Philadelphia-based band The Disco Biscuits recently released their double live album The Wind at Four to Fly (SCI Fidelity Records/April 18). Back in fine form after the departure of their longtime drummer, this summer The Disco Biscuits hit the road this summer with new drummer Allen Aucoin. The auditioning process was lengthy but they found that Aucoin jumped straight in, meshing with the Biscuits' in the groove, solid feeling called BISCO.
2006 marks The Disco Biscuits eleventh year of rocking out in their unique musical smorgasbord style which fuses rock, electronic and classical music. The band met at the University of Pennsylvania in 1995 and started off with frat gigs but made the quick switch to the club scene. Their eclectic live shows gained them a rabid following, making them leaders in the jam and groove scene. www.discobiscuits.com
1987. Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, second day of school. A student named Ahmir Thompson walks into the principal’s office seeking a lunch pass. At the same time, a freshman named Tariq Trotter stumbles in, gripped by school guards who caught him engaging in “extracurricular” activities with a ballerina in the ladies bathroom. Luckily, Thompson has designs larger than lunch, and Trotter’s game is wider than women. Thompson is a jazz drummer and Trotter is an MC, and decides to create music together. They can’t afford turntables, microphones, or DJ equipment. But then again, they are secretly glad about their dollar deficiency--their collaborations wouldn't have that something-from-nothing spirit that built hip-hop and rock. So, Trotter rhymes over Thompson’s rented drum kit. Eventually, they call themselves the Square Roots, and Thompson adopts the name ?uestlove and Trotter takes on Black Thought. www.theroots.com
Thievery Corporation's fourth album, The Cosmic Game, finds the duo of Rob Garza and Eric Hilton in their most expansive mood yet, as their latest sonic exploration blurs the boundaries between rock, breaks, future-bossa, dub, and other mind-altering sounds. When dropped, The Cosmic Game is a psychotropic, aural concoction, which clearly opens a new dimension in the ever-evolving Thievery odyssey.
Ironically, Thievery Corporation formed in Washington D.C., a city the duo often refer to as 'the real Babylon." One major by-product of life in the heart of empire is the diversity of the people it attracts to its riches. Underneath the power brokering, DC has quietly spawned a sophisticated musical multi-culturalism (especially in the Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle neighborhoods that became TC's home). The city also gave a base to Dischord Records and Positive Force, a scene whose fierce independence, musically and politically, forcibly affected every nearby young musician with a non-mainstream pulse. www.thieverycorporation.com
With over 80 years experience collectively Simon Posford and Raja Ram are more than qualified for the exploration into the unclassifiable music frontiers they have ventured into; ‘SHPONGLE’ is a new world of traditional sounds, acoustic guitars, Moroccan drums, Turkish operatic singing, cello, double bass, backing vocals and silver flute blended together with the computer wizardry of Simon Posford's studio production. www.shpongle.com
The four members of Brazilian Girls met in 2003, while jamming together at Nublu, a downtown New York club that has served as their spawning ground. Playing together every week (they still do, when they're in town) they wrote and recorded the twelve originals of Brazilian Girls over a couple of months, letting the nuances of their songs evolve over time.
But, seeing is definitely believing and Brazilian Girls are a force rarely beheld in live performance. They've been playing to packed clubs and have received stellar reviews in The New York Times, Time Out NY, Mojo and Flaunt magazines. Due in part to several small tours (one of which was with break-out band Ozomotli), the band has built a strong buzz on the East and West coasts in the US, Canada, and several countries in Europe (including the UK, France, Holland, Belgium, and Germany). The word is out that this band is HOT and sexy. Mysterious lead singer Sabina Scuibba is at the helm with erotic vocals sure to please. www.braziliangirls.info
John Medeski was asked to present a project at this year's All Good Music Festival. John Medeski and The Itch (Eric Krasno and Adam Deitch) was the result. Their acidicly funked-out jazzical sounds meet and beat any expectations that you may have of this power trio.
