THE RUMBLE: SAN FRANCISCO IS BACK NEXT WEEK @ HARLOT

Just as you are coming down off the fumes of NOISE POP next week, it's time to rev it back up again for THE RUMBLE: SAN FRANCISCO. This time we have AMPLIVE of ZION I and Radiohead remix fame dropping in for some sets, as well as a live performance from LOVELIKEFIRE. Drinks specials, giveaways, and great indie dance sets by DJ Bagel Ted as well so be sure to RSVP so you get in for FREE: http://sonicliving.com/theowlmag/therumble

NEW SOUNDS: THE BLOOMS

A friend with incredible ears turned me onto this band from Tulsa, Oklahoma recently, and although I only have 4 songs, it shows the promise that this band has in front of them. They are called THE BLOOMS, and let's get it out of the way and mention the QUEEN sounds right off the bat. It's important to differentiate this Queen from say MIKA or even SCISSOR SISTERS, where they take Freddie over the top, THE BLOOMS give you the rockin' Queen. So many times you find artists hidden away in cities like Tulsa, Kansas City, and Cincinnati that aren't in some kind of "scene", but rather have their favorite records, memorize them, and follow those high standards into making their own music with their buddies. That's where the BUDDY HOLLY's (Abilene, TX) show up and exactly how we came across THE KILLERS at first in Las Vegas. I've been enjoying the track, "White Walls" the most.

The band was nice enough to answer some questions I sent their way so I'm going to let them tell their story.

Q: Can you briefly give us a rundown of the line-up of THE BLOOMS?

A: (Caleb) Sure. David Dean is the front man I guess you could call him. He does lead vocals, plays rhythm/lead guitar and piano as well. I am the Blooms guitarist as well and responsible for rhythm/lead parts as well. Elad Fish is the Blooms drummer and Dan Morrow is the Blooms bassist.

Q: From the songs I've listened to, the obvious references are QUEEN and ELTON JOHN, which is also stated on your Myspace page, but can you tell us more about where your inspiration comes from? Past and present?

A: (David) Well, The Blooms as an entity have inspirational influences that cover every musical facet you could probably imagine. From classical to gospel to you name it, its in there some where. Id say past influences which are really heavy are Queen and Elton. When I was a kid before I discovered Queen I used to get as many tape recorders as I could find and overdub vocals and guitars and of course it sound horrific but its what I heard in my head. So when I discovered Queen I was like," Thats it!" No other rock music moved me like that. As for Elton, his lyrics were so interesting and so effortless and I always wanted to achieve that. As far as present influences go we really haven't listened to anything in a very long time. We have to check every few months just to see who's doing what.

Q: I understand that you have a "private investor" - I love hearing those stories because I'm a believer that artists should be open to making things happen for themselves now more than ever before. Does this outside party influence any decision making regarding the next steps for the band? Did they help create a marketing plan?

A: (Caleb) Well, yes and no. Its actually pretty complicated and I'm not sure we understand our arrangement at times. Our investor's involvement of his time resource sort of comes and goes but yea we discuss things and try to figure out the best way to go on things.

Q: The Blooms are from Tulsa - Outside of the Flaming Lips, what's going on with the music scene in Oklahoma and enlighten us on bands that have come from the Sooner state?

A: (David) Well in Tulsa the arts district has only been around for a few years now. Its a pretty conservative and highly religious town so Id say thats why. Hero Factor was a band that was really big around here for a while and just kinda disappeared. Of course, Hanson is from Tulsa. All American Rejects are from around here. Admiral Twin which are still together but really don't play around here anymore get some radio play here and there. Theres a really high turn over rate on clubs and many of the live venues have been turned into dance clubs so most bands have to find gigs elsewhere. Theres still a problem in that area with the crime rate which has really hurt quit a but. Hopefully, that will change for upcoming bands.

Q: We're always looking for new artists, can you name three bands/artists in Tulsa/OK that we should know about?

A: (Caleb) There has really been a drought of bands around here. EAST, WEST, BY MIDWEST is a band thats doing ok now. Other than them I couldn't tell you.

Q: What are the venues that indie bands play at in Tulsa?

A: (Caleb) 1974 is really the only 'real' venue for indie bands in Tulsa aside from a few tiny little hole in the wall joints where solo gigs are kinda the thing.

Q: What is the best thing about Tulsa?

A: (David) Best thing about Tulsa....? I think we're relatively safe from the threat of terrorist attacks.

Q: What can we expect at a Blooms live show?

A: (David) At a Blooms show you can expect a huge amount of energy, a lot of attitude, and of course our standard of musicianship that has become an earmark of what we do. The songs actually take on a whole different life from the studio cuts. We're very aware the studio is one thing and the live environment is something completely different and we accentuate that.

Q: I read on your Myspace that the 4 song EP was recorded in Hollywood at Capitol Studios. Are there plans for more recordings? If so, with who?

A: (David & Caleb) Well, we are recording constantly. We have over the past year and a half accumulated some very high end recording gear and we understand that while a tour is a great deal of fun and connecting with an audience is priceless it is our recorded product that will live on past the memories of this show at so and so venue. With us, its more of a question of what not to record since we do so much writing and pretty decent writing at that. So yes, we do a lot of "home" recording but we're hoping to be able to go back in the studio at some point with our new friend Ryan Hewitt who mixed the latest EP. Ryan has a lot of great credits which include the last Chili Peppers album but hes also just a great guy to work with. If we're fortunate enough to land some kind of a label deal we will go back in with Ryan and take our time this time and give our investors some breathing room.

Q: Because Future Sounds has always been a tip-sheet in nature for the industry, can you tell us a bit about the team behind THE BLOOMS? Management? Legal? Booking? Are there any team members still needed?

