The Alternate Routes, Ingram Hill, Radio Birds, The Trews, Wild Adriatic, Simplified, Andy Suzuki, Hey Monea, Amy Gerhartz, The Rocketboys
Jammin Java
10/07/2016 08:00 PM EDT
Three Day Pass! GA: $95 Premier Plus: $120
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The Alternate Routes
The Alternate Routes' name suits them well. They're a band that's never really fit in — in a good way. Without a definitive genre to reference or an established scene to rally behind them, they've been something of a rogue wave in an ocean of bands. They built a fan base the old fashioned way, by driving around the country in a big, white Ford Econoline van, winning crowds over one-person-at-a-time with solid, catchy songs and an explosive live show. Since their genesis in 2004, co-founders Tim Warren (vocals, acoustic guitar) and Eric Donnelly (lead guitar) have taken their group through the dizzying heights and frustrating lows of the modern music industry, and have learned some valuable lessons along the way.
Ingram Hill
Memphis-based rock trio Ingram Hill would probably love to have it look as if their latest album, "Look Your Best," was as easy-breezy to create as the lyrics suggest, but lead singer/guitarist Justin Moore says it was made with a great deal of hard work, determination, and grit. "I think it felt like we were in a place in our career where we really were going through a stressful time," says Moore of the period after parting ways with their former major label home, Hollywood Records. "We were trying to get our stuff together, and we spent a lot of time and effort trying to make this as great as possible. It's not like we haven't done that with all of our records, but this one felt like there was a lot more weight on it, on the process of making it. We gave it everything we had. It seemed like an appropriate title. We were putting on our best for our audience, for our fans."
Radio Birds
Coming from different musical backgrounds and experiences, the four members of the band now called Radio Birds – Colin Dean (drums), Jaz Dixon (guitar), Justin Keller (vocals and guitar), and Chase Lamondo (vocals and bass) – are united by their passion for writing, creating, and performing rock n' roll music."Jaz grew up playing bluegrass, Chase had been playing with a hardcore band called Whoremouth when he started with us, I grew up listening to James Taylor and Simon and Garfunkel and was really chasing the singer-songwriter path, and I'm pretty sure Colin has played just about everything under the sun," said lead singer Justin Keller.
These varied influences helped inspire what fans hear on their newest self-titled EP. It is the first release from Radio Birds, although most of the members had been playing together recently as JK And The Lost Boys.2013 marked a transitory period for the band; they added Colin Dean, changed their name, and went to work in the studio.
"I remember walking into a group with some minor achievements, a small but connected fan base, and a good album that had been out for almost a year. But they were looking for something different–and starting something different, maybe, without even realizing it," said drummer Colin Dean.
To complete this reinvention, they asked their fans, friends, and community for help in choosing a new name via an online voting system.
"Our fans are our friends, and they've always been a big part of everything we do, that's why we wanted them to join us in this process," said bassist Chase Lamondo.
The high-energy yet soulful sound of their most recent EP, which will be released on September 3, 2013, is a testament to the band's musical progression and overall synchronization. Reducing the number of singer/songwriter compilations, the new album will have a full-band sound with the lo-fi purity akin to old rock-n-roll. Tracks such as 'Uptown Girl' and 'Heart Made Of Gold' incorporate heavy syncopation and tempo changes for a harder sound a la The Raconteurs. It is not an album that sounds the same way throughout; it is a collection of rock n' roll experiments and a testimony to Radio Birds' increasing mastery of many sounds.
"The band is coming together and playing as a whole more than we ever have. The creativity is flowing," said Keller. "JK And The Lost Boys was structured primarily that I would write a song then show it to the guys and they would add their parts. Now, Radio Birds has taken that process to a whole new place. We are all writing together. Someone will bring an idea to the table and we will all, collectively, deconstruct it to make a brand new song. While each song has an original writer, they have been transformed so drastically that the songs clearly belong to Radio Birds as a whole."