The story continues to evolve with Canada’s the New Deal, as they celebrate the seismic collision of live, improvised jamming with the energy and flow of contemporary dance music. Since the band’s formation in 1999 – a self described “beautiful accident” – North American response has been exceptional. Audiences have embraced what is now called the “New Deal Sound”.
Unique, unforgettable and completely original – the New Deal has captured the attention music audiences throughout North America. Their latest studio release will bring the band’s celebrated sound to an even larger audience. www.thenewdeal.ca
Far from its initiation, when the Duo was conceptualized for economy, these days the band remains a twosome out of pure artistic desire. “Limiting yourself leads to new discovery,” says Benevento. As an example, he offers that the title track of Play Pause Stop was an exercise in stringing chords together from one single note. The restriction resulted in an incredibly creative and entertaining powerhouse of a song. Much like the idea of the Duo itself.
Russo began to program some of Benevento’s parts into his drum pads, and Benevento learned how to play foot bass. Time on the road, both on and off stage, has led to a group intuition and collective consciousness. Now that they know how to seamlessly complement each other and custom compose for the Duo, Russo remarks that their unique format has been far more liberating than limiting. “That’s my favorite thing about this,” he says. “I don’t feel like there’s a melodic or a rhythmic leader — Marco can bang out these rhythms, and we can go back and forth melodically.”
Moshi Moshi consists of Aron Magner on keyboards and Sammy Altman on Powerbook and E-drums. They first played on 1/20/2000 at The Knitting Factory in New York, NY.
The Moshi Moshi sound has been a constantly evolving project. In early ’04, they were playing in a similar “Disco Biscuits”-esque style (a la the Sam/Aron jams from Fall ’03), but my March ’04 they had developed into a full-on drum’n’bass act, even releasing a limited LP called the “Queen of the Shakima”.
Contrary to popular belief, heroes sometimes lurk behind the curtains, actively choosing to elude visibility. Make no mistake, though-if the mystery man behind the boards is the man behind a classic beat, you'll soon know his name. In the late 90's, producers crept from the shadows to seize the spotlight of mainstream hip-hop, as well as the pop charts. In the last few years, one man shows such as Moby, DJ Shadow and Timbaland have proved what underground hip-hop fans have known since Marley Marl's heyday-a talented producer can shine solo. Enter RJD2. www.rjd2site.com
Younger Brother is a killer combination of Simon Posford's (Hallucinogen, Shpongle) studio wizardry and Benji Vaughan's (Prometheus) dance music sensibilities. Their first track 'Evil & Harm' which was commissioned for Survival International's 'Tribal Future's' compilation, was a powerful ambient world fusion and became the standout track on the first album. The name, Younger Brother, itself comes from their work on this album while remixing samples of the Kogi tribe. The Columbian Kogi Indian's refer to themselves as 'Older Brother' and the rest of the world as, 'Younger Brother' so the name represents the population of the outside world. www.twisted.co.uk
Perpetual Groove's genre spanning music has garnered critical acclaim throughout the country in the two short years the band has been touring. Their extensive, original catalog includes everything from evil funk, jazz inspired jams, soaring improvisational rock n' roll, to emotionally crafted ballads, keeping an audience attentive and clamoring for more. With an enthusiastic fan base that travels from show to show, the Savannah, GA based band continues to ride a wave of momentum created by more and more new fans that simply cannot get enough of their live show. The addition of an energetic, retina-blinding intelligent light show and a catalog of covers that include everything from Michael Jackson's "Thriller" to Rage Against the Machine's "Bulls on Parade", Perpetual Groove brings a highly polished, yet different show to each venue that they perform in. www.pgroove.com
