Archive for July, 2010
“Transportation” (Thoughts on Gregory Alan Isakov)
When I first listened to Gregory I was sitting in a coffee shop on 21st avenue in Nashville.
It was raining out, I remember that. It was cold, and there wasn’t anywhere else I wanted to be but inside.
“That Moon Song” came on through my headphones and I was immediately transported about a thousand miles west of where I was.
I was walking in Estes Park, CO. Running after someone with long brown hair. She was smiling.
Then it was snowing.
Then the sun set and rose again.
Coffee fumes.
Written and unwritten letters.
Missed phone calls.
Farewells.
And then the song was finished. All of that, not even knowing he was from Colorado…until after.
Like me, Gregory is a songwriter. But coming to find someone who puts you into a setting is difficult if not impossible. He does something more than shape lyrics within his music. His music transports me to another time. One’s long gone. One’s I hope to come.
To feel a connection to another artist or writer speaks volumes, especially if it is only within the realms of an album. That being said, as a writer … as an artist … I feel Gregory speaks truth.
He is like Dylan, Young, or even Cash I would fancy to say. Not always knowing exactly what confession he is making, but knowing it is very intimate. Very much a “what if” at times. A “maybe if I had said this” sort of thing.
I truly look up to him for that. Not being afraid to say. Not being a man who backs down on his word.
He is truly an inspiration to me.
- Troy Akers (The CO)
Posted by Troy on July 29th, 2010 in Uncategorized 1 Comment
It’s nearly impossible to find a phrase that rhymes with ‘Where’s Waldo’. Especially when the word bubble is involved. But, what we came up with is curiously odd and somehow gave us a chuckle. Why? Because Joe is an actual person that works here at Brite, and he is completely unaware of this idea. So, behold! The new Brite segment called ‘Where’s BubbleJoe?’ begins.
Look below to try and spot the Brite BubbleJoe!
Have you seen it yet? The little yellow bubble that smiles as you walk by? Well.. if you haven’t you will. Look at the back of cars, telephone poles, anywhere! Here is a closer look:
Where have you seen BubbleJoe? Take a picture and leave a comment on the blog. Then we’ll see who really dominated those ‘Where’s Waldo’ books in the 2nd grade.
Brite
Posted by Troy on July 28th, 2010 in Everything Else 0 Comments
In light of this week’s posts, being heavily focused on the new and old, it is important to finish strong. Though, the term ‘finish strong’ is a funny one to me. As encouraging as the phrase can be, it still takes me back to a fainéant senior year of high school with each senior literally catapulting themselves down a plastic slide in the hall during class. A few feet away, the history teacher is standing arms crossed and shaking his head slowly side to side in disappointment saying, “Finish strong, finish strong,” barely audible enough to be heard. So, ‘finish strong’ seems almost contrary to me, but we will press forward as I hope the phrase has not been tainted for you. Lucky for you, pushing onward will be a bit of a joy ride as we discuss the lovely, beautiful, and talented Terra Naomi.
Terra Naomi, new and noteworthy, has recently added tracks to her Brite Page. Please check them out and give this fine woman the attention she deserves! This LA then London then New York then LA gal has polished her sound over the course of her long journey of finding home; journey that she feels is just beginning. With such an accomplished, earthy sound already, we are excited to see what music is born in the years to come. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Presently, the music is real, and can be illustrated as a delicate compilation of hovering acoustic guitar parts, hearty lyrics, and an ambient structure to the songs themselves. Finish strong, and go download one, or two, or three…. FOR FREE!
Did you catch that? That rhyme there? I think Brite had their Wheaties this morning… Oh, and we would love to hear from you guys. Please leave a comment and let’s talk. Ask about Terra, Brite, Causes, or anything your heart desires!
Love.
-Brite
Posted by Troy on July 22nd, 2010 in New Music 0 Comments
Though she goes just fine, we will continue to shout her name from the mountain tops, etch her name into our hardwood desks, and continue our endeavor to successfully merge the Kentucky and Tennessee flags with the stars embroidered around Chelsey Scott’s grade school pictures, K-12. Lost? Let us brief you.
