Lee Ranaldo & Thurston Moore playing shows; Kim Gordon preps new Body/Head & solo LP

Lee Ranaldo released his latest solo album, the great Electric Trim, last year, and he’s got what appears to be a Brooklyn one-off happening June 23 at Saint Vitus. There’s direct support from super talented drummer Greg Fox (Liturgy, Ex Eye, Guardian Alien, Uniform), and the bill also includes Bentley Anderson + Mystic Ruler and DJ Zoe B. Tickets are on sale.

Lee’s former Sonic Youth bandmate Thurston Moore, who also released a great solo album last year (Rock n Roll Consciousness), has a unique one-off happening in the UK on Saturday (4/14). The event is at London’s Babican Hall and it’s called “GALAXIES 12×12 – Music for Twelve 12-String guitars,” and it features Thurston along with guitarists Rachel Aggs (Shopping, Trash Kit, Sacred Paws), Jen Chochinov (Schande), Joseph Coward (Camp X-Ray), Eugene Coyne, Jonah Falco (Fucked Up, Career Suicide), Deb Googe (My Bloody Valentine, Thurston Moore Group), James McCartney, James Sedwards (Thurston Moore Group), Susan Stenger (Band of Susans), David Toop (The Flying Lizards), and Alex Ward (N.E.W.). The description reads:

Arch-experimentalist Thurston Moore premieres his new work GALAXIES, leading a symphony of 12-string guitars in this two-part programme – the first half acoustic, the second electric.

This isn’t a rock band – it’s an orchestra, with Moore as conductor and composer. Twelve guitarists are arranged as if one instrument, exploring the vast emotional depths present in 12 strings. Taking inspiration from a poem by Sun Ra and featuring cosmos projections by Radio Radieux, GALAXIES ponders our place in the universe over two parts – ‘Earth’, an acoustic meditation on nature and animal wildlife; and ‘Sky’, which translates space’s great expanse into an electric guitar onslaught.

More info here. Thurston will also be in residency at The Stone’s new location in December.

In other Sonic Youth news, Steve Shelley is on the new Mark Kozelek album that’s due out next month. And last but definitely not least, Kim Gordon revealed in a Consequence of Sound/WFPK-FM podcast that Body/Head, her duo with Bill Nace, will follow their 2013 debut Coming Apart and their 2016 live album No Waves with a new studio album on July 13. “It’s really heavy,” Kim said. “I don’t really know what to think of the Body/Head record. It’s quite different than the first one.” She also revealed that she’s still working on a solo album, but it probably won’t be out until 2019. She released the great solo single “Murdered Out” in 2016. She’s also duets on the new Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks album.

Watch Lee’s recent KEXP session and Thurston’s “Smoke of Dreams” video, and stream “Murdered Out,” below.

Warpaint’s Theresa Wayman talks us through her solo project TT

On motherhood, the creative process and loneliness.

TT, also known as Theresa Wayman, released her debut solo album LoveLaws last month.

You may recognise her enchanting voice from Warpaint, but the release of her first solo project has allowed TT to delve deeper into the creation of her own musical sound. The result of which is pure melodic harmony and layers upon layers of hazy goodness.

The album is best described as downtempo, broody and soulful pop. It’s the type of music that’s perfect for staring out the window and reminiscing about past or current relationship woes. Producing the entire LP herself – with help from some music industry heavyweights – Theresa has well and truly flexed her creative muscles.

Phoning in all the way from London, we talked to TT about motherhood, the creative process and loneliness.

Tell me a little bit about your debut album. What does it mean to you?

It’s been a liberating feeling for myself, to do this thing that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time, showing myself that I can follow through and get it done. It’s been therapeutic in the subject matter as well.

How long have you been working on LoveLaws?

I’ve been working on it for a while, learning how to record myself and make what I’m hearing in my head. Some of the songs I started a really long time ago – [some of] it started as a beat or sample combination and over the years I’ve added to it. For the last year and a half, my brother and I took all the bits and pieces that I had already and put it together to finish the album.

Have you found the solo album-making process different, compared to when you’re collaborating with the Warpaint crew?

Well, initially everything we did [with Warpaint] started from a jam and then we would arrange things together and it’s a collaborative process. But with my album, it feels much more personal to me, because it’s only in my head. It took a while because working, touring and making albums, and being a mum, it’s been hard to find the time. It’s been busy, but it’s definitely been worth it for sure.

