REVIEW: twi the humble feather - Music for Spaceships and Forests

It seems like every few weeks someone mentions a band that lives within the same 20 block radius in BKLYN that will blow your mind. The most recent recurrence of this phenomenon happened last week when a former NOLA friend now residing in Birmingham (of all places) pointed me in the direction of twi the humble feather. The exchange went something like this

Friend: "I heard this awesome BKLYN band the other day, but you probably already know 'em."

Me: "Who?"

Friend: "They're called twi the humble feather, and they'll rock your socks off."

Despite my relative closeness in proximity, I had unfortunately never heard of them. So the next day I bought the record and listened to it four times over. twi's new album, Music for Spaceships and Forests, sounds something like a cross between indie scene heroes Animal Collective and one of last years' break out bands, the Dodo's. The album is actually closer to an EP in length, coming in at just under a half hour long. But the quality of the panning acoustic guitar work, ambient nature noises and sporadic, often wordless vocals is high enough to make it well worth buying. You can listen to the last track, finale, at the bottom of this post. If you're looking for something that you can both dance to or mellow out with (depending on your mood), twi is for you. For all of you BKLYN folks, they'll be playing on May 21st at Monkeytown. Great space, great band, nuf said.

MP3: twi the humble feather - finale

VIDEO: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Young Adult Future

Had to post this one. A friend of mine (at least so says Facebook), Art, directed this video so I wanted to show him some love. Also, the chick in the band is from New Orleans and dated one of my room mates. WAY TOO MANY CONNECTIONS. This song is also more interesting to me then some of the other stuff I have heard from the Pains of Being Pure at Heart in the past. It never hurts to have Pitchfork love you. Never see the Peekers getting any love on their site and I think they are MUCH better.

INTERVIEW: Generationals

A mid week hangover from live shows between Jazz Fest weekends? This can only be cured with good music, and what better way to cure it than heading tonight to see New Orleans own Generationals at the Blue Nile tonight with Silent Cinema and I, Octopus. Me being the curious person I am, decided to drop a few questions on my fellow catholic league brother, Grant, from the Generationals.

STATIC: How is the weather down in New Orleans?
GENERATIONALS: It's just now getting really sticky down here. I've been living in an apartment Uptown since October and yesterday was the first day I ever had to turn on the air conditioner. It's been nice for a while, we had a relatively short winter and a long spring this year so I can't complain. It's been good, but it's about time to get out before it's miserable.

ST: Are we really talking about the weather?
GN: Shit did I just go on about the weather for 5 minutes?

ST: What about Jazz Fest season this year are you most excited about?
GN: I'm on a pretty tight budget right now, so I can't even justify going to Jazz Fest this year. I think the tickets are up to about $50 per day and the beers and food is pretty expensive too. Jazz Fest is pretty well tailored to my parents' generation. They get a few acts every year that I'm interested in but I end up spending a lot to see one band I like from about 500 yards away for about 30 minutes. I go about once every other year so I'm thinking I might have to skip this one. I like the festival season in general. I usually try to squeeze in about 3 or 4 crawfish boils every spring.

ST:Jazz Fest is a celebration of the past, musically. What other era, musically speaking, of world history would you have wanted to live in?
GN: When I was younger I used to think it would be cool to live in 1967 or 68 because it seemed like such an important time to be around. To be able to buy Sgt. Pepper's on the day it came out. Then as I got older I realized that it just seemed that way because that was the time when all the Baby Boomers came into their own and got old enough to have a music scene. Which is why to this day everyone gets Classic Rock radio rammed down their throats. It would have been just as interesting to be around in 1978 or 1988 too, there's always something cool going on, 1968 just happened to be when the cool things were also very popular. Unlike, say 1998, which was such a colossal failure of pop culture. Looking at you Carson Daly. So I'm gonna go with 1721 to see Bach drop the Brandenburg Concertos.

ST: Little known fact about me is that besides TV/Film I also studied history. The rate we take in information due to things like Twitter and Facebook has also affected our perception of history as well; most see history now in a rate judging based on generational impact instead of an imperial or dynastic one. What will your impact be to your generation.
GN: We will contribute hoverboard technology and make it safe for people to twitter on their hoverboards.

