New Coconut Records album?!

New Coconut Records album called "Davy" will be out in January 2009. Nighttiming, Jason Schwartzman's music project's first album, is fantastic and if Davy is even half as good as Nighttiming is, I will be ecstatic.

Interview with the Spinto Band

The Spinto band is a wonderful 6 piece from Wilmington, Delaware. They just released their second album, Moonwink, on Park the Van Records. The band is made up of Thomas and Sam Hughes, Jon Eaton, Nick Krill, and Joey and Jeff Hobson. The new album is a follow up to their 2005 major label debut Nice and Nicely Done, although they had previously self released many albums. I had been waiting for Moonwink for a while, and it definitely lives up to all of my expectations. All of the songs are so refreshing and really great, that I can’t pick a favorite, although I am addicted to “Summer Grof”.

I just got the chance to see the Spinto guys for the first time at a Grimey’s in store. They were really nice and their live show was very energetic and fun to watch. They mainly played songs from Moonwink, but also threw in some old favorites, like “Brown Boxes” and “Direct to Helmet”. It was also a great to see the legendary kazoos in action. Jon Eaton, guitarist, was nice enough to answer some questions for me. He talks about the story behind Roy Spinto, touring habits, and recording Moonwink.





What was the recording process like for Moonwink?

Well, it’s a funny coincidence that the album was recorded in a converted sweatshop as we all worked pretty long hours putting the album together. We set deadlines, knew what we wanted and wore sweatpants every now and again. We also gained a fine appreciation for Ms. Pac Man and LA truck burritos. Dave Trumfio (producer) told us many a late night tale of past record industry fiascos to help inspire the process and once or twice we joked about whether veggie burritos were real burritos.

Can you explain the story behind Roy Spinto?

Roy is the inspiration of the band. He blessed us with some song inspiration early in the formation of the band. His face graces many a logo of the band nowadays and sometimes I wonder if he were alive today if he wouldn't anchor a band of his own and we could have a trademark battle for the rights to The Spinto Band name.

What have you guys been listening to lately?

Well.... excellent question. I have been enjoying a few albums of late. Dr. Dog's new album, Fate, is great. I enjoyed the Thao Nguyen album that came out this summer. The new Silver Jews is pretty cool, but I have to admit, I don't really get the new TV on The Radio. We had a discussion the other day that most people say that record is awesome because they are scared to admit that they don't get it. I am not scared, here me now, I don't get that new TV on the Radio album. I think it sounds like an unwound wool scarf.

Where is your favorite place to tour?

Aww shux... I'm no good at picking favorites. Here is a list of cities I've been building that, if I were offered a well paying job there, I would move there... you know, if I were in a career path that created exciting life changing options like that: Madison, Austin, Norfolk VA, New Orleans (despite the potential for disaster), Glasgow, Paris, San Francisco, Portland Maine. Sometimes I want to live in Phoenix, but other times I think otherwise.

What is your favorite song to play live?

See above... Although some of our favorite shows have been in Glasgow Scotland. People are always game for a conga line and once everyone gets drunk you can't understand a single word anyone is saying- and people love to get drunk there, so you pretty much listen to people speak in a foreign tongue, but that tongue is really just drunken Scot.

Any funny stories from tour?
Oh are you kidding me? We are straight business in the Spinto band, the only funny thing ever to happen on tour for us was we misorganized our tax documents and had to refile, but we accidentally refiled using forenames instead of surnames and the files were all screwed up. Crazy story, I'd elaborate, but you kind of had to be there.

Who are your musical influences?

My influences are constantly changing. Today I was listening to a bunch of Ween songs and realized they shaped a large part of my musical upbringing. They helped explain an important point in music and all around existence: anything goes, try new things, do your own thing.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Seal and meerkats

Do you have any hidden talents?

Hustling suite upgrades at hotels

How would you describe the Spinto Band's sound?

What can I write that doesn't sound self-obsessed? The Spinto band sound can be described as the final words you write on a postcard before you run out of space. Jam-packed, poignant, and usually overshadowed by the flip-side.

Check out their website:

www.spintoband.com/

And make sure to go out and buy a copy of Moonwink!

