Details:Memory Lane Series Part 2 features Modest Mouse and Brand New, who co-headlined KeyArena in July 2016. Originally from Issaquah, Washington, Modest Mouse celebrates worldwide popularity – and tour as an eight-member band. Always a favorite live act, they’ll have a few dates in May-June of 2017. And note: Their most recent album, Strangers to Ourselves, was recorded singer-guitarist’s Isaac Brock’s own studio, Ice Cream Party. Long Island’s Brand New has not released an album since 2009, but performed their newest song, “I Am a Nightmare.”
Details: Part 1 of our Memory Lane Series is Sting and Peter Gabriel at KeyArena in June 2016. Walk Down Memory Lane is a new series, which will feature show photos, that, unfortunately did not find themselves on Back Beat Seattle yet. But we believe photos are forever and always relevant.
Sting and Peter Gabriel have toured together before, and called 2016’s tour the Rock Papers Scissors Tour. That’s not a typo! Since the tour, Sting bravely played the re-opening date of Bataclan, the Parisian club that suffered a terror attack in 2015. He’s also got his own 57th & 9th tour going on right now. One of Gabriel’s most recent works is “I’m Amazing,” a tribute to Muhammad Ali.
Appearing onstage in a purple jacket, gold slip on shoes, and with a grand piano, singer-songwriter Wrabel displayed a beautifully soaring voice which had an almost haunting quality.
He was a very playful soul who shared his life experiences, and his past loves, in song and personal anecdotes. Wrabel took the time to explain how his romances inspired his music, and in some cases, didn’t.
Wrabel joked that if the person you are with asks if the song is about him, always answer that it’s just a song. He had a fun back and forth with his equally fun audience. Late in the show, Wrabel reminisced playing at the Washington State Fair and having an earthquake burger and elephant ears. The crowd cracked up every time he relayed his stories.
Wrabel’s “Ten Feet Tall,” featuring Afrojack and “Ritual,” featuring Marshmellow can be found at Wrabel Music.
Before we even knew it, it’s Tuesday! Have a look at some of the acts I hope you can catch if you’re at SXSW. This installment weighs even heavier with British bands to enjoy.
Electronic music, actually Twisted Electronic in BAYA’s Facebook profile, travels from Oslo, Norway to Austin, Texas. And, actually, I’m reading an interview with BAYA (AKA Andrew Murray), where he discusses moving from the Ivory Coast to Norway. Why am I bringing this up? The African mask fascinates him. It seems to inform what he does.
The Dig – Brooklyn, NY
Swan Dive, 10:00 – 10:40 PM
The Dig
Rock band the Dig is releasing its newest full-length since 2012’s album, Midnight Flowers. This year’s Bloodshot Tokyo has received good reviews, including this from Glide Magazine: “Most tracks on Bloodshot Tokyo. . . are in the vein of an overall grooving feeling, incorporating elements of disco, funk, and electronica.”
Girlpool – Los Angeles, CA
Mazda Studio @ Empire Garage, 11:00 – 11:40 PM
Girlpool – Photo by Paige Hanserd
Indie duo Girlpool (Cleo Tucker and Harmony Tividad) just signed to Anti- Records, same label as Dr. Dog, Japandroids, among others. They’ll have a number of gigs at this year’s festival; do seek them out.
So, rock artist Hurray for the Riff Raff’s song “Hungry Ghost” is based on an actual legend. Which is cool, as is Paul Butler on production duties on The Navigator, including “Hungry Ghost.”
Two British teenagers, Jenny Hollingworth and Rosa Walton, making whatever kind of music they want. This is a big trip for them, and I think I started hearing about them well near the beginning of 2016. Even in the States.
People don’t need to see Spoon just because they’re a Texan band. Rock group Spoon will be one everyone tries to see. The good news is that Spoon will be doing a residency! That means, loads of Spoon shows.
Thievery Corporation – Washington, D.C.
Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater, 11:30 PM – 12:45 AM
Thievery Corporation – Photo by Damien Baumal
Electronic music in the form of dub!! And of all kinds of sounds from all over the world!! This can be hypnotic. They’ve got a perfect slot in Austin City Limits. Great job.
Wu-Tang Clan
Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater – 12:45 AM – 1:50 AM
Wu-Tang Clan
Rap/Hip Hop group Wu-Tang Clan has such a devoted fan following, whether it’s the full Wu-Tang Clan or its solo projects. This is another show where if you want to go, line up early. Really early.
Ann Wilson has been known for years as having one of the best voices in pop and rock. I challenge that notion. I say that she has one of the best voices in music full stop. Front woman for the band Heart for more than 40 years, Ann has rocked some of the most iconic songs with some of the most legendary musicians in the business.
Ann Wilson performing at the Moore could not be more Seattle if they tried. She and her band performed a very cool variety of music. She started with The Who, she trekked her way through Pink Floyd, past Heart, all the way to Renton’s Own, Jimi Hendrix. This was a musical odyssey that I loved. She didn’t just cover these Rock Gods, she made each song her own in a way that only a true artist can.
Ms. Wilson was incredibly generous with us photographers. She gave us an open door to be as creative as we wanted to be, for as long as we wanted. That is so rare for such established artists, and for this photographer, it is much appreciated. A pleasant surprise from a true professional and someone I have been a fan of since the 1970s.
