{"id":28011,"date":"2018-03-31T08:43:15","date_gmt":"2018-03-31T12:43:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=28011"},"modified":"2018-03-31T08:43:20","modified_gmt":"2018-03-31T12:43:20","slug":"on-stage-women-take-center-stage-in-area-concerts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=28011","title":{"rendered":"On Stage: Women take center stage in area concerts"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff<\/strong>, Entertainment Editor, The Times<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Lowlight<\/p><\/div>\n

The month of March is ending on a good note\u2026especially with several concerts featuring highly talented women musicians \u2013 some of whom you should know and some of whom you might not but definitely should know.<\/p>\n

The list includes the Pretenders with Chrissie Hynde, Lowlight featuring Renee Maskin, Erika Wennerstrom from Heartless Bastards and English minstrel Lucy Rose.<\/p>\n

On March 31, the show at the Tower Theater (69th and Ludlow streets, Upper Darby, 215-922-1011, www.thetowerphilly.com<\/a>) has the Pretenders as the headline act and Lowlight as the opener.<\/p>\n

Lowlight, the New Jersey-based, female-fronted synth-pop collective described as the state\u2019s \u201chardest working and most fiercely loyal outfits,\u201d has been touring the East Coast tour in support of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers the Pretenders.<\/p>\n

Although Renee Maskin (vocals) and Derril Sellers (guitar) were acquaintances and college classmates, their musical paths didn\u2019t cross until years later when a mutual friend (rock photographer Mike Petzinger) brought Maskin to Sellers\u2019 studio to record a solo album.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe other guitarist and I met in college at Ramapo but we really didn\u2019t know each other,\u201d said Maskin, during a phone interview Thursday morning from her home in Asbury Park, New Jersey.<\/p>\n

\u201cLater, I was living in New York and he had a studio in New York. It was through a mutual friend that we got together. I told Mike that I wanted to make a record and he said \u2013 do you remember Derril?\u201d<\/p>\n

Those sessions, which included Colin Ryan on percussion and Dana Sellers (Derril\u2019s wife) on keyboards, formed the basis of the musical collaboration that became Lowlight.<\/p>\n

After the departure of original guitarist Tony Aichele, Sellers took over string duties, and with the addition of Rey Rivera on bass, Lowlight\u2019s stability was established.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe first time we put out a record was in 2016,\u201d said Maskin. \u201cIt was a full album \u2013 \u2018Where Do We Go from Here?\u2019 We\u2019ve had no releases between that one and our new record.\u201d<\/p>\n

The new EP \u201cBorn to Run\u201d shows the evolution of Lowlight. Featuring four approachable, though somewhat dark songs, the upcoming EP also includes an epic instrumental studio creation that winds and bends as it progresses.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur first record had more of a country influence,\u201d said Maskin, who grew up in Metuchen, New Jersey. \u201cThe new one is more synth and lush.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe went into the studio with three songs we had worked out. The final track was an experiment and a jam. We\u2019re very happy with the results.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe recorded it at Derril and Dana\u2019s house in South Bound Brook where they have a studio. The album is self-produced \u2013 and self-released on BNS Records.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe new EP has a lot of textures. It\u2019s very layered. We like to take our time. Describing our music is hard. I\u2019d say indie rock for lack of a better term.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all come from different backgrounds. Our bassist Ray Rivera has a hip hop background. We also have a lot of country influence. Dana got really into synth sounds. At first, she was more into organ.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re evolving and progressively getting better. We let things be natural.\u201d<\/p>\n

On this tour, Lowlight has a 45-minute set which will include songs from the new EP, some older songs and some not yet recorded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going back into the studio soon to do another full-length,\u201d said Maskin. \u201cWe have a bunch of new songs we\u2019re really stoked about.\u201d<\/p>\n

Video link for Lowlight \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/gWSD2x7v6fQ<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Video link for the Pretenders — https:\/\/youtu.be\/rjIP_aKI6eI<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The show at the Tower Theater, which features the Pretenders as headliners, will start at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $39.50-$79.50.<\/p>\n

Another upcoming show at the venue in Upper Darby is \u201cJacksepticeye: How Did We Get Here?\u201d on April 2.<\/p>\n

When a band has been together for a while and is comfortable with its situation, group members frequently make solo records \u2013 side projects that are an outlet for the individual rather than an indication that the band is breaking up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Erika Wennerstrom<\/p><\/div>\n

After 15 years as the lead singer for Heartless Bastards, Erika Wennerstrom decided to make her first solo record. It was a great decision that was lauded by the band\u2019s fans \u2013 a decision that resulted in an impressive solo debut for the versatile singer.<\/p>\n

Wennerstrom released her debut solo record,\u00a0\u201cSweet Unknown,\u201d on March 23 on Partisan Records. She now is out on tour to support the album \u2013 a tour that brings her to Philly on March 31 for a show at Union Transfer (1026 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, 215-232-2100, www.utphilly.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

While many musicians pursue a solo project as an avenue to expand musical directions, Wennerstrom did the solo album for that reason and to expand her life directions.<\/p>\n

