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B3SCI’S SXSW PREVIEW 2013

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SXSW-time is here (happiness and cheer). Hello SXSW 2013. How are we doing? B3’s annual hour-by-hour preview and prognostication of SX Music is back for 2013. We’ve got all the can’t miss sets and showcases you’ll want to be at covered. From Tuesday to Saturday, Antone’s to The Whiskey Room, Congress Street to that area where Stubb’s is by the Police Station, Team B3 presents our SX 2013 picks. p.s. If you’ve been sleeping and haven’t yet signed up for our A-class Day Party at Maggie Mae’s on Wednesday afternoon you can sort that out here.

TUESDAY

diiv
Brooklyn band DIIV play the Red 7 patio @ 1:00 A.M. on Tuesday.

Showcases where you’ll want to be:
1) BBC Radio 1 @ Latitude 30: Bastille, Lucy Rose, Willy Moon, Tall Ships, The 1975 & Y Niwl
2) Pitchfork @ Mohawk: Icona Pop, Cloud Nothings, Marnie Stern, John Talabot, Azari & III, Blue Hawaii, Hundred Waters
3) The Syndicate’s Conflict of Interest @ Hype Hotel: Cold War Kids, Ra Ra Riot, Ivan & Alyosha, Little Green Cars

Can’t miss sets:
8:00-8:59 PM:
1) Blondfire @ The Belmont (8:20)
2) Charli XCX @ The Belmont (8:00)
3) Ivan & Alyosha @ Hype Hotel

9:00-9:59 PM:
1) TOKiMONSTA @ Antone’s (9:00)
2) Lucy Rose @ Latitude 30 (9:00)
3) Blue Hawaii @ Mohawk Indoor (9:30)

10:00-10:59 PM:
1) St. Lucia @ Antone’s (10:00)
2) Hundred Waters @ Mohawk Indoor (10:15)
3) Tall Ships @ Latitude 30 (10:10)

11:00-11:59 PM:
1) The 1975 @ Latitude 30 (11:00)
2) Cloud Nothings @ Mohawk Outdoor (11:30)
3) Little Green Cars @ Hype Hotel

12:00-12:59 AM:
1) DIIV @ Red 7 Patio (12:00)
2) Hit-Boy @ 404 Austin (12:20)
3) Icona Pop @ Mohawk Indoor (12:00)

1:00-1:59 AM:
1) John Talabot @ Mohawk Indoor (1:15)
2) Nicolas Jaar @ The North Door (1:00)
3) Bastille @ Latitude 30 (1:00)

WEDNESDAY

theneighbourhood2
The Neighbourhood play Club de Ville @ Midnight on SXSW Wednesday Night

Favorite Showcases:
1) NPR @ Stubb’s: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Cafe Tacvba, Alt-J, Youth Lagoon
2) Windish Agency Showcase @ Red 7: Poolside, NO CEREMONY, The Thermals, CHRVCHES, Dan Croll
3) Vans @ Mohawk: Ghostface Killah, Sky Ferreira, Iggy and the Stooges, The Specials

Favorite Sets:
7:00-7:59 PM:
1) Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds @ Stubb’s (7:45)
2) Family of the Year @ Moody Theater (7:45)
3) Anuhea @ Old School (7:30)
4) Ab-Soul @ 404 Austin (7:30)
5) Japandroids @ Mohawk Outdoor (7:30)

8:00-8:59 PM:
1) Wild Belle @ Haven (8:00)
2) Iggy and the Stooges @ Mohawk Outdoor (8:00)
3) Schoolboy Q @ 404 Austin (8:30)
4) Fallulah @ Old School (8:30)
5) Lucius @ The Parish (8:30)

9:00-9:59 PM:
1) Tom Odell @ Haven (9:00)
2) Kendrick Lamar @ 1100 Warehouse (9:00)
3) Merchandise @ Viceland (9:00)
4) Peace @ Red 7 Patio (9:30)
5) The Orwells @ Hype Hotel (9:30)
Prev. Mentioned: Blue Hawaii @ Elysium (9:00)

