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The Detroit Dish

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

X! Fest Will Rock Your Face Off This Weekend

Metro Detroit is home to several outstanding indie record labels. One of the most prolific labels in Detroit is by far X! Records, who've recently publish music from such "ballz out" modern punk rockers as the Frustration, Terrible Twos, The Mahonies, and Fontana.

MCR recently corresponded with Scott Dunkerley; Frustrations drummer and founder of X! Records, to get his take on the current music industry and this weekend's much anticipated two day X! Fest. X! Fest will be held this Friday and Saturday night at the Bohemian National Home located at 3009 Tillman in Detroit (map)

How long has X! Records been around?
I came up with the name/idea for the label in 2003, mostly as a way to release the music of the bands I was in at the time. Between 2003-2005 I just released a few CD-R's under the X! name. I started working on thelabel more seriously in 2005 when I released the Frustrations first 7".

What artist have you worked with?
Let's see...Terrible Twos, Fontana, Frustrations (which is the band I play in), Tyvek, Heroes & Villains, Little Claw, Michael Yonkers, the Mahonies, the Skinny Fists, the Yarbles, Burning Orchestra.

I'll also be putting out the Shiftless Decay: New Sounds of Detroit compilation too, which will feature many of those bands as well as the Johnny Ill band, Human Eye, Odd Clouds, THTX, and Tentacle Lizardo.

Does owning a record label pay the bills, what got you started?
Owning a record label does not pay the bills, at least not at this point. That wasn't really the intention when I started it though. It was more about getting music out by bands I would see over and over in the area who had been playing shows for years sometimes, and had never released anything. The quality of the bands was so good too, and they all had somewhat different sounds...I wanted a way to unify them under one roof to be able to promote as a whole, not just individually.

What advice do you give to others thinking about starting a label.
Well, Detroit is one of the best places to have a label for the simple fact that we have a record pressing plant in town (Archer Record Pressing). There are less than 10 plants left in the USA that I can think of, so that is a real convenience. Advice about starting a label? I guess I would say think before you start one. There is enough horrible music out there to sift through already. I also believe how you treat the bands/artists you release should be priority one. It seems like labels sometimes forget that they wouldn't have labels if it weren't for the people making the music. And traditionally, musicians get the shaft when it comes to payment, etc. Also, I pretty much dump all the spare cash I have after rent, food, and buying other people's records into the label, so be prepared for that maybe.

What are your thought on the current Detroit music scene?
I think there are a ton of good bands in Detroit that are pretty much constantly playing shows. There are also a lot of smaller touring bands that come through too that are great. My friends and I set up a lot of shows for out of town bands, and it can be tough sometimes to get people
out. That has been improving in the last couple of years though, hopefully we're developing a bit of a track record so people will be more likely to come to a show that we set up in faith that the bands will be pretty cool. There are also, of course, a lot of bad/boring/over hyped/mediocre bands in the area, like any big city. But who wants to talk about them anyway?

Tell us about X! Fest?
This will be the first X! Fest. Might be an annual thing, might not. Not sure yet. It will feature 10 local acts (Tyvek, Terrible Twos, Fontana, Frustrations, Heroes & Villains, the Mahonies, THTX, Druid Perfume, Beekeepers, and Timmy's Organism), and 4 out of town acts (Necropolis, Sic Alps, Psychedelic Horseshit, and Guinea Worms) over two days. Pretty cheap too as far as festivals go, $8 per night. It is going on this weekend, Friday the 25th and Saturday the 26th at the Bohemian National Home in Detroit. Hope to get people out checking out some bands they've never heard before.

Who are the must see acts?
They're all must see acts! haha...well, you should definitely come see all the out of town bands. This will be one of Druid Perfume's first shows too, so you should check that out. Also Heath will be in town to play with Tyvek for this show, so that is always a special occasion.

X! Fest 2008 Lineup

Friday*
Tyvek, Sic Alps (San Francisco)
the Frustrations
Psychedelic Horseshit (Columbus)
the Mahonies
Heroes and Villains

Saturday*
Terrible Twos
the Guinea Worms (Columbus)
Fontana
Necropolis (Columbus)
Druid Perfume
Timmy's Organism
THTX
the Beekeepers

*doors @ 8 with a BBQ on Saturday at 6:30

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The Hard Lessons Learn A Thing Or Two

In support of their upcoming B&G Sides record release show at the Crofoot on Saturday night, The Hard Lessons made it on the cover of The Metro Times this week.

Also, fellow 89FM The Impact alumni, and long time Hard Lessons drummer Christophe (The Anvil) is leaving the band later this year - Go West Young Man!

