In 2007 I had began to make contacts with people in the music business outside of San Diego. Most significantly, Josh Feingold, who was then working at SESAC to sign new artists, made my acquaintance. Josh was my ticket to the larger music industry, and his entrance in 2007 marks the beginning of the end of the identity of a "local music blog."
I was still very much in San Diego but starting to write about events like Coachella, and had begun getting involved with shows outside San Diego- notably Las Vegas in August of 2007.
the relationship between corporations of the cultural industrial complex and authentic sub cultures
A "sub culture" is a group of people who share a common "culture taste". Sub cultures often share unifying characteristics (beyond shared culture taste) like a geographical area or an age group. However, it is the shared culture taste that is the sine qua non of any particular sub culture.
Specific sub cultures most often develop initially around one facet of culture taste (fashion, music, film, art), but more powerful sub cultures will exapnd into new areas of culture taste over time.
The cultural-industrial complex is fully aware of the relationship between sub cultural development and product sales. Sub cultures often embrace certain products well in advance of the culture at large and so can serve as an indicator for future sales. The mandarins of the cultural industrial complex require control and long lead times to bring products to market, and the vagaries of sub cultural taste do not work according to the quarterly reporting requirement of Wall Street. This makes the relationship between the cultural industrial complex and authentic sub cultures uneasy. The cultural industrial complex does not PREFER to deal with sub cultures, rather it will resist a particular sub culture up and until it's "market power" is demonstrated by identifable metrics (sales, most often).
This uneasy relationship between sub cultures themsleve and the cultural industrial complex has produced a recognizable (though highly fluid) class of intermediaries. The intermediaries are publiic relations experts, independent record label owners, advertising executives, guerrilla marketers, venue owners, night life promoters, journalists, radio dj's, graphic designers, etc. etc. etc.
Certain geogrpahical locations become repeat incubators for new sub cultural development. The emergence of new sub cultures as a market force can typicall be traced to a confluence of the sub culture itself, a central hub of a particular culture industry- and- this is the most important part- the presence of intermediaries who simeltaneously maintain spaces in both the sub cultures AND the cultural industrial complex.
The harnessing of a particular sub culture to the propganda organs of a specific culture industry is a significant event, for that is the mechanism by which the "culture taste" of the mass market is changed over time. Any change in the culture taste of the mass market producers new winners and new losers within the mass market. obviously, the corporations which constitute the cultural industrial complex maintain a big advantage, but the most opportunity is presented to those individuals who can influence the decision making process of specifiic culture industry corporations. The only possible goal for those employed by the corporations is to influence the decision making process. Financial benefits accrue to the top decision makjers of a corporation. Intermediaries are the predictors of the cultural industrial complex. The sub cultures themselves never benefit financially from the dissemination of their particular culture taste to the mass market. They may move on to create new sub cultures or stop particpating in sub cultures (adopting the mass market culture taste laster in life).
For those employed by the corporations of the cultural industrial complex, there is sigificant potential financial/career advantages to maintaing contact with multiple sub cultures, specifically those that create products that could be selected for dissemination by the propaganda organs of the culture industry. Similarly, the actual particpants of the sub culture can only benefit by creating products for the culture industry, OR mimicing the distribution mechanisms of the culture industry.
the pyles session with fifty on their heels
ah the funny part is when justin unpacked his drum kit and found one of his high hats missing. the whole recording was almost cancelled, but ace producer alan sanderson found the needed part in a junk drawer inside the studio and we were all saved from disaster.
can't thank strate sound recording studio enough - they are the fucking bomb. major props to alan sanderson for being the man with the place. and mr. strate- who is clearly a man with excellent taste in music- and he is super into the project.
truckee brothers april... the power chords in june.
the recording session went great- five songs were recorded- i am the riot, holliday, outside world, chickens!, moving on up. it will be on the radio between 8 and 10 PM on sunday. all five songs exist as mp3s.
don't forget to come out tonight to the ken club- fifty on their heels, new motherfuckers and zerox.... should be fun...
show review:
this girl wins my award for "best passed out person" of the weekend. She wins because 1) face down 2) it's like, four pm on saturday when i took this photo 3) she's passed out oustside the "dome" during a drum and bass dj set! do you know how noisy that is? Plenty noisy.
I liked these cats b/c they had there arms folded across their chest- vampire style. sorry- coffin style. If there is a "look" to have when you are passed out during coachella (hey- just go home!) it is this look. Study it carefully for future reference.
These two are sleeping outside of LCD Soundsystem. Seriously? There is plenty of music I heard at Coachella that made we want to go to sleep, but the outskirts of the Sahara tent- that is not sleepy time territory.
Basically, I grouped every band I saw at Coachella into one of two categories "didn't bore me to death" and "bored me to death." I'm really just looking for someone who can be exciting OR interesting for 20 to 45 minutes. Full sets rarely exceeded forty minutes, and if they do, you leave. Coachella is like an appetizer sampler platter- a musical buffet, if you will. The same rules apply as apply at a buffet: try everything, don't get filled up on one item, don't be the morbidly obese guy or gal that makes everyone uneasy. Only for music not food.
