Hustlers Beware: The Mark Inside

‘Hustlers of the world beware, there is one mark you cannot beat: The Mark Inside’ – William S. Burroughs, Naked Lunch

The Mark Inside are, as their bio states, “the band who have lived for nearly a decade in small clubs, drunken nights and rock and roll revelations.”

Indeed. Punk and modern rock combine and mix with lyrical precision, tight guitar riffs and pounding rhythms. This blend forms the Mark Inside.

It was a friend that works for the NXNE festival, Gillian Zulauf, who happened to have a friend from the UK wanting to bring Sofar to Toronto. Therein, a connection was made. The band said yes immediately, noting the cool concept and waited to hear more.

The Mark Inside are rockers. “Can’t Take Her With You (When It’s Over)” is up tempo, driving and melodic. “Questions” on the other hand shows off the Mark Inside’s aggressive side while not losing its musicality. It is a song of defiant declaration. “Shots from a Broken Bottle” sets a moody trippy atmosphere that is electric leaving nothing on the table.

 “Typically our band is quite a bit louder in terms of our usual approach to a stage and writing. Full-tilt rock and roll basically, but we do have some quieter songs which we don’t often get a chance to play,” band member Chris Levoir said.

Sofar afforded them that opportunity. Enjoying music that “pulls at the heartstrings,” the band chose 4 songs to strip down to basics.

“People could actually hear the words and there is a lot that goes into them for us,” Levoir commented.

Sofar Toronto was a great time to share not only their music, but enjoy other Toronto performers such as Lindy Vopnfjörð and Eyes for Gertrude . The intimate setting of someone’s living room, guests that were there to just listen to the songs, are all things that Levoir noted.

The Mark Inside has a lot in store for fans. The band is preparing to release a full-length album in November called “Nothing to Admit.” Also, a new video for the song “Shots from a Broken Bottle” filmed in Memphis, Tennessee.

“Only one of us has ever been (to Memphis) and we’re hugely looking forward to it. Going to Graceland and being in a city that has that much musical history,” Levoir enthused prior to filming.

After the release of their album, there’s heavy touring on tap. In the meantime, Toronto fans can check the band out on September 1 at The Silver Dollar. It is the only Toronto show the Mark Inside has planned until their album release party.

“It’s actually a pretty exciting time for us right now, we’re very much looking forward to the future,” Levoir said.

Hustlers beware, the Mark Inside are making their presence known.

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Q and A with Linfinity’s Dylan Von Wagner

Sofar New York City performers Linfinity are a celebration of style diversity. There’s something incredibly freeing when listening to their music. One never knows which direction it’ll take next—rock, folk, classic, dance. Linfinity is wide-open.

One of a kind, Linfinity pulls you in. This band is a celebration of what music can be without restraint.  They move where the music takes them, bringing the listener along for an amazing ride.

Front man Dylan Von Wagner answered a few questions for Sofar Extended Play. Here’s what he had to say about Sofar, the band’s name and more:

How did you hear about Sofar?

I heard from Chris Vinyard from our label American Myth.

What was your experience like playing Sofar gigs?

Quite interesting, the first one we did, we had to redo four songs acoustic, which kind of gives the song a new face. I enjoyed performing without amps or mics, I’m used to that climate when I’m writing at home, so it was a welcome change.

Second time we did new songs, but it was only Megan (Berson) on viola and her husband Steve on cello. Again we worked the songs up from scratch, a good exercise of arrangement.

Lastly, the concept, I love the idea of doing an unplugged show in someone’s apartment-was a curve ball, kind of a mini festival of bands. I hope it turns into a TV series-all the people that turned out hadn’t seen anything like it.

Where did the band name come from?

The band name comes from a World War I vet I met working at the Saratoga race track (horse track.) When I was 15, he told me a story of a general walking through the trenches telling the shell shocked soldiers to say Linfinity over and over to calm them, a mantra of sorts.

How would you describe the band’s style?

Who knows, from our first record we ended up doing any style. The next record seems to be a dance record. We’re knee-deep in it now! I tend to think it’s a happy accident we ended up all over the map.

Your site says you are working on new material, how’s the song writing coming along?

We’ve been working on it all summer; have some new people in the line-up, so things will be different. Trying to make the album more focused on song selection, hopefully it’ll come out in spring 2012. There should be an EP before, a single perhaps.

Do you have any live shows planned?

Probably CMJ will be our first shows this year, then Coachella or bust!

