Influences: Great Peacock

Nashville’s Great Peacock⎯⎯ comprised of lead singer and guitarist Andrew Nelson, guitarist Blount Floyd, drummer Nick Recio and bass player Frank Keith IV ⎯⎯ are fixtures in the Southern festival circuit including Shakey Knees, they’ve shared stages with an abundance of equally-minded noise-makers, including Colter Wall, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Cage the Elephant, American Aquarium, Margo Price, and Jonathan Tyler.

Nelson recounts the birth of the band. Late one night, when they were drunk on Bushwackers, Nelson, “…jokingly said we were going to start a folk band, and we wrote a song called ‘Desert Lark.’” Close friends and family raved about what they had nonchalantly created. The band soon became a reality in early 2013, and their debut album Making Ghosts arrived two years later.

Having grown up in a rather sheltered Pentecostal household in the suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama, Nelson tuned into the only secular music he was allowed to listen to: the local oldies station. “What really got me into music is the blues. When I was a teenager I really liked John Lee Hooker, Freddy King, BB King and Buddy Guy. I think you can hear these influences in the new songs in some ways. At an early age, I learned how hitting the right chords at the right times could really mess with somebody’s emotions.”

It wasn’t until he was 14 years old that he heard Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” for the first time, and it changed everything. “When I heard the guitar solo, I freaked out. I went downstairs and started playing my brother’s guitars when he wasn’t home. I taught myself how to play, because I loved that song so much. I would get my ass kicked for breaking his strings, though. I had to learn fast, and I knew I wouldn’t get a guitar from my parents if I didn’t already show some interest or effort.”

Later, when he was 18, the next piece of the puzzle fell into place. His father had just passed away, and on the ride home from the funeral, his sister, “who always had really good taste in music,” as Nelson remembers it, put on Ryan Adams’ “When the Stars Go Blue.” The performance crushed him. “I started hearing all the little country influences. I thought it was awesome. I didn’t know I liked country music. Then, I went from Ryan straight to George Jones. From that moment on, I became way more obsessed with country music than rock ‘n roll.”

After college, he moved to Nashville to pursue his musical career and that’s where he met bandmate Floyd, who “grew up on ‘90s country.” The pair hit it off almost immediately. “We instantly went out and got a case of beer and shotgunned them. We started playing and writing songs together. We found out we sang together pretty well.”

Recorded at Nashville’s Sound Emporium, Grand Peacock’s upcoming second album, Gran Pavo Real (out Mar. 30 via Ropeadope Records) was helmed by industry stalwart Dexter Green (Jason Isbell, Elizabeth Cooke, Derek Hoke). “He brought a strange cosmic energy., says Nelson about Green. “He’s sort of indescribable. You have to meet him to know who he is.” My Morning Jacket’s Tom Blankenship lends his smart musicianship to the entire lineup. Initially, his contribution was on only one song, but he fell in love with the work being made and asked to stay for the whole ride. Accomplished key player Ralph Lofton (Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Holliday) is likewise a prevalent musical force throughout the collection. “Ralph brought some soul to the project,” notes Nelson. “It’s really great, considering we recorded it live.”

Andrew Nelson’s Influences

Franklin’s Tower – “Originally when I was writing our song ‘Hideaway,’ the chords were really bouncy. I even only got inspired to find the vocal melody for the song by dicking around on guitar, trying to play like Jerry.”

Descending – “The piano this song reminds me of how Mr. Ralph Lofton made us sound a little more soulful by bringing his keyboard talents to the table of our album. You can hear that style of playing all over our song ‘One Way Ticket,’ which strangely enough takes a sort of satirical view of growing up religious in the South.”

Slow Show – “‘Slow Show’ has always sounded so sexy to me. I have no idea what it’s about. But, I knew I wanted our song ‘Begging to Stay’ to sound sexy as well.”

Heartache Tonight – Let’s just say I got the idea for ‘Heartbreak Comin’ Down’ from the title of ‘Heartache Tonight.’ I don’t fucking care what anyone else thinks.”

Cortez the Killer – “We totally wanted our album to have guitars like this on it. Guitar sounds and parts that can take your mind to a cosmic, spacious place. But, not a lot of notes.”

