For the last few years, Brooklyn resident Kevin Barker has been recording, touring and collaborating with Devendra Banhart, Joanna Newsom, Vashti Bunyan, Antony and the Johnsons, and Espers, to name just a few, playing on the last few Vetiver records and touring with them. His debut album, You And Me, was produced by Thom Monahan (Vetiver, Gary Louris) and features Pat Sansone (Wilco), Joanna Newsom, Jonathan Wilson (Elvis Costello, Jenny Lewis), Eric Johnson (Shins, Fruit Bats), and Otto Hauser (Vetiver, Espers). Don't miss Kevin's live performance at The Stone on December 20.
CMJ Music Marathon is a time to discover the brightest young stars in the music industry. We at The Deli had our hands full with 2009's festivities and had a hard time picking our favorite bands. Savoir Adore not only was one of my personal favorite artists of this year's festival, but they also played The Deli's 20th issue launch party, opening for showegaze Zaza, who graced that issue's cover. They put on a great live show. I recently sat down with Paul Hammer - we discussed CMJ Music Marathon and future touring plans. - Read Nicholas Palumbo interview with the band here.
Someday, Rachael Sage will make her punk album, a stripped-down collection honoring Joan Jett, one of her heroes. At the moment, though, she's compelled to make what she calls "cinematic" and "textured" music—expertly crafted piano pop that, however intricate, seems destined for the Top 40. If Sage's admiration for Jett comes as something of a surprise—her latest album, "Chandelier," is more along the lines of Vanessa Carlton or Tori Amos—it's characteristic of her wide-ranging talent and ambition. Another of her idols is Meryl Streep, and in 7th grade, Sage adapted "Sophie's Choice" for a school theater project. Later, she earned a degree in drama from Stanford University. - read Ken Partridge interview with Rachel here.
Javelin (in the picture, snacking) and The Phenomenal Handclap Band are two of the sweetest artists to emerge from the NYC scene in 2009. They share an electronic, creative approach to music, but their final sound couldn't be more different. While Javelin sparse lineup of two favors experimental, quirky sounds and their shows and overall approach to life flirt with performance art, the PH Band crowded crew prefers to stick to basics of partying. Javelin just signed to David Byrne's Luaka Pop and is schedule to release their first full lenght in early 2010. The PH Band is enjoying massive buzz accompanying their European Tour and new Deen Haan Remix of "15 to 20". Don't miss the two bands live at the Bowery on December 11!