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The
Steamer Hustle
The hustle ... it's the trade of the streets and the lifeblood of hip hop. The word itself, like all hip hop code words, has a dual meaning: It typically refers to that illicit side gig that keeps food on the table and tape in the DAT player, or to the years of struggle and strife associated with self-promotion. When I called Gen.Erik, one third of Portland's Cleveland Steamers, to talk about the group's new record Treasure Chest, he and his bandmates had just settled in for some food before their Seattle gig. Sounding a bit haggard although excited about the night's performance, he elaborated a bit on the day's hustle. "We spent all day going to record stores, Silver Platters, Everyday Music, Platinum, dropping off flyers and CDs and trying to get our album in there," he said. Indie music, despite the modesty the moniker suggests, is a huge industry with tentacles extending deep into record promotion and even brand endorsements. While some indie groups have the resources to pay a marketing company $4,000 for a few weeks of college radio promotions, the less fortunate have to pound the pavement for hours on end. "It's hard to get your foot in the door when you don't have money to throw away," Erik explains. "We have a budget, but without the deep pockets, this has been a big learning process." Released in mid-November, Treasure Chest stands as yet another gem of a record in the Northwest's underground hip hop landscape, aptly showcasing the strengths of each individual Steamer. Mic Crenshaw, with his smooth, street-treated flow, sounds so supremely at ease on tracks like "Fists High" and "Rock that Shit," his indomitable confidence as a rapper really shines through. In contrast, Gen.Erik comes off as his agitated counterpoint — edgy and verbose, but all the while lucid and grounded. Whereas some rappers, mostly of the "dictionary" persuasion, string together arcane words ad nauseum just to sound smart, Erik connects "precarious," "proletariat" and "dividends" with tact and purpose. And last but not least, DJ/producer DJ Aero matches the group's stark political commentary with beats that are both caliginous and infectious — "The Groove" is anthemic, while the Bush parody "The Decider" is serious and almost dour. Early into the album's release, Erik says the group is focused on building a strong local following before tackling broader goals. "Right now our main goal is to build up our fan base along the West Coast and to expand from there," he says. The struggle seems all the more difficult when you have a solid album that deserves the type of constant airplay and mass promotion that only deep pockets can afford. The Cleveland Steamers have such an album. But the Steamers are underground, and the hustle has only just begun.
Craic
Addicts No one wants crack circulating at concerts, but at a Circled By Hounds show, an unlimited supply of craic is always in demand. An Irish word, craic (pronounced "crack") generally means "good fun had by all," especially regarding alcohol consumption alongside a bit of gossip-worthy debauchery. The three members of Circled By Hounds have long been addicted to craic, and for about a year now they've been dealing it out everywhere they go.
Matthew Hayward-McDonald (guitar/vocals) and Kathryn Claire (fiddle/guitar/vocals) captured local fans as members of popular local group Toad in the Hole. The pair met four years ago as part of TITH, and their shared love of Irish music brought them together as a couple. When TITH disbanded, Hayward-McDonald and Claire moved to Nehalem, a tiny northern coastal fishing village of 500 people. Joined by their percussionist/multi-instrumentalist friend Vash (only one name), the trio called themselves Circled By Hounds. While the salty air was great, the group is moving to Portland in January, favoring less distance to travel for shows. "All three of us are lovers of traditional Irish music, but we all come to it from very different backgrounds," says Claire. "Plus we all love singing. The three of us sing a lot, and that's a unique aspect of the sound." For those who know Toad in the Hole, Circled By Hounds won't be very different, except of course that it's a three-piece. "It's smaller, but we love to get people dancing," says Hayward-McDonald. "And we can do more because we're more versatile." The band performs original music, but also adapts favorite traditional tunes, with unique arrangements a hallmark of their sound, says Hayward-McDonald. While Toad in the Hole was a raucous bar band, CBH has a more acoustic feel, and in that sense is more traditional though they still get people out of their seats. "Irish music has that raucous, riotous feel to it. It gets people going, dancing, and yes, drinking and hanging out," says Claire, "but there's this deeper connection that is very much about community and people coming together … and sort of creating this feeling." Their Sam Bond's show will be a CD release celebrating their new 15-song recording Chasing Our Tales, produced locally at Sprout City Studios. The album was recorded over a weekend, with a one-or-two-take feel capturing the energy of their live performances.
