2013 Whalie Award Winners


PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS

 

BEST ALTERNATIVE
The Suicide Dolls

BEST ALTERNATIVE FOLK
Folk Y'all 

BEST BLUES / COUNTRY ROCK
John Fries Band

BEST DJ
DJ Chumzilla

BEST FOLK / BLUEGRASS
Raise The Rent

BEST GARAGE
Brazen Hussy

BEST HARD ROCK / METAL
Bedroom Rehab Corporation

BEST HIP HOP / R&B
Camacho

BEST INDIE POP
 Pocket Vinyl

BEST INDIE ROCK
 Straight To VHS

BEST MUSIC THEMED SERIES
Live Lunch Break / The Day

BEST PUNK
Wrist Like This

BEST REGGAE / SKA
The Hempsteadys

BEST ROCK
Anderson Family Picnic

BEST ROOTS ROCK
 The Weird Beards

BEST SOLO SINGER / SONGWRITER
Steve Elci

 BEST URBAN ALTERNATIVE
N.M.E. The Illest

BEST MUSIC VIDEO
Pocket Vinyl "I Hear Colors"


TOP CRITICS AWARDS

 

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Daphne Lee Martin “Moxie”

ROCK / POP ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Straight To VHS “Rewinder”

AMERICANA ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Good Sponge Sampler Volume 2

HIP HOP ALBUM/MIXTAPE OF THE YEAR
Alumni “First Day Back”

RECORD OF THE YEAR
Street People “Dreams”

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Slander

SONG OF THE YEAR
Slander "Magnets"


CRITICS CHOICE AWARDS

 

BEST ALTERNATIVE / GARAGE PERFORMANCE
Burnouts From Outer Space “Queen Of The Angels”

BEST INDIE POP PERFORMANCE
Daphne Lee Martin “Belly”
  
BEST INDIE ROCK PERFORMANCE
 Straight to VHS “It's Not The Money”

BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE
Gone For Good “Marvelous Liar”

BEST PUNK / SKA PERFORMANCE
Dead City Riot “Before The Dawn”

FOLK / BLUEGRASS   PERFORMANCE
Dirt Road Radio “Cold Hearted Man”

BEST ALTERNATIVE FOLK PERFORMANCE
 GraveRobbers “Buried In Burgundy”

BEST BLUES / COUNTRY ROCK PERFORMANCE 
The Rivergods “When Times Were Good”

BEST HARD ROCK / METAL PERFORMANCEG
Bedroom Rehab Corporation “Gone By The Boards”

BEST URBAN ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE
The 17th “No Name”

BEST HIPHOP / R&B PERFORMANCE
Camacho featuring Erik Lamb “Hip-Hop-Don't-Stop”

BEST SOLO SINGER / SONGWRITER PERFORMANCE
Josi Davis "Ivy Grows"

CRITICS CHOICE BEST VIDEO 
 Street People "Street 103"



FEATURE WHALIE INTERVIEW: Sean Murray - Producer & Host of the Whalies

Sean Murray
Producer & Host of the Whalie Awards

Interview by Corrine Jensen 
May 25, 2013
WC: So, it’s the 4th years of the Whalies! Can you believe it? What do the Whalies mean to you? Why do you keep putting them on every year?
SM: I cannot believe it's the fourth year. Seems like yesterday when I was talking about how much I'd love to throw an award show. Now, it's a reality. And a four-year one at that! The Whalies were created with one goal in mind: fun. I didn't start the Whalies to stroke egos or to have a mass pat-on-the-back session. I did it because I love award shows, plain and simple. I'm starting to find a routine of doing things that I love, even if they stress me out for a considerable part of the year. I love New London Main Street. I love marketing this city. I love having a music festival that benefits the city. I love award shows. It's taken me a long time to carve out a niche where I can truly say I'm doing stuff that I love and I think that's a momentous thing for any person to say. I understand why people see this as self-righteous and somewhat masturbatory and, frankly, I'm not offended. There will always be those that think there's some kind of buddy-buddy system going on here. Well, there's not. I nominate the bands and songs based on a few things: how much they promote themselves, the quality of the music, the production value and various other criteria. I double and triple check release dates and other things with Meghan at Wailing City (the greatest local music site ever!) and a few other locals that may be more knowledgeable in other genres.

