Tristen: CAVES - OUT TODAY

We've watched the subtle complexities of the songs that make up CAVES (out now on Pupsnake / Thirty Tigers) develop during live sets and on demo recordings over the past year and change. Today, Tristen releases these fully realized tracks to the world. Bold and mature, CAVES moves beyond the girl-group harmonies, tremelo and reverb-laden guitars and strings of her excellent debut Charlatans at the Garden Gate. Yet, Tristen and lead collaborator Buddy Hughen don't miss a melodic step when it comes to the core of their songwriting. Intact are the poignant lyrics and tight hooks - that are now driven more by synth and drum machine than their more organic counter parts. With standout tracks such as "No One's Gonna Know" "Catalyst" "Gold Star" and "Monster" CAVES is compelling cover to cover, taking everything you loved about tracks like "Eager for Your Love" processing it - refining it - and making it outright infectious. Buy it HERE. Stream it HERE.

Tristen Announces New Album C A V E S

Time is short at Stark HQ in these early hours, but we would be completely remiss to not highlight the new music and kickstarter campaign from our longtime friend and songwriter extraordinaire Tristen. We're pretty sure that if you're reading this post you already know who Tristen is, love her, have seen her live, and know how talented she is. Tristen has been honing these new songs (and in all likelihood has another record ready, she's that prolific) for a few years now in the studio and on the road - but needs her fans' help to bring it to the masses. New track above, "No One's Gonna Know" showcases her new sounds perfectly: beat driven rhythms, larger choruses, and the same direct vocal clarity we've come to expect. More to come on C A V E S on Stark, but for now - pledge your money and enjoy the fantastic new tunes. Welcome back Tristen.

Little Bandit: "Heaven or Hell"

Everyone in Nashville knows each other, and they're all in (good) bands. You may recognize a lot of familiar faces in the above photo montage, from Tristen to Caitlin Rose, to Ponychase and more. Little Bandit is the new band from Alex Caress, younger brother of Jordan, who fronts Ponychase (a new addiction) and held down the rhythm section in Tristen's band on numerous tours and recordings. We're getting a heavy Dawes vibe, with touches of Sweetheart-era Byrds, and of course, a little Gram on the side. All that in addition to some rad beards and solid songwriting make Little Bandit a band to watch out for. Their self-titled Debut EP is out now.

CMJ 2011 - Big Winners

Tristen ["Baby Drugs"]: To be honest, we thought we had a fairly good idea of what we were going to get when we went to see Tristen play twice last week. We've seen a lot of Tristen shows, but were not ready for the next level of musicianship and songwriting that Tristen and her band The Ringers brought, especially at the Flower Booking showcase Friday. With new drummer Sam Smith, and classic Ringers, Buddy and Jordan - Tristen pulled out three new songs from the follow up to Charlatans at the Garden Gate (out now - American Myth) - and brought her more familiar material to new heights. Guitarless, Tristen dominated the stage during closing song "No One's Gonna Know." It was rhythmic, pulsing, melodic, - dare we say anthemic - and outright spectacular. New record, new haircut - and we can't wait to hear it.

FIDLAR ["Bummed"]: Fuck it dog, life's a risk. Fidlar may have been the top live band we saw all week. Their set was ear splittingly loud, the songs short, powerful and gripping. On the surface, they're four stoner skater punks from LA - but the writing is scary good, and the execution is better. Their drummer summed the band up best in a brief conversation before their set: "I can guarantee you that at no point during our set will I play a stand alone floor tom at the front of the stage with a maraca." Amen.

Alabama Shakes ["I Found You"]: Clearly, this band went into CMJ with huge amounts of momentum. With Jack White already a fan, and labels rumored to be bidding heavily on these amazing Alabama newcomers - there's no question they were the talk of New York before CMJ. Yet, after their set in Philly the night before, and their Thursday night set (with the amazing Dry The River) - there was no doubt that the Alabama Shakes were the real deal, and are here to stay. People were floored. It's going to be very fun watching them over the next year.

Electric Guest [mp3]: It seemed that it took all the way up until CMJ week for the buzz to hit on Electric Guest, but it reached a crescendo on Tuesday night at the 'anyone who is anyone was there' All Things Go party. With Ezra Koening, Julian Casablancas and Dangermouse (producing their 2012 Downtown album) in attendance, the anticipation was palpable. Yet, for us at least, the set didn't really deliver. The band clearly had some fantastic songs, and the execution was flawless, but there was something intangible that didn't connect with us. There were a few too many downtempo R&B tinged tunes and an off-putting stage presence from a few members. NOW. This is a band with a ton of promise. 2012 is probably going to be a big year for them, and CMJ was a great launching pad. This set may not have connected with us this time - but there will be many more sets, and this is certainly a band you'll be hearing a lot about. We hope to see them again soon.

