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Here’s photo post #2 of the day for you. It’s Shayfer James’ EP release on Stage 2 of Rockwood Music Hall, September 19th. He had a great turnout where everyone sang along to songs that had literally just been released. It was pretty amazing to witness. He’ll be playing Rockwood again Oct 13th if you want to witness the magic for yourself.
Hey folks, just a quick post about some of my CMJ adventures yesterday. I only got pictures of two of the bands I saw yesterday and honestly bounced around so much it’s hard to remember everyone we caught. I made a comment to a friend while standing in the upstairs part of Pianos that CMJ is terrible for people with ADD because there’s simply too much to take in all around you that it’s easy to get distracted and want to keep moving from one show to the next. Having said that, a couple bands/artists did stand out to me, as well as a fun event we attended before I called it a night and my comrades moved on to Williamsburg (but not The Gutter because that show had been called due to Ebola).
First up (and the thing that convinced me to get out of the house) was Wakey Wakey at Rockwood Music Hall. Of course it turned out to be a bit deceiving, as it wasn’t the band but one member who was doing a solo set. It was still good but way more chill than I was expecting.
The other band I was able to snap some pictures of was Fictionist at Arlene’s Grocery. I have to say that was my first time visiting that particular venue and I was pretty impressed. Sure it was loud, but you could still understand everything being said. I also really dug the band, whom I had never heard of before but went on the recommendation of a friend.
The one other thing I feel worth reporting was the unofficial pre-party for Slothrust and The Kills at Bowery Ballroom. The event took place next door at One Mile House and featured Savoir Adore as DJs as well as free food and drink specials. I met some cool people and of course enjoyed the free food, which was mostly passed appetizers including these real tasty chicken sliders and some flatbread pizzas. It was a great way to end my night. Today I’m taking it easy but I’ll be back on the scene tomorrow all day and night.
Jukebox the Ghost snuck into Rockwood Music Hall last night for an intimate secret show in anticipation of their upcoming new album, Safe Travels. They opened with an old favorite, Schizophrenia, before proceeding to play the entire new album (about 46 minutes in length) out of order, and finishing with their latest cover, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” originally done by Whitney Houston. Some of the songs from the new album were extremely poppy and upbeat, while others were dark and complex. 
I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy to do a proper review. I couldn’t get as many recordings as the last time they did something like this, but I did manage to get one video on my iPhone. The song is called “Adulthood,” and I have a feeling it’s going to grow to become one of my favorites. It’s about how you can survive childhood and adolescence, but once you get to adulthood that’s it. “From adulthood, no one survives.” It’s a very powerful song that should hold strong for adults of all ages, but especially the 20 somethings who are just starting to slowly figure this out. Consider it a sample to hold you over until the album release on June 12th.
Runaway Dorothy is going to be playing a free show at Rockwood Music Hall tonight at 8pm. Reasons why you should go: good music, NO COVER = FREE, and good atmosphere. Plus they have excellent wine (which is what you should order to fulfill the 1 drink minimum they usually have).
Fooling April played an intimate show at Rockwood Music Hall tonight at 6pm. Even though the band is from Philly, this was not their first time in NYC (although it was their first time playing at this venue). Normally they play the Bitter End on Bleaker St., but the change in venue suited them nicely. Their set ran for just under an hour and included songs both old and new (well, newish). Next time they come to the area I will be sure to promote it so more people can experience the positive vibes this band has to offer. Or, if you’re in the Philly area, you can go see them play their Beatles charity tribute on April 1st. It promises to be a night to remember.
