Asobi Seksu coming to Spanish Moon

Brooklyn's Asobi Seksu is coming to Baton Rouge's biggest venue, Spanish Moon, on March 23rd just after a few shows at SXSW. This will be their first major tour for their new album, Hush. Here is a single "Me & Mary" off that album:

That video will actually be in the new Static that premieres on Tuesday. Here are the rest of the tour dates:

Mar 02 Montreal, QC @ La Sala Rossa
Mar 03 Toronto, ON @ El Mocambo
Mar 04 Pontiac, MI @ The Pike Room at Crofoot Ballroom
Mar 05 Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
Mar 06 Bloomington, IL @ Illinois Wesleyan U.-Young
Mar 07 Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
Mar 10 Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey
Mar 11 Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
Mar 13 San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
Mar 14 Los Angeles, CA @ Troubador
Mar 15 San Diego, CA @ The Casbah
Mar 19 Austin, TX – SXSW @ Scoot Inn, 6pm
Mar 20 Austin, TX - SXSW: Polyvinyl showcase @ Habana Calle Patio 6
Mar 21 Austin, TX – SXSW: Filter Magazine party @ Cedar Street Courtyard
Mar 22 Denton, TX @ Rubber Gloves
Mar 23 Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon
Mar 24 Memphis, TN @ Young Avenue Deli
Mar 25 Atlanta, GA @ Eyedrum
Mar 26 Chapel HIll, NC @ Local 506
Mar 27 Baltimore, MD @ The Ottobar
Mar 28 Washington, DC @ Rock and Roll Hotel
Mar 29 Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
Mar 30 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East
Apr 02 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom

MyNameIsJohnMichael tonight @ Spanish Moon

This is for the few Baton Rouge heads out there that read the blog. Head out tonight to the Spanish Moon to see one of New Orleans best up and coming rock bands, MyNameIsJohnMichael, with Fleur de Tease. They will be in Lafayette tomorrow with Caddywhompus at Atmosphere as well. Also, here are a few other tour dates for them:

3.19.09 SXSW “Nola Soul Presents” Party - Austin, TX
3.22.09 Indiehouston.org Presents, w/ Japanther & Caddywhompus - Houston, TX
3.28.09 One Eyed Jack’s - New Orleans, LA
4.4.09 Breast Cancer Benefit w/ Meriwether at Howlin’ Wolf - New Orleans, LA
4.24.09 Jazz & Heritage Festival, Lagniappe Stage - New Orleans, LA

Smiley and Caddy tonight @ the Den

New monthly Hip Hop event - Grassroots

Got this through Truth Universal's Blog.

AUDIO: Caddywhompus - ...But Not Before A Show

Head over to our TUMBLER to hear the track "...But Not Before A Show" off Caddywhompus' forthcoming EPs album which will be released next month. They will be celebrating this event with the Antlers at the Saturn Bar on March 16th. This song is even more reminiscent of the band that I know for a fact they listen to a lot more than most, Animal Collective, but it still has their beautiful spin. Watch out MyNameIsJohnMichael, you may have a huge competitor for album of the year! Check it out and let us know what you think. Here are some other upcoming shows for them:

2/27 - Dragon's Den - NOLA
2/28 - Artmosphere - Lafayette, LA
3/5 - Hi Ho (New Orleans Indie Rock Collective Fest)
3/16 - Saturn Bar CD RELEASE (w/The Antlers & Antenna Inn) - NOLA
3/17 - J&J's Pizza - Denton, TX
3/18 - Snake Eyes Vinyl - Austin, TX
3/20 - Affordable Sounds Showcase @ Trophy's - Austin, TX
3/22 - IndieHouston DAY SHOW - w/JAPANTHER + more!)
3/28 - Westheimer Block Party! - Houston, TX)
4/3 - One Eyed Jacks - NOLA

NOLA Indie Rock Fest II Line Up UPDATED

NOLA Indie Rock Fest II is right around the corner. We are super excited about the fest and the new FREE sampler cd ROBOTS ARE MEAN. Few Changes to the schedule we posted before, check em out.

Here is the lineup:

Thursday | March 5th | Hi-Ho Lounge
Caddywhompus
The Pharmacy
The Blue Party

Friday | March 6th | One Eyed Jacks
Silent Cinema
The Zydepunks
Big Rock Candy Mountain

Saturday | March 7th | The Howlin Wolf
Glasgow
The Peekers
The Happy Talk Band
The Public

Check out www.neworleansindierock.com for more information and keep your eyes and ears open to announcements of listening parties, after parties, etc.

Voodoo Fest moving to Halloween weekend

In a bold move, Voodoo Fest has decided to allow people to experience their festival on the exact weekend of Halloween this year. This will be the first time that I remember it falling on the same weekend. The official dates for the 2009 Voodoo Music Experience are October 30th through November 1st. This news comes via Voodoo's Twitter. I feel especially bad this year for the late bands on Saturday and the early bands on Sunday. I felt attendance was down last year and I don't think competing with one of the best free events in the city is the wisest of moves. They will have to bust out a Bonnaroo type lineup. But, at least now it will only be one weekend of madness, instead of two. What are your thoughts on it being on Halloween weekend?

