Kid Cudi Freestyle

This is kinda nice, I thought I'de share it. Kid Cudi is picking up alot of hype these days. Get'em!

LISTEN

South Philly Experiment

This Thursday February 26th, 2009 Ropeadope presents the South Philly Experiment. at Connie's Ric Rac.

A night of musical sounds and cheese!

Including: KUF KNOTZ backed by the ILLVIBE COLLECTIVE and the South Philly Experiment house band::

CHUCK TREECE - (bad brains) on drums
TOM SPKKER - on bass
NICK BOCKRATH - (bodega) on guitars
LUKE O'REILLY - on keys
LEON JORDON - on trumpet

*PLUS SPECIAL SURPRISE GUESTS*

Also PAUL GREEN"S SCHOOL OF ROCK ALL-STARS playing a musical tribute to South Philly

$10 with snacks catered by DiBruno Brothers Cheese Shop.
No bar so BYOB !!!!!

Check it out
Thursday February 26th
$10
Doors at 8pm
Connie's Rick Rack
1132 South 9th Street

Philadelphia Tattoo Convention!

Next Weekend (February 27th-March 1st)

Demetri Martin

I know Demetri Martin has been doing stand-up for about 10 years or so now but I just started looking into him after a friend mentioned something about his new show (Wednesday at 10:30 on comedy central). I heard about him a few years prior to that but I never really heard any of his material to have a valid opinion about him. After watching some brief videos of his jokes and routines I definitely have to admit I think he's hilarious. The way he thinks about things blows my mind and he is extremely intelligent/out there. Check this out and the other 5 videos of this particular routine.

A Brief Interview

This afternoon I made my way down to the Old City section of Philadelphia where I had the opportunity to chat with Mike, the owner of AKA Music. In between the many phone calls he received during the time I was there (he was in the middle of working), Mike was nice enough to let me ask him a few questions about music, the business, and some other miscellaneous things. Here is the transcription of both my questions and his answers:

Q: How is business now as apposed to 5 or 10 years ago?
A: It's still good. We are a niche operation that caters to the "music enthusiast". Mostly people looking for more independent artists and bands.

Q: What is currently popular/selling?
A: Right now: Beruit, Bon Iver, Andrew Bird and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (All mostly independent artists)

Q: Is the music industry at fault for the decline in overall album sales?
A: Yes. They are just looking for big hits and aren't interested in developing an artist's career.

Q: Do you think radio is dying out?
A: I can't say I really even listen to it. Some college stations are okay, but popular radio is awful. It's all programmed and they don't take any chances.

Q: Who are some of your favorite new artists?
A: I don't listen to too many but a few of them are: Intrusion (minimalist-electronic) Matthew Shipp (jazz) and Zombi ( kind of like early Kraftwerk)

Q: Do you think the CD will ever "die" ?
A: You mean the physical CD? no I don't think it will.

Q: When you listen to music, are you more about lyrics or the instrumentation?
A: Music first

Q: What do you think about rap music?
A: I like some of it, more of the underground stuff.
Q: Because you are more instrumentals first?
A: Exactly. Also it depends on what music it's sampled from and how sharp that is.
Q: Is there anybody in particular?
A: Yesterday's New Quintet, they haven't anything in a while but have done some different side projects and things.

Q: What is one of your favorite albums of all time?
A: Rolling Stones "Sticky Fingers"

Q: What was the last concert you went to?
A: Jon Hassell

Q: Jimi Hendrix or Jim Morrison?
A: Hendrix, easily.

Q: What are some keys to success in this industry? Whether you are starting a band, label, business, or whatever. Is there anything that could help you across the board in all of them?
A: Persistence and the first person you need to sell that to is yourself.

Our conversation ended as I thanked Mike for his time and honest answers. I'm glad I got to talk with him a bit and I'm sure I will make my way back to AKA in the future.

Simple-ly, A Good Time

This past Friday evening I had the pleasure of seeing the Phish tribute band Simple. I've sadly never had the opportunity to actually see Phish themselves perform, but I must say, hearing their songs being played live by a very solid group of musicians was a true treat. The small crowd, and setting of the Draught Horse made for a warm refuge from the freezing weather outside. Not to mention, the great tunes kept us all warm from the uncontrollable dancing that ensued throughout the whole show.

This may actually be the entire setlist, but some highlights for me were: NICU, Maze, Theme from the Bottom, Down with the Disease, Sparkle, and Weekapaug Groove. After the show was over I got the chance to talk to the band a little bit and thank them for the fun time. Although I still have yet to see Phish, Simple was a nice substitute for the time being. I will definitely check these guys out again.

The Builders and The Butchers (a review)

The Builders and The Butchers self titled album is the type of record you can picture being recorded while you listen to it. Close your eyes and the scene unfolds itself. A group of balladeers and troubadours sitting around in a smokey room, drinking whiskey and beer, playing whatever instruments are available, while singing and shouting heartfelt songs of their travels. Despite the lyrics about death and dying, the record contains loose/fun jamming and sing-along type vibes that are felt throughout its entirety. This creates an energy that makes you feel like you are right there with the band.
Fusing elements of country, folk, gospel, and blues, this band has created a solid album that must have been a blast to record. I definitely recommend giving it a listen and possibly even better, checking them out live.