Root Down in the Shadow

Finally, the 2013 XPoNential Festival is here! Arguably the best weekend of live music Philly has to offer, you need to be prepared. Rather than the typical blog post where one source tells you who to like for an upcoming fest, we at Root Down in the Shadow are going to take a different approach to giving you a listening guide to the artists at the upcoming fest.  I've asked my contributors and some of the festival artists for their views on who to see. Here's the results:  Aaron Brown of Aaron & the Spell (Wiggins Park- Friday 5:30)   Another band i'd like to see on the day I play : I'm actually pretty excited to see Michael Kiwanuka .  It's not because, he plays right after [Aaron & The Spell].  I saw him when he played at the Trocadero in the winter and I enjoyed the show.  I've been listening to Home Again , and really dig the title track Another band i'd like to see on Saturday or Sunday :  Wilco ! They play on Sunday and ...

Joe Fletcher live @Fergie's Pub   Recently I came across perfect synergy as a fan.  A national indie act that I've been following joined forces with a local indie act that is ready to hit the national stage! Rhode Island based Joe Fletcher is on tour now with the Toy Soldiers , and just played two gigs in Philadelphia with them over the 4th of July!  I had the pleasure of catching both sets, at Fergie's Pub and the Jamaican Jerk Hut, and sat down with Joe betwen sets to catch up on the world of Joe Fletcher! The new album, You’ve Got the Wrong Man, what’s the current status?  The album started out as an EP last year, and has evolved into a full album .  We're preparing for release in late October! The new tracks haven't really been getting much play on tour?  Is it a fear of a crappy cellphone-video early-release on the internet?  That does play a part, but I've either been playing with bands such as Brown Bird or Toy Soldiers along ...

For those of you who don't know what Sofar Sounds is here is their story: "We have created a movement which brings music lovers together in secret living room locations to hear some of the world's most cutting edge artists." **Unless noted, ** All photos from Lindsey Borgman** Links to earlier SofarSounds: Philadelphia reviews June 21st... Northern Liberties - Philadelphia, PA June's SofarSounds: Philadelphia was yet another testament to a winning formula.  Throughout the day, Philadelphia music fans had the opportunity to see quality musicians all around town for free , as a part of Make Music Philly.     Even with the opportunity to see an incredibly diverse selection of bands all around town like Toy Soldiers , Levee Drivers , James Hearne , September Call-up , Ang & The Damn Band , and Holy Ghost Tent Revival , fans and musicians alike were drawn to the monthly SofarSounds show.   What could possibly be better than seeing top qual...