RoxiReview

Jack Martello - "I Love Philly's Dad"

2011-03-08T15:30:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I know I've been AWOL for a bit, when I kept saying I'd continue to write, that I promise to keep up, blah blah blah. Apparently I'm bad at keeping promises that I make to myself. To be honest, I just haven't been feeling that inspired to write lately. I feel like I'm stuck in a rut, and every time I try to crawl out, I get tamped back down into my burrow, like one of those Bop-'Em games at a carnival. From what I've heard, it is common for 20-something girls to go through a quarter-life crisis, so I'm just going to agree with that and milk that excuse for all it's worth...while simultaneously trying not to annoy my friends and audience.

While waiting for my motivation to return, I recently ventured out to a show at Hotel Cafe with one of my good friends from CSUN. If you have never been to the venue before, I highly recommend it; it may be a small, cozy place, but you never know what wonderful talent you could come across during your visit. For example, I didn't know that I would find my next topic for RR when I walked through the door!

My friend had told me that she was hearing a lot of buzz about the artist, Jack Martello, from her colleagues at Bill Silva Management. Neither of us quite knew what to expect from a brand-new artist on the LA scene. Let's face it: Some are fantastic as live performers, whereas others are better suited to keeping their work relegated to the recording booth. However, the fact that a leading artist management group was rallying in support of Jack helped get us jazzed for the show.

As we hung around the foyer before Jack's set began, we spoke with some of the Bill Silva crew, whose excitement was palpable and contagious. We had yet to meet Jack, but were told that he is a recent arrival from England, who had - after completing his master's program in economics & business - chosen to travel to the U.S. to pursue a music career. As he told us later from the stage, he was incredibly lucky to make contact with a few good people that encouraged and enabled him to make his cross-continental move.

From the very start of his set, I could tell that Jack was not the type to visibly fret before a show. He calmly hopped up on stage for his sound check, tuning his acoustic guitar precisely. After a brief introduction and a jab at his "habit of making funny faces", he launched into his first song...and my jaw just about hit the floor. His vocals were so spot on, and though he was correct in pointing out his interesting facial expressions, they became endearing as he crooned through one original composition after another. His banter in between pieces made it even clearer that he is an honest-to-goodness, down-to-earth miracle musician that is thankful for every show he can give, every audience he can entertain. Jack has so much talent and potential, but he offers something else that many other up-and-coming artists do not readily show: gratitude and appreciation.

I really hope to see Jack succeed, because he has so much to offer to the music community. And instead of leaving you with a Lyric Pick, I'd much prefer to leave you with a YouTube clip :) Jack Martello - Lost For Words (Alfie's Song)

You can find Jack Martello on Facebook, Bandcamp, and Blogspot.

That's all for now! If you have any questions or comments, OR you have an artist you'd like to see me review in the future, let me know :)

Peace and Pianos,
Roxi G.

The Counterparts - Stars of the Soundtrack to RoxiReview's Return

2010-08-10T19:09:00.000-07:00

Before I go into my review this time around, I would like to apologize to those of you that have been aggravated with my absence from RR. It took me a little longer than expected to get my life in order after graduation. I'm still not done with this horridly distracting and stressful process, but I am finally starting to work through it and get back to my multitasking ways.

For the return of RoxiReview, I have for you a group that exhibits a sound unlike any other band I have yet to hear. The Counterparts have been jamming together for years, but have only recently decided to showcase their talent on the public stage. This trio, based in Los Alamitos, consists of Ben Wachman (vocals & rhythm guitar), Craig Landon (bass guitar), and Jeremy Foley (drums), all college students that are studying their craft in-depth, while simultaneously attending university.

A hardworking (but easygoing) group of guys, The Counterparts have not had much time to relax this summer. Up-and-coming label DoubleHook Records recently signed them, and the boys have spent the past few weeks recording, promoting and performing in the Los Angeles area. I was fortunate enough to be present during a couple of the tracking sessions in DoubleHook's studio - on invitation from producers William Borza and Jordan Cohen - and I was able to hear with my own ears that they have a unique and amazing sound. Ben's vocals are that of an Adam Levine/John Mayer hybrid, while Jeremy's drum-work adds a strong rock-and-roll atmosphere to the mix. Craig provides a compromise, a fusion of jazzy soul and rock, that defines the overall vibe of The Counterparts.

