Kishi Bashi Leaves of Montreal
Just over two months after releasing his debut LP 151a, of Montreal violinist K Ishibashi announced his departure from the Athens, GA rock group in a note via Facebook, saying:
“I’m both happy and sad to announce that Kishi Bashi is now my full-time job, thanks to your generous support. I’m happy for the obvious reasons, but extremely sad that I have to part ways with my of Montreal family for awhile.“
The writing has been on the wall for the last several weeks as the buzz around 151a has grown steadily. Kishi Bashi, as has been his moniker as a solo artist, has received wide praise for the record, which was recently selected by the staff of NPR Music as one of the best albums of the year. The staff has remained smitten since Kishi Bashi stopped by their offices for his Tiny Desk performance featured below. With such exposure, the question quickly became when, not if, the violinist would set out on his own.
The news is big for Indianapolis record label Joyful Noise Recordings, who released both 151a and Kishi Bashi’s 2011 EP Room for a Dream . Joyful Noise is also home to of Montreal. I recently had the pleasure of baring witness to Kishi Bashi’s considerable talent at the label’s Fountain Square headquarters. The intimate performance was not unlike the video above, with the violinist rendering a roomful of fortunate listeners speechless. Check out IndyRock Live’s review of the show for more.
Kishi Bashi officially kicks off his summer tour at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works on July 16. Check out his complete list of summer tour dates. I can promise a unique performance not quickly forgotten.
Connect with Kishi Bashi via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Rob Peoni
Album Review: Sleeping Bag Debut LP via Joyful Noise Recordings
Indianapolis’ Joyful Noise Recordings inked Bloomington based band Sleeping Bag in July and released their self-titled LP this month. The moving and shaking that it took to produce this album reflects the foundation that these tracks proclaim. It’s not perfect, and at times it can be redundant. Sleeping Bag‘s influences are readily apparent, and as a young band, they are still attempting to carve out a unique sound. Although innovation is lacking I think this melting pot is what makes their album more than tolerable and often down right fun.
Thoughts on Sleeping Bag:
- Slime – Good kicker. 90’s power chords. I immediately search for a current comparison. Diamond Rings fills the gap
- Sunroom – Simplistic vibe carries onward
- Rental – This song would rule on a jukebox
- Acer – Is Albert Hammond Jr. playing this riff?
- Beside – Giddy up!
- Desker – This song would do alright in Casbah.
- Minus – Thicky thick bass line.
- Ben – Acoustic shoots, vocals shine
- Someone – Bros went Lo-Fi with this one.
- Scone Zone – Lacking feeling
- Another Time – Do! Do! Do! Do! Do!
Buy Sleeping Bag’s latest release on Bandcamp. http://sleepingbag.bandcamp.com/. It is YOUR opportunity to support local music.
Written by Brett McGrath
Thought on Tracks 
Tonight: First Friday music in the Murphy Building
First Fridays have blossomed into some of Indianapolis’ most exciting summer evenings for local art lovers. Originally established to bolster the city’s under-appreciated visual arts scene, First Fridays have grown to encompass a variety musical events as well. Two intriguing offerings will take place at Fountain Square’s Murphy Building this evening.
The new Do317 Lounge will play host to local singer and multi-instrumentalist KO Noel. Formerly of Slothpop, KO has quickly established herself as one of my favorite new Indy artists of 2012. It has been fun to watch her confidence as a solo performer quickly grow since her Record Store Day debut at LUNA Records. Listen to “i will run while it’s dark” for a taste of the sensational vocal loops that will be on display in the intimate new space. The show is free, and Upland Brewery will be on hand serving frothy beverages, and work by local artist Mandy Steinbeck will be on display. Find more info at Do317.
Just down the hall, local label Joyful Noise Recordings will double as a performance space for singer-songwriters Richard Edwards, of Margot and the Nuclear So and Sos, and Adam Kuhn. Edwards always puts on a terrific show. The show will also feature artwork from Kat Johnson. Check out Edwards’ acoustic take on Margot track “New York City Hotel” from 2010 below. Both shows kick off at 8 and space is limited. Visit Do317 for more info on the show.
Written by Rob Peoni