TONIGHT IN SAN FRANCISCO: THE FINAL SHOW EVER FOR THE BLACKS

Sad times indeed. Our bi-coastal friends, THE BLACKS, have decided that they'll wrap up their illustrious career with a farewell show at Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco tonight. The Tambourine madness has stopped, and silence.....

We've had many previous live's with members of The Blacks dating back aways, and I'm sure members will continue to rock, because that's what they do. When they dropped their debut EP, Nom De Guerre, we loved it and added "Elegant Walk" to our Future Sounds 30 compilation. Now they leave us with a parting gift, Tiger Songs, which drops digitally on July 21st on Tricycle Records.

They decided to go out in style, adding THE FEROCIOUS FEW, a band with a recent record deal, and a band that has nothing but the heavens ahead of them, as well as THE RED VERSE, labelmates from Tricycle.

We'll miss you freaks.

A DARK DAY: THE BLACKS CALL IT QUITS

Our dear friends, THE BLACKS, have decided to turn out the lights. We've been lucky enough to feature them on a Future Sounds compilation CD and have them play our RUMBLE parties in SF and LA, and spend numerous nights in dark, dirty places, drinking and talking with these good people. Speculation ran wild, being a bi-coastal band, too much tambourine, wild drug use, etc etc, so the band put together THE BLACKS FAQ:

1. Why is the band breaking up?
JDK Blacker is quitting so we decided to disband. It wouldn't be the same without him. It wasn't even a question.

2. Why would JDK quit now, at the height of his tambourine powers?
It's complicated. After the tremendous hometown reception we got at the end of our US tour, he kind of felt like he'd peaked and had achieved everything he'd set out to as a member of The Blacks.

3. Are you mad?
No. We totally support his decision although we find ourselves crying spontaneously at the sound of garage rock songs.

4. What are the individual members of The Blacks going to do now?
JDK is working on lots of art projects and Gavin is considering law school. Luisa has immortalized The Blacks in a horror film she's writing and plans to take her revenge by starting a new band.

5. Don't you have a new record coming out?
Yes and it's cool. We're mixing it as we speak and releasing it on Tricycle Records. It'll be available at the show and on iTunes.

6. I don't know what to say.
Us either. Except we've loved every minute of it and will miss you horribly.

We'll miss you.......

LAST NIGHT'S RUMBLE: LA WAS A SMOKER!

My ears are still ringing from last night's set of music by THE YELLING. Holy Shit!! We've been following this band for months and last night's performance was their coming of age party. This band will not play rooms this small for much longer, or probably not rooms anymore at all. Like RAGE meets WOLFMOTHER, with the full package.

THE BLACKS were the first band to do back-to-back Rumbles, playing SF the night before and fighting traffic to get down to Hollywood for their first ever LA show. The tambourine explosion took place all over the crowd, and no one dared piss off frontwoman Louisa. Their set tore the cover off the ball.

San Francisco's BIRDS & BATTERIES opened up the evening with a number of new songs not on their brilliant record, and sadly, no photos turned up (yet) of their set. Michael Sempert's vocals have the most comforting affect and on top off it all, they're probably some of the nicest people you'll meet.

Resident DJ's MiCHAEL did what they do - turn it out!

Thanks to everyone (Aisah) who helped and who came out and fought that crazy traffic.

Thanks for the photos from Nassir!

TONIGHT IN LOS ANGELES: THE RUMBLE @ 3 OF CLUBS

You are not going to want to miss the trifecta of talent that we're dishing up at THE RUMBLE: LOS ANGELES tonight. Opening up is a band we were happy to catch at SXSW, BIRDS & BATTERIES from San Francisco. We've been chasing them for ages so their appearance tonight will be special. And if last night's micro-set by THE BLACKS at The Rumble: San Francisco is any indication of what the band will do with a full set to run wild on, then we're in for a night of abuse. Closing out the evening is the band that is grabbing plenty of attention in LA these days within the industry, a band that still can generate a gaggle of A&R reps in a time when there aren't many left - THE YELLING. The band is currently featured on ITUNES. Our resident DJ's, MiCHAEL, also seem to be stars on the rise locally and each month they've been pushing the party harder from the decks.

