In their latest video release, SoftSpot has raised the stakes and carved out their distinct territory within the scene.  Their intentional aesthetic both visually and musically has never been a mystery but this film stands to define and advance their voice even further.  Directed by Ryan Dickie, who also directed "Half a House" (2010), the video not only showcases the austere and spiritual qualities of SoftSpot's work but also the wildly imaginative style of Dickie's cinematography.  Also featured are the beautiful costumes and masks, hand made by Savannah Wyatt.  The caliber of this proves the mettle of this band and their contemporaries to be true and extraordinary.  It whispers the hints of their upcoming release, expected to debut later this year, and undeniably forecasts their bright futures ahead.

Later in May, we are going to see the release of two incredible bands who have been creating remarkable sounds for years.  These bands bring a fresh touch to the scene that has been missing; buried among copious amounts of reverbed-out guitars and vocals.  No one's trying to pull the wool over our eyes here; one friend put it best when he said, 'They don't make 'em like this anymore.'  The Pharmacy and Warren Hixson are going to pull you back down to your roots and you're going to like it.

The Pharmacy, "In Your Room" : This band has put in some serious mileage together and songs like this evidence their tight dynamic; with masterful flurries of piano and incisive moments of harmony, I dare you to count how many movements they pull off in the span of the 4 minutes...

Warren Hixson is one of Richmond's best kept secrets.  This track "Paint the Sink," has his signature surfy tones and a turn of minimalism that guarantees that you'll be tempted to hum its tune while you're waiting in the elevator.  While Hixson has previously released several records on a Gainesville-born label, Arkain Records, he'll be releasing "Cruel Whims" on a start up label here in Virginia called Vanish.  He's only getting started with this; already, Hixson has several additional records written and recorded, and so we can expect much more out of him in the coming seasons.

It couldn't be sweeter.  After their Transcendental Truth Tour to SXSW and back, The Diamond Center returned home to an open-armed audience at Steady Sounds.  They came bearing the much-anticipated gift of their latest 7" release on Funny / Not Funny Records.  The new EP was pressed in a limited edition of 300 copies and bears the two singles, "California," and "Bells."  These songs tear their live performances wide open; bearing the mark of their sound, they conjure a new level of tension and unveil the essence of Diamond Center magic.  You want it all to wash over your mind like a crisp summer wave.  Don't hold back, go get yourself a copy [ :)/:( ] and let it thrill and refresh you before it's too late. 

Check out this post by Brian McDaniel of Dirty Richmond; head over to his site and take in some of his beautiful images and find out about how you can earn yourself a free copy of ISH ISH!  Brian has been really building impetus over this past year with some more frequent coverage of some of the most intriguing things happening within the Richmond fashion scene.  I'm a big fan of his minimal and curatorial approach to the blogosphere and am really grateful to have his support as I embark on promoting my new record.  One of my favorite stories recently was about an urban cowboy; the photos from which might make any Southern belle blush at the notion of such a gent's existence.  If you haven't spent some time with Brian's work, go on and do yourself a favor.

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"Nelly Kate's Record Release Show at Strange Matter" by Andrew Necci 

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The following photographs were taken by Natural Science Productions.  

This coming Saturday, I'll be trekking my sounds up to Winchester for the first time; the show will be at a beautiful book shop and thanks to the 'chester' blog, there's a little press about my work.  

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I’ve never seen anything like it – Nelly’s live performance is a beautiful war. She plays amazing – she sounds amazing – she is going to battle up there to create her unique sound and she pulls it off flawlessly. -The Cheats Movement

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Chris Bopst wrote a fantastic preview for the shows happening at Gallery 5 on the night of my illustration exhibit and slipped in this incredibly kind compliment of my sounds: [Nelly]'s breathy take on post-modern pop is embedded with a folksy earthiness sure to appeal to any fan of Portishead, tUnE-yArDs or Emiliana Torrini. Catchy and alluring, she could be the next big thing to come out of Richmond.

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There's nothing like getting the time of day from a writer who typically covers hip hop stylings.  It was an honor to have Cheats take the time to give my record a spin and conclude, 'You just want to hear something that you’ve never heard before.'  

