IMSC Ep 5 - Song 4: "The Fossil Lights" by Prisms &Portals

"Prisms & Portals’ music might be described as hypnotic, progressive, cinematic and explosive instrumental rock, interspersed with electronic music, glitchy textures and droning ambient soundscapes. Subtle influences may be heard throughout the music spanning from bands such as Tool, King Crimson, Vessels, 65daysofstatic, Woven, Aphex Twin, Jacaszek and more."

- Shaun Riekena of Prisms & Portals

Lineup:

All instruments - Shaun Riekena

Additional atmospheric guitars - Todd Riekena

Website: 
http://www.prismsandportals.com/

Facebook
https://facebook.com/prismsandportals

Bandcamp:

https://prismsandportals.bandcamp.com/

IOWA MUSIC SHOWCASE PODCAST - Episode 4: Iowa Metal Music

On this Valentine's Day weekend, we do a 180 from last time, and showcase some recent metal music from our fair state! Because what more's metal than the risk of getting your heart ripped to shreds! Yeah!

And, yes, IMSC can jump from hip-hop to metal! That's the way we roll, folks!

But seriously, Iowa metal, like Iowa hip-hop, is a thriving, if often neglected, scene! And, a surprise to some people, even Iowans, our metal scene is more than just Slipknot!

All the tunes here were sent in when I sent out word of doing a metal show on Facebook. Your music, metal or any different genre, can joined this esteem group! Just send an audio file or link to a free download to iowamusicshowcase@gmail.com!

If you want to know about the song or the artist, just click on the name...

Opening - Iowa Music Showcase opening by Dylan Boyle

Song 1 - "Day Late $hort" by HeavyWeight

Song 2 - "The Mirror Never Lies" by Unity

Song 3 - "Triplets (demo)" by Arent We All

Song 4 - "Mirrors (demo)" by The Point Past Insanity

Song 5 - "Angel on Sunday" by Lakeshore

Closing - Iowa Music Showcase closing by Dylan Boyle

All rights reserved by the composers and performers. Used by their kind permission.

To download
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode4/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode4_vbr_mp3.zip

Next week: The early birds! Some of my first submissions!

Iowa Music Showcase can be listened to and/or downloaded on the following sites:
Home page: http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Iowa-Music-Showcase/364796883703114
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/iowa-music-showcase 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXMPcIaIvvs0Aj4zk2JbXdQ/feed
Bandcamp: https://iowamusicshowcase.bandcamp.com/
ReverbNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/iowamusicshowcase
Google+: https://www.google.com/+IowamusicshowcaseBlogspotPodcast
Tumblr: http://iowamusicshowcase.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/IAMusicShowcase/
Other websites:
Spotify profile: https://play.spotify.com/user/iowamusicshowcase
Spotify playlist: https://play.spotify.com/user/iowamusicshowcase/playlist/28c74Ooze3Wk9sH9VezvMf
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamusicshowcase
Instagram: https://instagram.com/iowamusicshowcase

IMSC Ep 4 - Song 1: "Day Late $hort" by HeavyWeight

"Hailing from the small overlooked town of Muscatine, IA, HeavyWeight started out as just a means for 5 guys to play music while holding down the basic adult juggling act of family and work.  With musical backgrounds ranging from doom style rock/ metal to the fast paced hardcore style, HeavyWeight molds all these sounds into one solid monster wall of sound.

"Expect nothing less from HeavyWeight then a high energy show and a loud ringing in your ears when it's over."Mat
- from their website

Lineup:
Matt Parrott - Guitar
Jason Wieskamp - Guitar
Sam Koester - Drums
Scott Moomey - Bass
Nathan Regennitter - Vocals

Website: http://heavyweightiowa.wix.com/hvwt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeavyWeight.IA

Bandcamp: https://heavyweightiowa.bandcamp.com/

IMSC Ep 4 - Song 2: "The Mirror Never Lies" by Unity

"Unity is a Melodic Power metal band from Iowa.  It was formed in November 2010 by Alonso “Zo” Donoso.  Alonso decides to leave his previous band and start a new musical project.  Zo’s idea was to create music that was more European oriented and Melodic, yet powerful and raw.

"Unity’s music could be described as Melodic Heavy Metal with European Power Metal influences. Unity takes influences from different bands and backgrounds to create something fresh but yet classic with catchy riffs and powerful melodies."

- from their website

IMSC Ep 4 - Song 3: "Triplets (demo)" by Arent We All

"Founded by Des Moines based musicians & long time collaborators; Ben Shields, HorHey Pachelli and Mark Boals. Mike Farrell joined the band on vocals in 2010 after a tour of duty in Iraq, and Arent We All spent the next two years writing music. Finally making their debut in 2012 in Des Moines at The House of Bricks.