Waltz Across Texas Tonight – “Space and groove! (Daniel) Lanois is a huge influence on our vibe at times. Melodic sounds that drip on top of beats.”

Million Dollar Bill – “Is it Country? Is it Rock and Roll? Does it matter? It’s got so much emotion and that’s what matters!”

Where I End You Begin – Thom Yorke’s use of simple and strange melodies gives us the confidence to basically sing a one note vocal melody in the verses of our song ‘Rattlesnake.’”

Little Martha – “This guitar melody inspired the vocal melody for our song ‘All Really Want is You.’”

It’ll All Work Out – “Mr. Petty and his band shapes all of what we do. The emotion of this song was something we were striving to capture on our album and in our music in general.”

Loving Cup – “’Loving Cup’ is just a great template for the aesthetic we were shooting for. It’s all over the place while still being grounded and simple.”

 

 

Popdose Sunday Brunch: Episode Two

Once upon a time, when Sundays were demented…

What are you giving us here?
Tom T-Bone Stankus – Existential Blues
Billy & The Boingers (Mucky Pup) – U Stink But I <3 U
Strongbad vs. Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars – Uptown Fhwagawds
Streetband – Toast
The Frantics – Tae Kwan Leap
The Dead Milkmen – Bitchin’ Camaro
The Beat Farmers – Happy Boy
South Park – I’ve Got Something In My Front Pocket For You
The Goons – The Ying Tong Song
Barnes & Barnes – Fish Heads
Spike Jones – The Man On The Flying Trapeze
Jimmy Cross – I Want My Baby Back
Tom Lehrer – Silent E
Odgen Edsel – Dead Puppies (Aren’t Much Fun)
Sifl & Olly – Llama School

Popdose Exclusive Single Premiere: Karyn Kuhl Band, “Be Your Friend”

Popdose is very pleased to present the exclusive premiere of this great new single from The Karyn Kuhl band, “Be Your Friend”.
According to the Hoboken powerhouse players, “The Karyn Kuhl Band is bringing sexy back (ha ha ha) with our new single!  We hope our message of love, friendship and desire warms your heart and soul on these cold, dark days of winter.”

You cannot ask for a better, more meaningful message along with a melodic swirl of sound, passion and power.  Dig it!

It’s coming out on February 14th, 2018 – share it with someone you love.

www.karynkuhl.com


Popdose EP Premiere: Lexie Rose, “On My Own”

A few years ago, while promoting Sonic Highways, Dave Grohl told the Television Critics Association, “I don’t want my kid to think that the only way you can be a musician is to stand in line at a song contest audition, and then wind up having a bazillionaire tell you you’re not a good singer. Don’t get me started. To me, that’s not what music’s about.” In a facebook post, he further explained, “Musicians should go to a yard sale and buy and old fucking drum set and get in their garage and just suck. And get their friends to come in and they’ll suck, too. And then they’ll fucking start playing and they’ll have the best time they’ve ever had in their lives and then all of a sudden they’ll become Nirvana. Because that’s exactly what happened with Nirvana.”

Singer Lexie Rose likely took note because that’s the route to stardom she’s been on so far. She booked her first club gigs at the age of 13 and recorded some of her first songs with Sheldon Gromberg, the GRAMMY-winning engineer, mixer and co-producer of Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite’s album, Get Up! “It’s a mind blowing experience to be in the studio and be part of the process as a song that started in a raw, simple form comes to life as a full blown production,” Rose said in an announcement for her new EP’s release.

Rose honed her live skills on such legendary LA stages as the Hotel Café, Genghis Cohen and The Troubadour. She also plays acoustic guitar in her brother’s alt rock band, Night Talks; their debut album, In Dreams, came out a year ago this week. Now, it’s time for Rose’s voice to sing out from coast to coast and around the world. On My Own was produced by Max Allyn at the Outpost Studio in Topanga Canyon; it features five original songs, including an early critical favorite, “20 Weeks”:

20 Weeks by Lexie Rose on VEVO.

While “20 Weeks” hooks you with its story from the first line and groove from the first beat, the rest of the tracks jettison traditional modern pop trappings — they first feel the room, stretch out a bit, and then find their groove with heartfelt and passionate choruses. Not your typical Selena Gomez or Swifty jam, but emotionally gripping and captivating like her musical heroes Fiona Apple, Elliott Smith, Thom Yorke, and Bon Iver.

