New Static airs tonight

Hey fans, our 11th show of the season will air tonight at 10 on Cox 10 with interviews from the Antlers and Caddywhompus. We have a lot of great videos as well; so if you don't feel like getting out the house tonight to go to the Peekers listening party; check it out! And, here are the interviews that you will see tonight:

Generationals sign to Park the Van

What a busy couple of weeks for the fellas over at Park the Van Records. Last week the highly acclaimed Peekers album was released (catch the listening party tonight at the Saint) and now they have signed one of the most refreshing sounds coming out of New Orleans, the Generationals. Keep it going guys!

Voodoo Fest back on

Like I said, this would all get resolved and it would be back on, but Gambit is reporting via it's Twitter that Voodoo Fest will officially be on for Halloween weekend this year. Just to let you know Voodoo, All Points West just announced their line-up and you know what, Kiss wasn't on it, but My Bloody Valentine, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Beastie Boys and Fleet Foxes are. Get rid of this bad PR by bringing New Orleans as good, if not better line up. Don't use Halloween as a way to bring more people to your festival; use your lineup to get people to go.

The Peekers listening party

The flier pretty much says it all. Click HERE to see the Facebook event page and click HERE to see the interview we did with them a little while back. And, also that night at the saint:

MyNameIsJohnMichael CD release show tonight at Jacks

As you may have heard, MyNameIsJohnMichael has finally released his much anticipated debut album, The People That Come And Go. Head to One Eyed Jacks and go support one of the best coming out of the New Orleans rock scene these days, and buy the CD. Here is a little piece we did with him earlier this year, don't mind the ad for the show we did with him and Caddywhompus.

VIDEO: Department of Eagles - "No One Does It Like You"

This is the video for "No One Does It Like You" of the Department of Eagles latest fantastic album In Ear Park, out now on 4AD. This is a beautiful song and video directed by the fabulos Patrick Daughters and the visual artist Marcel Dzama. Enjoy!

No One Does It Like You - Department Of Eagles

Whats going on - 3.27.09

While I am going to see the Hornets take on the Knicks up here in NYC tonight, you down in the big easy have plenty of options to choose from. You can dance the night away with DJ Soul Sister (who will be playing our BROOKLYNOLA party in May); you can have a night with the new generation Hip Hop of New Orleans, G-Eazy; or you can have a night of crazy rock with White Bitch, just to name a few.

chasemccloud, Better of Dead, Pocket Fulla Soul, The Parish @ House Of Blues
Courtland Burke, Tony Italiano, Carrollton Station
DJ Mike Fedussia, Dragon's Den (Upstairs), 10pm
DJ Soul Sister’s Right On ’80s Dance Party, One Eyed Jacks, 9pm
Emmure, Winds of Plague, Terror, All Shall Perish, The Ghost Inside, Abacabb, High Ground, 7pm, $17
G-Eazy f/ Trombone Shorty, Republic
Ingrid Lucia, d.b.a., 6pm
Lost Bayou Ramblers, d.b.a., 10pm, $5
Naked on the Floor, Hi-Ho Lounge, 10pm
Orchard (of the Living), Die Kappa Die, Circle Bar, 10pm
Rebirth Brass Band, Tipitina's, 10pm
White Bitch, Kid Midi, Dragon's Den (Downstairs), 10pm

BROOKLYNOLA details announced

Here is the press release for the BROOKLYNOLA event that we are sponsoring. I kind of wish it was called BROLA...

New Orleanians and New Yorkers are bonded by their love of each others’ music, art and culture. As you know, there are many citizens of both communities who split their time between cities. HumidBeings.com was created for all those who call New Orleans home and are drawn to her culture, lifestyle and way of life. BROOKLYNOLA is an opportunity to celebrate New Orleans with ex-pats, the displaced and the NOLA curious in New York.

Humid Beings and Dirty Coast in partnership with All Day Buffet are throwing a launch party in honor of this connection in New York Friday, May 8 at Public Assembly, 70 North 6th Street Brooklyn, NY.

NOLA and NY based entertainment line-up includes:
DJ Soul Sister, The Generationals, North American Wildlife, Simon Lott, Mike Gamble, Marc Fried‐an are confirmed at this time.

We're bringing up Kristen Preau of ADGAS NOLA and Cook Me Something Mister to cook up some jambalaya and assist in serving up some real southern hospitality.

There will be a corresponding event in New Orleans the following night, Saturday 5/9 at The Saint. We have booked two very popular New York DJ's to come down and play this event, The Captain and Japanster. As we try and create a NOLA night in NYC, we also aim to create a NY night in NOLA.

We are currently seeking sponsorship for these events. For $250, the sponsor will receive their name on all promotional material and the option to set up a table at the event. (Sponsors responsible for their own travel, accommodations and expenses.)

Sponsors already on board are:
HumidBeings.com, Dirtycoast.com, Witry Realty, Defend New Orleans, The Saint, Static TV, Preservation Jazz Hall, Flavor Paper, cookmesomethingmister.com, ADGAS New Orleans and Park the Van Records.

The events will be documented by the Humid Beings video team and placed on our website and will be available to all sponsors for posting on their sites as well.
We will be planning other similar events across America. Our aim is to offer other cities a real taste of our culture in their own back yard using our own talented musicians and artists in combination with musicians and artist in the various cities where we host these events. Then hopefully, we’ll bring back talent from those cities to share their culture with us in New Orleans.

