All posts in: Cartel

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20 Sep 2010

Debatable

The other day we hosted a concert at Seattle University featuring my friend Lizzie Huffman and of course one of my favorite Seattle bands Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground. A few of us were sitting around making small talk – [us meaning the people I work with] when one of my friends brought up the notion that musicians always have pretty girlfriends and they sometimes tend to be models. She said, “Those guys like to hear about how good they are and those girls want to hear about how good they look.”

She brought up a point – that’s for sure, but is it necessarily correct? I’ve been to a lot of concerts. I’ve worked with a lot of musicians and bands and there is no doubt that yes, these girlfriends ARE actually very good looking. I’m always curious though about how they get together. I like to think that “groupies” no longer really exist because in a way that label is a little bit degrading. For the past few years, I just believed that these girls – like myself and many girls out there – are simply attracted to musicians. At the Cartel show I attended last November, I watched as the guitarist kept his eyes glued to the tall blonde in the black blazer standing right next to me. She was as shocked as I was that he never took his eyes off of her. HOBviously I never found out what happened after the show and if a connection was made, but I couldn’t help but wonder…Does it really happen like that? Is that all it takes?

Discuss!

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16 Aug 2010

Song of the Day

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUXZsCFERdg]

Cartel – Only You

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06 Feb 2010

Jack’s Mannequin recap

source

Being able to see one of your favorite bands from your teenage years and present years is probably one of the greatest experiences you will have in your life. I feel so lucky that in this school year so far, I have been able to travel off campus to see the musicians I grew up listening to in real life! Cartel and Jack’s Mannequin.

Things that I have learned from last night:

  • When going to a concert, you may not want to wear denim cut-cut offs and Uggs. It gives everyone the impression that you don’t know what season we are currently in. I don’t care how warm it was in the day time, it is still February.
  • PDA. Know your limit. Little kisses – fine. Don’t stand next to me if you’re going to go “Twilight” on your girlfriend’s neck.
  • Your friend got stuck at work and couldn’t make it to the show? Calling him on your cellphone and holding up your phone so that he can listen to the show after while you are singing lyrics and swaying alone is awkward. Also, “JonBoy” isn’t going to be able to hear ANYTHING. Nice try though. I guess you get credit for trying to be a good clueless friend.
  • Please, please don’t be obnoxious by pushing others out of the way to get to the front. Nobody. likes. you. You’re not the only one that would like to get closer to the stage, but be polite. Don’t touch my hair and don’t breathe on my head and absolutely do NOT grind on me.

Andrew McMahon,

Thank you for a wonderful show. I was nowhere near the stage, but with great company. I enjoyed [almost] every minute of last night, please come back to Seattle soon. I’ll dance to your songs even if no one else does.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z59snMlk1h8]

Jack’s Mannequin – Dark Blue – Music at 0:55

“It’s music that is what ties us all together in this world.” – Andrew McMahon

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18 Nov 2009

Katie’s Cartel Experience

It’s been a long time since I’ve gone to a show. It’s been a long time since I’ve attended a show that wasn’t for someone I knew. And it’s definitely been a long time since I’ve been to a show after deciding to go just a couple hours before.

Last Tuesday, when we didn’t have school the next day I found out last minute that Cartel was playing a show w/ This Providence at El Corazon. I had been planning on staying in that night catching up on reading and homewerk -uh which I’m still behind in. I’ve never seen Cartel before, but they used to be one of my favorite bands and still are. I still listen to them at least once a week. This Providence is a band that I’ve seen many times before at my local teen centers with me front row every time. I had been waiting for a chance like this for a long time, to just feel the way that I’ve felt before when going to a show.

Fifteen-year old Katie would have been just as pumped to see these two bands. In fact, there were a lot of 15-17 year olds there at that show. They haven’t changed all that much. Kristina and I watched as they went crazy for The Dares, The Summer Set, and This Providence. When it came down to Cartel though, there was a much older crowd. It was my kind of crowd because we had grown up with them. I saw the younger crowd as obnoxious, very pushy, always wanting to get to the front by grabbing their friends into a chain and dragging them through. This is probably the worst thing you can do. And I kept asking myself, why are there so many kids here? It wasn’t until after the show was over and I had realized how excited I was to be dancing at shows again that it started to make sense. I used to wonder why as I got older the Seattle music scene was dying. I used to try and put together the best lineup at shows when planning to try and get the most people to come. This was a show that they came to. It’s evidence to me that it’s not dying, that there are kids that were like me then who still care about music and who will give the okay to their parents to come along to the show as long as they are in the back and the kids can do their thing. They have that same passion that I still have towards music, local or not.

And by the way, seeing Cartel was the most amazing thing I’ve seen in a long time. They have had a great run and are still continuing to do such great things. It’s nice to see a band not totally conform. This Providence, it’s not too late to go back to the roots.

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18 Aug 2009

Seattle bands you should know (or listen to)

I think Seattle music posts are my favorite to write. I was inspired to write this post when I heard a little snippet preview from Minus the Bear the other day. When I was fifteen years old, I threw myself in the local Seattle music scene and since then  I’ve watched favorite bands dissemble, migrate to other bands, or become incredibly successful.

