The Freio Music Podcast
Episode 012 - Eric John Kaiser
FMP 012 – Eric John Kaiser
World’s Finest
The Domino Room-February 17th, 2017
Last Friday at the Domino Room in downtown Bend, Oregon, we were able to catch Leftover Salmon’s opener, World’s Finest. Featuring an electric banjo, saxophone, and vintage guitar, they had a rustic and organic vibe. Blending elements of ska, bluegrass and reggae, they were able to touch on several familiar sounds while adding their own character and a bit of a twist.
Juggling genres and different styles, it was obvious the group drew inspiration from assorted backgrounds. There were many moments of feel-good-bluegrass easily associated with Portland and The Pacific Northwest. Both upbeat and rock influenced it reminded me of groups like Fruition. Other times they would tone things down and switch over to reggae and ska. Some highlights included “Rub-a-dub” reggae and well timed breakdowns to group acapellas. With flexible musicianship, they were able to showcase a few covers as well. My favorite was their funky-bluegrass cover of “Pick Up the Pieces” by Average White Band. The nostalgia of the song, accompanied with their provocative saxophone, was a great way to close out the set.
Full of fun energy and a feel good vibe, World’s Finest had very personable crowd interaction and seemed to thoroughly enjoy their time on the stage.
Check out the links below for music and more on the World’s Finest!
Wanderlust Wednesday- Marv is the Man
Deliberate poetics, smooth flowing kinetics, free of the synthetic. Let me introduce you to: Marv Ellis.
Hip-hop has deep roots connected to the human struggle. The young men and women backing this movement speak their peace as lyrically minded poets that represent the truth, the fight, the message of the common man. Marv Ellis is no different. He beautifully articulates a positive energy fed by his Northwest surround. I caught his last show on a rainy Saturday night at the magical Prindel Creek Farm near Newport, Oregon. The vibe that he embeds into the audience is something like an optimistic get-down, a funk-fed soul filler. Sharing his talent with artists including Michael Franti, Nas, Bone, KRS-One, Blackalicious, Living Legends, and Ozomatli, Marv has set the stage for greatness. If you’re looking for lyrics and beats that deliver something beautiful and real, Marv is the man.
WANDERLUST WEDNESDAY! Festival season is upon us.
Blessed with an beautiful weekend in Eugene with blue skies and 80 degree weather, it is only fitting to share with the Freio community the Shangri La of Oregon and the most incredible festival location my barefoot self has experienced.
I present to you… HORNING’S HIDEOUT
Just outside of Portland, Oregon, this venue has it all. It is truly a land of enchantment. Camping in the Oregon hills, sun bathing by the pond, jamming out with the beautiful Doug Firs, nothing is better. If you haven’t experienced the magic behind this special place, make your way this summer! Not only does Horning’s have great festivals, but day use includes fishing, paddle boating, and exploring the mysterious and romantic backwoods. If you’re looking for a TRIP this summer, you know where I’ll be. See you on the other side!!
TOP THREE FESTIVALS, NOT TO BE MISSED
RE:GENERATION
WANDERLUST WEDNESDAY!
For those of you who missed the good word…Wednesdays are now all about the wanderlust community of Freio! Every Wednesday, I, Sober Raver, will be sharing the best in up-coming music events, concert reviews, and artists that every person should know about.
This Wednesday, it is all about the BLUEGRASS!
Stoked on the Eugene Yonder Mountain String Band concert tomorrow (Thursday, April, 19), this Wednesday I will relay to you two phenomenal up-and-coming artists on the bluegrass scene in the Oregon area.
FRUITION
I first saw this band at Sam Bond’s Garage in Eugene, Oregon. Let me tell you, this band knows how to bring the party. People threw their chairs and tables out of the way to be able to get their dance on with this band. Hailing from Portland, Oregon, their shows bring an incredible following of fans. Dipping into genres that include funk, reggae, rock, folk, and yes, bluegrass, this band brings hot and heavy variety to every stage they play on. Making sweet, sweet sounds with the upright bass, guitar, mandolin, and banjo, not to mention their harmonized voices, Fruition drives feet to dance and hearts to their fullest.
WATER TOWER BUCKET BOYS
I first met Water Tower Bucket Boys, well, when I was looking to rent a house in Eugene, and these fine fellows were hot pickin’ on their front porch. Since then, I have seen this band a number of times, all of which, I have been equally impressed. There rough country 3-part harmonies are perfectly fused with their down home folk music bringing an awesome energy to the stage. They take you back to the good ol days of American bluegrass. They have spent nearly five years touring, some of which has been internationally, and with four albums under their britches, these boys are definitely worth checking out…and dancing your ass off to.
