Saturday, February 28, 2015

Artist Spotlight: Rob Nance and The Lost Souls


On the verge of releasing their second full length album, Signal Fires, Rob Nance and The Lost Souls are back and ready to share their most recent musical endeavor with all of the world.  A noticeable progression and experimentation in sound, Signal Fires is founded on folk and southern traditions but ventures into a whole new realm of creativity for the band.  Fortunately you won't have to wait long to hear the latest from Nance and company, Signal Fires is set to be released on March 10.  In the meantime, check out a track from their album, "Landslide Town," and join Rob Nance and The Lost Souls for their upcoming show on March 7 at The Pinhook in Durham.  Rob Nance and The Lost Souls is comprised of Nance, his brother Jordan on bass, Ryan Lassiter on drums, and Mike Runyon on the keys. Enjoy!

 

Friday, February 27, 2015

Pickin' At The Pour House


The Pour House is hosting a night of bluegrass and folktastic fun with Hazelwood, The Midatlantic, and Ellis Dyson & the Shambles. Hazelwood is a Raleigh-based folk rock five piece that have been compared to The Band and the Jayhawks. 

The Midatlantic comes to us from the Cape Fear coast with a sound all their own.  They combine several genres such as folk, Americana, bluegrass, punk rock, and jazz and the mixture creates an endless night of dancing and fun.  The Midatlantic have been nominated for the 2014 Carolina Music awards in the American/Bluegrass category and are currently working on a full-length album. 

Ellis Dyson & the Shambles is a young band from Chapel Hill.  They have been selling out shows around the Triangle with their old-timey, whiskey soaked sound. Frontman, Ellis Dyson, brings charisma along with a serious talent for banjo-pickin. They are currently in the studio working on their first album. 

If you need to shake off the winter blues, this show will not disappoint.  Head out to The Pour House for a night of foot-stompin' fun; the show starts at 9 and costs $5-$7. 

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Artist Spotlight: The Mulligan Brothers



With great anticipation of their North Carolina debut, The Mulligan Brothers are an act that you don't want to miss.  The Pour House in Raleigh, NC will play host to The Mulligan Brothers on Sunday, March 15.  Check out "Oh Susanna" from their original self-titled album. Look for our exclusive interview with Greg DeLuca, The Mulligan Brothers' drummer, in the coming days. Enjoy!
 

New Music from Mandolin Orange and Lord Huron



The snow can't get us down; NPR released new singles from two of our faves today:  Lord Huron and Mandolin Orange. 

"Hurricane (Johnnie's Theme)" is the latest single released from Lord Huron's sophomore album, Strange Trails.  In this upbeat mix, Schneider promises to one day return to his lover complete with the worldly sound always provided by Lord Huron. Head over to NPR to take a listen. 





Mandolin Orange's latest album, Such Jubilee is due out May 5.  Today, NPR shared the first single, "Old Ties and Companions" written by Andrew Marlin of the Americana duo.  The lyrics stand as a reminder to appreciate the people and events in our lives because time is fleeting. 


As if a new single isn't enough excitement, the folk sensation also announced their new tour dates.  They'll be stopping by Chapel Hill at Memorial Hall on May 2.  Tickets go on sale this Friday. 

Don't Miss LIGHTS at Cat's Cradle




Canadian electropop singer-songwriter Lights will grace the Cat's Cradle stage this Saturday, February 28. She's promoting her third LP, Little Machines

Growth and maturity are obvious in this latest album, making it more appealing to a wider audience.  Lights stays true to her honest lyrics, airy vocals, and spacey melodies, producing a fun and genuine sound.

See Little Machines come to life at Cat's Cradle this Saturday with support from X Ambassadors.  Get your tickets and additional information at the Cat's Cradle website.   Check out the official music video for "Up We Go" in anticipation for this energetic show. 


Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Just Announced: Langhorne Slim & the Law Return to Haw River Ballroom

Just announced, Cat's Cradle presents the return of Langhorne Slim & the Law to the Haw River Ballroom on April 29.  Tickets are $16-$18 and go on sale this Friday, February 20.

