Does anyone remember the Genesis song "I Can't Dance?" It's okay...they probably don't either. The song resonated with me when it came out and it still does because I simply can't bust a move - at least not sober. Robert DeLong, on the other hand, probably can cut a rug quite well (not literally because why would anyone brag about cutting a piece of carpet?) Anyway, with his debut album Just Movement on Glassnote Records, the innovative singer/songwriter/drummer/producer/music master is making speakers his bitch with danceable pop that resonates with alt-rockers and body shakers.
DeLong's first single "Global Concepts" is already taking off like Judy Garland on a binge back in the day. Based off that track, the one-man band has landed spots at major festivals like Coachella, Sasquatch, Governors Ball, and next month's SXSW. He's also been tapped as an "Artist to Watch" by MTV, Billboard, and VIBE and is set to appear tonight (Feb. 13) on Late Show with David Letterman .
On Monday, Feb. 11, while en route to a show in Boston, DeLong stopped by Vinifera Wine & Spirits in Mamaroneck, NY to film an A-Sides interview. Unfortunately, the musician couldn't perform because he has way too many toys to make an intimate session work - at least for now. As the press release points out he comes equipped with: "MIDI interfaces, a full drum set, guitar, drum pads, keyboards, laptops and game controllers, looping his music live to fuse electronic dance beats with striking melodies and lyrics with emotional heart." Phew. In any event, watch the interview below from this rising star. In the mean time, I dance in the corner...alone...weeping.
For more on Robert DeLong, visit:
www.robertdelong.com
www.twitter.com/delongmusic
www.facebook.com/RobertDeLongMusic
Even though their music is vastly different than DeLong, the UK-band Skinny Lister will also make you dance but in more of a "stomp your feet, love your life" kind of way. The five-piece folk band (Sam Brace, Lorna Thomas, Daniel Heptinstall, Michael Camino, and Maxwell Thomas) are currently gaining traction by opening up for Flogging Molly in the states in support of their debut album Forge and Flagon. The band, who are signed with Side One Dummy Records, filmed an A-Sides Music session last week at the Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains, and displayed the infectious energy and uniquely beautiful sound that they're gradually getting noticed for. Note to Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers: watch your backs. Actually, don't watch your backs. Join this band on stage and slay audiences with mega-folk wonder. Watch the band perform "Rollin' Over" and talk about it all below, and check an exclusive A-Side performance of "Colours" here. It's my Valentine's Day gift to your ears. Enjoy!
"Rollin' Over"
For more on Skinny Lister, visit:
www.skinnylister.com
twitter.com/skinnylister
facebook.com/skinnylister
About A-Sides with Jon Chattman:
Jon Chattman's "A-Sides Music" series features artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometimes humorous) way. No bells, no whistles -- just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, I'm hoping this is refreshing.