Beginning Tuesday, March 23, 2010, The Walnut House Studio will host a weekly showcase series featuring talented musicians and visual artists from the Murfreesboro area.
Click here to view some of the artwork that will be shown at the events.
Each night’s music and art will follow a different theme, with musical styles ranging from reggae to metal.
Tuesday, March 23:
Candy’s Riverhouse, THB, Paradise Daze, Streetlight Allstars
photo by Lindsay Reed
Candy’s Riverhouse
These guys have been all over the country and have stopped for a time in Tennessee to be amongst other driven musicians. Once this bluesy-rock trio formed, they knew it was ‘meant to be.’ Bringing Southern and Western influences to the table, Candy’s Riverhouse pulls tricks out of their sleeves that could easily win the poker game. Their barefoot playing style has provoked audiences to kick ’em off too, plus it can help with dancing to their psychedelic sound.
Between living on the road and couch-surfing, these guys seem to have no limits when it comes to performing. This is rare nowadays, with many bands requiring a bowl of green M&Ms in order to play (haha, thanks R.J.), but Candy’s understands opportunity in music, and they have integrity when it comes down to always remembering why they play—because of the love of music. Some influences include Cream, ZZ Top, The Doors, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Alice In Chains. The electric performance is sure to have you moving, even if you leave your shoes at the door.
J Young: Guitar/Vocals
Ryan Christiensen: Drums/BG Vocals
Daniel Gassett: Bass
THB
After taking a small break, these guys are back to help you get your funk on. Having been a staple in the Middle Tennessee region for a decade, The Homegrown Band knows how to get down. This three-piece has a long and exciting resume, including shows at the infamous Cannabis Cup in 2004 and backing Redman in the event in 2007. THB has a refreshing, earthy sound, and they can bring the dancin’ out of pretty much anyone. If you get a chance to talk to them, you might hear some funny stories about Tommy Chong and Redman, or they may just tell you some too personal stories that will make your mind wander into explicit places . . .
Lenny Cramer: Guitar/Vocals
Glenn Rohrbach: Bass/Synth/Vocals
Mike Cramer: Drums
Paradise Daze
This reggae band brings listeners to a place of happiness and freedom. Listeners are hungry for feel-good music that sings to our souls about the realities of living in a tough world, yet finding a place of peace in the midst of turmoil.
After a somewhat discombobulated beginning, Paradise Daze utilized the musical seeds planted in their hearts and have since watched them grow strong roots. The release of Irie Nights has brought them much press and deserved recognition in Nashville and surrounding areas. Influences include Sublime, Tom Petty, 311 and Bob Marley, and though they do play some killer covers, their original sound is something worth checking out. You’ll take this sound with you on your next beach trip, and if you have no beach trips planned for the summer, then don’t be surprised if you find yourself making your own beach in the front yard with an inflatable kiddie pool complete with umbrella, Paradise Daze echoing in the background.
Matt Daughtry: Guitar/Vocals
Donnie Green: Bass
Chris Ross: Drums/BG Vocals
Josh Hines: Percussion
Streetlight Allstars
These guys bring back the block party hip-hop old school style. The eclectic and diverse backgrounds of these “allstars” shows they know how to mesh southern roots with the classics, making for an “expect-the-unexpected” experience. Streetlight Allstars bring their own flavor to the table and play with a variety of other artists and styles ranging from funky THB to Vanilla Ice.
Jacob & MicQey Qool-Aid skit scat between deejaying and emceeing while Monty Burns and Trama T do a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff, along with MJ b-boying, and they all come together to create Streetlight Allstars. They are sure to make you wanna laugh and dance, so don’t forget ‘them shoes’ ’cause you’ll wanna move real smooth . . .
Keep your ears out for Where the Sidewalk ENDS!
Jacob: producer/songwriter, DJ, talk box
MJ: B-boy, choreographer, graphic designer
MicQuey Qool-Aid: MC, DJ, songwriter
Monty Burns: songwriter, MC, producer, graphic designer
Trama T: songwriter, MC, choreographer
myspace.com/streetlightallstars
Tuesday, March 30:
Vortices, Look What I Did, The Castle is a Tomb
Vortices
Vortices combines ’90s root rock with shredding metal topped off with sexy-screamy vocals. With the tribal drumbeat inserts and climbing guitar, this band will take you on a metal tidal wave, head-banging rollercoaster, somehow without constant use of double bass.
