Starpilots

There's no words to say how much I love foreign indie bands... and plenty of words to convey my displeasure that every single one of their official sites is in any language under the sun except English! So, malheuresment,
I won't be able to bring you too much trivia about Starpilots. But I will tell you what I do know.

Based in Austria, Starpilots has been in existence since 1994, with eight different tape/CD productions to date. Their most recent release, Population, just came out this year. The band itself is comprised of four gents, with Alex Panrok thumping drums, Horst Ruger on guitar, Tom Schauppenlehner on the bass, and Gernot Grassl as lyricist. Apparently, they all sing, and quite well at that. But this is only my opinion. See for yourself, with their newly released video, "Gasping for Air."

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And for those of you who speak and understand the German language, here's a promotional interview they broadcast on Viennese television for your listening and viewing enjoyment.



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British Indiepop Candy

Although their career was short, British indiepop band Hefner wrote some right good music. Fronted by Darren Hayman, Hefner produced songs similar to Scandinavian band The Confusions.

Darren's music involvement included music with not only Hefner, but The French, an up-and-coming bluegrass band of buddies, and a solo career of his own. Last year's latest, "Table for One," proved to be a labor of love. Here's what some digs from his website produced:

"Bruised and bloodied, former Hefner front man Darren Hayman, crawls out from his car wreck life armed with only his battle scarred telecaster and ukulele for protection. Darren’s been given a right kicking by the music biz, but he’s not down, in fact he’s smiling ear to ear. In the past two years since his last album with The French Darren has worked for The Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals, Battersea Dogs Home, gotten married, formed a bluegrass band, put on a lot of weight and is currently studying an Art PGCE at Goldsmiths College. “If I don’t work I go nuts; I wasted 6 months addicted to internet chess.” says Hayman. This album is his best so far until the next one. Real drums and guitars mark a return to the indie folk style of Hefner, but better. “Every time a write a song its better then the last one”, continues Hayman, “I thought it was that way for everyone?”."

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Their video, "Good Fruit," showcases the incredibly bored Hefner clan, moping about with nothing to do until Darren turns up the tunes. You'll turn it up, too, when you hear this hit.



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ITWY

Excuse all the noise... this one's definite garage band grunge. I almost turned it down until I heard the hook. And yes, I got "hooked." I won't bother making comparisons; I'll leave that up to you. As far as I'm concerned, it's a great song, especially on behalf of the drummer, and the lyrics (those that I can make out) carry the all the rocking power you'd expect in a garage band.

Band: Ian Twyford Kicks You-Know-What
Title: Way Out
Album: Songs for the Solemn



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The Official Korben Music Video

Okay, so you saw Korben's "Super Selfish" making-of music video; I now bring you the real thing, along with some factoids about the band from their free and easy indie label, 3D People. This vid caused just a smidge of confusion on YouTube, so I'd better post the official explanation too. But first, here's a little something from 3D People:

"Erin and Chad Gerber began playing music at an early age, Erin singing in local theatre, choirs, and talent shows, while Chad toured with various bands playing guitar. In addition both wrote and played music together and performed for small-scale events in their hometown of Billings, Montana. They decided they needed to pursue their music on a larger level, so Chad and Erin began working on a demo to send out to various contacts throughout the U.S. Due to the positive response they received from the demo, Korben decided to move to Los Angeles in 2003. Upon moving, they began to frequent the major venues on Hollywood's Sunset Strip, along with other popular venues around Los Angeles, and caught the attention of Stone's Throw Recording artist, Aloe Blacc, whom they began working in the studio with on a regular basis. As a result, the duo began to receive attention from Sony Records, Capitol Records, Thrive Records, producers, and entertainment professionals, but none committed to anything worth pursuing. This left Chad and Erin frustrated towards the music industry, but helped them in realizing what creative direction they would take Korben. A direction that didn't involve corporate owned record labels, hired song writers, or producers. Chad and Erin became adamant on maintaining creative control over their career, and the creative process that encompasses being an artist. Eventually Korben signed to the small independent label 3D People Records in Los Angeles, completely under their own terms. They immediately began working in the studio on their debut album "Steady Fools" produced by the band's own Chad Gerber, which would follow up a string of EPs and singles that were currently receiving airplay nationwide, along with airplay in the UK, and South America. Since the release of "Steady Fools" the album has received airplay worldwide, Korben has been featured and interviewed on countless radio stations, online stations, podcasts, made live appearances on web TV, and been guests on the Music Plus TV show "10 Deep". To summarize the signature sound of Korben, one can't help but hear how Erin's glassy vocals float and cut throughout the lyrics, while Chad's rich toned guitars push melodies over driving hooks.
Korben is currently touring the U.S. in support of the Steady Fools album."

