NPR Music
Those who have followed the Seattle music scene for a while know David Bazan for his work in Pedro the Lion, and for his close association with other local musicians like Damien Jurado and Ben Gibbard. Since going solo in 2006, Bazan has released one full-length album, 2009’s Curse Your Branches. It was well-received and chronicled the artist’s struggle with religion and sobriety. Two year later, Bazan is back with a new record titled Strange Negotiations, which will be released May 24 on Barsuk Records. It’s the first time he has recorded with other musicians since his Pedro the Lion days. NPR Music’s All Songs Considered blog has a nice writeup about Bazan and spotlights “Wolves At The Door,” the first track off of Strange Negotiations. Click the link above to listen!
DAMIEN JURADO PLAYS AN “EXTRA SPECIAL” TINY DESK SET
NPR
Seattle singer-songwriter (and SXSW 2011 alum) Damien Jurado left quite the impression when he performed a set for NPR’s lauded Tiny Desk concert series late last month: “This one [was] special,” Tiny Desk’s Stephen Thompson and Mike Katzif agreed when reviewing the performance footage. “Though Jurado throws in a fantastic unreleased song here (“Newspaper Gown”), this material comes from a 2010 album called Saint Bartlett. And, as marvelous as these pieces sound in their official form, it’s hard to top how they come off at the Tiny Desk — it’s just a big dude playing sad songs, his eyes pinched shut as if to make it easier to be alone with the music, but the performance is perfect the way it is.” Have a look for yourself below.
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KEXP WANTS YOUR TOP ALBUM VOTES
Reverb
KEXP has opened voting for its annual “Top 90.3 Albums of the Year” poll. This is an all-inclusive list, featuring pop, hip-hop, indie and other major genres of the year. While the options include several national acts, now is your chance to get your favorite local albums on 2010 on the venerable list. Choices include Damien Jurado’s Saint Bartlett, The Head and the Heart’s self-titled album and Perfume Genius’ Learning, among others. Add your two cents here!
HOQUIAM PREMIERE NEW VIDEO FOR “ZOMBIES OF THE SEA”
Seattle Weekly
Damien Jurado and brother, Drake’s collaboration, Hoquiam, is a bit darker than Damien’s solo work, and this video is equally gloomy (in sort of a delightful way!). Check it out below, and look for David Bazan emerging from the sea, zombie style.
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DRINK FOR THE KIDS AT SOLO BAR
Three Imaginary Girls
As part of the Vera Project’s week-long “A Drink For the Kids” series, which partners with various bars throughout the Seattle area for one week to raise proceeds, check out Solo Bar tonight for a special Drinkin’ event. There will be DJ sets from some of your favorite imaginary hosts, including Damien Jurado, who will be guest-headlining at 8:00pm. Expect lots of vinyl, lots of drink specials and a rad hang!
CHECK OUT ‘THE ROUND’ AT THE ZOO
Woodland Park Zoo
The Round is having a picnic at the Zoo! Join the meerkats, penguins and Fremont Abbey Arts Center in celebrating its 62nd evening of local music, art and poetry. The Round is a unique multi-arts event held in Seattle every month since 2005. Six singer-songwriters share the stage with slam poets and live painters as well as an improv backing band. The selected artists are invited to share their craft in a setting focused on collaboration and community where the audience sits in rapt attention. This special outdoor picnic evening will feature Star Anna, Damien Jurado, Mark Pickerel, Carrie Akre, Gabe Archer (of The Pale Pacific), Paul Rucker and special guests including an improv band. Poets featured include Matt Gano, Elaina Ellis & a Youth Speaks slam team member. Plus three painters Nathan Dean, Glenn Case, and youth painter from Urban Artworks. This event will be held on July 18. For more information, follow the link.
CHECK OUT DAMIEN JURADO’S VIDEO FOR “ARKANSAS”
The Stranger
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PITCHFORK CALLS DAMIEN JURADO’S “SAINT BARTLETT” A TRIUMPH
Pitchfork
Pitchfork recently gave Damien Jurado’s latest album Saint Bartlett a glowing review saying, “Jurado claims ownership of Saint Bartlett‘s achievements simply by turning in his strongest songwriting to date… The songs on Saint Bartlett would be considered an achievement for any artist, but the fact that they come 13 years into a career makes the album even more of a triumph.” Read the full review at the above link.
SAVE THE DATE FOR NO DEPRESSION FESTIVAL, ZOO TUNES, AND CONCERTS IN MARYMOOR PARK
Sound on the Sound
Three of the major Seattle summer music line-ups have been released. No Depression, the local Americaa and roots music authority, will be holding their festival August 21 at Marymoor Park. Featuring Seattle bands The Cave Singers and Sera Cahoone amongst others this event is an all day festival of music. Zoo Tunes is the annual music series held at Woodland Park Zoo. This is a ten part series running from June 27 to August 29 and will feature local musicians Star Anna and Damien Jurado. Marymoor Park in Redmond is a large outdoor venue that will host 11 shows over the course of the summer beginning June 19 and going til September 19. For full line-ups and more information follow the link.
LOCAL FILMMAKERS NOMINATED FOR PRESTIGIOUS CINEMATOGRAPHY AWARD FOR DAMIEN JURADO MUSIC VIDEO
Plus Camerimage
Local filmmakers Matt Daniels and Michael Ragen of Thinklab, Inc. have been nominated for Best Music Video and Best Cinematography in a Music Video at the Plus Camerimage in Poland. The International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography Camerimage is the most recognized festival dedicated to the art of cinematography and its creators. The video for local musician Damien Jurado’s “Caskets” features the band and stars Damien’s younger brother, Drake. It was shot in beautiful Eastern Washington and can be viewed below:
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