TONIGHT IN LOS ANGELES: WHITE DENIM @ THE TROUBADOUR

TURBO! TURBO! TURBO!

Tonight at The Troubadour it's the return of the legend - TURBO!

WHITE DENIM gallops back into town with our good friends, BRAZOS, bringing a taste of Austin to West Hollywood and showing off the jams that comprise the incredible "Fits" album. Brazos will be sporting a full band, and he/them are not to be missed.

CHECK OUT THE TRAILER FOR ECHOTONE - DOCUMENTARY ON THE AUSTIN MUSIC SCENE

We recently had the guys from Reversal Films pop into the FSHQ and give us a preview of the stunning documentary on the Austin music scene from a film called 'Echotone'. They posted the trailer finally for others to see, but this is an incredible look at a changing music scene in a city that prides itself as the heart of indie rock. Featured in the film are artists such as BLACK JOE LEWIS, BELAIRE, WHITE DENIM and {{{SUNSET}}}.

Swing over HERE to check out the trailer.

VIDEO: WHITE DENIM'S "SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE"

WHITE DENIM - Shake Shake Shake from ACIDBIRD on Vimeo.

Anyone that has ever read Future Sounds, knows about my undying love for Austin's WHITE DENIM (FS29/30), but this video captures every reason why I think they are an incredible band. For starters, this video has a shirtless TURBO, the greatest bass player in the world. It also has my boy Diablo sleeping on the job in it, but mostly I like the fact that a band can have a song who's only lyrics are "hey, hey what" - "shake, shake, shake" and that they can make a video for a song like that and have it still be one of the most entertaining videos I've ever seen. These guys don't comply to some formula for writing songs, aren't focused on "hits", and have labels everywhere confused because they don't know how to "market" them. White Denim is straight music for the sake of music - guys clanking on cowbells, gnarly basslines, guitar riffs that are like whale cries, and an energy that is 'furious'. The funny thing is that the Brits get it, over there they played all the festivals and had nothing but sold out shows, where here in their own backyard, folks are still scratching their heads and signing bands like Shiny Toy Guns because they have a 'cute' singer.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: HOT FREAKS PARTY IN AUSTIN

Hot Freaks! @ SXSW 2008: Day One from PROJECTMILL on Vimeo.

DAYTROTTER IS ON FIRE: WHITE DENIM TODAY!

As if they haven't been picking enough winners and artists close to our hearts here at FS, today DAYTROTTER drops downloadable tracks from WHITE DENIM! Check out this great illustration of TURBO, the manchild that is quickly turning into a rock & roll GOD!

Head over to Daytrotter and enjoy the sessions HERE.

The band also got great hits today in THE SUN and the DAILY MIRROR. What? Still no US deal??? It's too bad all these chicken shits can't figure out a "format" to fit this band into so they can use their old formula. Whatever happened to gut instinct and finding bands that break the format??? I think what's amazing about this band is that they are doing this on their own and could simply be fine doing it on their own, much like the Ghostland Observatory/Clap Your Hands Say Yeah folks have done.

And just because I received SO many TURBO fan photos, I thought I'd take this opportunity to share another one....

WHITE DENIM ARE DESTROYING LONDON

Our favorite Texans are doing dates in London right now and the press is chasing them around like The Beatles. Here's just two things from this morning, but I'm seeing press hits from everywhere. Here's another great photo of TURBO, shirtless.

The Guardian

THE CULT OF TURBO CONTINUES....

The photos from TURBO (of WHITE DENIM) fans keep coming in, I just haven't had much time to post them, here's some more pics.....

The softer side of Turbo

THE CULT OF TURBO CONTINUES.....

I'm almost overwhelmed by the number of fan photos that have been pouring in....here's my current favorite that was sent of TURBO.....

WHITE DENIM AND THE CULT OF TURBO

The hits just keep coming for our favorite band from Austin - WHITE DENIM. Now the Brits are onto it, even the NME knows what's up sometimes (see press hit above) when they said they were one of the "10 Best Bands at SXSW". I saw writers from every publication possible at their SXSW show at Hot Freaks, and I guarantee they'll keep coming, mostly because they aren't out chasing after it. White Denim are like THE RAMONES of Texas, they are perfection caught in action. They embody everything right about independent music, everything perfect about garage bands that work it out behind the scenes, back in the chicken shack, and then come out to the world and deliver. They reflect Austin, Texas and this time in music much like those beloved Ramones did of their time and place. This isn't some pansy band, looking for a J Linderberg endorsement, this is three dudes that own their sound and represent where they are from with no apologies. I've had a couple nights of getting pretty sauced with the boys, and each time their brazen 'we don't want a US label' approach at first puzzles me, but then my smile creeps in when I realize they're doing just fine as is. Leave a tender moment alone it is said - they have folks in Texas that take care of them, they have a fantastic manager, great booking, and have plenty of folks talking about them without doing anything more than just getting on stage and ripping through their sets with the same reckless abandon each and every time.

