News
The Jauntee & The Talismen Join Forces in Birmingham on Saturday August 20, 2019 18:59
Little Raine Band Confirms 6th Annual Day After Christmas Show December 10, 2018 21:21
Words by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
Photo by Charity Ponter
Live & Listen is fully funded by our merchandise + ticket sales. Click here to shop now and support the cause!
Birmingham favorites Little Raine Band will continue their post-Christmas extravaganza this year, as the 6th Annual Day After Christmas Show has been confirmed. The band began this concept in 2012, and the tradition has quickly become one of the Alabama jam scene's favorites. Joining LRB this year will be Atlanta jamtronic act Space Kadet, as well as local producer Devonte Hutchins.
We've been on the LRB bandwagon since the inception of Live & Listen in 2014, as the band has played many events we have promoted, such as The Blueberry Jam, CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival, Jam in the Ham, and multiple shows at Zydeco, WorkPlay, and Bourbon Street Bar (Auburn). This show will be a special one, as the band has been hard at work in the studio for their next release in 2019. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here.
We recently caught up with Little Raine Band frontman Davis Little to learn a little more about what the band has been up to, as well as the concept behind this particular occasion:
"The Day After Christmas Show is a very special tradition for us. It always marks our last show for each year. There’s no better way to wrap up the year than getting down with the hometown crowd. This has also become a way for us to get together with friends and fans who are back in town for the holidays. It’s hands down one of our favorite shows to play each year, and it never disappoints.
This year’s show is going to be the best one yet (in our eyes). We’ve got Space Kadet from Atlanta joining us. We love these guys, and they put on an kick ass show. Also, our brother DeVonte Hutchins, who will be running lights all night, is going to open up the night with a solo set. There are plenty of sit-ins lined up. Needless to say, it’s shaping up to be a very special night for us, and we are really looking forward to getting down with everyone.
We're currently finishing our second album, which we are extremely excited to release next year. We’ve put in a lot of time into making this album and can’t wait to get this new material out there."
- Davis Little of Little Raine Band
RSVP to the official Facebook event here!
Check out the videos below for a little taste of what you can expect from this year's lineup!
Watch footage from LRB's 2016 Day After Christmas Show here:
Watch Little Raine Band & Friends performing "Cortez The Killer" here:
Watch Space Kadet's recap video from Imagine Festival (2018) here:
Win Tickets to See Fruition in Birmingham on May 3rd April 13, 2018 11:25
Kellen Asebroek - vocals, rhythm guitar, piano
Mimi Naja - vocals, mandolin, electric & acoustic guitar
Jeff Leonard - bass
Tyler Thompson - drums, banjo
-
“The songs are mostly breakup songs,” says Asebroek. “There was love and now it’s gone—we fucked it up, or some outside circumstance brought it to an end. It’s about dealing with all that but still having hope in your heart, even if you’re feeling a little lost and jaded.”
-
In a departure from their usual DIY approach, Fruition teamed up with producer/mixer Tucker Martine (My Morning Jacket, The Decemberists, First Aid Kit, case/lang/veirs) to adorn their folk-rooted sound with delicately crafted elements of psychedelia and soul. Showcasing the sublime harmonies the band first discovered during an impromptu busking session in 2008, Watching It All Fall Apart also finds Fruition more fully embracing their rock-and-roll sensibilities and bringing a gritty vitality to each track. “We’ve been a band almost ten years now, and we’re at the point of being comfortable in our skin and unafraid to be whatever we want as time goes on,” Anderson notes.
-
Recorded in ten days at Flora Recording & Playback in Portland, Watching It All Fall Apart came to life with the same kinetic urgency found in Fruition’s live sound. “It’s kind of an impossible task, this idea of transmuting the live energy into something you can play on your stereo, but I feel like this record comes close to that,” says Asebroek. At the same time, the band pursued a purposeful inventiveness that resulted in their most intricately textured work to date. “Tucker helped us push ourselves to create something that glistens in subtle little ways that you might not even pick up on at first,” says Asebroek. “We got to play around with all this analog gear and these weird old keyboards we wouldn’t ordinarily use, like a bunch of kids in a toy store where everything is free.”
-
On lead single “I’ll Never Sing Your Name,” that unrestrained creativity manifests in a fuzzed-out, gracefully chaotic track complete with sing-along-ready chorus. Built on brilliantly piercing lyrics (“And all those kisses that you were blowing/Somehow they all got blown right out”), the song echoes the album’s emotional arc by painfully charting the journey from heartache to acceptance. “It’s about going through a breakup, moping around, and then finally getting to the point where it’s like, ‘Okay—I’m done with feeling this way now,’” says Anderson.
-
Throughout Watching It All Fall Apart, the band’s let-the-bad-times-roll mentality reveals itself in ever-shifting tones and moods. On the stark and sleepy “Northern Town,” Naja’s smoldering vocals channel the ache of longing, the track’s twangy guitar lines blending beautifully with its swirling string arrangement. One of the few album cuts to have already appeared in Fruition’s setlist, “There She Was” sheds the heavy funk influence of its live version and gets reimagined as a shimmering, soulful number documenting Asebroek’s real-life run-in with an ex at a local bar. Meanwhile, “Turn to Dust” emerges as a weary but giddy piece of psych-pop chronicling the end of a failed romance. The song’s opening lyric also lends the album its title, which partly serves as “a commentary on the general state of the world today,” according to Asebroek. “Even if you’re mostly an optimistic person, it’s hard not to feel down when you look at all the insanity happening right now,” he says.
-
While those unflinchingly intimate breakup songs form the core of Watching It All Fall Apart, Fruition infuse an element of social commentary into songs like “FOMO” as well. Written on the Fourth of July, with its references to wasted white girls and cocaine cowboys, the mournful yet strangely reassuring track unfolds as what Anderson calls “an anti-party party song.” “It’s about one of those situations where you said you’d go to party but you really don’t want to go, because you know it’s going to be the same old bullshit,” he says. “The song is a call to defuse that guilt in your brain.” And on the sweetly uplifting “Let’s Take It Too Far,” the band offers one of the album’s most purely romantic moments by paying loving tribute to music as solace and salvation (“But don’t you worry ’bout dyin’/’Cause there’s no better way to go/We’ll sing until we’re out of honey/Then pour the gravel down our throats”).
-
From song to song, Fruition display the dynamic musicality they’ve shown since making their debut with 2008’s Hawthorne Hoedown LP. Through the years, the band has evolved from a rootsy, string-centric outfit to a full-fledged rock act, eventually taking the stage at such major festivals as Bonnaroo and Telluride Bluegrass (a set that inspired Rolling Stone to praise their “raucous originals filled with heartfelt lyrics and stadium-worthy energy”). Following the release of 2016’s Labor of Love, Fruition again made the rounds at festivals across the U.S., prompting Rolling Stone to feature the band on its “8 Best Things We Saw” at DelFest 2016.
-
In choosing a closing track for Watching It All Fall Apart, Fruition landed on “Eraser”—a slow-building, gently determined epic delivering a quiet message of hope in its final line: “Let it help you heal.” “Because there’s so much heartbreak on this album, we wanted to end on Kellen singing that last line very sweetly,” explains Anderson. “The whole point of having all these sad songs is helping people to let those emotions out—and then hopefully when they get to the end, they feel a little better about everything they’ve gone through along the way.”
