Stage Four - Alternative

FESTIVALS!

2010-08-28T23:03:00.000-07:00

As summer closes, and festivals come to an end... Stage 4 would like to know, what was your favorite festival moment?

I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours....

Why Soul?

2010-07-27T14:36:00.001-07:00

It is no secret that rock music's deepest roots lay in soul and blues, therefore it is easy to see why modern Indie artists pull many influences from old soul. Look no further than past Stage 4 artist, the Heavy, to see how thoroughly soul has re-introduced itself in modern indie rock music:

As more and more artists look back to the 50s and 60s for these influences, it is easy to see that indie music fans are doing the same. Just in my life in San Francisco, I know of three different, and very popular, soul nights throughout the city. Edinburgh Castle boasts the most famous night for soulsters, 1964 each Wednesday), and although the argument can be made that "decade" events are often popular among many, I believe that what makes soul night so popular amongst us young'ns here in the city is that deep rooted feeling you get when you listen to soul music. I myself have a deep love for soul music, my favorite artist being Otis Redding, and my favorite song being right here:

Even my most avid electro DJ friends boast amazing soul record collections, and there is no doubt that soul, especially Motown soul, has a certain magic and elusiveness that can touch many different generations.

But like Rhythm and Blues, Rock, and many other genres, modern soul, although deeply rooted in the same intention and emotion, is a far hike from the genre's defining generation. So as we feature artists such as Andreya Triana, whose soft vocals carry the listener easily through her songs, and whose 'soul' is very much open for the world to see, it is interesting to see the different ways in which soul has expanded music, and where exactly the genre leads to.

So I ask you, as Stage 4 fans and avid music listeners, to give me the answer to this... Does this new era of soul music, which is much softer but just as deep as its predecessor, have a place in the record collections of young people? Or will we carry on with rock, leaving soul only a small influence in the life of music?

weed

2010-07-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

No, this is not an ode to the green stuff some people smoke. This is about the music that gives you a chemical-free high.

genre: lo-fi, bedroom rock (bedrock)
artist: Weed
album: DC Hope EP
featured tracks: Cody Girl, W.G.A.
release date: July 13th 2010
label: Moodgadget

DC Hope EP will be Willy Anderson's second release as Weed. His first release was a cassette called "To The North," which he recorded and pressed in his bedroom and released for free a while back.

But since you're all still wondering why a guy named Willy Anderson picked the name Weed, I'll tell you that first. According to Willy (a Brooklyn-based, but well traveled 21 year old), the name Weed is a metaphor. He likes "thinking about people using songs like drugs" and states that he has "certainly used records to relax, get pumped up, or to cheer up, if only temporarily." Me too! And his songs certainly have that vibe. Don't get me wrong-- each track on the EP has it's own thing going on, but each, in it's essence, is "the right song at the right time."

Cody Girl is a mellow and upbeat track that blends muted vocals, riffs that roll like waves, soft drums, and a touch of Pink Floyd. The end result is, in layman's terms, a really really really good song. In the words of Bloc Party, it is "the gentlest feeling." But it still rocks.

W.G.A. utilizes a similar muted-vocals-paired-with-gentle-rock style, but carries a more introspective mood. The lyrics hint at stories of travel and basketball (two things Willy is well-versed in)... is this a self-portrait, in song form? Either way, I'm diggin' this mellow-rock thing he's got going on. Not boring and doesn't require headbanging? Perfect for a lazy summer afternoon.

Double Rainbow!

2010-07-13T10:39:00.000-07:00

Last night, as my friends and I drank squine (or squirt and wine combined... they call it poor man's sangria, I call it a headache), they sat me down to watch a viral video which so touched my heart (as in I, Sunny Dee) that I must share it with as many websters as possible. Thank you, Jimmy Kimmel, for sharing this video on your twitter, so that others could enjoy the video that is Double Rainbow, and pretty much make me cry. Please take about four minutes out of your life to enjoy this beautiful video.

And since this is a music blog, and we all are wondering what this has to do with music, I also bring you, as with any viral video, its remix into song. Enjoy.

IAMX

2010-07-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

genre: industrial, alternative
artist: IAMX
album: Kingdom of Welcome Addiction
street date: May 16th 2010
featured tracks: My Secret Friend (ft Imogen Heap), Kingdom of Welcome Addiction
label: Metropolis Records

Chris Corner (previously of Sneaker Pimps) is the man behind IAMX, and has recently delivered his loyal fans an aptly named fourth release-- I certainly welcome my newfound addiction to this album. In an interview with Postwave, Chris describes this album as "Disney World... But with lipstick, cynicism, and wit." I couldn't agree more. In the eleven lyrically rich tracks on this release, Chris explores themes that range from politics and religion, to schizophrenia and destructive inter-personal relationships. Today's featured tracks share a theme, bu

Kingdom of Welcome Addiction chronicles an internal battle between opposing forces. The storytelling lies in the lyrics ("if you choose life, you know what the fear is like; if you welcome addiction, this is your kingdom"), but it is the conflict between the guitar and the keyboard, magnified by well-timed percussive variation, that makes this song stick together like it's bound by an epoxy.

My Secret Friend tells the story of psychological warfare a brother and sister wage on one another. Musically, this track is quite simple. The chord structure serves as a stage, while the bassline helps build intensity-- but the focus is truly on the intricate harmonies and haunting melodies of Chris and Imogen's vocal performances. This one sent a chill up my spine the first time I heard it.

get addicted.

The Sunset Curse

2010-07-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

genre: alternative thrash rock, electro pop
artist: The Sunset Curse
album: Artificial Heart
street date: June 26th 2010
featured tracks: Too Close To The Sun, Flavor
label: Helmet Room Recordings

I wish we could feature every track on this album on the podcast this week. Unfortunately, there's a two-song limit.

The Sunset Curse is a trio out of Denver, CO that can deliver a wild, rocking live show as well as a carefully thought out album. Their unique sound has been compared to bands like MGMT, The Mars Volta, and At The Drive In-- though, the best description I've seen to date is "genre-defying." The band says the secret behind their awesome sound is the fact that they are inspired by a wide range of musicians (some favorites include Sting, At The Drive In, Etta James, and Rush. Yeah, that's certainly a diverse collection of influences). "The best art pulls from everything [the creators] like," says the band. Truth.

Too Close To The Sun is the perfect example of the band's genre-defiance-- it's got elements of electro-pop and indie rock, artfully mixed with introspection, a touch of melancholy, and a nod to Greek mythology.

Flavor could easily be the sensual story of any two strangers that lock eyes on any given Friday night. The song opens with a flirtatious hook and closes with a transition from a heartbeat-tempo bassline to a treble-y crescendo... enough said.

Stream and Discover

the big tease...

2010-06-28T16:50:00.000-07:00

genre: rock, indie, alternative
artist: Jay Trainer Band
album: Jay Trainer Band EP
featured tracks: While the World Burns Down, Miss You Well
label: Briar Patch Records
street date: June 29th 2010

According to VivaLaMainstream, Jay Trainer Band is somewhere between Van Morrison and Santana-- and that is exactly the sound these California musicians are going for. Jay defines his style as "a negotiation of... quiet, almost jazzy tone[s] to booming thunder, in any given moment." Yup, that sounds like Van Morrison + Santana, with a generous helping of Jay Trainer secret sauce.

The EP is a teaser for the upcoming full length album, to be released this fall. And let me just say... if the album is as good as the EP (and obviously it will be), then I'm ready for summer to end right now. The EP is Jay Trainer's 3rd release overall, but his debut release with the band. While his previous studio work has received much praise, his live shows receive even greater applause-- performances are described as "raw, personal, and uninhibited." In other words, not to be missed.

