Hank & Cupcakes are an energetic duet hailing from Brooklyn. This dynamic pairing infuses rhythmic dance beats and heavy synth ballads into their shows. Named in reference to the German-born American poet Charles “Hank” Bukowski, and one of his real-life lovers “Cupcakes,” the duo have been performing since 2008. Lead vocalist and drummer, Cupcakes, displays infectious vocals inspired by other artists fit within the Glam Rock community, while Hank impresses with bass/pedal board duties. When they are put together, they mesh quite nicely. They just released their EP Ain’t No Love  on BMG and are touring in support. Hank & Cupcakes are also partnering up with SoundCloud for the “Ain’t No Love” remix competition that just launched on February 8th.  Fans are asked to create and submit their rendition of “Ain’t No Love” for the chance to win a Moog’s award-winning analog synthesizer, the Slim Phatty in black, a SoundCloud Pro account for one year, and the chance to have their remix featured on the band’s upcoming debut album. Hank & Cupcakes will appear at Local 506 on the 18^th and at The Blind Tiger on the 20^th, as well as other stops throughout the South before heading to SXSW in March. Enjoy their RJD2 Remix version of “Sweet Position” below. Be sure to visit their website for more information on tour dates, contest rules, and all their up to date music news.

]]> http://thiscoastmag.com/hank-cupcakes-heads-to-the-carolinas-and-south-by-southwest/feed/ 0 http://thiscoastmag.com/the-neighbourhood-will-play-at-the-crocodile/ http://thiscoastmag.com/the-neighbourhood-will-play-at-the-crocodile/#comments Tue, 12 Feb 2013 04:00:04 +0000 James Stanford http://thiscoastmag.com/?p=5229  

The Neighbourhood is a quintet band whom hails from the sun-kissed landscapes of California, or more from Southern California to be exact. Although their home state personifies a beach like utopia, their style of music drips with a dark undertone that acts as a haunting backdrop for front man Jesse Rutherford’s subtle, hushed vocals. Their singles such as “Let It Go” and “Sweater Weather” are laced with melancholy that is at its finest and which resembles the black and white genre well. You are either for it or against it. I for one am all for it, and their presence will be fitting when they stop by Seattle and perform at The Crocodile on the 23^rd.

Although they are still fresh onto the music scene, they have released two EP’s within the past year: I’m Sorry… and Thank You, and have released multiple music videos available for viewing. Rutherford stated in a previous interview with Chicago Music Magazine that his style is more pop and hip-hop while the guys in the band were influenced by rock. Thus, they have created a neat aesthetic that has infused a bit of all three genres at times which works quite well for this SoCal band, whose popularity is increasing thru word of mouth and garnering new fanfare alike. Tickets for the show at The Crocodile are still available and can be purchased here. For more information on The Neighbourhood, be sure to check out their website for more tour dates.

Built To Spill
All Photos in this post © Kevin Louie

All those packed into The Neptune Theatre on February 4^th were the first few hundred to witness the lineup for Sasquatch 2013 held at The Gorge Amphitheatre May 24^th thru the 27^th. The crowd was pretty much ecstatic for  the big names that flashed on the screen which included The Postal Service, The XX, The Lumineers, Sigur Ros, Japandroids, Twin Shadow, Jenny Slate, Mumford & Sons, Imagine Dragons, Sea Wolf, Theoretics, Reignwolf, and Vampire Weekend, just to name a few.

