It’s happening, it’s actually happening. After a 15 month closure Rockwood Music Hall is finally reopening this weekend. It’s so exciting and such a relief to see the calendar filling up again. Kudos to Ken, Matt, and the team for pushing through this awful time and hopefully the room will pack out every night from here on out. Never take anything for granted! On Saturday June 5th at 8pm, Irish man Niall Connolly performs with his band.
Rockwood Music Hall reopening gives me a real sense of hope. It feels like a good metaphor for the resilience of New York City. One of the most respected venues has survived this pandemic. In a time when so many people have lost so much, I am very grateful to see a light at the end of the tunnel. I am very grateful to have my health and to have an opportunity to play on one of my favorite stages. I am also so excited to play alongside the band again. I am not certain I won’t drown in a puddle of happy tears as soon as I hear them sing. We released two remotely recorded new singles during the pandemic. We have had a few socially distanced walks, countless Tuesday night zoom chats and so on, but I have really missed sharing the stage with them. It’s going to be emotional.
All of the shows at Rockwood Music Hall will require proof of vaccine (dated 2 weeks from your second shot). This includes the excelsior pass or your vaccine card. Anyone without proof will be turned away, no exceptions. There will be no mask or social distancing rules, and the venue will run at full capacity.
Los Angeles-based alt-rock project Sure Sure has been making waves lately. The four man project has over 14 million Spotify plays, has hit #1 on Hype Machine, and had the opportunity to perform on the ESPYs Red Carpet on ESPN. Their latest single “Lie Lie Lie” has been played on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic and SiriusXM’s Alt Nation, and the recently released video is a gem, showing us a bit of each of the band members’ personalities in a Brady Bunch-esque, simple and stunning way.
On November 2nd, Sure Sure will take the stage at recordBar in Kansas City with support from the indelible Wilderado, and we absolutely cannot wait. (We might have been saving up our pennies for some of this rad merch for a hot second, and we highly suggest you do to!) This 18+ show still has tickets available, and you’ll want to nab yours before they sell out!
It’s not very often that you end an interview feeling elated, energy coursing through your veins like you are an unstoppable force. It can be difficult to find that depth, honestly, more often than not. That wasn’t the case on a warm summer’s day in August, when I stepped off the deck and into the air conditioning after getting off the phone with Andrew W.K. After all, this is a man who has been working tirelessly for decades to bring his brand of party to the world – a man whose music has brought fans of all ages and demographics to his shows, just to let loose and let go of their every day lives for a couple of hours.
But perhaps what’s so unique about Andrew is his level of empathy. It’s something that is palpable in his music, as he urges people to feel good constantly, both with the energy and tempo of the instrumentals, the very specific party-inducing lyrics, and his own brand of infectious stage presence. His show at recordBar in Kansas City, MO last year brought a handful of excitable fans up on stage to dance, sing, and stage dive into a room packed tight with sweat and happiness.
There is something about Andrew W.K.’s level of empathy, however, that makes the man stick out like a single glitter crayon mixed in with normal colors. Speaking to us about his first record purchase, he admits that USA for Africa’s “We Are The World” – released in 1985 – was the first song he ever expressed an interest in owning as a child. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie with arrangements by John Barnes and conducted by Quincy Jones, the track features over 40 well-known singers (i.e. Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, Kenny Loggins, Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder, Cyndi Lauper, Diana Ross, etc.) and an additional several phenomenal instrumentalists.
Andrew’s reasoning for being so attracted to this song in particular? “So many great musicians had gathered into one space to work on something that benefitted other people. That type of thing hadn’t been done before, and hasn’t really been done at that capacity since. It was eye opening, and the song was really good.”
Even without “We Are The World” as an all-inclusive, empathic track, Andrew W.K. tells us that his sense of empathy is something he believes he has always had.
I think we’re all born with some level of empathy. But it can take a lot to keep it close to your heart. A lot of bad things can happen, and it can really close you off to the world. But music is such a big thing and I want to use what I create to help people keep that part of themselves open and partying.
Part of the party includes Andrew’s all white performance attire, which he has become known for over the years. When asked about the specific detergent he uses to keep his completely white stage ensemble white during tour, he admits:
I don’t really pay attention to that. I just wash them, but when they start collecting stains and different markings I just kind of let it happen. It’s like a scrapbook of tour. There are sweat stains, markings, sometimes holes. Sometimes my outfits start to smell really bad too, and I feel bad for the people who have to be around me a lot but you get used to it. I always have a backup white t-shirt and pants just in case the ones I’m wearing see their last day.