You can catch these two bitchin’ bluegrass bands this FRIDAY, SATURDAY, or SUNDAY!
Frution + Water Tower 3 nights in a row
-The Doug Fir Lounge (PDX), Friday 4-20. Doors at 8:30pm $10 doors/advanced
-Sam Bonds Garage (Eugene, OR). Saturday 4-21. 9pm $5 cover
-Axe & Fiddle (Cottage Grove, OR). EARTH DAY Sunday 4-22 8pm $5 cover
AND FOR THOSE OF YOU GOING TO ANY OF THE YONDER SPRING TOUR…HOT DAMN! here you are…
Resolution- Jan 28th, 2012
Resolution Portland, Oregon, USA
Upon reflection, this show has been a highlight of 2012 thus far. With much more to come, who can sit still? Here is some of the music that has permitted the West Coast vibrations and will continue for yeas to come!
Horizon Events threw a massave rager in a warehouse in Portland. Actually let me rephrase that. A collective effort was put forth to create a ridiculous event with a killer light show.
A spectacular display of lights, lasers, and video to the eyes with lighting by Dreamer, visuals by Light Trope, and space shaping by Renaissnce Raven, the ave was scheduled from 9:00PM to 6:00AM. 9 hours of head pounding, sternum wrenching bassy electronic music coupled with incredible visuals, i think all were sweaty and satisfied as the sun was rising.
“RESOLUTION! The show was sold out!!!!!!! 500+ heads in the building make for a special night! Big ups to RE SOUND for the KV2 sweetness, all the vendors, the AMAZING DJ TALENT, THE AMAZING SECURITY TEAM, MICHEAL BOWLES and his crew for the dopest stage setup I have ever seen, JOSH FITZ for equally impressive video design, DREAMER with the DOPEST LASER SHOW IN THE NW” -Zilch
A special thanks to Tribal Spectrum, Michael Bowls (Renaissance Raven), Stapelton, Alden Rodgers and Horizon Events!
To learn more about Phuture Primitive
visit: 
Tribal Spectrum Eugene, Oregon
Also made an appearance, making for a wonderful set, acrobates took flight, girls got down, and all enjoyed themselves. The Trio is playing at Lucidity Music & Arts festival in Santa Barbra, California for more info, click here: http://lucidityfestival.com/
Sharing is Caring!~
Euforquestra
Euforquestra from Fort Collins, Colorado
“Euforquestra planted their Euphoric Vibration on the West Coast!”
The seven member band, Eufórquestra, now hailing from Fort Collins, CO, is a funky, reggae infused, soul party not to be missed. Their music, steeped in a hot saxophone sound, invokes serious get down on the dance floor. Combining influences from Cuba, Brazil, and West Africa, the smooth rhythm is impossible not to groove to. The sound is original, an incredible display of musical creativity and freedom. Not limited to one genre, this band has a little bit of something to offer for everyone. At their performance last weekend in Portland, Oregon, the audience was all smiles, cheers-ing to good music and getting their funky dance on. If you find yourself the Colorado way, the band with be joining Kyle Hollingsworth Band (keyboardist of String Cheese Incident) this March for his BrewSki Tour. This is a jam sesh not to be missed my friends.
05 – Euforquestra – Called You
Personal favorite song at the moment…”Called You”
Euforquestra has a NEW ALBUM out and its FREE!!
U heard it first HEAR @freioMusic
For More info check out:
On twitter: @euforquestra
Buy music & apparel HERE
Support and share the artists you love!
FreioMusic’s 1st Remix Contest!
Cast your vote!!
voting ends Monday…
Poll Closed… Thanks for voting!
Share this Post with Friends and Family!
Meet the Remix Artists:
4ESH! USA- Miami, Florida
Gucci Gucci (4ESH!’s Dubstep FreioRemix)
Names: Alejandro Diaz, Javier Lopez
Style and Influences:
“4ESH! started when myself (Alejandro Diaz “DT0X”) and my long time high school friend (Javier Lopez “Avilo”) decided to collab and create music. I started when I was 17 and now we are 23 and 25. We love creating all genres of electronic music but prefer electro house. We have too many influences both in our genre and outside said genre to name. We have a nice following here in Miami but want to expand our horizon.”