If I could spit out one name for my readership: Soulwax. They were awesome. They were "too many dj's"(are?), used to be on... astralworks? geffen? In some combination. I'm going to get into detail on that partic set- maybe dig up some mp3s, throw up some pics, the whole "mp3 blog" treatment- later in the week.
Ok that's all for now
Previous Cat Dirt 2007 Coachella Coverage: Introductionsan diego's "the prayers" on radio perfik @ littleradio.com TONIGHT!!!
Tune in tonight from 6 to 8 PM to hear Brandon n' Andrew of the Prayers do a l'il acoustic thingamajig and take you aim sent queries:
AIM: Radioperfik
littleradio.com
6-8 PM.
works great w/ Windows Media Player & ITunes both.
show review: the muslims, zerox, fifty on their heels, sundelles @ the che cafe
If you like the Muslims you will like the Sundelles, and that's good news for all you readers of this blog who don't venture to the che for shows- because both bands are playing (with vinyl radio) at the ken club on April 6th. That promises to be a top show- and you'll want to arrive early (10:30) to catch the Sundelles. They are from Riverside/San Diego, and the singer used to play in a band with Matt and Matty from the Muslims, and you can hear it, and it's a good thing.
The Muslims are also on the Mr. Tube/Grand Ole Party (or is that Grand Ole Party/Mr. Tube) bill at the Casbah later this month- sure to be sold out. FYI: G.O.P. did their recording thing in lost angeles earlier this month. Kristin- you had BETTER get me an advance of the mastered tracks or I will be very, very upset.
I was super impressed by David Barclay, who was running the show in the absence of Action Jackson(the promoter). He did a fantastic jobs of managing an... um... tense situation. I think really, all the che needs to do is a better job of communicating to the on campus community that they are putting on good old fashion rock and roll shows. My thought is that the perception on the U.C.S.D. campus is that the Che features obtuse and difficult music, and that maybe more people would come if they knew that the bands were going to be "rock and roll". Maybe not. I think I'll probably focus my all ages show efforts on the Che from here on out.
Fifty played a tight set last night, lack of turn out was a bit of a bummer, though if everyone who was hanging out in the parking lot had come inside, it would have been a decent over-all turnout. I was mystified at the folks who elected to stay in the woods during the Sundelles set- so rude. Fifty is going to play the rythym lounge (3048 Midway Dr San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 224-4835) on March 24th- that is going to be a solo show. Folks in the point loma, p.b., o.b., m.b. areas might take that opportunity to check out fifty in a new venue.
Anddd..... Zeroxxxxx (or xerox)... ha. ha. ha. honestly i don't want to go into it- but i would be pretty suprised if zerox ever shares a bill with any cat dirt affiliated bands or shows ever again. that statement has nothing to do with their music- which i still enjoy. have i compared zerox to the germs before? when i'm around that band i actually feel like i'm in los angeles in the late 70s. not sure i would take that comparison as a compliment, but it's a comparison i feel compelled to make.
Really enjoyed hanging out with the Muslims last night- good group of chaps (and chap-ette).
I would like to work on drawing more UCSD students to the Che by communicating an atmosphere of non-exclusivity. I think that is a feasible stategy over a 12 to 24 month period.
So that's what I have to say- there is so, so, so much more to the narrative from last night, but I'm not going to discuss it here. feel free to ask me in person, but devote a good 10-15 minutes for the ensuing discussion. i will also disclose further information via email, telephone and myspace messages, but none of it will be for publication or re-publication. It's good stuff, though- promise.
Show Review: the clipse, them jeans, mc flow @ belly up tavern in solana beachcan we please stop the hand wringing about the state of hip hop? please. especially you white, college educated types bemoaning the sorry state of rap lyrics. shuuutttttttt upppppppp! there is nothing NOTHING worse then "conscious" hip hop. snooze. conscious hip hop, like most of indie rock, bores me to death. it's popular music- not high art.
here's the problem with, um... every single hip hop/rap show i've ever seen:
fifty guys on stage, all of them with microphones, drowning out the music and making the lyrics unintelligible because all the mcs are shouting at the same time.
one of the reasons i actually enjoy seeing mc flow is because she eschews that approach- you can hear the lyrics, you can hear the music, it's actually a good live performance.
i was a little bit nervous for her performance last night- not sure how she was going to go over with the clipse crowd. of course- it was the clipse at the belly up tavern in solana beach, so no need to worry. there were a fair amount of flow backers in the crowd when she took the stage, and as i circulated through the crowd i heard nary a heckle. kudos to belly up for putting flow on the bill- and thanks to flow for hooking me up with the free ticket.
next up was them jeans- or at least, he was on the bill, but he wasn't there last night. instead we got five rappers from chicago. what's up with the inaccurate posters? i guess them jeans was @ sxsw. then there were two more rappers from nyc- always a good idea to tell the crowd who you are, fellas...
then it was time for the clipse. the first three songs were pretty electric- just the two guys trading verses- good stuff. but then, wouldn't you know it- they brought out the whole re-up gang- four mcs in all, plus one dude who did nothing but stand next to the "dj"(by "dj" i mean guy who was pressing "play" on the cd player and pushing the button that made the bomb explosion sound after each song (original!) hey flow - you need another body on stage? call me!
