Tag: My Brothers and I

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Zach Callison, Constanza Herrero, Benjamin Jason Douglas, Robbie Fulks and Linda Gail Lewis, My Brothers and I

We made it to Friday again.  Unfortunately, there are only two weeks left of summer, so get out there and enjoy.  These five artists should give you some listening enjoyment, so let’s get going.

Artist Name:  Zach Callison

Album Name:  A Picture Perfect Hollywood Heartbreak

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Phantom Love; 2.  Interlude I – Franticity; 3.  She Don’t Know; 4.  Interlude II – Christie Only Knows; 5.  Nightmare; 6.  Interlude III – Second Thoughts; 7.  Curtain Call; 8.  Interlude IV – Showtime (ft Grace Rolek); 9.  War!

Publicist:  Magic Tree Productions

Review:  Zach Callison is best known as an actor on The Cartoon Network (the voice of Steven Universe), and Disney XD (the voice of Prince James on Sofia the First), as well as numerous guests appearances including the role of Brian on The Goldbergs, but he is a fine musician in his own right.  On his debut EP, he combines the best of both worlds with a stirring and theatrical concept album that would also make a great Broadway show.  Callison has set the bar high for his next album with this stellar debut album.  We have no doubt that he will be able to meet or exceed that standard, as his vocal abilities are truly outstanding.  Too few artists can pull off a concept album like this, and we are thankful for the chance to catch an artist on the rise.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one!

Artist Name:  Constanza Herrero

Album Name:  Constanza Herrero

Label:  A&R Records

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1,  Packing Up; 2.  Silent War; 3.  Caged; 4.  Young Tree; 5.  High Heels; 6.  Me Voy (Packing Up)

Publicist:  The A&R Department

Review:  We featured the video for “Packing Up” recently, and fell in love with the Latin sound of Constanza Herrero.  This lady has a very bright future on the radio, and we believe she could become a superstar.  She has the look and sound to make it big, and her music would make great placements for television and film.  There is not a weak song on the EP, and we think this one belongs on repeat.  We really love “Packing Up” as well as the ballad “Caged,” but all of the tracks are simply great music.  She closes the EP with a Spanish version of “Packing Up,” giving her the chance to cross-over to Latin stations.

Recommendation:  Drop everything and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Benjamin Jason Douglas

Album Name:  First World Blues

Label:  Flour Sack Cape Records

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1,  Tentpole; 2.  Beat Black and Blue Collar Blues; 3.  Walking Down the Grain; 4.  Raggedy Andy Williams; 5.  Doc Red Blues; 6.  Digging a Stigmata; 7.  Funny Feeling; 8.  Tchoupitoulas; 9.  Street Preacher; 10.  Gloria

Publicist:  Broken Jukebox Media

Review:  With his gravelly voice, Americana is the perfect choice for the musical style of Benjamin Jason Douglas.  The album has been a work in progress for the past three years, and the results were worth the wait.  He is already getting critical praise for his first single, “Raggedy Andy Williams,” and we think that the praise will continue for the entire album.  His songs are reminiscent of Randy Newman, capturing the wit and humor in his lyrics.  He even gives us a gospel sound for “Tentpole.”  With his various different musical styles, we think this album accurately portrays the state of Americana music today.

Recommendation:  If you are a fan of Americana music, then this album should be at the top of your “Must Have” list.

Artist Name:  Robbie Fulks and Linda Gail Lewis

Album Name:  Wild! Wild! Wild!

Label:  Bloodshot Records

Genre:  Country

Track Listing:  1.  Round too Long; 2.  I Just Lived a Country Song; 3.  That’s why They Call it Temptation; 4.  Wild Wild Wild; 5.  Who Cares; 6.  Till Death; 7.  Memphis Never Falls From Style; 8.  Boogie Woogie Country Gal; 9.  Foolmaker; 10.  Your Red Wagon; 11.  On the Jericho Road; 12.  It Came From the South; 13.  Hardluck, Mississippi

Publicist:  Bloodshot Records

Review:  Robbie Fulks is a Grammy nominated singer-songwriter while Linda Gail Lewis is the younger sister of Jerry Lee Lewis.  Together they recreate the amazing rockabilly sound made famous by her older brother, and sound great in the process.  It is no wonder that Lewis has been making music for more than 50 years, but the surprise that this is only her third album.  (The other two were a duet album with her brother and You Win Again with Van Morrison.)  Fulks, on the other hand, has recorded 13 solo albums since 1996, receiving two Grammy nominations for Folk Album and American Roots Song (“Alabama at Night”).  This amazing collaboration should earn him another nomination, as every song is simply perfect classic country.

Recommendation:  This one is a must have for every lover of classic country and early rockabilly music.  Get it now!

