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Micah Dalton's "Blue Frontier" Album Release

3/17/2012

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Micah Dalton is a tried and true Atlanta favorite, known and respected by just about everyone involved in this southern music community.  Not only is Dalton a fiercely talented writer, musician and vocalist, but he is also deeply involved with the community and making music with others.  Micah started ATL Collective (co-founded with David Berkeley), an eclectic group of musicians in Atlanta who come together once a month at Eddie's Attic to perform a series of songs by one selected artist.  This month, for example, they'll be covering Bruce Springsteen's album, Born in the USA, on March 18th.  These aren't your typical cover shows, though, as they make each event of musical storytelling a unique experience, leaving you with the feeling that you've just listened to this classic album for the very first time.  Another collaborative effort of Micah's is the annual Christmas show at Eddie's Attic, which he performs in with Ryan Horne and Nathan Angelo.  I went this past year and had a blast-- so great to see a community of artists come together and create something as memorable as these guys do. 

Though Micah has many other albums that precede this one, I'm especially excited about Blue Frontier.  I've listened to the album at home, of course, as well as got a little live preview of a few songs at the Christmas show.  I keep finding myself with the track, The Way Our Seasons Change, on repeat.  Needless to say, Blue Frontier will undoubtedly be his best CD to date.  

The official release date for Blue Frontier was on March 13, 2012.  To kick off the release, Dalton hosted a CD release party last night at The Vinyl with live performances by the band, Shook Foil and singer-songwriter, Peter Groenwald.  Another great collaboration that I was thrilled to be present for.  Micah and his band took the stage at the end of the night, accompanied by The Shadowboxers and vocalist Molly Parden, performing some of his previous hits, as well as introducing us to the new musical stylings on his latest album. Funny, because even Micah said in his live performance that he's gotten a lot of positive feedback about The Way Our Seasons Change (the song I mentioned earlier), and that it seems to really resonate with people.  I can relate.  I couldn't help but notice the track, Bad Blood, off of Blue Frontier, was a crowd favorite-- myself included.  I also loved how Micah, an Ohio native, threw in a little MoTown flair to some of his music (I'm a Detroit-born girl, so some MoTown flavor is always appreciated).  After the performance, I bought the hard copy (because I still listen to CDs... I'm old school like that) of Peter Groenwald's EP, Sweet Science and of course, Micah's newest addition.  You can purchase your own copy on iTunes, Amazon, or through his website listed below.   

MICAH DALTON - "AMERICAN STORY" - BLUE FRONTIER ALBUM PROMO

Ok, so my original plan did not include posting a video, unless I could find one of the songs from the new album (no success there), BUT I came across this at the last minute and it cracked me up.  Thanks for the laugh, Micah!  Check it out, folks.
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Micah Dalton's discography includes:
Blue Frontier (2012)
Gathered 'round The Greasefire - EP (2010)
Pawnshop (2008)
The Advancement - EP (2006)
These Are The Roots (2004)

Check out Micah's webpage at:
www.micahdalton.com    

"Like" Micah on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/micahdalton
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"Home is Wherever You Are" with the SK6ERS in Athens

3/14/2012

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Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers - The Melting Point Athens - Nicole Kovacs Photography
I have been a fan of Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers since the fall of 2010, when a friend of mine told me to listen to them. I obliged, and within a few minutes of YouTubing a few of their songs, I had gone to their website to order their newest album at the time, Glassjaw Boxer.  Though this is a relatively new band in my repertoire (they started in 2003.. I'm behind the times, apparently), it was like a whirlwind romance, as my love grew quickly for the music of these Massachusetts natives.  Glassjaw Boxer has insightful lyrics, many written by Stephen Kellogg, expressing his love for his family, and a clear American folk-rock influence.  

