[Watch] Nodaway - "Chariot (Official Video)"

Nashville you're on a rolllllllllllll y'all! Why weren't the local bands in Nashville all this good when I lived there? I mean damn I would've at least considered stickin' around for at LEAST another... week... maybe.... before inevitably packing my bags and hightailing it to New York. 

After being thoroughly delighted by fellow Belmont alum Nodaway's debut single "Hairspray" and subsequent EP 500 Days of Whatever ***which is still my favorite album name of 2015*** , the band is back with a new single and an even snazzier video than last time. I had already been on board with their punchy poptasticness, but this new track, "Chariot" honestly caught me off guard in terms of how quickly they've managed to develop in such a short period of time. Although I've never had children, I liken it to sending your kid off to summer camp and he/she returning a foot taller. It's clear that they've chosen a artistic direction, both musically and visually, and it more than suits them. 

We know how good I am with artsy videos. I have no idea what all of the elements are supposed to mean in this video but man is it entertaining to watch. WARNING: when the song ends they show some fun footage of the folks involved goofing off and someone gets quite the scrape. If you're squeamish, it's slightly NSFL. 

Either way, enjoy new Nodaway! 

Also a fun thing I learned while trying to make sure I was up to speed on all things Nodaway. Did not know you could actually purchase Nodaway branded hairspray that smells like watermelon and has a QR code so you can download their EP for free. THIS IS VERY CLEVER AND I ENJOY THIS GREATLY. Here is what said b(r)anded hairspray looks like: 

Attraction enhancers, EH? Guess I'll need to acquire a can of this to see if I can attract some attention while I'm shopping for records at Rough Trade on a Friday night. Kiiiiiiind of kidding? Not about shopping for records on Friday night (unless there's a show).

[Download] Noah Kittinger - All I Know"

Good news everyone! I've stopped avoiding the Soundcloud inbox! Honestly I've been avoiding basically all SKOA inboxes like the plague lately because the increasing unread messages that I can't get to give me major anxiety.

I'm happy to report, however, that while testing the waters to see if I could re-train my brain to not be so stressed out that something wonderful happened: I had a mini-SKOA Family reunion! 

Nashville based Noah Kittinger used to go by the name BEDROOM. The homey Adrian extensively showed it all of the love throughout its existence. And rightfully so, the sleepy melancholic jams that I've since rediscovered were as befitting for love as they were the project's name. 

At any rate, Kittinger has re-emerged, this time choosing to release new songs under his own name. Of the two that he's released so far, "All I Know" quickly became my favorite. I especially love his minimalist approach and how the song manages to be effortlessly peppy despite how distressing the lyrics are. 

Kittinger is currently prepping an EP that's slated for a spring/summer release. In the meantime, peep "All I Know" below. Be sure to also check out "N.Y.E" in addition to his BEDROOM creations. 

[Night Out] Sean McVerry @ CHCM Boutique (1/20/2016)

WINTER BREAK IS OVER. IT'S TIME TO GET BACK TO ROCKIN'! 

LET'S TALK ABOUT MY FIRST BABY BAND OF THE YEAR! 

I had the pleasure of attending an intimate preview of the debut EP from Sean McVerry, a one-man band of sorts hailing from Connecticut on Wednesday night. Squeezing into NoHo boutique CHCM, we did the stereotypically hip NYC thing - sipping our PBRs and chatting while the EP played in the background. When it came time for McVerry to perform cuts from Hourglass Switchboard I, the first of his three-part EP series, things got very real. 

I had spun the record a few times prior to arriving to the show. Based on my initial impression of the record, I assumed that by looking at his setup when I arrived that we wouldn't get the full experience. 

Boy was I wrong. We actually got more than that. As he was nearing the end of his set, there was a loud crackling noise and then the music stopped. The poor kid had gotten lost in the moment and stomped on the HDMI cable keeping everything together to the point that it was beyond repair. That's when the magic happened. Unfazed, McVerry stepped from behind his setup and climbed on a display that people were sitting on and proceeded to perform the last song acapella, stomping away throughout to keep time. As impressive as his instrumental abilities are, his voice dominated the room, shutting up every last attendee (which up until this point he was unable to do because New Yorkers are the worst at this as you know from our Son Little outing). 

If you need additional proof of his vocal talents, please see this Play Too Much performance of his single, "Kerosene". 

Yeah. See? Told you. 

Have to say, very anxious to hear the other 2 EPs that he's got up his sleeves. Something tells me I might have opinions about which songs belonged on which EPs, but regardless I suppose you could say Sean McVerry has made an amazing first impression on me in a MCVERRY BIG WAY. 

(#sorrynotsorry couldn't resist!) 

While he's not officially #SKOAfam yet (we've still gotta do an interview when he comes back to Mercury Lounge in March!), this rock mom is DYING for you to hear how talented this guy is. 

Have a listen to Hourglass Switchboard I in the player below. 

You can also catch him on tour if you don't live by me!