2.20.2010

Lofty Music Performances In SOHO live review

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Yo Yo a private loft performance space in SOHO, hosted a fabulous night of music and performance art, welcoming Omnivore, Liz Isenberg, Vio Mire, based in Providence, and Dan Fishkin from Pennsylvania / NYC. It was a night to be receptive to the unknown and the folksy delight of Liz Isenberg and the disarmingly beautiful music of Vio Mire.

When art and music coexist, the music becomes the vehicle for the art. Daniel Fishkin and Omnivore utilized that concept in very different and provocative ways.

Daniel Fishkin

Dan Fishkin, AKA Dandelion Fiction set up, was complicated for a solo set. Below his feet was a full lineup of connected circuitry and an assortment of instruments. The daxophone, a wooden instrument Daniel made wedged between his legs, created a string clank sound that he looped. His punked turrets train of thought vocals projected a veracity of nervous energy.

He started a song on a banjo with just a few notes, and a fellow band member got up and joined him in the middle of the space in an acoustic serenade singing through the skin of the banjo. Another song, something to the effect of "I Was Playing with Myself," started out alone, and scripted musicians rose from the audience with a trombone, violin, and guitar to sing the chorus.

His surprising antics are reminiscent of the late Andy Kaufman. He challenged the audience’s perceptions by being both aggressive and tender. The tension between the hysterical and the uncomfortable made the performance something to savor.


Omnivore
Omnivore, AKA Glenna Kay Van Nostrand, a tall, striking blond, set up a couple of princess phones wired on a round table. Casually sitting at her little table, she picked up her phones to talk/sing and loop. She often started with a few choice words and cascaded the conversation into the loop.

The old-fashioned phone, unlike the cell phone, is a private experience. So watching her created a tension that was both seductive and voyeuristic. Her sexy vocals lopped and filled the space creating a feeling of overhearing private thoughts in a public setting.

Below is a Video from a Beautiful site One Nite Music

Liz Isenberg

Liz Isenberg has a fan base, and that is obvious when she sings they spontaneously sing along with her choruses. She is a delightful mix of folk with an edge. Her gorgeous voice warbles softly and comes on strong for emphasis, and her guitar playing also mirrors that effect. Her quirky lyrics and personality shine
through her music, creating an appealing factor that can’t be denied. I loved her from the first note.

Something to note is her co-writing and added vocals on Deer Tick's latest release Flag Day "Friday the 13th," which was picked by Rolling Stone as his best track and featured their video duet on Rolling Stone's Smoking Section.


Vio Mire

Vio Mire, AKA Bendon Glasson, floored me. Where the fuck have I been? Vio Mire's lush folk pop beckons attention and exposure. His tenor vocal range whispers, hushes, lulls, and then fully open to relay his written stories in song that hold deep resonance. They ebb and flow between cliff-hanging whispers and timing. Brendon played the classical guitar while his touring mates on keys and bass did backup vocals. The guitar added warmth to the intimate acoustic set.

Unfortunately, only a few in the know have heard of him. Music so deeply beautiful is rare, I only wish I had found him sooner Both Liz Isenberg and Vio Mire will be playing SXSW party put on by Deer Tick.
A party of artists who are friends and friends who are artists and everyone in between
Time:12:00PM Friday, March 19th
Location: Threadgills South
Full US tour Dates Here:

2.16.2010

The Art of Promotion Crackerfarm Style

This promotional video created by Crackerfarm, AKA Mike Beyer, for the Avett Brothers' slot at The Bonnaroo Festival is art in the form of promotion. The viewer enters the studio space of painter Scott Avett for a private viewing of his paintings. The paintings move magically forward for closer appreciation. With brush in hand, Scott glides above the floor from a paint bucket to a blank wall space He paints in time to the song "Kick Drum Heart" by the Avett Brothers, creating street-ready hype reading; The Avett Brothers Bonnaroo 2010.
Cyber graffiti looks phat through the artistry of Crackerfarm. Enjoy!



