Let's kick off the summer right with a brand new Indie album by Swedish musician, David Alexander, a.k.a. Summer Heart. This dreamy collection of eight songs has a soft lounge-y vibe with hints of Bossa Nova and an instrumental flow that fares well when looped on "repeat". If you're kicking it by the pool, or working your butt off at a summer job, this is the album to get you through and beyond.
Ski Lodge is the perfect band to be our last featured artist from the Digital Album. I mean, it's winter and their name is Ski Lodge. Who doesn't want to think about log cabins, snowmen, hot coco, and ski lifts? Hailing from Brooklyn, this fearsome foursome is coming up in the world of music, being featured at CMJ in October. Without futher ado, come join me for an interview with Andrew Marr.
So the band name begs the question, are you stoked on skiing or snowboarding? Or have a love of hot toddies at the lodge?
Ha, yeah I like both. Been snowboarding for a while but I’m thinkin about switching back to skiing. I always picture a certain scene when I hear the term "ski lodge." People hangin around having a good time, by a fire, colorful/florescent one piece ski suits, bad sweaters... probably some hot toddies!
How do you hope to inspire your fans? What do you want fans to get out of your music, especially “I Would Die To Be?”
Umm, I guess if I inspire someone at all then that's a win for me ha! I really just want the music to be something that makes fans happy or gives them something to relate to when they aren't so happy... With this song specifically, I guess I just wanted it to express a level of frustration toward someone you like want to be with but things aren’t going the way you'd like them to. I think most fans would be able to relate to that.
What would you be doing if you weren’t (or when you’re not) making music?
When I’m not making music I like to eat/cook, watch movies, run, and play golf. If you're asking what I'd be doing for a career, I'd probably choose being a chef or a pro golfer(even though I’m not that good at golf).
Fill in the blank, Ski Lodge is forever grateful for …
Bill Murray.
(Who doesn't love them some Bill Murray? This picture doesn't really have anything to do with Ski Lodge, it's just awesome)
I know you guys are slated to play College Music Journal’s Music Marathon in October. Do you tour often?
Well "Ski Lodge" has only been around officially for about 4 months, so we just played our first 2 shows as a band at Cake Shop NYC this past month. We plan to try and do a bunch of touring once CMJ is over.
What have you learned about yourself in your musical evolution?
That I am very good at starting things but not always good at finishing them!
Do you have pre- or post-show rituals?
Nah I don't think so. Recently I've been drinking lots of coffee before shows in order to get as anxious as possible, does that count?
Best show?
I'd have to say one of these recent shows at Cake Shop here in New York. I mean if I’m talking about "Ski Lodge shows" then I only have 2 experiences to go off of haha. But even counting shows from the past with other bands and stuff, these recent ones were really exciting, there was a sort of buzz surrounding them, at least from my point of view. And we had great audiences for both of them. That's really what makes a show for me, it all depends on how the audience reacts to the music and if they are like dancing and stuff.
Of course, then I need to ask … any disaster shows?
The closest thing to a disaster that I’ve experienced happened to me with my band down in Florida. Our bassist fell off the face of the earth the day before we were supposed to play our first show as a band. He decided to resurface, totally wasted (with none of his equipment), as we were doing a sound check. Then I think he got kicked out of the venue for bringing in his own bottle of whiskey. So we played without a bass player ha.. I guess it wasn't a disaster per se, but definitely interesting and awkward.
How does fashion inspire you?
I think fashion is one of the best ways to express yourself. Fashion has inspired lyrics of mine in some instances... I’ve always appreciated certain trends and I feel like things are always better when people are dressed fashionably, not like totally crazy, but just enough to bring a certain vibe to a place. Does that make sense??
What else inspires you? Other artists?
There's so much that inspires me! Other music is probably the main thing. There's awesome music coming out every week, it’s so hard to keep up with. But the fact that bands and artists keep putting out great music helps me believe that I can also continue to make music that is somewhat authentic and fresh.
Favorite movie?