The Adam Deitch Project plays live dub, hip-hop, drum&bass and trip-hop. This is live , bass heavy, club music. The project features four of the most talented musicians on the New York scene today. Stu "subby" Brooks, of Dub Trio and G-Unit is on bass, Borahm Lee (Fugees, Lauryn Hill, Digable Planets) plays keyboards and and an array of sonics, Adam Shmeeans Smirnoff (Lettuce and Robert Randolphs Family Band) is on guitar as well as frequent collaboraters MCs Moe "the Pope" and Anonymous (Project Move, Electric Co.) Nicks and Dimes on keys(Kudu,the Formula)DJ Gravy(iration squad) and reggae singer/revolutionary, Jah Dan. They have been playing at some of New York Citys hottest clubs including Nublu, the Knitting Factory and sold out weekends at the famed Blue Note as well as performing around the country in places like New Orleans(jazz fest) and Colorado (Telluride Jazz). www.adamdeitch.com
Philadelphia's Brothers Past is emerging as one of the most talked about independent acts in the nation. The band conjures a new energetic sound, merging rock anthems with electronic exploration. Their new CD, This Feeling's Called Goodbye, released at a sold-out Bowery Ballroom in New York City, is drawing accolades from the press and within the industry. Glide Magazine wrote, "Brothers Past focuses on the art of songwriting in a unique way that sets them apart from the pack. When you combine strong, well-written catchy songs… with electronica laden powerhouses… you get a detailed glimpse into the future of music." www.brotherspast.com
Sultry femme vocals tease out the words 'Now is the time to make or break'. Ersatz live backing provides nonsense appeal a la party hype-up, but it's the tight, driving production that summons wig-out-to-the-max action. 'You can't have it both ways' utters a disgruntled lover, but cool-fuck disco nouveau coquette Nancy Wang, has the whip-hand on the cracker. -ST www.thejuanmaclean.com
Lotus has always tip-toed the tight rope that is drawing on multiple genres, as with their new release, The Strength of Weak Ties (April 11 - Harmonized Records) - slip one way and it's a haphazard melting pot: fall to the other and you've got a diluted derivative; but hang on and you can find something new where the familiar meets foreign - glitch-hop programming meets rock n' roll drums, overdriven guitars meet overdriven synthesizers, primitive drum machines meet funky back beats, and post-rock meets electronica. www.lotusvibes.com
Benzos' music is the brainchild of four virtuoso musicians – all music conservatory graduates – who were drawn together in their shared quest to seamlessly blend rock-based musical forms with the ambience and rhythm of early underground dance and experimental electronic music. Benzos' complex and expansive sound – at once cerebral and transcendently emotional -- marries drum & bass rhythms with a lush wall of guitars reminiscent of Meddle-era Pink Floyd. Among the broad and diverse array of acts whom Benzos cite as influences are Doves, The Verve, Pink Floyd, Photek, Prefuse 73, Massive Attack, Squarepusher, Aphex Twin and even jazz greats Miles Davis, John Coltrane and John McLaughlin. www.benzosmusic.com
B.I.J. is an instrumental, experimental band based out of Baltimore. The members of the band make up 3/5ths of Lake Trout. Drums - Mike Lowry, Bass - James Griffith, Keyboard/Rhodes/Soprano Sax/Flute/Drum Machine - Matthew Pierce. www.laketrout.com
Pnuma Trio arrives at a time when the music scene is in need of something new, bringing with them a refreshing new sound. Pnuma Trio's story began as a musical meeting in Virginia. There, through introduction by a mutual friend, the three founding members met, played together, and a week later became a band. The trio quickly discovered their sound and made the move to Memphis, Tennessee. Since the beginning, things have progressed naturally, and quickly.