Black Lips release 200 Million Thousand

You have to love modern technology. Here is the Black Lips new album. I am only a few songs in and I am digging it. We of course have to be shameless! Here is the interview we did with them what feels like ages ago now.

Black Lips Interview from Static on Vimeo.

AUDIO: Youth Group - "All This Will Pass"

Here at Static, I really do try very hard to introduce you to as much new music as possible. So, when I get a free MP3, I do like to pass the savings on to you! This came into my email today. Australia's own Youth Group is revving up the press for an upcoming tour throughout the US (listed below) and will be making a stop at SXSW, if you will be heading that way. Their single "All This Will Pass" is very reminiscent of the Smiths to me; which isn't necessarily a bad thing at all. Check it out and let me know what you think. Click HERE to download the track for free.

Upcoming tour dates:
Mar 16 Los Angeles, CA @ Spaceland
Mar 20 Austin, TX @ Brush Square Park Aussie BBQ Party
Mar 21 Austin, TX @ Maggie Mae's showcase (SXSW)
Mar 26 Brooklyn, NY @ Bell House Aussie BBQ
Apr 05 Boston, MA @ TT The Bear's
Apr 07 New York, NY @ Piano's
Apr 08 Philadelphia, PA @ M Room
Apr 12 Boston, MA @ TT The Bear's
Apr 14 New York, NY @ Piano's
Apr 15 Philadelphia, PA @ M Room
Apr 19 Boston, MA @ TT The Bear's
Apr 21 New York, NY @ Piano's
Apr 22 Philadelphia, PA @ M Room
Apr 26 Boston, MA @ TT The Bear's
Apr 28 New York, NY @ Piano's
Apr 29 Philadelphia, PA @ M Room

Catch the Fever @ Jacks on 4/24

LA based and Cambodian singing Dengue Fever has just added several dates to their Spring US tour in support of their DVD/CD soundtrack for the documentary film Sleepwalking Through The Mekong. Included is a stop in New Orleans for an 18+ show at One Eyed Jacks on Friday, April 24. I got to see them a few years back at SXSW and they always put on a lively show and boy can the girl sing! Here is their upcoming tour in case you are outside of New Orleans:

03/07 @ WOMADelaide, Adelaide, Australia
03/08 @ WOMADelaide, Adelaide, Australia
03/14 @ WOMAD, New Plymouth, New Zealand
03/15 @ WOMAD, New Plymouth, New Zealand
04/17 @ The State Theater, Falls Church, VA
04/18 @ Plaza Duckpin Bowl, Richmond VA
04/19 @ The Orange Peel, Asheville, NC
04/21 @ 40 Watt Club, Athens, GA
04/22 @ Club Downunder – Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL.
04/24 @ One Eyed Jacks, New Orleans, LA
04/25 @ Festival International De Louisiane, Lafayette, LA
04/26 @ Festival International De Louisiane, Lafayette, LA
04/27 @ Mohawk, Austin, TX (with Chicha Libre)
07/11 @ La Fete De Marquette, Madison, WI
07/21 @ Chicago Folk and Roots Festival, Chicago, IL

R.I.P. Antoinette K Doe

You know it is a big story when I am talking about it up here in New York and toasting to the one and only wife of the New Orleans' legend Ernie K Doe. She passed away on Mardi Gras day, and I can't think of a better way for her to go out. I was fortunate enough to meet her a few times in my life and she was constantly a shining example of how every single New Orleanean should be: care free and unpretentious. She was a lover of life and everything that came along with it. She will truly be missed and New Orleans will not be the same without her and her baby doll dresses. Here is the best, classic Ernie K. Doe song I could find. I would love to hear some of your memories form the Mother and Law Lounge and Antoinette K Doe.

Lundi Gras events

Boy am I happy today has arrived. Today means I am only 2 days away from not being afraid to check our Twitter or getting drunk dials or texts from New Orleans. Also, hopefully our hits will go back up to a normal amount come Wednesday. Here are a few neat things going on tonight.

Quintron w/ Andrew W.K.

So, THE event of Lundi Gras is always Quintron and Miss Pussycat at One Eyed jacks and this year he will be joined by the always flamboyant Andrew W.K. This is always a fun time and usually starts and runs very late. Tickets are $20 at the door and these shows usually get crazy so I would show up early.

ALSO:

Not-So-Super Super Hero Party tonight at Hi Ho

Couldn't find the flier for this, but I did want to get the word out about it. This is from the Dirty Coast web site:

Not-so-super identities and powers requiredsponsored by: Dirty Coast, HumidBeings.com and Antigravity Magazine

Cover: $10 Featuring: Rotary Downs Fleur de Tease Not-so-super Elvis Brian Coogan and Friends, Simon Lott, Anthony Cuccia, Justin Peake and Mike Gamble (NY)

Photo Booth by Rob Davis

Always a fun time. You usually have to have a costume on, so be aware. Also, today Dirty Coast was featured on CNN. Check it out HERE.