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Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Silent Years' New Album Update

Critic, fan and all around acclaimed Detroit quintet The Silent Years have recently sign to New York label Defend Music. Defend Music will release the Silent Years forthcoming second album The Globe on iTunes on August 12th followed by the hard copy on August 26th. In addition, Defend Music will also be re-releasing the The Silent Years self-titled debut album for free on the labels site (downloaded it and but it on repeat).

Catch The Silent Years in action at the SPIN pre-Lollapalooza show at St. Andrew's Hall next Thursday night; unless of course you will be on I-94 heading to the actual Lollapalooza in Chicago.

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Rap Battle Royale

Detroit music super stars Kid Rock and Eminem have officially been challenged to participate in a Detroit area charity freestyle rap battle. All this is in support of the new movie Rap Therapy, which chronicles a Detroit social worker's use of hip hop to help steer troubled kids away from drugs and violence.

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Kid Rock #1 Across The Pond, Von Bondies Offer Up Song For Soundtrack

Kid Rock goes number 1 in UK for the first time; but NME is reporting that Kid Rock has been ordered to take anger management classes after an early morning brawl in a Georgia Waffle House.

This weekend there are count em, 4 CD release parties in the Metro Area. Deep Cutz looks at one of them, The Displays.

Metromix has a Q&A this week with Walls of Jericho.

Detour reviews Nomo's Ghost Rock and even offers up a free listen - I'm telling you folks best album of the year.

The Von Bondies new track "Only To Haunt You" is on the The Lost Boys: The Tribe soundtrack. The Von Bondies share the album with modern rock heavyweights; The Hold Steady, Blind Melon, Eagles of Death Metal and Airbourne. AOL is currently stream the complete soundtrack for free.

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Monday, July 21, 2008

Midwest Fest 2

Tomorrow marks the start of the Midwest Fest in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Several Detroit bands are set to play, below is the complete lineup:

Tuesday, July 22:
Gifts From Enola
Oneironauts
This Level Is Clouds
Glynis
Memory To Matter
Rubble's Bar-7pm-ALL AGES

Wednesday, July 23:
A reunion of CAMERATA!
Sh! The Octopus
The Mighty Narwhale
Rubble's Bar-6:30pm-ALL AGES

Electronic/Psychedelic Freak Out Show
DEASTRO
Child Bite
ultraMark
Mummyz Daddy
Rubble's Bar-10:30pm-18+

Thursday, July 24:
MAPS AND ATLASES
Ports of Aidia
Instant Prehistoric
Cheap Girls
Rubble's Bar-6:30pm-ALL AGES

The return of BARBAROSSA
Liam McKay
September On
Empire! Empire!
Rubble's Bar-10:30pm-18+

Friday, July 25th:
Cameron McGill and What Army
Great Lakes Myth Society
Frontier Ruckus
Rubble's Bar-6:30pm-ALL AGES

Your Little Ponies
Skatch on the Rocks
The Burning Bushes
The Kincaids
Rubble's Bar-10:30pm-18+

Saturday, July 26th:
Anathallo
Empty Orchestra
Canada
The Sinners
The Broadway Theater-7pm-ALL AGES

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Updates: Kid Rock, White Stripes, Muggs, Alice Cooper, Taproot, more

Kid Rock - one down four to go

The White Stripes - "Seven Nation Army" wins the battle of the Euro (whatever the hell that means)

The Muggs - Dodge likes the Muggs

Alice Cooper - even rock stars have dreams

Concert of Colors - before and after

Frustrations & Tyvek - Live @ Chill & Mingle

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Friday, July 18, 2008

Electric Six Set To Release Fifth Studio Album

Straight form the horse's blog, Detroit's infamous Electric Six will be release their fifth studio album titled Flashy (Metropolis Records) on Oct. 21 of this year. Also, In the coming months a already completed music video will be released for the second track off the album "Formula 409."

For those of you who simply cannot wait until the fall, you can currently hear all 13 tracks packed into one long format mp3 on the Electric Six's Myspace page.

The track listing for Flashy is as follows:

1. Gay Bar Part Two
2. Formula 409
3. We Were Witchy Witchy White Women
4. Dirty Ball
5. Lovers Beware
6. Your Heat is Rising
7. Face Cuts
8. Heavy Woman
9. Flashy Man
10. Watching Evil Empires Fall Apart
11. Graphic Designer
12. Transatlantic Flight
13. Making Progress

- posted by Big Wave Dave @ 2:22 PM | Permalink | 0 comments | Email this | Social bookmark

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Walls Of Jericho Interview

Rock Sound has an interview with Detroit hardcore metalers Walls of Jericho whose newset album The American Dream is out on July 28 on Trustkil records. Check out tracks off the album on Walls of Jericho's Myspace page.

