JOOKABOX RELEASES THIRD ALBUM IN FIGHT AGAINST PHANTOMS [FREE MP3]
August 20th, 2009 , by Asthmatic Kitty
"Moose" (leadman for Jookabox) grew up on the east side of Indianapolis in the 90s, an area plagued by constant recession, pandemic homicide, and racial tension. This nervous energy has culminated into Jookabox’s second album: Dead Zone Boys. On November 3rd, we will release this love-story meets psychedelic zombie-musical to the masses.
We have listened to this work and have this say: we all need this album. It is nothing less than the definitive soundtrack to humanity’s last stand against decay and the dead. With a mic in one hand and shotgun in the other, Jookabox pushes through as troubador and protagonist to free the decayed city and its few outposed survivors from the fear of death. He is our protector, no need to lose hope.
Expect this one to quickly become a cult classic. Until November, enjoy "Phantom Don’t Go" for free, the bone-on-bone drumbeat opener to the album.
SACRED SONGS ALLEVIATE GLOBAL STRESS LEVEL USING CASTANETS, LIZ JANES, AND THE WELCOME WAGON
August 19th, 2009 , by Asthmatic Kitty
Whether its global warming, the economic recession, or high-frequency algorithmic trading, one thing is for certain: the world is not in its most stable state. Should you feel troubled? Maybe. Inspired? Absolutely. Sacred Songs for Worrying Times is that hot cup of tea on a rainy day; turning pessimism into comfort.
Asthmatic Kitty artists offered up three selections for the compilation. Castanets cover Hank Williams’ “Alone and Foresaken,” Liz Janes does a cover of Sacred Harp’s “32b Distress,” and The Welcome Wagon provide “But For You Who Fear My Name” from their debut album released last December.
All 21 tracks follow Righteous’ manifesto of telling stories, tingling spines, affecting emotions, and most importantly being honest. The compilation also features contributions from The Handsome Family, Richard Hawley, Noah and the Whale, Woodpigion, and more. You should buy Sacred Songs for Worrying Times here.
A BRIEF NOTE ABOUT THE SUFJAN STEVENS / CRYPTACIZE TOUR
August 18th, 2009 , by Asthmatic Kitty
We should briefly address ticket reselling. As music fans ourselves, we feel very strongly that scalping violates the democratic nature of the music we are trying to create and share. We tried our very best to make it as equitable and accessible for everyone, but there is no perfect solution to make sure fans get the tickets and scalpers do not. Short of cloning Sufjan and Cryptacize (Rafter – who moonlights as a geneticist – is working on this), we could not think of a better way to handle ticket sales.
Anyone who purchased multiple tickets (as in more than 2) – even with multiple credit cards – will not be granted entry. The venues have explicit instructions not to honor any of their purchased tickets, nor will the venues give refunds. That these are smaller venues means that they are able to filter multiple buyers more carefully, or recognize someone that has left the venue and is trying to re-enter a second time.
Plain and simple: resold tickets will not be honored. We can’t prevent this 100%, but checking for ID and preventing re-entry will help. If you purchase a ticket from a scalper you will probably have to stand in line with them to the venue. That might be kind of awkward. This will be especially true if you paid them beforehand, and then are ultimately denied entry; thus, it’s best you just don’t buy from another ticketholder.
Finally, we are sorry to the fans who did not get tickets. We, Sufjan, and Cryptacize are so honored by the enthusiasm about this tour, but clearly there are more fans than there are seats. We will make it up to you by continuing to put out music that we love and care for, and hope that you continue to support our artists as you have.
DM STITH COLLABORATES WITH IMAGINING MOZAMBIQUE
August 17th, 2009 , by Asthmatic Kitty
"Imagining Mozambique", a traveling art show collective, premiers from August 27 to September 10 at the Maxalot Gallery in Amsterdam. The show is a fundraiser for ASEM, a non-profit organization that helps the children and orphans of Mazambique. Over the last 25 years, the country has been plagued by civil war, natural disasters, colonization, and economic instability, all of which has led to widespread uncertainty for tomorrow’s youth. For 17 years, ASEM has offered Mozambican children an alternative to living life in the streets, abandonment, and rejection from society by establishing various centers to provide shelter, education, and food to thousands. ASEM also seeks psychological, emotional, and physical rehabilitation of the children through organized cultural and athletic activities.
"Imagining Mozambique" is a thought-provoking collection of photography, illustration, painting, and design inspired by the Mozambican children’s day-to-day plight for survival and change. The prints can be purchased on Imagining Mozambique’s website by clicking here. The website is an interactive and educational portal to the afflictions of the country set to the premonitory sounds of our own DM Stith. A special feature of the site lets visitors create their own wish with which they can express a personalized message of optimism and hope to the children. All money raised through the sale of the artwork goes directly to ASEM.