The Vegabonds Bring The 'New South Rock' To Zydeco On Friday December 13, 2017 22:39
Riding the wave of a highly successful year, Alabama natives The Vegabonds are returning home on Friday night. The band will bring its unique, 'new south rock' show to Birmingham's Zydeco, with a little help from supporting acts Dirty Girl and The Mammoths. This run has seen the five-piece throughout the East Coast with remaining stops in Jackson, MS (12/14), Birmingham, AL (12/15), Atlanta, GA (12/16), Augusta, GA (12/18), Raleigh, NC (12/19), just to name a few.
We're giving away a few pairs of tickets via Facebook and Instagram, so make sure to head over to our social channels for a chance to win. Simply share our Facebook post + tag a friend and/or like our Instagram post and tag a friend for a chance to win. Make sure your Facebook settings are on 'public' so we can see your shared post. Feel free to double your chances and participate in both giveaways, if you feel so inclined.
The Vegabonds bring their own flavor of the the americana/country movement with each performance, and this homecoming is sure to be a special occasion. Click here to join the official Facebook page. Click here to purchase tickets in advance!
Watch the band's music video for "Long Haired Country Boy" here:
Official Bio: The Vegabonds
With a sound reminiscent of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers mixed with the grit and twang of the Allman Brothers Band, The Vegabonds give their fans a sensational performance with powerhouse guitar riffs and impactful songwriting night after night. Their hard work and unbridled talents have not gone unnoticed; the group has opened for such notable acts as Lynyrd Skynyrd, the late Gregg Allman, and Kid Rock, among others. Rousing performances at festivals like Peach Fest, Magnolia Fest, Sunfest, and Toadlick grew their notoriety nationwide, leading to a west coast tour that formed in-roads with the music and comedy community in Los Angeles. It’s no wonder that Live for Live Music has compared them to musical legends like My Morning Jacket and The Black Crowes, calling them “a force to be reckoned with,” complete with “gorgeous harmonies and impressive instrumental skills mak[ing] for a perfect combination.”
Born in Alabama. Bred in Nashville. Seasoned by the Road. Celebrated the world over. Come let your hair down with The Vegabonds.
'Winter Jam In The Ham' Boasts Exciting Lineup For December 22nd December 4, 2017 01:49
Photo by Craig Baird: Home Team Photography
One of Birmingham's most exciting annual traditions, Jam In The Ham, is scheduled to return even earlier than expected this holiday season. The one-day music festival, which began in the summer of 2015, has become a staple in the Birmingham jam/electronic music scene over the past three years. Live & Listen is thrilled to announce that our friends at Big Friendly Productions will introduce the inaugural Winter Jam In The Ham on Friday, December 22nd at Zydeco.
Jam in the Ham is an annual music and arts festival in Birmingham, AL celebrating local music and art. For the first time the festival is adding a winter concert featuring local and regional favorites CBDB, Winston Ramble, Modern Measure, Space Phunk Express, Moglee, Chark, and Party Matrix. Zydeco will host two stages with a ski/mountain theme. Production will be provided by Big Friendly Productions. The local production company will be providing sound, lighting, and LED video for the event. The show will be presented by Live & Listen, Zydeco, Jam in the Ham, and Big Friendly Productions.
General Admission tickets are $15 in advance and $20 day of show. Doors at 8pm. 18 and up. Tickets are available now and can be purchased by clicking here. Stay tuned in to all of the latest updates by joining the official Facebook event page. See below for a taste of what you can expect from this year's lineup!
Watch CBDB perform "Ground Score" with Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident here:
Watch Winston Ramble perform "Miss You" at WorkPlay here:
Watch Modern Measure's official music video for "Riddle" here:
Watch the official Winter Jam In The Ham promo video here:
Aqueous Makes Powerful Alabama Debut On Halloween Night November 1, 2017 16:44
Photos by Craig Baird: Home Team Photography
Words by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
While there was plenty of hype surrounding Tuesday night's Halloween show with Aqueous and Soul Mechanic at Zydeco, I'm not sure that anyone was quite prepared for what was in store. Being Aqueous' first-ever show in Alabama, many people (myself included) were finally getting a chance to see these guys in person. I can't think of a much better way to be formally introduced to a band of this caliber than an intimate, raging Halloween show. This was a special occasion, to say the least, and both bands certainly planned accordingly with quite a few surprises in store.
Soul Mechanic kicked off the festivities in powerful fashion, to no one's surprise. Ever since catching these guys at CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival earlier this year, I just can't get enough. The Chattanooga-based five-piece takes the concept of experimental funk to another level, and the energy and stage presence they bring is beyond palpable. There aren't too many young bands touring with a world-class viola player, and that's certainly one element that makes Soul Mechanic so unique. The chemistry between Jessica Nunn (viola), William English (guitar), Parrish Gabriel (bass) and Marcus White (keyboards) couldn't be much tighter, and the sky is the limit for these guys. The highlight of the set came in the set closer, when Tommy Bowen (trumpet) and Desmond Sykes (saxophone) of Tragic City joined the band for a killer take on Lettuce's "Breakout." See below for video footage of "America."
Having watched the rapid progression of Aqueous amongst the 'jam ranks' in recent years, I had pretty high expectations for the upcoming set. While this would be my first live AQ experience, I've certainly spent hours watching and listening to the band's well documented online content. As expected with a Halloween set, these guys came out swinging with Metallica's "For Whom The Bell Tolls," the first of six debut covers for the night. This led perfectly into "Origami," which officially turned Zydeco into an all out dance party. A nice transition into "Somebody's Watching Me (Jam)" ultimately led back into "Origami."
Next up was the band's most recent single, "Weight Of The Word," which you can't miss if you're a regular SiriusXM JamOn listener. "Willy Is 40," the title track from the band's 2012 release, was executed with precision before busting out No Doubt's "Spiderwebs," another debut cover. "Kitty Chaser" was at the top of my wish list for the night, and it was an absolute monster. Guitarist Mike Gantzer then invited Travis Gray of Wild Adriatic on stage to take lead vocals on AC/DC's "Highway To Hell." This smokin' set would ultimately wrap up with "Don't Do It," a tune known for it's extensive jamming, which was absolutely held true on this night.
While the band didn't technically exit the stage, the "encore" was far from average. The entire stretch of four songs fell within "Complex Pt. 1," with debut covers of Cranberries' "Zombie" and Van Halen's "Running With The Devil" sandwiched in between. The seamless transitions here, and throughout the entire evening, were truly next level. It's always a treat when you find a band that is so balanced with talent and precision. Drummer Rob Houk held such a powerful, tight beat throughout the show. Evan McPhaden (bass) didn't miss a beat all night, all while bouncing around on stage in a fantastic 'Tigger' costume.
I was definitely most familiar with Gantzer's well-documented guitar work coming into the show, but Dave Loss (guitar/keys) blew my mind as well. Watching those two trade off scorching solos from across the stage was such a treat. All in all, Aqueous couldn't have had a dialed up a hotter Halloween show, and it's safe to say this will be the first of many Alabama appearances to come. See below for video footage of both Soul Mechanic and Aqueous, complete setlists, and a photo gallery courtesy of Home Team Photography.
