In high school, Valentine's Day served as a constant reminder that I wasn't getting any. I'm sure there were many people in that boat and by "boat" I clearly don't mean an actual boat. I don't own a boat. Anyway, that "holiday" is sort of a weak occasion. As a matter of fact, even when I was dating somebody and especially now as a married man, it failed and fails to resonate much beyond flowers and a nice, romantic dinner. Again, I know I'm not alone in this sentiment but whatever floats your boat....again, not in the literal sense. I bring up this lovey dovey occasion because this week marks V-Day and this edition of A-Sides Music is chock full of love.
First up is Drew Holcomb, whose life pretty much plays out like a Hallmark greeting card lately and I mean that sincerely. His wife Ellie, who is in his band, just gave birth to their first child. If that wasn't lovely enough - the trio will hit the road together when Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors tour in support of their new album Good Light (out Feb. 26). Fittingly, the tour kicks off Thursday. Let's get this right - the singer/songwriter is doing what he loves with the one he loves, and is exposing his infant to what they both love on the most loving day of the year? "Pretty cool," as Vanessa Bayer playing Miley Cyrus, would say.
Still, it wasn't always roses for the Tennessee native, and he discussed that with me at an A-Sides session two weeks ago. Watch his performance of "What Would I Do Without You?" followed by a Chatty chat. Watch and listen below, and catch the lovebirds on tour this spring as they hit the road (not literally) with Needtobreathe.
We go from some folkishness to synth pop with Ariana DiLorenzo and her band Ariana and the Rose. The New York City native has already drawn comparisons to songstress Regina Spector, and it's not entirely shocking considering she's a beautiful, talented singer/songwriter whose upcoming six-song EP "Love Me, Love Me Not" was produced by David Kahne who worked with that Suny Purchase grad. The first single off the album "When You Know, You Know," is out on iTunes now and was co-written by Smashmouth's Greg Camp.
Look for Ariana and the Rose tour dates to pop up throughout the next couple of months. She's also playing Lady Gaga/Born This Way Ball after parties in New York and Miami. Watch the performance and interview, which like Holcomb's session was shot at the Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains, below and watch an exclusive performance of "Burned" here.
"When You Know, You Know"
Interview:
About A-Sides with Jon Chattman:
Jon Chattman's "A-Sides Music" series features 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 (sometimes 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, I'm hoping this is refreshing.