Featured Listens - March 8, 2012

Featured Listens is a periodic column highlighting the latest in local music and other songs that are available for your listening pleasure. Whether it's the local and regional artists or just some of our favorite tunes from across the Web, this column represents the best of what's play for us this week:

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FEATURED LISTENS

1. SALT “Breathless”

This track comes to us from SALT, a band that formed mid-2011 and has since been holed up in the studio perfecting it’s smooth, multi-genre sound and working on its debut album.

The group consists of longtime friends Kevin Mason, Brett “Top Hat” Hatmaker, Alan Grundy Dave Unkefer and Justin Maitland (Wonder Shakedown). Mason (aka Kevin James) leads the group on vocals, but each member plays multiple instruments and contributes to the songwriting process.

The group has yet to begin performing out, but plans to release it’s album by late spring and hopes to ready for live performances by summer.

The song "Breathless," written by Mason and Hatmaker, is the title track from the band’s upcoming album and what they currently consider to be the band’s signature song.

“It will be a 12-13 song album of multi-genre music all capturing your attention with the very first note,” writes Mason. “From our Hard Driving, Fast Paced Contemporary Rock Songs to our Classic Style Modern Day Vintage tunes like Breathless we will keep your ears begging for more of the world’s most popular seasoning — SALT.”

Find out more about SALT and it’s music online at  www.getsaltmusic.com or look for the band’s free app in the Droid Marketplace and iTunes store.

COMPILATION

2. SceneSC 2012 Sampler

Last week , our Columbia counterpart SceneSC put out its annual sampler, a 21-track compilation of some of the best music Indie Rock music from around the Palmetto State. We could try and reinvent the wheel on describing all the awesome sounds contained in this free download, but why not just let our friends over there tell you about it themselves:

“For the last three years the SceneSC Sampler has served as a way of showcasing just a fraction of the talent grown here in South Carolina. Featuring national touring acts likeShovels and Rope and All Get Out, to endearing local favorites like Those Lavender Whales and The Restoration, the compilation has a little bit of everything.

Over half of the artists included on this years compilation are making their first appearance on the sampler. These artists include Shovels and Rope, Those Lavender Whales, Kemp Ridley, Heyrocco, The Sea Wolf Mutiny, Ryan Bonner, The Explorers Club, Latenights, Octopus Jones, Babylips and The Lion in Winter. The amount of new artists is just one example of the ever expanding music scene in South Carolina.”

Honestly, we couldn’t speak more highly of most all the bands featured on this year’s compilation, but if you need another reason to download the album contains an exclusive new track from Myrtle Beach’s own Octopus Jones called “Dux” so definitely check that out. 

Download the sampler for the low, low cost of “name your price” via Bandcamp or check out all the awesome music coverage at SceneSC.com.

DEMO

3. Dirt Life “FOBYD”

They say you can tell a lot about a band by the way the perceive themselves.

“Dirt Life is an unbelievably popular unsigned punk rock band from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina,” reads this band’s profile description.

But lest you think that Chris Freeze, Nick Zara, Andy Collins and Joey Brzoska are unbelievably full of themselves. Perhaps a more apt description would be that Dirt Life is a fledgling pop punk group from Conway, SC, with a slightly-twisted sense of humor and a knack for sarcasm.

Following in the tradition of local punks such as Bazooka Joe and The Slobz who rock hard, party hard and don’t take themselves too seriously, this young foursome showed potential during its first outing at Cool Daddy’s Bar & Grill in December.

Building on that with a 3-song demo that displays all the trademark angst — and crappy, garage-band recording quality — you’d expect from a punk band on their first release “FOBYD” is an introduction to a no-frills sound that fans of the genre should surely check out. 

To get the full experience, check out Dirt Life live Thursday night at The Sound Hole with Bamboo Forest, Treephort and Below The Bassline or find out more about Dirt Life on Facebook.

VIDEOS

4. Music Video Experiment

Produced by T.R.E.P. Entertainment’s Tykeem Corbitt and local photographer/cinematographer Phil Ranicer or Rancier Studios, the “Music Video Experiment” is a series of four videos released by local, independent artists. 

The series, which features Garrett Suggs (Beatholes, American Parts), Whit (Zu Cru), Lil’ Z and The ProsTpects, is designed to showcase both the talent of these artists as part of Corbitt’s effort to promote talent with T.R.E.P., but also to display the cinematography capabilities of Rancier Studios, which is well know locally for it’s sports photography and portraiture work with local high schools.

