Somewhere in the process of documenting the Passionistas, I decided to start a record label and sign the band. How did this happen? None of us are really sure, but we try and explain in tonight's episode.
Before N&UR was a label, I was simply working with the Passionistas on a recurring video series. While I was editing episode one, singer/guitarist Aaron Sunshine suggested that I be the narrator, subsequently becoming a character in the series. It's fitting, seeing as how by starting a label and signing the band, I have become a part of the Passionistas' story. Episode four goes back to a few of the themes I introduced in that first episode, while allowing me to discuss all the factors that ultimately lead me to start a record label.
When we last left the Passionistas, it was 2005 and the band just found that bassist Andrew Lux had fallen off the top of a four story victorian. What followed - both Andrew's recovery and the show Aaron and Myles had to play without him - would define them.
The third episode of the Passionistas' podcast introduces bassist Andrew Lux. While Lux considers himself to be a "quiet observer" within the band, he has nonetheless helped to define exactly what the Passionistas are all about. Lux and his artistic talents are featured in this episode - he, Aaron and Myles all recall some of the band's early, more eventful shows. The story will continue next week ... and if you have not yet seen episodes one and two, check them out.
Episode two of the Passionistas recurring series went through a bit of an evolution that began when I scrapped the first cut entirely. Ultimately, the appropriate story for this second episode seemed to be detailing the creative partnership between Aaron Sunshine and Myles Cooper - the band's founding members who've thus far co-written each of the band's originals. Instead of me narrating this episode, we took a different approach and I think we're all quite happy with the results. As always, your feedback is welcome. Episode three will be available soon as well and will profile bassist Andrew Lux, while also looking at one of the most important shows in the band's history. This video podcast will now be available on the Passionistas podcast feed. Be sure and download the original three episode of their audio podcast as they will only be available for a limited time. Enjoy...
The Passionistas contacted us soon after the release of our Kelley Stoltz profile. Weeks later when we met, I was eager to take our video podcast series in a new direction. I didn't quite know yet what this would entail, but it was clear the band was down for it. After ideas were exchanged via email, I suggested doing not just one episode but a recurring series that would follow them for an extended period of time. Tonight, we are proud to premiere the first episode in this series...
This week's episode features one of San Francisco's most prominent figures. While I was filming Matt Lutz (for episode 8) at the 12 Galaxies (a nightclub named in Frank Chu's honor), Chu approached me asking if I wanted to interview him. I'd actually been wanting to interview Chu for some time so the timing was perfect. If you live in San Francisco, chances are you see Chu on a regular basis, as the man is extremely dedicated to his cause. For the past several years, Chu has been protesting seven days a week, mostly spending his time in downtown San Francisco. However, Chu could also be seen outside the courthouse during the Scott Peterson trial, while his trademark sign has been known to pop up at various political rallys and local events. His presence has not only made him a local institution, but has also garnered national attention, as Chu is quick to point out. In this episode, Chu explains his cause; Lutz also drops by to perform "Stay On", while you can also hear Dengue Fever's "Lake Dalores" in the background. Incidentally, Chu has one of the largest Wikipedia entries I've ever seen - check it out.
The first time, I meet Matt Lutz, he's in a Mission district bar reading a torn copy of an Anthony Burgess book. This is a pretty good first impression, and a somewhat intimidating one. However, Lutz's confidence is no where near bordering on arrogance, and you begin to get the sense that he just really likes playing music. It just so happens that he is also really good. I first came in contact with his music earlier this year, when his band the Herms was generating buzz around the city with their debut, Record Machine. The fresh take on indie garage rock earned them a slot Live 105's BFD, alongside Echo and the Bunnymen, the Strokes, Franz Ferdinand and several others. While Lutz was waiting on Record Machine's release, he hooked with producer Scott Tuza to work on a solo record. The resulting record - Seesaw allowed him to indulge in pretty melodies, acoustic guitar and bossa nova. Boasting one of the quintessential rock voices, which has drawn comparisons to Lou Reed and David Bowie, Lutz manages the unique ability to take on new styles with having it sound forced. Far from a series of experiments, Seesaw a compelling record that at points rivals many of Record Machine's best songs.
It would appear that - thanks to the Boy Least Likely To, the Pipettes and, now, the Little Ones - pop music is having a bit of a resurgence. Sure, the disposable "pop" stars of the world have always been around, but I am referring to that genuine pop sound characterized by tight harmonies and catchy lyrics. The Little Ones wrote collaboratively and if each member doesn't find themselves tapping their feet to a new track, the song is scrapped. The result of such unified songwriting and critical dismissal is an infectious EP called Sing Song - a collection of melancholy songs that make you feel really, really good. Without even having toured the country, the Little Ones built a strong following via the internet - and chances are there one of the favorite bands and your favorite music blog. I first heard about the band at Rewriteable Content when I won Sing Song in a contest. This episode was done in collaboration with the editors at RC who provided some quality advice. In this episode, you get to see an interview backstage with the band at Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco, as well as performances of "Lovers Who Uncover," "Heavy Hearts Brigade" and TWO NEW SONGS.
