We are seriously thrilled to announce that Paul Banks will release a 5-song EP on June 12, titled “Julian Plenti Lives…”, in advance of a full-length Paul Banks LP due this fall. The EP will be available digitally, and limited to 2300 vinyl and 1500 CD copies worldwide (pre-order HERE). Centered around the beautiful, brooding “Summertime is Coming,” the EP also features an original instrumental, and three covers that illustrate the breadth of Paul’s muses – songs by J Dilla, Frank Sinatra, and Harold Faltermeyer (composer of the soundtrack to “The Running Man”).
Sometimes we here at Matador HQ just have a habit of booking a shitload of instores at once. Call it motivation (or simply doing my job) on my part but here’s another one to add to your calendars. Yo La Tengo are hitting the road this spring and on Wednesday May 2 at 2:30pm they’ll be stopping in Santa Rosa, CA’s The Last Record Store for a super intimate, free, all ages instore performance.
You probably shouldn’t miss this one. But if you should, you can catch the band that night at Mystic Theatre in Petaluma (a town name that always kinda reminds me of This Island Earth).
NYC’ers rejoice as you’ll now have an additional chance to see Ceremony when they play Brooklyn’s Northside Festival this June 14 at Warsaw (with Screaming Females, Royal Headache, and Magrudergrind). This is in addition to the band’s upcoming April shows on April 23 at Terminal 5 w/ REFUSED and a headline Mercury Lounge late night show that same night. Tix here for Mercury. Additional touring dates have also just been added and noted in bold below including an Australian run of dates in late June/July. (All shows are All Ages unless noted otherwise).
North American Dates:
Friday, April 20 - Cambridge, MA – The Democracy Center (with Night Birds, Sweet Jesus, Outlook)
Saturday, April 21 – Philadelphia, PA – The Barbary (with Salvation, Watery Love, Dead People Screaming)
Sunday, April 22 – Washington, DC – RAS Hall (with Night Birds, Sick Fix, Cheesus Crust) – SOLD OUT
Monday, April 23 – New York, NY – Terminal 5 (with Refused) – SOLD OUT
Monday, April 23 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge – LATE SHOW (Midnight Set) 16+
Sunday, May 27 – Oakland, CA – The New Parish (with Big Kids, Gun Outfit)
Monday, May 28 – Santa Barbara, CA – Velvet Jones (with Royal Headache)
Tuesday, May 29 – Phoenix, AZ – Rhythm Room (with Royal Headache, Avon Ladies)
Wednesday, May 30 – Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad (with Royal Headache)
Thursday, May 31 – Oklahoma City, OK – Conservatory (with Screaming Females)
Friday, June 01 – Austin, TX – Beauty Ballroom (Chaos In Tejas with No Age, Screaming Females, The Young, Gun Outfit, Joyce Manor)
Sunday, June 03 – Austin, TX – The Mohawk (Chaos In Tejas with Moss Icon, Iceage, Give, Thou) Monday, June 04 – Metairie, LA – The Cypress (with Cold World, Backtrack, Expire, Dead End Path)
Tuesday, June 05 – Gainesville, FL – The Backyard (with Screaming Females)
Wednesday, June 06 – Orlando, FL – Backbooth (with Screaming Females, Great Deceivers)
Thursday, June 07 – Atlanta, GA - Drunken Unicorn (with Screaming Females) Friday, June 08 - Belmont, NC – The Haunted Mill (with Screaming Females)
Saturday, June 09 – Washington, DC – St. Stephens Church (with Screaming Females)
Monday, June 11 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – Redwood Art Space (with Screaming Females)
Wednesday, June 13 – Hamden, CT – The Space (with Screaming Females) Thursday, June 14 - Brooklyn, NY – Warsaw (Northside Fest with Screaming Females, Royal Headache, Magrudergrind) Friday, June 15 – Buffalo, NY – The Funeral Home Saturday, June 16 – Toronto, ON – Wrong Bar (NXNE with Killer Mike, Death Grips, Doldrums, Tra Tha Truth) 19+ Saturday, June 16 – Toronto, ON - Dundas Square (NXNE with The Flaming Lips, Soundtrack Of Our Lives, of Montreal, and more – free non-ticketed show)
Sunday, June 17 – Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop Monday, June 18 - Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge
Tuesday, June 19 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry
Wednesday, June 20 – Omaha, NE – The Sandbox (please note : Omaha venue change)
Thursday, June 21 – Denver, CO – Marquis Theater
Australian Dates:
Friday, June 29 - Melbourne – Irenes Saturday, June 30 - Melbourne – Bendigo Hotel – 18+ Sunday, July 1 - Adelaide – Animal House Tuesday, July 3 - Perth – The Den - 18+ Wednesday, July 4 - Perth – YMCA HQ Thursday, July 5 - Brisbane – Between The Walls Friday, July 6 - Brisbane – Basement 243 - 18+ Saturday, July 7 - Sydney – Hardcore Fest - 18+ Sunday, July 8 - Sydney – Hardcore Fest (AA)
So that’s pretty awesome. Maybe if you’re in Seattle you can make sure to get yourself to Silver Platters for a lot of things on Record Store Day – not the least of which is a set from Perfume Genius to celebrate arguably one of the most fun days of the year for us.