Watch Soul Merchanic perform "America" here:;
Watch footage of Aqueous performing "Highway To Hell" with Travis Gray here:
Setlist: Soul Mechanic - Zydeco - Birmingham, AL - 10.31.17
Set: 6 Milli, Frontier, Jack N Coke, 'Merica, Breakout*
*Lettuce cover featuring Tragic CIty horns
Setlist: Aqueous - Zydeco - Birmingham, AL - 10.31.17
Set: For Whom The Bell Tolls*> Origami> 'Somebody's Watching Me' Jam*^> Origami, Weight Of the Word> Willy is 40> Spiderwebs**> Kitty Chaser, Highway to Hell+*, Don't Do It
Encore: Complex Pt. I> Zombie*^^> Complex Pt. I> Running with the Devil*> Complex Pt. I
*First Time Played, Metallica (intro only)
*^First Time Played, Rockwell
**First Time Played, No Doubt
+*First Time Played, AC/DC, featuring Travis Gray from Wild Adriatic on vocals
*^^ First Time Played, Cranberries Jam, included choruses
*First Time Played, Van Halen
Post show crowd shot with Aqueous
Mike Gantzer & Evan McPhaden of Aqueous
Aqueous
Dave Loss of Aqueous
Mike Gantzer, Evan McPhaden, & Rob Houk of Aqueous
Aqueous
Aqueous
Aqueous
Mike Gantzer of Aqueous
Dave Loss of Aqueous
Aqueous
Aqueous feat. Travis Gray of Wild Adriatic
Travis Gray of Wild Adriatic
Soul Mechanic w/ Tragic City horns
William English, Parrish Gabriel, & Marcus White of Soul Mechanic
Jessica Nunn of Soul Mechanic
Aqueous Is Bringing The Halloween Madness To Birmingham's Zydeco October 27, 2017 13:52
Photo by Keith Griner: Phierce Photo
Words by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
Share this post directly from the Live & Listen Facebook page and tag a friend in the comments section of the post for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the show. A winner will be announced at 10:00 AM CST on Tuesday, 10/31.
It's no secret that Halloween is one of the biggest nights of the year for most major touring bands. If you keep up with the latest happenings in the live touring circuit, you've surely seen the hype surrounding Aqueous, a four-piece, high-energy groove rock act out of Buffalo, NY. Whether its their impressive billing on just about every major festival lineup, their recent Green Day Dookie collaborations with Umphrey's McGee bassist Ryan Stasik, or even their heavy rotation on Sirius XM JamOn, the excitement surrounding this band continues to escalate.
While Halloween isn't conveniently falling on a weekend this year, there is a party you simply don't want to miss at Zydeco in Birmingham. Aqueous is making a rather rare appearance in Alabama, and you can rest assured that the band has big plans for this special occasion. If that wasn't enough, Soul Mechanic (Chattanooga, TN) will be providing direct support and warming up the stage in powerful fashion. At the rate things are going, Aqueous is on the fast track to playing even bigger rooms/stages, and this is a Tuesday night you're going to have to plan accordingly for. Do yourself a favor and join the official Facebook event for all of the latest updates. Tickets can be purchased in advance by clicking here.
Bio: Aqueous
Aqueous’s groove rock sound stems from Buffalo NY. They have built a name for themselves nationally, following years of touring and high profile sets at major festivals. The band is as strong in composing as they are at communicating and improvising during their shows. Their onstage persona is infectious and undeniable; their lifelong friendship stands as a testament to the tightness of the music. While the band is relatively young, they are polished - check them out as soon as you can, and discover firsthand what the buzz is all about.
For all things Aqueous, make sure to follow the band on Facebook and check their official website.
Check out Aqueous' latest single "Weight Of The World" here:
CBDB Announces SlossFest Afterparty At Zydeco July 11, 2017 11:28
The 3rd Annual 'Jam In The Ham' Returns To Birmingham On June 24th June 15, 2017 12:42
Click Here: Purchase Tickets Today!
Fans of the southern jam scene are in for a real treat next weekend, as the 3rd Annual 'Jam In The Ham' returns to Birmingham's ZYDECO on Saturday, June 24th. While the ever evolving Birmingham music scene has attracted many major national acts this summer, Jam In The Ham prides itself on featuring a lineup stacked with premier regional talent. Local favorites Little Raine Band and Winston Ramble sit atop of the lineup, which also features dynamic performances from Dirty Girl, Soul Mechanic, Space Phunk Express, and LilBigJack.
Live & Listen is a proud supporter of Jam In The Ham, and as a part of this year's promotion, we are giving away a few pairs of tickets to the event. In order to enter the contest, you must 'like' Jam In The Ham on Facebook (click here), share this post on our Facebook page (click here), and tag a friend on in the comments on our Facebook page. Make sure your Facebook settings are set to public, so we can see your share on our end. We will announce the winners at 3:00 PM on Friday, June 23rd.
In addition to the ticket giveaway, our friends at Avondale Guitar & Music are giving away a Les Paul electric guitar autographed by all artists playing at Jam in the Ham 2017 to one lucky pre sale ticket buyer (click here to purchase). The more tickets you buy, the better your chances to win. A winner will be announced Saturday, June 24th on the Jam in the Ham Facebook event page. The giveaway is presented by Avondale Guitar and Music. Their grand opening is Monday, June 19th. Check out their great inventory of guitars, amps, pedals, and make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
Beck Hall of Avondale Guitar & Music
Jam in the Ham is a one-day celebration of local entertainment taking place annually at Zydeco in Birmingham, AL on Saturday June 24th. For more info on the event and to purchase tickets, click here. See below to view the event schedule and learn more about this year's lineup!
Watch Little Raine Band perfom "Terrapin Station" at last year's Jam In The Ham here:
Watch Winston Ramble perform "Miss You" at WorkPlay with special guests Davis Little & Daniel Raine here:
Listen to Soul Mechanic's recent single "Space Kitty" here:
Watch Dirty Girl perform "Worlds Closing In" (Tiny Desk Submission) here:
Listen to Space Phunk Express jam on "Shakedown Street" here:
Win Tickets To See The Heavy Pets & Backup Planet At Zydeco (3/29) March 27, 2017 11:32
Win Tickets To See TAUK + Maradeen At Zydeco (3/6) February 27, 2017 21:02
From the hazy atmospherics of “Time’s Up” and soaring riffs of “Program Select” to the urgent rhythms of “Shenanigans” and sprawling melodies of “Where You Are,” Sir Nebula finds TAUK introducing a cosmically inspired element to their music. “The album ended up taking on a more ambient kind of vibe than anything we’ve done before—there’s a spaciness in the songs that lets you get lost in the sound,” says Dolan. And while the album is endlessly hypnotic, TAUK also deliver the dynamic tension-and-release jams that have helped earn them a devoted following while drawing critical acclaim (the Washington Post, for one, praised TAUK for “creating a hard-charging, often melodic fusion that—thanks to a penchant for improv—offers limitless possibilities”).
