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Music & Nightlife

Indianapolis Singer-Songwriter Tatu Signed to Round Hill Music

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Tatu (Tatiauna Matthews) Photo from Round Hill Music
Tatu (Tatiauna Matthews) Photo from Round Hill Music

Indianapolis native Tatiauna Matthews lives by the motto: “Stayin’ humble and determined is all I need.” It’s a motto that has earned the 25-year-old success and the respect of not just the music industry but her friends.

Naptown Buzz met up with Matthews, better known as Tatu, to talk about her recent deal with Round Hill Music and her journey to notoriety.
Naptown Buzz: OK, so where did your nickname come from?
Tatu: It’s my industry name. (She giggles and a grin grows across her face.) My publisher gave it to me. It’s just what I go by now.
NB: How long have you been involved with music? What age did it spark your interest?
Tatu: Since I was mmm about 12. I started in the church.
NB: Now you were born and raised in Indianapolis…I hear you have music in your blood.
Tatu: The Hamptons — they were jazz players. My mom is a playwright and choreographer, and my sister is a dancer and choreographer.
NB: You were raised by your mother…How did that shape you into choosing music?
Tatu: Being raised by my mother definitely changed me because my mom kept us singing in church. She kept us on drill team. There was always music in the house, and we were always dancing. If I would’ve been raised by doctors, I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing.
NB: Where did your motto come from?
Tatu: Experience and my grandmother. My grandmother is always telling me, ‘don’t get too big-headed. As fast as God gave it to you, he can take it away. Be patient because everyone has their time. And work hard.’
NB: What came first — singing or song writing?
Tatu: I started in a rap group then ventured out into song writing. I didn’t even know there was money in song writing. I just wanted to do it.
NB: Who are your biggest influences?
Tatu: Missy Elliot — she’s dope and so versatile; Michael jackson, Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill
NB: Who would be your dream artist to work with?
Tatu: My dream, if I could work with any artist, it would be Michael.
NB: How did you get set up with Round Hill Music as a publisher?
Tatu: I didn’t even know to go to a publisher. I met a management group, Game On Ent., and they helped me out.
NB: What made you decide to sign with Round Hill Music?
Tatu: I really like them. They’re close — kind of like a family. I had like six deals on the table. I felt like Round Hill believed in me more and stood behind me more. It’s been great so far.
NB: They helped set you up with Eve, right?
Tatu: Yes. The publishers sent her songs. She liked it. I didn’t even believe it at first.
NB: And Eve kept your vocals?
Tatu: I did three hooks for Eve. I sang them but didn’t intend on her keeping them on the hook. She kept them!
(You can find those tracks on Eve’s current album Liplock (Never Gone, Zero Below, and Keep Me From You).)
NB: She’s not the only artist that kept your vocals for a track, right?
Tatu: The song “Colors” by Headhunterz released this summer. I recorded some vocals. Headhunterz  decided to keep me on it.
NB: Anything else going on right now with your songwriting?
Tatu: The Vamps, a UK boy group like One Direction, recorded my song “Dream Away.”

“Such a Night – Recreating the Music of The Band’s Last Waltz” July 26th, 2013 at The Vogue

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After the death of The Band’s drummer, Levon Helm, in April of 2012, a small group of Indianapolis musicians decided to get together and play the songs of The Band to honor Mr. Helm’s legacy. As word of their plans began to spread amongst the local music community, the group grew larger and it was decided to recreate The Band’s legendary final show, The Last Waltz. That concert, also a brilliant film and soundtrack directed by Martin Scorsese, features The Band as well as several of the biggest musicians of the day.

For Such a Night, the backing “Band,” is comprised of Tad Armstrong, David England, Wade Parish, Bill Mallers, and Johnny Socko alums, Matt Wilson, Josh Silbert, Charlie Krone, and Eric Evans. Throughout the show, guests include Brian Deer as Eric Clapton, Stasia Demos as Emmylou Harris, Gary Wasson as Neil Young, Mina Keohane as Joni Mitchell, and former Socko vocalist, Mike Wiltrout as Neil Diamond and PaulButterfield. Plus, many more.