Feeling frustration with where her path in life had led her, Wennerstrom looked to find answers and a direction in a variety of ways \u2013 including Ayahuasca retreats.<\/p>\n

Ayahuasca is an Amazonian plant mixture that is capable of inducing altered states of consciousness, usually lasting between four to eight hours after ingestion. Ranging from mildly stimulating to extremely visionary, ayahuasca is used primarily as a medicine and as a shamanic means of communication, typically in a ceremonial session under the guidance of an experienced drinker.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve done three Ayahuasca sessions,\u201d said Wennerstrom. \u201cThe first was in Peru in 2015 \u2013 right before the release of \u2018Restless Ones\u2019 (Heartless Bastards\u2019 most recent album which was released in 2015).<\/p>\n

\u201cI was at a point in my life when I wasn\u2019t happy and didn\u2019t know what to do about it. It was a bit spontaneous. It was also somewhat frightening but I needed something to change within me. I had nothing to lose.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very happy with the results. It opened doors in my self-awareness. It put me on the path to many self-realizations. The last time I did an Ayahuasca retreat was in Ecuador last January.\u201d<\/p>\n

These journeys definitely informed the songs on \u201cSweet Unknown.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhenever I write, it\u2019s a cathartic experience,\u201d said Wennerstrom. \u201cI really do feel like I let go of things. I\u2019ve been searching for a long time to be comfortable with myself.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen Heartless Bastards decided to go on a break, it changed my perspective. I really worked a lot on trying to grow inward.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSweet Unknown\u201d developed gradually and was liberating for the veteran singer-songwriter.<\/p>\n

According to Wennerstrom, \u201cIt was a really freeing experience. I found my strength in my vulnerability as an artist, and really, just as a person. It kind of forced me to allow myself to be a little more exposed and stand on my own two feet.”<\/p>\n

The album was produced by Danny Reisch in Lockhart, Texas, and features contributions from My Morning Jacket’s Patrick Hallahan, Kelly Doyle, former Okkervill River member Lauren Gurgiolo, Heartless Bastards bassist Jesse Ebaugh and others.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaking the album was spread out over time,\u201d said Wennerstrom. \u201cI had started making demos in summer 2016. Then, I did the main tracking for six songs in December 2015 at Public Hi-Fi Studio in Austin.<\/p>\n

\u201cDanny Reisch has a studio in Lockhart \u2013 Good Danny\u2019s. That\u2019s where I did pre-production, main tracking for three tracks and all the overdubbing.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce I got the first six tracks done, I\u2019d just go in the studio for a few days at a time here and there. I just wanted to really take my time with it. I allowed myself to go down whatever rabbit hole I wanted. Actually, I\u2019d call them tunnels rather than rabbit holes. I just wanted to explore every possible thing I could.<\/p>\n

\u201cDanny gave me really reasonable rates and that allowed me to put the time in without spending a fortune. I just gave it every bit of love I had.\u201d<\/p>\n

Video link for Erika Wennerstrom \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/8nNVy4QcTck<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The show at Union Transfer, which has Drive-By Truckers as the headline act, will start at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.<\/p>\n

Other upcoming shows at Union Transfer are Wild Child on April 2, Cigarettes After Sex on April 3, and Superchunk on April 3.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Lucy Rose<\/p><\/div>\n

Lucy Rose, a native of Surrey, England who now lives in London, is touring in support of her third studio album \u201cSomething\u2019s Changing,\u201d which was recently released on Arts & Crafts.<\/p>\n

On March 25, Rose was named one of the\u00a0New York Times\u00a0\u201c17\u00a0Acts\u00a0That\u00a0Stood\u00a0Out\u201d\u00a0at\u00a0SXSW 2108. On March 31, Rose will headline a show at Boot and Saddle (1131 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, 215-639-4528, www.bootandsaddlephilly.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Following the tour for her second album \u201cWork It Out,\u201d Rose noticed a steady stream of tweets from Latin America, and the unlikely statistic that geographically her music was most popular on Spotify in Mexico City.<\/p>\n

Inspired by this news, Lucy offered her fans in Latin America a deal \u2013 \u201cIf you book me a gig, I\u2019ll come and stay.\u201d<\/p>\n

For two months Rose toured Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil and Mexico — playing free shows, staying with fans and \u201cfalling back in love with making music.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose\u2019s husband also filmed the experience along the way and produced a documentary of the trip. The documentary was inspired by the kindness and faith in music of those she met.<\/p>\n

With the insight gained during her travels, Rose opted to make the third album on her own. She began to collaborate with Brighton producer Tim Bidwell, and, in the comfort of his home studio, created the new album in just 17 days.<\/p>\n

According to Rose, \u201cThe songs just came more naturally after that trip, from feeling good and from learning so much about myself. I feel more comfortable in my own skin than I\u2019ve ever felt in my life. So, there is a lot of searching as well as a lot of discovery on this record.\u201d<\/p>\n

Area fans will have the opportunity to share in the journey and the discovery when Rose unveils many of the new songs during her show at the Boot and Saddle Saturday night.<\/p>\n

