Happy Labor Day everybody! Here are a few news items to help close out the weekend...
The Melismatics Announce "Rising Tide", Out October 1, 2013 on Pravda Records
Passion. Irony. Weirdness. Melody. These are some of the core elements of The Melismatics' sound that has been developed over the past decade through intense recording, heavy touring, and an inhuman intake of caffeinated beverages. With six albums under their belt thus far, The Melismatics have been constantly evolving their own stylings of post-punk and indie-rock. Their latest release "Rising Tide" (Available 10-01-13 on Pravda Records) is a concept album that follows the life of a 21st Century man through birth, high expectations, loss, social exile, and redemption. This record explores new musical territory for the band, illuminating previously less-apparent influences like Brian Wilson and EDM. Jon Auer of The Posies and Big Star produced seven of the tracks on "Rising Tide," while Melismatics founder Ryan Smith handled production duties on four songs, including the title track.
At the center of The Melismatics sound are the duo lead vocals of husband/wife team of Ryan and Pony Smith. Ryan is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist, and the primary songwriter for The Melismatics. Pony is an intense and flamboyant performer who was raised by deaf parents, which may have led to her extensive use of histrionics onstage. Mark Wade is the backbone of the group with his angular bass lines and rugged good looks, which often get him mistaken for David Duchovny. Drummer Ron Caron is quite literally the heartbeat of the group.
The Melismatics' live show has become known for its extremely high energy and infectious passion that has been responsible for connecting the band with many of the stellar people they've had the pleasure of working with throughout the years. Back in 2003 Minneapolis indie-rock king pin Ed Ackerson (Motion City Sountrack, The Replacements, The Jayhawks) signed the band to Susstones Records and produced their next two albums "New Infection" and "Turn It On." Renowned producer John Fields (Weezer, Alkaline Trio) caught the band performing at 2007 SXSW in Austin, Texas and signed on to produce "The Acid Test" (CC Entertainment/E1 Music 2008) as well as mix "MANIA!" (Pravda Records 2012) and "Rising Tide." Ryan collaborated with Dan Wilson (Semisonic, Adele) on the track "Out Of Your Mind," from "MANIA!" which received airplay on the legendary LA station KROQ.
Chances are, you can hear The Melisamtics on a TV near you. They have had their music featured on many programs including MTV's "The Hills," "The City," "Laguna Beach," "Friendzone," Punkd," NBC's "Windfall," Animal Planet's "Jockeys," TeenNick's "Degrassi,"and they've played such notable events as Lollapalooza, Summerfest, and CMJ. Someday, they may be sleeping on YOUR couch.
Tour Dates:
September 7 Madison, WI The Frequency
September 26 Cincinatti, Oh Midpoint Music Festival
September 27 Milwaukee, WI Club Garibaldi
September 28 Green Bay, WI Phatheadz
October 4 St Joseph, MO Rendevous Bar
October 5 Dubuque, IA The Lift
October 12 St Paul, MN Amsterdam Bar
October 24 Indianapolis, IN The Melody Inn
October 25 Muncie, IN Be Here Now
October 26 Chicago, IL Reggies
On the heels of dropping their first single "Fresh On," New York-based Imaginary People are pleased to drop their second single, "Better Minds" from their forthcoming self-titled debut EP available September 3, 2013. The upcoming record explores veteran songwriter Dylan Von Wagner's fresh blend of upbeat dance tempos with a splash of Americana. Adding to the offering, the band will be performing select New York dates leading into CMJ this fall. Details are below.
Download "Better Minds" here courtesy of Diffuser. (code)
Imaginary People formed as a collective of individuals coming from differing backgrounds and assembled in late 2012 by core members Dylan Von Wagner[vocals], Mark Roth[guitar], Justin Repasky[keys], Joe Zdaa[drums], and supplemented in the studio and live by Grant Zubritsky [bass]. On this EP, Imaginary People seek to carve out a niche for themselves with a style designated as Dance Americana.
Recorded with Matt Boynton[MGMT, Kurt Vile] and Kevin McMahon [Titus Andronicus, Real Estate], Imaginary People found the best path to their EP was to bang it out live in a room and to keep things as raw as possible. Complimenting themselves with synth and strings, they round out their EP with a bit of the classic wall of sound and some kinetic big beats.
