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It was raining and looking like a monsoon here on the East coast earlier today, but regardless of any inclement weather, the sunshine has finally come out: all over the World today it is World AIDS Day. There have been all kind of events plotted and organized to be geared toward remembering those afflicted with HIV/AIDS from those who have passed, to those who are still here, as well as the family and friends who support them and hold them dear.
In New York City one of Girl About Town's favorite new groups The Superions (featuring The B-52s Fred Schneider) will mark their first performance and hold court at Manhattan's Borders book store at 6pm tonight in support of LifeBeat (Music Fights HIV) which is an outreach organization looking to educate youth about HIV and AIDS while engaging them with music.
Here in Philadelphia, one of the events you might like to attend is a special performance featuring local musicans Bill Budd with opening acts Mark Silvers and The Stonethrowers, and Luke Dow. The music played tonight will be a mix of jazz, popular and folk and all proceeds will benefit local non-profit Mazzoni Center going directly to their food bank program, and their annual coat and toy drive for those in need who are directly affected by the virus.
We took a moment to speak with Bill about his music and his thoughts regarding the performance tonight and what it will mean to him. You can catch these acts tonight, Wed. Dec. 1st, at The Caplan Studio Theatre, 211 S. Broad Street, 16th Floor, Philadelphia PA. The music starts at 8pm sharp, and tickets can still be purchased at the show.
Girl About Town: What will be the most important aspect of playing tonight for you?
Bill Budd: Most importantly, I want to raise money for Mazzoni Center. The campaigns we're raising funds for - Vivan's Cupboard - A food bank for low income people or families living with HIV/AIDS and the Holiday coat and gift drive - also for low income people or families living with HIV/AIDS are incredibly important and under funded. So my biggest hope is that we can help more people through these campaigns than have been helped in the past.
Your album "Architect" is at times ethereal and theatrical, but strays rarely from it's light and poppy sound, although your lyrics do tend to be of a darker fare--what inspires you when you're writing your music?
My writing process is hard to put into words. A song starts as an idea that must be expressed. I rarely sit down to write for the sake of writing. It doesn't work that way for me. There are times I start writing not really sure what will come out but the inspiration to write is a need, a need to say something or to find what it is that needs to be said. I can not write without that need. I do go long stretches of time without writing and then usually write a lot for a while. Every life experience can not be a song for me to write. For me a song is an idea of mine that can't be expressed any other way and I let go of the writer in me at times and just live without scanning the world constantly for inspiration. Sometimes I feel so lucky to be a song writer and other times it feels like a curse. Once the song is written it's there forever and sometimes it's hard to relive the ideas and experiences I have immortalized. Some of the songs from Architect are difficult to perform live for that reason, even the happier sounding ones. Difficult in that becoming too emotional can make it very hard to sing! And I believe first and foremost singers express emotion through the sounds they are making with their voice, channeling that emotion into the sound and the words is my priority and challenge at times. When recording Architect I wanted the arrangements to remain in a lighter place, contrasting some of the darker moods of the lyrics. I feel that life is full of contradictions and strange juxtapositions. Pain can feel good and joy can be very sad. I tried to capture that in the arrangements for this album.
The event tonight at Caplan Studio Theatre is called "Under Pressure"; what does being "Under Pressure" mean to you as an artist; as well as playing on World AIDS Day?
Under Pressure is my way of asking people to remember that whenever you are feeling hopeless, there is someone, many people, feeling more hopeless than you. When the economy is a mess and it seems that things are getting worse and not better in the world we tend to close ourselves off, enter into survival mode, and we lose whatever empathy we may have. In times of struggle I believe we should try harder to make things better for everyone in any way we can. It's a hard thing to accomplish, I know. But I hope that this event will inspire people to try. Beyond just giving money to organizations but thinking about the skills and gifts that we each possess and finding a way to use them for something more than our own personal gain.
What can you tell us about your future goals for your music?
I know that I will always make music. The more people that hear it the happier I will be. Knowing that people listen to my songs and feel less alone in their experiences and struggles, or discover something about themselves, that has always been my goal. Music has always done that for me. I will continue to try to "talk" to as many people as possible through my music. Under Pressure is the first charity event I have organized and I intend to do more of it and hopefully help people in more tangible ways by using the gifts and skills that I have been blessed and cursed with.
Whether you are a casual listener or die-hard music fan, everyone knows the familiar voice of Fred Schneider, the male vocalist for The B-52s. From their most famous hit, "Love Shack", to their undeniably important cannon with songs such as "Planet Claire", "Private Idaho", "Song For a Future Generation", and of course "Rock Lobster" - Fred Schneider has been the constant face and voice of not only the Bs (as they are called), but helped to herald in the New Wave here in the US in the late '70s. While the 'States were starting to recognize the sounds of British alternative music, some bands were toiling in America to create their own brand of rock and roll. With little resources other than imagination and creativity, the B-52s worked hard in Athens, Georgia to craft what has since now been labelled as "The World's Greatest Party Band".
Thirty years on, the B-52s are still making records and touring, most recently having performed in Philadelphia last month. Girl About Town was there, and is most impressed with the band's longevity and relevance still today. Central to that is Fred Schneider, who along with his singing mates Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson, carry the energy and fun well into the night (oh and let's not forget Keith Strickland the the rest of the band!). So it's no surprise that Fred Schneider continues to work his labor of love even beyond the borders of the Bs. He is currently enjoying his side project with two musicians from Florida - Dan Marshall and Noah Brodie - as The Superions. What started as an introduction through mutual friends and a love of records has now turned into a four year endeavor, with the band making synth-pop that is instantly accessible and humorous. Fred writes the lyrics and contributes the vocals, while Noah and Dan work on the music (Noah playing keyboards and electric drums, and Dan doing the programming). However, this is a true collaboration, and the result is nothing short of WOW!
