Moon Taxi || Put Em Up

October 3, 2017 Scrimshaw Collective

It takes a unique blend of lyricism, pure energy and and instrumentals to transport a person through music, to another place entirely. Watching and listening to Moon Taxi, the 5 piece band hailing from Nashville, made me feel cool and electric and all at once, put me in a Southern Trance.

It’s a rare feeling when you listen to a band and not only feel a range of emotions but also experience a memory – that hasn’t yet happened. Songs about eternal wanderlust, the ups and downs of love, the beauty and color in life and sharing some whiskey with best friends over a southern sunset, are more than just emotions that Moon Taxi stirs, they are experiences. They are music. They are life.

“By and by, I thank the sky for lending an ear to hear me crying out. And it’s just us two, but it rings true somehow and I’m the only one who sings about those...Whiskey Sunsets.”

Outside of their lyrical depth, the band (Trevor Terndrup – guitar/lead singer, Spencer Thomson – guitar, Tyler Ritter – Drums, Wes Bailey – Vibraphone and Tommy Putnam – Bass) absolutely shreds and puts heart and soul into each song. Not to mention they have a freakin Vibraphone!

With three studio albums under their belt and a single release this summer (Two High), you can expect big things on the horizon for Moon Taxi. Do yourself a favor and go see Moon Taxi on their current Put Em Up Tour or turn them loud on your headphones. It’s time to get back to the roots of live Rock & Roll with epic jamming, raw vocals and energy that will put you in a Southern Trance.

Wet: Ever-Cool Aspirational Pop

November 10, 2016 Scrimshaw Collective

Every once in a while I feel that if a person is in the right physical place and state of mind, they can reach a truly unique and heightened sense of outward perspective. This feeling of slight euphoria seems like an out of body experience. It allows you to immerse yourself in the surroundings and full heartedly enjoy that specific moment. To us at Scrimshaw, this is the catching lightning in a bottle feeling we are searching with every story and experience. This unique feeling of softness and visceral comfort was felt recently as we watched, listened and photographed the beauty that is the band, Wet.

Wet, is an “aspirational pop” band, who originated in Brooklyn, NY but has taken over the indie airwaves. The band’s melodically clean beats combined with beautiful electric riffs and a front woman who’s voice makes you feel all the feels, is something that everyone needs to experience at least once.

The band consists of Kelly Zutrau, Joe Valle and Marty Sulkow, and together they can actually create more than just music, they can create an experience. Not only does this experience bring about beautiful music, but lyrically, Wet can bring you to your knees, with an emotional magnitude only comparable to your first kiss.

Our viewing, listening, and photographing experience was intimate as Wet connected everyone in the audience through their music. The benefit of any artist engaging on that level with fans is that there is a tendency for the listeners to reciprocate. Wet, releasing two songs, “The Middle” and “Turn Away”, only a week before this concert, was met with the crowd singing every word, leaving the band stunned and ecstatic. Connecting on that level is something most bands dream of, but Wet is not any normal band. Some musicians gather this kind of connection and energy through movement and activity on stage, but Wet fits their ever-cool personality with gorgeous lighting and powerfully comfortable stances, losing themselves in their music.

Here at Scrimshaw we pride ourselves on cultivating a vibe and creating a collective of experiences that people can enjoy. We fully hope that you go out of your way to listen and experience Wet in the fullest. Do yourself a favor and take a moment out of your day to really just clear your mind and immerse yourself in their music and we guarantee you will get something special back in return.

Donavon Frankenreiter: The Heart

June 20, 2016 Scrimshaw Collective

Donavon Frankenreiter 2016 || Belly Up Tavern

Music as an artistic medium has the ability to embody true creativity, expression, and evoke a rawness between the artist and his craft. What is truly unique, is when a listener has the opportunity to connect and transport with a musician during a live show to create an in-the-moment bond allowing for a truly organic experience. That electricity was felt while listening to Donavon Frankenreiter perform his newest record "The Heart" in front of adoring fans at The Belly Up in Solana Beach, CA.