Learn more about Linfinity here:

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Sydney Wayser: Ethereal Journey

Photo by Stephanie Halmos

French-American Sofar performer Sydney Wayser melds ethereal vocals with romantic and sometimes playful instrumentation.

Growing up in Los Angeles and spending summers in Paris left its mark on Wayser. Her father, a songwriter, helped educate her on French culture, shaping her musical influences. These influences include Edith Piaf, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Jacques Brel.

This multi-talented vocalist and musician creates songs that transport you.

“La di da” is a march of exploration. Sound makes way to unique, melodic vocals. It’s modern yet otherworldly.  “Oh the Places You’ll Go” a dream, up in the clouds, swaying in the breeze.  “Bells” is a flower petal of a song slowly floating to the ground.

Whistling and playful “Banjo Bayou” feels like a departure-a light, skipping journey. “Drive-in Not Drive-Through” reminds one of pure summer, windows rolled down in the car, mellow. “Lullaby” is a slow miracle of a night’s destination.

Based in New York with albums such as The Silent Parade and The Colorful, songs that seem bright even at darkest of times. Music that uses everything from piano to children’s toys shaping a journey the listener goes on. Bright gives way to dark. Day bows to night. Earth, moon and sky. Sydney takes you there with her music.

Check it out here:

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Will Knox: “It’s a very honest way of performing.”

Copyright © 2011 Sandra Ciampone

Sofar London (and New York City) performer Will Knox applies intricate details to his folk rock infused songs. He is a gem, possessing all that’s needed to be successful for years to come. Knox is a musician on the verge of a breakthrough.

Recently, Will answered a few questions for Sofar Extended Play:

How did you hear about Sofar?

I was in New York hanging out with another Sofar artist Bo Bruce – she wanted to do an acoustic gig for Sofar over there, and asked me to play guitar. That was my introduction to Sofar! It’s been just as fun on both sides of the ocean.

Copyright © 2011 Sandra Ciampone

What was it like to play a Sofar event?

Different in the best way. There’s no P.A. or microphones so there’s absolutely nothing to hide behind – so it’s a very honest way of performing. You can see everyone’s face, and the place is dead silent, so you also have an opportunity to interact with the audience in ways that venues don’t allow sometimes.

If there’s one thing you try to convey with your music, what would it be?

I’m not sure if this is answering the question, but I like to get the lyrics across. I put more effort in writing the lyrics than any other part of the song, which is why Sofar is so great – people listen!!

How long have you been playing music?

I’ve played the clarinet since I was seven – does that count? I haven’t picked it up in a while though. I started playing guitar about 12 years ago; and writing songs about 7 years ago. But since I was a toddler music has been around me, whether I was playing it or not.

Can you tell me about the tour?

Yes! And as you can tell by that exclamation point I’m very excited about it. For 5 weeks I’ll be touring the entire United States with my good friend Ari Herstand. We start in LA on August 1st and loop around the country until we finish in Texas. We’ve dubbed it ‘Tour America’, using modified American tourism posters for the artwork – while Ari’s seen most of the States before I’m not sure if he’s ready for me ooh-ing and ah-ing at everything along the way. I also only have about 10 hours of driving experience under my belt, so I’m not sure if he knows he’ll be playing the role of driving instructor either!

You mentioned a project that you are recording a cover song for on Twitter, have you decided on anything yet?

It’s between an Elliott Smith song (probably Clementine) or a Bruce Springsteen song (probably Atlantic City) – I might have to put it up to a Facebook vote as I’m torn. Suggestions welcome on Twitter too– @willknoxmusic!

Copyright © 2011 Sandra Ciampone

You seem to have a love of art, outside of your music, can you tell me about it?

I think artwork is becoming more and more lost with the MP3 revolution. We used to have 12″x12″ covers to fill up with artwork – something musicians used to take a lot of pride in. Now we only have 120×120 pixels on our iPods and I think artwork’s been neglected. I also figured if we were going stop people just stealing MP3s we needed fun, tangible artwork that people wanted to touch, hold and look at. That was the inspiration behind my last EP ‘Lexicon’, a comic book (with a digital download code inside) that uses all the lyrics as the storyline. We’re also developing an iPad app for it, which again will hopefully inspire someone to buy the record as opposed to just steal the MP3s on Limewire.

Of all your songs, what song is nearest to your heart? Why?

That’s a bit like asking a parent who their favourite child is, but I suppose there’s always one. I like playing the two songs I played at Sofar – Belly of the Beast and Ice Capades. I can still sing them and get the same feeling I felt when I first sang them. As a performer a lot of songs start to lose their intensity as time goes on, but not with these two.