Pnuma Trio's innovative brand of atmospheric soul trance is a captivating sound that meshes dance music elements with traditional jazz and funk sensibilities. www.pnumatrio.com
A project born of the studio, the BurnDown All-Stars are a Philadelphia based live hip-hop collective featuring the city’s finest unsigned musicians and emcees. Beginning in early 2003 with the release of “BurnDown Presents… Volume 1, The Outside Connect Jawn,” the All-Stars slowly took form over the next two years. By early 2005, the present line up had solidified. With an ever-expanding repertoire of songs, performances have matured into an undeniable mix of musicianship, showmanship and lyrical virtuosity. www.burndownmusic.com
Quagmire Swim Team is an unusually generic jamband with common skills and an incredibly lame audience. The band's songs are familiar sounding because they're not all that original and their weak structures are often nothing more than platforms for endless improvisation. At least, that's what we're telling everyone; otherwise the secret would get out too fast... NOW, GO SWIM!!! www.quagmireswimteam.com
Psylab was conceived in early 2005 with a mission to introduce a full human element into electronic dance music, where everything is created entirely in real-time by 4 musicians. Psylab's primary focus is on psy-trance styles; however they are also known to perform full sets of drum'n'bass, house, dubstep and downtempo. Psylab has been teaming up with skilled DJs and electronic bands, performing at regional weeklies, private parties, and underground events. Psylab is planning a west coast tour for late 2006, and has plans to visit Europe in mid-summer 2006. www.psylabunderground.com
Infradig is electro-funk-IDM for humans. This TN based band replicates electronic music in real time unlike anyone else. Sometimes dark, always emotive, Infradig channels the spirits of artists like Prefuse 73, DJ Shadow, Kruder and Dorphmeister, Squarepusher, and Dntel. Having toured the Southeast and beyond, Infradig knows how to throw down for the dance crowd and the reflective listener alike. www.infradig.net
OL is a collective of DJs and friends that formed in Chicago around 2000. More than anything, the trio of Ben Silver, Spencer Lokken, and Bethany Briscoe focus on performing for a more discerning dance floor. They've never let their passion for the beat confine them to a single genre, as a typical set may include anything from dubbed-out downtempo and IDM to esoteric tech house and b-boy era electro. At the very core, the three are simply fans of the producers whose name appear on their records. They've always fully understood their roles as middle man (and woman), and thrive on exposing new music to the masses. "From the Dance Floor to the Couch" is the appropriate phrase that defines Orchard Lounge, as their musical selections are suited for any state of mind or environment. www.orchardlounge.com
Chicago trio Future Rock blends organic instruments, electronic synthesis and clever songwriting into a contagious mix that's been creating a buzz in their Midwest home base (an article in Chicago Innerview compared them to the Windy City's own Tortoise) and beyond. Mickey Kellerman and Felix Moreno utilize a myriad of synthesizers, electronics, and instruments, while drummer Darren Heitz blends acoustic and electronic drum timbres with live sampling through his synthesizers. The audience can rarely identify the origin of each sound, but that doesn't stop them from dancing to Future Rock's grooves. The band has shared the stage with the likes of the Benevento-Russo Duo, Conspirator, Robert Walter's 20th Congress, Brothers Past, Lotus and DJ Logic, and just released their debut album, Sugar Coated Bullets. Performing the music of Aphex Twin. www.futurerock.net
Michael Myers XMRadio, LOCAL 13 - PHILADELPHIA
As a member of legendary East Coast Production Company Local 13, and as the DJ credited with founding Philadelphia's trance music scene, Michael Myers has always been one of the most dedicated pioneers of the Eastern Seaboard's dance music community.
An intensely serious minded and driven individual, Myers was first exposed to techno in 1992 via the music of renowned DJs Josh Wink and Frankie Bones. Although Myers began his career behind the tables spinning hip-hop records, he quickly discovered that electronic music was his calling. Drawn to the melodic tones of progressive trance, Myers found it to be "more intricate to mix than people would think it's a style of music that is almost a pop format."
Elemental Harmonics is a four piece ensemble from Atlanta, Georgia with a fresh vision of music. Drawing inspiration from the roots of dub, drum n' bass, house, funk, hip hop, and jazz they create a dynamic blend of harmonic textures, percolating melodies, and phat danceable beats. Tastefully blending computer generated sounds and live sequencing, with improvisation and song structure, EH gives way to a space where nature and technology find peace. With three multi-instrumentalists utilizing computers, guitar, bass, keys, and percussion, and a drummer using both acoustic and electronic hardware, the band manifests one telepathic vision of massive elemental creation. Elemental Harmonics is an intensely relevant statement of sound sure to get any crowd moving...and thinking. www.elementalharmonics.com
The Indobox (formerly Moonbox)
Hailing from Boston, MA with its roots in Northeast PA, all 4 members are graduates of Berklee College of Music where Moonbox was first conceived.
