It’s been pretty close to three years exactly since the Los Angeles based duo Uh Huh Her has played to a South Florida crowd. In that time, Camila Grey and Leisha Hailey have toured extensively in support of the debut album, Common Reaction, appeared on the soundtrack to an Oscar nominated film, and managed to record and release a new EP, Black and Blue with the full length, Nocturnes, to be released later this year.

In anticipation of their show Friday at the Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale, pbpulse.com caught up with the duo about what’s coming next.

Rhythm Scene: Fans seemed to love your first album, “Common Reaction”, how has the new music been received?

Uh Huh Her: The response has been amazing. We were off the radar for so long due to a label split and writing the record that we weren’t sure if people would still be interested. Thanks to the loyalty of or fans, when we grow musically, we know they will grow with us.

Rhythm Scene: What is your songwriting process? Do both of you contribute to each song or is each song written individually?

Uh Huh Her: We don’t have one set way of writing. That gives us the freedom to expand what we write. We have written songs completely separately, finished each others songs and written thing together from scratch. We learned to allow each of our styles to come out more. That’s what creates our sound.

Rhythm Scene: What influenced you the most when writing the new album?

Uh Huh Her:Nocturnes was written at a very transitional time for us. We had been dropped from our label and fired our managers. We had to figure out how to re-build everything. We went back to the music that inspired us, rented a studio and met everyday for 6 months to write the record.

Rhythm Scene: Your song “Same High” appeared on the soundtrack for The Kids Are All Right. How did you get involved with that film?

Uh Huh Her: We were in the studio recording with Wendy Melvoin, (Kids director Lisa Cholodenko’s) girlfriend. Lisa then approached us to possibly write a song for the film. After reading the script, we were drawn to the relationship between the donor dad (played by Mark Ruffalo) and Joni (played by Mia Wasikowska) and how their souls connected even though they had never met. We watched clips from the film and ended up writing “Same High”. We’re grateful for the chance to be in such a unique and culturally important film.

Rhythm Scene: This is turning out to be a great year for live music, but concert goers are being more and more picky with what shows they see. With the way the economy is, why should your show be a must see for folks on a budget?

Uh Huh Her: For us there is nothing better than seeing live music. It can transport you and inspire you.

Rhythm Scene: What can fans expect from your upcoming show?

Uh Huh Her: We are singing songs off ofour new EP “Black and Blue”, songs off “Common Reaction” and songs off our soon to be released full length album “Nocturnes”.

Rhythm Scene: Are there any acts that you haven’t seen but would like to?

Uh Huh Her: No we’ve both seen pretty much everyone we’d want to but wish we had seen Led Zeppelin in the ’70’s and Nirvana.

Rhythm Scene: What are you both currently listening to?

Uh Huh Her: Big Black Delta, Oh Land, Sufjan Stevens, The National, Broken Bells, Pink Floyd

Rhythm Scene: Is there anything else that you’d like to add?

Uh Huh Her: Our record Nocturnes will be released this summer. Log on to uhhuhher.com for updates.

(photo via fanpop.com)

It’s been nearly a decade and a half since the world has heard any new Sublime music. Well the wait is over for all of those die hard fans. In 2009, founding members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson joined forces with vocalist Rome Ramirez to revitalize an entire generation who grew up with Brad Nowell’s Sublime and give new fans a taste of the old “new” Sublime With Rome sound.

Currently, the trio is in El Paso putting the final touches on their debut album (due out early this summer). And as far as what fans new and old can expect from this record, Ramirez said: “It’s the same ol’ recipe. We’re very confident the sound remains the same.”

That familiar formula has fans in different corners of the world already loving the new songs they’ve added into their set lists. After a recent string of shows in Chile, Ramirez described fans as dancing and clapping along with the new tunes as if they knew them, and they’re “pretty confident” they’ll have the same success in the States.

As for what fans can expect from their April 27 performance at Sunfest, Ramirez says, “I promise it’ll be a good time. There’ll be lots of weed in the air and a lot of dancing”.

Their performance will include some of the new songs and “all of the old classics and favorites”.

And what exactly does he think of this year’s SunFest lineup (which has gotten some flack since it was announced)?

“It sounds like a killer show to me,” said Ramirez, who was giving a telephone interview. “I mean, I love Ziggy Marley and I’m a huge fan of f****ng MGMT.”

