Calendar

►After the success of "Fresh Faces", I got the idea to continue the "Faces" concept into a series. I'll be setting up shows with one binding concept behind them.

►In the same way that "Fresh Faces" brought together bands that were brand new, "Flash Faces" highlights bands that 'got game'. in other words, these bands are all inspired by, or helped pioneer the 8-bit movement.

►Anamanaguchi (USA)
- MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/anamanaguchi
- Official: http://www.anamanaguchi.com
- Recently played with: !!!, Holy Ghost, Andrew WK, Freezepop, Ponytail, These Are Powers
Anamanaguchi is an 8-bit/chiptune outfit from Brooklyn who makes their frenetic electronic pop tunes with a hacked Nintendo System from 1985. They are a full band and remind me something of Ratatat. more rockin' though.

►Sabrepulse (UK)
- MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sabrepulse
Sabrepulse is a huge force. his pulsing dance beats have never failed to make me rock out when i blast it in the car.

►Henry Homesweet (UK)
- MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/henryhomesweet
- Playing London's O2 Islington Academy (cap 1,000) in Feb.
Just go check out his jams - they are INSANELY POWERFUL.

►Starscream (USA)
- MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/starscreamnewyork
Starscream is one of my favorite melodic composers - a great grab for 8bitpeoples for sure.

►Kashioboy (Denton)
- http://8bitcollective.com/members/kashioboy/
Kashioboy is a close friend of mine. he let me borrow his flash cart for gameboy advance so i could play through Mother 3 on the real hardware, and for that I am eternally grateful. I also got him hooked on e-cigs.

►ft. deejays yeahdef + teenage wolf all night to keep the party movin nonstop.
yeahdef - http://yeahdef.com
teenagewolf - http://tejanobounce.blogspot.com

Daniel Smith, the eldest sibling of five, closely-knit, brothers and sisters, has released music under a handful of different monikers since 1995. Originally creating “Danielson” as an art school project for his senior thesis, the idea quickly started to grow into the aptly named “Danielson Famile.” This group, which brought into the mix his four younger siblings along with a few friends from childhood, released the critically-acclaimed, “Tell Another Joke at the Ol’ Choppin’ Block” in 1997. During the next two years saw the release of two back-to-back concept albums, “Alpha” and “Omega” under the name “Tri-Danielson,” before Danielson Famile returned with a family celebration album called “Fetch the Compass Kids,” released in 2001. Three years later, he returned with “Brother is to Son,” an album celebrating personal identity and community, but this time released under the moniker “Br. Danielson.”

SUCKERS
Debut LP coming out on Gigantic Apr 20. Loads of press off the EP and single
they had last year, and a lot of anticipation for this debut. Pitchfork is
all over them (Best New Music for their single, 7.9 for the EP), as is NME
(top 10 most talked about bands at CMJ this year), were on Rolling Stone's
Hot List this summer... Chris Zane (TV on the Radio, Walkmen, Passion Pit)
produced the record in New York.

MILES BENJAMIN ANTHONY ROBINSON
New album released Saddle Creek October 20th. Popmatters.com gives it 7 out
of 10: "Whenever an artist upgrades from a rough, ramshackle debut to a
polished sophomore album, they run the risk of losing that initial charm
that won them fans in the first place. Thankfully, Robinson avoids this
pitfall despite an album spit-shined with Saddle Creek¹s dollars. At the
risk of sounding terribly cliche, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson is the
real thing. Whether he¹s recording on four tracks or 24, his passion, grit,
and authenticity punch right through. And if he happens to kickstart some
sort of Tom Petty revival, I¹m ready for it." Just finished tour with
Warpaint and These United States this Fall. Has supported Black Kids, Tilly
and the Wall, Dr. Dog, TV on the Radio and Damien Jurado. Previous album on
Say Hey Records was recorded by Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear with
contributions from TV on the Radio's Kyp Malone.

SHILPA RAY AND HER HAPPY HOOKERS
Nick Cave is Shilpa's newest fan:
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/theampersand/archive/2009/09/25...
-of-the-day-nick-cave-edition-shilpa-ray-and-her-happy-hookers.aspx
"Following the demise of her previous band, Beat the Devil, Ray has struck
out on her own, further showcasing her seemingly indestructible vocal
chords. She screams, growls, and snarls her way through the screeching muck
of oil-stained garage rock and backwoods blues, cresting just above the
waves of a sonic tumult that threatens to consume her minuscule frame. This
tenuous command of a raucous sound makes for a volatile breed of rock and
roll." - New Yorker. Read more here: http://www.shilparay.com/press.php or
listen to tunes on her recently Daytrotter Session.