A: (David) At the moment we do everything and its extremely time consuming and frustrating. So yes, yes and yes!

THE BLOOMS
MYSPACE

TONIGHT IN LA: WHITE DENIM @ LITTLE RADIO

Our favorite Texans pay us a visit and play a LITTLE RADIO party downtown. WHITE DENIM (FS30) play with RESTAURANT, a band I know nothing about, but the LR endorsement provides the trust needed to attend.

TONIGHT IN SAN FRANCISCO: BIRDS & BATTERIES

Because you won't see them at NOISE POP, go check out BIRDS & BATTERIES tonight for FREE on Haight Street. Their album, "I'll Never Sleep Again" is one of the best things I've heard this year.

SXSW PARTY ANNOUNCEMENT: SKEWER PARTY @ MAGGIE MAE'S

TankFarm & Future Sounds are proud to once again be involved with a Planetary Group's SKEWER BBQ event, this time at SXSW on March 13th at MAGGIE MAE'S. Last year's party was one of my favorites, roop-top show, great food and drink, gift bags, and great bands. This year's line up is equally as strong (check the poster above).

TONIGHT IN LA: HENRY CLAY PEOPLE @ THE ECHO

The final night of THE HENRY CLAY PEOPLE residency at The Echo closes with a loaded gun line up of Future Sounds favorites: RADEMACHER and ARMY NAVY. Also included is a band from Austin that people are talking about, WHAT MADE MILWAUKEE FAMOUS.
Best part - it's FREE.

I received the HCP's new EP, "Working Part Time" and it's even better than their full length.

TONIGHT IN OAKLAND: LOVELIKEFIRE & MISTER LOVELESS

Two bands I love are playing tonight at The Uptown in Oakland tonight - LOVELIKEFIRE and MISTER LOVELESS. Also on the bill is another quality act, MUSIC FOR ANIMALS and a band I don't know, TRANSFER. MISTER LOVELESS has been working away on their new EP due out this Spring, so I'm guessing you'll hear some new tracks at the live show.

Word is out that LOVELIKEFIRE will be performing at the next RUMBLE: SAN FRANCISCO on March 5th.

LEMON SUN - VOXHAUL BROADCAST - MY PET SADDLE

A fantastic line up awaits you if you can get in the car and drive to a venue you don't normally roll out to - THE GYPSY LOUNGE in Lake Forrest. Think about though, for $5 you get LEMON SUN, VOXHAUL BROADCAST and MY PET SADDLE. Also in there is THE UNION LINE, someone I haven't seen live yet but the Myspace songs sound pretty good.

HOT FREAKS PARTY @ SXSW ANNOUNCED

Our good friends at HOT FREAKS announced their SXSW party today - a 2 day event at The Mohawk that has tons of amazing young bands to check out.

Plenty of Future Sounds favorites in the mix:
THE DODOS
WHITE DENIM
BLITZEN TRAPPER
BRITISH SEA POWER
JENS LEKMAN
THE WHIGS
FILM SCHOOL
A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS
THE JEALOUS GIRLFRIENDS
BODIES OF WATER
WHITE RABBITS
LYKKE LI

Damn, someone there has good taste. Lots of new folks to check out like Bowderbirds, Evangelicals, Le Switch, Frankel, and The Acorn.

For the full line up - go to HOT FREAKS.

DUKE SPECIAL IN HOLLYWOOD

Got a treat last night at a very intimate performance by DUKE SPECIAL, all the way from Belfast, in Hollywood at the Nettwerk Music Group space The SYNC. Highlights included the FS25 track "Freewheel", "Last Night I Nearly Died" and some intense tune about going to London, Paris and Jerusalem. Pete Wilson is the Irish RUFUS WAINWRIGHT. He's in town to play a pre-Oscar's Irish party to celebrate James L. Brooks (writer/producer of the Simpsons), Fiona Shaw and Fionnula Flanagan after DUKE SPECIAL just recently won the Meteor Award for Best Irish Male.

TONIGHT IN SAN FRANCISCO: BIG BLUE WHALE

FUTURE SOUNDS 29 favorite BIG BLUE WHALE are playing tonight at Annie's Social Club in San Francisco tonight. No reason why you shouldn't be there.

THE HEAVENLY STATES RELEASE 'DELAYER'

I just received my copy of the new THE HEAVENLY STATES CD, 'Delayer', and I have to say it's their best effort to date. We championed them back on FS18 and their song 'King Epiphany' , but this new record is like that song times 12 (one for each track on the disc). This band has the fury and high energy of TED LEO & THE PHARMACISTS or THE ORANGES BAND, with the wit of THE HOLD STEADY. It's nice to hear a disc that just rocks like GUIDED BY VOICES used to deliver, less on fashion, more on the rawk! Nice work Ted.

Check out the track, "Lost In The Light" - reminds me of a revved up LOU REED on "Dirty Boulevard". They have their CD release party at the Independent in SF on March 7th, then we'll catch them down in LA on the 8th at Spaceland.

PIN ME DOWN IN DAZED & CONFUSED

http://myspace.com/pinmedown

NEW SOUNDS: 4 CALIFORNIA GEMS

Normally I get stacks of CD's sent this way for review that pile up and are sometimes a challenge to get through. You go on streaks where nothing is very promising, and then every once in awhile you get a string of gems that make it all worth it. Recently I hit the jackpot with four releases from California bands that delivered excellent albums.

