A glimpse into the life of the Los Angeles Indie Band ALSO 2010-05-06T20:34:54Z ALSOmusic http://www.alsomusic.com/ ../imagesforxml/also.ico ../imagesforxml/alsoatombadge.png © ALSOmusic http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/148 2010-05-06T20:33:16Z 2010-05-06T20:33:16Z Just an update for all o' ya'll. We are in the studio this week with the esteemed Mr. Warren Riker (of Grammy Award and Fresh Face Fever Fame) at the helm of some fantastic gear mixing our new upcoming full-length record. We are hanging in Los Feliz at Sonora Recorders and filling our days with tunes and some mean games of Putz. (Putz is a not-so skilled basketball rendition of the classic game, Horse) A few wiffle ball hits have gone clear out of the park as well. Couldn't be more thrilled with the sounds we are getting out of here. More to come soon enough!!!<br />Guten Tag<br />ALSO<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sonorarecorders.com">Sonora Recorders</a><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.freshfacefever.com">Fresh Face Fever Productions</a> http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/147 2010-04-14T07:41:21Z 2010-04-14T07:41:21Z Our good friend Daniel Overberger has just released his new record, Daniel Overberger's Dharma Gypsys Volume One. The album's tag line is "Music for Yoga, Meditation, and General House Cleaning." In addition to Daniel the record features some great artists: Katrina Chester, Tommy Stewart, Robert Gamboa, Danielle Mays, DJ Soul Junkie, and ALSO's very own Scotland Stephenson. Scotland is featured on percussion on tracks 8 - "Om Shanti Om" and 11 - "Sita Ram". Check it out on CdBaby or iTunes.<br />Cheers<br />ALSO<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/DharmaGypsys">Dharma Gypsys on CdBaby</a><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/dharma-gypsys/id357617019">Dharma Gypsys on iTunes</a> http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/146 2009-10-03T12:05:46Z 2009-10-03T12:05:46Z We are thrilled to be back in the studio this weekend at Broken Wave Music recording with Warren Riker. We are going to be finishing up our second full-length album in the next couple of months. We'll keep you updated on the site. Here is a quick peek at the crazy mad-scientist drum setup we have going on! <br />Cheers<br />ALSO<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.brokenwavemusic.com">http://www.brokenwavemusic.com</a> http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/145 2009-08-18T09:55:54Z 2009-08-18T09:55:54Z Many people think of the rock and roll lifestyle as being fast-paced and crazy. I guess that ALSO has its moments that are that way. Some of you who know us can probably even cite certain examples; our recent Slivovitz debacle for instance. <br /> There is, however, another side of things to touring with a rock band that many people never see. Being the honest type of band that we are, ALSO now presents...<br />The Nap Cam!<br />Cheers<br />ALSO http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/144 2009-08-12T14:54:56Z 2009-08-12T14:54:56Z We got tied up on the M6 on the way to the Manchester airport. So... here is some footage of us a bit delirious and ready to head to Germany.<br />Enjoy<br />ALSO http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/143 2009-08-06T14:16:06Z 2009-08-06T14:16:06Z We had a great show in Kidderminster UK the other night. Many thanks to our good friends Anna and Justin! Here are some post-show highlights!<br />Cheers<br />ALSO http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/142 2009-08-01T09:27:41Z 2009-08-01T09:27:41Z The Fox Brewery was our first gig on the 09 Euro Tour. We had a great time. While playing a new tune, "Wilshire Boulevard," we were unexpectedly visited by many of Britain's very famous icons.<br />Cheers<br />ALSO http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/141 2009-08-01T08:35:42Z 2009-08-01T08:35:42Z We played our show yesterday at the Hope and Anchor in London and after many years of offering cds and t-shirts for sale, and then jokingly offering hugs for free. Drew finally got two takers for hugs!<br />Rad<br />ALSO http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/140 2009-07-29T12:17:58Z 2009-07-29T12:17:58Z While in Manchester we were lucky enough to have met a few lads late night and had a laugh with them. They heard our accents and we started to talk about America and Britain. One of those conversations lead to American Football and then this happened!<br />Enjoy<br />ALSO http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/139 2009-07-28T05:26:51Z 2009-07-28T05:26:51Z We had a great show in Heacham! We were even given free reign at the bar. Many thanks to Mark and Marie at Fox Brewery for their incredible hospitality. Life in Norfolk is good!<br />cheers<br />ALSO<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.foxbrewery.co.uk/">The Fox Brewery</a> http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/138 2009-07-26T09:41:19Z 2009-07-26T09:41:19Z The tour has kicked off great for us this time around. Many thanks to our friend Danny for helping to make the first few days so successful! Please tune in to the site as we have many other VLOG episodes in queue already. We will have a lot of great photos shortly as well.