KaiserCartel - Secret Transit

Hello dear readers! Em here. I've been absent from the blog for a while - I was in the beautiful country of Peru! But I'm back now, and I'm very pleased to have a review of my favorite Brooklyn due KaiserCartel's new album to share with you for my comeback.

For those of you familiar with KaiserCartel, you will probably be a bit surprised by their new self-released album, Secret Transit, which came out on June 8th. Whereas their previous albums will relax you with their hauntingly beautiful harmonies and placid music, this album is going to have tapping your foot and bopping your head to their spunky rock 'n' roll tunes. And whereas I always associate their songs with a kind of melancholy, many of their new songs are full of simple, sweet, romantic lyrics such as "Around You" (about wanting to be around "you") and "Stella," which has lyrics about leaving "the light on for you, just in case you come back late." Of course, there are still a few songs reminiscent of their old sound, like the down-tempo, longing "Mine Field," and the gentle, yearning "The Wait." Some of you may remember this video, but for those who haven't seen it, here's an exclusive video of KaiserCartel behind-the-scenes writing "The Wait" last summer. It's evolved a lot since that session, so I find it really interesting to look back.

Ready To Go [mp3] - (Amazon / iTunes)

Tour Dates (more to be announced):

06/15 Evanston, IL @ SPACE w/ Jeremy Messersmith
06/16 Iowa City, IA @ The Mill w/ Jeremy Messersmith
06/17 Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Cultural Center w/Kid Dakota
06/18 Milwaukee, WI @ Club Garibaldi’s w/Jeremy Messersmith
06/21 London, UK @ The Green Note w/Treetop Flyers
06/23 BBC Late Night, 94.9 FM – 11 pm
07/06 St. Louis, MO @ Old Rock House – supporting Kate Miller-Heidke
07/07 Chicago, IL @ Schuba’s – supporting Kate Miller-Heidke

07/09 Dubuque, IA @ The Lift
07/14 Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre
07/16 Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios – opening for LeRoy Bell
07/17 Seattle, WA @ High Dive
07/19 Los Angeles, CA @ Hotel Café
07/20 Los Angeles, CA @ Echo – opening for Grand Archive
07/22 Colorado Springs, CO @ Shugas
07/23 Ft. Collins, CO @ Road 34
07/24 Denver, CO @ Hi Dive/Underground Music Showcase
07/27 Chattanooga, TN @ JJ Bohemia
07/28 Nashville, TN @ The Basement
07/29 Louisville, KY @ Zanzabar
07/30 Pittsburgh, PA @ Schenley Plaza/WYEP Event
08/29 Keene, NH @ Armadillo Burrito/Acoustic Sundays

KaiserCartel & Chris Garneau @ the Living Room

Tuesday evening I popped over to the Living Room to catch my favorite Brooklyn duo, KaiserCartel, who I haven't seen in way too long. They played mostly stuff off their upcoming new album, Secret Transit, due out in June. The album sounds like it's going to be a little bit of a departure from KaiserCartel's usual quiet, calm sound - almost every song they played at the concert was totally rockin'! Picks with Ivan on them were flying everywhere as Courtney threw them into the audience in fits of Rock 'n' Roll euphoria! But don't worry, they're still the same KaiserCartel you know and love. They still have chillingly beautiful harmonies, they still collaborate with each other in an amazingly equal and adorable partnership, they still have charming banter in between songs, and they still go out into the audience and sing the last song acapella while staring into your eyes (the song is just a different song). And that's why you should go support their new album - they're going DIY this time, so they're raising money on PledgeMusic. You can get anything from a pre-order CD before it hits the stores to KaiserCartel underwear (signed I believe) to your name in the credits to a private serenade to a song written by them with your name it. Man, if only I was rich because I want all of these things! So go, check it out, support the music. This kind of thing is an increasingly popular way for artists to fund art, and I think it's really cool.