Grimey's New and Preloved Music

I just thought that I should give a much deserved shout out to my favorite record store, Grimey's New and Preloved Music, in Nashville, TN. It is one of my favorite places and I always walk away with handfuls of new music. The staff is so nice, and not snobbish at all. If you are looking to start listening to a new band, they will direct you to the best album to try first. They are one of the only Think Indie record stores in Tennessee, and carry albums that are very hard to find. Also, the instores are fantastic. Over the past few months I have seen Conor Oberst, an amazing Nashville super group covering the Walkmen, and Chris Thile and Edgar Meyer. They were also named one of Paste Magazine's 17 Coolest Record Stores in America. So, make your way out to 8th Avenue South and say hi to some of the awesome people at Grimey's or even catch an awesome upcoming instore.

http://www.grimeys.com/index.html

A Conversation with Our Cat Philip

I have been searching my mind to try and find words to describe the sound of Our Cat Philip, a Columbus, Ohio based band. Nick Held, the source of drums/keyboards/vocals, says the band’s favorite definition of their sound is “kindergarten rock”, which is a perfect description of their sound. They just released their first album, “Apart of Someone” in August, and I highly recommend that you download it from their site. I got the chance to talk to Nick and ask him a few questions about the band. Our Cat Philip met at Ohio State University and is made up of Max Sollisch, Jeremy Hendricks, Nick Held, and Emily Ng. As for musical influences, Nick says, “Our music is a byproduct of our musical backgrounds.” Their collective influence is Yo La Tengo, while Max is influenced more in a lyrical sense and he notes Elliot Smith and Conor Oberst as his main influences. Jeremy is influenced by Grandaddy. As for their sound, Nick says, “There are really emotional lyrics and we put this poppy, folky sound behind them.” He also notes, “We are excited to have an emotional response to our music.”

Also, Nick lists the band Couch Forts as one of their favorites to play with in Columbus. “The music scene here is very, very helpful, and is a very close knit community,” Nick says when I asked about the Columbus music scene. Also, one important aspect of Our Cat Philip’s sound is that they do not use electric guitars or even a bass, because the cello takes the place of the bass. Nick says they do not want to limit themselves to one certain instrument. As for most memorable show, Nick said, “The first time we played with Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin. It was such a phenomenal night.” They are currently playing a few shows around Ohio, but they also are all busy with school. Next summer, Nick says, “We hope to go on an extensive tour supporting a national act.” So, download their album, go see a show, and you will love this band as much as I do.

www.myspace.com/ourcatphilip

http://www.ourcatphilip.net/

An Interview with Sean Moeller of Daytrotter

I believe that Daytrotter has been one of the greatest contributions to the indie music world in the past two years. They bring in fantastic bands to their studios in Rock Island, Illinois and record four songs, sometimes those songs are new, unreleased, or covers. They then release these songs to the public for no cost at all. Don’t you wish you would have thought of it? Well, Sean Moeller did think of it. He started it in 2006 and since then there have been many fantastic sessions by bands of many different genres. My favorite sessions have included both Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin sessions, Ra Ra Riot, Death Cab for Cutie, Delta Spirit, Grizzly Bear, Islands, Spoon, and the list goes on and on. I got the chance to interview the man behind Daytrotter and ask him where he got the idea for the site, his most memorable sessions, and what the future of Daytrotter holds.

http://www.daytrotter.com/

What were you doing before Daytrotter?

I was working full-time as a sports and entertainment writer for the Quad-City Times, a daily newspaper here in town. I was also doing a lot of freelance music writing for various magazines across the continental United States.

Where did you come up with the idea for Daytrotter?

I think I was out on a run, listening to the Kings of Leon or Ted Leo or something like that when I came up with it. Just thought I could make something happen here in town with our close proximity to all of the big Midwestern cities. I thought it could work. So far, so good.

What has been your most memorable session?

There are way too many to single out. Every band that I invite in, I like so there have been a lot of memorable ones. We have had some really fantastic sessions with Deerhunter, Grizzly Bear, Delta Spirit, Dr. Dog and The Walkmen. There are hundreds more that could and should be mentioned.

Who are your favorite bands that you have not done sessions with?

This would be a long list too. I'd say that I'd love to have Joanna Newsom, Wilco, Kings of Leon, Willie Nelson, Masters of the Hemisphere, Radiohead, TV on the Radio and Brian Wilson in here.

Why did you decide to offer the songs for free?

It just made the most sense. And, doing it that way eliminates a lot of hassle. We aren't trying to be MySpace Music or something like that. We wanted there to be no barrier to people checking out these great bands. We want these to be bands that everyone hears. People are stubborn when it comes to ponying up and not just stealing all the music they can get their hands on.

Why do you think that Daytrotter has blown up like it has?

Have we blown up? I don't really know. I think we're just doing something really true to heart and for the right reasons. We try to do things the right way. I think we have good taste and we do good work. Maybe that's it. Who knows.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I don't have any spare time. My wife and I have a couple of little girls. That keeps us busy. I do enjoy me some books though. I'm a runner. That's the life.