ST: Speaking of history, lets talk about genesis. I spoke to you guys at SXSW this year (drunkenly, I might add) and I probably told you about my love for the Eames Era, I would love to hear how we got to this point as the band, Generationals.
GN: The Eames Era was our first real band. Ted and I started that one with two of Ted's architecture classmates when we were in college, Brian Waits and Greg Gauthreaux, and Ashlin Phillips who we met through mutual friends. We are very proud of that band and we miss it a lot. Somewhere around early 2007, around the time we put out our last (and best) record Heroes and Sheroes, the wheels kinda came off and we realized we weren't gonna be able to tour and continue the band. Ashlin and Greg both decided to move to Chicago, I think they had both had enough at that point. Brian got married and got a serious architecture job. But that was point when Ted and I realized we really enjoyed playing in the band and touring and making records. Ironically, it seemed like we were breaking up right at the time that we were starting to get some traction on our tours and making lots of friends. We were still writing music at the same pace we always had, so we just decided to start over again with this new project, taking over more of the musical duties and singing the songs. In a way empowering ourselves to do this band without anyone else having the power to shut us down. Now that the record is finished we've been spending all of our musical energy getting our live show together and finding the right people to play in the live band with us, which has been very hard and very rewarding.

ST: I hear PTV does a secret dance mixed with fine wine to lure artists on to the label. How DO they sign so many amazing bands like yourself.
GN: Ha! I wish that was how it worked. Kevin Taylor doing a secret dance? Who could resist that? It's just really easy to see that they care a lot about the bands they work with. It took us about 5 minutes to realize that they were genuinely enthusiastic about our project. They have tons of good ideas about how to connect with people and they have a lot of hardcore fans who recognize that this is a labor of love for these guys. There's absolutely no manipulation or positioning or misrepresentation about what they're doing, it's exactly the way it looks. They convinced us in pretty short order that we could get a lot done if we teamed up. We also love the fact that they're in our city. We talk to them daily and we can meet with them almost anytime we want, they're very accessible. It was a really easy decision for us.

ST: Who are some of the artists on the label that you are excited about playing with and/or collaborating with?
GN: Their roster is amazing. There's no fat on their label, every project brings something unique and great to the table. We love Dr. Dog, they're obviously and objectively amazing. I have been a fan of them for a while because I love songs. The Peekers are also a great band. Ted and I saw them at the PTV Christmas party in '07 and loved them instantly. Also excellent songs. The Spinto Band, unbelievably great band. Stellar performers who write undeniable songs. "Brown Boxes" is just undeniable. One of the things I like so much about PTV is the songs, it seems like a group of bands who have re-invested in crafting pop songs as opposed to noise bands or avant-garde bands. The Teeth were also great makers of pop songs. It's great company to be in.

ST: Tell us about the show at the Blue Nile. Have anything special planned?
GN: We do. We found a great trumpet player in town named Johnny Hollier, Johnny and Mark Skarzynski will be playing trumpet at the show, which is the first time we've had two horns. Very excited about that. Live trumpets add so much to our show. We've also been working hard to learn the toy piano loop at the beginning of "Nobody Could Change Your Mind" as a live performance. Up until now we've been playing that as a recorded loop, but Ted and Katie Clark are actually going to be performing that part live, which is going to be really fun to see. Can't wait.

ST: Ok I have always wondered this. I know you guys went to Jesuit; I went to Brother Martin. We had a few jokes about you guys. Did Jesuit have any jokes about any other schools in the Catholic League?
GN: Yes! Whenever Jesuit had a pep rally for a game against Brother Martin, they would love to do some crack about how Richard Simmons went to Brother Martin. I have no idea if he actually went to Brother Martin, I've always heard he did but never actually checked. So there would be some kid dressed up like Richard Simmons, which is easy, everybody recognizes Richard Simmons, who would come out with his squeaky little voice and be the mascot who represented Brother Martin. He would come out and jog up to a podium and say "I got a MESSAGE for you Blue Jays! Brother Martin has been Sweatin' to the Oldies and we're ready to play!" Etc. So that was always good for a laugh.

Great stuff! I will tell you the time Richard Simmons visited Brother Martin when I see you for our Brooklynola party in May. Be sure to check them out and here is a free MP3!