The Superions have recently released their first full length album "Destination...Christmas", just in time for the holiday season. This follows up their debut EP which has become an instant classic - with songs titled "Who Threw That Ham At Me" and "Totally Nude Island", The Superions have a flair for the comic and dramatic. Girl About Town had the privilege to interview the band about all sorts of things, from Fred's childhood to Noah's grandmother and of course we discussed the music. First, Royce spoke with Fred, and then Carly chatted with Noah and Dan - so we bring you what can only be called an interview extravaganza!
Girl About Town (Royce): Here in Philadelphia, we have two fantastic perennial radio shows on Christmas day - one is Robert Drake on WXPN, who broadcasts for 12 hours straight during Christmas Eve, and the other is Jon Solomon, who broadcasts for 24 hours straight on Christmas day. Both DJs are notorious for playing unique holiday songs, everything from the ridiculous to the obscure to the rare gems. Your new record with The Superions will fit right in on both shows, and I am sure will be a highlight this season. If you were DJing such a show, what holiday songs would you play?
Fred: Well I would have to say that I would probably be playing similar stuff - I'd be playing "A Ding Dong Dandy Christmas" by The Three Suns; "Santa Claus is a Black Man", James Brown's second Christmas album. I don't think I'd be able to play Rudy Ray Moore's Christmas album, it's a little dirty. "The 12 Days of Sickness" by Sandy Kay (I think it is). This woman did a take off on the 12 Days of Christmas, it's all about liquor and she gets progressively drunker as it goes along - it's great, not that I support alcoholism. Hmmm...All my Christmas records are on the top shelf, it takes a giant ladder to get to them so I haven't been to them yet (laughs). I better get them down because I have to do a photo shoot with them.
Yes, Christmas is coming, it's around the corner!
Christmas started in September for me.
Why haven't the B-52s done a holiday album to date?
I don't know! I wanted to do one. There's no leader in the group, you know.
Do you think then that the Superions Christmas album is filling a void - either for you personally, or do you think this is something the market needs?
Yes, the world needs another take on the holidays. And different kinds of songs. Avalanches, deranged abominable snowmen, things like that. There's too much wreaths and holly. I think holly is poisonous to animals.
Do you have any concerns that with a holiday themed album that people might see The Superions as a novelty act rather than taking you more seriously as a dance/pop act?
I don't worry about anything. I'm just lucky to have a second/side career (laughs). Anytime you do something humorous you're labelled camp or novelty. But most Christmas songs are novelty, especially the good ones. Hopefully people will get my sense of humor and if they don't well c'est la vie!
How does your collaboration with The Superions differ from your past two solo albums?
I worked with one person on my first solo album, John Coté. And on my second album Steve Albini put me in touch with several bands. I find that I am having such a good time with the Superions, it's real easy for me to write with them. I do all the lyrics and have a lot of say in the direction of the music, and they're getting better and better to the point that I'm really happy with everything that's going on.
With the B-52s, the bands visuals and graphics have been an important part of the image, everything from the record covers to the costumes. In certain circles, you have been a tastemaker over the years. Where did all your personal style come from?
My personal style was from not having any! To be honest my mother bought my clothes until high school, so I didn't care. I wasn't interested in that, I was interested in records. When I finally started buying my own stuff, it was horrible - like apple green bell bottoms, and polyester bell bottoms with brown shirts (laughs). And then in Athens no one had any money so you shopped in thrift stores. I like clothes from the '60s and '50s. I mean, you could get a pair of pants for 50 cents and a shirt for a quarter so that's hard to beat. You go to a thrift store now and a shirt is like $40.
You have to know that you are the quintessential icon of all things wacky and kitsch (well maybe rivaling John Waters). How do you feel bearing that responsibility?
I don't see anything that I do as kitschy. I don't see anything that John does as kitschy. Kitsch means worthless. Camp means you're funny but you don't realize it, like Liza Minelli's husband or Charo (well, I think Charo knows it). I just think it's humor. Perverse humor at times, but it's humor. I mean, I know what I'm doing and I don't just sit there and monkey type words out.
Do the other Superions share your taste in music, art, and fashion?
Oh yes! Totally. I met them at a record store, through my friend who owns the biggest record store in Florida. He said "I have these two friends who want to meet you". I said "Oh sure, great." And we met, and a couple of years later they came up with some music and I put words to it, and when I did it was "TotallyNude Island". Early this year we wrote nine songs in eleven days for the Christmas album, and we also have one song for a Halloween album. I don't know what we are going to do next - it will either be a Halloween album or a regular album, or both. Or a Halloween EP and a "regular" album for us. Halloween is like the gay Christmas, everyone loves it. People were saying "Happy Holidays" to me in New York (laughs), so obviously Halloween is a recognized holiday.
How did you come to be on the Fanatic Label?
Well Josh (of Fanatic) was the publicist for our first Superions EP, and he heard our Christmas stuff and went wild for it. He has a label with major backing behind it, so we know it will get attention. We have a good contract, I think, and we are doing whatever we can to promote it. I am trying to get Noah and Dan more involved. I mean, I guess I am the face of the group but I am hoping they can get more of the credit they deserve, because it's like three nuts working together!
Noah and Dan have full time jobs, right? So it might be a harder transition for them to do promotion and touring full time.
Oh yeah, definitely. They can't quit their day jobs yet, and I can't quit mine (laughs).
You're stuck with your day job, I think!
As long as the B-52s want to keep going, I definitely want to keep going.
Which was a stranger place to grow up in: Newark NJ or Athens GA?
I was born in Newark but I grew up near Asbury Park. I liked grammar school, I hated high school. One of the reasons I wanted to go to Georgia was to get as far away as possible. I didn't have to go home except for holidays (laughs). Hopefully you find yourself after high school. I realize that a lot of the people I went to high school with are stuck in that same mindset - you know, that was the best time of their lives.
Have you ever heard that quote from Fran Lebowitz where she says people wear the hairdo of the time they were happiest? I met Fran and she told me that, and it's so true! You still see people with the '70s Farrah flip feather do and that's the last time they were happy.
