Tagged: philly

[Heads Up Philadelphia] Tonight, Darlingside at the Tin Angel

The fine folks of Massachusetts’ Darlingside are back in Philadelphia-town again. Oh come on, you remember when they shot Episode Two of our In The Neighborhood series don’t you?

Well if you haven’t already fallen in love with their summer release, Pilot Machines (“Still” will always make me swoon.), then do yourself a favor and head down to the Tin Angel in Old City where you can catch them tonight. Quite the finely tuned five-piece, don’t miss out on this intimate show upstairs in Philadelphia’s most historic district.

Grab your tickets here, stream Pilot Machines, and be sure to keep something for yourself down below.

Still – Darlingside

Right-click and enjoy, see you there.

[In The Neighborhood] Episode 05 – A Cool Stick

The latest in our series showcases some fine, local talent at one of my most favorite spots in the city with an incredible skyline view. West of the Schuylkill river lies a small green square only a couple blocks off of Drexel U.’s campus, which hosts a fabulous view of Philadelphia. RGB Video Productions and What’s Protocol? were lucky enough to catch A Cool Stick live and in action.

Watch the gentleman play their single, “Home Girl,” with an unbeatable view of the city behind them. Also be sure to check out frontman Luke O’Brien’s mixtape, The Doperness, up for free below. Enjoy.

[Out Today] Numbers – The Lawsuits

Brian Dale Allen Strouse brings it all home with the latest release with his b

and, The Lawsuits. Their newest, Numbers, is a tightly crafted gem perfect for these colder days, biting wind gusts, and whiskey nightcaps.

I’ve said it before, I’m no Pitchfork nor do I have the means to hyper-inundate you all with the latest press releases and digital downloads. But, I will tell you that Philadelphia is home to some of the finest and hard-working musicians around.

Numbers, being their third official release, sounds like the group is embarking on a new chapter. I love the Americana feel of each track lyrically, keeping themes vague and relatable yet obviously weaving a story between the lines. And for only being self-recorded and produced..well, it’s top notch with each layer being expertly blended together still keeping the vocals up front and present.

I’m extremely fond of the opening track, “In Deep With The Queen.” It could be the scales or the light guitar picking, or maybe it’s the lullaby melody that soothes almost instantaneously. I also really enjoy, “Fine Quality (Coffee Flour Sugar Tea,” for its subtle female vocals and “Ebony Rose,” for being a fantastic closer. All in all, this album is great for the loyal fan base clamoring for something new but more so for a whole other group of listeners just waiting to be won over.

[Click here for full-album stream via Tri State Indie]

Enjoy.

[Record Label Spotlight] Big School Records

This spotlight comes as no surprise to me. Matt, the founder of Big School Records, has been diligently working hard on his own time (and dime) to nab some fantastic recent releases.

Norwegian Arms, a freak-folk duo from Philadelphia, are set to release their debut album via Big School on January 15th. Wolf Like a Stray Dog incorporates an eclectic mix of influences always set to a complex rhythm. Beyond the enormous amount of instrumentation, the lyrics are introspective and layered.

I’m also super enthused about BSR releasing  ”the Gold (and final) Edition of The Appleseed Cast’s Low Level Owl Vol. 1 & 2 in a triple vinyl set.” That’s pretty big news you guys. Surely to sell out, reserve your copy here. Low Level Owl is absolutely phenomenal.

May I also point you towards artist, Bombadil? Free-wheeling alt-country/folk-rock that’s more than easy listening.

Browse through Big School Records’ site and have pride in a Philadelphia-local label doing it right.

Incoming search terms:

  • label for official school records

[Heads Up Philadelphia] Jacob’s Ladder Screening Today at Filmtech

I love when Philadelphians come together and make something great.

If you’

re looking for a fun Sunday activity then get down to South Philly’s Filmtech today where a screening of a new short film titled, Jacob’s Ladder, will be shown at 4pm. Written, directed, filmed and edited by J. Randolph Brown of Steady State Productions, Jacob’s Ladder tells the story of a “20-something who finds an endless ladder in his backyard one day and what happens when he climbs it. ”

Even cooler, Brown enlisted the help of locals The Quelle Source and The Chairman Dances to help with the soundtrack which will be released digitally and physically that following Tuesday (October 23rd). Check out the tracks below and RSVP to this event!

See you there!

