hamtramck Blowout 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Back to Reality
After having countless Budweisers, seeing dozens of bands, having a hoarse voice for 4 days, the Blowout 08 ended for me by seeing puppets killing each other set to some heavy metal. This was not the end I expected, but none the less it was sure entertaining.I saw bits and pieces of a lot of bands last night so instead of telling you about the 1 or 2 songs I saw from bands here are some highlights from the bands I saw a good portion of their set. Also some details are a bit hazy here and there.
Here is my band list from last night,
The Electric Fire Babies, Universal Temple of Divine Power, The Coronados, Blue Song, Battling Siki, Silverghost, Serenity Court, Woodman, Powertrane, Mitch Ryder, The Gepetto Files.
I had seen The Coronados a couple times before, but not since they now have new lead singer Rick Ruiner. Rick is a great front man that is very entertaining and engaging when he is on stage. Rick was all glammed out and is a pro when it comes to all his stage moves which seem to come naturally to him. He's a great addition to The Coronados sleazy garage rock sound.Blue Song was sweet. I was fairly certain it was going to rain fire during their set. They are way heavy in a Deep Purple, Black Sabbath sort of way, but at times were a bit jammy which showed off just how good the musicians in the band really are.
I'm not even sure why, but I was set on seeing Mitch Ryder last night. Things of course were running about an hour behind at the KofC, but it wasn't too bad because there are always multiple bands playing at the same time there. Powertrane started off the hour and played a solid set of about 7 songs including a cover of "Respect". Then Detroit legend Mitch Ryder joined the band onstage and they ran through all the old classics you would expect. Unfortuneatly he really didn't grab my attention like I had hoped. It was great it hear all the classic songs he has, but his voice really wasn't there as well as his stage presence. I only wish I would have seen Mitch Ryder years ago when he was on the top of his game.
When the night started I had never even heard of the Gepetto Files but somehow I ended up at their show. A couple people had told me about them earlier in the night and since they were playing at the Chill & Mingle which was right across the street from where I was at the KofC at the time, so why not check out something new right? So the Gepetto Files is basically a puppet show set to heavy rock music with the band being back behind the puppet show. They do different skits, one about Jeffrey Dahmer where he kills a pizza guy and a couple other puppets. There was also a skit about the Taliban and a couple more I don't quite remember. This was all sort of insane. However it sure was interesting and entertaining. I can't believe how fast Blowout weekend always flies by. Thanks a ton to the Metro Times for putting this whole thing together. Thanks to all my friends, fellow bloggers, bands & volunteers for making the Blowout experience so great each year and always a truly memorable time.
So that's it, Im going to nurse my "Blowout voice" and wait for The Wire series finale, I'm finished.
-Matt
Saturday recaps
Post-Rockist
Five Three Dialtone
Webvomit
Gorilla's photos
Melody
Hamtramck Star - posted by MCR
2008 Blowout Pics - Saturday
Saturday, March 8th @ KofC LoungeSaturday, March 8th @ Chill & Mingle
SEX GHOST!
BATTLING SIKI
POWERTRANE with MITCH RYDER
photos by Dave Rembiesa
- posted by Big Wave DaveSaturday, March 8th @ KofC
UNIVERSAL TEMPLE OF DIVINE POWERBATTLING SIKI
POWERTRANE with MITCH RYDER
photos by Dave Rembiesa
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Notes
This was posted on the Metro Times Music Blahg by Eve Doster Kneep (Blowout Organizer)Never Book a Sports Bar
Hey folks...FYI: The Motor City Sports Bar will no longer be participating in this year's Blowout. Please do not go there, as we believe it is an unsafe atmosphere.
Drag.
This note is from The Questions.
Sorry mates, it has been a bastard of a week here at camp QUESTIONS.
William broke his leg earlier this week and we have decided after a few Broken Leg rehearsals that this show is not going to happen.
With sincere disappointment we our cancelling our show tonight.
Go see Fontana and Sons of the Gun at Shenanigans anyway!
You wont be disappointed!!!
See you in the Springtime!
Cheers!
Drew Bardo
Also according to Weather.com the "feels like"temp tonight is going to be around 5 or 6 degrees, plan accordingly. - posted by MCR
Night 3- Crowded House
My recap of Friday night is going to look pretty similar to all the other local music blogs. Bloggers got to stick together I guess. I think the obvious observation of last night is that is was way too cold. Walking between waling was miserable. Now I ask again, why is Blowout the 1st week in March?I arrived at Jean's at 10:01 to see Last Tourist and could barely get in the door. I had a feeling this was going to be the theme of the night. Jean's is such a classic Blowout venue with the drummer always being up on the pool table. 1st off I'd like to give credit to the sound guy at this place. I was amazed how good the sound was in this place, it was totally unexpected. I've seen this band a bunch of times and this was by far the best they'd played. They were very tight and the layered guitars and vocal harmonies really came through well during the set. Calling Last Tourist just a brit pop sounding band is sort of lazy but, it's saturday afternoon and I can't think of anything better right now. They closed the show with a new song called "Race for the Sun" which killed.
Next stop was Whiskey in the Jar. I caught the end of Blair, at least I think I did, even though I couldnt hear him. I would love to know what went into the decison of leaving 4 tables in the middle of small bar knowing the place is going to be full all night? Nice work. While I waiting for 4 Hour Friends it was way too crowded for me and I decided to take off.