Oh No [mp3] - (iTunes)

I had already made up my mind to go to the show when I found out that Chris Garneau was playing there too! So that was a happy surprise. In between KaiserCartel and Chris Garneau was Howard Jennings (or as my slightly tipsy friend kept calling him, Harold Jenkins...). Howard Jennings is like every teenage girls' dream - his songs are so romantic. Every single one was about just loving another person so much or missing another person so much or longing for another person so much. While he wasn't exactly my cup of tea (you guys should know how I feel by singer-songwriters by now), he seemed like a really nice down-to-earth guy and I think he could actually make it in the big time. He has a rich voice and his songs are catchy as hell. His sound is a little generic (meaning there's nothing about his sound that really sets him apart from the large number of other talented singer-songwriters out there), but in some ways that - along with the teenage-girl-heart-melting romantic lyrics - might help him make it in the mainstream. I could definitely see him becoming the next John Mayer or Jack Johnson. And the faux hawk was working for him, I gotta say.

You and Me [mp3] - (iTunes)

Last up was Chris Garneau, who was great, as before. It was just him and cellist this time, but that was plenty. The Living Room is the perfect venue to see him in because it's so intimate and so it really feels personal. His music is so dark, solemn and melancholy. It doesn't make sense not to see him perform it in an intimate setting. The City Winery was intimate too, though not as much and I had TERRIBLE seats. He didn't play Dirty Night Clown again on Tuesday, which made me sad. That's his one uptempo song, and while it still is dark it's probably not quite as sad. He did play Fireflies, which isn't so melancholy on the album but he played a slowed-down, sadder sounding version of it at the Living Room. But don't let it seem like I'm complaining that the songs are slow and sad, because I'm not. Chris' performances are very nuanced and completely entrancing. So entrancing in fact that people forgot to clap at the end of one song - everyone was hanging on his every note and he moved on to the next song rather quickly so we didn't even have time to come out of our little music trances and clap for him. All in all, it was a great show. Chris will be playing at the Living Room again this Tuesday with a baby orchestra (and as he felt the need to clarify for us that is "not an orchestra made up of babies but is rather a small orchestra"). And I think the show is free (well, if you don't the one drink per set minimum). You should definitely go check him out if you haven't seen him live.

Fireflies [mp3] - (iTunes)

KaiserCartel, Jeremy Messersmith @ First Ave

KaiserCartel performed in between Zoo Animal and Jeremy Messersmith this last Thursday evening during an intimate performance at the 7th Street Entry of First Ave. The show started late, and Zoo Animal, a 3-person grunge-pop band that I knew nothing about other than the fact that Jeremy himself asked them to play, kicked things off. As a fan of Jeremy's ability to clearly deliver his words and incorporate strong pop chords and delicate guitar picks in his music, I became surprised that Zoo Animal was there. Their sound was mostly grunge, and perhaps there was error amongst the sound team, but lead singer Holly Newsom's vocals came out in a quiet, slushy unintelligible haze as the drummer enveloped himself in his own barrage and the bassist trudged on amongst the doggerel of sound. I must admit though, I probably wouldn't have such negative feelings about Zoo Animal if they had not played for longer than expected. EDIT: As I've just been informed, it doesn't look like it was Zoo Animal's fault for the length of time they played or when the show began. Doors opened at 8, so naturally I assumed things were late when they didn't begin at 9. In this case, I fault whoever was in charge, for I really do stick to my belief that Zoo Animal played for much longer than they should've, and everyone around me kept asking what time it was and why things weren't starting come 9.

