Ep 42 - Cover by Matt Smith

This is NOT the Matt Smith of "Doctor Who" fame!

This is a business schooled Iowan who raps under a secret identity, but still apparently dabbles in graphic design.

And he made this wonderful poster for our live show on Sat, Feb 4, at Lefty's Live Music! - https://www.facebook.com/events/756507931165093/

So go to the show! Check out the bands! Prove that Matt Smith knows how to make an awesome poster!

Poster by Matt Smith
in its original proportions and form

Labels: artwork, covers, Iowa Music Showcase Live, Matt Smith, photoshop Ep 042, posters

iMSC Ep 42 - Song 1: "A Different Kind of Animal" by Foxholes

"Here are the things I know about Foxholes:
1. Their lead singer is really nice to me on Facebook.
2. I think their drummer works with a friend of mine from high school.
3. They are good at music.

"That’s pretty much it. I don’t know if that says more about me or about Foxholes, but they seemed to come from literally nowhere to be one of my favorite acts. I’m not misusing literally, either. They could have morphed in from another plane of existence for all I know. It just seemed like they weren’t here and then *poof* they were. Fully formed sentient beings ready to rock."
- from Dave Murphy on the Iowaves Music Blog

"Formed in late August 2012, Foxholes is a musical collaboration between Trevor Holt, Jessica Villegas, Ben Barndollar, Kyle Folvag and Craig Bowers – five laser focused Iowans committed to creating music that moves the people of Des Moines, Iowa and beyond...

"Foxholes’ fascination with guitars has always been clear, but that has never limited them. A professional passion for creative evolution and growth can be heard throughout the history of the band’s tracks. Listen and you’ll hear a group on a mission to bring you fresh tunes sweetened with the occasional keyboard, cello, mandolin and glockenspiel."
- from their home page

"Foxholes has been consistently stepping up their game since they began playing shows around Iowa in 2012. Formed as a three-piece indie-rock outfit, the band has now evolved into a five-piece sonic assault ensemble."
- from Ali Henkle on the DMMC (Des Moines Music Coalition) website

"Foxholes is a hard band to describe, but an easy one to enjoy. There’s a definite Iggy Pop and Dinosaur, Jr. vibe that I picked up immediately. But it goes beyond just garage rock."
- from Dave Murphy on a Des Moines Is Not Boring review

"The group describes itself on Facebook as what would result 'if Pixies and the Replacements had a baby, and then that baby was dropped on its head a bunch of times,' but those cheeky references sell it short... they have the conviction, creativity, and chops to own its sound and never comes across as nostalgic..

Holt called the band’s songs 'dark, atmospheric, guitar-centric music,' and said his vision evolved from garage punk to 'songs that have a bit more development and space.'"
- from Jeff Ignatius in the River Cities Reader

"Foxholes have been a revelation themselves, bursting onto the scene with a riff and a yell."
- from Dave Murphy on the Iowaves Music Blog

"They’re like super good at music."
- from Dave Murphy on the Iowaves Music Blog

"Holt explains how Foxholes took their name after the band Television’s song 'Foxhole.'

“'And everybody likes foxes,' Villegas smiles.

“'They’re so trendy right now, they’re the new owl I think,' adds Barndollar.

“'Owls are like a thing of 2010,' said Holt, agreeing on the now blasé owl."
- from Cady Colosimo on the Band Bombshell website

Lineup:
Ben Barndollar - Drums
Craig Bowers - Guitar
Kyle Folvag - Guitar
Trevor Holt - Vocals + Guitar
Jessica Villegas - Bass + Vocals

Home page:
http://foxholesmusic.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FoxholesMusic/

BandCamp:
https://foxholesdsm.bandcamp.com/

To download this podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode42/Iowa%20Music%20Showcase%20-%20Episode%2042.mp3

Labels: 2010s, 2015, A Different Kind of Animal (song), Ben Barndollar, Craig Bowers, Des Moines, Des Moines area, Ep 042, Foxholes (band), indie music, Iowa Music Showcase Live, Jessica Villegas, Kyle Folvag, Trevor Holt

