Ep 43 - Song 1: "Tsunami" by Permasmile

"PermaSmile began as an idea. A way to describe the turmoil and angst of todays drugged up, do nothing, society of youth and the young at heart. Glued to the television, wasting away, looking towards a brighter tomorrow in the glow of a nuclear revolution. A new world order- An end to the chaos of the Piscean ideals and ushering in a new age.Not for a 1 world system but of the mind and consciousness. Embracing the anarchy & change smothered by our fathers after their failed coup at the end of the 2oth century. New ideas and ideals brought upon by the glow of our Atari, nintendos and playstations. By the morphing of a primal 3-chord leap into the airwaves!

"And now PermaSmile has arrived,fresh from the throws of birth and its ridgid contractions. Surely anyone alive, growing, and embracing 'the new' today will testify to the excitement and energy of customs being shaped and formed before their eyes.

"Its true that our art & music reflects the times. Each decade mocking and destroying the lasts. Building up, out of the flames, a harder and more shocking reality than the last. Meanwhile, secretly embracing the acoustic sounds of love and peace somewhere beneath the bomb ladeled screams of Death Metal and Slipknot. Where does it end? Well, where did it begin?

"Like everything else it began as an idea! \m/ \m/"
- from their ReverbNation page

"PermaSmile is the result of new and old friends coming together for the common goal of creating fresh-original music... (We) are proud and confident that PermaSmile is evolving into the 21st Century and believe you will be too. Thanks for checkin' us out!"
- from their Facebook page

"Utilizing a stripped-down garage sound, the band dabbles in psychedelic rock...

A RIBCO Battle of the Bands appearance last year helped launch Permasmile onto the Quad-City music scene.

Lead guitarist Chad Ramsey, 40, of East Moline, began playing with bassist John Neihaus. The duo put an ad on the Internet and found Shane Quade (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), who recently moved to the Quad-Cities. John Chapman (drums) played in previous bands with Ramsey, and Heat (keys and backing vocals) and Neihaus were friends.

“'It’s like older friends and newer friends meeting up to play some good music,' Ramsey said.

“'It worked out good. We didn’t have to go through a bunch of different people to try different musicians at once. We just knew some people, and everybody is in the right place at the right time.'”
- from a Tripp J Crouse article in The Quad Cities Times

Lineup:
Shayne Quade - Vocals/Guitar
Chad Ramsey - Guitar
John Chapman - Drums/Vocals
HEAT - Vocals, Keyboard
Bleu Quillen- Bass

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/permasmile2223

BandCamp:
https://permasmile.bandcamp.com/

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

To download the podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode43/Iowa%20Music%20Showcase%20-%20Episode%2043_.mp3

Labels: 2010s, 2013, Bleu Quillen, Chad Ramsey, East Moline, Ep 043, Guest Producer Trinity Neal, guest producers, HEAT, John Chapman, Permasmile (band), psychedelic, Quad Cities area, Shayne Quade, Tsunami (song)

IMSC Ep 43 - Song 2: "The Witching Hour" by Ancient Elm

"Ancient Elm is a 3 piece Metal band from Sac City, Iowa"
- from their Facebook biography

"We write music that excites us and we would love to share it with you! Come out to a show and enjoy some music with us!"
- from their Facebook page

Lineup:
Dave - Guitars
Eric Geerdes - Bass, Vocals
Taylor Thompson - Drums

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/ancientelmband/

BandCamp:

https://ancientelm.bandcamp.com/

ReverbNation:

https://www.reverbnation.com/ancientelm

To download the podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":

https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode43/Iowa%20Music%20Showcase%20-%20Episode%2043_.mp3

Labels: 2010s, 2012, Ancient Elm (band), Dave, Ep 043, Eric Geerdes, Fort Dodge area, Guest Producer Trinity Neal, guest producers, hard rock, metal music, Sac City, Sioux City area, Taylor Thompson, Witching Hour (song)

IMSC Ep 43 - Song 3: "Better Day" by HipKnosis

"Featuring the acutely personal but smooth, distinctive lead vocals of songstress Heather Kelly, HipKnosis is a versatile recording act, powered by the accomplished songwriting of pianist and violinist Kelly, bassist Kirk Kaufman and multi-keyboardist Dave Hearn. Melvin James fills the guitar slot with inventive use of electric and acoustic guitars, and Jon Passow provides a solid foundation for the band on drums and percussion...

