Songwriter Edition

Rio en Medio- Panda Bear Person Pitch

"A beautiful album that's recently graced my ears is
Panda Bear's Person Pitch. It is one to unfold slowly,
unpretentiously and with much mystery. Despite the
fact that the lyrics are almost totally inscrutable,
there seems a gentle message to be found - newly, with
each play. It seems to be saying, "listen to the birds
and the winds and the waves, but listen also to the
voices you can't hear or don't wanna. And to the
imaginary with its rainbow and the execution with its other rainbow."

Rio en Medio’s self-produced debut album for Gnomonsong The Bride of Dynamite is an intricate collage of layered vocals, delicately plucked ukulele, ghostly samples and gritty, deconstructed electronics, all performed by Rio. Remixing was done by Thom Monahan (of the Pernice Brothers) at his home studio in Los Angeles aided by Vetiver’s Andy Cabic. Special touches were contributed to some tunes by Andy, Sierra Casady (CocoRosie), Tim Fite and David Coulter among others.

Sean Hoots of Hoots & Hellmouth - Bjork Volta

"Bridging the gap between the experimental asides of her previous "medulla" and the more straight-ahead dance grooves of her earlier work, Volta really connects the dots to create the fullest picture to date of our favorite icelandic elf princess. Her duets with Antony of Antony & the Johnsons are especially spine-tingling.  timbaland adds some serious oomph to the porceedings as well.  really, it's an enrapturing experience from start to finish...and the cd packaging is totally kickass!"

Philadelphia-based Hoots & Hellmouth (MAD Dragon Records/Ryko/WEA) embodies a feisty, independent spirit churning out new music for old souls. Their shows are like traveling tent revivals; their audiences are like congregations. And while the emphasis has always been on the live experience, H&H’s eponymous debut studio album (April 2007) is shaping up to be one hell of an adventure. Produced in collaboration with fellow Philadelphian Brian McTear (Capitol Years, Matt Pond PA, Bigger Lovers) at his Miner Street/Cycle Sound Studio, Hoots & Hellmouth gives powerful evidence that the band has concocted a musical blend of roots/revival sensibility with a healthy dose of rock n’ roll energy that is all their own

Fern Knight - King Crimson In the Court of the Crimson King

"My favorite album that I keep revisiting this summer is 1969’s In the Court of the Crimson King by King Crimson. As I am in the process of finishing my third album with Fern Knight and just finished recording the debut album with my other band The Valerie Project, I feel a kindred spirit calling from the KC record--not musically dissimilar, it too has an impending apocalyptic vibe that both of my current musical projects instill. All three juxtapose doom with the fragile beauty of life that seemed so tenuous then and certainly does today. In Fern Knight, we even worked up a cover of “Epitaph.” We hope to premiere it on our summer tour in August.!"

Music for Witches and Alchemists is a dark and beguiling collection of songs by Fern Knight, the primary vehicle for Margaret Wienk's singing and songwriting. Beautifully recorded by Espers’ Greg Weeks, the songs are cast in rich, detailed arrangements featuring Alec K. Redfearn, Greg Weeks, Jesse Sparhawk, Meg Baird (Espers) and other Philadelphia-area luminaries contributing to the sweeping sound. At the heart is Margie's strong voice, cello, and guitar, leading the tunes with feeling and subtlety. Music for Witches and Alchemists is being released November 15, 2006 by VHF Records.

Matteah Baim - David Axelrod Twisted Stems

"My friend Robert A.A. Lowe just gave me a record by David Axelrod, "Twisted
Stems. I've been listening to it at least once a day. The record has this natural
and extraordinary groove to it. The pieces move like elegant waves while
having this badass, street-wise attitude.
A really inspiring album."

Death of the Sun is the solo debut album from former Metallic Falcons singer/songwriter Matteah Baim. Recorded June through August 2006 in Los Angeles and Chicago the album features musical contributions from Jana Hunter, Devendra Banhart, Butchy Fuego, Robert Lowe, Rob Doran, Jon Beasley, Birdie Lawson, Emma Yohanan. Death of the Sun is being released late Spring 2007 on DiCristina Stairbuilders. Death of the Sun presents a world that is spaciously phrased and roughly edged to bring you a type of New Age Grunge. Although the album's central theme is loss, a deeper sense of triumph is what lingers. The songs chronicle and depict how the moon's cycle of life and death gives birth to romantic times