<br />Cheers<br />ALSO http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/137 2009-07-14T20:43:55Z 2009-07-14T20:43:55Z An interview we had recently with India's top indie webzine, Indiecision, has just been published! Read the full article at the link below: <br />-Cheers<br />ALSO<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.indiecision.com/2009/07/14/interview-also/ ">ALSO Indiecision Interview</a> http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/136 2009-07-13T09:46:05Z 2009-07-13T09:46:05Z Thank You<br /> -ALSO<br /> (Review Posted on Amazon.com - July 2009)<br /><br /> 5.0 out of 5 stars <br /> A rollercoaster ride anyone? Who needs a record deal to make some distinctive, great music..<br />July 12, 2009<br /><br /> I discovered this band in the internet a while ago, in November 2005, still before this album was released, and instantly fell in love with the voice of the singer. A closer and precise look at the lyrics (that you can read on alsomusic.com) then just enabled me to get even more behind the full brilliance in their song-writing. Drew Conrad sings from a depth, up powerfully to vulnerable heights - the sustaining vibrato of his vocals creeps into your ears and won't let go of you, like something that has become a part of you.<br /><br /> The songs' subjects are very personal, whether they are about loss of love, disappointing friendships, of growing up and its residual consequences ("it was fine to be kind when you were young, fine to be in love with being in love") or of underlying critique on the anonymous superficiality in their hometown Los Angeles ("The Lunch Crowd"). No matter if sarcastic, ironic or heart-rendingly straightforward, the writing always bears witness of well-conceived and pondered maturity.<br /><br /> Musically, the whole album "It Was Fine To Be Kind" is outstanding and distinguished by interesting dynamics full of power and energy which accentuate the highs and lows of these stories.<br /><br /> You put in the CD and find yourself indulged in thoughtfulness that will eventually clear in blissful redemption, again and again by every time you have finished it. Soft melodies that once hover in dreaminess ("The Present", "South Seas Princess") and even in elegiac woes ("Can't Shake This"), then again strike in undeniably danceable, uplifting guitar pop ("Kingdom Gone", Know Your Walls") without sloping to ridicule. Vivid but subtle drums and groovy bass lines never slap in the face, however they are consciously and intendedly present at where they are.<br /><br /> "Also" seem a little arbitrary and stashed at times (such as the minimalist trickling, nearly slurping pedalled guitar-lines that add tinges of lo-fi obscurity to the otherwise full sound) and then all of a sudden they can hail down to throbbing, virtually anarchic pounds ("The Disappearing Heart").<br /><br /> One can hear so many hints of rock greats here, and still one doesn't know how to classify their music appropriately, which is probably the reason why this band is still fairly unknown. But most likely that's exactly what Also's listeners enjoy the most: They have something very idiosyncratic, indescribable to them.<br /><br /> The music of "Also" could very well be as much appreciated by fans of harder post-grunge, experimental or alternative bands as indie listeners in the likes of Wilco or Death Cab For A Cutie, but also be cherished by melancholy fanatics, Americana folkers or other witty rockers.<br /><br /> You can hear some Brit pop here too, some Smiths and Morrissey and with a little fantasy - even the tender charms of Jacques Brel chansons.<br /><br /> You'll be amazed by the versatility of this record in time, whether it's an emotional journey or just good times for you, as it can do both and some more. You better keep an eye on the development of this indie trio!<br /><br /> That there has been no record deal for such superb and distinctive musicians yet is more than surprising, but unfortunately life has taught that the latter doesn't necessarily have talent or creativity coming with it, but merely the expedient categorization or right stamp on the music. It is consistent to pursue one's music though, since it's worth to mention that this album is independently recorded, produced and self-funded on the band's own bill. Also, this is possible! Vive la revolution!<br /> <br />This could very well be tomorrow's overlooked debut classic. <br />Much Appreciated<br />ALSO http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/134 2009-05-17T11:50:09Z 2009-05-17T11:50:09Z After playing and listening to loud music for about 14 hours in a dark studio, things start to get a little wacky. For example, here is Mr. Drew Conrad, in his natural habitat, shortly after drinking copious amounts of red bull!<br />Enjoy!<br />ALSO http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/133 2009-05-09T18:13:36Z 2009-05-09T18:13:36Z Some great news!<br />We are back at Broken Wave Music in Glendale this weekend recording more tracks. We have been trying to work out studio time and this weekend, at the last minute, everything clicked and we all could make it in.<br />We are happy to be working with Warren Riker again, as well as Happy Hour's co-host Mitch Willard. We look forward to having some tracks for you all soon!<br /><br /> As a bonus since we are in the studio today, we decided to publicly release the music video for our last single, "By Now You Should Know." The video was shot from footage of our last trip to the studio. It is in the video section of the site as well as on the ALSO YouTube page. Enjoy!