Heyrocco streaming new single “Melt”, announces spring tour

by  • 

OK, Heyrocco was based in Charleston, but I saw the trio so often that I thought of them as a Savannah band. And I still think of them like that even though they’ve resettled in Nashville.

And here’s Heyrocco’s new song “Melt” — one of the 90s influenced tunes they’ve been developing for a while now. They’ve got a new album pretty well finished, but no word yet on when that will be released.

Here’s “Melt”:

And here are the new tour dates, including a show with Triathalon at Hang Fire on 4/3. Heyrocco will also be touring again with The Weeks, one of the headliners of this week’s Savannah Stopover. (I love The Weeks too, although I’ve never seen them live.)

Post by Heyrocco.

Savannah Stopover 2014 Spotlight: Label Showcases (Retro Futurist, Soft Science, Furious Hooves)

by  • 

While Stopover has always been about the bands, this year there’s an added little bonus for those who may not be too familiar with local music scene. The fact that Savannah is home to some stellar record labels as well as awesome artists may not be widely known, but this year’s Stopover festivities will certainly be changing that. New to this year’s event, local labels will be hosting showcases of artists, both local and national, from their respective rosters. While this exposure will be great for the artists themselves, the labels will undoubtedly benefit as well from getting their own names out there to potential local artists who may be looking for a home. Here’s a quick rundown of the labels and what to expect as far as their sets go:

rfshow

Retro Futurist Records: March 6th, 10pm – 2am @ The Jinx

Artists:  Irata – 10pm

Darkentries – 11pm

Burnt Books – 12am

Kylesa – 1am

The Rundown:

Read more →

Savannah Stopover 2014 Spotlight: TORRES

by  • 

I’ve got a major soft spot for singer songwriters, so seeing TORRES in the lineup for Stopover this year got me pretty excited. The project that is TORRES is headed by Mackenzie Scott, a Macon, GA native who’s called Nashville home ever since moving there for school in 2009.

TORRES may fall into the classic singer songwriter category but it is far from run of the mill. Drawing clear influences from classic artists like Cat Power as well as contemporaries like Laura Stevenson and Sharon Van Etten, TORRES’ self-titled debut album released last year carries an incredible amount of raw emotion. Combined with Scott’s slightly raspy, sometimes hushed, sometimes explosive vocals, the imagery made for an incredible experience that made the debut album a sleeper hit for many, including myself. Indeed, TORRES’s work didn’t remain unnoticed for long as she not only made Artist of the Month on Macon’s own The Blue Indian, but also gathered recognition from publications such as Pitchfork who awarded her track Honey with “Best New Track” as well as a strong review of her self titled LP overall.

Be sure to check out TORRES’s debut album from last year and make a stop to City Coffee at 11pm on Saturday, March 8th to catch her set.

Band of Horses’ acoustic tour stops in Savannah on 3/3

by  • 

Band of Horses’ highly anticipated acoustic tour stop in Savannah is coming up on Monday, 3/3. The show has been sold out for a while, but if you’re still looking for tickets and are convenient to downtown, you might just want to show up at the Trustees Theater box office on Monday evening.

We’ve posted quite a few times about Band of Horses since this blog was founded in September 2013, including photos here and here of their last-minute show at The Wormhole.

I love that BOH has gravitated toward acoustic work, which has culminated with the release of the stunningly good new album Acoustic at the Ryman (stream it here). These acoustic songs really showcase the sheer beauty of Ben Bridwell’s voice.

Here’s “Detlef Schrempf” on Letterman a few nights ago:

And here’s another well-produced video from public radio station KEXP in Seattle — just three of the members:

Here’s “Heartbreak on the 101” recorded live at the Hollywood sign, interspersed with brief interview footage:

recent photos: Martin Sexton, The Bronzed Chorus, COEDS, Johnny Octane

by  • 

I’m out periodically with my camera but don’t end up with a a good set of photos to publish here. So here are a few shots I’ve taken so far in 2014 that haven’t found their way into a post.

Martin Sexton and his powerful, resonant voice took over The Wormhole a few weeks ago. The room could have been arranged with more tables closer to the stage, but the audience — many of whom were obviously longtime Sexton fans — was enthralled. It wasn’t a great environment for photos — a seated show, a reddish cast to the stage lights, and a rather undynamic physical presence. Still, it was a stunning and intimate show, even if it didn’t make for good photography.

