With a handful of releases under their belts and a slew of tours supporting big acts like John Mayer, One Republic, and Switchfoot, it’s no wonder that the quartet of Nothing Rhymes With Orange has become one of the top acts in South Florida. Their latest release, The Happiness Struggle, is filled with tales of hope and rising up. From the title track “The Happiness Struggle” to tunes like “Freights Are On Their Way” and “Headlines and Deadlines” their British influences are still front and center while some of the more “organic” American influences begin to shine through. Guitarist Rich so kindly answered a few questions before preparing to hit the road in the pursuit of happiness.

Rhythm Scene: What was the idea behind the album title The Happiness Struggle?

Nothing Rhymes With Orange: The Happiness Struggle is about a person or persons on that long, winding, and often treacherous road. Always looking for that peace of mind and that light at the end of the tunnel. While ultimate happiness often seems improbable and/or elusive, there always seems to be a glimmer of hope that rests in the heart and soul of the individual seeking that happiness.

RS: What is your favorite song on the album?

NRWO: It’s tough to say. I like a few. Some I like playing more live than listening too. Freights Are On Their Way for example, I can sit and listen to that song and love it, but when we play it live, I’m quite miserable. Some songs just don’t come across the way you expect them too live. Headlines and Deadlines, Offers, In So Far – are probably my favorite.

RS: Who are your greatest musical influences and how did they affect The Happiness Struggle?

NRWO: Well there are lots of influences. We usually reference bands that have influenced us growing up (Oasis, Smiths, The Church, Echo And The Bunnymen) just turns out most are British. There have been so many other artists that we have discovered over the years, but with this album I think our American influences have come out more. Petty, Springsteen, Dylan, Ryan Adams, etc… So there’s a lot of stripped down songwriting going on. Simplicity is best, lots of layers, an organic feel. We tried to get away from using a lot of effects as well. I think there are still some British undertones throughout. I don’t think that will ever go away. We’ve been so heavily influenced by British music, so I’m guessing that will be there forever.

RS: Is it difficult not having every member of the group live in the same area?

NRWO: Yeah, kinda. Depending how often you want to play. For me I always need to be playing, so it is a bit frustrating. Carl and I have been writing for a long time, so at least we have that. When we’re not on the road it works out. We work on new material, and when it’s time to go back out, we phone up the other guys and we’re off. I think there are a lot of bands that work that way. It’s not my first choice, but I think it happens more than people think.

RS: How are you planning to reach listeners with this new album?

NRWO: Radio, Live, Podcasts, Computers, Telegram, Email, Car, Plane, Submarine, Scooter and whatever other means possible.

RS: What’s on your iPod?

NRWO: This would take up lots of space… lets just say everything from Neil diamond to arctic monkeys

RS: Is there anything else you’d like to add or say to your fans or new listeners?

NRWO: Just… Check out the new album, The Happiness Struggle and catch the live show… that’s about it.

For more information on Nothing Rhymes With Orange visit: www.nrwo.net or http://www.myspace.com/nrwo

Holly Miranda has been around for over a decade, and that’s why it’s hard to believe that this past Tuesday marked the release of her first ever full length LP The Magicians Private Library. After seeing her perform live last Sunday (she’s been on tour supporting Tegan and Sara), I was completely taken with her.

Forrest Gump said, “Momma always says there’s an awful lot you could tell about a person by their shoes. Where they’re going. Where they’ve been.”, and judging by the sh*t-kickers she wore for her performance, she’s probably seen her fair share of ups and downs. On stage she was a force to be reckoned with as she trotted out tracks from her (now released) album. Listening to her performance felt like she was letting listeners look into the deepest part of her being. She let her soulful yet eerie voice take control while her backing band provided the soundtrack to her honest and moving lyrics. Although her set was all too short, concert goers seemed excited to meet “The Magician”.

The Magicians Private Library was released this week, and after seeing Miranda’s performance, I immediately set out to hear the album that had teased me a few days before. At first listen, my senses were treated to a roller coaster ride of haunting vocals backed with hints of electronica, middle eastern flare, and distorted guitar parts. With each listen since, I have discovered something new each time; whether it be a slight vocal inflection in “Waves” that immediately incites goosebumps, the electronic influence in “No One Just Is”, or the middle eastern-like beats in “Joints” and “Sleep On Fire” that make me want to dance in a desert, Holly Miranda will surprise listeners with her simple complexity.