IMSC Ep 42 - Song 2: "Dirt Road Soul" by Danny Grause

"Danny Grause is not a traditional country artist. Fortunately for him, his fans don't really care. His music sits comfortably in their playlists somewhere between Merle Haggard and Maroon 5, providing a fresh combination of gravel and groove for those who believe 'Country' is merely a state of mind. Danny has been described as 'the theoretical love child of Willie Nelson and Chaka Khan', both for his style of performance and his song craftsmanship. On stage with his supporting band the 'Black Dirt Kings' his music takes the listener on a virtual road trip full of twists and turns and occasional stops in funky town. In 2010 Danny's signature sound caught the attention of some kindred spirits when a demo of 'Don't Tell Mama' made the Top 15 our of more than 700 acts in the 'Sailing Southern Ground Contest', created and judged by none other than CMA and Grammy award-winning 'Zac Brown Band'. His music has also been featured in radio, television, and most recently in the new ad campaign for the 'Hotsy' corporation. Deliberately unpolished and unapologetic, Danny's commanding stage presence is just what you would expect from a carpenter's son who's proud of every callous and scar he's earned along the way."
- from his home page

""Ladies and gentlemen please welcome the Midwest Maverick, the 6-string machine, Iowa’s Funky Cowboy… Mr. Danny Grause.'

"Don’t let the ball cap and boots fool you. Danny Grause is not a traditional country artist. Fortunately for him, his fans don’t really care. His music sits comfortably in their play lists somewhere between Merle Haggard and Maroon 5, providing a fresh mix of gravel and groove for anyone who believes that 'country' is merely a state of mind. His style has been described in many ways.. When asked, Danny keeps it simple by saying 'I’m a country boy at heart but somewhere along the line I developed this groovy, soulful side and I can’t help but let it out.'" - from his ReverbNation page

"It’d be a gross understatement to simply refer to Danny Grause as a 'country singer...It is his unbridled perspective toward his craft that truly defines Danny Grause and his music – much more thoroughly than any musical genre could.'"
- from Nicole Weigand in the Boone News Republican

“I love your beard.”
- from Sara Buxton backstage

Lineup:
Danny Grause
Brandon Mills
Mitch Schultz
BJ Conway
Genevieve Salamone

Home page:
http://www.dannygrause.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Danny-Grause-Music-203193329808427/

ReverbNation:
https://www.reverbnation.com/dannygrause

To download this podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode42/Iowa%20Music%20Showcase%20-%20Episode%2042.mp3

Labels: 2010s, 2012, Americana, Ames area, BJ Conway, Brandon Mills, country (genre), country music,Danny Grause, Dirt Road Soul (song), Ep 042, Genevieve Salamone, Iowa Music Showcase Live, Mitch Schultz,Nevada

IMSC Ep 42 - Song 3: "What You Want" by The Paige Harpin Group

"Close your eyes and allow the smooth, confident creations of Paige Harpin to transport you to simpler times.

"With a cool and collected, laid-back swagger seldom seen since the days of the most iconic soul and jazz performers of eras past, Harpin delivers a formula inspired by nothing less than the very best of those times—and likewise, their most powerful modern counterparts (e.g., Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and D'angelo). Backed by a foundation of appropriately self-assured instrumentals, Harpin's arresting vocal prowess is front and center, guiding you through her sonic soundscapes with grace and geniality. There's a relatability and a sense of comforting familiarity felt when absorbing the work of Paige Harpin; something akin to catching up with an old friend or reminiscing on lost loves, more so with fondness than any kind of pain in your heart. It's soothing and nostalgic, self-reflective and ofttimes vulnerable—but most importantly, it's real...

"If you're in need of a respite from the woes of love, life, and everything in between, or if you need to connect with something on a deeper level to feel a surge of life once more, submerge yourself in the depths of Paige Harpin's impassioned offerings.. and feel a revitalized sense of self with a newfound musical adoration resonating within you."
- from their Facebook page

Ep 42 - Song 4: "Java Jews Theme Song" by The Java Jews

"Tired of Disco, Punk Rock, and Lawrence Welk? Well then, you've come to the right place! You're connected to the always popular Java Jews! The world's first Klezmer band to perform at the Iowa State Fair!

"** Playing all your Eastern-European favorites from about 1910, along with other stuff in ways you can't even imagine.**...