Guitarists Mike Carter and Joe Zarick had honed their songcraft together for years before teaming up with bassist Justin Keeth and drummer Quinn Ferree in Spring 2004. In January 2006 Steve Learson joined Moonbox, replacing former bassist Justin. Moonbox's sophisticated approach to song writing and impressive instrumental abilities is only the foundation upon which this band exists; generating and harnessing an unspeakable energy, exploding with frenzied excitement. Without exception, every Moonbox show inevitably turns into a wild dance party. Moonbox is clearing a path for the next generation of Rock,with a big nod to those before them. www.theindobox.com
Bred in Fort Collins, CO and now thriving in Austin, TX, this blast-fusion-trio has been using music to start stage fires since 1999. They have played sold out shows in Colorado with the Derek Trucks Band and Particle, and shredded the stage of Stubbs Austin with Brothers Past. Within their latest release, Infrablue, the Matter discovered a style of music that bleeds with frantic energy and indelible melodies. As an American rooted rock band, Moving Matter’s “audio-epilepsy” stuns with electronic weapons and soothes with disco intent. www.movingmatter.com
The Trapps are an adventurous, American Rock and Roll Band. Knowing that to move forward one must reflect upon the past, The Trapps sift through the prior Rock and Roll groundwork to construct songs with substance that will in no doubt, stand the test of time and be included in the history of valuable music. The Trapps (Sean Schenker, Warren Gold and Jason Sarubbi) formed in New Paltz, NY in the year 2003. That makes them eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2028. One listen to the new CD “Good Luck or Goodbye” and I’m sure they’ll earn your vote. www.thetrappsband.com
Funky but raw, intentioned and masterful JAPHY RYDER is loud and exciting. The band formed in the fall of 2003 and spent the next three years gigging steadily and opening for some of the finest talent in the country including The Roots, Lotus, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey and Bernie Worrell. JAPHY RYDER describes their unique sound as a blend of Funk, Jazz and Drum n Bass that keeps people dancing. Armed with a guitar, bass, drums and an effects laden trumpet this Burlington based quartet is one of the tightest bands on the scene today. www.japhyryder.com
Based out of Boone, NC, The Aborted (known as Formula at the time) formed in 2002. Immediately developing a fan base through multiple gigs as Formula, the band had combined compositional rock with electronic music driven through improvisation. Often playing sets without stopping, they would segue songs into and out of each other to keep audiences enthused and collectively amazed. After mid-2004, bassist John Fitch developed a severe case of carpal tunnel syndrome, which eventually had to be treated through surgery the following July. The band had to abort the musical endeavor known as Formula while Fitch was going through physical therapy and re-strengthening his hands. This time allowed the band a chance to refocus their creativity and talent into a new and exciting musical vision. Once able to play again the band was reborn, early in 2006, as ‘The Aborted’ with an imperative new toy, the LOOP STATION. This addition opened a whole new range of ideas and music, allowing each band member to play more than one instrument at a time. Synthesizers were then added to the music, which in turn heightened the bands new musical awareness and sparked a new influx of musical ideas as well as endless possibilities. Song writing began to increase rapidly as did the experimentation with other types of music in their writing. An interesting mixture of trip-hop, grunge, ambience, industrial, and drum and bass came forth and is now being displayed through their first EP recording, “Disappear Here…” This EP shows that their new sound along with the addition of vocals (loaded with heavy delay and reverb, allowing comparisons to vocal work done during the 80s electronic-pop era) is very adventurous as well as unclassifiable to most people.