photos by Marina Chavez

by Brittney Corridean

Wrapping up a few shows in the Austin, TX area, Philly’s own Kurt Vile had a couple minutes to chat about his upcoming NYE show at The Fillmore, the success of his latest album, and just being on the road.

“I definitely got to see my family a little more which is nice, I’m making my way back home now to spend time with them,” says Vile.

I’m not sure about you, but I think it’s an extra nice welcome that he has some time to kick it with family and then a first time performance at a newer venue in his hometown. 

In the past year, Vile completed his most recent album b‘lieve i’m goin down, which took about that long to complete. Since then he’s had his “hands in a lot of stuff” such as being featured on Pitchfork for best new album & track, guest appearing on HBO’s show Animals as a far out squirrel, collaborating with other artists such as Pat McLaughlin, Endless Boogie and plenty more…but who’s counting?

Also coming up in the New Year, Vile will be heading over to Australia. He has ventured a few times before, but this time for a solo tour. While over there he will be taking some time to collaborate with the beloved contemporary rock artist Courtney Barnett. Which fans could be quite enthralled to see what comes of it. Needless to say Vile has been quite fruitful in his artistic endeavors lately.

Even though so much is going on in his growing life of rock n’ roll, Vile remains humble and excited about his musical path. Honestly, he is pretty stoked about coming home and enjoying time with his family and old friends for a bit.

Vile grew up on music. He would listen his grandad’s records of bands like the Beatles and Creedence Clearwater Revival. As he got older, his musical palate changed, getting into Smashing Pumpkins and other grunge/indie rock bands like Dinosaur Jr. He eventually ended up touring and working with Dinosaur Jr. too.

“Philly has influenced me, but it’s hard to put into words,” states Vile on the influence of his hometown, “You grow up in this blue collar sort of industrial area that is surrounded by big city things, decaying buildings… you kind of have to live there to really understand it.”

As for his latest album, he’s enjoyed a bit of success. “It’s definitely a late night type of record that has this contemplative, takes you into outer space a little bit feel. It’s mid-tempo, kind of hypnotic,” states Vile of his work, adding that the fifth track, “Wheelhouse”, is probably his favorite.

If you weren’t able to score tickets to Vile’s upcoming NYE show, grab some ASAP. No, kidding, but if you haven’t checked him out by now, best b’lieve you should sometime soon.

It was hard to even get into to the place; the venue is already intimate in size and on Monday night, it was sardine-can packed with people. The stage is small, but the performers made the best of their space as it was full of instruments.

Bishop Briggs was sporting her classic pigtail buns and army coat for the show. She had lots of energy and had to stop singing to catch her breath at one point from all the dancing and jumping around. Her voice live was incredibly powerful and feminine. She really gave it her all and the audience fed off her energy with cheers and movement. She also performed her two main radio hits “River” and “Wild Horses” and left the stage almost abruptly, but not before thanking the crowd.

There was about a 30-40 minute break between sets and you could feel people getting anxious for Kaleo to come on. Even so that when each of the intermission music tracks ended, they would start applauding and yelling, as if encouraging Kaleo to come out earlier.

Kaleo had a 9:30 start and began the show with a single spotlight on lead singer, Jokull Juliusson. He started whistling (a very impressive whistler might I add) as they opened with “I Can’t Go On Without You”. Just as the rest of the band cut in, more lights came on, bolts of faux lightning flashed on the venue’s dark purple curtains and reflected of the candelabra chandeliers- quite dramatic, but it worked.

Juliusson ended the song in his celebrated, falsetto voice and broke into “Save Yourself” immediately after. He then spoke out to the crowd stating how enthralled he was to have a sell-out at a venue like the TLA on a Monday night. Cut to southern swagger and they began to perform “Broken Bones”.

