Category: Features


Interview: Johanna and the Dusty Floor

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May 3, 2011

(photo by Jessie Sara English)

Johanna and the Dusty Floor

by David Chiu

New York-based singer Johanna Cranitch has a jazz music background, but you really couldn’t detect that upon listening to her new album, Northern Lights, under the moniker Johanna and the Dusty Floor. The sound on Cranitch’s record seems to draw inspiration from the likes of Kate Bush for its poetic and atmospheric feel. (Not surprisingly, Cranitch also covers Bush’s classic song “Cloudbusting.”) Accompanied by Cranitch’s soulfully wistful and yearning voice, the songs on Northern Lights possess sound quite dreamy (“Heavy Heart,” the very New Wave-ish “Please Don’t Go”) with a dash of subtle tension (the title track). Somewhat of a departure from the current flash and spectacle nature of music these days, Northern Lights strikes a successful balance between art rock and melodic pop.

It seems that Cranitch was destined to be where she is now as far as music is concerned. Hailing from Sydney, she was born to an Irish/Australian pianist-father and a Hungarian mother. Later, Cranitch studied jazz at the Australian Institute of Music and then arrived to New York with the goal of becoming a recording engineer. Last year she released her EP The Forest—in a review, PopMatters says about the recording: “There’s also a certain vibe to the songs on this album that recalls Christine McVie, not just in songwriting style, but in that Cranitch shares a seemingly deep Contralto vocal range with the Fleetwood Mac singer at times.”

With the release of the full-length coming up later this month, Johanna and the Dusty Floor will perform two New York City shows, first at The Living Room on May 5, and then Rockwood Music Hall on May 24. NewBeats had a chance to talk with Cranitch about how she got started in music, the new album and her arrival to New York. View full article »

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Features: An interview with Kate Sikora

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January 18, 2011

(photo courtesy of Kate Sikora)

By Way of Japan: An Interview with New Jersey-Based Singer-Songwriter Kate Sikora
by David Chiu

It is not often that you hear about a singer-songwriter from New Jersey who teaches at a school in Japan. But that’s what characterizes the unique life story of emerging artist Kate Sikora of Boonton, New Jersey so far. One of the highlights from her time in the Land of the Rising Sun happened in 2009 playing the Rookie-A-Go-Go stage at Fuji Rock.

“I didn’t know at the time, but I was the first foreigner to play that particular stage,” she says. “It’s pretty easy to be oblivious of where I stand in the music industry over there because I am, essentially, illiterate in Japanese.”

This young performer has recorded two records so far, Grace in Rotation, which was released in 2005, and her recent six-song EP Aparto. Her experiences in Japan plays a role in her music, which draws on various styles and moods—from stripped-down folk to garagey rock–but has in common a melodic indie pop undercurrent. “I’m inspired by the people, sights, sounds, and smells there,” she says. “I’m still discovering it. Being far from familiarity and nostalgia are themes that come up a lot in my more recent songs.” View full article »

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Features: An interview with Nicole Simone

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July 29, 2010

(photo by Stacey Mark)

Nicole Simone: Young Chanteuse of Sultry, Retro Pop
By David Chiu

Listening to Nicole Simone’s music is like watching an old surrealistic, foreign movie: it has a distinctive Euro, fatalistic noir-ish quality to it. In fact, this young artist’s old-timey sound is more in tuned with her  influences Marilyn Monroe and Tom Waits than her modern-day peers. Simone is a credit or an exception to trends, rather bravely following her own muse by embracing this cool, sophisticated retro sound.

The Los Angeles-based Simone recently released her debut self-titled EP, featuring the sultry and appropriately-titled song “Melt.” She even enlisted her friend, actor/musician Jason Schwartzman to play on the tune “The Wedding Song.” The heat and feel of the torchy songs are further augmented by Simone’s breathy vocals.

Simone will be playing on Aug. 2 opening for Ferraby Lionheart at the Bootleg Theater in Los Angeles. Prior to the appearance, NewBeats had the opportunity to talk to Simone about her career music, especially why this particular old-fashioned music. View full article »

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Feature Archive: A Fine Frenzy

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May 24, 2010


A Fine Frenzy (a.k.a. singer Alison Sudol) will be performing a couple of shows in Washington state and California in July for the Lilith Fair. From the NewBeats archives, here is a interview with Sudol from 2007.

Alison Sudol of A Fine Frenzy
By David Chiu

“I guess if you went out into the wilderness, fell in love, got lost, got your heart broken and emerged to tell the tale, this album could be your own personal soundtrack.”

So said 22-year-old singer/pianist/songwriter Alison Sudol, the driving force behind the collective A Fine Frenzy, about the music on their Virgin Records debut One Cell In the Sea.Her description about her music is fitting because it covers a wide range of emotions—from melancholy to hope to yearning—complemented by distinctive piano playing and Sudol’s airy, soulful voice. It has drew enough strong notices for this newcomer to land a record deal; to have her songs played on television; and to perform on stages all over the country.