(Fred is laughing!)
What's next for you Fred?
More work with the B-52s, lots of work with the Superions...touring, writing, recording. An album for The Superions will happen when we don't have to pay to play (laughs). We haven't toured yet, Noah and Dan can't get away. Christmas is a niche market so to develop a show and take it on the road would just be too difficult.
What is your favorite thing about Philadelphia?
I love how easy it is to walk around. There's a vegetarian Chinese restaurant I love to go to. Plus I like the little neighborhoods, South Street, all that. I like to piddle. If I go some place, I don't make the scene, I just walk around with my friends. If we hit a record store, great. If we hit a junk store, great. A thrift store, great, a clothing store - whatever.
Carly of Girl About Town continues the conversation with Dan Marshall and Noah Brodie, the rest of The Superions from their home base of Orlando, Florida.
Girl About Town (Carly): Fred [Schneider] mentioned that you met each other at a record store in Orlando: was that Rock n' Roll Heaven?
Noah: Yep, Rock N' Roll Heaven, right here in town.
Dan: Actually, it was [the owner] Ray's brother; Freddy. They both own the business, and it's kind of funny because I went in (I've been shopping there for years now) and they had a solo project (a vinyl record) of Fred's. "Just Fred," I don't know if you've heard it, but it's really good.
Right, his [Fred Schneider's] solo album.
Noah: Right, and I've been looking for it FOREVER, and they had a copy of it on the wall, and I went up to Freddy, and I said, "Man, if you ever get another copy of this, let me know!". Then he said, "Oh, I know Fred! Let me just call him!" and he called him right there, said that I was a big fan and the next thing you know, 'ol Fred sends down a signed copy of the Just Fred vinyl which I'd been looking for, for quite a while. Then just a couple weeks later, he was in town, and we ended up all meeting, and we just kind of hit it off. We were all record nuts, so we've always been collecting vinyl....
Fred has previously mentioned his love for collecting also : it sounds like a lot of his favorites revolve around the obscure which includes anything from comedy to music. What are some of your favorites when it comes to collecting?
Dan: Well, Fred got us into collecting all of the lounge, and tiki, and you know: stuff from the '50s and '60s. That stuff is great! He got us into that.
Noah: But, besides that we collect all kinds of stuff. One of my favorites is called 'Baby Lulu', it's really bizarre, it's from the '70s, it's probably this forty year old woman and her husband, and she, uh, acts like a three year old girl....
Mmmkay, well, there are fetishes for that nowadays....(both laughing)...
Noah: Yeaahhh...it's really weird, it's mostly about Jesus...Yeahhh, but it's really fun: like I said we have anything from Baby Lulu to Depeche Mode and whatever inbetween.
So, would you go so far as to say that your collective tastes in the, er, wackier side of music inspire the music that you are all creating for The Superions?
(Laughing) Noah and Dan (together): Ha ha, DEFINITELY!
Dan: You could definitely say that!
Noah: Like, I've always been into a really like, scaled-down, electronic; kind-of weird little pop things that you can find here and there. But, yeah, definitely; some of the 'wacky' stuff does influence us. And, if you've heard of them to be called Casio Chords; they're all kind of in that, you know; 'Casio' sound.
Noah; you noted that your Grandmother's given her approval on the group's fun sound. How had you described your music to her?
Noah: Well, it would be kind of tough, because she doesn't really get "electronic", but definitely you know, "electro-pop" with a splash of 'weird'. That's how I've always described it. Certainly, you know: 'off-key' and 'out-of-the-box', I'm sure.
Your group have a few songs the new album, "Destination: Christmas" that take a kind of....mm, 'fearful' turn; like "Teddy and Betty Yeti", "Christmas Tears," and also, "Crummy Christmas Tree". Do the lyrics influence the way the song will sound, or vice versa?
Noah: It kind of goes both ways. There have been times when we've gotten the lyrics first and that kind of dictates the sound, but also vice-versa….
Dan: It's funny because this Christmas album in particular, this is funny (not sure if Fred told anyone this the other night); but we had started making a Halloween record!
Noah: Yeah, the opening track; "Santa's Disco" was originally "Zombie Disco", it was a Halloween song and we already had it in the can, but instead we just added some chimes and bells, and tried to Christmas-fy it up a little bit and so "Zombie Disco" suddenly became "Santa's Disco"!
Fred also mentioned that you still plan to do the Halloween-themed album, but that you are postponing it for next year?
Dan: Yeah, it's going to be great--it will have a great, dark and ominous sound.
So, for right now the plan is full-steam ahead for a 'regular' album between this?
Dan: Yeah, like Fred says, some regular songs…
Noah: The plan is just a full-length, just a 'regular' record if you will. And then either a Halloween EP, or a full-length. Just a few more songs and we'll have a full-length, so….
Dan and Noah, have you both worked together before?
Noah: No, we've known each other for years--we've been friends forever…! We were so lucky to have met Fred, and for this to kind of become what it's become; we feel really lucky! No we've always been long-time pals…
Are you originally both Floridians?
Noah: Dan's from Massachussets….
Dan: I'm from Cape Cod originally, I went to Florida to go to school and shortly thereafter is when I met Noah. We would work on music, you know just for fun.
Had you ever played live before--or was this just something that you did in the studio and then Fred came along?
Dan: We would work on music just for fun--it was more of just, a studio thing.
Where do you perform when you're ready to record your songs? Where did you record "Destination: Christmas"?
Dan: In our house. We just have a ProTools setup on our iMac, and with ProTools, we run a midi-keyboard and electronic drums. We stick Fred in the hallway with a microphone.
You've been busy working with the performance artist and musician Peaches as well?
Noah: Yeah, we just started, actually it's almost wrapped up now. We're doing a song called 'Threeway Freeway'.
Did you say 'Threeway Freeway'?