First up, a band from Bakersfield called THE GRIZZLY OWLS. The husband and wife team of Jenny and Joseph Andreotti have self-released 'By Night On My Bed' that is a pure delight. It's like a Western LUNA, and after further reading it seems they were inspired by the stories of their grandparent's journey from Oklahoma to Bakersfield during the Dust Bowl. They have grown up with the Bakersfield sound (BUCK OWENS, MERLE HAGGARD) and have taken that, added a touch of DAVID LYNCH, and impressed me with favorite tracks, "Rifles and Hemlines" and "What's A Girl To Do". They'll be in LA on March 3rd at MR. T's Bowl, see you there.


The second fantastic release to come way is from San Francisco's BIRDS & BATTERIES. A five piece that reminds me of classic THE BAND (or as Tom Hanks likes to call them, The Bang). In fact, this feels like it should've been the third BAND album, after the S/T release and picks up where "Unfaithful Servant" left off. This is an album so gorgeous I find myself playing it over and over again because it lulls you into magic. It doesn't do much for your motivation I can tell you. It's hard to pick a favorite, but it would probably be "After A Flood" with "I'll Never Sleep Again" and "Soft Surveillance" close behind. Highly recommended.


If BIRDS & BATTERIES are THE BAND'S 3rd record, Fullerton's MY PET SADDLE might be straight out of MUSIC FROM BIG PINK. They also sound like what would've been the follow up to that great BEACHWOOD SPARKS album, "Once We Were Trees". Their entire EP is an absolute throwdown, a raucous foot stomper. Favorite tracks here are "Il Fait Beau" and "Alaskan Sun". They're playing out at the Gypsy Lounge this Friday with other FS favorites like LEMON SUN and VOXHAUL BROADCAST. Worth the drive.

The final release I want to talk about is from another San Francisco band called THE BOTTICELLIS. Their release, "Old Home Movies" on Antenna Farm Records (another young SF indie label on fire) is another CD I can't seem to stop playing. This band has a sound similar to BIG STAR or THE POSIES sometimes, but that would be pigeonholing them if that's all they are. It's BEACH BOYS sometimes, and at other times it's just gorgeous. "Old Home Movies" drips with something lush, and my favorite track is "The Reviewer", which has a chorus that screams "i'm only talking down to the people looking up". A fantastic band.

CHRISTOPHER DENNY PERFORMS AT SILVERLAKE BBQ

Thanks to everyone that had a hand in the cozy afternoon on Sunday that brought together some amazing musicians and that incredible BBQ assortment. CHRISTOPHER DENNY, set to return to his home-state of Arkansas today, gave us a parting gift as he and local talent, MATT TAYLOR, delivered a handful of originals and a stack of covers up on Westerley Terrace. Former Future Sounds artists also in attendance were DUKE SPECIAL (FS25) and DAVID HOPKINS (FS03). I should have some video of the event very soon. Christopher Denny was just confirmed for a DAYTROTTER performance on March 3rd.

FUTURE SOUNDS 31 IS FINALLY RELEASED

FUTURE SOUNDS 31

1. THE HEAVY – COLEEN
The Bath, England five-piece known as THE HEAVY throw their weight around within the funk revival genre, sounding like the son of CURTIS MAYFIELD and even calling their debut album, ‘Great Vengeance and Furious Five’, which is the first release ever for +1 Records. Now that’s funky. Mark your calendars for SXSW 2008 as a breakout opportunity stateside and a must see in Austin, and then brace yourself for the funk force. This band is BAADASSSS!!!
Management/legal: James Mountain, Stealth Mgmt. Needs: Booking.
THE HEAVY – THE HEAVY – +1 RECORDS/COUNTER RECORDS

2. THE POSTELLES – WHITE NIGHT
New York City's THE POSTELLES are what you get when you mix FRANKI VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS with THE STROKES. Their self-titled EP that is about to drop on Retone Records, is six of the most enjoyable and head-bobbin' tunes I've heard in some time. I got caught doing 'the jerk' in public with my headphones on with "White Night' playing walking in my neighborhood.
Manager: Steven Melrose. Legal: Elliot Groffman. Needs: Booking.
THE POSTELLES – THE POSTELLES EP – RETONE RECORDS

3. THOSE DANCING DAYS – THOSE DANCING DAYS
The Swedes seem to be taking over Future Sounds. We just got out off the road with SHOUT OUT LOUDS, JOHNOSSI and LYKKI LI, and now I wish we could go on the road with Stockholm’s THOSE DANCING DAYS. Perhaps the feel good track of this compilation, dancing days are here again! Five ladies that obviously love Northern Soul music, they’d go nicely with AMY WINHOUSE and some old PHIL SPECTOR records.
Management: Nick Levine. Needs: US booking
THOSE DANCING DAYS – THOSE DANCING DAYS EP – V2 MUSIC SCANDINAVIA

4. IDA MARIA – OH MY GOD
Ok, another talented band from Stockholm, Sweden, back-to-back? This one is IDA MARIA, and that’s her on guitar and vocals, but her band blisters enough for me to say OMG! LOL! Originally from the small town of Nesna, Norway, Ida collected these bandmates while moving to Sweden, and at only 23 years old, runs Nesna Records, their own label out of a small house. It’s like BJORK gone punk rock! She’s already gone out on the Levi’s One To Watch Tour and SXSW.
Management: JP . Booking: Pure Talent Music (EU). Needs: US booking.
IDA MARIA – DEMO – UNSIGNED

5.VENUS INFERS – LONDON’S RAINING
I agree with you, that opening guitar riff makes you think I tried to sneak SURVIVOR’s ‘Eye Of The Tiger’ onto the disc, but instead the familiarity should only come as these former Future Sounders, VENUS INFERS, have been featured before on the comp (FS28). What’s new, besides a full-length that is getting play locally on Indie 103.1 FM, is a line-up change at the vocalist spot, and the arrival of Davis Fetter as a frontman to reckon with. The band is just out of high school and has nothing but ambition and potential ahead of them.
Needs: Management, legal, booking.
VENUS INFERS – VENUS INFERS (WHITE ALBUM) - UNSIGNED