This is where "shuttle disater 2008" happened. Each year you can count on a great shuttle story. As soon as we left there was a shuttle which was cool. So the driver asks where we would like to go, we say Painted Lady. We were then told he doesn't know where that is, umm ok? I could just direct you maybe? No, so we ask for Smalls, and were told thats not on his route, we would have to get dropped off somewhere and wait for another shuttle to go to Smalls. Ok fine. After getting dropped off and waiting in the freezing cold for about 15 minutes the same shuttle guy comes back. We then pay him errrrrrrrrrrrrr I mean tip him to take us to Smalls. Good times!
Smalls had another huge crowd but was tolerable. The Terrible Twos are insane, and I say that in the best possible way. Listening to their spastic punk makes me want to pour beers on my head, light fires & punch people. Im fairly certain they bought their keyboards from the devil himself. At the same time the Terrible Twos sound both extremely tight and out of control. This band instrigued me so much. While watching them play I couldn't help but wonder what these guys do all day? What were they even singing about? Where do they get haircuts like that? When was the last time they ate? Anyways the show was great, the crowd ate it up, everyone was throughly rocked.
If you read all the local blogs you may have noticed comments from the band Mazinga saying that they "melt faces they rock so hard" and basically everyone should come see their show because it will be amazing. No other band has been doign self promotion as well as these guys so why not go see them. I must say, Mazinga lived up to all their own hype. They played a high energy set of classic punk rock that won over the crowd. Not only was the music great, but the band was a blast to watch, especially lead singer Marc McFinn who could not be contained by the confines of the stage. He was on the bar, in the crowd, taking pictures with people while singing, trying to dance with girls. Ive never seen a band that tried so hard to stick to the schedule. These guys were setting up at break neck speed. During the 1st song the singer went, mic in hand and ordered a drink. Towards the end of the last song the drummer was already taking down cymbals. I appreciated their commitment to staying on time.
Did anyone else see the house fire down the street from Paycheck's?
I didn't know who to see to close out the night, but was talked into seeing Wildcatting. I had never even heard a song by then and were told they didn't even have any vocals in their songs. But they came with high praise so why not check them out? I must say I was not disspointed at all. I'm not really even sure how I would classify their music. To me they are sort of an instrumental prog rock band, that can get pretty experimental maybe even a bit jazzy. These guys are crazy good musicians. I will say this band was super tight and kept me guessing where each song was going to go next. About midway into the set when they pulled out the baritone sax I was hooked. The light show at Paycheck's also helped enhance the show a lot. Who knew Paycheck's had all that cool lighting.
-Matt
Other recaps
Jasper-Part 1, Part 2
Deep Cutz
Five Three Dialtone
Metro Times - posted by MCR
2008 Blowout Pics - Friday
Friday, March 7th @ Jean's
Friday, March 7th @ Small's
Friday, March 7th @ KofC
- posted by Big Wave Dave
Friday, March 7, 2008
Round 2
So as everyone who went out last night noticed, the times on the schedule really didn't apply. As a fan everything just seemed too rushed with the shorter time slots. Going from bar to bar was a bit more difficult last night than in year's past, mainly because of the shorter times. There wasn't really even enough time to get all that drunk. Hopefully tonight will be a bit better.Why is the Blowout Budweiser special 25 cents more at Small's?
Now on with today's horrible descriptions of bands.
Last night mostly ended up being a night of seeing bands I haven't seen before and what may be a 1st, is I really liked all of them. It's been a while since Ive seen a few new bands that have really grabbed me and gave me that excitement of experiencing a band for the 1st time.
The night started at Atlas Bar for Citizen Smile. The sound was pretty poor but the band was still great. These kids sure know how to have fun on stage. It's always a joy to see a band that is having so much fun while they are playing. Citizen Smile is sort of poppy-punk band with really catchy songs. The highlight for me was watching 17 year old Adam Padden play bass. You may have seen him alongside Cetan Clawson at the pre-party the night before. This kid is an unreal bass player and makes it all look so effortless. If you have a kid sister they may fall in love with this band.
Next up was Grayling over at Small's. I know I am way late to this party, like a decade, but still better late than never right? Well I was pretty blown away. I love the style of music they play, which is a hard driving, mid 90's, grungy sound, maybe a bit cleaner Nirvana-ish sound. Anyways these guys delivered big time.
I've been hearing about Champions of Breakfast for a while now but have never seen them. I thought when I got to Baker's I would be right on time, but of course not, more setting up,which is sort of funny because all they really set up is an IPod. I'll admit, I don't totally get what some of the kids are into these days. I was thinking to myself, where are the instruments, oh I see they use cardboard and wooden ones instead of real ones. Then I think, why do they have cardboard battle axes and plastic swords? Well once these guys started I was instantly hooked and it all made sense. More or less the 2 guys in Champions did aerobics while singing to their Ipod but it was SO FUN. They sang about Nintendo, Unicorns, D&D and partying. "Unicorn Bible" may be the greatest song ever, or at least the greatest I heard yesterday.
I took a chance and hit Paycheck's and checked out Doop and the Inside Outlaws. I liked what I heard on their Myspace page but everything sounded even better live. The band plays country rock/alt-country with a good mix of classic sounding ballads mixed in with some more up tempo rockers. These guys were totaly pros on stage with a lot of experience packed into 1 band. Sadly there weren't a whole lot of people there to see this great show.
