If there were a GPS that directed you to ultra-cool rockers based in New York City, you'd likely be directed immediately to Jeremy and the Harlequins. Obviously, I say that s assuming you've updated your satellites. Speaking of which, is that still a thing? I use my phone. Anyway, the ever-so-retro Jeremy and The Harlequins are throwbacks to yesteryear, but their lyrics and unique style make them true originals relevant for these whacked-out times we live in.
Last month, the band trekked to Westchester County to film an A-Sides in support of their new release American Dreamer only to discover the space for the shoot was closed due to weather. They probably GPS'd the location by the way. Moving forward, on that same day, they returned to New York City to record the planned session only to find out a videographer who had been locked in, simply couldn't get there. The solution? Film on an iPhone. Well, it worked better than you'd expect, but it didn't work. The reason I bring this up is the band were cool about this, and so was their PR guys. If it was me, I would've went bananas. Maybe they did, but they were kind enough to hide it from me. Anyway, thankfully, the band of brothers (well two bandmembers are - frontman Jeremy and drummer Stephan - along with guitarists Craig Bonich and Patrick Meyer, and bassist Bobby Lechner) did a reshoot (filmed by Lisa Larson-Walker), recorded two killer songs, and chatted a bit.
Before we get to the vids know this: the band may have a retro feel but it doesn't mean they don't have their own unique style or uses for double negatives in sentences I write. Their bio refers to them as "whimsical," and it's on point but their lyrics and musicianship go well beyond whimsy. So catch this band when they play the states or if you're in the UK hit them up with Planes (featuring Steve Forrest, formerly of Placebo)next week*. For now, watch the videos and grab American Dreamer today. Oh, and hopefully I haven't ruined Westchester County and iPhones for them forever.
"Moonlight"
"Trip Into the Light"
* UK Dates
4.14 Manchester, UK @ Night & Day
4.15 Birmingham, UK @ The Rainbow
4/16 London, UK @ Cargo
4.17 London, UK @ The Garage Downstairs
4/19 London, UK @ The Stillery
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, posts and trends I've noticed on my friends' Facebook walls, and, most importantly: what my toddler is currently enjoying thoroughly.
12. "Somebody New" (LW-12) - Joywave
11. "Lampshades on Fire" (LW-11) - Modest Mouse
10. "Cops Come" (debut) - Northern Faces
9. "Lydia" (LW-10) - Highly Suspect
8. "A Rush of Blood" (LW-6) - Coasts
7. "Black Soap" (LW-5) - Ex Cops
6. "The Ground Walks, With Time in a Box" (LW-8) - Modest Mouse
5. "What Kind of Man" (LW-3) - Florence = the Machine
4. "Contagious" (LW-2) - Night Riots
3. "No Cities to Love" (LW-1) - Sleater-Kinney
2. "Hollow Moon (Bad Wolf)" (LW-7) - AWOLNATION
1. "Ex's & Oh's" (LW-4) - Elle King
About A-Sides With Jon Chattman:
Jon Chattman's music series features celebrities and artists (established or not) from all genres of music 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 overmanufactured, Jon strives for a refreshing change. Artists have included fun., Charli XCX, Imagine Dragons, Alice Cooper, Joe Perry, Gary Clark Jr., American Authors, Echosmith,and many, many more!