Tracks you have to hear
Waves
Sleep On Fire
Joints

To learn more about Holly Miranda and to download an acoustic version of “Waves” (yes kids, it’s free), please visit her websites:

http://www.myspace.com/hollymiranda

http://www.hollymiranda.com/

Written by Kate Dingle

I was first introduced to Kill Miss Pretty’s music back at Moonfest in October. Since then, I have been intrigued by these guys and gal that (in my mind) stole the show Halloween night. As the Boynton Beach based trio prepares to release their latest single, “Judy Garland”, we sat down with them to see what’s going on in their land of Oz.

Having been a unit for a few years now, Russ (guitar/programming), Alicia (vocals), and Martin (bass) seem more like a family than anything else. There is a closeness about them that is apparent from the moment all three of them are in the room. When I asked Russ why there was no drummer in their act, the response was simple, programming the tracks himself is easier and more consistent. Not having a live drummer also cuts down on the amount of noise coming out of their practice space. With the talent and dynamic these musicians posses, there certainly isn’t a need for one.

But when asked about their musical tastes, the response is not as easy. “Most of the bands I listen to are broken up”, Alicia starts off; she goes on to name The Blow, Peaches, PJ Harvey, and the Moldy Peaches as a few of her favorites. Martin’s response was a little more broad. “What’s in my iPod? I listen to a lot of 80’s.” But it’s not 80’s like A Flock of Seagulls. He’s listening to Depeche Mode and “yeah, he’s really into Duran Duran”, Russ interjected. Currently Russ is a fan of She Wants Revenge and ”If you haven’t heard of or listened to Does It Offend You Yeah, you have to check them out!”. Note taken.

When it comes to the business side of things the Internet is their greatest asset. In 2009, we saw the breakout of social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook and the KMP folks are taking full advantage of the exposure on both of these sites. With nearly 1200 fans and followers (on both sites), KMP is making themselves directly available to new and old fans. The group understands the importance of social networking, and seem focused on making it a more personal relationship between fan and artist. And judging by Alicia’s new Valentine’s Day video blog, (that you can see here http://www.youtube.com/user/killmisspretty#p/u/0/YowAuqSbnzo) that personal relationship is blossoming.

As far as what makes these guys (and girl) tick, their formula is pretty basic. “Our goal is go out and have as much fun as we can” was the sentiment that was continually repeated throughout our time together. And signing with a huge record label and becoming a huge national act is not on the agenda for this threesome either. They are careful to not burn themselves out with constantly playing shows, and according to Alicia the reason is “to make each show special”. However, all three agree that if they were to participate in a national tour, they’d want to tour with  electro-shock rocker Peaches. Good choice.

With Kill Miss Pretty’s ever growing fan following, it’s hard to ignore the number of gays and lesbians who are coming along for the ride. When asked how they felt about it, the first words out of Alicia’s mouth summed it up perfectly, “We love the gays!”. Russ went on to explain that they have always wanted to play Sea Monster (once a big gay hangout) and now “the planets seem to have aligned. With the new single, “Judy Garland”, coming out and us playing SQUEEZE at the Sea Monster.” But their fondness for the gay community goes beyond playing the Sea Monster. As everyone may or may not know KMP’s lyrics can be a bit racy (to say the least), and “it’s a little harder to offend the gays” as Alicia put it. Well guys, the gays love you too.

Kill Miss Pretty’s next show will be on February 20th at SQUEEZE in Fort Lauderdale. Their good friend, Spooky Kid Daisy Berkowitz will be appearing onstage with them to unveil their new single “Judy Garland”. And that will not be the only new music we get from them this year. They are planning on releasing even more music towards the summertime. And yes, there will even be more collaborating with Berkowitz. In the meantime, be sure to visit their website www.killmisspretty.com to download their ENTIRE music catalog for free.

