Song of the Day: “Better Angels” by Tori Amos

Posted on November 25, 2020 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged chamber pop, Christmas, Florida, piano, Song of the Day, Tori Amos.

Tori Amos (Photo by Desmond Murray)

Tori Amos releases her brand new Christmastide EP, a special collection of four original tracks to celebrate the holiday season with her fans, Dec. 4 on Decca Records. In what has been an incredibly unexpected, turbulent and for many, a very divisive year, Tori wanted to create a safe space for her fans to reflect on the challenges the world has had to face.

Today, she has revealed a new song “Better Angels,” perfectly timed to lift you up and keep you warm during this unusual holiday season.

Song of the Day: “Instant Night” by Beauty Pill

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Parklifer in Local Spotlight, Preview and tagged art pop, Beauty Pill, chamber pop, DC, post-punk, Song of the Day.

Chad Clark and Erin Nelson of Beauty Pill (Photo by Morgan Klein)

DC-based band Beauty Pill is pleased to present their new single and accompanying video for “Instant Night.” It is the band’s third record of 2020 and Beauty Pill’s first song without drums.

“Instant Night” is also the band’s most strikingly orchestral release, highlighting the woodwind quartet that fused with the band in 2018 which features Sarah Hughes, a young, respected DC jazz luminary.

Livestream Preview: Andy Shauf @ Noon Chorus, 10/18/20

Posted on October 15, 2020 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged Andy Shauf, Canada, chamber pop, folk, livestream, Noon Chorus, Toronto.

Andy Shauf (Photo by Colin Medley)

Andy Shauf released The Neon Skyline earlier this year via ANTI_, and he next performs in a livestream to benefit Encampment Support Network Toronto via Noon Chorus on Sunday, Oct. 18.

Livestream Preview: Perfume Genius @ Veeps, 9/19/20

Posted on September 15, 2020 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged California, chamber pop, folk, livestream, Los Angeles, Palace Theater, Perfume Genius, Veep.

Perfume Genius (Photo by Camille Vivier)

Perfume Genius (born Mike Hadreas) released his fifth studio album, Set My Heart On Fire Immediately, via Matador Records back in May. Perfume Genius next streams live from the Palace Theater in Los Angeles via Veeps on Saturday, Sept. 19.

Required Listening: Canopy of Crimson by Teething Veils

Posted on August 3, 2020 by Mark Caicedo in Local Spotlight, Preview and tagged chamber pop, DC, Exte Records, folk, Teething Veils.

Greg Svitil of Teething Veils performs at Capital Fringe on Jan. 20, 2018. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)

Teething Veils, the DC-based chamber folk band will release its fourth studio album, Canopy of Crimson (Etxe Records), on Aug. 10. ParklifeDC recently had the opportunity to preview the album’s collection of eight new compositions.

Song of the Day: “Underneath” by Gracie and Rachel

Posted on July 17, 2020 by Parklifer in Local Spotlight and tagged Brooklyn, chamber pop, Gracie and Rachel, New York City, Song of the Day.

Gracie and Rachel (Photo by Tonje Thilesen)

Gracie and Rachel announce their hotly anticipated sophomore album Hello Weakness, You Make Me Strong, a cathartic near-psychological sonic exploration through the mind that will be released September 18th via Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babe Records.

The alchemic pairing of keyboardist-vocalist Gracie Coates and violinist Rachel Ruggles celebrate the announcement with the release of the compelling visual companion to album cut, “Underneath.”

Song of the Day: “America” by Sufjan Stevens

Posted on July 6, 2020 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged chamber pop, Detroit, folk, Michigan, singer-songwriter, Song of the Day, Sufjan Stevens.

Sufjan Stevens (Photo by Andrea Morrison)

The Ascension, the eighth solo studio album from singer, songwriter, and composer Sufjan Stevens is set for release Sept. 25 on Asthmatic Kitty Records.

“America,” the album’s debut single, is out now alongside a video filmed by Sufjan.

Live Review: Destroyer @ Black Cat — 3/9/20

Posted on March 17, 2020 by Casey Vock in Live Review and tagged Black Cat, Canada, chamber pop, Dan Bejar, Destroyer, new wave, Vancouver.

Destroyer performs at Black Cat on March 9, 2020. (Photo by Casey Vock.)

Strange times are best scored with a bizarre and darkly complex soundtrack. We are clearly in such times, and thanks to the Black Cat’s eclectic schedule, including the occasional Canadian band, DC area fans were recently given a healthy dose of avant-garde rock, only a couple days before local venues started canceling shows.

Preview: Destroyer @ Black Cat, 3/9/20

Posted on March 2, 2020 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged Black Cat, Canada, chamber pop, Dan Bejar, Destroyer, new wave, Vancouver.

Destroyer (Photo by Ted Bois)

In support of the band’s new album, Have We Met, Destroyer plays Black Cat on Monday, March 9.

Live Review: Mikaela Davis with Southern Star @ Songbyrd Music House and Record Cafe – 11/11/19

Posted on November 15, 2019 by Mark Caicedo in Live Review and tagged chamber pop, harp, Mikaela Davis, New York, Rochester, Songbyrd Music House.

Mikaela Davis performs at Songbyrd Music House on Nov. 11, 2019. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)

A true professional is one who approaches her or his craft with singleness of purpose, the ability to ignore the surrounding noise, and the will to power through when roadblocks and obstacles are blaring “stop, go back, give up!”

Life on the road for a working musician is tough enough without the unexpected breakdowns, illnesses, and logistical headaches. Thus when harpist/singer-songwriter extraordinaire Mikaela Davis and Southern Star stopped into the Songbyrd Music House and Record Café recently, they had already overcome several hurdles, including Mikaela losing her voice prior to the previous night’s gig that forced her first ever cancellation.