Their lyrics as well as their sound display the way the members are becoming more mature; they sing of making mistakes, reinvention, guilt, and love. Narrative ballads such as 'I'm To Blame' and 'Long Way Down' are bare-boned and relatable with lyrics like, "Take a look at your troubles, see that you're the only one to blame. Oh, it's time for change. Take what you have, and throw it all away.
"Most importantly, Radio Birds will continue to bring the raw energy their fans love to stages all across the Southeast. And their vibes are contagious.
"We do know how to have a good time, always a good time–and we can put on one hell of a live show. Our live presence combined with our new EP, I think, brings us to where we are now–to Radio Birds," adds guitarist, Dixon.
Dean continued: "I don't believe a name defines what a band is about, but a band does have every say in what its name comes to mean. I look forward to continuing to create that meaning. The name was born of change, so I hope the next time someone asks me, Radio Birds will mean something completely different than it does today."
The Trews
Judging by the boldness of their choices, you'd never guess the Trews are 10 years, five studio albums and thousands of gigs into their highly celebrated career. Clearly, someone forgot to tell them that bands are supposed to become more predictable as the years go by, not less so.
And yet, evidence of a stubborn refusal to play it safe abounds, most notably in the East Coast-bred, Toronto-based rock squad's eponymous, electrifying new disc, The Trews. It tallies so many firsts that even band members Colin MacDonald, John-Angus MacDonald, Sean Dalton and Jack Syperek cop to being a smidge flabbergasted by their own achievements, 13 Top 10 Canadian radio singles (including two #1s) notwithstanding.
There is, first and foremost, the assured manner in which it was written (through the lens of real life), underwritten (by fan support) and recorded (super-fast alongside marquee producer Gavin Brown). Guests bring flourish – witness Serena Ryder's smoky vocals on 'In the Morning,' a contemplative almost-ballad with lyrics co-written by singer/guitarist Colin MacDonald and his pal, songwriting dynamo Simon Wilcox and buoyed by cellist Anne Bourne's melancholic accompaniment.
Add in the fact that of late the Trews have been piling up the accolades touring acoustically despite being certified rock brawlers and the net result is something you just don't see every day: proverbial old dogs issuing some seriously new tricks.
"I think with every record, you are kind of re-applying for the job," chuckles guitarist John-Angus MacDonald. "There are so many bands out there, so many good ones, the fact that we get to keep going is a privilege. And as much as you get better and wiser with your craft, you still have to be ear-to-the-ground competitive. There is pressure in that."
There are also wicked-cool rewards in that, none greater than the Trews' daring and wildly successful PledgeMusic campaign which offered their loyal fans coveted and highly unique access to the band and its recording process in exchange for financial backing.
Everything from Skype chats to drum lessons, lifetime guest list privileges to adding vocals and hand-claps in-studio to songs like 'New King,' 'The Sentimentalist,' 'Age of Miracles,' and 'Under The Sun' was snatched up by supporters during the roughly year-long PledgeMusic drive.
"It was so much fun bringing fans into the studio, putting 20 people around a microphone," Colin MacDonald enthuses. "This whole campaign was a great way to have an even deeper connection with the people who have been supporting us all these years."
Adds John-Angus MacDonald, "I'd be lying if I said we didn't have some trepidation at the onset. But it was all about the fan experience. We got to tailor those pledges to what we thought our fans might like, and at the end of it, we got to make a record for fans while giving them access they couldn't possibly have had otherwise."
Of course, the whole PledgeMusic exercise would be academic if the Trews weren't making freaking phenomenal rock and roll full of the hairpin stylistic turns you'd expect from four guys who've been playing together daily pretty much all their adult lives.
Take the new album's blazing first single, 'What's Fair Is Fair' which Colin MacDonald describes as "A song I wrote about a relationship falling apart. Sometimes when you cross a line you can't come back."
And then there is the quaking, spit-drenched 'New King,' a biting indictment of bullies on digital pulpits. "We were pissed off and we wrote a song about it. I mean, if you can't use your rock and roll to tell somebody to go shove it," John-Angus MacDonald howls, "what the hell good is it?"