The band has been working on their fifth album and just finished recording a few days ago.  The title and release date are unknown at the moment, but we'll keep you posted.

Reminisce about the last time Langhorne Slim & the Law journeyed through Saxapahaw by reading our previously posted interview with Langhorne himself.                                                  

Listen to Langhorne singing a personal favorite, "Coffee Cups" via Cabin Country.



Photo Credit - Todd Roeth

Pre-Order Passion Pit's Kindred


Today's the day that you can pre-order Passion Pit's new album, Kindred.  When ordered, "Lifted Up" and "Where the Sky Hangs" are available for immediate download.  The official album-release date is April 21 via Columbia Records.  To warm you up on this freezing day, check out the track list for Kindred and the audio video for "Lifted Up (1985)" below:

Kindred:
01 Lifted Up (1985)
02 Whole Life Story
03 Where the Sky Hangs
04 All I Want
05 Five Foot Ten (I)
06 Dancing on the Grave
07 Until We Can't (Let's Go)
08 Looks Like Rain
09 My Brother Taught Me How to Swim
10 Ten Feet Tall (II)



Wednesday, February 11, 2015

New Music by Lord Huron


If you need a dose of happy today, we've got what you need.  The eclectic Lord Huron released "Fool For Love" via NPR yesterday.  The always effective story-teller, Ben Schneider, tells the tale of finding love and fighting for it.  Find out how this love story ends at NPR.com.  The band's sophomore album, Strange Trails, will be released on April 7.

We interviewed the Lord Huron artistic mastermind last year, also known as Ben Schneider.  To get insight into his creative genius, take a look at his interview and our live review of their Haw River Ballroom performance.  Enjoy!

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Motorco Plays Host to California's Francisco the Man

Looking for some new music in your life?  Look no further than Francisco the Man.  Based out of Los Angeles, California, this four man rock band is just starting a tour that will take them to Canada, Europe, and all across the US.  Included in their travels will be a stop at Durham's Motorco Music Hall on Monday, February 16 with Jackson Scott and Barren Graves.

After years of tweaking their lineup, a near death experience, and a two year hiatus, Francisco the Man is poised to breakout in 2015 due in part to the recent release of their debut album, Loose Ends.  The band consists of members Scotty Cantino (vocals/guitar), Nestor Romero (Bass), Abdeel Ortega (Drums) and the newest addition, Brock Woolsey (guitar/keys).  In anticipation of their first trip to Durham, The Triangle Beat was able to learn more about the band in a recent interview with Scotty Cantino. Check out what Cantino had to say about their upcoming tour and more:

The Triangle Beat - Is this the band's first time performing in North Carolina? Motorco? If so, what is it that excites you about visiting the area and the new exposure in NC?
Scotty Cantino - This is our first time playing in NC.  I'm just excited to experience another part of the country and play a show while doing it.

TTB - When did the band get started and what has the evolution been like for the band since it originally began?
SC - 2008, I believe.  We are wildly different than what we started out as.  Things have changed a lot over the years and we get bored pretty easily.  You are constantly learning more, getting older, influences change, etc. You progress.

TTB - Was there a moment where the band realized that they were on to something they wanted to pursue full time?
SC - I wouldn't say there was a moment, we just really enjoy playing music together and it's been that way for a while.

TTB - What drives a band to keep making music even in the event of a two-year hiatus?
SC - Insanity

TTB - As musicians, what other artists have inspired your sound?
SC - All kinds of stuff.  It's hard to narrow it down.  Neil Young and Television are constants for myself.  Musicians I've played with over the years have probably influenced me more than anything though.  Especially my own band mates.

TTB - With the recent release of your debut album, Loose Ends, do you have a favorite track on the album?
SC - I like them all for different reasons.  It just depends on my mood.

TTB - What would people be surprised to know about the band?
SC - We listen to a lot of Ace of Bass in the van regularly.

TTB - What's up next for Francisco the Man?
SC - Lots of touring and writing another record.

