I Went To A Show

Laine Marschik’s slideshow of Tapes ‘n Tapes @ the Firebird, August 21, 2010

First off, Tapes ‘n Tapes is a Minneapolis band and it was kind of heartless to make them play in St. Louis, in mid-August, in a venue with a busted air conditioner. But did they complain? Only a little bit, and never in earnest. No pants were removed (though the threat was stated), and drummer Jeremy Hanson stayed buttoned up in his Clark-Kent-Oxford-and-plastic-glasses getup for the entire set. To date, it’s the first time I’ve ever seen anyone sweat through a guitar strap. Well done, Tapes ‘n Tapes!

I’ve always admired Tapes ‘n Tapes for their variations in style from one song to the next. As Matt Ketzman jumped from his usual keyboards to playing the trumpet, to backup guitar, songs like “Headshock” and “Just Drums” sustained convincing Rage Against the Machine thrashing, and a couple of the new songs carried a California, almost early Offspring vibe that bordered on Ska. The smallish and diverse crowd stayed rowdy through each incarnation of the band’s sound.

Front and center in front of the stage stood a twenty-something couple, conspicuous for their enthusiastic dancing and high five at the end of every song. A too-hip-for-St. Louis couple jostled in front of me for the sole purpose of mocking their dance moves, but our sweet-faced heroes continued to frug and skirt switch, unabashed. Fifteen songs in, lead singer Josh Grier gave the kids a shout out for dancing their asses off, despite the heat, and they leapt into the happiest, sweatiest high five I’ve ever witnessed.

It was a steamy night at the Firebird, but Tapes ‘n Tapes smiled through the whole thing. They compared pit stains (if it’s August, always wear white!), they threatened a pants off dance off, they lost the order on their set list, but they finished a full show. After a nearly 20-song set, the audience cruelly clamored for an encore but were unrewarded, even after several rounds of choreographed wooooing from the wonder twins.

Come back in Winter, guys. We’ll make it up to you.

Partial Setlist + notes:
10 Gallon Ascot
Headshock
Cowbell
New Song– A little early Offspringy
Demon Apple
Walk it Off
New Song
Hang Them All
New Song– White Stripes Bluesy
Q&A Session because they got too hot.
Omaha
11.
12.
13.
14. Just Drums– Rage Against the Machine-y, AWESOME
15. New song + shout out to the wonder twins
16.
17. Insistor
18.

No encore

Local openers Art Majors handed out a solid set of songs and Spencer-Krug-esque lead singer Michael Roche put on an outstanding show.

Their songwriting is some of the tightest of any local band I’ve heard. I’ll definitely catch them next in September during the PLAY:STL weekend, Saturday the 18th at the RAC at 8:00.

Check out Laine Marschik’s slideshow of Art Majors @ The Firebird.

Recently, a large number of musicians, photographers, and other artists have been using Kickstarter as a way to generate funds for independent projects and to connect with fans more personally. In essence, Kickstarter is a website that allows pledging to a particular artist’s venture. Fans, in turn, receive access to downloads, merchandise, advance copies of albums, and other perks that might not be available otherwise. If said artist reaches their goal, pledges are cashed in, art is made/distributed/etc., and the world is left a bit more beautiful than before.

For example, indie rocker Jenny Owen Youngs turned heads when she raised over $20,000 (her goal) in 28 hours for her new upcoming album (which this author eagerly awaits). Jenny’s campaign ended recently, and it rode into the sunset to the tune of $38,543.00 and 646 supporters. That, my friends, is how to use the Interwebs. 

Photo: Jenny Owen Youngs playing at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville earlier this year.

Here in St. Louis, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Beth Bombara is using Kickstarter to fund the pressing and release of her first full-length album, on vinyl no less. Beth sat down with a camera, Chris Bay of KDHX, Jeremy Miller of The Mud House, and Mike Glodeck of Foam as they talked about the advantages of owning and playing vinyl in an increasingly digitized world.

Kickstarter is just one more way musicians are taking advantage of modern technology in an effort to preserve more traditional means of production.  If you’re a local artist of any kind, what are some ways you’ve employed or are currently employing to support your creative ventures?  We’re interested in hearing from you.