Rising Artist EXCLUSIVE! Addie Brownlee INTV

"You walk east and I walk west, eventually we will meet, if not in this lifetime then the next..." lyrics this strong do not just come from sitting at a table with a pen and pad. Lyrics this strong come from the heart, from experiance, from learning things the hard way. For Addie Brownlee, learning the hard way is about to pay off. She is part country, part folk and therefore places her in a genre that we music critics call "alt-country." Whatever Addie maybe, she is all heart. Her songs lament places we all have been, though we choose not to remember it is those places that shape us and make us who we are. Just before leaving for her fall tour in support of her latest EP, East of Leaving. I had the opportunity to speak with Addie as we discussed her beginings, roots and getting the attention of the likes of Martha Wainwright to work with her on her music. Take a look at my interview with Addie below.


You were born in Kansas, raised in Tennessee how did you end up in New York City?

I think I've always been heading to New York. I lived in Chicago for a few years after school, but I've always known I wanted to be here.

Did the change of atmosphere and location effect your music?

I didn't start writing until about 7 years ago, so New York is where it all started for me. Unless you count some of the stuff I wrote when I was 4 years old. My personal favorite from my "early" work is "Don't be sadish. Eat a radish." I guess that's more spoken word though.

Describe your music to someone who has never herd of you before?

I've been told my voice is reminiscent of Dusty Springfield. I love the comparison, and I love the imagery that her name evokes. My music has alot of earth and water imagery. It's Americana, Alt/Country, Singer/Songwriter

Who are some of your influences?

Far and away my biggest influence is Dolly Parton. I covered a song of her's recently, and someone after the show stopped me and said, "My love for Dolly Parton is NOT ironic." That's exactly how I feel! She's one of the greatest songwriters in history, one of the savviest business people and a generous philanthropist. A friend and I always say "WWDD, What Would Dolly Do?"

How do you stand apart from other New York City singer songwriters?

I just feel lucky to be making music in New York. There is so much good stuff coming out of the city.

With the release of your debut, Back When We Were Christian, did you feel any vindication once it was finished?

When I released "Back When We Were Christians" in 2005 I felt so many things. I had a very wonderful time with my dad in the studio. He recorded that album. It was emotional for both of us; those were my first songs, and he was so patient and thoughtful through the whole thing.

What was it like finally recording your debut after all these years?

Recording the latest EP "East of Leaving" has been equally rewarding. Brad Albetta, my producer, really did a pretty spectacular job of guiding but not pushing me, and really encouraged me to take the reins. He quite frankly worked his tail off.

Martha Wainwright appears on your song “Sea Legs,” what was it like working with her? How did you get her to appear on your album?

We just asked! I'm a big BIG Martha Wainwright fan, so when I listen to Sea Legs I sort of think I'm dreaming!

Your music has a lot of religious imagery and influence to it. Are you strong in your beliefs and choose to sing about them or the total opposite?

I'm an atheist, but was raised an evangelical Christian, so certain images just come out!

Your live shows have garnered you much praise, how do you respond to this acclaim? What do you do in concert that surprises most fans?

That's nice of you to say about the live shows! I love it when the audience is ready to interact with me. People connecting with me or something I've written, really keep the songs fresh for me. On the best of nights I guess it's like we're just experiencing them together.

Who would you love to play with and why?

Dolly of course! And Bobbie Gentry, one of the first female country artists to write and produce her own material. Patty Griffin, Ryan Adams: what amazing songwriters.

Where do you go from here?

I'm just going to keep writing! I'm touring the Southern US in September, and then heading to the UK and Europe in November. I can't wait.

LIVE PIX - ROCK THE BELLS 2010

Corresponding Yuppie contributor and premiere NYC DJ Rich D Smoov was on hand last week at the Rock The Bells stop at Governor's Island in New York City. Smoov says "this was an epic hip-hop concert, one we have never seen before." Take a look at pictures from Smoov below.

Brother Ali

Street Sweeper Social Club



Chris Rock
Lauren Hill

A Tribe Called Quest



Busta Rhymes and Swizz Beats link up with Tribe

Wu Tang Clan




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QUICK NEWS

After speaking with us last week, Living Things front woman Stephonik Youth was involved in a bicycle accident in Brooklyn which forced the band to cancel a few gigs. Luckily Youth is fine and the band is already back on the road.

After much rumors of a breakup, The Swell Season are going on hiatus. Glen Hansard addressed fans via Twitter and said the band is not breaking up just taking a break. Hansard will rejoin his first band, The Frames this fall for a world tour.