Catch Walls of Jericho on this year's Mayhem Festival at DTE Energy Music Theater on Saturday August 9th with Slipknot, Disturbed, Sevendust, Airbourne, and more.

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Living La Vida Lohan

The Gore Gore Girls standout track from their latest album "Fox In A box" will be featured in Living Lohan this Sunday night, July 20th on the E! Entertainment Channel.

Webvomit not only has the scoop on the year's most sought after comic book movie trailer (you sly dog), but also next weekend's cluster bleep of Detroit record releases/concerts from the Javelins, The Hentchmen, and The Hard Lessons.

For all you classic rockers with deep pockets, The Who will kick off their upcoming North American Tour on October 21st in Detroit.

Detroit hero Alice Cooper has posted his entire new album Along Came A Spider on MySapce, which will be available in stores on Tuesday, July 29th.

SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT:
Friday June 18th

Lee Marvin Computer Arm with
Cheap Time (In the Red Records, from Nashville)
The Uproars (Muldoon kids new band)
@ LJ's Lounge - Detroit, Michigan

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Thursday, July 17, 2008

Detroit Cobras To Play Foward Music Festival

This years inaugural Forward Music Festival in Madison, WI on Sept 19 & 20th, will feature The Detroit Cobras in a key billing spot. The Detroit Cobras will share the stages with the likes of punk legend Bob Mould, Neko Case, Shearwater, Dan Deacon, Box Social, High Places, and more.

Also, New Wave rockers Love Meets Lust will be featured in the upcoming movie One Wish.

- posted by Big Wave Dave @ 2:14 PM | Permalink | 1 comments | Email this | Social bookmark

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Madison, WI, it appears (not WA).

posted by

leokowalyk : July 20, 2008 9:52 PM

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Weekend Lowdown - July 15, 2008

Thursday (7/17)
Amplified Heat (Austin, TX) wsg Year of the Pig @ Belmont

No Age @ The Crofoot

Concert of Colors @ Max Fisher Music Center

Caribou @ Blind Pig

Friday (7/18)
CD RELEASE SHOW: The Jesus Chainsaw Massacre @ Corktown Tavern

SubSprawl Summer 2008 4 with The Pop Project, Great Lakes Myth Society, Friendly Foes, and more @ Alvin's

Last Tourist, Millions of Brazilians, Wednesdees, Jehovah's Witness Protection Program @ Small's

Mick Bassett & the Marthas w/ the Prime Ministers and Steven & The Reelers @ Lager House

Magic Shop @ Jacoby's

The Hold Steady @ The Crofoot

Freer @ TC's Speak Easy

The Last Bastards @ Berkley Front

Concert of Colors @ Max Fisher Music Center

Saturday (7/19)
Huelyn Duvall w/The Horse Cave Trio and DJ Del @ Berkley Front

Hell City Records Showcase - The Amino Acids, Dead End Lake, Mean Mother and Blacklist @ Smalls

The Sugarcoats, Kelly Caldwell & the Magic Family Mountain Band, and Bad Indians @ Lager House

The Bang @ The Blind Pig

Ty, Doop & the Inside Outlaws & Friends @ the Park Bar Sat!

Concert of Colors @ Max Fisher Music Center

Sunday (7/20)
!!! (CHK CHK CHK) @ The Pike Room (Crofoot)

Concert of Colors @ Max Fisher Music Center

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Deep Cutz, Blondies and How The Economy Is Hurting Concert Sales

This week Deep Cutz throws out a few Javelins. Hey, just who is this Deep Cutz Charlie anyways?

Robbie Buxton of The Birddogs talks briefly about their upcoming record The Satanic Troubadours Audio Almanac.

Rachel May of the Freep has all the lowdown on the opening of a new location for legendary Detroit rock bar Blondies. The new Blondies will be located downtown at 2281 Fort Street, check out the Blondies Myspace page for more info on booking.

Detroit guitar legend Dennis Coffey will be collaborating with RG Dempster & The Drives for a new Woodward Dream Cruise CD - Carbon monoxide poisoning and traffic jam not included.

The Detroit News has every thing you need to know about Don Was's All-Star Detroit Rock Jam session on Sunday night at this weekends Concert of Colors.