Noah: (laughs) Yeah, 'Threeway Freeway' with Peaches and Fred, and I don't know if you're familiar with Shunda K; she's an up and coming Rap artist that was with the band called Yo Majesty. She does a rap on it with us. It's really good, yeah--and Peaches is amazing, of course!
So what do your co-workers think about your band?
Noah: Dan, do you want to cover that?
Dan: Oh, they think it's cool and exciting and that it's…well, it was two years ago when we released our first single, and four years ago that we formed and we did it for fun at first. People suggested that we put out the first song that we did--called "Totally Nude Island" so we released that on our own digitally, and you know--just to see what would happen? We got a good response, so we just moved forward with our EP, and a couple other singles and now this Christmas record. Everybody just thinks that it's great!
Noah: For my co-workers--they keep asking me 'So how much longer are you going to be working here?!' and you know record sales are through the roof, but you know it's so hard these days….to do it full time.
Right, and you both have day-jobs, so that must make it kind of difficult.
Noah: Yeah, and you know Fred still has a really busy schedule with the B's and you know, but we're trying!
It looks as though you are having a really great time together. Even your videos portray this. "Who Threw That Ham At Me" is so riotous, camp, and just….such a complete hoot to watch; certain scenes giving the video a John Waters turn….you must have such a fun time filming your videos; it seems like something where you could just get your friends together and have a great big party while making them!
Whose idea was it, for the 'Ham' video?
Noah: Well that was actually all shot up in Baltimore, but me and Dan did some footage down here on our iPhones at Universal [Studios] where we work, so we have some of the street set; like we were in New York, and Hollywood, and we shot six hours down here and then we sent it all to Baltimore, and they filmed all their stuff so a lot of it does have that John Waters' vibe although I think a lot of that is the back-drop and the crazy characters. Fred is the one that really comes up with a lot of the concepts for the videos (like the general ideas) and then we all chew on it together and throw out some ideas and whatnot, and then it becomes a collaboration between everyone.
Dan: Have you seen our new "Fruitcake" video? It's on YouTube right now for people to see online. That one's really fun and we did that all here at our house!
If you had the chance to work with another producer, would you prefer to work in a bigger studio or have something that was a bit bigger-ticket than you're working now? Or do you enjoy having your own say?
Noah: Yeah, we've talked about using other producers, but we love having the control. We definitely wouldn't mind having a producer, and we've talked about it--to maybe take it to the next level. I don't know who we would use--there are just so many great people out there. We've talked about it and we really just don't know.
As you seem to be the band who loves a holiday theme--what's your favorite holiday?
Noah: What's your favorite time, Dan?
Dan: I love Halloween! But we missed it this year because we got so busy working on our Christmas album.
Noah: I don't know why, but I've always loved New Year's. There's just something about New Year's because it's a fresh start. That's my favorite. Christmas too. I've worked in the entertainment business for so long, and we're always working on Christmas and the big holidays, so I don't get to spend those with family too often.
How does working as a part of the entertainment industry translate for you (into what you're doing now)?
Noah: Well, you know I've been in Universal forever. I started there working at "Back to the Future". I'm an Entertainment Manager; I work with the "Beetlejuice" show, and we have a "Blues Brothers" show as well. Universal is a very musical kind of place. Both of the venues that I operate are music venues, you know. Music has always been in my life, when I was a kid I was always in chorus. For me it was always a kind of, natural thing. Dan too…! Dan went to school for creative sound, working with sound and doing music as well. We're all very creative in that way.
Do you feel that the group has a clearer idea of where you would like to take this because you work in the entertainment industry?
Dan: Well, I don't think there's a clear way…at all!
Noah: Yeah, I think--you know, it all started on a lark! It seems like the more we laugh, the more fun we have. It just works, we're just trying to have a good time. We're not out here trying to make mysterious records--these are FUN records!
And Fanatic was a great choice for your label, because they also have a seasoned PR team built-in.
Noah: Yeah! Josh is great! He was a promotion guy, and he totally hooked us up and so when we did the album they were definitely first on our list.
Will you try to play dates on weekends (and start to test the waters) in the future (for live tour dates)?
Dan: Yeah, we couldn't really take a Christmas album on the road….! We want to get out there and start playing live.
Noah: Yeah, we actually booked our first live performance on December 1st--we're doing a charity party at Borders in Manhattan! Yeah, it's for World AIDS Day, so we're really happy to be a part of that!
That's really wonderful! I'm sure people will be excited to see you live and for a great cause!
Noah: Yeah, that's our first performance! We're really excited! It's going to be great too, because there will be so many other things happening in New York as well. It's going to be great!
Yes, we know―it's Friday, and you're maybe not cash rich enough to go to CMJ, maybe you don't even like the crowds, or maybe you just want to hang in the city after spending the week schmoozing in the Big Apple. Whichever your demographic (or, season for the reason): you can still have a happening Friday and NOT have to go out of town, or very far to get great music, for that matter. Now the big question is: WHAT TO DO?
Tonight there are three 'you don't even wanna miss it' shows in the city at three very cool venues, and tomorrow (if you were smart enough to buy tickets in advance of this SOLD OUT SHOW) you will be hitting up the BAD BOOKS/Kevin Devine at The North Star.