Crackerfarm Channel

2.02.2010

Drink Up Buttercup Does It Right

Drink Up Buttercup

Drink Up Buttercup Does it Right when it comes to the promotion of their new album Born and Thrown On A Hook, One Awesome Click at a Time Especially interesting is their concept of releasing each song with one homemade video at a time. Filming at various locations with different setups, we get to hear each song live, raw, acoustic, or electric. Using a grid of picture links on Muxtape site, each shot is coordinated with a new video upload every Tuesday until the grand March 23rd release date. Each video is creative and friendly, much like the band. Without an outright commercial assault, the Drink Up Buttercup Aesthetic is true to form. Below: Video Five, "Even Think," filmed in their van!

1.21.2010

The Charismatic VERO @ Rockwood Music Hall

Vero @ Rockwood Music Hall

Vero!! Pronunciation: Emphasize a long roll of the R and add Spanish flair. Formally Mahogany and now Vero! Only one name is fitting for this charismatic performer.

Vero, AKA Veronica Sanchez, is a singer-songwriter whose sultry voice is downright full of feeling. Switching between guitar and ukulele, Vero was backed by an acoustic band of folk/rock supports; Josh Miller’s gorgeous guitar leads, the attentive feisty drummer T, and Wilson Novitzki on bass.

Vero’s songwriting is like an urban Loretta Lynn with a lesbian twist, Spanish spice, and street rap. She delivers her heartfelt stories with passion and authenticity.

Especially effective was a reassuring song to her father about her lifestyle. When she sang the song “Kissed,” it was so sexy I was ready to switch sides. We were treated to an Argentinean folk cover that was emotional and powerful. Fuck English, she made her roots shine! I felt every nuance.

Vero @ Rockwood Music Hall

The set ended with an awesome spontaneous rap spar with an audience member. Plant maybe? But when she handed over the mic, they went at it. It was crazy fun and had a perfect ending. A Vero set is a bit of everything. What emerges is a confident performer with a striking physical presence and awesome tats, whose glowing personality is the vehicle of her music.

Chosen word of the night was obsessed! Her fans and friends are obsessed, and I can see why. Thanks to friends David Achelis and his wife Andrea for the great hang and nightcap at Milano's. Special shout out to Carlos and pal!! Nice to meet you!

Flickr Set!

Be on the lookout for more "Tinta Sangre"nights @ The Rockwood Music Hall. Vero presents a lip smackin, tear jerkin, show stoppin showcase featuring NYC’s best female fa tale fronted bands!!!

1.05.2010

Spreading Drink Up Buttercup Around

SPREADING DRINK UP BUTTERCUP AROUND

The first time I saw this amazing band on their first trip to New York, my mission was to spread Drink Up Buttercup around. Mission accomplished!
You'll be able to buy their record debut, Born and Thrown on a Hook, in your local stores and everywhere online come March 23rd. The Video Trailer tells the story from the band's perspective about their recording process.

Drink Up Buttercup // Born and Thrown on a Hook EPK from Drink Up Buttercup on Vimeo.

This is the EPK for Drink Up Buttercup's full-length debut, Born and Thrown on a Hook. The album was recorded in Philadelphia in the summer of 2008 / 2009 and was mixed by Rusty Santos Band: James Harvey, Farzad Houshiarnejad, Ben Money, and Mike Cammarata.

Drink Up Buttercup stopped by Band In Boston Podcast (The Flophouse Sessions) and recorded: Gods and Gentlemen, Lovers Play Dead, Doggy Head, Sosey and Dosey and Young Ladies. Listen or download all here.

12.31.2009

Novice Theory; Inspiring Charge @ Rockwood Music Hall

Novice Theory

Seeing
Novice Theory at the Rockwood Music Hall with a full band of supportive and talented musicians was an inspired way to close out a year and get ready for a new one. Whether solo or with a band, Novice Theory's music performance has electrical conductivity directly aimed to charge an audience. Mission accomplished!

Geo Wyeth has the ability to inspire listeners and fellow musicians. This was my first chance to see him with a cast of exceptional musicians. What was so obvious was their genuine love for Geo and how much they enjoyed bringing his music vision to fruition.

