Songwriter Spotlight: Daniel Tashian of The Silver Seas
Nashville is known for nurturing classic songwriters -- the kind of songwriter who will last through the ages. I recently came upon a great band from Nashville called The Silver Seas. The band's music speaks to the lonely and romantic -- the every man and woman. Their universal songs are what I call instantly "gettable," making your leg shake along with each chord, each sweet note.
For their debut album, High Society, lead singer Daniel Tashian drew upon old sitcoms like The Odd Couple, Green Acres and Laverne & Shirley for inspiration. The album is out now on Cheap Lullaby Records.
Favorite place to write music: In my car. No instruments, no crutches, just raw ideas.
Latest inspiration: I just spent 3 days watching Michael Brauer mix. It's a totally fluid and inspired process for him. You can see his love of the work in every move; and most of all, he doesn't overthink anything, which is something I've sometimes guilty of.
What's the most personal song on your latest album?
"Imaginary Girl." I'm convinced Daniel wrote it about me.
If you could duet with anyone, who would it be and why?
Chrissie Hynde. I think we'd sound great together.
If you could fall asleep to any song, what would it be?
I guess it would have to be John Cage's "4'33". I can't fall asleep with music on.
Concert Review: Film School - 10/25/07 @ Mercury Lounge (New York, NY)
Last summer I heard a rumor that Film School had broken up. This was disappointing news as I had just seen them at SXSW and really was beginning to love them. Turns out the band was just on hiatus, or maybe they came back to their senses and realized they couldn't just quit like that. What kind of happy ending would that be for a band called Film School?
Last night I went to see them at Mercury Lounge, and really enjoyed their heavy, dark, shoegazy set. Lead singer Greg Berten's vocals range from soft, dreamy coos to sensitive-guy mutters. And just as you're reaching a sleepy, meditative state, the band will launch into loud, guitar jams to shake you up. Their psychedelic music makes you want to thrash your hair around until you get dizzy from excitement. Film School just released their album, Hideout, on Beggars in September. They added a long blonde named Lorelei on bass who also adds whispery female vocals to the songs.
Montreal band Land of Talk opened for them, and it was my first time seeing them. I had heard a lot about this band, and ended up liking them. The lead singer Elizabeth Powell is a real charmer with her Bettie Seveert vocals. Her voice had real emotion and spirit, so the songs felt very intimate. I felt like the music could have been punched up a bit to reflect and enhance the softness of her vocals more, but overall I liked what I heard.
I caught a bit of another Canadian band called The Small Sins who had an overly excited keyboard player who liked to pound the tambourine on his chest. I liked the lead singer's vocals though, and there was one lyric that stuck with me -- "You can stay over but you can't sleep in my bed." Brilliant.
Check out the rest of the Film School tour dates:
10/26 Hoboken, NJ - Maxwells
10/28 Cleveland, OH - Beachland
10/29 Toronto, ONT - El Mocambo
10/30 Pontiac, MI - Pike Room
10/31 Chicago, IL - Schubas
11/01 Chicago, IL - Schubas
11/03 Minneapolis, MN - 400 Bar
11/05 Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge
11/08 San Diego, CA - Beauty Bar
11/15 Los Angeles, CA - Echoplex
My philosophy this year at CMJMusic Marthonwas to "go with the flow." I would have a loose plan each day with what I hoped to see, but generally I would just high-five friends and see where the day (and night) ended up taking me. This laid-back approach served me well at SXSW (a huge indie festival in Austin, TX) earlier this year, and it didn't steer me wrong at CMJ.
The Jealous Girlfriends @ Gothamist House
On Thursday, I hit up the Gothamist Houseagain to see three great bands back-to-back -- The Jealous Girlfriends and The Big Sleep from Brooklyn and The Teeth from Philadelphia. I have to admit, I have sort of a girl-crush on the lead female singer Holly Miranda of The Jealous Girlfriends. But really, how could I not? She has one of the most distinctive, sultry, passionate female vocals I've heard in indie rock. I am glad to hear the band signed their first record deal this week with Canadian label Good Fences.
The Teeth @ Gothamist House
The Big Sleep @ Gothamist House
The Teeth took the stage and literally took a bite out of the Gothamist stage at White Rabbit -- they ended up breaking one of the overhead lights with a guitar. One of the guys in this band used to be in Dr. Dog, and the band has the same catchy hooks as the Dog but with a bit of a fiercer, more punk vibe. I was really excited to hear The Big Sleep play some new songs in their set. They just finished recording their second LP for French Kiss Records, and the new material is dreamier and softer than their first batch of songs on Son of the Tiger.