Well, I have defined the band as best I can. As always, it is something that you will have to hear and discover for yourself.

You can find The Counterparts' music* and more information about the group by visiting their MySpace, or the DoubleHook Records website.

Roxi G.'s Lyric Pick: "Fire in her eyes that just melts your soul
One look at what she's got and I'm bound to lose control
Why can't you see just what you are doing to me
You're the one I desire I'm down to the wire
So just let me take you home and you will see
Exactly what I wanna do
Discover me discovering you
Well little miss lover there is none other
Blows my mind through and through
Please call out my name
I know that you want to." - "Discover Me Discovering You", The Counterparts

Have a good night, and I assure you, you will hear from me again soon!

Peace and Pianos,
Roxi G.

*PLEASE NOTE: The recordings that are currently found on The Counterparts MySpace are not from DoubleHook. The producers are editing and mastering the recent recordings, preparing them for the band's new EP.

CSUN's MIS Artist of the Year: The Reflectacles

2010-05-02T15:40:00.000-07:00

As I have already stated before, my mission in this blog is to bring to your attention the valiant efforts of artists that have true talent and personality, who might sometimes go unnoticed by the popular media. The band that I highlight in this installation of RoxiReview is one of the groups that inspired me to write about the lesser-knowns of true artistry.

Each year, Cal State Northridge's Music Industry Studies Class 393/493 gives students an opportunity to work together to find, record, produce and publicize an artist or group that they feel could have a chance at stardom. As a member of the class this year, I have seen the project go from A&R's initial talent search that gathered demos from over 60 artists, to the Showcase where our top four contestants played a live concert, to the selection of our winner, and through the recording of their first EP. I can assure you that the band has worked just as hard as the class, in an effort to create something that the world has never heard before.

The Reflectacles have not been performing together for very long, but we are sure that they have a bright future ahead of them. This Los Angeles-based act is dedicated to the creation of "pyschedelic folk rock and roll", which might look odd to the eyes. But to the ears, the sound is warm and inviting, a refreshing fusion of old-time Americana with more recent rock stylings. The personalities of the band members match perfectly with the music they create: Gerry, Logan, Lincoln, Devin, Chris and Micah are all youthful, but they have a sort of older, familiar and wiser presence about themselves.

If you are looking for a trip down the musical memory lane with a few twists and turns along the way, The Reflectacles will be your guide! To check out their latest songs and learn more about the band, please visit their MySpace and Facebook profiles:

The Reflectacles on MySpace!

The Reflectacles on Facebook!

Roxi G.'s Lyric Pick: I'm just a ghost who is living by the road
These are the signs that I leave no one will ever see
You could stitch up my whole heart it'll still fall apart
But you're all that I need in a song." - "Hello", The Reflectacles

Hope all of you have a wonderful day!

Peace and Pianos,
Roxi G.

So Sorry!!!

2010-04-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

Apologies to anyone that is aggravated with me for not having written about artists for a while; I assure you, I have PLENTY to write about. The only problem? Not enough time! I am getting ready for graduation, and my priority right now is surviving the madness of my last couple of weeks of college. I will resume writing as soon as my brain has time/room for it.

Hope all of you are doing great, and if you have any budding talented artists you'd like to let me know about, send me a line! Thank you for your patience!

Peace and Pianos,
Roxi G.

Taking In a Show at the Breathing Room

2010-04-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

Hello readers! Apologies for the extended absence; I have been the victim of a bout of writer's block and am now in recovery.

I wanted to take the opportunity to invite you to a fabulous concert that is coming up in a couple of weeks. The show has been put together by the hardworking social committee of the 2010 Cal State Northridge Music Industry Studies class, featuring our fabulous band of the year, The Reflectacles!!! Voxhaul Broadcast, The Janks, and Kristi Michele will also be there to provide much-needed ear candy.

WHERE? The Breathing Room - 10400 Zelzah Ave., Northridge, CA
WHEN? Saturday, April 24, 6:30PM - 10:30PM

The venue is all-ages friendly, so bring all your pals, both young and old(er)! Entry is only $10, a small price to pay to hear such great talent! Yes, I know I sound totally corny, but it's the truth.

