Often descriptions of bands fall into the equation of “this well known group plus this other established act plus a few adjectives.” But some bands defy this shorthand, offering something so pure & true that its roots aren't apparent. Everest is this sort, taking us down to foundational rock truths with an easy glide and expansive vision. While one can draw some clues from the folks they’ve toured with – Neil Young, Wilco, My Morning Jacket – ultimately Everest is simply a great rock ‘n’ roll band in the classic, open-minded mold, something boldly apparent on their sophomore release, On Approach (arriving May 11th) on Warner Bros. Records / Vapor Records).
Formed in Los Angeles in 2007, Everest is comprised of Russell Pollard (vocals, guitar, drums, lyricist), Jason Soda (guitar, keys, vocals), Joel Graves (guitar, keys, vocals), Elijah Thomson (bass, vocals) and Davey Latter (drums, percussion). Their 2008 debut, Ghost Notes, drew strong critical marks and comparisons to primo Topanga Canyon, California country rock. However, none of this quite prepares one for On Approach, which finds the group in a full-tilt creative charge.
“We weren't a band for very long when we made Ghost Notes. I had songs, we recorded them in just two weeks, then immediately toured. On Approach has been a completely different experience,” says Pollard. “Now it’s guys who've actually struggled together and survived some tight spaces, cramped hotel rooms, some arguments and some really, really good times. There was a lot of collaboration, and we weren’t afraid to do anything.”
On Approach is a bold album that bolts out of the gate with an enveloping sound capable of filling large spaces, both in the outside world and between one’s ears. In broad strokes, it hits the sweet spot between stratospheric, stadium size rock and gorgeous, emotionally charged pop craftsmanship. From infectious and thumping opener “Let Go” through heavy rocker “I’ve Had This Feeling Before,” the sweet humming, “Keeping The Score,” the naked romance of “Dots,” the haunting, spacious roots rock of “East Illinois” and “Fallen Feather,” and culminating in the boiling over cascade of closer “Catalyst,” On Approach moves with a focused, switched-on intensity that announces the arrival of one of the most engaged rock units today.
On Approach isn’t just an assemblage of random tracks, but a classic two-sider vinyl kind of album, where the full resonance and weight of it can only be felt by taking the full ride. Everest is this sort of band, too, one that strives for something more than three-minutes in the spotlight. These guys are lifers and the music they make is built for lifetimes, maintaining some elusive core that rewards one with each new spin.
“On Approach has all the good things that make a great record,” says veteran producer/mixer Rob Schnapf who mixed Everest’s latest, and who’s impressive credits include such modern classics as Beck’s Mellow Gold & Odelay, Elliott Smith’s XO & Figure 8, as well as Foo Fighters’ eponymous debut. “This record has a familiarity yet doesn’t copy anything. It’s expansive, and it doesn’t sit in one place. Listening back to the final version, I realized it was like an old-time record experience, one you don’t get any more.”
With guitars that range from bright and chiming to tense and meandering, harmonies that are both delicate and pastoral, and Pollard’s gentle, hazy vocals, On Approach is indeed reminiscent of a bygone era, a time before the Internet, when albums were still an art form and stories were told on vinyl. But as it exudes timelessness, as it ebbs from rustic grooves into hushed lullabies, it also asserts itself as something very of the here and now – something that is more than the sum of its parts.
“One of the things that's intriguing about this album for me, is hearing the moments where we started to transcend,” reveals Pollard, “where those moments and the music became something beyond ourselves.”
Romanticizing pain is a sucker’s game. Heartbreaks are a part of life, and writing sad songs isn’t going to change that immutable fact. But if there is a relationship between personal trauma and great art, David Beeman has found a way to invert the traditional formula. As the leader of St. Louis, Missouri’s Old Lights, Beeman has catalogued his faults, fixations, fumbles and fuck-ups with bright, surging pop music that refuses to lie down. The lyrics may make you flinch, but the music keeps you rapt and swaying.
The melodic opulence of Wings, the dark-cornered and sweetly sung pop of Fleetwood Mac, and Brill Building piano pomp get jostled by joyful synthesizer bursts, jagged guitar freak-outs and choir-sweet harmonies. Beeman’s fluency on guitar and piano frame his high tenor voice, which is able to deliver an emotional payoff without sacrificing the many sweet spots in his songs.
