Category Archives: Indies, Up n’ comers & Unknowns

Stuff you probably won’t hear on the radio.

Earworm of the Week: Catfish and the Bottlemen, “Homesick”

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A few weeks ago, Daytrotter’s top music muscle, Sean Moeller, sent out a tweet that said, “Catfish and the Bottlemen are going to be huge.  Trust me.”

My immediate response:  WHO ARE CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN?

I’m a Daytrotter subscriber, and get a ton of cool sessions from them, but they do lean a little to the indie hipster side.  So imagine my surprise when I Google this band and hear screaming guitars. I must know more.

I may talk quite a bit about singer-songwriter types, but it’s not much of a secret that I have a “thing” for rock n’ roll bands.  These four young’uns – and I do mean babies – fill my need for “MORE GUITAR!” Plus, bonus, they hail from Wales (Llandudno, to be exact), homeland of my mentor of fun, Mrs. G., and the Stereophonics.  I do love the Welsh!  Aged 18 – 21, these kids are already earning their stripes, playing over 100 shows in the UK in 2012 and currently gigging some pretty major festivals across the pond.

Their song “Homesick” has been stuck in my head for the last two weeks.  And don’t let the sparse opening fool ya…hang on for the chorus and you’ll see what I mean about the rock n’ roll.

 

There’s no full-length album yet, but you can pick up the “Homesick” single, a two-track blistering rock n’ roll feast, for less than two bucks on Amazon or iTunes.  Their new single, “Rango” is due out on Sept. 17 in the U.S., but if you just can’t wait, they debuted the official sperm-filled video this week.

Going to have to agree with Mr. Moeller on this one…this band is going to be huge.  (Grab their Daytrotter session here, by the way.)

More Catfish and the Bottlemen:  Web | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Earworm of the Week: Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, “Firecracker”

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I was torn this week. I have a couple of songs that have been on non-stop repeat, but I’m going with the one that makes me most happy it is almost the weekend.

Canadian Michael Bernard Fitzgerald – referred to often as just MBF – first caught my attention on The Sixty-One a few years back (Sidebar: oh, I miss The Sixty-One! I’m sure Jess and Brad will lament its demise with me.). His unique voice grabs you straight away, but it’s his humorous and effortless mix of singer-songwriter and hip-hoppy style that will keep you smiling.

His new album, YES, dropped this week and the crazy addictive, drum beat heavy “Firecracker” opens it up with a bang. It was actually released on a pre-album EP a few months back first, but in those few short months, MBF’s name has been popping up everywhere…even on my beloved Rock Boat, where he’ll be one of the performing acts this year. The new album is a guaranteed happy…check it out.

 

P.S. What I may love most about this fella is his social media consistency. Everywhere from Twitter to Facebook to his website, he’s ilovembf. If that isn’t worthy of a follow, I don’t know what is.

More Michael Bernard Fitzgerald: Web | Facebook | Twitter | Yes on iTunes | Yes on Amazon

Introducing Southbound Honey (Kind Of)

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When it comes to music from my favorite artists, I have a real hard time keeping a secret.  Luckily, I got permission to spill the beans on this one.

Southbound Honey

Tara Keith and Christopher Jak are Southbound Honey

Christopher Jak, aka the man who has penned my favorite line of any song ever in the history of the world, has been making new music.  And it’s lovely.  And he’s not alone.

Meet Southbound Honey, a sweet collaboration between C Jak and rising country star Tara Keith.  Originally hailing from Canada, this gal has got a serious set of pipes, and earned a spot on Canadian Idol at age 16.  In 2012, she was selected to play at the Grammys Social Media Rock Star Summit.

I haven’t gotten the full story about how C Jak and Tara teamed up, but what I can tell you is that they are making some pretty sweet music together.  Or maybe the opposite of sweet… I got to preview five of the new tracks today, and you’ll have to just trust me for now that they are crushing, dripping with longing, lonely, jealousy and regret.  With the exception of one, each of the songs centers on some sort of troubled relationship – a strained marriage falling apart around a kitchen counter, a gal discovering her man a’ cheating, a one-night stand that changed both parties – all the elements needed for modern country hits.  And hell, as if I need to say it, Jak and Tara sound really great together.

After 10 years of harmlessly stalking Jak and his music, I have an enormous respect for his deft lyrical skills, and long-time fans will definitely find “Jak” in these songs – some more than others.  Two in particular are stunning and ring with his signature poetic frankness.

So the sad part for ya’ll reading this is that there’s pretty much no details to give, no music to share, no websites to link to, no promo photos to post (well, maybe there’s something if you look here – gotta love Instagram).  They made their debut back in June at the Fort Collins Music Experiment and just recently played the city’s New West Fest, garnering some attention from industry types, but the project is still relatively new. Jak’s pretty mum on stuff, but I know when he pops his head up to tell me about things that they’re getting serious.

So hang tight a little longer, and get ready to get a little stuck on Southbound Honey.  I promise, you’ll be the first to hear more as soon as I do.

More Southbound Honey: Twitter

New Mighty Oaks Videos

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That’s it. I am moving to Germany. To follow a band.

(Seriously, if I could, I would.)

The Cardinal Sessions released two new Mighty Oaks videos today. Just the guys in a field making music.

So pure. So perfect.

I am in love with these songs.

More Mighty Oaks: Web | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Just One Day EP

Sofar Sounds and The Rouge

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Earlier this week, fellow music lover and Twitter junkie Mike told me about Sofar Sounds after attending an event this weekend in Atlanta.  Taking house concerts to a new level, this concept is so freaking cool.  Get music lovers to sign up / host house concerts of up and coming bands in their city.  Make it invite only.  Keep it secret who is playing until the guests arrive.

I want in.

I immediately go to their website to check it out…and it’s started up in about 2 dozen cities around the world, but of course, nothing in Charlotte.  I love my Queen City, but when it comes to music, it can be so behind the times. *insert dramatic sigh*  And shit fire, I live in an apartment and can’t even offer to host something.  *more dramatic sighing*

I’m not kidding you, later the same day, my insane band crush The Rouge posted a video of them playing a Sofar Sounds show in Nashville.  SERIOUSLY?  Now I want to be part of this inner Sofar Sounds circle even more…

Check out The Rouge performing “Medication”… and “Handcuffs” …  then tell me you don’t want to be at this party, too?

More The Rouge:  Web | Facebook | Twitter