Alexander Laurence's Blog, page 1892

TORTOISE @ Teragram Ballroom

BLEACHED @ Commodore Ballroom

All photos taken in Vancouver by BEV DAVIES

Monterey Pop Fest's 50th anniversary!

Here’s the lineup as it currently stands:
Booker T Stax RevueCharles BradleyDr DogEric Burdon and the AnimalsFather John MistyGary Clark JrThe Head and the HeartHIss Golden MessengerJack JohnsonJackie GreeneJacob BanksJamtown feat. Cisco Adler, Donovan Frankenreiter, & G LoveJim JamesKurt VileLanghorne SlimLeon BridgesNicki Bluhm & Dirty Dozen Brass BandNorah JonesNorth Mississippi AllstarsPhil Lesh and the Terrapin Family BandRegina SpektorSara Watkinsmore TBA

GORILLAZ HUMANZ Tour 2017

GORILLAZ HUMANZ Tour 2017July 8 – Chicago IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island +July 10 – Toronto ON – Air Canada Centre +July 12 – Boston MA – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion +July 13 – Philadelphia PA – Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing +July 15 – Quebec City QC – Quebec City Summer FestivalJuly 17 – Washington DC – Merriweather Post Pavilion +August 11-13 – San Francisco CA – Outside Lands Music & Arts FestivalSept. 15-17 – New York NY – Meadows Music & Arts Festival*Sept. 18 – Detroit MI – Fox Theatre +Sept. 20 – Minneapolis MN – Roy Wilkins Auditorium +Sept. 22 – Kansas City MO – Sprint Center +Sept. 24 – Las Vegas NV – Life Is BeautifulSept. 26 – Denver CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre +Sept. 30 – Seattle WA – KeyArena at Seattle Center +Oct. 5 – Los Angeles CA – The Forum +Oct. 11 – Atlanta GA – Infinite Energy Center +Oct. 13-15 – Miami FL – III Points Festival*+ Ticket/Album Bundle Offered
TICKETS ON SALE APRIL 21 AT GORILLAZ.COM + HUMANZ OUT APRIL 28th

Tokyo’s Kikagaku Moyo performs in Brooklyn on May 4th in support of their new EP, Stone Garden

Following last year’s highly praised album,House In The Tall Grass, Tokyo’s Kikagaku Moyo perform at Rough Trade on May 4th in support of their new EP! Stone Garden will be released on vinyl and digital April 21st via Guruguru Brain.
Hear the lead single "In a Coil" via Soundcloud:

For press inquires, please contact nathan@riotactmedia.com

U.S. Tour Dates:
05.02.16 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
05.03.16 – Washington, DC @ Rock n Roll Hotel
05.04.16 – Brooklyn, NY @ Rough Trade
05.05.16 – Winooski, VT @ Waking Windows
05.06.16 – Montreal, QC @ Bar le Ritz
05.07.16 – Boston, MA @ Great Scott
05.09.16 – Cleveland, OH @ Mahall’s
05.10.16 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Spirit
05.11.16 – Detroit, MI @ Marble Bar
05.12.16 – Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
05.13.16 – Milwaukee, WI @ Milwaukee Psych Fest (Company Brewing)
05.14.16 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
05.17.16 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir
05.18.16 – Vancouver, BC @ The Cobalt
05.19.16 – Seattle, WA @ Sunset Tavern
05.20.16 – Eugene, OR @ Hi Fi Music Hall
05.21.16 – San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
05.22.16 – Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex
05.23.16 – San Diego, CA @ Hideout
05.24.16 – Tucson, AZ @ Flycatcher
05.26.16 – Austin, TX @ Scottish Rite Theater
05.27.16 – Dallas, TX @ The Foundry
05.28.16 – Memphis, TN @ Growler’s
05.29.16 – Asheville, NC @ Mothlight
05.30.16 – Nashville, TN @ High Watt
05.31.16 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl

Stream Overcoats' Debut Album 'Young'