A benefit for the UNT Campus Anti-War Network (CAN!) marking the 7th anniversary of the Iraq War

Peace March and Rally meets at Fry St. and Hickory St. at 6:30pm

More info at www.untcan.blogspot.com

UNT Campus Anti-War Network (CAN!) is organizing a music festival and peace march entitled FUNK THE WAR to mark the 7th anniversary since invasion of Iraq. All proceeds will go to benefit the peace movement in North Texas and the Under the Hood Café in Killeen, TX.

Featuring Music Artists:

RTB2

http://www.myspace.com/rtb2rtb2

...a volatile duo from Denton, TX with a multi-disciplinary sound that spans across a vast musical spectrum.

From roots music to abstract progressive rock to soul to ambient soundscapes, you become contently spellbound with a colorful musical aftertaste by a sound much greater than the sum of its parts (live shows: vocals, guitar, and drums). Ryan and Grady intermittently played in bands together for seven years before developing this project. Birthed in 2005, RTB2 has released two EPs and a full-length, and they have toured Texas and the Midwest. Their current release, In the Fleshed (EP), is an eclectic piece of experimental folk rock. It was recorded at home and mixed by Justin Collins in Denton, TX and also appropriately captures the sound expected from RTB2's live set.

"Best Group" Nomination
--Dallas Observer Music Awards 2009.

"Best Blues Act" Nomination
--Dallas Observer Music Awards 2009.

"Big Group" Winner
--QuickDFW's Big Thing Music Awards 2009.

"Next Big Thing" Nomination
--QuickDFW's Big Thing Music Awards 2008.

"Best New Act" Nomination
--Dallas Observer Music Awards 2008.

KatsüK

http://www.katsukmusic.com/

http://www.myspace.com/katsuk

AN OUT OF THIS WORLD-BEAT TRIBAL FOLK ROCK EXPERIENCE!!!

KatsüK is a mesmerizing emotive musical experience that can silence a room or turn it upside down. From heavy tribal rhythms to folk to rock to reggae to funk and combined with engaging and conscious lyrics to soaring native flutes and orchestral movements, KatsüK is a genre chameleon and truly a unique and deeply impact-full musical anomaly.

Featuring: Daniel Katsük (lead vocals, native flutes, guitar & soul glo), Jeff Dahlgren (producer/guitarist of world renowned, singer Mylene Farmer, vocals & quantum mechanics), Nick Werth (3 time national quad champion, drums, vibraphone & avalanches), Matt Skates (stand-up/electric bass & bazooka), and Orion Pitts (violin, percussion, vocals & hypnotism).

The highly anticipated EP – Skeleton Key was recently released this January 2010.

Based out of Ft. Worth TX, KatsüK is one of the most respected and eclectic groups in the region harboring a devout and enthusiastic following. It is an unforgettable soul stirring experience that will leave you forever changed and incredibly moved; which led one fan to comment: "The orgasm we have been waiting for!"

Music with substance, both timeless and borderless.

-2008 FW Weekly Awards Best Acoustic/Folk Group.

-Nominated Best Singer/songwriter, Male Vocalist, Album of the Year & Artist of the Year 2005 FW Weekly Awards

- Artist of the Year and Best Acoustic Band 2003 and 2004 FW Weekly Awards

- Nominated Best Acoustic Band 2001 Dallas Music.com - Singer/Songwriter of the Year.

Dry Creek

MORE INFO SOON!!

Shag

http://www.myspace.com/broaddaybootleggers

MORE INFO SOON!!

Grassfight

http://www.myspace.com/grassfight

Grassfight one of NBC-DFW's "Four Bands You Must See at NX35"

"This Denton foursome recently supported the Starlight Mints -- they'll keep contending with bigger-name indie-pop bands as their sound further polishes itself. If you still adore Interpol, Grassfight's hypnotic bass lines and crowd-friendly hooks -- a study of Joy Division and the Cure as much as the work of the New York band -- will carve the Denton band's name into your head in some slick, sans-serif font."