At the other end of the sonic spectrum is '65 Roses,' a song inspired by former Trews booking agent Paul Gourlie, who succumbed to Cystic Fibrosis last May at age 37. It is, says John-Angus MacDonald, an illustration of the band feeling comfortable turning the volume down thanks to their acoustic touring, and an example of the impact producer Gavin Brown (see Metric, the Tragically Hip, Billy Talent) had on the new disc.
"The song '65 Roses' was originally presented as an upbeat and rollicking song but the subject matter is quite sad," the guitarist confirms. "Gavin was really insistent on that song being played as an acoustic number without drums. He saw us performing at Paul's memorial and I don't think he would even consider it being anything else."
Indeed, Brown brought a whole new way of working to bear when he gathered with the Trews – including long-time keyboardist Jeff Heisholt - last fall in their rehearsal space for pre-production before moving the show to Toronto's Noble Street Studios for "a concentrated two-and-half week session with some additional recording in November, mixing in December and mastering in January," Colin MacDonald recalls.
"Gavin takes awesome bands and makes them awesome-r," the singer cracks playfully. "And I think with our band, self-production would be a one-way ticket to divorce. We all respect each other but it's always good to have that sounding board. Gavin is a giant personality who works quickly with such precision. So we entered that orbit and it made for a really interesting time. I'd do it again tomorrow."
"For us, working quickly is a function of having our material together," John-Angus adds, noting that the group amassed some 30 songs between January and May 2013 despite all members "doing a lot of other things. Life was being lived, we were traveling, but I think that fed the writing.
"From there we went about arranging it and making it sound great in the studio which, in my opinion, is much easier than songwriting. With Hope & Ruin" – the Trews' chart-topping 2011 release cut with Hip bassist Gord Sinclair – "we were writing and recording at the same time and that record took seven months. Taking a kind of church and state approach to writing and recording this time worked really well."
"I think we are getting better at pinpointing when a song is good and when it's not," Colin MacDonald says. "That's what happens when you make five albums and tour all the time – you can tell a timeless idea from one that rocks hard but gets old fast. If I have to sing these songs 200 nights a year," he smiles, doubtless envisioning the Trews' itinerary for the foreseeable, "I want them to be good."
Wild Adriatic
Calling to mind the soulful, dynamic sounds of 70s giants such as Led Zeppelin, Humble Pie, and Free's early years, Wild Adriatic has won early acclaim from places such as Rolling Stone, USA Today, Relix, American Songwriter, and Guitar World. The debut album Big Suspicious was released in January 2014 and the band has since stayed on the road in support of the effort, logging an impressive 175 live shows in 2014 alone. From headlining blues festivals in Connecticut for a crowd of 10,000 people to a five week European headlining tour to serving as direct support for an impressive list of rock and roll royalty including Grand Funk Railroad, Robert Randolph, Blues Traveler, and many more... Wild Adriatic is a high energy, riffy power trio to rival any you've seen before.The band has built a strong following off of a relentless tour schedule and a powerhouse live show, spending 225+ days on the road and making noteworthy appearances at festivals like SXSW, moe.down, Gathering of the Vibes, and CMJ.
Simplified
When the laid back vibe of Myrtle Beach, SC meets acoustic rock of Lake Michigan, Simplified, the island rock band arrives with a loud and welcoming splash. In 2002, Clee Laster of SC and Chris Sheridan a MI native, started out as an acoustic duo. Early on, both musicians displayed innate musical capabilities, which were passed down from family members, and inspired by a diverse collection of original influences. They both grew up on the water, in different parts of the country, but the beach life-blood continues to surge within their suntanned souls, flowing forth in passionate, fun, and energetic jams.
They began playing acoustic shows, revving up and charming the Charlotte, NC crowds, while writing original songs. In 2003, the full band took shape as Simplified. Acclaimed as a dedicated touring machine, they gained new fans, one by one. Simplified's sound caught on, with a devoted fan base in the Southeastern US. With their incessant touring, an enthusiastic buzz was growing, and in turn they began booking shows nationwide, playing for increasingly larger audiences.
