Midlake: "Roscoe" Video
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Every once in a while, a band comes along that undoubtedly evokes something special. You don't know what it is, but you are certain that they belong set apart from amongst the crowd of musical peers in which they lay. You quickly find yourself coming to the foregone conclusion that this band's music is to be revered and will remain relevant for some time to come. Midlake has not only embodied this idealism in the hearts of many already, but with the introduction of their latest album, The Trials of Van Occupanther, they are making it a reality. Midlake formed in the small, quirky Texas town of Denton. There the five diligent musicians toiled to create a sound that was pleasing, as wellas their own. Soon enough they were discovered by Bella Union Records owner and Cocteau Twins bassist, Simon Raymonde. Simon fell deeply in love with the band, and together they began to cultivate a relationship built upon sharing Midlake?s music to the world. The band continuously worked day and night to create what would become their debut album, an album of incredible vision, talent, dedication and eccentricity: Bamnan and Slivercork. Released in June of 2004, Bamnan and Slivercork became a instant favorite for many critics and fans worldwide. After a series of touring stints both domestic and abroad, Midlake rapidly found themselves being embraced by a much larger fan base than ever before. Included in the group was actor and skateboarding legend Jason Lee (My Name is Earl, Mallrats, Almost Famous, etc.). Jason joined forces with Midlake as a huge supporter, promoter, and collaborator, directing and filming a video for their single, Balloon Maker. In June of last year, Midlake appeared with Jason on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson where they were received with an overflow of wonderful reviews. Midlake then retreated home to begin work on their next musical venture. With a desire to reach further within and accomplish something even more unique and of their own, Midlake's determined efforts produced The Trials of Van Occupanther. Tim Smith, Singer/Songwriter for Midlake says, Compared to Bamnan and Slivercork, this album uses less keyboards in favor of acoustic guitar, piano, more vocals and electric guitar. The sound is something more related to 70s folk rock but not in a gimmicky way, hopefully. I have a great affinity for those bands from the 70's, the music just seems to move me more. So when writing this album of course those sounds came out in the music. With the album available worldwide, and critics touting them as a 2006 ?Band to Watch", Midlake is set to further the momentum rapidly growing by delivering an album that is sure to merit such high expectations. Midlake are paul alexander (bass, keys), eric nichelson (keys, guitar), eric pulido (guitar, keys, bgv), tim smith (vocals, keys, guitar), mckenzie smith (drums)
Check out the video for "Head Home" by Midlake.
Strange Fruit Project feat. Erykah Badu: "Get Live"
Taken from the Critically Acclaimed Album "The Healing" released on OM Hip-Hop
Bonnie "Prince" Billy and Matt Sweeney: "I Give You"
This video from two great indie songwriters is among the best indie music videos of 2005. The song is from the duo's album "Superwolf," released on Drag City.
Bright Eyes: "At the Bottom of Everything"
While the plane goes down in Flames, indie folk darling Connor Oberst sings a happy song. This video was directed by Cat Solen, and this song is from the record "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning," released on Saddle Creek.
In a story that never suffers from its retelling, Denali formed in 2000 when an unheard of singer named Maura Davis asked her brother, Engine Down's Keeley Davis, if he wanted to start a band with her. One could only imagine his surprise. Not only had the then-19-year-old enchantress yet to write a proper song, but no one knew she had a voice in her as powerful and as compelling as the one that would easily exhale the band's first dozen songs-all of which would lead to the recruiting of fellow Richmond, VA scene vets Cam DiNunzio and Jonathan Fuller, who under the name Denali would quickly became one of the hardest sought after bands in the underground. Signing to Jade Tree a year later, the dramatic four piece has since taken on a chilly place in the indie rock landscape by writing truly cinematic and spacious pop songs, that come from behind you both softly and slowly. As if there were any other way.
In a story that never suffers from its retelling, Denali formed in 2000 when an unheard of singer named Maura Davis asked her brother, Engine Down's Keeley Davis, if he wanted to start a band with her. One could only imagine his surprise. Not only had the then-19-year-old enchantress yet to write a proper song, but no one knew she had a voice in her as powerful and as compelling as the one that would easily exhale the band's first dozen songs-all of which would lead to the recruiting of fellow Richmond, VA scene vets Cam DiNunzio and Jonathan Fuller, who under the name Denali would quickly became one of the hardest sought after bands in the underground. Signing to Jade Tree a year later, the dramatic four piece has since taken on a chilly place in the indie rock landscape by writing truly cinematic and spacious pop songs, that come from behind you both softly and slowly. As if there were any other way.
Gnarls Barkley: "Smiley Faces"
Check out the video for Gnarls Barkley "Smiley Faces". The song is off the duo's 'St. Elsewhere' record released on Downtown Records (2006).
Bullo Pill are an indie band from London UK. James the singer says: "This was our first gig in london and a good crowd turned up, this was our second song of the night and we started to get into it"
Dragon Fli Empire is a Calgary-based hip hop duo that has quickly gained critical acclaim across Canada and beyond. The team of Teekay (emcee) and Cosm (DJ) aim to "bring the soul back to hip hop" with funky and melodic beats, thought-provoking rhymes and killer cuts. Originally formed as a side collaboration project, the DFE released their first album "Conquest" as a local CD-R in the summer of 2002. It featured "Mount Pleasant", now a Calgary classic. The song recalls observing life while riding the bus over an infectious groove. College radio, local press and countless music lovers gave the tunes rave reviews. The buzz only continued to grow in 2003, with CBC Radio 3 naming "Mount Pleasant" one of their top twenty tracks of the year. 2004 saw even more growth for the DFE. "Conquest" was cleaned up and re-released professionally with some new tracks including the popular "D-E-F". The group continued to receive support from CBC. This included performing on the Radio 3 "Connect the Dots" tour, appearing on the New Music Canada Vol. 1 compilation CD and taping live performances for ZeD-TV. More radio stations began to spin the DFE regularly including CKUA in Edmonton. The group also began to perform more regularly, and to date have opened up for established acts like De La Soul, The Beatnuts, Lyrics Born, Aceyalone, Lyrics Born, Zion I, Afu Ra, Planet Asia, Abstract Rude, Royce da 5'9, Swollen Members and Sweatshop Union. They were also invited to perform at the WCMA Industry Awards at the Palliser Hotel in Calgary. An important detail to note is that the DFE has accomplished all of this without a record deal, distribution or management; while working full time jobs or attending college. The DFE is still going strong. They have been featured on CBC's flagship news program "The National" with Peter Mansbridge and MuchMusic's "Going Coastal" for the prestigious "MUCH does Calgary" showcase. They have also started to take their high-energy live show on the road, playing cities like Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto. Recently, DFE finished their long-anticipated second album- "Invasion". Reflecting three years of added experience, it is a step up from "Conquest" and is certain to give the group even more momentum. The album goes from fun and funky to more serious territory, taking the listener on an enjoyable and diverse journey. Special guests (including Mindbender, Ndidi Cascade, Epic, Ohmega Watts and folk-singer Tariq) plus a sprinkling of live musicians are the icing on the cake for this fantastic sophomore project.