POPDOSE: In the pop and rock and roll arenas, image is as much a part of the overall rock and roll package as music — especially in the era of Instagram which has an insatiable thirst for fashion and hot makeup trends. Is the “lipstick tomboy” image you’ve created exclusively for the stage and your socials, or is she also the girl seen in the hallways at school? 

LEXIE ROSE: My image on stage is a reflection of who I am in everyday life. You’ll definitely see me in band tee and oversized jeans just as much as you’d see me in a cute dress with my makeup done up. I’m a tomboy at heart. I work on my own car, grew up with an older brother, and my band is all guys. People who see me on stage may think of me as more of a girly-girl which lead me to come up with “lipstick tomboy.”

You’re not old enough to patronize nightclubs, yet you’ve landed some “big gets” in terms of gigs; including Hotel Café (where I saw pre-fame Katy Perry, Sara Bareilles, and Eric Hutchinson, among others) and the legendary Troubadour. How did you hustle your way onto these iconic stages?

I booked my first show at 13 years-old at a nightclub called Room 5 and the booker gave me the opportunity. I packed the place so I developed a good reputation with other venues. I haven’t had a problem booking a show due to my age but I’ve definitely had experiences where I’ve had to wait in the back alley before my set. When it comes down to it, maturity is a much bigger factor than age. I got really lucky finding a booker the first time around who believed in me.

Since you’re still in school, are your world tours limited to Southern California at this point — or does spring break and summer vacation hold unlimited possibility?

If the opportunity arose to leave California, I wouldn’t think twice about taking it. School is super important to me, but my music definitely comes first. I’ve personally never had an issue maintaining a career as both a student and musician. My dream is to tour outside of the US so I would never limit myself.

When you’re off the stage, what artists have inspired you from the concert floor? 

Some of my favorite musicians that I’ve seen play live include Radiohead, Fleetwood Mac, and Kendrick Lamar both as just a fan and musician.

Who would be your dream double date in terms of a co-headlining bill?

Phoebe Bridgers is my current obsession so I’d love to play a show with her. If you would’ve asked me 3 months ago, I would’ve said Fiona Apple.

On My Own is available to stream or purchase through iTunes.

Connect with Lexie Rose on Instagram or her official website.

Soul Serenade: The Temptations, “Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World Is Today)”

I’ve written more about the Temptations in this column than probably any other group or solo artist. I’ve spoken of my love for David Ruffin and the entire classic lineup. I didn’t say original lineup because Ruffin was not an original member of the Temptations. He replaced Elbridge Bryant in 1964. But the passing of Dennis Edwards, who, in turn, replaced Ruffin in 1968, is something that I cannot ignore.

To be honest, I resented Edwards when he first joined the Tempts. I was such a fan of Ruffin and I was not happy that he had been dismissed, although it’s probably fair to say that he earned that dismissal with his behavior. But then those Norman Whitfield-produced hits began to come out with Edwards singing lead on them and resentment quickly turned to admiration.

These weren’t David Ruffin’s Temptations anymore. That was clear from the first notes of “Cloud Nine” which appeared in October 1968. These were the psychedelic Tempts and subsequent hits in this vein included “Runaway Child, Running Wild,” “I Can’t Get Next to You,” “Psychedelic Shack,” “Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World is Today),” “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” and “Shakey Ground.”

“Ball of Confusion” was written by Whitfield and Motown stalwart Barrett Strong. The single was recorded at Hitsville USA (Studio A) on April 7, 1970, and it was released on Motown’s Gordy imprint on May 7. All of the Temptations, aside from Otis Williams, contributed lead vocal parts, and they were backed by the legendary Funk Brothers. The single reached #3 on the pop chart and #2 on the R&B chart.

The Temptations

David Ruffin and Dennis Edwards were friends and when Ruffin was first dismissed from the Temptations he encouraged Edwards to step up. Before long though, Ruffin decided he wanted back in. He began to show up at Temptations shows, grab the mic from Edwards to sing “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” and run off again. At one point, Otis Williams decided to relent and let Ruffin back in, even going so far as to let Edwards, who was still new to the group at that point, know that he would be laid off. But Ruffin failed to show up for the very first reunion gig and that was the end of the idea of bringing him back into the fold.