For those ready to Bop to Hip shakin' soul: Ask for a white port & lemon juice, strip down to your socks, and hop with DEAN MONKEY & the Dropouts!
From the west side of Chicago, brandUn DeShay, the rapper/producer was born with a future no one could have guessed. Brandun started out a quiet, sports focused kid raised in the suburbs of Chicago and became the already innovative musician that we know today.
Brandun's style blends current trends with a passionate love for rapping. He has a worldwide fan base without even having a record deal. For example, his "World Famous" music video has had over 100,000 views in less than three months, and his featured music video "Why You Gotta Zodiac Like that" was featured on MTV and has almost 200,000 views on YouTube to date.
Brandun's educational background includes being a Pharmacy student in college, but he had a strong desire to create music, even without any formal training. Generating all artwork, production, and music himself, Brandun began creating songs without ever writing down a single lyric. Through this he has produced music for the likes of Curren$y, Mikey Rocks, Mac Miller & Tyler the Creator.
Brandun has been praised by some of the most prolific musical artists in the field such as Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest and Yasunori Mistuda, the premier Japanese film and video game composer of the Chrono Trigger series. Additionally, many of his inspirations come from the movie Donnie Darko, The Smiths, childhood video games, summer time Chicago, all things celestial, the beach, and love from his fans.
His work has been featured in numerous media outlets including most notably the October 2011 issue of XXL and a nomination for the XXL Freshman 12 list.
Ultimately, Brandun has gained immeasurable experience working in the music field and is known across the industry for his youth, wit, positivity, and encouraging nature. He lives within the mindset known as Seven7Ceven, being aware of who you are right now and how your affect the world. His self-reflective nature comes across in his music, one of the many reasons why his fan base is growing so rapidly.
After many months of perfecting his craft, this multi-talented artist is now focusing on growing his fan base. He is well qualified to become successful in this, as he has now spent a considerable amount of time coming to understand the intricacies of the music business.
In comparison to other mid major cities the Kansas City hip hop scene is still rather young and burgeoning. Amongst the list of talented performers who have risen from the land of the waving wheat, the Midwestern Mecca for all things jazz, has slowly developed a reputation for the caliber of Emcees it helped to develop. The struggle in past years amongst those already established Kansas City artists is in who should they pass the proverbial torch to from the up and coming generation. Les Paul, the 22 year old Kansas City native, has been patiently preparing his craft and sound for the last few years with the pretense of gradually climbing the ranks of his fellow peers and mentors. His latest release,L.I.F.E., is a collaborative effort with 16 year old French-born Producer Elias Abid, and is aimed to show both the progression and potential of both of their respective musical levels. Pushing the bar lyrically, creatively, and conceptually, Les Paul, is a far cry from that of the counter culture influenced minds of his generation through their mutual love for skateboarding. With a rebellious spirit that lends itself well to the energetic vibe of his music, L.I.F.E., and upcoming releases from the young wordsmith should have no problem in assisting in his rise to great things The future is indeed NOW.
Kansas City, Hip Hop
Kansas City, Hip Hop
Smackdown! Trivia
Think you’re smarter than everyone else? Now you have the chance to prove it.
Smackdown! Trivia began in 2000 and is the brainchild of Andy Morton, who also hosts local Channel 6’s “1 On 1 Trivia”, and was a recent contestant on VH1’s “Pop Culture.”
The premise is simple: answer the most questions right, and your team wins the cash prize. So gather your smartest friends, and head down to the Bottleneck where you have a chance to put your money where your mouth is. You know what else goes where your mouth is? $1.50 draws and $2.50 wells.
Sunday nights at 8 pm. $5 entry fee per person. In the event that there is a show that night, Smackdown! relocates to Conroy’s Pub (3115 W. 6th St.).
Karaoke Sundays
Don't miss the fun Sundays at the Bottleneck with our own twisted version of KARAOKE.
Deriving its name from two words, kara "empty/void", and okesutora "orchestra", karaoke has been taking the world by storm since it became popular in Japan in the early 1970's.
Come show off your singing skills (or lack thereof!) with your friends as you belt out "Back in Black", sing to your sweetie or test your vocal range with a little Nina Simone.
With our vast catalogue of music, there's something for everyone's taste and range. And don't worry, we'll help loosen those lips with cheap drink specials that'll have you crooning in no time! (Sundays at 11, after Smackdown! Trivia, unless previously scheduled event has been booked.)