Cody ChesnuTT

Cody ChesnuTT

By now, all over the internet everyone has heard of which bands will be playing, but the launch party itself was just as enjoyable and a preview of what to expect come May. The show was overall light and breezy to help satisfy the anticipation the audience was desperate to hear. Things got off to a soulful, electrified start with Cody ChesnuTT. While strutting his moves on the stage like a young James Brown, his smooth vocals and political poetry for all to witness made his set a savory treat. He sang hits from his latest Landing on a Hundred all while fashioning his army helmet that he wears so well. Although Cody ChesnuTT is not on the lineup, he still will be touring bringing along his neo soul hits. Check him out at cchesnutt.com. After his set finished, Nick Offerman, who some know as Rob Swanson from TV’s Parks and Recreation, shot a video all about the American craftsmanship of the Port-a-potty. He comically gives pointers on how to use the simple American made toilet, which is a defining symbol and only out house at the Gorge. After that brief interlude, our host Luke Burbank introduced the special guests of the evening, which as many guessed were Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. My heart was set on The Postal Service, but Macklemore & Ryan Lewis was more than welcoming. After touring the East for the remainder of 2012, they made their first appearance for 2013 at The Neptune. Jovial and upbeat, Macklemore and gang played the hits everyone knew the words to. And the most heartfelt moment of the night was when he performed “Same Love.” This was the first time he performed the track ever since Washington voted and approved Same Sex Marriage. Moments like this make me proud to live in city where equality matters. Seattle is ever changing and like Macklemore, a place I call home. His beats and rap lyrics were doused with confetti and unflinching delight from his audience. The night wrapped up with rock stars Built To Spill. Dressed in grunge wear that the Northwest wears so well, the band played their hits such as their self-titled track “Built to Spill,” and new songs appearing off of their latest There Is No Enemy. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis along with Built To Spill, and Nick Offerman will be appearing at the festival.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Like the festival itself, there will be a mix in genre’s that will appease everybody. Be sure to get your tickets now. To view the entirety of the lineup, including the comedic lineup as well; head over to the Sasquatch website. Plan ahead and don’t be the one at the gate scrounging for a ticket at the last possible moment.

Built To Spill

Cody ChesnuTT

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Paper Diamond

Paper Diamond was and is a chameleon. Prior to The Execution Tour, all the music I could collect from the Colorado based Producer were from his two previous works: Wavesight EP and Levitate. Both records were different in sound. Levitate had a lounge like feel to it that worked well as continuous dance melodies. Whereas Wavesight had a certain high-octane beat infused with a heavy bass. Yet, during his set at the show, he unleashed a fury of swooping, grime like bass lines that made any concert goer raving with envy. Always left me surprised with each new track. Before taking center stage, I caught up with the DJ to discuss matters of the anticipated new album, his show at The Execution Tour, and what to expect further down the road in 2013.

This Coast: How long have you been in the music industry?

Paper Diamond: When I was 19, I was in a band called Pnuma. We were like an electronic band playing with live instruments. I then started to release music under Alex B as a side project, doing more off beat stuff. I did a mix for Brainfeeder and stuff. Ever since then, I have been doing the Paper Diamond thing for the past two years now.

TC: In a previous interview with My Music Is Better, you stated the following as the reasoning for creating the moniker Paper Diamond: “Basically Paper Diamond means the concept of taking a piece of paper and turning it into a piece of artwork…it is about taking nothing and turning it in to something that is your own, whether it be complex or simple.” And on that, what was the determining factor of branching out as a solo artist for creating your own art?

PD: Paper Diamond means taking nothing and turning it into something. Whether it’s simple or complex, it’s my form of art. So basically paper diamond is art to me whether its video stuff I am working on or just music, it’s my form of expression. And I personally use music as my voice. Going solo as paper diamond was just natural. I was writing so much every day and the band I was with; we were not able to tour together as much just because we were in different places musically. So it kind of just naturally happened and I am grateful for that.

TC: What kind of instruments were you playing when you were with Pnuma?

PD: I played bass guitar in the band and I would run our computer stuff on stage. I was always doing the Ableton thing were I had to route thru a mini controller so I could choose different parts of our songs based on what key I could hit. So we could extend certain parts.

TC: Are you still using the same hardware when first starting out ? Or has it changed?