And now on to the music.

While The World Burns Down starts off with a moody riff and slow, smooth vocals before segueing into a contemplative guitar solo within the first minute of the song. Jay emotes passion and depth throughout the length of the song both lyrically and musically, which is truly the power that melds the complex elements of this song together.

Miss You Well characterizes a vibe distinctly different from that of While The World Burns Down. While The World Burns Down seems to carry a political undertone; conversely, Miss You Well is an upbeat take on "the one that got away." It's like Jay is saying "yeah, she's gone-- but damn, when she was here she was so, so good." Miss You Well delivers more epic guitar solo greatness, a big helping of "saying-exactly-the-right-thing-at-the-perfect-moment" (for lack of a word to summarize), and even serves it up with a side of brass. Yum.

in summary: if you're looking for musical and lyrical depth, complexity, and wonderfulness... you need this EP.

stream now at the myspace

gigi

2010-06-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

genre: indie-pop, showtunes
artist: Gigi
album: The Hundredth Time b/w Some Second Best
tracks: The Hundredth Time, Some Second Best
label: K Records

According to the band's myspace, over forty artists collaborated on the original release from which these two tracks have been selected (average that number over fifteen tracks, and you get about three guest artists per track! That's almost as many guests as your modern day, run-of-the mill rap single. Just saying). A quick listen will fill your eardrums with a symphony of sounds that surely requires all of those guest artists. On their debut album (Maintenent), Gigi aimed to replicate 50's & 60's classic pop by utilizing some recently acquired vintage plate reverbs, and a full collection of strings, brass, and harmonies. What's more interesting is the fact that the singers and musicians (yes, all of them at once) crammed themselves into the studio to run through the songs "just a couple of times" before recording-- and there was no re-recording. Consequently, the tracks have retained the qualities that let us know music is still made by real people (i.e., an occasional missed cue...although... I certainly didn't hear any).

Bottom line: If you're in the mood for some tight harmonies and perfectly timed crescendos, Gigi is what needs to be coming through your speakers. The lyrics in both tracks carry an element of wistfulness, but the drumline and brass section forces your lips to curl upward and elicits an overall hopeful sentiment. Gigi has certainly succeeded in transporting me back to the 50's... what's this thing I'm typing on?!

perseus noble

2010-06-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

genre: alternative rock, "electro psychwave"
artist: perseus noble
album: perseus noble
featured tracks: walk by, shift your eyes
label: galapagos4
street date: 6/15/10

These four musicians met by chance after a lunar eclipse in 1992 and formed a "musical system to reconcile the miscalculations of modern science." They share a unique philosophy and a quirky personality that materializes to a funky and fulfilling sound. Perseus noble is currently based out of Chicago, but truly discovered their sound under the sweltering sun of the New Mexico desert.

Shift your eyes is a soft, sweet symphony of gentle percussion and loving lyrics. It ends too quickly-- which may be the point, as the lyrics clearly indicate a yearning for something lost.

Walk by carries a similar tender undertone of affection and desire that makes you want to fall madly in love with someone for the sole purpose of truly understanding what they're singing about... and once again ends too quickly.

Stream now. Fall in love immediately.

more macro than miracle

2010-06-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

genre: alternative, alternative folk
artist: the witch and the robot
album: on safari
featured tracks: a crocodile song, giant's graves
label: ATIC records

The witch and the robot hails to us from the lake district in the UK (don't know where that is? GoogleMaps indicates it's in the middle of nowheresville) and their sound is "hypnotic, funky fresh." Plain and simple. The bassline in giant's graves sucks you in with it's quirky Jonn Paul Jones-esque rapture... then the percussion starts and you just can't help but tap your feet with the beat. Enter vocals, and with them comes a full-fledged addiction that is best remedied by...well...listening to the rest of the album.

It's a stellar combination of lyrical complexity (St. Thomas Aquinas has his own song), solid rhythmic guitar, entrancing hooks & riffs, and Gogol bordello like percussion. In a word: entrancing.

STREAM NOW at myspace

Jeremy Jay

2010-06-01T14:44:00.000-07:00

genre: pop/alternative

artist: jeremy jay

album: splash
track(s): just dial my number; this is our time
street date: may 25th 2010
label: k records

The reviews have him pegged perfectly. He's cute, romantic, sweet, a dreamer, a deep thinker. Jeremy matches his poetic thoughts with upbeat riffs and subtle but emphatic drumming to create a symphony of awesome that might remind listeners of Bloc Party, Elefant, or the Arcade Fire. Listening to this album is kind of like drinking Sangria on a hot day-- it just works.

stream the featured tracks on the myspace
like him on facebook
check out his youtube channel

The Frail

2010-05-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Genre: awesome. electro-alt-rock.
Artist: The Frail
Album: The Firefly
Tracks: Firefly, Count On This
Street Date: May 11th, 2010
Label: Granville Records

Once again, San Francisco delivers a collection of artists that have produced an album you just want to play on repeat, forever. Upon first listen, I got a hint of Fall Out Boy (just a TINY hint, I promise) and a whole lot of unique. With each repetition, I hear more depth and complexity; each song has it's own special roller coaster ride that takes you on an adventure through your subconscious. If you think I'm talking psycho-babble now, just listen to the album and you'll understand. It's mellow, it's fun, it's soft, it's loud, it's deep... it's a series of contradictions wrapped up in perfection that could ONLY emerge from the beautiful San Francisco. So lets hear it for the home team boys and girls-- they've certainly won my heart.

Sign over yours by heading to the myspace and streaming shamelessly. Better yet: buy the album.

Dad and Son Get Together to Form Arranged Marriage

2010-05-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

Genre: Alternative
Artist: Arranged Marriage
Album: Dearly Beloved
Featured tracks: Sit Alone, What My Dreams Convey
Label: Suburban Sprawl Music
Street date: April 20th, 2010

Much like any Arranged Marriage, this band was somewhat bounded by force. The Father-Son duo, brought together by nature and their avid love of music, is not the typical campout music you may expect from a Dad and Son, but rather an eclectic indie mix of old and new influences taken from both their lives, and their timing couldn't be any better. With many new bands taking strides from those before them (particularly the sixties and seventies - see the Right Ons), these guys come together to give you the real deal.

Producing themselves in a home studio using pro-tools, their songs capture influences like Elliott Smith, and even Scott's (son) roots of Post Punk. Check it out on the podcast to get a better feel.

Dissapears

2010-05-05T10:51:00.000-07:00

Genre: alt-rock, post-punk, minimalist, noise-pop
Artist: Disappears
Album: Lux
Featured Tracks: Magics, Marigold
Street Date: April 12th 2010
Label: Kranky

This Chicago-based quartet knows how to get you addicted. This is their first album with Kranky (though they self-produced two singles and a limited release live album), and I plan to pop it in my CD player every time I need to properly hype myself up for an adventuresome night on the town. The riffs are enthusiastic, the basslines make you want to jump around, the drums encourage you to "dance like no one's watching." The vocals make you feel young again (okay, I'm not THAT old but this album seriously reminds me of that one time I crowd surfed during the anti-flag set at my first Warped Tour... when the only thing that mattered was how much fun I could pack into one epic day). Existentialism aside, this album is awesome and you should be buying it right now. Or at least check it out on the MYSPACE. Your life will be better after. Promise.

New banners!

2010-04-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

New Location: Get Guessing!