The band members were all wearing different styles of attire and seemed very focused and intense during the performance. Getting the reputation of somewhat of a sex symbol, Juliusson was rocking a white button down, semi-popped collar and a little chest showing. His guitar was beautiful; tri-colored of red, white and medium-toned wood. All members were very versatile, the bassist went back and forth between that and the keyboards, the drummer came forth for the softer songs to tap on the tambourine and play smaller percussion instruments.

They then played “Automobile” and my personal favorite, “All the Pretty Girls”, which had a slower pace. They then went right back to rocking with “No Good” and “Walk on Water” which I might add, had many members in the audience holding up lighters in admiration- a move I haven’t seen in a while. I appreciated it.

As the concert came to a wrap, they performed “Way Down We Go”. In closing, this is a great act to see live. Juliusson is so talented it should be a crime. The way he pours himself into each song and just flows from one alto to the next is bound to give anyone goosebumps and leave them wanting to hear more. Their acoustics were great and the culmination of the band in general was impressive. I would definitely recommend catching their show next time! Hey, they’ve only been touring for 18 months and already played in 47 states- Philly multiple times! I’d keep a look out.

The Electric Factory was filled to maximum capacity Saturday night as two very popular singers, George Ezra and Hozier, came to town to play a very amazing, one of a kind show. The crowd varied from babes to bearded hipsters to baby boomers; it was a different blend of people altogether and despite the nuances among the audience, there was a generally good rapport going between them.

Both musicians have been hitting high on the charts these days. For those of you who wanted to be there and couldn’t get your hands on some very sold out tickets, I truly do feel for you. There wasn’t much room to move around the venue, but somehow certain show goers still found their way to dance and move along with the upbeat, catchy tunes of Mr. George Ezra.

Ezra opened the night with “Cassy O” and right away it was visible that the drummer was stationed to the left front of the stage instead of the regular middle setting with big bold letters “GEORGE EZRA” on the bass drum display.

Everyone in the four piece band had on flannels but Ezra rocked a pocketed long sleeved t-shirt that went with his carefree attitude. He seemed in good spirits and noted how much he was enjoying his time in Philadelphia; all while speaking in his very distinct British accent. Of course, this had the majority of girls swooned from the start. It didn’t take much to get the crowd in an uproar the entire night.

He then went on to play “Listen to the Man” and it must be noted that he sounds identical to his recordings when performing live. Ezra is truly a great artist to see in person. He even went a capella for one song where just his voice just bounced around the place and found it’s way to your ears. Ezra wrapped up with the romantic and heartwarming song “Budapest”.

Hozier then took over the stage wearing a flattering man bun and flannel shirt with a black leather jacket. He was accompanied by a seven-piece band with a female playing the guitar/tambourine/keyboards. He also had two backup singers with him that were harmonious and energetic during the entire performance.

For some songs, they used a heavier bass that went so well with his deep, soulful voice. Hozier performed “Take me to Church”, “From Eden”, “Angel of Small Death” and surprisingly pulled out an Ariana Grande cover, “One Less Problem”, which was both playful and phenomenal.

Once the show ended, people were still cheering and chattering about how great of a performance it was. George Ezra and Hozier really did complement one another perfectly. Though they both have relatively different sounds and rhythm to their music, both musicians can hold a terrific stage presence.

With the recent wonderful weather we have experienced in Philadelphia, the city has been booming with things to do. Delicious food trucks surrounding the city, live (free) music being heard from all over town and of course, our favorite fall time beverages craft/pumpkin beer! Or wait, is this just everything that will be at the Mt. Airy Street Fare: Sip, Savor and Stroll, taking place this Thursday, September 18?

Yep, it’s that time of year and this a community based event will be held by the finest and most delectable restaurants, gourmet food trucks, vendors etc. in the heart of this thriving part of town. With over 50 of the region’s best partaking in this event and an expectancy of 11,000 visitors, it’s sure to be a dynamite time.

There will be something here for everyone; whether you consider yourself a green thumb and enjoy organic, fresh taste or have a hankering for some feel-good soul food, your belly and your palate are promised to be satisfied.

