Coco: What's up with the name?
Becca: Ha ha -- the name was David's idea, actually. It's based off of the song Ramblin' Fever by Merle Haggard.
Coco: Who's in the band and what do they play?
Becca: David Beverly (vocals & guitar), Stephen Dodd (vocals & banjo), and Me (vocals & violin)
Coco: Is everybody local? Where did you all go to school?
Becca: Yes, we're all local... I'm from Augusta but Stephen and David are from North Augusta. None of us went to high school together. David and I were both home schooled and that's how we met. He introduced me to Stephen. I'm in school at Augusta State and Stephen goes to to Aiken Tech. David works full time.
Coco: Being homeschooled, did you take music classes at home?
Becca: I took private violin lessons from the time i was 5 until i graduated from high school. My mom taught piano, so my entire life i grew up hearing Bach and Beethoven played in the next room. My mom really encouraged me to pursue music.
Coco: Who are some of your favorite local bands?
Becca: Mazes & Monsters are some personal friends of ours and we love them. Also Adam Sams and My Instant Lunch whenever they are able to play.
Coco: And just in general, who are some of your main muscial inspirations?
Becca: Lately, I've had The Head And The Heart on repeat in my car. The Avett Brothers, Mumford and Sons, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash... the list goes on.
Coco: You recently recorded some of your tunes. Where did you record? And where can we get our hands on your music?
Becca: We actually recorded with Nick Duke from Mazes and Monsters. He is a great guy and we had so much fun working with him. We will actually have our CD for sell at the Feb. 4th show, but if you can't make it to that you can always listen to it for free on our website. www.theramblinfevers.com
Coco: I thought i saw something somewhere that you were putting it out on vinyl?
Becca: Unfortunately, no. We wanted to but since we're broke musicians, we compromised and got CD's that look like records.
Coco: After hearing your demo and seeing you play live during the Festivus of Bands at Sky City, I told somebody that you guys are my favorite new local band. What are your plans for 2012?
Becca: Wow! That's so awesome. I'm flattered! This past year we were able to play with some great people in Greenville and Athens, and honestly, I think we all just want more shows. We love making music and playing together. We're willing to put in the work to make it happen. I'm excited about the possibilities for 2012!
Check out THE RAMBLIN' FEVERS when they open up for LERA LYNN along with special guest SHAUN PIAZZA this Saturday February 4th at SKY CITY.... doors open at 8pm.... music starts at 9:30pm... $5 admission.
Named in honor of James Brown, the godfather of soul, the idea was to have a place where good music & good drinks combined with good atmosphere would bring people together in the heart of our city.
I'd like to thank everyone who has passed through our doors, into the narrow space, under the high ceiling and the disco ball. Musicians, artists, poets, dancers, drinkers, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers.... and a special shout out to those who are no longer with us.
We'll celebrate our 16th anniversary with a special Wednesday night show on October 26th featuring a rather large folk rock band called BALTHROP, ALABAMA. Not sure if we can get 'em all on the small stage, but we'll try. Matthew Buzzell will open the show with a set of uke rock and film.
And don't forget about DISCO*HELL*O*WEEN on friday october 28th....
One of the best nights of the year!!!
Cheers,
Coco
I'll do it again tonight in Atlanta, at the old Roxy Theatre (now called the Buckhead Theatre) with some old friends, just like we used to do.... before we all got married, had kids, and got older.
I watched Mac and Laura during the 2000's run Merge Records (the best indie-rock label in the world)... and they were always an inspiration to me. They proved that good music and good business could go hand in hand and that it could be done DIY style... without the typical trappings of the major labels.
I've had the opportunity this year, through Semi-Precious Productions and the Westobou Festival, to work with Mac McCaughan to bring Transfigured Time: Music for the Films of Maya Deren to Augusta on Thursday September 29th at The Sacred Heart Cultural Center.
He'll be premiering 4 live soundtracks with a 7 piece ensemble that will include strings and horns along with keyboards, guitar, bass, and drums. It should be the perfect backing music to the incredible silent films of Maya Deren.
Look for a garden party at the Sacred Heart Cultural Center from 6-8pm with food and cocktails. The films will begin around 8:30pm (when it gets dark). Advance tickets are $20 and available on the Westobou Festival website or at The Soul Bar, Sky City, and The Bee's Knees.
