It's Halloween today, and you'll be reading or seeing highlights of the day on most sites. Gee, I can't wait to find out who Katy Perry dressed up as this year! Oh, sarcasm. You are a wonderfully loyal friend. Anyway, costumes aren't all that's going on in the world. There's, of course, a bitch of a storm named Sandy who is still causing problems on the East Coast. But, I'd rather not focus on the former or the latter. And since Hurricane Sandy has screwed up so many lives, I'd rather focus on music because, you know, it has a healing power like nothing else. This week's A-Sides sessions feature three vastly different artists, who should find a home on your iPod playlist very soon.
First up are the Kopecky Family Band, a Nashville-based six-piece who just dropped their debut full-length album Kids Raising Kids last week. The band, who aren't family but clearly have a kinship in music, formed back in 2007, and released three EPs prior to this release. On the eve of their album release date, the band (Gabe, Kelsey, Steven, Corey, Markus and David), who played Lollapalooza and are a sight to see live, filmed two songs and an interview at the Music Conservatory of Westchester. Watch their performance of "Heartbeat" below followed by a brief chat. Oh, and for an exclusive performance of "Change," visit www.asidesmusic.com. Get on this train now before everyone jumps on.
Kopecky Family Band "Heartbeat"
Kopecky Family Band Interview
goodbyemotel are so good they don't need to capitalize their band name -- never mind title case it -- or include spaces in it either. The Aussies, who recently wrapped up writing and recording their new full-length album in New York and Brooklyn, just dropped their latest EP People, and to quote Will Ferrell as James Lipton, it's scrumtrulescent.
The band, which consists of Gustaf Sjodin Enstrom, Tom Marks, Scott Pioro and Paul Amorese, seem to be on the cusp of stardom. That's my opinion, but if you take a look at their recent stats, you'll probably agree and if not, I'll love to tell you you're wrong in a few months. Anyway -- take a look: Their songs have already turned up on such TV shows as Gossip Girl and Suits, their next album's cover will be designed by Storm Thorgerson, who came up with Led Zeppelin and Peter Gabriel's sleeves previously, and their 3-D live shows are gaining steam. The band filmed an A-Sides session earlier this month, and killed two songs. Watch one below, and check out www.asidesmusic.com for the other.
"Graham Calendar"
"Graham Calendar" interview
Our last band this week is the accomplished alt-rock band The Cringe, who are about to hit the road (not literally, because that would hurt) with Trapt. The NYC band, which consists of John Cusimano, Shawn Pelton, James "Roto" Rotondi, and Jonny Blaze, just dropped their forth album Hiding In Plain Sight and it's arguably received the best reviews of any previous effort. Cusimano and Rotondi stopped by the Conservatory earlier this month to perform two songs and take part in a light chat. Watch one song below and the interview, and catch the second song on www.asidesmusic.com. Watch. Listen. Love.
"Finally Going To Be On Your Own"
The Cringe Interview
About A-Sides with Jon Chattman
Jon Chattman's 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.