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The Joy of Painting Release “Tender Age” in Nashville, TN [NEW MUSIC]

05/24/13
Steve Harpine
· Album Reviews · Art · Beat-Play, LLC · Independent Labels · Independent Music · Music · Music News · Nashville · New Music

This week marks the release of some great albums from artists that you’ve probably heard of: Daft Punk, 30 Seconds to Mars, and The National to name a few. Nonetheless, let’s not forget about the up and coming local talent. In Nashville, there are many albums released each week, so how do you stand out in the mix? Well, you do what The Joy of Painting have been doing over the past couple years; play shows, write, record, share, grab coffee, repeat. In a world so full of media and entertainment, the common theme is that it’s not easy to truly stand out unless you get lucky or have a million dollars. The truth is, you can still do things the old fashioned way, write and record good songs, and work hard to get noticed. The Joy of Painting have stayed committed as a band, and now with a fresh album out this week, “the future was wide open.” (..because who doesn’t love a little Tom Petty?).

Tender Age is the latest bombshell of a project from Nashville’s rising garage pop experts. The Joy of Painting consists of Garreth Spinn, Mark Bullock, Chris Hauser, Kyle McCormick, and Josh Nelson. The album was released May 21, 2013 and features 7 new original songs. You can play all of them in the player above, but we’ve also featured the first three on the top left of the page in our discography section. We want you to do your own listening, but pay attention to the theme here, which is summarized in the title. Tender Age describes the age your early to mid-20s where you become vulnerable in a world so quick to tear us down for not following the social expectations. The truth is, it’s okay to not know exactly what you’re doing, and that’s what a lot of these songs are about. However, let’s not forget that girls may play a role here as well. On the recording side, the band tracked the entire record in house; literally, in their house. Bassist Mark Bullock engineered and the band received mixing help from Cord Phillips. You can purchase Tender Age through Amazon on the left panel or click on the album art at the top. Also, if you missed it, don’t forget to check out last month’s article on their first single, “Dontchu Wanna,” by clicking here.

By Steve Harpine | Nashville Ambassador | @Steve_MWL | Beat-Play & Music Without Labels, LLC

Vampire Weekend “Modern Vampires Of The City” [ALBUM REVIEW]

05/22/13
Steve Rippin
· Album Reviews · Beat-Play, LLC · Chicago · Events · Independent Music · Los Angeles · Music · music industry · Music News · New Music · News · Uncategorized

It’s been a week since indie darlings Vampire Weekend released their highly acclaimed third studio record called “Modern Vampires Of The City.” Everyone and their mum has had a chance to dig in deep and since they have been playing a bunch of shows in NY, LA and Boston people have had a chance to hear these new songs live. Just incase you get confused by my jibber jab in what I hope doesn’t turn into a slanted diatribe I will say this: The is the best Vampire Weekend record yet.

Is it too similar to Contra and their self titled first release? Is it true to the music they have based their careers on? This record is the definition of balance and reinvention without losing the direction of the band and abandoning why people like them in the first place. This record is important for 2 reasons. One is that it’s the third record and they managed to release something that sounds so specifically like them with genre defining rhythms and catchy hooks and smart song writing. The second reason is it takes the Vampire Weekend sound to the next level. Lots of vocal effects and a reveal of the quieter side of the band. The album opener “Obvious Bicycle” is not an obvious album opener at all. It’s slow and plain. The Ezra’s voice and the harmonies are still the driving force and the delicate nature of the song is the perfect setup for what’s to come.

The second track is called ‘Unbelievers’. Hands down without a doubt this song is my favorite new Vampire Weekend song. Lyrics are great. Melody is great. Drums and bass are great. This is what I have come to expect from Vampire Weekend. Their consistency in live performance and on their live albums is unmatched at this point. They haven’t really played shows in about two years, but they have the poise and confidence of a band that has played everyday for the last decade. The confidence comes through in the performances I have been posting but also through the music. As I move through the album I didn’t find one weak track. I had questions of how they are planning on playing some of the songs live because of all of the effects, but they put all my concerns to ease when I recently saw them in Pomona, CA between Coachella sets where they played a flawless version of the single, ‘Diane Young’.