WC: If you could walk down the Red Carpet with anyone/thing who/what would it be?
SM: Well, I don't know if I'd want to walk the red carpet with her, but I might actually say my mother. She's a Seventh Day Adventist, so her Sabbath falls on Saturday. That means she's never been to an event I've thrown in over a decade. I'm not religious at all, but I'm glad that her religion makes her happy and who am I to stand in the way of that. Not to mention, she is a pretty fabulous dresser (but don't tell her I said that).

WC: Are there any surprises in store for the audience tonight?
SM: The only surprise I'm ever concerned about is how surprised I'll be if we pull this thing off again. There will be a big surprise at The Oasis afterwards, but that's for me to know.

WC: Are there any favorites you’re rooting to win tonight?
SM: I try not to play favorites. I think you could make a case for any of the bands nominated to win something. That said, I will say that I'm a fan of bands and artists that are smart and know how to keep people interested in them - something that's very difficult to do at the local level.

WC: Where will you be celebrating post-Whalies?
SM: The Oasis Pub is a pretty obvious answer. The biggest surprise of the night happens there. But I tend to get in a weird headspace after an event I've put my heart into is over, so maybe a beer and shot at Ernie's is in store before the Oasis.

WC: You do so much for New London but is there anyone you’d like to thank?
SM: Wow, where do I start? Oh yeah, Meghan and Joe! Meghan and Joe from WailingCity are the unsung heroes of the entire event. Joe is the man behind the people's choice voting system and Meghan is basically the backbone of this thing. Any time there's a conflict, question, anything... Meghan has a solution. Rich and Daphne, the other unsung heroes. They are the ones that push me to get the job done. Rich and I have been partners on events since 2003, when Station 58 was around, so he knows all my quirks and hasn't killed me yet. Daphne is the one who has mastered how to deal with my ADHD. She will call with the sweetest voice ever saying "Hey Sean, we should grab a bite... annnnd finish the Whalies schedule." I don't know. Somehow it works. The list just goes on and on though... Andrew Camacho, who is busting his ass to make the video montages this year. Val, who selflessly dedicated her time to design the beautiful stage. Todd, who does an amazing job doing all the audio and visual displays at the event. You, Corrine, for taking the time out to interview so many artists and bands. My bosses for understanding the level of pressure I'm under. All the volunteers. All my friends who tolerate my frustrating moments. And all of you that support an event meant to be lighthearted and fun. Thanks. Also, to Rogue Hazelnut Brown, Jameson and the haters. Couldn't have done it without you.

WC: If you could say anything to the fans/voters and the NL scene, 10 words or less, what would you say?
SM: Thank you. I love you. Stop hatin. New London forever.






Chris MacKay and the Toneshifters Nominated / Representing New London in NEMA

Chris MacKay & the ToneShifters based in New London County have just been nominated to represent the state of Connecticut at the upcoming New England Music Awards to be held April 13th at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, MA. All nominations can be found here: http://www.nemusicawards.com/vote/

Formed in 2009, the ToneShifters energetic live show melds their individual musical tastes into a danceable freestyle fusion of blues, rock, swing, rockabilly and honky tonk, otherwise known as “Swinginrockabluesabilly.”  They released the single “Lena” on the Good Sponge label “Good Sponge Volume 1” compilation in March 2012 followed by a full length debut “Picture on the ‘Fridge” in April 2012, which will be re-released in a new format this spring. Most recently their single “Go Speed” was released on the Good Sponge label “Volume II” compilation, which is now available for download and will be available as a hard copy shortly.
Anyone interested in casting a vote or checking the band out can follow the links to both websites at www.nemusicawards.com  and www.toneshifters.com.