Stream Overcoats' Debut Album 'Young' (4/21, Arts & Crafts) Via NPR First Listen"It's thrilling to know that one of the best albums of 2017 is made by two of the best friends you'll ever witness on a stage."
Next week, Overcoats will release their debut album ‘YOUNG’ (4/21, Arts & Crafts), and today, NPR First Listen has the early stream of the record. Bob Boilen called 'YOUNG' "one of the best albums of 2017," saying the album is "driven by ambition and passion." Read their full review and listen to the album in its entirety here: http://n.pr/2o37jvj‘YOUNG’ has earned early praise from the New York Times, who compared Overcoats to the Everly Brothers and dubbed their track “Kai’s Song” an “electronic hymn.” The duo just finished up a run of dates with Maggie Rogers and will embark on a headlining tour next week, kicking off with a sold-out, hometown release show at Brooklyn’s Rough Trade on 4/20, followed by a second show at NYC’s Mercury Lounge on 4/21. Watch Overcoats’ “vibrant harmonies and the bountiful dance parties” (Bob Boilen) during their recent NPR Tiny Desk Concert: http://n.pr/2o37jvjCo-produced by Nicolas Vernhes (The War On Drugs, Dirty Projectors) and Autre Ne Veut, ‘YOUNG’ is a story about growing up told through the lens of two women who are wise beyond their years. Hana and JJ started Overcoats while they were college roommates and they co-wrote all twelve songs on ‘YOUNG.’ The two were drawn to each other when they first met as teenagers in 2011, finding connection in a love of diverse musical styles, and forging a closeness that verges on sisterhood. Both members of Overcoats describe the first time hearing each other sing as an epiphany: the harmony of their voices leading to personal, individual discovery.OVERCOATS TOUR DATESApr 20 - Brooklyn, NY - Rough TradeApr 21 - New York, NY - Mercury LoungeApr 26 - Washington, DC - DC9Apr 27 - Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda'sApr 28 - Boston, MA - Cafe 939Apr 29 - Burlington, VT - Higher GroundApr 30 - Montreal, QC - Divan OrangeMay 2 – Pontiac, MI – The Pike Room at The Crofoot May 3 - Grand Rapids, MI - Calvin CollegeMay 4 – Chicago, IL – SchubasMay 5 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th St EntryMay 6 – Kansas City, MO – Middle of the Map FestivalMay 8 - Milwaukee, WI - ColectivoMay 9 - Indianapolis, IN - White Rabbit CabaretMay 10 - Louisville, KY - ZanzabarMay 12 - Cleveland, OH - Beachland TavernMay 13 - Pittsburgh, PA - Club CaféMay 16 - Dublin, IR - Whelan'sMay 18-20 – Brighton, UK – Great EscapeMay 22 - Berlin, DE - MazeMay 23 - Paris, FR - Le CarmenMay 24 – London, UK – St. Pancras Old ChurchMay 26 – Manchester, UK – Dot to Dot FestivalMay 27 – Bristol, UK – Dot to Dot FestivalMay 28 – Nottingham, UK – Dot to Dot FestivalJune 1 – Hamden, CT – The Outer Space *June 2 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom *June 3-4 – Toronto, Canada – Field TripJune 7 – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall *June 8 – San Diego, CA – The CasbahJune 9 – Los Angeles, CA – The EchoJune 10 – San Francisco, CA – Swedish American HallJune 12 – Portland, OR – Doug Fir LoungeJune 13 – Seattle, WA – BarbozaJune 14 – Vancouver, BC – The CobaltJuly 17 - Chicago, IL - Millennium Park
*Opening for Joseph

Vita and the Woolf Drop Psychedelic Video, Nat'l Tour Incl. Firefly + White Reaper Date, LP Out 6/16

Vita and the Woolf
 
Announce New Album Tunnels Out June 16

National Tour Incl. Firefly Music Festival,
Date w/ White Reaper

Take A Psychedelic Trip w/  “Feline” Video  Out Today
 

photo credit: Ebru Yildiz
 
"The effortless shift from soft to intense, full-on belting vocals in the space of a few bars is kind of impressive, and perhaps a little scary as well!" - M83 for  USA Today

"a larger-than-life voice (...) Paired with her other musical mainstay, piano, Vita and the Woolf is a new spin on pop and soul." -  Urban Outfitters

"It’s safe to say that this dark and dancey track [Brett] has officially burrowed its way into our hearts—and become an instant mainstay on our favorite playlists." -  NYLON
 
Inspired by the love relationship between novelists Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf, Philadelphia’s Vita and the Woolf will release the long awaited new album,  Tunnels , June 16 on Believe Global Label Services. A dynamic and cerebral collection of soulful pop, the album touches on power dynamics in relationships and society as well as sexual discovery and empowerment. Mixed by James Chapman aka Maps (Mute), fierce vocals command the pulsating beat on the swelling single “Feline”, a song focused on breaking the bonds of cultural gender identity. The  “Feline” video  is a psychedelic trip of surrealism. Check it out where it premiered with  Blackbook  today or  HERE . We encourage you to post and share.