In October of 2011, SK6ERS released their newest album, Gift Horse, and as obsessed as I was with Glassjaw Boxer, I learned that Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers only get better with time.  Gift Horse is a well-rounded album, both upbeat and emotional.  It begins with their popular single, Gravity (official music video below), a free-spirited message of positivity and humility, and finishes off with Noelle, Noelle, a tear-jerking song for Kellogg's daughter that expresses a father's desire to always protect his little girl.  I adore the lyric in Gravity, saying, "It's okay in the clouds, but I love it, right here, with my feet on the ground".  Rules to live by.  (Read my top 10 favorite SK6ERS lyrics below!)

Now, through all of this time, I've never gotten to see these guys perform!  I know, it's a crying shame.  So when I heard that they'd be in the Atlanta area three times (yes, THREE) over the course of this winter, I did my research to see which show they would be headlining and which would be the most bang for my buck.  I decided upon their March 8th show in Athens, Georgia, as part of their "Home is Wherever You Are" (that's a line from their song, My Favorite Place, on their Gift Horse album... check it out) tour.  It was at the Foundry at Puritan Mill's venue, Melting Point, and probably the smallest, most intimate show they had out of the 3 in the Atlanta area, but that's exactly what I like... an up close and personal performance.  Not only was I wowed (as expected) by Stephen's vocal performance but I was super impressed by the wide range of instrumental talent that Kit "The Goose" Karlson showed-- piano, tuba, accordion, and more.  Not to mention, some RIDICULOUS guitar skills by Sam Getz and some rhythmic perfection on the drums by Brian "Boots" Factor. 

All in all, if you haven't made it to see one of Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers' shows, you must find time in your schedule to squeeze this in.  You'll thank me, I promise.  Their "Home is Wherever You Are" tour is still in full swing with  a handful of shows in the northeast left.  If you don't make it in time, iTunes is your friend. 



Check out the SK6ERS official website here:  http://www.sk6ers.com/
Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers - The Melting Point Athens - Nicole Kovacs Photography
Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers - The Melting Point Athens - Nicole Kovacs Photography
Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers - The Melting Point Athens - Nicole Kovacs Photography
Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers - The Melting Point Athens - Nicole Kovacs Photography
Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers - The Melting Point Athens - Nicole Kovacs Photography
Nicole's Top 10 SK6ERS Lyrics (Mostly from "Glassjaw Boxer" and "Gift Horse", in no particular order):
1.  "She was on fire and wild and American"
2.  "Brown-eyed actress"  (I'm sure you can't guess why on Earth I'd like that one)
3.  "Did you ever think that, maybe, if you're not happy, it's because of you?"
4.  "And I'll wear your memory underneath my shirt like an Indian tattoo"
5.  "It's okay in the clouds, but I love it, right here, with my feet on the ground"
6.  "She's got a sun kissed smile that the winter won't go near.  And her hips could shake a mountain and her              lips could start a fire."
7.  "Call it artistic or agnostic, altruistic, now I've lost it.  This uncertainty just gets to me."
8.  "I don't have the time for your nostalgia or your criticisms.  You live and learn.. me, well, I learn to let go."
9.  "With a fierce disposition like the beat of a drum, you get hurt more than others but you had more fun"
10.  Umm and the entire song, "Noelle, Noelle"
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Ducky Duke on NBC's The Voice

2/28/2012

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I love seeing people I know follow their dreams, make a breakthrough and find success doing what they're most passionate about.  That being said, I was beyond excited when I heard that Matt Ryan, "Ducky Duke", was going to be on NBC's hit tv show, The Voice.  Matt and I go back to the high school lunch tables and he has always been a creative guy who cares about his friends and marches to the beat of his own drum.  You can't help but respect that.  Over the last several years, Ducky has been hard at work, creating music and playing shows with his band, Ducky and the Vintage, in and around Harrisburg, PA.  Not only that, but he is a supremely talented painter with an affinity for creating imaginative murals that reflect his personality (click the link to his official website below to see more of his work). 