MP3: Generationals - Angry Charlie

Ghostland TIcket Give Away

We haven't done one of these in a while!! This Thursday, 4/30, Austin's band that totes Major Lazers will be performing at the Republic with the legendary DJ Jubilee and the up and coming DJ duo Force Feed Radio. Ghostland Observatory is always entertaining and I have a feeling this will be a great night of dancing. This is amazingly a $25 show so, if you want to get your sexy ass in you need to email me at info@statictelevision.com and tell me an embarrassing Jazz Fest story. Since Ghostland has never returned a request for an interview, and all their videos are non embed able I am only going to show a DJ Jubilee video on here. Love seeing that this was ripped from Phat Phat and All That

Condo Fucks tonight at Jacks

Boy does One Eyed Jacks love their garage rock. Tonight is no exception. Matador recording artist the Condo Fucks will be playing with Redondo Beat, The A Bones from Brooklyn and New Orleans own the Royal Pendletons. This New London, CT trio seem to be playing just tonight and will probably be playing mostly singles off their recent album, Fuckbook, but they have a pretty decent back catalog so this could be a late one. Here is an MP3 off their latest album.

MP3: Condo Fucks - Whatcha Gona Do About It

Geronimo Fest details announced

Sweet graphic...Gotta show some love to our neighbors in Lafayette. They are putting together another year of the Geronimo Festival. Their lineup is pretty good for regional bands, and may actually be worth the trip for most of our readers in New Orleans. The festival is on May 30th and will be at the three biggest clubs in LaLa Land, Artmosphere, BlueMoon Saloon, and Sadies. Here is the full line-up headlined by the one and only Quinton, MyNameIsJohnMichael, and Caddywhompus:

Quintron & Miss Pussycat, Matt Rock & The Powerboxx Reunion, JAMBANG, Snarky Puppy, A Living Soundtrack, MyNameIsJohnMichael, The Crackbabies, Caddywhompus, Arbor Vitae, Oso Closo, Magic Legs, Big Rock Candy Mountain, Markings, Ginger Lee, Uma Zuma, Giant, Cloud, The Specklers, Hatch, Vagabond Swing, Langolier, Dege Legg, Julie Williams Band, The Mundanes,Ruby Rendrag, J Burton, Dane Broussard, ImagineIAM, VoSteen, Lovehog, Smurl, Herb Christopher, Unicorn Fukr, Cama Lama, OttO, Rekanize, Jason Robo, Wop, Black Swan, Jinks aka Yellow, FlowTribe, Fleur De Tease, The Howdies

Lots of love for the New Orleans bands. Not familiar with a lot of them; but hey, that may be what makes it worth checking out. Here are some MP3s, for your ass, of some of my favorites that will be playing there:

MP3: MyNameIsJohnMichael - Misery Runs
MP3: Caddywhompus - ...But Not Before The Show

And so Jazz Fest begins

Any good New Orleanean knows, Jazz Fest brings both joy and fear. Joy that you are about to have some of the greatest music experiences over the next 2 weeks that most in the world could only dream about, and fear knowing that means the dreaded high heat, humidity and mosquitoes are just around the corner. I will be up in Brooklyn this weekend and next as I watch New York hit 80 degrees for the first time this year. However, if I were in New Orleans this weekend here are the bands I would go see at Jazz Fest:

Friday, April 24th
Spoon, MyNameisJohnMichael, Drive-By Truckers and Booker T., and of course the legend Wynton Marsalis

Saturday, April 25th
Irma Thomas, James Taylor, Wilco, Erykah Badu, and DJ Jubilee with 5th Ward Weebie and Ms. Tee

Sunday, April 26th
Earth, Wind & Fire, Etta James & the Roots Band, and Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings

PHOTOS: Girl Talk @ Tips 4/21/09

Ohhh boy does it look like everyone had a great time at the Girl Talk show! All these photos are by Joshua Brasted

To see this whole set of pictures head to Josh's Flickr.

INTERVIEW: Dengue Fever

Tomorrow is the beginning of Jazz Fest, and to be honest my favorite part of Jazz Fest has always been the after parties. Tomorrow night starts the Jazz Fest after parties with Dangue Fever from LA. I saw them three years ago at SXSW and fell for them. The singer sings like no other and the rest of the band is so fun to watch while playing their unique blend of Cambodian and rock. Zac and Senon were kind enough to take some spare time off their non stop world touring schedule to answer a few questions for us.

STATIC: I see you are going on tour to promote a film. Can you explain what it's
about?
SENON WILLIAMS: Sleepwalking through the Mekong is about the beauty that transpires when a music that was all but lost inspires some music freaks from L.A. to invest all they’ve got in an idea to help their singer return home after 5 years away.
ZAC HOLTZMAN : It's a documentary of Dengue Fever's trip to Cambodia. We were curious to see Cambodians' reaction to us playing the music that started in Cambodia. We played some crazy shows and had the privilege to record with some of the best traditional Master Cambodian musicians. The trip was one of the greatest things I've done in my life.
SW: In turn, we found our own deeper understanding of the Cambodian psych rock that inspired us and a huge Khmer social boom in the 60's and 70's...The most amazing days I had was recording with Master folk musicians and performing in the shanty town of Tonle Bassac.