You Won't ["Who Knew"]: Taking nothing away from this very talented duo, there's not a ton to say about them. You Won't come from the classic school of writing good songs and just getting out there and playing them well. Vocalist Josh Arnoudse has a guttural and dynamic vocal prowess, akin to Deer Tick at his best and as powerful as any indie rock singer out there right now. There's a lot to love here and as they clean up their live show, these guys have a good shot of turning a lot of heads in 2012. Their album Skeptic Goodbye is out now.

Robert Ellis ["Good Intentions"]: We finish this list with a core Texas-based Stark artist. Falling on the more serious side of Jonny Corndawg, and on the more bluegrass side of the usual Texas/Nashville sound - Ellis is a strong contender for the crown in the new crop of country artists plying their craft these days. With long hair and a clean (when it needs to be) vocal tone - Ellis is a dynamic performer and a talented writer. His debut album Photographs is out now on New West. Highly recommended.

Tonight! Tristen + Jonny Corndawg @ Brooklyn Bowl

Tristen - Baby Drugs by AmericanMythRecordings

Can't get too much of a good thing. After opening for Ezra Furman & The Harpoons Friday night at Webster Studio, Tristen is back at it; this time, there will be fried chicken, bowling and Jonny Corndawg! Be sure to get out, hit the lanes and start the week right.

Tonight! Tristen + Ezra Furman & The Harpoons @ Webster Studio

Ezra Furman - Hard Time in a Terrible Land by Big Hassle Media
Tristen - Baby Drugs by AmericanMythRecordings

You'll know where to find us tomorrow night in NYC as Stark favorites Tristen and headliner Ezra Furman & The Harpoons take over Webster Studio. If lead-vocal fire power, crafty song-construction, lyrical complexity and on-stage charisma are your bag, then this show is for you.

Nashville's own Tristen, is fresh off the release of her debut album for American Myth titled, Charlatans at the Garden Gate. Her campaign is off to an amazing start landing her a Spring tour with Furman, a Rolling Stone feature, champions in the NPR world (All Things Considered) and much more. Touring is where Tristen finds comfort and it shows in her live performances -- she leaves nothing to the imagination and will floor you with her raw vocal power and indie-pop tunes; a seemingly perfect match with Ezra Furnman.

After cutting his teeth early with the release of Banging Down the Doors, following with Inside the Human Body, Furman & The Harpoons released their third album, first for Red Parlor Records titled, Mysterious Power, yesterday. Comprised of a myriad of music styles, Ezra and the crew have ramped up the electrics and produced was seems to be a pure, emotionally-fueled record. There is no restraint or attention to detail in Mysterious Power, just song-after-song of seemingly on-the-fly recordings. The "power" is there -- as other writers have said, think less Dylan, more Violet Femmes and don't miss this show.

Check out Tristen's tour dates with Ezra Furman as well as her new video for "Baby Drugs" after the jump...

New Video From Tristen: "Baby Drugs"

[mp3] Tristen: "Baby Drugs"

Full disclosure - we've had more than a strictly "editorial" professional relationship with Tristen. Maybe if you're just stumbling on to Stark would you not know what staunch supporters we've been of this truly talented artist, band, and now her great team and record label American Myth.

She recently released Charlatans at The Garden Gate, an album that a lot of you already own, but if you don't, BUY IT, seriously, now. Thanks to all the Stark fans who have gone to her shows and bought her music in the past, and if you haven't heard version 2.0 of these tracks (especially on vinyl) you're missing out. Her new video is above. Enjoy, and dig the BUDDY tee. Classic.

Matt's Top 14 EPs of '09

Here's another for your list of lists Winston. I realized that I should give some love to the awesome EPs that came out this year as well as the albums. So without further ado, my top 14. That's right. 14.

Animal Collective: Fall Be Kind

I'm still convinced Animal Collective put this EP out to remind critics that they had a record out this year (who would forget?) for year-end lists. Yet, the motives do not take away from the fact that this was another excellent offering from the gods of indie rock.



