Do you remember those old commercials where off-beat salesmen ramble on about their item that does it all or simply "slices and dices?" No? Well, watch this and you're welcome. Moving on, NYC-bred band of brothers AJR dropped their debut full-length album Living Room today, and completely did it themselves (DIY indeed). They wrote it, mixed it, and produced it - all in the confines of their NYC apartment living room. (Hence the title, and on an unrelated note, suck it, Ginsu knife.)
Brothers Adam, Ryan, and Jack Met, who have been - big shock I know - making music together since they were kids, have been gradually gaining fame and acclaim and rightfully so. Their single "I'm Ready" went gold, and they performed it all over the place from The Today Show to The X-Factor in Australia. Their single "Infinity" is already kicking names and taking ass, and a tour is on the verge of being announced. This Thursday, March 5, the band will perform at The Studio at Webster Hall. But before they go out on the road and to Webster, they hit A-Sides up - fittingly chatting on a couch, and performing stripped down versions of two little ditties, which I promise you are not about Jack or Diane. Huh? It's a left-field John Cougar Mellencamp reference because he needs it. Anyway, watch the performances and interview, which was shot by Joe Ades at the A-Sides Studio/Listening Room within Primary Wave in NYC.
"Infinity"
"Growing Old On Bleecker Street"
A-Sides Interview
5 for Fighting with... Five for Fighting: March Madness Edition
We move from three New York brothers to a Los Angeles native who would never think of me as being as close to him as a brother. I mean we like each other, but it's not like he's ever invited me to Thanksgiving dinner. On the flipside, we've never met in person so I can't really hold it against him. That said, Easter might be nice. Anyway, it's time for that old A-Sides column-within-a-column -- 5 for Fighting... with Five for Fighting: March Edition. Read on, and thanks again John Ondransik for doing this column with me. The check is in the mail.
Is there any truth to the rumor that like the month of March, you also come in like a lion but come out like a lamb?
That is true. Though being a So Cal native we ride stuffed lions and carry L.A.M.B. handbags. Do you know it never rains in California? Do you know Rumours was recorded in California in March 1976? I bet you did not know that. In fact, I do not know that.
I did not know that you did not know that I did not know you did not know that. Anyway, you're a sports fanatic - does it extend to March Madness? If not, does it extend to the Ides of March in any way?
In 1995, I was in Seattle to watch my UCLA Bruins (alum) win the National Championship. I have John Wooden's Pyramid of Success on my studio wall. There is no greater event than March Madness. Sadly, College Ball is a shell of itself due to one and done, and evil coaches. Et Tu Calipari! Long Live Tyus Edney!
I don't understand what you're saying. Have you ever considered adding a fake fifth member of the band and calling yourselves Sex for Fighting?
Was the a Freudian slip? 50 Shades of Fighting? Is there something you're not telling me? We just came off a series of quartet shows where for the first time we had five musicians (including yours truly) on stage. I found being five quite unnerving and the audience was terribly confused. That said, "Sex for Fighting" might triple our tickets sales, especially in certain exclusive "Clubs."
You're not wrong. There was a Facebook movie years back - can we hold out any hopes for a J-Date film? If so, would you write the theme song?
I had to Google J-Date. Does that make me anti-Semitic? My wife's maiden name is Berkowitz so I not only have inspiration, I am a client! So a Jew, a Muslim, and a Christian wanted to go to a FFF concert. The Jew said "Who's buying tickets? The Muslim said "Don't worry, John put us on the list." The Christian said "He better play 'If God Made You'." There is no joke here.
I followed it to a point. The Rolling Stones are still going strong yet Sly Stone looks like he got hit by a bus numerous times. Care to explain why?
It certainly is related to Keith's incredible health regime that the members of the Stones (sans Mick) have emulated the last 64 years. Keith's guitar wizardy is only eclipsed by his creation of the Skinny Bong, and Richards' Fountain of Youth Face Cream. I frankly haven't enjoyed a Sly Stone movie since Rocky II. Bye.
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!
Stay Connected:
http://asidesmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thisisasides
https://twitter.com/ThisIsAsides
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!
Stay Connected:
http://asidesmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thisisasides
https://twitter.com/ThisIsAsides