I read that loneliness as a musician on the road was an inspiration behind the album, how did this impact your process? Do you think it’s important, as an artist, to be lonely at some point?

Yeah, I do in a way. I think it’s important for artists to really experience what they’re experiencing and not push things aside. It comes with all the key inspiration. Maybe it’s not loneliness, maybe its something else. Whatever it is, the point of being an artist is to explore it and think about it. Some people could say you’re spending too much time on the subject matter, which could be true. But it’s the role of the artist to dwell on things.

A lot of people probably don’t realise you’re a single soccer mum. Has motherhood changed your approach to music?

Its switched my preferred work hours to early morning, before any of my friends or anyone I know is up. I like having the new energy of the day and that purely came from the fact that I had to get up and take my kid to school. I can’t stay up late because I’ll be incredibly tired in the morning and not be present as a mother. I definitely have a sense of security having my kid and knowing our relationship is solid. It’s a good foundation to build from.

What is next for TT?

I would love to have my own tour, in the fall probably. I have a couple of songs that didn’t go on the album that I want to finish as well. I just want to keep expanding visually and musically. Visual aspects are things I have never prioritised, but I think are important as well. I have some ideas. I want to go home and learn how to record the drums better, so I can get to the next step of independence in recording.

LoveLaws is out now via Caroline Australia. Listen to it here.

ttlovelaws.com

Blues Rock Singer/Songwriter Albert Cummings comes to New York For TWO SHOWS August 18 and 19

Having hit both coasts already this year performing to sold out crowds of adoring fans, Blues Rock and Americana Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter Albert Cummings is ready to head to Long Island and the Big Apple this August with stops at the YMCA Boulton Center in Bay Shore on Saturday, August 18th AND The Loft @ City Winery on Sunday, August 19th!

With his latest CD/DVD/Blu-Ray collection “Albert Cummings Live at the ’62 Center” making its mark on the live music world, Cummings recently told The Herald Palladium “It’s amazing what’s been happening with it,” continuing “It’s opened doors left and right with people starting to see who the band is and what it does. It started out as a video project, but we figured we might as well make it a live album as well. It just evolved into this whole thing.”

Outlets like Rock and Blues Muse have also noted “His muscular guitar work is simply outstanding.” and “He’s a great blues singer as well, with passion for the tunes inherent in his full throttle approach.” with The Cleveland Plain Dealer calling it “...a pulsating concert film”.

Albert Cummings Upcoming NY Tour Dates (CLICK LINK FOR TICKETS):

Date/Time	Venue/Location	Details
Saturday, August 18th, 2018 8:00PM	YMCA Boulton Center Bay Shore, NY	Age Limit: All Ages    Tickets: $35.00
Sunday, August 19th, 2018 7:00PM	The Loft @ City Winery New York, NY	Age Limit: 21+   Tickets: $20-25

Now as he gets ready to take on Long Island and New York City, fans will have not one but TWO chances to catch his extraordinary talents LIVE!

For More on Albert Cummings, VISIT:

www.AlbertCummings.com

Facebook.com/AlbertCummingsMusic

Albert Cummings Official YouTube Channel

Jon Spencer Previews Debut Solo Album With Raw 'Do the Trash Can'

Legendary garage rocker Jon Spencer unveiled a gritty new track, "Do the Trash Can," the first offering off his debut solo album, Spencer Sings the Hits!, set to arrive early this fall via In the Red Records.

From Pussy Galore to 'Freedom Tower,' the combustible blues-punker looks back

On "Do the Trash Can," Spencer puts classic rock and roll dance tunes through a madman's rock grinder. Buzzsaw guitar riffs groove alongside a metallic clatter of percussion, while Spencer lets loose with a wild vocal performance.

Spencer has enjoyed a long career with an array of bands, most notably fronting the Blues Explosion, while also playing with Pussy Galore, Boss Hog and Heavy Trash. For his first solo record, Spencer embraced a DIY approach and partnered with Quasi frontman Sam Coomes and drummer M. Sord.