ST: When I think of you as a band I think of very pretty music, yet actual dengue fever doesn't seem too pretty. What made you pick that name?
ZH: My brother Ethan was traveling in Cambodia, and his traveling partner came down with Dengue Fever.
SW: On one of their many truck rides trying to make it back to civilization for treatment, Ethan first heard the Cambodian garage rock blaring from the cab's torn speakers....that was the moment we became an inkling of an idea.
ZH: When we were pulling the band together and trying to think of what to call us, we flipped through his travel diary and Dengue Fever jumped out at us. Also when my brother's friend was in the thralls of the fever, they were traveling in a truck and the driver was playing a tape with a lot of the songs from the 60's and 70's that influenced our band.

ST: All of you seem like a very multicultural bunch. How did you all get together and start making music together?
ZH: My brother and I grew up making answering machine messages together. I went to college with Senon Williams. Paul Smith was in a band with my brother. David Ralicke used to give trombone lessons to my brother.
SW: Finding Nimol was different story. The largest population of Khmer people outside of Cambodia is here in L.A. Zac and Ethan spent months scouting before we started trying out singers. As soon as Nimol walked into our second tryout all the other singers got their stuff and left - before Nimol even sang a note.

ST: Of all the TV shows/movies your music has been featured on, which is your personal favorite?
ZH: I've always been a big fan of Jim Jarmusch . So when he asked to use a DF tune in Broken Flowers that was a good feeling knowing that an artist you are into likes what you do.

ST: Being in LA have any of you thought about crossing over into the acting world?
ZH: No. Music keeps us busy enough

ST: We in New Orleans love to eat, and I know you guys have been fortunate enough to tour many interesting places. Where have you found some of the best food to eat on the road?
ZH: I'm in Australia right now getting ready to play WOMAD. There's a very good Asian food court a block away from our hotel. Moscow had an amazing spread for breakfast. Spain is a bit rough for me because I don't eat pork.
SW: We recorded at Real World Studios in Box, England. England ain't known for its food, but we had two master chefs preparing lunch and dinner every day and preparing pastry to be baked in the mornings. After a week of that we got real spoiled...thank you Gigi and Jerome!!!!

ST: As a band is it difficult to get through customs? Any horror stories?
SW: Yesterday Ralicke spent 2 hours in a backroom of the Australian airport because a dog sniffed his own dog on his leg...Nickel Jones must have been in heat, because that dog would not leave him alone. After taking all his shit apart he was free to go...not fun after a 20 hour flight.
ZH: All in all things have been pretty smooth for us. I think I look too obvious to be doing anything illegal.

ST: Planning anything special for your stay in New Orleans?
SW: Crawfish boil at the R Bar. I should auction off my hotel room because I doubt I will see it.

Ohhh boy, would I love to be at the R Bar with you for that one. Well check them out tomorrow night at One Eyed Jacks. Also, they were kind enough to give up an MP3!

MP3: Dengue Fever - March Of The Balloon Animals

Also, here is the trailer for the film that they will be playing as well.

PHOTOS: Mogwai at the Republic 4/21/09

Well good old Tamara is back on the scene in New Orleans and taking even more beautiful pictures. Last night she had the choice between Girl Talk and the Peekers and Mogwai and she opted for Mogwai with the Twilight Sad at the Republic.
THE TWILIGHT SAD

MOGWAI

Head to our Flickr to see even more pictures from last nights show.

Get to know Hosey

Got to give my love to Blake on this one. Hosey, a New York based act, reached out to Blake from Humid Beings, and asked to be apart of the show that we are sponsoring at the beginning of next month, Brooklynola. Unfortunately the lineup was already full, but Blake sent them my way and I fell in love with their sound. It is very reminiscent to me of some of the acts I loved in the late 90s and early 2000s. They remind me a lot of DJ Shadow when he was just playing with records and a little bit like fellow New Yorkers, Ming and FS. Check out these two tracks and if you like them head to their website and stream three of their albums. A personal favorite of mine is 1994. Hopefully for the next Brooklynola party you will see Hosey on the bill.
MP3: Hosey - Cowgirl Blues
MP3: Hosey - Crescent Run I

Park the Van day

I know I talk about Park the Van a lot, but how can't I support a label with an awesome story of coming back to New Orleans after Katrina to try and bring something positive back to the city. But, you know what the best part about them is? Their music! They just constantly put out great records from outstanding artists. We are blessed today to have 2 of their albums released today.