Sunday is also our Service Industry Night. So all bartenders, waitresses, cooks, dishwashers, doormen & hostesses are encouraged to join in the FREE fun.
Karaoke is FREE for over 21 year olds and only $3 for under 21.
Drink specials: $1.75 draws, $2.50 well drinks
PARTY ROCK
from Beaumont, Texas
The Dead Girls (formerly Dead Girls Ruin Everything) is the white-hot super group formed from the molten ashes of Ultimate Fakebook and Podstar, two defunct bands that were staples of the Lawrence and Kansas City power-pop sound. Guitarists/singers JoJo Longbottom and Cameron Hawk, of Podstar, combine their dual-guitar driven attack and blissful vocal harmonies with the precise rhythmic assault of drummer Eric Melin and bassist Nick Colby, of Ultimate Fakebook, creating a raw and infectious rock sound with as much of an emphasis on melody as there is on rip-roaring guitar licks.
Live karaoke full of Emo and Pop Punk Music hosted by, SOVEREIGN STATES.
The Bottleneck's Monday-night house band, Sovereign States, remembers '90s rock for you — and with you. If you've ever wanted to sing a 10- or 15-year-old pop-punk hit in person with musicians, write the words on your hand and get up there. " 'Devotion and Desire' by Bayside, 'My Friends Over You' by New Found Glory and 'Cute Without the E' by Taking Back Sunday are really popular with the crowd," says the States' Quinn Brabender. If you're ready to shine, e-mail Brabender at sovereignstatesband@gmail.com before Monday, or show up at the Bottleneck (737 New Hampshire, Lawrence, 785-841-5483) a little early to sign up.
ALL KILLER, NO FILLER
If you're a fan of obscure horror films, then you've experienced extreme boredom. You've sat through lame red herrings, endless chase scenes, shower scenes with NO nudity, and all the talking and talking and talking... just for those very rare magical moments that only these films can provide.
Horror Remix takes forgotten horror classics and slices them down to a power-packed themed anthology. We dig through hours and hours of cinema boredom to find those magical moments that make obscure horror so amazing.
Smooth Steady and Cool best Decribes the sounds of Lex Norwood! Kansas Born, Lawrence native brings mellow sounds to you with debut album "Behind The Shadows".
The Phantastics are a eight member musical ensemble that specializes genre-blending hip-hop. Expect to hear rock, rap, dance, funk, jazz and soul in our music. We were formed in December of 2010 and have been trying to save live music ever since.
thePhantom*- Lead Spokesman/Vocals / Bowties
Leigh Gibbs - Vocals/ Soul Sista lovin'
JJ Cantrell- Lead Guitar/ Vocals/ Nipples
Danny Florez- Elictric Bass/ Vocals/Kill Streak
Ashley Thompson- Drums / Twizzlers
DJ Mitchell- Saxophone/ Karate chops
Tim Pistone- Percussion / loaded brownies
ZSonic Bailey- DJ / busted ear drums
Austin Quick-Keyboard / Bee Gee
MORE INFO COMING SOON!
No Bragging Rights is an American melodic/hardcore band from Riverside, California formed in 1999 by vocalist, Mike Perez. To date they have released three full length albums and two EP's.
Kansas City, Hip Hop
During the sumer before our 7th grade year Sam, Griffin and, Cooper met through mutual friends. We didn't really take it seriously until around March 2012. Then we got serious about it and played our first show in May that year. Since then we've become a lot better and even changed our genre. We started as a pop-punk band and slowly changed our genre into what it is now.
Although we are a band of young members (all of us are 14) we've been complimented many times by strangers on how good we are for our age. So don't judge a band by their age! The one thing that makes us madder than anything else is when people assume we suck because of our age and don't ever give us a chance to prove that we aren't too bad (no arrogance intended). We have an ep entitled "You're No Better" available for $3. And this summer we will be recording a full length album!
LFDF 2! at Bottleneck (737 New Hampshire)
Thursday Jul 11 / Friday Jul 12 / Saturday Jul 13
Lawrence, KS
Schedule coming soon!
Open to all ages
$16 for three nights of music!
Full lineup:
Radkey
Cloud Dog
BaioWolf
Y[our] Fri[end]
Bloodbirds
Pale Hearts
Black on Black
Brain Food
Schwervon!
