Author: Margot Edwards

Inspired by the love relationship between novelists Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf, Philadelphia’s Vita and the Woolf released their long-awaited new album, Tunnels on June 16 on Believe Global Label Services. The project was mixed by James Chapman (of Maps ) and has received widespread critical acclaim, among others finding a fan in M83 who wrote about them for USA Today  as well as being dubbed a “Band You Need To See” by Billboard. A dynamic and cerebral collection of soulful pop, the album touches on power dynamics in relationships and society as well as sexual discovery and empowerment. Continue reading “Vita and the Woolf and Queen of Jeans: Live from Cafe 939, Wednesday, Oct 18 at 8:00 pm on birnCORE”

Collaborating across multiple genres ranging from roots/rock and pop, to hip-hop and electronic dance music, Daphne Willis is a musician who isn’t easily classified. With infectious, precise, honest melodies, Willis delivers songs and performances that are sincere, compelling, and relevant. Raised in Chicago, Illinois, but based in Nashville, Tennessee, she cites influences as varied as Elvis Costello and Michael Jackson—inspirations she cleverly incorporates into a refreshing, contemporary style. Continue reading “Daphne Willis and Miette Hope: Live from the Red Room, Friday, Oct 13 at 8:00 pm on birnCORE”

Mike Mains is a Detroit-based musician who loves rock and roll. Performing more than 300 shows in the last three years, Mains has built a committed fan base. His shows are high-energy, interactive, and exciting. Last year, wanting to spice things up a little, he played his first “Living Room Tour.” This 35-date North American tour brought him into the homes and backyards of fans to perform his music in a new context, offering a unique, intimate view into his songs. Mains is currently working on his third full-length LP. Continue reading “Mike Mains, Brett Newski and The Racer: Live from the Red Room, Wednesday, Oct 11 at 8:00 pm on birnCORE”

Berklee in the Round (BITR) occurs on the second Tuesday of every month. Each month, a different faculty member selects four to five students and hosts a concert. If possible, they also will choose one special guest (such as a visiting artist or touring songwriter). The event, based on the in-the-round performances at the famous Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee, seats songwriters in a circle, where they take turns playing songs. The audience is seated around the performers, lending an intimate feel.

Tonight’s BITR features Claire Bryant, Sammy Hakim, Brian Walker, Mitchell Proctor, and Malte Willms.

Troy Ramey has an inherent ability to reveal his pain and draw the listener into his music. It is evident on his critically acclaimed debut EP, When the Lights Came, which features the haunting, introspective singles “Rosary” and “Song Man.”

After his father died during his sophomore year of college, Ramey transferred to Boston College. One day, he was overheard singing at work, by local musicians. They invited him to join them for a series of jam Continue reading “Troy Ramey, Johnny Gates, and Butterchild: Live from the Red Room, Thursday, Oct 5 at 8:00 pm on birnCORE”

Tony Lucca was raised within the loving confines of an enormous family of musicians. His mom was the 10th of 12 kids who all sang and played. At the age of 12, Lucca had his first paying gig as a musician at a junior high school dance. By the time he was 15, he had been cast in an extraordinary group of rising stars on the All New Mickey Mouse Club alongside Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gosling, and Britney Spears. Continue reading “Tony Lucca and Derik Hultquist: Live from the Red Room @ Cafe 939, Tuesday, Oct 3 at 8:00 pm on birnCORE”