So maybe you're still recovering from the Obama hangover, or maybe you're on a lucky streak so you should keep it going, but hell, it's only $5 or FREE if you RSVP at http://sonicliving.com/therumble-LA

WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN SAN FRANCISCO: THE RUMBLE RETURNS

Get out and celebrate OBAMA with us tomorrow night in proper fashion at THE RUMBLE: SAN FRANCISCO at Harlot. We're lucky enough to have THE BLACKS kicking off the first of two nights at The Rumbles (SF and LA) as well as guest DJ MARIO MUSE of SUSPIRIA and our resident DJ BAGEL TED (Bagel Radio).

It's FREE if you RSVP > http://sonicliving.com/theowlmag/therumble
$5 if not

See you there

THE RUMBLE LA NOVEMBER LINE UP ANNOUNCED

Our November RUMBLE party isn't one for those with a weak constitution - if you're coming, bring your earplugs and be ready for some whiskey drinking. THE YELLING are just plain loud, like ZEPPELIN going heavy, and THE BLACKS are the perfect band for the dark little booths at the 3 Of Clubs. Opening up the night is a band that I've been talking about since having my jock handed to me at SXSW in April, BIRDS & BATTERIES from San Francisco. This line up is tremendous!

The wizards of Oz for the evening our the resident DJ's, MiCHAEL.

It's FREE if you RSVP here> http://www.sonicliving.com/therumble-la
$5 if you're lazy

THE RUMBLE: LOS ANGELES
November 6th
3 Of Clubs (Hollywood)

TONIGHT IN SAN FRANCISCO: THE BLACKS @ BOTTOM OF THE HILL

What a bill??? A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS with support from THE BLACKS. That's tonight at Bottom Of The Hill in San Francisco.

THE BLACKS FEATURED ON RCRDLBL.COM TODAY

Our dear friends, THE BLACKS (FS30), are the featured band today on RCRDLBL.COM. That means FREE downloads for all of us if you cruise over to the site at
http://www.rcrdlbl.com/2008/09/24/exclusive_new_download_the_blacks_ammunition_gravitas

We're also pleased that this bi-coastal band will be playing BOTH Rumble parties in November - playing THE RUMBLE: SF on November 5th, before dropping down to THE RUMBLE: LA on November 6th.

Plenty happening with the band coming up:

-- Tricycle Records Vinyl Release --
SF's finest is releasing a 7-inch of two fave Blacks covers,
Romeo Void's Never Say Never and Amy Winehouse's Back to Black.
Record release show on Halloween. Woot. Details below.

--Shows --

9/29 at Bottom of the Hill SF
w/ A Place to Bury Strangers.


10/31 at Hemlock SF
Tricycle Records Halloween Rock Show
w/ The Red Verse and New Centuries.

NPR LOVES THE BLACKS!

Congrats go out to THE BLACKS (FS30) for being featured today on NPR, a radio station that does matter. The band recently sent me some new demos that are white hot and their recent show concept known as "The Tambourine Experiment," has them getting looks from many. Read more HERE.

"Between the biting guitars, punk-rock stylings and Luisa's attention-grabbing squall, the Blacks' comparisons to New York's Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Karen O are all but inevitable." - NPR

TONIGHT IN NYC: THE BLACKS @ PIANOS

Our good friends, THE BLACKS (FS30) kick off their residency at PIANOS as everyone is about to experience the "the tambourine experience". Hailed by Missionfreak.com as "the BEST tambourine playing I've ever seen, period", the trip mix garage rock dirty with 300 tambourines. Do NOT miss it.

TONIGHT IN SAN FRANCISCO: MAGIC BULLETS, THE BLAKES & THE BLACKS

A Future Sounds triple-bill is going on tonight in San Francisco, complete with
MAGIC BULLETS (FS28)
THE BLAKES (FS27)
THE BLACKS (FS30)
at the BOTTOM OF THE HILL for only $10.

VIDEO: THE BLACKS - ELEGANT WALK

From our bi-coastal friends, THE BLACKS (NY/SF), here's the video to 'Elegant Walk' a song off the Future Sounds 30 compilation. Look for the band at SXSW in Austin in March.