I don’t really have just one favorite. I love “Eyes Wide Shut”and “The Big Lebowski” to name a couple.
Favorite artist?
Always been a fan of Salvador Dali. I wish I was familiar with more artists than I am, that's something I plan to do.
Favorite musician/band?
This changes so often. Right now it's Beirut, maybe? It’s kind of just whatever album I’ve been listening to the most. Currently I've been loving Beirut’s "The Rip Tide."
What’s next for Ski Lodge?
I think we will try and do some sort of touring for a little while, probably not long because I'm anxious to start recording the full length. So that’s the next big thing I guess – a full length record!
If you are at all interested in Indie, Folk or just plain good mellow music, than you might want to read on.
Pronounced "bone ee-vare," this play on the French saying for "have a good winter" was chosen by the band's frontman and founder Justin Vernon. Vernon created the entire first album For Emma, Forever Ago, while spending a winter in northern Wisconsin alone.
By layering tracks and using words that paired with the melodies he was able to create a rich ethereal effect that simply did not carry through alone in concert. Hence; Bon Iver the band! Their second, self-titled album (first together) debuted June 21st and has been sweeping across the globe ever since.The music is soft and subtle, yet insanely rich. It's American Beauty for 2011.
Take a little taste with this brand new video of Holocene shot in Iceland this summer!
Freelance Whales can only be described as a multi-instrumental, electic, fun-loving indie-pop band. Both their music and their demeanor is catchy and makes you feel right at home. I first discovered them a while back on one of my favorite music blogs, I Guess I'm Floating. Since then, I haven't been able to stop listening to their songs.
Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, the band gained notoriety while playing in the New York subway. They self-released their EP Weathervanes in early 2009, and re-released it again under their label Mom + Pop in April 2010. Most of the songs off the EP were a compilation of chilhood memories and dream journaling composed by the frontman Judah Dadone.
An interesting fact about the band is that Chuck Criss (who plays banjo and a plethora of other things) is the brother of Glee's Darren Criss. Obviously talent runs in the family. Below is the video for my favorite song on their album, entitled "Hannah."
In fall of 2007 I had just started working at a college radio station and fancied myself somewhat of a music connoisseur. I was required by the station to play one local band, and I plucked an album, chose a track and clicked play. That fine day is when my love affair with Surrogate officially began.
This band is the prefect blend indie pop and folk, with a side of quick–witted lyrical genius. With two full-length albums already under their belt, these guys are delivering again with a new EP, titled Diamonds and Pearls. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of their new EP, and boy, it does not disappoint.
The CD opens with the beautifully melodic “Pearl,” and the tune “Old Life” has quickly become a staple in daily music playlists. Really, the whole EP is excellently crafted and composed and I give it a 9/10. It's great to see such an amazing band progressively get better and better with age.
Diamonds and Pearls EP will be released on iTunes this Friday, and let me tell you, this is a must have for your music library.
Check out more Surrogate on their facebook page and hear some tunes on purevolume.
The only thing I gobble up during the winter months faster than Hershey kisses is some good ol’ fashioned indie pop. I was looking through the albums that I’ve checked out over the year and got an extra warm feelin’ when I got to give Lisbon (by The Walkmen) a fresh listen—they’ve got a tight sound and prescient, self aware lyrics that’ll strike a chord in any complicated heart. This album reminds me of a mixture of Simon & Garfunkel and Rufus Wainwright (If you haven’t given either of those artists a solid listen yet, get thee to a record store STAT.).
You know me—I can’t help but give shout outs to my favorite tracks on an album. These two definitely win out!
“Angela Surf City” is one of Lisbon’s more upbeat tracks, and is the sort of kick ass tune that gets me air drumming with a fury! Does it matter that I don’t know the first thing about a drum kit? No! Music is about passion, people!
“Blue As Your Blood” is a sweeping, profoundly wrought song that contrasts a hopeful, cheerful melody with melancholy, regretful lyrics. Yum! I love when bands do this. It seems like these folks are very meticulous with their music making—which I appreciate almost as much as alliterations.
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