Perfume Genius haunts the late-night airwaves twice in the next two days, first on Jersey City’s WFMU, and tomorrow night on Minneapolis’s The Current.
Tune in to WFMU at midnight EDT tonight on 91.1FM (or listen online at wfmu.org) to hear Perfume Genius’s session for the country’s oldest freeform station. Tomorrow night at 10:00PM CDT, you can check out his session for The Current by pointing your radio to 89.3FM, or listen online here.
There are still a few chances to catch Perfume Genius live in the coming days, as seen below:
Tue, 4/17 – Mississippi Studios – Portland, OR – Tickets
Wed, 4/18 – The Biltmore Cabaret – Vancouver, BC – Tickets
Everything on the Matador Store is 13% off through Monday. Don’t forget that if you buy over $100 of merchandise you also can get a free Yak-Pak brand record bag. Just add the items to your cart and the discount will take care of itself.
“Livin’ Free”, shot live at the Mohawk, Austin, TX, March 12. Studio version kicks off ‘Dub Egg’ (LP/CD/digital album), in stores June 12, or available for preorder now from the Matador Store.
You read it right. Fresh off the heels of their US tour, Tanlines will be stopping by Long Beach mainstay Fingerprints on Saturday April 28 for a free all ages instore. Word is an RSVP is required to get in the jawn so make sure you call 562 433 4996 and say, “I’m on it!” in your best Christopher Walken voice. Check it out.
It’s spring cleaning time here at Matador, no really, our bosses are making us clean the office tomorrow. To free up some space, and to reward our customers, we will be giving away Yak-Pak brand record bags (a $40 value!) with purchases over $100 at the Matador store. Simply add the record bag of your choosing in black, steel blue, or powder blue and then $100 worth of records/CDs/clothing and the cost of the bag will automatically be subtracted from your total.
For this week’s installment of our most amazing, surely to be award-winning web series “Get To Know Your Local Indie Retailer” we spoke with Gwen Berthy, a Frenchman who somehow ended up in Charlottesville, VA and opened his very, very killer record outpost Melody Supreme. Something we learned in posting this; Gwen is a killer photographer. Take it away, Gwen.
1. Tell us briefly about your store.
We opened our doors in October of 2010, so we’re relatively new. On top of that, my background’s pretty atypical since I’ve only been in the US for a few years. I arrived directly from France, lived initially in Richmond, before moving to Charlottesville in October of 2009. I was complete stranger in town, knowing no one, and I opened my store one year after my arrival. I guess you’d need to be French (in other words, crazy) to dedicate yourself to a retail sector believed by most people to be dead. Melody Supreme sells only vinyl, new and used, new music and reissues. We offer a wide range of music, that goes from 60’s psych to electro, from Afro-beat to blues, from classic rock to indie rock, from jazz to punk, etc.
2. What got you into the independent record store business?
Around the time of my fortieth birthday, I started to question my life as a professional photographer. Though this had been my career for over 20 years, it no longer gave me the same satisfaction as before. It had given me the possibility to travel the world, but like any life-long vinyl lover, my favorite activity when I wasn’t working was to find the best record store in any town I visited. I guess that after taking stock of my life, I realized that of all the places I’d been, the record stores were among my favorites. Charlottesville really lacked this (in my opinion), so why not open one myself and experience it everyday? I have been collecting records since I was 20 and have always been interested in new music, never falling into the ‘it was better before” trap. After 9 months of intense preparation, between a tiny borrowed attic and a rented storage unit, I finally secured a retail space in the historic center of Charlottesville, right in the nerve center of the music scene. From there, it was all engines go.
3. Who are some of your favorite contemporary stores?
Wow, that’s a hard one. My references are pretty much from the past, and I must say that since opening Melody Supreme, I haven’t had much free time to travel in the US. Also, I know Paris much better than any city here so I’m going to have to recommend (in case you find yourself in France) Born Bad, a store run by a group of garage and punk enthusiasts who also produce on their own label obscure reissues from the 60’s, minimal synth from the 80’s, or contemporary groups like Cheveu. In Virginia, I’d have to cite Deep Groove in Richmond who had the flair to open a really friendly, inviting space just a few years back (when the economy was in free fall) – a worthy model for the small vinyl-only store.
