Indie Sounds NY & Austin

Goodbye from Indie Sounds and Harris Radio

This is the final post on Indie Sounds, to tell you that Harris Radio just released its final podcast - #25.  Check it out - and listen to the very end for an awesome track from Austin's David Ramirez.



It's been a lot of fun putting out Harris Radio since 2002, and Indie Sounds (in print and online) since 2005.  See the highlights from past years below - then check out the entire site for all the great music I missed out.

Special thanks to Kendall Nash for her weekly Kendall's Hit List contribution.  She's a truly wondrous person, but that's not news to the regulars at the Rockwood in NYC, my musical home in that city.

But don't fret: something has come to succeed Indie Sounds and Harris Radio, and it's called Harris-on-Music. Also, ViolinFemmes.com continues.

Cheers,

Pete Harris

Indie Sounds - Highlights of 2012

And so to 2012, and the final highlights shoutouts ...



Emily Wolfe sent me an email out of the blue a few months ago, to say she had released her debut CD and I might like to check it out.  It's actually one of the best CDs of the year, a true indie effort, with Emily playing most of the instruments.  Her songs, her voice, her musicianship are all top notch.  She's gonna go far.



David Pulkingham was Alejandro Escovedo's right hand man for many years, but recently decided to do the solo thing again.  He is one of the best guitarists out there, and also writes a damn good song.  A true gent too.



Grace London is excited about her recent move to Los Angeles, where she's already organizing music showcases for teenagers.  Though I think she's still 12.  Grace will be coming back to Austin to play from time to time, and it will be a delight to check in on her progress.  She's a prodigy indeed.

Indie Sounds - Highlights of 2011

The penultimate highlight post - for 2011 ...



I first saw Greg Holden - a Scot who has a Northern English accent - perform in Austin, when he was opening for Ingrid Michaelson, and he did a great job at it.  Since then, he's put out an album, penned a hit for an American Idol winner, and is now about to head back to Europe, where he's going down big time.


Photo by MakiFotos

I've been a fan of the Kardashes - Maygen and S.J. - since seeing their former band, The Bloodlines.  Now, as Violent Kin, the siblings are putting on some killer shows, and already have 2 superb albums released.



I caught up with David Garza - a member of the Austin royal family - as he was celebrating his 40th birthday with shows in Austin and NYC.  As well as his own projects - including Crybear - David is often seen supporting others, and always he adds much to their show.

Indie Sounds - Highlights of 2010

Nearly there ... today it's all about 2010 ...



Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds have outgrown Rockwood 1 - even Rockwood 2 - these days, playing the festival circuit and opening for the the likes of Dr. John and The Black Keys.  Definitely a live act not to be missed.



I covered Jazz Mills just as she was getting going with Cowboy & Indian - the Indie Sounds Day Party at SXSW in 2010 was the first show the band played, even before they adopted that name.  Now, Jazz is combining C&I with a solo project, and motherhood.



I also managed to catch up with Mother Falcon when they were still pretty new, with a debut EP just released.  Now they're one of the most popular acts on the Austin scene, adding polish with every performance.

Indie Sounds - Highlights of 2009

Onwards to 2009 ...


Photo by Jeremy Lebled

The Kennedys were one of the first indie acts that I embraced, at a time when all I knew was mainstream music.  Theirs is a true love story, with music and with each other.  And the latest manifestation of that is their latest album, released just days ago, called Closer Than You Know.


Photo by Ed Verosky

Eleanor Whitmore has come a fair way since she was manually painting her CD packages.  She became a Masterson, and a member of The Mastersons, toured with Steve Earle, and put out a record on New West Records.  I just wished the red hair would make a comeback.



I first saw Ruby Jane perform when she was just 14, and even at that age she projected a maturity not seen in musicians a decade older.  Now, knocking on 18, she has a recently released album that's showcasing her considerable and diverse talent, and taking her in new musical directions.  And there's clearly a lot more to come.

Indie Sounds - Highlights of 2008

And now it's time for 2008 ...


Photo by Linus Gelber

In Flight Radio.  I loved this band.  Great songs, rocked live.  Peira's taking a break now, for maternal reasons, but I'm hoping they'll be back before too long.


Photo by Lauren Jonik

Rich Girls were a live act beyond the others on the NYC scene, full of energy and theater.  Then they stopped, which was daft.  A comeback tour is needed.



Dred Scott might not be at the Rockwood every Tuesday these days - he did it for six years I think - but you can still catch him there, and several other venues, for his world class jazz piano shows.  Hail Satan!

Indie Sounds - Highlights of 2007

And on to 2007 ...



The first time I met Tessa Perry, I think we drank a bottle of gin - each - and became firm friends.  She spends much of her time these days in Ireland, with child bride Liz Clark.  Together, as Lonely & The Moose, a new album is just emerging.


Photo by Christian Bobak

Chris Brown and Kate Fenner were more than any people responsible for me starting Harris Radio back in 2002, and I probably love their music more than anyone's.  After a few years of solo projects, they could soon be recording some more together.


Photo by Manish Gosalia

I interviewed Ann Courtney back when she was backed by The Late Bloomers, and a great interview she gives indeed.  Now, she's out front in Mother Feather, and she's just plain awesome!

Indie Sounds - Highlights of 2006

Continuing the look back at past Indie Sounds highlights with 2006 ...


Photo by Andree Anne Handfield

NLX - aka Natasha Alexandra.  I love this girl.  She's now working on a new album, to drop early 2013.  Plan on it being awesome.


Photo by Rashad Mistri

Guyora Kats puts on great shows.  If there was any justice in the music world, he'd be a billionaire, and would buy me a Ferrari.  He was last seen in France.



When they are on, Breaking Laces are the greatest band in the world.  It helps when the drummer does not have two broken wrists.

Indie Sounds - Highlights of 2005

Indie Sounds is soon coming to an end.  So this week we'll look back and highlight some of the coverage from years gone by, starting with 2005, when the publication was a print newsletter, distributed via music venues in NYC ...



Valeze was the glam rock band once fronted by Tiff Randol, now an LA resident but still a great girl, making great music.



Girlyman was a band who I got to see early in their career.  I remember them for their great, melodic music, and incredibly funny stage banter.  And they're still going strong.



Ryan Star - R.Star as he was known then - was a popular regular at a new venue called Rockwood Music Hall.  Then he got on TV and got big.  And recently he signed with Island Def Jam and rocked the Tonight Show.

Pete's Weekend Picks: Mother Falcon, Jon Dee Graham & Mike June

For Austin:



Mother Falcon is at The Parish tonight, at 11pm.  Les RAV at 10pm, Shakey Graves at 9pm.  That's more information than you'll find on the venue's website!

For NYC:



Austin's own Jon Dee Graham and Mike June are at The Living Room on Sunday at 7pm for a 2-hour show.