Dear Apache,
Jump on this.
Love, Jon
MisterWives are a New York-based band and are probably the next band you should be getting behind. That's what she said. Anyway, the New York City band (Mandy Lee, Etienne Bowler, Will Hehir, Marc Campbell, Dr. Blum, and Murph Dawg) released its debut EP Reflections in January, and it's a killer blend of pop, dance, and rock that should propel them to the head of the class. Speaking of which, I filmed an A-Sides (asidesmusic.com) session with them recently at the Music Conservatory of Westchester, and they floored me with two amazing songs and a sit-down interview. The first track is "Reflections" - their breakthrough single that has already been an iTunes Song of the Week, and the second is "Vagabond," an amazing ditty off their EP. Bathe in their unique brilliance below and catch them on the road with The Mowgli's now. No word if Adele Dazeem will be there. (Um, sorry... Oscar namedrop for instant hits).
"Reflections"
Bonus live goodness: "Vagabond"
New York's ukulele-fueled The Prettiots churn out sweet-sounding melodies with fun, quirky lyrics that almost channel Moldy Peaches. But these indie-art-popsters have their own unique voice so give them a listen. Frontwoman Kay Kasparhauser stopped by the Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains, NY to perform two tracks and sit down for an interview recently. Bandmembers Rachel Trachtenberg (drums) and bassist Lulu Prat sat this one. Kay's personality filled the room on her own anyway. Enjoy.
"Dream Boy"
Bonus Jonas:
To listen to Kasparhauser perform "18 Wheeler" on A-Sides, click here.
A-Sides "Delve Into Twelve" Countdown
Each week A-Sides unleashes its Top 12 tracks of the week AKA the "Delve Into Twelve"based on the following contributing factors: songs I'm playing out that particular week NO MATTER WHEN THEY WERE RELEASED (think overlooked songs, unreleased tracks, and old favorites), songs various publicists are trying to get me to listen to that I did and dug a bunch, posts and trends I've noticed on my friends' Facebook walls, and - most importantly - the songs my two-year-old son gravitates toward by stomping his feet in approval. Yeah, you read that right. This weeks follows below (LW= last week's rank).
12. "Coming of Age" - Foster the People
11. "Elevate"(LW-12) - St. Lucia
10. "Falling in Love" - Phantogram
9. "Peninsula" - Dinosaur Pile-Up (Watch the song performed live on A-Sides here.)
8. "You're Not Good Enough" (LW-3) - Blood Orange
7. "Take Me to Church" (LW-7) - Hozier
6. "I Sat By the Ocean" (LW-4) - Queens of the Stone Age
5. "Reflections"(LW-6) - MisterWives
4. "Young Heart" (LW-5) - Blondfire
3. "Sparklers" (LW-2) - Gemini Club
2. "Doses and Mimosas" (LW-1) - Cherub
1. "Blue Moon" (LW-10) - Beck
About A-Sides Music
Jon Chattman's "A-Sides Music" series was established in August 2011 and usually 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. Artists have included: fun, Pharrell Williams, American Authors, Imagine Dragons Jake Miller, Gary Clark Jr., Sleigh Bells, Danger Mouse, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, San Fermin, and more!