» primary wave music

May
20thIgniting Blondfire; Joshua Radin’s “Wings” Take Flight

Blondfire’s new alt-rock single “Waves” sounds like something Olivia Newton John would be singing in the 1980s, and a song I’d be pumping through my Walkman back in the day at Jones Beach. It’s that retro cool. Putting out dreamy, catchy alt-rock is something we’ve come to expect from the California band. Their previous single “Where the Kids Are” scored big in alt-rock, and propelled them to touring gigs opening for everyone from AWOLNation to Foals. Speaking of which, two weeks ago I caught up with the band’s Erica Driscoll and Steve Stout right after they performed at Terminal 5 in New York City (opening for aforementioned Foals and Surfer Blood) and asked them about their upcoming full-length album, the current involvement of “Blondfirer” Bruce Driscoll (yes, it’s Erica’s bro), and Olivia Newton John of course. Watch. Listen. Love.
Apr
4thListen to Courtney Jaye and Bonzie Now; Thank Me Later

Several things in life are obvious. Dick Butkis will never grace the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition cover. The Ropers will never use Facebook, and Dido will never invite me over for breakfast. These are just facts – plain and simple, and with this post, I add another to my growing list of truths: you’re going to love these two singer/songwriters on the “show” today. First up is Courtney Jaye,a Nashville-based singer/songwriter who is touring this spring with comedian/singer/songwriter Stephen Lynch in support of her new album Love and Forgiveness. Ironically, the emerging pop star’s songs are the antithesis of the humorous and oft-dirty ditties that Lynch slays crowds with. They’re deeply felt tunes about love and life, and the journeys in-between. At an A-Sides session filmed at the Primary Wave Music’s Listening Room in NYC (by Alexander Stein), she performed a trio of songs. Watch. Listen. Love.
Jul
30thGet “Head” From Electric Guest, Ride the Moon Taxi, and Welcome Back Shiny Toy Guys’ Carah Faye

I don’t care what anyone says. The song of the summer isn’t Carley Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” or Maroon Five’s dated “Payphone” and it’s certainly not Katy Perry’s “Wide Awake.” For my money, and mind you I make very little of it, it’s Electric Guest’s “This Head I Hold.” Already a hit on alt-radio, this song by the duo of Asa Taccone and Matthew Compton has captured the 1960s and 1970s groovy feel like no other band in recent memory. Seriously I can picture Dick Nixon socking it to me every time I hear it on the radio — whatever that means. Sure it doesn’t have the legs Jepsen’s song has had, but Guest have climbed the charts since its release, and already performed the track on Late Show with David Letterman. It’s appeared on countless television spots. But, the L.A. tag-team of Taccone and Compton are far from two-trick ponies. Their debut album “Mondo” has been well received, and provides a nice soundtrack to anyone willing to give themselves a self-high five. The MTV “buzzworthy” band are currently on tour, and stopped by Primary Wave Music’s Listening Room earlier this month for an A-Sides. There, they performed two songs including “Head” and sat down for a chat. Watch. Listen. Love. Oh, and watch their version of “Troubleman” exclusively on asidesmusic.com.
Jul
16thA-Sides Interview: Andrew Keenan-Bolger Talks “Newsies”

It’s fitting that Broadway star Andrew Keenan-Bolger is appearing in an Alan Menken-penned musical on Broadway. Much like the famed and multi-award winning composer (“Tangled,” “The Little Mermaid” – the list goes on), Keenan-Bolger is finding himself in the good graces of Disney. Prior to taking on the role of Crutchie in Disney’s “Newsies: The Musical,” he’s appeared in “mouse” company productions of “Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast.” He’s also starred as Omar in the world premiere of “Aladdin.” In an interview at the Primary Wave Music Listening Room in New York City, I spoke with the young Broadway star, and asked him why he’s been so fortunate to appear in so many Disney incarnations. I also spoke to him about the evolution of the “Newsies” musical, which he’s been a part of from the getgo, and what he thought of the critically-panned/cult sensation film the current Tony Award-winning musical is based on. Watch. Listen. Love. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9wJVv1dYdc&w=560&h=315] About A-Sides with Jon Chattman Jon Chattman’s music series typically features 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 (sometimes 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.Note: in this case, it’s just an informal interview. No song. [...]