I ran into my friend Bob from Extrawack and Oxfam America, and we hit a Microsoft Zunecocktail hour at the Bowery Hotel. I had never been to this hotel before so it was nice to quench my thirst for a bit before heading back out. Later on I hit up the Fader Sideshow again just before it closed its doors for the night. I missed Alberta Cross, but knew I would see them at some point later in the week.
Alberta Cross @ Bowery Presents Office
On Friday, I went into the city to check out a happy hour at the offices of Bowery Presents, who are rapidly growing big indie promoters in New York in charge of the venues Mercury Lounge, Bowery Ballroom, Webster Hall, Music Hall of Williamsburg and Terminal 5. I call them the school of rock because you can start out as an unknown indie band at Mercury Lounge and eventually end up moving your way up their venue ladder to headline Terminal 5. They had Alberta Cross playing a stripped down set in their conference room. I fell in love instantly and added the band to my "must see in a real venue" list.
Dragons of Zynth @ Fader Sideshow
I left to see Dragons of Zynth at the Fader Sideshow. DoZ is experimental afro-punk that gets infectious as the music builds into a frenzy. After their set I headed over to Filter's party at Ben Sherman in SoHo. Andy Smith formerly of Portishead was DJing a great mix of soulful oldies and poppy tunes that I started dancing to. It was the perfect way to set myself up for Santogold and Spank Rock over at Irving Plaza (I refuse to call this venue by its new name, haha!). I caught a little bit of Earl Greyhound, a fantastic classic rock trio who recently toured with Chris Cornell. They are made to play stadiums.
Spank Rock @ Irving Plaza
I had recently seen Santogold open for Bjork at Madison Square Garden and thought she was like Gwen Stefani meets M.I.A. (M.I.A. was representing at the CMJ show, too). This time around she shared the stage with Spank Rock, and it was a full-on raunchy house party onstage. It was actually my first time seeing Spank Rock, and I had to admit I loved the filthy, ballsy lyrics and all the attitude that they served with it. It had the entire audience up on their feet dancing as emcee Naeem Juwan poured vodka straight from the bottle into the mouths of his fans. I loved that Spank Rock shared the set and stage with Santogold, balancing their testosterone with the over-the-top, feisty attitude of Santi White and her hype woman. I also became instantly mesmerized by the skills of Amanda Blank, who also just signed to Downtown Records. I can't stop listening to her song "Take It Easy" with M.I.A. (listen to it on her MySpace).
I was so happy when Saturday came, and I knew this would be the last day of CMJ activities. I rolled out to see one of my favorite new bands called Coin Under Tongue open for Spoon at Roseland. The band is led by the amazing Joe Kelly, who sounds like a wild-n-crazy Southern Kurt Cobain, and George from Dirty on Purpose plays bass with his brother Greg on drums. (In full disclosure, I manage Dirty on Purpose.) Britt Daniel from Spoon is a fan and a friend of the band, and this is the second time he's added them to a Spoon bill. Musically, it doesn't make much sense since Spoon is so poppy and easy to listen to and Coin Under Tongue is aggressive and jaw-droppingly spastic, but thinking outside of the box and not caring what people think of your opening band because you like them is kind of really awesome. I never made it inside the venue to actually see them because Roseland didn't let badges in until after the Coin Under Tongue set (lame), but I overheard another badgeholder say "My friend who is inside just texted me and told me the opening band is really bad anyways so it doesn't matter that we're not inside yet." Classic!
Cool Kids @ Fader Sideshow
Gabby Glaser and the Great Ones @ Mean Red Party - Don Hill's
I headed downtown to kill some time at the Fader Sideshow (again!) and caught a short set by Cool Kids. I am so glad for this happy accident as I ended up really enjoying what I heard. I will definitely have to check them out for real another time... Later on in the night, I went to see my artist Gabby Glaser and the Great Onesrock it out at Don Hill's for the Meanredparty. I haven't been to Don Hill's since Tiswas was hot there, and that was a couple years ago at least. Meanred are promoters who throw great parties all over, and this was no exception.