Many Moods of Dad
Millions of Boys
Histories
Going to Hell in a Leather Jacket
Gentleman Savage
Man Bear
JOCKS
Something and the Whatevers
The Travel Guide
Scruffy and the Janitors
Musicians:
* Sean Wilson: Keyboard, Vocals
* Rob Schulte: Keyboard, Vocals
* Zach Clancy: Drums, Guitar
Formed:
2006 in Lawrence, KS
Influences:
Stevie Wonder, Kenny Loggins, Cannibal Corpse
LFDF 2! at Bottleneck (737 New Hampshire)
Thursday Jul 11 / Friday Jul 12 / Saturday Jul 13
Lawrence, KS
Schedule coming soon!
Open to all ages
$16 for three nights of music!
Full lineup:
Radkey
Cloud Dog
BaioWolf
Y[our] Fri[end]
Bloodbirds
Pale Hearts
Black on Black
Brain Food
Schwervon!
Many Moods of Dad
Millions of Boys
Histories
Going to Hell in a Leather Jacket
Gentleman Savage
Man Bear
JOCKS
Something and the Whatevers
The Travel Guide
Scruffy and the Janitors
Radkey is a punk band from St. Joseph, Missouri made up of three teenage brothers: Dee, Isaiah, and Solomon. Inspired by the music they grew up listening to such as the Misfits, Ramones, the Who, and Death, the self taught trio decided to form a band. They had the pleasure of opening for Fishbone, Local H and Supersuckers and performed at the 2012 Afro-punk Festival in Brooklyn NY as well as playing an official 2013 SXSW showcase.
LFDF 2! at Bottleneck (737 New Hampshire)
Thursday Jul 11 / Friday Jul 12 / Saturday Jul 13
Lawrence, KS
Schedule coming soon!
Open to all ages
$16 for three nights of music!
Full lineup:
Radkey
Cloud Dog
BaioWolf
Y[our] Fri[end]
Bloodbirds
Pale Hearts
Black on Black
Brain Food
Schwervon!
Many Moods of Dad
Millions of Boys
Histories
Going to Hell in a Leather Jacket
Gentleman Savage
Man Bear
JOCKS
Something and the Whatevers
The Travel Guide
Scruffy and the Janitors
AN EXPERIMENTAL DIY MUSICAL VENTURE through Psychedelic Electronic Tribal Dance Pop Euphoria. We're alive and you're alive, that's something to celebrate.
Since forming in 2007, The Revivalists have earned their standing among the best original bands in New Orleans. The group's blend of soulful, syncopated rock and earnest songwriting comes to life through a meticulously crafted ever-evolving live performance. In 2011 they were named Best Emerging Artist at Gambit Magazine's Big Easy Awards. The band is proud to be a part of New Orleans' growing independent, original music scene.
For more go to: http://www.therevivalists.com/about.html
Emerging from the Pennsylvania music scene, from the outskirts of the City of Brotherly Love, is the phenom band known as Flux Capacitor.
Their fiery, distinct sound has catapulted the group with lightning speed into the National Music Scene.
This band of brothers consistently inspire and evoke a new and wildly addicting sound resonating with elements of rock, improvisation and electronica.
They redefine musicality with positive prophetic vocals, complex guitar work, innovative keys/synths/bass stylings, with feverish
syncopated drum rhythms. Performances at every show dubbed "Encounters" are filled with improvisation, musical segways, spontaneous covers, and teases creating a one of a kind experience. The brothers are clearly devoted to current affairs, the future of the world, their craft and their fans. Their intense playing feels almost effortless and is charged by a higher power. Their electric vibe transcends the stage and extends into the crowd creating a magical musical ambience of jamming on tribal proportions. Flux has adopted a freer sylistic element of music that embraces and engages their audiences.
Flux has traveled the east coast, mid-west, south-east and Canada. Headlining festivals, clubs and a plethera of venues. Their new cd "Monolith" was recorded with Jack Endino in Seattle Washington, famed for recording with many of the great acts of the last century, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and more.
The band has shared the stage with Umphrey's Mcgee, Keller Williams, Railroad Earth, Rusted Root, Papadosio,The New MasterSounds,Tea Leaf Green, Karl Denson`s Tiny Universe, Conspirator, Stanton Moore,JGB, David Grisman Quartet, Ivan Nevilles Dumpstaphunk, Kung Fu, Splinterd Sunlight, DangerMuffin and Lukas Nelson to name a few!