Edwards had come from Alabama and his family moved to Detroit when he was ten-years-old. Early on in his career Edwards joined the Mighty Clouds of Joy gospel group. His parents did not approve of secular music but by 1961 Edwards had a group called Dennis Edwards and the Fireballs. After serving in the military, Edwards auditioned for Motown and got a job singing with the Contours in 1966. When the Contours opened shows for the Temptations, who were by then having problems with Ruffin, Edwards was noticed by the group’s members.

Edwards quit the Contours in 1967 and he was prepared to follow Holland-Dozier-Holland to their new Invictus label when the Temptations called and the string of hits began. In 1977 the Temptations were about to leave Motown for Atlantic Records when Otis Williams fired Edwards. When the Temptations returned to Motown three years later Edwards was rehired. The group was in rehearsals for the Reunion tour, which also included Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks, when Edwards began to miss rehearsals and was fired again.

In the 1980s Edwards had some success as a Motown solo artist before rejoining the Temptations for the third time in 1987 and being fired for the third time in 1989. In the 1990s, Edwards toured with Ruffin and Kendricks and after the two former Temptations died in successive years Edwards led the Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards.

Dennis Edwards was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Temptations in 1989. His Temptations Review was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame in 2015. On that same night, Edwards was given the Living Legends award. He died of complications from meningitis on February 1, 2018.

Popdose Exclusive: Karen Atkins, “High on Love (Can’t Get Too)”

In December, we had a pretty wild night in Los Angeles — a weird, bright ball of light appeared in the sky over the San Fernando Valley. Turned out it was a test run of the SpaceX rocket launch, and it was — in a word — marvelous.

Today, the real thing will head off on its skyward mission. Semi-coincidentally, Karen Atkins’ latest track “High on Love (Can’t Get Too)” finds the songstress aboard the Tesla Roadster (which is included in the historic SpaceX launch. Though she conceived of the track and video before the rocket launch’s announcement, it’s a timely, fun way to celebrate this astronomical (heh) feat.

Check out Karen Atkins’ music video for “High on Love (Can’t Get Too)” below, and an exclusive chat with this serendipitous visionary about how the track came about, her life as a wellness expert, and beyond.

So, you conceived this track before the announcement of the SpaceX launch. How surprised were you when you found out it was actually going to happen?

I was pretty blown away when I found out that Elon Musk and SpaceX were launching a rocket to Mars with a Tesla Roadster as payload. My producer Xeno and I came up with the idea last spring and started filming at the end of May, and we did not know at the time that we shot the video that Elon Musk was going to have this SpaceX launch with the roadster in the rocket ship, so that was just a complete surprise.

Our roadster is not quite the advanced model that’s on the Falcon Heavy, but it’s kind of fun to be able to be flying through space right around the same time that the SpaceX rocket launch is hitting off, so I’m pretty excited to see what happens.

Tell me a bit about why you’re riding the Tesla Roadster into space. What’s your goal?

I envisioned the video with us flying around through space to spread a message of love and search for a suitable place for a “Backup planet” which we could fill with all of the elements of the Earth that are essential: Abundant Nature, Connection, Friendship, and Love.

In the video, we take a plant from the earth, which represents unconditional love and protective, feminine energy. We plant it on the backup planet to bring that special Earth energy to the backup planet and the ability to terraform the martian atmosphere. And then the idea is that the plant spreads so much love into the Universe that it ends up having the power to heal whatever is broken on the Earth.

You’re also a wellness expert. What’s your one, sage tip for those looking to better their lives?

Pay attention to how you use your energy and learn to identify things that tend to drain you and things that energize you. This stems from my personal journey to wellness as well as helping hundreds of others find that for themselves. More than 20 years ago, I walked away from a blossoming music career for two main reasons:

1. My spirit was crying out for me to pay more attention to it and at that time and at that age I was not able to fulfill my spirit’s wishes while still pursuing a career as a professional musician.

2. The musician’s lifestyle of travel, late night gigs, poor nutrition, and (at the time) smoky bars was becoming unmanageable for my body and my energy was tanked.

I spent the next 20 years discovering how to re-build my inner and outer strength, so I could not only re-ignite my music career, but also create abundance in all areas of my life. Long story short, I (finally) succeeded.