At long last, Zoo Animal left and it was time for KaiserCartel. Now, if you're a regular reader of this blog, you know we love our KC. They always put on a lovely show and things were no different that evening. In case you're not familiar, KaiserCartel consist of Courtney Kaiser and Benjamin Cartel, and the dynamic duo played a mix of old songs and new, even informing the audience that some of the brand-new works would be recorded right here in Minnesota, which was met with many whoops and hollers. Filling the room with mellow and upbeat indie folk-pop numbers, Courtney (in her awesome yellow peacock stockings) used her Karen Carpenter-esque vocals to lullaby us all into the spun harmonies of warm guitar and drums, which were played by Benjamin simultaneously. Like the last time they played with Jeremy, they invited him and his bandmate Andy Thompson up to join them for their popular number "Okay" (photo above). KaiserCartel had the audience bobbing their heads and whistling along for "Season Song" and bravely ventured out through the cramped crowd to sing their traditional mic-free closer "Shira." Luckily, it was not the last we would hear from them that evening.

Jeremy Messersmith took the stage alongside his pal Andy and cellist Dan Lawonn. It was quite evident right away that Jeremy had tons of fans in the audience, as they were not shy about proclaiming their love for him. Jeremy sported his Buddy Holly glasses and a hairdo worthy of any GQ cover and kept things light, beautiful and playful. Jeremy made sure to play classics like "Light Rail," "Suburbia," and my personal favorite, "Beautiful Children." His set was fantastic, and he connected to the crowd quite well, joking and taking straight-up requests. Jeremy ended the concert by bringing KC and Zoo Animal back on the stage for an awesome cover of "Sweet Dreams," featuring Courtney Kaiser's vocals. It certainly raised the fun-feel of the concert and was a wonderful way to end the evening.

Check out Jeremy's performance of "The Commuter" below.

KC and Jeremy Messersmith 12/3

EXCLUSIVE KaiserCartel behind-the-scenes video!!!

Today it is my pleasure to announce a new facet to the Guilt Free Pleasures blog - video! Since I am a filmmaker by occupation, I thought it was about time to put my skills to use here and I'm hoping to create one behind-the-scenes video each month. Our first video features Brooklyn duo KaiserCartel. I spent a few hours with them while they went about their day and put the finishing touches on some new songs, so here is an exclusive sneak peak at some new material and their song-writing process:

Season Song [mp3] - (iTunes)

Also, KaiserCartel is coming out with a 5-song EP on September 1st, so be on the lookout for that! Those in Minneapolis should catch their show THIS Thursday at the Bryant Lake Bowl. Details on their myspace.

Jeremy Messersmith & KasierCartel @ The Cedar

Jeremy Messersmith and KaiserCartel came together for an evening of folk-pop nourishment last Saturday night at the Cedar Culture Center, which was hosted by The Current and CultureBully.com.

KaiserCartel, a longtime GFP favorite, took the stage alongside their drum-puppetcat Daniel and asked the eerily quiet audience, "Can you guys keep it down?" which emitted chuckles throughout the crowd and set the mood for the easiness of the evening. After seeing two sit-down concerts at the Cedar this last week, I must say that Minnesotan audiences can be wonderfully respectful and I really appreciate it, but it is so weird when everyone is immensely quiet in that moment between an artist getting on stage and the first note of the first song.

At any rate, KC quickly got the crowd whooping and performed favorites like the catchy upbeat "Season Song" and mixed in some new songs from their upcoming album, which sounds like its going to be a full of the organic and honest pop-folk we've come to expect from the likes of KC. Throughout the show, Courtney Kaiser whipped out some nifty instruments, such as a mini accordion organ and a mini glockenspiel that was played with a buzzing milk frothier while Benjamin Cartel accompanied on the guitar and the drums at the same time. Jeremy Messersmith and his guitarist Andy were invited onstage for "Okay" to man the tambourine and drums, and luckily for us all, that wasn't the last jam session between the two bands.

Season Song [mp3] (iTunes)

After a satisfying set from KaiserCartel, Jeremy Messersmith came on. Jeremy is a local MNer, and if you didn't know that straight off, his songs "Franklin Avenue," "Light Rail" or "35th & Bryant" might clue you in. Jeremy's first full-length release The Alcatraz Kid came out in 2006 and songs like "Novocain" and the gorgeous guitar ballad "Beautiful Children" quickly gained attention through local radio play, including that of legendary Dan Wilson, who offered to produce Jeremy's next album, The Silver City, which was released last year.