2010-04-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

We were cordially asked to move to a new recording location last week, on account of important business matters at IRIS. It was just a temporary move, but put us in a pretty awkward position. Here are some hints:

- Smells of Pledge
- Brightly Lit
- Good place to store a gun (movie reference)
- Some say you get the best acoustics in here...at least for your own enjoyment

Can you guess our temporary studio housing? Tweet us your thoughts!
@stage4podcast

Leave No Trace...on the earth's Face

2010-04-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

We're behind this idea 100%. Thanks to Ben Coe of The Artist Farm for putting together a simple, viral pledge that people can get behind to help beautify our collective live music experience. Here's the gist:

Take The Pledge:
I will leave no trash on the ground at outdoor concerts and will encourage my friends and neighbors to do the same.

That's it! Probably the easiest thing you can see through to completion, and yet what a lasting effect it will have. Click on the image to make your own pledge:

800beloved

2010-03-31T16:04:00.000-07:00

ALT-ROCK, SHOE-GAZE, POP, INDIE
ARTIST: 800beloved
ALBUM: Everything Purple
TRACK: "Everything Purple"
STREET DATE: 4/6/10
LABEL: Moodgadget Records

Sean Lynch, also a cosmetologist at a family owned funeral home, is the man behind Michigan based 800beloved. The band also includes long time band mate Anastasiya "Stacy" Metesheva, the second longest remaining member, and drummer Scott Mason from the band OFFICE (please check out our post on this wonderful band). The name 800beloved came from joining together the North American 800 toll free number and "beloved," which comes from the naive stories and lyrics that the band creates.

Dreamy and gentle indie-pop songs are crafted with light touches of psychedelia. There are sparkling, colorful, and hypnotic tunes that you can get lost in too as well as trance inducing lof-fi beats. If you get a chance, check out this new album with a nice pair of headphones and a comfortable bed or sofa. Then get ready for a clam, soothing, and beautiful musical journey. It's almost like getting musically massaged. Can't argue with that, can you?

No More Unicorns (Rehearsal Version) from 800beloved on Vimeo.

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/800beloved
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/800beloved/20490718553

OFFICE

2010-03-24T13:40:00.000-07:00

ALT-ROCK, POP, INDIE
ARTIST: OFFICE
TITLE: Mecca
TRACKS: "Enter Me, Exit You," "Nobody Knows You"
STREET DATE: 3/30/10
LABEL: Quack! Media

The name OFFICE clicked for Detroit born, artist, musician, sculptor, and songwriter, Scott Masson (who also lived awhile in Chicago but got viciously mugged and left), when he came across a boutique in London in the year 2000 named “Office Shoes.” From that point on OFFICE was related to many projects that he created and developed. Anything from sculptures to paintings, exhibits, artistic oddities, and music. In 2007 OFFICE released “A Night At The Ritz” on James Iha’s (former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist) Scratchie Records. His most recent collaboration, "Mecca," was originally released on the Internet for free and is now being re-released on limited-edition 12” vinyl by Quack! Media. Man, you got to love vinyl! Speaking of vinyl, I also dig all those bands who have been putting out their material solely on cassette......so sweet! Speaking of Chicago and cassettes check out this Chicago based label here: http://plustapes.com/

"Mecca" is loaded with sizzling pop gems, gorgeous melodies, and catchy hectic beats. Great sounds for freaking out in a club or to threw on at an underground loft party. Lot's of harmonies to float away on and colorful lyrics to sink your mind into. Whatever the atmosphere is like when you inject yourself with this album, you are sure to have a wacky day! Enjoy!

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/office

The Right Ons

2010-03-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

ROCK, SOUL, INDIE, GARAGE, POP
ARTIST: The Right Ons
TITLE: Look Inside, Now!
TRACKS: “Look Inside, “ “That's New York”
STREET DATE: 3/16/10
LABEL: Q Division Records

KICK ASS five piece, The Right Ons, from Madrid, Spain have lathered there sexy, sweaty second release "Look Inside, Now!" with a mother-lode of juicy soulful rock-garage-pop nuggets that are sure to have you rockin' on the dance floor! Out now on Massachusetts based label, Q Division Records, this raging little puppy took just two weeks to record. Their last album, "80.81," was released in 2007.

These Spanish studs sing in English and will be bringing their brand of rock n' roll to SXSW 2010 for their third consecutive year. Known as the Kings of Leon of Spain, but with their own sound, these cats put on a rollicking live show so look out SXSW! They even pump out their own version of "White Christmas" which is also posted on this blog. Check it out.

These boys might be from Spain but they sure do have some love for one of the best cities in the world...N-Y-C, baby!! Look out Hova. Check out their video "That's New York" to witness their passion for the empire state.

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/therightons
Website: http://www.therightons.com/

Tour: (always confirm TOUR DATES):

Mar 23 2010 8:00P Southpaw New York, New York
Mar 24 2010 9:00P Howlers Coyote Cafe Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

The Nadas

2010-03-17T10:20:00.001-07:00

ALT-ROCK, AMERICAN TRADITIONAL ROCK, CONTEMPORARY-POP
ARTIST: The Nadas
TITLE: Almanac
TRACKS: "The Long Goodbye," Crystal Clear"
STREET DATE: 3/16/10
LABEL: Authentic Records

The Nadas have been putting out classic American traditional pop-rock since the late 1990s. With over ten years of recording and touring under their belt this Des Moines, IA five piece will be hitting the road once again promoting their seventh album "Almanac." SXSW is a major stop on this tour with four scheduled shows.

For "Almanac" the band decided it would write, record, and release one song a month for an entire year starting in January 2009. The entire process was streamed live on the band's website. This allowed their hardcore fan base to become an integral part of this album and to really connect with band.

"Welcome to Almanac, a yearlong recording project by us, The Nadas. Our intention with this project is to capture the year of 2009, one month at a time in album form. By writing, recording, and releasing a new song each month, every month, for the next year, we hope to end up with a really cool snapshot of said year. We don’t intend to become ambulance chasers, or be glued to CNN for song inspiration, but there’s no denying that we’re constantly influenced by what is happening around us. We believe these influences will come out in song in subtle ways and be a “record” of the year. A different way of looking back at what we experienced and maybe, hopefully, providing a soundtrack for 2009.

In the past, writing, recording and releasing a record took months, even years. Thanks to modern technology, we not only have the ability to share our music with our listeners (and the rest of the world) instantly, but we can also allow you, our listeners, to be a part of the entire process. Whether you’re interested in witnessing the songwriting process, or a behind–the–scenes look as the magic happens in the studio, we will be journaling the entire process on a special blog through written posts, photographs and video, as well as live streaming on the world wide giga web. So, for those of you with attention spans and interest levels high enough to still be reading, we bring you the: Almanac Project." -The Nadas

Listening to "Almanc" brings up thoughts of sitting on a porch, with blue skies, sunshine, friends and family by your side, and a cocktail to sip on. Or cruising down a two lane mountainside road with the sun setting and a cool breeze blowing through the windows. Its gentle intoxicating grooves and the stories that unfold are actually perfect for anytime of the day. Sit back, relax, or get up and boogie, but either way you will thoroughly enjoy the music The Nadas have created!