A big break came when Matt did a blind audition for NBC's The Voice.  Ducky was featured as the first performer on Season 2's third episode, airing on February 20th, 2012.  Before stepping out onto the stage, Ducky, dressed in black, tested his moves in his red cowboy boots, tipped his fedora over his shaggy jet black hair, smoothed the ends of his iconic mustache, and prepared for his big moment.  On the stage, he performed "Tighten Up" by The Black Keys for host Carson Daly, judges Christina Aguilera,  Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, and millions of viewers across the US and beyond.  Ducky's high energy, real grit and irresistible stage presence blew the crowd and judges away.  Although no judge pressed his or her button, it was apparent to all watching the show that they felt as if they'd made a mistake, with Blake Shelton saying, "Ducky's one of those that I'm probably gonna look back on this and regret it a little bit."  And Carson Daly launched the #whattheheckhappenedtoducky movement on Twitter by saying, "I think, tomorrow morning, when we wake up, there's gonna be a big internet buzz, like the 'what the heck happened to Ducky' movement." 

Now, after the airing of his episode, Ducky is playing more and more shows around Pennsylvania, making radio appearances and has been set to perform on Last Call with Carson Daly.  I was lucky enough to get a tidbit of his time to ask a few questions about his experience on the show, as well as get the 411 on what's to come.

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Photo credit: Snapp-shot Photography
NK:  How long have you been writing and performing music?
DD:  I've been writing lyrics and music since I was 9 or 10.  Been performing since I was around 7 years old.

NK:  Wow, you've had a lot leading up to this point!  What made you decide to audition for NBC's The Voice?
DD:  My manager just let me know I had an industry invite to audition, so I did it!

NK:  Tell me about your experience on the show-- preparing, performing, the judges and your interactions with the other musicians.
DD:  Well, it was amazing being on the show!  There was a lot of running around, practice and networking.  But mostly good hangin' out and havin' a good time with all the other contestants.  Lots of partying in our down time.  Performing was easy; it was hard to stay still after 6 cups of coffee.  Overall, the whole experience was awesome!

NK:  Ok, I have to ask-- the mustache.  It's become your trademark!  How did that all start? 
DD:  The stache.  I actually grew it for a music video that ended up getting postponed cuz I made it on The Voice.  I left it grow for a Halloween party too.  I've trimmed it up and gotten a hair trim since the show.  It got a little out of control there for a while. 

NK:  Another must-know.  Where did you get the name, "Ducky Duke" from?
DD:  The name, "Ducky", is completely random, it came from my best friend, Alison, in high school.  I was trying to get a duck hat or plush duck out of a crane game machine at a diner.  She said, "you got it, Ducky Duke", and there it is.  "Ducky" became a stage name after I moved to Harrisburg and everyone started calling me that.  So I stuck with it.  I still go by Matt too, though. 

NK:  Haha, I love that story!  It's so cool to see you trending on Twitter!  How are you feeling about the #whattheheckhappenedtoducky movement?
DD:  I feel great about the whole trending thing!  I've definitely gained a shit ton of fans from it, which is a blessing in itself.   Gotta thank Carson for starting the movement.

NK:  What can America expect from Ducky Duke in the near future?  Are there any television appearances coming up or tours with Ducky and the Vintage?
DD:  Well, I'll be in LA this week to do an interview for Last Call with Carson Daly, the late night show.  I'll be performing a few original tunes acoustic from my band on the show as well.  Then I'll be playing The Whiskey in LA too.  We'll be releasing an EP soon and hopefully starting to tour.  There's a lot coming!  So stay tuned!

NK:  Tell us one thing we don't know about you that we should know!
DD:  Something that ya should know is I'm A.D.D.  I'm lucky I have friends and my girlfriend, otherwise I wouldn't get anything done!  Haha.  I do have trouble paying attention 90% of the time and remembering names. 