6. CUT OFF YOUR HANDS – CLOSED EYES
Auckland, New Zealand’s CUT OFF YOUR HANDS were tipped back on FS27, but have since recorded a full-length worthy of the world’s notice – ‘Blue On Blue EP’, which had four key tracks produced by SUEDE’s Bernard Butler. Recently signed to 679 Records in the UK, the kiwi four-piece have toured with the likes of BLOC PARTY, WE ARE SCIENTISTS, FOALS and RATATAT to name a few as well as appearing on Steve Lamacq’s BBC show. Live, heads up for them at SXSW 2008 as well as Big Day Out 2008. Manager: David Benge. Booking: Mahmood Saikh, Flower Booking. Legal: Craig Averill. Needs: US Publishing, US label.
CUT OFF YOUR HANDS – BLUE ON BLUE EP – SPEAK N SPELL (AUSTRALIA)

7. MY BEST FIEND – DEAD MAN
It’s early days on this brooding band from Brooklyn, NY, but it won’t be long before their tour history fills up quickly. The self-titled full-length debut dropped digitally on Itunes in December, and they look to announce West coast tour dates starting around the Noise Pop Festival in late February. The album is deep, fiendish and diverse, and will immediately become the best friend of fans of THE SILVERSUN PICKUPS, SPIRITUALIZED and AUTOLUX.
Legal: Michael Pampalone. Needs: Booking, management
MY BEST FIEND – MY BEST FIEND – UNSIGNED

8. WISELY – THROUGH ANY WINDOW
Los Angeles’ WISELY has this familiar feeling to it, kind of like the band, AMERICA, and their big hit, “Ventura Highway”. If that doesn’t lift the skirt, anyone that can get Jenna Fisher (PAM) from the OFFICE to star in their video must be doing something right. Getting love at radio from KROQ, KCRW as well as Paste and Harp Magazines. A gorgeous song!
Booking: Ella Records. Needs: Management
WISELY – WISELY – OGLIO RECORDS

9. GRAND POCKET ORCHESTRA – LITTLE MESSY
Dublin, Ireland’s GRAND POCKET ORCHESTRA are a four-piece that people are comparing to PAVEMENT and THE GO TEAM, but I think it’s more like MODEST MOUSE in the corner pocket. It doesn’t matter who the influences are, the result is a good times song like WHITE RABBITS ‘The Plot’. GPO was a big hit at this year’s Hard Working Class Heroes Festival in Dublin. Their debut EP release will be on February 1st as well touring in UK and Germany in early 2008. Manager: David Curran. Legal: Phil Hanna (Ire). Needs: Booking, publishing
GRAND POCKET ORCHESTRA – EP - UNSIGNED

10. PLUSHGUN – JUST IMPOLITE
Brooklyn’s PLUSHGUN is actually the name for the classically trained, 23 year old composer Dan Ingala, who sings as well as he writes. You immediately here some POSTAL SERVICE and maybe some HELLOGOODBYE in there, and if this isn’t ready for TV and ad placements then I’ve lost it entirely. Early days on his live show, but a lifetime of training can make up for lost time very quickly. The EP was politely done in Ingala’s bedroom.
Legal: Eric Ingala. Needs: Management, booking.
PLUSHGUN – PLUSHGUN EP – UNSIGNED

11. JUPITER ONE – UNGLUED
Names after a starship in the ‘60’s TV series, Lost In Space, New York’s JUPITER ONE actually formed in 2003. A five-piece on Cordless Records, they feature lead vocalist K Ishibashi sounds like a modern day JACKSON BROWN one moment, while building on the groundwork that THE SHINS have built, there are moments when you’d swear James Mercer was singing the “wa-a-oh’s”. This song is featured in FIFA 2008, and the album was sequenced by the legendary Jac Holzman (ELEKTRA/THE DOORS). Management: Ryan Ruden, Aerial Entertainment. Legal: J. Reid Hunter. Publisher: Artwerk Music. Needs: Booking.
JUPITER ONE – JUPITER ONE – RYKO/CORDLESS RECORDS

12. OSLO – THINGS FALL APART
While we all wait for the next OASIS record to drop, filling the void nicely is a band that has members in Los Angeles and Oakland - OSLO. The four piece supported BLUE OCTOBER on their last Fall US tour, and come with support from The LA Times and Indie 103.1. This is their second release and they co-produced it with Ryan Hewitt (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Mickey P (Beck, Peaches) and Sam Fogarino (Drummer, Interpol). ‘The Rise & Fall of Love & Hate’ is in the Top 200 on CMJ Radio and added to over 100 college stations.
Booking: Mob Agency. Publishing: Songs Music. Needs: Management
OSLO – THE RISE & FALL OF LOVE & HATE – SIX FEET MUSIC GROUP

13. OLD MAN RIVER – LA
Sydney, Australia’s OLD MAN RIVER is built around the koala-bear-haired Ohad Rein. His 60s influenced sound makes him seem familiar way that is comforting, and to make him even more warm and fuzzy, this song ‘La’, was written while in a workshop for disadvantaged children. He’s toured with THE SLEEPY JACKSON, YOUTH GROUP and DAMIEN RICE. ‘Good Morning’ is finally set to release out of Australia, in Germany, UK, France and Japan in early 2008. Manager: Troy Barrott. Booking: Harbour Agency (AU). Legal: Media Arts Lawyers.
OLD MAN RIVER – GOOD MORNING – RED LABEL/ SONYBMG