Chelsey Scott, originally from southern Kentucky, is now a bonafide Nashvillian through her music style and the fact that she has lived here the better part of a decade. Yep, this KentVillian is new to our Artists page, and what better way to welcome her than telling the world of her qualities.
Besides the information that can be found on her Brite page, we will tell you here and now that Chelsey Scott is a sweet-singing new soul. Her recently added tracks ‘The Well Song’ and ‘Go Just Fine’ remind us of an easier, less hurried time and place, where the marmalade is sun-ripened in mason jars and the sunflower seeds overfloweth in the pantry. Chelsey Scott’s voice is natural like a sunset, warm like a flannel shirt, and crisp like the new morning spread across a corn field.
It’s not all old school, though. It might be old folk roots, but they are buried beneath a Tennessee Tulip Poplar, refined and sublime all at the same time.
Like we said, she goes just fine, but do yourself a favor and take a listen. It’s positively wonderful.
-Brite
Posted by Troy on July 21st, 2010 in New Music 0 Comments
Not to get all eighth grade English teacher on you guys, but there are actually two distinct definitions of the term ‘dandy’. The noun being concerned with dress and appearance, and the adjective as simply being very good. I know. Your cerebral lobes are seizing right now. Mine too.
Though Andy Davis dresses well enough to send the Kardashians in an envious fit, the focus of this blog will be on the latter definition. Andy Davis is good. Good like butter and a hot knife, like a raunchy cannonball to stir the calm, crisp pool. Heck, Dandy Andy is as enjoyable as an Archway windmill cookie escorted by a steaming mug of chai tea. If you have not tried it, do it. You’re welcome.
As you might already know, Andy Davis has been with us for a while. Being that we called attention to Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors in the last post, we thought it would be appropriate to shed the same light on an equally talented, equally impressive man.
You see, Andy Davis marries warm piano riffs with punchy, memorable melodies, ones that will be on the tip of your tongue all day long. I still remember the first time I heard ‘Brown Eyes’. Only seconds in, I turned to my friend frantically asking, “Who is this?!” Well, Andy Davis is still turning heads. His lyrics make us listen. His voice lets us breathe. So naturally, we expect this new update to cause acute hyperventilation.
If you happen to be a Nashville resident, Andy Davis is playing a show at 12th and Porter on July 24th (Saturday) at 8:00pm. This will be a great opportunity to catch up on all that he has been up to. With new songs and a new album coming in the fall, it is clear that he has been in the kitchen, and the bet is that you’ll like what he has been cooking up. Also, Matt Ridenour is featured in the set as well as a SPECIAL GUEST! And in Nashville, there is a 88% chance that it will be awesome… every time.
If you are unable to make the show, take note of the upcoming album promised for the fall! For all others, come on out to 12th and Porter this Friday and spend some quality time with Andy, because he is just so dandy.
Cannonball!!!!!
Brite
Posted by Troy on July 20th, 2010 in Everything Else 1 Comment
Good neighbors are few and far between. What are the astronomical odds that you have good neighbors on either side? I will be honest, I deal with a mustached European that does not quite understand public decency, all while his son mows the lawn in nursing scrubs. I was not blessed with conversational, coherent neighbors. Were you?
Are yours the kind that avoid cutting the patch of grass that you swear is theirs, but they think is yours? Do they wave or ignore your existence when you both get the mail? Would they even tell you if two semi trucks pulled in at 2 am, taking all you possess, while you are on vacation? You know these neighbors. In fact, you are looking out the window with that heinous stink eye, aren’t you? Calm down, we have a solution. Nay, a home for you to rest without ever leaving your seat. We invite you to Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors.
Despite all of the new additions to Brite Revolution, we want reiterate the importance of the bands who have stayed with us for longer periods of time. We have been blessed to have such great talent like Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors remain apart of our repertoire, and are excited to tell you the news! Currently, DH&TN are recording, hoping to be on tour October through December. Fans can also check out new photos on their facebook. Here are some samples!
As for explaining Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors to new comers, one word comes to mind. Honest. They write true songs and have an honest sound without the help of all the studio bells and whistles. DH&TN’s pure voices within our music community are highly valued, and we feel very fortunate share them with you. So, go ahead. Go out on that front porch with an ice cold sweet tea. Take a load off in your favorite chair. Relax that stink eye, and wave to the neighbor that will never wave back. Why not? You have all of your community needs met right here.