Vortices began playing together in 2001, creating something different from the typical 4/4 rhythm, yet it is definitely something you can move to. Influences include Tool, Helmet, Rage Against the Machine, Pantera, Faith No More, White Zombie and crew, but these metal dudes can also appreciate and enjoy music ranging from Johnny Cash to Erykah Badu with Beastie Boys and Beethoven in between.
Deciding against the names June and Taxi Driver they finally settled on Vortices as the name encompasses a more defined, honed ideal of what they have continued to perfect over the past decade. These guys really offer something somehow familiar, yet completely all their own.
T.J. King: Guitar/Vocals
Aaron Morgan: Guitar
Bracken Mayo: Bass
Levi Cooper: Drums
photo by William Golden
Look What I Did
These guys radiate a raw defiance with a ripping combination of metal jazzcore screamy grunge-punk fest tunes warred up to inform you of the truth “behind the scenes.” Their first release in 2003, My First Time, was un-innocent enough with its sarcastically happy-go-lucky attitudes mixed with innovative aggression. Since then LWID released Minuteman For the Moment in 2005, which thrusts us into an unholy perspective of industry giants, the status quo, vanity labels and “financially comfortable sell outs.” Having teamed up again with Deftones, Chevelle and 30 Seconds to Mars’ producer Brian Virtue, Virtue’s own Modernist Movement Records released LWID’s newest creation Atlas Drugged on Feb. 9, 2010. The even-more-diverse topics refresh listeners as they build on the previous releases, but with more sticky detail of continuing truths about the dying major label machine. LWID’s chaotic and unpredictable jaw-dropping nature makes for an exciting show where you’re guaranteed to save a dollar. HA.
Barry: Vocals
Chris: Guitar
Jake: Drums
Skeet: Guitar
Ty: Bass
The Castle Is A Tomb
The Castle Is A Tomb is a concoction of grindcore, death metal and thrash, disturbing the old and young alike with the brutal temptation to hear more. Giving jaded music lovers intense insight into the ‘info’ revolution provokes people to dig deeper for more meaning in things typically taken at face value. Their quite popular current EP The Death Tape promotes this concept and includes ‘spastic genre hopping’ and an obvious influence of experience in recording, self-promotion and tight-knit business management (thanks, MTSU). TCIAT knows how to combine smarts with arts, which is the only way to have true success in the ever-changing mayhem we call the music industry. They plan to tour in late summer following their newest release coming out in early summer.
Clint: Vocals
Kellen: Guitar
James: Guitar
Alex: Drums
Tuesday, April 6
Cody Blaine & The Whole Famn Damnly, Joshua Kloyda, Winslow Family Band
Cody Blaine & The Whole Famn Damnly
This roots-rockabluesy guy brings a raw yet classically refined and subtly jazzy sound with him, and his Whole Famn Damnly too. It is chill and relaxed yet enticing and fun. Cody Blaine’s style is quite inspiring since it is less common in this new-wave era of mindless melodies that seem to go nowhere new. You may want to have his record around the bonfire while camping, or at your next outdoor event in the hot summer nights of the south; it might just give you motivation to make your own movie, filmed right here in Tennessee.
His new debut EP titled Cody Blaine & The Whole Famn Damnly was tracked in all analog, so you know we are experiencing a classy songwriter who wants to stay somewhat chivalrous to a ripened style, though the anticipated spring release will be available on vinyl and digital download as well. The Whole Famn Damnly stars members of other noteworthy local bands you may have heard . . . Hammertorch, Cuttlefish (their harmonies will make you cry they’re so good), Glossary, We Were the States and Velcro Stars, just to list some of the contributors to Blaine’s project.
Watch for this guy, he’s had an interesting road getting to where he is now and you will be fascinated with his stories and charm.
Joshua Kloyda
This artist creates music from the depths of beauty in his soul. Joshua’s heart bursts with truth as you feel how he appreciates the things in life that many people seem to take for granted. He can bring you to his “special” place, sitting by a river or in the middle of a field, and you will get lost in his bittersweet melodies. He has played guitar since the tender age of 13 and is in love with folk and blues tunes. He appreciates the highs and lows of life respectfully and uses the inspiration to write his music. He is influenced by Jeffrey Foucault and Kelly Joe Phelps, as these musicians have a special talent of taking listeners to the deeply enriching places where music can truly speak to your heart. Joshua’s music also speaks to the hidden parts of the human psyche.