Throughout Sir Nebula—the follow-up to their 2015 live double album HEADROOM—TAUK allow a more free-form, instinct-guided approach to steer their music into bold new directions. “With this record, we felt more comfortable in the studio and got to a new level where we were able to constantly feed off each other, so there was a lot of spur-of-the-moment improvisation that really helped shape the album,” says Jalbert. Adds Carter: “We made a point of trying to express ourselves freely and take risks even when that felt challenging and scary, instead of holding ourselves back and possibly taking something away from the songs.” At the same time, TAUK sharpened their songwriting to craft more intricately layered arrangements and powerfully intense grooves.
As with their past four releases, TAUK created Sir Nebula in collaboration with Grammy Award-winning producer/mixer/engineer Robert Carranza (The Mars Volta, Ozomatli, Jack Johnson, Taj Mahal). But in a departure from their previous work, the band made the album in one concentrated period rather than spacing the recording sessions out in between tours. Holing up at the Solar Powered Plastic Plant in Los Angeles, often pulling 12-hour workdays, TAUK ultimately found the revamped recording process hugely beneficial. “Everything just happened so naturally this time around,” says Jalbert. “I can’t think of one moment where it felt like anything was forced. We were all just completely focused and in the same mindset, which made it this incredibly fun and smooth experience.”
TAUK’s creative connection traces back to childhood, when longtime friends Dolan, Jalbert, and Carter formed their first band in seventh grade and held practice in their school basement. After playing together in various projects over the years, the trio brought Teel into the fold in 2012, cementing the final lineup. “We gelled pretty quickly as friends and as musicians, and now there’s a connection onstage that’s unspoken,” notes Teel. “You just feel it from the energy within the band and from the response coming from the crowd—all these people in the same exact headspace.”
Since their formation, TAUK have shared stages with an impressive list of bands (including Widespread Panic, Umphrey’s McGee, Lettuce, and Tim Reynolds & TR3), in addition to appearing at festivals like Electric Forest, Bonnaroo, and The Allman Brothers’ Peach Music Festival. That rigorous touring schedule has gone a long way in strengthening their chemistry, according to Carter. “We’re doing 140 shows a year and we pretty much live with each other, so there’s a healthy respect and trust and love happening there,” he says. “We all have a common goal and an understanding that this is something we’re compelled to do, and that’s definitely brought us close together.” It’s also helped TAUK develop a reputation as a masterful live act: “TAUK is unstoppable,” raved Live for Live Music. “If you haven’t see them, dear God, go.”
Now on the road again (with upcoming dates including a two-night stint at the Brooklyn Bowl and spots on the Hangtown Music Festival, North Coast Music Festival, and Catskill Chill Music Festival), TAUK also have plans to widen their output by composing scores for film and television. In the meantime, the band is focused on instilling their live show with the same kinetic energy and boundless passion that powered the making of Sir Nebula. “Growing up together as musicians and collectively going on this journey—that’s what makes this experience really special,” says Jalbert of TAUK’s continued evolution. “It’s like everything we’ve learned over the years has been funneled into this band, and now it’s taking shape in a really exciting way. We all love what we’re doing, and the band just feels like home.”
CBDB Joins Stacked Lineup For Birmingham's SlossFest February 22, 2017 21:24
Win Tickets To See McLovins At Zydeco In Birmingham (2/23) February 21, 2017 15:52
Ticket Giveaway: A Live One (Phish Tribute) At Zydeco On January 21st January 18, 2017 02:24
Win Tickets To See Zoogma At Zydeco On Saturday Night (Dec. 3rd) November 28, 2016 21:32
Live & Listen is pleased to join forces with our friends at Zydeco in Birmingham once again for an evening of live music with Zoogma and special guest Chark on Saturday, December 3rd. Doors open at 9:30 PM and the music will start soon thereafter. As a sign of our excitement for Saturday night, we're giving away a pair of tickets to the show. To enter the contest, simply share this post directly from our Facebook page and tag a friend who you would take to the show in the comments. We will announce a winner at 12:00 PM on Friday afternoon.
Read our recent interview with Justin Hasting of Zoogma
Live electronic quartet Zoogma has been busy over the past year. While maintaining a busy tour schedule, the band has been steadily working on their new concept record, A Future in Blue. The new record combines their Mississippi/Memphis blues roots with their unique electronica sound to bring listeners their own refreshing brand of “Future-Blues”.
The first single, “What It Is”, mixes Leslie-driven guitar and classic 70’s-era horns, with catchy vintage-blues samples that mesh with the funky, futuristic electronic sound Zoogma delivers both live and in the studio. Listen to the new single, streaming below.
Zoogma is a live electronic
Chark began expressing
Watch Zoogma's Stranger Things Halloween Weekend Recap here:
Win Tickets To See Zach Deputy & Ballyhoo! - Zydeco - Birmingham, AL - Sat. 9/10 September 7, 2016 23:33
We've been looking forward to this Saturday night in Birmingham for some time, and we're here to share that excitement today. Zach Deputy and Ballyhoo! are bringing the "Dance 'Til You Fall Tour" to Zydeco, and there will be plenty of reggae rock dance vibes to go around. As part of our preparation for the show, we're giving away a pair of tickets, and here's your chance to win. Simply 'share' this post from the Live & Listen Facebook page and tag a friend who you would like to take to the show. Make sure your settings are on "public," so we're able to see your post.
You will want to plan accordingly in order to catch opening sets from Bumpin' Uglies and Sun-Dried Vibes. Doors open at 7:00 PM, and tickets can be purchased in advance by clicking here. Make sure to keep an eye on the official Facebook event page, in order to make sure you have all of the latest information on the show.
Zach Deputy
Zach Deputy has a diverse ethnic background, having Puerto Rican, Irish, African, British, French, and Cherokee heritage, which opens him to influence from Latin, Caribbean, and African music. Deputy's music is often about "the highs of life," and he has said that songwriting is a way to "take pictures of the things that I want to remind myself of 10 years from now."
Deputy began looping when his bass player couldn't make it to a show and Zach decided to use a delay pedal as a looping pedal rather than cancel the gig. When he plays live, he will loop and layer chord progressions, bass, beat boxing, drum sounds, vocals, and guitar. He performs with four microphones: a vocal synthesizer for choir sounds; one for high-hat, snare, and back-beat; one for main vocals, and one for vocal bass or bass drum. His looping shows are known for their variety. "There are so many different ways it can happen. I can loop my guitar first, go into drums or loop a vocal riff first or straight into beat boxing and loop it or just go acoustic. It's very free formed. Every show can be extremely different from another. I try to have little consistency when it comes to my show. I never want to get bored with myself." His fans will seek out live recordings of particular shows because each is so unique.
Deputy spends most of the year touring and at one time averaged 300 shows a year. His performances are mostly one-man-band looping shows, but also include Zach Deputy Band shows and acoustic storyteller shows. He has played many large festivals such as Jam Cruise, Mountain Jam, High Sierra Music Festival, Gathering of the Vibes, and All Good Music Festival.
Watch Zach Deputy perform "Put It In The Boogie" in Vail, CO in July 2016 here:
Ballyhoo!
