Ever get a bad case of the Mondays? When you don’t want to brave traffic and endure your job one more day? Instead of going to work, Darius Lux decided that he was tired of waiting tables in Manhattan, so he left and traveled throughout the Pacific, Asia, Europe and South America. He now writes, produces and performs music to help us get though Mondays a little easier–music that is uplifting and inspiring. His latest release is appropriately named Arise and it is a reminder that we need to aspire to reach the excellence beyond ourselves either by recreating our lives or doing what we do better than we ever have. Not a bad way to start the week eh?

What songs on your album do you most like to play live?

There are 3 main songs that I enjoy playing for different reasons. With “XtraOrdinary”, I begin by beat-boxing and then loop that beatbox beat in my pedal while the band slowly build around it thru the song, it’s great to start something so small and end so big and the crowd always gets engaged in the process

I must have played “Human Race” over 150 times live and the guitar riff always gets people moving, that can only be a good thing. This song also works well acoustically, as well as with a full rockin band grooving behind me, and it’s also easy to do a live reggae version when the mood calls for it.

Finally, “Hey You” is a blast because by the final chorus most people are singing along and that’s when I really feel like “mission accomplished”.

What is your biggest inspiration behind your writing?

To offer something that is inspiring and insightful and may help fill a hole in the lives of people, who like me, feel something is missing sometimes. I wasn’t always turned on by everything around me growing up and loved the escape music provided and another way of seeing the world offered by the writers.

You are a producer, songwriter, multi instrumentalist, and a performer, which of these roles do you like the best?

The different roles move in waves. I do really like them all equally if in balance. Songwriting is a specific moment in time where I like to focus my existence on absorbing and reflecting. Then I hit a limit and want to bring them to life and playing the different instruments is a blast and allows me the chance to become a better player. Producing can be for myself or for another artist and often involves more of a ‘science’ in getting the best sound or arrangement. This is also when you can do the ‘editing’ that I wouldn’t do in the early writing stages. If I am producing for another artist it is also nice to take a break from my own thing and be more objective. Plus, you always learn so much working with other people. Performing is a whole other rush, whatever nerves there may be initially, are quickly transformed into bliss—channeling all the different emotions thru my voice onstage feels like the purest form of expression I have ever known.

If you were broke and had to dress up like a character and stand outside Mann’s Chinese Theatre, who would you dress up as and why?

Ha! That’s funny  I was walking by there yesterday. Off the top of my head—Ace Ventura .  I think any Jim Carrey character gives you a huge license to just be a total whack job in public and get away with it ;-P

What was your favorite album growing up?

Acchhh, do I have to pick only one!! Ok, I need to pick 3.

Blood Sugar Sex Magic by Red Hot Chili Peppers. Wow, blew my mind, total pinnacle of all their talents blending perfectly: creative, fun, deep. I can still listen to that and feel the same rip of energy as the day it came out. This was essential pubescent listening!

Euphoria Morning by Chris Cornell. Although this kinda flopped at the time, I was enraptured by the very musical and soulful musings of Soundgarden’s frontman. This album plays like a friend by your side, you can tell he had been waiting a while to show this other face of his talents. Every song is perfection, there isn’t a single wasted note here and of course, that VOICE!

Songs In The Key Of Life As a child I found an old unmarked cassette copy left in an abandoned cupboard and I started listening to it and never looked back. I didn’t know who it was for years, but Stevie Wonder taught me most of what I needed to know.

Have you ever thought of writing rap songs under the pseudonym D-Lux?

Ha, another great question, I think I’ll spare the world my rapping. Any attempts at ‘freestyling’ usually slide into potty mouth pretty quickly – although Eminiem made a whole career of that….