"HipKnosis started life as H&K, a “medieval pop” duo in 2006, featuring Kaufman on bass guitar, kick drum and vocals, with Kelly on vocals, piano, violin, percussion and cymbals. They were sometimes joined by guitarist Eric Hovey, and later by Melvin James. Hearn began writing songs for the act in 2010, and joined HipKnosis in the studio by the next year. Jon Passow completed the band in 2012."
- from their home page

"Let me get it out of the way now — this is one of the best pop albums I’ve heard all year. The first and most obvious driving force behind the band is vocalist Heather Kelly and that arresting, enchanting voice. But there’s also the work of bassist Kirk Kaufman. He not only anchors the rhythm section throughout the album, but Kaufman’s also the owner and engineer of Junior’s Motel, an outfit that has played host to everyone from Slipknot to Brian Wilson. These two combine their efforts with Melvin James and Dave Hearn to create an album that’s catchy and extremely listenable. “Darkest Dreams” has a throwback feel throughout that alludes to everything from Roxette-style ’80s pop to Jefferson Airplane psychedelia. Top-notch guitar work, tight songwriting and impeccable production, combined with Kelly’s attention-demanding vocals come together to create an album that is unabashedly pop, but pop of the very best variety."
- from a Chad Taylor review in Cityview

Lineup:
Heather Kelly - vocals, piano, violin
Dave Hearn - keyboards
Kirk Kaufman - bass
Melvin James - guitars
Jon Passow - drums

Ep 43 - Song 4: "Promises" by Logan & Bachman

"Logan & Bachman, a brand new project with a friend of mine who has been on many past songs with me. He can actually sing and play guitar. Very talented guy. I rapped the hooks. More songs in the works... This goes out to all the pretty girls I've made cry, I'm sorry, so sorry."
- from the Slowhead Productions Facebook page

Lineup:
Bradley Logan
Ryan Bachman
NOYZWAV

Slowhead Productions on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SlowheadProductions

To download the podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode43/Iowa%20Music%20Showcase%20-%20Episode%2043_.mp3

Labels: 2010s, 2016, Bradley Logan, Ep 043, Guest Producer Trinity Neal, guest producers, hip-hop, Logan & Bachman (band), NOYZWAV, Promises (song), rap, Ryan Bachman

IMSC Ep 43 - Song 5: "Happy" by Far from Innocent

"Rock ‘n’ Roll is dead…? Not if Far From Innocent have a say in it!

"Born out of the wastelands of Northern Iowa, FFI have paved a path of hellfire for the last 3 years. This 4-piece gritty rock band is determined to breathe new life into the sonic textures of rock music. Their mixture of dynamic power guitars, sleek and smooth basslines, in-your-face drums and unfiltered lyrics, topped with multifaceted and powerful vocals, creates original and unique soundscapes that are sure to grab your attention and get you moving.

"Far From Innocent, as their name suggests, have been around the block a few times. They have spent many years honing their skills and mastering their craft, which shows in their ability to crank out undeniably addictive and relatable tunes...