Ballyhoo! is a rock, pop, punk, and reggae band from Aberdeen, Maryland. The group has sold over 30,000 copies of its 5 albums and more than 200,000 digital tracks. Ballyhoo! played the House of Marley Stage on the Warped Tour 2012. The band has opened up for bands 311, Dirty Heads, Tribal Seeds, and Slightly Stoopid on previous tours. The group played over 166 shows in 2012. Ballyhoo! started out in July of 1995. The band's self-released album Do It For The Money! contained the songs “Cali Girl” and “Cerveza.” The follow-up, Cheers!, was produced by Scotch Ralston (311). The album also features mix work by 311 drummer, Chad Sexton. Ballyhoo! released a single, "Front Porch," in October of 2010.
The band's album Daydreams was the group's first release under Pepper's LAW Records. The 12-track album was recorded and produced at Sound Lounge studios in Orlando, Florida by Greg Shields and Mike Stebe and released in September of 2011. The band’s "Daydreams" single “Last Night” saw rotation at various alternative radio stations including WHFS Baltimore, WRFF Philadelphia, KUKQ Phoenix, Star 101.9 Honolulu, & SiriusXM/Faction, as well as various specialty shows around the country. The band's single "Walk Away" is next and poised to open even more doors at radio with its melodic chorus and sing along vibe. Yesod Williams, owner of the band’s label LAW Records says of his newest addition, “Having BALLYHOO! join the LAW family is a perfect fit. They are an incredibly talented band with a really catchy style”.
Watch Ballyhoo!'s official music video for "girls." here:
Runaway Gin: A Tribute To Phish Will Play Birmingham's Zydeco On November 11th August 23, 2016 11:33
Photo by Lucas Armstrong Photography
The world's most active Phish tribute, Runaway Gin, is officially set to make it's Alabama debut on Friday, November 11th at Zydeco in Birmingham. We couldn't be more pleased to be a part of this show, as we have had the pleasure of seeing Runaway Gin many times over the years. The group, which holds a weekly residency at The Charleston Pour House every Sunday night, has quickly expanded outside of the South Carolina market and become a nationally touring act in very high demand. While Phish did not make it back to Birmingham on their fall tour, fans can rejoice in the fact that Runaway Gin is bringing a tribute that is second to none. We recently caught up with frontman Andy Greenberg, who expressed the band's excitement to break into the Birmingham/Alabama market.
With over 200 shows under their belt, Runaway Gin is the World's most active Phish Tribute Band. They play every Sunday at the Charleston Pour House and tour often.
The members of Runaway Gin are long time Phish fans who have united with the goal of creating musical moments inspired by Phish. The band's song list is constantly growing and their improvisational and communication skills are constantly developing independently and together. Like Phish, Runaway Gin will never play the same show or jam the same way twice making every show a unique experience and every moment pure artistic creation.
Runaway Gin strives to capture the essence of Phish's flagship live style of group improvisation known as "type-2" jamming as well as learning the composed segments of Phish's catalog with impeccable precision. Their success in these areas comes from constant live shows as well as rehearsals. The current moment is always the driving force in a Runaway Gin show giving the quartet a fresh and original sound during jams and shows as a whole.
Click Here: Purchase tickets to Runaway Gin at Zydeco today!
Photo by Lucas Armstrong Photography
Live & Listen Presents: Zoogma with Moglee at Zydeco - Friday 8/19 August 11, 2016 17:22
Live & Listen is pleased to announce that we are teaming up with our friends at Zydeco in Birmingham for another amazing night of music next week. Join us on Friday, August 19th for an evening with Nashville-based, live electronic act Zoogma along with an opening set from local producer Moglee. This marks the highly anticipated return to Birmingham for Zoogma, so mark your calendars and purchase your tickets today, as this is a show you will not want to miss. Doors are scheduled to open at 9:30 PM on Friday, August 28th. Moglee will perform an opening set, with Zoogma taking the stage shortly after. Tickets are available now for $10 and can be purchased by clicking here.
Zoogma is a live electronic band based in Nashville, TN. Since 2010, Zoogma has been blending genres into a musical experience that has been called "refreshingly original, yet steeped in dance music tradition". The band is no stranger to the studio or touring either. With two full studio albums, a double jam cruise live album, a slew of patented live remixes, and the most recent release of their chart topping "New Era EP", as well as a handful of national headline tours under their belt, Zoogma has carved out an incredibly loyal fanbase. You can get all of their music for free at www.zoogma.net
Matt Harris - Drums, Live Sequencing
Justin Hasting - Guitar, Synthesizer
Ryan Nall - Bass, Synthesizer
Watch Zoogma perform "Hotel Crunkifornia" at Cervantes in Denver, CO here:
Live & Listen Presents: McLovins with Little Raine Band at Zydeco - Thursday 7/28 July 18, 2016 14:10
Photo by Craig Baird: Live & Listen
Live & Listen is pleased to announce that we are teaming up with our friends at Zydeco in Birmingham for another amazing night of music next week. Join us on Thursday, July 28th for an evening with Connecticut-based four-piece McLovins along with local favorites Little Raine Band. This will be the Birmingham debut of McLovins, so mark your calendars and purchase your tickets today, as this is a show you will not want to miss. Doors are scheduled to open at 8:30 PM on Thursday, July 28th. Little Raine Band will perform an opening set, with McLovins taking the stage shortly after. Tickets are available now for $8 and can be purchased by clicking here.
Both of these bands are scheduled to play The Blueberry Jam at Weeks Bay Plantation on Friday, October 14th - Saturday, October 15th. Weeks Bay Plantation is a 90-acre organic blueberry farm located in Fairhope, Alabama. This will be the second year for the event, which will also feature The Heavy Pets (performing a Beatles tribute), Zach Deputy, CBDB, Paw Paw's Medicine Cabinet, Infant Richard & The Delta Stones, and Lee Yankie & The Hellz Yeah. Tickets to The Blueberry Jam can be purchased by clicking here.
Little Raine Band is a band truly on the rise, and is quickly becoming known as the hottest act in the Southeast. With an ever-evolving sound and fan base reaching all over the Southeast these young musicians have pledged their lives to master the art of live performance and creating a one of a kind live show. Little Raine Band is a four-piece band from Birmingham, AL that craft their sound from their unique musical backgrounds and an intense passion to follow their dream. Elements of progressive rock, funk, jazz fusion, electronic music, R&B, and energetic improvisations can be heard in a Little Raine Band show along with covers to cater to any crowd.
Watch Little Raine Band perform "New Beginnings" at Exit/In in Nashville here:
CBDB and Members of The Werks Will Play Umphrey's Afterparty in Birmingham July 6, 2016 11:53
If you're heading to see Umphrey's McGee at Avondale Brewery on Thursday night, you're going to want to plan accordingly for your after show plans. One of the southeast's hottest young bands, CBDB, is scheduled to play the official Umphrey's McGee afterparty at Zydeco, and they're preparing for an extra special occasion. Joining CBDB will be several members from The Werks, who is currently on tour with Umphrey's and opening up Thursday night's show at Avondale Brewery. Music is scheduled to begin at 11:00 PM, so head on over to Zydeco as soon as Umphrey's wraps up at Avondale.
Click Here: Purchase Tickets Today!