Unfortunately, I had to jet after Gabby's set and ended up missing another great band I like, Cassettes Won't Listen. Where was I heading? I got a text a little earlier that night that Doug from Dirty on Purpose would be filling in for John for a spontaneous Peter Bjorn and John set at the Almost Gold party at Galapagos. Doug had previously toured with PBJ playing bongos, so this was a sight I had to see in person as he had never played drums with them until this moment.
Black Kids @ Almost Gold Party - Galapagos
I got to Galapagos in time to catch a few songs by Black Kids, who are managed by Almost Gold. I was a little bit too tired to absorb the full awesomeness of their music, but made a mental note to check them out again another time because I liked what I heard. Then I geared myself up for the surprise PBJ set. I've seen so much PBJ this year (probably at least five times), but seriously, I never get sick of them or their music and find myself whistling "Young Folks" all the time. The set was super-fun and casual, but really exploded at the end when they went crazy and jammed at the end. Check it out on YouTube below...
I spent the last few posts focusing on the "music showcase" side of CMJ, which is a huge part of the festival that appeals to both fans and music industry professionals alike. But another important aspect of CMJ is what is happening behind the scenes -- networking between musicians and the pros who support them and their careers.
On Tuesday night, I opted to avoid the show circuit in favor of going to a few parties to hang out with some industry friends. What I love about CMJ is that it's set on my home turf of New York City. Even better, the festival has moved from Lincoln Center to New York University campgrounds (my alma mater) in the heart of the Village, where diversity and creativity fiercely pulses and thrives. New York is a city that inspires and surprises and accepts -- so it's a perfect setting for the College Music Journal's indie festival.
I met up with an artist I manage, Gabby Glaser, who is a co-founder of Luscious Jackson, and we hit the ASCAP cocktail party at Whiskey Ward. I used to work at ASCAP, which stands for the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers. ASCAP is a performing rights organization that collects performance royalties for songwriters and composers. While most countries around the world have one PRO, the United States happens to have three. The other two are BMI (Broadcast Music Inc) and SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors & Composers). As a songwriter or composer, you can only belong to one. As a publisher, you can be part of all three.
Afterwards, I headed over to Mama's Bar for a "Ladies In Music" gathering. I am of the philosophy that building a community of people around you is an important part of being successful in this often cold and disillusioning industry. "Ladies In Music" is a Google Group that encourages women in the field to help each other. It's brilliant.
Afterwards, I went over to Cake Shop and ran into some friends outside of the Dutch music showcase. I saw the Alt-Country/Americana band Sam Champion walking down the street playing their music while a video camera captured their performance (I suspect it won't be too long until we see that footage on YouTube as a viral video).
I continued on to the 'Sup Magazine party at 200 Orchard, where I ended my night. There were a lot of great DJs there -- The Bangers, Lauren Flax, Sweatshop Labor NYC and more. Outside the venue, I ran into a couple guys from this band I've been following, Sankofa. They are still a pretty new band, but I see a lot of potential in their music, which can't really be put into any one genre. It's punk, it's R&B, it's 80s, it's funk... I love watching a band develop and progress, and I think they are heading in the right direction.
I also ran into Elliot Aronow who is A&Ring and basically running RCRD LBL, Downtown Record's digital blog-based record label (which I think will revolutionize the way music is distributed to fans), to be launched next month. RCRD LBL plans to license songs from bands they like and believe in and give the songs to fans for free via their blog, generating revenue instead from website advertising and licensing opportunities. The format is so radically different from every other label structure -- I really admire people who are willing to take a chance and react to the declining stats in music with a new model.
My voice started to fade from all the yapping, so I called it a night to rest up for the rest of the week!
Another side of CMJ Music Marathon are all the shows that are considered "unofficial" day parties or shows. This year there are quite a few -- too many to be named, but they usually include free admission, free booze and free swag!
On Wednesday, I started my day by participating on a CMJ panel about artist management called "Manage This!" I was included with other great managers like Mark Kates (Mission of Burma), Doug LeFrak (Motion City Soundtrack), Blaze James (Coheed & Cambria) and Dan Efram (Apples In Stereo).
Afterwards, I headed over to The Fader Sideshow (an unofficial CMJ day party) to see a band that Mark Kates manages - MGMT, who are signed to Columbia. The Fader Sideshow is a fun place to just lounge for a bit. They had Guitar Hero 3 in one corner, free Budweiser Select and SoCo punch and of course, tons of copies of The Fader magazine lying around.