I tried to catch the end of Freer and made in time to see 2 way intense songs to close out the night. Everytime I see them I wonder why I don't catch their shows more often. I was the told The Muggs had just started playing. They were supposed to start at midnight but now it was around maybe 1:15 or so. I raced over to the KofC and sure enough The Muggs were shredding on stage. Ive seen The Muggs a million times, but last night may have been one of the best. They were spot on and seemed to be really focused on playing an intense set. Too bad it was so late and more people couldn't have seen them play. It's possible a lot of fans didn't even know they were still on, which is why schedules are useful. The band ended right at about 2 am and put a close on a great 2nd night of the Blowout.
More of last night
Jasper
Melody
Metro Times
Five Three Dialtone
-Matt - posted by MCR
Thursday, March 6, 2008
2008 Blowout Pics - Thursday
Thursday, March 6th @ Small's
Thursday, March 6th @ The Belmont
Thursday, March 6th @ Paycheck's
DOOP & THE INSIDE OUTLAWS
above photos by Dave Rembiesa
THE MUGGS
Thursday, March 6th @ Atlas Bar
FREER
above photos by Matthew Caruana
- posted by Big Wave Dave
above photos by Dave RembiesaTHE MUGGS
Thursday, March 6th @ Atlas Bar
FREER
above photos by Matthew Caruana
2008 Blowout Podcasts
We've decided to bring back the MCR podcast to get you ready for the Blowout. Big Matt & Gorilla (from the now dead record reviews.org) take a look at each day's schedule, band/time conflicts, showcase picks and just about everything else.Listen to both parts of the two part Blowout podcast on our new MCR podcast page. - posted by Big Wave Dave
Random Thoughts From Night 1
Last night's Blowout pre-party flew by like it always does. A lot of the night is always spent talking to people you only really see at Blowouts and other random shows. A couple highlights for me last night were BlackReign & Ohkang which honestly I was suprised how much I liked it. I can't say Ive seen a ton of rappers in my life to compare, but these guys were great. They performed with more energy than any band all night and the backing beats they rapped over were different and innovative compared to what you would hear from most rap songs on the radio. I have no idea where or if these guys ever do shows, but if you get a chance, check them out.The Silent Years were once again really solid last night. One thing about the band which I think sometimes goes overlooked, is they are actually playing music that is current with what is going on in the indie scene around the country. I love how the band uses so many layers and instrumentation to create a huge sound at times, but also have no trouble dialing everything back.
Cetan Clawson is a real talent on the guitar. I think he's 19 and plays well beyond his years. Cetan is a total throwback to the guitar legends of the 60's & 70's and even has all the moves down pat. He played behind his head, between his legs & on this knees. I was just waiting for him to light his guitar on fire. The band was very tight but at times were way too jammy for my tastes. Also the drum solo was a bit unnecessary. If you are fan of guitar heroics check out Cetan Clawson asap.
I don't even know how to describe Human Eye. I guess the are basically a noise rock band,but also the peformance aspect is something to see. Singer/guitarist Timmy Vulgar smashed a tv, lit off some fireworks and who knows what else. I still don't know if I liked them, but they sure grab your attention.
I missed most of I, Crime but what I saw I was into. I think if I knew the music better and saw the whole set I would be really into it. It took me a bit to get into theEons set but about halfway through I was hooked. I'm terrible at describing bands, but they are sort My Bloody Valentine-sih, maybe a little Doves, I don't know, but they were tight and played a good set. Too bad they don't play around here more often.
See you tonight.... - posted by MCR
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
2008 Blowout Pics - LAUNCH PARTY
Wednesday, March 5th @ the Majestic Theatre
- posted by Big Wave Dave
Guess Who Else Has a Blowout Preview
Everyone..................The Metro Times- Complete with a pull out section that describes every band playing, band interviews, band picks and more.
Webvomit
Detour
Rachel May of the Freep
Melody Baetens
Post-Rockist
Five Three Dialtone
The Oakland Press
Detroit Rock Review - posted by MCR
Monday, March 3, 2008
Band Picks
If you haven't figured out who to check out during the Blowout yet, here are some picks to help guide you through the weekend. I've picked 2 bands at each time slot, but in a few spots I easily could have picked 7 or 8 bands. If I were to do this list tomorrow it could be totally different. Make sure you also check out the MCR Blowout podcast to get a more in depth look at the schedule.Wednesday - Everyone - All the bands play in basically the same spot, so no choices really need to be made.
Thursday
9:30
The Bloids - Kelly's Bar - Modern rock sounds that would have fit perfectly in a dramatic scene in The O.C.
Citizen Smile - Atlas Bar - Sugary sweet pop melodies with a bit of a punk edge thrown in the mix. These songs will be stuck in your head all day.
10:15
Lightning Love- Kelly's - Low-fi Twee Pop that involves a super cute girl.
Grayling - Small's - Listen to the song "Terra Bella" on their Myspace page, enough said.
11pm
Great Lakes Myth Society - Small's - They have been described as "Lighthouse Rock", but really they are a great soundtrack for drinking.
Dutch Pink - Chill & Mingle - I saw them at last year's Blowout and they played on metal signs & were weird. If you like Tom Waits and unpredictable bands this is your spot.
12am
Freer - Atlas Bar - This band always delivers live. Freer mixes punk, pop, soul & rock into a sound that is all their own.
Doop & The Inside Outlaws - Paycheck's - I know, I know, The Muggs are playing at the same time and these guys are classic country. Give them a listen and see something new.