And the great thing is that when you become abundant, you just want to share. I don’t want to be the only one who feels this good! It’s much more fun to live in a world of happy, healthy people! If you feel in any way that you are not fully vital or abundant, then you may find what I’m sharing useful. We’re starting up an inner circle and if you’d like more information about that, visit HiOnLove.com.

As a musician, who are your all-time biggest influences?

Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Chicago, Jim Morrison, Eric Clapton, The Bee Gees, Simon and Garfunkel, Billy Joel, Elton John, John Lennon, Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell

How do you balance your music with your lifestyle work? Do the two work together?

Most people think that being a musician and being healthy are inherently incompatible. Normally, I would think so too, but in my case music and health have long been my two biggest passions.

For the last 20 years, in addition to being a musician I’ve also been a passionate health educator! Back in the 90’s, I felt alone living in these contrasting social spheres, but lately a new conscious music scene has been emerging that blends these two communities.

More and more musicians are realizing that they can’t continue to have a successful career (especially longterm) unless they pay attention to their overall health and for me, learning to regain my health and vitality is the main thing that fueled my return to music.

Having more life force brought back my creative energy and helped me connect to my deepest passions, and my need to express them creatively (particularly through music).

Where will you be when SpaceX launches today?

I am going to be at home watching the event on whatever online news source has the best live feed, since I don’t have a TV.

What’s next for you?

That’s not a short answer because I’m a pretty active woman!

Musically, “High on Love” is my first single for my new album that I plan to release this summer and I’m working on my next music video for a Paul Simon Cover, Slip Slidin’ Away. We’re adding a little optimistic twist to the video.

In the wellness space, I’m launching a monthly “Inner Circle” program where I will share very simple tools, practices and resources for succeeding at living a healthy, balanced, creative and fulfilling life.

I will also be putting together a podcast featuring kids and their passions.

And, of course, I plan to continue teaching the lifestyle practices that I’ve been living and sharing for the last 20 years.

For more on Karen Atkins and her music, find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Radio City With Jon Grayson & Rob Ross: Episode Fifty

Radio City With Jon Grayson & Rob Ross:  Episode Fifty

Fifty shades of Jon and Rob doing their thing and you loving it all…  Listen in as the boys go for it as they preview the Super Bowl; the announcement of Neil Diamond’s retirement; a loving tribute to Mark E. Smith of The Fall; the shutdown of the government; new music from Steve Barton and the Big Star live album, “In Our Heads” (naturally) and a great deal more.

You get a lot from these two that you won’t get anywhere else from a podcast.  So drink a long draught (look for the reference…) and kick back for a good listen with your intrepid hosts…

Radio City With Jon Grayson & Rob Ross: Episode Fifty


The podcast will be on the site as well as for subscription via iTunes and other podcast aggregators. Subscribe and let people know about Radio City, as well as Popdose’s other great podcasts David Medsker’s Dizzy Heights and In:Sound with Michael Parr and Zack Stiegler.

Popdose Playlist: February 5, 2018

It’s Monday. Let’s get loud.

LOUDER!! GRRAAAAGGGHHH!!

Popdose is happy to help you find your inner mosh pit marauder because, God knows, it’s gonna be a lo-ong week.

What are you giving us here?

In Flames – Free Fall – Reroute To Remain
Katatonia – My Twin – The Great Cold Distance
Paradise Lost – Two Worlds – Symbol Of Life
The Gathering – Travel – How To Measure A Planet?
Gazpacho – Choir Of Ancestors – Molok
Opeth – The Drapery Falls – Blackwater Park
Devin Townsend Band – Traveler – Accelerated Evolution
Porcupine Tree – Shallow – Deadwing
Sentenced – Aiki Multaa Muistot (Everything Is Nothing) – The Cold White Light
Threshold – The Destruction Of Words – Subsurface
P.O.D. – Boom – P.O.D. Greatest Hits
Amorphis – Shatters Within – Am Universum
Enchant – Under Fire – Blink Of An Eye
Sevendust – Waffle – Home
Fear Factory – Edgecrusher – Obsolete
Orgy – Eva – Vapor Transmission
Deliverance – Make My Bed In Hell – Camelot In Smithereens