» nyc

Jul
27thEverest Climbing and Danny Chait Rising

Being released from their record deal felt so freeing for the band Everest that their latest album in many ways felt like the very first time. No need to cue Foreigner. That’s just what the band conveyed to me during an A-Sides session filmed at the Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains, NY earlier this month. Their new album fittingly called Ownerless, the LA-based band, which was formed by Russell Pollard, Joel Graves and Jason Soda back in 2007, told me during an A-Sides session earlier this month that leaving Warner Bros. allowed them to make the kind of music they always wanted to, and perhaps strayed from. Watch below, and enjoy their performance of the title track. Oh, and catch them on the road alongside Alberta Cross and this fall with Neil Young with Crazy Horse. Yeah, I said Neil Young. Bad to the ass. Anyway … Watch. Listen. Love. Everest – “Ownerless” [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCJ4Pd1fs5U&w=560&h=315] We move from a band opening up for a legend to a newcomer starting to open some eyes. How’s that for a segue? Westchester native and current Brooklynite Danny Chait has been getting some notices with his old-school “songwritery” rock EP “The Back Room.” Chait, who played South by Southwest (SXSW) and CMJ Music Marathon, stopped by the Conservatory to film an A-Sides session and perform his track “On.” Watch below you will. Yes? “On” and interview [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L383hMGZ4k4&w=560&h=315] About A-Sides with Jon Chattman Jon Chattman’s music series features artists (established or not) [...]

Mar
9thTalking “fun.” and “We Are Young” in NYC

“Do you wanna have fun? How’s about (fun) a few laughs? I can show you a… good time… Do you wanna have fun… fun… fun?” I realize quoting “Big Spender” lyrics from Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields’ Sweet Charity musical won’t earn me any sweet indie cred, but I went there anyway. Why? Because it allowed me to use this as an intentionally tacky lead-in: “Who doesn’t want to have some ‘fun’?” Winks and nudges out of the way, I can now tell you about the indie pop rock band “fun.”, who have been on quite a roll since their song “We Are Young,” appeared on a December episode of Glee. The track has been killing it on pop and alternative stations ever since. It’s listed at #1 on its Digital Songs charts and the album is currently ranked #3 on the Billboard 200. Despite the early success with that song, which features Janelle Monáe, the fun trio (Nate Ruess, Andrew Dost and Jack Antonoff) aren’t exactly sold it’s a hit yet. In the immortal words of Will Ferrell in Zoolander, they are clearly on “crazy pills.”

Dec
8thThe Kooks’ Show Us Their “Junk”

My wife isn’t exactly a fan of a lot of new music. She gets a little sick of hearing me talk up the latest, greatest artist I’m listening to, and tends to play the same songs in her car over and over again. Yet, something broke through to her usual playlist of Bob Marley, Coldplay and the Dixie Chicks last summer. The Kooks’ “Junk of the Heart” is a catchy throwback song about – I think anyway – a guy who wants to show the world to the girl he loves – assuming she’s as in to him as he is to her. The song, which I obviously like too, is sort of a departure for the UK rock stars who have sold over 2 million records worldwide. Their third album, also called “Junk of the Heart,” features far more soul and even channels Bowie at times but those killer good hooks are still there. Last month, I caught up with one-half of the band (frontman Luke Pritchard and guitarist Hugh Harris) just prior to their sold-out show at Webster Hall in New York City and asked them about the new sound, and specifically the title track which my wife fittingly overplays in her car now. The fun pair also performed a cool, infectious acoustic version of it. Before you watch the video – know this: The Kooks will perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live! with far superior video equipment on Dec. 12. They’re also winding down their fall tour on [...]