<br />Cheers<br />Scotland<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.brokenwavemusic.com">Broken Wave Music</a> http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/132 2009-04-01T15:28:18Z 2009-04-01T15:28:18Z The other night the band was having some fun at the practice space and thought we would give you guys a look at what happens when ALSO isn't so busy taking band life so seriously. <br /> Enjoy!<br />Batter Up!<br />ALSO http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/131 2009-03-20T13:36:36Z 2009-03-20T13:36:36Z Hello all! Just wanted to give an update on what's new with us. We have been pretty busy working on some new tunes and booking the upcoming Euro-tour.<br /><br />Next:<br />Thanks to everyone who purchased the last two singles we are also working on planning some studio time to record some new ones.<br /><br />Lastly, I have just finished putting together a new video for the latest single, "By Now You Should Know". We will be offering it exclusively to our email list members in the next few weeks. More info in the VLOG, so check it out. <br />Alright Alright <br />Scotland http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/130 2009-03-10T13:29:04Z 2009-03-10T13:29:04Z Since the launch of the new site we have been having some fun with the new Vlogs. As a thank you to everybody following the posts we recorded a brand-new track at the practice space the other day for you to check out<br /><br />The track is named "I Love You." It is a very new song for us and we want you all to check it out. It is just a camcorder recording with one mic but for those of you who are into behind the scenes stuff it is a bit of a private look at an ALSO practice.<br />Bon Appetit!<br />ALSO http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/129 2009-03-03T11:17:47Z 2009-03-03T11:17:47Z The other night at the practice space our favorite little guy Drew had something fun to be excited about.<br />He got a couple of brand new toys, a.k.a. serious effects pedals for his guitar rig. They are both hand-made by MJM Guitar Effects based in Montreal. We thought we would let you guys check them out!<br />Merry Christmas<br />ALSO<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mjmguitarfx.com/">MJM Guitar Effects</a> http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/128 2009-02-25T14:16:58Z 2009-02-25T14:16:58Z Jason Hollis and Warren Riker have invited Scotland to co-host a weekly radio show on Broken Wave Radio. Broken Wave is the studio where ALSO recorded the last two singles (Warren helped produce them) and the studio now has an in-house radio station. Scotland, when not rocking the drums, is a bit of an expert about beer, wine, and spirits. The show is called Happy Hour and Scotland is on as the show's resident authority on the subject. The idea is that Jason, Warren, and Scotland will spin some great old vinyl and talk a bit about the theme drink of the evening. The first show's theme is whiskey! Take a listen online if you like. Every Wednesday night from 7-9pm Pacific time. The link is below.<br />Salud!<br />ALSO<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.brokenwavemusic.com/happy-hour/">Happy Hour on Broken Wave Radio</a> http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/127 2009-02-18T19:12:24Z 2009-02-18T19:12:24Z "By Now You Should Know," the second of two ALSO singles recorded with Grammy-winning producer Warren Riker, was released today on iTunes. We greatly appreciated hearing from everyone who downloaded "Pretty" and would love it if you could pick up a copy of "By Now as well!<br />Cheers<br />ALSO http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/126 2009-02-10T09:22:49Z 2009-02-10T09:22:49Z We had a fantastic time at OC Rock Radio yesterday! DJ Ron interviewed the band and we brought enough gear to play a few tracks live on air. The performance was streamed live yesterday but I am pleased to say that it will be pod-casted shortly by the station. Check back here at the ALSO site in a week or two and we'll have some of it posted on the site. We may even have some video as well. The radio station has us up on their homepage today as well.<br />That's All Folks!<br />Scotland<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ocrockradio.com">OC Rock Radio</a> http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/125 2009-01-19T23:42:46Z 2009-01-19T23:42:46Z We just got word that the new single, "Pretty" was released on iTunes today. You can download it for just 99 cents! Just click the iTunes link in the Believe Digital player on the homepage. (It will be showing up on other online stores soon as well) We recorded the single with grammy-award-winning producer Warren Riker. Go get some change out of your couch cushions and then buy some new music! ALSO check out the vLog video singleFEST!!!<br />Later Pickles!<br />ALSO http://www.alsomusic.com/xml/110 2009-01-05T23:36:50Z 2009-01-05T23:36:50Z Hey ALSO fans! The new AlsoMusic.com is live. There are quite a few new features on the site. Now we will be sending out updates the new ALSO vlog and blog. Now you can subscribe and stay updated on what's happening with the band. We have a couple new singles due out shortly as well so keep checking back!<br />Cheers<br />Scotland