10:00-10:59 PM
1) Caveman @ IFC Crossroads House (10:00)
2) Phosphorescent @ Hype Hotel (10:15)
3) Rudimental @ La Zona Rosa (10:20)
4) The Black Angels @ Buffalo Billiards (10:00)
5) AZARI & III @ Bungalo (10:00)
Prev. Mentioned: The 1975 @ Red Eyed Fly (10:30)

11:00-11:59 PM:
1) Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Stubb’s (11:00)
2) PAPA @ Red Eyed Fly (11:20)
3) Just Blaze @ La Zona Rosa (11:40)
4) Unknown Mortal Orchestra @ Scoot Inn (11:15)
5) SOHN @ Red 7 (11:00)
Prev. Mentioned: Hundred Waters @ The Tap Room at Six (11:00), Icona Pop @ Viceland (11:00)

12:00-12:59 AM:
1) The Neighbourhood @ Club de Ville (12:00)
2) Alt-J @ Stubb’s (12:30)
3) Flume @ Red 7 (12:00)
4) Jake Bugg @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (12:00)
5) Sky Ferreira @ Mohawk Outdoor (12:10)
Prev. Mentioned: AZARI & III @ The Tap Room at Six (12:00), John Talabot @ Elysium (12:00)

1:00-1:59 AM:
1) Ghostface Killah @ Mohawk Outdoor (1:00)
2) Foxes @ Red Eyed Fly (1:00)
3) Wyclef Jean @ 404 Austin (1:00)
4) White Lung @ Holy Mountain (1:20)
5) Alpine @ Empire Control Room (1:00)
Prev. Mentioned: Charli XCX @ Club de Ville (1:00)

THURSDAY

trailsandways
Bay Area bossa-pop crew Trails & Ways check into the Hype Hotel @ 9 PM

Favorite Showcases:
1) Pitchfork @ 1100 Warehouse: Disclosure, Ryan Hemsworth, FIDLAR, Sky Ferreira, Savages, Pissed Jeans
2) BET Music Matters @ Brazos Hall: T.I., Schoolboy Q, Joey Bada$$, Chrisette Michele, BJ The Chicago Kid
3) The Hype Machine @ Hype Hotel: Jake Bugg, MS MR, The Specials, Trails & Ways, Kodaline

Favorite Sets:
8:00-8:59 PM:
1) Joey Bada$$ @ Hangar Lounge (8:30)
2) Fidlar @ 1100 Warehouse (8:40)
3) Guards @ The Belmont (8:00)
4) Kodaline @ Hype Hotel (8:00)
5) Cayucas @ Red 7 Patio (8:15)
Prev. Mentioned: PAPA @ The Tap Room at Six (8:00), TOKiMONSTA @ Republic Live (8:40)

9:00-9:59 PM
1) Trails & Ways @ Hype Hotel (9:00)
2) Lianne La Havas @ Empire Automotive (9:15)
3) Charles Bradley @ Moody Theater (9:00)
4) Big K.R.I.T. @ Lustre Pearl (9:00)
5) BJ The Chicago Kid @ Brazos Hall (8:50)
Prev. Mentioned: Caveman @ Bar 96 (9:30), Joey Bada$$ @ Brazos Hall (9:45),

10:00-10:59 PM:
1) Wildcat! Wildcat! @ Tap Room at Six (10:00)
2) Jesse Boykins III @ Elysium (9:50)
3) Dauwd @ Holy Mountain (10:00)
4) MONA @ Cedar Street Courtyard (10:00)
5) Chrisette Michele @ Brazos Hall (10:15)
Prev. Mentioned: Sky Ferreira @ 1100 Warehouse (10:45),

11:00-11:59 PM:
1) Capital Cities @ Empire Automotive (11:15)
2) The Specials @ Hype Hotel (11:00)
3) The Besnard Lakes @ Red 7 (11:30)
4) The Kid Daytona @ The North Door (11:25)
5) Beacon @ Holy Mountain (11:00)
Prev. Mentioned: Alt-J @ The Belmont (11:10), Schoolboy Q @ Brazos Hall (11:30),