At the time of our interview, in fact, he had been going strong in the same pair of Levi’s and same shirt on tour for over a year. “I normally go through my outfits faster. I don’t know why, but this specific pair of Levi’s is stitched together really well in sensitive areas, so I haven’t split my pants or gotten a rip or a hole anywhere where it matters yet.”
We respect his approach to fashion while on the road, as we’re all about keeping things around that remind us of adventures we’ve been on. Why be any different with your clothing, especially when your white on white is so well known after 22 years of performing your optimistic messages around the world?
When we asked him about how he keeps his mind focused on the positive when the world around us is filled with so many mixed messages, especially now, he admits that there isn’t just one thing he does.
I don’t really have a pre-show ritual or anything to get my head in the game. I tried to do that for a while but each show and each day on tour is so different. Sometimes I get pumped up by doing warmups with the band, but sometimes we don’t even see each other that much before a performance. Sometimes I listen to music. Sometimes I meditate. I can’t rely on any one thing because it’s always changing. So I guess the music itself and being on stage is really the way I get excited about the show.
This news isn’t exactly surprising, since Andrew’s music has that therapeutic facet to it that we touched on earlier. 2018’s You’re Not Alone boasts 17 tracks, including gems like “The Power of Partying”, “Music Is Worth Living For”, “The Feeling of Being Alive” (spoken word), “Keep on Going”, “In Your Darkest Moments” (spoken word), and “You’re Not Alone”, among others. The lyrical content blends seamlessly with his overall message, and is the way he reaches out to heal the world. The vulnerability in the lyrics – and in his self-help and spoken word work – is some of the most cathartic we’ve witnessed, something of clear note especially during Suicide Prevention Month.
Lucky for us, Andrew W.K. is out on the road all month. As someone who spent the majority of his formative years in the midwest – Andrew Fetterly Wilkes-Krier was born in Stanford, but raised in Michigan, where he developed his songwriting and performing talents with several bands before heading to New York to pursue his career under the Andrew W.K. moniker – Andrew admits that he looks forward to coming back when his schedule allows, whether it’s on tour or not. In fact, over the years, Kansas City has begun to hold a soft spot in his heart specifically.
Getting off the bus at the venue last year, the food we’ve had in Kansas City in the past, the barbecue, memories of trees that I’ve seen and streets that I’ve been on. Kansas City does that for me. There are so many good memories there, and it’s the friendly people and the great shows we’ve had that keep us coming back!
Andrew and the rest of his band of talent will get their next shot at creating those memories when they bring their “You’re Not Alone” tour to Kansas City next Wednesday, September 19th, at recordBar. The show starts at 8pm, with a special performance by Drop a Grand before Andrew W.K. takes the stage. Tickets start at $18 and are available here. We can’t guarantee he won’t sell out, so make sure to nab them quickly!
Keep up with Andrew W.K. and his shenanigans – and message of peace, really, – here!
Starting September 10th, Los Angeles-based indie duo Swimsuit Issue – beautifully executed by model Miles Garber and David Gagliardi – is hitting the road with alt-pop musician Julietta for a couple of enthralling dates on the east coast. Seeing as their work has been touted by some quintessential names in music – their first show was playing to over 1,200 Catpower fans when Chan fell in love with their first single – Catch them in Brooklyn at Elsewhere (Zone One) on the 10th, and in Philadelphia at Kung Fu Necktie on the 17th. We’re thrilled to see their live performance magic captivate more audiences and expand the fanbase. Start your research below before heading out to one of the shows in a few days!
Keep up with Swimsuit Issue’s new work here, and keep tabs on Julietta and her upcoming music here.
There are more than a few reasons to partake in Lawrence Field Day Festival this coming weekend. Now in its seventh installment, the 3-day annual event in Lawrence, Kansas continues to feature great live music from dozens of bands at a very affordable ticket price. The festival runs Thursday through Saturday.
Started by Cameron Hawk and Quinton Cheney in 2012, LFDF was envisioned as a live music showcase for Lawrence residents while University of Kansas was on summer break. Of course, students are welcome at LFDF, but the environment on Mass Avenue is different, in a good way, when there are about twenty-thousand fewer people clogging up the joint.
And, fewer students is the first reason you should attend. If you’ve had prior experiences in downtown Lawrence in which it took you five minutes to drive one block, or you’ve ended up parking 4 streets over, or you’ve had your shoes puked on by a drunken frat boy celebrating his 21st, then you really need to come to LFDF. You will finally be able to devote your attention to music.
Another perfect reason to attend is the cost. It sounds almost unbelievable, but you can get a wristband with 3-day access to five venues and sixty bands for only $15. So far this summer, I’ve heard of no festival offering so much music for such a low price. And the great music is the other best reason to attend.
