October 2011
1 post
WatchJesse Jesster The Subculture Investigator has a go with Gavin of the Bears of Blue River in the decrepit church in his backyard and go on a walk in Chicago, IL.
August 2011
1 post
WatchJesse Jesster returns to LA to meet east LA metal to dance cross-over duo KNIGHT.
July 2011
1 post
WatchSean and Marion of You Are An Airplane take flight on this episode of The Time I Dated Jesse Jaded.
April 2011
1 post
WatchThe first episode of The Time I Dated Jesse Jaded takes you to Austin, Texas to meet with three members of Austin’s very own modern classical group, Mother Falcon.
October 2010
2 posts
11 tags
Part VIII: Why Do You Love The Thing That’s...
Growing up punk in the Los Angeles wastelands, Jared “Jabroni” Stallings, 25, diffused his adolescent agitation to anoint a local super group named after an expression the satirical geniuses behind South Park use to elicit banality, rabble rabble. Writing and producing a Neil Young meets Curtis Mayfield inspired record aptly titled, ‘Laurel Canyon Second Time a Clown’, Stallings embraces a work...
September 2010
1 post
14 tags
WatchLWT’s first filmed interview with frontman Joey Stevens of Rumspringa.
June 2010
3 posts
Part VII: New Romantix Chilled, Blissed, and...
We’re all well aware new-wave fell off the wagon generations ago but that doesn’t mean the new romantic in all of us isn’t alive and jiving like a sporadic baboon. Since it’s getting hot in here, who crrz if chill-wave is the most prevalent music form of the contemporary era? Who lives or dies if the runoff madness proclaimed genre ceases to exist because bliss-wave takes over its chartered vocation? Not I, Sir. Categories and tags are devastating the perception our ears should actualize through listening to the music itself. Which brings us to musician Zach Vouga, an affable intellectual (rare breed), a charismatic people-pleaser, and one of the most carefree boyo’s I’ve encountered in my 2.4 decades on planet earth. Vouga hides nothing from his interlocutor, and neither does his glitch-drenched ear-enticing music in which he and fellow band mate, Nick Donlin roll Black Dice over Ariel Pink’s fermented lipstick trails for the epic win only Glitter Bones can triumph to. Their stage show is a katamorphic experience; two long haired-freaky people with quaint suitcases break down complex beats into simpler ones leaving the heedless audience member’s as fragmented shreds of the elements they once composed. In other words, they fuck with science as they blow your speckled, spotted and varicolored mind. We google-chatted the Indiana extradite to catch up, discover a new apparition, and commit heinous internet crimes...
Zach Vouga: You there?
Top Interview Series: What it do! Sorry, I was super distracted by the Xiu Xiu’s ‘Under Pressure’ cover. It’s indeterminable yet better than the My Chemical Romance version.
ZV: Not much duder, enjoying the beautiful minimalism that is Indiana. lol @ mcr.
TIS: that's cool, I’m pretty laid back in Chicago myself. Digging the pace of the summer term. Teachers are sympathetic so they hardly assign work. It’s how school should be, we learn but don't especially have to do a lot of homework. Homework is what has me imprisoned in the institution. Don’t fret, I'll escape eventually!
ZV: Yeah, that sounds great. how was LA?
TIS: L.A. was amazing man, I touched down thursday night and was constantly active until I came back the 9 days later.
ZV: Floating ten feet off the ground?
TIS: There wasn't a dull moment, I saw a Maia Harari Dance Theatre event, went to the MOCA retrospective, reveled in Nick Cave’s ‘Meet Me at the Center of the Earth’ exhibit, hiked and camped in Joshua Tree for two days, saw Teen Inc, family, friends and was 100% sober.
ZV: damn! sober!
TIS: Love dude...the finest form of inebriation.
ZV: very true. maybe keystone light... @_@
TIS: haha. So wtf have you been doing in Indiana?
ZV: Rehearsing, writing new material, smoking copious amounts of ☮☮☮, and integrating a third member into the Glitter Bones live set.