Artist Name:  My Brothers and I

Album Name:  Heartbeat

Label:  Expunged Records

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  When You’re Ready; 2.  Temporary Love; 3.  Didn’t see it Coming; 4.  Just Getting to Know You; 5.  My Heart; 6.  Always be Loving You

Publicist:  Impulse Artists

Review:  Back in March 2016, we had the privilege to review this band at the final stop of their tour in Spokane, Washington.  Their released their debut album Don’t Sleep Alone back in 2015, so we’ve been patiently waiting for their new one.  Trust us – it was time well spent.  Their arrangements are tighter, the songs are extremely well written, and definitely sound better than most of what’s on today’s Top 40 radio stations.  This EP could be the breakout the band has been waiting for, starting with the lead track, “When You’re Back.”  Other impressive tracks include “Didn’t See it Coming,” the bittersweet “Just Getting to Know You,” and “My Heart.”

Recommendation:  You simply must Get this one today!

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out

My Brothers and I bring their music south

Portland, Oregon based pop quintet My Brothers and I are headed south for their first-ever acoustic trio performances.   Composed of brothers David Wurgler on lead vocals, Erik Wurgler on bass and Scott Wurgler on drums, along with childhood friends Jordan Roach on guitar and Johnny Iliyn on keys, they have been burning up the country on their recent tour, in preparation for the release of their new album, Live at Mississippi Studios.

The trio will be performing at Sofar Sounds in Venice Beach on Thursday, August 25 and The Hotel Café in Hollywood on August 26 before heading off to Phoenix (August 27) and Tucson (August 28) for two more Sofar Sounds showcases.

Their debut full-length album, Don’t Dream Alone showed their wide range of influences, with a sound that is melodic, soulful, and danceable.   “We’re influenced by pop, hip-hop, the blues, Motown, funk, and soul,” says bassist Erik.  “This album has soul.  We’re influenced by modern artists and the classics.  Our songs fit into the current musical landscape but with throwback vibes.”

The band, which is signed to Expunged Records, has already garnered placement in TV shows like ABC Family’s Pretty Little Liars, received airplay on numerous radio stations, and launched a successful national tour in support of the album, which was recorded at Miracle Lake Studios with Skyler Norwood at the helm (who’s produced Blind Pilot, Priory, and Horsefeathers) and brings the energy that floods their live performance.
 
“I think the best part of being a band is that you collaborate.  Don’t Dream Alone is a combination of how these songs sounded in all of our heads, so naturally some ideas stayed while others had to be left behind. But we are all absolutely amazed by the final product; it’s something we’re all very proud of,” says Scott, the band’s drummer and eldest brother.
 
Don’t Dream Alone represents the idea of dreaming unselfishly.  “People dream for themselves everyday,” comments lead singer David, “but when you dream with or for other people amazing things can happen.”  
 
“With Don’t Dream Alone, the challenge was to bring and capture the same energy from our live shows, in to the studio; capture what fans love about our performances and put it on record.  Skyler did an amazing job of that,” adds Erik.  “The vocals and harmonies are the highlights of this record,” continues Erik.  “Unleashing David in the vocal booth was special.  This was David’s first time ever recording in a studio.  Multiple times he would do something with his voice and we’d look at each other in awe.”  
Los Angeles radio station KCRW even went so far as to say “lead singer David Wurgler’s rich voice will remind you of John Legend.”
 
With the success of Don’t Dream Alone, their label is planning to release a remix EP featuring several tracks off of the album, commemorating the one year anniversary of the release of Don’t Dream Alone on September 23.  
 
 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

My Brothers and I wrap tour in Spokane, Washington

Back on February 1, we told you about an amazing alt-pop band out of Portland, Oregon named My Brothers and I who were heading out for their first headlining tour.  This past Saturday, March 26, that tour concluded with a show at The Big Dipper in Spokane, Washington.

The venue was amazing.  Long a Spokane icon, the Big Dipper has been renovated and turned into a state of the art music venue with incredible sound and an even more incredible sound man named Jeff.  He made the night that much more memorable with his mastery of the board.

Thanks to the band’s publicist, Alex Steininger of In Music we Trust PR, an interview with the band was set up before the show.  I arrived at the venue early and helped the band load in and get set up for sound check.  The interview was conducted throughout that process, and will be published at a later date.

While all that was going on, the opening band, The BGP, arrived for their sound check.  Imagine my surprise to learn that the band’s founder and lead singer, Brandon Ghorley, was friends with, and had performed with, several of my LA musical peeps, including Keaton Simons, Tony Lucca, Aijia and Andy Grammer, and Clara C.