TONIGHT IN SAN FRANCISCO: THE BLACKS & SUGAR & GOLD

A show dilemma night in San Francisco this evening, as the choices are tough for your evening out. First up is the TRICYCLE RECORDS HOLIDAY PARTY at Rickshaw Stop tonight. The show features THE BLACKS (FS30) and up-and-comer VEIL VEIL VANISH. The little label that could is celebrating it's first Christmas and gifts will come from everywhere.

Option two is provided by our dear friends at POPSCENE, as they always bring a great night of dancing to your favorites, but also add SUGAR & GOLD (FS30) to their Holiday Gala at 330 Rich. Tonight they have the extended late night license, so it's a great end up.

FUTURE SOUNDS 30 RELEASED THIS WEEK!

1. SHOUT OUT LOUDS – TONIGHT I HAVE TO LEAVE IT
We here at TF/FS couldn’t be prouder to have the honor to help one of our favorite bands and present their tour across the US & Canada in October/November. The song itself is CURE-tastic, and Stockholm’s SOL’s are back with an excellent release on the mighty Merge. Manager: Filip Wilen. Booking: Marty Diamond, Paradigm. Publisher: EMI Music Publishing.
SHOUT OUT LOUDS – OUR ILL WILLS – MERGE RECORDS

2. JOHNOSSI – MAN MUST DANCE
Supporting fellow Swedes SHOUT OUT LOUDS on this cross-country journey is an incredible dynamo of a two-piece, JOHNOSSI. They’ve been making plenty of fans in Europe on the V2 Records release, and finally we get it stateside. It’s amazing how much good noise two people can make.
Manager: Bud Fox Management. Legal: Craig Averill. Needs: US booking, publishing. JOHNOSSI – JOHNOSSI – THE CONTROL GROUP

3. WHITE DENIM – MESS YOUR HAIR
I’ve mentioned this band, WHITE DENIM on past FS comps, but this band from Austin, Texas has got to be the hottest unsigned band North of the Rio Grande. We’re talking bad and nationwide in a ZZ TOP kinda way. Play this one loud and put some gel in your hair. The band who’s shows are a ‘who’s who’ of Texas bands each time they play – raw power! Management: Scottie Diablo. US Booking: Paul Buck, Bigshot Touring. Needs: Legal. WHITE DENIM – DEMOS – UNSIGNED 4.

BRAZOS – MRS VIRGINIA
Back-to-back bands from Austin, Texas?? What is this? Lots of great acts are coming out of the capital city these days. Self-releasing ‘A City Just As Tall’ on Autobus Records on October 16th, it was actually tough to pick just one track to feature on Future Sounds from them. ‘Mrs. Virginia’ was crafted in an un-air-conditioned bedroom in the hot Austin summertime by Mr. Brazo, Martin Crane. Needs: Management, ooking, Legal.
BRAZOS - A CITY JUST AS TALL - UNSIGNED

5. CALVIN HARRIS – THE GIRLS
From Dumfries, Scotland, yeah, I know, don’t know it either, comes CALVIN HARRIS, a guy that’s already gone Top 10 in the UK with this song, and linked up with the golden ears at Almost Gold for release of ‘I Created Disco’, which it feels like he may have had a hand in doing. Management: 365 Management. Booking: AM Only. Publishing: EMI Music Publishing. CALVIN HARRIS – I CREATED DISCO – ALMOST GOLD RECORDINGS

6. SUGAR & GOLD – NEIGHBORHOOD
I mentioned SUGAR & GOLD on FS29, and got my hands on the track for this one for you to enjoy. San Francisco’s good time machine that makes me feel like I did at my old roller-skating parties at USA Roller Rink in middle school. Just finished a US tour with GRAVY TRAIN!!! If Calvin Harris created disco, Sugar & Gold created roller disco.
Manager: Nicholas Dobbratz.Needs: Booking, legal.
SUGAR & GOLD - CREME - ANTENNA FARM RECORDS