Much like the Teeth, the High Strung won me over with a live performance and have now slowly worked their way into my heart. Their new album, "Ode To The Inverse Of The Dude", is their best work to date. You will be able to catch them on June 12th at the Marigny Theater with the Peekers and Generationals.
VIDEO: The High Strung Interview

What bad could I say about Floating Action? They are great guys, and they write songs that get stuck in your head for day. Also be on the look out for the vinyl version of their self title album. I hear it will have some additional tracks on it. They are always in New Orleans for our Soirees and I have a feeling we will be seeing much more of them in the future!
VIDEO: Floating Action Interview
VIDEO: Floating Action - "To Connect"

Give them a listen; and who knows, you just may find a friend along the way.

Have you seen this?

Since I can't be in New Orleans for the Pharmacy show tonight at the den, this is what I do to entertain myself.

INTERVIEW: Pharmacy

Tonight, upstairs at the Dragon's Den, Pharmacy will be playing their first show since their much talked about performance at the past New Orleans Indie Rock Fest. I decided I wanted to get to know them a little better, so I dropped a line to Scott, from the band, and found that he is a man of few words, but the few he uses seem to be on point!

Static: If you were going to describe your band as a candy, which candy would it be and why?

Pharmacy: Any candy that mixes well with fried chicken.

ST: So I hear you guys are not originally from New Orleans. How did you guys make it here?

PH: It's always been the city that we've felt the most at home at on every tour. The last time we were here on Halloween, we played the Mod Dance Party and stayed for a week that included painting our faces with beignets and riding down the bayou on an inflatable mattress...that experience pretty much sealed the deal.

ST: Now play the role of a pharmacist, what ills does the New Orleans music scene have and what would you recommend it needs and the dosage?

PH: No ills that we've really encountered so far. Maybe a little less repetition on Q93.

ST: You have played with the likes of Kimya Dawson and Japanther and have put out numerous releases. What has been your favorite moment to date?

PH: Touring Europe and visiting small towns like Sploogin in the Swiss alps, encountering a herd of miniature horses blocking the road in Spain or getting mooned by anti-American Frenchman at a political bar.

ST: What do you think your own biggest struggle has been as a musician? Either it the business or the Artistic side of things.

PH: Fixing our keyboard after every show.

ST: By the looks of your discography you have done a lot of work since becoming a band. Have you called your parents lately?

PH: Stefan called his dad to have him re-register the van today.

ST: What are some of your non-musical influences?

PH: Fried chicken, Fats Domino's smiling face, creature people in the French Quarter

ST: What do you have currently in the works?

PH: We're recording our new album on a 4-track in our livingroom...right now we're widdling down the 30 demos we've written since getting here

ST: Any fun vacations planned for the summer? Will I get to hang out with you guys in NYC sometime?

PH: NYC yes! Sometime this July probably.

ST: How do you think the Hornets will fare in the Playoffs?
PH: They'll do great! CP3!

Too bad the Hornets are off to a rough start in the series :-( Hopefully we can meet up when you get up to New York this summer. Pharmacy was also kind enough to let us have a demo track to give away. Check it out, and check them out at the Dragons Den, TONIGHT!!

MP3: Pharmacy - Coldest Morning Light

Seems like a good night for Hip-Hop

So, first off one of the things I mentioned that excited me about April is tonight, though it seems that this line-up has changed much since I originally heard about it. There are a lot of living New Orleans Hip-Hop legends on this this flier. Maybe you can corner Raj and Dizzy and see if they have some fun Lil Wayne stories.
VIDEO: Dizzy - "Grand Closing"

And this goes to show you what happens when you reach out to me and let me know what you are doing. You know what I do, I show you some love.

Starting on Thursday, April 16th, and every other Thursday following, Hostel New Orleans will be a gracious host to “Uniquity," a Thursday night experience featuring Hip-Hop emcee Slangston Hughes, THE Connoisseur of Fine Rhyme and local Neo-soul artist Elliot Luv. Every 1st & 3rd Thursday will feature the duo, accompanied by a four piece band, with the an artist spotlight changing for each event. Outside in the courtyard of Hostel there will be R&B, soul and hip-hop playing ambiently, creating a smooth, enticing atmosphere for talking, networking or just chilling out.