And You Will Know Us By Our Trail of Dead tonight at Jacks

This is truly a shame they are playing tonight, because this would probably be an easier sell on any other given night, but tonight ...And You Will Know Us By Our Trail of Dead will be playing at One Eyed Jacks with Midnight Madness and Funeral Party. I have some tickets to give away; so email me at info@statictelevision.com to snatch those up. Do email me if you want to go because it is $18 at the door and $15 if you get your tickets HERE. I have a feeling this show will not be as crowded as the Dr. Dog show this past week.

Theresa Anderson and MyNameIsJohnMichael tonight @ Blue Nile

Besides seeing the last show of the Morning 40 Federation, you can stop by the Blue Nile on Frenchman to see a late night show with Theresa Anderson (fresh off her Conan performance) and MyNameIsJohnMichael. The show is free so go and enjoy life and Mardi Gras with them.

Old School N.O. Bounce Mix

I got this from Off Beat Magazines Twitter. I can't think of a better way to start the Mardi Gras weekend than with some classic NOLA Bounce music. This is brought to us by Rico Uno and Mr. 604. You guys be safe this weekend; I will be thinking about you the whole time while in NYC.

Old School N.O. Bounce Mix (Mastered) by Rico Uno

Click HERE for the full track list.

Morning 40 Federation's last show ever tonight at Jacks

Truly, tonight will probably be the most somber Morning 40 show of all time. I found this out last week and it blew my mind. This is definitely the end of an era for New Orleans rock and roll. Tonight at One Eyed Jacks, the Morning 40 Federation will play their final show ever with D'Lyricist. Email me at info@statictelevision.com if you want to get on our list. Hit me up while supplies last. Tickets are $15 at the door and $10 in advance if you get them HERE. I will be definitely drinking a 40 of OE tonight in their honer. Have fun this weekend and keep posted to our blog and Twitter because we will have more ticket give aways all weekend.

DNO Ball '09 Tonight!

After Muses tonight the party shifts to St. Mary street. Head to the world famous Saint for a long night of dancing and drinking. I can't think of a better way to spend my post Muses time. Stinks I am still in NYC. I will definitely be turning of Twitter tonight, and please don't text me asking me where I am. I will be working, so have a Static Special for me.

VIDEO: Juvenile - HA

I was on my way to work today and I decided to listen to some old Big Tymers in honor of all the fun my friends in New Orleans are currently having. So, I put on How You Love That Vol. 2, and it got me thinking:

If you could be me for an hour
Have Money and Power
Stand tall and ball and send your records to Tower
You Would love that (Hot, Hot)
You Would love that (Hot, Hot)

That is the chorus for the track Money and Power. I would put the MP3 on here, but it is pretty vulgar. But HERE it is; if you are over the age of I guess 18. But, back to my point. Yes, Manny Fresh, I would like to sell my records in Tower AND have money and power. Classic!

Well, this was the only old Cash Money video I could find that Universal had not turned off the embeding. It's ok, because this IS probably one of the best New Orleans' rap songs ever.



In the end, all it did was bring up fond memories of going down West Esplanade blaring old Cash Money, Take Fo' and No Limit Records on our way to Lakeside Mall.

PHOTOS: Dr. Dog @ One Eyed Jacks 2/17/09

Well New Orleans, I am impressed. I really am. I had my doubts again that you could show a band like Dr. Dog the love and support they deserve. I mean this is the 4th time they have played in New Orleans and the last time drew much less than last night. But, you did it. You did it so well that our Photographer Tamara Grayson waited in line so long that she missed The Peekers and Drug Rug, so all we have is pictures from Dr. Dog. That's fine, I hope these pictures bring back good memories.







All photos are by Tamara Grayson and I think we may have a few more over at our Flickr account.

Get to know G-Eazy

Well, I am very aware that probably a lot of my regular readers are aware of G-Eazy.  I am only familiar by name, and was not too familiar till this past weekend with what makes him so G and Eazy. Prior, of course, I see a white kid dressed in old early 1990s gear that Spike Lee wore in that Nike spot with Michael Jordan, and growing up in New Orleans you KNOW that old school hip-hop is white Reeboks and Gibods (sp?). Period. But, being the good reporter who went to college at Loyola's communication school, I was told to ask questions and that nothing is what it seems. So, I dug a little deeper.

G-Eazy is originally from the Bay Area, which explains the look, and is by all my estimation here in New Orleans going to school. He has, apparently, been very successful at getting himself out there. He has performed with the likes of the Reebok man himself, Juvenile, to the legendary Jazzy Jeff. He has been making music since he was 15 and I think it shows in the few songs I have heard. Where I think he succeeds the most is branding. I don't know if it is a sign of the successful teaching at Loyola, but it seems like more and more artists around here are getting it. From MyNameIsJohnMichael to Caddywhompus, acts are separating themselves in unique ways and understanding that making yourself stand out in this cluttered market can help you tremendously. And, especially in the New Orleans area, G-Eazy stands out. He has a look that would easily fit in well with Chicago's own the Cool Kids crew in a heart beat, but has yet to be seen here in New Orleans. He backs up his image well by having a throwback sound of Hip-Hop which is quite refreshing in our bounce music culture. That is what makes our roux so beautiful; outside influences that come here and try to do positive things in our city that we can learn from and be influenced by and at the same time, I am sure New Orleans will influence him for the better. Well, G-Eazy, I am definitely familiar now.