NK:  Thank you so much for your time!  I look forward to seeing your career skyrocket from here on out! 

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If you want to learn more about Ducky Duke or stay in touch with him, here are some useful links:
Ducky Duke Design
Twitter
Facebook




In the  meantime, check out the video below and KEEP IT QUACKIN'!

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10 out of Tenn

2/5/2012

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Usually, when I go to a live show by one of my favorite artists, I end up liking one of their openers and subsequently following his/her music as well.  Over a year ago, I went to see Tyrone Wells (if you don't know him, you're really missing out) at Eddie's Attic and was absolutely blown away by his opener, Andrew Belle.  I remember sitting across the table from my friend, and after only a word or two left Belle's lips, my friend and I looked at each other, jaws dropped.  So of course, I bought all his music he was selling and haven't been able to get enough since.  Andrew mentioned during his set that he was a part of a group of solo musicians in Tennessee who toured together and that they called themselves 10 out of Tenn (ten musicians out of TN - started by Trent Dabbs), and in addition, they had a documentary coming out on television soon, "Any Day Now".  When I got home, I set my DVR.  I watched the documentary at least 5 or 6 times and shared it with friends.  Then, this past fall, the 10 out of Tenn crew came to Atlanta and played a show at Variety Playhouse.. it was one of those nights that you really feel part of something, being surrounded by people who love and appreciate so many of the same things you do.  What's cool is all these artists are solo artists and tour on their own, so for the concert, each one got up and played a couple of their own songs while the others used their instrumental talents and basically became the band behind the current performer.  I have to say, EVERYONE was amazing and through this, I now follow the music of many of these artists.  The one person who stood out to me most was K.S. Rhoads.  Rhoads performed a song called "Invincible Fortress"-- he starts it out with a simple beat box, loops it, then one at at a time, adds different percussion, piano, haunting background vocals, guitar and eventually the lyrics.  The song starts out so simply and builds on itself , and with all these sounds together, made by one man, becomes a moving, hair-raising work of art.  Amazing.  All in all, every last artist was wonderful and each had his or her own styling, making the show dynamic and inspiring.  So, a big "thank you" to Andrew Belle, for being the one to tell me about 10 out of Tenn!

10 out of Tenn - Variety Playhouse, Atlanta - Nicole Kovacs Photography
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Katie Herzig 10 out of Tenn - Nicole Kovacs Photography
Matthew Perryman Jones 10 out of Tenn - Nicole Kovacs Photography
Amy Stroup 10 out of Tenn - Nicole Kovacs Photography
Amy Stroup 10 out of Tenn - Nicole Kovacs Photography
Andrew Belle 10 out of Tenn - Nicole Kovacs Photography
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Katie Herzig 10 out of Tenn - Nicole Kovacs Photography
Matthew Perryman Jones Ten out of Tenn - Nicole Kovacs Photography
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Andrew Belle 10 out of Tenn - Nicole Kovacs Photography
K.S. Rhoads 10 out of Tenn - Nicole Kovacs Photography
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LEFT: 
Ten out of Tenn "Any Day Now" film trailer.  This is their documentary I mention above.


LINKS:
10 out of Tenn
    - Trent Dabbs (founder)
    - K.S. Rhoads
    - Andrew Belle
    - Butterfly Boucher
    - Matthew Perryman Jones
    - Katie Herzig
    - Amy Stroup
    - Gabe Dixon
    - Tyler James
    - Will Sayles
    - Jeremy Lister


BELOW:  The video that I recorded at the end of the 10 out of Tenn show at Variety Playhouse.  All the artists came out into the crowd and played "Ring of Fire" together... so much fun!
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    About...

    I would simply like to share my love for life with you-- be it inspirational music, photography, written word, joyous works by local artists, theatre and independent films, travel, community outreach projects, silly musings and adventures, or little things I've learned along the way.  All categories are open for discussion!  If there's something you'd like to hear more about, just ask! 

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