Monday, January 07, 2019

Sights and Sounds: R. Stevie Moore, Greta Van Fleet, Governors Ball Music Fest...

Here is today's strong roundup of music-related news...


DIY Godfather R. Stevie Moore releasing new album



R Stevie Moore: this guy again. The Godfather of DIY home recording. Hundreds of self-released albums over the past 50 years. Dozens issued on countless indie labels since 1976. Pop craftsman, crafty grandpop, notorious curmudgeon. Blah blah blah blah blah. Most recently teamed with Jason Falkner on the album Make It Be (Bar/None, 2017).
 
Since R. Stevie can't make a decent living on his music, he's trying to accomplish the task in the Afterlife. This album is an upgrade from the lo-fi, damaged-equipment home recording process for which RSM has become legendary; it's being released February 22 on Bar/None. With a career-long sweep, R. Stevie took some of his best home-recorded lo-fi songs and re-recorded them with full-studio sparkle. All recordings were made in the past 15 years, with tracks captured in five U.S. states. Some compositions date from the 1970s to the 1990s, and there's a few newer tunes. The album lacks one thing: filler. Lou Reed famously said about his final Velvet Underground album: "I gave them an album loaded with hits," then he walked away. Afterlife is R. Stevie's Loaded-an album full of hits. He's walking away with a cane, a bum knee, and cataracts.
 
Afterlife was compiled and produced by Irwin Chusid (who oversees the musical estates of Sun Ra, Raymond Scott, and others). Chusid, a WFMU DJ since 1975, has been a compatriot of RSM since they met in 1978 after R. Stevie relocated to New Jersey from his native Nashville (to which he returned in 2010). It's often been pointed out that RSM's daddy Bob played bass with Elvis. But we won't dwell on that here.
 
Afterlife features sideman work by Ariel Pink, Jason Falkner, Lane Steinberg, and Chusid. It was mastered by veteran producer-musician Kramer (who has previously recorded with RSM). There's a biopic in the works. It's called Cool Daddio: The Second Youth of R. Stevie Moore(Spring Films), and with luck it might hit the cinema circuit in 2019.
 
R. Stevie will not be touring to promote this album. He's sick of traveling, his misanthropy's been acting up, and he prefers the comforts of his messy nest. But he will talk to journalists on the phone or via email. Just don't ask about his daddy. It's a worn-out topic. Sorry we brought it up.


Greta Van Fleet set to perform on 'Saturday Night Live' on January 19, 2019

L-R:  Danny Wagner, Jake Kiszka, Josh Kiszka, Sam Kiszka
Photo credit:  Travis Shinn
Monday, January 7, 2019 -- With three #1 rock singles, four 2019 Grammy nominations, a debut album, Anthem of the Peaceful Army, that debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top Rock Albums chart, and a massive global tour set to kick off January 22 in Japan, Greta Van Fleet will make its debut as musical guest January 19 on "Saturday Night Live," airing on NBC at 11:30PM ET/10:30PM CT.

*****
ABOUT GRETA VAN FLEET:
Greta Van Fleet is four young musicians - twin brothers Josh (vocals) and Jake Kiszka (guitar), both 22, younger brother Sam (bass/keys, 19), and longtime family friend Danny Wagner (drums, 20).  All are from the tiny Michigan hamlet of Frankenmuth known for its family-style chicken dinners and the world's largest Christmas store.  All four were raised on their parents' extensive vinyl collections which helped give birth to the music they make today:  a high-energy hybrid of rock'n'roll, blues and soul.  

Since the March, 2017 release of "Highway Tune," the band's first single that claimed the #1 spot at Rock Radio for five consecutive weeks, the four have been on a wild ride of sold-out concerts in North America and Europe, racked up millions of YouTube video plays and audio streams, received glowing accolades from iconic artists like Elton John, Dave Grohl, Joe Satriani and Billy Corgan, and recorded two #1 EPs.  The band's debut album Anthem of the Peaceful Army (10/19/18, Lava Records/Republic Records), debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top Album Sales and Top Rock Albums charts, and at #3 on the Billboard 200 chart.  On December 7, the band awoke to find they had received four Grammy nominations - Best New Artist, Best Rock Song ("Black Smoke Rising"), Best Rock Album (From The Fires EP), and Best Rock Performance ("Highway Tune"). Most importantly, the band has been building an extraordinary connection with their fans.




