Although many might recognize the California-based indie-rock band Pinback because of a song they did for Fox network’s teen television drama “The O.C,” the themes the band explores in other tunes might take more than a prime-time slot to fully understand. Pinback co-founder Rob Crow said being an endorsement for a large corporate entity isn’t […]
Bryan Mangieri
Riddle of Steel joining Okie label-mates for Conservatory show
With St. Louis-based Riddle of Steel having finished recording its third album, guitarist and vocalist Andrew Elstner expounded upon the task of choosing a moniker for the new release through a simile. “We’ve been throwing around some ideas, but I don’t know if I want to give you a label yet,” Elstner said. “It’s like […]
Singer/songwriter ditched college for country music
Reaching the ten-year milestone of recording prompted Texan and country music artist Cory Morrow to release “Ten Years,” a collection of previously recorded songs, now revamped for fans old and new. Morrow acknowledged that a decade in music is a “pretty big accomplishment,” but he did not think that warranted a greatest-hits record. So he […]
Texas metal band Upside lives to party
Upside just likes to get wasted and party, said the band’s lead singer, Sid Goldsmith. “It fits in the lifestyle. I think it’s definitely part of our everyday life,” he said. “It shows on stage, on record or whatever. I’m not saying you can’t have great rock ‘n’ roll if you’re sober, but I think […]
Karaoke king doesn’t let being bipolar keep him from performing
Many people only know it as a title to a Nirvana song, but lithium is a hell of a drug, usually used to treat mental disorders. Matt Jones, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, said although he’s no longer on the prescription, he doesn’t let bipolar get in the way of his art. In […]
William Hung goes from ‘Idol’ laughingstock to Billboard chart-topper
After eliciting laughter from the judges of “American Idol”‘s 2004 season with his off-key and off-kilter rendition of Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs” during initial auditions for the show’s third season, it would seem that William Hung dream to be a singer should have died. Not so. “I try to convey a positive, optimistic image,” Hung […]
Hellogoodbye builds following with online popularity
California-based indie-pop band Hellogoodbye began at Huntington Beach High School during 2001, when lead vocalist/guitarist Forrest Kline teamed up with keyboardist Jesse Kurvink to produce its brand of heart-on-sleeve synth-pop songs. “I wasn’t a bro or a surfer, and that’s what was the primary at the school,” Kline said. “The first couple years of high […]
Nashville Pussy doesn’t want to be taken seriously
Blaine Cartwright, lead singer and guitarist for Nashville Pussy, said, “I consider us a pretty juvenile band. Mature means better to some people; to me, it’s just like maybe you’re starting to be boring.” Atlanta’s Nashville Pussy is far from boring. If anything, the band goes out on a limb to produce interesting testaments to […]
Pop’s Postmarks to make first-ever Oklahoma appearance
Tuesday’s show at Norman’s Opolis marks the first time playing in Oklahoma for the Miami, Fla., indie pop band The Postmarks. Yet the band has ties with Flaming Lips manager Scott Booker and the Edmond-based music label he co-founded, World’s Fair. “We just sort of take each city as it comes along and […]
Country’s Wade Bowen emerges from tough recording process
Wade Bowen‘s latest record didn’t come easily for the Texas country music artist. He felt lost during the songwriting and recording process. “I went through a lot of stuff, recording this record and writing it,” he said. “I was going through a lot of different emotions and stuff. I think the overall theme is being […]