‘Diane Young’ comes in close as my my second favorite tune on the album. I know I said this before so I’ll be brief, but this is a definitive Vampire Weekend Song. Dancy and poppy with screaming guitars and a great back beat. The show I saw in Pomona was at a relatively small theater in a small town just outside of LA. The sold out crowd came to party and so did the band. They ripped through the hits (A-Punk, Cousins) and peppered the set with the rest of the best. The hour and thirty minute show proved that Vampire Weekend is back in a big way. Their tour will continue for about the next year or so and having already stopped into Coachella and SNL with more to come at Sasquatch, Firefly, Glastonbury, Lollapalloza, Outside Lands and The Hollywood Bowl. I think it’s safe to say they are going to be exhausted.

I’ve seen Vampire Weekend about 4 times now. I go to see them for one reason and one reason only, consistency. They play it all and bring the sheer energy necessary to make it big in the industry today and keep getting bigger. I would point you in a direction to buy the new album “Modern Vampires Of The City” but we both know you already have it.

By: Steve Rippin | Beat-Play Ambassador Los Angeles | @stevewithMWL|Music Without Labels & Beat-Play, LLC

Guards “In Guards We Trust” [NEW MUSIC]

05/20/13
Steve Rippin
· Album Reviews · Beat-Play, LLC · concert · Europe · Independent Labels · Independent Music · Los Angeles · music industry · Music News · New York · Uncategorized

Is it summer yet? I’m getting amped up for concerts and drinking out side. I’m also getting amped for today’s band of the hour. Guards. I’ve been listening to this record for a few weeks now. Its easy going rock and roll, just in time for Summer.

With this new release I think we are going to be seeing a lot of Guards for a while. It’s exciting to hear new music like this. Yes, it’s a reinvention, but the sounds are original and I really like the vocal arrangements. I’m not sure if everyone who formed a band in the last three years made it a rule to have a female so-lead singer but it’s working for me.

Founded in 2012 Guards consists of Richie James Follin, Loren Humphrey & Kaylie Church. Their most recent “In Guards We Trust” is loud, catchy and easily on of my favorite releases of the last few months. Since February the band has been touring heavily. They are currently in Europe making their way through the festival circuit and then toward the end of the Summer they’ll make their way state side to tour with Best Coast, Alt-J and Portugal, The Man. The tour wraps up with two massive shows at Lollapalooza in Chicago and FYF Fest here in LA.

Guards – Taxi Cab (Vampire Weekend Cover)

By: Steve Rippin | Beat-Play Ambassador Los Angeles | @stevewithMWL|Music Without Labels & Beat-Play, LLC

She & Him “Volume 3″ with Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward [NEW MUSIC]

05/09/13
Steve Harpine
· Album Reviews · Art · Beat-Play, LLC · concert · Events · Independent Labels · Independent Music · Los Angeles · Music · music industry · Music News · Nashville · New Music · Top Posts · Video

Zooey Deschanel is quite the over-achieving artist. Her big break came in the early 2000s, when she began landing support roles in films such as Almost Famous, The Good Girl, Elf, and more. Today, Zooey is widely known as the star in the Fox series, New Girl, but it was over six years ago that her singing career began it’s launch. Fans heard Zooey sing before, most memorably in Elf with “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” Three years later, Zooey teamed up with singer-songwriter/producer M. Ward, who encouraged her in the songs she was writing. In 2008, the duo, artily named She & Him, released their debut album, Volume 1. In an interview with Venus Zine, Deschanel described her feelings about starting a career in music.

“I always thought I would be able to sing and act, but at a certain point, it became difficult for me to share the music part. So I was writing a ton of music, but not really doing anything with it. I didn’t really know exactly who to collaborate with … until I met Matt, and everything seemed to fall into place.”

She & Him released a new album, Volume 3, this week with eleven original songs by Deschanel and three covers. Zooey’s voice retains a transparent tone throughout the record, often giving playful melody to lyrics about love and relationships. Have a listen to the first single, “Never Wanted Your Love.”