TIS: Wait, woah! Who and what do they play?
ZV: His name is Chris, he is playing guitar with us. I used to perform with him in an earlier project, called Dr. Breath. So it's kinda been cool working with him again.
TIS: very cool. How does it change the dynamic of your sound?
ZV: Well, we've been going through a pretty drastic sound change as it is, but this really fills it out. But the Glitter Bones vibe is certainly maintained. It's a much grittier /raw sound.
TIS: grit down on it
ZV: Think of a plate of grits.
With techni-colored crystal sprinkles.
TIS: i'm really looking forward to the show man, sounds like home down Midwestern corn and cooking. Anyway, artists always make their best music when they exile themselves from the public, and use alternative sources of inspiration. See The Jesus and Mary Chain who spent almost five years in a cave-like state before Pyschocandy shattered Scotland and beyond. The Horrors are apparently doing that right now somewhere in the world, recording their third LP.
ZV: We're all really stoked also. I love the Empty Bottle, so I'm happy to be performing there again.
TIS: it's one of the best venues in Chicago i've been to, especially for your sound.
ZV: Easily. It's got the entire package. great sound, and a comfortable environment. They hook it up with the drink tickets too.
TIS: It sure beats Reggie’s! Is your dad coming again?
ZV: I hope so. I was talking to him about it today. He's our biggest fan.
TIS: Nice! he's an amazing duder.
ichat is a lot better than google chat, isnt it?
ZV: FB chat all tha way doooood
TIS: i got snow leopard..purr. Anyway, had any memorable dreams lately?
ZV: No, but there is this really sweet band called Dreams who are working on the same label as we are.You should check them out.
TIS: Good name. I fell in love with/in dreams.
ZV: yeah yeah you and your romantics. See you Saturday man!
TIS: Indizzle.
In Chicago? Check out Glitter Bones this Saturday 6/5 opening for Toro Y Moi at the Empty Bottle. 21+
February 2010
9 posts
WatchInto the What?
Part VI: From Portland With Love
I e-mailed co-creator Jordan Strong of Portland's newest web show, Into The Woods, after finally watching what he promised to be excellent programming.
Top Interview Series: yours was the best bit of the series.
J.Strong: Well, expect more every week. And I have a hand in much more. I'll be
videographer in the next big show and then I do filming or direct all
the mini shows from here on out.
TIS: la-di-da. good to hear! I have to be honest, not so sure about the band but the other stuff is progress.
J.Strong: you didn't like Wampire?
TIS: I like the shoegazey permanently whimsically miserable looking dude but the excited guy with the ‘stache reminds me too much of Josh Kennett. Ya know I’m devoid of any excitement in life, I just can’t relate with that jumpy dude.
It’s undeniably well shot and there is a bottomless sense of unity within the group that is shown with a loving spoonful on screen. Although I don’t like the music and the ability to mark it as a hip**** infomercial is overwhelming. The apparent drunk energy created by PBR and a 5D is really a celibate sober virgin's devilmare, one massive build up to a massive orgy in the woods and I’m waiting to explode and its not just because of all the TUMBLR porn I’ve been looking at. This can be appealing to some. I’m too prude to handle it though, to be honest. And I’m way too deep in this thing now 2010. I’m crackin’ up over here like the Jesus and Mary Chain. You know how I know? Because when I make an obscure band reference like that, in my mind it’s like Jimmy Fallon making a joke about Avatar. I’m just that esoteric. The internet isn’t about making money. It’s about exploiting yourself as best as possible. That’s the biggest divide between our generation and the older than SEGA other.
J.Strong: shattup champagne supernova.
Part V: Bizarre Love ∆
Upside down hearts, illuminated triangles, optical illusions...what doesn’t Natasha Roozrokh’s flashing myspace bring to those invested in hedonism and beyond? Visually and sonically N∆R is like cotton candy dyed black, with the female Alan Vega as front woman. Natasha has everything a modern renaissance lady needs, a stellar space expedition of a group, a blogg, a twatter, a tube and even a booking e-mail address all is niftily placed beneath that prominent glowing triangle.