And here is a free MP3 is you want to see what Slangston Hughes is all about.
MP3: Slangston Hughes- "Back On My Grind"

Seems appropriate to kick off your French Quarter Fest weekend with Hip-Hop, right?

AUDIO: Headless Heroes - "True Love Will Find You In The End"

This one goes out to my boy Mark Heck. This is a really pretty track and seems very appropriate for the spring time. I don't know what it is about me and female singers talking about love, but I LOVE IT. Headless Heroes leading lady, Alela Diane, is the first thing that jumps out at you when you listen to the track. Her voice just sounds so pure and innocent that I truly do believe that true love may actually find me (ladies, I am single!). The production is pretty good too, produced by Hugo Nicolson. The album, Silence of Love, is out May 19th and appears to be mostly covers. If you like the sound of her voice check out her Rough Trade debut, To Be Still, which was released this past February.

MP3: Headless Heros - "True Love Will Find You In The End"

Here is the whole album to stream as well

Dan Deacon was last night

Man, I totally thought this show was tonight! I am sorry if you were waiting on me to promote the show on here to know it was going to happen, but last night one of our favorite artists, Dan Deacon, played at the heavy metal parking lot. Hope you were able to go out and see one of the best live shows there is in the game! Here is the interview we did with him about 2 years ago now.

Dan Deacon Interview from Static on Vimeo.

VIDEO: Datarock - "Give It Up"

Talk about a party band! Datarock definitely have an image, and maintain it very well. They better not lose those red jump suits, or I will stop loving them. By the way, moments like this DO sometimes happen at random subway stops here in Brooklyn. This is the first single off their sophmore album, Red, which is due out September 1st.

Ratatat at the House of Blues tonight

Yes indeed, go and enjoy the instrumental rock, electronic sounds of Ratatat at the good old House of Blues. Enjoy this very interesting music video.

REVIEW: The Peekers - Life in the Air

If you don't know Shreveport based wunderkinds The Peekers yet, you will soon. They've been kicking around the live scene in Louisiana for awhile now, and their high energy shows (I caught them at The Cake Shop in NYC last year) and catchy tunes have made them a STATIC favorite. For a little more background info, you can catch their interview with STATIC from earlier this year.

Recently the band, a six piece of ridiculously talented, ridiculously young guys and girls, blew up a string of shows at SXSW in support of their newly released debut LP, Life in the Air. The record was released by NOLA locals Park the Van, and features some of the best songwriting I've heard on a debut in forever. Our friend and STATIC creator Wesley sent the record my way last week, and it's been on repeat on my iPod ever since.

From the first vocal harmony on "Your Morning Toast" you realize that despite their aforementioned young ages, The Peekers have a pop sensibility that's usually reserved for bands that have been playing together for years. It's a short track with a hint of melancholy, and I think it perfectly lulls you into submission for the second track, the piano-heavy "Sweet Singin' Birds."

The contrast between the two openers brings to light what is probably the Peekers best asset - they wide range of vocalists at their disposal. One of the most notable things about Life in the Air is that they've got four different vocalists that can all really sing. This allows for lush harmonies in their catchy choruses and totally different emotional tones as the record progresses from song to song. The quality of the first two songs doesn't ever really hit a low point, offering quality pop song after pop song and their grainy aesthetic runs the gambit of influences without ever feeling muddled or confused.

From prohibition-era speak easy romps ("Close My Eyes") to Feist-y meditations ("Favorite Love") to Animal Collective meets Brian Wilson-twinged tracks ("Canoe Trip"), The Peekers do so much so well it's almost like they're showing off. If you haven't heard it yet - do yourself a favor and run out to buy it.

MP3: The Peekers - "Close My Eyes"

Get to know TMDP

Our good friend Clemente turned me on to this group. 2007 and the recent resurgence of electronic music seems like ages ago now. I think in 2008 I had a slight hangover period where I avoided anything that was too intense from the genre like Boys Noize, Simian Mobile Disco or other acts of that nature, but when I heard TMDP it got me excited again. This duo consisting of Canadians, Jeffrey Addison and Gavin Rough, air more on the side of a softer, disco/electro sound that could easily be heard in the club or in the office. They have supposedly been making their lap top driven music for ten years now, which I can totally tell by the high quality of their production. After listening to their single "Montage" below, you should go out and pick up their fabulous self title debut album which is out now on YYZ Records.