Friday
10pm
Last Tourist - Jeans - If you mix in some brit rock, Jeff Buckley & Radiohead you get the laid back sounds of Last Tourist.
Blair - Whiskey in the Jar - Def Jam Poetry set to acoustic guitar.
11pm
Terrible Twos - Small's - I saw them once at the Garden Bowl and the bass player was crowd surfing and nearly got his head cut off by a ceiling fan.
Prussia - Paycheck's - Saturday Looks Good to Me-ish pop songs. I think a trombone may be involved.
12am
Friendly Foes - Belmont - Super tight, catchy indie pop. Quickly becomming one of my favs.
Mick Bassett - New Dodge - Apparently they also use trombones. Trombones are the new tambourines. As you've already read 1000 times, Mick Bassest sounds Bob Dylan-ish and was in the Dollfaces.
1am
The Hapituptohere's - Painted Lady - Punk,fun,craziness.
Zoos of Berlin - New Dodge - Im not cool enough to listen to these guys, but maybe you are.
Saturday
10pm
The Uproars - The Locker Room - The Muldoon brothers side project.
The Coronados -Small's - Rick Ruiner is now singing with the band, hopefully he still lights his pants on fire.
11pm
Ether Aura -The Belmont -This band sort of reminds me of something like The New Pornographers and Mazzy Star.
Blue Song- Small's - Aquarious Void, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath= Blue Song.
11:30
Mitch Ryder - KofC - Most likely you will never actually go and see Mitch Ryder anywhere else, so this is your big chance.
12am
The Dead Bodies - Baker's - Sort of garage-y, melodic, strange. Their new cd is called "Cock Cock Cock Xanadu Xanadu", that should be enough right?
Love Meets Lust -Atlas Bar - They sort of sound like robots.
1am
The Questions - Shenanigan's- If you hate the President, corporations, the man or if you just like well written songs,with an intense live show, The Questions are your band.
Thunderbirds Are Now - Painted Lady - I'm sure you've all seen TAN before, but a closing set at the Painted Lady could be insanity.
If you think all these picks are terrible and want another opinion head over to Five Three Dialtone or Detour. Both those sites have really good previews up. - posted by MCR
Sunday, March 2, 2008
I,Crime
When: 9:45pm March 5th @ Magic StickI, Crime's Myspace page.
Introduce your band, how long have you been together and tell us about any cd/vinyl releases you have out?
Hi, we're I,Crime. We are three dudes and a chick. we play musical instruments and sing in harmony and write melodies and lyrics so that we create songs, you know, like a band does.
We have one 5 song EP (Get the Knife) that we released last year, should be releasing a single this spring and a full length this summer.
What is your most memorable Blowout experience either playing or attending?
Having a dance party while riding in an shuttle with stars on the ceiling.
How many times have you played the Blowout or will this be your 1st?
This will be our 3rd Blowout!!!
What's coming up for the band as far as shows/cds releases?
We recently went on a tour where we played with alot of great bands. Now we are lucky enough to host them when they come to Detroit. We have a show set up at Jacoby's for April 11th with a two piece group called Mermaid Police from Chattanooga - uber crafted songs with crazy acrobatic front man playing synth/guitar/magic pedals/vocals, and a drummer that never misses a beat.
On May 10 we play at Northern Lights with Giant Tigers, another totally awesome Chattanooga band who really bring the rock back. yikes! and local love affairs Dead Letters. We are also playing the good-bye fest for Record Time in Ferndale on March 22.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Blowout?
The Blowout is always a great chance to catch bands that you have been curious to see all year....and walking randomly into a bar and catching an amazing set by someone you never heard of is always a treat. - posted by MCR
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Prime Ministers
When: 11pm March 6th @ Atlas BarPrime Ministers Myspace page.
Introduce your band, how long have you been together and tell us about any cd/vinyl releases you have out?
This line-up of Prime Ministers has been solid for a couple years now because of minimal flaking-out and a band pre-nup. Todd Wicks continues doing the majority of the songwriting with guitar in-hand, while Brandon Malik leads the guitars and writes a few tunes as well. Ned Coho drops brown notes in the mix and Ron Vensko keeps time like a metronome with creative ambition. Releases started with 2001’s “The Last Days Of The Prime Ministers”, followed by the full-length “Go For Glory” in 2004. After multiple drummers, stints as a three piece act, and then the addition of another guitarist/songwriter the Ministers released the “Budget Cuts EP” in 2006. Drummer Ron Vensko was the final piece of the permanent Prime Ministers’ puzzle, which completed the line-up that recorded 2007’s “Efficiently Yours”.
What is your most memorable Blowout experience either playing or attending?
My most memorable Blowout experience was playing multiple sets at Baker’s Streetcar Bar one year. One set with my roots-rock band “The Winonas” and one with the Ministers. After spending three different nights at Baker’s, I realized how much I really like that place…it’s like the Polish CHEERS. I had to make a couple trips back there in the following years just to hang out, watch the ball-game on their big-screen, drink cheap beer, and eat bar food.
How many times have you played the Blowout or will this be your 1st?
The Ministers have played the Blowout many times (this will be the third with me), and we’re always glad when they ask us back. Raise a glass to the Blowout!
What's coming up for the band as far as shows/cds releases?
After time-off for offspring, the band plans to start playing more local and out-of-town shows. The band is eager to do more recording this summer, mostly out of fear that the new material (of which we are very proud) will be forgotten if we don’t.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Blowout?