MartinSexton-4

Read more →

Norma Jean, Spoken, and Lifecurse at Sweet Melissa’s – photos

by  • 

Atlanta’s Norma Jean played a blistering set of metallic hardcore in the space above Sweet Melissa’s Thursday night to a very energetic and very dedicated all ages crowd. The band was, and I quote, “totally fucking sick”. Well, that may be a crude way to put it, but it is also pretty damn accurate. I missed local openers Me and the Trinity, Dying Whale and Badillacs, but did get some shots of Spoken and Lifecurse. The sound is much, much, much better upstairs than in the basement.

A couple photos here and then way more than usual after the jump, because youthful energy and hardcore bands make for good photos.

Norma Jean-5

Norma Jean-9

Read more →

Savannah Stopover preview: St. Paul & The Broken Bones

by  • 

For its 4th installment, Savannah Stopover is featuring its strongest ever lineup of bands from the South.

One of the best of those acts from the South — St. Paul & The Broken Bones — will be playing at 8 p.m. on the evening of 3/6 for the festival’s opening party Moon River Beer Garden.

St. Paul & The Broken Bones’ first album Half the City has just been released to wide acclaim. From Ann Powers with NPR’s First Listen, reflecting on the band’s development since she first saw them:

Since that winter weekday gig, I’ve watched as St. Paul and the Broken Bones became one of the nation’s best live bands. Every crowd is bigger; nearly every listener locks in and becomes a raving fan. Now, the group is releasing a debut album that’s an ideal counterpart to those frenetic shows. Produced by Ben Tanner, keyboardist for the Alabama Shakes, “Half the City” is the album you put on after the night’s done, to chill out, make out or cry into that last drink you pour in the kitchen. It’s also the one you reach for the morning after, because you just have to memorize those grooves.

And be sure to check out Bill DeYoung’s excellent profile of the band and interview with lead singer Paul Janeway in Connect Savannah.

Check out these excellent live videos from Live & Breathing and OurVinyl:

Savannah Stopover preview: The Weeks

by  • 

I must seem awfully boring to my handful of followers on Spotify. They know that I often listen to bands in obsessive cycles. And lately one band has been showing up more than any other: The Weeks.

Now based in Nashville, The Weeks formed in Mississippi way back in 2006 when the members were in their mid-teens. So the group is still young, but with years of experience and an impressive output already behind them. You can check out the power of The Weeks’ sound in the clips below, but it’s also worth reading some of the lyrics, which are apparently the result of pretty rough childhood circumstances. Here’s the opening of “Stigmata”:

I met the man who killed my mother
He put holes inside her arms
No they were not marks of stigmata lord
Just a drug pumping empty heart

I met the man who took my father
Put him in jail and locked him away
Well they say he forgot his children lord
He might remember us again someday

Much of The Weeks’ social media includes this line: “Our shoes are tattered and torn, but our feet are dry. As for our places in history, we will run naked through your streets before we sit decorated in your halls.”

Here’s an awesome live version of “Brother in the Night” from the 2013 album Dear Bo Jackson (How many bands have bassists that can actually dance?)

I just can’t get enough of the EP Gutter Gaunt Gangster:

And “The House That We Grew Up In” from Gutter Gaunt Gangster:

The Weeks – House That We Grew Up In from Serpents & Snakes on Vimeo.

Some really interesting interview footage and other visuals interspersed with song clips in this video posted by their label Serpents & Snakes.

The Weeks will perform at 8:30 p.m. on Sat., 3/8 in Ellis Square, capping Stopover’s free concert there. I don’t think many people are prepared for just how good this show is going to be.

Larry Jack’s Magical Music Tour 2/27/14-3/4/14

by  • 

Hi guys,
March is my favorite month in Savannah.  It is our one month of Spring-weather, the clocks change on March 9th, and I always appreciate the extra hour of daylight. And of course, the Savannah Stopover and St. Patrick’s Day are in March. More on those in the next few weeks. It looks like the good shows are starting early this month, with a few good shows this weekend and continuing onto Monday and Tuesday. You better get in some practice, the Stopover is next week!

Thursday 2/27

Eric Culberson (blues) – Bayou Cafe

TimeCop vs DangerSnake – Molly MacPherson’s

Friday 2/28

Waits & Co. (Americana) – Moon River Brewing

Magic Rocks (classic rock covers) – Rocks On The Roof

Back City Woods (Americana), Sinners & Saints (foot stompin shit kickin whiskey drinkin sweet lovin music) – Jinx

Justin Fedor (from New Familiars) – Molly MacPherson’s – Justin always puts on a good show.