MP3: TMDP - "Montage"

From NOLA to BKLYN

So anyone that's been following STATIC knows that it covers the best music in the world, no matter where it's coming from. But it seems like Wesley's been giving a whole lot of love to New York in the last 12 months, so in an effort to let him keep a focus on NOLA, he's brought me (Mat, by the way) onto the blog to keep you posted on all things of interest happening in Brooklyn, Manhattan and the greater Northeast.

I've been running around shows in Williamsburg for almost three years now, but lived in NOLA for the five years before then, so joining up with STATIC seems like a logical fit. Stayed tuned for record reviews, music news and all things STATIC related coming to a blog near you.

PHOTOS: The City Life @ Jacks 4/3

These pictures come thanks to our friend Linda Marie




Good bye to the City Life. You will be missed. Love seeing Lucy on stage with them again. I wish I had been there!

REVIEW: Impulss - Catagory Shybe

Impulss has always been a friend of Static since our old buddies at Timecode:NOLA introduced me to him, being one of the first people we ever interviewed, and I was even invited to his baby's shower. Much like what I talked about in a recently post about G Eazy, I love that artists like Impulss come out of the New Orleans Hip Hop scene. Though the more I think about it, maybe this IS New Orleans Hip Hop now.

The thing I have always loved about his rhymes is his full awareness of his surroundings at that given time in his life and not trying to be something he isn't. In one of my favorite songs on the album, Receipt For Deceit, he rhymes about current affairs in New Orleans as seen through his eyes, and isn't that what Hip Hop is all about? In another song, Walk on Water, which he performs with the one and only Raw D.I., he pokes fun of himself and his biggest song off his last album, Charisma. It isn't very often that a rapper is willing to trash talk about himself. Though, sometimes I feel he falls into the same trap he calls lame, in the song Charisma, throughout the album; mostly in the interludes, which makes it I guess acceptable in a rap album. Old Outkast albums used to have the lamest interludes that to this day I skip. I would leave the interludes to Rome, Danny.

Impulss also has the fortune of having some very talented friends performing with him from up and coming, fellow New Orleans East star Dizzy, legend Truth Universal, one of the best DJs from Louisiana, DJ Quickie Mart, and Know One. Every cameo stands out in it's own way, but Impulss does a fantastic job of never truly letting any one of them fully steal the limelight.

His biggest improvement since his last album, The Lagnape Mixtape, is the quality of his production. He did have a little bit of help from some of my favorite producers in New Orleans, Prospect and GPC. It also seems through his rhymes that he is more comfortable with himself and more mature than his previous works.

The uniqueness and overall quality of this album already pushes it to the forefront as one of the best rap albums coming out of New Orleans so far this year.

MP3: Impulss ft Dizzy - Walk On Water

if you have a record you would like to be reviewed on Static please email me at info@statictelevision.com

Get classy tonight at the Saint

Let Sir Drew Stubbs take you to charm school with drink specials and good music tonight at the world famous Saint Bar. I'm going to steal your look Drew!

Dr. Dog on Jimmy Fallon

My TV this night was being funky and I almost missed this, but tuned in right as Dr. Dog was starting to play. I am still a fan of Jimmy's show too.

Yahoo Music To Open Up To Third-Party Services

This should be interesting to Music Business fans of ours. My father sent this to me and it comes from PaidContent.org.

In the latest evidence that portals are ditching their walled-garden approaches in an effort to boost traffic, Yahoo Music is re-launching its artist’s pages to include a number of new, third-party features. They include offerings from providers like iTunes, Amazon.com (NSDQ: AMZN), Last.fm, Rhapsody, Pandora, but other companies, including smaller music startups, may ultimately also be able to create applications for Yahoo Music, Yahoo says. In addition, users and smaller, independent bands in the future will be able to create artist pages , a move that feels a lot like MySpace, albeit without the large social community.

The relaunch, set for tomorrow, follows over eight months of development at Yahoo (NSDQ: YHOO). Though not spearheaded by new CEO Carol Bartz, it matches her strategy of trying to beef up the portal’s features to make it a first stop for more people. For those third-party services where commerce is involved, Yahoo will receive a revenue share; the portal won’t get a cut on third-party services that are promotional. Michael Spiegelman, head of Yahoo! Music, said the new design and functionality could also make it easier to sell more sponsorships on its artist pages.

Yahoo Music has faced a host of challenges in the past couple years, and shuttered its subscription music service and its radio service. Still, it remains one of the busiest music sites on the internet, reaching about 21 million unique visitors a month, according to comScore (NSDQ: SCOR). The company’s strategy differs from its primary competitor AOL (NYSE: TWX) Music, whose focus on building and launching a portfolio of niche sites has grown its audience to over 24 million unique visitors a month, according to comScore.