I want to see the Detroit Cobras again…to see who is in their current line-up of rockers and see if they play that Strokes song. I’ve played in bands with people in The Last Bastards, Last Tourist, and 60 Second Crush, so I’m excited to see those well-deserving groups…and buy my buddies shots for their big Blowout moments. - posted by MCR
Dutch Pink
When-11pm Chill & Mingle March 6thDutch Pink's Myspace page
Introduce your band, how long have you been together and tell us about any
cd/vinyl releases you have out?
We are Dutch Pink. We've been together for 4 years. We released an eight song ep "Dutch Pink" in fall of 2006. A full length LP "Idols and Infidels" in spring 2007, and a Six song EP of Sonnets entitled "Six Little Songs of Ourselves" in fall of 2007 and are currently working on a new LP "Times New Roman" to be released this summer/fall.
Most Memorable Blowout experience?
Playing the Belmont last year.
Who are we looking forward to seeing?
Anyone we have yet to see.
Who would win in a fight Joseph Campau or Jean François Hamtramck?
Clyde. - posted by MCR
The Muggs
When: 12am on Thursday March 6th @ KofCThe Muggs' website
What is your most memorable Blowout experience either playing or attending?
Blowout 2001! It was our very first Blowout, and no bands knew who The Muggs were. We were the new kids on the block that year. We played Paycheck's and we were the first band that played that night. Stroker Ace & Sweaty Suede Lips played with us. We were raw and untamed.
What's coming up for the band as far as shows/cds releases?
We are in the studio right now recording our 2nd full length lp
entitled, "On With the Show". We plan on releasing it in early May.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Blowout?
For the pre party, Mega~Weedge is my shameless plug. But on Thurs.
a lot of our friends are playing the same time like Doop, Shotgun
Wedding, Outrageous Cherry, Simplicity, Freer, & The Decks. So we
want to see Grayling for sure on Thurs. & Great Lakes Myth Society
before high tailing it to our show. Friday, we want to see Satin
Peaches, The Hentchmen, and Detroit Cobras although we've heard
amazing things about Wildcatting and wish there was a teleport machine
at every venue. Saturday is looking like The Displays, Eastside Elvis,
Dead Bodies, Bluesong, Universal Temple of Divine Power and Serenity
Court. Don't ask us how we'll pull that one off.
Who would win in a fight Joseph Campau or Jean François Hamtramck?
Joseph Campau would bust Jean Francois Hamtramck over the head with a
polish sausage but because Hamtramck was all drunk on vodka he
wouldn't feel a thing and then bam!......the old polish city chicken
skewer right through Campau's eye. Winner Hamtramck!!!
Will the Tigers win the World Series?
Damn straight skippy. (Johnny Hentch, we owe you a nickel for that phrase) - posted by MCR
Sik Sik Nation
When: 12am on Thursday, March 6th @ Kelly's BarSik Sik Nation's myspace page
Introduce your band, how long have you been together and tell us about any cd/vinyl releases you have out?
We are a three piece with driving bass, dancy drums, and psychedelic guitar that has been together for two years. In October of 2006 we recorded a four song demo with Jim Diamond.
What is your most memorable Blowout experience either playing or attending?
Eating a ton of perogies and then drinking the night away
How many times have you played the Blowout or will this be your 1st?
This year will be our second performance.
What's coming up for the band as far as shows/cds releases?
We are currently mixing our debut Lp “Eight Styles to the Unholy” scheduled to be released in May 2008!
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Blowout?
Some drunk dude puking on the corner of Caniff and Joseph Campau - posted by MCR
Freer
When: 12am on Thursday, March 6th @ Atlas BarFreer's Myspace page
Introduce your band, how long have you been together and tell us about any cd/vinyl releases you have out?
We are FREER and we've been together for close to three years now. We released anl.p. called "Secret Chorus" in 2007 with the help of our friends at Jumberlack Media
What is your most memorable Blowout experience either playing or attending?
Last year was the first time we've played the Blowout and only the second time I’ve ever been to one. We played at Small's and it went well,possibly. I remember seeing the Questions later that might much better. Me and a few friends danced horribly to the best Psychedelic, Backwoods Blues, Celtic Folk Punk band in town.. I forget where which bar.
What's coming up for the band as far as shows/cds releases?
We are working on a new record. "Standing in the Shadows of Love" and writing about it. Back and forth, this and that. Some good beats and a lot of melody. Some classical things maybe. A few louder numbers for the city. Whatever we feel like you know? Whatever our limited skills will afford us. Stuff about beheading and being beheaded and then getting your head back. Or giving someone elses head back to them. Our next couple shows besides the Blowout are April 12th at the Elbow Room in Ypstilanti with Champions of Breakfast and Wildcatting and April 18th at the Magic Stick with Brave Rifles, Friendly Foes and the Hotness.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Blowout?
I’m single so no one. Of course my friends and whoever will accept me. The Detroit Rock City Elite. girls that have slept with Jack White. I don’t fucking know man. Good, original music with soul.
Who would win in a fight Joseph Campau or Jean François Hamtramck?
Never shook either of their hands so I couldn't say. But violence is never the answer. Unless it is. - posted by MCR
Scarlet Oaks
When: 11pm on Thursday, March 6th @ The BelmontScarlet Oaks' Myspace page
Introduce your band, how long have you been together and tell us about any
cd/vinyl releases you have out?