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thenadas
Website: http://thenadas.com/blog/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thenadas?v=info
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Thenadas

Tour Dates (always confirm TOUR DATES):

Mar 24 2010 8:00P The Hotel Utah San Francisco, California
Mar 25 2010 7:30P The Mint Los Angeles, California
Mar 27 2010 8:00P Private Party - Private Phoenix, Arizona
Mar 28 2010 7:00P The Rhythm Room - w/ special guest Martin Zeller Phoenix, Arizona Mar 30 2010 7:00P Private Party Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Apr 8 2010 8:00P Nutty’s North Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Apr 9 2010 8:00P Surf Ballroom - w/ special guests The Envy Corps and Bonne Finken Clear Lake, Iowa
Apr 10 2010 8:00P Fine Line Music Cafe Minneapolis, Minnesota
Apr 16 2010 8:00P Peoples Court Des Moines, Iowa
Apr 17 2010 9:00P Chesterfield Sioux City, Iowa
Apr 18 2010 7:00P The Hub Cedar Falls, Iowa
Apr 24 2010 8:00P Redstone Room Davenport, Iowa
Apr 27 2010 8:00P Schubas Tavern Chicago, Illinois
Apr 28 2010 8:30P The Intersection Grand Rapids, Michigan
Apr 29 2010 8:00P World Cafe Live Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

White Christmas by the Right Ons

2010-03-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

As promised, here is "White Christmas" by The Right Ons.

Astonishingly simple, I must say, but why mess with a christmas classic?

What do you think?

-Sunny Dee

Chocolat

2010-03-10T09:11:00.000-08:00

FRENCH ROCK, GARAGE, PSYCHEDELIC, BLUESY-FOLK-ROCK
ARTIST: Chocolat
ALBUM: Chocolat EP
TRACKS: "Johnny Depp," "Le Monde Est Vert"
STREET DATE: 3/2/10
LABEL: Semprini Records

Today, rather than delving into our typical whos and whats and whens of our featured artist, we'll leave you with an excellent story that captures them in perpetuity.

READ ON...if you dare

...............

During the summer of 2008, the band was scheduled to play a festival date on Quebec's Magdalen Islands in the Gulf of St Lawrence. Throughout the day before the scheduled performance, the band's alcohol consumption exceeded what the locals considered to be "acceptable". Their conduct eventually led to indecent exposure in public, trespassing on private property, destroying hotel furniture, the "disruption" of a another artist's performance, and a fist fight with their former manager. The promoter / hotel manager decided that this was enough to warrant not only canceling their show, but their hotel reservation as well. The authorities had them thrown out of the venue and the small, tightly knit community soon caught wind of the band's "unruly" behavior. They were quickly barred from every bar, restaurant and hotel on the island and with their return flight being a few days later, the band was forced to sleep in someone's car for the remainder of they stay. Word of the incident spread across the province rather quickly and Chocolat were soon banned from all other Quebec festivals and venues.

The entire incident from beginning to end was miraculously captured on film:

It was at that point that Semprini Records decided that Chocolat had all the criteria necessary to be on the label and agreed to reissue their self released EP. Seeing as how the band no longer had any venues to play out of Montreal, the label began booking the band on a tour of the province's penitentiaries. The tour eventually had to be cancelled as the prison wardens decided that the band's safety could no longer be guaranteed once inside. Chocolat soon broke up prior to the re-release of the EP only to reform a year later for their live performance at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Once again, Semprini blew the dust off the master tapes and voila... the re-release of the 'Chocolat EP' finally sees the light of day.

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/montrealchocolat

Emma Pollock

2010-03-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

ALTERNATIVE ROCK, POP, INDIE, SINGER/SONGWRITER
ARTIST: Emma Pollock
TITLE: The Law of Large Numbers
TRACKS: “I Could Be A Saint,” “Confessions”
STREET DATE: 3/2/10
LABEL: Chemikal Underground

Founding member of the Scottish alternative rock group, The Delgados, Emma Pollock has woven and crafted an indie rock gem. She is back on Chemikal Underground, the label she helped start back in 1994, to create this work of pop beauty and elegance. You all know Chemikal Underground, that famous label that has worked with not only The Delgados but with Arab Strap, Mogwai, and The Radar Brothers just to name a few. Well people, she's back home again!

Her first album was on 4AD, which was titled "Watch The Fireworks," and was released in September 2007. "The Law of Large Numbers" is this talented singer/songwriters second album of gorgeously structured tunes. Fans of the first album and of The Delgados and anyone interested in tantalizing pop gems should listen to this title....NOW!

Check out her old school "Adrenaline" music video from the album "Watch the Fireworks."

TOUR DATES (Always confirm TOUR DATES)

Mar 13 2010 5:00P Homegame Anstruther, Scotland
Mar 15 2010 8:00P Academy Bristol
Mar 16 2010 8:00P Tabernacle London
Mar 17 2010 8:00P Academy 3 Oxford
Mar 18 2010 8:00P Arts Centre Norwich
Mar 19 2010 8:00P King Tut’s Glasgow
Mar 20 2010 8:00P The Duchess York
Mar 21 2010 8:00P Hare & Hounds Birmingham
Mar 22 2010 8:00P Academy 3 Manchester

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/emmapollock
Website: http://www.emmapollock.com/

The Pass

2010-02-23T10:54:00.000-08:00

INDIE, SYNTH-POP, PSYCHEDELIA
ARTIST: The Pass
TITLE: Colors EP
TRACKS: “Colors," “Crosswalk Stereo”
STREET DATE: 2/23/10
LABEL: sonaBLAST! Records

The Pass may sound quite similar to what's been up and coming in the Indie world for the past couple of years, but what sets them apart is there unique blend of psychedelia and dance. I mean, take a listen to their 80s pop synthesizers mixed with grooving guitars. Its different enough not to make sense, but bring in melodic yet flat vocals, and you got yourself one hell of an indie pop band.

Influenced by Justice, LCD Soundsystem and Daft Punk this quartet hails from New Jersey (JERSEY....where you at, YO!) and Kentucky, and merged together at the University of Louisville to shape their irresistible and danceable grooves. These young cats, in their early twenties, just released this five song EP titled "Colors." They are working on their debut full-length album, to be mixed by Alex Aldi (Passion Pit), to be released this summer.

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thepasstheband

Angelo Spencer

2010-02-16T09:51:00.000-08:00

ALTERNATIVE/FOLK/ROCK
Artist: Angelo Spencer et les Hauts Sommets
Album: Angelo Spenver et les Hauts Sommets
Tracks: “Estonia” & “Northwest”
Street Date: February 16, 2010
Label: K Records

Singer/Songwriter Angelo Spencer has made quite a few "anti-folk" records in his day, one of our personal favorites being "Love my Friends." But take a way the singing part, and add "Les Hauts Sommets" (translation: The Peaks) and you get the soundtrack to the best roadtrip of your life. Cue Music Video:

(Sunny is pretty sure the snowy road leads you directly to her hometown)

After moving away from the French Alps to the Northwestern states, Angelo Spencer released a few solo contributions on his own before ending up in the hands of K Records. There, he recorded "Music is My Sweat," before getting the help of Karl Blau, Arrington De Dionyso and Clyde Petersen to record "Angelo Spencer et les Hauts Sommets."

Although the absence of lyrics is certainly what makes this group interesting, it is the upbeat instrumentation that keeps the listener from "changing the dial." Its sweeping melodies mixed with a various - and often untimely - grouping of guitars make this group something that the directors of Garden State missed out on.

Angelo Spencer has done a split 7" with K Records Band, Tender Lovers, in the past. But his most well known collaboration is definitely with Kimya Dawson (yes, of Juno Soundtrack Fame) to make this little gem:

Yes, that's their daughter, Panda Delilah, looking cuter than ever.

So make your life the story you want it to be, and play some Angelo Spencer to really bring out the moving moments.

Gavin Castleton

2010-02-10T15:30:00.000-08:00

ALT-ROCK, POP, INDIE, SINGER/SONGWRITER

Artist: Gavin CastletonHome

Release Title: Home

Street Date: 2/9/10

Track(s): “Coffeelocks,” “The Human Torch”

Label: Five One Inc.