The duo has received widespread critical acclaim, among others finding a fan inM83 who wrote about them for USA Today as well as recently being dubbed a “Band You Need To See” by Billboard. There is a stunning androgyny to frontwoman Jennifer Pague's lyrics, style, behemoth vocals and empowered sexuality. Supported by the dynamic drumming of Adam Shumski, the band hits the road for an east coast tour following a national tour with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. With stops at Firefly, Moontower and Harvey Milk Festivals as well as a date with White Reaper, be sure to catch them live and stay tuned for more news coming soon!

For more information on Vita and the Woolf, contact:
Sarah Avrin, sarah@girlie.com, 814-777-0709
Phoebe Wilson, phoebe@girlie.com, 562-773-5335
 

 
National Tour Dates

4/20: Washington, D.C. @ Black Cat
4/21: Philadelphia, PA @ Ortlieb’s
4/22: New York, NY @ Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2
4/23: Boston, MA @ Atwood’s Tavern
4/25: Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern
4/26: Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Cafe
4/27: Chicago, IL @ Beat Kitchen
4/28: Kansas City, MO @ The Riot Room (w/ White Reaper)
4/29: St. Louis, MO @ Fubar
5/13: Sarasota, FL @ Harvey Milk Festival
6/17: Dover, DE @ Firefly Music Festival
8/26: Lexington, KY @ Moontower Music Festival

Joseph Arthur Releases First Track From Redemption's Son 15th Anniversary Reissue

JOSEPH ARTHUR TO PERFORM REDEMPTION’S SONIN ITS ENTIRETY DURING A LIMITED RUN TOUR  REAL WORLD TO RELEASE 15TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF REDEMPTION’S SONWITH BONUS MATERIAL ON JUNE 23rd LISTEN TO "GHOST" HERE:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAuP1oR9cKQ  April 17, 2017 – Anyone who has followed the career of Joseph Arthur since he was personally discovered by Peter Gabriel back in 1997, knows Arthur has never been an artist to look back.  Over the course of his career to date, he’s released fourteen albums under his own name, eleven official EP’s and has been involved with several high profile side projects including Fistful Of Mercy (with Ben Harper & Dhani Harrison).  However, when it was brought to Arthur’s attention that 2017 marked the 15th Anniversary of one of his most beloved albums, Redemption’s Son, he decided he wanted to do something to honor the occasion. Joseph Arthur will also be embarking on a limited run solo tour beginning on June 20th in Boston where he’ll play the album from beginning to end.  Tickets for all shows are on sale now. “I’ve never done this album from start to finish live,” Arthur remarked.  “But Redemption’s Son was always a special record to me and my fans and this clearly seemed like the right time to do it.  As I’ve been saying recently to my friends, listening to this album again after all of these years has re-inspired me which honestly was a complete surprise.” On June 23rd, Real World Records, will re-issue the original album (with its original artwork) along with nine bonus tracks all of which have been previously unreleased.  Redemption’s Son 15th Anniversary Edition will be available on 180-gram double LP, double CD, and digitally.  It will be the first time the album is available on vinyl ever. The nine previously unreleased songs now form a “lost album” which Arthur has named Morning Star. You can listen to the first track from the album: "Ghost" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAuP1oR9cKQ “We decided to turn these tracks into their own album called 'Morning Star' rather than a collection of this that and the other thing,” Arthur remarked.  “It's a great feeling when the past burps up a gift. Things forgotten and submerged by the vortex of time which reveals its illusions thru a process such as this. First listens of old things are a lot like taking the wrapping paper off a gift. That excited smile comes over you (hopefully) and it's kinda wonderful. But soon you get transported back to the time these things were new and then they become fresh elements to work with. No more a gift but a responsibility. Like if you got a dog for Christmas. What they say about a work of art being never finished but abandoned is accurate. And I learned here that you can essentially un-abandon them. We took these old things and we set out to make something current.” Upon it’s original release in 2002, the album received rave reviews on both sides of the pond: “Joseph Arthur's brilliant third album proves he was worth the wait
'Redemption's Son exhibits the sure sign of a classic album. The best songs are not nervously loaded at the front. Some of the real gems - the slow, creepy Permission, the unbearably beautiful Favorite Girl and the irresistibly poppy In The Night - emerge nearly an hour into the album.'-  The Times  (UK) “...added intimacy without sacrificing dreamy magnetism... 
'2000's Come To Where I'm From was a near masterpiece. This time round, Grammy-bagging mixer Tchad Blake has replaced T-Bone Burnett as producer and brought added intimacy without sacrificing dreamy magnetism... Arthur's vocals [are] as much soothing balm as quiet venom. Blake's deft touch makes bedfellows of gentle acoustic guitar and gliding strings - I Would Rather Hide and Termite Song are stunning... If there's really a God, the Super Furries-goosing-up-Cockney Rebel wizardry of In The Night ought to be the FM smash of the summer.'”
 Uncut  (UK) “In the current pop singer-songwriter renaissance, Arthur's art stands out as the most emotionally naked and musically ambitious.” -Entertainment Weekly (US)   Joseph Arthur –Redemption’s Son 15th Anniversary Tour 6/20 - Boston MA - Great Scott6/21 - Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theatre 18946/23 - New York NY - City Winery6/24 - Vienna VA - Jammin' Java6/26 - Evanston IL - SPACE6/27 - St Paul, MN– Turf Club6/29 - Cleveland OH – Music Box7/1 -   Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark7/11 - Los Angeles CA -  Teragram Ballroom7/12 - San Francisco CA – Brick and Mortar Music Hall7/14 - Portland OR - Doug Fir Lounge7/15 - Seattle WA - The Triple Door