Links: 4ESH On Facebook
On Freio: Click here
Young Hamm: USA- Denver, Colorado
Gucci Gucci ft Yung Hamm-Mr RaW-Still RaW
Name: Kenneth Henderson
Collaboration with: Mr.RaW
Style and Influences:
“I started writing music at the age of 13 and recorded my first song on my 14th birthday. I remember that day like it was just yesterday, I rapped over Nas, Lil Wayne, and Cassidy instrumentals. Since a young age i had always loved music and had that feeling that not only could i create music, but i could be good if not great at it. If i had to make a Top 5 MC list it would be 2pac,Nas,Andre 3000,Lauryn Hill and Common, No specific order. These are the MC’s who inspired me the most, but i studied so many more if not everyone before me. I love what the young/new up and coming artist are doing for the game (J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar, K.R.I.T.,Curren$y, Wale) and i think that its up to US to bring it back to what people grew to love. With my music i try to be unique and not just chase after the next hit song. I push hard to make music that I want to make first, then make sure it is something real and easy to relate to. I love to make people think and broaden their imagination while listening to my music, rather it be just a lyric that might go over your head or a whole song concept that makes you want to dig deeper. My main goals with my music are just to be heard and make a person feel emotions while listening,even angry. If i know i can make a person upset and piss them off with my music, then i know its possible to make them smile, then laugh, cry then ultimately go out and search for their biological parents or something. The last but first thing that i do it for is my city, DENVER. There is so much unheard talent out here it kills me to listen to ‘local’ artist. I have always said i dont care if im the first through the door, the last, or the most famous. I will be satisfied knowing that i played a role in opening the door for this ‘Denver Renaissance Movement’. I know everyone cant be the star, If im not a Martin Luther King, what’s wrong with being W.E.B. DuBois?
Want to hear more from me, Check out www.hammerandchampion.com or follow me on twitter.com @goinghamm
Dare2Be; different, great, crazy….you name it.
Peace”
Links:
www.hammerandchampion.com
www.twitter.com/goinghamm
soundcloud.com/hammer-and-champion
Previously On FreioMusic: 1, 2, 3
Clodewerks: USA- Portland, Oregon
Gucci Gucci (Clodewerks Meowmix)
Name: Kyle Linneman
Style and Influences:
“I’ve been producing music for about six years, four of which were while studying Music Technology at the University of Oregon. I grew up listening to groups like the Chemical Brothers, Basement Jaxx, Fatboy Slim, and Mr. Oizo, but since school I have found a deep appreciation for people like Stockhausen, Cage, and Applebaum. I mix in all of that together with my trumpet, and that makes Clodewerks.”
Links: www.clodewerks.com
First time on FreioMusic!
PeAnuT: USA- Los Angeles, California
Gucci Gucci (peanut)
Name: Pat Jackman
Style and Influences:
“Pretty Lights, Bassnectar, and Sound Tribe. Started music a year and a half ago, trying to weave mo town/soul to original electronic beats with also every genre having some influence and voice in each song.”
Links: soundcloud.com/peanut-3
Previously featured on FreioMusic: 1, 2, 3
Cloud Crowd: USA- Colorado Springs, Colorado
Crowd Cloud – One big room
Name: Jemar Mitchell
Style and Influences:
“We are a music group consisting of 3 artists and 3 producers/mixing and mastering engineers. we all started together when we were about 14 years old.”
Links: soundcloud.com/cloud-crowd
Previously Featured on F.M. Hear!
Share Freio’s 1st ever Remix Competition!
The Album Leaf + Sister Crayon – Doug Fir Lounge
Intimate venues are hard to come by. A venue in which you feel some odd close connection to the artist. The Doug Fir Lounge in Portland, Oregon embodies this warm vibe while still upholding its ultra hip reputation. In one word the lounge could be defined as ‘swanky’. Dim lights created a mellow mood, but the vivid neon accents kept the room alive and rocking. The show? The Album Leaf with opener, Sister Crayon. Although the crowd consisted of mostly plaid shirts, facial hair, and glasses (aka the Portland hipster) the show was charged with unimaginable musical talent. Terra Lopez, the lead singer of Sister Crayon, began as a solo act with only a classical guitar and a loop pedal to create the dream-like impression her music leaves. With the addition of Dani Fernandez and Jeffrey LaTour the band united under a new holistic melding of sound.A sound that is beautiful, deep, and full. On stage, Sister Crayon comes to life and is incredible to watch despite the calmness of their music. You can see the passion behind it. Following, The Album Leaf brought a new presence to the stage. The stunning video display and LED vertical lights making shadows on the huge Fir beams beautifully paralleled the mostly instrumental melodies of the band. Their talents displayed an awesome attention to detail and knowledge of sound. The Album Leaf, Sister Crayon + The Doug Fir Lounge = One rad show. I would highly suggest putting on your ‘hippest’ outfit and making your way to a show in the basement of the Doug Fir. Best venue I’ve been to in Portland hands down.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BWRoYURh3U%5D