We spoke with CBDB's Kris Gottlieb (guitar) earlier today, and it's clear that this is a night that the band has been looking ahead to for some time:
"This is going to be our first official Umphrey's afterparty. We went on tour with The Werks back in April, so we're really excited to have a few of those guys join us. We just recently got home from a run through the northeast. Our last show was on Father's Day in Brooklyn, NY. We've been off since then, so we're really excited to play this week. It's always great to get back to Birmingham, especially for such a special occasion. We're very grateful for the opportunity, and we hope everyone shows up ready for a great show." - Kris Gottlieb (guitar) of CBDB
Watch CBDB's official music video for "Somewhere to Fall" here:
CBDB is a progressive rock/jam band formed in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, whose stock is rising fast. Fresh off the release of their third album, entitled The FAME EP, they are seeing a pattern of snowballing momentum with large, energetic crowds hungry for their unique brand of progressive jam-rock, dubbed Joyfunk. CBDB blends soulful vocals and virtuosic instrumentation with smart, tasteful songwriting resulting in a sound that can be enjoyed by the casual listener and audiophile alike. On stage, they parade tight, ambitious compositions that seamlessly gives way to loose, adventurous improvisation and have quickly become a must-see act.
Jammin' In The Ham with Kyle Holly & Charlie Thornton of Modern Measure June 2, 2016 23:23
Photo by Taylor Wallace: iWally Photography
Interview by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
As we prepare for the upcoming weekend at Jam In The Ham at Zydeco in Birmingham, we are sitting down with several of this year's performers to learn a little more about this year's lineup. Next up is Kyle Holly and Charlie Thornton of Modern Measure, a wildly talented electronic duo you don't want to miss out on. Modern Measure is scheduled to perform on Friday night at 1:00 AM.
Modern Measure is a hybrid electronic project like none other. Infusing live organic instrumentation with artfully crafted music production is what sets them apart. Modern Measure was formed in the musical hotbed of Atlanta, GA in 2013. Coming off of sold out performances at Terminal West in ATL, to touring nationally all across the United States, Modern Measure stays true to art and music. Kyle Holly (Live Drums/Music Production) and Charlie Thornton (Bass Guitar, Music Production) keep the party up at all times. Taking inspiration from around the world, along with Electronica, Hip Hop, Rap, Funk, and Rock influences, it all blends meticulously.
In just a short time, Modern Measure has shared the stage with friends and renowned artists such as STS9, Big Gigantic, The Disco Biscuits, ZOOGMA, Manic Focus, The Floozies, The New Deal, and Turbo Suit. With the help of their label, 1320Records, they continue to push the bar releasing original material, alongside remixes from very respected artists that continually inspire the band.
Modern Measure has performed at music festivals across the country such as Camp Bisco, Suwannee Hulaween, North Coast Music Festival, Summer Camp Music Festival, Summer Set Music Festival, Counterpoint Music Festival, and Euphoria Music Festival just to name a few. Get familiar, get comfortable, and lock yourselves in. Modern Measure is a name you will continue to see in music for years to come.
Click Here: Purchase Tickets to Jam In The Ham
Much has happened since the formation of Modern Measure in Atlanta in 2013. Your sound continues to evolve, with a tremendous amount of music coming from just two guys. How do you guys go about creating original music in such a unique way?
Kyle: We really are inspired by everything. We take influences from different points in our lives and translate it into what we're producing. Charlie will start a track, or I will start a track, and we'll just go with it. As time has progressed, we have collected a lot of instruments and samples that's helping the production grow tremendously.
Charlie: We tend to start tracks individually in Ableton and bounce ideas back and forth. After working in the studio on the last record, the approach to our production is changing and growing. We are trying to start doing more in studio production and conceptualize the next album.
Let's talk about the first full-length Modern Measure album, Epicenter, due out this Friday (June 3rd). How long has this collection of songs been in the works, and how has the recording process differed from your past experiences in the studio?
Kyle: We started producing the tracks really in depth fall of 2015. We got Montage and Riddle about 80% done in November, and started to test them out in the sets at our live shows. We were on tour with STS9 at that point in time, so those crowds really dug the melodic elements of those particular tracks. We decided in January of this year to go Muscle Shoals to record at the old Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, now known as Cypress Moon Productions. It was a 3 day long affair and we spent the night inside Studio A doing as much work as we could. We hadn't really done anything like that until that point. It was a total lock in. It was a lot of fun.
Charlie: Everything before now has been produced from home or from one our practice spaces that we have had. These are the first tracks we had help recording and producing the acoustic drums. Behind The Light had drums but we produced them ourselves. We also added bass guitar this time around. We plan to keep expanding these live elements. We will be adding saxophone to some of the newest stuff as I have brought that to the stage for almost a year now.
Watch Modern Measure's official music video for "Riddle" here:
As the Modern Measure's demand continues to grow, the schedule will only get busier. Have your touring plans been any different thus far in 2016? How do you go about finding that balance between life on the road and life at home?
Kyle: The balance for me is just music. If we're on the road, we're playing music live. If we're at home, we're working on music. I enjoy being home because it allows me to be able to work on new things. I also enjoy being on the road playing shows and us connecting with people. That's really what it's all about.
Charlie: We are playing some of the same festivals but many different ones than last summer. Sometimes the balance can be tough. Most of my production is done from home or in our studio, so I'm making moves to get my mobile set up optimized so I can produce more on the road. This way we will be able to work on and put out more new material.
We're coming up on this weekend's Jam In The Ham in Birmingham. This two-day festival showcases a great deal of young talent from across Alabama and beyond. While Atlanta is home, you certainly have deep roots in Alabama. What do you feel this lineup says about the current music scene in this region?
Kyle: Alabama is very much home for us as well. Birmingham is one of our favorite cities to play to be completely honest. There's an energy there right now, and we've felt it the last three or four times we've played. I think the lineup is great, and showcases multiple genres that kind of quenches everyone's thirst musically. I'm excited to catch Daily Bread again. He's a great producer.
Charlie: Birmingham is still like a home to me as I went to school there and have many friends in the area. Many of the artists on this lineup I have personally seen become producers over the last few years. Many on the line up are bands that I have seen for years, even before I was a part of Modern Measure. There is definitely a solid music scene in Alabama that will continue to grow.
While many fans of Modern Measure will be on hand this weekend, many may be seeing you perform for the first time. How would you best describe what those an attendance can expect from you guys on Friday night?
Kyle: There will definitely be some new songs, and get ready for a healthy dose of saxophone. Our dude Seth Hanna will be in the house on lights too. He adds so much to the show.
Charlie: We are going to bring numerous elements to the stage. I will be bringing sax, bass, and keys and Kyle will be playing drums. We will be playing many genres of electronic music like future bass, jamtronica, and drum n bass. We plan on keeping the energy levels as high as possible. Don't forget to bring your dancing shoes!
In addition to the upstairs and downstairs stages, Jam In The Ham will also provide a special collaboration stage this weekend. Will you guys have a chance to take part in any collaboration with other artists performing?
Kyle: If there's time, we love collaborating with other artists. One of our favorite guitarists, David Wright, lives in Birmingham so you may see him with us this weekend.
Charlie: I would be surprised if we didn't take the time to hit the collab stage for a couple jams with friends.
Before we wrap things up, is there anything coming up in the second half of 2016 that has you guys particularly excited?