To learn more about KMP:

Visit their website www.killmisspretty.com

Follow them on Twitter @killmisspretty

Become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kill-Miss-Pretty/46524371358

And remember:

February 20th, 2010

Kill Miss Pretty w/Daisy Berkowitz

SQUEEZE at Sea Monster

Photos by Christina Mendenhall

]]> http://www.rhythmscene.com/2010/02/kill-miss-pretty-gets-wet/feed/ 1 http://www.rhythmscene.com/2010/02/the-low-down-were-not-in-kansas-anymore/ http://www.rhythmscene.com/2010/02/the-low-down-were-not-in-kansas-anymore/#comments Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:18:13 +0000 admin http://www.rhythmscene.com/?p=1531 Written by Kate Dingle

At the first listen to Kill Miss Pretty’s newest single, “Judy Garland”, the only vision running though my mind was that of front woman/sexy seductress Alicia throwing some helpless schmuck against a wall and completely tearing him to shreds. But after taking a closer listen, this track proves to be an out of this world orgasm for the ears.

Featuring Scott Putesky (better known as Spooky Kid Daisy Berkowitz), “Judy Garland” embodies everything we all know and love about KMP. From the very beginning, listeners will be sucked in by Martin’s driving bass lines and the seemingly effortless shredding from Russ and their (very) special guest. When you add in Alicia’s makeyourclothesfalloffwithevery “you don’t have to call me darlin’/do me like I’m Judy Garland”, a catchy electro-pop single is born.

When everybody finally experiences Kill Miss Pretty doing Judy Garland, it will quickly become a fan favorite. This local trio is not afraid to blur lines and with this new record, it is front and center. We all have our visions of Dorothy traveling to meet the Wizard, but Kill Miss Pretty will take you on their own journey through Oz that will make you never look at Judy Garland the same way again.

On February 20th, SQUEEZE nightclub will host the release party for KMP’s newest single. The night will also include a special performance of Judy Garland with Scott Putesky making a guest appearance as well. Make sure you arrive early, as the first fifty folks in the door will receive a signed and numbered limited edition copy of the Judy Garland single.

For more information, check out Kill Miss Pretty’s official website http://www.killmisspretty.com

As everyone prepares to return to work after nursing their hangovers from New Years Eve, we at Rhythm Scene thought that we’d share some of our favorite music from 2009. At the end of the day, we must not forget that it is being able to share music that brings us all together.

Favorite Albums

Rearrange Beds by An Horse

Here’s Why: The freshman effort from this Australian two piece is a combination of rocking guitar riffs and melancholy melodies that evokes every single emotion. Kate Cooper and Damon Cox reassure listeners that raw musical talent still exists.

Tracks you have to hear: “Camp Out”, “Company”, and “Little Lungs”

Crossing The Rubicon by The Sounds

Here’s Why: This (third) release from the five sexy Swedes solidifies them as a musical force to be reckoned with. Even though Crossing The Rubicon is more refined compared to their first two releases, and while it is a cleaner sound, the musicianship and talent that is the very core of the group is still front and center. It’s a fun record that makes you want to get up and dance.

Tracks you have to hear: “4 Songs and a Fight“, “Crossing The Rubicon”, and “Beatbox”

V.I.P vs. R.I.P by Dudeman

Sainthood by Tegan and Sara

Armistice by Mutemath

a few of our favorite tracks from 2009

Shake Me Like A Monkey by Dave Matthews Band

Some of our favorite live performances were

And just for kicks, here is some other music to check out……

Revolution Live, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Written by Kate Dingle

Even though the weather was a bit rainy and gray, Megadeth kicked off the Thanksgiving holiday in a big (hair) way.

The evening began with a meet and greet with the mega group themselves. To gain admission to the coveted event, folks needed to be members of their fan club and win their way in. About twenty fans won the “contest” and waited patiently in the drizzling rain until they were ushered upstairs to wait for their idols.

Although the group was small, it was quite apparent that the reach of Megadeth goes beyond the cult followers that were gained in the 1980’s. Even though those followers made their presence known, there were fathers and their young sons, members of local bands who aspired to be everything that Megadeth is, and flawless model types who looked like they should’ve been in a mall somewhere rather than meeting a group of metal gods.