Gavin Castleton, born in providence, RI, began classical piano lessons at 3 years old, gave his first recital at 5, and wrote his first song when he was 7. AND he is a Zombie....no just kidding, this cat is just one sick psycho musical freak!

‘Home’ is his fourth album with Five One Records, yet it bears little resemblance to the others. In fact each one is completely different from the last. His fifth release, Titled Hospital Hymns EP, is the story of a fictional 76 year old stockroom worker in a hospital whose spirituality makes his coworkers uneasy. The record was funded and inspired by a 6-month stint in the stockroom of a Warwick Hospital in 2005. A Bullet, A Lever A Key, is the progressive hip hop EP that tells the story of his life backwards, from 2054 to present day. The song “Human Torch” was the hardest song to record on the album. According to Gavin, it features the only ‘Wihelm Scream’ ever heard on an album.

'Home' is actually a pop/horror movie masterpiece, a Zombie Love story that encapsulates the tragedy of his most recent relationship. That's right, I mentioned that there is a ZOMBIE involved! Who doesn't love zombies? I don't want to talk to you if you don't. Anyway, it seems that Gavin digs them or at least has a thing for them. Not only is there a zombie but this album is about a broken heart, a heart tore from your chest and stepped on, a heart that has just exploded from a massive break up and the years it has taken to heal and written like a Zombie film.......WOW! WOW! WOW!

Sugar coated pop melodies, colorful musical layers, soulful dual harmonies, and a love story unfold for the listeners enjoyment. This is one adventure that hooks you from the start and does not let go. Just like the bite of a ZOMBIE.....aaaAAARRRGH!!!!

"The album features big arrangements, lush production, and the versatile voice of Lauren Coleman (duetting with Castleton in the role of his lover). Produced by Gavin Castleton, mixed by Rob Pemberton and Overclock Inc., and mastered by Grammy-winner Mark Wilder, Home is an epic project designed to console all who have encountered love and lived to tell about it."

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/gavincastleton
Website: http://www.gavincastleton.com/

Great Lakes Myth Society

2010-02-03T09:56:00.000-08:00

ALTERNATIVE ROCK, FOLK, INDIE, AMERICANA
Artist: Great Lakes Myth Society
Album: Rainbows Single/Compass Rose Bouquet
Featured Track(s): “She’s Come Home To Steal Her Rainbows”, “Summer Bonfire”
Street Date: February 2, 2010
Label: Quack! Media

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Spawned from the band, Original Brothers and Sisters of Love, Michigan-based Great Lakes Myth Society started out in January 2004. They went on to release their debut recording on Boston-based label Stop, Pop, & Roll and eventually put together a deal in 2007 with Michigan based company Quack! Media to release the Rainbows Single, Compass Rose Bouquet, and select new materials.

The GLMS are: Timothy Monger (accordion, guitar & vocals), James Monger (guitar & vocals), Gregory McIntosh (guitar & vocals), Scott McClintock (bass & vocals) and Fido Kennington (drums & vocals).

Rainbows Single and Compass Rose Bouquet are NOW AVAILABLE from Quack! Both are a gorgeous meshing of Americana, folk and indie rock that paint pictures of musical beauty as each song unfolds while still rocking.

They will be performing at the Elbow Room in Ypsilanti, Michigan on February 24, 2010. Check out this YouTube video to see them in action: Great Lakes Myth Society - To Hell, My Boy.

Great Lakes Myth Society on Myspace.

The Recital

2010-01-29T11:19:00.001-08:00

ALTERNATIVE/ROCK
Artist: The Recital
Album: The Succulent Leftovers EP
Tracks: “Drop Those Legs” & “Does Your Music Listen to You”
Street Date: February 2, 2010
Label: Suburban Sprawl Music

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The Recital, a four-piece indie rock band based in Ann-Arbor, Michigan, played in and around the Detroit area for roughly ten years before calling it quits late last year. The Succulent Leftovers is their final EP, which is released to coincide with their final show.

The EP was recorded in bassist Adam Kempa’s basement and consists of all of the left over songs that The Recital accumulated over the years (as the release title suggests), as well as a few new songs.

“Drop Those Legs,” a relatively new track, was written toward the end of their most active days (2005-2006), and was recorded and released as a demo. Later on, the band wanted to go back and make changes to the mix, however the original session files turned out to be corrupt (I guess we’ll never know how it would have sounded with the different mix).

“Does Your Music Listen to You” was written and recorded specifically for The Succulent Lovers and has never been performed live.

Though it may be sad that The Recital will be ending its decade-long life, the local indie band will always be remembered.

To listen to some tracks, visit The Recital’s MySpace.

Zoey Van Goey

2010-01-18T11:14:00.001-08:00

ALTERNATIVE/FOLK/ROCK
Artist: Zoey Van Goey
Album: The Cage Was Unlocked All Along
Tracks: “Cotton Covering,” “The Best Treasure Stays Buried” & “We All Hid in Basements”
Street Date: January 19, 2010
Label: Chemikal Underground

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As mentioned in the previous post, the Stage 4 Alternative podcast is featuring Chemikal Underground artists for two weeks. This week’s featured artist is Scottish trio Zoey Van Goey!

After releasing a number of singles and EPs in the past few years, Zoey Van Goey, consisting of Matt Brennan, Michael John McCarthy, and Kim Moore, self-released their debut album The Cage Was Unlocked All Along (produced by Paul Savage) last year, but re-released it on Chemikal Underground on Tuesday.

The album blends catchy pop with folk-rock – somewhat like a combination of the Decemberists and Camera Obscura with a touch of Princeton. The three artfully create an endearing album that intertwines light-hearted themes throughout. Moore’s soft voice pairs nicely with the carefree undertones and melodies of The Cage Was Unlocked All Along.

For more information about Zoey Van Goey, visit their MySpace!

Adrian Crowley

2010-01-12T10:35:00.000-08:00

ALTERNATIVE/FOLK/ROCK
Artist: Adrian Crowley
Album: Season of the Spark
Tracks: “The Wishing Seat” & “Liberty Stream”
Street Date: January 19, 2010
Label: Chemikal Underground

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Currently Stage 4 Alternative is featuring Chemikal Underground artists for two weeks. This week we present Irish singer-songwriter Adrian Crowley.

Dublin-based musician Adrian Crowley released his fourth album Season of the Spark on Tuesday. Crowley, who released his first record A Strange Kind in 1999, has been critically known for writing contemplative and reflective lyrics in past albums. Season of the Spark is a new collection of just that.

Crowley’s smooth, deep voice hovers over clusters of simple melodies and rhythms. The less emphasized music allows listeners to focus on the dense lyrics while drawing their own conclusions. The album also interweaves electronic elements into the folk-rock sound and essentially produces a “folktronic” vibe of its own.

The artist shows his ability to continue along the same route of music production despite new and upcoming trends and styles, which in fact highlights Crowley’s originality and creativity.

To read more about Crowley's musical history, visit his MySpace.

Eaglekin

2010-01-08T16:48:00.000-08:00

ECCLECTIC/FOLK/ROCK
Artist: Eaglekin
Album: Eaglekin
Tracks: “G-Paw 1” & “In the Plebelands”
Street Date: January 5, 2010
Label: Unsound Records

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Based in Portland, Oregon, the three-piece indie rock band Eaglekin released their debut album earlier this week. The band members, Gabe Blair, Joe Ryckebosche, and Eric Vivian, have previously been in other bands such as The Rum Diary and The Pages.