"Drawing influences from all the different genres of music that have influenced them throughtout the years. Arent We All strives to employ a unique sound implementing powerful drumming, unique bass riffs, and haunting guitar to bring this band together.

"Come see a show, listen to the music, watch the video, we dont care. Love us, hate us, tolerate us, doesnt matter. Just enjoy whatever music you want to enjoy, we just hope you enjoy ours."
- from their ReverbNation page

Lineup:
Mark Boals- Drums
Ben Shields- Guitar/vocals
Mike Feral- Vocals
HorHey Pachelli- Bass/ Vocals

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

ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/arentweall

Ep 4 - Song 4: "Mirrors (demo)" by The Point Past Insanity

"The Point Past Insanity originates out of Iowa & is a metal-core band that is still pretty fresh in the scene.They do however have an EP almost finished. They are heavily influenced by Oh Sleeper, The Haunted, and The Color Morale. They are pretty chill guys, catch them in town someday for an ecstatic performance!"
- Sophia Marie Wheeler - One Zine,One Love.

Lineup:
Stephen VanPoortFliet - Lead Vocals
Michael Fleming-Wiegand - Rhythm Guitar
Austin Bemisdarfer - Lead Guitar
Sloan Janssen - Drums
Nick Jordan -Bass

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepointpastinsanity

ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/thepointpastinsanity

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/the-point-past-insanity

IMSC Ep 4 - Song 5: "Angel on Sunday" by Lakeshore

"Lakeshore is a four-piece new age music group with primarily rock/post-hardcore influences."

- from their website

Their influences include Blessthefall, Memphis May Fire, Hands Like Houses, Atreyu, Avenged Sevenfold, A Day to Remember, Bullet For My Valentine, I See Stars, and many more.

Lineup:

Spencer Cole – Drums/Vocals
Brice Berger – Lead Guitar
Taylor Davis – Bass
Luke McMichael – Vocals/Guitar

Website: http://lakeshoreband.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lakeshorebandofficial

Bandcamp: http://lakeshor.bandcamp.com/

IOWA MUSIC SHOWCASE PODCAST - Episode 3: The Hip-Hop of Media Fresh Entertainment

This episode, we are spotlighting the hip-hop of Des Moines' Media Fresh Entertainment. This young group of talented individuals opened up for the 2014 Gross Domestic Product and took the crowd by a storm.

"While several local acts put on great shows, Media Fresh’s performance at Wooly’s blew me away. All members in at least one article of black clothing, looking uniform but not too matchy-matchy, this group of young rappers (some of whom are reportedly still in high school) brought more energy than any other group I saw. With one DJ and anywhere from 3-8 other group members onstage they created a Wu-Tang/Odd Future vibe. They had all the rap skills and precision one hopes to see from an emerging hip-hop collective coupled with the unpredictable, vivacious stage presence of OF. At one point several Media Fresh members joined the audience, dancing with the crowd while cheering on the members that remained onstage. With sick rhymes and dope beats the raw talent of the group was undeniable."
- Cady Colosimo from Band Bombshell

IMSC Ep 3 - Song 1: "Counter Culture" by MarKaus

"Originally from the Kansas City area, MarKaus is the true definition of Hip Hop. Someone who believes in each of the key elements of the art from. From lyricism to enlightenment, anything that is sincerely Hip Hop, is MarKaus."
- from his ReverbNation page

ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/markausmusic

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWgXZumU6zmmiaMfQRAYMJg

Ep 3 - Song 2: "Nothing to It" by Breazy Low

"What it do my peoples? My name is Breazy Low from the midwest (Specifically the DMI). I'm 17 years young and out here doin' what alot of these older cats can't do, make QUALITY music. Feel me? Me and my niggas we really out here tryna do this so show some love and support the kid."
- from his ReverbNation page

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/breazylow

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/lorxlu

Bandcamp: https://mediafresh.bandcamp.com/album/lord-lu

IMSC Ep 3 - Song 3: "June Dreams" by KIDD

"KIDD is a Producer/Emcee currently residing in Minnesota. He is a member of the producer duo "Head Bangaz" along with T3."

- MarKaus from Media Fresh

IMSC Ep 3 - Song 4: "Ignorant Shit" by Tempest Musik

"Tempest Muzik is an emcee based in Des Moines. This secretive artist is working on a mixtape which should be out near the end of the year."