SHOW NUMERO UNO: Friday, October 22, 2010 THE DRUMS with SURFER BLOOD @ Voyeur for Making Time (1221 St. James St., Philadelphia PA)
For the coveted last date of their month-long tour,and hot off of their CMJ show at Webster Hall in NYC: The Drums play one of Philly's hungriest dancing nights of the month tonight for [October's] Making Time. The group fuses a mixture of Spector-esque echo on fey vocals and true lyrics that bring to mind songwriting in the style of George "Shadow" Morton: their high-male vocals build into a frenzy on tracks like "Let's Go Surfing" and in the case of "My Best Friend" bring on comparisons to The Cure and, of course, The Smiths—there is a little bit here for everyone. New wave garage, sang with twee overtones and just a hint of 50s naivete will leave you grinning as you dance the night away! Surfer Blood are the fitting-est opener that we could think of to make this night one of the greatest dance nights of the week to rock out to (according to Girl About Town's Royce, they were taking the UK by storm this past month), and completely in chorus—we're really hoping to hear "Take It Easy" somehow we've filed this away with Johnny Castle telling Frances "Baby" Houseman that she needs to straighten up that back (yes, we just made a Dirty Dancing reference)! The download of their newest track, "When I Come Home", is available now from Record LBL's site by clicking here, and shows a softer side of the group. P.S. The bands start **really** later in the evening:
SHOW NUMERO TWO: Friday, October 22, 2010 SCHOOL OF SEVEN BELLS with ACTIVE CHILD @ JOHNNY BRENDA'S (1201 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia PA)
Benjamin Curtis (Secret Machines) and Alley Deheza (On! Air! Library!) are the new School of Seven Bells. Since Alley's twin sister Claudia left the group, the duo have released a secondary album that shows a wonderful change in sound and vice. Disconnect from Desire has been released on Vagrant/Ghostly International, of which they also very recently released a single from, titled "Heart is Strange". The new single features remixes of the song from Pantha du Prince, Phantogram, and White Sea—and we've also added the group's new song "Windstorm" above (in video form). They play Johnny Brenda's tonight with due anticipation as this is their first show in Philadelphia in nearly a year since the group's last successful album and tour!
SHOW NUMERO THREE: Friday, October 22, 2010 PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART with YUCK, THE HOMOPHONES and CREEPOID @ Pilam (3914 Spruce Street, Philadelphia PA)
What can we say about the lovely Pains of Being Pure At Heart? That Peggy is super cute in her new video wandering around Brooklyn? That Kip is just the sweetest guy this side of Williamsburg? We'll save you everything that you've already heard about the music and the band, and just say that you can always count on the guys and gal in this group to bring the twee-party! Just listen to their latest single and you'll be smitten too!
Helen Boston, singing with Young@Heart Chorus live.
Speaking to Young@Heart Chorus' member Helen Boston is like having a sit-down with any good friend's cool mom. Helen is great with details, but like any proud mother; it's hard to get her to talk about herself, and her own many achievements. Helen and her family moved to Lancaster, PA after Helen had children (artistic twins Sylvia and Eugene among them "my youngest son taught me how to sing The Beatles, Joe Cocker, Spielberg, Jimi Hendrix....my kids were into all of that!")--and she grew up in West Philadelphia. Did she love music this much when she was younger? "Oh, I loved all of the Philadelphia soul songs from the era when I was growing up. We have so many new songs to learn now too with the Chorus and everything. And we'll be leaving for Japan soon also..."
A fall tour, and THEN Japan? That's right, the Young@Heart Chorus doesn't stop. Although a little nervous about heading to Japan for the first time, Helen takes 'away' concert tours all in stride, "my youngest son was stationed over there at one point, so I'm really looking forward to seeing Japan for myself."
Helen is a local through and through, although since moving she has made many new friends with her increased involvement in the Young@Heart Chorus including being part of the Chorus' very first documentary which was directed by Walker George and released through Fox Searchlight.
"I was born at Philadelphia General on 34th Street, and my twins were born at University of Penn Hospital. So much has changed since then. I went to school there [in Philadelphia], and when my twins were nine years old, we moved out to Lancaster County and they finished school there. When my kids were little, I used to take them to concerts and we would sing. It was a family thing. And now today, I'm just singing the songs that they used to sing around home." For those not familiar: the Young@Heart Chorus is a chorus that is made up of senior citizens who put a unique twist on songs that include everything from soul to pop, indie, and alternative rock, to experimental. But don't let the term "senior" fool you, because the people who are involved with the Young@Heart Chorus have the emotional energy of youth on their side.
Helen, who has been singing with the chorus since 2002, is emphatic about the opportunities these new relationships have brought to her over the years, "It's like a whole new life. My life has changed, and now it's like I'm living a whole new life. The group is like....another family, because my family is all grown up now, and they live in different places. When I come to rehearsal, it's like going to a reunion for people who want to know how I'm doing and what I'm up to. It's very interesting."
Although before and since joining the chorus, Helen has forged new relationships through acting and singing, she wasn't always this way. "I'm very comfortable with this lifestyle today--but I was always very shy, even after having children, but I would mingle because my kids would mingle. This group has brought a lot of that out. I can talk to people now. The chorus is one of my favorite things that I do now."
Any favorite songs to sing with the Chorus? "I love the song "Heaven". Music can allow you to reach out to so many different people, whether they're here or gone. The melody in "Heaven" takes me to a special place, and it makes you feel good inside when you sing it."
The Chorus is a tight-knit group who are based out of Northampton, MA. The group will be singing their hearts out this weekend in Horsham, PA as part of their "Alive and Well!" Fall Tour 2009. The performance which takes place on Sunday, December 4th, 2009 at the Hatboro-Horsham High School Theater, will feature an opening performance by the Hatboro-Horsham Choir. Online tickets can be purchased through following this link.
When asked about the programme that the chorus will be performing for the audience this tour, and how it has inspired her own family, Helen added this:
"The Chorus will usually perform two sets, and there are quite a few new songs. The first set will be really different, but I don't want to give away too much! My advice is to just sit, watch, and enjoy.
In most cases when people hear about us, my daughter would say to her brother Eugene, 'C'mon, let's go and see Mom play!' and Eugene would say, 'Well, if I fall asleep, don't say anything, but I'll go because it's Mom singing.' And Eugene was so blown away by the performance that he called his sister and announced that he was going to join a music group himself! It's encouraged so many people...!"
See the Young@Heart Chorus live this Sunday, December 4th at 3pm at Hatboro-Horsham High School Theater which you can see more details of here.