Eaglekin band members clearly write strange material for their songs, though it’s hard to focus on through the musical layers. According to the label’s website, the album consists of 2 songs about a dead cat, a song about a colony of humans living on the moon, a song about explosions, a song about the lives of trees, a song about the reincarnation of human beings, and the shadowy confines of the soul.

Although the band literally released the record three days ago, they are already in the process of writing a new album-worth of songs for their next album, which is anticipated for release in the summer or fall of this year. Eaglekin is also planning to go on a West Coast tour and perhaps in other regions as well later this year.

Clearly Eaglekin is working hard to save the Plebelands. To read up on the Plebelands and what that’s all about, visit their website.

Fink - Sort of Revolution FOURSIE Award Winner

2009-12-29T13:13:00.000-08:00

BLUES/FOLK/JAZZ
Artist: Fink
Album: Sort of Revolution
Tracks: “See it All” & “Q & A”
Street Date: March 12, 2009
Label: Ninja Tune

Congratulations on your FOURSIE, Fink!
Awarded by: Chad Raddington

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English singer/songwriter Fin Greenall, a.k.a. Fink, began playing the guitar at a young age. As his musical career began, Greenall was influenced by house, acid jazz, Orbital and the Orb and released his first album Fresh Produce in 2001 on Ninja Tune.

After Greenall’s second record, Biscuits for Breakfast in 2006, he became the label’s first singer/songwriter. The artist continues to record in the electronicless fashion – as evident in Distance and Time. “This is the Thing” was used in various advertisements and television shows.

In addition to recording, Greenall has also produced major record label artists in the past, most notably Amy Winehouse.

Fink’s fourth album, Sort of Revolution, was released in May 2009 and featured collaborations with R&B artist John Legend.

Atlas Sound - Logos FOURSIE Award Winner

2009-12-21T17:29:00.000-08:00

ALTERNATIVE
Artist: Atlas Sound
Album: Logos
Tracks: “Walkabout” & “Shelia”
Street Date: October 19, 2009
Label: Kranky

Congratulations on your FOURSIE, Atlas Sound!
Awarded by: Layne Fox (Senior Director, Marketing/A&R)

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Bradford Cox’s solo project, Atlas Sound, is yet another means of transmitting his brilliance through music. The artist, who is also a member of Deerhunter, has released a total of ten EPs as Atlas Sound before releasing Let The Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel in 2008 and Logos this year.

The long-time Animal Collective fan had the opportunity to work with the band’s Noah Lennox to record “Walkabout,” a song about questioning our futures and forgetting the past with Lennox repeating “What did you want to see / What did you want to be / When you grew up?” The memory evoking lyrics are matched nicely with a repetitive bed of melodies and rhythm – highlighting the simplicities of youth as well as the mundane repetition of adult life.

The talented artist creates lyrics in a flowing stream-of-consciousness method in the sense that all words are put together on the spot rather than pre-written. In “Shelia,” that seems hard to believe – mainly because these lyrics are well thought out, put together in a structurally concise manner while maintaining an endearing resonance.

“Shelia, you’ll be my wife / You’ll share my life / We will grow old / We will grow old / And when we die we’ll bury ourselves / And when we die we’ll bury ourselves / Because no one wants to die alone”

Read up on Deerhunter/Atlas Sound/ Lotus Plaza ongoings at Bradford’s blog.

The Phantom Band FOURSIE Award Winner

2009-12-14T16:00:00.001-08:00

ALT ROCK/ ELECTRONIC/ KRAUT
Artist: The Phantom Band
Album: Checkmate Savage
Tracks: “Burial Sounds” & “The Howling”
Street Date: January 20, 2009
Label: Chemikal Underground

Congratulations on your FOURSIE, Phantom Band!
Awarded by: Bryn Boughton (CMO)

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UK-based experimental alt-rock artist, The Phantom Band, mixes psychedelic rock and folk to create an interesting audio amalgam. The artist intertwines pop and rock elements, which possibly appeals to admirers of both genres.

According to cokemachineglow.com, “The Howling” is one of the records “more straightforward of the nine pieces,” and “is old-school Snow Patrol on Viagra.” INTERESTING to say the least.

“Burial Sounds” however, will hook you with climactic rhythms in the beginning and will eventually build up to a folkish rock ending that you probably won’t be able to stop listening to.

If the funky melodies and bass lines don’t hook you, frontman Richard Anthony’s deep Scottish accented vocals will. Checkmate Savage is worth listening to! It’s hard to come by any artist that can properly blend musical genres these days and The Phantom Band does a pretty good job!

Visit their MySpace for more information.

Ape School

2009-12-09T17:11:00.000-08:00

Alternative/ Psychedelic/ Rock
Artist: Ape School
Album: Remixes
Tracks: “That’s Ok (Fog Remix),” & “Wail to God (Pollination Remix)”
Street Date: December 8, 2009
Label: Counter Records

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Ape School’s latest album is a collection of impressive remixes of tracks from his self-titled debut album released earlier this year.

If you’ve read the review of Ape School written earlier this year by Matthew Perpetua of Pitchfork Music, then you would perhaps agree that the criticism (and rating) is a bit on the harsh side. But remember to take it with a grain of salt seeing as Pitchfork writers have a knack for over-exaggerating – i.e. awarding Animal Collective’s new single off Fall Be Kind EP, “What Would I Want? Sky,” with a perfect ten and claiming that the track “sounds as natural as something that grew out of the earth.” Don’t get me wrong; I enjoy most of what Animal Collective releases but contrary to what Pitchfork believes, natural things that grow from earth have 23085749834 times less reverb than “What Would I Want? Sky.” (Was that an exaggeration?)

With that said, Ape School’s new album entitled Remixes, is worth a few (if not many) listens. Having the advantages of working with the earliest Moog analog synthesizers, Michael Johnson (aka Ape School) creates an airy, mellow atmosphere layered with light beats and free-flowing vocals. The Philadelphia University music professor (yes, professor) performs with students and also incorporates them into his albums as well. Combining a various soundscapes with slinky melodies, Johnson demonstrates his extensive technical and musical abilities and will probably catch the ear of any non-Pitchforker.

Jason Shannon

2009-11-30T14:59:00.000-08:00

ALT/ FOLK/ ROCK
Artist: Jason Shannon and the Morning Electric
Album: The EP Collection Volume 1
Tracks: “Chained,” “Judgment Day”
Street Date: December 1, 2009
Label: Wild Horse Records

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After breaking up with his old band in 2003, Minneapolis-native Jason Shannon spent most of his time writing and recording his own music. Shannon’s recently released EP, titled The EP Collection Volume One, combines troubled and heartache themed lyrics with soulful country, folk, and rock undertones – a creative blend to say the least.

Shannon toured with Bob Schneider in mid-2009 and has seen continued momentum on the heels of his debut self-titled album (2009). Will there be a followup to Volume One from the Morning Eclectic? Common sense says yes, but who really knows with singer-songwriters these days. We're pushing for a revitalization of Jason's good ole' days as 'The Jason Shannon Band'.

The Jason Shannon Band consists of Shannon on electric and acoustic guitar, Daryl Bolicek on drums, Nick Johnson on bass guitar, and Wendy Tangen-Foster on violin and vocals.

Judging from his humorously bawdy and amusing lyrics, clearly Jason Shannon is here for business and he only plays for keeps. His lyrics are strikingly relevant to daily life, because this happens to students EVERYDAY:

I showed up to school with a pencil in my hand,
And the schoolteacher said, “Boy don’t you know you can only use a pen,”
Well I screamed at the top of my lungs,
But the screaming didn’t help and I still felt stung.