TTB - Thank you for sharing some information with us about Francisco the Man.  We look forward to a great show in Durham in February.  For those who may be hearing you for the first time at Motorco, what can they expect from a Francisco the Man performance?
SC - Bring ear plugs.

Check out the video for Francisco the Man's song, "Progress," and be sure to get your tickets for the show ahead of time by visiting the Motorco website.  Tickets are $8 in advance/$10 on the day of the show. The party starts @8pm.   Loose Ends is available for purchase at Fat Possum Records and iTunes.





Hopscotch Presale 2015



VIP and 3-Day wristbands are on sale for the Hopscotch Music Festival.  Email recipients can pick up their bracelets today, while sales are open to the public tomorrow, February 6.  This year, the dynamic fest will take place September 10-12.  Journey over to the official Hopscotch website for additional ticket information. 

To reminisce about the joys of last year's unforgettable event, check out our post-festival highlights

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Carolina Theater Welcomes Ingrid Michaelson



On Wednesday the Carolina Theater will welcome Ingrid Michaelson to the stage for an unforgettable night of music.  With a history that dates back to 1926, The Carolina Theater in Durham is known for bringing a unique selection of artists to perform at one of the best venues in the Triangle.  The charm of the venue coupled with an intimate environment should create an ideal setting for the dynamic Michaelson.

Originally from Staten Island, NY, Ingrid Michaelson has consistently produced music that can be best described as simply irresistible.  The singer-songwriter has a knack for producing songs that are playful in spirit, yet encompass her talents as a musician and a writer.  From her earlier records, hits like "You and I" and "The Way I Am," have generated a fan-following that has propelled Michaelson to release her sixth studio album, Lights Out.

Upon listening to the new album, it doesn't take long to see that Michaelson is continuing to evolve as an artist after the success of her earlier recordings.  While the popular lead single, "Girls Chase Boys," remains loyal to the pop inspired sound that Michaelson fans have grown accustomed to over the years, it is the depth of the remaining tracks that sets this album apart from her previous work.  Michaelson was not alone in the production of Lights Out though.  Featured on various songs throughout the album include the likes of Greg Laswell, Mat Kearney, and A Great Big World.  Check out Michaelson's album and more by visiting her website.


Joining Michaelson on Wednesday will be another talented singer-songwriter, Greg Holden.  Perhaps best known for writing the hit song, "Home," for Phillip Phillips, Holden has since released his own album titled, I Don't Believe You.  For more information and a chance to hear tracks from the Holden's album, be sure to pay a visit to his website as well.

There are still tickets available at www.thecarolinatheater.org for Wednesday night's performance, so be sure to claim your seats now.  The show is slated to start at 7:30pm and tickets start at $29.50.





  

Monday, February 2, 2015

Gregory Alan Isakov at Cat's Cradle

 Photo Credit:  Erin Preston

Gregory Alan Isakov owned the Cat's Cradle stage on January 24, through hypnotic lyrics meshed with wistful vocals.  Once he took the stage, a contagious hush fell over the venue and the crowd was immediately immersed in Isakov's intimate serenade.

The songs of Isakov tell a story of travel and adventure.  He proved on that stage that he is a contemporary troubadour, painting a picture with seemingly simple melodies enriched with a raw sound supported by string work, piano lines, and vulnerable vocals.  Isakov was sure to share fan favorites like "The Stable Song" and "Amsterdam" as the crowd sang along with joyful recognition. The richly vintage sound of "Saint Valentine" strummed through the silent room, with clarity and restraint expressed in Isakov's lyrics and vocals.  

There's an appreciative humbleness asserted through Isakov's performance, allowing him to reach a relevancy that all songwriters and performers seek.  His songs are filled with a raw vulnerability that remind audiences that folk music can be both hypnotic and electrically charged.  

Be sure to check out Isakov when given the opportunity.  In the meantime, get absorbed in his latest album, The Weatherman, which explores appreciating the daily mundane tasks that are so often taken for granted.