Video link for Lucy Rose — https:\/\/youtu.be\/OvkANcJg8rQ?list=PLMxtVhKyqQfMA_jhtL3hXamcyjkmb6iGb<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The show at Boot and Saddle, which has Charlie Cunningham as the opening act, will start at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.<\/p>\n

Other upcoming shows at Boot and Saddle are Brent Cobb & Them on April 3 and Superorganism on April 4.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Primitive Man<\/p><\/div>\n

April 1 may be April Fool\u2019s Day bit there will be no joking around when Primitive Man take the stage Sunday night at Kung Fu Necktie (1248 North Front Street, Philadelphia, 215-291-4919, kungfunecktie.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Primitive Man\u2019s music matches its name — a savage, sparse mix of death metal, blackened noise, and doom. The three-piece was formed in February of 2012 by Ethan Lee McCarthy and Jonathan Campos (all current and former members of Vermin Womb, Withered, Clinging To The Trees Of A Forest Fire, Death Of Self, and Reproacher).<\/p>\n

In October 2012, the band recorded its debut album \u201cScorn\u201d at Flatline Audio with Dave Otero (Cephalic Carnage, Cobalt, Catheter, Clinging To The Trees Of A Forest Fire).<\/p>\n

The band released four splits between 2013 and 2015, and dropped another bombshell of nihility in 2015 with its Relapse EP \u201cHome Is Where the Hatred Is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Years of writing on tour and the addition of drummer Joe Linden sparked a black flame in Primitive Man. The result was the band\u2019s second full-length album \u201cCaustic,\u201d which was released a few months ago via Relapse Records.<\/p>\n

Music can hit listeners in many different ways.<\/p>\n

Some singer-songwriters have a cerebral effect.\u00a0 Reggae and world music focuses on getting hips and legs moving. EDM acts produce bass assaults that rumble rib cages.<\/p>\n

The music of Primitive Man hits listeners with a full, multi-sensory assault. It is denser than you could ever imagine. It surrounds listeners with an almost-suffocating blanket of heavy metal and noise. It leaves no room for escape.<\/p>\n

And, that\u2019s just the sonic effects. The lyrics are just as brutal \u2013 venomous and dripping with anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaustic\u201d is billed as \u201c12 songs and 75-plus minutes of bloodcurdling howls, abysmal tones and dense, unsettling feedback spewing forth a cesspool of utter misery. With lyrical themes ranging from political corruption, personal struggle and the crumbling social climate facing the world today, \u2018Caustic\u2019 serves as 2017\u2019s cataclysmic soundtrack for a world gone awry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI always write pissed-off songs,\u201d said McCarthy, during a phone interview Thursday afternoon from a tour stop in Portland, Maine.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will help me feel better but there are always things going on that require change.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith our band, having sound without any way to escape is what we want. The things I\u2019m writing are bad and the music has to reflect that. The noise adds to the atmosphere and is a natural extension of the extreme.\u201d<\/p>\n

A live show by Primitive Man is the polar opposite of easy listening.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe anger definitely comes out when I\u2019m playing,\u201d said McCarthy. \u201cIt\u2019s the most violent thing I can do without terrorizing another person and going to jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

The album developed over the course of last year.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe cut the album at Frontline Audio in Denver,\u201d said McCarthy. \u201cWe\u2019ve recorded all Primitive Man\u2019s albums there. We wrote half the album on tour and the other half at home.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have an idea. Then, I\u2019ll bring it to the band and they help me form it into a song. Other times, we\u2019ll just jam at a rehearsal space. We record our rehearsals on an iPhone and then listen back later.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe spent two weeks recording the new album. Our first album was recorded and mixed in three days.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome of the new songs are easy to perform live. Some are more difficult. The last noise track on the album is 10 minutes long so I couldn\u2019t do that on stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe response to the album has been great and we\u2019re even getting mosh pits. Right now, we\u2019re just playing songs from \u2018Caustic\u2019 because the songs from \u2018Scorn\u2019 were so much less heavy. The new stuff is sonically crushing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Video link for Primitive Man — https:\/\/youtu.be\/9eKyf_LLsbk<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The show at Kung Fu Necktie, which has Black Urn as the opener, will start at 10 p.m. Tickets are $12.<\/p>\n

Other upcoming shows at Kung Fu Necktie are The Carters on May 31, The Fever 333 on April 2, Withered on April 3 and Skeletal Family on April 4.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times The month of March is ending on a good note\u2026especially with several concerts featuring highly talented women musicians \u2013 some of whom you should know and some of whom you might not but definitely should know. The list includes the Pretenders with Chrissie Hynde, Lowlight featuring Renee Maskin, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":28013,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7529],"tags":[10110,6518,10109,10111,10112],"class_list":["post-28011","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-d-arts-entertainment","tag-erika-wennerstrom","tag-featured","tag-lowlight","tag-lucy-rose","tag-primitive-man"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28011","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=28011"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28011\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28012,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28011\/revisions\/28012"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/28013"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=28011"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=28011"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=28011"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}