Scarlet Oaks formed just over a year ago here in Detroit. We meld
elements of British Invation rock, soul and Americana into well crafted
songs with male and female vocals and harmonies.
What is your most memorable Blowout experience either playing or attending?
We've all played the Blowout in previous bands, but for me I'd have to say
last year's Blowout. It was only our 4th show and we got a really nice
reception to what we were doing.
What's coming up for the band as far as shows/cds releases?
We've got a debut EP coming out in late April or May. Details should be
coming out in the next week. Stay tuned!
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Blowout?
I'm definitely looking forward to I, Crime and Eons at the kick off party,
Outrageous Cherry on Thursday and Birdgang on Friday. It's going to be a
great weekend.
What is your favorite Polish dish?
Sweet Cheese pierogies from Polonia. Add a couple 16 oz. Okocims and we're
all good. - posted by MCR
Friday, February 29, 2008
Last Tourist
When: 10pm on Friday March 7th @ Jean'sLast Tourist' Myspace page
Introduce your band, how long have you been together and tell us about any cd/vinyl releases you have out?
We're Last Tourist, a 5 piece rock band from the east side.
We've been around since about 2001 with a few brief hiatuses in there. Our last CD and digital release was a self titled 5 song EP last fall.
What is your most memorable Blowout experience either playing or attending?
This is our first year playing the blowout but last year was fairly memorable as a attendee, particularly closing out the entire event at the PLAV post 10 with all our friends for the Porchsleeper show. I also got a guy doing country karaoke in the bar downstairs to sing happy birthday in Polish to certain blogger for his 47th birthday, despite the fact that he's under 30 and it wasn't his birthday.
What's coming up for the band as far as shows/cds releases?
We're working on recording some new songs right now and hopefully will have them ready soon. Our next definite show is May 17 at the Old Miami.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Blowout?
I'm looking forward to stumbling upon a band I don't know that's totally Coke Dick Motorcycle Awesome, but you can't go wrong with the Prime Minister, Porchsleeper, the Friendly Foes or Mick Bassett.
Will the Tigers win the World Series?
Vegas has them at 11 to 2 -- which is pretty good. If the offense stays hot they'll probably outscore the Lions in October. I'll go on record with a yes, unless they get hit by the curse la Nain Rouge -- then they're on their own. - posted by MCR
Porchsleeper
When: Midnight Friday March 7th @ Baker'sPorchsleeper's Myspace page
Introduce your band, how long have you been together and tell us about any cd/vinyl releases you have out?
We Are Porchsleeper. We Have Been Porchsleeper for six years. We have a new EP coming out in April called " So Much More Than This..."
What is your most memorable Blowout experience either playing or attending?
Hands down, last year at the PLAV. The PLAV is this old Polish banquet hall that hadn't seen heat since the Nixon administration. It was lit by a single fluorescent light directly in front of the stage. I think that everybody that came to see us that night came away with severe retinal trauma. But it was a fantastic crowd...everybody was drunk and singing along. It was just a great Detroit rock vibe. One of my favorite shows I've ever played.
What's coming up for the band as far as shows/cds releases?
We'll have a release show for the new EP probably in May. Other than that we're just waiting for the phone to ring.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Blowout?
Obviously Mitch Ryder is going to be killer. I really wanted to see Friendly Foes, but it looks like we're playing at the same time. Maybe we'll cut our set short and head over to the Belmot for the end of theirs.
Will the Tigers win the World Series?
They've already won the World Series of my heart. - posted by MCR
The Hadituptoheres
When: 1am on Friday, March 7th @ Painted LadyThe Hadituptoheres' Myspace page
Introduce your band, how long have you been together and tell us about any cd/vinyl releases you have out?
We are The Hadituptoheres, a 3-piece punk band from Taylor, MI. We've been together for about 5 years now. We have a full length out called The Hadituptoheres are Bringing the Hammer Down.
What is your most memorable Blowout experience either playing or attending? Last year was the first time that we played the Blowout. A lot of people showed up for our set, and things were getting pretty rowdy. We got a little excited and broke a ton of equipment on stage that night, not to mention a few of the ceiling tiles at Paychecks. Drinks may or may not have been involved.
What's coming up for the band as far as shows/cds releases?
We are going to try and put out a second full length by the end of the year, and we're also going to try and book some out of town shows.
shows booked now:
Mar. 22, 2008 @ The Big Grey(Gray) Shack! with Big Black Cloud, Unwelcome Guests, and Orphan Choir
Mar 26 2008 = 42nd WXOU Birffday Bash @ Oakland University with We are the Fury, Chris Bathgate, 1964
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Blowout?
Eons, Millions of Brazilians, Stare Into the Sun
Who would win in a fight Joseph Campau or Jean François Hamtramck?
I think we have to go with the military man, Hamtramck. - posted by Big Wave Dave
Zoos of Berlin
When: 1am on Friday March 7th @ New Dodge LoungeZoos of Berlin's Myspace page
Introduce your band, how long have you been together and tell us about any cd/vinyl releases you have out?
We're Zoos of Berlin. We've been together for about three years and we only have a single three-song CD to show for it. It's self-titled and costs just $2, which is cheaper than a beer at most places.
What is your most memorable Blowout experience either playing or attending?
I saw New Grenada a play a few years back, at Carbon, I believe it was. They played a balls- and boobs-to-the-wall set and blew my mind and got me all excited.
What's coming up for the band as far as shows/cds releases?