"Java Jews has at its core a 7 -person ensemble that plays highly-caffeinated klezmer music. Led by Abe Goldstien* (accordion) and Mark Finkelstein (trumpet), the remainder of the band includes some of Des Moines' Iowa's finest jazz players. Hence, highly- caffeinated klezmer . In addition to popular klezmer tunes, we also perform klezmer covers of Miles Davis, standards, and Israeli pop. We play at coffee houses, synagogues and churches, bar mitzvahs, parties and art & civic events...

"Come on by one of our upcoming performances. 'You're guaranteed a good time -- or your money back!" [Offer not valid in Nevada or in other states ending in 'a']"
- from the Java Jews official website

"Organized in 2002, the Java Jews play what they refer to as "highly-caffeinated" klezmer music — a mix of Yiddish and Hebrew melodies combined with dixeland, avant-garde jazz, and a touch of Spike Jones. The group has performed throughout the Midwest for festivals, concerts, community events and private parties.

"Klezmer music is upbeat. Klezmer music is tender. Klezmer music is hand-clapping. Klezmer music is tear-jerking. In the hands of the Java Jews it’s always fun!"
- from their ReverbNation page

Ep 42 - Song 5: "Queen of Everything" by Patresa Hartman (plus the music video)

“Patresa Hartman has been a breath of fresh air in the Des Moines musical landscape. Someone who’s so humble and dismissive of her own talents would ordinarily make one weary and on the lookout for signs of disingenuousness. But Hartman is as earnest as the day is long, and that’s the trait that shines through the strongest in her singing. Whether she’s singing about relationships, aging or the longing for a simpler time, Hartman believes every iota of what she’s selling you, and that makes you believe it, too... It’s just a woman and her guitar, over and over again, and you never want it to stop. Hartman’s a clever writer, an honest story teller and a beautiful singer.”
- from Chad Taylor in a Cityview Magazine review

"Hartman is proudly carrying the torch of the Iowa Sound that dates back decades. Artists like Greg Brown, Dave Moore and Bonnie Koloc should be happy to know that Hartman is continuing the roots tradition they established while cutting her own distinctive groove into the Iowa landscape."
- from Joe Lawler in a Cityview review

"Patresa Hartman brings the mature and soulful voice of a woman who has something to say.

"Performances are driven by a dynamic set of original songs in what Hartman calls “soul-folk” style. Taking turns behind the guitar and the piano, Hartman’s compositions and delivery meld musical flavors of soul, blues, folk, and even contemporary country. Listeners have compared her to Adele, Ingrid Michaelson, Ani Difranco, and Bonnie Raitt. Confessional lyrics and heart-opening melodies weave together with relatable storytelling to make every performance an intimate one and every audience a gathering of friends."
- from Kyli Selburn on the DMMC (Des Moines Music Coalition) website

Lineup:
Patresa - Acoustic Guitar, All vocals
Jenny Kohls - Electric Guitar
Renee Potts Flanagan - Drums
Gavin Moore - Bass
Rachel Gulick - Trumpet

Photo by Melissa Stukenholtz
http://www.gormanhousephoto.com/
https://www.facebook.com/GormanHousePhotography/

Home page:
http://www.patresahartman.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/patresahartmanmusic/

ReverbNation:
https://www.reverbnation.com/patresahartman

To download this podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode42/Iowa%20Music%20Showcase%20-%20Episode%2042.mp3

Labels: 2010s, 2016, Des Moines, Des Moines area, Ep 042, folk music, Gavin Moore, Iowa Music Showcase Live, Jenny Kohls, Patresa Hartman, progressive soul, Queen of Everything (song), Rachel Gulick, Renee Potts Flanagan

IMSC Ep 42 - Extra: Videos of The Dick Danger Band

"Top forty R&B band booking now!" - from their Facebook page

"We are a five piece Funky Top 40 R&B band we play anything from Bruno Mars to Jame Brown and Jimi Hendrix to Prince you will want to get up and get funktified when you hear this electrifying band!"
- from the band for this event

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Dick-Danger-Band-of-Des-Moines-330365457164855/

Labels: 2010s, 2016, All Along the Watchtower (song), Des Moines, Des Moines area, Dick Danger Band, Ep 042, funk, Hit the Road Jack (song), Iowa Music Showcase Live, Let's Go Crazy (song), RnB, soul (genre), soul music

IMSC Ep 42 - Song 6: "Way Out" (excerpt) by Robert Espe

"Raised in Independence, Iowa, Robert Espe began his musical career at the age of three, when his parents enrolled him in Suzuki violin training. Eventually, he would go on to learn piano, saxophone, flute and clarinet before graduating high school. In college, he played lead alto and lead tenor in the University of Northern Iowa's legendary Jazz Band One, and was briefly the concertmaster of the UNI Symphony Orchestra. He eventually graduated from UNI in 2011 with a B.S. in Bioinformatics, and a minor in Music.