14. IGLU & HARTLY – IN THIS CITY
In this city, Los Angeles, locals IGLU & HARTLY don’t just play parties, they are the party. Backed by KROQ DJ Kat Corbett, her “new favorite band”, the band’s live shows are part indie rock, part hip hop, and not in that LINKIN PARK way either. You’ve probably seen them popping up on Myspace frequently, their friend count is a runaway train.
Management: Red Ghost Music. Booking: Larry Webman, Paradigm. Legal: Jason Russell.
IGLU & HARTLY - … AND THEN BOOM EP - UNSIGNED

15. GABRIEL RIOS – I’M GONNA DIE TONIGHT
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, GABRIEL RIOS followed his heart (a woman) over to Ghent, Belgium where he’s made his home. This former Border Breakers winner is like ‘Debra’-era BECK meets PRINCE. His first two albums have been collaborations with TECHNOTRONIC (yep, ‘Pump Up The Jam’) main man Jo Gogaert. Rios is full of talent and style.
Management: Gentle Mgmt. Legal: Richard Grabel. Publishing: Megadisc. Needs: US booking.
GABRIEL RIOS – ANGELHEAD – MEGADISC RECORDINGS (EU)


OTHER ARTISTS TO WATCH:

MEAGHAN SMITH – Track: I KNOW
Ok, Starbucks, here’s the next NORAH JONES. With a voice from heaven, but actually from Nova Scotia, MEAGHAN SMITH is my pick for becoming a household name, dwarfing the potential of FEIST. From the album ‘Take Me Dancing’ this is like BILLIE HOLIDAY for ’08. Simply gorgeous – a star! UNSIGNED.

ALBERTA CROSS – Track: OLD MAN CHICAGO
Possibly one of my favorite new bands, I can't even believe ALBERTA CROSS are from London, it feels like something in the Midwest, has touches of NEIL YOUNG, MY MORNING JACKET and early JAYHAWKS at times. Their full-length, "Thief & Heartbreaker" comes highly recommended. Fiction Records/Geffen.

THE FELICE BROTHERS – Track: FRANKIE’S GUN
I love this band that just signed to Team Love, they have that barefoot and smelly DEXI’S MIDNIGHT RUNNERS vibe, and a sound like BOB DYLAN doing ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’. Three brothers (Felice) and two other guys make up this throwback that’s like the New York version of THE POGUES.

TOKO-RI GET HIGH – Track: LOVING AND STEALING
Anytime I hear of a band out of El Paso, Texas that is slightly left of center, I'm intrigued. A band that has spent it's nights in Juarez, Mexico at Fred's Rainbow Bar or The Alive brings with them a different perspective on the world - sort of like that film 'No Country For Old Men'. Part BEEFHEART, part VELVET UNDERGROUND, part TROGGS, but nothing like anyone else I've been listening to lately. UNSIGNED.

CATHY DAVEY – Track: REUBEN
From Dublin, Ireland, CATHY DAVEY. WOW! A voice like an angel and some spunk and a sense of pure fun for a change. I was instantly taken by "Reuben", a song that can pick up your day if you can turn it up loud enough. Every track I’ve heard is brilliant. Full length, "Tales of the Silversee" is out in the Uk on Parlophone.

HERE HERE – Track: ALL HAIL YE FELLOW SLEEPWALKERS
Already being dubbed the West coast ARCADE FIRE, San Francisco’s HERE HERE are a buzz band after only four shows, with help from Live 105 FM. Their 'Boy With An Orange EP' is gorgeous and has depth. I'll tell you right now, this is a band that many will be talking about in 2008. UNSIGNED.

SPIRAL BEACH – Track: VOODOO
SPIRAL BEACH from Toronto are a band I've finally discovered, because their site says that they've been around since 2004, so I'm making up for lost time. This unconventional sounding act that is still in high school. Describing them isn't easy, it's strange, it's all over the place in the way of bands like THE UNICORNS or the THE SLITS. Sparks Music (Canada).

TEAM WATER POLO – Track: LETTING GO
Was another tough final cut for the comp, do yourself a favor and download this song, ‘Letting Go’ if you can. Getting tons of buzz and attention in the UK at the moment, they won’t stay unnoticed everywhere much longer. So catchy after one play you’ll want more. UNSIGNED.

JOEY KENDALL – Track: HANDS AROUND MY THROAT
Kendall is from Dallas, Texas and is also part of a collective known as MOUNT RIGHTEOUS, but this month I’m focusing on his solo material, which is impressive and deep. This song, had it been mastered, would’ve appeared on FS31. Hilarious - like a funny DECEMBERISTS. UNSIGNED.

FADED PAPER FIGURES – Track: BEING THERE
Another track that nearly made FS31, this band from Irvine, California gets my vote for the DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE award. Gorgeous vocals, perfect indie rock. For fans of PINBACK, POSTAL SERVICE and TAHITI 80. UNSIGNED.

THE GHEARS – Track: 4 MINUTE MILE
In the old days of Future Sounds, I went 20 songs deep, and this song would be on FS31 if that we’re the case. Former DISRAELI GEARS members (and brother of IAN ARCHER), now living in London via Glasgow, they band has released this EP on JL Records. Big sounds!

ALSO BUZZING:
Fantastic Magic, Duffy, Mount Righteous, Villains, Late Of The Pier, The Red Romance, Television Room, The Hermit, Health, Le Switch, Johnny Foreigner, Okay Paddy, Adele, Muscles, Back Door Slam, Romantica, Kari King, Flight 409, Paloma Faith, Magic Mirror, Willoughby, Miranda Lee Richards, The Operation, Frankel, Kissing Tigers, Mercy Mercedes, Dead Confederate, Girl In A Coma, Cavil At Rest, Karin Tatoya, The Airborne Toxic Event, Le Loup.