"Sam is someone with whom I have crossed paths many times over the years, I have always been a fan of his wild keyboard style and twisted tunesmith-ery," Spencer said. "In fact we kicked around the idea of a collaboration way back in the early Aughts. I got to know Sord from many projects done at the Key Club (Andre Williams, JSBX, & Boss Hog), he was the handyman and assistant engineer that turned out to be a great drummer."

Spencer, Coomes and Sord cut Spencer Sings the Hits! with producer Bill Skibbe at his Key Club Recording Company in Benton Harbor, Michigan. However, the group's session was cut short after three days due to the sudden death of Spencer's father-in-law. After spending time with family, Spencer returned to Key Club to finish overdubs and mixes on his own. The record will feature percussion with a metallic edge, a nod, Spencer said, to his past with Pussy Galore.

"Nothing like digging the gas tank from an old Chevy out of a Michigan junkyard snow bank in January," Spencer recalled. "Junkyard owner kept asking me if the metal was for a school project, but as a bluegrass player he could understand the possible use for a recording session."

Legendary garage rocker Jon Spencer will release his debut solo album, 'Spencer Sings the Hits!' this fall.Michael Lavine

Prior to releasing Spencer Sings the Hits!, Spencer will embark on a North American tour this summer. The trek kicks off July 29th at First Avenue in Minneapolis, Minnesota and wraps August 11th at Ottawa Tavern in Toledo, Ohio. The Melvins are set to join Spencer during the early stages of the tour.

Spencer Sings the Hits! Track List

1. "Do the Trash Can"
2. "Fake"
3. "Overload"
4. "Time 2 Be Bad"
5. "Ghost"
6. "Beetle Boots"
7. "Hornet
8. "Wilderness"
9. "Love Handle"
10. "I Got the Hits"
11. "Alien Humidity"
12. "Cape"

Disco dons Nile Rodgers & Chic releasing first album in 26 years

Freak out.

Despite a surge in popularity over the last decade thanks to a series of high-profile collaborations and massive tours, Nile Rodgers’ last album with Chic was 1992’s disappointing Chic-ism. Now, the veteran disco act is back with a brand new album that sports an intriguing cast of contributors.

It’s About Time is set to feature appearances from UK garage legend Craig David, PC Music producer Danny L Harle, rapper Stefflon Don, Cali crooner Anderson .Paak, singer Nao and Mura Masa.



Rodgers and his troupe appeared on the BBC’s Later… with Jools Holland last night to debut the first single ‘Boogie All Night’ with Mura Masa and Nao.

It’s About Time will be released on 7th September via Virgin/EMI.

Monsieur Job Tops Latin Billboard and Heatseeker Charts with BASS PA$$I

Having recently dropped their lead single and Video “Chow Chow Eyyy Pow Pow” Feat. No Mercy followed by their full BASS PA$$I LP via Basswalk Latino and Musik and Film, Latino/Pop/EDM superstars Monsieur Job are continuing to climb charts worldwide, with the album hitting #6 on the Billboard Latin Charts this week!

Toby Holguin dreams music, lives music and gives music life. It was Toby’s vision to create Monsieur Job, a band that will rock you make you move your feet. A band that will make you cry with passion. Formed by Toby Holguin from Cali, Colombia, a beautiful place high in the mountains above the clouds . Toby then asked Stan Kolev from Sofia, Bulgaria, Charlie Illera from Barranquilla, Colombia, and Leo Jaramillo from Bogota, Colombia. To become one musically as Monsieur Job.



“It makes some demands of the listener, but none they won’t be happy to oblige. The demands are centered on how artfully ‘Chow Chow eyyy Pow Pow’ upends expectations for pop music in this vein thanks to its strong musical pedigree and vocal presentation. The performance is unfailingly accessible, but there’s a real sophistication present in the song as well.The three and a half minute radio edit of this initial offering from the quartet is augmented by the presence of guest star Martin Cintron, lead singer for the band No Mercy, and the Bronx born vocalist is the added cherry on top of what will likely prove one of 2018’s more delectable musical confections” - No Depression

All of them them live and breathe their own style of music combined they are Monsieur Job. Toby, Stan, and Charlie spin records as DJs constantly for different pools and venues around the world. Moreover, Toby had the idea to start doing Urban Music besides Chill Out and Electronic Music, which is the vision that created the album “Bass Passi”. they started dropping broken beats with a more festive, shaky, groovy Caribbean latin flavor turning it into an international exclusive mash up of world talents and a unique blend of genres.