PD: [The hardware is] completely different now. Actually what I am doing now, and what is new for this tour, I have an iPad and it controls Ableton Live. And then Ableton Live has been sending mini signals to a second computer and that computer is controlling my LED’s. I am basically controlling the mix and the video wall on stage and it’s different every night. So I am improving every night with the lights and the sound.

Paper Diamond

TC: Do you have the title of the new album already chosen?

PD: Yes. It’s going to be called Paragon. And I haven’t set the release date on it yet but it’s coming very soon. We are just figuring out all the pieces. I am really picky and meticulous when it comes to my music. So the stuff that I release, I listened to every single channel, and visually made sure that I can listen to it on its own and that I love it. So I am just kind of freak about that shit. To me, the stuff that is really dope is that people can surgically queue their stuff and that’s what makes it sound like their own. And so I am working on it every day. But I have spent the last two weeks working on my live show. It’s improvised every night but I have all my stuff and all different genre of music. I basically have one set of music I have been working on for 5 years and I just keep adding to it and changing it. And I have every song I have ever made in their so I picked out what I thought would be good for this tour.

TC: In your show, do you play any new tracks off of the new record?

PD: Most of the songs I play are from the new record.

TC: How different will Paragon be from your previous full release Levitate?

PD: It’s different; all the songs I create are always changing. I have always been a versatile producer and I am producing all kinds of electronic music. But I am also making beats on the side for other artists. Going to have some feature rappers on my stuff. But it will also be like Levitate as it will be the same kind of multi-genre EP that will display a range of versatility.

TC: I agree. The Wavesight EP was a bit different then Levitate, versatile like you said. For the “Time Flies” track, that has a heavier dub step sound which fans might want to hear more of this time.

PD: Yeah. I guess what was interesting about Paragon and Wavesight was that all of those songs on Wavesight used to be on Paragon and same with “Time flies” and four others that never got released. And when I sent that to Diplo he was pretty much like I really love these 3 and it would be a great way to introduce you to the Diplo family, Mad Decent fan base. I basically split those off from the EP Paragon, and then made that into Wavesight and I have been rebuilding that record. A lot of my newer stuff is a little bit heavier, but I am also writing some cinematic soundscapes stuff. And I am really hoping over the next few weeks to hit the studio while I am traveling. I am on the bus until April 20^th or so. It’s like the green submarine and I am this bus with a bunch of people and my friends. [Laughs.]

TC: Do you collaborate with other artists or icons on Paragon?

PD: Yes, there are a bunch of singers and rappers. But what I have learned about collaborations and stuff, is that it is a very slow-moving. I have some acapella from some people I still am working on. But like I said I want things to be so perfect, I have about 15 songs right now that are pretty much done, and I am deciding if I want 8 songs or 12 songs or not, weeding things out. Still making new ones and deciding which are hot now and which ones will be hot later.

TC: How much touring will you be doing? You highlighted on your Facebook page that you will be performing at the Governor’s Ball in NYC this summer? Will there be any other shows of this magnitude?

PD: Correct, there is a bunch of events this summer. I know that this will be the biggest summer for me. I can’t announce anything else yet. But we have big plans for production and excited to be introducing a bunch of cool things to these upcoming shows.

TC: Lastly, I have to ask, how many pairs of shades do you travel with?

PD: [Laughs] I do have four pairs with me for now, and they are all prescription. They are Vintage Cazals, They are a German company.

All Photos © Kevin Louie

Excision
All Photos © Kevin Louie

The Execution Tour was an all-out ball busting spectacle, but a truly fine spectacle at that. Three prolific DJ’s laid high adrenaline tracks that melted one icy February night at Seattle’s iconic Paramount Theatre.