Jeremy initially comes across soft-spoken, but throughout the night his voice carried strong sure and he seemed to get more comfortable and jovial with the audience. Jeremy's sound is often compared to Sufjan Stevens and Elliot Smith, but there's something undeniably wonderfully troubadour-esque about seeing him live, despite the use of electronic boxes (of which guitarist Andy manned like it was a computer keyboard, he was a pro). During the evening, something remarkable happened: I found myself getting so lost in the lyrics, I had to snap myself out of it when the song came to an end. I kept thinking to myself, "wow, that was a short song" when in reality it really wasn't. The songs are heartbreakingly honest with soothing electropop smart melodies, but its really Messersmith's vocals that I fell in love with. As soon as I got home from the concert, I wanted more. I googled and youtubed my heart out, I just couldn't get enough of his natural and easy tone. Ladies and gents, I'm officially infected with a serious case of the Messersmith.

Jeremy invited KaiserCartel back on stage and Andy ventured over to the Cedar's resident beat-up piano for an awesome rendition of "Don't Bring Me Down" by the Electric Light Orchestra. Since they obviously enjoyed playing with one another, I asked Jeremy after the concert how this pairing happened to form. Jeremy he said he really loved their album and when they were both at SXSW this year he told them that the next time they were in town they should perform together. The pairing is genius and the two groups really compliment each other. All in all, it was a wonderful night filled with upbeat dispositions and beautiful music.

Franklin Avenue [mp3]
Beautiful Children [mp3] (iTunes)

Deli Magazine Show @ Southpaw

Hello from Minneapolis, where I have just arrived to some beautiful weather (suck it New York!)! Last night I had the privilege of attending one of the Deli Magazine Best of NYC Festival shows at South Paw in Brooklyn. It was a pretty phenomenal line-up, I have to say. While I missed most of the first act, Mia Riddle, I liked the little bit that I heard. Gotta love girl-powered folk rock. I'm sad that I didn't get to see more of them, but I'm sure I'll be seeing them around.

City Song [mp3] - (iTunes)

Next up was KaiserCartel, who I am unwittingly seeing twice in 4 days in two different cities. They're the real thing. What I mean by that is that they sound just as beautiful live (if not more) than on their recordings. Those harmonies literally gave me chills. Plus they seem like really down-to-earth, cool people (for their last song they got off the stage and came into the audience to "look into our eyes"). Even completely unplugged and wandering the audience, they sounded spectacular.

Okay [mp3] - (iTunes)

After KaiserCartel was April Smith and the Great Picture Show. I was blown away by her powerful voice and I loved her playful music. It seemed to me like she really had a lot of fun writing and performing it, and her music combined all sorts of genre and time period influences - jazz, waltz, showtunes (seriously, this girl should be on Broadway, I can totally see her in Chicago or something), pop, doo-wop, and more. Plus I really like her style and she seems like a really sweet girl.

Wow and Flutter [mp3] - (iTunes)

The last act I managed to catch (I wanted to stick around for Lowry but it was just too late and I had to get up super early for my flight to Minneapolis) was Elizabeth & the Catapult, who have just come out with their first full-length, label-backed album, Taller Children. On a total tangent, if you google them, their extension on CD baby is "eatcatapult," which makes me giggle. But back to the show. Elizabeth is adorable. Her smile totally lights up the room and she her voice always sounds at ease. She seemed really grateful to be there. She even baked the audience cookies (though they were gone by the time she announced this so I missed out on that... sadness...). And I love Taller Children. It really resonates with me right now, as I am entering the adult world (and dreading it). I think most people can really relate to being in this stage of life that is really a duality. The music reflects this as it alternates between youthful/playful and serious/sober/nostalgic. Check back soon for an exclusive interview with the band!