at that point is was just like every other lame rap concert i've ever been to, so i left. props to the belly up for booking the show in the first place- the crowd was well mannered and well behaved. i read lots of bullshit about venues around town being unwilling to book hip hop shows because it brings in the "wrong" (read "black") element and all I have to say about that issue is fuck you you racist assholes. you obviously don't have a problem booking filthy punk bands whose fans are at least as bad as the hip hop crowd, but somehow that's ok because the punk fans are white.
in 2007 it should be totally fucking obvious that white people listen to rap music as much as black people, and that wealthy yuppies are just as likely to be at a rap concert then poor black kids- probably more so, since a ticket is likely to be $20+ at a venue like fourth and b or house of blues(the house of blues isn't afraid to book rap shows- which is the one good thing about that godforsaken hellhole of a venue)
i picked up the mix tape (cd) they had for sale- $5! i love the psuedo-bootleg mix tape world- i must get myself to fam mart and drop some ducats on some local versions...
the belly up was not packed, but those who were there were enthusiastic. over all, glad i went, but the clipse didn't wow me. flow made it worth the drive - go flow!
Show Review: fifty on their heels, roman spring @ the rhythm lounge
I was reading a book about the emergence of corporate power in the United States, and an interesting observation the author made about the growth of metals processing factories in the 1880s-1890s: growth in productivity came not from expanding the physical size of the factory BUT from increasing the SPEED that the unprocessed parts moved through the factory process; most famous example: The Model T by Ford Motor Company.
So I did a show at the Rythym Lounge (3048 Midway in San Diego, CA) FREE PARKING IN BACK!!! The show featured "an intimate performance" by Fifty on Their Heels as well as special guests The Roman Spring. I didn't really promote the show heavily, or really at all, because first I wanted to confirm that I, myself, could recommend the venue on a personal level (example of venue that does not fit in this category: San Diego Sports Club - but that's just me.) I want a venue with zero drama and zero expectations, but with a decent sound system and a convienient location. The Rhythym Lounge is arguably as convenient to the downtown area as the Beauty Bar San Diego, and in the same general direction as the Casbah. It is also closer to the Beach Communities of Point Loma, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. I think, probably that high attendance could be generated in the Point Loma area, since they have a well developed, wealthy demographic- ha ha.
So- yeah- I had a great time last night. I know San Diego crowds dig "novelty" more then anything else in their uniquely southern california psyche- so probably the strongest pitch is go get out there and judge for yourself.
On Friday night, I was shooting the shit with a couple of independent label owners from San Diego and they were talking about how fucking important it is for the band itself to be "hustling". Although at the time I kind of felt compelled to leap to the defense of bands ("they're young", "they're artists") I have to say that at the very minimum, as a record label- it is safe to say that every label looks for a band that seeks active control and expansion of their career. A "lazy" band carries little sale potential, simply because the promotional effort to sell records need to be accompanied by the dedication of time on the part of the band. Thus, even if a record reaches a certain plateau, the failure of band members to increase their promtional efforts would limit further growth.
And bands- ask yourself... at the shows I'm getting- do I control the door money? do i get a piece of the bar? Is the show on a FRIDAY or SATURDAY night? And most importantly- do I get to control the line up? I really can't emphasize the last point enough. so important- ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE LAST MINUTE SHOWS... You want a place that's available on a week night, so you can at least get your friends out for really cool bands. At the Rythym Lounge, you have to pay the door guy $50 and you don't get part of the bar- but it's so easy. And that's what all bands want, right? For stuff to be easy?
Unforch Cat Dirt is going to largely unavailable in April, but I am going back to the rythym lounge...
I saw Roman Spring for the first time last night. They reminded me of Vinyl Radio, and further, of the Strokes. They played Pop Rocks but I'm thinking- Anti-Monday League? They brought people out- I will say that much for them. They are a four piece- kind of laid back guys. The singer is younger. I liked four of their six songs- but I'd like to see them with a Casbah level sound guy...
Fifty on Their Heels was "flamboyantly entertaining". Junior managed to get onto the bar and do a step or two. We really need to work on that bit- it's a good one. Much potential. I'm getting the 7" next week, then begins the difficult process of obtaining "distribution" and "promoting" the record- but I figure I'll do that in the next 4-6 weeks before the "release" date. Do you understand that the major labels "work" a release 9 months before it hits the stores? 9 months- just waiting for the finished album to come out. Yikes.
Attendance was poor (not like the Sold Out by 11 PM? Grand Ole Party show at the Casbah.) But you know- here's the down side to the Casbah: You will never, ever, get to book "your own" show there- with your own line up. And being able to provide a GOOD SHOW for a TOURING BAND is the most useful thing you can be doing with shows in San Diego that in all other respects are leading you nowhere. And to do that, you need to have access to venue on short notice, and control over the line up.