7. THE NOISES 10 – X’S ON YOUR EYES
Charlotte, North Carolina’s THE NOISES 10 are no strangers to Future Sounds past, and this marks their third appearance with newly cut tracks like ‘X’s On Your Eyes’ and no less than two others ready to walk right onto radio instantly. They’ve been out in LA working with producer Eric Valentine of the full length and were recently voted ‘Best Overall Artist’ in the Carolinas at the 2007 Charlotte Music Awards. Manager: Andy Johnson. Legal: Elliot Groffman. Needs: Booking, Publishing.
THE NOISES 10 – DEMOS – UNSIGNED

8. AUSHUA – SISTER SAVES
Another Orange County, California band emerges and this time they’re called AUSHUA. Already getting mentions in the Buzz Bands column in the LA Times and all over the Socal blog scene, it’s really just a matter of this band getting on the road before everyone is talking about them. This one booms at you and I warn you will stick in your head after several plays to the point of obsession. Manager: Brett Williams, New Noise Mgmt. Legal: David Rappaport. Needs: Booking, Publishing.
AUSHUA - DEMOS – UNSIGNED

9. THE BLACKS – ELEGANT WALK
Dirty, twisted, and looking for good trouble are the bi-coastal act THE BLACKS (San Francisco and New York). Lots of travel, twice the rock! Another strong release by my new favorite SF indie label, Tricycle Records, this three-piece is starting to make trips outside the bay to places like NYC for shows and coming away with new fans.
Needs: Management, booking, legal.
THE BLACKS – NOM DE GUERRE – TRICYCLE RECORDS

10. NATHAN & STEPHEN – GOING HOME
You think I tried to slip you another HOLD STEADY track, didn’t you? Might have a familiar tone, but this act is from Denver, Colorado instead of Brooklyn, it’s NATHAN & STEPHEN and they give us this super catchy song, complete with HERB ALPERT horns and a sing along to close out and make everyone feel good. The band features former members of FIVE IRON FRENZY and ROPER. Needs: Management, legal, booking, publishing.
NATHAN & STEPHEN – EVERYONE EP – UNSIGNED

11. LYKKE LI – LITTLE BIT Ok, slowing it down for you on this one and getting a little sexy. Here’s LYKKE LI, who will complete her debut album recordings in New York during October/November with producer Bjorn Yttling of PETER, BJORN & JOHN, and will also work in some NYC shows while she’s there. She self-released this record at home in Sweden on LL Recordings, but this is wide open for the rest of the world as her lyrics suggest.
Manager: Filip Wilen. Legal: Craig Averill. Needs: US booking, publishing.
LYKKE LI – LITTLE BIT EP - UNSIGNED

12. SHANNON WRIGHT – EVERYBODY’S GOT THEIR OWN PART TO PLAY
Atlanta-based artist, SHANNON WRIGHT, is another artist that has been around the block, has tasted the dirty parts of the music industry and still dusts herself off and makes incredible music. Formerly in the band, CROWSDELL, she’s recorded with Steve Albini, toured with CALEXICO and her latest release, Let In The Light, features this voice that’s long overdue for additional attention.
SHANNON WRIGHT – LET IN THE LIGHT – QUARTERSTICK RECORDS

13. CASTLEDOOR – DOVE
Los Angeles act, CASTLEDOOR, have industry eyes upon them and a stockpile of great tracks like ‘Dove’ in their kingdom. They are in the process of recording their debut full length with Aaron Espinoza (EARLIMART) this fall. A buzz band you’ll hear plenty about. Manager: Lisa Klipsic, Don’t Jump! Management.
Needs: Booking, legal, publishing.
CASTLEDOOR - FOLLOW THE DOVE EP - UNSIGNED

14. THE MINUTES - UKRAINE
Dublin, Ireland’s THE MINUTES write the kind of power-pop hits that harkens back to CHEAP TRICK or more recently SNOW PATROL. The band rises from the ashes of former Future Sounds favorites, STARS OF THE CITY, and now handle their craft with a professionalism and dedication that most bands could learn from. They are about to hit the road with THE PIDGEON DETECTIVES in October and will be touring in the UK through Christmas. Management: Brian Bradely, Brassneck Management. Needs: Booking, legal, publishing.
THE MINUTES – DEMOS - UNSIGNED