And while we're on this subject, let's discuss what is turning into the CULT OF TURBO.
If you haven't seen White Denim live yet, which is like trying to eat in a wind tunnel, then you have yet to experience one of Earth's greatest accomplishments: TURBO.

This is TURBO

I mean, you can't even manufacture something as perfect as 'Turbo' for a nickname, it's just pure syncopation. Everywhere I turned in Austin, someone was talking about Turbo. "Turbo this" and "Turbo that", I started to realize something much bigger was happening, an underground fanbase was assembling around one musician like I haven't seen in some time. Forget that Fall Out Boy jackass, today's superstar bass player is Turbo. His bass playing is deep, thumpin', TOWER OF POWER kinda bass playing.

I'm calling out to those out there that have subscribed to this cult, SEND ME YOUR BEST TURBO PHOTO so I can post them.

The absolute moment I knew things had changed from fringe fascination to full on idol was when I passed this graffiti just off of Red River during SXSW....

White Denim Tour Dates:

Apr 1 -The Buffalo Bar (Artrocker) - London
Apr 2- Scruffy Bird @ The Pleasure Unit - London
Apr 3 - Dirty Boots @ Bloomsbury Bowling - London
Apr 4 - The Barfly - London
Apr 7 -La Maroquineriem - Paris

With Tapes N Tapes:
4/10 - First Avenue - Minneapolis, Minnesota
4/11 - Metro - Chicago, Illinois
4/12 - The Magic Stick - Detroit, Michigan
4/14 - The Opera House - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
4/15 - Cabaret Music Hall - Montreal, Quebec, Canada
4/16 - Higher Ground Showcase Lounge - So.

Burlington, Vermont
4/17 - Paradise Rock Club - Boston, Massachusetts
4/18 - Fillmore New York-Irving Plaza - New York, New York
4/19 - Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, New York
4/22 - First Unitarian Church - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
4/23 - Nightclub 9:30 - Washington, D.C.

4/24 - Local 506 - Chapel Hill, North Carolina
4/25 - The Earl - Atlanta, Georgia
4/26 - Cafe 11 - St.

Augustine, Florida
4/28 - The Social - Orlando, Florida
4/29 - Common Grounds - Gainesville, Florida
4/30 - Bottletree - Birmingham, Alabama
5/02 - Antone's - Austin, Texas
5/03 - Hailey's - Denton, Texas
5/06 - Club Congress - Tucson, Arizona
5/07 - The Casbah - San Diego, California
5/08 - Troubadour - West Hollywood, California
5/09 - Troubadour - West Hollywood, California
5/10 - Fillmore - San Francisco, California
5/12 - W.O.W.

Hall - Eugene, Oregon
5/13 - Richards on Richards - Vancouver, B.C.

, Canada
5/14 - The Showbox - Seattle, Washington
5/16 - In The Venue - Salt Lake City, Utah
5/17 - Bluebird Theater - Denver, Colorado

SXSW RECAP

Freaks? Nope, HOT FREAKS

I've never had so many tacos in one week in my life as I did last week in Austin at SXSW. Beer, BBQ and tacos. I saw more bands that any year ever and spent a lot of time at HOT FREAKS at the Mohawk, surviving the sun and downing Tochie's Tacos. I'm still recovering from the late flight and all the poison, but here's a brief recap of my trip.....

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE OF SXSW 2008:

CHRISTOPHER DENNY & THE OLD SOLES @ Club Deville

Finally caught CD with his band, The Old Soles, and it was better than imagined. It's refreshing to see actual, undeniable TALENT, that has nothing to do with fashion and hype.

RUNNER UP:

WHITE DENIM @ The Mohawk (Hot Freaks)

Hometown boys were the belle of the ball all week. All I have to say is, "Turbo! Turbo! Turbo!"

MOST INSANE SHOW:

PEELANDER Z @ The Mohawk (Hot Freaks)

If you missed this performance, you'll have to read about it forever. A spectacle in the best sense of the word.

Fantastic to see our dear friends SHOUT OUT LOUDS @ The Parish for the Merge showcase. SOL's and then DESTROYER was a highlight of the week for me.

OTHER STANDOUTS:

GRAVEYARD @ Bourbon Rocks
Sweden's WOLFMOTHER - close your eyes and it's ZEPPELIN - a voice from another time.

CATHY DAVEY @ Soho Lounge (Irish Showcase)
Dublin's superstar in the making. Another huge voice on a beautiful person.

BIRDS & BATTERIES @ The Beauty Bar (Bay Area Takeover)
Barely missed being my runner-up show. Even better live than on the CD I adore.