If good tunes are what you looking for, take a walk and enjoy the diverse bands that will be putting on free shows throughout so make sure to bring your dancing shoes! Also, be prepared to be greeted by smiles and the good people of Philadelphia who will be happy to introduce the latest and greatest of Mt. Airy.

This is a family friendly event, too with a plethora of arts and crafts going on that the youngins’ can dig there hands into and have fun with their creative selves.

The event will be held from 6pm-10:30pm on Germantown Ave this Thursday, September 18th. All attractions are accessible by public transportation and valet/street parking will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

Photos courtesy of Go Mt Airy

To keep up to speed with live updates and a list of full vendors, check out @gomtairy #stfaremtairy on Twitter
and “Go Mt. Airy” on Facebook. You can also access the website.

Be sure to check out this unique, locally centered event and sip, savor and stroll through all the welcoming goodness.

On Wednesday night, City Sips was just starting out for 2014. The night began with tacos at the renowned venue Milkboy in Philly. While waiting for The Kickback to take the stage, I make small talk with the bassist Matt Parmenter from Quiet Company. I then saw Billy Yost from The Kickback run past. He looked almost in a panic but was probably looking for a way to get back upstairs. The stage area its self is a small space, but pretty intimate for its observers. Most of everyone was talking in small groups and the atmosphere was mellow. The blues tunes that played overhead while waiting for the bands to go on had everyone in a pretty harmonious mood. Somehow, in the midst of calm, you could sense a great deal of energy that was going to erupt in a short time to come. You could smell anticipation in between the casual chatter and it started to become contagious.

Out of nowhere, the guys from The Kickback jumped on stage and picked up their instruments. Just like, “OK-we’re here let’s get started”. Loved it. They began with a fierce energy right away. There was no warm up. Even after continuous nights on the road you could tell they keep the music coming at full force. After a first couple songs, they went into their new tune, “Stings Teacher Years”. This is one of those songs that has a catchy summer rift that brings you to summer nostalgic times. You just want to rock out.

In between songs, Yost started talking to the audience. This was really great considering a lot of bands don’t always take the time to get to know the crowd. Being a Philadelphian, we always appreciate when someone takes a second to acknowledge us while on stage. He started asking us about our day, telling us crazy stories, and it was a nice connecting moment between us-the viewers and the band. This was an unanticipated preparation for the emotion that was about to happen. Let’s just say there was a ferocious energy, perfunctory commotion and lots of feeling going on. There were a couple times I thought Yost was going to take out everyone up there with his jumping, but he didn’t. He was very aware of his surroundings and took full advantage of the stage. All the while, drummer Ryan Farnham stayed focused and didn’t miss a beat. For some reason, their sound reminds me a little of The Strokes, it has something to it that just makes you just move along without recognition.

After the Kickback’s set, Driver Friendly took the stage. These guys had a different type of charisma about them. I immediately dug lead singer Tyler Welsh’s Wolverine t-shirt. It gave way to their quirky style and killer swag. Their sound was a power-popish punk style that had a steady rhythm. Something I feel really added to their performance was the trumpet player, Juan Lopez. It gave a sort of diversity that made you rethink the essence of the music. It was fun watching them dive into it and get crazy on the stage.

Lastly, Quiet Company performed. These guys were equally enthusiastic. The singer, Taylor Muse, was backed up by the band and they had a really interesting harmony that hit different pitches at a synonymous level.  The latest addition to the band is drummer Evan Smoker who actually lived in Philadelphia once upon a time. His beats were tight and quick; they played some songs off their upcoming album, Transgressor, including “Mother of Deal” and it was interesting to see everything culminate and come to life in their performance.

What was really admirable is that Muse continuously gave shout outs to The Kickback during the performance and made a statement about how great it was traveling on the road with them. You could tell the bands meshed well together and had enjoyed one another’s company while on tour. All in all, the bands each had a certain liveliness to them that really animated their performance got the audience involved. The entire show had a common vibe throughout and really brought everyone into the present moment. This really is what music is all about; engagement & enjoyment.