The term "stripped down" can take on so many forms. On social media, it's - well - we know what it is. In music, it's a term brought to life arguably by MTV's Unplugged series. Let's focus on that latter rather than trying to keep up with those pesky Kardashians shall we? Austin's Blue Healer is a band more synonymous with some uptempo indie-rock. On A-Sides, however, they took their music to new, acoustic heights - performing in a classroom within the Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains (filmed by Alye Carlevero). Piano. Raw is perhaps the best way to describe. Awesome is another. It's always cool when you get a drum, upright bass, and piano involved. But, anyway, we'll get to the session later.
For now, let's focus on a band on the cusp - I hope - of breaking out in an industry in need of break-out, original talent. The trio are right out of the American songbook, playing rugged songs that tell stories, and on occasion, can even make you dance. Well, not you sir. Show yourself out. Anyway, David Beck (bass/guitar/vox), Bryan Mammel (keys/vox) and Dees Stribling (drums/vox) stopped by for A-Sides, as mentioned, and it was one of the biggest treats we've had this year. How refreshing to watch these guys make authentic and infectious music in today's muddy music climate. See it below and expect an album out from these guys later this year. Bandwagoners welcomed.
"30,000 Feet"
"Only the Rain"
Follow Illan Rubin's career, and you'll find a list of credits any young musician would kill for. The multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter has plays drums for Nine Inch Nails, Angels & Airwaves and Paramore. Listen closely and you'll hear said young musicians sigh. Anyway, the young veteran of the biz is front and center once again as part of the trio The New Regime. The arguable one-man band dropped their debut Coup some seven-plus years ago and are touring in support of Exhibit B, which was naturally a follow-up to their Exhibit A. Prior to their show opening up for The Used at the Playstation Theater in New York City, we sat down with Rubin, who serves as the band's lead singer and guitarist, and asked him to shed some light on the project. We were also fortunate to have him play (and slay) a song for us. Watch below shall we?
"We Rise We Fall"
A-Sides' "Delve Into Twelve" Countdown
Each week A-Sides unleashes its top 12 tracks of the week AKA the "Delve Into Twelve" based on the following contributing factors: songs I'm playing out that particular week (no matter when they were released -- think overlooked songs, unreleased tracks and old favorites), songs various publicists are trying to get me to listen to that I did and dug a bunch, song posts and trends I've noticed on my friends' Facebook walls and, most importantly: what my toddler is currently enjoying thoroughly with an assist from my infant.
About A-Sides with Jon Chattman:
Jon Chattman's music/entertainment series typically features celebrities and artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometime humorous) way. No bells, no whistles -- just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, Jon strives for a refreshing change. Artists featured on the series include Imagine Dragons, Melissa Etheridge, Yoko Ono, Joe Perry, Alice Cooper, fun, Bleachers, Charli XCX, Marina and the Diamonds, and Bastille.