The videos are top-notch, production wise and feature some local music that’s worth checking out including “Sad Songs” off of Suggs’ 2010 album “When Archers Come” and Lil’ Z’s feel-good single “Ruin My Buzz.” 

Check out all four full videos here on Rancier’s Vimeo page or find Rancier Photography online at http://www.rancierphotography.com/. Also check out more info on TREP Entertainment or check out Corbett’s full service recording studio in Socastee, JamTime Entertainment.

 SONIC SIX-PACK

5. Release roundup

Admittedly, it’s been too long since the last Featured Listens column, and inevitably when that happens there’s a ton of great new tracks I’ve had submitted and have found online recently which need to be heard. Here’s a few links to tracks worth checking out:

• ”Brian Lea McKenzie’s Music Factory.Compilation 1”: This isn’t new, but we just came back across this compilation from local producer Brian McKenzie again recently — after listening to it heavily in the early days before starting ListenUp — and think you ought to go download it now.

• Josh Sewell “Her”: Surf Skate Music Culture member Josh Sewell shows off his solo acoustic chops with a track called “Her” here.

• Tim Allen’s Bluestime “Whiskey Man”: The latest studio recording from the local Blues group’s upcoming album “Texas In Me” on Soundcloud.

• Trouble T “Clean”: Latest trackfrom Now or Never Ent. artist. Check out the Video on YouTube.

• Today The Moon, Tomorrow The Sun “We Were Wild Remix”: Awesome dance remix of our favorite track from the electro-rock group’s awesome “Wildfire” album from fellow Atlanta-based group Stokeswood. Download it free on Soundcloud.

Featured Listens - Jan. 18, 2012

Featured Listens is a periodic column highlighting the latest in local music and other songs that are available for your listening pleasure. Whether it's the local and regional artists or just some of our favorite tunes from across the Web, this column represents the best of what's play for us this week:

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NEW RELEASE

1. Stella by Starlight "The Leak"

Since being turned onto Stella by Starlight by founding member Nathan Fowler (a Myrtle Beach native) last May, the high-energy electro pop produced by this band has become amongst my favorite "discoveries" since starting ListenUp.

With music influenced by classic acts like The Beatles and Elton John, built upon modern sounds such as MGMT and The Killers and steeped in a pot full of hot Top 40 dance pop tracks, Stella by Starlight has a uniquely infectous sound that I can't seem to get out of my head.

Released this week, "The Leak" continues the group's trajectory of increasingly danceable tunes, starting with the synth-infused title track. Songs such as "What Do You Plead," "Can I Take You Home" and "The Middle School Dance Song" all keep the hips moving with solid production and display various levels of Fowler's quirky, lyricism and monotone delivery.

Others such as "Better Living Through Chemistry," "American Chavalier" and "Life Lessons" take a more subdued approach, without losing any of the sex-and-drug-themed songwriting that makes Stella by Starlight a blast to listen to.

Overall, I'm not sure "The Leak" lives up to Stella's ambitiously-crafted 2009 debut "Room For Chelsea," but considering how much I've fallen in love with that album, I suppose few things would. It's still an undeniably fun and interesting record that should continue to build the buzz for the L.A.-dwelling Fowler.

Go download "The Leak" for free at self-built music distribution site, PandaPush, and while you're there check out the previous two Stella releases or his other projects Bobby & Suzy and Lon Zimmer.

ALBUM REVIEW

2. Darling Waste "Good Bad and Angels"

Having made his name playing a blend of emotionally-charged, acoustic and piano driven indie rock all over the U.S. and the U.K. over the past decade-plus, Darling Waste frontman Lance Waste (ne' Williams) has landed in Myrtle Beach after calling Cleveland and Brooklyn home in the past.

In addition to his music, Waste also does A&R work, runs his own artist management/PR company and writes for Breaking Music Magazine online.

Together with his primary musical partner Justin Lustig, Waste has helmed a rotating lineup of musicians which make up Darling Waste over the years, releasing five full lenght albums and a number of EPs and demos. 

The latest, "Good And Bad Angels" was released in March 2011 on Indie Label Big Buzz Records in the U.K. and self-released through Reverbnation domestically. The album, which just released to iTunes and Spotify recently, is a 13-song display of emotional honesty that for the most past comes off without feeling overly moody or ominous.