By the time the doors opened, there was a line around the building of fans anxious for the show.  Both bands took the time to talk to the fans and welcome them to the show.

The BGP took the stage first.  Upon encouragement from Ghorley, everyone left their comfortable seats and made their way to the floor in front of the stage, where they stood mesmerized during the entire performance.

Featuring music from their latest EP, Fort Knox, as well as covers of “Bennie and the Jets” and “What a Fool Believes,” the BGP rocked the joint like a lesser-known version of Maroon 5.  Ghorley’s stage presence was breathtaking to behold, as he seamlessly interacted with the audience while also entertaining them with his keyboard and vocal abilities.  His bandmates, Phil Hopper on guitar and keys and Josh Demorow on drums truly complemented his sound while making memorable moments of their own.

These guys are the real deal.  If you have a chance to catch their live show, don’t miss it.  Check out their website, follow them on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

After a short break, My Brothers and I took the stage, while the audience joined them in front of the stage.  David, the youngest of the three Wurgler boys that make up 60% of the band, is the lead singer, while his older siblings Erik is on bass and Scott is on drums.  Childhood friends Jordan Roach on guitar and Johnny Iliyn on keys make up the rest of the band.

The band has begun to receive attention from their recently released CD Don’t Dream Alone, including a placement in last week’s Pretty Little Liars episode.  Over the course of an hour, the band brought to life every cut from that CD, as well as tease us with an upcoming song, “Tell Me,” which has its own interesting tale to tell.

David’s sultry vocals, coupled with the driving bass of Erik and the perfect beat of Scott made each song come alive.  Jordan’s guitar and John’s keys filled in the melody, creating the perfect blend of musical genius culminating in songs that had meaningful lyrics and a beat that made you want to stand up and dance.  Hearing the audience sing along was the icing on the cake of one of the best live performances I have ever experienced.

My Brothers and I are definitely for real.  I strongly recommend them, as well as the BGP, as bands to take notice of now before they skyrocket to the top of the charts.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out

My Brothers and I to tour in support of debut album Don’t Dream Alone

photo courtesy of David James Visuals
My Brothers and I, an alt-pop band from Portland, Oregon, are going on tour to support their debut album on Expunged Records, Don’t Dream Alone.  The band recently debuted their new video “Scars” on entertainment website PopWrapped.
“We’re excited to keep sharing our music with new people and reconnect with the fans we already have,” says My Brother And I’s front man, David Wurgler, regarding the band’s upcoming tour.
Amazon’s “The Next Program” recently selected the band as “The Next Big Thing,” and the release of Don’t Dream Alone has helped to establish the band as one of the Northwest’s premiere alt-pop bands.  The band is composed of the three Wurgler brothers, David on lead vocals, Erik on bass and vocals, and Scott on drums, who are joined by childhood friends Jordan Roach on guitar and Johnny Iliyn on keys and vocals.  This diversity brings a wide range of influences to their music and creates a melodic, soulful, and danceable sound throughout the 11-track debut release, including warm vocal harmonies, luscious grooves, and undeniable hooks.

The tour kicked off on January 27 with a performance at Menlo College in San Francisco, California, followed by a performance the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California the next night.  The tour continues through the month of March with the following  schedule:
2/5/16 – Sunset Tavern (w/Kris Orlowski), Ballard, WA
2/12/16 – KLCC Microbrew Fest – Eugene, OR
3/3/16 – Mississippi Studios – Portland, OR
3/4/16 – Hotel Utah – San Francisco, CA
3/5/16 – Hotel Cafe – Los Angeles, CA
3/6/16 – Cal State Fullerton – Fullerton, CA
3/8/16 – Lion’s Lair – Denver, CO
3/9/16 – The Demo – St. Louis, MO
3/12/16 – Val’s List (Private show) – Chicago, IL
3/24/16 – Sam Bond’s Garage – Eugene, OR
3/25/16 – Hard Rock Cafe – Seattle, WA
3/26/16 – The Big Dipper – Spokane, WA
“You can always expect our songs to sound like they do on the album,” adds Erik when describing the band’s live show.  “We take pride in our live performance.  If you’ve fallen in love with our album, you won’t be disappointed when you hear the songs live.  You’ll just get to experience them in a new way.  We’ll spice something up here or there but David’s voice really is that good, no studio tricks made that voice!”
Included in the tour set list will be cuts from Don’t Dream Alone, a few choice covers, as well as a new song entitled “Tell Me.” “It’s got an interesting story behind it,” comments Erik.  “It’s one of the first songs we ever wrote, but it’s gone through three total face lifts with the style in which we play it.  So, even if you think you’ve heard it before, you haven’t heard it like this.”
For more info on this funky new band, check out their website and Facebook pages and follow them on Twitter and Instagram.