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Lauren Ianuzzi Interview; upcoming Cutting Room Show

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

Lauren Ianuzzi is a rising star who puts on a good show with her interstellar voice. If you weren't able to see her last Thursday (8/14) at the 169 Bar in New York City you can catch her August 27 @ 8:00pm at The Cutting Room- (19 W. 24th st. NY, NY). Lauren Ianuzzi is a tough Jersey girl rising through the underbelly of the underground with the release of her EP coming soon. Check out what she had to say! There are so many artists coming out of New Jersey. It’s a dime a dozen. It’s refreshing when people do their own stuff. Do you ever feel like you're put in a box with other artists who come from New Jersey? No, I defnitely embrace my Jersey roots! When I was in Pennsylvania going to college, my friends who came from all over the US would always say "Lauren, you're so Jersey! Oh man, that hair...that outfit...typical Jersey girl." I was so confused, because I'd never heard that before. But then one day I stumbled upon the Facebook profile of a fellow New Jerseyan, and there was a quote from the Star-Ledger on it. It said something like "The Jersey girl has big hair, a loud mouth, and isn't afraid to say what she's thinking. She drinks beer, drives fast, and hangs out at the diner. She's friendly and lovable, but she's still kind of sassy." So I'm reading this and thinking, this is exactly me! I realized that I could either be in denial about or completely embrace it, so I chose the latter. I write it into my music, that sass and blunt honesty. It's really who I am to the core! I want to be the NJ poster girl. Not to mention, Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi are our most legendary rock royalty, and I really look up to what they have done for singer/songwriters. Their experiences come straight out of the Jersey they know, that authentic working-man New Jersey. It was so true and so genuine that their songs have become not just Jerz anthems, but American anthems! I hope I can come close to telling the story of American girls my age in the same way, to create something they can look back on someday and say "Yeah, that was me in my 20s!" Do you find you draw inspiration from artists like Katy Perry and other female vocalists? Absolutely! I love Katy; she's a walking contradiction in the best way! She's all done up in candy colors and licking a lollipop like the girliest SoCal princess, but then she's got the swagger of a male rocker. Another girl who's a huge influence for me right now is Beth Ditto from The Gossip. She is so alluring, a voluptuous disco-punk goddess who eats fried chicken! Although so many of my musical influences are male, there are certain female artists who broke ground and created spaces for themselves in pop history that male superstars could not have ever touched. In rock, there was Pat Benatar, Heart, Joan Jett, Tori Amos...they all have gutsy, bold voices, and they use their instruments in such innovative ways...but there's still that feminine flair; like, most of them are mommies and they still wear leather pants! In soul and funk, I've always loved Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Jill Scott. They're not as much swagger; they're about that subtlety and the tasty riffs. I've always thought those three women have been so inventive with their voices; they almost use them like jazz instruments...listen to Jill and you'll swear sometimes that she's a vintage trumpet! Any female lead singer of a funk band is impressive, too; she's always moving, shaking, not afraid to use her voice or body in wild ways to get the crowd moving! Did you toy around with other genres in music before you found which niche was your own? Yes. My mom was the soul and R&B lover, and my dad was into rock, like arena rock and blues-rock. Funk wasn't really a big thing in my house; that, I found on my own. When I first heard Prince, I was like "This guy is the man, he's my hero!" And then there was the jazz influence from being a theatre kid and a band kid...plus the pop from listening to Top 40 radio in high school! So take the soul, the rock, the funk, the jazz, and the pop...mix them together with some glitter and spandex, and that's me. Sounds like a lot to handle, but for me it's natural. We were mentioning Prince a little earlier. If there was one artist, it could be female or male, alive or dead, that you would compare yourself to or strive to? Not saying you want to be that person or copy that person, but think your style nears, who would it be? Nikka Costa on her second album can'tneverdidnothin'. She's this little white Italian girl with curly red hair and she just rips on stage with her killer voice. I fell in love with her whole vibe; she was like my musical sister from another mister! I didn't want to listen to the album too much because I was afraid I'd subconsciously adapt some of her trademarks. But wow, that album was impressive and I'd love it if people found me as electric and engaging as her. So you’re beautiful, you’re smart, you write good music. What do you think it is you’re lacking, if anything that’s going to get you where you’re going? *jokingly* A six pack? Just kidding. I really think that exposure is what I'm lacking right now. I want everyone to hear and see what I do! My whole life, I've been dying to bust out and introduce myself and my creative output to as many people as possible. Even if nobody knows that a certain song by another artist is a Lauren Ianuzzi production...to reach even a core audience of specific people who latch on to what I do as an artist, that would be true success. At the same time, I know my music can be universal. I have a least one lyric that everyone can connect with. Do you think you fit in well with where the music industry is right now? I feel like right now the big pop stars are so unapproachable and inaccessible and the indie acts are so underground and there are so many of them that you can’t really pick just one to follow. I think I'm right in the middle of those two. In my dreams, I’m the biggest star in the world, doing movies and Broadway and writing a gazillion songs and selling out arenas. But at the same time, I know what I am. I still live in my parent’s house; I’m a babysitter and a restaurant hostess. I’m hustling as hard as I can to get noticed. I think the music industry needs to bridge the gap between major label superstar brand commodity and indie DIY lost-in-the-corners-of-the-Internet oblivion. The day when that happens, I think that'll be my day to shine. What can people expect to see when they come out and see you? A straight-up fun time! Danceable music with lyrics you don't want to miss or forget. My show is cheeky, sassy, and I'm going to be wearing something flashy that teeters on that line between tacky and fabulous! And it's real...real vocals, a real band, and songs I really wrote. Come get to know me! Check Lauren Out August 27 @ 8:00pm at The Cutting Room- (19 W. 24th st. NY, NY)