Girl About Town spoke with emcee Ethel Cee this afternoon in a quick chat over email regarding a special homecoming event that should have Philly excited to support. From the young lady who is "Deftly combining drum'n'bass, house, and hip-hop and a resume getting longer by the minute, her rhymes about everything from love and loss to politics are sure to position her as the girl "who's got next" in the hip-hop/dance scene." Ethel Cee (real name, Kamilah Clarke) is the perfect person to throw this event together and put a group of starring individuals on stage in support and remembrance of an important cause: World AIDS Daywhich took place today, on December 1st, 2009. Come out in support of Ethel Cee's event: SPREAD, A Benefit for The Philly AIDS Fund which takes place at Marbar (above Marathon Grill on 40th and Walnut in Philadelphia) on Friday December 4th, 2009.
Girl About Town: What can you tell me about the Philly AIDS Fund and which services this fundraiser will help to provide?
Kamilah Clarke a.k.a. emcee Ethel Cee:This is directly from the website: "The Philly AIDS Fund, supports HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and services in the Delaware Valley by raising dollars and increasing public awareness about the impact of HIV on our communities. Currently, 30 partner organizations are receiving funding as a result of AIDS Fund’s activities to provide critical HIV prevention education and care services." I couldn’t word it any better if I tried! All the proceeds from my event will go to the Philly AIDS Fund. From there, we will discuss how the money will be allocated. I’m looking forward to giving the majority of it to a program servicing Black women, since it is that demographic that is being infected at the highest rate right now. Being a Black female, myself…it just hits home.
How long have you been organizing events and which of your past events stand out to you?
Honestly, this is the first event that I have put on myself in YEARS. I am an emcee, so I’ve performed at countless venues and hosted several parties in Philadelphia throughout the years. It’s hard to pick a fave, but I will say that it is nice to see party-type events with a philanthropic agenda. Stacey “Flygirrl” Wilson does an event called “Dancing in the Streets” centered around National HIV Testing Day in June. It’s an outside event that features vendors, DJs, and mobile testing. That’s the way to do it. You pull people in with fun in the sun and music or booze and then once you reel them in it’s like, “So…have you and/or your partner been tested for HIV?” LOL. But I have several friends who are party promoters and it’s been quite an educating experience watching the ups and downs of being in charge of something such as this.
What is your advice for women who are trying to break into event planning when it comes to music?
For any event, you must know who your target audience is. That will help you prioritize when and where you should promote. Stand your ground and be aggressive if need be, but not bitchy. People will sometimes try to walk all over you or take advantage of a good thing, but stay professional and don’t burn bridges if you can. Also, it helps having a network of friends who are willing to help you get the word out and co-sign what it is you are doing. I owe the pre-hyped success of SPREAD to everyone that offered to contribute.
How has planning this event inspired you, and what can you tell us about the artists and people involved?
Planning this event has helped me see the truth in the saying, “ A closed mouth doesn’t get fed.” I would have never imagined I could get all these incredible artists on the same stage for a cause like this. I started to not ask some of them, but something just said to go for it. I consider many of them to be good friends of mine or even solid colleagues, but in my mind that didn’t equate to “Yeah, they will DEFINITELY do this.” Bahamadia and DJ Statik doing the show is a total blessing. They’ve traveled and toured all over the world and back and have an amazing history in music. It really speaks to the cause and how it important it is that I could get an act like them, like Invincible (who heard about the show in Detriot and offered to perform while in town), like Hustle Simmons (an act with some of the biggest buzz in Philly right now), like Tuphace (a guy who has had ENORMOUS success over the years and has a huge fan base in every scene of music ), Zap & Castro (two very talented emcees that were so eager to be a part of this in anyway that they could), Ultraviolet and Afrodjiak (two DJs who I know are going to get the crowd going and keep the event upbeat), then Flygirrl (a woman who is no stranger to event planning/party promoting) is sharing her art with us live throughout the night. Not to mention all the sponsors that are helping get the word out. I’ve said all that there is to say; everyone involved is amazing, and I couldn’t be more pleased with how available they have made themselves to helping SPREAD be a success.
What is your favorite thing about Philadelphia?
Our attitude. Admittedly at times it is inappropriate, but you gotta love it. Big city a with a small town feel.Like New York, but on sale. ;)
Filled With Guilt and Diamonds by semi-Philadelphia-based group Br'er is a revival release of the same-named EP by the group. The first, was released in cassette format with only 100 made in 2008, and the most recent version of the album EP comes pressed on vinyl hand-numbered and in limited edition also. As an Edible Onion release, each album is hand-sewn, and the art-house collage style of the printing is worth the buy alone. It's a beautiful and interesting album to look at and listen to.
Br'er's music is the product of lead songwriter Benjamin Schurr and includes musicians Christian Mirande, Darian Scatton, Luis Angel Cancel, Roger Martinez, Nat Baldwin (Dirty Projectors), Ross Lipton, Jan Blacksburg, Jim Krull, Sean Ali, and Charles Cohen (of Espers). The sound is something out of a storybook and paints a drastic dreamscape taking elements from psychedelic all the way to dream-pop and dark, neo-folk.
Girl About Town: What can you tell us about the newest release of the Br'er release and where its inspiration comes from?
Benjamin Schurr: The
new Br'er album is a document of things that I went through in the
winter of 2007, having just come out of a five year relationship, and just
gotten off of a tremendous amount of medication a few months prior. It
was partly a coping mechanism for feeling really lost and powerless.
Most of the subject matter is trying to make sense of dealing with
losing a lot of of people in a short amount of time, and trying to make
sense of it.
Yourself and
Benjamin created the artwork, how much work went into it, and how many
copies were made--and is there any special meaning behind the design
(both 'ball-buster' and 'nutcracker' come to mind here) or were you
just looking for a stand-out image? I might even say it was a bit like
a Hipgnosis design....