The first show, played in July of 2012 at Radio Radio, was called “The Ramble at Radio Radio” and was a smashing success, selling out far in advance.  Another performance took place at The Bluebird in Bloomington, IN that December, also selling well. The show’s Producer, Matt Mays, who also performs as the Van Morrison character said, “There was something magical about that first show. It was a perfect moment in time where a group of great musicians played for a great group of people. This music is so meaningful to so many. There were lots of tears. The vibe in that room is something many of us will never forget.”

To avoid confusion with the Estate of Levon Helm, which still holds “Midnight Rambles” at his property in New York, These shows are now titled “Such a Night,” after the Dr. John song that appears in the set. The next show will take place at the Vogue Theatre on July 26th, 2013.  Tickets are $15 in advance at www.thevouge.com and $20 on the day of the show. Doors open at 8:00pm.

All profits from the event go to support Down Syndrome Indiana, a non-profit group dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with Down Syndrome through education, support and advocacy. Down Syndrome Indiana offers a wide variety of resources for families and medical professionals. In addition, Down Syndrome Indiana coordinates active support groups to connect families.  “We are thrilled to be the recipient of funds raised at this year’s concert; last year’s event was an absolute blast!  We are thankful for the positive public awareness around Down syndrome that this event fosters.” Lisa Wells, Executive Director, DSI.

Datsik in Indianapolis on November 8, 2013

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Datsik, with special guests Funtcase & Protohype, will be at Egyptian Room @ Old National Centre in Indianapolis, Indiana on Friday, November 8, 2013 @ 8:00PM.

TICKETS ON SALE JULY 24 at 10 A.M.

General Admission Tickets:

  • The first 1200 tickets will be $20.00 then bump up to $25.00
  • All day of show tickets will be $30.00

The Expendables @ Radio Radio on July 6th

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For 15 years, The Expendables have been tearing down venues with their infectious blend of reggae and punk, littered with just a hint of 80’s guitar. Now, the four-piece are ready to bring their renowned live show back to audiences across the country in support of Dirty Heads’, “Cabin By The Sea” tour.

No strangers to the touring lifestyle, the band are fresh off their own headlining, “Life’s A Beach” tour, which saw The Expendables sweep across the country with close to 40 dates. With praise pouring in from concert goers who reminiscence from everything to “massive circle pits to slow-dance grooves,” a show by The Expendables is a “raging night,” not to be missed.

While their energetic and raucous music resonates with fans and fellow musicians alike, their most recent release has seen the band take a more stripped back, mellow approach to their music. The album, “Gone Soft,” released in May 2012, is comprised of 12 impeccably intimate acoustic tracks, like Bowl For Two, and Down Down Down, and breathes new light on The Expendables. But keep an eye (and an ear) out, because the band will be returning to the studio to bring you more of their signature sound, soon.

Kicking of in Austin, TX this June, the raucous four-piece are excited to join Dirty Heads in support of their sophomore album, Cabin By The Sea, in what can only be described as the ultimate summer tour.

The Cabin By The Sea Tour will be in Indianapolis at Radio Radio on July 6th.

Indianapolis Zoo 2013 Zoolapalooza Concerts

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ZoolaThe Indianapolis Zoo will have guests rockin’ into the weekend as Zoolapalooza presented by Firestone Building Products and Firestone Industrial Products kicks off June 21.

Now in its third year, this popular concert series runs for five consecutive Friday nights through July 19 and showcases several of the area’s top acts putting a unique flare on popular hits.

This year’s concert lineup includes:

  • June 21 — The Tides
  • June 28 — The Bunny Brothers
  • July 5 — Jennie Devoe
  • July 12 — My Yellow Rickshaw
  • July 19 — Funky Shoes

Concerts last from 5:30 to 8:30pm each night. With a new location inside the Zoo’s Party Pavilion, the music will be jammin’ rain or shine. Guests can sit at tables under the tent or bring their own lawn chairs and blankets to get comfortable on the grass. The little ones will also enjoy playing at the nearby Kroger Splash Park, which is open until 7pm. Animals will be out and rides open until 7pm as well, so guests can enjoy the full Zoo experience without missing a beat.

