Everyone in the music industry has a non-music industry friend who they trust implicitly when it comes to their musical taste. They are at once expert and fan, yet grounded in everyday life and not swung by industry hype. I’m lucky enough to have several, since I do my best to spend most of my free time pursuing other endeavors, but today I’m going to concentrate on my good friend Dave.
Through some quirk of fate Dave did not end up in the music industry despite having a better ear than anyone I know, and instead decided to own a factory downtown. It was a wise business decision as factories are doing better than record labels. When Dave tells me he likes something I always give it a listen, as its usually at least an interesting listen, and every once in a while he comes up with a real gem that has larger potential.
Now I realize that I am not the first person to write about this band, nor will I be the last. And honestly I read about them on irockiroll well before my friend even mentioned them to me (it is my job and all), but his enthusiasm makes me think that there is something there that may be bigger then the your average New York buzz band.
First they are good musicians, that should go without saying, but secondly their musicianship goes beyond the standard drums bass guitar keyboard combo and manages to create a sound that is both eclectic yet classic. It is a rare feat to incorporate so many rhythms and not feel experimental. I feel like I am back in the 50’s or 60’s yet their lyrics are distinctly modern. This band is going to have a field day licensing to retro movies and TV shows, and really any kind, as it is just good music.
So what is the Band's name – Vampire Weekend
Check them out on their Myspace page.
Oxford Comma is my favorite, but they are all great.
They currently have only a three song EP and are of course on Itunes. There booking agent is Billions and so they have been touring all over the country, building their fanbase. With the success of more female adult classic acts like Amy Winehouse and Feist, the world may be ready for a throwback male band and in an industry looking to license music to TV and film, Vampire Weekend is a good bet.
