Hope everyone has been having a great new year so far and enjoying some of the new music that has dropped! I wanted to provide you with some insight into what I’ve been up to lately and how I plan to produce for the next year. As I mentioned, the new year has brought new ideas, and with that, I have a few myself.
For one, The Calcutta Blog is currently transitioning. From what? Well, the ideals of 2009 – show coverage and interviews – all the while keeping it real, aka, on the personal side. We’ve always strived for our interviews to be a little more quirky and upbeat, which I believe we’ve succeeded in thus far.. So stemming from that, my goal is to make this blog as close to 100% visual as I possibly can. I always thought show reviews were somewhat biased, and honestly, it changes from person to person. The small kid getting tossed around up front may or may not have had the best show of his/her life. On the flipside, they could have hated it. Meanwhile, I’m in the photo pit, unscathed and enjoying the show the way I like to. Point is, there are different perspectives a show can offer as you all know. I want to stray from reviewing a show as good/bad, and more so, provide you all with high-quality photo/video/audio that you’ve come to expect. I’ve got some truly great ideas in terms of video (at least I think so!), and with that, some really awesome bands that are willing to participate in my videoxperimentation.
Secret hint involving an upcoming video: Fiery Furnaces! ..Not so much a secret now.
Hey everyone, it’s been just about one year since The Calcutta Blog was born, so first and foremost, happy birthday! Nearly a year ago, two friends gave birth to this music blog in hopes to cover and interview some up-and-coming as well as already established artists and producers. And so we have. Having conducted nearly 2 dozen interviews and covered countless shows ranging from grungy basement shows to world-renowned Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tn, The Calcutta kids have certainly made an entrance in their first year as music journalists.
This year is a new year as we all know, and with a new year comes new promises and new directions. For one, The Calcutta has teamed up with Austin-based filmmakers Color Chart, a collective of creative and talented filmmakers, photographers, and writers, in hopes to bring a new dynamic and extended coverage to the blog. Last year, on behalf of The Calcutta, Color Chart rarely captured one of the late Jay Reteards final shows in which he was attacked by two fans. Some other videos include a one-take capture of Les Savy Fav at Fun, Fun, Fun Fest, and a most recent capture of Crystal Antlers performing “Parting Song For The Torn Sky.” One of my 2010 plans is to head to Austin this coming march for the famed SXSW. A friend and fellow photographer Tiffany Yoon has noted, “I’m not really sure how to best explain what to expect, because it’s an absolute mind fuck.”
There are some really great bands that are making the transition from the unknown of 2009 to the surface of 2010. With that, The Calcutta is currently in the process of developing a new style of concert coverage. Thanks to the portability of certain new equipment, you can be sure to expect to see some footy like you’ve never seen before, my promise. In the meantime, please sit tight, and thank you so much for all of you who have checked out The Calcutta Blog.
Just before the new year crept in, my pal’s from Color Chart based in Austin, Tx captured this one-take video of Crystal Antlers performing “Parting Song For The Torn Sky.”
The other day I had a chance to catch the last show of Lissie Trullie’s tour as she and her band came through Philadelphia. The bands precision came through live as they powered through a short set. Having just spent nearly a month in the studio recording, it makes sense. I was happy to catch these guys and gal in such a small venue because in a year or two you may find them playing in some bigger, less intimate setting. Keep your eyes and ears out for an album in the near future, and if you have a chance, check them out if they’re coming through your town.
Last week at Emo’s in Austin, TX, Jay Reatard blitzed through almost forty minutes of rambunctious garage rock before ending his set short. A few fans rushed the stage on two separate occasions, the second time resulting in a full on fist fight between Jay and the fan. Edward Shore, from Color Chart Films and Mutually Made caught the show for The Calcutta Blog, however, he ran out of battery midway through the melee:
Footage is copyright under The Calcutta Blog and Mutually Made, 2009.
After this point, Jay fought the fan off with his mic stand, flicked the crowd off, bowed sarcastically, and left. The crowd began throwing cans of beer at the rest of the band, who hurried after Jay. The night ended and two fans were arrested. Yes, it was a fun show.