Out of Town and Local Bands need to cooperate on shows in San Diego to generate continuing opportunities for those same bands OUTSIDE San Diego. If you can provide a good show in San Diego- a credible show- then that should be your abiding local show goal.
show review: nurses @ tim pyles anti monday league (the casbah)
fact: nurses sound like new motherfuckers. let me get out my "they sound like early talking heads." poster. I'm a, lugging it in from the other room now.... ah- there. they have a full length cd out, and a management deal. and i'm thinking fifty on their heels and nurses @ the ken club in mid may?
elements: off kilter drum beats, organ music, wierd electronic percussion, guitar playing, nerdy funkiness. reference points: !!!, The Rapture, Foreign Islands, They Might be Giants, New Motherfuckers. They should play the Beauty Bar immeditately!
they are from temecula. don't sleep on nurses! Tim Pyles gets FULL CREDIT for straight up saying "nurses are the shit" in february during the Fifty on Their Heels show.
Hey did I mention they drew fucking huge? Place was packed. Pretty cool looking crowd, if you ask me. Maybe that draw is Buddy Akai's draw- but people were totally into Nurses.
Sorry, again, to Buddy Akai. Someday our paths will intersect... and then... then... Mexico...
Coachella: Super Secret Shortcut Drive / Back Route
For all of our lovely readers, here's the catdirt super secret shortcut back route into coachella - no traffic, no joke! it's always worked like a darling lil charm for team catdirt - we love driving in refreshed having spent nary 30 minutes in the car while everyone else spent 3 hours slogging it out in traffic. coachella is sold out all three (3) days so don't be a sucker -
Traffic on the freeway the closer you get to Coachella, we hear, is a nightmare - we usually stay in Palm Springs the night before at Casa Catdirt - so if you're driving from San Diego or Los Angeles the day of the show, our advice is to get into Palm Springs, off the main freeway as soon as possible - on the 111 and drive surface streets from there
From Palm Springs -
Take Hwy 111 South/East direction Indio
Turn Right on Washington
Turn Left on Avenue 52
From there, follow signs/policemen into the various parking lots
****remember to take very good note of where you are parked****
Map of Catdirt Coachella Shortcuthey and when you see us at coachella, go ahead, buy us a drink in the beer garden - you'll be loving us, trust us.
xo
team catdirt
show review: 94/9 Big Day Out Segment 1: The Prayers & Bloody Hollies @ House of Blues(San Diego)
Thought I should give the Bloody Hollies an actual listen, since this blog has slagged them mercilessly. Well, not that mercilessly. Wanted to beseech forgiveness from Garrett of 94/9. And it was at the House of Blues from 10 to 2 PM on a Saturday morning. Can't get more mellow than that. I want to listen to bands in my living room. Habitat! We're coming for you!
Got a chance to actually speak with Garrett, so hopefully it will be all kisses and moonbeams from here on out. Cat Dirt Sez is such an insignificant speck of dust in the cosmos. I told Garrett how awesome I think 94/9 is, and we talked about the "Rise of the Silver Sun Pick Ups." I... don't... want... to get any more specific than that. That is rule number one when it comes to "insider" news- don't let the wrong cats out of the wrong bags! Lyn Chickrawker was there- she helped facilitate the introduction, as did Tim Pyles. Tim is great, but if you read this blog or actually know Tim, you know that.
Missed most of The Prayers set (buying 12 three ring binders at office depot!) but the song I heard ("Clandestino" from the "God Save the Prayers" EP) sounded fantastic. The sound was better today then I've ever heard it at the House of Blues- must have been the 94/9 sound guy?
In between sets I had a v.v. awkward introduction to the Bloody Hollies:
Them: "So you hate us..."
Me: "Really it's my wife."
Them: "Well, we're not bad guys."
Me: "Well, I'm here, you know... to listen."
That was preceded by an even more awkward introduction of me and Lyn to the assembled 94/9 listeners. I was greeted with a sole hiss! Seriously. I live for those moments. social awkwardness never dies.
The Bloody Hollies have a most unlikely looking lead singer- I would never have guessed in a million years that he was the singer. They are a tight garage rock/punk four piece, kind of in the vein of rockabilly with some impressive vocal work. I can see why Europe loves them, and how they might have developed that sound in Buffalo, and why they might have moved to the San Diego area. Obviously, they won the San Diego Music Award. I guess the bottom line is that I don't see them that actively involved in the local music environment, but whatever- they tour europe and shit, so I guess they don't have to deal. It was nice for them to introduce themselves.
It's not really my genre of music- but I can see why 94/9 likes them- kind of like a Social Distortion kind of vibe? Fun, sloppy, rock and roll that isn't too exclusive? I don't really listen to this type of music so its hard to provide any kind of review.
I had to split half way through the set. Garrett gave the "big day out" idea credit to Owen Salerno.
Great idea... I wish I could pull something like that off. The "rumor" is that the Silversun Pick-Ups are the "surprise" act tonight, which Rosey has been posting about for weeks, weeks people. I'm not going.
Blood Brothers/Mika Miko After Party $5/Beauty Bar San Diego- come prepared to drink. and stay late.
There Will be No "Live Blogging" of Coachella from THIS blog...
Cat Dirt's sitemeter for the last year or so.
