by Christie McMenamin | Aug 9, 2019 | Uncategorized
With two sold-out shows in the New York City area at both Brooklyn Steel and Webster Hall, Snail Mail, fronted by Lindsey Jordan, is blowing up. At just 20 years old, Jordan already has two records under her belt: 2018’s Lush and 2016’s Habit EP. With Habit’s irresistibly infectious opening track, “Thinning,” Jordan began to catch the larger industry’s eye.
Signing to seminal indie label, Matador, Lush was an immediate success, gaining Jordan a devoted fanbase. She set to work playing show after show, no matter how big the venue. Between smaller shows at Brooklyn’s Warsaw and then larger shows, such as her performance at the legendary Madison Square Garden, opening for Interpol, Jordan knows how to work a crowd. And frankly, the reason why she resonates so much with others is that she is simply and unapologeticly herself. Nowhere is this more evident than in her lyrics. With sparse, straightforward lines, Jordan is able to effectively and powerfully communicate day-to-day emotions in an understated way. In “Pristine,” Lush’s opening track, Jordan sings about never loving anyone ever again, a statement that, at first glance, seems hyperbolic. However, when one is in the throes of love lost, it’s this emotion that seems to grab us and take hold, as unrealistic as it is. That feeling in and of itself is worth exploring, and listening to Jordan express sentiments that many prefer hide is cathartic. The act of saying something out loud, no matter how seemingly silly or embarrassing, is important. It holds up a mirror to ourselves and our experiences, and compels us towards reexamination.
Further, Jordan’s fans are of all different ages. At Webster Hall, the crowd, many of whom lined up hours early in order to obtain first-row spots, ranged from teens to those in their mid-forties. This speaks directly to the shared human experience and the way music can bring people of various generations together.
Jordan’s set, consisting of both records, was mostly sung with the audience in tow. Almost every track, especially that of “Pristine,” was a group effort. And “Pristine” itself had the added effect of the venue’s disco ball, with lights streaming around the room as squeals from the crowd heralded their addition. Ending with “Iris,” a Goo Goo Dolls cover, Jordan’s dynamic performance came to a close.
Jordan’s career is just beginning, and she’s already accomplished so much. Snail Mail is taking over the world.
Snail Mail Setlist
1) Intro
2) Heat Wave
3) Dirt
4) Slug
5) Golden Dream
6) Thinning
7) Deep Sea
8) Full Control
9) Let’s Find An Out
10) Pristine
11) Speaking Terms
12) Stick
13) Iris (Goo Goo Dolls cover)
by Matt Hinsz | Aug 8, 2019 | snapshot, visual
The Nude Party began in the dorms of Appalachian State University, when a group of friends decided to form a band…and play naked. Their reputation as “the naked party band” evolved, and was eventually adopted as the band’s name. Unfortunately, the group was required to wear clothes for their set at Hinterland Music Festival. Despite that, The Nude Party still brought their unique brand of Psych Rock and party-like atmosphere that they are now known for.
Keep up with The Nude Party here.
by Matt Hinsz | Aug 8, 2019 | snapshot, visual
The Dead South wrapped up their US tour with an appearance at Hinterland Music Festival, playing a raucous set in front of an enthusiastic afternoon crowd. The folk-bluegrass band from Saskatchewan put their exceptional musicianship and infectious energy on display. The set included songs spanning the band’s entire catalog, including the newly released “Diamond Rings” from their upcoming album “Sugar and Joy” to be released October 11.
Keep up with The Dead South here.
by Christie McMenamin | Aug 6, 2019 | snapshot, visual
Yola performed an intimate live set for YouTube Space in New York City’s Chelsea Market on July 22nd. Surrounded by cameras in a small studio, Yola and her band were unfazed by the fanfare, playing an energetic, infectious set as if no one else was in the room. Yola is an extraordinary performer; her voice takes flight, soaring on the wings of its own power, immediately capturing the listener. With her latest record, Walk Through Fire, Yola leaves no one untamed.
Largely performing tracks off Walk Through Fire, Yola peppered her set with a cover of Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and “What You Do” off 2016’s Orphan Offering.
Just four days later, Yola performed at the iconic Newport Folk Festival. She also made appearances during other sets, joining Dawes and Brandi Carlile’s The Highwomen, along with luminary Sheryl Crow. Most incredibly, she joined Dolly Parton herself.
On August 10th, she’ll be opening for Patty Griffin at Lincoln Center’s Roots of American Music Weekend: Americanafest.
Keep up with Yola here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 6, 2019 | snapshot, visual
When you wander into a small venue and see someone that was a little rough around the edges at a previous job – and you happen to be in attendance with a former coworker from that previous job – things can get a little weird. But we are here to tell you that the experience was not diminished in any way. The incredible talent from duo Seasaw is palpable from first listen, and their performance legitimately lights up any room they happen to be entertaining in. We melted into their lyrical journey, and fell deeper in love with the music with each slight lyrical explanation, each moment their earrings were swinging. Highlights from the show below!
Keep up with Seasaw here.
by Kinzie Ferguson | Aug 6, 2019 | snapshot, visual
Last weekend was absolutely gorgeous. We know a thing or two, because members of our team spent an entire three days outside, basking under the sun and the stars with other fabulous humans at Hinterland Music Festival in Iowa. Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Chicago, this fest actually boasted a slew of great acts on the Lolla ’19 lineup, in a much more tranquil and relaxed setting. Take a deep dive over the next few days into galleries from some of our favorite sets, including these photos of The Maytags!
Keep up with Maytag here.
by Christie McMenamin | Aug 5, 2019 | snapshot, visual
On the heels of their latest release, Phases, Chase Atlantic’s hardcore fanbase stormed into a sold-out Webster Hall for the final show of the Phases tour. Often referred to as “alternative pop,” Chase Atlantic, hailing from Australia, also integrates both R&B and rock into their unmistakeable sound. It’s this fusion that draws fans with different musical tastes together, resulting in an eclectic audience decked out in all kinds of dress.
Taking the stage amid thick smoke and low lighting, strobes flashed on and off, lending itself to a joyfully chaotic atmosphere that allowed the music to speak for itself. The interaction between crowd and creators was unmatched, with the band members spending more time at the edge of the stage than further back. They jumped around, holding the mic out to the audience and enthusiastically encouraging them to sing along.
It was a perfect show to conclude a triumphant tour.
by Kevin McGann | Jul 16, 2019 | snapshot, visual
Arthur Moon opened for the illustrious Palehound on July 10th in the depths of Brooklyn at Elsewhere. The band – comprised of Lora-Faye Åshuvud, Nick Lerman, Marty Fowler, Dave Palazola, Aviva Jaye, and Cale Hawkins – was absolutely mesmerizing, and we were lucky to have photographer Kevin McGann out to capture it! Check out some highlights below!
Keep up with Arthur Moon here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 10, 2019 | snapshot, visual
Last week, we prepped for the holiday of lights and showboating with a performance serene and gorgeous as the sound of a flowing stream after a good rain. Allison Gliesman’s voice is one of the most alluring we’ve ever heard, and with both their popular band Mess and their solo project sex ed, we are consistently floored by the quality of songwriting. We urge you to get out to a show, but until then, here are some highlights of one of our favorite performers. Period.
Keep up with Allison’s band Mess here.