4. How have things been going from a business perspective?
It’s pretty early to say; we still have a couple of months to go before clearing that essential 18-month mark. But I will say this first year was pretty intense, working solo where I can count my days off with the fingers of one hand. I am new in town so I had to be patient while word of mouth and some good reviews on the web performed their magic. Right now, despite my pessimistic French nature, I’m finding that things are definitely heading in the right direction. Thanks to existing record stores in town who had partially converted to vinyl, there’s a growing interest here in vinyl, in having the beautiful object and impeccable sound, which I find really encouraging. For the immediate future and beyond, I know that this is going to be a project for the long haul, with each month bringing new challenges: the fight of a small business to keep its head just above the water line.
5. What do you think spells survival for an independent record store today?
Passion. I get really tired sometimes, but each morning I’m happy to walk through the door of my store. Selling records is not an easy job and my store is too small to compete with behemoths like Amazon. But I can honestly say that the vast majority of new stock we carry has been chosen, listened to, and valued. I know the music I sell. The same can be said for my used stock: they’re here in the store because I chose, inspected and carefully cleaned them – my clients don’t have ugly surprises when they get home. I consider myself very much like a gourmet market of music. I choose carefully and try to know as much as possible about my music, its history, its quality, its origins, so that I can offer it to my clients.
6. What are some of the coolest things labels have done with you?
First off, unlike my European homologues, just getting the chance to work directly with independent American labels is the coolest thing ever. Not having to pass through a distributor, being in direct contact with the actual producers of the music is a dream and makes me feel like I’m in the beating heart of the action. Promotions and sale strategies aside, having access to new items, especially limited or exclusive editions (Matador Buy Early Get Now, first-run on colored vinyl and promo 7”) is fantastic. And then there are the incredible efforts labels put into providing us with Record Store Day merchandise, which for me was enormous last year.
7. Why do we need record stores?
Because music can save your life, and for most of us who are truly passionate about music, the record store will always be a sort of refuge where you can dig up new tonal phenomena. I’m part of a generation that had to construct a musical culture piece by piece through friendships, brick-and-mortar stores and musical press. For me, it was a long process. Today, you can have access to everything, and listen to it instantly (and gratis) via the web. I think the web is a fabulous tool, but it doesn’t compare to flipping though cases of records and visually contemplating cover art enthroned on the walls of a record store – or swapping suggestions with store owners and friends. A record store really is a singular place where you can exchange, interact and forget about the worries of the day – a place of comfort really. It also true that record stores contribute greatly to the quality of local life. You’ll always be able to buy on line, but I really can’t imagine the pleasure in doing that. You should have more faith in your local record store – if they don’t have what you’re looking for they can always order it. You’ll be contributing to your local economy and (in my store, at any rate) it’s usually cheaper than buying online anyway.
8. What kind of taco is your favorite?
I am not what you would call ‘knowledgeable’ when it comes to tacos.
9. Who are your top three favorite bands right now?
Today it’s Veronica Falls, Porcelain Raft, and Unknown Mortal Orchestra (I love 1st albums). For tomorrow I choose Fucked Up, Electrelane and the Gun Club (I’ll be needing a morale boost). For the day after tomorrow I choose Shugo Tokumaru, Animal Collective and Moon Duo (I’ll still be listening to them in 10 years). The next day after that, it’ll be Sebastien Tellier, Alain Bashung and Florent Marchet (I miss France sometimes). The next day after that, it’ll be Yo La Tengo, Pavement, Pixies (the 90’s were pretty sweet). Then the day after that, it’ll be: Sagitarius, Love, and the Zombies… Music to me is a bit like children – you love them equally but differently, and it really is impossible to choose.
10. What is your favorite thing about your store? And you can’t say the customers. That’s like saying Einstein or Ghandi when asked, “If you could meet one person, living or dead…”
I think first off it would have to be that I get to listen to music all day long. I get to listen to new music all the time (for better or for worse) and I get to discover used records that I’ve never heard of, but that are absolute gems. And then there are thevisits. Like the day Fucked Up’s singer came away with some coveted new wave albums, or when Arcade Fire spent an hour just chatting, or the rainy morning that Gillian Welch and David Rawlings spent warm and dry, hanging out in the store.
11. What are your goals for the future of your store? Long term and short.
To keep the store alive and to some day find that super-talented, charismatic, but unknown group and sign them on my own label – just to know how it feels.
12. Tell us about the cool used and collectable action you have going on over there.
Sometimes you have to dig far and wide, and there’s always ebb and flow. The best way to be abreast of our collectible finds is to follow us on Facebook – and hit the ‘Like’ button while you’re at it.