Upcoming shows:
March 27 - The Republic w/ Trombone Shorty

Here is his video for Candy Girl which which was obviously shot at our girl's candy shop Lucky You Candy on Magazine.

Dr. Dog with the Peekers tonight

Ohhh New Orleans, how I wish I was in you tonight. If you are in the New Orleans area tonight, pack the car, kiss the loved ones and head on down to One Eyed Jacks in the French Quarter to see one of the best bands in the world playing with one of the best bands in Louisiana. Philly's own Dr. Dog rolls in tonight, and will be playing with Drug Rug (who they have been on tour with) and the Peekers (who will just joining their fellow label mates tonight for only one show on this tour). The show will start at 9 and tickets are $12 at the door. Click HERE to get tickets in advance for $10.

Japanther Tonight at Hi Ho Lounge

Tonight at Hi Ho Lounge you can check out: Japanther , The Pharmacy, and Rusty Lazer . Should make for a fun night for dancing and getting warmed up for the crazy weekend ahead. Have fun!

Static back on the air tonight

I know there is a lot going on tonight in the big sleazy (which we will get to soon), but we have a new episode of sorts coming on tonight. It is a best of so far episode with some of my favorite interviews dating all the way back to our pilot with the Spinto Band. This will air exclusively on Cox 10 in New Orleans starting tonight at 10, and will not be put up on the web. I am expecting to have a new episode on the air in hopefully two weeks with Fatter Than Albert from New Orleans and Crumin from Brazil.

Caddywhompus announce CD details and release show

I got this from Caddywhompus' Blog:

Today, we finalized all the tracks for our upcoming pseudo full-length due out March 16th. But Chris, what's a pseudo full-length and why do I care? Well here's the damn deal. This CD consists of our self titled EP and the She EP (remixed/reworked songs on split cassette + 2 new songs). The She EP has yet to be released on it's own (limited cassettes will be made soon), so these last 6 songs should be new to most ears. All songs are remastered.

Here's the Tracklist:
1.) This is Where We Blaze The Nuggz
2.) Fun Times At Whiskey Bay
3.) Absinthesizer
4.) Untitled #7408
5.) Treats
6.) ...But Not Before A Show
7.) Probably Shouldn't Have Done All That Acid
8.) Eat Chest
9.) Toy Boat Toy Boat Toy Boat Toy Boat Toy Boat
10.) Acadian Threeway

Very exciting news, but you knew that wouldn't be all from the hardest working band in New Orleans. They have got one hell of a show planned for their CD release that includes possibly the largest band in the city, Antenna Inn, and one of my favorite bands from Brooklyn who I just did an interview with, the Antlers, and Motel Motel, also from Brooklyn. Here are the details of the show from Caddy's blog as well:

This CD will be released on March 16th at the Saturn Bar with friends:
Antenna Inn (New Orleans)
The Antlers (Brooklyn)
Motel Motel (Brooklyn)

WTUL announces 2009 marathon details

I was combing my usual sources of information on the web and saw that everyone's favorite college radio station had announced some details for it's marathon and Songs From the Basement CD . Head over to the WTUL website to get some info. But, from what I can tell, the CD release show will be at the Saturn Bar on March 7th with the Good Guys and One Man Machine. More artists are supposedly going to be added to the bill. If anyone works over there I would love to see a full press release! And to anyone else putting on an event in the area, feel free to send press releases to me at info@statictelevision.com

What should we name our blog?

Hey fans,

As you may have noticed, we have made a few changes to our blog in the past few days. First, our URL is a lot simpler to remember, and our banner up top doesn't look as amateurish as it did before. All of this thanks to Michael from the New Orleans Indie Rock Collective. But, I am starting to feel that the blog needs its own identity, and thus should have a unique name. I asked some of our followers on our TWITTER what they think we should name it, and here were a few of the responses we got:

Static Electricity
White Noise (is apparently taken, but hasn't updated in 3 years and is based out of Scotland so I will not feel bad for taking it)
Through the Static
Beyond the Static
Fanstatic
Statictoctictoctictoc (from Caddywhompus)

There are some really good ones in here! I would love to know if any of you have any additional ideas, and come Wednesday we will put it to a vote.

Wesley
Producer - Static Television

VIDEO: Big Freeda - Listen We Ready live feat Katey Red

Probably the worst video ever, but hilarious and will show you what you missed on Saturday night at Jacks

PHOTOS: Katey Red @ One Eyed Jacks 2/14/09

Wow, looks like a lot of people went! All photos by Angela Schroeder.




Head to our FLICKR to see more picture.

We on Tumbler Y'all

Ok, I swear to God this is the last social networking site I am going to join. I already feel like taking down Live Journal and MySpace. Who uses those any more? Seriously, let me know if you do. Well, Tumbler looks pretty good and it comes highly recommended from Bonnie. HERE it is. I am hoping to do a few extra things over there that I'm not doing here. But, if you know it and what it does, our blog is being RSSd there as well and I will be learning how to best use it as I go. Enjoy, and we always love feedback! Holla

What to do this weekend...