Lindsay Knecht Milne
NBC-DFW

Prior to 2006, the group had released several low-key indie singles (the earliest of which were collated on a Japanese-only EP called Rare UK Bird in 1999) and two full-length studio albums: Biggest Bluest Hi-Fi (on the local DIY label Andmoresound Records – 2001); and Underachievers Please Try Harder (through Spanish independent Elefant Records – 2003).

A key supporter of the group throughout this time was the late, legendary DJ John Peel who gave them frequent plays and sessions (they were to do five Peel Sessions in total). The band gigged intermittently and over time, they were able to build up a dedicated, cult following throughout UK and Europe. Their Madrid-based label sub-licensed Underachievers… to the respected US independent label Merge Records. Camera Obscura toured North America for the first time in the summer of 2004. Progress was to prove steady but despite discerning fans continuing to discover them in higher numbers, the prospect of the band becoming a full-time concern still remained tantalisingly elusive.

In the summer of 2005, Camera Obscura asked the Swedish producer Jari Haapalainen (Ed Harcourt, Peter, Bjorn & John, The Concretes) to work on their next album, Let’s Get Out Of This Country (Elefant / Merge - 2006). Pre-production sessions for the new album began in September 2005 and Jari turned out to be an inspired choice; fully realising not just the potential of Tracyanne Campbell’s songs and remarkable voice, but also the ensemble musicianship of the group as a whole.

The finished album was and is a strong, confident artistic statement, boasting a more powerful, cohesive sound than any previous Camera Obscura offerings. Brilliantly produced and beautifully arranged, it featured entrancing, immediate pop/rock songs such as the lead single 'Lloyd I’m Ready To Be Heartbroken' alongside more downbeat yet melodic offerings 'Dory Previn' and 'Country Mile'.

Reaction from fans and media was enthusiastic: "You might not find heartache as enchanting as this anywhere else," stated All Music Guide. ‘Lloyd…’, proved the perfect step-off as well, scoring Single of the Week in The Guardian and repeated plays on high profile radio shows (Jonathan Ross and Dermot O’ Leary on Radio 2; Record of the Week on Lauren Laverne’s XFM London show; an A-listing at BBC 6music). Three more singles followed from the album – 'Let’s Get Out Of This Country', 'If Looks Could Kill' and 'Tears For Affairs' – with all being supported by extensive touring both and home and abroad (three separate visits to the US alone) and further great press (including a glowing Rising feature in MOJO).

More record labels were attracted. In 2009, Camera Obscura signed a worldwide deal with feted indie 4AD, in a move that some fans felt a perfect match:
"It almost feels old fashioned to have a favourite band, but guess what, Camera Obscura are unashamedly mine and have been for the past five years. Now they find themselves on 4AD, one time home to my previous favourites The Cocteau Twins. The styles are very different but once more there are achingly beautiful tunes from an incomparable Scottish female voice emanating from the coolest label." -Scottish international footballer, Pat Nevin (yes - Pat Nevin)

After his successful touches on the last album, they returned to Sweden to work once more with producer Jari Haapalainen. My Maudlin Career, to be released on April 20th 2009 showcases Jari's wonderful understanding with the band. Songs such as 'French Navy', 'Honey In The Sun', 'Swans' and 'Away With Murder' typify another strong body of work that’s sure to delight, ensuring the band to continue their upward trajectory.

Speaking about My Maudlin Career, lead singer Tracyanne Campbell commented:
"Some people who have heard it say it's intense and quite dark. I suppose it is in a way. We were even more open and brave when making it than we were with the last record. I've never been so brutal when its come to writing lyrics. I wouldn't even call them lyrics. Just documentation of what was going on with me for a while. I truly believe it's the best we've done so far."

The critics seemed to agree with her; “Make no mistake, this is a remarkably beautiful record. (It) exists to reward those both mad, and sad, in love” NME (9/10), "The band’s finest work, My Maudlin Career continues the pop rush we’ve come to expect from Camera Obscura but also develops the band’s sound and identity in significant ways." Popmatters, "(It) feels as if it could have been released any time in the last 50-odd years, but the inspired arrangements - and, of course, Campbell's indelible voice - make it sound fresh, too." Pitchfork (8.3/10), “This feels like a breakthrough.” Observer Music Monthly (4/5). It was also to become the first album of theirs to chart, breaking both the Top 40 (at 32) in the UK and the Billboard Hot 100 in the US (at 87), confirming their status as an essential band.

