Indie Music Universe

Travis DeVries is the driving force leading the new Brooklyn based band, deVries.  He released their debut album, “Death to God,” in 2009 on Noise on Noise, and the response by reviewers has been unanimously positive.  The online webzine Incendiary Magazine went as far as to declare it, “probably the greatest Manchester album never to have been made in Manchester.”  Most recently, UK based Young Rebel, added them to their March online play list, and hailed Travis as “a great talent.”

Travis DeVries comes from Seattle, where for a decade, he had been the lead singer and songwriter of legendary shoegaze band, The Turn-ons.  In 2009, Spin magazine listed them in it’s “100 Greatest Bands You (Probably) Never Heard.”  And long before that, Peter Buck of R.E.M. declared them, “simply my favorite new Seattle band,” in an article for Q Magazine.

He moved to NYC in the summer of 2008 after the recording of Death to God was completed, and continued deVries there with a new line-up of talented musicians (Sean Gibbons, lead guitar; Martin Glazier, guitar; Johnny Lancia, bass; & Kuki Kooks, drums). They are playing shows throughout Brooklyn to growing popularity and enthusiasm, and writing new songs to be recorded later this year for a future release.  They are also looking forward to hitting the road and tour come summer. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 4% [?]

By Kristin Anderson

On my search for some quality indie to pay forward, I stumbled across a indie folk band that has helped to solidify the existence of some happy music. Thao With the Get Down Stay Down has succeeded in forcing our spoiled, overindulged, grumpy listeners to smile again. Remember smiling people, it's that thing you do when you're not all wrapped up in your own little tragic universe of perspective.

The band members consist of Thao Nguyen (guitar, vocals), Willis Thompson (drums, percussion), and Adam "The OK BIRD" Thompson (Bass, bird noises). Willis Thompson and Thao Nguyen met at a re-enactment in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, and then found Adam Thompson one summer at a Richmond delicatessen, gingerly slicing. They got in a van together and stopped every night in different places. Got out, played music (often for real live people) and then got back in and rambled to the next town.

Thao With the Get Down Stay Down recorded one album, drove around and flew to and fro, and then recorded another. Both albums document the musical collaboration of many friends and colleagues and the efforts of one Thao to understand human interaction at all, ever. Their latest Know Better Learn Faster was released on 10/13/09 and is making a serious impact on its impressive show line up of all the indie hot spots you could hope to visit. (check out the tour dates on  www.myspace.com/thaomusic )

Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 20% [?]

By Kristin Anderson

Hey my festival junkies. Although I am a seasoned professional when it comes to festivals (15 years and going strong), my mom still insists on reminding me how to get back home safe and in one peice. So in an effort to put all moms at ease, I have compiled Mama Maria's list of helpful hints for your festival security.

Thanks mom! ( see I was listening…)

Crowd surfing: What's better than a bunch of strangers holding you up for your favorite band to see. Ladies especially — but guys have junk too — please rememeber that crowd surfing is permission for a lot of strange hands to roam your body in the name of assisting you. This can backfire. In a party environment, people's decision making may be askew. Be careful who's got your back and make sure you have friends around.

Mama Maria says: "What if the people holding you up have dirty hands or pull up your shirt and your special parts end up on tv?"   Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 16% [?]