ARTISTS: Wanna be considered for upcoming FUTURE SOUNDS compilations? Send us your music at TANKFARM CLOTHING ATTN: FUTURE SOUNDS - 10544 Progress Way, Unit C, Cypress, CA 90630.

**** Please remember to buy music when you can or go out and see these acts live.

INDUSTRY HEROES PROFILE: SAT BISLA

I was just reminded of another one of the "good guys" out there that is doing things for music and for bands for all the right reasons, and his name is SAT BISLA.

Sat is the brainpower behind A&R WORLDWIDE, the incredible MUSEXPO Conference in Los Angeles, and the DJ on PASSPORT APPROVED. Sat's the champion of all things international and for years has been helping bands around the world get heard in America, and now is going the other direction with artists from here to places everywhere. They have plans to spread to China and India and have even recently opened an office in Japan.

If you have never attended MUSEXPO that takes place in LA in April each year, then you're missing out on a music conference that hasn't lost it's grip on being personal and taking advantage of how powerful networking for bands, managers, agents, lawyers, etc can really be. CMJ, SXSW and others are so enormous now you really have to map everything out and schedule meetings just to cover your bases, whereas at Musexpo, there are daily mixers that encourage a community feeling rather than straight competition. The talent that is brought in from around the world is excellent and the industry turnout that actually attend the showcases is also priceless. Sat and his team make that extra effort to make this conference feel different, feel personal, and they are successful in that attempt.

PASSPORT APPROVED is aired on INDIE 103.1 FM here in LA, but is also syndicated out to 15+ radio networks worldwide and that number jumps often. It focuses on acts from all around the world and breaks up the stagnant playlist that most stations drub us over the head with (KROQ). What I like about the show is that it takes chances, plays things not easily in synch with the "format" that's out there, because I hate those defined formats.

I've been to many of the Passport Approved events and shows around town and each time I end up having a great talk with some manager from New Zealand or somewhere, that is in the US for the first time and tells the story again of how Sat came through for them, booked them this show, played them on his radio show, and has passed CD's around within the industry. I've had some great scores on the Future Sounds front thanks to Sat (DUNE - FS28). I get the feeling that if Sat weren't married, he'd have these bands sleeping on his floor when they come to play in LA.

My conversations with him are never about 'units' or who someone's attorney is, or the falling stock prices at Warner Brothers, it's always about the music and some band that has his heart at the moment. Another one of the good guys........

In fact, Passport Approved is hosting a show this Friday at Safari Sam's. It's ALL AGES and it's FREE, and it features a group of bands like CAPRA. See flyer below.

AMAZING PERFORMANCE: JAY BUCHANAN

I love seeing live music, a junkie that needs the fix on most nights of the week, and I am fortunate enough to see some good shows very often. Every once in awhile you happen across a performance that simply takes your breath away. Below is a video clip from a performance by JAY BUCHANAN, a guy that used to have a band that made nice music, but then ventured in the slipstream (between the viaducts of your dream), and came out sounding like VAN MORRISON meets DEVENDRA BANHART. Now I was once at a wedding where Jay sang "Wild Horses" by the Stones and it was another one of those single performances that will forever be remembered in my mind. It wasn't some SUNDAYS cover, this was taking control of the song and making it his own. Big words? Perhaps, but after watching this video for a new track called "The Wilderness", I think you'll see where this could go. This track hasn't been recorded yet, but should've been the theme song for "Into The Wild". Absolutely stunning!

FUTURE SOUNDS UPDATES

KARIN TATOYAN, someone we love here at Future Sounds, was just featured on the Los Angeles Times' BUZZ BANDS column - Click Here to read the story. Look for her song "Fit In" on the upcoming Sweet Sounds 2 compilation at HERE.

AUTOVAUGHN (FS29) SIGN TO EPIC RECORDS

Nashville's Autovaughn got picked up by the big time, are 3/4 way done with their full length with Brian Virtue, and are in the process of some serious touring of the US through April of the South and Midwest. Congrats!


Another band we really care about here are THE DIGGS from Brooklyn, NY. The trio have completed a full length set for a March 11th release on Sugarspun Records called 'Ctrl-Alt-Del', and are holding a listening party tomorrow night (Feb 13th) at Hi-Fi (169 Avenue A at 10th St.) starting at 9:45 PM.


The Denver collective once known as NATHAN & STEPHEN (FS30) have changed their name to HEARTS OF PALM - not to be confused with the HEARTS OF PALM UK that live in Los Angeles. Check out their "The Bridge EP".

TONIGHT IN LAS VEGAS: TANKFARM ADDS STEVE AOKI TO THE MIX

If you're in Vegas for PROJECT, swing over to our party tonight!

THE WOMBATS GETTING INK

Well it's almost been a year since we had THE WOMBATS at our SXSW party and it's brilliant to finally see that people are reacting to one of the funniest bands alive. If you've heard "Kill The Director", "Let's Dance To Joy Division" or "Patricia The Stripper" (FS27), then you'll understand why people are reacting.

THE OLDIES - ERRR THE GRAMMY'S

If anyone is wondering why the state of the music business is in the toilet, one doesn't have to look much past last night's Grammy's. Ouch! What a trainwreck!

