information on the San Diego Music Thing, including the full lineup and how to purchases tickets and passes, check out the official website.
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