Speaking of live concerts, it looks like Live Nation is having trouble selling concert tickets this year, this should be a red flag to all musical artist that feel playing live can offset sinking record sales. Example: Live Nation has recently offered $10 tickets for the slow selling Raconteurs show at San Diego State University on September 25.

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Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Kid Rock Bounces Back

Kid Rock's 2007 album Rock N Roll Jesus is back in the Billboard Top 200 top five this week. The Kid Rock single "All Summer Long" is currenlty the #1 single in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and on VH1 in the states, top 5 in the UK, and top 15 in the U.S. Hot AC, Pop, and Rock radio formats.

Notching its 13th consecutive week of increased sales, the album has now reached the highest sales rank it has seen since Christmas 2007, scanning over 61,000 copies in the U.S. this week exclusively via physical sales. To date, "Rock N Roll Jesus" has scanned nearly 1.2 million units (more)

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Zoos of Berlin, Carl Craig, Matthew Dear Cover David Bowie

Experimental rock act Zoo of Berlin recently collaborated with Detroit techno legend Carl Craig on the David Bowie cover "Looking for Water," which is recently featured on the new David Bowie tribute album Life Beyond Mars: Bowie Covered (Rapster Records). Find the album on Amazon here and the track on iTunes here.

The Bowie tribute album also features Detroit techno native Matthew Dear's version of "Sound & Vision," which can be found on iTunes here.

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Free EP Download From The Dead Bodies

Head on over to www.sexydeadbodies.com to download the the highly acclaimed Dead Bodies EP Cock Cock Cock Cock Xanadu Xanadu for FREE. And don't forget to donate while your their, cause these fellas sure as hell deserve it.

The Dead Bodies: Cock Cock Cock Cock Xanadu Xanadu

As for new albums, Friendly Foes ring leader Ryan Allen recently reveled that the final mix for their debut album is almost complete. Throw in some artwork and you have yourself a penciled in September release date (hurry up already). Catch 'The Foes' in action on Friday night at the new Alvin's in Detroit with Great Lakes Myth Society and The Pop Project; which part of the Suburban Sprawl Summer of Awesome!

Also, Mick Collins explains to Atlanta's Creative Loafing that The Dirtbombs are "not another stinking garage band."

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Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Nomo: Ghost Rock

It's been a great year for Ann Arbor based and Ubiquity Records recording artist Nomo; who define their sound as "post-afrobeat dance explosion." First they booked a spot at this year's Bonnaroo, then Cityfest, and now Pitchfork reviews Nomo's latest album Ghost Rock and gives it a 8.3 out of 10.

Download Ghost Rock on eMusic (which is already in my 2008 top ten) and catch Nomo at Campus Martius in Detroit on August 22nd as they wind down their extensive U.S. summer tour.

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Operation Brown Sugar

The Dirtbombs song inspires the indy movie I’m Through With White Girls; which features Johnny Brown of Goodtimes fame (source)

D12 reunited last Saturday night at St. Andrews Hall in Detroit.

Last month the remaining members of the MC5 and Primal Scream joined forces on stage at the Royal Festival Hall in London. Didn't the MC5 play at Goose Lake, Michigan back in the spring of 69?

Dude, there's something on my shoe.

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Monday, July 14, 2008

A-Rod Heart Madonna

Also:

The Silent Years will play at this year's Lollapalooza (kind of)

The Hamtramck Citizen enters the internet age

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Sunday, July 13, 2008

Dirtbombs Go Afropunk, Andrew W.K. Works It For ICP

The Dirtbomb's rocked this past weekend's Afropunk Festival in Brooklyn, click here to see live videos from the set and Ben Blackwell drumming in the crowd.

Andrew W.K. will give a special solo performance at their yearly Insane Clown Posse music festival, The Gathering Of The Juggalos on August 8th, at Cave-In-Rock, Illinois

I'm extremely honored to be asked to play this show. I grew up in Southeast Michigan and witnessed the rise of ICP, Psychopathic Records, and the Juggalos to unimaginable heights." - Andrew W.K.

Metromode goes in depth with two Detroit area Schools of Rock.

Not music related; Detroit and Ann Arbor are to be named in ESPN's "Titletown."

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Friday, July 11, 2008

Save Some Cash

The Hard Lessons are giving you a chance to save some money; head on over to the WAB in Ferndale and get your service charge free, advanced tickets to their CD/Vinyl Release extravaganza on Saturday, July 26th at The Crofoot in Pontiac. Also on the bill are: American Mars, The Four Hour Friends, Paul Green School of Rock. (Get your tickets online here).

Also, Daniel Victor of Windor's Neverending White Lights, is auctioning off his guitar to raise money for Windsor's Regional Hospital.

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