Oh My God- Mark Ronson(f. Lily AllenAll I'm saying about Lily Allen is that she's poppy and quirky. This song has fm radio quality. Those horns in the hook! Lily Allen on the vox! Huh. Mark Ronson is kind of a douche, though.
Mark Ronson's Wiki Entry Makes Me Hate HimOh man do I hate "live blogging." I look at that particular aspect of the blogging phenomenon and I'm like "fuck, maybe blogs ARE as super lame as regular journalists say they are." Everytime I read a "live blog" of ANYTHING I want to gouge my eyes out with a melon scooper (followed by putting my eyes in an industrial strength blender with some peach sorbet, vanilla vodka, and a touch of cream to create a delicious summer drink).
So: Live Blogging, don't do it.
Honestly, I don't know if there is anything fresh to say about Coachella except the fact that it has peaked. This could be the year. Proposed Headilne: "I'm never going to coachella again"? We'll see.
In the interest of saving everyone time, I will write a review of tonights Jesus and Mary Chain show in Pomona:
Jesus and Mary Chain
The Glass House
Pomona
4/26/07For those who've never been, the Glass House in Pomona is a super cool venue. It reminds me of the Casbah and the OLD 9:30 club in DC. Super inimate. The JAMC show was my first visit. Unforch, got there too late to see Icarus Line. Mega Bummer! I'd heard great things about them.
In honor of "Coachella Weekend" I ordered a super fruity drink at the bar. Swear to god, bartender didn't bat an eye lash. I love Los Angeles/Greater Los Angeles Area. Before the JAMC set the talk was mostly focused on how long it would take us to drive to Coachella afterwards (60 min! 90 min! 120 min!). This despite my REPEATED attempts to focus the conversation on the fact that my "reporting" of ScarJo had merited me mention on mtv and nme (I know! right? It IS amazing.) Nobody really shared my excitement other then the obligatory rolling of the eyes, sighing and muttering of "that's really FANTASTIC for you." Now I know how Pete Wentz feels all the time.
JAMC came on super, duper late, but everyone (all Coachella-ites, I'm thinking) was mellow and a'networking up a storm during the interval. Hell- I got there after icarus line so who knows how long it took.
Anyway, they came out and were, for the most part, decent. I kind of compare it to...um... New Order at Coachella? Though some of it was more like Gang of Four at Coachella. I don't want to piss off the die hard JAMC fans out there (Some Candy Talking, what?). So I'll just leave it at that.
weekend schedule
Well, if you're not going to the great get back loretta, silent comedy, dirty sweet triple bill at SOMA (as the
Union Tribune Street blog seems to be recommending (?- have we learned NOTHING???), this weekend is shaping up to be killer.
I wanted to tell everyone about
Little Radio Summer Camp with Great Northern, the Upside Down, and CoCo B's on Sunday from 12 to 6 PM in Los Angeles. The Little Radio venue is in the beating heart of the warehouse district of Los Angeles is a unique place to take in a show. And- AND! It's filled with tons of hipsters.
I did a radio show there the "morning after" one of these shows and it looked like complete fucking mayhem. The new years eve party I went to last year (see above picture and accompanying photo set on
flickr) was pure mayhem.
You can get there by mapquesting this address:
1210 Long Beach Ave, Los Angeles, CA.
Once you get there you can just buy a ticket. However- the event is from 12-6pm. So- early start time.
As for San Diego- you know you need to DO WHAT IS RIGHT. Don't go see Dirty Sweet at SOMA, don't go see the show that cancelled at the Casbah on Saturday- the headliner cancelled, aight?
Friday night- it's Vinyl Radio, Fifty on Their Heels and The Dirty Novels @ the Ken Club. It's going to be a blast. The Dirty Novels- from albuequerque new mexico- are a must see. $5- and don't even give me that guest list crap if you get there after 10 PM. And please do not shame our city by ignoring the touring band. Hey! Pay Attention!
Saturday night- this is going to be a really fun night at the Beauty Bar San Diego. Anyone who was at the Battles show last week know how fun the Beauty Bar can be when the energy is right- and I want the energy to be right for this event. This may be your first and only chance for cat dirt to secure a shot at the promoting big time (ha, ha, ha), and I know for a fact that the Beauty Bar gives promoters ONE chance! ONE!
Let's look at the competition on Saturday night:
Berlin @ House of Blues. Ok- this is a real listing.
Transport presents The Soft.Lightes @Whistle Stop. hahahahahahahahahahahahaha. Well- it'll be sooooo crowded- what a bummer. You won't even be able to see him.
So- on friday and saturday night- make the right decision.
TONIGHT: Skull Cat Control @ Beauty Bar San Diego
featuring
Fifty on Their Heels
The Vultures
et Skull Kontrol Dj's
cupcakes!
dancing!
9 PM
get there early
stay late
dance dance dance
and fucking drink a ton.... please.
I'll never get another chance if this night doesn't go well- that's just a fact.
Last night was fine, not great. I don't know why the staff at the ken club treat the bands and promoters like such dog shit. It really doesn't make any sense to me. It doesn't really bother me- except I feel bad for the bands, because they don't deserve to be treated like crap when they are drawing people to the bar.
