Freio Music

The Sunday Night Get Down

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The Sunday Night Get Down - The Motet

Photos by: Molly Buckiewicz (https://www.mojophotography.org/)

Listen to the Motet's Latest album:

Concert Review

Writing by: Greg Powell

Hailing from Colorado, The Motet has gathered a cult following over the last few years and doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. I remember seeing them for the first time at their annual, Halloween mountain show and having it be the highlight of my year. I felt like I was in a time warp back to the funk era. It was refreshing to hear such a passionate tribute to old school funk, performed with such energy and raw musicianship. It was obvious at the time that they were in a league of their own, demanding a larger stage and much-deserved recognition. Since then they have released several albums, built a devoted fan base and worked their way up to be Red Rocks headliners.

Sunday’s show at the Midtown Ballroom in Bend, OR was one for the books. The venue was packed early with excited fans ready for a night of shameless dancing. The opener, John Medeski’s Mad Skillet, got things warmed up quickly with their jazz-influenced jams. Medeski was a master on the keyboards and the use of a Sousaphone as their bass instrument really added another element to the performance.

By the time The Motet took the stage the whole crowd was ready to move. They eased into their set with the lights turned low and an instrumental jam. Lead singer Lyle Divinsky jumped on stage and the band dropped into a hard-hitting single from their new album. People of all ages and backgrounds crowded the front, ready to let loose. The band built more energy the longer they played and were able to streamline their set, with minimal downtime between songs. There are not many groups that can start a party with the opening song and keep the crowd dancing hard through their encore.

Their latest release, Death or Devotion, is a 10-track studio album, released via their own music label. It is a well-rounded compilation of catchy singles and badass funk tunes. Make sure to give it a listen and stay up to date on The Motet’s upcoming tour dates, most notably July 12th when they will be back at Red Rocks with Galactic for another rowdy night of music and good times.

For more check out our podcast episode with Dave Watts, the founder of the Motet.

Sonic Bloom Photo Recap 2018

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Sonic Bloom 2018 Photo Recap

This year at Sonic Bloom the music was on fire as usual.  Three main stages running until 2am and one stage running until sun-rise with music until 6am.  The workshops begin at 8 am so there is really only two hours of 'off-time' per day all four days of the festival.  The music and grooves transitioned seamlessly as different artists plugged in while others finished out their set.  The main stage has a 'tween' stage, which if you are not familiar with the term is a small stage right next to the main stage and features short usually under 30min performances while the main stage undergoes a set change.  This is the optimal way to transition on a large stage while maintaining the audience's attention and attendance.

With thee stages going simultaneously for 8 hours (with three stages that is actually 24 hours of live performances compressed in time and space within walking distance), which provides an opportunity for more musicians to be heard and benefit from the cross-pollination of musical audiences.   The river ran dry but the music and shaded hammocks at the hummingbird stage provided a welcome mid day napping location.  There is no shortage of amazing talent and the careful curation of musical acts that preform ensure a high threshold and a healthy diversity while still being true to the festivals electronic roots.

Photos will never capture sound so seek out good listen to new music.  Click here to listen to live tracks from Sonic Bloom 2018.

Some more music the official Sonic Bloom Playlist on Spotify:

Envision Festival 2015

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Envision Festival 2015

  Vive La Experiencia!!

 

The fifth annual Envision Festival returns to the breathtaking shores of Uvita, Costa Rica,

February 26 through March 1, 2015 with the release of their Official 2015 Video and first music headliner announcement.

Get inspired. Watch the video here.

The festival just announced the first musical headliner, The Polish Ambassador, the world’s funkiest diplomat, with the rest of the lineup to be released soon. Past Envision headliners include Beats Antique, Tipper, Alex Grey, Nahko and Medicine for the People, Emancipator, Rising Appalachia, Papadosio, Rootz Underground, Midnite, The Lucent Dossier Experience, Quixotic, Random Rab, and Costa Rican favorite Sonámbulo.

Now in its fifth year, the magic of previous incarnations of Envision Festival has driven travelers of all types to the scenic beaches and exotic jungles of Costa Rica each February for world-class music, adventure tours, stimulating education, meeting new friends — and one epic party. In this little slice of paradise, explorers find more than a music and art festival, with an abundance of life-changing experiences that enrich the senses and open the mind.  Globally-renowned performance artists create whimsical environments, along with interactive art installations and live painters. Yoga teachers from around the world teach rapturous classes for all levels, from those looking to expand their existing master practice to those  stepping onto the mat for the first time.

Dance under the stars all night and play all day — swimming, surfing, cliff diving and more. Hike to an enchanted waterfall and make lifelong connections in the Village. As the sun dips below the rim of the Pacific, hundreds of beautiful smiling faces glow in the remaining crimson rays on the beach, gathering to grow, celebrate and create together, to implement permaculture principles, and manifest plans that have been years in the works.

Keep your eyes peeled for the initial lineup coming soon. Discount Early Bird tickets are on sale now. Please sign up for the newsletter, read more about previous Envision Festivals on the website, and visit the links below.  Pura Vida!

 

Envision Media Links:

Envision Facebook

Envision Instagram

Envision Website

Envision Ticketing

 

About Envision Festival:

Envision festival is an annual gathering in Costa Rica that seeks to provide a platform for different cultures to inspire one another to co-create sustainable community and practice yoga, spirituality, art, music, dance performance, education, and acknowledge our fundamental connection with nature.
At the festival’s core, the Envision organizers are leaders of a sustainable permaculture movement that is blossoming throughout Costa Rica.  With initiatives such as banning single use tableware in lieu of bamboo and banana leaf alternatives, a festival wide composting system, green building and multiple spaces dedicated entirely to environmental education, it is clear that the intention runs deep.  Costa Rica, a world leader in eco-local awareness, serves as the perfect backdrop for such initiatives and the festival itself is designed to provide an example of a style of communal living that is more attainable than ever in an impressively hospitable and lush growing environment.