The album features a variety of sounds ranging from downtempo piano ballads to more upbeat rock numbers tied together by Waste's raw, introspective songwriting.

Standout tracks include a pleading powerpop number "Please Lie To Me," the mandolin-tinged homesickness anthem "Angels (Brought You To Me)" and the piano-driven "Inhale/Exhale," on which Waste channels his inner Adam Duritz of Counting Crows with painfully longing vocals.

Go check it out on iTunes or Spotify and be on the lookout for Darling Waste live as they just embarked on a tour of the east coast which will include two local dates, at The Sound Hole on Jan. 30 with Squid The Whale and Exhaust The Fox and again on Feb. 10.

MUSIC MIX

3. Lowcountry Dubstep Podcast

ABBCO/LCD 2012 podcast by Wallstreet

Since we covered the collective of local DJs known as Lowcountry Dubstep last spring, the group has continued to grow support for its monthly Bass-ic Euphoria events which are now being held at Borgata in Surfside Beach.

In addition, the group — which consists of Wallstreet, Fudda, Ikaris, Equilibrium and a rotating stable of other DJs and electronic enthusiasts — recently decided to launch its first podcast.

The 97-minute mix is a set of original tracks produced by local Jason "DJ Snugg" McDonald, thrown down by LCD member Timothy "Wallstreet" Wallace and associates Chris "XLuther" Williamson and Jeff "DJ Wicked" Page.

"This podcast is made for all types of DJs to be able to play what they want," writes Wallace. "Its not just Dubstep and DnB. We want all types of EDM and all kinds of experimental types."

Sponsored by local comic shop Corsair Comics, the release is the first of what LCD hopes will become a recurring series of shows/mixes that will continue to build a scene for electronic music locally.

"We are all ways looking for other people in the South Carolina area and other states who enjoy the larger range of EDM," Wallace says. "So if you dont feel like always playing dance music and some times get a little out there with it ... hit us up and I'm sure we can make room for you on one of our Podcasts."

Check out the mix on Soundcloud, learn more about Lowcountry Dubstep on Facebook or get out to the next Bass-ic Euphoria event on Jan. 27 and meet the guys in person.

SONIC SIX-PACK

4. Facebook Submissions

We get a lot of folks sending us music each month, and while we can't always feature it all, I like use this spot from time to time to link to some of the folks who took time to come and share their hard work with us. Check out a few of these, which were all submitted through Facebook, and let us know what you think:

• John Owens Journal - Daylight: New tune from the local folk band consisting of Joshua Grant (Sideways Derby) and Jeremy Dunham (Potatoeheads, Bullfrog).

• Tempest - Rubber Mala: First Dubstep-style electro track from young local producer Storm Evans.

• Technician - Victory: Latest from mixtape master DJ E-Top's Now or Never Ent. Check out his blog and be on the lookout for new mixtapes soon.

• Rashad Starr - From Here 2 Eternity: Soulful single from Game Time Music singer Steven Rashad Alderman.

• Salvdor - Judge Me: Conway-based rapper releases first track from an upcoming mixtape with production by Tellingbeatz.

• Jest*R - EVOLV Mix: Dubstep mix from local DJ Tyler Hinkleman featuring tracks from Benny Page, Excision, Deadmau5 and others as well as some original material.

YOUTUBE CLIP

5. Wahoo Creek Band "Creepin'"

Just wanted to give a quick shout out to one of our favorite local country/rock groups who posted this live performance video of an original track called "Creepin'" earlier this week. The guys will emerge from their winter hibernation this weekend for their first show in awhile, playing at Southside Raw Bar at 9 p.m. tonight (details).

Featured Listens - Jan. 5, 2012

Featured Listens is a periodic column highlighting the latest in local music and other songs that are available for your listening pleasure. Whether it's the local and regional artists or just some of our favorite tunes from across the Web, this column represents the best of what's play for us this week:

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SONIC SIX-PACK

1. Fresh Brewed Talent

Anyone who's been around the scene long surely knows Fresh Brewed Coffee House for it's laid-back atmosphere, it's popular open mic night and it's standing as one of the premier spots for singer-songwriter types in this town.

However, it appears in the new year the coffee shop is focusing even more on promoting it's offerings of live music, artist exhibitions and classes on everything from pottery to doing your taxes. 