Taller Children [mp3] - (iTunes)

More pictures HERE.

Best Debut Albums of 2008

It's that time of year again - you know, the time of year we all get nostalgic and think how quickly time has passed. The time of year we look back at all the things we've done and, more importantly, all the great music we've heard. All the new artists we've discovered. All the wonderful shows we've attended. So for the next few days, we here at Guilt Free Pleasures (Lise and Em) will be doing our "best of 2008" lists, in no particular order, starting today with debuts...

Best Debut Albums of 2008

The Ting Tings - We Started Nothing
With unforgettably catchy dance hits that have been the staple of every club and party we've been to this year, this album is definitely one of our favorites and it's hard to believe that anyone ever held a dance party before The Ting Tings existed. Great to shout along with and even the worst dancers can throw their bodies around to these rockin' dance beats.
Shut Up and Let Me Go [mp3] - (iTunes)

Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line

While you can tell that Ra Ra Riot has a variety of influences, they also don't sound exactly the same as anything. We haven't heard a single person that we've introduced to Ra Ra Riot say they don't like them because Ra Ra Riot has an expansive talent and diverse repertoire that makes them universally appealing, as well as the distinctiveness and character that makes everyone who listens to them feel like they've stumbled upon something special.

Suspended In Gaffa [mp3] - (iTunes)

Lady GaGa - The Fame

Another great dance album, and does anybody else feel like maybe it's a little nostalgic for the '90s? (one of our favorite musical decades over here at Guilt Free Pleasures by the way). But Beautiful, Dirty, Rich is a good enough track on its own to make this album a "best of 2008" contender, and there were a few other fabulous tracks like the hit Just Dance and the title track, The Fame that pushed it into the winners' circle.

Beautiful, Dirty, Rich [mp3] - (iTunes)

Fredrik - Na Na Ni

Swedish band Fredrik brings us a unique and calming debut album. I'm pretty sure this album may actually lower your blood pressure... They're a little more experimental than most of the stuff on our Best Of lists, but the unconventional beauty of their music is part of what we love about them. Though there is also a simplicity to much of their music. Leave it to the Scandinavians to be innovative and captivating, taking the basics that seem so ordinary and common and experimenting with them until they are shiny, new and pleasing to the ears.

Black Fur [mp3] - (iTunes)

Adele- 19
Already basking in the glow of 4 Grammy nominations this year, 19 was certainly an impressive debut album from the young (she's 20 now) and soulful Adele Adkins. The comparisons ranged from Amy Winehouse to Etta James to "Joss Stone without the cigarettes," and slowly but surely over the year Adele became her own entity and her music has infiltrated the 2008 music scene. With another album planned to record early next year, we'll be seeing much more of this inspiring belting songstress.
Chasing Pavements [mp3] - (iTunes)

Fleet Foxes- Fleet Foxes

This Seattle-based group wowed us all with a stellar performance on their self-titled debut album, and they filled our ears and hearts with harmonious melodies plucked from the psychedelic folk-rock atmosphere. Google "Fleet Foxes review" and we promise you that all you'll find is a gushfest of praise for this album. Fresh and rustic, Fleet Foxes is among plenty of "Best of 2008" lists in the blogosphere, and for good reason. If you haven't picked up this album, we suggest you use one of those giftcards you got for the holidays and get it.