12:00-12:59 AM:
1) Killer Mike @ Bar 96 (12:30)
2) Disclosure @ 1100 Warehouse (12:35)
3) Antwon @ Easy Tiger (12:15)
4) Ryan Hemsworth @ 1100 Warehouse (12:00)
5) Snoop Lion @ Viceland (12:00)
Prev. Mentioned: Phosphorescent @ Red 7 Patio (11:55),

1:00-1:59 AM:
1) Death @ TenOak (12:50)
2) Generationals @ Red Eyed Fly (1:00)
3) Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs @ Blackheart (1:00)
4) Local Natives @ Mohawk Outdoor (1:00)
5) Soul of Mischief @ 512 (1:15)
Prev. Mentioned: Flume @ Latitude 30 (1:00), Ghostface Killah @ Scoot Inn (1:10), Jake Bugg @ Hype Hotel (1:00), Joey Bada$$ @ The North Door (1:20), Unknown Mortal Orchestra @ Red 7 Patio

FRIDAY

bondax4
Bondax make a 12:20 A.M. appearance at La Zona Rosa on Friday Night.

Favorite Showcases:
1) Our Heart Aches For Syria @ The Long Center: Deer Tick, White Lung, Omar Souleyman, Black Lips, The Orwells
2) Rolling Stone @ La Zona Rosa: Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Bondax, TOKiMONSTA, Disclosure
3) Rocksmith @ Tha Main: Mystikal, YG, Trae Tha Truth, Yo Gotti

Favorite Sets:
8:00-8:59 PM:
1) Fatima Al Qadiri @ The Madison (8:45)
2) Harry Fraud @ Austin Music Hall (8:40)
3) Diamond Rings @ VEVO Control Room (8:00)
4) Tropics @ Old School (8:00)
5) The Mowgli’s @ Stubb’s (8:00)
Prev. Mentioned: Hundred Waters @ Scoot Inn (8:45), The Neighbourhood @ Brazos Hall (8:45),

9:00-9:59 PM:
1) Danny Brown @ Viceland (9:15)
2) The Orwells @ The Long Center (9:40)
3) Man Without Country @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (9:20)
4) Small Black @ Lustre Pearl (9:00)
5) Charlotte Church @ VEVO Control Room (9:00)
Prev. Mentioned: Phosphorescent @ Bar 96 (9:30),

10:00-10:59 PM:
1) Depeche Mode @ Brazos Hall (10:00)
2) Giraffage @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (10:00)
3) Gold Fields @ Buffalo Billiards (10:00)
4) Eric Burdon @ The Stage On Sixth Patio (10:00)
5) Turtle Giant @ Hickory Street (10:00)
Prev. Mentioned: Danny Brown @ Austin Music Hall (10:35), DIIV @ Lustre Pearl (10:00), Disclosure @ La Zona Rosa (10:00), Fallulah @ VEVO Control Room (10:00) Fidlar @ Clive Bar (10:00), Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs @ Hype Hotel (10:00), White Lung @ The Long Center (10:20)

11:00-11:59 PM:
1) Rhye @ Buffalo Billiards (11:00)
2) Pusha T @ Austin Music Hall (11:00)
3) Goldroom @ Avenue on Congress Rooftop (11:00)
4) Gap Dream @ Hotel Vegas (11:15)
5) Laura Mvula @ Hype Hotel (11:00)
Prev Mentioned: Blue Hawaii @ Swan Dive (11:00), Foxes @ Empire Automotive (11:10), Merchandise @ Mohawk Outdoor (11:15), Ryan Hemsworth @ 512 Rooftop (11:00), TOKiMONSTA @ La Zona Rosa (11:35)

12:00-12:59 AM:
1) Bondax @ La Zona Rosa (12:20)
2) MO @ Buffalo Billiards (12:00)
3) Omar Souleyman @ The Long Center (12:00)
4) Mystikal @ The Main (11:50)
5) Vacationer @ VEVO Control Room (12:00)
Prev Mentioned: Ghostface Killah @ Viceland (12:15), Kendrick Lamar @ Austin Music Hall (12:40), Little Green Cars @ Antone’s (12:00), MONA @ Townhouse (12:00), Rudimental @ Hype Hotel (12:00), St. Lucia @ Empire Automotive (12:20)