Along with this push is an outstanding upcoming lineup of local and touring musicians that are definitely worth trading in your lager for a latte in order to check out. Here are songs we like from a few of them:

• Sofia Talvik "Winter Cannon": Beautiful Swedish songtress will perform this Saturday at 8 p.m. (Details) 

• Elison Jackson "Tragic Actress": This garage-folk band from Connecticut is named after a fisherman who drowned at sea in the 1960s. They perform w/ Prisms on Jan. 11. (Details) 

• J Swan Dooley "Mystery": Fun little folk-pop number from Tenneesee based songwriter who will perform on Jan. 17 (Details) 

• Loners Society "I'll Write The Sad Songs": Sullivan's Island-based Matt Megrue performs his blend of "southern-fried indie rock-n-roll" on Jan. 20 w/ Dan & Kasey Barnhart. (Details)

• Brent Byrd "South A1A": Good-time jam from the folksy, high-energy acoustic peformer from St. Augustine, Fla. He will appear on Feb. 10 (Details)

• Sean Waterman "Sour Patch Girl": Atlanta-based singer songwriter will appear on Feb. 24 (Details)

See more on the venue on upcoming lineup at http://freshbrewedcoffeehouse.com/

FEATURED LISTEN

2. Risa Lee "Fill Ya Shoes"

Fill Ya Shoes by Risa Lee

This upbeat R&B number is among the initial crop of releases from Risa Lee. The 23-year-old songstress originally hails from Milford, Connecticut, but graduated from North Myrtle Beach High School in 2006 and attended Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Fla., before settling back in at the beach.

This hard-working mom is currently working to follow her dreams as a musician, while also balancing family and raising a child, but still manages to pop up around the Grand Strand, performing alongside some of the area's top hip-hop acts at showcases, open mic and anywhere else they'll let her do her thing.

She's currently working on recording her first album "Dreaming Out Loud" which will feature "Fill Ya Shoes" another recently released track, a slow jam called "Don't Judge Me," and a host of other soulful songs. 

Check out Miss Lee on Facebook or Soundcloud. 

MUSICAL PROJECT

3. Voices Green And Purple

The Voices Green & Purple is a unique idea started by A.J Herring of Florida-based group Velma & The Happy Campers. The project, a collection of EPS from various artists and bands, asks that musicians create an EP that follows these strict guidelines:

1. The EP must contain at least 3 songs/pieces

2. The total running time of the ep cannot exceed 3 minutes 

It's what some might call an odd experiment, but based on the interesting variety of results it could also be considered as a challenge by musicians who are tasked with conveying a message of telling a story of some sort in a period of time more often allowed to a single song. 

The project came to our attention as local producer/engineer/musician Brian McKenzie shared one of these EPs from his new project Feel No Other aptly titled "3-minute EP."

Check it out below or find the Voices Green and Purple on Bandcamp for more EPs or details on how to participate.

ARTIST PROFILE

4. Area 51

Area 51 is a four-piece rock band from Myrtle Beach has been playing together for just under two years. The group started out performing at the first Myrtle Beach FAME Festival alongside well-known "Gospel of Rock 'N' Roll" spreader Sista Otis, and has also played Senor Frogs and Suck Bang Blow, opening for AC/DC tribute group Highway To Hell during bike week.

The group's current lineup of Nick Cheri (Guitar/Vocals), Liz Blackstone (Bass/Backing Vocals), Joe Milo (Drums) and Chris Slider (Keys/Effects) has been playing together for about three months. 

"We have been building our web presence in preparation for our new live show featuring old Area 51 originals as well as new material," writes Blackstone. "The band has incorporated an all senses experience where we use video, lighting, sound effects and insence style aromas to create a 3-D musical experience."

The band's upcoming show at The Sound Hole on January 20 has been cancelled, but they have assured friends and fans that they are working hard on recording, writing and booking shows around the area in the near future.  

Check out their new single "Fiend" below or keep up with the band via Facebook.

YOUTUBE VIDEO

5. "Insect"

I'm not exactly sure what to say about this one, but it was strange enough that I had to share. Thanks Michael Wood for never ceasing to surprise. You rock man!

Myrtle Beach Music: 101 releases that defined our region in 2011

Here we are in the final week of 2011 and regardless of whether you’ve been part of the scene or just a casual observer this year, it’d be hard to argue that a lot has happened in local music this year.

From the discovery of new sounds to the continued carousel of venues coming and going to the endless list of new shows and events that have taken place this year, the overarching theme in the Myrtle Beach music scene continues to be keeping things fresh and reinventing ourselves as a group.