Next month John Lennon would have turned 70. To help mark the milestone in the Beatles' life and age, his widow Yoko Ono will release his entire back catalogue for reissue with special B-sides, rarities and demo's stemming from every album and recording session.

Now this is capitalization and not punk rock, The Sex Pistols are set to release their own perfume. Yes, perfume. Because you know, smelling like a guy named Johnny Rotten will certainly get you laid.

Kings of Leon Cover & Track Listing

Kings of Leon of unleashed the cover and track listing to their forthcoming fifth record, Come Around Sundown. This is the follow up to the Followill clans mega-successful, Only by the Night record. Come Around Sundown is also the first record to not feature a logo right in the center of the cover and an image that takes up the full frame. Come Around Sundown comes out October 19. Take a look at the cover and track listing below.

The End
Radioactive
Pyro
Mary
The Face
The Immortals
Back Down South
Beach Side
No Money
Pony Up
Birthday
Mi Amigo
Pickup Truck

Quick Spins

The Drums
The long awaited arrival of The Drums is finally here! Cool is an understatement as to how slick this band and record is. One of my favorite debuts of the year, The Drums drum up sexy surf pop and mix it with garage and a bit of electro in some area’s. The Drums have created a record so fresh and exciting, you will want to blast this any time of day and grab your surf board and head into the ocean. This maybe the record to get us summer lovers through the long winter months!
FINAL GRADE: A-

The Walkmen – Lisbon
If Bob Dylan in his early years had a backing band like The National, it would have sounded like The Walkmen. The jangled vocals of Hamilton Leithauser and the stark sound of the dapper band make them a band to watch and look out for. Lisbon is a very good debut from this acclaimed New York City outfit. The Walkmen may just become your new favorite band.
FINAL GRADE: B+

KT Tunstill – Tiger Suit
The folk rocker proves she is just more than a one hit wonder on Tiger Suit, the sophomore follow up to her massive 2006 debut. Tunstill gets angry and holds nothing back on Tiger Suit, songs like “Glamour Puss,” “Fade Like a Shadow,” and (Still A) Weirdo” displays a different side of Tunstill that some fans are used to. However, others like myself, the causual listener will take it in and enjoy it.
FINAL GRADE: B+

Blood Red Shoes – Fire Like This
The young raging UK garage duo get all grown up on their sophomore release. Fire Like This sees Blood Red Shoes tone down the feedback anddistortion and take an interesting mature tone. Still working on a minimal musical backing with just drums, guitars and vocals, Blood Red Shoes show off that there is more to this band than just noise and fun and that they can indeed get serious. Nothing terrible about this record, but will take some fans by surprise. Take a look at my interview with Blood Red Shoes HERE.
FINAL GRADE: B+

Menonema – Mines
The Porland indie favorites return with their fourth album and they have never sounded better. Mines is a sonic trip through the unknown, consisting of sounds that range from lo-fi to psychedelica to just plain old rock and roll. Menonema are pushing things forward and Mines is the record that may send them over the edge and into success.
FINAL GRADE: B+

Stars – The Five Ghosts
A beautiful record filled with heartbreak, heartache and backed by a beat. Stars, a band made up of members of Broken Social Scene return with The Five Ghosts, a record that may just be their best yet as well. It is a record that will leave you will a heavy feeling in your stomach but will also have you throwing your arms in the air and forgetting all of your troubles. Inspired by the passing of loved ones and hard times, The Five Ghosts will set your soul on fire.
FINAL GRADE: B+

The Strange Death of Liberal England – Drown Your Heart Again
The Portsmith, UK band with the very long (but cleaver) name deliver a record of twanging guitars, pounding drums and thumping bass. This is one hell of an album and if you are in the US and get a chance to listen to it, you will understand why they are so huge back home in their native England. TSDOLE are a band that are going place and Drown Your Heart Again is the ship that will carry them to their destination.
Take a look at my interview with the band HERE.
FINAL GRADE: B+

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltson – Let it Sway
15 tracks of pure indie rock / pop bliss. The boys in Boris Yeltson know how to have fun, make some noise and keep a party moving and still have fans wanting more. The third full length from these guys is going to set them to new heights, maybe even a tour of the Kremlin.
FINAL GRADE: B

Michael Franti and Spearhead – The Sound of Sunshine
The socially conscious singer and his backing band return with a joyful album of catchy hooks and songs of mother nature and the world that carries us. Nothing new on this album as far as Franti and his music goes, but if you are a fan, it is worth having in your collection.
FINAL GRADE: B-

Deluka – You are the Night
Mellow electro from the UK punks, You are the Night is much like Hot Chip’s latest, One Life Stand in the vein that is a great record to end off your night with and take you right in.
FINAL GRADE: B-