He believes music is life. “If you really intend to live, to be the light of the sky and the darkness of the ocean depths, then join me on a musical journey from the front porch of my life and take it all in.”
And take it all in you will, as he brings us songs of passion and desire with a touch of warmth from home. Joshua appreciates his musical role in the symphony of life “with the birds of the air, the wind of the sky and the waters of the stream.”
Winslow Family Band
The Winslow Family Band includes a variety of different people spanning the whole U.S. The music and art involved are consistently growing and evolving—this isn’t your ordinary band. The Winslows somehow bridge the gap between purely inventive, specific and artistic style and something enjoyable for everyone.
The Color Album, recorded throughout 2007 and 2008 at the Winslow House is an experimental project exploring the rich quality of color found in sound. Members of Es Paso and The Go Show collaborated to make this eclectic ensemble of tunes.
They bring underground style to the surface, allowing full expression of something easygoing, yet fun and groovy. The WFB is comprised of original Winslows Juan De Winslow on keys and sax, Matt in the Hat on percussion and Zach Matthews (a.k.a. Z. Matt Winslow) on drums. Other members include Jacob Greer on guitar and vocals, Sean “Might O’ Kondria” Armbruster on guitar and Zeke “Wah Pedal Pimp” Hamilton also on guitar. Winslow newcomer Joel Scott adds bass to the Winslow touch.
The desire to see the WFB grows bigger every day, and having played Murfreesboro for many years, having them back in town for this surprise visit is an anticipated pleasure.
Tuesday, April 13
Jbez, Wick-It The Instigator, Leah, Streetlight Allstars (see bio above)
Jbez
It’s about time someone brought some beach love to Tennessee. Florida roots rapper Jbez is back in Tennessee to continue in his “Dirty South Redemption” renegade. In the game for six years, he has opened for Bubba Sparxxx, Brooke Hogan, Kill Hanna, The Pink Spiders, Tone Loc and Nappy Roots. An impressed Sean Paul says, “Finally, something different!” Jbez also won the Florida 1 Mike 1 Shot Freestyle Championship and the Tennessee Southeast MC Battle Royale.
Hyping him is Tennessee’s own grown Swap Shop Joe. Jbez also has a growing film career, having starred in unmentionable children’s movies (he does have a heart for the little ones) and he also recently shot a reality show. This half-American, half Native-American all-over-the-place rapper knows how to write music that you’ll want to bump in your car as soon as you realize you can’t get him out of your head.
Wick-It The Instigator
Wick-It rippin da beats, rippin’ da beats, rippin’ da beats
Oh Wick-It knows how to rip ‘dem beats and make you move your feet
He’ll make you wanna make your own flo’
And drop it, drop it, drop it down lo’ . . .
(My own improv to “The Woods”)
In just five or six years of dropping beats in the Nashville area, Wick-It the Instigator has released eight albums. He has also performed in Chattanooga, Memphis, Evansville, Atlanta, Virginia Beach, Miami and New York, sharing stages with notable artists Murs, KRS One, DJ Numark of Jurassic 5, Excision and Rusko, just to name a few. Wick-It has also opened at the Ryman Auditorium for Robin Thicke and Jennifer Hudson and was the local winner for three consecutive years of DJ competition “Spin Off” hosted by Guitar Center in Nashville.
This Instigator helped found Yung & Ugly responsible for the monthly “Mashville” dance party and he is also affiliated with the “Strictly Dubstep” event in Nashville’s dubstep scene through Everything’s Nice. For those of you who enjoy premier graffiti, he is also involved with Workforce rebellion.
Wick-It intermingles old school sound with funky hard beats and a touch of unexpected sounds. He is your soundtrack, your birthday theme, your house party and your road trip. In 2010, look for his performances with Brother Ali, Rob Swift and The Glitch Mob.
Leah
Even as a toddler, Leah was singing on a stage. It’s in her blood. As the daughter of the late Ray Peterson (a.k.a. “the Golden Voice of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” known for songs such as “Corrina, Corrina” and “The Wonder of You”) Leah has always been fond of using her voice to soothe those around her. From belting out in church choir at age 13 to recording her first single at 14, she began writing her own music in 2005 at age 18. She has a background in dance and has also been recognized for her achievement in the hip-hop genre and also pom choreography in 2003 and 2004. Leah is currently working on her debut album. She wants to be known for her positive versatility as a writer, singer and performer. With a voice that flows like honey mixed with sweet overtones and a stimulating yet relaxing style, you will love closing your eyes to this groovy chick.