To hear a few samples from the nights' performers, you can check out their respective pages:

Kristi Michele's MySpace:)

The Janks' MySpace^_^

Voxhaul Broadcast's official page!

The Reflectacles' MySpace!!! =D

Have a great night, and I'll be posting a review very soon!!!!

Peace and Pianos,
Roxi G.

A Night In Hollywood

2010-03-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

The Vans Warped Tour draws immense crowds every summer, and the 2010 line-up foretells that this year will be no different. Headliners such as Dropkick Murphys, Motion City Soundtrack, and Sum 41 are set to perform and will surely be the cause of mosh-pit madness. In addition to the more famous bands, there will be many lesser-known (but nonetheless talented!) acts making appearances, like our old favorite Hot Chelle Rae, and our latest find, A Night in Hollywood.

A 5-man group on the rise, A Night in Hollywood is still new to the music scene. The members are Marty (vocals), Ben (guitar/vocals), Zach (guitar), Emilio (bass), and Nicky (drums), all natives of Danville, California. The name of the band goes perfectly with its sound; it is a rush of energy and excitement, just like one would feel if one were striding down the Star-strewn streets of SoCal's entertainment mecca. Some songs have an element of in-your-face "screamo", which the pop-fed public often interprets as unsettling, but there is real music and talent behind the attitude.

The band's debut EP "Darling, This is Just the Beginning" was released early last year, and since then, A Night In Hollywood has been steadily gaining stage time and a fan following. Next month, the band will be touring to promote the EP. They will also be participating in a Battle of the Bands for Warped Tour, hosted by one of their sponsors, Ernie Ball Music Man Company. And according to an inside source, the band will soon be releasing brand-new material!

With a fan following of over 20,000 people on MySpace, it is clear that A Night In Hollywood is going somewhere. I would highly recommend giving them a listen, especially if you are looking for fast-paced, energy-packed tunes.

You might enjoy A Night in Hollywood if you are a fan of: My Chemical Romance, AFI, Nine Inch Nails, Korn, Cobra Starship, Marilyn Manson

For more information on the band and to hear their latest releases, please visit their MySpace page!

Roxi G.'s Lyric Pick: "It seems to me you’ve had your doubts you’ve played them out and now you’ll see
You and me can never be unless we learn to set it free
I’ve been waiting this out for a long long time for you to be with me
So when you hear this song tonight I hope you think of me lovingly" - "Darling, This Is Just the Beginning" by A Night in Hollywood

For those of you that are reading this regularly, THANK YOU!!!! Please tell all of your friends, and have a great weekend!

Peace and pianos,
Roxi G.

The Return of Boomkat: "A Million Trillion Stars"

2010-03-10T23:25:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a stroke of good fortune, I have several different artists and genres from which to choose for my next several reviews. Pop music has so far been absent from the page, so my topic tonight is Boomkat and their latest album, "A Million Trillion Stars".

Siblings Kellin and Taryn Manning began their work together as the dance-pop duo Boomkat in 2003, but have remained just outside of the spotlight for the greater part of their career. In addition to her musicianship, Taryn is a well-known actress, with roles in "Crazy Beautiful", "Crossroads", "White Oleander", and several other appearances on the big screen and in television. No doubt this additional work keeps her extra busy, so a music career might have taken the back seat for a time. Luckily, inspiration seems to have hit the brother-sister act again; "Million Trillion Stars" announces Boomkat's return to the arena of pop music.

I guess it's time for me to make a confession: The most heavily-played songs on my iPod are Balkan gypsy pieces and random bits of electronically-enhanced belly dance music that you will most likely never hear on the radio in the United States. However, even though my brain is in the Mediterranean 8 times out of 10, like any good Music Industry Studies major I know the current trends. Nowadays, pop is typically identified by catchy and memorable lyrics, danceable beats, and a bit of synthesized whatsits here and there (feel free to voice your opinion, if you disagree). When I look at these guidelines while listening to the CD, I find that "A Million Trillion Stars" has the makings of a great pop collection.

The Manning siblings wrote nearly all of the songs on their new album without additional assistance; kudos to them, I must say! And collaboration with several different producers prevents the tunes from sounding too similar and keeps the listener from drifting into boredom. Taryn's smoky voice is something that I have not heard in today's top pop artists, and it is pleasantly fresh to the ears. However, the one qualm that I have with the album is that the lyrics do not allow me to form a story in my mind, or to picture what Taryn is vocalizing. Perhaps it is just the poet in me, but I feel that in general, there should be more meaningful content in pop lyrics nowadays.