More information to come soon

Voodoo Fest needs you

There is a chance that Voodoo Fest may not happen this year. So, if you want to see Voodoo Fest on the "original date already scheduled" head HERE to sign this petition:

We the undersigned believe that New Orleans Voodoo Fest brings much needed tax revenue and tourist dollars into New Orleans. Please reconsider putting the Voodoo Fest BACK on your date book for City Park Events. Don't make the City of New Orleans suffer. Surely you can find an amenable location for everyone to enjoy the park that weekend.
Let Voodoo Fest be held at the original date already scheduled.

You see the problem as I see it is, when was the original date scheduled? I though that was the whole issue. So am I signing for it to be the weekend before Halloween or the weekend of? They should be a little clearer. I think that they will be making more than a hand shake deal next time.

Jazz Fest releases schedule

This years Jazz and Heritage festival has released it's "cubes" so you can plan out your days. Click HERE to decide when you will be getting to the fair grounds, and when you will be taking a break to get some of that amazing food.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band on Daytrotter

I have to tell you, I love Daytrotter! And, I stumbled on there this past week and noticed that they just put the New Orleans legends Preservation Hall Jazz Band session up. How exciting! Click HERE to get the live recordings they did up in Rock Island, Ill for FREE!

Voodoo and City Park at Odds

This was announced on NOLA.com while I was at SXSW. As we pointed out before, Voodoo Fest this year is trying to have their festival to Halloween weekend and now City Park is saying that they were already booked on those dates and must move to their usual date, the weekend before all hollows ever. City Park's board of commissioners is slated to meet today Tuesday to discuss the matter.

I think this is a blessing in disguise. I am aware that they may have to bite the bullet on some artists and such with their non-refundable payments, but I think competing with an amazing free holiday like Halloween will only hurt their attendance, not help. I have a feeling this will all be worked out. and they will be on Halloween weekend though. What are your thoughts?

Whats going on tonight - 3/24/09

If I were you I would go check out the Whip at the House of Blues, but if you are in a Hip Hop mood, Truth Universal is always a good time.

15 Minutes Songwriter Series f/ KaiserCartel, The Parish @ House Of Blues
Afterhours, One Eyed Jacks
Jeff & Vida, d.b.a., 10pm
Masshysteri, Necro Hippies, Nowe Miasto, 7pm
Nicholas Tremulis Orchestra, Hi-Ho Lounge, 10pm
Pendulum, The Whip, House Of Blues
Pygmy Lush, Clinging to the Trees of a Forrest Fire, Mars, Lovey Doveys, The Saturn Bar, 10pm, $5
Touch Album Release w/ Frank Gratkowski, Justin Peake, Blue Nile, 9:30
Truth Universal, Floopy Head, EF Cuttin, D. Allie, Dragon's Den (Upstairs), 10pm

Here is a great video from the Whip

VIDEO: Caddywhompus Interview

Just a week after their CD release show (you can buy their fabulous CD, EPs, on their website) and a week before our new show, I felt today was a good day to release the interview Rachel did with them. Lots of great candid stuff in here, enjoy!


also:
VIDEO: Caddywhompus - "Absinthesizer"

Life in the Air takes flight today

Shreveport's own, The Peekers, release their first full length today, Life In The Air, and can be found everywhere records are still sold. They are coming off a great weekend at SXSW where they were one of the Austin Chronicle's saturday night picks.
VIDEO: Peekers Interview

AUDIO: Bill Callahan - "Eid Ma Clack Shaw"

Got this through Stereogum. Bill Callahan, from Smog, is about to release his second solo album and this song makes me hopeful that he can live up to how amazing the last one was. Click HERE to listen.

VIDEO: Odoms - "Keeping Up With the Jetsons"

I totally slacked on you guys for SXSW, but I will make a post about highlights after I catch up on emails and such. I will just say I personally was in rare form and I have lost my voice. Now, let me take no more away from this video.

The very first time I ever heard Odoms perform this song at a Ballzack show, I was in love. This is the video for his first solo song "Keeping Up With The Jetsons" off his debut album Let Me Atom, to be released June 6th 2009. Keeping in the same vain as his BFF, Ballzack (who also makes multiple appearances in this video), Odomz has created a very funny New Orleans classic rap song that will be on play lists for quite a while. And, Just to take it to another level, Mike Kennedy (who also did Ballzack's A Rainbow In Marrero video) has made THE BEST MUSIC VIDEO EVER to come out of New Orleans. Conceptually and technically executes with skill. Let me shut up with the ass kissing and enjoy:

Keeping Up With the Jetsons from Odoms on Vimeo.

AUDIO: Grizzly Bear - "Cheerleader"

There are some albums that the whole world is super excited about this year and Grizzly Bear's new album is definitely one of them. This is the first single off their upcoming album, Veckatimest, which is due out on May 26th. This sounds a lot better than their previous stuff to me, which has me even more excited. Click HERE to listen to the track.

Media Expo Late Night After Party

Just got this from our BFF Jac with Defend New Orleans. This is the official after party to the after party of the Alternative Media Expo at the CAC. I, however, will be at the Park the Van Showcase at SXSW, also sponsored by Defend New Orleans.