Each concert evening, adult guests can enjoy sampling from Sun King Brewery. In addition to regular Zoo fare and drink specials, each concert also features a different menu theme, with specialty food options ranging from luau lettuce wraps, to Cuban sandwiches and “zoo-liders”. These amazing culinary creations offer an introduction to the Zoo’s new menu that includes some new national favorites, local ingredients and healthy fare.

Zoolapalooza concerts are included with regular Zoo admission and are free to Zoo members. From 5-7pm on concert days, members can also enjoy free unlimited rides on a featured ride that changes each week.

Queens of the Stone Age in Indy September 17, 2013

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It came from the desert. What “it” was, exactly, is still a matter of debate. Are Queens of the Stone Age a band? An association? A concept? The intermittent issue of an unhinged Carlo Von Sexron? The toxic byproduct of other bands? A variously shrinking and expanding group of friends and like minded visitors? Or a secret society? Whatever kind of strange and terrible mutation slouched out of the irradiated California wasteland in 1996, it’s evidently still around. It lives. It breathes. It can’t be stopped.

…LIKE CLOCKWORK, which debuted at #1, is the first QOTSA album since 2007’s ERA VULGARIS and, according to its founder and only identifiable constant, Josh Homme, “ …like clockwork’ was the only thing that didn’t happen.”

After a lot of “personal ups and downs’, a “manic year”, Homme and the current iteration of the Queens–veteran Troy Van Leeuwen, Michael Shuman and Dean Fertita–along with the outgoing Joey Castillo and returning associate Dave Grohl, would decide to embrace The Beast, “ride shotgun on our emotional bandwagon…hold the horrible, lick the lunacy” and, instead of shying away from uncomfortable or painful subject matter—face it head-on. Along the way, they picked up known associates Mark Lanegan, Nick Oliveri , Jon Theodore (now drumming full-time in the current live incarnation), Sir Elton John, Trent Reznor, Alex Turner and Jake Shears.

“I’m usually (a guy who) would spit on the floor and say ‘let’s go’”, says Homme. “I’ve always played my way out of trouble… People usually try and run from chaos. But this time, wherever it was most uncomfortable, that’s where I decided to go.”

No pressure. However highly previous QOTSA releases have been praised, Homme has consistently demonstrated a business plan of not giving a rip.

“The only pressure is (making sure that) it won’t be the same as the one before.”

“ I’m not trying to get somewhere,” says Homme. “ This is a document. For everything that went wrong, something went right. One day you’re parting ways with your drummer of ten years—the next day, Elton John shows up.”

Whatever happened—out there, in whatever desert arroyo, former meth lab, decommissioned missile silo, nuclear test site, underground laboratory, convergence of brain waves and gamma rays, QOTSA emerges with not only their best work to date, but one of the most ambitious, fully realized rock albums in recent memory.

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, JUNE 14 | 10 A.M.

Reserved Seat Tickets: $49.50 / $39.50 / $29.50

www.Ticketmaster.com

Albare Performs at The Jazz Kitchen on June 22nd

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8943986The Road Ahead (Enja Records), the latest album from Albare, opens listeners’ hearts and minds through the original music and extraordinary musicianship of Albare and his quartet.

ALBARE is the nom de guerre of Albert Dadon, a virtuoso jazz guitarist with a strong melodic sense and a wealth of global influences. Born in Morocco and raised in Israel and France, Albare first worked as a musician in Paris before emigrating to Australia at the age of 27. Albare has been and remains a major force in the Australian jazz scene. He has directed the Melbourne Jazz Festival for many years, and is the chairman of the Australian Jazz Awards.

Not only is Albare a well-known jazz musician, he is also one of Australia’s preeminent real estate entrepreneurs and philanthropists.

In 2008, Queen Elizabeth II awarded him an Order of Australia in recognition of his contributions to the worlds of Arts and Culture.

For his latest CD, the guitarist fuses his Moroccan roots effortlessly with six-string influences ranging from Wes Montgomery to George Benson, drawing on elements of blues and soul, fueled by infectious grooves. The groove is important to Albare, who was an acid-jazz pioneer in his adopted homeland.

Albare collaborated with Phil Turcio, the pianist of the quartet, to compose most of the songs on this new album. Four of these came directly from Albare’s pen. The lone cover track on The Road Ahead—Stevie Wonder’s Overjoyed—was arranged by Albare and Phil.