White Winter Hymnal [mp3] - (iTunes)

Priscilla Ahn - A Good Day
After producing a promising self-entitled demo in 2007, this velvety-smooth singer finally released her official debut album in 2008 and was met with much rejoicing from female singer-songwriter fans all over the world. Her singing is sweetly soft and crystal clear, and her songs are wonderous pop-folk reflections that ease the soul. A short stint on the infamous Hotel Cafe Tour and being featured on major network shows like Grey's Anatomy, we consider A Good Day to be one of those best still relatively-unknown concrete works that are slowly trickling down into mainstream simply because the talent is there and the quality is high.
Dream [mp3] - (iTunes)

Kaiser Cartel -March Fourth

Possibly Lise's most obsessed-about album of the entire year, KaiserCartel brought the world a gorgeous debut album of acoustic guitar-and-drum numbers to lift the musical spirit. Delicately intricate and perfectly genuine, this humble album compliments and completes any music collection. The pairing of Courtney Kaiser and Benjamin Cartel talent's brings forth a musical genre we'd like to call "simply magical." The album has a life of its own, breeding good feelings and chill toe-tapping melodies, especially in songs like Season Song, Okay, Oh No and Dog Stars.

Okay [mp3] - (iTunes)

Lykke Li- Youth Novels
Straight from Sweden, this sweet songbird gave us *the* electronica-synth-pop album of the year with her debut Youth Novels. It's almost as if a robot and an already fantastic album had a baby, the songs are so electro-fied. Strong and ready to take on the world, Lykke Li pumps out the 80's-inspired beats that make you wanna groove while containing a billion catchy hooks to get stuck in your head. The buzz for this one is well deserved and the album brilliant enough to make our list this year.
I'm Good, I'm Gone [mp3] - (iTunes)

She & Him - Volume One

You're guaranteed the audiences that intrigue will bring when a celebrity turns to music and puts out their first album. After hearing Zooey Deschanel's crooning voice on Elf, M. Ward contacted her and found that she had already created a couple demos. He listened, fell in love with what he heard, and She & Him was born. Consisting of joyful pseudo-pop songs with a vintage flair, this album is perfect for those summer drives about the coast with the windows down and hair flyin the in wind. The album is a bit of a grab-bag, with each song reminiscent of a slightly different era and genre, but with a overall cohesive purpose, the album succeeds.

Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? [mp3] - (iTunes)

Jukebox The Ghost - Let Live and Let Ghosts

This zany piano-powered rock is somewhere between Queen and Ben Folds. A very theatrical, playful, fun album overall, piano-based music also earns albums a lot of bonus points from us here at GFP and classically trained pianist Ben Thornewill has the kind of skills that make us swoon.

Hold It In [mp3] - (iTunes)

Frances - All The While

Hailing from Em's hometown of Brooklyn, Frances is one of her favorite new discoveries this year. The unique 6-piece band is actually rather difficult to describe... They're a little playful, a little melancholy, a little catchy, etc. They have a lovely, full sound and a knack for interesting rhythms. And while our feelings about them are a little too guttural to really describe, we can definitely say that their music is both beautiful and unique. Some of it is downright spell-binding.

Locket [mp3] - (iTunes)

Best Solo Debut of 2008

Ben Sollee - Learning How To Bend
Formally part of the Abigail Washburn and the Sparrow Quartet, Ben Sollee finally decided to take his beautiful cello and homespun voice and make an album of his own. In 2007 he was named one of NPR's "Top Ten Unknown Artist of the Year." In this remarkable debut, the man beatboxes his cello, performs a beautiful musical dance betwixt jazz and folk-pop, and brings forth one of the most played songs since Obama was elected (i.e. A Change Is Gonna Come). Soulful and honest, this albums hits an absolute perfectly-pitched note.
A Change Is Gonna Come [mp3] - (iTunes)

Amanda Palmer - Who Killed Amanda Palmer?

One half of The Dresden Dolls, Amanda Palmer came out with her first solo album this year. Produced by Ben Folds and with awesome guest spots by him and St. Vincent, among others, this album is a strong solo debut, though I will admit not that much of a departure from The Dresden Dolls. A little bit darker perhaps, and at times so dark and raw with emotion that it's hard to listen to without getting a little emotional yourself.