Louisiana bands at SXSW - Official List

I asked all week for your schedule as a Louisiana band and got a great response! Here is the list I compiled. If I am leaving anyone off or if there are any mistakes please let me know. Also, be sure not to miss our day party on Friday, Totally Badical, from 1 to 7 is you are in the Austin area this weekend.

Caddywhompus:
Wednesday, March 18
5PM - Snake Eyes Vinyl
Friday, March 20th
7PM – Trophys
INTARVIEW: Caddywhompus

Dark Dark Dark:
Wednesday, March 18th
8pm - The Belmont - 305 W. 6th St.
Thursday, March 19th
8pm - Dominican Joe Coffee - 505 S. Congress
Friday, March 20th
7pm - Iron Gate Lounge - 1111 E 6th. Street

Dash Rip Rock:
Wednesday March 18
10PM - Aces Austin
Saturday March 21
5PM - The Continental Club
INTERVIEW: Dash Rip Rock

Generationals:
Friday, March 19th
12pm – the Sidebar
Get To Know Generationals

Hat Talk:
Friday, March 20th
5pm - Snake Eyes Vinyl
Saturday, March 21st
10pm - Broken Neck

I, Octopus:
Wednesday, March 18
8PM - Snake Eyes Vinyl

Magic Legs:
Wednesday, March 18
5:45PM - Snake Eyes Vinyl

Man Plus Building:
Wednesday, March 18
7:15PM - Snake Eyes Vinyl

MyNameIsJohnMichael:
Thursday, March 19th
4:45PM - NOLA Soul Presents - Historic Victory Grill - 1104 E. 11th St
Saturday, March 20th
1PM - Red Fez
VIDEO: MyNameIsJohnMichael in the studio

The Peekers:
Friday, March 20
3PM - Continental Club on South Congress - Louisiana Party
Saturday, March 21
12:30pm – Pedernales Lofts/Shiny Objects day party (2401 East 6th)
9PM - Room 710 – 710 Red River - the Park the Van Show Case
VIDEO: Peekers Interview

The Public:
Thursday, March 19th
6PM - spiderhouse cafe in austin - postpunk.com showcase

Rotary Downs:
Wednesday, March 18th
9PM - PASTE Showcase - Ace's Lounge - 222 E. 6th St
Thursday, March 19th -
3PM – Calle Habana 6 - 709 E. 6th St
5:45 - NOLA Soul Presents - Historic Victory Grill - 1104 E. 11th St
VIDEO: Rotary Downs at Voodoo Fest

Smiley With a Knife:
Wednesday, March 18
8:45PM - Snake Eyes Vinyl
INTERVIEW: Smiley With A Knife

White Bitch:
11:45AM - NOLA Soul Presents - Historic Victory Grill - 1104 E. 11th St

White Colla Crimes:
Wednesday, March 18
9:30PM - Snake Eyes Vinyl

Good luck to all the bands this weekend. Show them why Louisiana and New Orleans is the best place in the world to live. I would love to meet up with any of you. Just email me at info@statictelevision.com and I can let you know my personal schedule and we can arrange a meeting. Also, come Thursday I will be switching my phone Twitters from my personal account to our Static one in order to keep people abreast on all the cool things I am doing out there. Hopefully I will not do any drunk Twitters.

Voxtrot "Trepanation Party"

Voxtrot has released a new single titled, "Trepanation Party." Things have been quiet for Voxtrot lately, but not for any longer. The guys have been busy in the studio, with Jim Eno, and have come out with some great new songs. So, check it out! If you are going to be at SXSW they are playing Saturday night at Emo's inside. Click here to hear the new track.

INTERVIEW: Caddywhompus

THey sent me their interview just in time for their show (see next post). Here it is!

STATIC: You guys seem to get along pretty well. Ever almost get into a fight?
CADDYWHOMPUS: One time in jr. high Sean told me that he could ollie higher than me. I knew it was bullshit, so we went head to head. Once he inevitably lost, he was a sore loser, yelled at me, and made me bite the curb. Sean was about to head stomp me, but on a whim of forgiveness, let me go. We’ve been best friends ever since.
ST: Caddywhompus is a great fitting name for you guys. Did you think of any other names before deciding on that one?
CW: We thought of the name, “Just the Two of Us”, but figured we’d get lost in cyberspace with that one. We also thought of “Bootie and the Hofish”, me being Booty, and Sean being the Hofish (of course).
ST: You do a pretty good job with the web. What is your least favorite part of the internet?
CW: How your number of Myspace plays (or whatever the tally may be) determines your success.
ST: Going to do anything crazy for the CD release party?
CW: The lineup is a really good one and it’s also at the Saturn Bar.
ST: So the CD is officially out and all the media seem to love you, where do you go from here?
CW: Make more music and play more shows.
ST: You are playing two shows at SXSW this year. What are you most excited about doing in Austin this weekend?
CW: Seeing a lot of old friends, making new ones, and the same reason everyone else is excited, going to some great shows.
ST: In your sitcom that I am pitching to the FX network, who would you like to play each one of you, and who is the love interest that you comedically fight over?
CW: I’d like Houston rapper, Riff Raff (http://www.myspace.com/44riffraff) to play me, and Zac Efron would probably be most fitting for Sean. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crhohrgKQ8A . We’ll fight over Riskay, the Drama Queen, (www.myspace.com/riskaydramaqueen) because she’s got that Krispy Kreme.

