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April 24, 2013

Timber! Adds Seven New Bands to Their First Fest

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A couple months ago, we introduced you to Timber! the new festival from our friends at Artist Home, the hosts of Slack Fest and Doe Bay Fest. The new outdoor jamboree, will be held in Carnation, Washington on a sprawling 574 acre river-side park July 26th and 27th. (Yes, sadly, it will be held the same weekend as Capitol Hill Block Party … but we know someone will be excited to use our parking space on the Hill as we head to the country.)

Since we told you about Timber’s intention, they’ve began to announcing the big bands, who will be taking their small stages: Helio Sequence, Fruit Bats, Quasi, Hobosexual, Lemolo, Bryan John Appleby, River Giant …

Today, we’re thrilled to share seven new additions to the Timber! line-up. While Quasi, River Giant, Hobosexual and Kithkin will be making the tall trees shake, many of this week’s additions will ask festival goers to embrace the quiet of Carnation. Seattle singer-songwriter Noah Gundersen will be backed by the sweet sounds of the Passenger String Quartet, busker Ben Fisher returning to his roots, the beautiful bummer of S (Jenn Ghetto of Carissa’s Wierd), the awe-inspiring ache of Avians Alight and a name that might be new to you: Vikesh Kapoor. Kapoor’s protest poetry is so potent, he was asked to perform at Howard Zinn’s memorial. But it won’t be all singer-songwriters or shredding at Timber!, there’ll be some honky-tonk too. Also joining the line-up today is the return of Zoe Muth and Her Lost High Rollers and Jacob Miller & the Bridge City Crooners, who’ll be burning down the barn … though, hopefully not literally, as they’ll be hosting a late night dance party in an old hayloft on the festival grounds.

We couldn’t be more pleased to be partnering with Timber! during their first year and to watch a new festival build from the ground up. There will a few more line-up announcements, so we’ll be sharing with them here and hoping your tents are close to ours this summer.

August 17, 2012

We Celebrated Six Years Online with The Hounds Who Have a New Record

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Tags
Hobosexual Strong Killings Hounds of the Wild Hunt Columbia City Theater Sound on the Sound Presents Sound on the Sound Presents
Hounds of the Wild HuntPhoto: Josh Lovseth
Hounds of the Wild Hunt

This August marks six years of Sound on the Sound covering the Seattle music scene and beyond, and for the last two years we’ve been sponsoring the first Friday of each month with handpicked lineups at the Columbia City Theater. Our most recent Friday featured a few familiar faces from that time showing in support of the release of Hounds of the Wild Hunt’s new record “El Mago”

Opening in the Bourbon bar, Lonesome Shack’s country blues vamps proved us to be sleeping until now on one of Seattle’s best roots talents, who I’m told was at one point a Cafe Racer Tuesday night regular sporting tacks on his shoes for percussion. Any party with Strong Killings on the bill we’d be pleased to be a part of as they epitomize the irreverent attitude that brought Seattle’s version of rock and roll into view with the Sonics, and then some two-some decades later with Sub Pop’s efforts. Up third, Hobosexual doubled down on that humor, the hair and the skillz to lay their claim as Seattle’s shreddingist two-piece.

With their latest record The Hounds of the Wild Hunt are now fully engrossed in their more pop oriented ego. Though they might have shed some of the punk irreverance I loved so much with the loss of their old name (The Whore Moans), they’ve taken more control of their tones and now display a matured irreverance a la Paul Westerberg’s Replacements. Rock & Roll culture is as much a slick mainstream fashion statement as advertising angle in 2012; now any notion of counter-culture leanings among popular rock music is pretty laughable. The Hounds continue to ignore the memo by remaining a little rough around the edges, and so on their own terms are delivering provocative performances with an anthemic everyman grit.

Hounds of the Wild HuntPhoto: Josh Lovseth
Hounds of the Wild Hunt
HobosexualPhoto: Josh Lovseth
Hobosexual
Strong KillingsPhoto: Josh Lovseth
Strong Killings
Lonesome ShackPhoto: Josh Lovseth
Lonesome Shack
July 20, 2012

Sound on the Sound Presents: Hounds of the Wild Hunt, Strong Killings, Hobosexual and Lonesome Shack

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Tags
Hobosexual Hounds of the Wild Hunt Columbia City Theater Sound on the Sound Presents Sound on the Sound Presents

Two weeks from today is a big day for Sound on the Sound and some important people and places in our lives. On Friday August 3rd we’ll be celebrating six years of running this website, two years of business and booking shows at Columbia City Theater and El Mago a brand new album from Hounds of the Wild Hunt. We’ll be doing so with Hounds of the Wild Hunt (of course), Strong Killings, Hobosexual and Lonesome Shack (playing a set in the Bourbon Bar). Its gonna be a night of kick ass rock’n'roll celebrating labors of love. and we hope you can come and raise a glass and a fist in the air with us to celebrate. Tickets are just $8. Here’s a taste of what you’ll be treated to if you attend, including your first chance for a full listen at Hounds of the Wild Hunt new album: Hounds of the Wild Hunt: Strong Killings: Hobosexual: Lonesome Shack:

July 19, 2012

Slack Fest 2012: “Exactly how I want it to be”

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Tags
Hobosexual The Moondoggies Zoe Muth Hounds of the Wild Hunt Slack Fest
Slack fest closes with the Moondoggies

Slack Fest closes with the Moondoggies ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

More. Faster. Harder. Coachella understands America’s on a perpetual ADHD thrill ride and this week added another climb and dive on the roller-coaster by announcing a cruise to go along with their now two-weekend festival. By comparison, with just one stage situated on a flatbed plopped in the middle of a racetrack out in podunk rural Washington, the modest one-day Slack Fest hardly seems recognizable as a music festival. Then again, I’d go for the leisurely pace and lengthy sandbar for swimming between bands any day. And I’m not the only one.

Overheard at Slack Fest:

“My Cheeks hurt so much from smiling!” – One Enthusiastic Two-Stepper taking a breather

“For me, this was my favorite Slack Fest.” – A Slack Fest Veteran

“Exactly how I want it to be.” – A friend who comes back decrying nearly every festival experience

Once again fest namesake Don Slack helped build a lineup true to his tastes, one that’s diverse, locally current, and also entertaining. Country Lips both on stage and by the bonfire distinguished themselves as energetic performers. Zoe Muth, on the cusp of releasing her new EP, counterpointed their eager delivery with her own lonesome lilt, both bands giving honky-tonk a high profile at the fest this year. Slack is a black t-shirt wearing rocker at heart though, which the rest of the line-up favored.

The (not actual) Rolling Stones pulled everyone in from the tents and river for their tribute set, drawing the largest audience of the afternoon. The Wayfinders touched down from phantasy land for an hour bringing tales of dragons and such, sounding as weird and good as on record. Closing out the stage Saturday the Moondoggies played what in a certain co-editor of this site’s estimation was her favorite set of theirs, ever. Having seen countless sets from these Everett road dogs in every setting imaginable, this is saying something.

Just an hour north of Seattle the fest is close enough to drive home, so many folks do; but camping really is part of the fun too, particularly if you were among the Slackers taking part in killing the kegs feeding the bottomless keg cups by late afternoon. (Hilliards is good beer.) This year’s after-hours experiences included: watching the lighting of the bonfire with a flame thrower. Twice. Meeting very nice people people in the dark I’d only recognize by voice in the morning. Finding more beer in my cooler than when I’d left it two hours before. Eating a 12.30 bowl of Kraft Macacroni and Cheese for the first time in probably a decade out of the back of a friendly VW Vanagon.

Slack Fest was a welcome break from worrying about missing something or competing for space with an inconsiderate crowd. To just hang, roam, enjoy music and swim with buds without the need of an app, an RFID bracelet to get through layers of security, or even a clock felt novel. In my ideal world, it wouldn’t be.

The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

Dancing to Zoe Muth and the Lost High Rollers

Dancing to Zoe Muth and the Lost High Rollers ::: Photo by Abbey Simmons

Kevin Murphy and Don Slack

The Moondoggies’ Kevin Murphy and Don Slack ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

(more…)

January 17, 2012

Win Tickets to The Pack A.D. at the Tractor!

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Canadian force of nature garage-rock duo The Pack A.D. are coming to destroy the Tractor Tavern Saturday night with the help of local favorites Hobosexual and Watch It Sparkle, and we’ve got a pair of tickets to give away. Leave a comment below with a valid email address and your favorite Star Wars quote (it’s the band’s favorite movie) and we’ll select a winner at random Friday afternoon.

October 28, 2011

Your Halloween Weekend as a One-Sided Conversation

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We Wrote the Book on Connectors as Beastie Boys ::: photo by Josh Lovseth

Some traditions die hard should have never been started. Last year I gave you a Halloween weekend preview that was basically a third party eavesdropping on a hipster having a conversation on his cellular phone. This year will be a different. You will hear from a great white shark that has political ambitions that may involve the Oval Office…

Yes, you read that correctly.

The object of man’s darkest water related fears will give a political speech directly related to the blessed conundrum of having too much music to see and only one pair of eyes to experience it with. You come to Sound on the Sound for respectable writing and you get this!?! It’s Halloween, my parents aren’t around and I can do what I want!