The Suicide Dolls Contestants in Boston's 'Rock n' Roll' Rumble



Exciting news! The Suicide Dolls are one of the 24 contestants in Boston's 34th annual Rock and Roll Rumble!!
The preliminary show they are playing will be Friday April 12th
@ T.T. The Bears
10 Brookline Street, Cambridge, MA
Facebook Event Page
Read more about it here:
http://blog.thephoenix.com/BLOGS/onthedownload/archive/2013/03/03/here-s-your-boston-specific-music-festival-the-2013-rock-n-roll-rumble-bands-have-been-announced.aspx

The Telegraph Celebrates Record Store Day Sat April 20

The Telegraph
19 Golden Street
Open 10am-10pm
Live music starts at 2pm

Saturday April 20th is Record Store Day, which celebrates the culture of the independently-owned record store! The Telegraph will be open from 10am to 10pm and will have very special limited releases, special in-store performances, and lots of free stuff while it lasts!

2pm: Sam Perduta (of Elison Jackson)
3pm: Goodnight Blu Moon
4pm: Isaac Young Dup
5pm: John Fries & Corina Malbaurn
6pm: Sidewalk Dave
7pm: Horns of Ormus
8pm: Fatal Film
9pm: Bedroom Rehab Corporation


4th Annual Whalie Awards @ Hygienic Art Park Sat May 25

Saturday May 25, 2013
@ The Hygienic Art Park 

79-83 Bank Street - New London, CT. 06320
6pm red carpet 
7pm show

$10 cover
ALL AGES
Beer & Wine available for purchase - 21+ w/ ID
*absolutely NO outside containers permitted!
Facebook Event Page


PERFORMERS:
 Camacho/Gramz/Hayze
Nancy Parent
Empty Vessels
Matt Gouette BandDaphne Lee Martin
Suicide Dolls with Erik Lamb
Street People
Bedroom Rehab Corporation
Slander
Fatal Film

The event is the kickoff for the summer season at the Hygienic Art Park and is the major fundraiser in support of I AM Festival which returns this year for its seventh installment on September 7th, 2013.

Good Sponge Releases "Sampler Volume II"

Good Sponge Records is pleased to officially announce the release of the Good Sponge Sampler Vol. II, a compilation of 18 freshly-minted songs from 18 southeastern Connecticut-affiliated bands/artists.

There will be a CD release party Friday, March 29 at The Bulkeley House (111 Bank Street, New London, CT 06320, 860-444-7753) beginning at 7:00 pm, featuring many of the artists from the comp performing live. The CD release party will feature two showcases: an acoustic-leaning "dinner set" downstairs, followed by a more rocking "dessert set" upstairs. CDs and other merchandise will be available for purchase. Facebook Event Page

About the Good Sponge Sampler Vol. II:

Following up on last year's Vol. I, the Good Sponge Sampler Vol. II offers a diverse sampling of roots rock/Americana/singer-songwriter/rock artists associated with the region. From the opening New Orleans-fueled blues of the Sue Menhart Band, to the warm country lilt of Hannah Fair, to the groovy, theremin-tinged space rock of the album's closer by Dave Rave, the Good Sponge Sampler Vol. II offers a consistently solid musical ride throughout. The individual tracks stand on their own, but are also meant to work together as a whole. The overall listening experience is not unlike coming across your favorite FM station on the dial: you may not know all the songs or artists, but it's all music you should enjoy listening to.

The Good Sponge Sampler Vol. II features new or current tracks from:

Sue Menhart Band http://suemenhart.com/
The Rivergods http://www.therivergods.com/
Josi Davis http://www.sonicbids.com/josiwails
Chris MacKay & The Toneshifters http://www.toneshifters.com/
Hannah Fair http://www.reverbnation.com/hannahfair
Carl Franklin http://www.pwop.com/
Amalgamated Muck http://www.amalgamatedmuck.com/
Ken Atkins & Honkytonk Kind http://www.kenatkins.com/
Dogbite http://www.myspace.com/dogbitegrrr
Matt Gouette http://www.reverbnation.com/mattgouette
Lauren Agnelli https://sites.google.com/site/laurenagnelli/
Vincent Tuckwood http://www.vincet.net/
Doug Woolverton & Carl Franklin http://www.pwop.com/
Nancy Parent http://www.nancyparent.com/
Dirt Road Radio https://www.facebook.com/dirtroadradio
Black Marmot http://www.blackmarmotband.com/
Dave Rave http://www.dave-rave.com/

The Good Sponge Sampler Vol. II is also available for digital download at http://goodsponge.bandcamp.com/.

For more information, and to download songs from the comp, please visit http://www.goodsponge.com/.
 