The 50 years of Grammy's theme was repeated over and over by the appearance of the Old Bones team - artists we all know and love and have amazing memories of, yet people they like to drag out onstage and have them perform when they can barely even walk. The flow of the entire evening was just as odd, weaving in and out of focus like an eight year old that just ate two bags of cotton candy.

Opening the show was that novel idea of the "duet", which we've seen so many times before but this time with FRANK SINATRA and ALICIA KEYS. Nat King Cole/Natalie Cole - fine. 10 different "Duets" albums over the past 10 years, ok. Last night, ENOUGH!

Cut to the first awards... They drag out PRINCE, who mumbles though his whole delivery and starts the second theme of the night - over the top weirdos - PRINCE > MORRIS DAY > LITTLE RICHARD.
Great segue into the first trainwreck... Let's talk about the appearance of THE TIME, how on Earth did the people putting together this evening think that 'Jungle Love' and Rihanna's 'Umbrella' had something in common?? Then, I was embarrassed for/by JIMMY JAM and TERRY LEWIS for their antics and Terry's lust to be on camera any chance he could get. Morris Day then gets all creepy to a young Rihanna as the song ends and Terry Lewis runs up behind them so that he doesn't get missed on this camera opportunity.

Cut to something good to save the sinking ship....At least we had some music by THE BEATLES to remind us all that music can be really good sometimes.

Here comes the old bones: CINDI LAUPER (but with Hannah Monatana) comes out to present an award and in doing so made us all think she was becoming senile.

Now we jump outside to Jason Bateman and the "People's Grammy's" outside the Staples Center. Why? Not sure, but I'm guessing the organizers thought it would add some kind of exciting twist to the evening. The award shows have really turned into something sort of gaudy and embarrassing, in that they try and throw ANYTHING that is hip and in the news (hey, Jason Batemen is in Juno, Juno is hot, let's put him into this music event) into the show so that it's an "unforgettable" evening. It was unforgettable, because it sucked so badly. And why did the Grammy's have to turn into yet ANOTHER reality show, where some lucky musician that plays a stringed instrument (My Grammy Moment) gets to play with the FOO FIGHTERS and an orchestra conducted by John Paul Jones? How do any of those people go together at all? Do we need to hear the Foo's with an orchestra? Did it add something to that song? I think that every single Foo Fighters song sounds exactly the same since that first record. PLEASE tell me that the OSCARS aren't next in turning an awards show into a bastard with some sort of reality twist to it?

Now for the absolute trainwreck of the evening, KANYE WEST. Believe me, I know this guy has talent and survived the whole face incident thing, but this guy has the ego of all time. He's like Mohammad Ali, except when Ali said he was the greatest, he used his own hands to back it up, instead of DAFT PUNKS, STEELY DAN'S, etc etc etc. I honestly don't even think he's a good rapper, but he has an amazing ear for picking great samples to use and knows how to write a massive hook. His performance was good until he had to do that "Mama" song after the hit song, which I'm sure he bartered for with the Grammy people ("Either you let me perform my 'Mama' song or I don't play"). His first appearance wasn't bad, but the gravy comes later....

Perhaps the saddest moment of the night came when they announced 3 TIME Grammy winner FERGIE and 5 TIME Grammy winner JOHN LEGEND. Just let that sink in for a moment, that those two lame-asses share EIGHT Grammy's between them. Does that say something about what's going on in mainstream music?

OLD BONES TIME: CHER What was that dress she was wearing (don't people always ask that?) and her "i'm as old as President Lincoln" joke was pretty spot on. Thanks for showing up Cher, where have you been forever?

OLD BONES TIME: TINA TURNER
I'm a huge Tina Turner fan, but hasn't anyone ever heard of leaving a tender moment alone? Why do we have to ruin our image of people we love by seeing them come back out on stage and try and be sexy like they once were 30 years ago? "Proud Mary" was simply scary to me because I thought Tina was going to try and keep up with BEYONCE and throw out a hip. It didn't make me nostalgic, it made me sad.

OLD BONES TIME: ANDY WILLIAMS surrounded by NELLY FURTUDO and some other girl. Why were the three of them put together? Who knows, but poor Andy was so old he could barely read his lines.

Cut outside to the mess that was that FOO FIGHTERS performance.

Now over to BRAD PAISLEY, was that supposed to be a good song? Did you listen to those lyrics???

Trainwreck part 2 beings when KANYE WEST wins his award and calls it "his award". Then he blathers on and on and on and then they start playing music for him to wrap it up. The show is only 3 1/2 hours Kanya, let's save time for all the old dinosaurs we've still yet to wheel out on stage. "Are you gonna play music on me?" is then followed by "it would be in good taste to stop the music", pure entertainment at the highest level at this point. Watching at home we were rolling on the floor. He closes with "We run this" and struts of the stage because he does run it.

Pet peeve time - LUDACRIS
I think this bozo is one of the least talented people in rap and for him to introduce a lifetime achievement award to CAB CALLOWAY makes me again, very sad.

OLD BONES ALERT: ARETHA FRANKLIN
Come on, Aretha is a legend in the biggest way, but we've all seen recent shows that she's appeared on and know the state of affairs and again, why destroy our fond memories??

A highlight: FEIST
Finally, something actually cool, although she was considered a "new" artist - I guess album #2, Broken Social Scene, etc doesn't count for anything in the past.

OLD BONES AGAIN: Keley ? & KID ROCK
Maybe another one of the lowest points in the show. Why is there such a thing as KID ROCK? What is that guy and what kind of Jedi mind trick has worked to get this guy this popular? Is it just every dumbass driving a Camaro in the US buys his stuff? Are people closet Kid Rock fans? Is he talented? It's like a joke that was never really funny, but keeps getting told over and over again.

