This winter was brutal for just about everyone on the East Coast. It seemed to snow every other day, and the bitter cold made you want to retire to Florida with the old folks and their Mahjong games. During the brutal season, I personally was struck with not one or two but four sinus infections. Why am I telling you this? First and foremost, I want your sympathy. A close runner-up is to let you know the two A-Sides I'm posting today I might as well dub the "sinus sessions." At the eleventh hour, I had to send a replacement interviewer (with my questions in hand) in my place to ensure two wonderful opportunities didn't become another casualty of the season. Anyhow, blah blah blahs aside, let's get to the musicians because I'm just as sick about hearing about my winter illnesses as you are by now.
Night Terrors of 1927
When they released their debut EP Guilty Pleas last fall, I had already heard of Night Terrors of 1927. Their standout debut single "Dust and Bones" had been getting considerable airplay on alt-rock stations, and it made my ears dance - not literally (although they're probably big enough to do that.) 1927, a collaboration between former Rilo Kiley guitarist Blake Sennett and former The Honorary Title frontman Jarrod Gorbel, churn out authentic pop-driven, big alt-rock music with a lyrical punch. Earlier this month, the band filmed an A-Sides session at The Digital Arts Experience in White Plains. Watch "Dust and Bones" live below, and follow the links to another exclusive live track and The DAE's Emily Angell subbing for me as A-Sides host with my questions in hand. Look for the band's full-length later this year, and catch Night Terrors on the road in May with Fitz and the Tantrums.
- Click for another exclusive live track and the A-Sides interview.
Caught a Ghost
Caught a Ghost could very easily tour with Fitz and the Tantrums as well. Like that Cali-alt-dance-insert-cool-adjective-here band, they have a unique sound that blends all walks of music life from hip hop to Motown soul and rock. The band just dropped their debut album entitled Human Nature, and like the Michael Jackson song title with the same name, it's all kinds of awesomeness. The band recently shot an A-Sides at the Primary Wave Music Listening Room in New York City, and nailed their track. They also sat down for an interview, which was filmed by my brother from another Jewish mother Andrew Plotkin. But, I'm jumping the gun a bit. Let me paint a better picture of the band before you scroll down and press play.
Jesse Nolan is sort of the brainchild of CAG, and I say that not to discredit the other band members. It's just Nolan is the songwriter, producer, and lead singer. He also played most of the instruments on the album, and his influences in particular have shaped the band's sound. But, he's not alone - like I said. Stephen Edelstein, who has known Nolan since kindergarten, plays drums while Tessa Thompson serves as singer/percussionist. Speaking of Thomspon, if she looks familiar, it's because she's an accomplished actress whose credits include Veronica Mars, Cold Case,and the film Dear White People, which won the Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Talent at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. Anyway, let's get down to it. Watch. Listen. Love. Oh, and clear your sinuses, people.
To view the Caught a Ghost interview, visit A-Sides' YouTube channel here.
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. Theme song performed by Blondfire. Artists have included: fun, Blondfire, Rob Zombie, Pharrell Williams, Courtney Love, American Authors, Air Supply, Imagine Dragons, Gary Clark Jr., and more!