Heads Up Philadelphia: Sept. 25th – Collaborate Philly presents Comedy Night

Remember a little while back when I spoke about a new Philadelphia-based organization I became involved with? Sure you do, and you can also check the back-story here.

To keep ourselves engaged with the community and to also have a little fun, we’ve been holding monthly events and this time around we’re hosting some of the city’s funniest people.

On Tuesday, September 25th, the new venue Underground Arts will be hosting our Comedy event featuring Kait and Andrew, Dave Terruso, Cockhat, and the 2012 Philly’s Phunniest Person - James Hesky. We’re more than excited for this show and thrilled to tap into this side of the community. So, come join us for a night filled with laugther – tickets at the door will be $10, $5 for Collaborate Philly members. And, you can always purchase online ahead of time.

See you there!

BONUS:   Since I’m a huge fan of the collaborative movement, check out this awesome sampling of the duo Mean Lady. Canadian hip-hop artist and producer, P-Air, fell in love with their latest EP release, Alive, and just had to do something with it.

Check out his work below and be sure to check out more of his sounds here.

Incoming search terms:

  • cockhat

[Part Four] Reason To Believe: A Springsteen Education in 4 Songs.

Enjoy part four of a wonderfully-written essay from Corey, part-educator/bruce obsessed Philadelphian/fiestiest little thing I’ve ever met. And be prepared to believe. – Lindsey

1. Remain hopeful- “Reason To Believe” is the final song on Bruce’s greatest album, Nebraska. The lyrics are stitched together with stories of hopelessness. A man loses his dog, a woman loses her love, a family loses their baby, and a groom waits for a bride that never comes. Tragedy after tragedy we are reminded as listeners that there is always something to hope for.

This song needs no images to go along with it. Close your eyes, listen to the narrative, and find your own reasons to believe.

In less than three hours I will be in a crowd of people at Citizens Bank Park screaming “BRUUUCEEE” in a way that only true fans know how. I will be watching him slide across the stage and play “Rosalita” for 12 minutes or more. I will be making my mom and dad proud as I sing every single word to “Thunder Road.” I sincerely hope you get the chance to experience him live one day, and maybe join me in seeing him for my fifth time.

Incoming search terms:

  • bruce the boss

[Part Three] Reason To Believe: A Springsteen Education in 4 Songs.

Enjoy part three of a wonderfully-written essay from Corey, part-educator/bruce obsessed Philadelphian/fiestiest little thing I’ve ever met. And be prepared to believe. – Lindsey

2. Resurrect yourself - “Atlantic City” was recorded in Springsteen’s bedroom and mixed through an old Gibson guitar unit to a beat box. Just saying that out loud makes my heart melt.

This song also features issues such as crime, violence, romance, resurrection, and inevitability of death. So loaded with themes that my literary self just swooned as well. Watch these rigid black and white images of Atlantic City and listen to Bruce sing, “Everything dies, baby, that’s a fact, but maybe everything that dies someday comes back.”

Incoming search terms:

  • springsteen

In The Neighborhood Ep. 04

Remember our on-going In The Neighborhood series? Well, we’re back and this time we met up with the lead singer of one of Philadelphia’s finest folk-rock acts. Bruno from Former Belle, hung out with us at Penn Treaty down on the east side of Philadelphia.

Watch him play the song, “Sometimes You’re a Ghost,” below and catch more of the band here. Enjoy.

Incoming search terms:

  • former belle cathedral mediafire

For your Friday…

Whew. It’s been quite the month and now it’s already August? I had a feeling July was going to escape me…

I’ve been having a very surreal year so far. I have been going through a fairly decent career shift, which explains the lack of posts lately. Two industries I’ve tried my hardest to keep separate in my life and this week I think I finally relented. Sharing on this blog almost every single day has been an amazing ritual for me, but I know deep down I’m allowed to give other things my full commitment as well. I’m reaching a balance that I’ve been searching for.

And I think that’s what we all need sometimes. To reach a balanced point, recharge from different parts of our lives, and move on. It’s a cycle and I know this lull of free time is going to be very, very short lived. I’m already jam-packing my day with things to do and it’s not even noon yet.

But I’m back y’all, ready to throw at you some great music again. is and of the sent me over some new tunes and I’ve finally been able listen to them all the way through. They’re perfect soft psychedelic electronica with plenty of vocal and guitar looping to help you coast through your Friday. Enjoy.

Listen to the rest here.