And as we looked back in trying to sum up what 2011 meant to music in our area, we were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of outstanding new releases from musicians in the Myrtle Beach area and beyond.

So as opposed to a traditional “Best Of 2011” list we’ve decided — in true ListenUp fashion — to ride the fence and instead compiled this list of 101 new releases honoring many of the folks making amazing music not only here, but around the Carolinas and the Southeast region.

Not every release below was put out in the last calendar year, but they represent an overall picture of the new music we were tuned into this year, what rocked our world in 2011 and what helped shape our ever-evolving respect for the unique sounds coming out of this part of the world.

Please take a moment to browse this list and make a point to buy, download or spread the word about some of the albums you see here. Someone on this list could be — or already is — the next big thing and being a part of helping put them there is the most important function of being a music fan in this day and age. 

So enjoy what you hear...and here's hoping for an even better bunch of releases in the next year!

*Editor's picks are in bold.

 "Treat Yourself"Rock/Indie

Local:

1. The Necessary Band - Now You Got Two: Download ($8.99 via Amazon MP3)
2. *Octopus Jones - Treat Yourself: Download ($7.92 via iTunes)
3. Ten Toes Up - Sleeping Lion: Download ($9.99 via iTunes)



Regional:

4. All Get Out (Charleston) - The Season: Download ($8.99 via Bandcamp)
5. All New Badges (Columbia) - Awake: Download ($7.92 via Amazon MP3)
6. Coma Cinema (Columbia) - Blue Shell Suicide: Download (FREE via comacinema.com)
7. *Death of Paris (Columbia) - Death of Paris: Download ($10 via Bandcamp)
8. Elonzo (Rock Hill) - Letter To A Friend: Download ($10 via Bandcamp)
9. NeedtoBreathe (Seneca, S.C.) - The Reckoning: Download ($7.99 via iTunes)
10. The Private Life of David Reed (Columbia) - The Private Life of David Reed: Download ($9.90 via iTunes)
11. Run Dan Run (Charleston) - Normal: Download ($10 via Bandcamp)
12. Sea Wolf Mutiny (Columbia) - The Last Season: Download ($8 via Bandcamp)
13. *The Shaniqua Brown (Charleston) - The Shaniqua Brown: Download ($9.90 via iTunes)
14. Shoot The Blitz (Greenville) - Drunk Dialin’: Download (FREE via Bandcamp)
15. *Today The Moon, Tomorrow The Sun (Atlanta) - Wildfire: Download ($9.99 via iTunes)



"!"Punk/Metal

Local:

16. *Bamboo Forest - Indecisive: Download (FREE via Bandcamp)
17. Hundredth - Let Go: Download ($9.99 via iTunes)
18. Hey Dude! - Puzzle Pieces EP: Download (Free via Mediafire)
19. Miracle Year - Midnight Turnaround: Download ($4.95 via iTunes)
20. *Prowler - Prowler Pt. 1, Prowler Pt. 2 and Prolwer Pt. 3: Download (Singles $0.99 each on iTunes)
21. *Wonder Shakedown - ! EP: Download ($5 via Bandcamp)



Regional:

22. Aunt Polly’s Glass Eye (Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.) - Who Are You: Download ($9.99 via iTunes)
23. *Almost Kings (Atlanta) - Club Rock EP Download ($4.95 via iTunes)
24. Hawaiian Shirt Day (Columbia) - Hates Everything: Download (“Name Your Price” via Bandcamp)
25. Obraskai (Columbia) - Farewell to the Former: Download ($6.93 via iTunes)



"Closing Chapters"Singer-songwriter

Local:

26. American Parts - The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend EP: Download (FREE via Bandcamp)
27. Andrew Jernigan - What’s Left of My Heart: Download ($8 via Reverbnation)
28. Candice Marotta - Nil Sine Numine: Download (FREE via Bandcamp)
29. Claudia vs. The Queen of Hearts - Claudia vs. The Queen of Hearts: Download (FREE via Reverbnation)
30. *Sleeping Policeman - Closing Chapters: Download ($7.50 via Bandcamp)
31. This Is For My Friends - To Call This A Home: Download ($5 via Bandcamp)



Regional:

32. Angela Easterling (Greenville) - Beguiler: Download ($8.99 via Amazon MP3)
33. Britt Nicole (Salisbury, N.C./Nashville) - The Acoustic EP: Download ($4.49 via Amazon MP3)
34. Cary Ann Hearst (Johns Island) - Lions & Lambs: Download ($9.99 via CD Baby)
35. Danielle Howle (Awendaw) - The Triangle Album: Download ($10 via DanielleHowle.com)
36. Husband (Charleston) - Cold Black World EP: Download (FREE via Bandcamp)
37. *The Lovely Few (Columbia) - The Perseids: Download ($10 via Bandcamp)
38. Madison Lucas (Columbia) - The Bedroom EP: Download (“Name Your Price” via Bandcamp)
39. *Tyler Boone (Charleston) - A New Start EP: Download (FREE via Bandcamp)



"Mayko EP"Pop/Electronic

Local:

40. Khaki Sedota - K: Download ($9.99 via iTunes)
41. *Mixmaster Doc - Mayko EP: Download ($3.99 via iTunes)
42. Will Misdom - One Is All It Takes: Download ($9.90 via iTunes)



Regional:

43. *Stella By Starlight (Charleston) - Room For Chelsea: Download (FREE via PandaPush)
44. Toro y Moi (Columbia) - Underneath The Pine: Download ($9.99 via Amazon MP3)



"Rhythms of the Universe"Hip-Hop/Rap

Local:

45. Ascended Essence - Asenceded Masters Mixtape: Download (FREE via Datpiff)
46. B-1NZ - No Plan B: Download (FREE via Datpiff)
47. *Carlie Bravo - #DRUGS: Download (FREE via Mediafire)
48. Dreadz - The Carolina Buzz: Download ($3 via Bandcamp)
49. Exklusive Musik - Sex, Nugs & Rap: Download (FREE via Mediafire)
50. Goodcuff - Pizza: Download (FREE via Bandcamp)
51. Lil’ Z - Verbal Abuse Mixtape: Download (FREE via Datpiff)
52. The Oddball All-Stars - The Oddball All-Stars: Download ($5 via Bandcamp)
53. The Otha Fish - Live At The Fish Fry: Download (FREE via Bandcamp)
54. *Ques Bois - Rhythyms of The Universe: Download (FREE via Bandcamp)
55. *Rise X - Who Is Rise X?: Download (FREE via Datpiff)
56. Shamroc - Mildew Music 2002-2010: Download (FREE via Soundcloud)
57. Tye Dye - Scorpio Season: Download (FREE via Mediafire)
58. Trouble T - Ruff Draft Vol. 1: Download (FREE via Datpiff)
59. WHIT - The Blare Whit Project Mixtape: Download (FREE via MixConnect)
60. Young Hood - Beatslayer: Download (FREE via Hulkshare)



Regional:

61. Alpha Male Society (North Carolina) - Background Check: Download (FREE via Mediafire)
62. Apollo (Orangeburg) - Kakalak Kid #The Blacktape: Download (FREE via Datpiff)
63. Blind Fury (Camden, S.C.) - Do You See What I Hear?: Download (FREE via TherealBlindFury.com)
64. *Brody & Choch (Charlotte, N.C.) - Boys Will Be Boys: Download (FREE via Bandcamp)
65. Collardgreen (Columbia) - TRON: Download (FREE via Datpiff)
66. Ghani Gautama (Charlotte, N.C.) - Strong Medicine EP: Download (“Name Your Price” on Bandcamp)
67. Kooley High (Raleigh, N.C) - David Thompson: Download ($9.99 via iTunes)
68. *K.O. Kid (Durham, N.C.) - Chromeostasis: Download (FREE via Bandcamp)
69. PlanetRAWK (Atlanta) - RAWKzilla: Download (FREE via Bandcamp)



"Down South"Country/Americana

Local:

70. Brad Long - [featured on] Teddy Gentry’s Best New Nahsville: Download ($9.99 via BestNewNashville.com)
71. Jeffrey Allan Edwards - Exclusives Sampler: Download (FREE via Reverbnation)
72. *Jim Quick - Down South: Download ($9.99 via iTunes)
73. Josh Brannon Band - All The Good Times: Download ($7.99 via Amazon MP3)
74. Wahoo Creek Band - It’s About Time EP: Download ($5.94 via iTunes)



Regional:

75. *American Aquarium (Raleigh, N.C.) - Small Town Hymns: Download ($9.99 via iTunes)
76. American Gun (Columbia) - Therapy: Download ($8 via Bandcamp)
77. *Carey Murdock & NoStar (Augusta, Ga.) - Baby Don’t Look Down: Download ($9.99 via iTunes)
78. Crowfield (Charleston) - Crowfield : Download ($9.99 via Amazon MP3)
79. D.B. Bryant Band (Florence) - Time Is The Road: Download (FREE via dbbryant.com)
80. Hannah Miller (Columbia/Nashville) - O Black River: Download ($10 via Bandcamp)
81. *Leslie (Charleston) - Lord, Have Mercy: Download ($8.99 via Amazon MP3)
82. L Shape Lot (Wilmington) - Looks Like Snow: Download ($15 via LshapeLot.com)
83. Madonna Nash (Wilmington/Nashville) - Madonna Nash: Download ($7.99 via iTunes)
84. Rebel Son (Raleigh, N.C.) - Guitar Man: Download ($15 via rebel-son.com)
85. *Sequoyah (Charleston) - Spells: Download ($9.99 via iTunes)



"Treehouse!"Reggae/Rock

Local:

86. Below The Bassline - Below The Bassline EP: Download ($3.96 via iTunes)
87. Jah Harvest - Jah Harvest EP: Download ($3.96 via iTunes)
88. *Treehouse! - Treehouse!: Download ($9.99 via iTunes)



Regional:

89. *Ben Fagan & The Holy City Hooligans (Charleston) - Freestyle Sessions Vol. 1: Download ($8.99 via Amazon MP3)
90. Dangermuffin (Charleston) - Moonscapes: Download ($9.99 via iTunes)
91. *The Dubplates (Charleston) - Live Inna Chalicetown: Download ($9.99 via CD Baby)
92. Groove Stain (Atlanta) - Out All Night: Download ($9.99 via iTunes)
93. The Josh Carter Band (Rock Hill) - Back to the Basics: Download ($8.99 via Amazon MP3)
94. Sun-Dried Vibes (Rock Hill) - Give Thanks: Download ($9.99 via iTunes)



"Stone Cold & Blue"Blues/Jazz/Other

Local:

95. Cortez & The Killers - Forged in the Fire: Download ($7 via Reverbnation)
96. *Keith Patterson - Stone Cold & Blue: Download ($9.99 via CDBaby)



Regional:

97. Carolina Chocolate Drops (Durham, N.C.) - Luminescent Orchestrii EP: Download ($3.99 via iTunes)
98. Charlton Singleton (Charleston) - The New Deal: Download ($11.99 via CDBaby)
99. Gaslight Street (Charleston) - Idle Speed: Download ($8.91 via Amazon MP3)
100. Jeff Norwood (Charleston) - Push Pilin’: Download ($8.99 via Amazon MP3)
101. Ricky Godfrey (Greenville) - Nasty Man: Download ($11.88 via CD Baby)

Featured Listens - Dec. 21, 2011

Featured Listens is a periodic column highlighting the latest in local music and other songs that are available for your listening pleasure. Whether it's the local and regional artists or just some of our favorite tunes from across the Web, this column represents the best of what's play for us this week:

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FEATURED LISTEN

1. Confliction "By My Side"

It’s been seven years in the making, but the beach’s favorite hard rock band is back.

With a revamped lineup that features Rollin Carver (vocals), Tripp Gaddy (guitar), Greg Majewski (guitar), Erin-Anthony Buckley (drums) and Joe Meckley (bass), Confliction is set to once agains “play to the masses, empty bars and be a general cause for concern.”

But with a new album set to drop in a matter of weeks, it seems the only real cause for concern is whether there will be enough alcohol for the hard-partying Confliction fans who pack Revolutions nightclub for a Jan. 13 CD Release party.

Released last week, “By My Side” is the first single off “Parade the Serpent,” — an album title with a deeper meaning that represents "a show of force, and bravery, in an unwavering manner." It features Confliction’s patented brand of mild-to-wild pacing with Carver’s emotion-filled vocals turning to growls on a moments notice, backed by hard-driving guitars and basslines. 

“As a lot of you know we have been in the studio with producer and engineer David Atwater and our live sound engineer Roddy McCarson. We have delivered! "Parade the Serpent" is finished and has a release date of 1/13/2012,” announced earlier this week.

The CD release show will feature Souls Harbor and Doctrine of Ethos opening. Admission is free for those 21 and older. Tickets for 18-20 are $10 and will include a free copy of the new CD.
 
