Qbox Story

It’s about that time again and there’s some good sets comin into town!

3/27 (Friday) TONIGHT- Friendly Fires DJ Set- FREE with RSVP
@ 10PM Webster Hall

With the electropop genre really taking off, this English import offers a very feel-good sound.  Paris is a favorite!  

3/28 (Sat) - The Courteeners - FREE with RSVP to tribecagrand@gbh.tv
@ 10PM Tribeca Grand Hotel

Although it’s been a couple of years since I’ve listened to them, the England-based indie rock band have changed their style to a more mellow tone, focusing more on vocals and instrumentals.  Currently touring with Morrissey, the band’s latest album release was last year .

Phillipa “Pip” Brown aka Ladyhawke is a New Zealand native that has gained recent popularity with her debut album which was released at the end of 2008.  Her electropop, indie sounds can be compared to Peaches and Cut Copy with a touch of an 80’s feel.  Paris Is Burning is THE song! 

Oddly enough, Christina Aguilera has supposedly done a cover of the song My Delirium.  I want to hear it…

Ladyhawke toured with The Ting Tings earlier this year and recently made an appearance at the SXSW festival last month.  She is currently on tour in the US.  She has a show TONIGHT, MARCH 26 @ Studio B 8PM.

Stepping away from the dance music, we move onto Rilo Kiley, the L.A.-based consisted of red-head stand out Jenny Lewis, Blake Sennett, Pierre de Reeder and Jason Boesel.  With their first album debuting in 2001, they’ve come along way, appealing to the indie rock scene with a bit of Americana folk, country flavor.  Appearances on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Kimmel Live has led to past tours with Coldplay and Conor Oberst.

The band’s tracks are a regular on television spots; credits include The O.C., Dawson’s Creek, Once and Again, Grey’s Anatomy, Weeds and Nip/Tuck.  Whew.

With members working on solo projects, they’ve been under the radar recently with their last album, Under the Blacklight, released at the end of 2007.

Checkout tracks Silver Lining and Moneymaker.

’bout that time again…there’s a good one on Saturday!

FRIDAY
-Yoni Gordon and the Goods, Big Tree, Golden Birds @ Pete’s Candy Store in Williamsburg 9PM (21+)

SATURDAY
- Maybarduk, Jessica Fenton, Win Win Situation @ Pianos 8PM (Free before 10:30)
- **Peaches (DJ Set), So Me (DJ), Violens @ Tribeca Grand Hotel 10PM (Free with RSVP: email tribecagrand@GBH.tv)

SUNDAY
-Bryce Midas, Star Dweller @ Pianos 8PM

Loving Telepopmusik…the perfect answer to unwind with a glass of wine.  The French electro lounge trio (Fabrice Dumont, Stephan Haeri, Christophe Hetier) sets the chill vibe for any occasion.  Breathe is a favorite; the dreamy pop sound of this track and Anyway is just one way the group decides to take creative direction.  The avante garde sound of Ghost Girl, featuring Kim Wayman, is reminiscent of Blonde Redhead and Mew.

Interestingly enough, in 2001, the Breathe music video was directed by Jordan Scott, the daughter of box office director Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, American Gangster).

You’ve probably heard the music of Telepopmusik due to numerous commercials and television shows, you just didn’t know it.  With albums released in 2001 (Genetic World) and 2005 (Angel Milk), tracks have appeared on Nip/Tuck, The L Word, CSI and commercials for IBM and Mitsubishi.   The group garnered a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2004.  

According to their MySpace page, a new album is slated for September 2009.

Okay, no recommended free shows BUT, there are a come great people in town if you’re looking to be entertained for cheap.  Check out my picks for this weekend…

FRIDAY
-Lydia & Black Gold @ Maxwell’s 7PM ($10)
-Handsome Furs @ Mercury Lounge  8PM ($15)
-The XYZ Affair & Young Galaxy at Music Hall of Williamsburg 8PM ($15door)
-The Bird and the Bee @ The Bell House 8PM ($20)

SATURDAY
-Glass Candy @ (le) poisson rouge 11PM ($13)
-Dead Confederate @ Bowery Ballroom 8PM ($15door)

Photo Courtesy of MySpace Page

This young 19-year old import from Hampshire, England brings a fresh face and talent to the music scene.  Her voice is husky, something you wouldn’t expect from the blonde, youthful face.  Although her fellow peers including Adele and Duffy are making the big scene with the soul and jazz, Laura provides an alternative melodic tone, especially in Night Terror, similar to Erin McCarley or Jenny Lewis.  I always appreciate artists who incorporate other instruments and she uses a great string accompaniment in the song Night Terror.

 Laura’s also a former member of Noah and the Whale and has made appearances with The Rakes on the song ‘Suspicious Eyes’ and with Mystery Jets on ‘Young Love’.