Camera Obscura returned to the road in March 2009 with intimate shows in London, New York and at the South By Southwest music conference in Austin, Texas and around the release of My Maudlin Career undertook a large UK tour with triumphant shows at both London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire and The Barrowlands Ballroom in their hometown. They head to the US, Canada and Mexico for five weeks at the end of May 2009.

Dosh
http://www.doshfamily.com/
There he was, this musically lucked child of a once-priest and a near-nun, 12 years old and piled high with a Radio Shack combo stereo, stacks of records, and pockets full of dubbed tapes. It was 1984 and Martin Dosh was orchestrating the soundtracks to his junior high school dances, playing only the choice cuts for the budding romantics and perspiring wallflowers: Run DMC, Prince, Devo, the Cars, New Order... At age 3, Marty had started harassing his folks to bone up for piano lessons (after three years of persistence, they gave in); that he'd developed considerable musical taste before hitting puberty should come as no real surprise.

Call him a one-man band, a virtuoso, a gifted collaborator or a family man, Martin, Marty, Dosh or Dad, our subject has gotten to now by what seems an uncanny path (perhaps call it fate). When they met, Dosh's father was a Catholic priest with pile of degrees, and his mother was living in a convent in Minneapolis preparing herself for nunhood. They left the fold for marriage; subsequently the elder Dosh found himself blacklisted from local employment, and so they left Minnesota as well. Martin was born in the greater Los Angeles area, but at age 2, his health problems and the city's endless sprawl delivered the family back into the musically nurturing arms of the Twin Cities.

White Hinterland
http://www.whitehinterland.com/
WHITE HINTERLAND
Kairos CD / LP (DOC034, released: 03/09/10)
On Kairos, we find White Hinterland exploring the edges of minimal pop, accomplishing a delicate but lively seduction through deep, patient bass throbs, prismatic synth textures, and direct, intimate songs sung with an empowered gravitas. Here Casey Dienel tailors the acrobatics of her former songwriting into a slender focus, folding it into deeper grooves. Beneath the baroque arrangements and intellectual lean of Dienel's previous musical efforts was a sexiness that Kairos exposes, showing the artist for what she is: powerful and comfortable in her own skin, with a glittery voice weaned on pop R&B. With a sound so modern, so contemporary, Kairos fixes White Hinterland's gaze firmly on the future.

Kairos was written after Dienel and band-mate Shawn Creeden relocated to Portland, Oregon from Boston and Brooklyn, respectively. There, without regular access to a piano, the centerpiece of previous White Hinterland recordings, Dienel's writing process took on an innovative new shape. Soon she and Creeden delved excitedly into a new practice of collaboration centered around live looping, electronic and acoustic percussion, and kaleidoscopic sound, all providing a shimmery underpinning to intricate layers of Dienel's voice.

Conceived over several months in co-producer Alexis Gideon's Liophant home studio, this is the first White Hinterland album truly made by a band, not just played by one. Using just one mic, electronics, programming and an arsenal of percussion and instruments, the minimal, washy "Art & B" of Kairos was born. The songs here were first imagined as a series of singles, but they soon took on the cohesive shape of an album jammed with singles from start to finish. Dienel compared making Kairos to swimming in a cave, trusting only the instinct to just keep swimming. This image perfectly embodies the enchanting and blue-lit atmosphere of the album.

Sean Michaels of Said the Gramophone captured it well, after he witnessed a White Hinterland performance where they performed the bulk of Kairos live:

"The jazz has been taken out, simply removed. And what is left is so, so, so much space; so much space in which she and Shawn add dark beats, deep bass, dubstep stuff. And she sings in looped curlicues, ivies and gold rings, sampling and re-sampling. They were all new songs and they were utterly astonishing. Here are some names of things it was & wasn't merely: the dirty projectors, the xx, burial, tune-yards, school of seven bells, the neptunes, thom yorke, arthur russell, giovanni pierluigi da palestrina. Any half-samples so far do it no credit at all. What a rediscovery."