Lawrence Field Day Fest has featured several genres of music, but there is an undeniable focus on rock, and secondarily on hip-hop. Although Lawrence and Kansas City are well-represented, this year’s fest is pulling in talent from Denver, St. Louis, Minneapolis, and other cities. Let’s do a look and listen on some of this year’s bands.
Truck Stop Love will make a visit from the past. The early-90s rockers are back after a 25-year hiatus and a couple of personnel changes. Known for their county fuzz rock, the Manhattan, KS band hits the Bottleneck for the Black Site Records Showcase on Saturday at 11 pm.
If you missed Bruiser Queen when they played the Riot Room in Kansas City back in March, you’ll have an opportunity to take in some good indie garage pop from the St. Louis two-piece. Just show up at Jackpot Music Hall at 9:15 pm on Friday.
The Ghoulies want to show you punk rock with a bluesy, garage feel. Adding an organ to the mix only amps up the excitement for this Denver band that’s been busy touring all summer. See them at the Replay Lounge on Saturday at 11:45 pm.
The Bottleneck has been involved in LFDF since the inception, and will have about 20 acts during the Fest. Don’t miss metal rockers Hyborian of Kansas City at 12:15 am Friday night. Bringing a mystical and sci-fi vibe to metal, Hyborian built their own studio in the West Bottoms.
The immutable laws of physics will prevent you from seeing the complete sets of all 60+ bands at LFDF, but some of the other acts that I’ll make a point to see this weekend are The Uncouth, Westerners, Momma’s Boy, Headlight Rivals, The Sluts, The Goodbye Sort, Vigil and Thieves, and Stiff Middle Fingers.
Breaking out with his first ever full length album full of energizing anthems and inspiring lyrical loops, is Nashville native Taylor Cole (Chalaxy, Creature Comfort) and his music project Tayls. The self entitled album, Tayls is his greeting to a wider demographic of fans who he hopes to inspire with his commitment to insane fun and beautiful art. Although this indie project has gathered a great following since the very first single, this new release is surely going to push his popularity over the edge as he dives even deeper into the sound profile that he has created for himself. From a humble start to his current standing at the top of thousands of fan playlists, Tayls has created a movement composed of self-empowering music that is both easy to listen to and incredibly intricate.
The instrumental talent that is demonstrated captures the attention of listeners instantly. Coupled with the intense and pumped-up vocals that match the mood set by the music, Tayls can do no wrong as his lyrics pack a “powerful punch” of exciting empowerment to the individual. Known for overenthusiastic live performances, it is clear that Tayls was able to focus the same energy into the recording sessions. Although fans won’t be able to experience all of the lights, dance moves, drag queens and giant swan dives that have become essential elements of the live performance, the music on this album speaks for itself.
Layered with subtle scream vocals, there is no doubt that this album is going to pull in fans of The Flaming Lips, Bright Eyes and everything in between. As this project continues to deepen its understanding of its unique sound, Tayls is sure to pick up fans throughout the world who are inspired by the out of the box lyrics and fast paced rhythms.
Tayls is available now. Keep up with the project here.
From their heartbreaks and hard times, Tenderfoot has brought together the best of their sound to produce their newest album BreakApart. This new and upcoming band has brought out the best of the dream folk genre. Their new album, which is going to be released February 2, 2018, features memorizing drum loops and dreamy vocals that makes their music relatable and entertaining.
Tenderfoot’s roots are founded deep in trial, but they have since emerged at the peak of a potentially very successful career in the music community. What started as a solo project on the road has turned into a group of four who are dedicated to creating music that holds a sound unique to the group. After the traveling on the road Adam Kendall Woods (lead singer) recruited Jude Miqueli (drums), Gabriel Molinaro (keys), and Darcey Zoller (strings) and together they have found success in one of the fastest growing genres in the industry.
Not only does their newest album incorporate some of the latest musical techniques, but they also highlight some of the greatest personal triumphs and struggles-rendering their music highly relatable. However, their music is not all doom and gloom. Along with the heartbreak, the lyrics also bring out the beauty of creative progression as well as coming together with loved ones to find joy. Some of these topics include heartbreak, struggling in relationships and health scares. With the addition of three new members, the lush dynamic of a full band enhances their sound and elevates their credibility. After spending two years on this new album, fans are eagerly awaiting the release ofBreak Apart.
Fans and listeners of the folk genre will fall in love with this band’s appreciation for traditional sound with the incorporation of new and innovative lyric and rhythm. This is a band that came together for one purpose, to turn life’s hardest struggles into music that is highway, head banging worthy.