Acrylics: All of the Fire

This band appeared on the radar in the spring with a few stand-out singles. The momentum continued for this duo (soon to be permanent full band) as they were signed to Chris Taylor's Terrible Records and released this stellar EP of well-written, 80s-inspired, pop-infused gems.



Best Coast: Make You Mine

Best Coast were one of the stand-outs from the cliched "summer/beach" movement that took up a lot of attention in '09. Yet, along with Real Estate, the songs here are very solid, and show a ton of promise. More to come in 2010 I'm sure.



Class Actress: Journal of Ardency

Class Actress were a late entry to the race. Also signed to Terrible Records, Class Actress are dead ringers for Glass Candy and Chromatics, but that doesn't make their songs less great. Again, another band to watch in 2010.




Delorean: Ayrton Senna

I honestly don't know too much about Delorean other than that they make infectious, dance-floor, elctro-rock jams, that really work well at parties that go past dawn. Not like I would know or anything.




Dinosaur Feathers: Early Morning Risers

Thanks to Pop Tarts Suck Toasted and The World in a Paper Cup for turning me on to this group of Philly acoustic-poppers. They purvey lazy, pleasant melodies that are at once arresting and extremely well-crafted.




Lissie: Why You Runnin'

Stark is heavy on the Lissie bandwagon. Check out our review. This EP heralds a new talent and force to be reckoned with. By far the most promising artist I've seen in 2009. Hands down.




Lissy Trullie: Self Taught Learner

This EP began what was to become a break-out year for Lissy Trullie. These songs eventually went on to become part of the excellent Self-Taught Learner LP, but the EP was so strong that it got everyone's attention and sufficiently whet their appetite for more from this fantastic new post-rock star.


Mountain Man: S/T

Thanks to Microphone Memory Emotion and Chocolate Bobka for these guys. Here is some of the most organic and well-written folk songs you'll hear all year. There is a strange ethereal quality to everything they produce, and the Vermont trios' vocals are utterly captivating and quite moving. Still haven't' seen them live, but I can imagine it's a thing to behold.

Pains of Being Pure at Heart: Higher Than the Stars

No one made it through 2009 without hearing about Pains. This EP could be called a victory lap, if it wasn't so goddamn good. The highlight here is the Saint Etienne Remix of "Higher Than the Stars." Worth the price of admission alone.



Sleigh Bells: Demos

Another late comer to the game, Sleigh Bells slowly released several demos which could constitute an EP over the past few months. The music is loud, trashy, catchy, annnnd LOUD. Fuck, even Sasha Frere Jones loves 'em. Did I mention that they're super buzzy right now? Yeah. That too. Oh well. It's good.


Tristen: Deceivers are Achievers
Full disclosure - Stark is in cahoots with Tristen. Does that make her EP less good? Not a chance. Tristen is the predominant talent in Nashville right now, in a field that's crowded and downright competitive as hell. Tristen turns out hand-crafted exquisite country-pop gems faster than us Yankees talk. And they are all amazing. THE artist to watch in 2010.



Washed Out: Life of Leisure

While the LP didn't deliver (like at all) this EP was a true standout in the EP collection. Call it chillwave or whatever stupid name the kids are calling it, this is good stuff, and some of the best in that whole weird genre. It's just great music, maaan.



Warpaint: Exquisite Corpse

This EP is filled with crazy, weird and boarder-line genius stuff. Most all of the time, I don't know what the hell is going on with Warpaint. I just like it.

STARK DEBUT VIDEO: TRISTEN "Matchstick Murder"

Tristen: "Matchstick Murder" from Tristen on Vimeo.

[mp3] Tristen: "Eager For Your Love"

We here at Stark are delighted to bring you "Matchstick Murder" the debut video from amazing Nashville songwriter Tristen. You know her from her impressive NY debut at our Northside showcase and from our plentiful posts on her in the past. Jeff Wyatt Wilson filmed and directed this video as part of a feature on Tristen that will run in the September issue of American Songwriter magazine. Yet, Tristen conceived the storyline as well as all of the costumes and color coordination. Also featured in the video, are fellow Nashvillians cellist/guitarist Larissa Maestro, drummer Patrick Rodgers from the band And The Relatives, guitarist Buddy Hughen from the band Eureka Gold, and bassist Eric Lehning. "Matchstick Murder" will be a featured track on Tristen's upcoming debut LP Charlatans at the Garden Gate, which is being recorded now in Nashville for release later this year. See Tristen on the cover of the Nashville Scene with fellow Stark favorites Those Darlins and Caitlin Rose. 