THE DODOS & BON IVER @ The Mohawk
I put these two together because they were two sets that sored beneath HUGE vocals and emotionally charged lyrics. Breathtaking.

A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS, FILM SCHOOL and FIGHT LIKE APES were also tremendous. The Skewer Party at Maggie Mae's was also excellent, running up and down the steps to each stage helped work off the brisket and Lone Star.

It was far and away my favorite SXSW, and I did my best to stay away from every over-hyped party full of bands we've all seen a hundred times before and get back to what the festival was set up for initially - to showcase new and rising talent.

Thanks to Ryan Suffern for the photos and to HOT FREAKS for the hospitality.

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.

WHITE DENIM: SPIN.COM ARTIST OF THE DAY

One of our favorite new bands out of Austin, WHITE DENIM (FS30) are today's 'Artist of the Day' at Spin.com > Check it out HERE. You'll also find a free download of "Darksided Computer Mouth".

CMJ RECAP

I've been a real sad sack on the blogging tip the past few weeks since I went on the road, it's been one show after another and it's kept me far from my laptop. CMJ is CMJ, an overload of industry and bands and industry talking about bands and sheep chasing other sheep, all waiting for the next Arcade Fire/Arctic Monkeys/Clap Your Hands/Etc. No one wants to miss the boat on saying they were at one of their shows before they blew up, so that double edge sword of hype can really hurt artists that get the buzz label too early. Festivals such as these show the full spectrum of the music industry in all it's glory and shallowness. You get those bands from places like Ireland that are thrilled just to be here and play in a distant place with the glimmer of hope that their big chance is waiting, and you get bands that ooze ambition and well-healed business teams behind them that deliver all fashion and very little substance. It's a weasel-fest of A&R and industry chums at one sponsored party, and little labels showcasing their proud signings at another dark, dank bar around the corner. Again, you end up seeing it all and hearing it all, and hopefully you can keep your wits about you and maintain your own perspective about the music that moves you for the right reasons.

I do my best to avoid slagging other bands or wading too far into negative posts, but I have to say that I'm disappointed in a couple of bands that had HUGE expectations on them coming into CMJ. The first one and arguably the band with the biggest buzz surrounding them at the festival that are unsigned, the FS30 tipped BLACK KIDS were that such band. Sure they had some sort of technical difficulties, but the build up for this band didn't even come close to living up to the line to get into The Annex. Ok, CURE sounding vocals, Arcade Fire-like stage energy (I hear they now share management), and maybe a song and a half. Early days, but there is no time for development or early days in times like these, someone will jump on it, and hype will drill it home. Other letdowns were bands like DARK VEINS and WILD LIGHT, lots of pre-show gush, lots of post-show grumble. If I see another band with a megaphone or described like a "new Flaming Lips", and I still go to the show to see it, then I only have myself to blame. I also had a real let down from an act I've been waiting to see for ages, WE ARE WOLVES, who are really LCD Soundsystem JR.

So let's move on to some of the high points. WHITE DENIM at Galapagos were every bit the band I had hoped they'd be, with that rough-around-the-edges sound of a band that has everything still in front of them, but riding enthusiasm and a "love for the game" that every hipster band around will never find. I also thought MGMT lived up to my expectations and then some with that big sound to them - real muscle. A young band from Brighton called THE LATE GREATS played like classic indie rock/90's alt rock heroes like MISSION OF BURMA, THE PIXIES and even DINO JR at Fat Baby. Talking with them after their set, I felt like I had stepped back to those college days when you caught bands in great clubs, drank lots of beer and watched bands that played their brains out with little regard for looking so cool. The band's drummer played the entire set with the biggest smile on his face, playing in New York City with his band with not one thought past that moment in time. Perfection.

I was 'gutted' to just miss Dublin's FIGHT LIKE APES at the Irish showcase 205 Chrystie, but singer May Kay was a delight just to talk with in any event. VOXHAUL BROADCAST delivered their usual classic set, BANG CAMARO set the TF sponsored Skewer Party off at Pianos on Friday.

I mostly saw average bands playing average music or knockoff music, but hell, it's New York, it's still live music for free, so it still beats an office job.

CMJ HITS NEW YORK CITY THIS WEEK: WHAT'S ON FOR TODAY

DIABLO & DISASTER PARTY @ GALAPGOS

Here's one NOT to miss - WHITE DENIM, JUICEBOXXX, VIA AUDIO & TACKS THE BOY DISASTER!!!!

IODA - SPECTRE DIGITAL LAUNCH PARTY

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.

WHITE DENIM BOAT PARTY

Damn it's hot in LA right now, watching this video from Austin's WHITE DENIM makes me jealous - that's what I'd like to be doing today.