Then I split to hang at The Gothamist House (another unofficial CMJ day party) and ran into Stephen and Troy who book and promote the South Street Seaport Music Festival in New York during the summer (one of my favorite free summer concert series in the city). I also got to see one of my favorite music directors -- Shiv from WOXY.com, who were broadcasting live from Gothamist House. I saw a little bit of a solo acoustic set from The Forms before I bounced.
I had only a little bit of time before I needed to be in Brooklyn for Gabby Glaser's showcase at Union Hall. So I made a quick pit stop at the Dovecote Records showcase at Fat Baby. I caught a bit of one of their singer-songwriters, Trevor Giuliani, then made the trek to Park Slope. I got to Union Hall in time to catch most of the Ladybug Transistorset, and then Gabby took the stage with her band The Great Ones. Unfortunately, I couldn't stick around for The Rosebuds. I hopped into a cab and headed over to Williamsburg just in time for the Dirty on Purpose set at Death By Audio.
It was at this time that my legs started to give, and I felt like collapsing. I soon sent myself home to sleep and then do it all over again the next day...
Here are the rest of my show picks during the CMJ Music Marathon this year for the last few days of the music fest. There are a number of bands playing multiple times during the fest, so plan carefully and have fun bouncing from show to show. Remember to bring ear plugs and wear comfortable shoes. Let Rocktober officially begin!
For your convenience, I am continuing to listen to bands performing at the 2007 CMJ Music Marathon and picking my favorites for you. Wow, I think my ears are starting to ring after surfing so many MySpace sites! Here are my picks for the second day of the festival...
So we are going to take a short break from the usual Lifeskool TV blog programming to bring you the scoop on all things CMJ. The CMJ Music Marathonis in its 27th year, and has been an indie force in discovering new bands and seeing longtime favorites... and the chaos and good times start next week!
That's right. From October 16-20, the New York City concert scene grows even more intense as a slew of bands rock around town. The Music Marathon can get a little confusing at times with the endless list of shows going on, but that's why it's important for every attendee to be organized and plan ahead.
We are going to highlight some of the shows and bands you should check out...
"Bigger isn't necessarily better. I mean, some of the best stuff out there is just one person singing and playing guitar like Dylan or Townes or Willie Nelson. But to do what we want to do, you need bigger. You need backup singers and string players and an occasional horn player and before you know it, you can barely fit on stage." Charlie Ransford, The 1900s [Source: Shake Your Fist]
Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Scared Famous (Hall of Records)
Buy It @ Amazon
"It's not about the songs. You cant' separate the production from songs. You can have a lackluster song but given proper production it's an amazing song, and vice versa." - Ariel Pink [Source: Junkmedia]
"It's our premise that there's nothing weird about doing a cover to begin with, so the way that that idea sort of gets pounced upon is a little strange to us...In a way, it's a less egocentric aesthetic in these other genres [jazz and country]. We sometimes feel more kinship to those other genres than we do to rock sometimes, in terms of where we're coming from, you know, philosophically." - John McCrea, Cake [Source: Bullz-Eye]
Dan In Real Life Original Soundtrack - Music By Sondre Lerche (Capitol)
Buy It @ Amazon
"[Director Peter Hedges] wanted a handmade feeling for the soundtrack... We kept everything minimalistic and natural. He's allergic to big Hollywood strings. I actually (did some other) stuff myself because I'm a horrible piano player. Finally the universe found a use for me. I got my big break. I've never been involved in writing music for a film before ... it's a daring move on his part. Also, it's very un-typical of Hollywood to hire some unknown to score. I was so flattered. That gave me a certain amount of confidence I needed going into the production." - Sondre Lerche [Source: Daily Bulletin]
"I think this one is put together as a more cohesive whole -- not in a concept record sort of way, although it could probably work that way on some levels. But basically, it's just better than the other stuff. It has more good." - Ryan Wilson, Division Day [Source: Radio Free Silver Lake]
"I am that artist that walks that very fine line that not everybody walks on. That comes from my background and my growin' up, especially the different types of music that were being played around me at such a young age. It's also because I was never vocally trained; I am totally self-taught. It was just me and my stereo and going through CDs or albums. That's why my music sounds the way it does." - Kevin Michael [Source: Artist Direct]