As you can hear, the record has a totally natural vibe. Crisp drums, tight bass lines, appropriate string and horn additions, and M. Ward’s phenomenal guitar playing give the album somewhat of a throwback feel. There’s a sense of Motown throughout, and the mastering process still left a rawness in the tones and grooves on the record. Sometimes it sounds like you’re right there in the room. Most of the album is a bit of a romantic walk back to a California beach in the 1970s. It even has background vocals tracked by indie pop group, Tilly and the Wall. Have a listen to the first song from the record released on She & Him’s Soundcloud, “I Could’ve Been Your Girl.”

Volume 3 is fun, but classy at the same time. It’s perfect for your summer trip to the beach mix or your playlist for the drive to this weekend’s drive-in movie. Mostly impressive is Zooey Deschanel’s songwriting and composing ability. She truly has a cool sense of melody and a knack for hearing instrumentation. With help from M. Ward, She & Him has become a quaint act for a classy show date. They kick off their summer tour in Nashville at the infamous Ryman Auditorium on June 13th. Get your copy of Volume 3 and check out She & Him’s summer tour stops by clicking on the album art below!

By Steve Harpine | Nashville Ambassador | @Steve_MWL | Beat-Play & Music Without Labels, LLC

James Blake Gives Independent a New Meaning on New Album “Overgrown” [NEW MUISC/VIDEO]

04/26/13
Steve Harpine
· Album Reviews · Art · Beat-Play, LLC · Independent Labels · Independent Music · Music · Music News · Nashville · New Music · Top Posts · Video

At 25 years old, James Blake has built a reputation as one of the most brilliant producer/singer-songwriters in the UK today. He began releasing music on an imprint level during his years at Goldsmiths, University of London. His third EP, CMYK, gained traction through BBC Radio 1, but it was his new single and cover of “Limit to Your Love” by Feist that started to churn the waters. 2010 became a significant year for Blake, as recognition spread from music awards and in the UK to media attention from US outlets like Pitchfork. At the same time, he was finishing up work on his self-titled debut album, which dropped in February 2011. The album boosted Blake’s career with collaborations, performances, and more recognition for his art. Fans and listeners all over the world have been anticipating his sophomore album, Overgrown. Check out the first single, “Retrograde.”

Overgrown released this month on April 8, 2013. The album is dynamic and confident. The production is on a whole other level than what we’re used to hearing in contemporary music. Similar to contemporaries like the XX, Blake seems to take his time through each sound and effect that goes into a record. From sounds used in the groove, to the unique synths incorporated throughout the album, his songs take on a level of dynamics and creativity that many of today’s artists have not yet ventured into. Overgrown also features guests Brian Eno and RZA. There’s no doubt that his relationship with Jamie Lidell has affected the writing on the album, as James admitted in an interview with Hot Press. Blake has also described his music as “melodic bass music,” pointing out that his dub influences extend both to the traditional dub music and garage music. Well, we can certainly hear that! Have a listen to the title track, “Overgrown.”

It’s received rave reviews on nearly all music outlets, as well as Music Without Labels. I’d expect to hear even more of James Blake this year in the US, as his writing and production skills will for sure be in high demand by a number of todays top artists. Thanks, James, for making music your own and not being afraid to be yourself in your art. As we’ve seen countless times before, it’s been one of the most effective characteristics of artists who break quickly. Get Overgrown today by clicking on the album art below!

By Steve Harpine | Nashville Ambassador | @Steve_MWL | Beat-Play & Music Without Labels, LLC

Featured Music of the Week: Ghost Beach “Modern Toungues EP” [NEW MUSIC]

04/25/13
Steve Harpine
· Album Reviews · Art · Beat-Play, LLC · Independent Labels · Independent Music · Music · Nashville · New Music · New York · Top Posts

This week’s featured music (on the left side bar <<) is from one of my favorite bands of the past year, Ghost Beach. The New York City group has been delivering their “tropical grit pop” singles for awhile, gaining more fans with each release. They’re on tour this month with fellow producer and friend, Chad Valley, and if you happen to catch a show, you’ll be in for a real treat. Chad even remixed one of their most recent projects, “Tear Us Apart.” The single dropped in October this fall as a free download on their website, setting up their release of Modern Toungues EP. The five-song EP debuted in November, primarily through digital distribution markets iTunes and Spotify. Their singles have already become summer party favorites, so I have confidence that you’ll be blasting this set at your next big shebang.