I really hope someone picks up that show. Until then, go see them tonight at the Saturn Bar.

Caddywhompus/Antlers ticket give away

Well, I am still hoping to get a Caddywhompus interview today, but the jerks haven't gotten it to me yet. On a bright note, we have a pair of guest list spots to give away for tonight's show at the Saturn Bar. Just email me with your favorite word (because Caddywhompus would have to be one of my favorites) to info@statictelevision.com and you are in. Also, be sure to check out our interview with the Antlers.

VIDEO: MyNameIsJohnMichael - "Mirrors At Large"

Man ohhh man. I have been totally wrapped up today in so many things from SXSW madness to a top secret project that I have failed to bring some new content to the blog. Luckly MyNameIsJohnMichael woke me up with a new video on their blog.

Looks like they have put together a tour video of sorts. Really rough editing and footage. The perks to the video are seeing Eric Rodgers from the band act a fool and to finally hear some of the stuff from their forthcoming album (or at least I believe it is off the new album). A little disclaimer, their is actually a music video of sorts after their version of Americas Funniest Home Videos.

King Khan and the Shrines tonight at Jacks

King Khan is back in New Orleans tonight at One Eyed Jacks with my favorite incarnation of him, King Khan and the Shrines. A very entertaining man with a throwback soulful sound. The show tonight starts at 9 and it will cost you 12 bones to get in. Well worth every penny.

The High Strung tonight at the Circle Bar

Tonight, the amazing High Strung are playing at the Circle Bar with fellow label mates, the Generationals. Here is an interview we did with the High Strung at last years SXSW.

the High Strung @ SXSW 2008 from Static on Vimeo.
Click HERE for more information on tonight's show.

INTERVIEW: The Antlers

Just finished this interview today for an episode that will probably not be on the air for a while, with SXSW and all, but, The Antlers are playing with Caddywhompus for their CD release show on Monday at the Saturn Bar and at our day party at SXSW next Friday so what better time to put this interview on the web than NOW!

Whats going on tonight - 3/13/09

It's Friday the 13th of March, and boy is there a lot to do this weekend. The New Orleans Instrumental Fest gets kicked off tonight (be sure to check out our interview with Smiley With A Knife) and apparently Nas is playing at the Lakefront arena! There will also be some dancing at One Eyed Jacks very late tonight and Junior League is celebrating the release of their new album, Smile Shoot Smile, at Carrollton Station. What are you doing tonight?

ActionActionReaction Indie Dance Party | One Eyed Jacks - LATE
Consortium of Genius, Mad Dog | The Parish
Delbert McClinton, Anders Osborne | House Of Blues
The Junior League Album Release Party | Carrollton Station
Lovehog, Bipolaroid, Howlies, Hi-Ho Lounge, 10pm
Lydia, Black Gold | One Eyed Jacks, 9pm
New Orleans Fringe Festival Presents: Adult Petting Zoo f/ Sex Crimes Cabaret,
The Secretary, Daddy’s Home | Marigny Theatre, 9pm
New Orleans Instrumental Fest f/ Metronome the City, Smiley With a Knife, Magic Legs, High In One Eye, Hat Talk | The Big Top, 6pm, $7
One Man Band Fest | The Saturn Bar, 10pm
Nas | UNO Lakefront Arena | 7pm

Saint Patrick's Day at the Saint

There is SO much going on this weekend in New Orleans. I just got this flier for a block party of sorts at the Saint for the St. Patrick's day parade. I will be posting all weekend with updates as to other events so keep posted here!

What's going on tonight

It is looking like this weekend is shaping up to be a pretty good one. Tonight, great local acts like Big Blue Marble are playing as well as some really big touring bands like The Honorary Title and Lupe Fiasco. Let me know if I've missed anything.

Big Blue Marble, Metronome The City, Finding Fiction, Dragon's Den (Upstairs), 10pm
Dark, Dark, Dark | Side Arm Gallery
Henry Dunkle | Dragon's Den (Upstairs), 8:30pm
Kristen and The Mania, The Craft Brothers, Mandylion | Carrollton Station
Never Shout Never, The Scene Aesthetic, The Honorary Title, The Bigger Lights | High Ground, 7pm, $10
New Orleans Fringe Festival Presents: Adult Petting Zoo f/ Sex Crimes Cabaret,
Plastic Fantastic Lover | Hi-Ho Lounge, 10pm
Paul Sanchez | d.b.a., 7pm
Rik Slave and The Phantoms, d.b.a., 10pm, $5
The Secretary, Daddy’s Home | Marigny Theatre, 9pm
Ten Out of Tenn f/ Griffin House, Katie Herzig, Trent Dabbs and Others | The Parish @ House Of Blues
Lupe Fiasco w/ Soul Capital and the Knux | McAlister Auditorium @ Tulane University, $15 for students | $20 for non students

AUDIO: The Antlers - "Two"

The much anticipated Caddywhompus CD release party is on Monday at the Saturn Bar and I feel like letting you know about another band playing that night. The Antlers from Brooklyn will be a delight. They are about to release their new album, Hospice, and should be a band on your radar. Click HERE to listen to their song "Two."