Tuesday, April 20
Magic Veteran, Candy’s Riverhouse (see bio above)
Magic Veteran
This formed-for-fun band is not opposed to throwing out the set list and keeping it real with what they feel in the moment. Other musicians have felt inspired to join them onstage since Magic Veteran is all about sharing the moment with other musicians who can appreciate what creating music is all about.
This psychedelic, dancy blues-rock band formed in Murfreesboro under the shared interest of learning the art of music production. After an intoxicating summer of improv sessions and instrument switching, Magic Veteran emerged. Having discovered these guys by “accident” myself, one can see a “magic” quality certainly does exist when the air is kissed with sounds attracting listeners from the most random places. So come and kick your shoes off and make yourself at home or leave them on for gettin’ down. Either way you will enjoy the merriment.
Jon Conant: Mostly Drums
Brian Cline: Mostly Keys
Ken Embry: Mostly Bass
Disclaimer: beware of intermingling of instruments
Tuesday, April 27
Dr. Asimov, Rollo Greb, We Have a Laser
Dr. Asimov
The creation of Dr. Asimov is a multi-faceted story. With humble yet experimentally creative beginnings, their philosophy is based on manifesting abstract ideas into something tangible. Ironically enough, the two chronicles created in the beginning have been rumored to be floating somewhere in outer space . . .
Utilizing a mysterious yet constructive beginning, Dr. A later focused on a rock core of two bass players, synth and drums. That’s right folks, no guitar here. Touring between Nashville and South Carolina built up indie new-wave momentum prior to the reconstruction of the band. The power trio developed into a sludge-prog punk rock blast of gnarliness, displayed well on their micro-tour following the June 2009 full-length release Took A Cure.
Dr. A now focuses on shows in Nashville and Murfreesboro as they record their new ambitious EP Eye Can Sea Space with the recent addition of alto sax and keys, making this once-tantalizing trio an uncommon yet fulfilling foursome. They also have plans with another local band to release a split concept album complete with graphic novel paraphernalia for later this year, so keep your ears open for this continuing saga.
M.C. Ascher: Bass/Vocals/Art
Tiny Wrench: Bass
Spanky Burns: Drums/Art
Rollo Greb
With an interesting name and straightforward style, two brothers formed Rollo Greb in 2003. They have been bonded in music for as long as they can remember through the rolling vocals and stimulating guitar cries and popping drum proficiency. Some of the members were in previous bands together until they found their niche in Rollo Greb.
Influenced mostly by Delta blues and British rock bands such as Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Wilco and Robert Johnson, their sound represents what they strive for musically as a band and as individuals. Their sound comes together nicely—mellow in some parts yet you find yourself wondering how the music became so subtly climactically cataclysmic. Some people have even been known to literally become airborne in their presence since the degree of awesomeness is often unexpected.
Rollo Greb released their self-titled, debut album in January 2009 and have been steadily working since then to expand their territory. They are currently finishing a second release, due out in the coming months via a new online music sharing and purchasing program. Listeners find it easy to fall into their music as they transport you to a different place altogether, which is why their new release and shows are highly anticipated.
Brian Dempsey, vocals, guitar
Brandon Dempsey, drums, vocals
Harlan Smith, guitar, vocals
Patrick Johnson, bass, vocals
We Have A Laser
This newly formed band is utterly superb. Three former “Penguins” created We Have A Laser on the foundation of funky, rhythmic beats with psychedelic overtones, and some added members. Since they come from different planets, some believe they have different lasers while others believe they could possible share joint ownership of one magnificently fantastic laser.
The out of the ordinary songs are a blend of folk, psychedelia, funk-blues and rock full of textured instrumentation and multi-layered harmonies. They insist on “ass-moving” (a close cousin to “booty shaking”), though you will feel the urge to move regardless of your past. If you feel the need to explode from the laserificness, just know that you have been an important part of this strangely beautiful divergence of photon beams. They may catch you off guard by lasering your eyeballs out or eating you, as this band’s appetite for destruction is just as inevitable as their need to create.
This experimental band plans to utilize atmospheric effects in the future along with providing animation and live action video. Though the future is always uncertain, it is never boring when you know “We Have A Laser.”
Andy Metz-Guitar/Vocals
Chris Goebel-Guitar/Vocals
Ryan Jyrzak-Keys
Lindsay White-Drums
Colin Butler-Bass