The music scene is no longer what it used to be. The bands I grew up listening to are no longer really a part of that scene and neither am I, but that doesn’t mean that I ever stopped listening. This post embodies a part of my adolescence that most people never knew or could understand about me. Just so you know, this has taken me DAYS to write and perfect.

Here are a few of my local favorites:

This Providence

I recently caught their new music video for single, “Letdown” on MTV a couple weeks ago. Currently, they are on the bill for Warped Tour, but will be starting their own tour with Cartel beginning October 22nd in Raleigh, North Carolina. The guys will be playing in Seattle on November 10th at El Corazon.

Best Songs:

  • Well Versed in the Ways of the World
  • Certain Words in Uncertain Times
  • My Beautiful Rescue
  • Chasing the Wind
  • Letdown

Myspace

Danger Radio

I was first introduced to Danger Radio four years ago at the first show I attended. I wasn’t even there to see them nor did I stay for their set. It wasn’t until after the night that I realized what a mistake that was. I make an effort to never miss one of their shows at home now, these guys are my favorite and as much as I like their new songs now, I love the old ones even more. The guys were recently in California writing their next album and were taking a break from touring this summer, but will be back on the road again come fall.They were also featured during the Real World Brooklyn season this past year.

Best Songs:

  • Slow
  • Sparkle Baby Shine
  • Groovin’
  • Kiss N’ Tell
  • Slow Dance With A Stranger

Myspace

The Scene Aesthetic

I wouldn’t know about Seattle music if it weren’t for these two fools. They were my first show and first favorites. After creating the hit song, “Beauty in the Breakdown,” the dynamic duo continued to take over MySpace music putting out a series of cd’s and popular singles and even a DVD. After a two year hiatus – the guys have come back together with full force. The two recently spent nearly a month in California recording their new album and just began their new tour. They will be performing in Seattle at Neumos on October 16th.

Best Songs:

  • Beauty in the Breakdown
  • Alvin Maker’s Greensong
  • Don’t Be That Note I Can’t Hold
  • Come What May
  • It’s A Promise, Like A Song

Myspace

Letters & Lights

Letters & Lights is a new band in Seattle, but if I’m assuming correctly Erik and Ethan have been around Seattle for quite some time. Erik (left) and I used to go to all the same shows! He was actually very well known (and liked) in the Seattle music scene so I was excited when I heard he had been making music himself. Their EP was just released on iTunes and they recently played a Santa Monica show with The Scene Aesthetic.

Best Songs

  • Smile Bright
  • In Love and Outdone
  • Pretty Letdown

Myspace

Dyno Jamz

They are your perfect mix of hip-hop and jazz. I’ve never heard anything like it and I LOVE it. And I promise I’m not biased just because my friend Nick is in the band hahah These guys dominated the EMP Sound Off! competition earlier this year, which has earned them a well-deservesd slot at Seattle’s largest and most anticipated music festival, Bumbershoot.

Best Songs:

  • Universal Love
  • Footprints
  • Come Out and Play

Myspace

Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground

I’ve been talking a lot about this band lately! They recently finished their sophomore album and it is fantastic. Other than that, I don’t really have anything else to say except that I adore this band, enjoyed working with them for the short evening that I did and am never disappointed by their shows. These guys are true characters, but very talented musicians.

Best Songs:

  • Hey Momma’
  • Birds on a Day Like Today
  • Bowie the Desert Pea
  • Santa Cruz Lined Pockets

Myspace

Lizzie Huffman

Lizzie has been performing since she was fourteen years old at local teen centers. She has worked with both Danger Radio and Thomas Dutton of Forgive Durden and Matt Bekker. Watching Lizzie perform is always a treat for me. Her voice is so refreshing and her shows are always personal. She is currently performing in and around the greater Northwest area including at my school, Seattle University, on September 19th! You should all come out and see her!

Best Songs:

  • Heavy Hearts
  • Country Song
  • Country Song Number 2
  • Oh My Sweet Carolina (Cover)

Myspace

Bekker

2

When Matt first started out, it was just him and his guitar. He has since collaborated with a number of other people around Seattle including singer Lizzie Huffman, and now has a full band to back him up. I’ve watched Matt grow into a very talented and dedicated musician. Now signed with Sound Records and Entertainment, Matt Bekker and Bryan Watson are continuing to record their next full length album and touring the states.

Best Songs:

  • All Tied Up
  • Empty
  • Deep
  • Let’s Get Away
  • Donovin

Myspace

Also visit my YouTube page to watch some of my recorded videos of Matt’s performances here

Minus The Bear

Minus the Bear IS Seattle music. (Excluding Death Cab) Their single, “Pachuca Sunrise,” is what defines every one of my summers. Whenever I was planning a show, they were always at the top of my list. They still ARE at the top of my list and I’m so determined to have them someday. Not only are they amazing musicians they have given me some great memories. Currently, the band is getting ready for the release of their new album! Here’s a snippet, too excited!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7Q0jH5cJKk]

Best Songs:

  • Pachuca Sunrise
  • Knights
  • The Ice Monster
  • This Ain’t A Surfin’ Movie
  • Drilling
  • The Pig War

Myspace