1:00-1:59 AM:
1) XXYYXX @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (1:00)
2) Sepalcure
3) Master P @ 404 Austin (1:20)
4) Bass Drum of Death @ Easy Tiger (1:00)
5) Trae Tha Truth @ The Main (1:25)
Prev. Mentioned: DIIV @ Mohawk Indoor (1:00), Disclosure @ Scoot Inn (12:50), Ryan Hemsworth w/ Daedalus @ Emo’s (1:00), Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs @ La Zona Rosa (1:05)

SATURDAY

erykah
Ms. Badu blesses SX with a 11:00 PM set at Empire Control Room on Saturday Night

Favorite Showcases:
1) Boiler Room @ 1100 Warehouse: Skream, Baauer, Chief Keef, Shlohmo, Mount Kimbie, Lunice
2) Perez Hilton @ Austin Music Hall: Lissie, Charli XCX, Wynter Gordon, Capital Cities, Paloma Faith
3) Captured Tracks @ The Parish: Beach Fossils, DIIV, The Soft Moon, Mac DeMarco

Favorite Sets:
9:00-9:59 PM:
1) Mount Kimbie @ 1100 Warehouse (9:30)
2) Ryan Leslie @ Hangar Lounge (9:30)
3) Shlohmo @ 1100 Warehouse (9:00)
4) Zak Waters @ Hickory Street (9:00)
5) Wynter Gordon @ Austin Music Hall (9:15)
Prev. Mentioned: Capital Cities @ The Belmont (9:00), Foxes @ Hype Hotel (9:00), Merchandise @ Red 7 (

10:00-10:59 PM:
1) Lissie @ Austin Music Hall (9:55)
2) Oliver @ Ballroom Annex (10:00)
3) Action Bronson
4) Chief Keef @ 1100 Warehouse (10:30)
5) Cashmere Cat
Prev. Mentioned: Caveman @ Hype Hotel (10:00), Fidlar @ Hotel Vegas (10:15), Gap Dream @ Hotel Vegas Patio (10:15), Gold Fields @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (10:00), Ivan & Alyosha @ TenOak (10:00), Sepalcure @ The Madison (10:00), Sky Ferreira @ Stubb’s (10:00)

11:00-11:59 PM:
1) Erykah Badu @ Empire Control Room (11:00)
2) Tashaki Miyaki @ Hickory Street (11:00)
3) HAIM @ Stubb’s (11:00)
4) King Chip @ Suite 101 (11:00)
5) Black Moon @ Haven (11:35)
Prev. Mentioned: Flume @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (11:00), Laura Mvula @ VEVO Control Room (11:45), Peace @ Latitude 30 (11:00), Vacationer @ Hype Hotel (11:00)

12:00-12:59 AM:
1) A Place To Bury Strangers @ Brazos Hall (12:00)
2) The Robert Glasper Experiment @ Empire Control Room (12:00)
3) Casey Veggies @ Old School (12:45)
4) A Silent Film @ Antone’s (12:00)
5) SpaceGhostPurrp @ Suite 101 (12:20)
Prev. Mentioned: Antwon @ Red 7 (12:15), DIIV @ The Parish (12:10), Jesse Boykins III @ Stage On Sixth Patio (12:00), Kendrick Lamar @ Viceland (12:30), MO @ Hype Hotel (12:00), XXYYXX @ Mohawk Outdoor (12:00)

1:00-1:59 AM:
1) Skream @ 1100 Warehouse (1:15)
2) The Pharcyde @ Club de Ville (1:15)
3) Delorean @ Mohawk Outdoor (1:00)
4) Beach Fossils @ The Parish (1:00)
5) In the Valley Below @ VEVO Control Room (1:15)
Prev. Mentioned: Big K.R.I.T. @ Old School (1:20), Danny Brown @ Ballroom Annex (1:00), Just Blaze @ Ballroom Annex (1:50), Mystikal @ Suite 101 (1:15), The Orwells @ Latitude 30 (1:00), Trae Tha Truth @ 404 Austin (1:30)

reviewed by
03-10-13

Rave’s Fave: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Hate The Taste

It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Luckily enough, their new Spector At the Feast album drops March 19 and just as our SXSW recoveries are underway. It’s a typical strong album for the BRMC crew, sometimes fast and hard, sometimes more mellow and on the slow side. Fans appreciate both styles from the band. “Hate the Taste” from the album is emerging for me as an early fave, and I know they’ll kill this one live as well. By Bruce Rave