Find Darius on MySpace, Facebook and Twitter

-Sheena

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3. Musician Interview with a songstress with a lot of heart, Kristy Hanson

Back by an all-star cast, including Aaron Sterling (studio drummer for Sara Bareilles, Kelly Clarkson and Brandi Carlile), Ryan Freeland (engineer Aimee Mann, LeAnn Rimes and Natasha Bedingfield), producer Timothy Young and her husband Mike Chiaburu, Kristy Hanson is releasing her newest album Into The Quiet at the end of this month.  Her release was funded largely by her fans and marked a transition in Kristy’s artistry from singer/songwriter to collaborator. She also put her input into the production, making the album truly her own. So without further ado, I give to you the very charming Kristy Hanson…

What has been the best part of making the new album?

I think the best or at least most exciting part of making an album, for me, is the recording itself. Getting Mike, Tim, and drummer Aaron Sterling in the studio with Ryan Freeland, our engineer, was fantastic. We had such a great energy and camaraderie, and I just LOVE recording. I love studios, generally  Gavin Lurssen‘s studio (our mastering engineer) is awesome, too. I could, I would spend all day, every day, in a studio, particularly with those guys!

But it was also wonderful to collaborate with Tim Young and Mike on those early demos over at Tim’s house, too. The collaborative process was sort of new to me, and I learned and grew so much as a result of it. So it’s kind of tie between that early collaboration and the recording itself!

How does this one differ from your last release Already Gone?

The fact that I co-wrote some songs with Mike and Tim and invested more time in the production makes it feel different for me, and maybe more sophisticated. Sound-wise, Into the Quiet is a little bit heavier than Already Gone, in that there are layers of electric guitars and more of a rock sound on a lot of songs. There’s also definitely more pop and country flavor in there.  I’m also extra-proud of my vocals on this album, because I really poured my whole heart into them. I hope people respond to that!

You did something very interesting to raise money for this recording, can you explain that?

Inspired by a number of artists who have turned to their fans for support, including the hilarious and wonderful Jill Sobule, I decided to launch a fundraising campaign before the recording of Into the Quiet. My fans donated $5,000, which was vitally important to the making of this album. I actually gave all donors the chance to vote on my album’s title, and I’ll be having a special listening party for my donors to thank them. I hope that my donors feel as proud of the album as I do, and that they feel good to have played a role!

You’ve played shows all over the US, what is your most memorable tour moment?

Oh boy…probably my most memorable BAD moment on tour was when we got stuck in a snowstorm in Wyoming (in the middle of APRIL) and had to stop in Laramie rather than continuing on I-80. It added an extra day of travel, but we made it just in time for the first gig in Chicago.

But it’s so hard to pick, Cleveland was memorable because I was born there and had dear friends in the audience (which was also a great audience), and I also really loved Rockwood Music Hall in NYC. I love touring generally…even (or perhaps especially) the mishaps because they become part of the stories you can tell later.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?

Hmm,  I’d say Joni Mitchell, although Lord knows I might be too intimidated to actually collaborate! I would love to work with Grant-Lee Phillips, an amazing songwriter and singer based in LA. And Aimee Mann. And I also find myself singing Michael Penn’s harmonies a lot…I would settle for merely being his back-up singer for sure. I dreamed about collaborating with drummer Jay Bellerose, and then it happened, so you never know!

What song on Into the Quiet is the most personal? And why?

My songs always come from a very personal place, although most of them on this album are not directly autobiographical. I think that the song “Into the Quiet” itself feels most personal to me. Which seems a little odd, because the lyrics are probably also the most abstract. But a lot of it has to do with what I’ve been through over the last several years, and what Mike and I have been through together  and how at the end of the day all I want is to be in a peaceful place, and sharing that peaceful place with him. So I guess, yes, that’s pretty personal. 

Keep a lookout for Kristy’s newest release Into The Quiet. The official release date is March 31st and if you’re in Los Angeles, swing by Molly Malones for the album release show. Also, be sure to check her out on MySpace and Facebook.

-Sheena

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1. Musician Interview with full-time touring musician Betty Navas
2. Musician Interview with The Butterfly Effect Soundtrack artist Darius Lux
3. Musician Interview with Country sensation Jess McGuire and Cherokee St.

