by bryce on August 13, 2010
This Monday, Chromeo will bring their electro-funk to the House of Blues. It has been awhile since the guys have performed in San Diego and during that time many things have happened to the group.
For those unfamiliar with the group, Chromeo rose to popularity in 2004 with their debut album She’s in Control. Extensive touring and spots on the festival circuit landed the guys with even more success and acclaim. In 2007, Chromeo released Fancy Footwork, which spawned three singles and was followed by numerous tours.
On September 14th, Chromeo will release Business Casual, an album guaranteed to get you on your feet and dance. Early listeners has reported that this album keeps the ‘80s synth feel while adding a bit more of a disco feel and some electric guitar work. It’s said to be catchy, with some songs having more of a Hot Chip vibe. One song, “When the Night Falls,” will feature guest vocals from Solange Knowles.
My interview with Dave left me with a few points that every Chromeo fan and soon to be convert should know.
In The Beginning…
When Dave and Patrick first came together, the two were in high school. Dave joined Patrick’s band and the two hated each other at first. They later worked out their differences and began to explore new music together, leading them toward the sound they have today. Growing up, the guys saw the electronic influence of everything from some notable figures. Dave’s brother is famed DJ A-Trak who, beyond a successful solo career, serves as the DJ for Kanye West. Chromeo first signed to the label of their friend Tiga.
Dave is a busy guy…
For the last few years, Dave has been pursuing a PhD in French literature from Columbia University. He has kept up with his studies by finding a balance of music and academics. He’ll study on airplanes and will settle for no compromise in either regard.
Chromeo has become great friends with Daryl Hall from Hall & Oates…
The guys all met up to record an episode of Live from Darryl’s house. For Dave and Patrick, this was an amazing experience as Hall & Oates are some of their biggest musical influences. Dave said that they wrote Momma’s Boy, trying to sound like a Hall & Oates song. Chromeo met up with Darryl to perform a set last month at Bonnaroo. The set went so well that Dave said they’re trying to put a few more shows together. They’ve even looked at the idea of doing some studio work.
Make sure to check out Chromeo this Monday at House of Blues where I guarantee you’ll have a great time. Check out the following links to pre-order the new album or grab tickets for the show:
Chromeo on iTunes:
Tickets
I saw Robert Randolph and the Family Band open up for the Dave Matthews Band in 2007 in a large amphitheater, where the energy and skill of Robert Randolph was prevalant. As with many acts, he is much better in a smaller setting, like the Belly Up, which he played on June 10th. The night turned into an old classic rock soulful dance party ignited by Randolph’s unique pedal steel guitar.
Randolph is considered one of the best pedal steel guitarists in the world, and he definitely did not disappoint at his San Diego show. His skill on this unique instrument was the catalyst for the band and for the dancing that ensues once the band begins playing. Although Randolph is the main focus of the group, he has an excellent backup band. His sister sings backup vocals and often takes the lead with a powerful, soulful voice reminiscent of classic funk singers of yesteryear. The drummer, Marcus Randolph, was more than able to match Robert Randolph’s ability on the pedal steel guitar with excellent rhythms and a few solos of his own.
The band paid tribute to their influences and today’s current hits by doing a version of the classic “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” mixed with Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face.” This song was reflective of a band who plays predominantly old school music in a society where pop songs are most prevalent. The creative dedication to a sound that is not normally heard anymore in 2010 is something to be respected. Randolph manages to bring a fresh take on the classic sounds of Stevie Ray Vaughn, Sly & the Family Stone and the Allman Brothers. Robert Randolph and the Family Band are one of the best and only links to the classic sounds of the ’70s. If you ever have a chance to see Robert Randolph, go for the history lesson or just for the great show.
Robert Randolph and the Family Band’s album, We Walk This Road, was released today on Warner Bros. Records. Check it out on iTunes.
by bryce on June 21, 2010
Courtesy A.V. Club.
There’s something hauntingly beautiful about Gregory Alan Isakov and the music he creates. While quickly labeled as a singer/songwriter, Isakov really goes beyond that one grouping to add more of a raw folk or indie sound. In many ways, his music will be taking the elite spot of filling the void left while Bon Iver is on hiatus. The two artists run a similar parallel with their mix of reverberated guitars and seemingly lazy vocals.
In a live setting, Isakov brings intimacy and dedication to the stage. At a recent set at the Hotel Café in Hollywood, fans flocked to see one of the main rising stars on the scene. Mintues before showtime, with the place packed, Isakov slowly walked through the crowd with many oblivious to his presence. He worked his way forward, making to the stage where he sat on a stool, facing the crowd, armed with his guitar. The following 45 minutes soon became a lost blur of music. Song after song, Isakov only stopped once or twice to speak to the crowd, often joking about how he hates to talk between songs. Anytime a song would end, fans would yell out requests, breaking the aural harmony created by Isakov.
Isakov’s most recent release, This Empty Northern Hemisphere, has shown a considerable amount of growth for the artist. His music has developed and received praise from key music outlets such as Paste Magazine and A.V. Club. In my mind, This Empty Northern Hemisphere has found the perfect balance of simplistic moments and soul drenched vocal presence. Isakov’s album deserves the praise it has received and raises the bar for his next release. Between that time and now, I’ll fill my car rides with Isakov’s music and standout singles such as “Big Black Car.”
Big Black Car
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