When front man Dave Mustaine emerged, the sound resonating from the small group was enough to fill an arena. As he made his way through the crowd, it was clear everyone was there to see Mustaine and that group members Chris Broderick, James Lomenzo, and Shawn Drover were all an added bonus (which makes sense because Mustaine is the only original member in the current line-up). Regardless, each member took the time to shake hands and hug every single person, sign posters, Cd’s, vinyl records, and guitar straps, and pose for various photos. Each of the thrash metal rockers almost seemed overwhelmed at the amount of attention they were receiving. But no matter how overwhelmed they seemed, the graciousness that each of them had was radiating throughout the space.

In what seemed like an instant, Dave Mustaine was done being the center of attention (at least in that capacity). The people continuously pulling at him and invading his personal space probably became a bit much for him and he was quickly escorted away to safety. The meet and greet was obviously over, but the memories created in that short time will stick with everyone who attended.

For those who had idolized Megadeth since its creation in 1983, this experience was a dream come true. Listening to everyone talk about Mustaine’s stint with Metallica and how Megadeth is an icon in thrash metal made it clear that as long as these guys are making music, the fans will always be willing to wait in the rain for a chance to say “Thank You” to one of the greatest metal bands of all time.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and always remember to thank your favorite metal gods!

Photos by Christina Mendenhall

Our own Kate Dingle with two members of Megadeth

Written by Kate Dingle

Eve·ry·man or eve·ry·man (ěv’rē-mān’)
n. An ordinary individual, with whom the audience or reader is supposed to be able to identify easily, and who is often placed in extraordinary circumstances.

It’s not too often that one stumbles upon great new music and until Halloween, I thought the days of discovering great new local acts were far behind us. But on that spooky Saturday night, myself and the rest of Moonfest 2009 were introduced to an underwear clad (it was Halloween after all) Delray Beach based quintet called Everymen. After loving every minute of their all too short set at Respectable Street, I decided I needed to learn more about the group that had just stunned me.

We met up with the Everymen men at the sight of their latest show at the Firefly house in Miami. And upon meeting Serg (vocals, banjo, and harmonica), Tristan (guitar and vocals), Tim (bass and vocals), Cowboy (guitar), and Jordan (percussion), the only thought running through my mind was, “This is the most mismatched group of musicians I have ever met.” There is the tattooed bad boy, the ordained minister, the serious one, the joker, and the shy one. But no matter how different each member is, the passion to create good music is the magnet that draws them to one another.

Band members Serg and Tristan have been playing together for nearly eight months, and only in the last four have Jordan, Tim, and Cowboy been added. Even though it’s hard to believe that a group of musicians that have been together for such a short period of time has meshed in a way that is usually only apparent in acts that have been together for many years, Tristan quickly says that “we’ve only recently gotten to a point where we are all really comfortable with each other.” Well that’s hard to believe. The fact that these guys have only been a unit for a short time should be a clear indication of their talent. And talent is something they are certainly not lacking.

Everymen’s music does not fit into any one specific genre, and each member has his own musical influences that play into their own individual styles. As Jordan put it, “It’s amazing that a band with such different likes in music can work so well. Me, I am old school punk. And Tim, he loves Tom Waits.” “Yeah, Tim only smokes Winstons because Tom Waits sings about them in one of his songs” Tristan chimes in. So instead, Tristan came up with his own genre, “Gypsybluesfolkrockfunkabilly”. And even though that is a near perfect description of their style, they are not afraid to throw in some punk, doo wop, and jazz. Musical risk taking is obviously something that is standard operating procedure for Everymen, and it definitely pays off.

Just like their personalities, Everymen’s music is diverse. They take some not so common combinations of music, and manipulate them to become tunes that will be stuck in your head for days. The desire to “just play music whether we get paid or not” is clear with each chord played, and can be felt in those who watch them perform. When watching the five some on stage, their passion and raw talent are on display for everyone to see. And while you’re watching, they are robbing you of all you ever knew music to be and replacing it their own hybrid brand that you’ll never be able to be without again.

You can catch Everymen at these upcoming shows:
11.13.09 @ Radioactive Records, Fort Lauderdale 7pm
11.14.09 @ Hell Bound City Tattoos, Miami 8pm
11.20.09 @ Phunky Buddah, Boca Raton 8pm
11.27.09 @ Churchills, Miami 8pm

Learn more about them @ http://www.myspace.com/everymensounds

Photos by Christina Mendenhall

October 27, 2009

Written by Kate Dingle

Get ready kiddies! Here comes the latest edition of “The Low Down” featuring the latest in music news from the past week! Are you ready?!?!