Guest post: “Lets give a warm welcome to Sheena Felix. Sheena is librarian that is infatuated with rowdy music. She enjoys sticking it to the man, refuses to listen to commercial radio and loves all things Indie. Sheena is always on the lookout for music that is unusual and a bit weird.”

Allow me introduce you to an album that has been in my regular rotation the last few months by the name of Being Awesome. Being Awesome is the first full-length release from Amy Heffernan.

What I love about Amy Heffernan is that she makes pop music that I can admit to liking without feeling ashamed or embarrassed. The whole album is addicting guitar-driven pop and great for singing along to without making you feel as if it was made for a teenager.

From the first banjo lick on “Being Awesome” you can tell the album is going to be fun. The song has some true to life lyrics like “take my keys, cuz later you’ll be driving my drunk ass home” and “if I looked any hotter, I’d be hooking up with your boyfriend.” No doubt, if you enjoy drunken debauchery you can relate to what Amy is talking about. The other great album on the album is “Can’t Wait.” It is an ode to summer and the perfect song to play when you’re driving to the beach.

But Being Awesome is not just about the awesome times, it also has its fair share of love songs and break-up songs. What I like most about said songs is that Amy never plays the lovesick victim. Listen to “The Word” and you’ll know what I’m talking about. You can tell the song came from a person that is far from a first crush and capable of feeling real pain.

What also makes its way onto the album is a cover of Lady GaGa’s “Just Dance” only the song is guitar-driven instead. If Lady GaGa isn’t your style, but the catchy melody has gotten into your head, play this version and satisfy your craving. I think you’ll like it better.

Being Awesome is a standout album because it is one that the rest of us can relate to. Amy serves up real emotions from a mature perspective with a rich musical backdrop. Plus, she doesn’t take herself too seriously, what more do you want?

Check out Amy Heffernan on MySpace!

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In this episode, not only will you hear great acoustic music and get a great tip on how you can legally rob a bank BUT you will also find out what it is that I am doing with a Horny Goat.

You better listen now before your imagination gets the best of you…

Press play now

Click Button To Play | Right-Click To Download

Songs heard on this podcast

Rob Anthony – “The American Way”
Willie Porter – “How To Rob A Bank” (download this tune free on eMusic)

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Guest post: Treadmarkz is my brother-in-law, a Human Beatles Encyclopedia and the author of the weblog Treadmarkz.wordpress.com.

Some Country music purists would probably say that anything that warrants the name “Alternative Country” is not really Country. But ultimately it is the domain of the fan to judge what an artist is or is not, to them.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Jennifer Dixon.

A little country sensibility with a style that hovers along the cusp of blues, pop, jazz owing to a stint on Memphis’ legendary Beale Street, and nearly a decade in Nashville, her new CD, “2 Years” is the fruit of experience. She did not come out of nowhere.

Which makes it all the more uncanny that she has been labeled “un-Nashville.”

The intro to “A Little You For Me” sounds like a nod to “I Lie Around” by Paul McCartney and Wings. But this Norah Jones-like tune comes from the heart of a woman who has given all she can give to the world, yet she finds she’s got a little more left for her man if he’ll meet her halfway. Like “I Lie Around” it never really takes off. It threatens to, repeatedly. But when it comes down to it, it’s just right.

“Too Tired To Care” is Dixon, having been there, done that and not doing it again regarding love. When she starts to hear the same old lines, she is just that, too tired to care. It is a mellow funk romp with a lyric delivered in focused rapid fire, highlighted with some sultry vocal inflections.

“Easy Goodbye” seems to be a follow up on the same theme in that, having heard it all before, its easy to let go and move on. These two tracks are the most un-Nashville of the bunch. One can picture many of today’s top female vocalists flagrantly over-doing “Easy Goodbye”, robbing it of its symbolic ease. One of its greatest features is that the musicians, while doing some top-notch work, back off and let the vocals shine.