BRMC – Hate The Taste (Official)

* Links and playlists from Rave’s weekly new music show can be found on his blog and be sure follow Bruce on Twitter too!

reviewed by
03-10-13

Interview w/ JMSN

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Resident B3 scientist Erin Feathers recently connected with rising indie R&B producer, and all around creative-type (best watch out for those), JMSN for a brief one-on-one about the musician’s story, music, and what the future holds. Take a look at their conversation below.

B3SCI: A little background on yourself for our readers, after several attempts to be happy making music on major labels, you fashioned your own label for the release of your 2012 album †Priscilla†. Can you tell us more about your label White Room Records and how it has affected you most as an artist?

JMSN: I think that its affected me in the fact that I finally have artistic freedom. No politics. No bullshit. Just Music. Thats what it’s all about. White Room is my canvas.

B3SCI: †Priscilla† attracted a good deal of attention this past year and helped spur on a few big-name collaborations. You sang accompanying vocals for Kendrick Lamar’s Good Kid M.A.A.D City, which was one of the best albums of 2012. Has working with other artists tempered any of your darker perspectives and musical intuitions?

JMSN: Not at all. I think that life decides where I go with my music. Sure these experiences are a part of my life, but more emotional situations decide the shape my music takes from here.

B3SCI: We’re fans of your videos from †Priscilla†. Is there a particular director or film maker who inspires you most? How important are visual cues to you and your music?

JMSN: I wouldn’t say I look at particular film makers as much as I look at particular films. I love when film makers can make things move like a song. Flowing with the energy of the shots is important. It takes different approaching to think of video in a different way then just watching it.

B3SCI: Unit 6 is your latest collaboration with Ab-Soul. The lead single “You’re Gone” is a catchy club stinger with racy lyrics and a playful swagger. Did cough syrup have anything to do with it? Kind of joking, but seriously.. was there something behind the vibe on this track?

JMSN: I don’t know, honestly. This was originally gonna be a JMSN song, but the verses we’re too hip hop. So I actually had the chorus on there before Ab got on it. I was kind of making a post †Priscilla† song about closer. Ab came in and flipped it to how he saw fit him.

B3SCI: If you were ever given the choice do a project with Usher, would you be on your best soft-and-sensual-R&B-behavior, or would you try to talk him into going all out with a dark and more experimental style?

JMSN: If we’re talking about me as a producer, I cater to the artist. I would see where his minds at. Where he wants to take things. I would help him do that to the best of my ability. I mean don’t get me wrong, you’re gonna hear JMSN influences in my production no matter what, but I will never tell an artist what to write about or what kind of song to make. That’s just not something I would want to hear Usher release if it’s not him you know.

B3SCI: What was your first impression of Los Angeles after growing up in Detroit?

JMSN: Hahaha. Great question. I hated it at first. The whole “Hollywood” bullshit. I’ve found good people out here now though. When you can separate yourself from that, you’re good. I also love the weather.

B3SCI: Name a proud moment in your life that is also embarrassing as hell.

JMSN: I have no idea how to answer that question. Ha.

B3SCI: What appeals to you most about producing your own music?

JMSN: You know exactly what you want and you make it happen. As well as learning on the way.

B3SCI: You recently collaborated with Tyga on his new LP Hotel California. Can you tell us something first-hand about the experience?

JMSN: Tyga is an awesome dude. It’s all about the music with him, so we got on good. It was great to collaborate with him. I’m very proud of the song too. Came out great.

B3SCI: Can you elaborate on your plans for a solo project?

JMSN: I’m working on it as we speak. Pretty far into it. The Blue album. Just making sure the story is right for this one. I wanna make sense of all the ideas and experiences I’ve had in this amount of time, to make a good body of work. I can’t wait for people to hear the evolution of JMSN.