MORE OLD BONES: STEVIE WONDER
No one loves Stevie more than I do, but he has jumped the shark in the most fantastic way. I've seen him recently on Oprah and other shows where he's taking everything I held dear and smashing it on the rocks. Stevie introduces ALICIA KEYS, someone I think of as extremely talented, someone I actually like, but then she tries to be BEYONCE on us in her performance. And what was up with her walk? Either she has a bum leg or she used to be a stripper in Tijuana with that walk. I also loved that random keyboard located out on the strip that she stopped to play for 5 seconds.

RANDOM: Cuba Gooding Jr in London? Hmmm, Cuba is not relevant at all right now so why not let him introduce AMY WINEHOUSE? I'm very happy that Amy had a great night, she deserves it, she is refreshing and something new (sort of). All I have to say is that I love 'Rebab' as much as the next guy, but I think she is this year's MACY GRAY. If anyone believes she'll make 2-3 more quality records that stand up over time, I'll eat my hat.

MORE OLD BONES: TONY BENNETT
Sadly again, he has trouble reading the teleprompter and it breaks your heart to see him up there infused as 'hip'.

And now for the real OLD BONES show! JOHN FOGERTY - JERRY LEE LEWIS - LITTLE RICHARD From the moment they announced it, I cringed, covered my eyes, then peaked because I had to see the ultimate trainwreck. With how many drug commercials came on between each show segment, I'm shocked there wasn't more from Viagra, as this whole show was for seniors. I think these performances speak for themselves about why we shouldn't put these combos together anymore.

Thankfully the show was coming to an end, but not before they decide to put another one of my all-time "people that should go off a cliff in a burning school bus" team = WILL.I.AM
This guy is a total whack job. What big WHITE label president bought into the fact that this guy is in some way cool, hip, or even urban? THE BLACK EYED PEAS???? Come on, they're like the Arsenio Hall of hip hop. And what was that 'rap-scat-drivel' that he laid on us? Absolutely horrible.

To complete that list of "people that should go off a cliff in a burning school bus" we look to Kid Rock, Fergie, Cheryl Crow, Ludacris and John Legend. These people represent everything wrong in music, people that are insanely popular and for the life of me, I can't figure out how or why.

The surprise winner of the night turned out to be HERBIE HANCOCK, which is cool that someone outside of the Foo Fighters, Kanye West & Amy Winehouse won something, but strange as the best thing of 2007. I haven't heard the record, love my Headhunters CD's and 'Rock It' on vinyl, but the best album? It was a victory just because he's talented and has lasted over the years, something that I think none of the three artists above will be able to say (I don't count that Grohl was in Nirvana).

The other victory came from the fact that an entire awards show took place without the presence of CHERYL CROW.

When I think about all the NY label executives that flew out to LA to attend this show, and how much money was spent on the parties, the lunches at the Beverly Hills Hotel, the back-slapping old boy's club that goes on around these events, I fully understand why we have 4 major labels left (if you count any of them as major anymore) and why their finances are such a mess. Those executive salaries, those expense accounts, the buildings full of employees that push today's garbage out, those "hip" a&r kids that factor how many friends you have on Myspace, and I think you all get what you deserve.

I was just sent this video link by the good people at LITTLE RADIO and this sums my rant up perfectly.....

TONIGHT IN LOS ANGELES: MONTE NEGRO @ EL CID

The band I can't stop talking about, MONTE NEGRO, plays tonight at El Cid on Sunset. This is a band you must see live to believe, and I can tell you that a band like this won't be playing a place this small for very much longer.

THE RUMBLE: SAN FRANCISCO IS BACK

THE RUMBLE: SAN FRANCISCO is back on Wednesday night at HARLOT and we've got Aaron of Popscene, Lisa Light of The Lovemakers, and Bagel Ted on the decks, and giveaways from TankFarm Clothing and Atlas to take home. We've got a sponsored bar from 8 to 9:30 serving up FREE Red Bull vodkas (courtesy of Red Bull and Ketel One) and happy hour drink prices all night long!

To RSVP go to
http://sonicliving.com/theowlmag/therumble

or
http://sanfrancisco.going.com/round4

FINALLY! SOME LYKKE LI VIDEO

If you've spent any time on this blog over the past year then you know my love for the Swedes and our support of them. You may also remember one artist that was on Future Sounds 30, LYKKE LI, and her track "Little Bit", which was one of the most commented on songs in recent compilations. She's been hard at work making a full length, and I just came across this new video of LYKKE LI with the gang from SHOUT OUT LOUDS.

CHRISTOPHER DENNY IN LA TUESDAY NIGHT

I've been waiting to see CHRISTOPHER DENNY for a long time, and tomorrow night at the HOTEL CAFE in Hollywood I finally get my chance to see this young artist from Arkansas with a voice for the ages. His vocal delivery is stunning, unforgettable and actually the first time you hear it you might not know how to categorize it or even digest it, but then it seeps in like a good varnish. Unique is an understatement, like the voice of BOB DYLAN or ROY ORBISON the first time you heard either artist's sound for the first time.

If you haven't listened or purchased his 2007 release, "Age Old Hunger" (00:02:59 Records), then you're really missing one of the best albums of last year.

TONIGHT IN LOS ANGELES: A FUTURE SOUNDS TRIPLE BILL

We couldn't let San Francisco have all the good times on a Saturday night, so down here there's going to be a warehouse party tonight in Huntington Park (kinda downtown) with a ton of great bands on the bill of the GREEN SCREAM WAREHOUSE PARTY.

The highlights for us will be:

LEMON SUN (FS21, FS23, FS25)
VOXHAUL BROADCAST (FS29)
THE CHEAT (FS20)