CD Review: Nancy Parent - Vision of Angels

Published March 7, 2013
CD Review by Adam Wujtewicz

Singer-songwriter Nancy Parent (also from The Rivergods) released her first solo record Vision of Angels in October 2012.  While scheduling conflicts made it so I couldn’t do a review then, she has a solo show which will be broadcast live from the Mohegan Sun Cabaret Theatre this Friday night on radio 94.9 FM  - so now is as good a time as any. 

Produced by Hugh Birdsall (Reducers, Dogbite) Vision of Angels is chock full of neo-folk and mellow pop tunes that sparkle and showcase super lush instrumentation.  Along with Nancy’s guitar and pedal steel there is quite a bit of violin, piano, upright, electric bass and drums on the record.  If you’re honest with yourself though, it's Nancy’s angelic voice you’re really looking forward to when you go to listen to Vision of Angels.  The studio not only allows her voice come through with dazzling clarity but it also allows there to be many Nancy’s singing along with each other which turns into a very comforting and relaxing sound.  There is an airiness and tenderness to her voice, never forced, but you can still very easily be overtaken by it. Like being surrounded by mist while working through the woods. 

Nancy doesn’t stray too far from the Rivergods formula of folk and country infused pop on Vision of Angels.  She more or less takes it down a notch, mostly out of the “rock” genre, and makes the sound more personal and perhaps more moving.  There is no doubt that this was in incredibly introspective album for Nancy, as most solo outings are.  The soul searching she did to write these songs comes through in spades.  All the words she sings seem to have been meticulously chosen for flow and meaning.  She sings them all with the utmost conviction and confidence.  This confidence never diminishes the vulnerability that much of her lyrics represent but in a way makes it more believable.  Like overcoming a long time phobia or telling someone you’re in love with them, you must be firm and confident even though you’re really going out on a limb.  Nancy walks that limb with grace and poise.

There are some jumpier more driving moments on the record - the title track “Visions of Angels” and “Memo” come to mind right away.  With the use of electric guitar and steady drumming these songs serve to break up the quiet folk that makes up the bulk of Vision of Angels.  The quiet is where the magic lies however - “Ten Thousand Things” with its finger-picked guitar, subtle keys and slow bowing violin is brimming over with beauty and melody.  Nancy is allowed to simply float along that river and sing her story.  Times like these are when she’s at her best.

Vision of Angels has a beauty that cannot be overlooked.  There is no better way to sum it up.  It’s one of the most intimate and personal sounding records to come out of this area in years.


Slander Releases Video For "Magnets b/w Ghosts"




written by Luke Hunter, Grayson Connelly, and Julia Farrar w/ Slander
directed by Ellery Twining
filmed by Andrew W. Proctor
story by Twining, Gemma, Farrar
filmed at Stardust Motel N. Stonington, CT. 26 & 27 january 2013
a Portfire/MysticMusicArcv release c. 2013

CD Review: Josi Davis - The Evolution of Love

Published February 20, 2013
CD review by Adam Wujtewicz
 
The Evolution of Love, the new album from Josi Davis, is a marathon run through from the catalog of Americana music styles.  Transitioning from Jazz, Blues, Country, Soul, Roots Rock N’ Roll - back and forth - and blending all of them together, Josi’s using the whole color palette on this one. While this approach might seem haphazard, the order in which the songs are arranged smooths out all of the sharp corners that can be created by putting that many different genres on one record. 

While Josi and her splendid vocal range take center stage there is a very accomplished group of musicians behind her, including: John Van Ness, Rufus “baby grand” Davis, Carl Franklin and William Light to name a few.  Recorded at Carl Franklin’s PWOP Studios here in New London, there is sheen to the production but still a very natural and live tone to The Evolution of Love. The vocals and drums sound like the rooms they were recorded in and the mix is one you’d expect more from a professional live show than a record. 

While I’d say that the album on a whole is pretty mellow and introspective my personal favorite moments are the more upbeat and jumpy.  The slide guitar soaked “Another Saturday Night” and “Ivy Grows” are great dance numbers a real showcase for the musicianship on the album.  So if you are into taking a musical journey across the Americana landscape, The Evolution of Love by Josi Davis should be your roadmap.

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