Paint Yourself A Song

(via Labuat)

Very Short List introduced me to a Spanish group called Labuat that has a gorgeous music video. And the icing on the cake? It's interactive. You paint along to the song "Soy Tu Aire," translates as "I Am Your Air," while beautiful graphics pop up in sync with the lyrics. And when you're done creating your masterpiece, you can share it with friends. It's simple, clean, and absolutely exquisite. Most artistic music video I have seen in a long time. Here is the link, so you can treat yourself to a little creativity today: http://soytuaire.labuat.com/ 

You can also go to their website to check out their album: http://www.labuat.com/

Don't Stop the Rock

The Marquis

Black Kids' lead vocals & guitarist

Mates of State 

The Encore

I skate across the floor in my socks Risky Business style, hairbrush in hand, screaming out the lyrics to I'm Not Going to Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You. My neighbors must love me right now. Black Kids opened up for Mates of State last night at the Granada Theatre here in Dallas. From Jacksonville, Florida, these kids put on a high energy and well put together show, albeit a bit poppy. I went in knowing little and expecting nothing from the band, and they vastly cleared the bar. Their other single Hurricane Jane was one of the few songs I knew, but they had me glued throughout their entire set- sometimes it can be difficult to pay close attention at concerts, if you don't know the lyrics. I felt like I was on a sugar high watching these guys. And I think the kid next to me may have been, as he literally vibrated the entire hour. The Black Kids won my heart when they sewed a little bit of New Order into their final song. But, the fun didn't end when they took their final bow. Next up was husband and wife duo from San Francisco, Mates of State- the reason I ventured out on a Monday night. Jason Hammel on drums and Kori Gardner on keyboard, a fiddler/percussionist, and a cellist, create the upbeat and diverse songs. After seeing them at last year's ACL Fest, I had become hooked and anticipating more, now that we were in a more intimate setting. Opening with My Only Offer, set the mood for a great show. Not much talk, and lots of rock, they segued smoothly from one song to the next. Dying to hear my favourite song, I yelled all night for The Re-Arranger. And to no avail, as it was not included in the set. Sunbear, the first act (before Black Kids), came out and joined Mates of State for a fantastic, drum-oriented song. And just when I was about to give up hope, Kori & Jason hit the opening notes for The Re-Arranger! I knew they wouldn't let me down! Ending the show on a real high note, I practically skipped out of the theatre. My only gripe would have to be regarding the acoustics. Not really the bands' fault, but the singers were a bit difficult to understand, and I felt they were drowned out by the music in a way. Granada is usually pretty spot on about getting the sound right, it just seemed a little off- nothing drastic. However, all in all, it was a brilliant way to spend a Monday evening! 

Stand By Me

Playing for Change, spearheaded by Mark Johnson, is all about uniting the world as one human race. He believes, and I agree, that the best way to bring people together is through music. I cannot think of a more creative way to achieve world peace. Starting in Santa Montica with one street artist, Mark and his team travel the world to record musicians playing one song together, though they have never met. Their first project was recording the song Stand By Me. Here is the fantastic result:


Playing For Change | Song Around The World "Stand By Me" from Concord Music Group on Vimeo.

You can also find Mark's video explaining his mission of Playing for Change at vimeo.com. Be sure to check out the other videos he has put together, Chanda Mama is pretty great. You can also visit their website: playingforchange.org

Remember: Envision Whirled Peas!

Wine Down Wednesdays

Every second Wednesday of the month, we host acoustic bands to come play in our private party building at 2018 Kidwell (adjacent to the main winery on Prospect). It's a smashing success! Young people from all around the area come in for good wine accompanied by good music. Last month, we were mentioned in Daily Candy! And judging by how many people said they were here because they saw the article, I think we're in for even more popularity! Thanks, DC! Here's a link to the article, see you tonight!

Black Cab Sessions

I have a dirty little secret. And I am ashamed to admit that I have kept it to myself for this long! Despite being so delayed in spreading the news, I will tell you about this absolutely brilliant website called Black Cab Sessions. The producers of Just So Films pile artists into the back of black cabs in London to sing one of their songs acoustically or a cappella. For whatever the reasons, the acoustics are perfect and sometimes the lighting is just pristine. They have hauled around everyone from Ryan Adams to Brian Wilson, and Death Cab for Cutie, to lesser knowns like King Creosote, Phosphorescent, and Slow Club. I have stumbled across so many great bands through them and was proud to see that they were named one of the Top 10 Music Websites of 2008 by The Independent (UK Newspaper). 

And finally! After a year or so of this project in the UK, they are making their way to the United States- hooray! And in keeping with the theme, they will continue to film in the back of black cabs. Honestly, I think they should go for the yellow taxi, but why change now? So, if you or someone you know happens to have a black cab hanging out in a garage, and are willing to loan it for a shoot or two, you may just end up with the likes of The Kings of Leon in your backseat! Or even better, a young, not yet known band that you come to love. Now, how smart is that?