Anathema Announce North American Tour Dates

  ANATHEMA ANNOUNCE FIRST NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES IN SUPPORT OF THE OPTIMIST(JUNE 9, KSCOPE)
TICKETS AVAILABLE THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 21  
  April 17, 2017, Liverpool, UK – Anathema, who recently revealed the new song “Sprinfield” (https://youtu.be/8y1ROzCUpbU), from the band’s forthcoming album, The Optimist (June 9, Kscope), are now thrilled to announce their first North American dates since 2014.

The nine dates, which kick off on Aug. 16 in Baltimore, include stops in New York, Chicago and a trio of Canadian dates. 

"Touring the U.S. and Canada is always a fantastic privilege,” said guitar player Daniel Cavanagh. “These countries have been the birthplace of some of the most revered recording artists of all time. We are delighted to visit the east coast and we promise to visit the west coast, following up soon. Our new album, The Optimist, is set in America. It will be a blast! "

Tour dates:
August 16  Baltimore, MD  Soundstage
August 17  New York, NY  Gramercy Theater
August 18  Boston, MA  Brighton Music Hall
August 19  Quebec, QC  Saile Multi
August 20  Montreal, QC  Astral
August 21  Toronto, ON  Opera House
August 23  Chicago, IL  Bottom Lounge
August 24  Cleveland, OH  House of Blues
August 25  Philadelphia, PA  Theatre of Living Arts

Tickets are available this Friday, April 21, for more details please visit facebook.com/anathemamusic.

Anathema, led by brothers Daniel and Vincent Cavanagh, along with drummer John Douglas, singer Lee Douglas, bassist Jamie Cavanagh and drummer/keyboardist Daniel Cardoso began recordingThe Optimist in the winter of 2016 at Attica Audio in Donegal, Ireland and then finished at Castle Of Doom studios in Glasgow with producer Tony Doogan (Mogwai, Belle & Sebastian, Super Furry Animals) at the helm and was mastered at the legendary Abbey Road Studios.
  Photo credit: Caroline Traitler

THE DAMNED @ Commodore Ballroom

All photos taken in Vancouver by BEV DAVIES