We drew 60 paid, 25 comped, and maybe 40 people in the bar area who stayed all night but never paid to go the show. An Ok night- better then the rythym lounge shows (which draw about 50 total, paid plus unpaid).
One of the guys from The Roman Spring was there- check them out at the Casbah this week- I know I'm going. Joey Guevara and Molly Rose stopped by- Molly's new band Roses on Her Grave is playing next... friday night at the tower bar with Scarlet Symphony and... the Scene(los angeles). Amanda and Heather from San Diego House Parties showed up- Heather is working with the people at the Mount Helix venue- they are planning something fun for october... Rosey Dialed In showed up- super pissed off about Band of Horses. Fuck those guys- who the fuck do they think they are? Total Bullshit.
The sound last night was terrible- apologies- not sure what's up with that- the ken club is so hit or miss with the sound quality. HOWEVER- buy some fucking earplugs if you are going to come out, aight? It's just good to have them. Don't show up to the club and then complain becaus the rock music is "too loud"- that makes you look like a sucker.
The Dirty Novels were super professional... Pablo asked if they were supposed to play on the tiny stage inside the bar. When I laughed he said "oh we play stages that small all the time" and then I said, "Yeah- so do we." The crowd was respectful and appreciative of their glammy/dirty rock stylings. Pablo exudes quite a presence both on and off stage. I would recommend them highly to rock promoters in the southern California area- and they rule nothern new mexico with an iron fist, so they are a pretty good band to hook up in your town. Pablo said they had just gone out to new york and were coming back out in the fall- so you'll get another chance to check them out.
Fifty and Vinyl did their magic. It's a pretty good one-two local punch. It was Matt's b day so CDW made up some cup cakes and handed them out to the crowd. We're like family. Thanks everyone for coming out- sorry the sound was so bad. I try the best I can.
Show Review:
The Vultures, The Roman Spring
w/ Skull Kontrol DJ's @ the Casbah
As I've said to Tim Pyles about fifteen times, "Tim Mays should start other "franchises" on the Casbah's "weak/week nights"(i.e. tuesday, wednesday, thursday) similar to the Anti Monday League- i.e. local bills when there is "nothing" on the calendar, and totally kick ass touring shows when the opportunity arises. That way, you maintain some awareness of the night itself, building "brand" identity for say, wednesday at the casbah, and then when you get a good touring act you just kill it.
I've got lots of ideas, and lots of advice, just read this posts and my past, even more so with the earlier posts, some ideas are good, some ideas are bad - Matty, I browbeat you with ideas because I care. If I'm not barraging you and your band/club/radio station/publication with ideas and "advice" then it means I pretty much don't give a fuck about what you're doing right now and/or I'm taking a break from harassing you (Troy - I'm giving you a month off for summer).
So "Skull Kontrol Wednesday". That's one extension of the Anti Monday league concept. Of course, Tim Mays still calls the shot- if a touring band is in town, that show gets booked and the local stuff does not.
As it stands, the opening band on a three band bill a the casbah on a bad night really takes it in the chin. Such was the case for the Roman Spring, who played an (unphotographed?) show with Fifty on Their Heels @ the Rythym Lounge under the august "banner" of Cat Dirt Presents. Not sure if this was their casbah debut or not. They opened with the single. That single was the "local member of the day" song over at ye' olde'
94/9.
Hey guys- here's a tip for that local page- "dynamic content" i.e updates on a regular basis. Like- instead of just adding the Local Member of the Day to a web page, make it- I don't know- a blog entry or something. With a link to their myspace page. What would that take- 5 seconds for intern? No? It will increase your web traffic and help you sell more ADS.
Frankly, I was looking forward to seeing them after the Rythym Lounge, which- fyi has TERRIBLE sound. Do I have to buy equipment and shit? That's one reason to play the casbah over some... other venue... people are more likely to listen to you if the sound is GOOD, as supposed to TERRIBLE.
The focus point of the Roman Spring is the 19 year old (boy) singer who has a kind of croon/warble that- coupled with his flannel shirts- can we work on that look? reminded me of... I dunno... Silverchair? That's not an insult, I hope.
The band is comprised of the bassist- fuck- forgot his name- who is a cool guy, has a connection to... Capicorn? studios? Here in town. They have a second guitarist- the singer plays guitar. Drummer, of course. One idea would be to try to let the singer perform without the guitar- I GENERALLY support that concept (Kristin- it can't hurt to TRY it, at least... in practice? just to see how it feels?)
I have pretty much come to the conclusion of any potential commercial success (i.e. record deal, publishing deal, maangement, etc) is based on the presence of charisma on the part of one of the band members. If you're going to play the "big stage" you need someone prancing around on stage like a demented elf.
The jammy alt rock sound shows some promise. I wanted more angularity. Angular gutiar? I love that characteristic, and the funky jammy Roman Spring parts left me yearing for great angularity. And they should play their single- "Pain" LAST not first. Hello?
IN BETWEEN SETS: I talked to Branden, Andrew- has anybody seen his "posse"?, Mario, Natalie, Kristin- "Our album is coming out... at... the...end of august? i think." Kristin has now assumed ownership of Branden's trademark Palestinian head scarf.
