New Music Everywhere!

As a booking agent for Airplay on WNUR 89.3 at the Northwestern Campus, I read up on new music and peruse venue calendars like it's my job. The Kinetic Playground, The Empty Bottle, Uncommon Ground, Reggie's Rock Club, Evanston SPACE, the Metro--all places I've either played or want to play, and all places to find potential artists for Airplay.

I am especially excited when an artist I am familiar with is coming to town, and I just might get the chance to invite them into our studio for a session or an interview. This past week, I was in luck. Indie rock Singer/Songwriter Greg Laswell, who will be having a concert at Evanston SPACE on March 3rd will be walking to our studio for an interview!

I've been following this San Diego based artist since I first heard "Worthwhile" off his sophomore album, Through Toledo and went on to explore "Days Go On" and other songs off of Three Flights From Alto Nido. Just recently, I downloaded Take a Bow, his latest release from Spring 2010, which he toured with Sara Bareilles to promote. "Take Everything" was an instant favorite of mine this past summer, when I first heard it on the Adult Alternative Music Choice channel. I love the descending vocals and the showcase of Laswell's baritone gritty voice. The album is sincere and flowing from beginning to end and I plan to give it a few more listens before Laswell comes to town. I will be extremely excited to conduct an interview with him and hear him play at SPACE. Laswell is currently signed to Vanguard Records, the same label that supports the Indigo Girls, Jesca Hoop, and Matt Nathanson to name a few of my favorites.

Another awesome group that I've been following since their single, "Golden Days" off of Air Stereo, is coming to Evanston SPACE in April. The Damnwells based out of Brooklyn, will be coming to the midwest in promotion of their upcoming album, No One Listens to the Band Anymore. Front man and singer/songwriter, Alex Dezen, has been driving the group forward since its inception in 2001. The band has an interesting history, having been picked up by Epic Records, and then let go upon release of Air Stereo. Subsequently, their third album, One Last Century was released as a free download in 2009. With such an interesting history and a real passion for sharing music freely, The Damnwells are a group to keep watching. No One Listens to the Band will be their fourth studio album and perhaps the title sums up their angst and struggle as a group over the past years. The album will be released with Pledge Music to help raise money to fight AIDS, Malaria and TB. I should be back in NY on spring break around the time of their release party on March 24th at the Bowery Ballroom. I would love to make it out then and I will be lucky enough to hear an acoustic set when they come into our studio at WNUR.

Peace.Love.Music

Kara Ali