While raging and crumping it up, Excision (known as the Dub step demon hailing from Canada) went to the nines bringing to life The Executioner. The Executioner was a production piece that was 28 feet wide, 15 feet tall. This was a video mapping canvas for the artist, casting eye appealing animation synced up and tricked out to the heavy bass lines swooping thru his playlist. While residing within the set piece, he was also accompanied with over 40 arena class intelligent lights synchronized to the electrifying beat coursing through a comprised PA (Public Address sound system) at a full speed of nearly 100,000 watts of sound filtering the air. It was a tripped out experience for sure. One moment you’re gazing at the site of female aliens swaying to his remixed version of “Chain Hang Low,” then dancing to the choral anthem from “Gangster’s Paradise.” He even wove in classic synthesized refrains, somewhat reminiscent to the Doctor Who theme song among many others.  He played tracks like “X Rated,” and showed off newer, remixed anthems with all the trimmings and special effects The Executioner could provide.

Excision

Before Excision took center stage, he was supported by luminary DJ’s which included Vaski and my favorite, Paper Diamond. Vaski was the first performer of the night and the 22 yr. old, dressed in hipster fashion with a black skinny tie, ignited his set with killer beats ranging from many of his EP’s with an industrial infused swoop sound, romantic female vocals wavering in the background, as well as some drum-n-bass thrown around for good measure.  Following Vaski was Colorado’s hit maker Paper Diamond. This versatile performer can mix tracks qualified for a lo-fi lounge residing as a lyrical back drop for any social setting, but then tear up and execute well used collection of grime and fashion some talking bass. But like Excision, Paper Diamond teased us wickedly with many bass drops. His set included all new tracks, soon to be released off of his latest record. But for older fans, he was able to shine spot lights on “Snowfall” and give us a heavier doped up remix of “Can We Go Up?”

Paper Diamond

Paper Diamond

Vaski

Vaski

Each artist was explosive then the next, constantly turning up and blowing out the volume. The Execution Tour just only started late last month and will continue on well into April, playing a total of 60 shows in all. Head over to the Excision Fan Club site for the latest ticket information and be sure to catch them in your city soon.

For the latest info, tour information, album releases, and singles to download, check out the artists links below:

Excision

Vaski Music

PAPER DIAMOND

After his 10 year retreat into parenthood and reflection, R&B stylist Cody ChesnuTT will perform alongside Idaho rockers, and Pacific Northwest favorites, Built to Spill for a free show showcasing the Sasquatch! Launch Party on February 4 at The Neptune Theatre.

Cody ChesnuTT first exploded onto the scene in 2002 with his debut release, The Headphone Masterpiece. Known as a lo-fi, soulful edgy driven force, the album was laced with three dozen songs and was performed and produced on ChesnuTT’s four-track cassette recorder. Ever since, his rise to fame took off garnering multiple awards and high prolific collaborations with Grammy Award Winners, The Roots.  ChesnuTT made a triumphant return last fall with his sophomore creation Landing On A Hundred, which has won critical praise and landed him on NPR’s Fall Preview. Even though the album is trimmed at 12 songs, the soulful troubadour crafts a playlist infused with southern guitar riffs and  a gleaming backdrop of 70′s nostalgia. The sound is tied up nicely but powered even more so by his set of vocals. With these vocals, ChesnuTT is an appealing storyteller weaving various topics bleeding throughout his songs, which stem from many topics such as plagues of redemption (“I’ve Been Life”), honesty about crack addiction (“Everybody’s Brother”), and poignant truths about matters of the heart (“That’s Still Mama”). He recorded with a ten-piece band in Memphis-based Royal Studios, the sonic birthplace of some of the deepest works by soul and blues luminaries like Al Green, Buddy Guy and Ike & Tina Turner. Landing On A Hundred is a welcoming platform for Cody whose voice is a promising throwback to the old southern ways of rhythm and blues. The launch party will be a treat when ChesnuTT goes live.

For more information on Cody ChesnuTT’s current tour dates, information on his album release, and more visit cchesnutt.com.

