The Warm Up with This Providence

04/17/2012 By
The Warm Up with This Providence [ 15:25 | 35.28 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

We’re a little bit under the weather today, but lucky for us we were treated to the best kind of medicine: great music. 

Seattle-based band This Providence stopped by Ardent Studios this afternoon before their gig at Newby’s tonight to play us three songs from their upcoming record, Brier. It’s scheduled for release at the beginning of May so we were lucky to get an early taste of the band’s brand new tunes. Not only have there been changes to the line-up over the past few years, there has been a change to their sound.  According to the band, their new music represents a more stripped-down, organic approach to songwriting.

We have to admit that we’re not exactly sure what they sounded like before, but the new music has us hooked. Check out the podcast to hear for yourself. We also discussed their recording process for the new record and where they’ve been getting their inspiration from lately.

If you’re in the area you can catch them tonight when they open for OK Radio – or if not, they’re heading for the west coast after this so you should have ample opportunity to see them play!

This Providence is a four-piece alternative rock band from Seattle, Washington. The band consists of Dan Young (lead vocals/guitar), David Blaise (bass), Gavin Phillips (lead guitar), and Andy Horst (drums). They are currently supporting Go Radio on the Lucky Street tour and will release their new EP, Brier, on May 1st.

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Pick Three with John Wicks of Fitz and the Tantrums

03/07/2012 By

1. Levi’s Commuter Line Denim

I champion a campaign called “Music Is A Sport.” It’s designed to encourage clothing corporations, and advertising agencies to develop and market products geared toward the needs of professional musicians and school band programs (marching band uniforms are the worst) similar to the way they market to athletes. We need clothes that look great onstage or on field, are breathable, wicking, and quick drying, and don’t stink.

Levis put out the “Commuter” line which has been a life saver for me on the road. Originally designed for folks that ride bikes to work and/or bike messengers, this clothing line is also tailor-made for drummers who deal with sweat drenched clothes every night on tour. Levis added a technology called Sanitized, which prevents bacteria from multiplying so you can maintain that fresh feel and smell when you put them on the next day. The fabric is also much more flexible than the normal denim. So much so that I actually buy the jackets a size smaller than I would normally because I really do not feel constricted when playing drums and I like that slimmer more form-fitting look. The pants are available in the 511 skinny model. The classic “5 Pocket Trucker Jacket” has not been altered that much, so you still have that classic look. For spring 2012 they are coming out with incredible new colors as well. I’ve made a TON of drummers aware of this line and receive nothing but thanks and praise in return.

2. Ludwig Drums

These drums feel like home. I’ve played them since 8th grade and as much as I love, and am a collector of all drums, there is just simply nothing like Ludwig. I started as a jazzer and most of my heroes like Max Roach, Roy Haynes, Vernel Fournier, and Joe Morello were playing Ludwig. As I got more into soul, rock, and pop I noticed that most of my favorite drummers like Al Jackson Jr., Ringo Starr, John Bonham, Alex Van Halen, Bun E Carlos, and countless others were rocking Ludwigs of all sorts. I’m honored to be representing them now and I’m happy to say they still feel like home.

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