Demos by Monsoons (Detroit, Michigan)
Even though these are just demo’s and they may not be the cleanest sounding, you can tell that there is a genuine feeling behind Monsoons. The surfy lo-fi vibe that you get while listening just seeps into your skin and you can just feel just how ingenuous this little collection os songs truly is. It’s a simple sound and it’s so easing to listen to. Especially at 11pm. Please play this at 11pm. @LeahLovecat
DEMOS by Alfonso Velez (October 13, 2011) *
The last time I sat down for a drink with guitarist/singer/song-writer, Alfonso Velez, I asked him what his plan was for his sophomore release. I insinuated that, although his eponymous debut was brilliant, he would have to reinvent himself. He promised he would, and he did. The two tracks you can hear here, taken live and unedited, show a Velez who, has taken yet another step toward the finish line. If there is one. Demos is fresh and new; it’s a Velez I’m not used to after experiencing his somber Rockwood performances in the past and I feel challenged. He’ll be playing tomorrow in NYC.
- Dingus
Tagged A: Dingus, Alfonso Velez, demos., Live, NYC, on music, Rockwood Music Hall
A conversation with Akis Spyridakis (The Boy Besides) from Athens:
Big Boss: Do you think you could start by giving us a basic history of The Boy Besides?
I am a 27 years-old graphic designer based in Athens, Greece. I never ever thought of creating music before till the time I started to listening anything that came out from Bristol, UK scene. And I’m not speaking for Massive Attack and Portishead. I was suprised by the sound of Third Eye Foundation, Flying Saucer Attack and Manyfingers and starting experimenting with sounds and samples. My first actually project that I’m working on is an album with voice samples by Greek poets or a least thats what i got in my head. We’ll see what will happen with that.
The Boy Besides is just you as a producer, correct? How does that translate to a live performance?
Well, the best thing would be a live performance including me on the mixing with an orchestra and a video projection in front of us. I really like to combine arts together as music and visuals. I believe that it’s the best way to pass your message to the audience.
Are you a visual artist as well? Do you work with any in particular?
No, but because of my original occupation, I believe in the power of the picture and whatever it represents. I want the people to feel with my music and also be able to see the world with my own eyes. I want the live performance of my work -if that ever happens- to be a celebration of a range of arts. music, visuals, lights etc.
What was your original occupation? How does it affect you music?
I studied graphic design and I’m still working as a graphic designer. Design is for paper what notes are for music. If I could embody some music into a poster, everything would be ok and I would feel complete. since that cannot happen I have to exchange the paper with some tunes. I design and I create music. Somewhere between those two is where I can find some inner peace.
Posted in T: LP/EP, WC: From Home
Tagged Big Boss, demos., interview, The Boy Besides, WC: From Home
Demos. by The Boy Besides (September 1, 2011)
Right now, The Boy Besides is previewing their album, which I assume will be made available for download on September 1. It doesn’t matter though, for as long as I have internet connection I can stream it beautifully from their bandcamp page. This album is near flawless and feels effortless. And don’t start thinking its too straight forward until you’ve heard it all. ’Last Night a Blackfoot Ate My Heart at 3:18 p.m.’ is an exceptional track (and probably the one you’ll actually listen to the most), but complete bait for the more elaborate parts of the record. From Αθήνα – which is apparently Athens. Recorded in the Acropolis…
Posted in C: Best New Music, T: LP/EP
Tagged Bedroom Soul, C: Best New Music, demos., The Boy Besides