[Click on the screenshot below for the full article from The Cheats Movement.]

The following was written up on RICHMOND.COM's website in anticipation of Sunday's listening party:::

Sunday, March 4, 12 p. m.

Steady Sounds Listening Party for Nelly Kate @ Steady Sounds Records (322 W. Broad St.)

Nelly Kate, Richmond and Staunton’s best kept secret is no more. Kate is exploding and every musician and music fan regardless of their favorite genre, are taking notice. Oh to be praised by your peers.

Kate’s new analog record/vinyl release, “ISH ISH,” is out and for your ears only. Her melodic minimal electronic style is all the rage I’m telling you.

If church is not in the cards for you this fine Sunday, hop on over to Steady Sounds for a listening party and perhaps a performance by Nelly Kate. The coffee at Lift just a few doors down is the bomb, so get caffeinated and hear this beauty.

Nelly Kate – www.nellykate.net

Free. All ages.

It was 'whelming to see so many great posts in praise of the weekend's events surrounding the release of ISH ISH.  RVA Magazine's writer, Shannon Cleary, gave a fantastic 'lay of the land,' carefully  detailing the days ahead in his article, "Nelly Kate's ISH ISH Hits Richmond This Weekend."  And what a privilege for him to say this as his point of summary : : : Nelly Kate is one of the best musical exports to find their way to our city in the past year. Her record is something special, and to spend a weekend celebrating its release seems more than appropriate. There are multiple opportunities available to discover Nelly Kate and Ish Ish this weekend. Take advantage of them, and discover the avant-garde sounds of a splendid artist on the cusp of great things.

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Kicking off press for the release shows was an article and ticket contest hosted by Andrew Cothern on Richmond Playlist stating the following: Her album “ISH ISH,” primarily an analog record release, is set to be released this week, and from what I’ve heard already, it’s going to be one the best albums in Richmond this year. 

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The first review of ISH ISH went live today; and it's beautifully written by Christian Detres who gave the record some serious rotation : : : 

Her languid and sweeping vocals ride a gossamer thread of spare melodies and sad shamblings of introspective purpose. On the album ISH ISH, Nelly uses her foreplay-like build-ups that mimic her solo live shows’ layering loops of melodies, beats and atmospherics until her songs find their lines, planes and depth to great anticipatory effect. The result is a mysterious revelation of a beautiful clockwork from a mess of gears and sprockets of sound - a striptease in reverse. The album is haunting in the most sensual way possible.

For the full article click HERE or the screenshot below. 

In this beautifully-filmed performance, Justin Vernon and Sean Carey conjure incredible renditions of several of Bon Iver's own songs, as well as a cover of Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me." Treat yourself to this unique session.

1. Hinnom, TX
2. Wash.
3. I Can't Make You Love Me
4. Babys
5. Beth/Rest

Director: Iain Forsyth & Jane Pollard
Recording & Mixing: Jake Jackson with Brian Joseph
Recorded in London at AIR Studios, October 16, 2011

Hooray, they're here they're here!  They sound kind of incredible, so glad we pressed at 180 grams.

From his January performance on Big Meadow Sessions comes this unique rendition of 'All Other Love.'  Thanks to Evrim Dogu, the film was shot in the space that will be home to Sub Rosa Bread Company, right in the heart of Church Hill.  Stay tuned for my little session of the same sort in the next couple of weeks. 

About the only thing that I can think to say when I'm watching this is, just that, 'Holy Father.'  The prayer of thanks could easily extend itself into something like, 'I am so glad you sent SoftSpot to this earth,' or 'Thank you for creating Sarah Kinlaw with such an stunning voice, and Bryan Keller with such an incredible touch on the guitar, and Andrew Spaulding with such a tasteful style of drumming.'  Did I fail to mention that the video itself has the very same dark and mysterious quality as the song?  Directed by the bassist / vocalist, Sarah Kinlaw and Nadirah Zakariya the tone of the footage and the technical approach is spot on.  I only wish I could be back in that basement in Bushwick, sitting on the floor and taking it in in the flesh.  Amen.