There are only about two weeks left until 2009, so I thought I would do a recap of the Featured Artists here on TheFrontloader.com. All of these artists are worth discovering (or revisiting)… so if you missed them the first time around, here’s your chance to catch up!
Follow the links to the complete article and show them some love with a comment.
New artists will be featured starting January 5th, 2009.
SWEETTOOTH
Featured October 12, 2008
My first time at a Sweettooth show is something I’ll never forget. I’ll always remember the moment they tore into “Bleeding Nerve”… as my scalp slowly started peeling off, I thought to myself, “MAN ALIVE!!!!!” and for the next hour or so I hung on every note they played. Snatching up their four song EP afterwards only made me hungry for more. When I heard that they were in the process of recording their first full length album, I thanked the Gods of Rock and anxiously awaited its completion.
So when I was sent their self-titled record a couple of months ago, I wasted no time in ripping off the plastic and popping it into my Cd player. I have to admit that the packaging really caught my eye (big tip for artists: YES, packaging matters). Weighing in at a hefty thirteen tracks, the record packs a punch that resonates deep in your bones [...]
THE CATHRYN BEEKS ORDEAL
Featured October 19, 2008
Desert Music is the first release by The Cathryn Beeks Ordeal. This acoustic-driven album blends a rootsy mixture of folk, rock, blues, Americana, pop, and country, demonstrating Beek’s dynamic range and versatility not only a singer, but as a songwriter as well (she co-wrote all the songs on the album).
The musicianship on the album is impeccable, courtesy of The Ordeal: Matt Silvia (rhythm guitar), Jeff Johnson (bass), Rob Garbowski (drums, percussion), Marcia Claire (flute, mandolin), Becky Flemming (alto sax) and Will Bonner (lead/electric guitar). I was fortunate enough to see them live before moving to Nashville, and upon receiving the record I was overjoyed that they stayed true to their sound and feel [...]
PHONOGRAPH
Featured October 26, 2008
It hasn’t taken long for New York’s Phonograph to make an impression in the music industry. Since forming in 2005, the band has achieved critical acclaim from Billboard magazine, American Songwriter Magazine, and The New York Times.
Phonograph is categorized in the Alt. Country genre, but as singer Matthew Welsh explains, “Even though we’re known more for an alt-country aesthetic… we want a healthy balance between interesting psychedelic sounds and good old wholesome American songwriting.” I was immediately hooked on their music as it reminded me of Wilco’s journey into experimentation in their Yankee Hotel Foxtrot album [...]
THE COMING GRASS
Featured November 3, 2008
Ever since hearing Uncle Tupelo’s No Depression album, I’ve been a big fan of the Alt. Country genre. There is something about the way Alt. Country blends country, blues, rock, punk, and folk that really “speaks” to me. I’m always on the lookout for new bands in this style, and when I find one I like, I generally tend to stick with them to see how they develop.
Back in 2002, a friend of mine in San Diego recommended a band called The Coming Grass. All he told me was that the drummer from Wilco at the time (one of the more popular Alt. Country acts) played on The Coming Grass’ album, Transient [...]
BREE SHARP
Featured November 10, 2008
Bree Sharp signed her record deal fresh out of college at NYU. Originally an acting major, she turned to writing and performing songs because hey, why not. Cheap and Evil Girl was released in 1999 and hatched two singles: “David Duchovney” and “America.” Although the album hit the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart (#47), the album did not find the same success on the Top 200 chart.
The “Duchovney” song found its way to David Duchovney on the X-Files set. He dug the song (who wouldn’t like a song written about them?) and was heard playing it daily. Two production assistants, Will Shivers and Charles Forsch, made an unofficial video for the song that featured many celebrities lip-syncing the song [...]
Popularity: 1% [?]
What a great idea, to recap all the artist :)
I think these features are such an awesome part of this site. Just looking through them today, you know, you do such a nice job with them. I look forward to the features of the new year! :)
Thanks so much for featuring Sweethtooth and The Cathryn Beeks Ordeal, Thomas. Amazing musicians and lovely people. It looked like they were very happy to see you again at the listenlocal party. San Diego sure has its share of talent.