Kyle: We have some announcements that haven't been made yet that we're really excited about. We also have some stuff in the works this fall with some amazing artists that we really look up to and respect. There will also be more new music coming this fall.
Charlie: Without saying too much, I am looking forward to hitting some water slides again this summer. We definitely have a bunch of songs on reserve that I am excited to be releasing the second half of this year too.
-
Official Website: Modern Measure
Follow Modern Measure on Facebook
Jammin' In The Ham with Max Millwood of Winston Ramble June 1, 2016 08:42
Interview by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
As we prepare for the upcoming weekend at Jam In The Ham at Zydeco in Birmingham, we are sitting down with several of this year's performers to learn a little more about this year's lineup. Next up is Max Millwood of Winston Ramble, one of the hottest young bands in Alabama. Winston Ramble is scheduled to perform on Saturday night at 12:00 AM.
Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Winston Ramble is a homegrown, acoustic, folk-rock band. With members originally hailing from the free state of Winston County, AL, the band aims to interject the raw expression of rock-n-roll into the feel-good vibes of acoustic music.
The sound of an an old southern soul hits you right out of the gate. Drew "Ben" Benefield's vocals are soulful and still gritty. Combine that with some mandolin twang, big country bends, and church-like harmonies and you're listening to a mix between a classic rock band and a gospel bluegrass quartet. Yet, the acoustically driven tunes carry a funky, sometimes psychedelic, but ultimately, and undeniable rock n' roll vibe.
Click Here: Purchase Tickets to Jam In The Ham
Let's get started with the early days of Winston Ramble. You guys have been going strong for four years now. How did this band get started, and how has it continued to evolve since then?
Max: We all grew up together so that's the most important aspect, but Winston Ramble started out as an acoustic duo of Ben (Drew Benefiled) on guitar, Justin (Oliver) on mandolin, and Justin's brother Cody sitting in on cajón. About that time, the band I was in had stopped playing together. I randomly got a call from Ben asking if Coty (West) and I could sit in for one show. When we got together to practice, Jud (Mize) happened to be there, and he sat in too.
It started by accident really. I thought it was gonna be one show...we'd have fun and be done. Now looking back, it's sort of crazy how it turned out. We've been extremely blessed as a band, with help from a lot of other musicians in Birmingham and really cool venues giving us a chance. They definitely gave us our start.
In the last few years, we've gone from strictly playing bars every other weekend to a full schedule including festivals. Jam in the Ham is a perfect example. Again, we've been blessed with good management and a lot of help from others. I think it's a real exciting time for us.
Watch Winston Ramble perform "Dreams" here:
While the band is generally an acoustic, folk rock band, your music is also described as carrying "a funky, sometimes psychedelic, but ultimately an undeniable rock n' roll vibe." Is the band's diverse sound something that comes natural, or do you make a conscious effort to mix things up?
Max: Our sound really comes from the different influences that we all have. Anywhere from Skynyrd, Tom Petty, and the Grateful Dead, to gospel and bluegrass. When we write a song or learn a cover, we try not to map every little thing out. We really just wait to get together and see what we all can come up with. That's the way to have the most fun, I think most of our sound comes from the fact that we try not to expect anything specific
As the Winston Ramble's demand continues to grow, the schedule will only get busier. What has the band's approach been towards touring in 2016? Do you guys have a certain amount of shows you'd like to hit for the year?
Max: We play a lot of shows, but we all like that. We don't have specific number to shoot for. In the last few months, we've had more options on bigger gigs, which is where you want to be. Festivals and shows with bands we know is where we have the most fun, and it helps get your name out there when your not playing the same bar every week. So its a win win. Again, we've been blessed with a great manager, Alex Cape. He's great at what he does and Winston Ramble wouldn't be where we are without him.
Photo by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
We're coming up on this weekend's Jam In The Ham in Birmingham. This two-day festival showcases a great deal of young talent from across Alabama and beyond. How does an event such as this impact the current Alabama music scene?
Max: Birmingham is great place for music and aspiring musicians. There many venues that will give you a chance to get started. That being said, some of the best bands, not just in Alabama, but from anywhere are playing this weekend...so I know its gonna be a blast. There's a ton of talent that will be there and we're looking forward to it. It's great for Birmingham cause your never see all these bands in one spot. I can't wait.
Many of the bands most loyal fans will be in attendance this weekend. How would you best describe what Winston Ramble has planned for the big weekend ahead?
Max: We are very excited to be playing in one of the venues that gave us our start with all these other great musicians. We definitely have a surprise in store, so I hope all the Ramble fans make it out to see something new.
Watch Winston Ramble perform "As Long As I Can See The Light" here:
Max: We love to collaborate...mixing styles and coming up with something unexpected is what we're about. I'm sure we will be right in the mix.
Before we wrap things up, is there anything coming up in the second half of 2016 that has the band particularly excited?
Max: Really just having the opportunity to play festivals is enough to be excited about. We just finished with the Acoustic Cafe Festival, which was one of the best experiences I've ever had as a musician. But we're looking forward to and hoping for new things to keep happening this year.
Jammin' In The Ham with Kris Gottlieb of CBDB May 31, 2016 09:23
As we prepare for the upcoming weekend at Jam In The Ham at Zydeco in Birmingham, we are sitting down with several of this year's performers to learn a little more about this year's lineup. It only seems appropriate to kick things off with Kris Gottlieb of CBDB, one of the hottest young bands in Alabama. CBDB is scheduled to perform on Saturday night at 12:30 AM.
CBDB is a progressive rock/jam band formed in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, whose stock is rising fast. Fresh off the release of their third album, entitled The FAME EP, they are seeing a pattern of snowballing momentum with large, energetic crowds hungry for their unique brand of progressive jam-rock, dubbed "Joyfunk". CBDB blends soulful vocals and virtuosic instrumentation with smart, tasteful songwriting resulting in a sound that can be enjoyed by the casual listener and audiophile alike. On stage, they parade tight, ambitious compositions that seamlessly gives way to loose, adventurous improvisation and have quickly become a must-see act.
Click Here: Purchase Tickets to Jam In The Ham
So CBDB got started about five years ago in Tuscaloosa. Tell me a little bit about the bands early days, how you got started, and how the band has progressed to where it is today.
Kris: Well, Cy and I met in Tuscaloosa at a place called The Bear Trap and jammed a bit. I was in a band with Glenn (Dillard) at the time, so he came in as well. He was actually just playing sax at the time. David (Ray) and Paul (Oliver) came around a little later, maybe early 2012 and late 2013. That kind of finalized the lineup.
I’m guessing you guys were playing the bar scene and fraternity houses pretty heavily early on, and things started taking off from there?
Kris: Yeah, really just trying to stay busy playing, cutting our teeth, and honing the craft in much of 2011 and 2012, you know? And really, you never stop learning, so we are still doing that today. In a place like Tuscaloosa, you can play 4 or 5 nights a week in different places. You can do different things each time and really stay busy. We ultimately got to a point that we realized that this was something we should really pursue, because it’s something unique that we truly enjoy.
People seem to be responding positively. It seems like you guys have been everywhere lately, and your demand continues to increase.
