New Orleans duo Belong has just released an LP yesterday on Kranky entitled "Common Era". The two are known for ambiance and textural guitar rhythms that seem to drone on forever over soundscapes of loops. Starting in 02, Belong takes their time with the writing process, or are just lazy (who isn't), this being only the second release in nearly nine years. One of the driving forces in "Common Era" are the vocals, perfectly harmonizing over synth washes and experimental tones.
"The craziest nights of our lives always happen in New Orleans."
Last Sunday night, after Art/Official’s Foburg showcase at Saturn Bar with Small Black, Cults, Cloud Nothings, and Sun Airway, I caught up with Jon Barthmus, frontman of Philadelphia bliss-pop outfit Sun Airway. They started the night off beautifully with a visually and aurally engaging set. This outstanding band has been turning heads in the indie world recently, and righteously so. They bring to mind a hybrid of Animal Collective and The Postal Service, with their own added authenticity. Their debut album Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier came out last year. In the front seats of their tour van, we discussed the following…
art/official: You guys have found a great medium between organic and electronic in your music. How did you accomplish that?
Jon Barthmus: That was the main intention going into the record. We were coming from a guitar rock background, but I always wanted to make electronic music. For Sun Airway, the music is “synthetic,” but I wanted to make it real.
a/o: How do you usually approach writing a song?
JB: It really runs the gamut. Usually lyrics come first because that’s the hardest part for me. I really write in every possible way. Sometimes I’ll work on a song for months and months, and sometimes I’ll finish a song within a day. There’s really no rhyme or reason to the process.
a/o: I saw a video of you guys playing an acoustic version of “Oh, Naoko,” and it had a real folk/Americana vibe. Do you tend to experiment with different ways to play songs?
JB: I’ve been experimenting with electronic music for a really long time. I wanted to make a record that was mine. All of the songs can be played with real instruments, but that’s really expensive, and during recording I didn’t have a ton of money. A lot of the songs can be played in different ways. The final product on record is what I wanted to put out there, though.
a/o: Do you write all of the songs yourself?
JB: Yeah, I write them all myself. After everyone quit my old band (the A-Sides), the drummer and I continued making music. I would record a bunch of stuff on my own in my basement, and bring some of it to the studio.
a/o: After touring, what’s your next move?
JB: We’re working on a 7” to put out this summer. We’re going to try to do a European tour. We’re doing Pitchfork Festival this summer along with a few others.
a/o: Do you have any collaborations in the works?
JB: I really wanna do something with Jana from Lower Dens. I love doing remix swaps, too.
a/o: Judging from the sound of the songs on the album, it sounds like somewhat of a break up album, but I see you’re wearing a wedding ring. What’s the story there?
JB: It’s not really a break up record. A lot of it was inspired by the book Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami. Actually, the songs “Oh, Naoko” and “Waiting On You” come directly from the novel. The book just really spoke to me. It’s this great, heartbreaking, coming-of-age work. I won’t give too much away, but I definitely recommend it. Then take a song like “Put the Days Away,” where it might sound like a break up, but it’s more about time in general. But yeah, the album isn’t entirely autobiographical.
a/o: What do you think of New Orleans so far?
JB: I love it here. The craziest nights of our lives always happen in New Orleans.
NPR went to SxSW this past weekend and got some amazing live footage . Rising post-dubstep/soul singer James Blake has been an obsession of mine for a while now. The new self titled album is one of my favorites of the last year by far. Below I have included a link, along with the setlist, for live performance footage of one of Blake's four SxSW shows at Stubb's. I have always said you must have a real sound system in order to fully appreciate Blake's music. This is especially the case for the track "Limit To Your love." I think you will find the bass doesn't translate at all in the footage as it would live or on the studio album. I guess that just means you'll have to go see him in person :).
At this time those of us at art/official would like to appologize for the delay in some amazing original content that is long overdue. We have been working tirelessly since Foburg to compile the best articles, photos, and coverage from the event. We also hope to release our most anticipated spotlight yet this week before The Ethical Fashion Show!
We planned to release most of this content over the weekend, but a bit of drama unfolded which we had to take care of. I would try to explain, but I think I'll just let the video speak for itself...
Lots of love,
art/official
P.S. Check back tomorrow morning for our interview with Sun Airway, one of our favorite acts from our Foburg Showcase!
Featuring Big History, Royal Teeth, and art/official DJS!!
^^^^^^^ yea sponsorship!
This Friday at REPUBLIC! In Exchange Presents: An Ethical Fashion Show. All the fashion is fair trade and environmentally friendly! Musical acts will include Big History, Royal Teeth, and art/official DJs spinning beats to keep you moving. Come get your drink on with an absolutely FREE open vodka bar from 9-10pm. The best part? It's only $10!!!
~Big History:
Making great strides at a rapid rate in the New Orleans music scene, Big History is bound to impress. Their sound has been described as dream pop. For those of you unaware of this new "genre," it sounds a bit like Beach House or the XX but dancey! Big History is one of art/official's favorites in the city. This is bound to be a great show.
~Royal Teeth:
I have not seen Royal Teeth yet, but I am very exctied. This is taken from Gambit:
Louisiana's rock awakening in 2010 wasn't rooted only in New Orleans. Lafayette produced a remade Brass Bed, the overjoyed Givers and Royal Teeth, whose electro-acoustic pop operas — voiced in hooting duplicate by Gary Larsen and Nora Patterson — suggest a Dirty Coast Projectors. The sextet has a live EP and split 7-inch with Big History slated for early 2011. Lovey Dovies, The Sour Notes and Smiley With a Knife also perform.
So a recap. For only $10 you get an hour of open bar, two great lives acts, a fashion show, and rump shakin' beats all night! We hope to see all your beautiful faces!
Everyone's favorite bearded harmonizers Fleet Foxes have given us another taste of their upcoming sophomore album, Helplessness Blues, which is out May 3 via Sub Pop. The song is called "Battery Kinzie," and is the likely second single from the new album. Listen to the album's title-track first single here. Stream "Battery Kinzie" below:
Foster the People, brainchild of frontman Mark Foster, once again blows my mind with their latest single entitled "Houdini." Recently signing to Columbia records, a few dates at SxSW, and a slot at Coachella, I can bet these guys are about to get really massive! Their beats are contagious. I have been listening to "Pumped Up Kicks" and "Helena Beat" non-stop. The newest track only feeds the addiction. Enjoy!
Houdini~~
In case you missed the other epic singles, here they are for your listening pleasure!