Ab-Soul & JMSN – You’re Gone

JMSN (Facebook)

Rating 8.1

brown8

reviewed by
03-10-13

James Blake – Digital Lion

james blake

It seems James Blake has been in a bit of a battle with himself. As ballads and beautiful electronic pieces collide with the more minimal more angular side of Blake, the one consistent thread of his output thusfar is the high quality of his work. Re-born with last month’s gorgeous paean “Retrograde”, the Brian Eno-infused “Digital Lion” veers more toward The Obtuse Blake. Bits of J.B.’s syrupy croon and trademark rhythm structures are still there, still intact. It’s still Blake. By Phoebe Anne Severin

James Blake england: (Official) (Label) (Myspace)

Rating 8.5

brown8

reviewed by
03-08-13

Review: Gold Fields @ The Troubadour in LA on February 28, 2013

Photo via Debi Del Grande

Photo By Debi Del Grande
Review By Bruce Rave

Over the past year, Australia’s Gold Fields have proven themselves to be one of the most compelling new bands on the touring circuit. On Thursday, February 28th, the night following their TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel, and a new album release for Black Sun, The Troubadour in West Hollywood was sold out for a blazing set from the band.

The performance that night was solid. Lead singer Mark Robert Fuller and his bandmates blended hooky melodies and instrumental parts with their rather unique percussive style. Gold Fields’ playing was airtight as they moved in two gears. There were mid-tempo songs such as the successful single “Dark Again”, and all bets were off when Gold Field’s turned things up and keyboardist Rob Clifton joined drummer Ryan D’Sylva on percussion. Their perfect set closer was the blistering “Moves”, which was one of the most effective finales in my recent memory (the track was also the Jimmy Kimmel bonus track, check it out below). Other highlights that night included the softer, pretty “Happy Boy” and the band’s powerful cover of Underworld’s “Born Slippy” from the Trainspotting soundtrack. Somewhat surprising, given the dynamics of their music, Gold Fields have an unassuming way to their performing. With a certain confidence, the band and their fans let the music speak for itself.

Earlier in the night, I hung out with Mark and Ryan of Gold Fields backstage at The Troubadour for an in-depth chat. We talked about their music, touring, Jimmy Kimmel telling them “don’t fuck this up” just before the band went on the air, and of course their upcoming appearance at the B3SCI Presents Day Party during SXSW. You can check out that interview below.

Gold Fields australia (Facebook)

* Links and playlists from Rave’s weekly new music show can be found on his blog and be sure follow Bruce on Twitter too!

reviewed by
03-08-13

Pale – Too Much (FTSE Remix)

FTSE

Pale’s track for “Winder” was one of our favorites of February. The Manchester-based producer also released the equally excellent “Too Much” last month; here the rising Briton FTSE gives “Too Much” the star remix treatment outfitting it with all that pitched-up vocal and dreamtime beat sort of stuff all the kids are into right now. Very well done. Thank be to Abeano.

FTSE england (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.2

brown8

reviewed by
03-08-13

Lionlimb – Bound Widths

Lionlimb Rot Cover

The catchy disto-rock of “Bound Widths”, Chicago band Lionlimb’s front single from their “Rot” EP has been on blast here at B3 pretty much all week. Sort of reminiscent of early 2000’s Nada Surf if they were a bit more into beer and chasing girls, Lionlimb’s sound is one will certainly be on watch for in the coming year.

Lionlimb – Bound Widths

Lionlimb (Facebook)

Rating 8.1

reviewed by
03-08-13

Justin Timberlake – Suit Tie (Four Tet Remix)

timberlake suit tie

Four Tet’s latest remix creation (this time for Tennessee-based R&B singer Justin Timberlake) sent the synapses the internet-wide ablaze earlier today. So in the event that you were up to something this afternoon that didn’t involved being parked in front an internet screen and you haven’t heard Four Tet’s “Suit & Tie” remix yet, you can sort that out below. (p.s. it’s really really good).

Four Tet england (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.2

brown8

reviewed by
03-08-13

Fat Night – Things You Do

fat night

“Things You Do” is the latest single from Orlando soul band Fat Night. We’re vibin’ on the track’s neat early 70’s vocal group harmonies and cool dusky chorus hook.