[Scene shows a large fish tank at the entrance of Wild Waves. The tank has a spiderweb of microphones hanging above it, the audio machinery is hoping to capture the sentences of this politically savvy deep sea predator. The Sound on the Sound camera pans around the parking lot and spots an abundance of media trucks with its lens. Suddenly the shark stops "pacing" the tank, anchors itself in one place and begins to speak.] Mr. White: Some of you may wonder why I have called this press conference all of you here today and I’m here to answer the question that I’m assuming is on your human mind. I’m here to make a speech that addresses the issues.

[Mr. White stops speaking and does a methodical lap around the tank.]

Mr. White: I’m a shark, when it comes to media relations I am mostly ignorant. Is it proper to call a press conference in order to make a speech? I’m really not sure. All I know is third party candidates don’t have the luxury of debates leading up to primaries and presenting State of the Union addresses to a doting nation. This event is actually paid for by “Sharks Against Campaigns to Give Human Rights to Orcas.” PETA is a fascist organization that does not give equal consideration to sharks. My contentious relationship with that agency is neither here or nor there. Like I said I’m here to talk about the issues.

[Mr. White stops to swim to the surface and to see if there are any PETA protesters in attendance.]

Mr. White: This weekend is Halloween weekend. Many of the events that are taking place and are related to the every day lives of the voters. If you did not realize this, now you do. If you are below the age of 18 I suggest you turn your Ipod off and tune in, shit is about to get real even though you are not old enough to vote. For instance, the Black Lodge is having a benefit show tonight that features Numb and Mercy Ties. I tell you this because I am pro-small business and independent industry. The Black Lodge has done many a service for being a great DIY venue that routinely has all ages shows. If something were to happen to this place, what would you do? Where would you go? You tell me you’d hang out in Belltown but I don’t believe you.  Sharks may not be chimpanzees but we are not dinosaurs either. Literally. Don’t let those other two political parties tell you they are for all-ages shows when I think their record speaks for itself. They are for money and that’s it. Personally I don’t care about monetary symbols, I care about blood in the water. That is my priority and that my friends, is a selfish agenda you can trust.

[Mr. White stops speaking to detect if there is indeed blood in the water.]

Mr. White: Did you see that? I already fulfilled a campaign promise. Also happening tonight is the ten year anniversary show of Glenn or Glennda? happening at the Croc. Individuals like myself that are big-time players in political shuffleboard can appreciate the innovate legacy that the aforementioned act has crafted over the past decade. They took an old idea and twisted gender-bended it into their own creation. They tested the market and passed with flying colors. People want to talk about raising taxes and job creation, what about shifting chromosomes in order to achieve annual entertainment for nostalgic punk rockers? Glenn or Glennda can’t resign just yet, they are a pillar of the ghost and goblin community. I propose another term. I also believe that Strong Killings and Steel Tigers of Death second that notion by offering their support for this anniversary engagement.

[The affable great white stops to contemplate what he meant look like as a cross-dressing member of the Misfits. These are the kind of thoughts that go through politicians minds during media events. Duh.]

Read the Rest of Phil Mr. White’s Halloween recommendations (more…)

June 22, 2011

Win Tickets to Hobosexual’s Cassette Release Show this Saturday

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Technology is a strange mistress.

Today I use complicated technology, speaking in a new language unimaginable even a decade ago. My iPhone takes old-fashioned photos, casting this modern world in a ’60s haze, fake film from the most powerful computer I’ve ever owned … and it fits in the palm of my hand. I engage in conversation with heroes and stars previously as unreachable as if they lived on Mars, but only in 140 characters. We listen to music from digital clouds. I die of dysentary during a game of Oregon Trail on my phone. If I stop and think about it, the potent mix of complication and ease, of the new mimicking the old, is paralyzing.

Which is why, when Hobosexual gave me an old-fashioned Walkman to listen to their soon to be released Live at Columbia City Theater cassette, I couldn’t for the life of me figure out how to open it. It had been at least a decade since I’d held a Walkman in my hands, and the honestly simple, no bells and whistles technology stymied me. Write complex code, sure. Open a Walkman, not so fast. It turned out to be a tab on the front of the player, no eject, no pop up, no button, just my finger pushing against gravity. It was so simple, it was the last thing I looked for.

Hobosexual, in their straight forwardness, their “this is who we are” balls-to-the-wall rock, are much like that Walkman … so simple it seems astonishingly novel. There are no bells-and-whistles needed for rock this potent. Hobosexual, in a sea of polished acts of networkers, facebook experts and twitter marketers, stand out because they do it the old fashioned way. They get on stage month-after-month, they leave a gallon of sweat and friends tell friends they had their mind blown by an honest-to-god Seattle rock band.