Hopefully, if Mac likes Augusta enough, he'll consider bringing SUPERCHUNK to town....
I'd love to host.
See ya downtown,
Coco
This one is for MILO MENGER.
Artists interested in participating can bring their artwork to Sky City at 8pm for inclusion in the Silent Auction.
Bar manager Lee Landers will be setting up an online virtual DJ room on Turntable.fm and everyone is invited to bring their laptops to log in and DJ -- giving anyone interested a chance to spin tracks off their own personal playlist for everyone to hear.
Thanks in advance to all the artists & the DJ's -- and an extra special thanks to you, the people, that always seem to come out and support good people like Rich and Julie and their special family.
See ya downtown,
Coco
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I quickly remembered that GAARDENSITY was hosting an event that evening for the official release of THE ARTIST'S COLORING BOOK VOLUME ONE featuring the artwork of JAY JACOBS, CHRIS MURRAY, RICH MENGER, JASON CRAIG, STACI SWIDER, and LEONARD ZIMMERMAN.
A perfectly simple idea, the coloring book highlights each individual artists' style in ready to color full page images. That's them ^ in the above picture ^ and it was great to see this local art "super group" come together for something like this. Kinda like the local music scene, I guess, in that even though the styles are different, the mentality seems to be the same -- with all involved working to promote each other as a whole.
JAY, JASON, STACI, and LEONARD will also be part of this year's SOCIAL CANVAS WESTOBOU 2011 edition along with BLAINE PRESCOTT and RYAN DAVIS. They'll be painting live on stage with various bands providing the soundtrack including HOPE FOR AGOLDENSUMMER, THE FAVORS, EAT LIGHTNING, SHAUN PIAZZA BAND, NIGHT PEOPLE, THE CUBISTS, and DJ JOYCETTE. It's a two night event (Tuesday Oct. 4th & Wednesday Oct. 5th) on the grounds of the old Academy of Richmond County (also known as the old Augusta Museum) at 540 Telfaire Street. And best of all -- it's FREE!!!
Check out the WESTOBOU FESTIVAL website for more information on this event and all the other great ones happening this year.
Music & Art... what can be better?
See ya downtown,
Coco
Update: Here's the official Westobou Social Canvas poster......
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Coco: How would you describe the sound of THE HEAP?
Bryan: Imagine combining Sly and the Family Stone with the band Morphine and adding just a touch of Donny Hathaway. Then add some fuzzed out dual bass action and bad-ass horns and you have got The HEAP sound.
Coco: When did you start playing music?
Bryan: I have been playing since I was about 10 years old. I started on saxophone.
Coco: Lots of musicians live in Athens, Georgia -- where are you originally from?
Bryan: I am originally from Alexandria, VA -- not too far from Washington, D.C.
Coco: Who are your 3 all time favorite Athens bands?
Bryan: 1) Kevn Kinney (he lived in Athens when I moved here, so I still count him) 2) Still Small Voice and the Joyful Noise 3) Don Chambers
Coco: Who are your current favorite Athens bands?
Bryan: 1) Madeline 2) "Big C" and the Ringers 3) Betsy Franck and the Bareknuckle Band
Coco: As you probably already know -- James Brown is from Augusta -- what are your thoughts on The Godfather of Soul?
Bryan: Well, he definitely changed music forever. If there had not been a James Brown, we never would have had a Jackson 5 or P-Funk or Prince. There wouldn't be hip-hop as we know it -- since it was largely built on James Brown samples . I wish I had seen him play live.
Coco: Ya'll play any James Brown songs?
Bryan: The HEAP was asked to play "Living In America" for a benefit show this year. It was a lot of fun to do.
Coco: Do you have a favorite all-time gig?
Bryan: I don't know if I have one favorite -- but there have been some very memorable shows. Some that come to mind are The Kevn Kinney Band at "On the Bricks" in Atlanta. We opened for George Clinton and the P-Funk Allstars.
Coco: We don't have a college radio station here in Augusta -- in your opinion -- are we missing out?