Eat
Your Heart Out, Dick Clark Oh, sure, the shut-in gets assigned to write about New Year's Eve events. Want to know my ideal New Year's Eve? Sure you do. It involves some swank log cabin with a fireplace, located someplace where it's always lightly snowing. There my friends and I stand around swirling our drinks in one hand and holding impressive literature in the other. We say "Yes, quite right," a lot, wear turtlenecks and drink hot toddies. There may even be a board game or two involved. Yep, I'm your classic case, straight from the DSM-IV, of a person suffering from anti-bar scene disorder. Trust me, you wouldn't want me there anyway. Others, especially those who just read that last paragraph and shuddered, might be looking for more excitement come Dec. 31. For you, I present a rundown of local events guaranteed to satisfy your holiday hunger.
For those tired of holiday music, kissing up to family or wearing that ugly Christmas sweater your aunt gave you, then head to the WOW Hall for a night of cathartic, anti-celebratory rock with Northwest Royale, Forrestal's Fall and Jean Grey. Back from touring for their latest release, Home is Where the Hate Is, Northwest Royale is ready to ring in the New Year with their signature brand of no-holds-barred progressive hardcore. Be ready to have the holiday cheer rocked out of you. (9 pm, $8 adv., $10 door) So maybe you're in the mood for music but can do without all the screaming and aggression. The McDonald Theatre's hosting a New Year's Eve Party featuring the acid-jazz band Reeble Jar. The group, known for their funk and blues inspired tunes, is sure to get a crowd movin' on the dance floor. If one too many fudge bars or sugar cookies found its way into your belly, work up a sweat to Reeble Jar's sublime stylings. (9:30 pm, $10 adv., $12 door) It's time to face some facts: You're a year older and have more responsibilities on your plate. Making matter worse, New Year's Eve falls on a Sunday! Good thing Luckey's is hosting a party on Saturday, Dec. 30 with Mood Area 52 and Scrambled Ape. Recognizing all the hype that comes with the forced merriment of New Year's, Luckey's wants people to come out Saturday evening for a genuine good time. Mood Area 52, exponentially growing in popularity around the Pacific Northwest, plans on delivering its brand of instrumental tango and lounge to those who prefer atmosphere and intimate conversation over shudder-inducing statements like "I think that chick was a dude, dude" said by loud, drunken college boys. (9:30 pm, $3-5 ss, 21+). Other events to check out: Sam Bond's Garage: Get your rock on with local favorites Dan Jones and the Squids, Yeltsin and Sugar Farm. (9:30 pm, $5, 21+) John Henry's: Spend New Year's with the burlesque and variety entertainers of the Broadway Revue New Year's Edition. (10 pm, $6, 21+) Luna: Soul musicians The Essentials will keep you groovin' into the early morning. (8:30 pm, $10, 21+) The Wetlands: Get cozy with The Koozies and cow-punk band Dry County Crooks. (10 pm, $5, 21+) Hilton Ballroom: Don't forget your dancin' shoes if you're planning to ring in 2007 with Satin Love Orchestra. (9 pm, 342-2000 for tickets, 21+) Cozmic Pizza: Celebrate the New Year with the Middle Eastern and Brazilian dance and music of Ala Nar and Macaco Velho. (9 pm, $8) Luckey's Club Cigar New Year's Ball: Fight to the finish with Eleven Eyes and Prismatic. (9:30 pm, $5-$10, 21+) For more New Year's Eve events, check our Calendar and Nightlife sections.
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