So as the weekend before the weekend of madness rolls in there is definitely a lot going on this weekend and we have tickets to ALL OF THE ONE EYED JACKS SHOWS. More on that later. Tonight, ActionActionReaction is having a dance party at One Eyed Jacks (email me @ info@statictelevision.com for a free set of tickets) Also, the Happy Talk Band is doing a tribute to Johnny Cash at the Saturn Bar which should be interesting. Rotary Downs is at DBA which means there will probably be a marathon set tonight which is easily worth all $5 you would drop at the door. So many more to mention here, but head to statictelevision.com to see the whole calender.

Tomorrow night is the night I would be most excited about. Probably because bounce music was part of my childhood. The famous Katey Red is playing at One Eyed Jacks and we have tickets so just email me at info@statictelevision.com and I will set you up. Hit me up while suplies last. I can't think of a better way to spend Valentines Day than with the one I love catching the wall.


Than on Sunday, 86 Caprice featuring Jimbo Mathus and Derrick Freeman plus The Tom Paines at One Eyed Jacks seems to be really the only thing I see. I also have tickets to that so send me an email to info@statictelevision.com if you want to go to that too.

VIDEO: The Walkmen "Four Provinces"

Here is the latest video from The Walkmen. Enjoy!

VIDEO: Fleet Foxes "Mykonos"

Fleet Foxes' new video "Mykonos," is a stop - motion paper animation video. The claymation for this video was done by Sam Pecknold, brother to lead singer Robin, who also did the claymation for "White Winter Hymnal." 

MyNameIsJohnMichael gives away free live set

Ok, seriously, this better not be a trend. I can not blog this much in a day people! So, MyNameIsJohnMichael posted yet another blog today (I told you his ADD would make for a well updated blog). Well today their, Grammy Award winning, producer , Woods, posted about their upcoming show with Theresa Anderson. In it he included a live set from the Blue Nile show they did for us a while back with Caddywhompus (who have a pretty good local band blog themselves). Click HERE to see the post and get the album. I know I will because I have footage somewhere from that show and I know how to sync audio and video together ;-)

I Was A Teenage Dance Zombie Ticket Give Away

I have one pair of tickets to give away for tomorrow nights dance party at One Eyed Jacks so email me at info@statictelevision.com. Hit me up while supplies last...

DNO Launches New Shirts

Our good friends at Defend New Orleans are doing all the things they love to do in one night:sell shirts, listen to good records, and drink fine cocktails. SO, be sure to enjoy it with them!

The City's Last Days

One of my favorite bands from last year, The City Life, announced on their Gone is the World Wide Web Weekly Broadcast today that they are calling it quits. Such a shame to see these guys end it because I thought they had some potential outside of the New Orleans market and they just played main stage at Voodoo. Well, click HERE to see the video on Facebook. Their final show will be at One Eyed Jacks on April 3rd. Well if that's bringing you down, here is a video from the real Santo Gold.

MyNameIsJohnMichaelIsBlogging

Writing a blog a little hung over is pretty hard, especially when there are no Advil or Tylanol in the house (I will not tell you which is better until those endorsement dollars start rolling in). This came to my attention via MyNameIsJohnMichael's Twitter account. What a wonderful too! HERE is ours if you are into the whole Twitter thing. But, apparently MyNameIsJohnMichael is getting himself organized before his album finally comes out and has started a blog. Knowing him he will keep the thing pretty up to date and be entertaining in an ADD kind of way. On the blog you can get a Zip file of all 52 songs from their song a week project and get to know them a little better. Also, be sure to catch their record release show at One Eyed Jacks on March 28th. Here is the little in the studio piece we did a while back.

In the Studio with MyNameIsJohnMichael from Static on Vimeo.
Also, here are a few other tour dates for them:
2.20.09 w/ Theresa Andersson at - Blue Nile New Orleans, LA
2.27.09 w/ Fleur de Tease at Spanish Moon - Baton Rouge, LA
2.28.09 w/ Bird City & Caddywhompus at Artmosphere - Lafayette, LA
3.19.09 SXSW “Nola Soul Presents” Party - Austin, TX
3.22.09 Indiehouston.org Presents, w/ Japanther & Caddywhompus - Houston, TX
3.28.09 One Eyed Jack’s - New Orleans, LA
4.4.09 Breast Cancer Benefit w/ Meriwether at Howlin’ Wolf - New Orleans, LA
4.24.09 Jazz & Heritage Festival, Lagniappe Stage - New Orleans, LA

Annuals tonight at the House of Blues

If you don't feel like watching a re-run of Static tonight and want to get out the house well how about the Annuals show in the Parish tonight. I have to be honest with this one, apparently I had never heard the Annuals before and I might see why I have not.

That was the best I could find. But hey, if you look right under their name you will see the singer-songwriter Jessica Lea Mayfield. I gave away a free MP3 of hers a while back and told you to mark you calender then well here is the day. So head over to the House of Blues tonight and enjoy the cheap high-life and chill.