15. MAKE MODEL – THE L.S.B.
Called Scotland’s BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE, Glasgow’s MAKE MODEL’s ‘The L.S.B.’ shouts at you to get your attention and hits the mark. The six-piece has done a session on Steve Lamacq’s Radio 1 show & recently played the Levi’s ‘Ones To Watch’ tour. This release is on their own label, The Biz, but they’ve signed to EMI so expect the full hype job soon enough. Management: Angus Murray. UK Booking: Mike, ITB. Legal: N Stein, Clintons. Needs: US booking, publishing.
MAKE MODEL – THE L.S.B./CZECH NECK – SINGLE – The Biz Records.


OTHER ARTISTS TO WATCH:

CHRISTOPHER DENNY – Track: Westbound Train
If ROY ORBISON’s ghost would come back and embody 19 year old kid from Arkansas, this is what he’d sound like. True, genuine character and talent pours from CHRISTOPHER DENNY on his brilliant CD, 'Age Old Hunger' on 2 Minutes 59 Seconds Records.

YEASAYER – Track: 2080
From their remarkable album ‘All Hour Cymbals’ on Monitor Records, one of the most refreshing and challenging CD’s that’s crossed my path in a TALKING HEADS sense, but not in sound. Totally original.

BLACK KIDS – Track: I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You
An indie band that sounds like the CURE from Jacksonville, Florida? You’d be correct, and here’s BLACK KIDS, a band making us feel better since THE CURE canceled their US tour dates. For fans of THE GO! TEAM and ARCADE FIRE.

THE COURTEENERS – Track: Acrylic
Manchester’s latest buzz act seem to be all over the NME and getting plenty of traction on the street level, looks like it may have legs to last. They just did UK dates with THE CORAL.

EAGLE SEAGULL – Track: You Can’t Call Yourself A Secret
High energy at times, melodic and moody the next, Nebraska’s EAGLE SEAGULL give a complete flight on their ‘The Year Of The How-To Book’ release. Paper Garden Records.

REVEREND & THE MAKERS – Track: Heavy Weight Champion of the World
The good Rev is making waves in the UK currently at radio with his ‘The State Of Things’ CD, tried like hell to get it on this compilation this month in time for release. Wall Of Sound Records (UK).

ALSO BUZZING: Lightspeed Champion, Plans To Leave, The Bangkok Five, Tweak Bird, Tinseltown, Waajeed, MC Rut, Wild Light, Sergeant, New Motels, edIT, The Reformation, Sneaky Sound System, Cajun Dance Party, Via Audio, Derby, Tigercity, Derek White & The Monophobics, Office, Eye Alaska, Frankmusik, Happy Hallows, Bobby Cook, Tar Volts, Alberta Cross, Care Bears On Fire.

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. Each edition of FUTURE SOUNDS, we pick out artists and deliver TANKFARM AID, which is a free merch design by the TF design team and we manufacture and produce it for you, and give it to you for FREE.

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

SHHH!!! FILM SCHOOL SECRET SHOW AT THE HEMLOCK TONIGHT

After crushing their set at the TREASURE ISLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL last night, FILM SCHOOL are playing a now-not-so-secret show at THE HEMLOCK tonight at 9PM. As an extra special treat, THE BLACKS, a band who's EP has been killing me, play right before them at 8PM. Get there early if you want to be able to fit in that room.

NEW YORK CITY TONIGHT: THE BLACKS

San Francisco's THE BLACKS play PIANO'S tonight, and for all NY area subscribers, I recommend paying this show a visit. Frontwoman Luisa Black has that nasty grit that drags me in, kind of like Karen O on that first EP, or PJ HARVEY.

They've released an excellent EP called 'Nom De Guerre' on Tricycle Records, and I can't stop playing 'Elegant Walk'.

Tonight @ Pianos
158 Ludlow
(at Stanton)
w/ VON IVA (FS17)
8pm
$8

THE BLACKS
WEB SITE
MYSPACE