I find comfort in Elonzo’s latest release Salt in the Wound, Flesh on the Bone. I relish the rollicking sound of old fashioned piano keys being devoured to the more jubilant, swanky energetic songs laced near the end of the record. Two years after their sophomore debut, Letter To A Friend, Elonzo continue to accelerate with producing solid tracks that represent the Americana scenery quite well. Whether you are in a bar deep in the heart of the Carolinas, or driving down the Pacific Coast Highway, Elonzo is my number one soundtrack.

The one caveat is that lyrically, it feels like some of the songs are taking cue from that of Letter where one tends to lament on the topic of youth, and the search for a clearer purpose like in “We Were Once Young.” But I do admire Front man Jeremy Davis’ biting lyrics on favorable commentary tracks like “Ghost Coast,” (…what kind of love do you give? Is it a truthful one? Or is it full of shit?)

But as the album progresses, you can hear the band truly shine. The band digs their heels deep with a rich two minute ode in “Graveyard Love.” Although the song is depicting ill-conceived love, the tune intertwines the all American craftsmanship of the harmonica and the exterior appearance of an old fashioned piano with the heated drums striking in the background.  The gang then removes the harmonica and substitutes a plucky banjo for the single “Here it Comes,” the album truly embellishes during this climatic moment. Both songs reminded me of Bob Dylan’s popular hit “Like A Rolling Stone.”

Within the last 35 seconds of “Here it Comes,” the band plays out that joyous hymn and bleeds into a slower paced, soulful exit with “Blinding Reminder.” The organ pipes lingering in the back help to setup Davis’ final moments of reflection like at the end of church, passing on the last moment of thought. All these moments that Elonzo creates, makes Salt in the Wound, Flesh on the Bone that more enjoyable.

The band is currently finishing up their residency at Snug Harbor Residency and then will playing shows in Charlotte, Greenville, and Columbia. Salt in the Wound, Flesh on the Bone is now available and can be purchased here as well as all other Online retailers. Join them on Facebook and check out their Tumblr page on their website for the latest updates.

(Video by Harvest27Films)

The Local Strangers / All Photos © Kevin Louie

Seattle’s own, The Local Strangers begin their mini East Coast tour this Thursday starting in Massachusetts. In support for the physical CD release of Left for Better, they performed an arousing set at the Columbia City Theatre this past Friday. Pick up Left for Better now via iTunes, Bandcamp and thru your local record store. For more information on The Local Strangers, including their upcoming show dates, visit them on Facebook, Twitter, and their website thelocalstrangers.com.

The Local Strangers

The Local Strangers

Before The Local Strangers ended the evening with bang, they shared the stage with other local Pacific Northwest artists. This included Seattle favorite Carson Henley, whose latest album 100 Hours is available now, Portland band The Dimes, who are currently recording a new album, and Mary Lambert, who will continue the East Coast tour with hip-hop duo Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. Take a look at the photo gallery and video clip below.

Carson Henley

Carson Henley

The Dimes

The Dimes

Video by Kevin Louie.

For more information on Mary Lambert, her shows with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, and her blog visit www.marylambertsings.com.

To receive the latest updates on The Dimes, and to purchase any of their albums visit www.thedimes.bandcamp.com.

You can purchase and buy Carson Henley’s latest album 100 Hours and get all the news here www.carsonhenley.com.

Over the last year, Aubrey Zoli and Matt Hart of Seattle’s The Local Strangers have been touring independently across the nation, leaving a long-lasting impression of their soulful Americana lyrics. They have produced numerous singles, including “Hunted By Ghosts” and “All Along”, as well as a self-titled EP. Due to their rising popularity and demand for a full album, Left for Better was produced and is now available via digital download.