With a never-ending tour schedule, including over 3,000 powerhouse, popular performances, Simplified members, with both electric and acoustic acts, are enthusiastic as ever. From Key West, FL to New York City and throughout the Midwest, their hard work, perseverance and commitment have always been key to their hard earned success. Sequentially, in 2011, their song "Shall We Begin" was featured on ESPN's 'Kick off to College GameDay.' Currently their hit "Gettin Home," is featured in the video game, NASCAR The Game 2013 and they have been praised as one of Pandora Radio's top played indie rock bands.
Still writing and riding the sometimes choppy, always exciting musical shores, Clee and Sheridan reinvented the band in 2013 with their newest material, while getting back to their island rock roots. This year, they are releasing tracks from their crowd-pleasing, May 10th, 2013 show at Hideaway Cafe in St. Petersburg, FL. Sheridan states, "Our fans have been requesting a live album so we are focusing on getting as much live content out as possible."
Sheridan and Clee have effectively reformulated the band by adding key ingredients: new players with positive energy, multi-instrumentalists, and a camaraderie that stimulates their passion for writing new material. Now abandoning what others suggested, returning to their roots of a feel good vibe, Clee explains, "We are writing new songs for ourselves and our fans, not for a producer or critic. We are getting right back to where we started, with what we know and love…music that makes you smile."
Their signature sound is a contagious fusion of rock and reggae, attracting a diverse audience and embracing every kind of fan. Sheridan emphasizes, "We're a rock band with elements of reggae, funk, and acoustic roots. We don't limit ourselves musically and it shows in the songs we write." Conjuring up the island rock roots, Clee expresses, "Our live shows are all about having fun. Each performance will bring you to the beach and right back home."
A decade later, Simplified continues to evolve and attract new audiences through their crowd-pleasing, relatable songs and ongoing support from their loyal fans. Starting out as two musicians with a dream, to one of the industry's top emerging rock bands, makes Simplified a true tour de force. There's nothing simple about that.
Andy Suzuki
Independent NYC-based band, Andy Suzuki & The Method, recently released their highly anticipated LP, Born out of Mischief. They crowd-funded nearly $50,000 to record and produce the new album with the support of their fans. Born out of Mischief is the band's definitive full-length album — their folky take on rock music today.
The band is fronted by the songwriting trio Andy Suzuki, Jason Gorelick, and Kozza Babumba, two Jewish-half-Asians and the grandson of Grammy Award-winning Nigerian percussionist, Babatunde Olatunji.
The band has been writing and touring since 2008, but in the last year alone, they have had official showcases at SXSW and CMJ, performed at major music festivals in the US, and played shows at storied NYC venues such as Bowery Ballroom, Joe's Pub, and SOBs. In the fall of 2012 they played internationally with a wildly successful 3-week tour in Southeast Asia.