For all of you pop music fans out there that are looking for some new ear-candy, check out "A Million Trillion Stars" now! And even if you do not typically follow the genre, as in any situation, I would recommend breaking out of your shell and listening to something new. I listened to Boomkat for the first time less than a week ago, and I am very glad that I did; otherwise, I would probably be in a rut right now, with "Opa Cupa" by Brass Menažeri running on a broken phonograph in my brain.

To sum it all up, check out Boomkat, because unlike many pop artists that have had everything served to them on a silver platter, Taryn and Kellin have worked hard for what they have created!

You would most likely enjoy Boomkat if you are a fan of: Vitamin C, Kylie Minogue, Katy Rose, Imogen Heap

For more information on Boomkat:

Here is the band's MySpace!

Aaaaaaaaand Boomkat's Twitter feed:)

Roxi G.'s Lyric Pick: "Lately I've been afraid
Something's going right inside of my brain
And it's getting hard to explain
But I see everything

I've been fighting all of my life
Always seem to put my heart on the line
And it's a lonely road I climb
When I see everything" -"Runaway" by Boomkat

Good night everyone! I hope the rest of your week is pleasant and stress-free!

Peace and pianos,
Roxi G.

Roxi's First-Ever CD Review: Andrew Anderson - "As Long as This Thing's Flyin'"

2010-03-07T21:03:00.000-08:00

Before starting this review, I searched "Andrew Anderson" on iTunes and was slightly upset by the fact that he is listed as "Unknown"! I mean, I know that this refers to the genre, but still, I'd find it vaguely insulting. But for iTunes' sake (and yours as well, I suppose), I shall clarify that Andrew Anderson is a Country & Western artist, with some rock leanings from time to time.

To be perfectly honest, I do not know much about country music. I know that there is a difference between Nashville sound and Honky-Tonk (a.k.a. "Bakersfield") sound...and that's about it. But I do understand what makes a good song and a good album, and Anderson's "As Long as This Thing's Flyin'" is a fantastic collection.

Other than a few technical glitches at the end of a few tracks, the sound quality of the album is untarnished by electronic production. Anderson is gifted with a vocal range and talent that most men would die for, and he plays a grand variety of instruments as well. The jacket credits him for piano, both electric and acoustic guitar, mandolin, and a brief stint on bass. He is accompanied by Luke Meade, Jeremy Harris and Ki Johnsen; the trio never overpower the frontman, but rather create the feel of a true down-home country band. I especially enjoyed Harris' work on the banjo, prominent in many tracks.

The topics addressed through Anderson's songs are easy to relate to, and quintessentially understood: Love, war, politics, and karma (listen to "Fists Up Chin Down" for this reference), to name a few. Due to a couple of words of profanity and some maturer topics, "As Long As This Thing's Flyin'" might be unsuitable for younger ears. On the other hand, the lyrics are genuine, not overly poetic and sung in Anderson's carefree twang.

To sum it all up, I highly recommend Andrew Anderson and his debut album "As Long as This Thing's Flyin'", whether you are a long-time fan of country, are exploring different genres, or even just looking for a genuinely talented artist.

You will probably enjoy the music of Andrew Anderson if you like: Zac Brown Band, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, and Barenaked Ladies. I know these are not all country artists, but I think you will probably recognize snippets of these well-known musicians in Mr. Anderson.

For more information on Anderson and his work, please visit his website.

He also has a MySpace page for your listening pleasure:)

Roxi G.'s Lyric Pick: "I don't know why I ever left this place
and I don't know why I'd choose not to see your face
everyday, everyday everyday

and I don't know how I ever was so sure
cause I don't know what I believe in anymore
now all i know is that I'm lonelier than sin
so come on darlin' won't you kiss me again" - "A Year Tomorrow" by Andrew Anderson

There you have it! My first CD review, and I hope you all enjoy the music! :)

Peace and Pianos,
Roxi G.

Hot Chelle Rae: "Come closer...Wearing tight pants doesn't make us evil."