Eli “Paperboy” Reed – Come and Get It
Boston born and Brooklyn representing soul singer, Eli Reed is back with a record that sounds like an Eli Reed record. Catchy hooks, fun choruses but there seems to be something missing. Not as fresh of a record from Reed that I was hoping for, but I am sure these songs will kill it live.
FINAL GRADE: C+

Semi Precious Weapons – We Love You
This band is a ton of fun and I totally love their style and basis that they could care less what you think of them. However, my issue with Justin Tratnor and the boys of Semi Precious Weapons is that on We Love You they are serving up most of the same songs on You Love You! We want NEW BOYS! Granted these songs are polished and by polished they are still filthy as hell but now just cleaner in production sound. I am hoping that as soon as they get off the massive world tour with Lady Gaga that they will get back into making new songs. Take a look at our interview with Justin from SPW HERE.
FINAL GRADE: C

Les Savy Fav – Root for Ruin
I don’t get this band at all. Sure they have a fun, non-stop adrenaline filled live show but they can reproduce it on disc. Root for Ruin is what they seem to be doing.
FINAL GRADE: C

Lady Gaga – The Fame Remixes
Really? A remix album filled with the same songs from the only record and a half you have put out?! Not for nothing, its not even a good remix record, just because some DJ sped up a song or added a bassline doesn’t make it a good remix or releasable. Hurry up and make the new album and stop squeezing every cent from your fans.
FINAL GRADE: D

ROBYN COVERS BJORK!

At an award gala in Europe this weekend honoring Italian composer Ennio Marricone and Bjork (contrasting creative line-up huh?!) Swedish pop princess Robyn honored Icelandic princess Bjork with a phenomenal cover of "Hyerballad" one of Bjork's greatest songs.

Ryan Bingham on Letterman

Oscar winner Ryan Bingham returned to Letterman this week to promote his latest release, Junky Star. Take a look!

Underrated Classic - The Ramones "End of the Century"

In 1980 The Ramones broke into "the wall of sound." After much acclaim in New York City, LA and London, but no commercial success, the Bowery band from Forrest Hills uprooted to LA to record with one of Joey Ramones hero's, Phil Spector. Spector, who loved Joey's vocals and freakish look, craved working with The Ramones and giving the band his infamous "wall of sound" treatment. The result was End of the Century. By far the first pop/punk record ever made and one of The Ramones best. Gone are Johnny Ramones famous dirty three chords and replaced with various other chords and melody, gone was Dee Dee's strumming bass and replaced with a more formal way of playing the low end instrument. Joey never sounded better and could not have been happier, yet the rest of the band despised the idea of End of the Century and working with a big name like Spector where rumors have surfaced that he threatened Johnny with a gun in studio and locked the band up in his mansion and made them watch B-movie horror flicks till the sun would rise. The band was unraveling at the seams, yet they though with Spector on board they would have their first chart topping hit and pushed through the punishment. The result was the opposite, the record tanked and critics panned it. Now 30 years later, go back and pick it up again and realize that End of the Century was the blue-print for bands like Blink 182, The Libertines and Weezer. End of the Century may have been a bench mark in recording the genre and The Ramones were not even trying.

Black Crowes on Kimmel

As legendary southern rock band The Black Crowes head off on their farewell tour, the stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live to show off what made them tick for so long. Take a look!

Movie of the Month - Wall Street

This month marks the official release of the long awaited Wall Street sequel, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps. It took Oliver Stone over 20 years and Shia Labeouf to do this sequel. Though I hear it is pretty good and fun, it lacks what the original had. Now I cannot comment on part 2, I can comment on the original. The film, which stars a young Charlie Sheen as this good ol' boy from the suburbs that gets his feet wet at a Wall Street trading firm goes under the wing of investor and capitalist, Gordon Gecko (Michael Douglas in one of his most iconic roles). Gecko takes the young Sheen around New York and shows him the high life, it was the 80's which means it was a lot of padded bra's, things called CD players, cocaine and big ass cell phones (the Zach Morris kind). As Gecko becomes jaded by the Patrick Bateman lifestyle, he begins to see Gecko as a villain and looks to separate himself from the big time money maker. Though I will not spoil the end for those that have not seen it, Wall Street is an epic film and easily Stone's best and the director did not have to sensationalize a thing, it is as real and raw as it gets in that line of work. Though the film was made over 20 years ago, it still echo's the same sentiments and things that have gone on today. Just open any newspaper, oh I am sorry newspapers are things of the past too, I meant a webpage or app (sorry) and you will see how what happened in Wall Street effects us all.