Lauren Ianuzzi Interview; upcoming Cutting Room Show MP3

Straylight Run - Try (Off Upcoming EP Un Mas Dos)

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

Straylight Run's Digital EP Un Mas Dos is set to be released September 16th. There will also be an LP release if wax is your thing. Check out the track "Try" today!!

Straylight Run - Try (Off Upcoming EP Un Mas Dos) MP3

The Donkeys - Nice Train

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

Listen to the Donkeys newest song Nice Train!!! Click HERE for the full story!!

The Donkeys - Nice Train MP3

Music Go Music's - Reach Out

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

As Promised, Music Go Music's new single "Reach Out". Click HERE for the full news story.

Music Go Music's - Reach Out MP3

We Are Scientists Interview with Keith Murray

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

I interviewed Keith Murray, the lead vocalist for We Are Scientists shortly before their great performance at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City on August 1st. This is first of a four-part in series of the entire interview. Check back soon to see the rest of the video interview and hear what else Keith had to say. What’s different about this album from your previous albums? The last album was all the songs were written while were looking for a signer. While we were just sorta looking a deeply struggling band. You know? Like hobbyists and pretty much the only function was playing live like once a month. So all those songs were just to be played live by three guys and then we started getting label interests and we just recorded those songs that we had. Were as, this time when we sat down we knew we were recording a record and like making a record in the studio. The thought process was less geared toward just three guys playing in a room kinda thing. The last record was all written to be very exciting live where as this time I think we sorta lead to making more interesting, but new ounced record. You guys are well-known for your sense of humor. Have you incorporated your songs? I know you put it in your last music video, “Impatience,” with Chris turning into a wolf. I think whatever humor that’s in the songs is sort of more rye humor than wacky humor which we tend to go for more in videos. We’re not very big fans of funny songs, but I think there is more room for wit in lyrics and things like that. We definenlty try not to write funny songs. You guys are signed under Virgin records. How does it feel to be signed under an extremely well-credited record label? It’s sort of a funny time to answer that question because EMI as a corporation is going through some trying times. We signed to Virgin US and because we’ve done so well in the UK, we moved our contract to Virgin UK and now in the states were handled by Astralwerks who are also owned by EMI. We haven’t left the umbrella label, but we’re just shifting around. It’s cool though. A lot of people have philosophical issues with major labels and in our experience we never had the sort of traumas that people seem to fantasize that might occur under a major label. Everybody who we’ve met has been really cool and interested in making what we want to happen. What’s your view on the music business that is taking place today? Like the commercial artists and Hip-Hop? Obviously the way music is disseminating is changing pretty A) Quickly and B) Dramatically. I do think one issue that major labels are having a freak out because they don’t really understand of how they fit in the market where music is essentially obtainable in a minute for no cost. I do think that panic is aiding the downfall of the major label and trying to cling to this whole model and not really moving on. I feel like that’s part of what is cool about Astralwerks. I think they think of themselves as an Indie, but they work through a major label. I think they seem more in tune the new model of how the music industry might start working than Virgin US was for example. A lot is going to have to change the way it’s operated. Some labels, more than others, are behaving in a manner that seems resistant to a change that’s beyond their control anyway. When you were touring overseas, did the dollar hurt your budget? It definitely is affecting the tour we are on right now. That gas is so outrageously high. For us, the fact that the matter is that we do most our business in the UK and Europe. As perverse as it maybe, we actually do better than worst as the dollar is. We make all of our money overseas and when we come home and all of the money we made is worth more than twice as much. It’s depressing, but it hasn’t been a detriment to our budget. We’re not going to make a lot of money on this tour that we’re doing now, but we like touring in the states so we’re definently not doing this as a business venture. When we go to the UK, its fun overthere, but that’s also because that’s the way we live. What bands that you dream to tour with? I don’t really know. It’s hard because we’re going on tour with R.E.M. in October. It’s gonna be amazing, but I don’t anticipate that there won’t be a lot of hang out time going on. At best there might be pleasant hellos and that kinda thing. Where as when we go on tour with Oxford Collapse, we’re on tour with friends and every night we’re just hanging out with a bunch of guys that we love. Obviously, the idea of saying a dream band would be blowing your mind. R.E.M. is a good example. This tour with Oxford Collapse is our fourth tour with them. How many dates are you doing with R.E.M.? I think it’s like 2 and half to 3 weeks in Europe. Any upcoming projects? We’re working on some other projects that aren’t really music related that may or may not pan out. We’ll see about it. Less said about it now because who knows if it will pan out. We’re not in a band because music is the thing we need to do.