Fat Night – Things You Do

Fat Night (Facebook)

Rating 8.5

brown8

reviewed by
03-08-13

Interview w/ Misty Miller

misty-miller-girlfriend-ep

B3SCI fam Erin Feathers recently caught up with hotly-tipped British singer-songwriter Misty Miller. Having just released her Girlfriend EP last week, Miller has made her track “Little Drummer” available as a free download (grab it below) ahead of UK tour dates this March supporting both Jake Bugg and Tom Odell (on different stints). Check out what Misty Miller had to say about musical influences both past and present, her various side projects, and a blossoming career…

B3SCI: You list your key musical influences as Patti Smith, Iggy Pop and The Stooges, The Velvet Underground, Lou Reed, Irma Thomas, The Sonics, and The Gories. Surprise us with a couple random artists who color your musical outlook in a significant way…
Misty: Depends what you mean by surprise. A band called The Fat Whites who my drummer plays in. Blondie, maybe thats a surprise? Listen to “One Way Or Another” .. or “Dreaming”. She was so cool.

B3SCI: We’ve heard you mention that your musical palette varies from listening to performance. Do you think something like rap music could ever permeate your writing and performance?
Misty: Not in a really obvious way. If I saw someone do it and do it really well it would inspire me to perform with the same passion (or whatever it was about their performance that i liked).

B3SCI: Do you have a songwriting process and does your ukelele always play a role?
Misty: I havn’t written a song on my ukulele for about 2 years now. When I finished that album I was already starting to write songs on the guitar and have ever since. I don’t have process as such. It depends on the song and time.

B3SCI: Is there an instrument that you hope to learn someday?
Misty: I just wanna get better at guitar, really. Maybe play a few solos one day..

B3SCI: What has most influenced your musical evolution an vision as an artist?
Misty: The music scene I got involved with. I left college and started playing shows and meeting people around South London. The bands and people that I met influenced me a lot.

B3SCI: Tell us something quirky about Misty Miller…
Misty: Quirky eh?! I don’t like having clean hair. Or, I like to book bind.

B3SCI: What is your favorite place to jam and play music, aside from your gigs?
Misty: I have started rehearsing with my band at a mate of mine’s studio in peckham. It’s a small room but we work way better in there than in some fancy rehearsal studio. Or i just like play on my own if there is a guitar lying about in someones house or something.

B3SCI: If you could live somewhere other than London where would it be?
Misty: I don’t really have an answer to that as of yet. I would love to travel around America soon. Maybe after touring I’ll fall in love with a particular place.

B3SCI: What do fans need to know about Slit Lizard?
Misty: It’s a band I started with my friend Olivia. I couldn’t really play the guitar and she couldn’t really play the drums but I hadnt enjoyed playing and writing music so much until Slit Lizard. Heavily inspired by our friends band, The Midnight Barbers. A few of the songs off the EP were origonally Slit Lizard songs. “You Know What I Mean” and “Little Drummer”. My label weren’t too keen on the whole thing but without Slit Lizard (and Olivia) I wouldn’t have gotten away from playing music I wasn’t actually that happy with.

B3SCI: Tell us about the Girlfriend EP and where it leading Misty Miller…
Misty: I can’t tell you how good it feels to finally have this music out there and to be playing it in front people that actually want to listen now! It took a while to get my label to ‘get it’ and I’m so glad I didnt give up and decide to do something that I wasn’t really passionate about. Hopefully the next EP will sound as good and lead on to a killer album. I am not a natural in the studio yet but my band help me a lot.

B3SCI: How has your history growing up in an artistic family affected your experience as an artist?
Misty: Having music around me from a young age, being in the studio and backstage as a kid. All things those sorts of things. Making music my natural habitat.

B3SCI: It sounds like you dabble a bit with inking your own tattoos. What tattoo is next on your list?
Misty: Yeah i have about 6 or so now, all pretty shit, and all hand done. I have no idea what the next one will be.

B3SCI: We’re hooking you up with a ride in the B3SCI time machine. Where are you going?
Misty: Stonehenge “where the demons dwell!” But if i can’t come back to now then i aint goin’ anywhere.

Misty Miller (Facebook)

reviewed by
03-07-13