We'll be working on our debut full-length over the next few months. We've got all the songs written so it's just a matter of practicing them until they're all shiny and then recording them. Besides our upcoming Blowout gig, we've got a show Saturday March 29 at the Northern Lights Lounge with The Beggars and my other band The Pop Project, and then we've got a show on Sunday May 4 at Alvin's with Deastro, The Word Play (I think), and a cool duo from Chicago called Nouns.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Blowout?
This year I'd like to watch Great Lakes Myth Society, Outrageous Cherry, Child Bite and Deastro.
Who would win in a fight Joseph Campau or Jean François Hamtramck?
From what I understand, Jean Francois Hamtramck was a military man, so I'd pick him in a fight with Joseph Campau. - posted by Big Wave Dave
Flatfoot
When: 11pm on Friday March 7th @ AtlasFlatfoot's Myspace page
Introduce your band, how long have you been together and tell us about any cd/vinyl releases you have out?
Flatfoot got together in East Lansing back in 2000. When my brother graduated and moved to Ferndale, we started practicing there and making an effort to play regularly in Detroit. We’ve done 3 CDs and have 6 songs recorded with Jim Diamond for a new album. We play high-energy rock and roll with some twang, soul and punk mixed in. During 2005 we were the tallest and most heavily bearded band in Michigan. Our current drummer’s name is Italian for love. Our first two drummers now live in New York City and Guam. Last spring we were 3/4ths married with 0 tattoos, but after Jason and Jeremy had to leave and were replaced by fashionably gaunt NYC expats Justin and Tom, we’re only ¼ married with 4 tattoos. We really like rock and roll music.
What is your most memorable Blowout experience either playing or attending?
Last year during our set at Whiskey in the Jar I knocked out a light bulb doing a little half Pete Townsend windmill move. I was feeling pretty sweet, like “yeah, that’s Detroit rock’n roll!” until after our set when I found out I didn’t actually break it - my windmill was only strong enough to knock it loose.
How many times have you played the Blowout or will this be your 1st?
This is our second Blowout – last year we played Whiskey in the Jar with Matt Jones, Charlie Slick and The Earworms.
What's coming up for the band as far as shows/cds releases?
We’ll have some good shows this spring, but the main focus is finishing up the next record (tentatively titled “Wild Was Our Mercy”) at Ghetto. We hope to have it out next fall. Los Diaper Records are putting it out on vinyl and we’ll do a CD as well. Touring isn’t a real option, but we’re going to at least play NYC after the album is out.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Blowout?
I know the Blowout is a chance to see new bands, but since I live in Lansing I don’t get to see my Detroit friends play very much, so that’s my main focus. Our lineup at the Atlas Bar is pretty fun - Spitting Nickels (with Eddie Baranak on drums), Mazinga, and Desolation Angels are all interesting to me. At some point I’m going down the street and bop around between The Belmont, Baker’s Streetcar and Whiskey in the Jar to see some bands we’ve enjoyed sharing the stage with and getting to know - Porchsleeper, Scotty Karate, Friendly Foes and Birdgang (thanks Dale Wilson!) as well as Tone and Niche and Carjack. - posted by Big Wave Dave
Novada
When-10pm New Dodge March 7thNovada's Myspace page
Introduce your band, how long have you been together and tell us about any cd/vinyl releases you have out?
We call ourselves NOVADA (the name is a synonym for serendipity)
We've been together since 2004 we have two releases out and we
are currently working on our next with Producer Dave Hillis (James
Blunt, Afghan Whigs, Pearl Jam) for release later this year.
.....A. "The Detroit Demo E.P." released 2005
.....B. "These White Lies Die With Us" released 2006
What is your most memorable Blowout experience either playing or attending?
On a cold, slushy Thursday evening @ last years Blowout we Headlined
The Painted Lady. By 1 AM when we went on I remember the remaining
25 people we had there losing their drunken minds to our set...myself
hurdling then breaking my mic stand during the proceedings...and having the whole affair "positively" reviewed by Jasper on his Webvomit myspace page..... It was a good night :)
How many times have you played the Blowout or will this be your 1st?
We've played the Blowout 3 times...
What's coming up for the band as far as shows/cds releases?
The usual stuff....We play almost every week...
We have a VHS or Beta show coming up...Putting together another show
with our Toledo friends We Are The Fury. Other cities we'll be playing
over the next 2 months include Chicago, Columbus and Indy.
As well as us attending SXSW again. And we will be releasing our
next full-length CD hopefully by Fall 2008.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Blowout?
There are several....The Silent Years, Grayling, Millions Of Brizillians,
The Orbitsuns, Zoos Of Berlin, Thunderbirds Are Now and of course...
Mitch Ryder - posted by MCR
Ancourage
When: 11pm on Friday, March 7th @ BelmontAncourage's Myspace page
Introduce your band, how long have you been together and tell us about any cd/vinyl releases you have out?
The name of our group is Ancourage,we started off as Anchorage, but changed our name because of so many bad emo bands with that name.. we've been together since 2003.. we are a 3 piece and sound like a 5 piece and have been compared to Codeine, Seam, Kansas, Primus, and Seaweed( i know, it doesn't make much sense).. we've self-released two cd's .. 2004's "If there is a wave,we say no" e. p. and in 2006 released our first record "this could lead to arguments" on DPA (the holy fire, leaving rouge, paradise).
How many times have you played the Blowout or will this be your 1st? This will be our third time partaking in the blowout.
What's coming up for the band as far as shows/cds releases?