What is your favorite food?

Burritos and spaghetti.

What has been your favorite concert you have ever been to?

Either when I saw Spacehog play at the Madison Theatre in Peoria, Illinois or when I saw The Darkness play at The Double Door or when I saw Weezer for the first time at First Avenue in Minneapolis. Or...there are great moments at every show I've ever been to. It's sad to me when I go see a great band and the place isn't full. There have been few experiences in my life that compete with the thrill and creative inspiration that I get when I'm at a live show. It's discouraging to think that people would rather stay at home and play video games like lame-o Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Go see a fucking show!! A real show.

What is coming up for Daytrotter?

A whole bunch more great sessions. We've got some surprises.

A Conversation with David Condos

David Condos is one of my favorite Nashville artists. He has such an amazing voice, writes lovely lyrics, and is a really nice guy. He released his debut album, Smoking City, in 2006, and just released an EP entitled Like Wolves, which he is offering for a free download on his website for a limited time. My friend Katelyn told me about him a while ago and I got Smoking City. I loved his voice and starting listening to the album so much. Now, with this new release, I have even more to listen to and love. “Permanent” is my favorite song, although “Like Wolves” is a close second.
I got the chance to do a phone interview with David and he was really nice. He moved to Nashville seven years ago with his family, and attended Belmont. Most of his current band went to Belmont also, and he was really close friends with Koral, who provides vocals and other various instruments, and was roommates with Ian, the guitarist. I asked why he decided to release Like Wolves for free, and he said, “Our sound has evolved since Smoking City and I wanted to give something back to the fans.” Also, Like Wolves and his other latest songs have been more collaborative with his bandmates. He has more eclectic influences such as Nick Cave, Radiohead, The National, and Wilco.
His writing inspirations are from “direct personal experiences”. David and his band have played many shows in Nashville, at places like The End and Mercy Lounge. His most memorable show has been in New York, and he says it was a “big band trip out there”. When asked about his fan base in Nashville, he responded, “We love our fans!”
His favorite songs to perform are his more intense, more passionate songs, like “Keep Your Hand on the Door” and “Like Wolves”. His favorite places in Nashville are Grimey’s New and Preloved Music, Hillsboro Village, and East Village. Even the last album he purchased, Mule Variations by Tom Waits, was purchased from the Grimey’s Preloved section. For those fans looking for even more releases from David, he reported he is hoping to get in the studio and release another EP before the end of the year.
I asked him who his celebrity crush was, and he answered, “I know this sounds generic for a guy indie musician, but I have to say Zooey Deschanel.” He also just decided to go gluten-free, yet chicken enchiladas are his favorite food. His favorite movie is Clifford, starring Martin Short.

To purchase Smoking City and receive a free download of Like Wolves, go to his site:
http://www.davidcondos.com/

(Photo from David's flickr)

A Conversation with Via Audio

Everyone should listen to Via Audio. They really are that fantastic. The band, made up of Jessica Martins, Tom Deis, David Lizmi, and Adam Sturtevant, resides in Brooklyn, NY. They met at Berklee College of Music in Boston and the rest is history. Via Audio released their first album, Say Something, in September 2007. I have listened to the album so much, and the song, “Modern Day Saint”, is my favorite on the album. I got the chance to do a phone interview with the bassist, David Lizmi, and the drummer and newest member, Adam Sturtevant.
David and Adam are really nice guys, and when I talked to them they were in Austin, Texas with Jim Eno of Spoon starting on their new album. Eno produced their first album, also. They listed their main influences as Radiohead, Spoon, and Death Cab for Cutie. The band tours often, mainly in the northeast, but they admit they love to play in foreign countries. Japan and Montreal are two places they named as favorites. Also, the band has toured with many talented bands in the past. "It is very, very crucial for us to be really, really close with the band we're touring with,” David said. They list Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin as a favorite to tour with and Jukebox the Ghost as another favorite. Also, they collaborate with the bands they are touring with, whether it is onstage or off. As for what they do to entertain themselves on our, Adam said, “All we do all day is try and crack each other up and weird shit will come out."
Also, David and Adam are both movie freaks. Adam quoted Ferris Bueller Day’s Off as his parting words and named Breakfast Club as his favorite movie.
As I said earlier, the band is currently working on their new album with Jim Eno. They both sounded super excited about it, and I am looking forward to it because I know it will be amazing. They predicted May 2009 as a possible release date. Make sure to pick up a copy of Say Something if you do not have it. Also, check out their website:

http://www.viaaudio.net/

(Photo from their website)