Nov
8thMotopony Rides and TAB the Band says “I Love You”

The Seattle music scene isn’t what it was in the 1990s. Ask any member of Motopony, the Emerald City-based rocking, pop-ing folkish band, and they’ll tell you the scene has gone from grunge and plaid shirts to a folk and even hip hop social scene. In the Cornerstone offices in New York City, the quintet discussed that and their self-titled debut album and performed the track “Seer” off their record. If you don’t know the band by name, by the way, you likely know them by ear. Their smooth hypnotic single “King of Diamonds” has been played repeatedly on SiriusXM and other stations, but isn’t about Neil Diamond. Listen and watch below. “Seer” Live in NYC: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmJhJS6POIw&w=460&h=315] Motopony Interview: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlMY4HzUux4&w=460&h=315] The second band on “A-Sides” is another rocking act but with a more classic rock feel. The Duxbury, Massachusetts-based TAB the Band features brothers Tony and Adrian Perry, who are probably sick about you asking them what it’s like having Aerosmith legend Joe Perry as their dad. Along with Ben Tileston and Lou Jannetty, the quartet evoke more comparisons to Cheap Trick and have been touring in support of their album “Zoo Noises.” Last week, the quartet made some noises for “A-Sides” by performing a killer informal version of “She Said No (“I Love You”), which appears on that record followed by a Q&A below the vid. Mangia. “She Said No (I Love You)” [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TL06ja9f_I&w=460&h=315] What was the songwriting process for “She Said No (I Love You)”? [...]

Oct
28thThe Gift in a NYC Bathroom and Graffiti6 Gets Solo and Stripped Down

You can accomplish a lot in a bathroom. Aside from doing your business, you can read an article, perhaps text your friends, or do as I do: play Angry Birds on your iPad. OK, that’s T.M.I. and gross, but it brings us to our next “A-Sides” session. Nuno Goncalves of the Portugal psych pop band The Gift used the trendy iPad tablet — specifically a keyboard App — earlier this month in a dressing room restroom located backstage of Le Poisson Rouge in NYC to perform a track with his band. Two hours before The Gift headlined a show at that city venue, they packed inside the private lavatory to perform an intimate version of their song “RGB.” The song is off their new album “Explode,” which was released late last month. Before we get “live in the can”, here’s a breakdown of the Portuguese music makers: The Gift formed in 1994 by Gonçalves and bandmate Miguel Ribeiro. They’d later be joined by Sónia Tavares, John Gonçalves, and Ricardo Braga and soon dominated the Portugal pop-rock scene. I could tell you more about them, but you’ll get a better sense watching this: The Gift — RGB [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZm7nr6-Mdo&w=460&h=315] Jamie Scott didn’t perform a pair of songs in any bathroom in New York City. Why would he honestly? The singer/songwriter, who along with UK producer TommyD make up the duo Graffiti6, sat down with guitar in hand in a city apartment to perform two tracks acoustically. Scott and TommyD are currently [...]

Oct
18thRachael Yamagata, Madi Diaz

The best singer/songwriters make you feel their music no matter what the tone of the song is and the lyrics are. In other words, you feel the words pouring out of them whether you can relate or not. This week’s “A-Sides” performers are guilty of that for sure. With her distinct raspy-ish voice and sometimes chilling words, Rachael Yamagata has collected a legion of fans with every release she’s come out with (case in point they helped fund her current tour via pledgemusic.com.) Last week, Yamagata released “Chesapeake,” a new album that’s not as dark in tone compared to her last LP “Elephants” and features a musical “dream team” to back her up. Her band for the record features Victor Indrizzo (Sheryl Crow) on drums, guitarists Mike Viola (Candy Butchers), Michael Chaves (John Mayer), and Kevin Salem, (Dump Truck, Yo La Tengo), cellist Oli Kraus (Sia, Duffy) and Tom Freund on upright bass. Most of that team joined the Virginian in New York City recently for an “A-Sides” session at the Sneak Attack Media offices. While the music can sometimes be a bit heavy, Yamagata and her band came off very light – just a fun-loving bunch making some sweet music together. The same can be said for rising indie folk star Madi Diaz, who has been touring this fall to promote her recently released EP “Far From Things” and her upcoming new album. The Lancaster, PA native, joined by collaborator Kyle Ryan, came off as shiny happy people. Why [...]

