pop – Hacked By Ahmed 01

Now Digging / San Fermin

July 2, 2015
Just Plain Good
1 Comment

San Fermin Denny Renshaw — Photo Credit: Denny Renshaw

In my extreme old age (I turned thirty this year, guys) I’ve become much choosier about the shows I get out to, especially if they are farther than my immediate Eastside vicinity. I know I have friends who roll their eyes at this. To those people I say, “INVITE ME OUT MORE THEN JEEZ”

Last month I trekked all the way to the Troubadour to see San Fermin. It was 100% worth it, and not just because I found a parking spot less than a mile away. It was one of those shows that reignited my love and desire to be a part of an industry that helps support such amazing art.
(more…)

Now Digging / Marian Hill

June 1, 2015
Just Plain Good
0 comment

It is very rare that a particular song sticks in my brain.

Normally when listening to music, I forget what I listened to almost immediately. Even if it is a great song. I listen, file, and move on. If I were to hear the same song a day or two later chances are I would know I’d heard it, but not be able to identify the artist or song title in a million years.

Not so with Marian Hill. I vividly remember hearing “Got It” for the first time on KCRW. I was in my car and think I may have actually said, “Ooh!” out loud, to no one. The same reaction as when I first encountered the intro to “Settle Down” by Kimbra.
(more…)

Sessions At The Steps / Act As If [VIDEO]

In this line of work I meet a lot of artists. Most of them seem like they happily stumbled into a licensing deal and my presence. Not so with Peter Verdell, who is one of the most professional, savvy, driven and hardest-working musicians I’ve ever encountered…in addition to being a brilliant songwriter and talented performer with his band, Act As If. He is someone I both enjoy being around and cannot wait to do business with.

Since the right opportunity for a film or TV project has yet to arise, asking him to perform at my house for the very first installment of a new showcase series would have to do. It was a huge honor to host Peter, Sarah and Derek for the inaugural Sessions At The Steps, where they played stripped down versions of tunes from their latest album, Steady, for an intimate and appreciative group of music industry professionals.
(more…)

Now Digging / Steed Lord

November 11, 2014
Just Plain Good
0 comment

If you love musical theater, costume changes, fabulous leading ladies and/or dancing, you must stop reading and turn on Steed Lord right now (or just scroll down).

Hailing from Iceland, the trio is fearless and fun, yet polished, expert performers. I had the great pleasure of being at Space15Twenty for the single release party for “Stutter” a few weeks ago and the experience was a ferocious combination of all of the above descriptors. See for yourself:

Whenever music lands in my email inbox labeled “dance floor anthem” this is what I hope it will be. Too frequently I am disappointed, being serviced with a sparkly, pulsating ocean of repetitive beats and synth riffs. Steed Lord, however, cuts through the waves with real attitude, mostly due to the vocals of lead singer, Svala: clear, sultry and rich.

https://soundcloud.com/steedlord/stutter

https://soundcloud.com/steedlord/curtain-call

Whether you’re an all night dance hall queen or just going out to grab drinks with a few friends, Steed Lord will put you in the mood to conquer the evening. If they keep making more music like “Stutter” and “Curtain Call” I will be along for the ride.

File Under: Robyn, Niki and The Dove, Austra, dance, pop, party, synth

Now Digging / Laney Jones

I am a sucker for songs with a catchy hook and a whole lot of heart. This tune by Florida-based songstress, Laney Jones starts off with earnest acoustic guitar, building momentum until an electronic beat kicks in at the chorus. When in the wrong hands this sort of genre switcheroo can be a sloppy let down; when done well, a cathartic dance floor anthem that makes you sing-along and shake your booty (e.g. “Wake Me Up” by Avicii / Aloe Blacc).
(more…)