"Their mission? To inspire!…to keep rock alive!…and to keep on rollin'!"
- from their Facebook page

Lineup:
Craig Harkema: bass
HeaterMac Harkema: vocals/guitar
Lance Larsen: drums
Mike Pigman: lead guitar

Photo by Katie Ellingson
http://www.wolfphotographystudio.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/farfrominnocent/

ReverbNation:

https://www.reverbnation.com/farfrominnocent7

To download the podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode43/Iowa%20Music%20Showcase%20-%20Episode%2043_.mp3

Labels: 2010s, Craig Harkema, Ep 043, Ep 059, Far from Innocent (band), Guest Producer Trinity Neal, guest producers, Hampton, Happy (song), hard rock, HeaterMac Harkema, Lance Larsen, Mason City area, Mike Pigman

Ep 43 - Extra: Video of "Trigger Shy" by September

Trinity wanted to include this song, but I couldn't get permission to put it on the podcast, so I include the video here.

UPDATE 3-11-17:
I screwed up. September did give me permission, but I had forgotten.

"SEPTEMBER is the ongoing story of five individuals (Lucas Brighton, Thomas J Brighton, Kyle Christensen, Aaron Jergens and Steve Pundzak) and their journey for retribution, rejuvenation, and reinvention.

"Musically speaking, the result is something technically proficient, yet directly to the point. Many of their songs consistently scream out a message not of despair, but of standing up for yourself and refusing to simply allow yourself to be victimized.

"These five musicians are constantly challenging each other, and themselves, in effort to improve their craft."
- from their ReverbNation page


Lineup:
Lucas - Vocals
Thomas J - Guitar & Vocals
Kyle - Guitars & Programming
Aaron Jergens - Drums

Homepage:
http://septemberofficial.bigcartel.com/

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

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

IMSC Ep 43 - Song 6: "Aquajaunt" by Obsidian's Dream

"Crawling from the cornfields near Ames, IA, Obsidian's Dream was born at a Halloween party in the Iowa countryside."
- from their SonicBids website

"Basementology Experiment in progress."
- from their SoundCloud page

“'We came upon the name when a fortune teller at a music festival said Fook would be knocked unconscious by a large chunk of obsidian while on one of his rock climbing adventures. She insisted that when he woke up, he should try to remember the dream he had because some sort of revelation would be contained within. This hasn't occurred yet, but it seemed like a good name,' Erickson said, when asked how the band acquired its unique name.

'"he band's musical inspiration comes from sounds like the Grateful Dead, Blind Melon, bluegrass, electronic, '70s rock and many more. The band's music could be enjoyed by listeners at any time, from relaxing at home to going out with friends because of its unique and diverse sound.

“'We don’t really fit in any genre except maybe loosely as a "rock band",’ Erickson said.
- from a Sierra Pruiett article in Iowa State Daily

Lineup:
Bertrude Stein - Bass, vocals
Chris "Shaggy" Zeitler - Guitar, trumpeter, lead vocalist
Dean "Dean" Erickson - Keyboards
Fook - Guitar, vocals
Todd "TC" Cumming - Drums

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

BandCamp:
https://obsidiansdream.bandcamp.com/

To download the podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode43/Iowa%20Music%20Showcase%20-%20Episode%2043_.mp3

IMSC Ep 43 - Song 7: "Do It Again (Poured It Out)" by Slowhead

"Better than your average small town dickhead"
- from their Facebook page

"All tractor, no trailer."
-from Taylor Thompson on Facebook

"95% more mentions of hammer violence than all other white rap combined!"
- from Curtis Bloes on Facebook

"A drop of talent in the empty pot called Sac City. If you don't like it, it's just because you're one of the fucks that cannot comprehend something outside of the bubble that is Sac City."
- from Tim Campbell on Facebook

"Slowhead. Is. The. Shit."
- from Brent Erritt on Voice Mail

Lineup:
Buyin Rock, Man - vocals
CeeCee - vocals
NOYZWAV - music

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

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

SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/mowheadrecords

To download the podcast, right click on the link below and hit "Save as...":
https://archive.org/download/IowaMusicShowcaseEpisode43/Iowa%20Music%20Showcase%20-%20Episode%2043_.mp3

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