Implicated with a generation obsessed with neon, NAR take out the colors but leave the shapes and vibrating sounds. “ITSOHSOQUIET” could be the track played before the introspective pumps himself up to get the girl during an indie-oriented rom-com where “BRAINDEAD” is the more droned out cosmic meanderings recent artists have forgotten to include in their repertoire. Not to name names, Roozrokh’s diverse anti-melodies channel everyone and no one; still there is not a moment where N∆R disappears.
We met with the only person with a cooler last name than me to discuss her latest tour, black clothing, and RoozRokhing!
Top Interview Series: There’s so much one can do with a name like yours, you seem to twiddle and twirl it into as many fun feats as possible. I thoroughly enjoyed N ∆ R (fuck do you have that triangle on keyboard shortcut because I imagine you type it often). While I was listening to the select tracks on the myspace, I felt myself drowning out the chatter in my mind and felt at ease with my surroundings. That rarely happens for a mild and melancholy one like myself, and I thank you for providing a few moments of unmarred clarity.
So, what is your stance on classifications?
a solo electronic female act...Ruth White and Laurie Anderson must be smiling upon you!
the most common reaction to your music (stand-dance-whimper-none of the above)
and the new Liars, destined to be the Merriweather Post Pavilion of 2010 for post-punk fans?
ah, and finally, top album of the decade. TOUGH!
Natasha Roozrokh: Hey thanks, that's very nice to hear. I
would classify myself as a solo female touring musician/guitar virtuoso.
most common reaction - fixated
new liars - cool
top album of the decade - radiohead/in rainbows vs portishead/third - its a tie
TIS:
v∆ry nice. so do you have a tour planned?
N∆R:
yes i leave for europe tomorrow
jan 14 - london / the rhythm factory
jan 22 - paris / le feline bar
jan 27 - berlin / 8mm
feb 5 - madrid / top of the pops
TIS:
fantastique! Berlin is on my must visit list. how did you score those gigs?
N∆R:
i contact venues and ask to play. usually out of 100, 4 will respond. that's how i book my DIY tours.
TIS (two weeks into the tour):
classy. having a ball out there?
N∆R:
yes! i sleep 6 in the morning & awake 6 in the evening, then party and go in another circle. doesn't get any better than this!
IV: Re-united with Light
Top Interview Series: Wow dude! Straight out of left field with that one. but I dig it. Ke$ha’s lyrics don’t really match your general vibe, why did you decide to go with this track?
Eric Lumiere: Yeah. Song is catchy and fun and totally different. I think the lyrics are super retarded! But it was fun to do and it’s pretty popular. How u doing?
TIS: Pretty popular is an understatement. isn’t it the #1 digital selling single of all time? that’s lyke the new Blue Monday!
been alright man, just broke up with my then girlfriend and adjusting the chicago winter but other than that, can’t complain. What else is in the horizon now?
Eric Lumiere: Yeah. i guess that’s pretty big. hey if you got a second and rate them on itunes it really helps. so you doing aight with the gf thing? i know that can be tough. just trying to finish this EP, play more shows and maybe find a manager. peace and love
WatchEric Lumiere - Tik Tok Ke$ha CoveR
October 2009
2 posts
Part III: Reunited w/ Hate
Jabroni All-Star: Mohawks r funny I lok hella funny righy now
Top Interview Series: Its an audacious cut. Shows you really are devoted. Hahah
JAS: HeehaaaAaaw
JAS: I thought it just reminded me that im silly and the world is silly so why b serious ya knw?
TIS: Exattly
TIS: Its amazing how open-minded of a country we’re becoming with the old stereotypes, stigmas, and hold-ups being removed from our generation (in my quasi-optimistic opinion anyway). It could have something to do with Obama as prez, I mean it could be a million things but ive noticed less hate and that the idea of ‘hating’ has become something different.