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And now for that explanation I promised - hey, they wrote it, not me.

"Korben has been programmed by a mysterious computer hacker, to perform a private show in a mysterious location. Watch along the way as they experience intense hallucinations on their pre-programmed journey."

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Friday Night Feature

Prepare for the German Invasion! Were you getting tired of Scandie bands? Then check out this ultra-awesome band from Germany: Nu-Matix. Fronted by lead singer and guitarist Manuel Demann, this band has rocking power like Red and sounds like Linkin Park, while at the same time managing to pull off a sound that's uniquely their own.

From the sound of it, they're gonna have a pretty busy summer. They've been touring a while, and they're getting signed soon.

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So are you ready for the videos? This one's apparently their official one; it's a live set, so you might want to turn your speakers up REALLY LOUD. It's called "Set Me Free."

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This vid's got great sound; one of their fans was kind enough to put it together for them. Enjoy, it won't let you "Down."

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Don't forget to check out their website and fan site!

And a special thanks to Andy, Manuel's friend, who made this post possible.

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Don't Kill Any More DJ's

We just love The Revs, so I can't help but stream this one through da blog. This tune takes a lyrical twist, going from lasting advice for saving your money on a rainy day in "Broken" to killing off a DJ. What a switch. Tell me how you like it, but if you're a DJ, you're taking your life into your own hands.



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Strumming Struts

Here comes another hit, instrumental this time. I usually like the ones with words, but this one's too good to pass up. The guitarist definitely has some experience under his belt, as he moves up and down the struts with ease. The beginning kind of reminds me a Heart song mixed with a little Beatles and therefore, Oasis. But tell me what you think... what I think doesn't matter.



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Kylie - Are We "Still Friends?"

Are you ready for the next talented female artist? She looks like Carrie Underwood, sounds like Carrie Underwood, and... ooops, except, she's more talented than Carrie Underwood. Meet Kylie, the new sixteen-year-old girl on the block, who seems to have snuck her way to a couple thousand views on YouTube in just a few months. "Still Friends," to which she wrote both the lyrics and the music, has a fantastic tonal quality unlike a lot of other um, shall we say, sub-par YouTubers.



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Saturday Special

Say hello to the newest guitarist on the block, Peter Patrick Pitter. He made the jump to my Saturday Special today by being "Everything I Don't Want to Be." No, I don't think he'll be playing Coachella this weekend, but hey, if you didn't make it to the concert, I've got stuff here instead. So don't feel bummed.


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Friday Night Feature

Meet this talented artist from Sydney, Australia. Says he's a medical student, but I think he ought to consider a record deal. They rhythm of his song is phenomenal, and the tune reminds me of, well, let's say, Rob Thomas. OK, this guy sounds better yet. By the time you're finished watching the video, it will have taken your breath away. Literally. So sit back on this Friday evening and enjoy "Can't Breathe." BTW, don't be afraid to let me know whatcha think.



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54 West's Dave Ongena

Looking for one of the best one-man shows around? Meet Dave Ongena, member of 54 West, who's decided to go it alone for this vid... and a few others, too, actually. Creative strumming methods really caught my attention on this one, and who doesn't dig the fisherman's cap? Hold your breath, and get ready for "I Can't Breathe."



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Rev It Up!