Flux has an exploding and loyal fan base which confirms that "When your in Music--Your in Flux"
Check out the all new
www.fluxcapacitorband.com
Those familiar with the decades-spanning oeuvre of Bob Mould—from his pioneering early ’80s work with Hüsker Dü to his solo work in singer-songwriter, electronic, and rock modes, to the deafening pop sparkle of Sugar—might expect a new album bearing the title Silver Age to be a somber and reflective set in the mode of his last album, 2009’s Life and Times…and they’d be way off the mark.
Silver Age is an intense and concise ten song blast far more reminiscent of Bob’s latter-day Hüsker Dü output—first marked by the monumental sprawl of 1984’s Zen Arcade which then gave way to the short, sharp pop focus of 1985’s New Day Rising—and his early ’90s tenure with Sugar, whose classic debut Copper Blue marks its 20th anniversary this year. That said, Silver Age is no nostalgia trip. Aside from lyrical content that shows Bob as in-the-now as ever, Silver Age came together quickly and organically in the wake of a series of electric solo dates in 2011 supporting Foo Fighters (where he guested each night on “Dear Rosemary,” the track from the Foos’ Wasting Light on which Bob shares writing and vocal duties) as well as a solo acoustic/book tour around last summer’s publication of See a Little Light: The Trail of Rage and Melody, the autobiography Bob co-authored with Michael Azerrad (Come as You Are, Our Band Could Be Your Life). These events culminated in a tribute last November at Los Angeles’ Disney Hall that featured the likes of Dave Grohl, Ryan Adams, Spoon’s Britt Daniel, and Craig Finn and Tad Kubler of The Hold Steady celebrating the width and breadth of Bob’s body of work.
“I’d been batting around the idea of another aggressive pop record for some time,” Bob says, “especially as the 20th anniversary of Copper Blue kept getting closer. But it was really the shows with Foo Fighters that got me thinking when I started writing for this record: Did I just write a Sugar song? Or a Foo Fighters song? Or one of my own songs? And does it really matter? Once I got that out of the way, it freed me up to have some fun and set about making a simple rock record.”
It’s no surprise, then, that Silver Age careens out of the speakers with a sense of exhilaration that reflects the excitement with which Bob and his live band of bassist Jason Narducy (Spl:t S:ngle, Verbow) and drummer Jon Wurster (Superchunk, the Mountain Goats) cranked out the record in a tight whirlwind of a window from in early 2012. But that’s not to say that Silver Age is a lighthearted romp—as ever, there’s plenty of dark matter at the center of these sweet melodic nuggets. First single “The Descent,” for example, is one of those perfect moments that lands firmly in the Mould wheelhouse, with walls of luminescent guitars, phantom choruses, and infectious hooks all leading toward the concluding refrain of “My world, it is descending.” The opening one-two of “Star Machine” and “Silver Age,” on the other hand, pairs abrasive riffs with equally harsh meditations on fame, immaturity, and the lessons and consequences thereof. Other Silver Age highlights include the bittersweet romantic epic “Round the City Square” (“It feels like people always look to my songs to help define their own failed relationships,” Bob laughs); the upbeat and earnest celebration of “First Time Joy”; and the unabashedly literal “Keep Believing,” a rousing love letter to the records that shaped Bob’s personal and professional life. Listen closely and see how many of the references you can pinpoint:
Bring me thoughts and words, pass me the revolver
I can see for miles, and everything’s in color
Rock and roll all night until I feel the thunder
I got a handle on some complicated fun
We’re all sniffing glue, pleasures so unknown
A circle drawn in blue, the murmur baritone
Picnic on a Pedro lawn, heaven took that monkey song
Never mind the battle won, could you be the loveless one?
“I don’t know if there’s an arc to this record,” Bob says. “But if I had to boil it down to one core idea, it would be: I love music. I love my life. I love what I do for a living. It’s right there on the lyric sheet; it references itself, really. More than any other record I’ve made, this one gives a real glimpse into how much making music means to me as a means of expression, as well as what music means to me as a fan.”