#WTDTW (WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND)
August 14th, 2009 , by Asthmatic Kitty
Via our twitter account: #WTDTW :: Fri: Jookabox in Melody Inn #Indy, Fol Chen at Echo LA, :: Sun: Half-handed Cloud at Hemlock #SanFran.
FOL CHEN BRIEFLY EMERGES, DISTRIBUTES FREE MUSIC, TOURS [FREE ALBUM]
August 12th, 2009 , by Asthmatic Kitty
The pyramid was built, the plans set in motion, necessary parties were contacted and contracted. Now Samuel Bing, Melissa Thorne and the gang are preparing for their next assignment. Is it geodesic in nature? Urt-like? Subterranean? We can’t make out the cryptic scrawling they left on the post-its here at AK HQ.
Fortunately, they also left behind an EP that they have asked us to propagate to the masses, you, free of charge. It is an interlude, collecting the residual remixes, both by and for Fol Chen, and features the likes of Liars, Simone White, Epstein AKA Roberto Lange, Rafter and more! Download it (for free!) here.
And before Fol Chen leave and begin their second phase of gestation, they will give their live musical presentation in the City of Angels this Friday at the Echo as part of LA Weekly and Aquarium Drunkard’s ROCK N ROLL SUMMER CIRCUS. Then Fol Chen will head over to Europe for a string of dates. You can check out their tour dates here.
PREORDER SHANNON STEPHENS, SEE HER LIVE
August 11th, 2009 , by Asthmatic Kitty
Shannon Stephens’ long-awaited second album, The Breadwinner, is almost here. You can preorder it now by clicking here, or wait and purchase it when it hits your local record store on September 8th. To celebrate the release and her triumphant return to musicdom after a 10 year hiatus, Shannon will play at a CD release party on August 29th at Shadowland Restaurant and Bar in West Seattle, WA. The party is free and starts at 8pm. Special guest The Marrying Type will also be performing.
The Breadwinner will also be available to purchase at the show, a whole week and a half before its official release. If you can’t make it out, the show will be streamed live on Shadowland’s website right here. And speaking of streaming, two days prior to the release party, Shannon will be featured live on Seattle’s KBCS’ "Lunch With Folks" at 1pm (91.3 FM). Listen live on their website here!
SUFJAN TO TOUR WITH CRYPTACIZE IN FALL
August 10th, 2009 , by Asthmatic Kitty
One of our favorite things around here is seeing our artists meander around the country spreading great music, so you can imagine our giddiness when two of our artists decided to pal up and tagteam an east-of-Lake-Minnetonka tour. The team? Sufjan Stevens and Cryptacize. Click more to read details.
We wanted to make this as equitable for all of the fans so there are a few things to read carefully here. Due to the sizes of the venues, tickets will be limited. With that in mind, we wanted to avoid ticket scalpers and ensure that as many fans as possible could attend these shows. Tickets must be picked up at will-call the night of the show (not mailed), tickets are non-transferable and purchaser must present a government-issued photo ID. Also, there is a two ticket limit per purchaser. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
!!UPDATE – AUGUST 17th!!
This tour is sold-out.
09-21: Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s (SOLD OUT)
09-22: Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s (SOLD OUT)
09-23: Ithaca, NY – Castaways (SOLD OUT)
09-24: Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom (SOLD OUT)
09-25: Pontiac, MI – Crofoot Ballroom (SOLD OUT)
09-26: Champaign, IL – The High Dive (SOLD OUT)
09-27: Minneapolis, MN – 400 Bar (SOLD OUT)
09-28: Madison, WI – The Majestic (SOLD OUT)
09-29: Bloomington, IN – Buskirk Chumley (SOLD OUT)
10-01: Toronto, ON – Lee’s Place (SOLD OUT)
10-02: Montreal, QC – Cabaret (SOLD OUT)
10-03: Portland, ME – Port City Music Hall (SOLD OUT)
10-04: New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom (SOLD OUT)
10-05: New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom (SOLD OUT)
10-06: Brooklyn, NY – Hall at Williamsburg (SOLD OUT)
10-07: Brooklyn, NY – Hall at Williamsburg (SOLD OUT)
#WTDTT (WHAT TO DO THIS TUESDAY)
August 6th, 2009 , by Asthmatic Kitty
Half-handed Cloud is going mobile. Not mobile as in an iPhone app that makes strange noises, but as in playing music on a moving bus. HHC will board the Larry Bus from Ashby BART Station in Berkeley at 7pm on Tuesday, then make a second pick-up stop an hour later. If you live in the area, don’t miss the bus.