Donavon Frankenreiter's new album, "The Heart", is an ode to all things he finds true and dear in this world and marks a start to his second decade as a solo recording artist. "The Heart" has chemistry through and through from its lyrical fluidity and depth to its melodic genius. The inspiration behind the album, which is represented by the cd title, shone through in spades on stage. Donavon and his band had palpable energy and happiness which radiated into the audience.

Even though the Belly Up was the first stop on tour, it wasn't the first time the band had played the album for a live audience. Donavon recorded the album, "The Heart", in Blue Rock Studios while airing the entire session and recording process online for all of his fans. This is a small example of what makes Donavon such a unique artist (besides his ability to shred on a surfboard) who pursues and shares his passion for the right reasons.

With so much heart put into the album, it is no surprise that the concert was inspiring and truly radical. The crowd was dancing and singing to music fueled by the love and passion Donavon Frankenreiter puts into his musical craft, making the night nothing short of incredible.

Donavon Frankenreiter's album "The Heart" is a must listen, but do yourself one better and go see him live. Check out the upcoming shows here!

SOL: Seattle's Hip-Hop Savant

April 6, 2016 Scrimshaw Collective

SOL closing off the night down at The Studio in New York City's Webster Hall.

Seattle’s Prince of Hip-Hop brought down the house (from the basement up!) this past weekend, delivering an incredible performance in The Studio at the East Village’s Webster Hall. Sunday Funday was on a whole ‘nother level April 3rd, as one of our favorite musical heroes rang out the weekend on a high note - while simultaneously kicking off the work week with a bang. There was a sol(e) factor that united such an intimate group of lyrical junkies Sunday evening, and that powerhouse was none other than the inspirational musician SOL.

We’re super grateful SOL’s music has been in our lives for a few years now – and if for whatever reason you’ve been missing out, now you have no excuse not to be part of SOLZILLA’s squad following. If you weren’t aware, SOL hails from the Evergreen State’s largest city, and it became rather obvious once you started noticing all the Seahawks snapbacks and Seattle swag sprinkled throughout the crowd. At the moment, SOL is about to wrap up his national Headspace Tour promoting the debut of his newest album, The Headspace Traveler (which dropped March 4, 2016). In tow, SOL has recruited an equally talented crew of guys to accompany him on tour, which truly enhanced the experience. SOL and Co. owned the stage – and the floor too; SOL actually jumped down into the crowd and performed one of his final pieces amidst his fans. The entertaining trio, Brothers From Another, came in hot spitting creative beats and set the energy right with their lively stage presence; I mean, these kids dance moves were on point – routines and all! And we were fortunate to hear the powerful vocalist Otieno Terry let it roar on a number of tracks with SOL. These guys seemed like they went way back, and fed off each other’s energy - a real brotherly camaraderie.

Buy Sol's album The Headspace Traveler now: iTunes: http://bit.ly/thtitunes Physical: http://bit.ly/thtphysical The Headspace Tour begins March 11th. Tickets on sale now at http://www.solsays.com Special guests: Brothers From Another & Otieno Terry "Ain't Gon' Stop" on iTunes: http://bit.ly/aintgonstopitunes "Ain't Gon' Stop" on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/solzilla/aint-...

Its clear SOL is a very smart guy, and knows how to collaborate with the best of the best. From the moment you entered the venue, the atmosphere oozed positivity, which was no doubt due to the team he’s assembled. And not only is he working with quality musicians, he’s also joined forces with the artistic talents of Seoul-based Moonassi, who created the cover art for his new album – which was also displayed in full on the bass-drum! But in addition to teaming up with great forces, he’s writing and singing from the heart, about really important topics. Through SOL’s travels and life, he’s taken inspiration from the world around him, and truly brings his voice to the microphone. His resonating message of equality connected with the listeners, and his hope for peace brought everyone’s hands up in the air towards the end of the show.

ALL INQUIRIES: info@solsays.com LIVE BOOKINGS: Jonathan.briks@unitedtalent.com

I think that what made the concert so fantastic was SOL’s realness, he just gave the gig his all, and told it like it was. No bull, straight up. And that truth in character is what makes him so successful (plus his Dylan shirt was pretty fly too!). SOL’s singing from the soul, and we can’t wait to see what he creates down the road. But, in the meantime, make sure you get SOL’s music via iTunes, listen to it on Spotify, SoundCloud, etc., and enjoy the HAPPINESS he’s spreading.

