by jill ettinger

Ashtar Command Releasing “American Sunshine Volume 1” in 2011

DJ/producer, Chris Holmes, and former Nine Inch Nails member and Filter founder, Brian Liesegang, are the geniuses and/or aliens behind Ashtar Command.

The collaboration hearkens to a new era in music and sociopolitical commentary, as demonstrated in “Gravity,” the album’s first track. Based on interviews Holmes conducted back in ’94 with members of the Heaven’s Gate cult (yes, I’m serious), they put together a video mockumentary about the group that ended up committing mass suicide in 1997. Z Berg does a great job on lead vocals on the track and the album, American Sunshine Volume 1 includes contributions from an assortment of talent including members of Edward Sharp and The Magnetic Zeros, Veruca Salt, Filter, Smashing Pumpkins and R.E.M.

Ashtar Command seeks to promote artistry and independence and the ability to be creative in unprecedented times. Get ready for a sonic exodus out of mainstream pop culture an into another world, or perhaps a new solar system altogether.
For more on Ashtar Command visit www.ashtar-command.com
If you do nothing else, you just have to watch this video.

12.03.10

by jill ettinger

Psychic Powers Announces “Infinity” Release for December 2010

In 2007, Nik Brinkman (Over the Atlantic) and Alejandro Cohen (Lanquis) met in Los Angeles and a collaboration they call Psychic Powers was born.

Being separated by thousands of miles due to Nik’s home in New Zealand, songs were worked out through internet jam sessions. Earlier this year they met again in person to complete the full length album, Infinity.

Drawing on influences from labels such as 4AD, Flying Nun, Sarah and Creation Records, the duo blends electronic pop music reminiscent of the 90’s, but with a totally modern twist.
You can grab their previous EP Frozen from RCRD LBL here.

For more information on Psychic Powers: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Psychic-Powers/437907455446

12.03.10

by summer826

Holcombe Waller Offers Free Download To Celebrate New Album

In preparation for his third album entitled Into the Dark Unknown and set to release February 22, 2011, singer, songwriter, composer and video artist Holcombe Waller is offering his single “Risk of Change” as a free download.

The San Francisco native, began his musical career while attending Yale University studying art. During that time, he produced and mixed two albums for Bryce and Aaron Dessner and Bryan Devendor of The National fame. Returning the favor, the three played on Waller’s debut album Advertising Space released in 1999 on Holcombe’s very own label, Napoleon Records. In 2001, he released his second album, Extravagant Gesture.

In 2005, Waller moved to Portland, Oregon. Over the years, he has stepped outside his box of recorded music and ventured into theater, performance art and video installation. In 2008, he embarked on a new experience performing in “In the Dark Unknown: The Hope of Chest” which toured the U.S. as well as Canada and Croatia. During this time, Waller wrote the songs for his new album which is sure to be a melodic combination of songs and lyrics that will show off his talent as a musician and songwriter.

For more information about Holcombe including album information and tour dates, visit his Web site here.

12.03.10

by John Grimley

Hoofdriver Is As Awesome As Name Implies

Although honestly, a couple of the other combinations sound way cooler. Formed as a 7″ between Deerhoof and Busdriver (MC Regan Farquhar), Hoofdriver features Busdriver recording new lyrics and vocals over the Deerhoof’s song “I Did Crimes For You.”

But really, Hoofdriver is the best one? What about Busdeer? Or Deerbus? Or Deerdriver? The compilation formed when Deerhoof accidently sent Farquhar the wrong instrumental track to sing over. By the time they realized their mistake, Busdriver had already recorded lyrics too awesome to ignore.

The 7″ will be out on a limited 1,000 copy-run in yellow vinyl. Meanwhile, Deerhoof have also released a new track from their two-month CD release party. The song “Must Fight Current” can be found over at www.deerhoofvsevil.com

12.03.10

by John Grimley

The Knife Are Spreading Seeds

Techno group The Knife have released their first single in “Seeds”. The song will come in EP form with remixes from Portable aka Bodycode and Shinedoe.

The song is taken from the group’s album Tomorrow, In A Year which was commissioned by the Danish performance crew Hotel Pro Forma.

The project is based on Darwin’s famous and controversial On The Origin Of Species and challenges the convention of a standard opera. Adding techno is definitely a step in the right direction in that regard.

The single will be out December 6th both digitally and limited edition vinyl. In the meantime, check out The Knife’s mystifying “Silent Shout: An Audio and Visual Experience” right here.

http://pitchfork-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/player/DelveMoviePlayer.swf

12.03.10

by wesleyambrecht

Introducing Moneypenny

Chicago based duo Moneypenny came to our attention yesterday when we heard they were doing spot shows with hometown pals Hey Champ and Team Bayside High this month. The first of these three shows was actually last night in San Fran so, if you went, feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.