See more details here or check out the band on Reverbnation.

HOLIDAY TRACK

2. Will Misdom "Carolina Christmas"

  Fresh for the holidays comes this new track from local producer/rapper/singer Will Misdom, who  recently branched out from his work with The Technicolor Void to focus on releasing his first solo album.

Dropping a bit of his signature cockiness for a more sincere — but still swagged out — seasonal tune, Misdom muses on the joys of being at home and with family for Christmas. It’s far from your traditional holiday song, yet it’s undeniably upbeat and will surely hit home for Palmetto state folks.

Head over to Reverbnation and download “Carolina Christmas” for free, or go buy Misdom’s full length debut “One Is All It Takes” featuring guest appearances by TTV partner Tye Dye and local rapper JC Penny for $9.95 on iTunes.

ARTIST PROFILE

3. Sean Risher (aka Risher Beats)

Call me a sucker for soul samples, but I was sold on “Habits,” the latest single from Myrtle Beach hip hop group Exklusive Musik, before the lyrics even kicked in. 

Thanks to recent addition of producer Sean Risher, the trio of Chandler “Chandler Ave.” Costner, Brendan “Benny C” Corkum and Byron “B Cool” Brown, has taken its sound to another level, just in time to get started on their third mixtape “Love Knows No Love” — scheduled for release on April 20, 2012.

Though it’s tough to pin down Risher’s style on a single track, a closer listen to his offerings at WarBeats.com reveals a penchant for vocal samples, thumping basslines and a laid-back jazzy feel to many of his instrumentals including “Habits,” a sax-tinged slow jam called “Juicy” and the slightly swanky “Zelda.”

Who knows what the future holds for the Socastee High School and Coastal Carolina graduate, but here’s to hoping he keeps on making beats wherever he goes.

Check out the vocal version of Habits at Risher Beats on Reverbnation.

FEATURED GROUP

4. Through The Valley

Sprouting from the roots of former Myrtle Beach garage band Epic Gents comes the Christian Rock quartet known as Through The Valley.

Featuring Gents frontman Scott Johnson and guitarist Lucas McCarthy, the new group rounds out it lineup with a rhythm section featuring Leon Komoroski on bass and Murrells Inlet resident Scott Rahner on drums.

Though just getting off the ground as a group, Through The Valley has been working through a set of tracks they hope to have completed and recorded in January with their eyes on a CD Release show soon after.

Their pop-rock sound is similar to that of Epic Gents, but with the soaring melodies and inspirational lyrics of Christian Rock added in. Even in listening to the demo “Here We Go Again” it seems that the 19-year-old Johnson is growing with experience and that his new band is likely to produce a bit more cohesive sound than the previous effort.

Check out Through The Valley on Facebook.

SONIC SIX-PACK

5. Out-of-towners

Though we’ve taken it upon ourselves to monitor the pulse of the Myrtle Beach music scene, we do occasionally branch out from time to time, especially when it comes to the many great regional acts our area has to offer. Here’s some recent tracks submitted to us by out-of-town artists looking to bring their show to the beach:

• Tyler Boone “All Of This”: Latest single from Charleston-based singer songwriter who will perform at Fresh Brewed Coffee House on Feb. 11 with Jentry Rose & Finnegan Bell. Download via Souncloud.

• PlanetRAWK “RAWKzilla”: New mixtape from the Alanta-based alternative hip-hop band which is slated to perform at Cool Daddy’s in Feburary. Download it on Bandcamp.

• Spencer Sholes “Dragonfly Season”: Music from a veteran singer-songwriter from the Durham, N.C., area. Americana artist classifes his sound as funkified folk rock. Hear the song here or check him out on Reverbnation.

• N.FilTr8 “MooMBot”: Formerly residing on the South Strand and now calling Greenville, N.C., home, this is an experimental Moombahton/Trip-hop released by the electronic producer as a thanks to his Facebook fans. Download via Soundcloud.

• Huffton Brothers “Poor Boy”: Music video from the Wilmington-based folk rock group that performed over the weekend at Pirate’s Cove and now features MB player Carver Soles on keys. Check it out on YouTube.

• Dixie Deathwish “Hell’s ½ Acre”: This one wasn't actually a submission, but a suggestion from a local musician who said he’s planning to bring the Charlotte-based metal band to town in the near future. I was sold on the name alone, but the music is as brutal as would be expected and worth a listen. Check it out on Reverbnation.