"I think we are probably worried less about what is organic or electronic rather than just not limiting ourselves to any particular sound... Specifically with Heaven, Noam got really into 'circuit bending' keyboards last year, so he was taking apart $5 toy Casio's with a soldering iron and turning them into these amazing, sophisticated machines that sound like a more interesting version of whatever plug-in is popular now. His attic is full of these great Frankenstein instruments. So there are a lot of sounds from those circuit-bent keyboards on the album." - Ben Sterling, Mobius Band [Source: More in the Monitors]
The Pipettes - We Are the Pipettes (Cherry Tree)
Buy It @ Amazon
"Sometimes you do get treated in a different way and we're constantly asked to justify ourselves in ways that blokes aren't, but at the same time there's three of us and we don't really let anything phase us generally." [Source: Popworld]
"[Stories from the City] definitely did what I was trying to do - which was to make an album full of great pop songs. But that's not really where my heart is. It was more of an experiment with the craft rather than the heart, if that makes any sense. This album - and, I think, Is This Desire and To Bring You My Love - were times when I felt the craft and the heart married well. Other times, I just go through phases where it's more of an exercise in exploring something, and not really where I want to be in my soul." - PJ Harvey [Source: The Guardian]
"On their sophomore album, We Are Wolves use mystical powers to bring their sound to a new level of auditive threat. Total Magique unleashes the raw sounds of the trio in a mesmerizing whirlwind of electro psychedelic kraut punk." [Source: Smartpunk]
Even though I grew up near the City of Brotherly Love, I haven't been totally in love with all the music that has been born from Philadelphia. Sure, I love Dr. Dog, the Capitol Years and other various bands that have caught my eye over the last few years. Add to the list matt pond PA, who I have developed a serious affection for.
They've been together as a band since 1998, though they experienced lineup changes when singer and songwriter Pond moved to New York City. I first heard of the band because a friend of a friend was in the band. Their music makes me feel like I'm soaring in the sky on a perfectly breezy day, and their eighth LP, Last Light, continues the lovelorn discography.
I recently interviewed Matt Pond who revealed how his songs are often written and what inspires those catchy melodies lately...
Favorite place to write music:
I can write anywhere -- in living rooms, in cars, in forests. It is the position that must remain the same -- supine, with guitar balanced across my stomach.
I lie in the limbo between day and night -- write songs while I fall in and out of sleep -- where day and dreams are hard to distinguish from each other. (I'm making it sound weirdly magical -- I'm sure it's far below that -- eyes half open -- strumming and mumbling -- strumbling).
Unsure whether it is some Freudian system of reaching revelation, or that I am just lazy -- all I know is that I do my best work from my back.
Latest inspiration:
Turning women into woodland creatures. From all back-driven dreams. Maybe from the nightmares. I want to control what I will never be able to control -- time and women.
What's the most personal song on your latest album and why?
“Giving it all Away.” The idea is that I blew it.
There is nothing quite like seeing someone you love fall in love with someone else. Breathtaking views.
I would cut off a limb to avoid this past state. I would.
If you could duet with anyone, who would it be and why?
Did it. With Neko Case.
Beyond that, I would have to make up an answer.
....I did always have a thing for Chrissie Hynde. But I don't wear leather trousers. I really should own a pair of leather trousers.
If you could fall asleep to any song, what would it be and why?
I'm always falling asleep to songs. If I were falling asleep forever, I'd choose Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands. Because of the epic beauty of the words. And because it's long -- and I'd like to stick around just a little longer.
Here's what's buzzing in the music biz this week...
Will online broadcasters survive with growing costs of operation? [Source: New York Times]
Yahoo is contemplating new changes to its entertainment and music channels. [Source: Digital Music News]
Following Warner Music Group's lead, Sony BMG is licensing its catalogue to Imeem, and the other two majors, Universal and EMI, are close to inking deals, too. [Source: Billboard]
Martin Scorsese is going to direct a documentary on George Harrison. [Source: Yahoo! Music]
Beastie Boys are nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. [Source: Rolling Stone]
Amazon has launched the public BETA of their online DRM-free mp3 store. [Source: Mi2N]
So we are going to take a short break from the usual Lifeskool TV blog programming to bring you the scoop on all things CMJ. The 
Even though I grew up near the City of Brotherly Love, I haven't been totally in love with all the music that has been born from Philadelphia. Sure, I love Dr. Dog, the Capitol Years and other various bands that have caught my eye over the last few years. Add to the list 
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