THE NINTH ANNUAL GOVERNORS BALL MUSIC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2019 LINEUP
FEATURING…
THE STROKES, FLORENCE + THE MACHINE, TYLER, THE CREATOR, LIL WAYNE, SZA, NAS, THE 1975, KACEY MUSGRAVES,
MAJOR LAZER, BROCKHAMPTON, LOUIS THE CHILD, MITSKI,
THE INTERNET, GESAFFELSTEIN, JORJA SMITH, BLOOD ORANGE, LILY ALLEN,  KAYTRANADA, MØ, SHECK WES, NONAME,
VINCE STAPLES, CHARLI XCX, ZHU, LORD HURON,
BEAST COAST (JOEY BADA$$ + FLATBUSH ZOMBIES),
TY DOLLA $IGN, JESSIE REYEZ, SOCCER MOMMY,
AND MANY MORE...

THREE DAYS OF MUSIC, FOOD, ART, AND ENTERTAINMENT
IN NEW YORK CITY
FRIDAY, MAY 31 - SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2019




January 07, 2019, New York, NY -- Founders Entertainment is proud to announce the lineup for the 2019 Governors Ball Music Festival. The ninth annual edition of New York City’s very own homegrown fest will take place from Friday, May 31, 2019 through Sunday, June 2, 2019 on beautiful Randall’s Island Park. Featuring performances from Florence + The Machine, Tyler, The Creator, The Strokes, Lil Wayne, SZA, The 1975, Kacey Musgraves, and many more, Governors Ball will showcase 70 artists throughout the weekend. Full festival lineup and poster below.

3-day GA and VIP tickets (including payment plan options) will be available via GovBall.com beginning today at 8:00 AM ET at special “Announce Day” pricing until 11:59:59 PM ET. Regular pricing begins on January 8th at 12:00 AM ET. At the time of purchase, Gov Ball ticket buyers will have the option to add a limited edition, festival branded phone charger to their order, so attendees can ensure their mobile remains juiced from the first note played at the festival until the rideshare home from an epic Gov Ball After Dark show later that night.

For full pricing breakdown including VIP packages and payment plan options visit:

This year Governors Ball will celebrate its ninth consecutive running as “New York's biggest summer bash” (Rolling Stone), and one of the premier live music events on the planet. Last June, over 10 million worldwide viewers tuned in to the live broadcast of the internationally renowned festival, which was praised by performers and press alike. Pharrell proclaimed it “one of the best shows N.E.R.D had ever had in New York City,” and Vic Mensa was enamored by the “really special” and “uniquely strong” energy brought by the crowd. Stereogum noted that the festival has consistently set itself apart from the crowd, writing that “Governors Ball has always strived to have a bit more of a personality than most high-profile festivals, adding in touches you just wouldn’t get anywhere else.”

Founders Entertainment is honored to once again bring those special touches and attention to detail to Governors Ball patrons at the festival grounds on Randall's Island Park (supported, maintained and programmed by the Randall's Island Park Alliance www.randallsisland.org). The 2019 festival will feature a signature lineup of the best food NYC has to offer, as well as craft coctails and a brand new beer experience. Between sets, attendees can take in and enjoy surprise pop up performances, play lawn games, explore street art from internationally known artists, and enjoy the relaxing and restorative 21+ Best Kept Secret area. Late night, music fans disperse throughout the city to take in intimate performances from Governors Ball artists as part of the After Dark concert series. All of these elements come together to create the “only in New York” experience “Gov Ball” has become known and loved for.

Patrons looking to take their festival experience to the next level have many options for the weekend. VIP ticket holders can take advantage of a separate fast lane at each festival entrance, and access to all 21+ VIP Viewing Areas, which feature up-close prime viewing, comfy seating, shade tents, flushable bathrooms, specialty food vendors, cell phone charging stations, for hire massage services, and a beer, wine and liquor bar. VIP Plus tickets (only 125 available) go a step beyond the traditional VIP experience, with access to a very exclusive, elevated viewing platform with incredible views of the main stage that comes with comfortable lounge seating, and all-inclusive beer, cocktails, and wines and waiter service. And the Platinum VIP program treats ticket holders as if they were an artist performing at the festival, with a personal festival concierge, exclusive on-stage viewing (restrictions may apply), access to a very exclusive Front of House viewing area at the festival’s four stages, a plush backstage open bar and lounge, and more. Full details on VIP options can be found here.

In addition to being accessible by MTA bus, bike, cab, and ferry service from Mid-Town Manhattan to and from the festival grounds, the festival is accessible to pedestrians via the RFK Bridge, the 103rd street footbridge, and Bronx Randall’s Island Connector. The 2019 festival will also have a robust Brooklyn shuttle program to bring patrons to and from the festival.


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