Camp Revival

We arrive at Tomo Nakayama’s house to meet the portion of Grand Hallway that will be filming with us. We make our introductions in the living room where they have been practicing. We meet Alina To, who (usually) plays violin, the newly acquired Shenandoah Davis, who (usually) plays accordion, and Masamichi Omata, who has been elected to cover percussion; although it is unclear what his usual instrument is. We move to the lower balcony to see the top of the Space Needle resting above Queen Anne, the Ballard Bridge to the West, and the Olympics in the background.

The band switches instruments, finding their collective sound, as effortless and natural as the bee flying around Tomo’s concentrated face. As they rehearse, Tomo takes his place as bandleader and the music seems to just fall into place. Take after take, Grand Hallway is refining their music. I don’t want to say they have a “Seattle sound,” but their songs are filled with rich and overpowering tones, reminding me of the the luscious green that takes over the city.

It seems to be all about the here and now. Twitter. Status Updates. Your Kindle uploading the morning newspaper before you wake up. What is fresh? Tomorrow’s veggies today. What is hot? Family Portrait. Just check out the video featuring their song “Mega Secrets” here. Family Portrait is immediately linked with visions of the beach nights, lights of buoys, and the decaying dream of boardwalk heavens. How is it that the sound of what is to come is also the sound of nostalgia? I’m not sure, but there is a trance I fall into every time “Mega Secrets” or “On The Floor” fill my speakers. I like it: all I need is my memories and the music of what is to come.

Be sure to check out both the video and mp3 of “Mega Secrets,” which will be coming out on a 7″ with Andrew Cedermark. Family Portrait also helped us out with the mp3 of “On The Floor.”

Mega Secrets

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On The Floor

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That, my friends, is the teaser for Grand Hallway’s new album “Promenade” that drops September 15, 2009. Grand Hallway has built a strong local following with their stunning live shows that showcase the depth in each of their powerful pop songs.

“Promenade” is an explosive movement in the soul of pop. The songs flow freely and fluidly from the soul of each of the band mates, as Tomo’s voice soars above. The songs become unique, but part of a whole.

You can see them with a full orchestra (and kids choir) for their CD release show: September 17, 2009 @ The Fremont Abbey

ALSO, be on the watch for an exclusive Camp Revival video short with the members of Grand Hallway. Coming next month!

Renminbi, coming out of Brooklyn, is about to release their Surface EP on July 7 and they want you to know about it. How do you know they are better than most of the riff-raff in Brooklyn? Check out their live video below and go see them when they play in a town near you.

You can pick up their song “Portland” and a download code for the EP (when it is released) at Cash Music. Take a listen here first or check out their MySpace

Portland

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“Siren” at Le Voyeur (Olympia, WA) – July ‘08

Ah, a (semi-)new video from Mos Def, for a (mostly) new song. If you know me, which you might, you know that I have deep respect for Mos Def. Needless to say, I am anticipating great things from The Ecstatic. Mos Def has always rhymed from his heart and I expect nothing less from the new album (which drops June 9). He is empowering because he knows the value of language, which he expresses visually in the video. What are you waiting for? Watch it.

Oh, and by the way, he is playing Sasquatch. Saturday at 7:15 on the Wookie Stage. Camp Revival will be there, will you?

Maybe it is because they have already played a few reunion shows, but personally I am shivering with excitement. Murder City Devils are going to be performing at Sasquatch this year. I will be there on Sunday at 5:20 on the Main Stage to watch them perform.

MCD was one of the reasons I made my way to the Pacific Northwest. Spencer Moody, for me, was an icon in my youth. He was the vision of my future. The Murder City Devils seemed to symbolize this post-apocalyptic city that I now call home. I made my way here, I didn’t know what to expect. Whatever I was looking for, I’m not sure if I found it, but I know this: whenever I hear Moody’s squall it reminds me of the passion to make a life of my own. So here I am, doing my best to live freely.

The closest I have come to seeing them perform is with Moody’s newest project: Triumph of Lethargy Skinned Alive to Death. And now for a short video… TOLSATD

Happy Record Store Day everyone!

Go out and support your local record store. Many stores in your area will be offering live music, DJs, and freebies. Do it!