Austin, TX’s The Young will be touring across their fine state this May and June leading up to the June 12 release of their forthcoming LP, Dub Egg. This includes hometown shows at Chaos In Tejas (with Ceremony, No Age, Screaming Females, Gun Outfit and Joyce Manor) and a Dub Egg release show on Sat, June 16 at 29th Street Ballroom (with Sungod and Spray Paint).
More US tour dates will be announced soon so keep it here.
Sat, Apr 14 - Austin, TX – Red 7 with Frankie Rose
Sat, May 26 – Houston,TX – Walter’s on Washington with Balaclavas and slngs
Sun, May 27 – Beaumont,TX – the Victoria House (2110 Victoria 77701) with Coma in Algiers and Cussins
Fri, June 1 – Austin,TX – Beauty Ballroom with No Age,Ceremony,Screaming Females,Gun Outfit and Joyce Manor – Tickets Sat, June 9 – McAllen, TX – Simon Sez Sat, June 16 – Austin,TX – 29th Street Ballroom with Sungod and Spray Paint (Dub Egg Release Show)
The subject says it all, my friends. Lee Ranaldo will be at the legendary Amoeba San Francisco next Thursday April 12 to play a set of songs from his new album Between The Times And The Tidesso make sure you don’t miss out on this one. And don’t miss Lee’s show the night before at Brick & Mortar Music Hall.
Spring breakers (?) and casino resort patrons alike are no doubt saddened by the recent falling out between Vince Neil and The Palms. As some of you may know, Matador has conducted business with the latter on one notable occasion, and we can vouch for the establishment’s very high standards (the sole exception being an unfortunate Vince Neil sighting by the pool).
All of that said, it would be a very sad day for Las Vegas if colorful characters like Vince Neil found themselves ostracized, simply because they occasionally throw a shit-fit in public (and proceed to tweet about it leaving out all of the relevant details).
As previously posted, Ceremony are playing a ton of shows this Spring and Summer including stops in Austin’s Chaos In Tejas and 2 back-to-back shows in NYC on 4/23 (Terminal 5 + Mercury Lounge). We’re happy to report some more dates have been added to the schedule in June and we’re pretty certain some more dates will continue to get added, so keep it here for more. All shows = All Ages (Mercury Lounge = 16+). Clink the hyperlinks for tickets.
Friday, April 06 – Portland, OR – Branx – with Milk Music, Society Nurse, Arctic Flowers
Saturday, April 07 – Seattle, WA – The Vera Project – with Milk Music, Socity Nurse
Friday, April 13 – Chicago, IL – Subterranean – with Raw Nerve, Diving Right, The Ropes
Saturday, April 14 – Milwaukee, WI – Borg Ward – with Get Rad, Shock Value, Pretty Wounds
Friday, April 20 – Cambridge, MA – The Democracy Center – with Night Birds, Sweet Jesus, Outlook – All Ages
Saturday, April 21 – Philadelphia, PA - The Barbary – with Salvation, Watery Love, Dead People Screaming – All Ages
Sunday, April 22 – Washington, DC – RAS Hall – with Night Birds, Sick Fix, Cheesus Crust All Ages
Monday, April 23 – New York, NY – Terminal 5 – with Refused All Ages – SOLD OUT
Monday, April 23 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge - – LATE SHOW (Midnight Set) – 16+
Sunday, May 27 – Oakland, CA – The New Parish – with Big Kids, Gun Outfit, + + + +- All Ages
Monday, May 28 – Santa Barbara, CA – Velvet Jones – with Royal Headache – All Ages
Tuesday, May 29 – Phoenix, AZ – Rhythm Room – with Royal Headache – All Ages
Wednesday, May 30 – Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad – with Royal Headache All Ages
Thursday, May 31 – Oklahoma City, OK – Conservatory - All Ages
Friday, June 01 – Austin, TX – Chaos In Tejas at Beauty Ballroom – with No Age and Screaming Females – All Ages
Sunday, June 03 – Austin, TX - Chaos In Tejas at The Mohawk – with Moss Icon, Iceage, Ceremony, Give, Thou – All Ages
Tuesday, June 05 – Gainesville, FL – The Backyard - with Screaming Females- All Ages
Wednesday, June 06 – Orlando, FL – Backbooth – with Screaming Females and Great Deceivers – All Ages
Thursday, June 07 – Atlanta, GA - Drunken Unicorn – with Screaming Females – All Ages
Saturday, June 09 – Washington, DC – St. Stephens Church – All Ages
Monday, June 11 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – Redwood Art Space – with Screaming Females – All Ages
Wednesday, June 13 – Hamden, CT - The Space – with Screaming Females – All Ages
Sunday, June 17 – Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop – All Ages
Tuesday, June 19 – Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry – - All Ages
Wednesday, June 20 – Omaha, NE - Sokol Underground - – All Ages
Thursday, June 21 – Denver, CO – Marquis Theater — All Ages