Hey Monea
For brothers Dan and Nate Monea and longtime friend Adam Orin, their time is meant to be spent doing what they love – writing, recording and performing music. “Even though Nate was just 13 and I was 16 when we played our first show, I knew music would be our life”, says Dan. That passion was affirmed in 2012, when this childhood trio from Cleveland, Ohio were selected to open for Bruce Springsteen to perform in front of 60,000 fans during Hard Rock Calling’s summer music festival in London’s Hyde Park. The band secured this opportunity by winning Hard Rock’s worldwide battle of the bands, besting over 12,000 other bands from around the world. Since then, Hey Monea has shared the stage with many of their musical heroes: ranging from the Bare Naked Ladies and the Goo Goo Dolls to the Doobie Brothers, Lady Antebellum, and Kid Rock. These influences resonate deeply in their music and was captured efficiently by legendary Grammy winning producer Dennis Herring (Counting Crows, Elvis Costello, Modest Mouse) on the bands' major label debut, Cheap Souvenirs, in late 2013. The band spent two years living on the road in support of Cheap Souvenirs, playing club dates and festivals across the country, as well as opening Bronze Radio Return’s entire 2014 Summer tour. On the heels of all of that activity, Hey Monea elected to seclude themselves away in a cabin in Florida to write, record and self-produce their newest release, entitled “The Fifty.” The record is meant to serve as a hearty homage to the United States, as Daniel Monea offers "not only is the American landscape the backdrop for our lives, it's the inspiration as well. With every new city comes different food, different culture, different nature, and most importantly different people who live entirely unique lives.” Nate Monea adds “it’s our privilege as a band, being able to travel and see new and diverse parts of the country. We try to use that inspiration, and this new album reflects that.” Hey Monea doesn’t consider themselves patriots in a traditional sense – as Daniel puts it, "We love America for the greasy spoons, farmers daughters, and fishing holes. For the people we meet along the way and for the freedom we all enjoy…” The songs on “The Fifty” reflect that love deeply on tunes like “Honey, I Do”, a devotional love song that, according to Adam Orin, “takes a few risks and doesn’t fit into a specific mold”. America is the land of opportunity, and on “Filthy Rich”, the band laments “late model cars and paper plates” and the other trappings of a band who aspires to break through. The calypso-tinged “Buenos Noches” addresses how love might, at timed, bridge the language barrier in our diverse country. “The Fifty” is due for a late summer release on independent imprint Noble Steed Music, and the band intends to tour with all of the enthusiasm reflected on this new, youthful batch of recordings. Find out more at http://www.heymonea.com/ and on social media.
Amy Gerhartz
Strength, wisdom, humor and emotion embrace Amy's lyrical storytelling as she consistently connects to the human experience with each and every verse.
Amy Gerhartz is an Atlanta-based eclectic singer/songwriter who blends elements of rock, pop, folk, blues and country. Each day, she performs her original songs and shares the real-life stories that inspire the truth behind her lyrics.
She's opened up for Jason Mraz, Zac Brown, Sister Hazel and Better Than Ezra (to name only a few). Her successful story telling has enabled her to perform over 1,500 shows during the past 10 years. The darling of "The Rock Boat" (a Sister Hazel cruise), fans voted Amy to return for the past two consecutive years.
Amy also lent her voice to multiple projects on Lifetime Television. Notably, she recorded a remake of the title song "Fame" for the movie, Anna Nicole. Her "Fame" video succeeded in attracting nearly 50,000 hits on YouTube. John Roberts, producer, calls her rendition "…an extension of her soul…" And states, "I'm so looking forward to working with her on more music soon because she's a star."
Her newest endeavor is to connect with 10,000 fans during her 2014 "Tour of 10,000." While performing in house concerts, venues and festivals nationwide, she will play 100 shows in 70 cities.
Amy's success propels her to build a community that stretches beyond the music and drives her to continually connect with the hearts of her fans.
"I love learning about people's triumphs and struggles in life. I challenge my heart, mind & soul to relay their stories through my music." – Amy Gerhartz
The Rocketboys
For The Rocketboys, 2012 was a resilient journey. After nearly calling it quits when half the band parted ways in early 2011, the remaining three members - Brandon Kinder (singer/guitarist), Justin Wiseman (keys) and Josh Campbell (bass) - resuscitated the acclaimed melodic rock band with a lush, cathartic album: "Build Anyway."
Since "Build Anyway," The Rocketboys have not skipped a beat with a year of US touring in 2012, a brand new Total Recall-inspired music video (tinyurl.com/totalrocketboys), a month long tour this July in support of Relient K and The Almost, and a rapidly expanding collection of new material for the band's third LP. With the addition of a new drummer and guitar player (respectively Josh Rodgers and Kyle Samuel) the band once again delivers a powerful, anthemic performance.
Still inspired by the Mother Teresa quote that gave life to the band after nearly calling it quits, "What you spend years building someone could destroy overnight: build anyway," The Rocketboys continue to build.
Venue Information
Jammin Java
227 Maple Ave E
Vienna, VA 22180
https://jamminjava.com/