Lingo (Funky-jazz jam band) – Congress Street Social Club – One of my guilty pleasures is jam bands, and this sounded like an interesting jam band, seemed like they had a fair amount of funk and jazz thrown in on the clips I heard.

Saturday 3/1

City Hotel – Driftaway Café – Be sure to catch this bluegrass band if you happen to be on the Southside (that’s you, Tommy Holland)

Hitman – Bayou Cafe

Hypnotics (garage-party rock) – Molly MacPherson’s

Against The Grain, Rotten Blush – Jinx

Monday 3/3

Band Of Horses – Trustees Theater – This show is sure to bring some memories of the classic Wormhole show from October 2013.

Rachel Kate, Lovely Locks – Hang Fire – I think I saw this show about six weeks ago at the Jinx, I enjoyed it then and I expect it to be just as good this time (although I will miss Waits & Co this time).  Lovely Locks are one of my must-sees and Rachel Kate puts on a very good show.

Tuesday 3/4

Jason Bible – Foxy Loxy – Another good show at the Foxy, this time from the lead singer of the Train Wrecks

Savannah Stopover preview: The Silver Palms

by  • 

I’ve mentioned The Silver Palms a few times here on hissing lawns, but I’m sure they’re a new name to most of you.

The fast-rising foursome from Camden County, Ga. — that’s way down along the coast by the Florida line — have recently been touring the UK in support of The Orwells and Jake Bugg. That’s some fast and intense experience for The Silver Palms, who plan to release their first full record later this year.

The Silver Palms’ Savannah Stopover performance will be on Thursday, 3/6 at 10 p.m. at Congress Street Social Club. The night before, they’ll be in NYC; the night after, they’ll be playing in Philly and then they’ll work their way to SXSW.

The Silver Palms’ debut single will be released officially on March 11, but it’s already available for streaming:

The band’s first video “Georgia Boy” now has over 10,000 views:

Here’s the band with the insanely talented Jake Bugg:

Post by The Silver Palms.

And here are a few photos of The Silver Palms in early January at The Jinx here in Savannah. It’s going to be interesting to see how their live show has developed over the last two months.

TheSilverPalms-2

Read more →

Savannah Stopover announces minor schedule changes

by  • 

Anytime you’re dealing with 90+ bands from all over the country (and a few from around the world), you’re bound to see some last minute shifts and changes. So no surprise that five bands have dropped out of next week’s Savannah Stopover and that three new acts have been added.

Here are the changes announced earlier today:

Additions:
Born Cages
Sun Club
Irata

Cancellations:
Capsula
Heliotropes
Coke Weed
ARP
Sierra

2nd Shows Added:
Los Colognes
Teen

Schedule Shifts:
Juan Wauters
Spirit Animal
Heavenly Beat

Click here for the constantly updated schedule.

I’d also suggest keeping close tabs on the Savannah Stopover Facebook page, which has been incredibly active in recent weeks bands headed to the festival release new songs and albums, make TV and radio appearances, and garner all sorts of impressive press.

The Wave Slaves, COEDS, and Crazy Bag Lady at Hang Fire – photos

by  • 

Last Friday, Hang Fire offered up a stacked lineup of local acts to kick the weekend off with a bang.

First up were The Wave Slaves, who, much as their name would imply, rocked out with some classic surf rock. The 4 piece outfit are a total throwback to the driving bass lines and intricate guitar work seen in classic surf acts like Dick Dale.

After The Wave Slaves, COEDS took the stage to continue the retro theme of the night. In contrast to the 60’s surf rock that preceded them, COEDS laid down some classic rock n’ roll much in the vein of The B52s fused with modern power-pop influences. A bit more rambunctious and rowdy than some of the classic acts of the 80’s, COEDS manage to take something vintage and re-tool it into something uniquely their own.

Closing out the show was Crazy Bag Lady, turning things up to 11 to finish up the night. Crazy Bag Lady delivered another high energy, fast and furious showcase of punk rock ethos as always expected. Check out a few shots below and stay tuned to find out about upcoming shows featuring these awesome locals including The Jinx’s Rock N’ Roll Prom featuring The Wave Slaves as well as Savannah Stopover where Crazy Bag Lady and COEDS will both have sets during the 3 day festival.

DSC_0240 DSC_0513DSC_0608

Read more →