Astronaut: A Short History Of Nearly Nothing [mp3] - (iTunes)

KaiserCartel @ Cafe Du Nord

I had the immense pleasure of meeting the up and coming indie duo of the year the other night in San Fran when KaiserCartel opened for Matt Hales at Cafe Du Nord. KaiserCartel are the dynamic Brooklyn-based duo consisting of Courtney Kaiser and Benjamin Cartel, and I've posted about them before. I was lucky to meet them before and after the show and get to know them a bit better, and before I get to talking about the concert, here's some words from KaiserCartel themselves:

How did you two meet?
CK: We met at the Knitting factory in NYC. We were playing in separate bands; Courtney Kaiser band and Benjamin Cartel band. We met in the back stage area and traded cds.....then we saw each other on the street a few months later, and made a date to hang out and exchange songs. Then because both our bands couldn't tour, we did a midwest tour together under our solo names, and audience members were asking us when the KaiserCartel cd would be coming out. It grew from there.

You were both teachers before you became KaiserCartel. With your tours and growing popularity, do you think you'll ever return to the classroom?
CK: We both love children and love teaching. When we're on the road, children find us, and we are able to still get that exchange without being in a formal classroom. I have no idea whether we will both one day be back in the classroom, but I think children are attracted to the music we make as well as adults, so we will be involved in some way forever.

What inspires your music?
BC: We like to watch movies and a lot of the time, and that can be an inspiration. Our song "White Dove" which is on the new EP "Okay and Other Things We Feel" was inspired by a 1960's art film titled White Dove. We are also inspired by everyday events in our lives and in lives of our friends.

What is your song-writing process like?
BC: Sometimes we write together and sometimes one of use will come with bits and pieces of a song and the other will add and change aspects of the song. Our process is all about the collaboration, so no matter how it happens, collaboration is always key to what we're doing.

CK: We use a little hand held tape recorder as well as garageband to record what we're working on. Right now we are focused on writing songs for the new record and writing songs for a friend who is working on a larger project in Africa called "The Art of Conversation."

Where did the cat puppet (displayed proudly on the drums) come from?
CK: I picked Daniel up at the Chelsea flea market. He reminded me of the Daniel from Mr. Rogers only black. His fur just seemed like the same fur. Then, I put my Grandma's watch on him and he just became a part of the show....We have to take him everywhere! We left him at Arlene's Grocery during CMJ and were so worried we lost him. Then we found out the soundman took him home. I heard that Daniel was well behaved, so I am glad about that!

I overheard you talking about how a milk frothier from Target is a nifty musical instrument- care to expand a bit on this?
BC: While we were making "March Forth" in LA with our producer Matt Hales (aka Aqualung), we heard Matt telling a runner to go to target to pick something up. We figured it was more tea. When the runner came back, Matt showed us the milk frother. He started playing it on piano strings, and Courtney started running around the studio using it on everything in sight.

CK: I loved it! It sounded amazing, so we have the sound in various places on the record.

Courtney, you seem to play the guitar a bit differently - you construct the chords mainly by using only your thumb. Any reason for this?
CK: One day, a long time ago, I changed the tuning on my guitar to open D. I was experimenting really, but loved the way that it sounded. I also discovered that I could make really cool sounding chords using my thumb and leaving some of the strings open. I think I used my thumb because my hand is so small.....

You end your concerts in a wonderfully special way by stepping off the stage and singing directly to and amongst the audience. What inspired this decision?
CK: We really like to connect with the audience in a different way. I think we are comfortable singing acapella because we did this as teachers, so really its so easy to do..But as we started doing this in the beginning, we realized were really having an emotional exchange with people and that made us want to do it more. It is my favorite part of the set.

You mentioned that you have written some new songs- any talk of when the next album will be recorded?
BC: We can't disclose that info yet, but we are working on it and will be doing demos at home first.

