The Boston Music Awards were last night at The Sinclair. I did not win. I did take some photos, though. Here are 9 of “New Artist of the Year” nominees Oh Malo…
Get your eyeballs ready. Here are some sweet videos.
Howdy folks! I don’t know what they’ve been putting in the water around here lately, but people have been making some really sweet videos lately. I won’t bore you with words when there’s watchin’ to be done. Here are a six of my recent favorites from Air Traffic Controller, Midriffs, Eldridge Rodriguez, Brian Carpenter & The Confessions, Petty Morals and Psychic Dog. Get your eyeballs ready.
Don’t forget, you can watch hundreds of local videos back-to-back-to-back anytime on Daykamp Music TV. There are almost 800 videos in rotation. That’s a lot of backs.
Space Cranes – Merrily On High (2014)
Space Cranes
Merrily On High
2014
Let Space Cranes take you on an eclectic, electro-retro journey this holiday season. This dynamic duo and friends are back with another collection of mostly instrumental musical cheer. My favorite? I’ll take the samba-ized version of “Jingle Bell Rock” appropriately renamed, you guessed it, “Jingle Bell Samba.”
Where to get it:
Secret Lover – “Waffle House Christmas Baby” (2014)
Secret Lover
“Waffle House Christmas Baby”
2014
Secret Lover’s “Waffle House Christmas Baby” feels like a long-lost classic, with achingly, heart-breakingly perfect vocals shining bright through a blizzard of reverb, sleigh bells and rattling guitars. It’s essentially a depressing country tune played with the soul of early rock ‘n’ roll. Set at Christmastime. At a Waffle House. All holiday songs should be this good.
Where to get it:
David Jackel – “Time Keeps Slipping Away” (2015)
David Jackel
“Time Keeps Slipping Away”
2015
David Jackel’s first proper single is a heady mix of ’80s new wave and neo-psychodelia. The Daily Pravda frontman serves up a harmony-happy, reverb-drenched number layered in jangling guitars, stringy synths and swirling effects. It’s a sound you can get lost in. He says there’s more coming. I’m waiting…
Where to get it:
Ringtail – “Mask Of Bees” (2015)
Ringtail
“Mask Of Bees”
2015
Frenetic drumming, staccato guitar rhythms and a rippin’ guitar solo make for a spirited first single from Ringtail. There are shades of Mission of Burma on this post-punk nugget. The band balances the biting bits with and reigned-in verses and tastefully chosen effects. “Mask Of Bees” is a promising debut.
Where to get it:
The Sheila Divine @ The Sinclair 11.25.2015
Here are The Sheila Divine, a band I hold in the absolute highest regard. To have them close out The Daykamp Poster & Photo Show was an honor. To have them do so while celebrating the release of their wonderful new record, The Morbs, leaves me at a loss for words. I am thankful.
Sidewalk Driver @ The Sinclair 11.25.2015
I’m crazy about Sidewalk Driver. I write about it in these pages after every one of their musically and visually dazzling performances. I can’t imagine ever loving this band more than I did watching them play The Daykamp Poster & Photo Show, but I’ve been through this before. They always prove me wrong. I’m so thankful they spent the night with us at The Sinclair.
Weakened Friends @ The Sinclair 11.25.2015
Thanksgiving Eve found us at The Sinclair hanging stuff on the walls, listening to music and having a few drinks for The Daykamp Poster & Photo Show. Weakened Friends are everything I was hoping they’d be after obsessing over their Gloomy Tunes EP. They opened the night with a loud, beautifully bummed-out, ’90s-inspired indie rock gut punch. We’re thankful to have found another new favorite band.
Black Friday is still terrible. Supporting local art isn’t.
It’s Black Friday. Black Friday is still terrible. Supporting local art isn’t. Here’s a quick list of alternative ways to spend your hard earned dollars than fighting crowds at the chain stores.
- Pick up some new music from a local band. The Sheila Divine, Goddamn Draculas, Party Bois, Worshipper and Weakened Friends have all put out amazing music in the past few months that is worth listening to on endless repeat.
- Help art get made! Abbie Barrett and Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys are making new records. I’m sure they’d appreciate your support.
- Did you know the design and illustration arm of the Daykamp Empire has an Etsy store? You can pick up show posters, art prints and even holiday cards!
- Save your money for the ROCKIN FLEA MARKET + BLOODY MARY BASH! Bridget Haley will have crocheted tacos. They’re amazing. Just don’t eat them.
If you do go out to the stores today, think about keeping it local. Oh, and pick up something for Anngelle Wood’s Spectacular Gift Drive for DCF Kids Fund.