Left for Better begins with the popular single “Mr. Blackberry”, a sumptuous track that explores a strong woman moving on from a bad relationship. The song is a nod toward the blues genre while increasing the tempo to make it slightly more contemporary. Zoli’s boisterous jazz vocals work cohesively with the strong instrumental work. The heat eventually cools as the album continues, providing a more melancholy tone during the second half. Tracks like “Beneath the Weight” and “Chase the Battle” lyrically lament on the trials and tribulations that unravel any uncertain relationship. The songs are accompanied by Korg harmonies resonating a country vibe and electric drum beats adding in dramatic effects. “Easy” features Hart sporting an Irish accent in a delightful two-minute jig that gives the track an upbeat hook. Hart then continues on with “House on a Hill”, strumming his guitar with Zoli cooing on the harmonies for a quaint duet. Near the end Zoli strikes back as a smoldering siren in the track “Devil and a Stiff Drink.” This song is one of the more flavorful tracks that works great with electrified dirty guitar riffs bleeding in the background. Zoli and Hart succeed in their first album and have a very likable partnership. Aside from incorporating a second act that was outweighed with lyrically heavy tracks, they were able to illustrate their story of change for the better with a mash-up of sounds that makes the album an overall pleasurable experience.

With the digital release of Left for Better, the endearing duo sits down with This Coast to discuss the creation of the album and future tour dates in the four part featurette below.

Left for Better is now available via iTunes and Bandcamp. Hard copies of the album will be available Friday, November 9. For more information on The Local Strangers, including their upcoming show dates, visit thelocalstrangers.com.

Devotchka with Seattle Rock Orchestra / Photo © Holly Clark

As the City Arts Festival came to a close, Saturday highlighted a mash-up of musical genres that kept the cities pulse beating loudly for on its final night.

The plucky quartet from Colorado, Devotchka, brought their whirlwind sound to a packed auditorium at The Moore Theater, accompanied by the Seattle Rock Orchestra. The band played all their cherished hits such as “All The Sand In All The Sea”, “The Alley”, and “Basso Profundo”. Lead vocalist Nick Urata took center stage and was the highlight of the evening, as he led the band through their award-nominated catalogue of ballads and anthems. Ironically, they ended the night with their number one single, “How It Ends”. The track has been used in an array of media including television, movies, and video games, and kept everyone on their toes as they sung along with the band.

Jeanie Schroder / Photo © Holly Clark

Nick Urata / Photo © Kevin Louie

At The Crocodile, Southern favorites Midtown Dickens and Lost In The Trees swayed fans with their hits and infectious flare from the great heart of North Carolina. Opening for both bands was Dana Buoy. Just this past week, Buoy has been showcased on KEXP, promoting his debut album Summer Bodies. Joined on stage by his best friends, he performed pop melodies that looped in his vocals and offered whimsical charm to each track. His hit single “Call to Be” and “Delicate Sutor” are perfect examples of his addictive melodies.

Dana Buoy / Photo © Kevin Louie

Dana Buoy / Photo © Kevin Louie

The night continued over at the Showbox at the Market where the events showcased reggae and hip-hop artists. The bill started off with Vokab Kompany and Los Rakas, my personal favorite Zion I, and headlining acts Collie Buddz and New Kingston. But the extravagant sighting of Diego’s Umbrella was a perfect mix. Their genre is gypsy rock but they dabbled with flamenco twists and mariachi tracks perfect for a fiesta. They are storytellers that grab you and never let go.

Vokab Kompany / Photo © James Stanford

Diego’s Umbrella / Photo © James Stanford

Rounding out the festival were Seattle favorites The Maldives and My Goodness. Both bands peppered the closing night with a little bit of country and rock and roll. Joel Schneider and Andy Lum of My Goodness made the perfect pair,  as they performed their hit single “C’mon Doll” and sampled a few new experimental tracks. The crowd relished every moment the band was on stage. The Maldives began the week with a special in-store performance at Easy Street Records in Queen Anne and finished at the festival. They recently released their latest album Muscle for the Wing, and the greatest play of the night was “Go Back to Virginia”. Overall, it was a fitting night of music for an accomplished event.

The Maldives / Photo © Kevin Louie

Jason Dodson / Photo © Kevin Louie