Oct
13thZee Avi and Hindi Zahra Perform and Chat in NYC

There’s a certain throwback feel going on with this week’s “A-Sides.” Zee Avi is a celebrated singer/songwriter from Malaysia who packs an emotional wallop with her retro cool indie-rock folkiness (making that a word, by the way). Meanwhile, Moroccan-born songstress Hindi Zahra is a buzzworthy artist who has been called a modern day Billie Holiday thanks to her unique blues, jazz-infused gypsy sound. I caught up with the two artists separately in Manhattan last week for an exclusive performance and informal chat. First was Avi, who is currently on tour in support of her sophomore album “ghostbird.” The pint-sized artist, who’s as infectious off stage as she is on, played “Milestone Moon” off that album with her band just prior to taking the stage at the Highline Ballroom. Next was Zahra, who admitted to being a bit jetlagged when we met at the press here publicity offices. Showing no signs of it, the singer/songwriter delivered an intimate performance of “Don’t Forget” off her debut American release “Handmade.” The album came out digitally last week (a physical album will be out Oct. 11). Zahra is currently prepping for her first stateside tour. Watch these two remarkable ladies below… Zee Avi – “Milestone Moon” and More [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vExZAydL8mQ&w=460&h=315] Hindi Zahra – “Don’t Forget” and Not Forgetting Who Came Before Her [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKZse2u0j-A&w=460&h=315] About “A-Sides with Jon Chattman” Jon Chattman’s music series features artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series [...]

Oct
13thNever Shout Never, J. Aims, and An Horse

Music can heal. It can inspire you, turn you on, and/or serve up instant nostalgia like nothing else can. I know constantly listening to Radiohead got me through some deep family issues last year. Listening to Weezer’s “blue” album, on the flipside, evokes my late great friend Stephen Spruck’s memory, because he turned me onto them. Similarly, a Broadway tune — especially off the “Les Miserables” cast album — can make me think of my dad who is a musical junkie. I have a boatload of these examples. To put it mildly, I believe in the power of music, and I don’t care how incredibly cornball that sounds. With that notion, I’m launching my own music series on the Huffington Post appropriately dubbed “A-Sides with Jon Chattman”. The series will feature a few artists (established or not) from all genres — performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometime humorous) way. No bells, no whistles — just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, I’m hoping this is refreshing. In the first installment, a trio of acts perform a track and discuss its meaning. First up, the Aussie duo of Kate Cooper and Damon Cox — better known as An Horse — performed “Dressed Sharply” off their acclaimed sophomore effort “Walls” live on a pool table [...]

A-Sides with Jon Chattman: A Music Site Minus The PretensionInformal. Exclusive. Not the Same Broken Record.

Jul
27thEverest Climbing and Danny Chait Rising

Mar
9thTalking “fun.” and “We Are Young” in NYC

Dec
8thThe Kooks’ Show Us Their “Junk”

Nov
8thMotopony Rides and TAB the Band says “I Love You”

Oct
28thThe Gift in a NYC Bathroom and Graffiti6 Gets Solo and Stripped Down

Oct
18thRachael Yamagata, Madi Diaz

Oct
13thZee Avi and Hindi Zahra Perform and Chat in NYC

Oct
13thNever Shout Never, J. Aims, and An Horse

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A-Sides with Jon Chattman: A Music Site Minus The PretensionInformal. Exclusive. Not the Same Broken Record.

Jul27thEverest Climbing and Danny Chait Rising

Mar9thTalking “fun.” and “We Are Young” in NYC

Dec8thThe Kooks’ Show Us Their “Junk”

Nov8thMotopony Rides and TAB the Band says “I Love You”

Oct28thThe Gift in a NYC Bathroom and Graffiti6 Gets Solo and Stripped Down

Oct18thRachael Yamagata, Madi Diaz

Oct13thZee Avi and Hindi Zahra Perform and Chat in NYC

Oct13thNever Shout Never, J. Aims, and An Horse

A-Sides Live! Events

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Archives

Categories

Tags

Meta

Jul
27thEverest Climbing and Danny Chait Rising

Mar
9thTalking “fun.” and “We Are Young” in NYC

Dec
8thThe Kooks’ Show Us Their “Junk”

Nov
8thMotopony Rides and TAB the Band says “I Love You”

Oct
28thThe Gift in a NYC Bathroom and Graffiti6 Gets Solo and Stripped Down

Oct
18thRachael Yamagata, Madi Diaz

Oct
13thZee Avi and Hindi Zahra Perform and Chat in NYC

Oct
13thNever Shout Never, J. Aims, and An Horse