Louisiana bands at SXSW

The music portion of SXSW is less than one week away and I am trying to compile a complete list of Louisiana bands playing at the festival to post on to this blog and so that I can try my hardest to go out and see as many of you as possible. Please email me and let me know your schedules to info@statictelevision.com

INTERVIEW: Smiley With A Knife

This weekend is yet another DIY festival. This time for the instrumental kids. Friday is the start of the New Orleans Instrumental Fest. I decided to drop a few question towards one of the young up and coming bands in that group Smiley With A Knife.

Static - How much are you going to miss Deuce McAlister and do you think we should trade Reggie Bush?
JARED- I only pay attention to the Saints while their games are on. I wasn't aware that Deuce was leaving. I'm going to miss him.
PAT- I think we should trade Bush for Charlie of Fatter Than Albert. Seeing him on the field every Sunday playing running back would be the only thing more entertaining than Deuce.
JARED: Nah, I'd like to keep Reggie Bush around provided we can keep him injury-free. We should keep him wrapped in bubble wrap so that he doesn't break anymore. It'll provide some good material for Keeping Up with the Kardashians if Kim has to encase his joints in styrofoam before every game.

ST: How big of an issue is steroids in the New Orleans rock scene?
PAT - I don’t think it’s as big of an issue in the rock scene as it is in the ska scene. Those kids love to get juiced up and kick each other.
JARED – Yeah, we need to keep up to the ska kids. I'd actually like to see more steroids. My girlfriend thinks I'm fat now, and I scream a lot during SWAK shows. I’d say it's working out pretty well for me.

ST: Where does the name Smiley With A Knife come from? Makes me kind of want to keep my distance from you guys.
JUSTIN- Our name incorporates the whole spectrum of emotion. Mood can change at random, thus our music changes its polarity. When you come to our shows, bring a poncho. Smiley with a Knife is storm music, it starts out calm and then all hell breaks loose. You should keep your distance, we’re very dangerous.
PAT – You only need to keep your distance from Volpi, but SWAK is actually an Orson Welles reference. I was taking film studies in school and learned he was working on a movie that never was made called The Smiler with the Knife. I really dug how that sounded. We changed it to Smiley because of the image it made.
JARED - A drunk guy at one of our Alabama shows told me it meant "Have a nice day, but f*ck you instead" to him. Whatever that means, right? It's classic irony, and it sticks with people.

ST: How did the whole instrumental fest get started?
PAT- We planned out the instrumental fest last fall as a way to unite some of the instrumental bands we’ve worked with and to try to get instrumental music noticed.
JARED - Pat and Justin and I got Marshall Flaig from A Living Soundtrack and Rob Landry from Neckbeard on board, and this whole Instrumental Fest took on a life of its own.
JUSTIN - It started out more or less like a good old American block party. We just wanted to get our whole community together to celebrate the type of music we play. It’s basically a back scratch party so that fans of some bands can come and learn about other bands.
JARED – Yeah. While instrumental is part of the indie rock subculture, I feel like a whole new subculture within that is developing.

ST: How did you yourselves get into instrumental music? Or was it one of those things where you couldn’t find a good enough singer?
JARED – When I was in high school, I got a hold of a Pele CD from one of my friends and I was hooked immediately. I listened to a lot of Unwed Sailor right after Katrina - during my early years at Loyola. I just love instrumental. It's not that none of us can sing – trust me, we can all sing like angels.
PAT - I sing in Meadow Flow now and Volpi sings in Fatter Than Albert. Justin and I used to sing in SWAK when we first started.
JUSTIN - We never had success with a full time drummer, though. One day we went over to Loyola to record, and Jared was the sound engineer. I tried to convince him to be our drummer.
PAT - We chose to be instrumental when Jared joined. I enjoyed the idea of being instrumental because it’s a different way of looking at music. It was different from what I was doing, and I listened to tons of instrumental bands already anyway.
JARED - The instrumental attitude was something that came with me, I guess. I think our songs would mean so much less if they actually had lyrics, anyway. While we take ourselves seriously as musicians, we don't take ourselves seriously as human beings.

ST: I think people assume because there are no lyrics that certain emotions aren’t getting across. Do you find that it is harder to convey a message without words?
VOLPI - Not true. Vocal projection is just one of several different avenues of conveying emotion; playing catchy, engaging music speaks for itself.
JARED - Powerful classical music can really send chills up your spine without words. We're attempting to do the same thing in an indie rock format.
PAT - A part of a song could remind me of an old girlfriend or we might’ve been pissed off at something at the time that the music was conceived. But to the listener it might remind them of an awesome vacation they took or that time they took 12 hits of acid at a Boyz II Men concert and hung out with someone who they thought was Fred Savage. It’s up for interpretation, and that’s a beautiful thing.
JUSTIN - The message is “have fun” or “be scared”. I think our titles have a message, and the music backs it up. Sometimes its have fun other times it brings the angst.
JARED - Some might consider it bipolar-ish, but what would you expect from a band called Smiley with a Knife - it's right there in the name.