The title tune provides an entrancing theme with a mystical Middle Eastern feel. Albare’s meditative solo expression is played on an E1 Moog guitar. “The architecture of the guitar is interesting,” Albare says. “The strings have their own energy and don’t necessarily do what you want them to, so it takes quite a while to master. But you can listen beyond the music to the vibrations, which are very much part of the music.”

The new quartet, which he feels fortunate to have united, features Australian pianist Phil Turcio, who played extensively with Albare throughout the 1990s; Cuban-born bassist Yunior Terry, who has performed with Jane Bunnett, Steve Coleman, Jeff “Tain” Watts, and Jerry Gonzales’ Fort Apache Band; and Venezuelan drummer Pablo Bencid, a Berklee graduate who plays with Boston’s Either/Orchestra.

Jazz Kitchen
5377 N College Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46220

7:30p – $20
9:30p – $15

Cory Williams’ The Outcome Record-release Show May 31 at Radio Radio

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Indianapolis-based singer-songwriter Cory Williams will release his debut solo record The Outcome June 4, following a special record-release show May 31 at Radio Radio (1119 Prospect Street) in Fountain Square right outside of downtown Indianapolis. The record includes the new single “Tragically You,” written by Williams, in addition to 11 other tracks.

The recording and production process involved Static Shack recording engineer Alan Johnson, in addition to mixing engineer Chris Kress who has long been involved in mixing the Dave Matthews Band’s Live Trax album series. Williams credits Johnson, Kress and Masterdisk’s Scott Hull, who has worked with artists ranging from Bob Dylan, Dave Matthews, Steely Dan, John Mayer and Bruce Springsteen, with the final touches that helped bringThe Outcome to life.

“The Outcome is almost foreshadowing, in a way, of what’s to come, or what I saw coming, due to what has occurred in my life over these last 2 years,” says Williams. “It’s also about watching people grow, watching people change and simply having a better understanding of what direction I need to go. It’s the outcome; it’s here, it’s now.”

An Indiana native, Williams began experimenting with the acoustic guitar at the age of 10 and honed his skills through influences including Neil Young, Bob Marley, Radiohead and Pearl Jam, among others. He is a former member of the band Red Moon, formed in 2005, which developed a strong following and shared the stage with various national acts including Sister Hazel, Gin Blossoms, Needtobreathe, Shawn Mullins and many others.

Williams has tour dates booked through the summer in the Midwest. For more information on Williams or to listen to The Outcome, visit www.corywilliamsmusic.com.

sami.the.great to perform at The Irving Theatre on Friday, May 31

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Fresh off the end of her “Great Animation Tour,” sami.the.great is gearing up to hit the road once again for a Spring/Summer tour.

With her self-titled debut LP receiving critical acclaim from major tastemakers like Daytrotter, Nylon and Bust, Sami Akbari, known musically as sami.the.great, is bringing her glittering indie pop back to audiences across the country. With The Deli NYC nominating her into the Best Of NYC 2012, and reminding you that, “the lady doesn’t lack a fair share of sass and character, either, which makes things even more interesting!” A live show by sami.the.great is not to be missed.

sami.the.great will be at The Irving Theatre on Friday, May 31 at 8:00 p.m.

CANCELED: Bon Jovi Returns to Indy! To Play Klipsch Music Center on July 16

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The summer forecast is heating up! New Jersey rock icons Bon Jovi will bring an epic night of rock n’ roll to Klipsch Music Center in Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, marking the band’s first return to Indianapolis since their 2003 Bounce Tour, and nearly 25 years since Bon Jovi helped open the Klipsch Music Center (formerly Deer Creek Music Center) when they performed during the venue’s very first concert season in 1989.

Tickets for the July 16 concert will go on sale beginning Monday, May 13 at 10:00am.

Reserved pavilion and Harrison College Lawn tickets, plus applicable fees, go on sale Monday, May 13 at 10:00 a.m. at the Taco Bell Box Office at Klipsch Music Center, Livenation.com, Ticketmaster, participating Wal-Mart locations, charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000 and Ticketmaster Express at 866.448.7849 (automated only self-service line). Tickets are subject to applicable service charges and event time and date are subject to change. Visit http://www.bonjovi.com/ for up-to-date information.

Source: Live Nation