2010-03-01T09:57:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, I had one hellishly busy night. I was on assignment for one of my internships, and the goal was to obtain interviews with three separate bands, each appearing at the Roxy on that particular night (Hahaha, Roxi interviewing at the Roxy!). All of the bands that performed - 4 in total - were very talented, but there was one group that made my jaw drop during their set.

Hot Chelle Rae is an all-male pop rock quartet hailing from Nashville, and though they are young, their talent indicates years of hard work and practice. The band features Ryan Follese ("R.K.") on lead vocals, Nash Overstreet on lead guitar and vocals, Ian Keaggy on bass guitar and vocals, and Jamie Follese (Ryan's younger brother) on the drum-set. In case you were curious about the origin of the band name, Ryan explained that it came from a fan that pursued them obsessively, back in the group's early days. She reportedly claimed to have industry connections and told the boys she could get them a record deal; "It turns out she was a fake, and we liked her name, so we used it."

Sadly, it seems that most popular music these days is overproduced and auto-tuned to within an inch of its existence, and it is a relief to hear the authenticity in Hot Chelle Rae's music. With the exception of a few amps and other tech gear, the band is largely self-powered. Each of the members supplies a spirited personality and presence both on and off-stage, and they are incredibly grateful to their supporters as well. Prior to their Roxy set, the boys sat down to dinner with lucky contest winners, and could be seen chatting amiably with their fans.

If you want to check out Hot Chelle Rae, their debut album "Lovesick Electric" is out and clamoring for your purchase. The CD might not be as heart-pounding as the live show, but the energy is still palpable through your stereo!

You will probably enjoy Hot Chelle Rae of you like: Fall Out Boy, Weezer, Green Day, All-American Rejects

If you want more information on Hot Chelle Rae and "Lovesick Electric" check out their website and MySpace page:

Here's Hot Chelle Rae's webpage.

And be sure to check out HCR's MySpace too!

Roxi's Lyric Pick: "I feel like I'm drowning in ice water
My lips have turned a shade of blue
I'm frozen with this fear that you may disappear
Before I've given you the truth

I bleed my heart out on these papers for you
So you can see what I can't say
I'm dying here (I'm dying here)
'Cause I can't way what I want to
I bleed my heart out just for you" - "Bleed", by Hot Chelle Rae

Hope you enjoy the rest of your week, and thank you for your support!

Peace and Pianos,
Roxi G.

Artist Numero Uno: Faye Blais

2010-02-25T16:29:00.000-08:00

The Silverlake Lounge, upon first glance, does not seem to be the kind of place in which one would expect to find great talent. Due to its location on Sunset Boulevard, however, it has become a mecca for musicians. Last night was my first (and hopefully not the last) visit to the Lounge, during which I had the opportunity to hear what the "Cherry Pickin' West Coast Tour" has to offer.

Three solo songstresses hailing from Canada have united to showcase their catchy tunes on a 2-month junket along the West Coast. Jacquie B., Sarah Burton, and Faye Blais are each their own artist, but it is a true show of talent that they are able to perform so well together, in harmony...literally! And though their vocals and instrumentals melded perfectly, my attention was most captured by the dreaded Faye Blais. And when I say "dreaded" I mean her hair, not a power to induce fear.

A Toronto native with a feisty spirit, Faye classifies herself as a "jazzy-bluesy indie/folk" musician, with the guitar-strumming and soulful vocals to prove it. Her presence on stage at the Lounge was entertaining, inviting with just a hint of biting wit. She is definitely an artist to watch. Faye is a truly authentic singer/songwriter with a REAL personality, which is something that is missing from many of today's most popular acts!

You'll like Faye Blais if you like: Ingrid Michaelson, Regina Spektor, Kate Nash, Alanis Morissette (Faye's fellow Canadian), or Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley.

Be sure to visit her personal site and MySpace! Faye has posted many of her songs and videos on both sites, and she has set up a blog as well to keep in touch with her friends and fans.

Here's Faye's website!

Aaaaaaaand here's Faye's MySpace page :)

Roxi G.'s Lyric Pick: "Your clothes are hung
So neatly inside
The closet where my bones hide
There may be dust on the box
Where I’ve left
All the ways that I’ve been before
I tugged and I pulled
Like you knew that I would
But you’d glued the lid shut
To be sure" - "Something's Changed" by Faye Blais

TGIF, and I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

Peace and Pianos,
Roxi G.