Month: March 2011

artist interviews

Indiana Music: Max Allen and the Hard Rock band battle

With six albums to his credit, blues guitarist and singer Max Allen might be in a position where he doesn’t have a need to enter events like the recent Hard Rock “Battle of the Bands” contest. Or maybe his winning the Indianapolis section of that event was due to his willingness to play for his next break. Can’t hurt, right? Four bands will earn spots on the stage at the Hard Rock Calling festival in London’s Hyde Park this summer. We caught up with Allen after his band won the local throwdown, before he moves on to regional, and possibly national, competition, and more of his regular gigs. He also says they have a new album almost ready to go. Continue reading “Indiana Music: Max Allen and the Hard Rock band battle”

artist interviews

Indiana Music: Bobbie Lancaster readies new album, more shows

While Bobbie Lancaster may not tell you herself, her self-titled, debut album from last year contained some of the prettiest, gospel-tinged and heartfelt pieces of Americana music released in 2010. Instead, she’s more likely to look forward than back. Though you might catch her pride of performance on that first album when it whispers into her conversation, she’s a woman who lives in the moment as best any of us can, and takes the now and applies it, with a spiritual flair, to her future. Continue reading “Indiana Music: Bobbie Lancaster readies new album, more shows”

roots rock news

Todd Snider doesn’t meet Dylan, BoDeans change, and Wilber interviews Pete Best

→ Singer/songwriter and Indianapolis favorite Todd Snider recently wrote a piece about what he would say to Bob Dylan if he met him. Hilarious (and heartfelt) stream of thought. Thought you might like to read… Snider is next scheduled to be in Indiana on September, 17, at the Ferdinand Folk Festival, near Jasper. Continue reading “Todd Snider doesn’t meet Dylan, BoDeans change, and Wilber interviews Pete Best”

roots rock news

Blasters headed to Lafayette; Tim Grimm album release shows planned

The Blasters at Lafayette Brewing Co. on Sunday, March 27

Indiana folk artist Tim Grimm will play two CD release concerts, slated for Friday, April 8 and Sunday, April 10, both in Columbus, IN as part of the Americana Music Series. The Friday show is at 7:30pm and Sunday at 5pm. He’ll be joined by Jason Wilber, Bobbie Lancaster, The White Lightning Boys and others. (shows at Unitarian-Universalist Building – 7850 Goeller Rd). Continue reading “Blasters headed to Lafayette; Tim Grimm album release shows planned”

album reviews/previews

Indiana Music: Jeremiah Cosner – “Hold Steady”

(read more of Rob’s work at NUVO.net / Indy’s Alternative Voice for 21 years)

Full of sly attitude and Faces/Black Crowes nods, Indianapolis rock singer/songwriter Jeremiah Cosner’s four-song Hold Steady EP gets grinding with a slide guitar and cracking drum on the opening track “Lipstick and Cigarettes”. The sneer and drawl of lyrics like “she knows what it takes to get this party rocking” give the tune – and the album – a certain Stonesy accessibility . The production allows space in the mix for the rock to breath. Musically clean without being too shiny, the sound is not unlike the mid-80’s LA rock of David & David (“Welcome to the Boomtown”); pop/rock for 2011 channeled through 1989. Continue reading “Indiana Music: Jeremiah Cosner – “Hold Steady””