The big reason I went to Casbah last night was to see the Vultures. And to browbeat Matty from the Muslims about the possible las vegas showcase from 8/7 to 8/10 (possible). Matty, I got the sense, did not appreciate the browbeating ("We have to write some fucking songs!"). Anyways- people have been giving Vultures crap here and elsewhere- and fuck that. Personally, I love the Vultures.
1) Chuck Rowland is a sneering, inspired punk front man with quality, first rate front man moves. Given some of the criticism directed his way ("Wa. He plays cover songs.", "Wa he incorporates elements of others performance style.") Hey you scenester fucks fuck off. What the fuck? You all love Junior from Fifty on Their Heels- or maybe you don't but- what exactly is the problem here?
I thought his performance last night was great- I love it how he slams the mic stand into the stage at the beginning of each song in time with the first note. Now is that his move, or what? Either way- it doesn't matter- it's a GOOD move, and I've never seen it before. You know- I'm just a simelpton who likes the Velvet Underground.
2) The backing band is impeccable- Dan Wise (Kill Me Tomorrow, Starlite Lounge) is an impeccable bassist. Jimmy Vulture (guitarist) and Nick Lennen (drums) were also directly on point, showing skills that place the band- aside from Chuck Rowland in the upper echelon of San Diego rock acts.
In fact, I think they should bring cback "Chuck Rowland and the Vultures", and make it a more anatagonisitic relationship during the set. I thought Jimmy's guitar work was really good- Junior has to play guitar and sing at the same time, and that necessarily impacts the guitar work. In that way the Vultures and Fifty on Their Heels are different. Jimmy also uses... pedals. So mysterious? What do they all do? Last night was the first time I can recall seeing a guitarist playing with pedals and being like "oh cool."
3) The songs are good. No one is trying to deny that there are covers intermixed- even if I am not sophisticated enough to catch them. But who gives a fuck? Bitter scenesters, that's who.
4) I would think that this would be a band that would do very well with the "kids" because of some of it's broader elements. They would be a good pick up for a booking agency- especially since you could probably get them on the next locust tour or some girls or whatever. But- the broadness of it- is the key.
Anyways, I'D go to see the Vultures at SOMA or Epicentre. And they should play LA- have they played LA yet? Part Time Punks? I don't know.
Show Review: Wild Weekend @ CHOB; Five Minutes of Gabe Vega's B Day Bash; Drive Bys: Tower Bar, Pink Elephant
JFCD and JGFJFCD are in town for the weekend. They didn't even get to sd until 930 PM, so I went to see all girl Zero's cover band "Wild Weekend" at the CHOB. Wild Weekend features Kelly Alvarez, Maren Squiddo and the two ladies from the Atoms. The Zero's are a 70s(?) Chula Vista(?) punk band that sound like... a punk band from the 70s. The crowd was large and appreciative- the Chula Vista scene was in the fucking house: The Sess (record release party at the Tower Bar 8/10 w/ Vision of A Dying World), Atoms were most def. in the house, Power Chords of course and the various and sundry CV scene stars that I know an love. But no Chad? Where was Chad? Atoms and PChords are heading to Seattle and back. Let me know about the "new venue" in Tacoma guys- you're living my dream! I want to be a "tour manager" on a tour up to Seattle and back.
It was good to see Kelly Alvarez perform, live, for the first time ever. More of that. Wild Weekend is playing Sessions Fest. Sessions Fest is 9/15. Non CV personalities- Bart Mendoza and Anna Troy-- anyone else notice that they hang out a lot? Corvinas were representing- check out Kadan next thursday 7/19- with Fifty on Their Heels- the flyer is up in the gallery. If you haven't seen the Corvinas yet, you are sleeping. Garage Mex is the shit. The Corvinas are comers.
JFCD wanted to see the Beauty Bar San Diego for the first time, so we drove over. I was hoping I could at least say "happy birthday" to Vega, but I didn't actually see him- or saw him from afar. Beauty Bar was a mad house- we listened to New Order (natch) and walked out after five minutes- nothing personal. Happy Birthday to Gabe Vega- he just turned 26!
Drove by Tower Bar- looked crazy. Drove by Pink Elephant- looked crazy. What's up with everyone being out the weekend I want to go out? Ended up at Hamiltons saw had a beer, ate mexican food went to bed.
Cat Dirt House Party tonight. Invite only. What's up with tonight? It's totally wack- thus- the house party.
Show Review:
Daft Punk Los Angeles & David Beckham
I don't believe in taking pictures for my blog anymore. It's like- if you need a picture of a running polar bear- just find a picture- don't fly to the arctic, rent a helicopter, and chase down a polar bear with your enormous telephoto lens- just- you know- find another picture.
Went to the David Beckham debut at Home Depot Center in lovely, lovely Carson Califorina- then followed it up with a quick jaunt up the 110 (through South Central Los Angeles- Slauson holla!) and to Daft Punk Los Angeles Sports Arena (USC Campus). A fun day, to be sure.
