Showcase Review and Photos

Tristen @ Cameo

First, we must thank long-time friend of Stark, Karp, for all the fabulous photos taken at the Showcase.

The evening began in the Loving Cup Cafe which is attached through a series of speakeasy-esque narrow hallways to the main venue Cameo. We Starkians dined on some fabulous Loving Cup cuisine including pulled pork and massive frittatas before the festivities. A few Side Cars later, we realized it was 8:30 and time to get Tristen on stage.

Tristen (8:30 pm):
There was a pre-show buzz circulating around Tristen who trekked from Nashville with close friend and band-mate Larissa. Aside from Stark reviews, myspace and word-of-mouth, there was little known about Tristen's sound. Donning the stage with vintage cherry red, '66 Gibson, Ukulele, acoustic guitar and cello, the duo of Tristen and Larissa soon quieted the milling audience. Fiery vocal lines and powerful harmonies were unveiled to a highly receptive Brooklyn crowd that was at one point, proclaimed to be "better than in Nashville." Booyah. Tristen was a surprise to most, but made fans out of all. Most fell in love with her and Larissa's quirky stage presence, soul-piercing vocals and quality musicianship. In case you missed Tristen, check out Lakeside Lounge this Wednesday (June 17) or Toad in Boston, MA on June 18.

Read more and see more after the jump.


Tristen

Pursesnatchers
Pursesnacthers (9:45 pm):
And then there was a full-band. Following Tristen, the Pursesnatchers unleashed a raucous attack of well-crafted, locked down rock jams. There was tons of energy during this performance, which was reciprocated by those in the audience who huddled around the stage, bobbing rhythmically to the music. The give-and-take between the band and the audience was spectacular.

April Smith
April Smith (10:45 pm):
We knew something was going to explode when April Smith loaded in switch boards of effects peddles, had road cases, and a five piece band in tow. Again, the hum in the crowd was that of unknown anticipation. April Smith left little to chance as she stepped toward the mic and unleashed a unique vocal sound with seemingly endless range, not once looking back. The audience took a step back, then five steps forward as the intoxicating sounds and mystique of April Smith took them over. The dark horse of the evening became an instant highlight.

Jaymay
Photo: Chris Becker
Jaymay: (11:45 pm)
There was an unbridled excitement and jump in Jaymay's step Saturday evening. Playing as a trio with electric guitar and upright bass accompaniment, Jaymay revealed some new tunes which will be included on her upcoming EPs. A silent aura of artistry always surrounds Jaymay, only accentuated by her beautiful vocal lines and lyrical craftsmanship. She draws you in only to push you away, leaving you wanted more with every tune. Cameo's alluring lighting arrangement and close-knit feel exacerbated the intimacy of Jaymay's performance. Satisfaction was paramount and widespread afterword.

Xylos
Xylos (12:45 pm):
A great end to a fantastic night. The tropical-rock stylings of Xylos meshed perfectly with the intoxication levels of the audience and subsequently, their willingness to get up and dance. Upbeat tunes spawned spontaneous dancing and singing capping off a great evening.

THANKS TO ALL! SEE YOU SOON.

Showcase Showdown: Tristen

[mp3] Tristen - "Speacial Kind of Fear"

As the days wear on, one giving away to another, senses heighten, ears perk, and anticipation mounts as we are now on Showcase Countdown Day: 4. We at Stark enjoy one word, two syllable artist names: Jaymay, Xylos and subject two: Tristen .

From the Windy City, to the underbelly of Nashville, Tristen (Gaspadarek) has been polishing her pop roots with country dirt. Music City is a haven for starving songwriters, creative minds, string ticklers, finger pickers, country heroines, whiskey, beer and bad decisions. While Tristen dabbles in a few of the above, her songs evoke a timeless quality built upon fluid songwriting.

Joining forces with local musicians and best friend Larissa Maestro (a graduate of Berkley and a cellist) Tristen has found what she left home for: a cohesive sound strengthened only by her resolve, powerful voice and hook-laden song structures.

She has a day job waiting tables, but like most in Nashville, the dream outweighs reality. More on Tristen after the jump Including album details and tour dates.