With these tracks what you get is a many-tiered cynical view of love. In that respect, “If You’re Looking For An Angel” is refreshing. Just when you are expecting something like “Strong Enough” by Cheryl Crow, it turns into something closer to “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt in its vulnerability. For instance, in the chorus, Dixon sings “If you’re looking for an angel…” Having heard a couple of these songs, one may be surprised to hear her continue with “here I am.” It’s sweet, its comforting, and it demonstrates that with a few gentle, sincere words, yes, women can make men, dare I say it, swoon.

Love Me Back” delivers the very subtlest hints of the smoky vocals of Natalie Merchant or Melissa Etheridge, yet tips the scales with those well-executed vocal inflections again.

Dixon finally brings the thunder with “I Need a Man.” It’s gritty, harkening back to Tanya Tucker, matching the vocal strength of Carrie Underwood. Here Dixon is laying it all out on the line as if to say “This is what I need, damn you!”

Four of these tracks can be heard on her homepage www.jenniferdixon.net, and one is featured in the indie film “Shattered”.

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The Melting Pot is back in action and you, my friend, are not going to wanna miss a single note of any tune present in this compilation. The tunes, like me, are mellow yet upbeat and 100% thought provoking.

Grab a beer, glass of wine or mixer and press play now!

Click Button To Play | Right-Click To Download

Songs heard on this podcast:

Say something…

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If you are anything like me, then you know that there is nothing like the feeling – a small buzz even – that you get when you pop in a new CD and realize immediately that you have stumbled onto to something that you just have to share with everyone. That is what happened to me today.

Early this morning, like any other morning lately, I reluctantly drug my ass out of a warm bed, shuffled my son through our pre-dawn sleepwalk and then headed out the door to what was looking like a long day at work.

I was tired, it was freakin cold and the snow was falling (again). I turned the key in the ignition, backed out of my driveway and this began to play…

Pssst…press play

Song is: Lubriphonic – “Walls”

…Out from the speakers came this mental massage and the feeling of “everything my friend…is gonna be alright.” That massage and that reassurance were provided by a band called, Lubriphonic on their release entitled “Soul Solution.” Like an old freind sitting next to me in the car, that CD hung out with me for the remainder of that day – and the next – and then made its way to these pages.

The band – based out of Chicago – is loaded with road tested musicians who have toured with the likes of Koko Taylor, Buddy Miles, The Ohio Players and Lenny Kravitz.

These pros have put together a disc that has a little bit of everything. If you dig soul, blues, classic rock, great guitar, a little bit of funk and a soaring horn section, you will lap this up.

Oh and I can’t forget to mention the soulful “i’ve been there” vocals, the ultra-nimble fingers that make the guitar and bass flow and groove, and man, the acoustic tunes on this disc are about as honest, as comfy and as real as it gets.

I like almost all of the tunes but make sure you check out “Rain Keep Falling”, “Walls”, “Chalk Talk, “Mexico City Blues”, and “Soul Solution.” I would also recommend ordering the CD so that you can hear the bonus live tunes. They are well worth the wait!

So there you have it, a music review for you and a great start to the day for me. Thanks Lubriphonic!

Now, do yourself a favor, go download ALL of the tunes on “Soul Solution.

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Here’s a few artists that you most likely won’t see on stage getting an award or even performing at the Grammy’s BUT certainly could be.

See if you agree by pressing play now.

Click Button To Play | Right-Click To Download

Here are the songs heard on this podcast and the links to each artists website;
Hype – “Push Me” (Available at CDBaby and iTunes)
Kelly Richey Band – “I Want You” (get it free on eMusic)
John Taglieri – “Booty Call” (get his older stuff free on eMusic)
Pauline Pisano – “Don’t Forget” (get it free on eMusic)
G Tom Mac – “Wish You Well” (get their older stuff free on eMusic)
Daydream On Autopilot – “Better Off Alone” (get it free on eMusic)
Daydream on Autopilot – “Call Me” (Blondie Cover)

Websites Mentioned on this podcast;
Mike Cameo’s Indie Top 10
Social Blend
Mixx.com

Most of these and a ton of other great artists can be found on the Pod Safe Music Network.