Kris: Yeah man...we're just grateful that people are enjoying our music, and we are glad that we can play it on the road at so many great venues.
Watch CBDB's official video for "Ground Score" here:
On the topic of writing and recording music, you guys put out your first album Phone Keys Wallet in 2012, and followed up with a second album (Joyfunk is Dead) and The Fame EP in 2015. Tell me a little bit about how those recording experience differed.
Kris: I think we were learning at a more rudimentary level of playing with each other and writing when we did Phone Keys Wallet. I don’t really go back and listen to too many of our recordings after I have heard them once. It can be tough to listen to at points. You cringe and ask yourself “Why did I do that?” So I think with The Fame EP and Joyfunk is Dead, we used the things that we learned in recording Phone Keys Wallet. We were such a fresh band when we did that album. We went into the studio within a month of Paul (Oliver), our drummer, joining the band. That record has a lighter feel, and it's maybe a little beachy in a way. That might be something we need to play with again in the future.
In terms of the experiences, I mean…walking into FAME was like walking into a church. You feel like you're breathing wrong at first, then things eventually start to come together and happen. That’s just an amazing place. It’s both humbling and empowering in the same way. I don’t think there is a word that describes that feeling. If there is, I don’t know it.
Let’s talk a little bit about the 2016 touring schedule. I’ve been particularly impressed watching how well your tours have been put together. You guys recently signed on with the Progressive Global Agency in Nashville. How has the schedule come together this year?
Kris: Well, we first talked to Owen (Gray), our agent, in October of last year. After talking a few times, we decided it would be a good fit. We were obviously drawn to the fact that PGA is Widespread Panic’s agency. We are all big fans of them. Then there are also bands like The Werks and Zoogma, and Backup Planet had recently signed with Owen as well. He’s really been looking out for both of us this year. We’ve been on quite a few shows with those guys.
We’re really excited about doing this Claypool Lennon Delirium Afterparty in New York. David is as big of Claypool fan as I know. It’s kind of ironic, because a week before we landed that gig, I was talking with a friend of mine in Tuscaloosa about Sean Lennon. We listened to a few of his albums and really appreciated how similar and different his sound is to his dad’s (John Lennon). So it’s really kind of neat full circle thing.
Tonight is another example. It’s actually my 27th birthday today. I was born in Atlanta, and we’re here in Atlanta playing Terminal West tonight. Paul and I saw Rush in Atlanta last year on my birthday. We’re actually going to cover the Rush song “Sprit of the Radio” tonight. That's just another example of things coming full circle. We’re really excited about it. So, no birthday drinks tonight until I can successfully pull off Rush (laughs).
Going a little further on the touring, you guys are on for several festivals this summer, including Jam In The Ham in Birmingham next weekend. I know you guys are excited about that one.
Kris: We’re really excited about Jam In The Ham. That’s like a homecoming for us. We’re really grateful to be a part of it for the second year in a row. Zydeco is such a historic room. Paul and Glenn saw Snarky Puppy at Zydeco a few years back, right before they blew up. We actually saw those guys in Memphis last Wednesday. That kind of puts things into perspective. I’m really happy to be a part of a great thing there, with a lot of other great bands. You’ve got Permagroove, Little Raine Band, Modern Measure…just so many bands. Ryan Keef is gonna be doing some acoustic stuff that I’m really excited to hear. That one is gonna be a lot of fun.
It’s great to see so many great, young Alabama bands playing together. There really seems to be a great thing going on within the Alabama music scene right now. You’ve got to love events like this that showcase the collective group of bands.
Kris: Yeah absolutely. We’re just happy to be a part of it. Zydeco is so much fun. And you’re right… Just look at CukoRakko last weekend. That was awesome. McLovins, Permagroove, Funk You…there was so much great music. The fact that a lot of it is coming out of Alabama is just incredible. I can’t wait to see Little Raine Band again. I haven’t seen those guys play in months. We’re actually going to be in Macon, GA with them next week, and that’s going to be a lot of fun. Anytime you get to hear Davis play…it’s a treat. He’s the man.
Watch CBDB's official video for "Somewhere to Fall" here:
Absolutely. So before we wrap this up, are there any other big plans or major highlights that you guys are looking forward to in the second half of 2016?
Kris: Yeah…we actually just announced this morning that we’re going to be playing the official Umphrey’s McGee afterparty in Charlotte, NC later this summer. We have some great friends out that way, and we are excited for that to be the next move for Charlotte. That was a great feeling this morning. I had an alarm set, as we were supposed to announce that show at 10:00 AM. It was fun to announce the Umphrey’s afterparty on my birthday after a long night. It’s a great move for us, and I’m really looking forward to it.
The Werks are opening for Umphrey’s that night, so we’ll see who all makes it over to our show. Hopefully a few of those guys will make it, and we’ll see if we could maybe get Joel (Cummins) to come play some keys with us. Maybe I could get my face melted by Jake (Cinninger)…that would be humbling and awesome (laughs).
Jam In The Ham To Feature CBDB, Modern Measure, Little Raine Band, Winston Ramble, + Many More May 20, 2016 12:42
Live & Listen is excited to announce that we are teaming up with Jam In The Ham Music & Arts Festival as a sponsor of the 2016 festival at Zydeco in Birmingham, AL on Friday, June 3rd and Saturday, June 4th. We will be providing interviews and preview coverage leading up to the festival, as well as coverage throughout the weekend. This second year festival promises to provide an amazing variety of many of the most promising young bands from across the Southeast.
Keep an eye out for the Live & Listen Collaboration Corner Stage, which will be located on the outdoor porch and feature exclusive collaborations from various Jam In The Ham performers throughout the weekend. Brand new, limited edition Live & Listen apparel will also be available at the festival. For further details and information on tickets, click here.
Official announcement from Jam In The Ham:
Jam in the Ham Music and Arts Festival will be held at Zydeco on Friday, June 3rd and Saturday, June 4th. The two-day festival features Birmingham and Alabama based musicians and artists. The event features 21 bands on 3 stages over two days with single day tickets starting at $15. The event will feature 9 local art vendors. Featured artists include CBDB, Little Raine Band, C1ub AM (featuring members of Festival Expressions), Winston Ramble, The Bama Gamblers, Modern Measure, Opposite Box, Permagroove, The Dagobah System, and many more.
For a full lineup and schedule please visit www.jaminthehamfest.com. Each set will be recorded and a digital compilation album included for advance ticket holders only. VIP tickets are available for $35 and include Sweetwater draft beer, access to every set by every artist recorded at the festival, and a festival koozie.
We are proud to announce that Montgomery based apparel company ‘Live and Listen’ will be sponsoring the ‘Collaboration Corner’ stage featuring unique collaborations by Jam in the Ham artists throughout the day Saturday. Jam in the Ham will take place at Zydeco on Friday, June 3rd at 5pm and Saturday, June 4th at 3pm.
Watch CBDB's official music video for "Ground Score" here:
Watch Modern Measure's official music video for "Riddle" here:
Watch Little Raine Band perform "New Beginnings" at Mercy Lounge in Nashville here:
Watch Winston Ramble perform "Dreams" here:
Watch Opposite Box cover Edgar Winter Group's "Frankenstein" here:
- Page 1 of 2
- Next