This Saturday Hobosexual is celebrating the release of their Live at Columbia City Theater cassette (and download card) at Columbia City Theater, of course. Opening the night will be the always excellent Whalebones and new local band This Bitch Don’t Fall Off. It’s going to be a night of old-fashioned rock’n'roll, cheap beer cans on the floor, sweat dripping from the walls and amps stacked like ladders climbing towards Columbia City Theater’s high ceilings. Needless to say, it is not to be missed.

We’ve got a pair of tickets for one lucky reader to attend this Saturday’s show. All you need to do is leave a comment on the post telling us what your most cherished cassette was. We’ll choose a winner at random and notify them by Friday at noon.

June 10, 2011

Very Nice Things

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Tonight’s Noise for the Needy Show at Conor Byrne is a blockbuster bill we’d be committing ourselves to in an instant if there weren’t a bevy of other shows vying for our attention. You’re unlikely to to find a more cozy venue in Seattle to catch Youth Rescue Mission, Hobosexual or Portland’s Kelli Schaefer, who’s riding high after a bunch of good attention via a Death Cab-curated playlist featured on the front page of Youtube over memorial day weekend. Hobosexual doesn’t really summon up “cozy” as an adjective, so Ballard’s living room might get shaken up a bit more than usual.

Speaking of living rooms, YRM is the focus of a new video themselves doing the song “Very Nice Things” via @Wygle‘s new crowdsourced project called “All Camera’s On” (below). Though I’m currently ambivalent about persistent phone videoing of concerts, I fully understand the want to participate, and this project seems like a good use of that kind of participation. The living room you see in the video is the home of the “Living Room Recitals” series which this Saturday June 11 (tomorrow) is hosting none other than Bryan John Appleby.


May 24, 2011

So You’re Not Going to Sasquatch? Go to Folklife Instead

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Tags
Bryan John Appleby Hobosexual Pickwick Ravenna Woods Shenandoah Davis
folklife40

 

 

So, you’re not going to Sasquatch? That doesn’t mean you can’t attend an awesome local music festival. For free. While Sasquatch has become the Northwest music festival synonymous with Memorial Day Weekend, it’s not the original. That would be Folklife Festival, who will be celebrating 40 years this holiday weekend.

To celebrate the big anniversary, the free multi-cultura festivall has a stellar local music line-up featuring some of our favorites. Bands you wouldn’t be surprised to see playing Sasquatch, in fact. (And at least one name who is playing both.) Here’s just a tiny sample of what’s happening at Folklife this weekend musically, but be sure to check out the full music schedule.

Friday May 27:

Ravenna Woods – 7pm as part of the Folk Redefined Showcase, Indie Roots Stage Wheedle’s Groove – 7pm as part of the Friday Night Funk Party, Mural Amphitheater

Saturday May 28

Gabriel Mintz – 1:40pm, Indie Roots Stage Shana Cleavland & the Sand Castles – 1:55pm, Folklife Cafe Stage Karl Blau – 2:40, Folklife Cafe Stage Cahalen Morrison and Eli West – 4pm as part of the American Standard Time Showcase, Indie Roots Stage Hobosexual – 5:30pm, Vera Project LAKE, The Curious Mystery – 7pm as part of the Independent Thinking: K Records, Indie Roots Stage

Sunday May 29

Pickwick, Shenandoah Davis – 12pm as part of the Ball of Wax Showcase, Indie Roots Stage Joseph Giant – 4:45pm, Indie Roots Stage Bryan John Appleby – 5:30pm, Indie Roots Stage NighTraiN – 6:45pm, Vera Project Weinland – 7:00pm as part of the PDXperimental Folk Showcase, Indie Roots Stage

Monday May 30

Watch It Sparkle – 5pm, Vera Project Yuni in Taxco, Hoarde and the Harem – 5 to 7pm as part of the Think Local, Act Indie Showcase, Indie Roots Stage

While the Fest is free, be sure to drop $10 or $20 in the donation jar, it’s certainly not free to put on and you’d be paying lots more to see the same caliber of local musicians if you were at The Gorge.

After the jump, check out some videos from the artists playing Folklife’s 40th: (more…)

May 12, 2011

Hobosexual – “Monolith” [video]

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Hobosexual – Monolith from Amelia Gydé on Vimeo.

Monolith, defined by Merriam-Webster:

1: a single great stone often in the form of an obelisk or column 2: a massive structure 3: an organized whole that acts as a single unified powerful or influential force

Monolith, defined by Hobosexual:

1: a kick ass new video made by manager and #1 Hobo fan Amelia Gyde

After that, it’s pretty much the same as Merriam:

2: Our tower of amps (i.e. a massive structure) 3: Jeff and Ben (i.e. an organized whole that acts as a single unified powerful or influential force)

You can see Hobosexual and their tower of amps in the flesh on June 25th at Columbia City Theater. The band will be celebrating the release of a live album and will be joined by fellow Sound on the Sound favorites, Whalebones.