 Talk Rock
Matt and I walked over to the Empyrean for the "From Arkansas With Love Tour" to see some talk music. We were both excited to finally be at a show again since we had four days off... we kinda got used to going out every night. But enough about us because what happened last night at the Empyrean is more than my words will ever be able to describe because the artists words left me speechless. I was floored by how well these guys could all write poetry, or rap, or write songs and just be able to put one word after another without a break and sometimes without a breath of air.
"I'm not used to playing to anyone... nobody shows up until 8:30pm anyways..." Kurt Olson jokingly spurts out to the eight or so people in the room. Kurt Olson was the first person that I have ever seen live, "do" poetry. When you watch a person speak their own poems you get to watch their expressions and really see the emotion in their eyes, faces, and how they move their body, like a roller-coaster fast and mellow, up and down. In person you can tell how much these words mean to them verses listening to them on their Myspace. In other words you need to see this kid live.
A man in the audience asked Kurt how many times he had been in love and Kurt responds "Poetically... like 4 times today." At one point I closed my eyes and they way he spoke it reminded me of a man narrating the opening scene in a movie. I really was just blown away by his works, it was super cool and I am excited to get to know more about the Poetry scene in Spokane. And in case you didn't know Kurt is also the crazy bassist in Mon Cheri - so don't forget to check out their CD Release Party this Saturday at the Caterina!
 Next up was Fienix. One man, his guitar, and an iPod. The first thing I heard out of his mouth was how the next song had to do with Talking Trees kind of like in Lord of the Rings and Matt instantly says "Kaylee Cole would've loved this guy!" I guess Lord of the Rings influences at lot of musicians... maybe I should watch it?
Anyhow after hearing Fienix play a few songs I felt like he was telling me a story, and it slowly pulled my mind in to imagine what this Tree looked like and who the guy really was who ran into it. It was something I haven't experienced before.
Fienix is on tour with Listener and together they were doing a poll to see how many people have been to Arkansas? The only person that raised their hand was Dan from Listener. Moments later he had another question for the crowd and if answered correctly you would win anything off his merch table - that you could trade with friends but not sell on Ebay. The question was “What city was built on Rock N Roll?” I knew the song but not the city and after many attempts from the crowd no one could answer it. It was L.A., psssh, I so knew that.
An interesting trait that I liked about Fienix was how he would be constantly tapping his foot to keep his tempo and it was loud enough that I could hear it, I am not sure why I liked it so much but I did. Fienix proceeded to tell us that he and Dan are selling Costco Caskets while on the road. He mentioned that "We know how to get them.. next day, over night..." and then goes into the next song which is for his dad because "I feel we don't know how to honor people when their alive." I love that statement and fell that everyone needs to put that in their back pocket.
Before he was about to play his last song he mentioned that he was writing a book about his songs and different albums. I think it will be a great book because I felt like he was telling a story with all of his music. He ended his set with a song about the end of the world titled "They left out the part about tomorrow," and there you have it... Fienix!
 Som Jordan grabbed the mic and stood on stage. There is a reason why this guy is a great writer. Som opened up with a confessional titled "Them Folks," and then went into another piece titled "Fly in a Buttermilk." I could hear the passion in Som's voice as he just spit out one word after another, it was blunt, it was fast, and in your face. He didn't hold back and I thought that was really cool. I haven't seen the live performance side of Som before and I was really shocked... he is a talented person in so many ways.
During one part of his set Som asked us if we could sing a part in his next piece. When he said soul we said "Can be an art," because everything can be an art. After a few practice rounds the audience was ready to start and I was so anxious to hear the word soul just so I could do my part that I think I had butterflies.
Som asked the audience if they knew about 1988, and that this next piece was about 1988... um that was the year I was born so I will leave that part at that.
"Feedem' Freedom," was another powerful poem. His lyrics hit topics people are awkward to talk about. He said "Words mess you up, they are a powerful thing," and that is another quote you need to put in your back-pocket. After reading his poems he then went to rap with some music and the first thing he did was promote The Som Show.com so make sure you check out The Som Show Here . He even had a cool Som Show t-shirt!
Som looked like he was having a great time and I know the audience was, when I looked around I saw familiar faces including Patrick from the Caterina and Platform Booking! Som lives in Spokane so you will get another chance to see him if you didn't get to go to this show! So first head over to his website and then make sure to see when he will be performing next - you won't regret it!
 Last but not least was the very funny Dan Smith from Listener. He opened up with a joke. A whale walked into a bar and sits next to another whale ... then Dan proceeds to make Whale noises for about two minutes ( I almost tinkled myslef I was laughing so hard) and then the other whale says "Dude what are you talking about?" TA DA isn't that just hilarious?! I thought so... anyhow I was picked up and blown away like the opening scene in the Wizard of Oz by Listener.
Before he started to speak he quietly slipped off his socks and shoes and then attacked the microphone with strong vocals and intense movements. Encouraging every to "sing along with all your hearts" during his songs "even if you don't know the words... sing along, sing along with all your hearts." Dan we loved it with all our hearts. I loved every single word, note, and song that came off the stage.
The best way I can describe what I saw was "powerful." Some personal favorites were "Death by a Shotgun," "The Music That Angels Do," and "I have nothing but attention when I scream." Dan talked a lot about being a traveling salesman ... caskets, knifes? It was very random but I loved it with all my hearts. I thought it was great that he based his family off of characters from the NeverEnding Story. He always asked if anyone had questions... at first the audience was shy but then opened up with questions like "when did you start singing?" Or "Are you teeth on tour with you?" You had to be there! During his entire set a cartoon movie titled "The Curious Adventures of Mr.Wonderbird" was playing in the background... I have never heard/seen it before.
During the entire night this washer sat on stage with Listener Project on it and a state of Arkansas sticker. I was so excited to see what he was going to do with it. Then we were all invited up on stage, and there I was three feet between sweat and spit and the Washer! It was cool Fienix hopped on stage and played guitar on a few songs during the night but then he also pounded the hell out of the Washer for an unforgettable experience. And the first time I have ever been on a stage during a live performance!
Yes it is possible to complete the 5 year plan into a 4 year plan, and we loved Listener with all our hearts very much. I could go on for a lot longer about what Matt and I saw last night but I am sure you are already like geezzz shut up already - get to the point, but if you can't make it to see any of these guys make sure to check them out Myspace and tell your friends and "love it with all your hearts."
Check out all the photos from the show HERE!
Andrea@checkitoutmusic.com |