ST: I have felt since Katrina that a lot more people in the music world have come up and tried to organize especially in the rock world. In what ways do you feel that events like this weekend and the NOIR Fest are making a difference?
JARED - We're a much bigger, stronger indie rock scene than we ever were, and the instrumental movement is a huge part of that.
VOLPI – It helps to develop a family or a community network. No one band is totally in it for themselves. Such events help to foster and reflect a (con)fraternity of shared musical vision and purpose.
JUSTIN - People need to realize that Jazz isn’t the only music art form in New Orleans. There are so many talented musicians that I know personally from here that play the most unique wonderful music, and they may go unnoticed their whole lives because people are looking for this music everywhere but here.
JARED – We’re starting to get noticed, though. I think New Orleans and the whole southern part of Louisiana is gaining a reputation as a Mecca of instrumental indie rock.

ST: I am not too familiar with a lot of the bands this weekend. Who should we be most excited to catch this weekend?
PAT – It’s hard for me to say who you should be excited for since we hope you catch everyone, but the return of A Living Soundtrack playing live is pretty exciting for me. Also, Motion Turns It On from Houston is an awesome band that you’re not going to see here as often as the rest of us playing.
JARED - Motion Turns it On out of Houston is going to be amazing. They're the only out-of-state band. The other out of town bands - Magic Legs from Lafayette and Man Plus Building out of Baton Rouge - are really good friends of ours and are super super talented. Locally, I have much respect for Metronome the City and A Living Soundtrack. Really, I'm looking forward to everybody.

ST: Are there any question you have been dying to ask me?
VOLPI – Are these questions vegan?
ST: Not too sure what that means.
JUSTIN – Do you have a boyfriend?
ST: Single and looking for women
JARED - Boop boop boop? That's how you sing along to instrumental music, know what I mean?
ST: Actually seems like an electronic song to me
PAT - If you were walking in a park and saw a bucket of fried chicken, 2 side items, a biscuit - still hot - and a strawberry soda sitting on a bench and no one was around, would you eat it?
ST: Not going to lie, I would be tempted

Good stuff! Also be sure to check out our review of their new album How a Reign Comes to an End.

Totally Badical

This year at SXSW we are a proud sponsor of the Shout It Out Loud Music and Learning Secrets party, Totally Badical. There are a lot of great acts, and there will be free beer! So, if you are going to be in Austin next weekend, come say hello by RSVPing HERE.

And here is a map to the location

Also, if you are a Louisiana band and playing at SXSW please let me know where so I can try to make it out to see you. Email me at info@statictelevision.com.

Tokyo Police Club w/ Ra Ra Riot tonight!

I am posting this late at night since I will be celebrating my birthday all day today, and hopefully will have a show to post for you as well, but in the mean time enjoy some classic interviews with two artists that will be playing tonight at the House of Blues. We got an interview with Tokyo Police Club and Ra Ra Riot way back in the day when they played the Republic. All good kids. On a funny personal note, I saw the lead singer of Ra Ra Riot at the DBA in Brooklyn this weekend and I will continue with worthless name drops by saying I saw the Juan MacLean on 9th Ave yesterday as well.
Tokyo Police Club

Ra Ra Riot

High Strung flier and event info

And apparently there will be a lot of friendship going on there and the Generationals too! Click HERE to see the facebook event page.

Alternative Media Expo After Party flier revealed

What a month March is. I mean really. We are just wrapping up the New Orleans Indie Rock Fest, than this weekend the instrumental fest kicks off, than the weekend after that is the Alternative Media Expo with a classic pairing of acts in Ballzack and the Buttons at One Eyed Jacks. Click HERE to check out the Facebook event page.

PHOTOS: New Orleans Indie Rock Fest Day 3

Well all reports are telling me that the weekend was a success and if you went out there than you are to one to thank. Here are the pictures from the last night at the Howlin Wolf.

THE PUBLIC

HAPPY TALK BAND

THE PEEKERS

And what exactly is going on in this picture?

GLASGOW

I can not thank Tamara enough for all of these photos. Head to our Flickr to relive the weekend all over again and to see some pictures that did not make it on to the blog.

PHOTOS: New Orleans Indie Rock Fest Day 2

I am going to let the emails Tamara sent me with these pictures tell the story

good times. got in at 5am. damn the SAINT. that place is trouble.

whos that park the van guy, kevin is it? i see that bloke EVERYWHERE. he says your pussy is fairing well. he shaved his beard off and i didnt even notice. i'm like....sooooo.... you got a haircut?.....

there are 2 other photographers. do you know who they are shooting for or have heard/seen where their images go? i'd like to check em out. i guess i should just ask the photographers. mmmmm. good thinkin.

That pussy is my cat Trout by the way and for the record, Kevin you can keep her! And if anyone knows who the other photographers are let us know, but here are hers.

BIG ROCK CANDY MOUNTAIN

Ohhh yeah and it was Leo's last show with BRCM

And here is the email Tamara sent me for the Zydepunks:

i f*cking love those guys. they were a bit less insane as they usually are. i saw them a few weeks ago in lafayette with the lost bayou ramblers and THAT was a looney show. cajun dance punk explosion. let me just say taking a good photo in the middle of a punk pit is much more difficult than you could imagine. wish i could have gotton a good full band image of them.

