The news is gut wrenching. For the next two weeks, or even the unforeseeable future we will be social distancing to help stop the spread of COVID-19. After such an amazing weekend of music, this particularly hits hard for those bands who were just beginning their tour schedules. Many have new albums out right now, and money invested in merch and travel. I am so sad to report that almost every band I saw this past weekend at Stopover has had to make the, “We are so sorry but we have suspended our tour until further notice” call. The thoughtful, carefully worded statements have inundated my social’s feed for the past two-three days. It is a real bummer. A bummer for the fans who purchased tickets, the venues, and especially the bands that want to share their creative gifts with others to help spread their listening reach.
I hope you are paying attention and can support these new bands by listening, ordering a download or an album, and maybe even sharing the really good songs with friends. Cause, what better way to pass the time than listening to new music? I really can’t think of any better way.
So check out these amazing bands that I was able to see live. Get them on your radar and support them right now, and also when they get back to touring.
Tall Tall Trees-Perry Lane Hotel Rooftop Lounge
Ohmme
Ohmme is an indie-rock duo out of Chicago, Sima Cunningham and Macie Stewart. They recently announced their sophomore album, Fantasize Your Ghost. Known for their adventurous harmonies, jarring musical sounds, vocal switches and changes, they definitely wowed us as powerful performers. Trinity Methodist Church was an incredible space to highlight their vocal and musical abilities.
DeVotchKa
DeVotchKa are a four piece multi-instrumental vocal group out of Colorado. Their unique sound began back in the late 90’s and after multiple albums and sold out shows, they took a much needed hiatus in 2012. Then in 2018 released, This Night Falls Forever. Their musical style is described as gypsy punk, dark cabaret, indie-folk/rock. The lead singer, Nick Urata is a serious crooner with lyrical intensity and is backed by talented musicians playing a wide variety of instruments (guitars, piano, theremin, trumpet, violin, viola, accordion, sousaphone, acoustic bass, drums, and percussion). Love the lit up sousaphone. They played in the Trinity Methodist Church in Savannah to a standing room only crowd, and it was a wonderful experience.
This picture shows the wild experience of an instrument I have never seen before…. it is a theremin. Nick Urata waved his hand and made music with this incredible instrument. It is one of the earliest electronic instruments. The sound of the theremin has been described as “a purified and magnified saxophone.” He fluttered his fingers and waved his hand near the antennae to raise or lower the theremin’s pitch and volume. It was truly wild and magical.
Shovels and Rope
It is a no-brainer to see the headliner of the main stage performance on Friday night. The talent of Shovels and Rope, an American folk duo out of Charleston, is undeniable. They have powerhouse vocals and electric performances, leaving the listeners always wanting more. They totally lived up to the expectations and wowed us all.
Honey Cutt
Honey Cutt is Kaley Honeycutt who is from Florida but relocated to Boston to build her music world. There she met Ari Blut who plays bass and Chris Chew on drums. With a new album out now, Coasting via Kanine Records, she is one to watch. I expect her talent to blow up, but with her touring schedule sidelined by the Coronavirus, I am counting on y’all to give her some love.
Amazing….
I had the pleasure of bumping into her at a fast food pizza joint after her show. She and her friends were truly kind. It was fast easy pizza but not the best. Her music deserved so much better for dinner that night. Life on the road. Sadly, her tour schedule is on hiatus for now.
The playlist!
“Coasting”
Deeper
Deeper is a band where I dig their twangy guitars and off beat, shifting sounds. All are enhanced by the lead singer’s emphatic edginess. They are singer and guitarist Nic Gohl, guitarist Mike Clawson, bassist Drew McBride, and drummer Shiraz Bhatti out of Chicago’s DIY scene. Their sound is post-punk/indie rock at its finest. Deeper has a new album, Auto-Pain via Fire Talk , out on March 27th. Please check them out, they are going to need so much support in these uncertain times.
The Nude Party
I learned about The Nude Party a couple of Stopover’s ago. They blew me away with their spirited, fun songs and entertaining performance. I can honestly say I have seen them multiple times since. They all met in Boone NC at Appalachian State University and started playing house parties. Since then, they have really honed their sound and created a lively, fun band that brings back good ol’ 60’s rock and roll while striking their own unique chord. They made a perfect Friday night finale! The people that came out in support refused to leave! So much love.
My posting is a bit slower than normal. The world is changing so dramatically and I am trying to keep up with the important information and repeatedly check in with friends and relatives. I hope you are well and that the new normal has you connecting with those you love and your creative projects.
Stay tuned one more post…..
