Silversun Pickups

Silversun Pickups

Somewhere around the year 2004, a group of young men formed a band. That band would cross the genre lines of Indie rock, shoegazing and dream pop. A motley crew of guys like this needed a name that was just as interesting. They called themselves the Silversun Pickups and never looked back.

Silversun Pickups is an all original member Indie rock conglomeration of Brian Aubert (guitars and lead vocalist), Nikki Monninger (bass and vocals), Chris Guanlao (drums) and Joe Lester (keyboard and sound manipulation extraordinaire). In the beginning, fusion guitarist Jack Kennedy (aka Kennedy) was also in the line up, but was fired for setting flame to Aubert's sweater.

Signed to the independent label of Dangerbird Records, the quartet released its debut EP called Pikul in 2005. This masterful creation was named after a friend that passed on and included six original tracks (except for Creation Lake by The Movies) followed by 17 untitled tracks (less than a minute each) and then a piece called Sci-Fi Lullaby.

The Pikul EP was followed by the group's first album, a 13 track work of art called Carnavas in 2006. Four of the thirteen tracks were released as singles with "Lazy eye" being the most successful. Another release, "Well Thought Out Twinkles" was also well received in the US.

Then in 2007, Silversun Pickups had a heavy year, releasing 3 more EPs for their fan's listening pleasure. "Remixes" was first, followed quickly by "The Tripwire Session: Live in Chicago" and an iTunes exclusive recording of "Live Session".

Silversun Pickups' break came when they started playing the renowned Silverlake Lounge and Spaceland, which was also close by. Club goers came and heard what these guys were doing and the band acquired a good sized following after the release of the Pikul EP, which was widely accepted and embraced.

The band was originally called "A Couple of Couples" when it originated in Los Angeles' Silver Lake music scene. Aubert, Monninger, Lester and Guanlao are all friends who have played together in one form or another since high school. It is said that the name Silversun Pickups was taken from a liquor store across the street from the club where they started out. However, ask the band members and they will readily tell you that it is merely a "state of mind" attributed to the late night requirements of an Indie band.

Recently, the band has released their second full length CD, Swoon, in April 2009. The single released was "Panic Switch" and it debuted at #92 in Billboard's top 100. On the Modern rock tracks chart (which also appears in Billboard magazine), the debut was much higher at #5. A second release, "There's No Secrets This Year" was not so fortunate and did not chart at all.

With the mixture of heavy, distorted guitars and harmonized vocals, the sound of the Silversun Pickups is reminiscent of The Smashing Pumpkins. Bands like "My Bloody Valentine", "Velvet Underground" and "Sonic Youth" have been noted as major influences on Silversun Pickups trademark sound.

Fleet Foxes' Self-Titled Debut Album

Fleet Foxes

"Fleet Foxes" are a five-piece Seattle based indie band. Their genres include indie folk, folk rock, baroque pop, indie rock and indie pop. Fleet Foxes consist of Robin Pecknold (Vocal and Guitar), Skye Skjelset (Lead Guitar), Jay Tillman (Drums), Casey Wescott (Keyboard and Bass) and Christian Wargo (Bass and Keyboard). According to The Independent, Fleet Foxes described their music as "Baroque harmonic pop jams". Before the release of their self-titled album, Fleet Foxes have released two EPs, "Fleet Foxes EP" in 2006 and "Sun Giant" in February 2008, and both EPs received positive reviews and praise.

Fleet Foxes somehow remind me of Okkervil River. I don't know why. The whole journey of Fleet Foxes is like having fun and singing in a church. It has those that make you sing in church, with hands holding hands. And those which make you nod your head along too. Nice to have when in church, harmony will come when you have Fleet Foxes with you.

Five Indie Rock Bands Worth Listening To

If you're an indie rock lover like I am, there's an abundance of great music out there, and there's sometimes more than I have time to keep up with. This is a great thing, as a wide selection of great music is something I welcome with open arms. I'd like to share a few bands with you whose music I enjoy, as maybe you'll stumble onto something new as a result of reading this article.

The People Choice

Music today is mainly seen as entertainment. Major labels sign artists who will be marketable and profitable. Radio listeners are being given the same old songs over and over just "re-written" by the newest band. Record labels are choosing what they listen to, the listeners are given very little choice whatsoever.

Very few people actually search for new music and refine their own taste. Rock radio stations have been playing the same tired old songs over and over. If you have ever listened to the radio for an extended period of time, you will notice you hear the same song four to five times. Most mainstream artists are on a mission to make money and gain fame. There are very few mainstream artists left that are actually artists.

Betty Wright - Indie Soul Veteran

Betty Wright

Tonight is the Night

"Tonight is the Night" was the song that made Betty Wright the soul r&b legend that she is today. Her first hit record, "Clean up Woman," happened a few years before, but it was "Tonight is the Night" that showcased Wright's powerful songwriting and connected her with millions of other young women for generations to come.

How Are Indie Labels Looking for Artists?

You're looking to get signed by an indie label. It shouldn't be that hard, right? Aren't indie labels looking for artists? The answer is yes, but some labels are looking more eagerly than others. Finding out which labels are looking for artists can help you get your demo to the record labels most likely to help you get a record contract.

This is how to make your indie music stand out

Regarding that the major albums turned to be the sides that got too much terms to be filled, some new bands or new singers would prefer to avoid them. To create an album, some new comers should deal with the terms that the producers have already stated. The producers even have some rights to decide which personnel of the band could continue and which one couldn’t. If the band refused, the deal would be off. Somehow, some new bands and musicians would rather to stay away from major label. The money might be good and the promotions might be excellent, but that terms that the producers have spoken were too scary. Some bands might continue with some certain sacrificing, including eve they got to change the music color. Meanwhile, some others would prefer to stay in their idealism and refuse the contract terms.