Bryan: It is a shame that Augusta doesn't have a college station -- but there are so many ways to get music these days. It would be nice if you had it, but great music can be found -- if you are willing to look for it.
Come check out Bryan and his 9 piece funk band as they rock out Sky City on Saturday Night. Great music can indeed be found -- if you are willing to look for it.
THE HEAP
with special guests
GREG HESTER
& DJ FUNKY PRESIDENT
Saturday August 20th
Doors 8pm - Music 9pm
$5 Admission
A shout out to the Super Fan!
I'm going to start with Brian Killips, who i consider a true Super Fan.
Brian & Bob Crawford (Avett Brothers)
Me: What was your first concert?
Brian: A bit embarrassed to say it was Amy Grant at the Civic Center with my parents. I was in 2nd grade.
Me: You're such a big fan of music -- who would you consider your all time favorite?
Brian: I would have to go with The Band. Even though they were way before my time they made amazing music. The Last Waltz DVD sees my tv at least once a month.
Me: What 3 current bands do you love the most?
Brian: 1) My Morning Jacket 2) Wilco 3) The Avett Brothers -- so many I love, but those came to mind first.
Me: Of those 3 bands, which one have you seen the most? What show stood out the most?
Brian: I have seen the Avett Brothers the most. I think I have seen them 8 times. Of those, their show at Stillwater is still the coolest. Now if you want to talk about number of times seeing a band, I have seen Phish too many times to count!
Me: If you weren't a teacher & coach -- what would be your career choice?
Brian: Wow...I really love my job but if I had to do something else it would be owning/running a Belgian Bar in downtown Augusta!
Me: You are quite the beer connoisseur -- what are your favorites?
Brian: I do love good beer and there are so many to choose from! The cool thing is American craft brewers are making the most creative beers in the world right now. I love Dogfish Head the most overall. I have many of their beers aging in my beer cellar. I cannot wait to try the 2008 Palo Santo Maroon! That is one of my favorites. Stone, Weyerbacher and anything Belgian (besides Stella!). So many good ones out there.
Me: What other hobbies do you have?
Brian: Music, Good Beer, Training for the Ironman Augusta, running, playing soccer and, of course, college football.
Brian & Heather with Sharon Jones
Me: As someone who goes out regularly to see live music, how do you rate Augusta and how can it better?
Brian: I really try to support what you do and support music in town. Augusta has come a long way.
On that note, I would like to see Augusta land a big act that is not country. I was talking to colleagues today who went to the Urban show and they are exited that Aldean is coming again. I wish we (non country fans) had those types of options on a regular basis. Don't get me wrong, we get some great bands (Drive By Truckers, Avetts, Sharon Jones, etc) but I would like to see this town land a big act!
Me: Who would you consider a big act?
Brian: My Morning Jacket has gotten big of late...Wilco is big and would be great for the Bell. REM would be awesome to have back in Augusta!
Brian & Heather with the biggest act of them all...
Me: I often see you out with your lovely better half, Heather -- what was your first dance when you got married?
Brian: Into the Mystic by Van Morrison. Although we both wish we would have gone with Crazy Love! On a side note, if you ever land the Old 97s at Sky City she would make you dinner for a month I am sure. She is their #1 fan for sure!
Me: Tell her it's a deal. They're on my short list!
See ya downtown,
Coco
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C: What are some of the things you miss about Augusta?
A: The people, the vibe... There is a certain Augustaness about Augusta that I really miss, and so, so many friends.
C: Will you ever be moving back?
A: I'm not going to rule it out, in some ways, I'd love to, but I don't think it'll happen anytime soon.
C: How would you best describe the music of Hellblinki?
A: I'd rather let other people try to do that.
C: Having been away for awhile & traveling around a lot -- what are some things you've seen that you think would be cool to have in Augusta?
A: Augusta has almost everything it needs in small amounts. I think it's the support where the AUG is lacking, too much bitching, not enough action. Not enough support for the odd and the awkward. There are some really unique things about the AUG that could be celebrated more. Oh, and really terrible city leaders, with really terrible ideas, that cost terrible amounts of money, when really identifying and playing to the unique aspects of the town is what should happen. ('course I don't really know what's been happening the past 6 yrs other than the parking meter debacle!)
