IMSC Ep 58 - Song 3: "High on Christmas" by Dan Bee

"Dan Bee started off life stillborn in Evanston IL in the mid 1970's. After his revival he did the normal baby thing, then the toddler thing. After going through some torturous years being picked on and ostracized as a teenager the pure isolation led him to lock up in a room with a guitar becoming a musician. Today he is an adult man child making music which aids him to bypass the crippling nature of his normal reclusiveness.

"Dan Bee is a songwriter who marches to the beat of his own drum. He does what he does and does it as well as he can. Some people will like it and some people will not. The music isn't trying to be anything in particular other than an expression of the emotion the songwriter is going through at the time of creation.

"Dan Bee is one of those weird musicians who doesn't really care about what guitar they are playing on or playing with technical skill. While those things do have their merits, Dan feels as long as what you do has passion and you have passion for it then that is enough.

"The music on this page can and will be anything from a rough acoustic demo recorded on a cell phone in a bedroom, to a full band of friends recorded in a lush studio.

"Here you go, have a listen and enjoy your life. :)"
- from his Facebook page

Lineup:
Dan Bobek - vocals, instruments

IMSC Ep 35 - Song 4: "Minotaur" by Foxholes

"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. Hack a band member’s phone (please don’t) and you’ll find influential indie rock playlists littered with Pixies, the Jesus and Mary Chain, Velvet Underground, The Replacements and the like.

"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.

"While shows outside of Iowa are not uncommon for the band, the Des Moines music scene is near and dear to the hearts of Foxholes members. If making the best rock music out there is their number one priority, contributing to, promoting and supporting the musical talent of Iowa is a close second. A group of five friends, making and supporting music – that’s Foxholes."
- from their home page

"Now, Foxholes didn’t exactly come out of nowhere, but they are finally starting to get the attention they deserve. Foxholes is a band that has been making a lot of noise in Des Moines. Their quick and grimy rock has been bringing them attention and accolades for a little while now...

"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. Foxholes’ listed influences are undeniable, but the band has the conviction, creativity, and chops to own its sound and never comes across as nostalgic for the heyday of 120 Minutes – although it might make listeners pine for the era."
- from a River City Reader article

"Foxholes has turned a decent little trick. The band is reminiscent of a lot of other acts without ever feeling wholly derivative. Kicking back and listening to 'Can’t Help Myself,' you’ll find yourself conjuring up images of The Replacements and Dinosaur Jr., and front man Trevor Holt’s smoky voice occupies a space between Iggy Pop and The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas, but the end result is pure Des Moines pop/rock. For a band that’s less than 2 years old, the group has a remarkable level of confidence in what Foxholes is.
- from a Cityview review by Chad Taylor

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

Home page:
https://foxholesdsm.bandcamp.com/

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

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

To download the podcast (right click and hit "Save as..."):
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode35/Iowa%20Music%20Showcase%20-%20Episode%2035_.mp3

Labels: 2010s, 2014, Ben Barndollar, Craig Bowers, Des Moines, Des Moines area, Ep 035, Foxholes (band),Halloween, Halloween 2016, Indie Rock, Jessica Villegas, Kyle Folvag, Minotaur (song), shoegaze, Trevor Halt