8 Jul 2012
I really like this :)
Something that I find consistently bemusing and endearing about Lexington’s music community is the extent to how integrated it is within itself. For lack of a better word, it’s quite incestuous. This week’s featured artist, Reva Williams, is a great example of the span and influence an artist in Lexington can have.
Based on who and what she’s playing with she’ll take on different monikers - in Boston it was Gretel, here it’s The Reva Dawn Salon. Aptly self-described as “clusterfolk,” The Reva Dawn Salon is an energetic output of soulful folk and country. The soul aspect is instantly recognizable in Williams’ voice; not only does it pack a heavy punch but every word drips in such earnest truth you’d think the lady had never told a lie in her life. “Renegade”, the second download featured below, is off of her last record “The Dregs”.
In addition to Williams’ own bands she also sings and plays in the harmonious bluegrass outfit Small Batch (featuring KYO alum Warren Byrom), and the newly formed Italian Beaches - a pleasing amalgamation of weirdo electro, sci-fi lounge synths and vox (featuring Lexington’s favorite drummer, Dave Farris - who also backs up Reva in her own band).
This Sunday Williams will be performing with artist/filmmaker/goodfriend Will Gray at the Land of Tomorrow (You can listen to the duo’s forthcoming EP at Gray’s soundcloud [http://soundcloud.com/wgmusic/sets/the-renegade/] to get an idea of what to expect). The performance and a Q&A takes place after a screening of Broke*, a documentary put together by Gray. In the simplest terms Broke* is about music and people who love music. The movie gives us a super-personal look into the lives of both Williams and Gray as they make records, tour, end relationships, build relationships, and attempt to traverse the ever-changing world of the music industry. Interspersed with their story are numerous interviews with everyone from marketing execs to indie artists to label owners to Kelly Clarkson. Everyone weighs in on the question, “What does it mean for an artist to break?” And how does one do that? Or is it even possible anymore?
Broke* has screened at the Nashville Film Festival, CMJ, and the Philadelphia Film Festival. Doors are at 7:00 PM, movie starts at 7:30PM. Give a listen to the duo’s take on Lana Del Ray’s “Video Games” below - a more haunting, banjo-laden version.
For more details and tickets to Broke* visit: http://brokelexington.eventbrite.com
Listen & Download (Buy & Support) …
Will & Reva - “Video Games”
http://hophop.bandcamp.com/track/video-game
Gretel - “Renegade”
http://hophop.bandcamp.com/track/renegade
luv, the HOPs