Stick it to the man, Jason! Also, near the end of the track, there is a woman almost/in the process of gasming in the background… I’m convinced it’s included to prove how hardcore and awesome he is!

To check out some Jason Shannon and the Morning Electric stuff, visit his MySpace!

The Morning Benders

2009-11-25T17:29:00.000-08:00

ALT ROCK/ POP
Artist: The Morning Benders
Album: Talking Through Tin Cans
Tracks: “Boarded Doors” & “Patient Patient”
Street Date: May 6, 2008
Label: +1 Records

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The Morning Benders have been delicately raking up “indie” buzz for the past few years. Well duh, of course they are! They sound like an Of Montreal & the Shins sandwich (like PB&J but different). The Berkeley-based trio released Talking Through Tin Cans in May of 2008 and happened to play a show at the UC Davis Coffee House (a lovely makeshift show venue/cafeteria which also sells vegan foods and baked goods – R.I.P. for now) with Social Studies (unsigned) and Love is Chemicals (Three Ring Records) around this time last year.

“Patient Patient” lyrics are as follows:

Doctor, doctor
Won't you give me the cure I'm after
With a slight wave of your hand
I will be reborn a man

All it takes is a little commitment
I'm a patient patient

Doctor, doctor
Don't you give me the pain I'm after
I know I do it to myself
I'm just another book on your shelf

All it takes is a little commitment
I'm a patient patient

Such an endearing song! Christopher’s voice is just… brickshattering (that is the closest word in the English dictionary to describe it).

The Morning Benders finished a mini tour with Grizzly Bear late last month and most likely collected many new fans simply by opening for G-Bear and being the cute little popish youngsters that they are. The band is now getting ready to tour with SF-based band, Girls!, beginning early December and plan to top it all off with a New Year’s Eve party at Bottom of the Hill.

Notable label mates include Eulogies, Editors, Kate Nash, and the Kooks. Chad Raddington recommends Illinois and the Heavy. Do what you will with his advice!

BYO Compilation

2009-11-18T12:59:00.000-08:00

PUNK/ ROCK
Artist: Various Artists
Album: Let Them Know: The Story of Youth Brigade and BYO Records
Tracks: Pennyise – “We’re Gonna Fight,” 7 Seconds – “Sink With Kalifornia” & Youth Brigade’s original version of “Sink with Kalifornia”
Street Date: September 22, 2009
Label: BYO Records

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For all you hardxcore people out there: in case y’all haven’t heard yet, this week’s Stage 4 Podcast consisted of an interview with the Youth Brigade members and BYO Records founders, Shawn and Mark Stern. The Stern brothers, who founded BYO Records in 1982, have been working with many bands over the past two and a half decades and have promoted the California hardcore scene, released more than 100 records under the “Better Youth Organization” label, and set up numerous tours around the US for many bands. Since its beginnings, BYO Records has become a well-known and highly respected independent label while staying true to their DIY roots.

To celebrate their 25th anniversary (on their 28th birthday, nonetheless; How Punk!) BYO Records curated a 31-track compilation of the BIGGEST Punk staples performing covers form the label's extensive catalogue. We're talkin' Anti-Flag, Dropkick Murphys, Lagwagon, Lower Class Brats, Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio, NOFX, Pennywise, Subhumans, Youth Brigade, and tons more. The comp is available digitally, and in limited edition hard-copy boxsets with 2x Vinyl, CD, a full-length DVD documentary of BYO Records and Youth Brigade, and a coffee-table book of rare stories, essays, commentary, and photographs. It's beautiful, for reals.

Suffice to say, it's a monster project and we're just happy to be part of it. BYO Records is a testament to the benefits of hard-work and industrious livelihoods. I may not be far enough in years to speak sage-like wisdom, but Shawn and Mark Stern certainly can. And we'll shout it from the rooftops if we have to!

Oh, and here the part you've all been waiting for....

THE CONTEST:
In collaboration with BYO Records, we are giving away the LET THEM KNOW boxset described above + an iPod Shuffle to one very lucky participant. All you need is a twitter account to get started.

1. Register - Register a twitter account with your favorite name. Most of you've already completed this step 2 years ago....
2. Follow - Head to twitter.com/Stage4Podcast and follow us. Once you do, you get the added benefit of exclusive announcements and regular banter from your hosts Sunny D and Chad Raddington.
3. Hash Tag - include the hash tag #letthemknow in any tweet, in the most creative possible context. Added points for comedic, relevant, and otherwise absurd references.
4. Win! - The best use of the #letthemknow hash tag will take home a BYO boxed set AND ipod Shuffle. Really, it's that easy. No emails, no personal information. Just good clean, creative fun!

LAKE

2009-11-10T12:54:00.000-08:00

ALT ROCK/ DOWNTEMPO
Artist: LAKE
Album: Let’s Build a Roof
Tracks: "Sing 99&90,” “Don't Give Up”
Street Date: November 10, 2009
Label: K Records

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When LAKE comes to mind, we picture the band members dressed in vintage/shabby chic clothing, fishing on a riverbank, running through woods, or tightly gathered around the fireplace in a small living room while playing each other new songs – you know, stuff indie folks who live in Olympia, Washington probably do on a regular basis.

But LAKE seems to be able to divide up their time pretty well. Since forming around 2005, the band has recorded roughly 12 albums, 3 of which were only properly released. Let’s Build a Roof carefully blends their Belle and Sebastian-esque undertones with Fleetwood Mac-ish lyrics and as a result they’ve successfully churned out another endearing and heartwarming album to add to their list of musical accomplishments.

Other recommended artists on K Records are: The Blow, Julie Doiron, Kimya Dawson, and Mirah.

Check out LAKE’s MySpace to hear some older tracks and their website to hear “Don’t Give Up.”

Scary Beard

2009-11-03T11:31:00.000-08:00

ALT/ INDIE ROCK
Artist: Scary Beard
Album: Scary Beard
Tracks: "Rats (What I Can See)," "Weeds Hold the Whole Thing Up"
Street Date: January 5, 2010
Label: Nine Mile Records

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If Bon Iver, Colin Meloy, and Isaac Brock could ever have a love child, he would literally sound like Scary Beard's Mike Wyzik - huskily mellow with a faint lisp.

Scary Beard, based in Northampton, Massachusetts, is a side project for many artists on Nine Mile Records to release new material in between their full-length albums. Wyzik often collaborates with Matt Herbert and Bob Hennessy of Haunt, Thane Thompson of the Figments, Matt Cullen of the Humming Field, Dave Houghton of Fancy Trash, Chris Couchon, Mark Schwaber, and Melissa Nelson.

In "Rats (What I Can See)," Scary Beard layers upbeat lyrics, refrains, and mini guitar riffs upon a bed of endearing rhythms and beats. It's adorable to the point where we're wondering how this track didn't end up in (500) Days of Summer. Maybe it's the whole befriending rats thing.

In other tracks the band explores their musical range and delves into a "more rock, less pop" sort of sound - giving us an attractive Jelly Bean-like assortment of musical nuances in their songs. Result: awesomeness!

Visit Scary Beard's MySpace or Facebook to hear their tracks!

The Little Heroes

2009-10-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

ROCK / INDIE POP
Artist: The Little Heroes
Album: Thank You
Tracks: "Say I'll Be Gone," "Thank You"
Street Date: November 11, 2009
Label: Wednesday Records

Certain thoughts and (harsh) generalizations come to mind when thinking of the city in which The Little Heroes are based. Santa Barbara... where the sun shines bright, college kids pound down BL w/Limes like there's no tomorrow, and SoCal bros run a muck in their Rainbow flip flops, cargo shorts, and wife beaters, yeah?