Buy Sol's album The Headspace Traveler now: iTunes: http://bit.ly/thtitunes Physical: http://bit.ly/thtphysical North American tour dates: http://www.solsays.com http://www.twitter.com/solzilla http://www.soundcloud.com/solzilla http://www.facebook.com/solsays Video Credits: Directed / Edited by Noah Porter Director of Photography: Scott Uyeda Producer: Leah Maldonado Set Construction: Kevin Smith Wardrobe: Alan Ardiente Starring: Sol, Mia O'Connor, Jake Caplener, Akela Jaffi,

The Revivalists: Fresh Rock and Soul Energy

March 21, 2016 Scrimshaw Collective

The Revivalists, take the stage to a screaming crowd where the majority of fans know the caliber of show they are going to receive, while the unsuspecting few are about to get a gift they will talk about all week long. The band opens with some crisp chords and full energy that draws people close to the stage, soaking in the music for all of its glory at the epic Belly Up venue. You quickly realize that there is a reason why R olling Stones recently called them "a Crescent City-rhythm spin on jam-band jubilee." The Revivalists, have been unsuspectingly killing shows for the past couple years, and since their humble origins in New Orleans, they have been playing for massive crowds around the country at Jazz Fest and selling out venues from NYC to California.

Their recent and fourth album, "Men Amongst Mountains" is an ode to Rock, giving it depth and soul as the lyrical genius is only slightly upstaged by the immense amount of talent that dominates the venue. The 7-piece band consists of Ed Williams (Pedal Steel Guitar), David Shaw (Vocals), Zack Feinberg (Guitar), Rob Ingraham (Saxophone), George Gekas (Bass), Andrew Campanelli (Drums), and Michael Girardot (Keys/Trumpet). It's rare that in today's music scene you find yourself seriously jamming out to a full band on stage where there are dueling solos between the Saxophone and the Trumpet then the Pedal Steel Guitar and the Electric Guitar. Shit, I dare you to even find a band killing it today that even uses a Pedal Steel Guitar, but The Revivalists take their instruments and push their music and energy to the next level!

The Revivalists flirt with the definition of Rock and Soul as they can play a slow and powerful song, amplifying David Shaw's vocals, and seamlessly transition to an electric jam session where the crowd is jumping, singing, and mesmerized by the spectacle and gift that is an epic live concert. If you ever get the itch to see true on stage talent or need a jolt from the daily grind, go see The Revivalists, I guarantee they will give you everything you need and more.

The Wood Brothers @ Lowdown Hudson

July 16, 2015 Scrimshaw Collective

The Wood Brothers perform live at The Lowdown Hudson Music Fest (L to R: Chris and Oliver Wood, and Jano Wix).

Attending a free outdoor concert on a Wednesday evening was just the trick to get over yesterday’s hump day blues. We recently dropped by the Lowdown Hudson Music Fest http://artsbrookfield.com/event/lowdown/ (sponsored by Arts Brookfield), down on the southern tip of Manhattan behind Brookfield Place off Vesey Street. The first day (of the two-day festival), both Ryan Bingham and the rustic-rock group O.A.R. performed, while the second night featured the incredibly talented Wood Brothers, who opened for a supergroup called The Word, made up of Robert Randolph, John Medeski, and all three members of the North Mississippi Allstars. Unfortunately, we had to dip out and missed The Word, but we caught the Wood Brothers and their set was truly electric (in the most acoustic-meets-electric way).