For their debut release of Chow Chow Eyyy Pow Pow , The record has hit the Euro Indie Music Chart at #1 for 9 consecutive weeks, the Digital Radio Tracker Top 10, and the Billboard Hot 100, Billboard Top 100 Songs for their single and Top 200 for Best Albums for their album “Bass Passi”.

The album “BASS PA$$I” was recorded in Bogota and Miami at Basswalk Studios, Outta Limits Studios in Miami, and Barba Studios in Belgrade and mastered at Sterling Studios, New York.



Purchase: Monsieur Job "BASS PA$$I 1" Feat. "Chow Chow Eyyy Pow Pow" via iTunes

LISTEN: Monsieur Job "BASS PA$$I 1" Feat. "Chow Chow Eyyy Pow Pow" via Spotify



Purchase: Monsieur Job "BASS PA$$I 2" via iTunes

LISTEN: Monsieur Job "BASS PA$$I 2" via Spotify

Spiritualized Announces First New Album In Six Years, Shares Two Songs

Dig through any collection of fuzzy, spacey garage-rock band albums from the last three decades and, chances are, you'll find more than a few from J. Spaceman (aka Jason Pierce). From the raw psychedelic thrum of Spacemen 3's Sound of Confusionand the self-explanatory Taking Drugs to Make Music to Take Drugs To (just recently reissued via Superior Viaduct along with four other out-of-print titles) to the arena-sized space-rock of Spiritualized's Ladies & Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space, J. Spaceman has touched the celestial airwaves with psychedelic soul.

Since 1990, Spiritualized has acted as an outlet for J. Spaceman's grand vision, increasingly incorporating choirs and horn sections for something of a psych-soul revue. But for the new Spiritualized album, out Sept. 7, J. Spaceman made And Nothing Hurt entirely on his own in his east London home, detailed in a press release:

YouTube

"Making this record on my own sent me more mad than anything I've done before. We'd been playing these big shows and I really wanted to capture that sound we were making, but without having the funds to do so, I had to find a way to work within the constraints of what money I had. So I bought a laptop and made it all in a little room in my house.

"With a bit of trial and lot of error, I found ways of doing something that's quite simple if you've got the resources. I spent two weeks listening to classical records and strumming the chord that I wanted on my guitar. When I found something to match what I wanted, I'd sample that bit and go for the next chord and try to match that. It took weeks, trying to put together and layer convincing string sounds. But, if I'm honest, all I wanted was for someone to come and play the part and bring their own thing to the record."

Watch the video for "I'm Your Man" above (featuring J. Spaceman as an astronaut journeying through the desert all by his lonesome self) or listen to "A Perfect Miracle." You'd never guess that he painstakingly layered and mixed those lush strings, Memphis soul-inspired guitar licks, warm horn arrangements and booming percussion outside the studio.

And Nothing Hurt comes out Sept. 7 via Fat Possum. Track list and artwork below:

1. "A Perfect Miracle"
2. "I'm Your Man"
3. "Here It Comes (The Road) Let's Go"
4. "Let's Dance"
5. "On The Sunshine"
6. "Damaged"
7. "The Morning After"
8. "The Prize"
9. "Sail On Through"

Parisian band Juniore have been around for a few years, mixing surf and modern pop with yéyé and other French-y sounds. If you like La Femme, Juniore work in a similar style and share a producer, Samy Osta. After a string of singles, Juniore released their debut album, Ouh Là Là last year and you can stream it below.

Burger Records is reissuing Ouh Là Là on cassette this month and it comes with a new song, “Magnifique,” for which the band just released a video. You can watch that below as well. “Magnifique” is also the title track of a new 10″ EP Juniore are releasing in Europe.

Juniore will be on a short tour this month, kicking off at NYC’s Pianos on June 13. They’ll also play Albuquerque, San Diego, Los Angeles and Tijuana, Mexico. All dates are listed below.



Juniore – 2018 Tour Dates
6/13 – New York, NY – Pianos
6/19 – Albuquerque, NV – Guild Theater
6/22 – San Diego, CA -Helmuth Project
6/23 – Tijuana, Mexico – El Patio De La Mi-ja
6/24 – Los Angeles, CA – The Echo