Also, we now have a Flickr account. So be our friends there too to see show fliers and photos from shows.

Get to know Generationals

So I have a really good feeling about New Orleans music this year. I don't know much about these guys; google really wasn't helping me out much but what I do know makes me feel very good about these guys having a good future. First, they are from New Orleans, and honestly there is no greater place to be raised musically. Second, they are apparently ex- Eames Era members. We played their video for Watson On Your Side ages ago and I always felt they were the best band out of Baton Rouge. Now the best reason is they have a great album, Con Law, and it is one of those pay as much as you want for it deal and if you aren't sure you can stream it before you realize that you will be wanting to bump such songs like When They Fight, They Fight all the time in your I-Pod. Click HERE to check out the next great New Orleans hope. Thanks to Chris from Park the Van for sending me this my way.

Events Calendar Up to Date

I am not sure how many people know about this, but we have an events calender on our WEBSITE and I have just up dated it. If I have missed any thing please let me know. I get all my events from our good friends at ANTIGRAVITY magazine.

Static looking for a still photographer

If you are a young photographer looking to improve your portfolio and like going to live shows email me at info@statictelevision.com and I can get you in for free if you send me some stills from the show for this very blog!

Re Post - Getting Music Press: The Dos

I thought this would be a good thing to post for all you bands out there. Especially New Orleans ones. I got this via the Art House Music blog.

Getting music press coverage can be a frustrating task. There is so much competition that just getting anyone to listen to what you have to say can be an uphill battle. If you are doing your own press campaign, you'll be fighting for attention with people who already have the ears of the press. It's really hard work - there's no two ways about it.

For obvious reasons, then, you don't need to make things even harder on yourself by taking the wrong approach. You only get one chance to make an impression, and you don't want it to be the wrong one. Here are some definite dos you want to keep in mind when approaching the media, as well as a few home truths, that will help you get your pitch in order:

1. DO...Respect the Guidelines: Many publications have specific guidelines in place to how you should contact them, when you should contact them and how you should follow up with them (or in many cases, instructions that you SHOULDN'T follow up with them).

   It's easy to get the impression that some outlets are trying to antagonize you with all of their rules and that they're just lording their power over you. Understandable, but consider it from the other side. Music writers and publications get approached CONSTANTLY by labels, musicians and PR companies, all vying for some attention for their stuff. There has to be some way of managing this constant deluge of information, or nothing would get the attention it deserves. Much like demo policies set by labels, any system put in place by a media outlet is designed so that your music WILL get a listen instead of getting overlooked.

   Or not. Sometimes, you'll run into some music journalists who aren't very nice or that do enjoy that microscopic bit of power they have. The bottom line is - so what? You can hate their reasons, think their rules are stupid or whatever else you want to think. The cold, hard fact of the matter is, you have to put up with them if you want a chance to be featured in their publication. You won't past "go" if you don't.

2. DO...Provide Photos: One common complaint by musicians and some PR is that music journalists are lazy and want you to do all their work for them. Instead of researching their pieces and accessing photos themselves, they want you to provide a press release with absolutely everything they need to know and a press ready publicity shot, in case they choose to use it.

   Again - just do it. Sure, there are some lazy journalists out there. Many a record label has had the experience of seeing their press release reproduced as a review or preview of a release. But it's not your job instill a little work ethic into the ranks of music journalism. Your job is to get someone to write about your music so people will know about it and buy it. If a journalist has Musician A, Musician B and Musician C as potential topics, and Musician B is the only one who provided adequate info and a photo, then Musician B is about to get some press and Musicians A and C are out of luck. Press begets press, so Musician B just scored big time - all because they made life easier for the writer.

   Of course, this isn't out of sheer laziness across the board. Back to the notion of music journalists and music media outlets coping with a lot of information - it just isn't practical to have to invest a lot of time in chasing down info and photos for a small piece.

3. DO...Provide Practical Information: True story: one day, in the space of about 2 and half hours, I received four emails from four different people claiming to be the number one MC in Houston (and I don't even write reviews - more on this story later). A common mistake musicians make when promoting themselves is thinking that they can use words to convince a journalist of their greatness. The music is the only thing that can do that. Nothing turns off a jaded music writer like a press release full of self proclaimed greatness.

   A good press release gives the reader an idea of what the music is like, provides some background information about the musicians, references past achievements of the musicians, and often gives the press an angle they can use in a story. You should be confident in the music you're producing and proud of what you've accomplished, but be careful about the way you express that in a press release. It's not a love letter to yourself, and while we're at it, it definitely doesn't have any typing lIkE tHiS.

4. DO...Choose Your Targets Wisely: Back to the story about the four way tie for number one MC in Houston. Because I'm not a music review writer, I wasn't the best person for them to approach. It will save you a lot of time and frustration if you make sure that everyone you're sending your music to is in a position to write about it. It's also a good idea to target writers and publications that deal with your genre. You'll be wasting resources and setting yourself up for heartache otherwise.

