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Sound Check: March 2009

News and reviews of queer women in music.

Earlier this year, there were reports that L Word actress Daniela Sea had joined up with legendary post-punk guitarist/singer Blake Schwarzenbach for his new project, The Thorns of Life. The trio are supposed to be hitting the studio, recording music that will likely become a a full-length album to be released sometime this year. They are working with producer J. Robbins, who has worked with Ponytail, The Dismemberment Plan and Schwarzenbach’s former band, Jets to Brazil.

The Thorns of Life

However, it still isn’t clear whether Daniela will be the bassist playing on the album. The band is keeping tight-lipped about details, but some critics are speculating that J. Robbins will end up playing the bass himself.

Daniela has a very musical past, including as part of her girlfriend’s band, Bitch and the Exciting Conclusion, and as part of The Gr’ups and Cypher in the Snow. If she ends up on the full-length with Schwarzenbach and drummer Aaron Cometbus, it would be her most high-profile musical exploit to date.

Also in the studio right now are The Shondes, The Gossip, Panda and Angel, and Tegan and Sara, who are working on preproduction in Vancouver with producer Chris Walla (Walla produced 2007’s The Con).

RELEASES REVIEWED

If the demise of The Organ has left you looking for a new dance band full of gay women, you’ll love Dance Yourself to Death. The Canadian band’s debut LP, Ready for Love is contemporary new-wave music that’s easily adapted to dance floors.

Together since 2005, Dance Yourself to Death is finally making a name for itself with this album. Featuring JD Samson’s remix of the track “Sea of Love” as well as ’80s-infused pop like “We Are All Made of Stone,” the album is solid and reminiscent of the GoGos.

Vocalist Jen Markowitz has a distinctive sound that is more akin to modern-day dance singers like Kim Ann Foxman of Hercules and Love Affair, and growling rock women like Joan Jett. It’s a happy medium that makes Dance Yourself to Death a pleasing combination of rock and dance.

Also from Canada, folk duo Madison Violet has released a second album, Caravan, which features more of an alt-country tinge than the previous Worry the Jury. The 10-track disc will be a favorite of fans of Neko Case, Lucinda Williams or Loretta Lynn.

With a throwback sound and modern themes, Madison Violet has created a well-crafted album about traveling, both literally and metaphorically.

Madison Violet

Standout tracks include the slow-tempo “I’m Your Lady” and the ballad “I Am an Only.”

Los Angeles band Saucy Monkey’s five-song EP, Between the Bars, has a cover of The Carpenter’s hit song, “Superstar.”

Maybe I’m spoiled by the original (and the even better Sonic Youth cover from the If I Were a Carpenter Tribute Album released several years ago), but I’m just not into the drawn-out, alt-rock version of the classic track.

Unfortunately, it’s the best song on the EP. Saucy Monkey doesn’t offer anything original, and the lyrics are rife with cheesy metaphors, like on the song “The Acrobat,” with lyrics like “Maybe you’re the acrobat / swinging back and forth like that / while I’m on the trampoline / jumping on and down to be seen.”

Saucy Monkey

But I will award them points for a song called “Listening to Morrissey.” It’s a great idea that they weren’t able to fully capitalize on. If the band has any influence from the Moz or The Smiths, it’s not present on Between the Bars.

NEWS & NOTES

Queer Control Records has added several new artists to its roster for 2009, including queer artist Shenandoah Davis and two bands with lesbian members, Box Squad and Princess and the Criminals.

This year, Pitchfork TV has released live performance videos of both Ponytail and Hercules and Love Affair, including Kim Ann Foxman singing “Athena.”

Ponytail

The Indigo Girls will be releasing their new album Poseidon and the Bitter Bug on March 24.

The first week of April is Dinah Shore, and scheduled performers include Lady GaGa, Uh Huh Her, Robin S., the Indigo Girls, Katy Perry and DJs such as The BoobyTrap Girls.

Prolific musician Mirah’s new album a) spera was released on K Records on March 10. She’ll be touring the West Coast and then Europe throughout the spring in support of the CD.

Out classical violinist Nadia Sirota was featured as one of Out Magazine’s New New York artists in its March issue. The 26-year-old Juilliard graduate is currently on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music and collaborates with composers such as Nico Muhly and Judd Greenstein.

Mia Clarke from Electrelane has released a new album, Guitargument, in collaboration with musician Andy Moor on indie label File-13 Records.

Ex-Yo Majesty member Shunda K is releasing Tha Best Eva Written … Outkased in April. In the meantime, she’s released a free EP for download on her website called Le Passion. Also, she’ll be performing at SXSW Music Festival this month and is seeking backup dancers who will be in Austin on March 14. E-mail her at [email protected] if you think you’ve got what she’s looking for. She “needs some peoples dat can do more then shake it fast and pop loc!!!”

Shunda K

Sick of Sarah just started their spring tour of the Midwest before joining up with Von Iva in May for the East Coast.

Feminist record label For the Birds has released a compilation, Gimme Cooties, featuring female bands and musicians, including New York indie-queer group Each Other’s Mothers.

The Ditty Bops were recently featured on Extra! for their Grammy-nominated Best Recording Package.

Some of the initial acts for Michigan Womyn’s Festival have been announced for this upcoming August. So far, Von Iva, Hanifah Walidah, Girl in a Coma, Amy Ray, Nervous But Excited, Melissa Ferrick and Sarah Bettens are among those that will be performing.

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