Somehow members of the Little Heroes were able to avoid that ever so appealing Jack-Johnson-esque path down their musical life - possibly for the better. In past months they've been getting positive reviews from music outlets such as Billboard, Space City Rock, Amplifier Magazine, PopMatters, Allmusic, Lost at Sea, and the Red Alert.

In the title track "Thank You," the band interweaves Lombardo's mellow vocals with dulcet melodies and choruses to create a light-hearted and catchy tune, similar to say... "Boston" by Augustana but with more edginess and testosterone and way less piano, falsetto, and bottled up/passive drama. (Moving to Boston probably won't help your situation at all, what were you thinking?!) Okay, maybe not so similar then.

I had guessed
we'd always be friends and
all the plans that we made
again and again
I had guessed
we'd always be friends
you're an angel and your words
cause little earthquakes
all the world stops everyday when you wake
and we fall down... down at your feet
to say goodnight

The lyrics are extremely multi-faceted. He explains that he and the girl (OR guy!) have made plans together, exchange glances, and read books - all that relationship junk... but we get the sense that the sequence of events doesn't seem to amount to anything romantically significant as he suggests with the continuous series of doubt with phrases such as "I had guessed," "the books we read could not explain our thoughts," "all the glances exchanged wouldn't suggest to the bare remains," etc. Torn and forlorn.

So either the guy has to ignore her weird/dangerous earthquake-making quirks because he loves her OR he can just ditch her because she's psycho and the payoff sucks. Just do what you have to do Little Heroes! We're here to clean up the spill.

The album comes out on Wednesday! Check out their MySpace for more deets.

Mock Orange

2009-09-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

ALT / ROCK
Artist: Mock Orange
Album: Live in Brooklyn
Track: “Captain Love”, “World of Machines”
>Street date: September 15, 2009
Label: Wednesday Records

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* Main Entry: mock orange
* Function: noun
* Date: 1731

1: any of a genus (Philadelphus) of ornamental shrubs of which several are widely grown for their showy white flowers and that is either placed in the saxifrage or hydrangea families or in a family (Philadelphaceae) of its own —called also philadelphus, syringa
2: any of several usually shrubby plants considered to resemble the orange

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*Main Entry: Mock Orange
* Function: aural pleasures
* Date: est. 1998

1: classic American indie band founded by four friends based in Evansville, Indiana; immensely popular on college radio stations, receiving critical acclaim with every release
2: band releasing album recorded live, named Live in Brooklyn, featuring music from their past albums, Captain Love and Mind Is Not Brain; a collection of refreshingly optimistic indie anthems
3: simultaneously refined yet edgy vocals by Ryan Grisham; a melting pot of instrumentation
4: happy-go-lucky lyrics (which the world can all use more of)
5: upbeat claps and quirky whistles
6: band whose album is released under Wednesday Records, a label which is also host to Sylvie, Jon McKiel, First to Leave, The Little Heroes, The Orange, Fire in the Radio
7: UTTERLY STAPLE TO ALL SELF-PROCLAIMED INDIE FANS

Other notables from Wednesday Records: Sylvie, Jon McKiel, First to Leave, The Little Heroes, The Orange, Fire in the Radio

www.myspace.com/mockorange

Daniel Johnson (Pre-Podcast - Text Only)

2009-08-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

Alt / Rock / Electronic
Artist: Daniel Johnson
Album: Lazrus
Track: “Heart Of A Dog”
Street date: July 21, 2009
Label: Moodgadget

RIP Vanilla Rock. Long Live Daniel Johnson!

Observation (by fellow coworker): There are very few radio stations out there nowadays that exclusively feature simple, modern rock—it’s all either classic rock, hip hop, pop, or oldies. Apparently in New York, there are no more modern rock stations left ever since K-Rock 92.3 went under! Now while we may all take a moment of silence and prepare for the seemingly global domination of Lady Gaga and other Lady Gaga wannabes (and an ensuing army of Kermit the Frog capes), maybe Rock’s temporary, self-imposed leave isn’t entirely a bad thing…

Maybe Rock has gone into rehab (the glamorous kind), only to reemerge from its musical cocoon—edgier and sexier with an electronic twist—in the form of such likes as Daniel Johnson*. The track, “Heart Of A Dog”, from his debut full-length, Lazrus, is the perfect illustration of how rock can be bettered; this bluesy electro-rock track almost sounds like something of Beck’s, but younger and hipper (and less trippy lyrics). His own stylistic vocals in tow, Daniel Johnson offers the listener no remorse regarding the alternative / rock genre—his electronic production is just so tasty!

Seriously, anyone can rock out to this album.

Go check out his MySpace.

*Not to be confused with cult favorite singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston, who has produced over 30 albums, is bipolar, and draws the weirdest little pictures.

Other notables at Moodgadget: Mux Mool, The Synchronicity Suite, and Machinedrum.

Lord Cut-Glass (Pre-Podcast - Text Only)

2009-07-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

It’s a small world after all…
Alt / rock
Artist: Lord-Cut Glass
Album: Lord-Cut Glass
Track: “Look After Your Wife”
Street date: June 23, 2009
Label: Chemikal Underground Records

From across the pond in Scotland, one band has been seriously taking off since the release of their first, self-titled album late June. Lord-Cut Glass is the moniker for former Delgados band member Alun Woodward, and let us just say, his stuff is proving to be truly interesting. The songs are all incredibly catchy, and some tracks—like “Look After Your Wife”—definitely have a smoldering vintage feel - marching drums and mini-fanfare paint a picture of colonialized past. Instead of sounding pretentious, however, the instrumentation of Lord-Cut Glass is refreshing—quirky, yet timeless, as suggested by Woodward’s 1800s Scottish garb on his MySpace page:

His music is cleverly insightful, and his Scottish accent balances the occasional bite of his words:

Look after your wife, you've got her for life
When it's rung you cannot unring the bell
Keep her from spills, keep her from pills
Be a lover and companion as well
If she's a hell bat, free-thinker
Or an all-time bad drinker
'Cause in the morning I'll see her
Look defeated on her way to work
And wishing that you loved her...

Either Woodward is trying to prove that chivalry isn’t dead, or he’s just preparing to be the biggest ladies’ man. Tellin’ gents to look after their women in the first single? Smooth. And totally right!

Other notables at Chemikal Underground: Mogwai, The Phantom Band, Aidan Moffat, De Rosa.

The Beginnings... INTRO to Stage 4

2009-07-17T12:44:00.000-07:00

Memo from the Surgeon General

Prescription of Stage Four powered by BlinkerActive to be administered in weekly doses to listeners with the following symptoms:

1. Unexplained urges to escape the monotony of mainstream music
2. Desire to impress all those surrounding listeners with his or her impeccable taste and exclusive access to the best alt/rock or electronica
3. Desire to make fun of people while they make fools of themselves and to win truly random/ridiculous prizes with each podcast release
4. Uncontrollable tendency to indulge in freshest sounds around.

Side effects include an overall sense of euphoria and urgency, sex appeal, and a greater appreciation for addiction to the best new music out there, hands down. Welcome to the Insanity! Greetings to all of our listeners! Pat yourself on the back—you’re making history. This is Stage Four’s very first podcast, powered by Iris! Stage Four will be regularly combing through millions of tracks (that’s an exaggeration) that come our way (fate) for the best alt/rock and electronica—all 100% certified indie, delivered straight to your headphones. Each podcast will highlight an artist yours truly believes to be strongly buzz-worthy. And who knows? Maybe you too will discover that this—steady eye contact here, don’t break away—is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.