The fuller-bodied sound of Jazz offshoots added to Geo's expanded lyrical palette beyond the autobiographical to include a tapestry of uniquely urban wit and insight. Last night they played work from the recently released EP Ordinary Death along with one freshly presented newer song. I like chances like that!
The sandwiched crowd at the small venue begged for an encore, and we were treated to an older song played solo on the accordion that was performed back in 08 on the Jools Holland Show in the UK.
It is wonderful to post this and include The Music Slut's take

Novice Theory
Timothy Johnson - flute; Keith Parker - percussion; Daniel Arnow - bass; Brian Newman - trumpet; Tina Richerson - baritone sax; Geo Wyeth - vocals, guitar, piano, squeezebox;

12.29.2009

Music Year End Thoughts


What an awesome journey it has been doing on this site. Although I wish this could be my full-time gig with all my heart. I am still excited about the small part I am playing in moving the music culture forward, one reader at a time. Sometimes it is the smaller blogs that can bring exposure to unknown music. Many people I've written about on these pages have moved beyond novelty and gained more exposure. That makes me happy. Obsession Collection Music welcomes another year doing this blog.
What am I looking forward to this year!

Langhorne Slim becoming a household name!

Drink Up Buttercup
Drink Up Buttercup Countdown, the upcoming full-length LP Born And Thrown On A Hook, is to be released on Yep Rock Records!!

Peasant @ 3rd Ward

Peasant's full-length LP Shady Retreat is to be released on Paper Garden Records

Sgt Dunbar and the Hobo Banned
Sgt. Dunbar and the Hobo Banned going back to SXSW!!

Hop Along @ Silent Barn 09

Hop Along going to SXSW

Viking Moses
Looking forward to the release of the Documentary of Viking MosesWerewolves Across America by DARYL Pulse Films

o'death last song chant
Wishing o'death the best for the new year!

H. HONNE WELLS teams up again with musician/artist Juan Comas @ The Stone

On the lookout for Honne Wells, Performance artist extraordinaire!

Novice Theory Joe's Pub Dec. 08
Can't get enough of Novice Theory!


Continue to obsess over Max Vernon, The Master Of Design.

12.25.2009

Art and Music Party

Kyle, DUB Mascot, Maryanne Ventrice

Obsession Collection Music played a small part in coordinating a fabulous holiday party back in September. This was a family affair with all attendees invited by my husband, two great adult children, and me (OCM). The art and music crowd shared lots of love into the wee hours at Tre Merli.

I end the year once again, saying how much I enjoy writing this blog and have been fortunate to have met wonderful people that have enriched my life and others.
OCM curated the music line-up. Below are some picture highlights from the party in line-up order.

Novice theory 

Novice Theory

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Novice Theory with Brian Newman

  Hop Along 

Hop Along

 Drink Up Buttercup 
Drink Up Buttercup

Drink Up Buttercup 

Drink Up Buttercup

11.29.2009

Showpaper; DIY Invasion

Escolators
The Eskalators

Showpaper remains true to its original inception producing a bi-monthly all-age music listing fold-out featuring a visual artist on every cover issue. When a concept is fluid, its evolution has few boundaries. Showpaper is branching out to include art and music benefits that support its printing, guerrilla-style music happenings, and participation in art fairs. Passion can be infectious, and Showpaper is worth spreading.

PS1 Art Book Fair

At the NY Art Book Fair housed at PS1 in early October, Showpaper displayed an array of colorful issues on a small ledge below Leandro Erlich's Swimming Pool art installation. Part of the Showpaper's charm is the dedicated rotation of volunteers manning the unofficial site. I spoke with a young woman who was doing a double shift and enthusiastically telling anyone interested about the Showpaper mission.