Tour Dates:
09/03 - New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
Track Listing:
01. Fresh On
02. Better Minds
03. Chateau
04. Gold Coast
05. Stiletto Love
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Imaginary People - Photo Credit: Spencer Reagan
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Music Events Galore on Tap for Fall at the Orange County Market Place
Free Concert Series Starts Sept. 14
Costa Mesa, CA— More than 25 bands specializing in blues harps, squeeze boxes and tribute acts will dominate the annual Fall concert series at the Orange County Market Place, the swap meet at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. The series runs from Saturday, Sept. 14 and continues each weekend through Saturday, Oct. 26 and includes the annual Road to the Battle of the Blues Harps competition for harmonica based blues bands, the OC Accordion Festival aka The Big Squeeze and five classic rock tribute shows.
Back to back blues concerts kick things off with a Rip Cat Records Showcase on Saturday, Sept. 14 featuring Ron Dziubla’s Nasty Habit at noon, Mike Eldred Trio at 1 p.m., Whiteboy James and the Blues Express at 2 p.m. and headliner MOFO Party Band at 3 p.m. The following day, Sept. 15, blues harmonica virtuoso Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers perform at noon and 2 p.m.
Starting Saturday, Sept. 21 bands selected for the 4th annual Road to the Battle of the Blues Harps contest begin to vie for $2,500 in cash awards and the opportunity to open at Southland Blues Magazine’s 26th annual Battle of the Blues Harps on Thanksgiving Eve, November 27 at the Golden Sails Hotel in Long Beach. Over the course of four Saturdays, 12 bands will compete, with three performing each day. A winner selected each day will return for the finals on Saturday, October 19.
Bands for Saturday, Sept. 21 include Dan Forte’s Juke Joint Freak Show at noon, Slick & The BBQ Kings at 1 p.m. and Red Lotus Revue at 2 p.m.
On Saturday, Sept. 28 they include The Silver Kings at noon, Satin Blue at 1 p.m. and H.T. Richmond & the Southland Jukes at 2 p.m.
On Saturday, October 5, they include The Juke Joint Preachers are at noon, Rebellious Blues Dogs at 1 p.m. and Chef Denis at 2 p.m.
On Saturday, October 12, they include John Garner & the Humor Kings perform at noon, 60 Grit Blues Band at 1 p.m. and Catfish & the Hollywood Hound Dogs at 2 p.m.
The top four bands will battle it out on Saturday, October 19 starting at noon. First place winner receives $1,000 and the opening act spot at the Thanksgiving Eve event, which includes top name blues bands .Second place receives $750, third place receives $500 and fourth place receives $250.
The Road to the Battle of the Blues Harps is hosted by Little Barry G, a blues harmonica player.
Five classic rock tribute bands are slated and include Greg Wolfe in a Rod Stewart Tribute on Sunday, Sept. 22, Elton John Tribute (Elton-The Early Years) on Sunday, Oct. 6, Rolling Stones tribute with the Ultimate Stones on Sunday, Oct. 13, An American Tribute to Led Zeppelin with ZUSA on Sunday, Oct. 20 and Gods of Thunder KISS tribute on Saturday, Oct. 26. Tribute concerts are at noon and 2 p.m.
The 5th annual OC Accordion Festival, The Big Squeeze, returns on Sunday, Sept. 29 and features three stages of accordion based bands and solo performers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The main concert area with dual stages will include a Tribute to American Songbook with world champion accordionist Cory Pesaturo, Frank Sinatra guitarist Ron Anthony and friends at 11 a.m.; Porterhouse Bob & Down to the Bone with the Brotherhood Horns (New Orleans funk, rhythm & blues) at noon; Los Fabulocos (Tex-Mex) at 1:15 p.m. and headliner and Grammy nominated Cajun band Lisa Haley & the Zydekats at 2:45 p.m.
Another stage will host pro solo accordionists which include Jim Gilman the Squeezinator, Gordon Kohl, Lou Fanucchi, Peter Robuffo and Cory Pesaturo.
The Big Squeeze also includes free accordion lessons, appraisals and repair estimates, strolling entertainment, special vendors, and gourmet food trucks.
All entertainment and concerts are included in the price of admission to the Market Place which is $2 or free for children 12 and under. More information is available at www.ocmarketplace.com or by calling 949-723-6660.
Tribute band shows are sponsored by K-EARTH 101 radio station. Pyramid Brewing Co. is a sponsor of all music events.
