Monday, January 30, 2012

Earworm Of The Week: The Pines

Drawing from Americana and bluegrass influences, The Pines are an underappreciated Twin Cities act. Their first full-length, Tremolo, wove haunting ballads like “Heart and Bones” with boot stomping tunes like “Pray Tell.” The delicate balance between edgy and atmospheric defines singer-songwriters David Huckfelt and Benson Ramsey’s music. The result is rich, authentic sounds reminiscent of a simpler life and bittersweet times gone by.

This track is from The Pines’ forthcoming album, Dark So Gold, which will hopefully be on the set list at their release show at the Cedar Cultural Center on Feb. 17.

- Erica Rivera

The PINES - Cry, Cry, Crow (Official Music Video) from The PINES on Vimeo.


Tune into "Live From Studio 5!" on Wednesdays from 10 PM to Midnight on KFAI radio.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Behind The Scenesters: Scott Herold


Scott Herold is the CEO and founder of Rock The Cause, a 501c3 organization that raises awareness about local charities and encourages volunteerism through music.

Herold isn't hard to spot on the Twin Cities music scene; you'll either recognize him from his black-and-white RTC t-shirt, cow print hat, or generous smile. Via his Facebook page, Herold says, "Did I ever tell you how much I enjoy being a Gen Xer? I so fit the bill. I do not like authority. I am stuck in the middle of all these aging hippies and up an coming millenials who both think Xers do not listen, need to grow up, and may be deranged. The thought of being in one company until I die horrifies me unless its my own. I own every Psychedelic Furs record on vinyl. Some where deep inside is a Billy Idol yearning to be free."

All year long, RTC hosts a multitude of events, including Glitter Ball and Phantasmagoria, that are both fun for party-goers and benefit non-profits. Herold also brings RTC to schools and colleges to engage the next generation of philanthropists. RTC recently released their first compilation CD, Minnesota Remember Vic Chesnutt, which is going on the road to SXSW this year. RTC's next event, Rock For Socks II, takes place on Feb. 17 at the Amsterdam Bar & Hall in St. Paul and features Pictures of Then, who were guests on "Live From Studio 5!" in 2010.

Tune into "Live From Studio 5!" on Wednesdays from 10 PM to Midnight on KFAI radio.

- Erica Rivera

Monday, January 23, 2012

Earworm Of The Week: Senakah

Robert Hope of Senakah (formerly Seneca), the alternative Irish outfit, just gave us the heads up on the band’s newest video. The video was written by and stars Ben Morrison from MTV’s Punk’d. Seneca’s album Human Relations drops on Feb. 17 on iTunes! For more on Seneca, visit the band’s website here.

- Erica Rivera



Tune into ”Live From Studio 5!” on Wednesdays from 10 PM to Midnight on KFAI radio.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Earworm Of The Week: Zoo Animal

Zoo Animal, a local indie rock band and "Live From Studio 5!" guest, is one of the many underappreciated gems on the Twin Cities music scene. In the group’s second, self-titled album, Holly Newsom took listeners on a dark, yet mysteriously enticing journey through rageful relationships to the ever-thorny realm of religion. Live, Newsom’s feisty guitar skills and muffled vocals build into a tension filled explosion of emotion onstage. This video shows a softer side of Newsom, and the stripped-down direction Zoo Animal seems to be moving in. It was filmed by North Shore Sessions in St. Paul last week. You can also check out Zoo Animal's "Live From Studio 5!" performance on our YouTube channel.

- Erica Rivera



Tune into ”Live From Studio 5!” on Wednesdays from 10 PM to Midnight on KFAI radio.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Earworm Of The Week: Poliça

Though Poliça is one of the newer bands on the Twin Cities scene, it is fronted by Channy Leaneagh, a veteran singer-songwriter and one-half of the former duo Roma di Luna. Now teamed up with bass player Chris Bierden, drummers Drew Christopherson (Solid Gold) and Ben Ivascu (Marijuana Deathsquads), and producer Ryan Olson (Gayngs), Leaneagh explores a sound light years away from the indie folk fans are used to hearing from the petite powerhouse. Experimental, spacey and subtly sensual, Poliça is stirring up plenty of press and already making a name for itself with recent performances at CMJ and an opening gig for Foster the People. Hopefully you already nabbed tickets for the band’s Valentine’s Day Give Up The Ghost album release show at First Avenue; if not, you’re out of luck. It’s sold out.



This video, for Poliça’s tune "Lay Your Cards Out," debuted on rap star Jay-Z’s blog. We’re placing our bets that Polica will have a Bon Iver style breakthrough this year.

- Erica Rivera

Tune into ”Live From Studio 5!” on Wednesdays from 10 PM to Midnight on KFAI radio.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Earworm Of The Week: The Lower 48

Formed in Minneapolis in 2009, The Lower 48 now calls Portland, OR, home. Comprised of Sarah Parson (Vocals/Guitar/Piano), Ben Braden (Vocals/Guitar), Nick Sadler (Percussion/Harmonica/Vocals), and Noah Kise (Bass), this four piece makes melodic, fun tunes that remind us of bonfires, backyard barbecues, and carefree reverie. The band’s first full-length, Where All Maps End, was released in 2011.

- Erica Rivera



Tune into ”Live From Studio 5!” on Wednesdays from 10 PM to Midnight on KFAI radio.