Be. Hear. Now.
MWL Interviews - Ballyhoo
Ballyhoo - Last Night
Coral Thief - Words I Say
Trevor C Jones - Never Want To Leave
Episode 15 - Feat. Yann Tiersen + Datsik + MORE!
Episode 14 - Feat. Rachael Yamagata
Episode 13 - Feat. Portugal. The Man
MWL Live episode 12 - Feat. These Days
MWL Live Episode 11 - Feat. Eliot Lipp
MWL Live - Episode 10 - Feat. The Green
MWL Live Episode 9 - Feat. Chamberlin
MWL Live Episode 8 - Feat. Minnesota
MWL Live Episode 7 - Feat. Digitalism
MWL Live Episode 6 - The Halloween Episode
MWL Live Episode 5 - Feat. Stephen Marley
MWL Live - Episode 4 - Feat. Alabama Shakes
MWL Live - Episode 3 - Feat. Minus The Bear
MWL Live - Episode 2 - Feat. The Lonely Forest
MWL Live Episode 1 - Feat. DMX
MWL Live catches up with Marco Benevento!
MWL Live Interviews Y La Bamba!Absinthe Junk Video Release at 12th & Porter, Nashville, TN
CLICK ON THE PIC FOR MORE CONCERT PHOTOS!
Check out Absinthe Junk’s new album, Death in the Afternoon, available on vinyl!
Photography By: Jenny Jem George | Ambassador of Nashville, TN | @JennyJemGeorge | Shutterbuzz Photos | Beat-Play & Music Without Labels, LLC
Cabinet Live at Old Farmers Ball, Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain, Scranton PA
Click Here For More Photos
Photography By: Regina Nicolardi | Ambassador of Photography | Pennsylvania | Beat-Play and Music Without Labels, LLC
Where do I start with this? Chantal Claret’s show can only be summed up in one word.
In-freakin-credible.
Check Out More Photos
There, I said it. Do I need to post more of a review? The singer of Morningwood returns with a straight-out-of-a-different-era sound. Her upbeat songs, catchy lyrics and back up singers all set the base for this performance, but its Claret’s charisma and charm that just ties everything up in a nice bow. Claret has energy, and alot of it. Making faces at the crowd, dancing around in an incredibly short dress and even breaking out in a limbo competition, it was pretty much a giant party on stage and I’m sure everyone wanted in.
Check out her website!
Songs about fathers, and about robbing the cradle, there was no end to the fist pumping, chorus sing-a-long (ing) fun. At one point, she hopped into the audience and got the entire crowd to sit down as she sang a story. Not trying to take away from her band, cuz all of them were beyond talented. In fact, there were times where I was so invested in watching the guitarist that I forgot that I had a show to shoot. And the backup singers, oh the backup singers. There was enough sass to fill the room coming from those two women.
I would definitely go see Chantal again. I had never heard of her until that night but she really made a fan out me. I had a job to do and I found myself distracted at times and just wanted to enjoy the show. I really can’t say anything else to describe the show to be honest, you’d just have to see for yourself.
Photos by Lauren Wilson | Ambassador of San Diego, CA | Follow Me on Twitter | Other Music Photos | Beat-Play & Music Without Labels, LLC
This is Nashville, but leave your “dirty south” labels at the door. The most organic rap in the country is coming from this city, and one of it’s leaders is Openmic. In the latest video interview, he talks about his most recent experiences from the stage to the studio. The main theme: the game is changing. Nashville is growing, but in the rap and hip hop community, flourish is an understatement. It’s not just about coming up with lyrics that flow and make sense. Creativity lies at the heart of what Openmic does with his music, and the words seem as though they’ve become natural instinct. But, don’t take my word for it:
As you can hear, this is not just your run of the mill student. Openmic grew up “under the guidance of his father and renowned jazz musician Rod McGaha,” who continues to provide insight into his music to this day. After years of recording and developing his skills, Openmic has had the opportunity to open for artists like artist Wale, Dom Kennedy, Big K.R.I.T, Yelawolf, and more. It’s not just Tennessee that is taking notice. I think you’ll understand when you hear for yourself. Here’s the latest track from Openmic, “Im’a Fool Freestyle:”
Hear it as inspiration and encouragement that anyone can have the confidence to be great at what you do. You’ll hear even more significance on his latest album, “For The Rebels,” featuring other local artists and collaborators that continue to influence the scene. There’s an awareness of pop culture, but an honesty of staying true to oneself, being educated, and still grinding it out pursuing your dream. Keep listening and make sure you check out Openmic when he opens for Big KRIT May 16th at Limelight in Nashville. Click on the album art below to hear the latest and get on all things Openmic.
By Steve Harpine | Nashville Ambassador | @Steve_MWL | Beat-Play & Music Without Labels, LLC
Already an accomplished singer/songwriter in the UK with four albums under his belt, Frank Turner finds himself at the cusp of stardom in America. Though the road-romancing troubadour can probably do without the glitz of fame, it might be unavoidable if his latest single, “The Way I Tend To Be,” catches on. As the most radio/movie trailer/closing credits/sad-dude-in-a-college-dorm friendly track on his new album, Tape Deck Heart, it’s no surprise that it was quickly found itself with a video as well.
Narrative: Frank wanders into a field and just starts digging. He quickly attracts a single on-looker, and like any strange event in modern times, he’s soon surrounded by curious media, fans and well-wishers. Four days later, he finishes digging and climbs out, prompting a reveal that the entire field is full of holes.
Performance: None to speak of, save for a few brief shots of Frank singing to himself. But here’s a live version for all your can’t-really-see-the-drummer, hey-that’s an-alright-shot-of-the-bass-player needs:
Song: Mandolin, is there no respite from your twee sound? If Frank Turner can ride to mainstream success on the back of the instrument that’s become synonymous with beards, cuffed jeans, and artisanal peanut liqueurs, then so be it. Maybe its prominence in the first few seconds of the song is like Turner’s Jedi mind trick that’ll let him slip past the old guards of radio and whoever made Mumford and Sons famous. If so, fine, otherwise, off with ya. The laid-back groove and off-beat canter of the chorus are the real highlights here, along with Turner’s strikingly honest voice
Why You Should Watch It: It’s a gorgeous video in an age of cheaply produced product that’s thrown up on YouTube to die. The photography of the woods and open field feels like something from a modern western, with Mother Nature’s arms open wide, providing a earthy canvas for the action. I love the way the first girl’s yellow jacket and purple gloves pop against the brown woods and Frank’s drab palette. By the end, the sky is a deep evening blue lit up by the media’s bright orange and yellow lights and everything twinkles against a light rain. Oh, and there’s shovel-cam.
Chris Cullari | Beat-Play Ambassador Los Angeles |@Chris_Cullari | Music Without Labels & Beat-Play, LLC |
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
Katchafire Live @ The Gothic Theater, Englewood, CO
Click on the PHOTO for More Concert Shots of Katchafire!
Listen to the Sweet Music of Katchafire!
Photography By: Jimmy Iles | Director of Artist Relations | Jimmy Iles Photography | Beat-Play & Music Without Labels, LLC