The Confluence – TheConfluenceGroup.com

If you’re not convinced on going…check out these shots from the amazing photographers who attended previous Envision Festivals.

Opiuo @ Dux Live – Christchurch, NZ

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IMG_0096 (1)

So stoked to see Opiuo in New Zealand, I took an eight hour bus to catch his show in Christchurch this past weekend. Ready to get super sober raved out, I came in my concert apparel per usual – an eclectic mix of costume box findings , but Opiuo has quite the classy NZ crowd- little black dresses and high heels, ladies. The sold out show at the Dux Live got off to a sweet groove with Tom Cosm before Opiuo took the stage and brought the bass fed funk. Sweaty hands high fived as jams like ‘Don’t Hold Back’ and ‘Good Thymes’ rocked the bar. Smiling faces were everywhere as the head banging wild crowd bumped along with Opiuo’s explosive and captivating stage presence. You can’t help but bounce to the crunchy, glitch vibe of this NZ artist, and when the beat drops…shoot, you better watch out for the girls getting really rowdy on the dance floor. Incorporating sounds that span genres like jazz, reggae, funk, and rock, Opiuo’s music continues to evolve in a fresh and dance-tastic direction. The native Kiwi did his homeland some justice with his addictive beats and high energy vibe. With his international reputation, you Colorado kids can catch Opiuo headlining at Sonic Bloom this year in Georgetown, CO. And if you’re looking for a bumpin’ party to kick off summer, I suggest you don’t miss  it.  

 

 

He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister

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He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister

 

Freio Music Presents He's My Brother She's My Sister
(LEFT TO RIGHT) AARON ROBINSON, ROBERT KOLAR, LAUREN BROWN, RACHEL
KOLAR AND OLIVER NEWELL. *PHOTO COURTESY OF COURTNEY ELLIS.

 

A rocking band traveling the West-coast & Mid-west USA.

He’s my Brother She’s my Sister, aka HMBSMS, is a band with flare, touch, tap, and style. A unique approach to music and crowd participation. In fact they invited some of the wildest and bravest crowd members to sing with them on stage. HMBSMS has a very heavy tour schedule, and is constantly on the move. After seeing He is my brother she is my sister in Eugene, Oregon, I had to talk with them. The band members were kind enough to agree to a phone interview (click here). The night was clear, the flow of beer, and the music was here at Sam Bond’s Garage.  The sibling vocal harmonies were noticeable in the incredibly cohesive sound despite the Rob having the flue, and sweating profusely during the entire show.  The percussionist Lauren, standing on a kick drum tap-dancing, danced with enthusiasm and a purpose.  Rachel’s beautiful vocals and occasional tambourine shakes kept the flare alive.   With walking bass lines and sliding lap-steal guitar, the sound was keyed in.  HMBSMS opened up the microphone up to other members of the audience, who gratefully grabbed the mic to scat and howl the night away.  With a taste of Eugene, this band wanted a little more, entertaining an encore to the fans delight.  To read more about the show & hear from three members of the band in an interview found only hear on FreioMusic

With an extremely heavy tour schedule, the band will likely be within a couple hours away (if you are in the USA) from your home town.  Check out their tour schedule here:


 

 

To read the full interview with HMBSMS click here

 

For more info & music please visit:

hesmybrothershesmysister.com

hesmybrothershesmysister.bandcamp.com

HMBSMS-Interview-with-FreioMusic.pdf 

Want to purchase some music?

http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/hes-my-brother-shes-my-sister/

 

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Tribal Spectrum & Sara Z @ the Maize 4.21.12

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Tribal Spectrum  from Eugne, Oregon

With the headliner R/D, Tribal Sepctrum, and Sara Z rocked the stage, lit and hosted by Renaissance Raven  at the Maize Lounge

U heard it first HEAR @freioMusic

Tribal Spectrum – Omni Culture Preview (live cut)

Tribal Spectrum – Omni Culture *Preview Live Cut (AAC)

Sara Dawson Zagarino from Eugne, Oregon

She has a unique blend of vocal harmonies, DJ mixing, house bumpin beats.  A very clever all in one package, have a listen:

U heard it first HEAR @freioMusic

http://soundcloud.com/sara-z

 

To learn more about Sara Z:
To Learn More about Tribal Spectrum:
Visit:  Tribal Spectrum.com  or to download free music: music.tribalspectrum.com 
Or check out more music by Tribal Spectrum on FreioMusic

WANDERLUST WEDNESDAY!

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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…

See the Music

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Artwork by Luisella Zuccotti

Deaf people are not only amazing visual artists (see above artwork), but musically inclined as well!  In American Universities, music-history classes often discuss influential blind musicians.  History is old, out of date, yet it is being written today. There are some very influential Deaf musicians, alive today, who have yet to be included in the textbooks.
Roughly 5 months ago, Greece had a revolutionary concert for both the Deaf and Hearing populations called ‘See the Music’.  As stated on the ‘seethemusic’ website: “Our goal with hosting this event is to bring together two superficially different worlds, since the only difference between them lies on the language they use.”  The phrase ‘linguistic minority’ is used to describe the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, illustrating the lack of popularity and fluency in Sign Language.  The concert was translated/ preformed in ASL as well as the Greek Sign Language (GSL).  This concert was free to enter and open to the public.
Artists including K.TBHA and Signmark both preformed at the event.

More info:
See the Music – on the web
K.BHTA on myspace

Music by K.BHTA

A Special thanks to K.BHTA for being the first Artist from Greece to be featured on freiomusic!

Share & help Art Bridge Boarders~