Aside from her appearance at the Stark/Jinners showcase (6/13), Tristen will be playing in NY at the Lakeside Lounge on the 17th before traveling to Ithaca and Boston for 3 more shows.

Tristen has just put the finishing touches on a tour EP comprised of songs taken from her upcoming LP Charlatans of the Garden Gate that she is recording in Nashville with producer Jeremy Ferguson. The tour EP is handmade with care and can be purchased at her live shows exclusively. Tristen is part of a budding musical scene growing out of Nashville at the moment. Along with local favorites such as And The Relatives and Caitlin Rose Tristen has begun to gain solid backing from the press and is bringing her music to the people on an increasingly national scale. "Matchstick Murder" is being used in Five Star Day, a film which will be premiering at the Toronto film festival. Tristen is hoping to make the trip over the boarder for some dates there coming up later in 2009.

For now though, Tristen is focusing on finishing Charlatans, booking an upcoming Southeastern US tour, and of course, getting ready to play our Northside showcase.

Jun 13 2009 Cameo (Northside Festival) Brooklyn, New York
Jun 14 2009 Lost Dog Cafe Ithaca, New York
Jun 17 2009 Lakeside Lounge New York, New York
Jun 18 2009 Toad Boston, Massachusetts
Jun 20 2009 House Show with the Shills Allston, Massachusetts
Jun 25 2009 Mercy Lounge Nashville, Tennessee
Jul 13 2009 Mercy Lounge 70’s night Nashville, Tennessee
Jul 17 2009 The Boro Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Aug 21 2009 The end Nashville, Tennessee

Showcase Showdown: Jaymay

[mp3] Jaymay - "Blue Skies"

As the days wear on, one giving away to another, senses heighten, ears perk, and anticipation mounts as we are now on Showcase Countdown Day: 10.

In preparation for the Northside Festival, we at Stark are providing you with inside information, from the mouths of our billed artists, in attempt to acclimatize you to their playing styles, thought processes, and current musical pursuits. Our first subject: Jaymay.

We spoke with Jaymay (Jamie Kristine Seerman) on Tuesday at Smith & Mills in Tribeca; she's writing, reading, recording, and eager to release two new EPs. Continue reading after the jump.

We ordered drinks and a cheese plate. Us Starkians sat across from the modestly dressed Jaymay, whose reserved charm and artist quirks were endearingly satisfying. We wanted to know what she's been up to. So we asked.

Jaymay's 2007, Autumn Fallin' was released through EMI via Heavenly and Blue Note records. The debut put her on the radar, with songs highlighting her "infatuation with NYC and its change of seasons." And though she's still all about a hands on approach coming in the form of Protools, Garage Band and now DrumCore, Jaymay has set aside her nylon-strings, substituting steel and voltage; yes, she is going electric. Judas! (Dylan reference.) No way, not Jaymay.

Writing songs, reading poetry, and neglecting to listen to her iPod, which has only two artists on it --Van Morrison and Chet Baker (no joke)-- are day-to-day Jaymayian activities.

The conversation soon shifted to things we love.

Jaymay is a Letterman fan. She also loves the band Pela, "they're awesome" she said simply. She also loves when people hate certain sections of a band's live performance. Sure. Why not?

Minimal touring through Oregon, Philly and other US regions is keeping Jaymay busy when she's not writing, but there is no hiding her anticipation of releasing some new music. Stay tuned for the release of some new EPs.

We love that Jaymay is playing our showcase and hope you love that too. See you on June 13.

Bedford to be Car Free During Northside Festival/Our Showcase

Photo Credit:http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/regulation/goods/images/cars.jpg

Via BV:

No cars during Northside. It's Summer Streets and Williamsburg Walks. Fuck Time Square, Bedford is just more interesting. That's right folks. Now you have no excuse for missing our showcase on June 13. Right off the L and now you can skirt the double yellows, heading right over to Cameo. We are unaware of the alcohol policy, but let's just say for full-festival-fun, you can booze it up on the sidewalk. No cars = no laws? Why not? It's only a $25 fine anyway... right, StarkNY?

Anyway, prepare to enjoy the open roads, wide lanes, and showcase accessibility. See you then.