- MarKaus from Media Fresh

Ep 3 - Song 5 - "So Dope" by Media Fresh (Breazy Low, Equinox[X], MarKaus, and Top Flight)

"MediaFresh Entertainment is an indie label focused on bringing the best hip hop and soul music out of the midwest. Started in 2012, be on the watch for our upcoming releases and tour dates."
- from their Bandcamp page

MediaFresh home page: http://mediafreshtv.com/

MediaFresh Bandcamp: http://mediafresh.bandcamp.com/

IMSC Ep 3 - Song 6: "Lifestyle Choice" by Top Flight feat MarKaus and Breazy Low

"Top Flight is a 19 year old Emcee from Des Moines. Recently recorded an EP executed produced by Exo Morales to be released soon."

- MarKaus of Media Fresh

Ep 3 - Song 7: "Man with a Gun" by MarKaus

"Originally from the Kansas City area, MarKaus is the true definition of Hip Hop. Someone who believes in each of the key elements of the art from. From lyricism to enlightenment, anything that is sincerely Hip Hop, is MarKaus."

- from MarKaus' ReverbNation page

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

ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/markausmusic

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWgXZumU6zmmiaMfQRAYMJg

EPISODE 2: My Board of Trustees

For my second episode, I thought it only fair I feature a group of people I call my "Board of Trustees". These are four people who provided plenty of morale support and good practical advice when I was trying to put together a Christmas album (it never happened) and when I was getting this podcast started. So in return for their wonderful help and support, they get a big spotlight on one of my earliest episodes!

 

If you want to know about the song or the artist, just click on the name...

Opening - Iowa Music Showcase Opening - Dylan Boyle
Song 1 - "The Nihilist" by Dylan Boyle
Song 2 - "Bruise (live)" by The Spartan Blue
Song 3 - "Hey, Away We Go to Spain" by Strong Like Bear
Song 4 - "03" by Tires
Closing - Iowa Music Showcase Closing - Dylan Boyle

All rights reserved by the composers and performers. Used by their kind permission.

To download:
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode2/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode2_vbr_mp3.zip

Next episode: The hip-hop sounds of Media Fresh Entertainment!

Iowa Music Showcase can be listened to and/or downloaded on the following sites:
Home page: http://iowamusicshowcase.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Iowa-Music-Showcase/364796883703114
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/iowa-music-showcase
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXMPcIaIvvs0Aj4zk2JbXdQ/feed
Bandcamp: https://iowamusicshowcase.bandcamp.com/
ReverbNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/iowamusicshowcase
Google+: https://www.google.com/+IowamusicshowcaseBlogspotPodcast
Tumblr: http://iowamusicshowcase.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/IAMusicShowcase/

Other websites:
Spotify profile: https://play.spotify.com/user/iowamusicshowcase
Spotify playlist: https://play.spotify.com/user/iowamusicshowcase/playlist/28c74Ooze3Wk9sH9VezvMf Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamusicshowcase
Instagram: https://instagram.com/iowamusicshowcase

Labels: alternative music, alternative rock, blues (genre), Dylan Boyle, Ep 002, indie music, My Board of Trustees, podcast episodes, podcasts, rock music, Spartan Blue (band), Strong Like Bear (band), Tires (band)

Ep 2 - Song 1: "The Nihilist" by Dylan Boyle

The first member of my "Board of Trustees" is Dylan Boyle. Dylan has been part of the central Iowa music scene for a few years now. I first met through Lavonne McRoberts and her band Peace, Love, and Stuff, for which plays guitar. Since then, we come to be friends. And when I was working on a Christmas album (that didn't pan out) and this podcast, he was a strong supporter and gung ho on both ideas!

"Music and the need to play guitar became an important part of Dylan Boyle's life after hearing Led Zeppelin in 7th grade. Although deaf in one ear from an early age, the technicality, soul and emotion of early blues rock drove him to pick up an instrument and delve into the mastery of guitar players from Jimi Hendrix to Steve Vai, and most importantly, Iron Maiden.

"While playing guitar in Burlington High School's jazz ensemble, Boyle fell in love with the simplicity and feel of Chicago blues players, leading him to further examine recordings of early blues guitar players and eventually learn to play slide guitar from an obsession with Rory Gallagher.

"When given a chance to play a few songs live with Burlington folk artist Bob Saar, and after seeing Radoslav Lorkovic and Dave Zollo at The Blue Shop - owned by David Hazell, brother to Patrick Hazell of Mother Blues Band fame - Boyle gained an appreciation for Eastern Iowa folk and blues artists and the Hacklebarney sound.'"
- From Dylan's Facebook page

Lineup:
Dylan Boyle - guitars/vocals

Photo by Lucas Moser of Aim for Saturn Photography, and a member of the Iowa Concert Photographers collective, from The Space for Ames 13-hour 5th anniversary show in February of 2013 while performing with Risky Revival.