And so has it always been the case for Bob Mould, the music he’s created defining every phase of his life, both cataloging memories and propelling him ever forward: Hüsker Dü’s formation in 1979 and the hardcore anthems, tight, melodic, hard-pop chestnuts, and sprawling double-vinyl conceptual opuses it churned out in equal measure up to its dramatic 1987 flameout; Bob’s solo works ranging from his landmark 1989 debut Workbook to Black Sheets of Rain (1990), Body of Song (2005), District Line (2008), and Life and Times (2009); his forays into electronic music, including 2002’s Modulate and his Blowoff collaboration with Richard Morel; and of course, the soon-to-be-reissued body of work that Sugar packed into its brief existence, featuring the 1992 debut Copper Blue which Bob and his band have been playing front to back at recent live shows. It seems to be Bob’s summations and reflections on these major creative periods of his life and career that open up new wellsprings while coming to terms with the old works—a natural process that has produced winning results yet again in the form of Silver Age.
“It’s no coincidence that this record came at this point,” Bob says. “In 1991, closing the door on a run of all-acoustic shows led right into the beginning of Sugar and Copper Blue. So you could state a case that the solo shows accompanying the book readings through 2011—plus the Disney Hall show and knowing the 20th anniversary of Copper Blue was right around the corner—wrapping that all up led me right into Silver Age. I’m well aware that there’s no way to get into a time machine and go back to being the person I was 20 years ago, but it is nice to get three musicians in the studio together and get back inside that three-minute pop song structure again.”
Elephant Revival is a soulful, seductive quiver of songwriters and multi-instrumentalists that reign from points all across America. Since Oct 06' Daniel Rodriguez, Bonnie Paine, Dango Rose, Sage Cook and Bridget Law have herded in a greatly applauded neo-acoustic gyptic revival at festivals, theaters, clubs and house concerts from the Pacific coast to the rolling hills of New England. The Revival plays entirely original music with a few carefully chosen traditionals and eclectic cover tunes but their precise genre is hard to pin down. As independent film director Mikey Eberle elaborates, "When I hear Elephant Revival I am struck by my inability to define it. I am forced to confront the music as it is, connecting to it with a virgin spirit of mind. Consequently it feels like I am experiencing music and all its joys for the very first time."
Each Elephant possesses remarkable vocal abilities which are highlighted during every performance. The individual members carry a vast amount of talent and are all multi-instrumentalists. Daniel Rodriguez plays a distinctive finger-style acoustic guitar and banjo. Bridget Law is a high elevation fiddle champion who regularly teaches and plays in Scotland. Dango Rose is solid as a rock on the upright bass and adds nice texture on the mandolin. Sage Cook is a shredding instrumentalist who plays the electric banjo, electric guitar, mandolin and upright bass. Bonnie Paine's innovative washboard and percussion style has inspired a new generation of folk-percussionists. Her playing transcends the Cajun, Bluegrass and Latin conventions usually associated with the instrument. Occasionally she will bow an eerie yet angelic line out of the musical saw. Her voice has been compared to the likes of Natalie Merchant and Grace Slick, but the calm power which fuels her voice is beyond explanation. Her vocal prowess is hauntingly beautiful.
Individually and collectively the band members have performed with some of the most prolific performers of our time including Bela Fleck, John Paul Jones, Michael Franti, Little Feat, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Yonder Mountain String Band, Leftover Salmon and Railroad Earth amongst countless other great and talented contemporaries. In 2008 Elephant Revival played a handful of great festivals including Joshua Tree Roots Festival, Yellowstone Music Festival, Yarmony Grass, Mulberry Mountan Harvest Fesival, Mackinac Island Festival, Oyster Ridge Bluegrass Festival, Sawtooth Music Festival, Desert Rocks, Nederland Music and Arts Festival, et al... In July 08' the band released their debut album produced by long-time collaborator and friend David Tiller (ThaMuseMeant, Taarka). The album has received high praise on an international level. Its new-age sound has garnered Elephant Revival the reputation as a "Transcendental Folk" outfit.
“Olassa is the type of band that is easy to become completely smitten with… strives to give Beth Orton and Emmylou Harris a run for their money” (J. Hammond – The Deli Magazine).
Olassa is a three piece indie folk/americana band. Featuring three part harmonies, accordion, guitars, tuba, trumpet, upright bass, keys, micro-organ and drums.
Members:
Allison Olassa, Cain Robberson, Tyler Bachart
The Steel Wheels have captured audiences across the country with their heady brew of original soulful mountain music and their deep commitment to roots and community. Based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, this dynamic four-piece string band marries old-time musical traditions with their own innovative sound and lifestyle, generating a truly magnetic revival.