"During his tenure at UNI and since, Robert has performed professionally in venues from NYC to Portland. His extensive pedigree includes performing with many Iowa-bred bands such as Lick It Ticket, Euforquestra, The Uniphonics, Bob Dorr and the Blue Band, Big Funk Guarantee, and Checker and the Bluetones, and ensembles such as the Des Moines Symphony and the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony, Orchestra Iowa, Wartburg Symphony, Jim McDonough's Holiday Grande, and Theatre Cedar Rapids. As an educator, he directed the Independence Jazz Band from Independence High School during the '09-'10 jazz season, and has been a counselor for jazz camps at IHS, UNI, and Simpson College He also works with local schools and students as an instructor and advisor."
- from his home page

Ep 42 - Song 7: "Lookin' Fly" by prettygirlhatemachine

"Independent hip hop from Des Moines, IA. Two emcees and one deejay. We be gettin' down with no delay."
- from their Bandcamp page

"prettygirlhatemachine is a three piece hip hop outfit hailing from Des Moines, Iowa. Consisting of Toby Diligent (emcee/producer), D Average (emcee/producer), and J Fresh (deejay/producer). The three of them are very close friends and have been making music together for over five years."
- from their ReverbNation page

"A group of girls, usually preps between 13 and 21, who think they are inherently better than everyone else and as such have the right to make other girls feel inferior."
- from Urban Dictionary

Lineup:
Toby Diligent - vocals
D Average - vocals
J-Fresh - turntablism
Greg Brown - fresh guitras
Device - additional turntablism and guitars

Home page:
http://prettygirlhatemachine.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/prettygirlhatemachine/

BandCamp:
https://www.facebook.com/prettygirlhatemachine/

To download this podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode42/Iowa%20Music%20Showcase%20-%20Episode%2042.mp3

Labels: 2010s, 2015, D Average, Des Moines, Des Moines area, Device., Ep 042, Greg Brown, hip-hop, Iowa Music Showcase Live, J-Fresh, Lookin Fly (song), prettygirlhatemachine (band), rap, Toby Diligent

IMSC Ep 42 - Song 8: "Rest Your Head" by Hallowed Hysteria

"We are HALLOWED HYSTERIA, Iowa's own Homegrown Heavy Metal. Consisting of five members Hallowed Hysteria utilizes the talents of each person to take the music to a whole new level. All the songs are original material that brings new life to a dying music scene. We continually strive to be better, always working our asses off to offer you the fan the best dam show we can put on. We're often asked what genre of metal we are, we're HEAVY METAL. Catch us at our next show!"
- from their Facebook page

Lineup:
Dylan Main- Drums
Andy Elton- Bass
Jordan Neal-Lead Guitar
Colton Welch- Rhythm Guitar
Taylor Boyce- Vocals

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/HallowedHysteriaOfficial/

ReverbNation:

https://www.reverbnation.com/hallowedhysteria

To download this podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode42/Iowa%20Music%20Showcase%20-%20Episode%2042.mp3

Labels: 2010s, 2016, Andy Elton, Colton Welch, Des Moines, Des Moines area, Dylan Main, Ep 042, Hallowed Hysteria (band), heavy metal, Iowa Music Showcase Live, Jordan Neal, metal music, Rest Your Head (song),Taylor Boyce

IMSC Ep 42 - Song 9: "say it with me!" by JC//jp

"JCϟjp is a musical and philosophical collaboration between composer/saxophonist/laptopist Justin K Comer and composer/violinist/laptopist jason palamara. Their recently released self titled album joins laptop infused loops with digital distortion and nonsensical robot soliloquies, presided over by soaring violin lines and growling saxophone riffs."
- from Jason Palamara for the Iowa Music Showcase Live event