JAS: right? So openminded
JAS: hating is my thang
JAS: me and cardo and Justin started a no wave noise hardcore band
TIS: Sounds insane
JAS: Nah u’ll like it gang of four wid programmd drums and weirder guitarts
TIS: that’s out of control. I need to hear it. where’s the Gang of Four influence come in? From cardo?
JAS: without him knowing
TIS: funny how that happens. We do love the bands we love.
JAS: I knw can’t helps it
JAS: but the whole new/no wave thing is so gang
TIS: Right and post-punk. There’s been a big revival of that over the last few years. I saw The Horrors and they did an amazing Suicide “Ghostrider” cover. It blew me away. At first I was like the audacity! How dare they! And then i stopped complaining internally and realized, after the drummer came in, that they actually were doing something crafty and worth hearing. I had a grin on my face. mind you, I love covers period but for The horrors to cover Suicide and for me to like it as much as I did is…
JAS: Haw. my girl did not comprehend dat.
August 2009
3 posts
Watch“The Climb” Miley Cyrus unofficial duet by Eric Lumiere
never need to listen to the original again … .
Pt II: On Light
Sipping on something divine from Urth Café in Santa Monica, CA Eric Lumiere or E-Lume (as he is known by an intimate many) smiles graciously as a teenage girl’s eyes illuminate while she heralds to him how much she is moved by his voice.
Growing up in Ojai, California, a scenic sunny beach town that serves as the ideal vacation spot for aware Los Angelinos, E-Lume grew up surrounded by positive energy. Graduating from NYU, he expanded his horizons to the east coast yet never interrupting volunteering and helping people around the world through various charitable groups. Because of his supportive nature, Eric’s cheerful disposition and songwriting abilities he is able to truly help others by employing those piping vocal chords of his. All those fortunate enough to be graced by his smooth, deep, and silky vibrato usually plead for more. The fan pleaser that he is has a hard time saying no, and he is on the path to provide from as many positions as one music man can.
Though not especially sailing in unchartered waters, Eric’s music is easily on par with the likes of John Mayer and U2. While not being as preachy as the latter, neither as cheeky as the first, Eric refrains from comparing himself to any specific artist however he is a fan of anything that can entice the masses, especially those who are producing upbeat music in a time with such diverse choice.
In his younger days Eric was known to always have his acoustic guitar around his neck and was always willing to strum out a tune like a bard of old, but as his age gets higher so does his consciousness and his approach to music making. The turning point in Eric's career was when the New York techno producers, DJs Filo & Peri, benefited from Eric’s vocals utilizing them on the smash-hit “Anthem”. Tagged Uplifting Trance, the song went on to be a UK top 40 and reached #1 on the Billboard Dance Airplay chart.
As of late, Eric has been recording a stream of higher-echelon tracks with exceptional production value. Not only a series of remixes of such tracks as “Love Lockdown” by Kanye West but a new EP is due out in September 2009 that includes arguably the most well rounded tracks to date. Hip, Hip, E-Lume!
Top Interview Series: yo dude, how are you? I just listened to 'Soul and the Sun' and I must say its a very mature song from so many angles. I can't wait to hear it at my gym soon enough!
Eric Lumiere: thanks man. i really appreciate that. i know you're picky. i guess they would be playing the dance version at the gym someday. check out new stuff im working on for upcoming release at www.soundcloud.com/ericlumiere - you can write comments in the waveform at diff parts in the track. would love feedback.
TIS: Yeah, i've gone through many changes in these twenty-three years but being picky isn't one of them.
So did you do this Imogen Heap track the same way you did the Miley Cirey one? in fact, could you describe the whole process of these novel "re-mixes" you're doing? (Although not the traditional form of the word remix at all) the Love Lockdown, The Song That Never Was and the Miley track I mentioned "The Climb" which was actually as you put it nicely, an "Unofficial Duet".
So are these totally similar to the originals w/ Lumiere vocals added or is there a complex ELum strat to a remix? I always dig something I haven't heard before...