“It’s pretty spectacular,” Sudol said in an e-mail interview. “Getting to play for people that have never heard us before and getting a raw reaction. We’ve been getting such incredible responses from the shows… it’s a wonderful feeling.”

The songs on One Cell In the Sea, which was released this past July, have a very dreamy quality to them. “I try to collect words, images, stories, etc. on a daily basis,” she said of her songwriting, “and when my head starts feeling full I sit down at the piano and try to make sense of things. Writing is my greatest joy, it’s a constant friend and sometimes the only thing that will make me feel like I have a place in the world.” View full article »

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Feature: Saltlands: A Recording Studio in Brooklyn’s DUMBO

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May 17, 2010

Dawn Landes at Saltlands (photo by David Chiu)

By David Chiu

At first glance 68 Jay St. in Brooklyn’s DUMBO neighborhood doesn’t look like a place where the magic happens. The building’s facade is very nondescript, and two large elevators and a worn out-looking vending machine mark its minimalist-looking lobby area.

The commercial building’s sparse interior gives no indication that in one of its spaces is Saltlands, a professional recording studio. Founded in 2008 Saltlands has been used by various artists for their projects such as the Soft Pack, Alexi Murdoch and Josh. Several songs from the Away We Go movie soundtrack were produced at the studio, and Wilco’s DVD Ashes of American Flags was mixed there.

A cavernous hallway, which is reminiscent of being in an indoor parking lot, leads into the studio’s entrance. Inside is a relatively cozy relaxing space that houses the usual fixtures such as the studio per se and the control room that features large mixing desk.

“We’re not really competing with Avatar or Sear Sound, which are these amazing studios in New York that charge thousands of dollars a day,” says Saltlands’ owner and co-founder Steve Salett. “So we don’t try. I think we have very good equipment and we try to focus on the performance. View full article »

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Feature: An interview with Amanda Palmer and Jason Webley on Evelyn Evelyn

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May 10, 2010

(photo by Scott Irvine)

by David Chiu

It’s not often that one comes across a pop musical act whose performers are conjoined twins, especially ones whose musical styles border on cabaret, vaudeville, Tin Pan Alley, folk and ‘80s pop. This is especially true of twin sister act Evelyn Evelyn, the latest project spearheaded by musicians Amanda Palmer and Jason Webley. Touted as “the only conjoined twin singer-songwriter duo in the world” by their press reps, and versed in playing instruments from the ukulele to the accordion, Evelyn Evelyn may have emerged as one of 2010’s most interesting and intriguing artists.

Based out of Walla Walla Washington, the twins, Lyn and Eva Neville, both 24, have just released their self-titled album this past spring and are currently on tour. According to their press bio, the twin sisters have traveled the greater part of North America performing with ‘Dillard & Fullerton’s Illusive Traveling Show.’” Later the twins caught the attention of Palmer and Webley, who aided them in the making of the record.

The autobiographical ‘Evelyn Evelyn’ album definitely has a heavy theatrical bent musically, which is reflected on the trilogy of songs “The Tragic Events of September” as well as the title track and “Have You Seen My Sister Evelyn,” whereas other songs deviate from that style such as a folk cover of Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart” and the wild ‘80s arena rock tribute “My Space.” And while the lyrics are certainly about the sisters’ close relationship (figuratively and literally), they also provide social commentary, whether it’s about marketing exploitation and pop culture. Yet there are also moments of whimsy and humor like on the child-like sing along “Elephant Elephant.”

As for Palmer and Webley, the folks behind Evelyn Evelyn, their relationship goes back to circa 2000 when the two met as street performers in Australia, says Webley. “At the time I was starting a collaboration project, trying to write a handful of songs with different musician friends around the world. Amanda agreed to take a stab with me, which I am very grateful for. Evelyn Evelyn and our friendship grew out of that process. “

NewBeats recently had a chance to speak via e-mail with Palmer and Webley on behalf of the twins, about the origins of the project, the music, and the sisters’ future plans. View full article »

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Features: The Willowz

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April 26, 2010

(photo by Olivia Malone)

The Willowz: Driving Rock Music That Makes an Impression

By David Chiu

How resonant is the music of California rock band the Willowz?  A fan, who recently attended a Willowz gig in Los Angeles, had the lyrics of their song, “Making Certain,” tattooed on his chest!

“I was in shock,” says Willowz singer, guitarist and co-founder Richie James Follin. “It was a large tattoo.”

Adds fellow Willowz bassist and co-founder Jessica Reynoza: “I met that dude. Pretty awesome. It reminded me of that Slayer album where ‘slayer’ is carved into someone’s arm. I got a friend who has the word ‘poop’ tattooed on her butt, so I wasn’t shocked if that is what your asking.”