Well, I certainly hope that Britney Spears enjoyed her one week on top of the Billboard Hot 100, because Jay Sean featuring (the newly guilty-fied) Lil Wayne in “Down” returned to the top spot. Ms. Spears was actually pushed down to the number 5 spot (which, in my opinion should’ve dropped just another spot or two. Have you heard the song?). The catchy tune from Jason DeRulo, “Whatcha Say” rose from number 4 to number 2. Miley Cyrus must not have cancelled her Facebook account this week because “Party In The U.S.A” held its position at number 3. The newest single from (every body’s favorite ladies man) John Mayer, “Who Says”, entered at number 17; while the biggest drop (thank god) was courtesy of the Glee cast. The cast’s rendition of “Halo/Walking On Sunshine” fell an astounding 44 spots from number 40 to number 84.

There are other things going on in the music world other than the charts………..

For any of you that don’t have computers or television, “This Is It” (you know, the footage from Michael Jackson’s rehearsals?) will hit theaters this Wednesday. There is yet another group trying to stir the pot a little bit. A group of fans believe that this “film” masks the true state of Michael Jackson’s health. They are quoted on their website (www.this-is-not-it.com) as saying, “. . . while this footage was being shot, people around him knew that he looked like he might have died. . .”. Well, that sounds well thought out, doesn’t it? I hate to tell you all this, but he didn’t really look all that great for quite some time. Now, I’m not sure what they’re ultimate goal is but, here is my advice to the folks of This Is Not It: don’t see the movie. But it won’t make the money bags any lighter.

It’s great that you all are trying to start a movement, but you’re not going to get the attention of the people in charge. Maybe instead of complaining about how they’re not going to show what was really going on, you could volunteer at an organization that Jackson supported, or donate the cost of your movie tickets to one of many foundations. Or, you could just suck it up and join the masses on October 28th and see the movie with the rest of us. You probably will anyway.

A few more bits and bites……

There is a petition floating around the Internet trying to convince the Country Music Hall of Fame to induct Gram Parsons. Gram’s untimely death in 1973 stunned everybody, and the mark he left on country music has been undeniable. The former member of The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers has been credited with helping jump start the birth of alternative country. Even with his progressive sound and memorable collaborations (including Emmylou Harris), the Country Music Hall of Fame has continued to deny him entry into their illustrious club. Well, Gram Parsons fans are finally putting their foot down in support of him. The “Grievous Angel” deserves the recognition that he has been denied for so long. To sign the petition, go to: http://www.gramparsonspetition.com/

I’m sure all of you are relieved to hear that the paparazzi case against Kanye West has been dismissed. Really, who cares? I guess because this guy has a history of being a total “jackass” (as our president, the Nobel Peace Prize winner, calls him), people really WANT to know what stupid thing he is doing at the moment. However, even though the case was dismissed, West was ordered to complete a few hours of community service. I think the best community service for Kanye West would be for him to just go away.

That’s it for this week! Stay tuned for the next edition of “The Low Down”!

If you have a story you want to share, e-mail kate@rhythmscene.com

References:
www.billboard.com
www.mtv.com
www.pastemagazine.com
www.this-is-not-it.com

]]> http://www.rhythmscene.com/2009/10/this-week-in-music-10-27-09/feed/ 0 http://www.rhythmscene.com/2009/10/this-week-in-music-10-16-09/ http://www.rhythmscene.com/2009/10/this-week-in-music-10-16-09/#comments Sun, 18 Oct 2009 03:42:50 +0000 admin http://www.rhythmscene.com/?p=383

This Week in Music

October 16, 2009

Written by Kate Dingle

Hey kids! Allow me to introduce the FIRST EVER edition of “This Week in Music”! This is for those of you die hard music lovers who just don’t have the hours and hours to poke around on the Internet searching for the most important music stories that occurred over the course of the week. So here we go! Get excited!