The Wood Brothers brought their folk-Americana hustle to the Big Apple, and its exactly what the crowd was looking for. The trio, made up of Oliver (guitars) and Chris (upright bass) Wood, plus the ever versatile musician Jano Rix, started off strong and kept going ‘til the last applause. Pumping out some heavy vocals, Oliver gave an interim shout out to NYC saying, “This goes out to all our friends here in the city who have crappy bar gigs tonight! It’s all relative guys.” These three men jammed for nearly two hours and really brought the heat, which was refreshingly complemented by a slight breeze off the Hudson. Their feel good vibes and boot stomping melodies had the venue dancing the night away. Into their latter hour of performing, Oliver reaffirmed the swaying fans that it was alright to move their feet, explaining: “It’s ok if its 7:15… you can still dance!” The Bros played quite a selection performing tracks from a variety of their albums including some highlights such as: “Shoofly Pie”, “When I Was Young”, “Who The Devil”, “Luckiest Man”, “Honey Jar”, and “Postcards from Hell.” Heartfelt lyrics resonated as they masterfully owned their selected instruments. The sound oozed over the stage and into the attendees like a sweet musical honey. A washboard, harmonica, standing bass and unplugged guitar make for a quintessential sound, and The Wood Brothers have mastered that. And word is they’ve got a new album in the works for this fall, so stay tuned by following along on their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates.

In addition to the soul soothing vocals and an eclectic blend of instruments, it was also pretty monumental the gig was free of charge! All you needed was a handstamp from the merch tent, and you had access in. As the sun set to set over the waterside venue, you almost felt you had been transported to a countryside riverbank. Yet the colossal One World Trade easily reminded us that in fact we hadn’t left New York at all. Overall the show was out of this world, and had always been a dream to see them live. NYC was the last place I expected to catch them, but I’m sure glad I did.

Stabwounds

July 14, 2015 Scrimshaw Collective

As we sit on a rooftop in Brooklyn, in the middle of the summer, talking about our favorite David Foster Wallace passage, the genius of Mitch Hurwitz’s Arrested Development, all while speaking on the forever cool attitude of Jack White, one would think that the conversation is taken directly from a script or between lifelong friends. We are sitting across from Amanda Brooklyn and Emma March Barash, two lovely ladies in matching attire, who form the indie-folk-rock band, Stabwounds.

While Stabwounds, may sound slightly dark for these two doe-eyed singer songwriters, the name connects with the lyrics due to its sweet and melodic nature, but is terrifyingly real when you listen to the content. Stabwounds' music rewards people who listen to it overtime, allowing themselves to find that there is a real double meaning behind it. They are music made for binge listening. Much like Arrested Development, their content is filled with layers, where their voices unravel lyrics that come from a very real place. The purity and innocence found in their voices allow the listeners to feel vulnerable and open to the raw human emotions and connections they sing about.

The ability to fill their music with such depth comes from their experience, passion, and commitment to making music that is perfect in their eyes. The ladies of Stabwounds have a unique sound and are experimenting with new instruments like the Omnichord, so they can challenge their voices to tell the story of their songs.

We were lucky enough to see them perform recently, and their voices were just as crisp as their recordings. If you are looking for a band that will create a connection between you and the music, you should check out Stabwounds at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 on Monday July 20th at 10pm. If you happen to be on Fire Island on Saturday July 18th, go see them at the Fire Island Synagogue Cabaret for the Singer Songwriter Series at 10:20 pm. There will be free wine! Check them out on Youtube and Soundcloud, and make sure to keep an eye out for their EP, which is coming soon. Stabwounds is definitely a band to remember.

The Boom Booms

July 1, 2015 Scrimshaw Collective

As deep as our Scrimshaw roots go, the soulful music of The Boom Booms has been playing since day one. The six-man band from East Vancouver bring the rhythm wherever the road takes them. The band consists of lead vocalist Aaron Ross, his brother Sean Ross on the keys, Geordie Hart on the bass, Tom Van Deursen on the guitar, percussionist Theo Vincent, and Richard Brinkman on the drums. Their eclectic vibe is perfect for a sunny afternoon on the roof, yet just as easily gets your foot tapping during your morning commute. Within their collection of singles and EPs, the Canadian fellas have two incredible full albums, ¡Hot Rum! (released in 2011), and their sophomore debut, Love Is Overdue (released this past Fall 2014). Having traveled the globe, the guys are currently in a dash around the Northern hemisphere for their Love Is Overdue North American Release Tour. And if you’re going to be over the border in Canada for the 4th of July, we’d suggest scooping up your tickets to The Boom Booms’ very own music festival: East Van Summer Jam. With the likes of AB-Soul, Mayer Hawthorne, Kelela and many more joining the jam, this year’s fest sounds as if it’s bound to be the biggest yet. Scrimshaw Collective recently caught up with chief boom himself, Aaron Ross to learn a little bit more about the funkadelic bands that’s got the continent ablaze.

