Meeting Natalie Ribbons at South by Southwest was probably the highlight of my trip. On my first night down there, I made sure to attend the Agent Ribbons show. To my surprise, the band was completely different. Natalie announced that the show was going to be a hybrid of Agent Ribbons songs and her new band, Tele Novella. I was excited to get a first glimpse of the new band and was extremely happy with the new material. To my delight, we were able to set up an interview while I was down in Austin. Natalie and I met at Rio Rita, the bar where she works, on Thursday, March…
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10 Sad Girl Songs for a Rainy Day
Well it’s been a gross and rainy day here in Cincinnati. If you feel like listening to some songs to accompany the weather, the following are 10 sad girl songs. I’m not responsible for any tears you may shed as a result of this list… Or maybe I am. I’ll try to make up for it at the end. 10. “Lemonade” by CocoRosie- Let’s face it, these sisters are a little eerie. And well this video is a bit trippy. I’m easing you into the list. This song embodies a more dreamy feeling than anything. But if you’re in the right mood, I’m sure it would cause you to shed…
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Venomous Valdez on being a Woman in the Music Industry
When I arrived at Venomous Valdez’s house on Wednesday, I was excited to get an inside look at the career of one of the most powerful women in the music industry. As a well-respected booker, bands in Cincinnati know, “If I call you, you have a gig, you’re getting paid.” Born and raised in Cincinnati, Venomous got her start in the music industry 13 years ago. She began as a DJ for WAIF FM Radio, co-hosting a program that broadcasted live from local concerts and after six months the show became hers. She also worked at WEBN for a year doing a local/regional music show, metal show and board engineer…
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Song of the Week: “Wild Man” by Thee Headcoatees
Thee Headcoatees were formed by Billy Childish in 1991 and included Holly Golightly, Kyra LaRubia, Ludella Black and Debbie Green. The band often played a few songs ahead of Thee Headcoats and their songs were mostly written by Billy Childish. The song of the week is “Wild Man” which is a great example of their garage and kitschy sound. Check out the awesome video of Thee Headcoatees performing the song with Thee Headcoats in 1993 here.
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New Year, here’s some White Mystery news!!
Chicago based White Mystery siblings are releasing their new album, Telepathic, on April, 20! I couldn’t be more excited. “Secret Garden” is available for streaming here. And if that isn’t enough to satisfy your White Mystery cravings you should probably check out their teaser video for the album now!!! Alex and Francis are getting ready to head over to Europe to spread their musical wisdom this month, but don’t worry, they’ll be back touring the US soon enough! Check out their tour dates here. I love WHITE MYSTERY and so should YOU!!!!!
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Wanda Jackson Live: Man, We Had a Party!
When Wanda Jackson entered the Taft Ballroom on Saturday night, I’m not going to lie, I had my doubts. She was on the arms of two men and looked so tiny! Of course, whom I’m assuming to be her significant other held her purse and escorted her both on and off stage. But when she got on that stage… man, was she alive! The backing band, all very attractive young men, played “Rumble” as Ms. Jackson made her way on to stage, a very fitting entrance. Decked out in her white fringe shirt and diamonds, she told us she was going to take us on a musical journey. And really,…
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Song of the Week: “This Tornado Loves You” by Neko Case
Although a few years old, “This Tornade Loves You” remains a strong song by a passionate and talented woman in (Americana) rock. “This Tornado Loves You” appeared on Neko Case‘s most recent album, Middle Cyclone, back in 2009. Most recently, she toured over the summer and contributed a song to the Hunger Games soundtrack. It’s been rumored that a new album is in the works but for now we’ll just have to take out her old records and give them another spin. Here is Neko Case performing “This Tornado Loves You” on Letterman.
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The Lovely Ladies of Ancient Warfare: A Chat w/ Echo and Rachel
The best way to find new bands is to stumble upon them at shows, at least that’s my favorite way. It was my lucky day back in September when I first saw the ladies of Ancient Warfare perform at the Comet. I was immediately mesmerized with their haunted sound and a certain darkness that was not expected. Ancient Warfare is made up of Echo Wilcox on guitar and vocals, Rachel Yanarella on violin and Emily Hagihara on drums and vocals. A few weeks ago, I sat down with Echo and Rachel at the Green Lantern in Lexington, Kentucky and talked to them about the music they create. IK: How old were you…
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Song of the Week: “Young and Cold” by the Raveonettes
It may be an obvious choice with the change from warm fall days to heavy coats and space heaters but regardless, “Young and Cold” from the Raveonettes‘ most recent album, Observator, is the song of the week. With lyrics like, “So many restless souls, I don’t want to be young and cold,” this song will haunt you. The Raveonettes have always been great at providing chilling harmonies and writing lyrics that stay with you. It’s refreshing that after six albums, they continue to grow and expand while staying true to their sound. Listen to the song here.
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Q&A with Rizz of WAZU
WAZU recently came to Cincinnati and I was immediately charmed by Rizz. The goth duo was so genuine live and the set was awesomely dark with shadowy images projected behind them while they rocked out. Afterwards, I met Rizz and we agreed to set up a Women in Rock interview. I sent her some questions about WAZU and here’s what she had to say. IK: How did you get your start in music? RK: When I was very young, TV was a constant companion. I’d get lost in cartoons, TV commercials, movies… I remember getting obsessed with certain TV show theme songs or ad…