Currently we are recording a 12 song album titled "the miami of china" with mr. chris koltay at high bias sound (the muldoons, dirtbombs,s sm, rescue, human eye) in detroit.. hopefully it will be released in mid-summer sometime.. unless someone wants to release it for us (a hint perhaps?)
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Blowout?
We are looking forward to seeing the friendly foes, duende!, wildcatting, lee marvin computer arm.
What is your favorite Polish dish?
Since i'm almost 100% polish and 2 of us are vegetarian
i would tend to lean on the pierogi train (cheese, potato).. i've heard polish village makes a mean dill pickle soup too::: - posted by MCR
Thursday, February 28, 2008
CHAPSTIK
When: 12am on Saturday March 7th @ Small'sChapstik's Myspace page
Introduce your band, how long have you been together and tell us about any cd/vinyl releases you have out?
The band formed in San Antonio, Texas over 12 years ago, with an all-time rotation of 25 members. Chapstik has released two 7"records and 3 albums to date, 1997's Whiskey Time (Reptilian Records), 2001's Chimingo (Speed) and 2007's Barnburner (Unfortunate Miracle). Also did a song on our label's AC/DC Tribute with bands like Supersuckers, Dwarves, and Zeke.
What is your most memorable Blowout experience either playing or attending?
We take the term "Blowout" literally, as nearly every set we've played has included some sort of power outage.
Chapstik played blistering blowout set on a Thursday in 2005 to a full house at the Locker Room, just days after we come off a tour of the South and Texas and played like a well oiled shit-fucking-up machine. Count one for power outage.
Our drummer, John had to play on top of a pool table at Tight Fittin' Jeans. You had to literally climb up on off of a bar stool to get on top. And of course blowing out their power. Twice.
As our set began last year at Shanannigan's, some neighborhood folk just walked in the door during a big drum intro, grabbed the mic and started rapping. We rolled with it. We also blew their power out... they had never hosted a show prior to the Blowout.
Motor City Burgers created the worlds largest set list for a Blowout show in 2001 at Paycheck's. They kept having to ask the audience members to stand aside so they could see it. You had to be there.
The same year 500 Ft. Of Pipe played at Lili's 21 and rocked so fucking hard they shook the foundation of space and time and forever fucked up my vision of what a real rock show should be.
What's coming up for the band as far as shows/cds releases?
We're entering the studio in April to work on our new record tentatively titled "Guitarded." Or... "Fire, Die In It!" What do you guys think?
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Blowout?
Human Eye, Millions of Brazillians, Devin Scillian, Grayling, Mazinga, Scotty Karate, Dragstrippers, Ruiners, Bluesong, Easy Action,
Who would win in a fight Joseph Campau or Jean François Hamtramck?
JF would throw a big fat Paczki in Campau's face!! - posted by Big Wave Dave
Love Meets Lust
When: 12am on Saturday March 8th @ Atlas BarLove Meets Lust's Myspace page
Introduce your band, how long have you been together and tell us about any cd/vinyl releases you have out?
Love meets lust is a four member electro/new wave/rock group. We consist of vocals, keyboards, guitar,and bass. We do not use a live drummer our drums are all electronic if we had a drummer we would name him James Reed, that sounds classy. The group has been playing out since jan/08 but has been brainstormed since the middle of 06. We currently are finishing up our ep.
What is your most memorable Blowout experience either playing or attending?
Probably seeing the Trash Brats many years back...or possibly Chapstik and Motor City Burgers. The blowout makes peoples brains foggy.
How many times have you played the Blowout or will this be your 1st?
This will be lml's first time.
What's coming up for the band as far as shows/cds releases?
We have a excellent show coming up with Malbec from Los Angeles on March 16th,we are doing Art Fag in April. We got Eat Sugar coming up to play with us in May and then we head on tour and are playing the Viper Room in Los Angeles in June. Our cd release is in the works to be right before we leave for tour, or just after we get back. Www.lovemeetslust.com for dates.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Blowout?
A lot of bands...Chapstik,Silent Years,Champions of Breakfast, Sex Ghost, alot of stuff!!! So hard to really say, wish we could see it all. - posted by MCR
Get To
Know Your
Blowout Band
Know Your
Blowout Band
Ancourage
Chapstik
Dutch Pink
Flatfoot
Freer
The Hadituptoheres
I, Crime
Last Tourist
Love Meets Lust
The Muggs
NOVADA
Porchsleeper
Prime Ministers
Scarlet Oaks
Sik Sik Nation
Zoos of Berlin
Chapstik
Dutch Pink
Flatfoot
Freer
The Hadituptoheres
I, Crime
Last Tourist
Love Meets Lust
The Muggs
NOVADA
Porchsleeper
Prime Ministers
Scarlet Oaks
Sik Sik Nation
Zoos of Berlin
WED March 5th
Eons
Human Eye
The Silent Years
Bump
Human Eye
The Silent Years
Bump
Thu March 6th
Outrageous Cherry
Champions of Breakfast
The Ruiners
Dondo de la Mancha
Champions of Breakfast
The Ruiners
Dondo de la Mancha
Fri March 9th
Friendly Foes
Flat Foot
Wildcatting
Detroit Cobras
The Hentchmen
Flat Foot
Wildcatting
Detroit Cobras
The Hentchmen
Sat March 8th
A Thousand Times Yes
Questions
Easy Action
Mitch Ryder
Questions
Easy Action
Mitch Ryder