Well, that is a ringing endorsement.

ZYDEPUNKS

SILENT CINEMA

ok.

yes.

i'm going to take a nap now

t

Thanks, Tamara. you rock! Hopefully you wake up in time to catch the final night of the fest tonight at Howlin Wolf with the beautiful little Peekers from Shreveport, the Public, Glasgow, and Happy Talk Band. Head to our Flickr to see even more pictures from last night.

PHOTOS: New Orleans Indie Rock Fest Day 1

So the first night of the New Orleans Indie Rock Fest II started last night at the Hi Ho Lounge and these are the reports that I have gotten. Caddywhompus killed it as usual and the Pharmacy blew people's minds (man, I've been saying they would). Here are the pictures from last nights show taken by the beautiful, and talented Tamara Grayson.

THE BLUE PARTY

THE PHARMACY

CADDYWHOMPUS

Head to our Flickr to see even more pictures by Tamara from last nights show and be sure to head to One Eyed Jacks tonight for day 2 with Big Rock Candy Mountain, Silent Cinema and the Zydapunks.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah release free track

So don't know who actually has watched any of Jimmy Fallon's new attempt at late night (we've heard he is pretty bad), but he did have one thing that interested us. Tuesday night, he had Clap Your Hands Say Yeah on the show. I know I had been interested what these "indie gods" had been up to and assume with the appearance they will be releasing a new album soon (though nothing is announced). Best part, they announced a free download of a demo of a brand new track "Statues." Just got to their website to download.

And here is the live performance.

NOLA Indie Rock Fest II Starts Tonight

Alright, this fest has been hyped up by many different media outlets throughout the city. Now is the time for the bands to put up and rock out. The fest starts tonight at the Hi Ho lounge with two of the more exciting up and coming bands, Caddywhompus and the Pharmacy. Go out and support the music!

Curumin interview

Here is the other interview that we have on our latest show that will air again tonight on Cox 10 at 6:30. Curumin is part of a new generation of Brazilian music that is combining both old and new styles. He was a great guy to talk to and has some great music that I think a lot of New Orleaneans would get down to. Also be sure to check out our Fatter Than Albert interview as well.

Curumin Interview from Static on Vimeo.

VIDEO: Dizzy - "Grand Closing"

This is the week of showing local music videos I guess. Well here is another one, and a fantastic one at that. Dizzy from New Orleans East is a long time friend of Lil Wayne and deserves much attention in his own right. This video itself is really well done and has the look of a Rome/Perez joint venture.

Dizzy - "Grand Closing" from Rome & Perez on Vimeo.

AUDIO: Here We Go Magic - "Fangala"

Got this via Brooklyn Vegan. Here We Go Magic will be playing in New Orleans on March 22nd at LA Marigny Theater with the Callers. They are one of the better bands touring right now that will be coming through New Orleans, so I would definitely check them out if you get a chance; even though I am not too sure where that venue is. Click HERE to listen to the track. Here is the rest of their touring schedule:

03/07 Washington, DC The Red and The Black*
03/09 Pittsburgh, PA garfield artworks*
03/11 Bloomington, IN Cinemat*
03/12 St. Louis, MO Off Broadway*
03/13 Chicago, IL Beat Kitchen*
03/14 Rock Island, IL Daytrotter Session
03/14 Rock Island, IL Daytrotter Presents @ Huckleberry's Pizza Parlor*
03/17 Dallas, TX Mountain House*
03/17 Dallas, TX – 6 PM INSTORE AT GOOD RECORDS
03/18 SXSW
03/19 SXSW
03/20 SXSW
03/22 New Orleans, LA Marigny Theatre*
03/23 Atlanta, GA 529 Club**
03/24 Chapel Hill, NC Local 506**
03/25 Baltimore, MD Ottobar**
* w/ Callers
** w/ Titus Andronicus

VIDEO: Quintron and Miss Pussycat - "Freedom"

Man, I don't get it. I thought I was friends with all these local music video directors. I guess you come up to New York and they think you just don't care any more. Well, I do! Here is the latest and what I believe the first official Quintron music video ever for the song "Freedom" off their amazing new album, Too Thirsty For Love.Directed by my good friends Daryn DeLuco and Drew Stubbs. Somehow, Gambit's blog figured out how to embed it so head there to see it.

Big Rock Candy Mountain Interview

The New Orleans Indie Rock Fest is just one day away so I decided to shoot some questions over to one of the bands. I chose Big Rock Candy Mountain because this is already such a great week for them, might as well add to the fun with an interview on the Static Blog. First, they are playing on Friday for NOIR II Fest with the Zydepunks and Silent Cinema at One Eyed Jacks, and they released a free EP yesterday on their website.

STATIC: Any crazy moments we should know about from this past Mardi Gras?
Stephen: I don't know, but someone's vomit is in my front yard, and I'm afraid to clean it up.
Andrew: The fact that I was able to stay alive throughout it... that’s pretty crazy in my mind.

