Camp Revival

Utah has good music and good people, and I have a story to tell. Last Friday night, a band Desert Noises showed up to a local coffee shop. Despite the rainstorm, I loaded in a PA for the show, and from a mini trailer attached to the back of their station wagon, the band loaded in their gear. We talked a little about skateboarding and shared stories of touring. I found out they had been sleeping in their car most of this tour (w/ Drew Danburry), so I offered them some beds at my house. In the end, the three boys from Desert Noises, Drew, and his drummer Travis stayed the night in my basement. Desert Noises has a self-titled EP out on Northplatte Records. You can purchase it here!

Drew Danburry also has a really great new album out. It is called This Could Mean Trouble, You Don’t Speak For The Club and was released on Emergency Umbrella Records (home to Gentlemen Auction House, Sinkane, and other greats). I picked up a copy when I saw him last in February. You can purchase it here! It seems like Drew is always on tour. I have seen him four or five times now just in my area. Be sure to catch him in your hometown. He is a true and kind person.

Here are two music videos.

“New Man” by Desert Noises (directed by Drew Danburry and Will Thomas)

“Memorial Day” by Drew Danburry (directed by Drew Danburry and Will Thomas)

David Bazan (Pedro the Lion, Headphones) is at the end of his house tour. Tickets were available on his website, listed by city in which the show would take place. Upon purchasing tickets, attendees would then receive directions to the house, making for a private audience. I had the chance to see Bazan at Everyday Joe’s Coffee House in Fort Collins last night. This show was one of several non-house shows, as well as the Ladies Literary Club (Calvin College) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As a highlight of his tour, he noted seeing Cornel West speak at Calvin College’s FFM 09.

After his first few songs, David checked in on the audience to see if there were questions for him. When asked about future releases, he said there will be no more Pedro the Lion albums. Someone then asked: “What about Headphones? Any plans?” Bazan said, “Since Headphones is basically just me, I suppose there is potential for another album.” His quick-witted responses were never ending, but never too pompous. Bazan also revealed that only about 5% of his songs came naturally from inspiration. The remaining songs, he says, are hard work, taking up to a month or so to complete.

Bazan’s debut album, “Curse Your Branches,” will be released in August on Barsuk Records. His EP, “Fewer Moving Parts” was released on the Barsuk label in the summer of 2007. He is due for a headlining venue tour this Fall in support of his new album. I loved his performance last night, and I will certainly be going to see him again this year!

Cold Beer and Cigarettes

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