5. DO...Remember the Music Industry is a Small Place: There is going to come a time when you're going to feel slighted by a writer or editor at some music publication. Maybe they've told you they're not going to cover your release, or maybe they won't even answer your calls. Resist the temptation to be anything other than professional. Not only will bad mouthing, yelling and name calling not get you anywhere, you can bet that will come back to bite you some day. Some day, you're going to want a gig at the venue that is owned by the sister of the boyfriend of the cousin of the writer you went off on, and they'll remember. Believe it.

   From the time you make your first pitch to your last follow up call, stay polite and on message. It won't always be easy, especially when you hear that frustration in the voice at the other end of the phone line, but it's worth it.

6. DO...See it for What It Is: Sometimes, it's a popularity contest - the more people write about you, the more people who want to be writing about you. Sometimes, it's all about the writer's ego. It's frustrating. All you can do is recognize those things for what they are - distractions from what you're trying to accomplish - and keep on working. Take the right approach, and stay patient. That's the best way to succeed.

   By Heather McDonald, About.com

Lil Wayne starts a second line at the Grammys

It is awesome to see white guys being back up singers these days...


And the winners were:

-Record Of The Year - Please Read The Letter by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
-Album Of The Year - Raising Sand by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
-Song Of The Year - Viva La Vida by Coldplay
-Best New Artist - Adele
-Best Female Pop Vocal Performance - Chasing Pavements by Adele
-Best Male Pop Vocal Performance - Say by John Mayer
-Best Dance Recording - Harder Better Faster Stronger by Daft Punk
-Best Electronic/Dance Album - Alive 2007 by Daft Punk
-Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance - Gravity by John Mayer
-Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals - Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon
-Best Hard Rock Performance - Wax Simulacra by the Mars Volta
-Best Metal Performance - My Apocalypse by Metallica
-Best Rock Song - Girls In Their Summer Clothes by Bruce Springsteen
-Best Rock Album - Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends by Coldplay
-Best Alternative Music Album - In Rainbows by Radiohead
-Best Rap Solo Performance - A Milli by Lil Wayne
-Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group - Swagga Like Us by Jay-Z & T.I. Featuring Kanye West & Lil Wayne
-Best Rap Song - Lollipop by Lil Wayne
-Best Rap Album - The Carter III by Lil Wayne
-Best Contemporary Blues Album - City That Care Forgot by Dr. John And The Lower 911
-Producer Of The Year - Rick Rubin
-Best Remixed Recording - Electric Feel (Justice Remix) by MGMT
-Best Short Form Music Video - Pork And Beans by Weezer
-Best Long Form Music Video - Runnin' Down A Dream by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

For a full list click HERE. Ohhh yeah and Radiohead played...

Krew Du Vieux is this weekend!

So one of the two days that will upset me for not being in New Orleans this Mardi Gras season is this Saturday. Mostly because of the trouble I could get into at Krew Du Vieux, but if you are fortunate enough to head over there that night this could be a cool after party to hit up. It is brought to the world by the New Orleans Inde Rock Collective (who announced their second festivals line up today) and features a band that was on their first compilation cd and festival, Antenna Inn, a band that will be at the one in march, Silent Cinema, and what appears to be yet another Loyola band, Blue Party. So go out and enjoy all the wonderful free entertainment this weekend, but be safe!

New Orleans Indie Rock fest announces new line up

This is straight hott off the pressers (I meant to spell it with two Ts). the New Orleans Indie Rock Collective has announced their latest shows and sampler. It will be three days in three different bars/clubs again, but this time it wont be all New Orleans acts. Here is the info on the Festival

Thurs March 5th at Hi-Ho Lounge
Silent Cinema
The Pharmacy
Caddywhompus

Friday March 6th at One Eyed Jacks
Zydepunks
The Happy Talk Band
Big Rock Candy Mountain

Saturday March 7th at The Howlin Wolf
Glasgow
The Peekers
The Public

I believe all these bands will be on the sampler with the exception of my Peekers. Don't worry, they will have an awesome full length CD available shortly after this event that you might be able to pick up from them at the Howlin Wolf. OK, more info to come as I get it.

Get to know Wavves

Usually when I do these the band I am talking about is on their way to New Orleans, but not this time. WAVVES is a single person from San Diego, CA and could easily be one of the hot acts this year. When he performs live he brings a band which is probably good for his sanity on the road. They seem to be touring everywhere but the US, but I guess if you are going to brave it this March and head to SXSW, it appears they will be playing a few dates there. Click HERE to get an MP3 via the Blog Gorilla vs Bear.

Bon Jovi added to Jazz Fest line up

I think I threw up a little in my mouth when I read this from THE BLOG OF NEW ORLEANS. What does he have to do with Jazz OR Louisiana heratage?

The New Orleans Instrumental Fest

For those who are sick and tired of words.

Caddybloging

Ohhh we are all in trouble now. The fast rising duo out of Loyola, CADDYWHOMPUS, are now blogging. This is the message they sent via Facebook:

http://caddywhompusmusic.blogspot.com

check it for releases, news, downloads, and info on potential deaths of band members.

free for all!

falcon PUNCH

chris

Alright, I think that is enough bloging for me this morning!

Theresa Andersson played Conan last night too

You go girl!