Scrimshaw Collective: Hailing from the East, we aren't as familiar with the West Coast, let alone Western Canada. What was it like growing up in Vancouver with all the guys? Did you all actually live within a few blocks of each other? And did your mutual love for music bring about the start of the band?

Aaron Ross: Western Canada is known for it's amazing forests, lakes, rivers and of course the Pacific Ocean. A lot of people enjoy the outdoor sports life out here. We grew up together in East Vancouver, which was a great place to grow up and still is a really tight community made of up people from everywhere. I love living in a place where I can walk down the street and see people I've known my whole life. Basically the band started when I recorded my first album, Butterfly Man. Geordie and Theo did some recording on it and we started performing live locally as a trio. After some months of that we met Tom, our guitarist, in a tree planting camp we worked at. I think he was 18 at the time and would always be shredding in the mess tent. My brother Sean joined around that same time, and also at first we had two lovely ladies singing in the band as well. The last piece of the puzzle was our drummer Rich, who joined last minute after our drummer Ben decided he didn't want to tour to Panama with us. We called him the day before departure, asked if he wanted to join and he said yes! Ha ha!

SC: You've been categorized as reggae, soul, groove, funk, with rock elements, but what would you categorize your style as, or do you now wear more than one hat?

Aaron: We've definitely tried a lot of styles and part of that is the band having fun experimenting while finding our sound. The album ¡Hot Rum! was very inspired by our trip down south so you get the reggae, latin and beach vibes. The record we have been touring, Love is Overdue, is basically a throwback soul/funk record with a couple different sounding tunes in there. We all love that style of music and we wanted to make an album that stayed more in one genre than ¡Hot Rum! did. Also, working with Chin Injeti doing production, that was the common ground for us all sonically and where we felt inspired to work in.

SC: You drove from Canada to Panama... so you're accustomed to life on the road. And from what it sounds like, in a variety of vehicles! Have your travels “south-of-the-border” influenced or inspired your musical style?

Aaron: Absolutely. Personally, I was tremendously inspired the first time I went south, especially New Orleans and Cuba but then later many other countries. It was the joy and just all the feeling that went into the music and how switched on everyone was when they started to play, the whole culture around the music and the dancing. When the band started in Vancouver we thought that that type of bright music for having fun was lacking in Vancouver so that was our vibe, our mission you could say. We wanted to bring that Caribbean street party vibe or whatever to our shows. Musically on a technical level I think we all learned about syncopation, all the crazy rhythms they use in Latin music, the African percussive roots. When we travelled to Brasil we got to soak in and learn about samba, which had a big effect.

SC: Could you tell us a little about your side project, The Music Tree? The mission is really amazing - has this been a good outlet for you amidst all your work?

Aaron: The Music Tree is our way of giving back. It started with The Boom Booms and our good friend Levon Kendall who plays professional basketball - in Spain at the moment. We started throwing the block parties back in 2008 and they soon began making money so we decided to support one local charity and one international. We get to connect with and support lots of great projects and now the Boom Boom Block Party has evolved into the East Van Summer Jam thanks to the hard work of our team led by Angus Ramsay. We want to give back to our neighbourhood and be an active part of making it's future, but we also love reaching out. We've been so lucky to travel and learn from people abroad, not to mention been fed by, heard their stories, etc. So it's important for us in the band to reach out, and I think everybody connects with that idea of it being important to reach out beyond your borders.

SC: We saw in an interview with Grandpa Boom Boom explaining that your bus clanking "bang-bang" through a town, brought about the name "Boom-Boom" name? Is this the real story behind your name?

Aaron: Ha ha, I do like that story! There are a few competing versions of how the name came to be but I think it's pretty self explanatory, ha ha!