They hit you with a fresh wave of post-80s beach pop, with bright guitars and synths over big grooves that allow you to reminisce of all things fun and sunny. It’s no doubt that they’ve found their sound when you listen to the production. Influences such as Daft Punk, Depeche Mode, The Police, Tears For Fears, Brazilian Girls, and Thievery Corperation are heard, but certainly not duplicated. The Ghost Beach duo consists of Josh Ocean (vocals, bass, synths) and Eric “Doc” Mendelsohn (guitars, synths, MPC). They began to develop the whole project about two years ago, but it’s not just music that has brought attention to the band. Artists vs. Artists is a campaign that began with the way that Josh and Eric have approached music distribution from the beginning: as free to fans who want it. It approached a whole new level when it appeared in the form of a 15,000 square-foot video billboard in Times Square.

Our hope with this campaign is to stimulate the discussion on exactly what ‘piracy’ means to different people. To an older industry sector, it’s a dirty word that implies theft. From a younger, purely consumer standpoint it’s another term for distribution. As it stands now, we’re more closely aligned with the music consumer – in the sense that we are for this new distribution model, as evident by our efforts thus far to make Ghost Beach original music available for free to fans.

We think that working towards a digital retail/stream model, something similar to Spotify or Rdio, is the future of music - using the Internet as a force for connectivity and development rather then seeing it as the enemy. We subscribe to media futurist Gerd Leonhards ‘music like water’ philosophy that, one day, individuals will just pay a music bill – similar to their water bill, cable bill, electric bill – for unabated access. In this (hopefully attainable) Utopian music society, music will be available to consumers at a fare rate and artists/labels will be compensated with a fair royalty rate. In no way do we want to encourage theft of intellectual property. However we definitely support the idea of music distribution adapting to new technologies rather then fight against them.

Join the debate by using #artistsforpiracy or #artistsagainstpiracy hashtags and at artistsvsartists.com. Pick your side and share your voice on this incredible platform created by one of the summer’s hottest indie bands, Ghost Beach.

By Steve Harpine | Nashville Ambassador | @Steve_MWL | Beat-Play & Music Without Labels, LLC

Phoenix Drops New Album “Bankrupt” Today! [NEW MUSIC/VIDEO]

04/23/13
Steve Harpine
· Album Reviews · Art · Beat-Play, LLC · Independent Labels · Independent Music · Music · music industry · Music News · Nashville · New Music · New York · News · Top Posts · Video

It’s been awhile since I’ve made a post here, but the inspiration has finally come… with loud noise and flashing lights. At least that was what we saw when Phoenix released the title of their new album on their website in January 2013. The announcement came exactly one year after the band had announced that they completed four songs for the record. Another month later, wearephoenix.com was relaunched with the official album release date of April 22, 2013. In proper creative fashion, the announcement came with a touch of creativity, as an invisible hand penned the following message:

Dear all, our new album, Bankrupt!, will be released the week of April 22nd. Here is the tracklisting as well as the album cover. Much love et à bientôt. -Thomas Branco Mazzalai Deck.

This was what Phoenix fans had been patiently waiting for. It’s been nearly four years since their previous release, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, which earned a Grammy Award as well as Gold certification in the US, Canada, and Australia. Today, Phoenix releases my most anticipated album of the year, Bankrupt!, so sit back and listen to the first single, “Entertainment.”

The production on this record is something from another world. The unique synths, paired with orchestra strings and fun grooves, make a perfect accompaniment to Thomas Mars’ unmistakeable vocals. The melodies dive from overlaid hooks to lines that will undoubtedly make you feel accomplished once memorized after a few listens. I think the single “Entertainment” has been an excellent choice for debuting the album. It doesn’t give away all the treats, but it sets up the creativity to come. We hear Phoenix pumping the groove on the verse, but dropping out for the chorus. The synths are heavy, but engaging. The groove is mastered with just enough of everything to keep you wanting more. And more is exactly what you’ll get throughout the rest of the album. It’s good to hear a band that knows who they are and continue to push the boundaries of making music. Get your copy today by clicking on the album art below!

By Steve Harpine | Nashville Ambassador | @Steve_MWL | Beat-Play & Music Without Labels, LLC

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