Who’s got a cup of sugar!?
Brite
Posted by Troy on July 19th, 2010 in Artists 0 Comments
Now that we have successfully waded through handshakes and pleasantries, let’s come in for the real thing. The real thing being a bear hug with the warm, cozy, dark embrace of Fink. Get on in here!
Like we said in the last blog post, Fink is a relatively new band. In fact, they have only been together a couple of years now. Prior to this collaboration, though, Fink’s Frontman, also known as DJ Fink, was popular for his eight year trek in the DJ world. But, as he says in an interview in 2006, something was missing. This realization spurred him to change career paths altogether. Before he knew it, DJ Fink was a singer/songwriter with a completely different path ahead of him than was perceived only days before.
Influenced by artists like Jose Gonzalez, The Decemberists, Stevie Wonder, System of a Down, Joni Mitchell, and John Martyn for his pick style, Fink began to form. Presently, Fink’s music has been featured in television shows like Friday Night Lights, Greek, C.S.I., and Lie to Me. Feature films also caught wind of the moody, marvelous melodies as Fink was featured in Dear John, and evidently has more plugs in the pipeline.
To say Fink is a good band is an understatement. This act from across the pond has made a brilliant splash our way, and we certainly feel the waves! So people, lets open up our arms and come on in for the real thing. It feels so right!
-Brite
Hello world,
Brite is back with a brand new addition. Something has grabbed a hold of us tightly. Flow like a harpoon daily and nightly.
Was it cheesy? Perhaps. Plagiaristic? Mmm, maybe. Nonetheless, essential to this blog! Onward!
Today, we will dive into the beautiful abyss of our fresh new bands: Fink and Honeymoon Thrillers. Interestingly enough, both acts have only recently discovered their collective power. Fink, a seasoned DJ, stumbled upon the singer/songwriter scene much to his own surprise. As specified in an interview, it suddenly made more sense to him to write music rather than mixing it. Shortly thereafter, Fin Greenall -Fink’s frontman- formed the underground yet highly acclaimed Fink. Greenall remains today a sought after songwriter, as he has been paired with John Legend, as well as Amy Winehouse for his production skillset. You know what? Skillset sounds like skillet, and let me tell you, Fink is cooking.
By the same token, The Honeymoon Thrillers are relatively new to the scene. Having only been together under a year, it is shocking how coherent and solid their sound truly is. Makes sense though. Afterall, each member has played in notorious bands and been on the music scene for even longer. Might you have heard of Luna Halo, The Lonely Hearts, Bleach, and Mean Tambourines? Yeah well, take that former knowledge, add starlight, gun powder, and 20 foot swells. Welcome to The Honeymoon Thrillers.
As we go on through the rest of this week, we will go more in depth about each of the new, impressive bands: Fink and The Honeymoon Thrillers. Stay tuned! You will be glad you did!
If there was a problem, yo I’ll solve it.
Check out the hook while my DJ revolves it.
-Brite
Posted by Troy on July 13th, 2010 in New Music 0 Comments
The Avery Set, aptly named for their rustic yet rambunctious tracks, is a band that we’re still slappin’ our knees about. Having recently moved to Music city, one would think the young act would crumble under the Nashville standard, but lo and behold, they remain! We are immensely pleased to report that despite the densely talented area, they persist in turning heads! These four bass-thumpin’, drum kickin’, hootin’, hollerin’ rock stars have hammered their stake in the ground. Unmoved and unrelenting, The Avery Set keeps the home fire burning.
So folks, take a listen to their new tracks. You won’t be sorry! They have won our hearts with their suave bass lines and pungent melodies. They have absolutely made us fans till the cows come home, and frankly, we do not expect them bovine to return any time soon.
As it relates to most recent news, The Avery Set has new videos and photos posted on Brite Revolution. Check out their newest pictures and tell us what you think! We foresee you being quite pleased with this new frontier.
Posted by Troy on July 12th, 2010 in Artists 2 Comments
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