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Just wanted to pass something on to you. I received an email from the Undercover Hippy – a big favorite here on Musicgoat. He is looking for everyones support in getting to the main stage at this years Sunrise Celebration Festival.

If you don’t know who I’m talking about, check out the podcast featuring the Undercover Hippy.

Read his words below and then join me in voting so we can get him some of the exposure he and his music deserve.

Hi Guys,

if I’ve asked you already, sorry! But I really need everyone to vote for me and to tell their friends to vote! (Details below)
Thanks! Hope you’re all well and happy!

VOTE FOR ME!
Hello my lovely friends!

Once again I need your help! I wasn’t booked to play the Sunrise Celebration festival this year, but I still have one chance at a slot on the Main Stage… it all depends if I can get enough votes!

All you need to do is click on the link below and enter your email address… it’s that simple…

Please show some love and take 30 seconds to do this J Also, please forward this to anyone else you think may want to help…

Here’s the link: Vote for the Undercover Hippy

OTHER NEWS

In other news, I’ve got lots of gigs booked for the coming months… check it all out on my website: www.undercoverhippy.com.

If you’re on FACEBOOK (come on, you know you are), then please become a fan of my Facebook Undercover Hippy page.

That way I can invite you to gigs and stuff…

I’ve got a new band developing as we speak… having our second rehearsal tomorrow, and our first gig on Thursday at the Tao Bar in Bristol . Check my website for details!

Right that’s all for now J

Cheers my dears!
Billy xx

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Guest post: Treadmarkz is a Human Beatles Encyclopedia and author of the weblog Treadmarkz.wordpress.com

Buddy Holly wrote his own songs. Chuck Berry wrote his own songs. Little Richard wrote his own songs. Paul McCartney and John Lennon, being devoted followers of all three, began writing their own songs early, and often. McCartney wrote rough versions of “I’ll Follow the Sun” and “When I’m Sixty-Four” in about 1957. And many of the originals from the Beatles first album were written by John and Paul around that same time. They knew that it set them apart from the other up-and-coming bands.

But rock n’ roll had changed drastically by 1960. Holly was dead, Berry was in jail, Little Richard had become a preacher, and Elvis, the King of Rock and Roll himself, had become a balladeer, more interested in making movies than creating a movement. Rock n’ Roll was in trouble. Balladeers singing already-proven hit songs were running the charts. Nothing new was happening!

Fast-forward to September 1962. The Beatles had just been brought in to record their first professional single at Abbey Road Studio. In June of that year, during their audition, they had brought in a number of original songs that they intended to show off. After playing them all, producer George Martin did not think any of them were strong enough to be a single. He also did not like their drummer, Pete Best.

When the Beatles came back in September with Ringo Starr on the skins, Martin suggested a song called “How Do You Do It?” written by Mitch Murray, a professional songwriter. So the Beatles came in and recorded the song. But they knew it did not suit them. They insisted on having another go at a song they had submitted in June, “Love Me Do”, and they continued to argue for it until they got their way.

Their first single, “Love Me Do” was their own song, as was it’s b-side “P.S. I Love You”. Gerry and the Pacemakers went on to success of their own with “How Do You Do It?” but not as much success as the Beatles. The Beatles version of the song can be heard on the Beatles Anthology 1 CD, disc one.

The version of “Love Me Do” recorded on Sept. 4 would become the Beatles first single, but another version would be recorded for the Beatles first album, Please Please Me a week later. It seems that Martin did not like Ringo’s drumming either, at this point, and brought in a professional session drummer, Andy White.
Many fans now point out how painfully simple and repetitive “Love Me Do” is. This may be true, but the Beatles had taken creative control from day one, and went on to inspire generations of musicians to sing their own songs, and do your own thing. September 4, 1962 is certainly the day “The Sixties” began, at least for rock n’ roll.

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