We Are Scientists Interview with Keith Murray MP3

Richard Swift - Ground Trouble Jaw

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

Secretly Canadian is pleased to announce Ground Trouble Jaw, a new digital EP from RICHARD SWIFT. The EP is sure to please fans of classic Swift, as the five tracks run the gamut from 60s girl group pop to Motown soul to Onasis-flavored 50s street gang doo-wop to synth-fueled pop classics (think Prince sitting in on the "Plastic Ono" sessions) - all with Swift's emerging trademark vocals which bring his songs to life like few other singers do today. Additionally, Swift will hit the road at the end of the month in support of his good buddies The Walkmen, following it up with a string of dates with Stereolab. TOUR DATES: 08/21/08 Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour w/ The Walkmen 08/22/08 Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour w/ The Walkmen 08/27/08 Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge w/ The Walkmen 09/25/08 Costa Mesa, CA - OCPAC: Samueli Theater w/ Jose Gonzalez 10/17/08 Seattle, WA - Showbox w/ Stereolab 10/18/08 Portland, OR - Wonder Ballroom w/ Stereolab 10/19/08 Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom w/ Stereolab 10/21/08 San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore w/ Stereolab 10/23/08 Los Angeles, CA - Henry Fonda Theatre w/ Stereolab 10/24/08 Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up Tavern w/ Stereolab

Richard Swift - Ground Trouble Jaw MP3

Thomas White - The Runaround

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

Thomas White and his brother Alex were the core members of The Electric Soft Parade, a critically-acclaimed band that received high praise for their third album No Need To Be Downhearted. Thomas White has since been working diligently on many different projects and has finally released the much anticipated first solo album I Dream of Black. Featuring the psychedelic-rock style that brought success to ESP and a unique style of his own, I Dream of Black is an album that should launch recognition around the music industry as well as fans. When we like something we LOVE to share it with everyone so we have an exclusive track for you to listen to titled “Run Around” from the album. So be sure to check it out and make sure you get the album as well.

Thomas White - The Runaround MP3

Jeff Hanson - Night

Wed, 6 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

Madam Owl will be here on August 19th

Jeff Hanson - Night MP3

Declan Bennett talks to Britsound (with live session)

Tue, 5 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

Declan Bennett talks to Britsound (with live session) Declan Bennett is an English singer/songwriter, from 2001 to 2006 appearing under the name Sumladfromcov, now performing under his own name. As a teenager he was a member of pop/rock band Point Break, and he has also performed lead roles in shows in London's West End and throughout the United States. Bennett played Roger Davis in the Broadway production of Rent from October 2007 until May 4th 2008. In January 2005, Declan released his first solo album The Painters Ball under the pseudonym Sumladfromcov on his own record label Covboy Records. This was followed by a limited-edition EP The Kitchen in May 2006. In September 2006, Declan took over the role of Roger Davis in the American national tour of Broadway rock opera Rent. He completed a nine-month tour of the United States from September 2006 to May 2007. Now performing as a singer-songwriter under his own name, Declanʼs second full-length album, entitled An Innocent Evening Of Drinking, was released on 14 April 2008. Declan joined Britsoundʼs Rob Quicke and Kevin Baxter for an interview and acoustic session before a live studio audience. The songs he played are Four or Five Beers, Therapy & Smoke.

Declan Bennett talks to Britsound (with live session) MP3

Ladytron Talks to Britsound at Terminal 5 in NYC

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

Britsound interviews Ladytron On tour throughout the US promoting their new album is the British electronica band, Ladytron. Formed in the summer of 1999, Ladytron began recording tracks for their debut album, 604, shortly thereafter. The album was released in early 2001 to critical acclaim, by which time their single "Playgirl" was bringing them some serious national and international attention. The follow up, Light & Magic, was released in Autumn 2002 to wider exposure, and spawned the underground hits "Seventeen", "Evil", and "Blue Jeans". Following 18 months on tour supporting that album, they recorded their third album, Witching Hour, in early 2004. More recently the band finished work on their fourth studio album, Velocifero, in February 2008. It was released worldwide on June 3. Velocifero was recorded in Paris and has so far been Ladytron's biggest commercial success. Their music has been described as being electronic pop music, using an array of vintage analogue equipment to achieve their distinctive sound, but trying to describe their sound risks pigeon-holing them. In NYC for a gig at Terminal 5, Britsound's Kevin Baxter caught up with Ladytron's Mira and Reuben to find out how their US tour was going...

Ladytron Talks to Britsound at Terminal 5 in NYC MP3