I came up with the idea for
the cover artwork, which is inspired by gender issues that are most
prevalent in the song "Painted Lady." They are also some of the main
subjects of Br'er's music. The body shape is sort of an "X," while the
bolt cutters are a "Y," so it shows the male chromosome and the act of
what the body is doing shows the destruction of such things. It's an
adaptation of a photo I saw a few years back which always stuck with
me, and was something I thought fit the feelings/vulnerability that I
was feeling at the time and that the record still exudes. The inner
artwork and back cover was designed by Darian which is a hand drawn
vine design which captures the more beautiful aspects of the record.
There is a lot of symbolism within that and the back. The artwork is
supposed to show the dichotomy of the dark and the light, which is
another constant on the album.
What
can people expect from a live Br'er show with so many people in one
band, are there particular songs that people usually request to be
played?
Br'er's live performances ALWAYS vary.
It's been a goal since day one to make sure that every Br'er tour is
completely different. Since there is so much going on in the record, it
would be pointless to mimic it. So much of the Br'er recordings are
just me making weird noises and adding track after track. It would be
too idiosyncratic to try to replicate that with other people. What we
like to do is find the core of the song and interpret it for however
many people are in Br'er at the time. We've done shows with as little
as two people and as many as seven. Our last tour was almost completely
acoustic and currently we're touring with all new songs. I would say
the best thing to expect is nothing since it always changes.
What is your favorite thing about playing to a hometown crowd for a live show?
As
for the hometown crowd... I have conflicting feelings. I recently moved
to Asheville, North Carolina from Philly because I felt so incredibly
alienated in Philly. Since I've left though, I've played two incredible
shows with Br'er at The Danger Danger Gallery that have changed my view
a bit. What's really nice for us is that people tend to be super
receptive and quiet, which is definitely not a common thing in Philly.
There's always new people who I've never met that come out because
they've heard really positive things and that really means a lot to me.
I have always felt like Philly is one of the hardest places to permeate
and when we make an impact of any degree that always feels great.
Is
this album the tip of the iceberg for Br'er--how often do you write new
material, and do you think you've evolved from the original style and
ideas of the music that you began with [when Br'er began]?
Yes,
I would say this is the tip of the iceberg. We released an album called
"Of Shemales & Kissaboos" before this, on a label in Austria that
was a means of figuring out what Br'er was musically. "Filled with
Guilt & Diamonds" was a more solid idea within the confines that
the first album set. In the same respect, it was also a very specific
document of a certain time of my life. Many of the musicians involved
are no longer working with Br'er, and since completing it, we've
released two singles, a tape, and a new EP. I am currently working on
our next album, two more singles, and a Magnetic Fields cover. Br'er is
pretty much my life and I'm always working on it, trying to explore new
sounds and timbres, and trying to make sure it stays exciting to me and
the people who I'm working on it with.
For twenty years, US label Slumberland Records has dedicated themselves to putting out the best in new dream-pop, shoegaze, independently twee and wonderful new acts. Since the late 1980's Slumberland has been the sole home and host to well-known acts such as Velocity Girl, Stereolab, Lilys, Swirlies, Boyracer, The Softies, The Aislers Set, (so, so many more) and most recently; up and comers The Crystal Stilts, Pains of Being Pure at Heart and of course, Philly's own: Brown Recluse to name only a few...and we really are under-listing here!
In the coming days, we've rounded up some great interviews and articles to celebrate the wealth of material from this great label and the current and past bands that are playing the music that celebrates the spirit behind it. We'll have interviews with aritists such as Gregory Webster of Razorcuts fame, Cheap Red (former members of Boyracer), as well as reviews of a few of Slumberland's latest releases including Summer Cats LP, the latest single from POBPAH, an interview with Philadelphia's DJs England Belongs to Twee (now featuring Herbie of Brown Recluse) and so much more in the spirit of pop: including a recent interview done with the master platter-pusher himself; Mike Schulman, who gives us his responses to our most dear questions.
This week will also include recent interviews with bands in the same spirit of the music of Slumberland with interviews and articles on Northern Portrait (Matinee), and The Mary Onettes (Labrador) on feature, and local group Br'er chiming in!
Happy Anniversary Slumberland: Cheers to 20 Years and counting!
In 2007, two friends sat in their basement in South Philly and started recording some very wonderful and crude joke songs in the style of Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly. Through coincidence and the hand of God they began playing out as Toy Soldiers, and in about a year's time, got serious enough to get themselves (by then a trio) into the studio at The Fire in Fishtown. But, when it came to the making of this record, bandleader Ron Gallo knew he was ready for a bigger sound. So he called up some friends and within a few months time, Whisper Down the Lane was recorded and the band was transformed. Since then, the band that was thrown together for the recording has tripled in size and has now become the Toy Soldiers you'll see at most every show.
This album, which could most accurately be compared to "Joe Cocker at Woodstock," is full of wonderfully catchy rock 'n' roll tunes like "Love Ya Like I Love Ya." It even has a few "positively 4th st"-esque sassy tunes ("The Wretch"), as well as some swampy stompin' blues ("Throw Me Down") which hit you right away, and stick to you.
And the live show, I must say, is quite a spectacle.
Photo by Jordan Sheftel (jordansheftelsphotography.shutterfly.com)
OH ME OH MY! Yes, I know the scoop and I could probably make a Sundae with it… but I decided to sit down with band leader Ron Gallo and dig into his feelings about the record and the newly supersized band.
Girl About Town: If you could describe the feeling of releasing this album and compare to any other event you’ve experienced, what would it be?
Ron Gallo: As a male, giving birth to a child. A beautiful, healthy child that I went through some time and hard work for, that I will love and watch grow.
What's your favorite and least favorite track on the album and why?