ST: Big Rock Candy Mountain, where exactly does this name come from?
Stephen: We're named after a relatively famous folk song of the same name. It's like a .. hobo's anthem about a fantasy world... or heaven I guess. The lyrics are amazing, but that's not why we chose that name.
Andrew: I chose it. During a Glasgow meeting we were thinking about changing the name.... Big Rock Candy Mountain came up and I said to myself "Definitely going to use that for another band.” Man of my word.
Michael: It's a song about a land filled to excess with your uttermost desires; a paradise of cookies, candy, and liquor. The concept applies to our music, which is a bit excessive: a paradise of loud, fun, rock.

ST: I find that you Loyola kids have had some amazing schooling when it comes to promotion and organization; pretty much the business side of things. When do you find time to make the music?
Stephen: The music is always first. How could a musician or band promote and organize themselves if there was nothing actually there? (Let's pretend we've never heard of boy bands, girl bands, pop stars, Nickelback, etc) Let's just say we have an incredible ability to actually make time to find the music.
Michael: We make music first, than we take care of everything else. We enjoy writing and playing music with each other, which is the most important thing. Its awesome that other people enjoy it too. The promotion is just so we can get those people who will enjoy our music to come to a show and have a great time.

ST: I think from the outside looking in, the Uptown bands seem very incestuous. How do you think this inbreeding between bands over the last few years has helped you guys collectively?
Michael: It’s helped us musically more than anything. You learn something from everybody you play with. Music is like a language, you pick up a word here, and a word there, and you come out with a bigger vocabulary. We're not so incestuous anymore, but we all still hang out together, share new music, and about 4 bands practice in the same small room.

ST: Speaking of collectives, talk about the upcoming New Orleans Indie Rock Fest. Who are you most excited to see out there and what is going to separate this one from the last one?
Michael: I'm pretty excited for the festival this time around. There are some great strong staple New Orleans rock groups, (Zydepunks, Happy Talk, Glasgow, Silent Cinema) but there are also a few fantastic groups not many people have yet seen (Caddywhompus, The Pharmacy, The Public, The Blue Party). There's also The Peekers, on the New Orleans label Park the Van driving in from Shreveport, who are amazing. Every band is going to blow you away.
There was a big helping of uptown bands on the last festival/CD, but this one branches out more, and grabs a hold of more of the great scenes going on within New Orleans. The sampler CD for this festival, "Robots Are Mean," is just as good, maybe better than last time, and our own Andrew Hartsock designed the a pretty awesome cover.
Andrew: I wish Antenna Inn could play again though. Hands down the best rock n roll band in New Orleans. However, Caddywhompus never disappoints and they got a great sound and are excellent musicians. I highly recommend seeing them. As far as what separates this fest from the previous one, there are a lot more bands from different parts of the city. You know, more bands that aren't from the Loyola/Tulane group of musicians. Stretching out a little bit more.

ST: What do you think of the New Orleans rock scene as a whole right now? Do you think things like Antigravity and the Collective are starting to separate us so we can make a push at being the next Austin or Portland?
Stephen: Honestly, I think New Orleans has a long way to go to set itself apart, but the rock scene has some serious f*cking potential right now. It would be a shame for all of these amazing local acts to go unnoticed, and I think the collective is a step in the right direction. The ball is still always in the musicians' court, but offensive coordinators are pretty useful. Antigravity is a great magazine that is true to its motto. They do a great job promoting everything that should be made aware of in a city known for other things. "F*ck yeah" to them. I just want to see a big NOIR showcase at SXSW or anywhere...
Michael: Great music scenes need a few things to grow, good culture, cheap housing, places to practice, enthusiastic fans, and most importantly, people who enjoy making music. We have all of these things here in New Orleans. New Orleans rock scene is growing faster than anyone realizes. People are starting to move here because its a good place to live and make music (The Pharmacy, Park The Van Records). More and more bands are starting to tour and build a following. There are people like Antigravity and the Collective, who see this happening, and work nonstop to make sure that such great music is heard and exposed on a much larger scale, tipping it over the edge. I think New Orleans, isn't going to become the next Austin or Portland, it's going to be the next New Orleans, with more and more great rock music.

ST: Who has been the most influential New Orleans musician for you and why?
Stephen: Honestly I didn't grow up listening to a lot of New Orleans musicians. These past few years, though, I've had the pleasure of hearing some truly original local artists who have inspired me to think as creatively as possible. These would be groups like Quintron & Ms. Pussycat, Why Are We Building Such a Big Ship?, Antenna Inn (who I eventually joined), The New Orleans Bingo! Show, Glasgow, Silent Cinema... Honestly, there's a long ass list ahead, but I'm very proud of the musical minds in this city and what we are all capable.

ST: Albums in the works?
Michael: We've just released a small free E.P. on our website, but our first big release is coming in May. We've been in and out of the studio, and we'll be finishing up within the month.
Stephen: I think we've found a particular sound we like as far as recording goes, I'm pretty excited to just run with it. Anyone want to think of some potential names for it?

10. Can you think of a tenth question for me and answer it?
Stephen: Hmm... Why ... . . .Do.. . . Pirates take so long to learn the alphabet?
Andrew: Because they can spend years at C!
Michael: (late) Because they spend years at C!

Well, I think we learned some valuable things about the band. First, Michael is slow with jokes. Second, they like to kiss Antigravities and NOIRC butts but not mine and finally that they are a band that should be fun to check out on Friday night at One Eyed Jacks.