That fan’s unusual but touching gesture confirms the effect that the group’s music has on him and perhaps others. You can hear that on their latest album, Everyone, which pays homage to rock’s past: the Rolling Stones, Iggy and the Stooges, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are some examples. It’s traditional rock in one sense and yet it also has some contemporary credibility that will appeal to indie music fans. Follin’s emotive vocals and an arsenal of bombastic drums, urgent bass and shimmering guitar mark the bold sound. (Also, the entire album clocks just less than 30 minutes). View full article »

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Features: David J of Bauhaus/Love and Rockets

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April 23, 2010

As NewBeats turned 11 this month, here is an interview from the archives: David J of Bahaus and Love and Rockets, circa 2003.

The Estranged World of David J
by David Chiu

Any fan of modern rock, especially Goth, for the last 25 years will certainly know who David J is. The artist first made a name for himself as the founding member of the legendary, influential band Bauhaus of the early ’80s, and then later as one third of Love and Rockets. The former band achieved cult status while the latter netted a huge commercial pop hit (1989′s “So Alive”).

The British bassist and vocalist has also forged his own solo career throughout the ’80s and ’90s (Songs from Another Season, On Glass, Etiquette of Violence). Now David J has returned with his latest solo record called Estranged. Inspired by the breakup with his partner, Estranged might sound somewhat surprising to those expecting something abrasive or Goth emblematic of his past. Estranged is an atmospheric, intimate spare album with David J singing in a deadpan manner. Combining both elements of folk and country (reflected on tracks like “Mess Up,” Time in the Sun”), J’s album evokes a sense of beauty even during moments of melancholy and darkness (some things never change). J even covers an old ’70s standby Bread’s “The Guitar Man” with some soaring guitar lines by Dave Navarro and American Music Club’s Bruce Kaphin.

Born David J. Haskins, the artist made his mark in music back in 1978 when he, drummer Kevin Haskins, guitarist Daniel Ash, and vocalist Peter Murphy formed Bahaus. Their sound inaugurated the Goth post-punk movement, which would prove influential and imitated for years to come. Their most famous single was “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” followed by a hit remake of David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust. After the group broke up, David J, Kevin Haskins, and Daniel Ash formed Love and Rockets. Streamlining their sound without the doomy trappings, Love and Rockets scored a huge hit “So Alive” in the late ’80s and recorded several subsequent albums.

Things recently have come full circle for David J. In 1998, Bauhaus reformed and toured to much acclaim, proving their legend is still alive. J was also making his own music-Estranged was recorded three years ago but was temporarily shelved for release due to the usual label and legal matters. To finance the record, J sold his old Bauhaus memoribillia on eBay. It eventually turned out to be a good deal for both J and the fans.

Now with this latest solo album, David J is taking his act on the road. Here, he talks about the new album, his past, and future plans. View full article »

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Features: An interview with Steve Wynn

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April 15, 2010

NewBeats turns 11 this month. So from our archives, here is an interview with former Dream Syndicate singer circa 2003:

Steve Wynn: Music for Troubled Souls
By David Chiu

“I wanted to have written a novel more than I want to write a novel,” said veteran singer/songwriter Steve Wynn. “I think I will someday. It’s a whole different discipline.” Given his knack for writing introspective moody songs in a journalistic fashion, it would only make sense that he would write a book. If he ever decides to do that, Wynn certainly would have enough material given his 20-plus years of experiences in music career.

In fact, any survey of alternative music in the last two decades would be incomplete without mentioning Steve Wynn. He had established his name in modern rock as the founder of the Dream Syndicate, the Los Angeles band that was synonymous with the Paisley Underground movement of the early ’80s. The band that was heavily influenced by the Velvet Underground in time would inspire another generation of garage rockers in the ’90s. While the Dream Syndicate has been somewhat of a distant memory since its break up in 1990, Wynn continued to plug away, first with the super group Gutterball, and later as a solo artist. View full article »

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Feature: An interview with singer Clare Burson

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March 31, 2010

photo by Ted Barron (from clareburson.com)

New York-based musician Clare Burson is set to release her new album, Silver and Ash, on Rounder Records later this year. As part of NewBeats’ 10th anniversary, here is an interview that the magazine did with Burson a couple of years ago; since her debut EP Undone, she has put out three more releases: In -Between, Idaho and Thieves

Clare Burson: Troubadour with a Twang

by David Chiu

Sometimes when you enter a bar or a club to listen to live music from a new artist, it can be hit or miss. When it misses, at least you could go back to the bar, order a tall cool one, and flirt with the person next to you. But when it the music hits, it makes the evening more interesting than you expected. And if that person goes on to superstardom, you can be proud to say you were one of the first to witness how it all happened.

That is what happened to this reviewer when he saw Clare Burson perform at the Luna Lounge on a hot August Saturday night. Despite the lack of name power, this young artist managed to play strong and convincingly to a small but very appreciative audience in the Lounge’s performing space. Somewhere down the road Burson has the potential to ascend to the stratosphere of recognition. View full article »

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