And because I like to end interviews James Lipton-style, what is your favorite word?
BC: color
CK: Vibration

The concert itself was spectacular. Du Nord is a fairly intimate venue with a Swedish cathedral twist, although you would never guess it from the outside. KC started things off with the favorite "Oh No,"a fantastic choice, as the song builds with each harmonious refrain with new conviction until it finally reaches cadence, satisfying any ear. Both Courtney and Benjamin are fantastic whistlers, as can be heard on "Season Song." The set lasted for about 45 minuets, and the famous "Okay" was sung with Matt Hales himself guesting on the piano. They performed a new song entitled "Memphis" (to my knowledge, it hasn't leaked out yet) and finished the night by stepping off the stage and coming right up to the audience to serenade us all with "Shira." What a wonderful embracing way to end the evening. Once again, I had to leave before I could hear the next act, Matt Hales (just once I'd like to stay for an entire concert!), but I highly encourage you guys to check out his music on his myspace.

KaiserCartel have a special version of Season Song (which btw, really should be on an Apple commercial) out right now on their website in order to encourage people to "Whistle While They Vote." Courtney says, "We are heading down to PA tuesday to entertain people while they are standing in line. The lines are super super long and people get bored and frustrated, so we are hoping that we can keep them there with our music!"

Season Song [mp3]

Support the Artist: Purchase KaiserCartel's other songs on iTunes

Upcoming Concerts for KaiserCartel:
Nov 13 2008 8:00P
Union Hall w/ Mascot
Brooklyn, New York
Nov 17 2008 8:00P
TT The Bears w/ Margot and The Nuclear So and So’s
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Nov 18 2008 8:00P
First Unitarian Church w/ Margot and The Nuclear So and So’s
Philedelphia, Pennsylvania
Nov 21 2008 8:00P
The Pike Room at Crofoot w/ Margot and The Nuclear So and So’s
Pontiac, Michigan
Nov 22 2008 8:00P
The Bottom Lounge w/ Margot and The Nuclear So and So’s
Chicago, Illinois
Nov 26 2008 8:00P
Steel City Coffee House w/ Jim Boggia
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Dec 4 2008 7:00P
The Kent Stage w/ Carrie Rodriguez
Kent, Ohio
Dec 5 2008 8:00P
Club Cafe w/ Carrie Rodriguez
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Dec 6 2008 8:30P
Acoustic Cafe
Bridgeport, Connecticut

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Lise's Top 5 of the Summer

It's mid-August, and sooner or later I'm going to have to prepare myself for fall. Part of my grieving process is to look back on all the good things that happened this summer, including the music that really made my summer. Here are my top 5.

Lovesong [mp3] by Annie Stela. I still don't know what that girl's PR people are doing, but they need to get on top of it. This song should've been a summer single hit, but Annie still remains relatively unknown. Strongly recommended if you like Sara Bareilles.

Polite Dance Song [mp3] by The Bird & The Bee. It remained throughout the summer THE song I loved to blare out my windows while driving around town.

Okay[mp3] by KaiserCartel. Come on. I love this song. Of course its on here.

Crying for the Queen [mp3] by Little Jackie. Choosing between this song and The Stoop was hard, but in the end, this song was a bit more summery with well-placed horns and bells.

I Still Don't Believe You [mp3] by Catherine Feeny. Simply stated, I really needed this song this summer.

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KaiserCartel

This song I'm about to post I discovered just because someone called it "the best song of the year"...of course that intrigued me. On my first listen, the song didn't sound that enticing, but after the second time...well, I literally cannot stop listening to it. It has been on repeat on my itunes for the last week, and I have already figured out how to play it on guitar. I love this song.

KaiserCartel consists of the amazing duo of Courtney Kaiser and Benjamin Cartel and both hail from Brooklyn. In 2004, KaiserCartel loaded up their Toyota Prius (named "Gertie") and started touring around the nation. Their first EP, Double Standard, carries the wonderful song "Okay" that I absolutely find perfect and can't say enough about. Give it a listen and make sure to watch the youtube video.

Okay [mp3] (iTunes)

KaiserCartel is also releasing a new CD, March Forth, on June 10th, so check it out if you like their sound!

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