The LA Galaxy v. Chelsea game was at 530 PM. Parking was $20! The Home Depot Center is on the campus of Cal State Dominguez Hills (WTF?) but is totally state of the art, and reminded me or REAL socccer stadia I've been to in the past- like Chelsea's snug little place in London. Soccer stadia tend to be smaller as a rule- 25K instead of 50k- even for the biggest teams. Anyway- the design of the Home Depot Center is first rate, the only bummer was a single ATM within walking distance. Since parking was $20 I had to use it, because parking at Daft Punk was $15.
The atmosphere inside was very jovial- it was interesting to see 1) Chelsea Supporters! 2) Old v. New Galaxy Fans. I was literally stunned to see the number of "fans" who were, in fact, wearing David Beckham jerseys- the sporting equivalent of "wearing the t shirt of the band you're going to see." Also, lots of guys in tucked in polo shirts and $400 expertly shredded jeans. Also interesting to hear so many british accents.
The Chelsea fans sang songs and shit- the Galaxy fans did nothing. Get on that! A cheer? something? although the Galaxy fans in the bleachers did stomp their feet to create a racket, there's nothing like a good soccer jeer/cheer. Maybe Chivas games would be more "soccery"? Anyways- I'm looking at buying tickets on
stub hub, so count that a success. thanks to jfcd for the ticket hook-up, 7th row off the field, what!? also fun was the 24 oz. beers served in large plastic cups for $12. although your beer gets warmer faster in a big cup, there's something satisfying about a large beer in your hand watching a bit of footie.
After the game it was total mayhem in the parking lot but we managed to navigate down Avalon Blvd (or should I say North) and were quickly on the 110N- which runs from pretty much straight through the beating heart of downtown los angeles. The freeway has these massive public transportation stations that rise up from between the two sides of the 110- and I had never seen anything like them in Los Angeles before. I certainly don't use the 110N. Got freeways on the brain, it seems.
Daft Punk totally sold out the Los Angeles Sports Arena. It was quite an impressive display- getting 8K or whatever Southern Californians (and beyond- Phoenix? holla?) whipped up into a frenzy using the following elements:
1. electronic music.
2. triangle with screens on it
3. colored lights
4. two guys dressed in robot suits.
It kind of represents a culmination of a process that can be traced at least back to the "be-ins" of San Francisco, through the club culture in London, Paris and Berlin, with, of course, a heavy, heavy, heavy dose of american arena rock culture. And really- now that you're thinking about it- doesn't the entire process that began with Daft Punk and led to Justice a more or less conscious(i.e. manipulative) attempt to generate a music genre that will appeal to a mass american audience? Mull it over- I think the answer is "yes". And you know what- MORE POWER TO THEM. I wish Daft Punk 100 dates of sold out arena tour in the U.S. more than anything.
Signs of the conscious effort at work were most at issue during the inter set dj performance by Kavinsky and/or Sebastian. A fairly benign set of French electro house bangers veered into the slightly insane with a "remix/edit" of Rage Against the Machine's anthem... I don't know the song title- the one where he screams in the chorus (okay, okay, "killing in the name of"). But it seemed like every head/fist in the audience was banging/pumping - 20 minutes away from the head act, with the house lights on. It was refreshing to be around people, even where we were in the loge seats (behind frankie chan), who were into the music, dancing like it was their last. The genuinely enthusiastic response of the sold out crowd is credit to the fact that these guys- (these guys = two members of daft punk and their manager/ed banger record label owner busy p) have figured out how to sell electronic music to American audiences. In fact, I would go so far as to say-- they thought about this a lot, and the Daft Punk arena show is itself the culmination within a culmination.
Simply put- the whole thing is brilliant, and very, very commercially effective. Arena rock itself should take note of this commercial and "artistic" success- and ask itself the question- Why can't there be more arena rock shows that are as financially lucrative and artistically successful as a daft punk show?
How does something like last night even happen in the modern day music/culture industry? Daft Punk had little advertising, no record out, hasn't played america more then once in the last decade, never charted(?), not on the radio, had a couple minor hits, been sampled by a couple of rap artists.
All I can say is- it's a credit to the artist and, I think, to the management- for using the Ed Banger label as a sort of advance force/precursor that undoubtedly successfully "sold tickets" to the Daft Punk concert.
I'll leave the musical descriptions to those, perhaps, who witnessed the show for the first time last night. I will say I thought this performance surpassed their Coachella performance. The crowd was bigger and more into it, the set was longer, and the lights and color show was more fully developed. We left drenched, sore and tired but in awe and inspired. Sessions Fest anyone?
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Greg Ashley (gris gris frontman) (Oakland)
Los Sweepers (Calexico/SD)
The Okmoniks (Tucson)
from Intertate 8 take 111 South until you hit the border
when you hit the calexico/mexicali border crossing, pick the border checkpoint on the left, stay on your leftest lane
once you cross stay on that lane because there is a fork and you wanna stay on the left side of the fork
you'll go straight on that street (which is called Madero),for about 2-3 miles
you hit the Justo Sierra stoplight, turn right
turn left on the Av. Cuauhtemoc stoplight
as soon as u turn go right into the first driveway/shopping center
Velouria bar is there