by Kevin McGann | Jul 15, 2019 | snapshot, visual
Palehound took to the stage last Wednesday night on Elsewhere’s Rooftop in Brooklyn just as the sun was setting. The whole scene was surreal as the stage was decked out in fake flowers and tropical plants juxtaposed with the neighborhood’s industrial setting. And as the sun set and the the night sky grew dark, neon lights kicked on overhead to illuminate what would be an electric set from the Ellen Kempner led band. Her delivery provided as much contrast as the backdrop, singing at times in a soft, almost whisper like voice only to then break into a frenetic guitar solo before returning to the mic like she had just exercised her demons. The band, which includes Jesse Weiss on drums and Larz Brogan on bass, provided a solid framework and helped flesh out the songs from the recently released album, Black Friday.
Palehound returns to NYC in October where they’ll be playing alongside Big Thief. Not to be missed.
Keep up with Palehound 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.
by Christie McMenamin | Jul 9, 2019 | snapshot, visual
Acclaimed singer/songwriter Erin Rae performed at New York City’s Rough Trade on June 19th, opening for Dylan LeBlanc. Rae recently released an EP of demos off last year’s record, Putting On Airs. In front of an audience still filing in and getting drinks, Rae was unmoved, focusing on her performance and her connection to those already in the crowd. Her set was poignant, speaking of pain and empathy, and the room swelled larger with each subsequent song. By the end, she held the audience in her hand, and thunderous applause broke out.
Rae is on tour from July through November. For more information, please go to: https://www.erinraemusic.com/tour
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 9, 2019 | snapshot, visual
On June 29th, one of the most extraordinary voices in up-and-coming pop music visited the patio at Riot Room in Westport. Whoa Dakota (Jesse Ott) entertained in some of the sweatiest weather, the lighting and fan giving the tone a Beyonce effect, while the crowd basked in the glow. Photos below!
Keep up with Whoa Dakota here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 9, 2019 | snapshot, visual
On Tuesday, July 2nd, Older Brother held its debut public performance at The Rino in Kansas City, with support from Ritt Momney and Sex Ed. The trio – comprised of siblings Jake, Jordan, and Brooke – absolutely stunned with their vocal talents. The music was simple, beautifully composed, and the room was so silent it almost felt too intimate for onlookers. Highlights below.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 5, 2019 | snapshot, visual
On Tuesday, July 2nd, Salt Lake City’s up-and-coming indie rock extraordinaire Ritt Momney made an appearance at The Rino in North Kansas City. Sandwiched between two incredible local acts – Sex Ed and Older Brother – Ritt Momney set a tone for excellence. Near the end, Rutter’s girlfriend joined the band on stage to sing, a touching experience as for the majority of the year they are separated because of her studies in another state.
Keep up with Ritt Momney here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 3, 2019 | snapshot, visual
I’ve never witnessed a man with such notoriety sip a beer so calmly and pointedly on stage as he stares out at individual faces in the crowd. At least, you get the sense that Matt Berninger is putting a lot of thought into those glances, though perhaps he just has an important tactic of his stage performance down after so many years entertaining. Either way, The National‘s performance at Bonnaroo was enigmatic. Highlights below.
Keep up with The National here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 3, 2019 | snapshot, visual
On Saturday, June 15th, Hozier played as the sun set on the third day at Bonnaroo. His carefree style was plastered throughout the crowd, as people spread out at main stage to enjoy the relaxing soundscape. Into the set, he introduced special guest Brandi Carlile, who was scheduled to play her own set the following day. It was magical, and highlights can be seen below.
Keep up with Hozier here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 2, 2019 | snapshot, visual
Bonnaroo 2019 was our favorite lineup so far. And we aren’t kidding about that. When you think about the comedy and energy integrated into different aspects of the event, it’s almost overwhelming. Take, for example, the incredible duo Princess. Comprised of Maya Rudolph — Yes, that Maya Rudolph! — and jazz vocalist Gretchen Lieberum, they have taken the time to perfect a stage presence worthy of PRINCE himself. Because they are a Prince cover band, and have been since 2011. (Yes, they have been acknowledged and approved by the man himself.) Their performance was the last we enjoyed at Bonnaroo this year, and it was one of the highlights. As the first lines of “Let’s Go Crazy” opened the show, Rudolph and Lieberum’s stoic glances around the crowd brought us so much joy, we actually started crying. (Yes. Both iF reps in attendance started crying from different areas of the crowd. Everything is fine. We have been validated. It was incredible.)
Keep up with Princess here.