EL: Imogen provided her vocals on a website for people to use/remix. so all i had was her vocals for that, no chord progression or instruments.
miley - i just took the song (same as the one on itunes all polished and mastered) and recorded the harmony part and then mixed it in so it sounded like that's how it was done in the first place! i haven't seen anyone do a duet like that yet....and i plan to do more possibly with (sarah mclaughlin, maybe sara barrielles, etc)
Love Lockdown - just listened to kayne's original and made my own cover song from scratch....pretty much the same chords.
The fun thing with covers and remixes is that I already have something to work with, like a hit song, or different instrumentation/production. With my own originals, I am coming up with everything from scratch.
TIS: classy. you've never been one to duplicate your influences let alone be affected by older influences so working with what's around you, even working with them seems a logical progression for your career. We all know about the tumultuous spirit of the biz ryte now, have you been able to find your demographic through the internet, playing shows, or both or do I again have no clue what comes next?
EL: purevolume.com/ericlumiere - a lot of younger fans there since it's more of a punk rock/emo site, but i have almost 450 fans on there and over 80000 plays and over 30 songs posted, so its great to have lots of my rougher demos there for fans to check out and download for free. haven't been playing shows...that is something that really needs to happen...trying to figure out what kind of ensemble to begin with...eventually a full rock band, but maybe something more intimate right now till i find the right people or get the money for great session guys. i think people of all ages can enjoy my music, because while its modern, its also very organic and comes from the depth of my experience...human experience that everyone relates to. most songs revolve around learning and lessons that always bring me back to the truth of what is and the choice of loving and moving forward.
July 2009
3 posts
PT ONE: On Hate
On returning from one of his tri-annual bi-polar psychotic hibernations, Jared “Jabroni” Stallings, kick-started his Harley? no. Fixie? no. Prius? of course not. It was his sporty hyundie (sic) accent that drove him back on the road to destiny ie thrashing.
Jared, who grew up in the East Los Angeles area was exposed from a young age directly to music that later became tagged too many silly tags to mention. Regardless, in 2009 Jared not only became vocalist of the new thrash-punk group, programmed2thrash (or as the band’s myspace puts it, “jared-robo fire breath”) but not soon after this, told his facebook network he was off for a tour. Doing what some wondered…
Apparently, what Jabroni was statusing on about was the 2009 Social Distortion tour, where he would have the role of a guitar tech security for the band Civet. Jared got fired 60% of the way through the tour. What in reality Jabroni All-Star did to get the boot from his daunting task as 'guitar tech' has not yet made it to print. Still, we can trust that he was doing something somewhat important for an opening group of Social Distortion.
I was texted, OK, bbm’d by Jared en route to the city whose initials he chose to display on his neck (in ink) till death, L.A.
Top Interview Series: [on the tour] How was it?
Jabroni All-Star: Sixty percent amazing. I quit/fired
JAS: For one make out session
JAS: I held out nine days though!!!!!
TIS: Lol. WTF
TIS: what kind of a “makeout sesh” was it that cost u life with social d?
*minutes tick by*
TIS: I need to hear the slut sprayed story. you should write poetry about it!
TIS: ure absolute hostile attitude towards any authority, even if its people your own age doing the same thing you love to do … .
JAS: I know
JAS: I have an entire concept album about it
JAS: I’m full of hate
JAS: Lust and disgust is all I “feel”
TIS: Trust the academic to make it something more than it is. Probably because we have too much time to spend thinking about it instead of being out there, doing it. But then again, we’re the guys that make you guys “big” even though you guys usually hate that, too.
*getting back on track*
TIS: So the album is called “lust and disgust”? should I tell them the big news over my blackberry…
TIS: No the record is called laurel canyon second time a clown
TIS: hahahahaahahaha
TIS: I actually lolled
JAS: I know. I’m sure talented hahahahaha
TIS: at least in your eyes.
JAS: IzE a jokn
JAS: Na not in my eyes
JAS: I hate me more than any thing.