Vendorbar NYC, Showpaper

Recently Showpaper shared a booth with VendorBar, an exhibitor at The 2009 Editions|Artists' Book Fair showing videos by Flipswitch, Cassettes by Party Labs, and Showpaper editions. Greeting the curious was Joe Ahearn, Showpaper's volunteer impresario. He is constantly finding new ways to bring the Showpaper mission to different audiences. VendorBar, organized by Kirby Gookin and Robin Kahn, had awesome conceptual art editions, including Yoko Ono's Add Color: Imagine Peace -Stenciling Action, Sal Randolf Free money in book form, and printed editions and chewed drawing editions by Larry Miller.

Kirby Gookin and Robin Kahn are both working artists, and VendorBar is their latest curatorial endeavor whose mission is to open up direct lines of communication between artists and the public to make ideas and artwork more accessible.. They represent an older generation with an authentic love of art and an enthusiastic vision to inform. This is rare in adult form and even in the art world. Choosing to share a space with Showpaper proves that the spirit of art can cross generations and go beyond just the selling of products.

Michael Petruzzo, whose music taste I trust, gave me a list of must-see music emphasizing The Eskalators. Showpaper arranged the eighteen pieces to play a set to end the Editions Fair three-day run.

The group assembled at the upstairs entrance with a guitar, toy instruments, violin, array of brass, and a mini megaphone. Their spirited music, full of sing-alongs, great lyrics, and rag-tag fun, was in contrast to any art event's traditional and formal aspects, but what a welcome juxtaposition.


Flickr Set VendorBar / The Eskalators

11.19.2009

Paper Garden Records @ 3rd Ward Review

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Multiverse Playground event was presented by Paper Garden Records @ 3rd Ward in Brooklyn, a member-based design center. Sponsors included: 3rd Ward, Uncensored Interview, Art Battles, Lomography, 1776, The BLDG, Project Fathom.
Paper Garden Records' current roster, Peasant, Emanuel and the Fear, and Darla Farmer, represent a perfect diverse live line-up. I endured Art Battles and Comedy Central's Kurt Metzger before the bands started. It was an "Experience" for me, but both were enthusiastically received by the crowd.

Peasant @ 3rd Ward

Peasant's slot was to follow the comic, a difficult feat for a guy with a guitar at best. Fortunately, everyone who slowly reentered the backspace and committed to staying soon realized Peasant (Damien DeRose) is not standard singer-songwriter fare. His is a voice to follow. He played some new songs from Shady Retreat to be released in 2010, and one never performed live. We were treated to two older songs from On the Ground. "Your Good" was fabulous without the drums, and Damien said he usually plays "Manners" when an audience is polite. "Hard Times" was appropriate and gave me pause to think about Peasant's ability to weave topical content without being preachy. Peasant is a quiet but reflective voice of his generation. And his voice penetrates in a subtle but lasting way.

Emanuel and the Fear


Emanuel and the Fear are a great live experience with multi-layers of sophisticated composition and an accomplished orchestra. Emanuel Ayvason, on keys, guitar, and vocals, leads the pit with dynamic zeal and musical prowess. He is a music force with a vision and is willing to fuck with it in a good way. Adding drummer Jeff Gretz's metal magic adds an aggressive contrast to the mix. The sound leaves the listener on edge and shakes things up with untimely structures and raw and in-the-moment vocals without ever losing the sensuous full embodied sound. Aggressive Orchestral Pop!

Darla Farmer
Darla Farmer makes me smile. They are an ambitious six-piece outfit plowed through a lively, diverse set. Take guitar, bass, and drums, mix some horns and keys and grind it out. Their geeky awesomeness is appealing, blurring art rock, noise, metal, Orleans-style jazz, and screamo with the quirkiest nasal vocals of lead singer Bryce Leonard. We were treated to what seemed like impromptu Devo-style Hip Hop with the best awkward dance moves. It was a rip! Darla Farmer's original sound might be a result of geographical southern roots. Whatever the inspiration, I'm looking forward to more. 

At about 1:00 AM, more folks invaded to catch Boy Crisis and Das Racist, and for the young, the night was just starting. I left at 1:30. Flickr Set is not up to par, but I found the staging area too long with little depth making it difficult for band interaction.