New Video: Caitlin Rose "Shanghai Cigarettes"

For those of you keeping track, we somehow held off posting about Caitlin Rose since July 14. Recently featured on the cover of the Nashville Scene, Caitlin (known affectionately to some as Cato) joined local female artists Tristen and Those Darlins as they were profiled in an amazing feature by Scenester Tracy Moore (Holla!) -- a must read article for those interested in the fantastically talented and interwoven Nashville music underground.

Caitlin has been working hard to get her debut full-length off the ground (not yet given a street date,) but, no need, her EP Dead Flowers has not faded over time. In a YouTube exclusive, Caitlin performs a new tune off her upcoming LP titled, "Shanghai Cigerettes."

For an enchating rendition of the Louvin Brothers' "River of Jordan" and of her classic "Sinful Wishing Well" continue after the jump.
"River of Jordan" - The Louvin Brothers


"Sinful Wishing Well"

Keepin' it 70s: Caitlin Rose & Co. @ Mercy Lounge

Fleetwood Mac - "Say You Love Me"

*Quality, not the best, but deal. It's nice music! Last night, Nashville went back in time. Not with Doc, but with host Nashville Cream -- radio promo done by Out the Other. Caitlin Rose, Tristen, And the Relatives, Turbo Fruits and other local bands took to the stage at Mercy Lounge performing some of the 70s greatest hits. Gotta love it. Today, we are trying to keep it vintage, but this is the blog world, so you know we won't. We received some lo-fi Flip videos from a friend at Theory 8 Records and management. Videos include covers of Linda Ronstadt's "Love Has No Pride" and Fleetwood Mac's "Say You Love Me" performed by Caitlin Rose with band backing by And the Relatives and guest vocals by Tristen. All our favorites in one place.

See Linda Ronstadt cover after the jump.

Linda Ronstadt - "Love Has No Pride"

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 Over! Thank You.

Saturday night was an amazing success. Things went according to plan, there were no major hiccups, and all of you came out in amazing support of the musicians, Stark, Jinners and Cameo. We wanted to use this Monday morning to get our lives back together and thank a ton 'o people that made the Showcase so spectacular.

Thanks to Jinners, our co-host.
Thanks to Tammy Hart.
Thanks to all the bands: Tristen, Pursesnatchers, April Smith, Jaymay and Xylos.
Thanks to all that came out: friends, family, and fans.
Thanks to the Northside Fest and L Magazine.

Check back for Showcase recap coming 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

And The Relatives feat. the Garland Sisters

And The Relatives "Animals" from Lake Fever Sessions on Vimeo.

And The Relatives = Patrick Rodgers, Eli Beaird, and Andrew Brassel.
Garland Sisters = Tristen and Caitlin Rose
________
All those pictured above are good friends of Stark Online; be it Patrick Rodgers with whom some of us worked and attended Bonnaroo with; Eli Beaird and Andrew Brassel, with whom we once enjoyed intense fireworks, good concerts and a multiple whiskey's/PBRs. Caitlin Rose, long-time friend and companion of Stark, featured in many-a-post. Or, Tristen, good friend and opener for our Northside Showcase this Saturday.

We are glad to see them all in one place putting their various musical talents on display. And the Relatives recently released their newest EP, Animals which is available on iTunes and the usual spots. Tristen is getting ready for a Northeast tour and has handmade EPs available at her live shows. And Caitlin is in the process for finishing her debut full-length.

Hi to all. Love the sessions.

Northside Ticket Giveaway at The Music Slut

Not everyone can get on our guest list. SO, as of this morning The Music Slut is giving away 2 tickets to our Stark/Jinners Northside showcase on June 13th at Cameo! Email them HERE and one person will be selected at random on June 10th at Noon as the winner. As we wrote yesterday, the showcase will feature Tristen, Pursesnatches, April Smith, Jaymay and Xylos.

Additionally, The Music Slut has launched an amazing free compilation of Morrissey covers in honor of Moz' 50th birthday which is tomorrow 5/22! The compilation is entitled TMS Hearts Moz and features exclusive contributions from some of our favorite artists including: Sharon Van Etten, Pattern is Movement, Bridges and Power Lines, A Brief Smile and tons more. TMS has been giving these songs away every day, and will culminate the project with a special party at The Studio (at Webster Hall) tomorrow night 5/22 featuring live performances from A Brief Smile and Teddy Blanks. Happy birthday indeed!