I can’t pick just one, I can only pick two mainly due to different reasons. I love “Throw Me Down” because I feel like every note on that track couldn’t be better and it spotlights all the singers, it’s really the only time they take a lead vocal role, it’s the track I like to show people for the first time. I also love “Which Way Waltz” because I feel like it speaks more for what is to come and is most in-tune with what I would enjoy most if I didn’t create it. I like to consider it the bridge to the future of Toy Soldiers. My least favorite track is “Wrecking Ball” because of opposite reasons for why I chose my favorites.
When people start to integrate this album into their lives, where do you think it will fit (i.e… love-makin soundtrack, bad-day pick-me-up)?
I consider this album a house-cleaning album, a countryside car driving album, a sunny day city walking album. It’s alive, energetic--you’re going to make it the soundtrack to movement, progress, dancing, traveling, fun. It’s a good ol’ time album. However, I feel like a few specific songs could be integrated individually. “Morningbirds” is when you wake up on a sunny day, lazy, tired, joyfully punch-drunk, and soon as the drums hit you realize you need to get moving. “Wrecking Ball” is what you’d listen to in a car chase or driving through a city at night. “Love Ya Like I Love Ya” is a just a lighthearted, fun walking song. The soundtrack to motion.
Who, in your opinion, is the best dressed on stage?
In terms of “Toy Soldiers aesthetic” I enjoy most how everyone is themselves. The ladies always look so beautiful in their 'purdy dresses. You and Vinchelle are just classy ladies. But, I must say everyone is overshadowed if Josiah joins us for a show. That kid’s got style, like no other. Talk about thinking outside the box, Josiah is always wearing amazing things, often including face paint, not to mention his pet minks that rest on his shoulder during performance.
What have been the pros and cons of tripling the band in size... logistically, musically, communally, etc.?
The pro’s are that it conveys that sense of community that I love. What better thing can people relate to than a big group of people? We are just like a big band of gypsies now, and it’s comforting and just plain fun to be involved with so many people. Musically, I get to relax a bit more instead of having to cover a lot more space and also it just adds an entirely different sound. Bare bones to flesh and skin and clothes. Musically it’s what I’ve always wanted, and everyone in the band is brilliant in their own way. Now! On the other side of the fence rounding up 7, or 8, or 9, or 10 people, has got to be one of the most stressful things to do, sometimes it’s impossible, and sometimes it works just fine. Though the more the merrier, it’s also; the more there is to handle. Then there’s always the little things: like space in cars, and sleeping arrangements, and on stage--but that’s the beauty of it all, working with what we got for the better.
How do you think you will feel about the record in five years?
I already look back on this album as the last one of its kind. There probably won’t be a Toy Soldiers album like it again, in terms of one that is this fun. It will always be a first album so it will always be important to me and some of these songs have become staples to Toy Soldiers as a band. I think I will probably feel the same way that John Lennon felt about Please Please Me. Yes that was fun, but I’ve moved on to a more weighty approach to my songs, just as any would: as they grow older, see more, learn more, etc. But, I will always remember and relate to their sentiments. The songs I write on my own, and usually perform solo--are far more thoughtful, emotional, and lyrically driven. They’ve become possibilities now in this big band because we have people who are into it and willing to make diversions and try new things, add layers, sing along, etc.
So, girls and guys about town… there you have it. Whisper Down the Lane, the very first Toy Soldiers album… coming to a venue/indie record store/itunes near you. Enjoy!
* See Toy Soldiers LIVE at World Café live Downstairs on October 28th with Andrew Lipke & the Prospects, Lady, and TJ Kong * Purchase Whisper Down the Lane online here.
After a few weeks of hearing about the video and new LP being worked on with The Sky Drops' Monika Bullette, and Rob Montejo (formerly of Smashing Orange), we couldn't wait to see and hear the results! The exciting new LP, which has been titled Bourgeois Beat, will be released on August 11th, 2009 and has the duo setting off on a few tour dates in PA, Michigan, and Delaware in support of its release. If you live in Philadelphia, the best date to make it to will be their Mojo 13 date featuring Matador's Dead Meadow, plus Philly's Three 4 Tens and The Empty Shapes on Friday September 18th, 2009. Three of the tracks from their upcoming album (Heavy Penny, Swimming With Fishes, and Bourgeois Beat), can also be heard on their myspace page as a preview, and we have one of their upcoming tracks from the album that can be downloaded here:
For the "Truth Is" video (a song that swoons into a veritable summer sunset of shoegaze; definitely twisting a little MBV into our veins in this Sky Drops' low-anthem beat), the duo used good friends and local photographer and artists' Justin Clowes and Joe Castro. Clowes, and Castro (who also played with Bullette in local band NERO), came together to make the brand new video with the duo; a mixed result of artistic footage shot on Super 8mm film, and with its late 70s split-screen action, Bullette and Montejo pull off a job, looking like agents dropping off the goods for Rob's twin, or is it? Watch their new video "Truth Is" below:
Girl About Town is happy to support local artist and musician Joe Castro for his opening art exhibit at Studio 27.28 with artist Mike Travato between 6 and 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 6th. "Mighty" Joe Castro's painted works are often set in a World filled with intense colors; intelligent and brooding, with scenes where the subjects are often just a little-bit skewed--leading you to take a deeper look into the haunted scenery of the image itself. Joe Castro is a local artist who was a vibrant member of Philly and Delaware's music scene; playing guitar for a number of acts over the years, including Nero, Swingline, and The Situation. Come to the exhibit to meet or say "Hi" to the artist and talk new music and art, and then head over to BAR ERA afterwards to hear tunes spun by Girl About Town's Carly (DJ Sally Cinnamon - spinning soul, indie, and rock favorites) accompanied by DJ Mod Revolve (Baggy, new wave, and Brit-pop classics); the songs begin at 9pm at Bar ERA and continue on throughout the evening.
Saturday June 6th, 2009 - Joe Castro & Mike Travato 6-9pm @ Studio 27.28 - 2728 Girard Avenue, Philadelphia PA 9-close @ Bar ERA (after party) - 2743 Poplar Street, Philadelphia PA