Checking in with Saint Motel

Saint Motel checks in to Sofar Los Angeles this week, bringing with them rock beats and smooth treats.

Their song “Puzzle Pieces” is an up-tempo rocker. Its unique piano parts, stylized vocals and driving rhythm, set the tone for the band’s ‘Summer Sweat Tour’, which is currently under way.  Not afraid of a remix or two, their music is meant to make you move, a release.  Saint Motel puts showmanship up alongside the songs and in short, they are the complete package.

Their bio says they are blistering with tireless devotion with songs like “Butch,” “To My Enemies,” and “Dear Dictator,” to provide testimony to that fact.

Not afraid to push buttons with their melodious brand of rock, Saint Motel is a band to move to and groove to.

Listen, watch and love this unique and highly entertaining band.

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Blending Styles: The Dirty Urchins

The Dirty Urchins play Sofar NYC event June 16, 2011

These Sofar New York City performers are-as their song goes-plastic bottles of mixed music. Such a mixture of styles it’s hard to point to just one. Jazz. Blues. Country. Rock. Folk. Take your pick. Or all of the above.  There lies the beauty of the band’s music.  A blended style all the Dirty Urchins’ own.

The band was born one winter’s night back in early 2009. Freddie Stevenson and David Luther decided the answer to their economic woes was music. Busking around New York City, they were joined by Bennett Miller. Upon leaving a subway station one day, Stevenson commented, “My god, we’re like a bunch of dirty urchins!” The band had its name.

Time passed, and in the summer of 2010 Luther had the privilege of touring with the legendary rocker Meat Loaf. In Luther’s absence, Julia Haltigan, stepped in. The Dirty Urchins were now four members.

Tinged with humor and never one to take things too seriously, the Dirty Urchins speak to all music sensibilities. Grabs you, and captivates you. The harmonies. The saxophone. The acoustics. Their music has a little bit for everyone. It’s wide-open, fluid and ever-changing. The true synthesis of music. Set to take on many shapes.

The Dirty Urchins. Rock n’ folk n’ country n’ blues n’ jazz n’ … roll!

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(the) Absolute Rock!

Simply put: the Absolute rock. This is nodding your head to the beat rock music. This is close your eyes let the music take you to a different place rock music. This is the Absolute.

A photo taken at a recent gig of The Absolute 'Rocking out'

 

The Los Angeles-based band is rooted in thought without becoming too art house and losing its swagger. These Songs From A Room performers remember that a wink and a smile should not be barred from the seriousness of their music.

The band’s web site states they believe there’s more to reality than just the mundane.  Their music is an attempt to go to that higher level with a motto of compassion that seeks understanding. The Absolute are not afraid to admit they hope to inspire.

 

Songs like “God Rest My Mind” and “No Respect for Author” from their album La Fin du Monde showcase a band that would fit on your stereo, your radio, a live act worthy of your attendance.

Turn the Absolute up!

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Aaron Thompson: Folk Electric

Twitter proclaims that he plays music. He drives highways. He is Aaron Thompson. Recently, Thompson added Songs From A Room performer to that list when he played the Washington, D.C. show.

Folksy, electric storytelling from the core of his being best describes Thompson. When you hear it, you know he means the words, the notes. It moves the listener. This American east coaster speaks right to your mind, your soul and makes you feel.

From his bio, in 2009, Thompson left his job as an architect and focused on his music. This move led to an EP “Vals/Bethany Lane/Icarus” which in turn led to his debut album, released in September of 2010.

Playing everything from coffee shops to metro stations to busking though Quebec, Thompson’s music has been featured in productions for CNN, Investigation Discovery and the DC Commission on the Arts.

Original, honest emotion combines a poet’s heart and a musician’s soul. Thompson is well worth a listen!

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Introductions

The Songs From A Room event last March in Los Angeles opened my eyes to what music should be: an intimate night of artists putting their songs first.

The air was that of purpose yet fun, pulling up to a private home for a night of music. Is this the right house? Are those fellow music enthusiasts and musicians I see? This must be the right place.

Immediately, I knew I was among friends with a common love of music. It didn’t matter what style of music, just that I knew they loved music as much as I did. This is what Songs From A Room does, it brings people together.

Acts like Killa Kela and  Nightmare and the Cat proved that opposite music genres really do attract. All of the musicians that night in March brought their flavor, their style and made you feel what they felt. In the style that they chose to present it. In a way that took you on a journey. Together. United in music.

Music floats in air

Petals collect for a night

Give shape and color