C: When you get in your car and you turn on the stereo -- what do you listen to?
A: M.I.A., Rosemary Clooney, Slayer, The Beatles, The Clash, Ledgendary Pink Dots, Neil Diamond, Billy Idol, Roger Miller, Die Antwoord, Deathklock, The Meters, Crass, Suzi Quatro, Boney M, Motorhead, The Spider Lillies, Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Tom Lehrer, Devandra Banhardt, Thin Lizzy, Frank Zappa, David Bowie, Jonathan Scales, Fats Waller, Bjork, Sufjan Stevens, Josh White, Pink Floyd, Hope For a Golden Summer, John Prine, Woody Guthrie, Steely Dan, Sun Ra, Fela Kuti, Black Sabbath, The Misfits, The Ramones, The Cramps, Vangelis, Cypress Hill, Megan Jean and the KFB, Parliament/Funkadelic, Blonde Readhead, Killdozer, Big Black, Negativland, The Swans, Cab Calloway, The Minutemen, Captain Beefheart, Coco Rosie, X, The Pixies, Rasputina, Cinema Strange, The Velvet Underground, Carmen Miranda, Radio Tarifa, Brazilian Girls, The Residents, Manu Chao, Led Zepplin, The Beastie Boys, Ian Dury, The Black Keys, Public Enemy, Pineal Ventana, Morsel, 12 Rounds, The Moldy Peaches, Mum, They Might Be Giants, JAMES BROWN, EVERYTHING... I usually listen on random, but have begun to appreciate the "album" again lately... I used to love the "various artist" tapes from the underground and punk labels.
C: Who were/are some of your favorite Augusta bands?
A: I started making a list, but there are so many, and I can't remember all the names, and half the bands I play with become my new favorite for at least a minute, and I even like the shitty bands that everyone else hates.
C: Whatever happened to the front of that ship that made up part of the facade of the old Hangnail gallery?
A: I put the figurehead in storage and it was eaten by bugs.
C: Have you ever considered doing your own version of a James Brown song?
A: Yes, but everytime I consider it, I'm just not sure which song. One day it will happen.
C: What can we expect at your free show on Saturday August 13th at Sky City?
A: The Unexpected! (yeah, I know, whatever) Ok, we've been honing the three piece for 3 or 4 years now and it's the best we've ever been, so Saturday, we're going to capture the moment on video and with a multitrack audio recording... We'll be doing a bunch of material from our recent release "These Bubbles Come from Ants", two brand new songs, never before performed live, (I'm really excited about the new material) and some old favorites, of course...
Hellblinki "Live Video Shoot"
with special guests:
Allison Foster
& Mann Ray
Doors 8pm | Music 10pm | Free Admission
WILL McCRANIE is a local musician from Augusta who moved to New York City a couple of years ago in search of the dream.
He sent me this review about his show last week at the BROOKLYN BOWL, which has become a favorite venue for many bands and DJ's.
Here you go.....
Will McCranie Trio (WM3)
Brooklyn Bowl
08.04.2011
Setlist:
City Lights
Going Down
Not Giving Up Soon
Cool It Down*
Dance.Dance.Dance.
Laura's Song>Voodoo Chile Jam
Guinness
While The Night Is On Our Side
Never Again
*Velvet Underground
Every band should play Brooklyn Bowl. Lebowski styled bowling infused
rock & roll venue topped with the most incredible fried chicken north
of the Mason-Dixon. Not to mention they weren't happy until the Fender
Twin (courtesy of their backline) was cranked beyond anything I've
played in recent memory. Venue was packed. We got a pretty great
response for an unknown band. ?uestlove threw down on his late night
set. In a nutshell, the night was loud and delicious and everything we
could've hoped for from our second show as a band.
WM3 is:
Will McCranie - guitar/vocals
Noah Schipani-Trivier: bass
Tommy Walsh (Tommy OD & The Survivors/ Electric Voodoo) - drums
Here's more proof:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCF26EA333217A37D
Anyone interested in writing their own reviews -- please send 'em to me via email at coco@soulbar.com
I'll make sure to put it out there and let everyone see how the locals are doing it -- all over the world!
Like Will.
See ya downtown,
Coco
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