Ready to Rev It Up? More of The Revs comin' atcha right now! This time, join the band as they make their way through the mall singing and dodging people with bags. Looks like they're up for handouts, too. So enjoy "You Shine!" By the way, I've got another Revs video up my sleeve, but um, I think we'd better let the Virginia Tech thing die down a bit before I bloggit. All of you Revs fans know what I'm talking about.



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Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

Don't pick on the name... how did they know Yeltsin would die so soon? And don't say for one minute that they were trying to snag publicity; they named themselves MONTHS before, um, yesterday. So enjoy the music. They sort of sound a little like Weezer, and a little like Peter Bjorn. But nevermind what I think they sound like... it's what you think that matters! So feel free to comment.

First up is "I Am Warm and Powerful." With a name like this, the song can't be bad.



One word of advice. If your house is on fire, don't call these guys. The song is called "House Fire" for a reason.



OKAY, so it's filmed in their neighborhood AND their home. But we don't care. This one sounds like George Harrison, more or less, so sit back and the view of "Pangea." And say hello to the dino for me. Please.



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Monday Already?

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty bummed that it's Monday already. But I'm looking at it on the bright side... I get to post another video! You should be rejoicing too. So who gets to start off the week? This guy from California, who also thinks Mondays stink. I'm getting the feeling he doesn't like his boss too well. But everybody can appreciate his hospitality; he gives his guitar to a homeless man to make his day better. What else can you do to feel better on Mondays? (If you respond "Call in sick!", that doesn't count!)



PS. You know how I heard Korben was from Russia? I think my sources were wrong... they're from Montana. Oops. Big difference. Oh well.

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Are You "Super Selfish?"

Heard this band was from Russia... does anybody really know? Anyway, here's one from Chad and Erin of Korben. Looks like they shot this part live, part at home in their family room. As this title might suggest, the song is "Super Selfish" off of the "Steady Fools" album, recorded in Los Angeles.




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Saturday Special

Are you ready for this? It's by The Revs, and I want to extend a special thanks to one of my viewers for introducing me to the band... they rock! Ireland should be proud! If you like, say, Oasis, or anything else Beatlesque, for that matter, you'll LOVE these guys. Or if you don't like Oasis or anything Beatlesque, you'll like them anyway! I found another one of their videos, too, but "Broken" is all you get for now; you'll have to come back for the rest!



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Friday Night Feature

Welcome to the first installment of Friday Night Feature, and I might as well finish off the week on another Swedish note. So I'm gonna give you one of the coolest Christian Swedish bands existing: Remission. Sunny sound and unashamed lyrics with a message helped put this band on my list of favorites... I can't wait to see more from these guys. Check out their video "Here to Stay" below.



Next up... "I'm OK." Is anyone else getting the idea that Swedish bands like to turn cartoons into music videos?


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More from Sweden - Sabrosa

Wow... two Swedish bands in one day; how in the world did I manage that? Check out this hit from Sabrosa, who some have compared to U2. I think they sound 10 times better than U2, with more feeling.

"Sympathetic Symphony," the first vid comin' atcha, is sure to catch your attention, if not for the mere, shall we say, unique visual quality. The concept is supposed to look like a comic strip coming to life. Pretty neat, if I do say so myself.



Next up is a hit called "Let it Free." I gotta hand it to these guys; I'm thankful all of their lyrics are in English; though even if they were in Swedish they would sound just as good.

Check it out - The Confusions

Check it out... direct from Sweden comes an awesome band called The Confusions. Have you heard of them? They've been around a while,from the sound of it, so why haven't I heard of them until now? Must be because US stations refuse to play the good stuff... so if you've got the radio station blues, watch these awesome vids from The Confusions and forget about your commercial-inundated stations. The first video's called The Pilot - I couldn't resist watching this one.

Next up is one of the most awesome, I think. It's called "Don't Let the World Catch You Crying". The film shoot took place at an old mental institution - which The Confusions apparently thought was pretty spooky, but their vid turned out great.

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