Adia Victoria, Beyond the Bloodhounds

The cover art to Adia Victoria’s debut album is an exercise in simplicity and trickery. From one perspective, it could be seen as a photo of the songwriter in colorful socks, just having a goofy sit. From another, it could be interpreted as a bare white room akin to an insane asylum archetype. The cleanliness of the setting takes on a darker vibe, as all objects have been removed to prevent harm to our protaganist.

Overall, this is very similar to the feelings that bubble up listening to Beyond the Bloodhounds. The overall vibe is dark and moody, with a perfect balance of strangeness and beauty happening consistently from top to bottom. Sonically, it’s an unfit comparison but I can’t help but think of Peggy Lee’s hit “Is That All There Is?” – a terrifying soliloquy of detached emotions and chaos, wrapped in a pop song.

The album is released today, May 13th, and I can’t suggest diving in headfirst as soon as conveniently possible.

Character, a flashing of knives and green water

If you’re a young whipper-snapper, you may not remember Character, a Nashville band that explored the richness of post-rock soundscapes. It’s a very finely crafted bit of ambient atmospheres that builds and builds. What set them apart from other bands of that time and genre is that the music wasn’t about the impending explosion of a wall of guitars (though that does happen) but simply about exploring a space. Sure, that sounds about as pretentious as you can get when talking about music but it’s my way of saying it leans more on the ambient tendencies of post-rock, than on the more aggressive rock side, somehow without losing the appeal.

The music itself is highly notable and everyone involved in the undertaking over the years is a notable piece of our Nashville music scene. The likes of William Tyler, Dave Paulson, Ryan Norris, Eric Williams, Scott Martin, Eric Andre, Sam Smith, Luke Schneider and Phil Pomeroy are undoubtedly names you’ve heard more than once.

The EP is not an easy one to track down digitally. Possibly intentionally? Regardless, the band is playing for the first time in many many years at The Basement East tonight as a fundraiser for, and a loving tribute to, the Ferguson family. Don’t miss it.

Broken Record Show

Please keep the Broken Record Show on your radar. It’s a massive stand-up comedy undertaking in our fine city and the lineup is completely bonkers. Keep in mind that last year they broke the Guinness Record for Longest Standup Set by Multiple Comedians and I suspect they’ll try to break some more this year.

Is Nashville’s live music scene oversaturated?

Great read in The Tennessean about the live music venue scene. Just another component to keep in mind as Nashville continues to grow.

Raunchy Country: Inside the Genre’s History of Comedy and Irreverence

Congratulations to Birdcloud for being featured so heavily in this Rolling Stone piece on the history of Irreverent Country. I’ve often struggled with the words to explain the depth of their music, despite the perceived shallow crassness.

There’s always a lot of chatter about #NewNashville, the changing face of our city and a generally pessimistic vibe about the direction Nashville is headed in. Despite that pervasive curmudgeonly attitude, there’s always great people in Nashville. Sure, there’s unbearable singer-songwriters and baristas that give you the stink-eye for ordering a cup of drip coffee but that’s everywhere. Nashville has phenomenal people. Supportive people. Loving people. 

We lost two of those folks recently and it’s a horrible reminder that no amount of condo’s or restaurants closings has any real bearing on the city when compared to the loss of great people.

I didn’t know Candice Burnside Ferguson or Jim Ridley on a deeply personal level but I feel an profound emptiness hearing that they are gone. The outpouring of love and emotion for the families left behind is warming; both touched and affected so many people in the best way.

The name “We Own This Town” really strikes me at moments like this. WE are the community. WE  are the city. WE, the people, make this place great. I implore you to support the families and remember that Nashville is great because of the people, all of you.

Support Candice Burnside Ferguson’s Family

Support Jim Ridley’s Family