The Steel Wheels is an amalgamation of hard work and easy rapport. The band is renowned for their raw energy and chemistry on stage, where they often cluster tightly around a single microphone to adorn Trent Wagler’s unmistakable tenor with bell-clear four-part harmonies inspired by their shared Mennonite heritage. Add to this Eric Brubaker’s lively and evocative fiddle, Brian Dickel’s grounded yet buoyant upright bass, and Jay Lapp’s signature mandolin style, and it’s no surprise that The Steel Wheels have enthralled the contemporary Americana scene.
Their breakout album, Red Wing, garnered critical praise and enjoyed tremendous success on the radio. It spent 13 weeks on the Americana Music Association’s Top 40 Chart, where it reached the number 15 slot, and cracked the Euro Americana Chart top 10. Red Wing ranked 70th out of the top 100 Americana albums of 2010 and second out of all independent releases (Americana Music Association). The Steel Wheels were nominated for five Independent Music Awards in 2010, with “Nothing You Can’t Lose” taking top honors as Best Country Song. The Steel Wheels continue to take the Americana scene by storm with their latest album, Lay Down, Lay Low, which lingered for 10 weeks on the AMA’s Top 40 Chart. NPR named “Rain in the Valley” their Song of the Day, marveling that the “heavy hymn […] is sparse and dense all at once.” Already celebrated as the darlings of Merlefest 2012, the band looks forward to further accolades during a phenomenal festival line-up.
As the band thrives, so do their partnerships with local businesses, artisans, and charitable organizations. The values portrayed in their music—devotion to roots, community, and family—are a way of life for The Steel Wheels, and this is reflected in everything from production process and booking agency to merchandise and touring. For the past three years, they have performed an annual SpokeSongs bicycle music tour, during which band members tow their instruments, equipment, and merchandise from one gig to another via bicycle and blog about their adventures. Last year’s tour spanned 11 days, 550 miles, and 10 shows. This year’s tour included multiple charity rides, such as Lose The Training Wheels, Charity Ride for Kids, and Wheels Up for Cory.
The band’s merchandise represents a host of grassroots connections to people and businesses. Lucas Roasting Company, located just outside of Harrisonburg, created “Halfway to Heaven” dark roast coffee in honor of their friends The Steel Wheels. Blue Mountain Brewery, located on Afton Mountain in Virginia, hosted the band when they were just getting started and now sells a “Steel Wheels ESB.” The Livery’s master brewer rode with the band on their second bike tour and, soon after, created their “Steel Wheels Stout.” The band’s T-shirts are made in downtown Harrisonburg, and a potter who is a childhood friend of Jay’s makes their mugs. Each business is local for the band, and each product is intimately woven into their narrative. The Steel Wheels are proof that music remains a viable and sustaining force for connection in our world.
Americana/Folk Rock band from Kansas City, MO
Drew Holcomb is an American singer and songwriter who grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and now calls East Nashville, Tennessee home. Holcolmb's wife, Ellie, performs alongside him in the band, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors. Holcomb earned a considerable following after his 2005 album, Washed in Blue, was released and had multiple TV placements on Lifetime's Army Wives and Showtimes's United States of Tara, and A&E's The Cleaner. Holcomb and his band, The Neighbors, joined by his wife and singing and songwriting partner Ellie Bannister Holcomb, daughter of Brown Bannister, then recorded 2008's Passenger Seat.
Holcomb has gained most of his following with a heavy touring schedule, headlining regionally in the Southeast, and opening for National acts such as Susan Tedeschi, Ryan Adams, Los Lobos, Jon McLaughlin, The Avett Brothers, Robert Earl Keen, Marc Broussard, Dave Barnes, and Matt Hires. Holcomb is signed to Brite Revolution, alongside other independent Nashville acts Katie Herzig, Matthew Perryman Jones, Griffin House, and was also featured on Paste Magazine's November 2009 Sampler CD. In the fall of 2009, Holcomb appeared alongside Pat Green, Billy Joe Shaver, and Darryl Worley on the TV show, Legends and Lyrics.
Hey everyone! This awesome new website allows for a lot more interaction! Just one way we want to talk with you is by inviting you Bottleneck fans to post your concert wishlists here.
To start, here are a few bands I can think of off the top of my head that I would love to see at the Bottleneck:
Just to name a few.
Tell us what bands you think should play at the Bottleneck! Can’t wait to hear from you!
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