You can say whatever you want about Britney Spears. But the fact of the matter is that she has pulled herself out of whatever self-destructive path she was on to once again be crowned the Queen of Pop. To add to her list of accomplishments this year, including a worldwide tour and platinum album, she became the first artist in over three years to debut at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her single “3″ entered this week, and is sure to enjoy a nice long stay at the top. A note to all musicians who aspire to top the Hot 100: It’s become very clear that in order to debut at number 1, you need to be very publicly “hospitalized” multiple times, freak out in front of the paparazzi every chance you get, and drive with your infant child on your lap. With this advice, you will surely succeed at Hot 100 domination.

Other musicians enjoying time on Billboard’s Hot 100 are: Everybody’s favorite new cutie, Justin Beiber’s new single “One Less Lonely Girl” debuted at number 16, while his current radio single “One Time” rose from 26 to 21. Chris Brown also made his first appearance as a lead artist on the Hot 100 in nearly eight months with his single “I Can Transform Ya” (Ka-POW!) debuting at number 52. Anti-Twitter-er Miley Cyrus’ single “Party in the USA” dropped from number 2 to 3 (maybe we’ll be privileged enough to receive yet another YouTube rap about her drop in the standings), while Owl City’s “Fireflies” jumped from 11 to 9.

In other news…………..

Lady GaGa fans were ecstatic to hear that even though her tour with Kanye West was cancelled, she would be hitting the road on her own. Gaga announced her “Monster Ball” tour with supporting act Kid Cudi. The tour will kick off on November 27th in Montreal, and hit major cities including Boston, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Miami. The tour will conclude in New York City with a two night stint at Radio City Music Hall. I’m sure there will be enough wheelchairs, crutches, fake deaths, and over the top hair to go around. Get your tickets now!

A Few More Bits and Bites……

Garth Brooks announced that he is coming out of retirement. Apparently, he is headed to the city where most retirement dropouts (i.e. Celine Dion) head: Las Vegas! I thought he had come out of retirement when he released his Walmart exclusive 27 disk box set. Oops!

Black Eyed Peas siren,Fergie, is set to become the newest celebrity investor in the Miami Dolphins. The deal is not yet official, but the Dolphins’ have already approved the investment Survivor style (with a vote). When the deal is final, Fergie will join Marc Anthony (the guy married to J.Lo), Gloria and Emilio Estefan, and Venus and Serena Williams as the newest celebrity investor. Doesn’t that list of AMAZING celebs make you want to run out and buy season tickets to the Dolphins? I didn’t think so. Fins up!

References:
billboard.com
singersroom.com

]]> http://www.rhythmscene.com/2009/10/this-week-in-music-10-16-09/feed/ 0 http://www.rhythmscene.com/2009/10/newfoundglory/ http://www.rhythmscene.com/2009/10/newfoundglory/#comments Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:28:32 +0000 admin http://www.rhythmscene.com/?p=358 A Moment With New Found Glory

October 16, 2009

Solid Sound Studios, Pompano Beach, FL

Written by Kate Dingle

It felt like it was about one hundred and fifty degrees outside. Inside, after everyone had cleared out, it felt about fifty degrees cooler. Each sweat-soaked attendee that walked by re-affirmed the sentiment that had already been known; It was entirely too hot for the gentlemen of New Found Glory to play another set for the folks that weren’t able to get in the first time around.

I’m sure that neither the staff of the little studio nor the NFG guys thought that nearly 200 people would show up for their impromptu concert/practice. After all, they had only announced the show a few hours before on their Twitter page. However, the turn out for their jam session far exceeded everyone’s expectations.

The band was in their hometown rehearsing for their upcoming tour with Dashboard Confessional. Front man, Jordan Pundik, said that they had heard of acts putting on impromptu shows for their fans at Solid Sounds Studios while they were rehearsing, and thought that they should do it too. Pundik went on to say that they just wanted to play songs that they thought their fans would enjoy. Well, it was certainly clear that the show was loved by everyone.

There didn’t seem to be any hard feelings coming from the group of people who missed the show. When the music stopped, the group was allowed inside to catch a glimpse of Jordan Pundik, Chad Gilbert, Steve Klein, Ian Grushka, and Cyrus Bolooki. The group took the time to talk with those who missed out on the experience, take pictures, and sign autographs. They seemed so grateful for the amount of support they received, and told everyone that they’d see them soon.

Photos by Christina Mendenhall

]]> http://www.rhythmscene.com/2009/10/newfoundglory/feed/ 0