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

ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/dylanboyle

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/dylanisblue

IMSC Ep 2 - Song 2: "Bruise (live)" by The Spartan Blue

Jen Allen is the second member of my "Board of Trustees". She is spunky gal is quickly becoming my second favorite short person. (My 4 foot 11 1/2 inches daughter is, of course, #1!) But Jen always has a kind word, a suggestion, and encouragement when I consult with my board!

Jen Allen is probably best know for her now defunct band, Hath No Fury, but her new band The Spartan Blue is starting to get a buzz. The song used here is from their upcoming album and was recorded live at The Vaudeville Mews by Chad Taylor of the Band Bombshell website and the Des Moines weekly Cityview.

"We're just a little indie rock band, but we're hoping to be some of the glue that helps hold your disintegrating world together. A little something to remind you of what you want, and what you don't want, and who you want to be. A little something to awaken the ache in you that lets you know you're alive, and breathing, and that YOU matter, and what you DO matters...

The Spartan Blue speaks of those quiet, still moments when life is crashing all around you. Take what you need, get rid of what you don't.

Jen Allen writes the bones of our songs, playing guitar and writing the lyrics. They are raw, bare pieces of honesty, faults, determination, love, and absolute heartbreak. She is joined by Jay Corigliano, whose diverse experience makes him a powerful addition on the drums as well as vocal harmonies, adding a unique flavor to this indie rock experience."
- from their Facebook page

Lineup:
Jen Allen - Vox/Guitar
Jay Corigliano - Drums/Vox/Mumbling
Jim Corigliano - Bass/Vox/Awesome

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

IMSC Ep 2 - Song 3: "Hey, Away We Go to Spain" by Strong Like Bear

The third member of my "Board of Trustees" is Bryon Dudley. Bryon is well known in the Ames and Central Iowa music scenes. He started and runs Nova Labs Records for one thing! Also started and runs The Spacement Recording Studio! Writes for the Rid of Me music blog! Is married to the lovely Rachel Dudley!

And top of all that is one of the nicest and sweetest guys you could know.

Oh yeah, he also is in numerous bands! And Strong Like Bear is certainly the one closest to his heart.

"Strong Like Bear is a song-focused band from Ames, Iowa that has played music since 2006. Percussionist Rachel 'Rat' Dudley & bassist Greg Bruna provide grooves and beats to the sweet-yet-edgy and melodic songs. SLB's vocal harmonies have earned them acclaim from fans and clubs alike. They released their first EP, "Seekiing Ghosts," in 2010. SLB has played at the Des Moines Social Club, Cafe Diem, The Ritual Cafe, Headliner's, DG's Taphouse, The Maintenance Shop, Ames Progressive, The Surf Ballroom, Thumbs, the Ames Public Library, Cafe Milo, Stomping Grounds, several Iowa State University functions/benefits, frequent Member's Appreciation Days at Wheatsfield Co-Op, Prarie Moon, and the Unity Unplugged benefit in Marshalltown. They have been featured on Scented Vinyl, KCCQ's "The Garage," the Insider Iowa sessions, and many others."
- From their Facebook page

Lineup:
guitarist/vocalist - Bryon Dudley
percussionist/vocalist - Rachel Dudley
guitarist/vocalist - Jordan Mull
bassist - Greg Bruna
percussionist - Dave Atchison

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Strong-Like-Bear/42212906131

Bandcamp: https://stronglikebear.bandcamp.com/

Ep 2 - Song 4: "03" by Tires

The fourth member of my "Board of Trustees" is Andrew Smith. If you're any part of the central Iowa music scene, the chances are you've seen this raven-haired, bespectacled middle-age man. He attends at least 3 shows a week of various genres. And was in fact, chosen as the first recepient of The Greater Des Moines Music Coalition's (DMMC) Music Fan of the Year Award at last year's Backstage Ball.

Andrew Smith is not a musician though. So I just let him choose a track to feature on this podcast. And he chose "03" by Tires.

"Electronic rock band Tires plays primarily instrumental music, with an emphasis on groove and a layered palette (including the occasional electric drill on guitar). The huge sound produced is accomplished by just two people: Phil Young on guitar and electronic sound manipulations, and Jordan Mayland on drums and synthesizers. The two are in a virtual “who’s who” of Iowa bands, including The Wheelers, The Volcano Boys, The Mantis Pincers, Nuclear Rodeo, and many others."

- Bryon Dudley for The Greater Des Moines Music Coalition (http://www.desmoinesmc.com/category/local-news/gdp/page/7/)

Lineup:
Phil Young - keys, guitar, samples
Jordan Mayland - keys, guitar, drums
Chris Marshall - guitar, drums
Cory Wendell - bass, percussion
sometimes Joryn Brown - drums, keys

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

Bandcamp: https://tires.bandcamp.com/

ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/tires<