Lil Wayne and Katie Couric in love?

Ohhhh man, what a night for New Orleans musicians! Theresa Anderson was on Conan last night and I knew Lil Wayne was going to be on All Access but I forgot it was last night. Luckly I got to catch it and find a spark between Wayne (don't call him Dwayne) and Miss Couric. Here is most of the interview:



Ohhh boy was it good. This was my favorite quote of the night:

"I’m not an example for how people should live their lives," he says. "Never in my life would I ever set out to be an example for people on how to live their lives. If you need an example for how to live, then you just shouldn’t have been born. Straight up. I am a great role model, because I’m only a role model for two, and that’s all. That’s what matters to me - those two. So why don’t you worry about yours, and let them worry about theirs? I got mine."

That is so New Orleans it hurts. Click HERE to read the full transcript.

Hookah Cafe to go up in smoke?

The famed Hookah Bar on Frenchman Street may have to shut it's doors soon due to zoning issues and are asking for anyone who has been a patron there help out:

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The State Department for Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) is stepping up enforcement of the non-smoking laws passed in 2007. As we are currently zoned as a restaurant, this means that the only solution to our situation is to request a zoning change via the City Council known as a Conditional-Use License as a Cocktail Lounge. While the ATC is urging us to pursue this change, the local neighborhood organization, known as the Faubourg Marigny Improvement Association (FMIA) has vowed to oppose any attempt on our part to do so.

Historically, the FMIA wields a lot of power in these matters as they claim to represent the residents of the neighborhood. However, in this case we believe that the FMIA decision-makers, a board comprised of only 5 FMIA members, many who have held their positions of power for many years, do not represent the wishes of the neighborhood. Furthermore, the Hookah Cafe has a long history of working with and responding to all the concerns of the FMIA, unlike many other businesses in the Marigny. In fact the FMIA has not directed a single complaint at the Hookah Cafe since 2007. Yet despite this positive history they still remain opposed as they do not want to set a precedence that will enable other businesses to succeed with similar zoning change requests.

Yet if this zoning change does not pass (and historically it will not go through without the support of the FMIA) one of the neighborhood's most upstanding businesses will have to shutter its doors. 26 employees will be laid-off if Hookah Cafe is forced to close. The majority of these people are fellow neighbors who live in the Marigny and Bywater and most of them say they will be losing the best job they have ever held. Furthermore, if the worst nationwide recession in 70 years is not reason enough to put precedence-setting fears aside, then the FMIA board has seriously skewed priorities and must be challenged. Maintaining and supporting successful and responsible small businesses that create well-paying jobs, put large amounts of tax revenue into city, state, and federal coffers, and regularly donate to local charities should be the number one concern of the FMIA in this depressed economic time. Furthermore, these precedence-setting concerns are unfounded as all zoning-change requests are determined on a case-by-case basis. It is time to let the FMIA know that opposing a thriving neighborhood small business in a matter of economic life-or-death is wrong and does not represent the will of the people, especially given the fresh wounds of Katrina.

So please, if you live in our neighborhood, don't let the voice of a few people drown out your own. Write to the FMIA Board and let them know how you feel. Below is the contact info for all FMIA Board members. Many of us will be attending the next board meeting which is being held tomorrow (Wednesday, February 4th) at 7pm at 2119 Decatur St. If you have an opinion on the matter we urge you to attend as well. Change is not something to fear, but to embrace.

President
Chris Costello
president@faubourgmarigny.org
ChrisC@faubourgmarigny.org

Vice President
Reg Medellin
vicepresident@faubourgmarigny.org
RegM@faubourgmarigny.org

Treasurer
Brian Frye
treasurer@faubourgmarigny.org
BrianF@faubourgmarigny.org

Corresponding Secretary
Ron Petty
secretary@faubourgmarigny.org
RonP@faubourgmarigny.org

Recording Secretary
Deborah Oppenheim
DeborahO@faubourgmarigny.org

Past President
Gene Cizek
GeneC@faubourgmarigny.org

Getchen Bomboy
GretchenB@faubourgmarigny.org

Eva Campos
EvaC@faubourgmarigny.org

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at gil@hookah-cafe.com

Sincerely,

Gil

This would particularly suck for me because they owe me a drink over there from the time that the fire department came and they had to run us all out. Tony 5kratchere, a local DJ who has been a regular there told me, "The impending closure of H.C. is tragic. It was one of the bars that truly supported djs/live bands. My best friend is losing her job. There are a lot of people that depend on the H.C. It most certainly will affect my household. This is NOT the time to be looking for work." So true about that. So, if you are looking to save your regular Hip Hop night or belly dancing experience email your people to make it happen, also feel free to email them about other important issues like getting that joke of a mayor out. Just because Obama is president doesn't mean you have to stop participating in politics.

Theresa Andersson to play Conan Tonight

New Orleans' favorite Swedish born, local resident Theresa Andersson hits the national spotlight tonight by playing on Conan O'Brien. So tune in whenever he comes on your local time (I believe it is 11:30 central) or just set your DVR. Also, be sure to check out her critically acclaimed album Hummingbird, Go!, now available anywhere you get your music.