Root Down in the Shadow

Earlier this year here at the indie Philly blog, Root Down In The Shadow, we started the fun series #Philly Presents ...bands writing about other bands. The most common reaction from bands to this project: "Wait? Are we covering other bands?" And so #CoverClub was born!   The first sessions for #CoverClub were recorded in October, at the intimate Break Neck Studio under the sonic helm of Peter Joseph!   With the excitement over the series we couldn't contain ourselves, but couldn't continuously steal Peter.  Nomad Recording Studio graciously offered to be our alternate studio for the series and we quickly lined up more bands.  With Rob Swift and Tom Williamson of Nomad Recording Studio, the Session 1.0 includes Aaron Brown of Aaron & The Spell, Ron Gallo of Toy Soldiers, The Rivals and the Fleeting Ends!  The posts here at Root Down In The Shadow have been a blast to do, featuring the excellent videos by director Bob Sweeney assisted...

Earlier this year here at the indie Philly blog, Root Down In The Shadow, we started the fun series #Philly Presents , ...bands writing about other bands. The most common reaction from bands to this project: "Wait? Are we covering other bands?" And so #CoverClub was born! Before a brief winter break, we released a #CoverClub session with Philly newcomers The Rivals covering long time Philly artist Birdie Busch .  This week's new session, shares Aaron Brown covering his friend, band-mate, and scene hero Allison Polans .  Currently, Allison sings with Aaron Brown as a member of Aaron & The Spell and for the last two years they have been together in the York Street Hustle.   Aaron Brown had known of Allison Polans from her days as Paper Trees , but didn't really know her all that well.  Soon after Aaron and Allison each joined as members of York Street Hustle, he also had a solo gig at the Tin Angel with Murchant and they had an opening on the...

Earlier this year here at the indie Philly blog, Root Down In The Shadow, we started the fun series #Philly Presents , ...bands writing about other bands. The most common reaction from bands to this project: "Wait? Are we covering other bands?" And so #CoverClub was born!  Coming up this Saturday, #CoverClub sessions are being recorded at Nomad Studio with our friends at RLS Video!  Starting at 10am, we will bring in artists for one-hour sessions throughout the day. The line-up includes: Aaron Brown of Aaron & The Spell the Rivals Ron Gallo of the Toy Soldiers the Fleeting Ends How would you like to catch some hot Philly bands, in studio while they record the their #CoverClub session?  Just imagine you and a friend, hanging out a the studio while the bands work on their Philly-centric cover and an original.  Wouldn't it be better with YOU watching? Here's how you can make this work: For each session you would like to attend, blow-up Tw...

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 November 15th University City - Philadelphia, PA Sofar Sounds: Philadelphia's November 2013 show marked the 2 year anniversary of the most special music series to hit the banks of the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers.  In anticipation of this momentous show, I had asked some friends what have been the surprises, favorites, and overall thoughts of the preceding shows. The best synopsis came from my pal, concert buddy, and site contributor Mariel Lorenz : " There is nothing quite like your first time.  The secrecy surrounding a show is a little thrilling in itself.  I didn't know where to go until a few days befor...

#PhillyPresents: by Aaron Brown Your band name: Aaron & The Spell Style: Indie Soul Years on the Scene : With this band - 2 years; in general - 7 years Current Project:   Sing is available on iTunes ? No, album projects in the works for this year. I'm looking to get in the studio again this fall for my follow-up record. As far as the record being noticed - recently the song "A Beating Heart" off my record was nominated for an Independent Music Award in the adult contemporary song category. Members : Aaron Brown - Vocals, Guitar Mike Pietrusko - Drums Brian Schuman - Bass Imani Roach - Vocals, tambourine Allison Polans - Vocals, tambourine Adam Zielinski - Guitar Recent and/or most unique/exciting show : North Star Bar opening for Clairy Browne & The Bangin' Rackettes.  This show was so exciting to play because the crowd there was one of the best ones I've played in front of.  Also, the band was smokin' that night.  And, Clai...

What a great weekend of music.   I can honestly say there are few places that have such a multifaceted multi-genre scene as the Philly area.  You can really pick from an a la cart menu of bands and venues and not be disappointed.  This weekend for Root Down In The Shadow, included a Friday night show at Maxwell's on Main in Doylestown, the Tri State Indie Awards, and a mixed bag at Kung Fu Necktie.   ║CRAFT CULTURE║ February 15th ║  THE LAWSUITS TAKE-OVER with JEREMIAH TALL ║ Buck's county superstars The Lawsuits were the pick to start off the weekend.  The cover was FREE, but the quality was great.  Jeremiah Tall brought his one man extravaganza to open the night.  (Can you even call it that, when they don't go on until 10-ish?).  The Lawsuits, deep in their home territory, played a good selection of new tracks including the popular 'Ten Cent Piece'. TSI MUSIC AWARDS (the pre party) On Sunday, Tri State Indie Music Awards ....

A few days before Saturday's show I found out about the secret Sofar Sounds: Philadelphia house concert.  I saw the lineup was DRGN King , The Gallerist, Aaron Brown and Mo Lowda and The Humble .  They had me at DRGN King; I was in!  Sadly, despite being in Philly for nearly 4 years now, and a big music fan, I didn't know much about the line up.  I knew DRGN King was streaming their new album on the Key as I coincidentally just started listening to them a week prior.  They had a Spinner.com mp3 of the day freebie, and I found  a track from last year on the The Key Studio Sessions Volume 3, I found a Mo Lowda and the Humble album on B andcamp , and a song from The Gallerist on B andcamp .  The only reason I struck out on Aaron Brown was because I didn't search for the correct band Aaron & The Spell .  It didn't matter, I was in. House concerts are the best way to get an intimate look at new bands.  Why not go? There is such a g...