Isn't my dad great! This should be an interesting story to watch develop. To read the full article click HERE.

Street Gumbo this friday

Want to post this now so I don't forget about it. This seems like a really cool way to start your weekend.

VIDEO: The Beatles - "I Am The Walrus"

I was looking for inspiration for some music videos I am working on and I stumbled on this gem!

Static's Farewell to the City Life

This is my formal goodbye to the City Life. I hope the best for the whole band in all their future endeavors, and that I will truly miss you guys. Your live shows and music brought a new, different kind of energy to the New Orleans rock scene that will be missed. Be sure to catch their final performance tonight at One Eyed Jacks with Caddywhompus.

The City Life Interview from Static on Vimeo.

VIDEO: Floating Action - "To Connect"

This is the first single off Floating Action's self-titled debut which comes out on April 21st on everyone's favorite rock label in New Orleans, Park the Van. This video is a little dear to my heart, because I directed it. Enjoy!

Also: VIDEO: Floating Action Interview

Things I am excited about in April

This went over so well last month, that I have decided to do this again this month; though I feel last Month will be hard to top, but hey, Jazz Fest is at the end of the month. And you know what that means: awesome after parties...

Friday, April 3rd:
The month will start off a little sad. The City Life will be playing their last show ever, as some members pursue other musical projects, and some finish up school. The show will be at One Eyed Jacks and Caddywhompus will be opening up. I am sure they will be putting on a very special show that night.
VIDEO: The City Life Interview
VIDEO: Caddywhompus Interview

Thursday, April 9th:
The very talented instrumental electronic-band Ratatat will be playing at the House of Blues with Tussle and Despot. They weren't too good the time I saw them live; but hey, they do make great music.
VIDEO: Ratatat - "Mirando"

Saturday, April 11th:
Our friends at Community Records will be having a block party at their favorite hangout, the Big Top. I also hear all of Fatter Than Albert will be there for their performance.
VIDEO: Fatter Than Albert Interview

Monday, April 13th:
The always entertaining Dan Deacon will be playing his first show in New Orleans since putting out his amazing Bromst album. I personally can't stop listening to this album. If you have not seen this man live you must! You will never forget it.
VIDEO: Dan Deacon interview

Thursday, April 16th:
The Howlin Wolf will be host to what looks on paper to be an amazing night of the best of the best young local rappers. Curren$y, Raw Dizzy, Raj Smoove and G Eazy just to name a few will be in the house. Sounds like the kind of night where a surprise gust might jump on stage.
VIDEO: Dizzy - "Grand Closing"
Get to know G Eazy

Monday, April 20th
From all reports, the Pharmacy was one of the break out artists at the last New Orleans Indie Rock Fest and this is the first time I have seen them on a bill in New Orleans since that show, so lets see if they can back it up at the Dragons Den, and respond to my MySpace messages. Anyone know these guys?

Tuesday, April 21st:
I think this will be a night that will be a great meassure of what the rock/"indie" or whatever you want to call it scene is like in New Orleans. At Tipitinas, Big Rock Candy Mountain and the Peekers will be coming back to town to support the always ass shaking Girl Talk. And, if that doesn't blow your mind, Mogwai will be playing just 2 miles down the road at the Republic. Whats a music lover to do?
VIDEO: Girl Talk Interview
VIDEO: Peekers Interview
INTERVIEW: Big Rock Candy Mountain

Friday, April 24th:
Jazz Fest gets kicked off and so do the after parties. This night, cambodian born/LA Based Dengue Fever will be at One Eyed Jacks. They play some pretty music and are a lot of fun live.

Saturday, April 25th:
Life will be tough for music lovers again this night with Sharon Jones at the House of Blues, the Radiators at Tips, and Dax Riggs and Terry Reid at Jacks. Jesus, I guess on a night like that you go with your gut.
VIDEO: Sharon Jones Interview
VIDEO: Dax Riggs Interview

Thursday, April 30th:
I need to find a way to get back to New Orleans, seriously! Feel free to send me some money to allow me to be there for all two weeks of Jazz Fest. Mainly so on a night like tonight I can try and scheme a way to go see the Black Keys at the CAC than run over to see the New Orleans Bingo Show at Tips w/ the Fleur De Tease

OMG, and I don't even mention all the people playing at Jazz Fest!