For those you who won’t be able to make it to see Sublime With Rome, you can always catch Badfish: A Tribute To Sublime who tour regularly throughout the country.

Ramirez said that the idea of a Sublime tribute act is “great. Where we’re not playing they are. We could be playing Sublime music over in China and they could be doing it in Nebraska. That’s awesome”.

After their SunFest performance, Sublime With Rome will be hitting the road this summer with 311 on the Unity Tour. Ramirez and the guys are stoked about the tour (“Who wouldn’t wanna go to that show?”), as both bands will be courting their brand new albums and the guys of 311 promise this to be the biggest Unity Tour yet.

Although Sublime With Rome will be sharing the SunFest stage with some of the biggest acts of today, Ramirez admits that fronting the band he idolized growing up and regularly selling out shows “hasn’t sunk in yet”. The vocalist, seemingly humbled by the opportunity to be in the position he’s in, only had two words for the late Nowell: “Thank you”.

Sublime’s music has stood the test of time and continued to inspire millions of fans. Ramirez seems intent on making that music live on forever. In just a few short weeks, fans in South Florida will have the opportunity to hear this music played lived, maybe for the first time (this will only be the third time Sublime with or without Rome has played to a South Florida crowd), but definitely not the last.

“We hope to come back and play some more great tunes for you”, he says. Well, we’ll be waiting.

Between memorable sets at the 13th annual Ultra Music Festival, the Grammy-winning trio Dirty Vegas talked about how the ride has been since they first shot onto the radar, when the song “Days Go By” appeared in a Mitsubishi ad in 2003.

This year at Ultra, Dirty Vegas played both a DJ set and a Live set. When asked what was more fulfilling for them as an artist, Paul Harris said, “More meaningful is live because you get to play an hour’s worth of your own music but if the crowd’s great and the performance is great it doesn’t really matter”.

Vocalist Steve Smith added: “It’s the same energy and the same excitement on both things that you do. We are very lucky”.

Prior to the Mitsubishi commercial’s release the group was a relative unknown in mainstream music. Harris said the instant fame caused them to have a bit of a meltdown.

“It was a huge success,” he said. “One day we were in the studio making a record that sold 500 copies and the next day we were on Jay Leno. It literally happened within the space of a month or two. We never expected it do anything like what it did, we just didn’t see it coming”.

They did sell quite a few albums as a result of the commercial, back when people were actually buying albums.

Ben Harris admitted that it’s a very different time to be in music these days. “It’s a bit like the Wild West out there,” he said. “I think bands and the industry need to adjust to what the demand from kids is.”

As a result of this change in the market, Dirty Vegas is now focusing more on selling concert tickets and touring and the subsequent merchandising, and less on actual record sales.

“We can focus on the fun of it, which is going out and playing,” Ben Harris said.

Smith brought up the point that people just aren’t paying for music anymore: “This is music and it’s something that people attach to their lives from the minute they’re born to the minute they die and now all of the sudden they don’t want to buy it. People are willing to go pay for a virtual cow on Farmville but they don’t need to pay for music because they can find it on the Internet for free.”

One thing they didn’t have to give away for free was the work they did on the soundtrack for The Boys and Girls Guide to Getting Down. Smith said film has a huge impact on their lives and it was hard work but a big thrill to have the opportunity to work on the soundtrack.

They are currently working on a project where they’re taking music from their new album and turning it into to a video-game score. It sounded almost like a top secret project as Smith explained: “We can’t really talk about the name of it or anything right now but it’s never been done before and we’re really excited and are looking forward to more stuff like that when we calm down from our touring schedule”.

Dirty Vegas has a new album titled Electric Love that drops April 26. When asked what their motivation for the new album was, Smith said: “The only motivation we really needed was to be back in the studio recording together, we were all really excited about working together again. The songs were the easy part! It just felt so natural.”

They also have a short list of artists they would love to collaborate with in the future which include Phoenix and Miike Snow.

When asked what artists they currently have on their playlist Paul Harris said he just bought James Blake’s album, Ben Harris said he listens mostly to underground techno or The Stones and Led Zeppelin and Smith has a sweet spot for Katy Perry and Neil Diamond and has just started listening to Beady Eye which is Liam Gallagher’s new band.

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

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