Category: Blog

Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (10/13-10/19): Allen Stone, Macseal

Allen Stone – “Brown Eyed Lover” [single] – R&B

Allen Stone’s timeless voice and classic songwriting are the focus in his single “Brown Eyed Lover”. The track has an amazing groove with electric guitar counter melodies, ear-catching harmonies, and solid bass lines. Each of these elements creates sections that transition into one another seamlessly, and they work together to tell Stone’s simple love story of his care-free lover. It’s hard not to fall in love with Stone’s “Brown Eyed Lover”. Give it a listen below!

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Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (10/6-10/12): Mayer Hawthorne, Jason Kerrison

Mayer Hawthorne – “The Great Divide” [single] – indie pop

Mayer Hawthorne’s single “The Great Divide” is the catchy and retro track that the world needs right now. With a relaxed beat and 80’s-style synths, “The Great Divide” is an easy listen that’s easy to love. Hawthorne’s vocals are timeless and smooth, and they’ll easily pull you into the world of the song. The track features wandering melodies, catchy bass lines, and a guitar solo that perfectly fits Hawthorne’s style. Also, as an added bonus, “The Great Divide” has a fun video! Be sure to check out both the video and “The Great Divide” below!

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Show Review: Joseph at Paradise Rock Club (9/27)

It’s a Friday night at Boston’s Paradise Rock Club. The lights go down, the band walks out, and the crowd’s excitement is almost tangible. As the musicians of Joseph come to the front of the stage, however, it is clear that this concert is going to be something special.

Unlike many other groups, Joseph has three lead singers – sisters Natalie Closer Schepman, Allison Closner, and Meegan Closner. They all shared the spotlight Friday night in a spectacular folk-y show. Each sister took her turn being the lead singer and then stepped back to give another sister the spotlight. It was nothing short of amazing to hear each of the sisters’ powerhouse vocals and perfect harmonies. Natalie, Allison, and Meegan all have similar voices, yet at the same time they are so all different, as they each use their voices differently to tell their story as songwriters and artists.

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Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (9/29-10/5): Bootstraps, DeVotchKa

Bootstraps -“Evergreen” [single] – indie folk

Jordan Beckett of Bootstraps has such a wonderful voice that is unlike any other, and his latest single “Evergreen” showcases it perfectly. Beckett’s voice is the perfect blend of raw emotion and rasp, and it will draw you into the world of “Evergreen”. Combining traditional singer-songwriter techniques with modern production, his latest single is magnificent and creative. Bootstraps definitely has something special in “Evergreen”, and it’s a great listen for fans of any genre. Check it out below!

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This Week on the BIRN (9/22 – 9/28)

Actress, singer and songwriter Lola Kirke (Gone Girl, Gemini, Mozart In the Jungle) stops by the BIRN studios for a special mid-week edition of BIRN Alive. Kirke is touring in support of her band new EP, Friends and Foes and Friends Again which was just released on September 13. The show kicks off at 4:00 p.m. this Wednesday, September 25 and you can listen in here.

LIVE from A306 features live weekly performances along with what DJ Dexter Xyal calls, the “greatest music ever to come out of your speakers.” Tune in every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. to listen and send your artist links here if you would like to perform live on the show.

Win tickets to see Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Mohammed‘s The Midnight Hour live at Scullers this Friday, September 27. Send your contest entry to tickets@thebirn.com with Midnight Hour in the subject line for your chance to win a pair of tickets to see the show. The winner will be chosen at random. Check out the exclusive BIRN interview with the band later this week on thebirn.com.

London, UK’s Charlie Cunningham and Colorado’s Anna Morsett take the Red Room stage on Saturday, September 28. Tune in to birnCORE at 8:00 p.m. Listen to the entire show here.

Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (9/22-9/28): Arsun, Hana Vu

Arsun – “Dead Sixty-Six” [single] – rock

Arsun’s new single “Dead Sixty-Six” is wonderfully reminiscent of the early days of rock. Clean guitars and a simple drum beat come together perfectly to create a 1960’s-style track, while Arsun’s modern vocals are showcased over the instruments. Set at a medium tempo and featuring such relaxing and familiar tones, “Dead Sixty-Six” is easy listening that anyone can enjoy. The single is not without surprises, though! “Dead Sixty-Six” treats listeners to a harmonica solo in an exciting twist. Don’t miss out on Arsun’s artistry – give “Dead Sixty-Six” a listen!

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This week on the BIRN (September 17 – 22)

BIRN1 is up and running with new programming for the fall semester. Check out the new schedule here. birnCORE has amazing live broadcasts each and every week. Tune in tonight as Inverness, CA based vocalist and songwriter Luke Temple and Oakland, CA based pop indie band, Meernaa take the Cafe 939 stage. Temple‘s new album, Both – And is scheduled to be released any day now. Meerna‘s latest, Heart Hunger was released on June 14. The show starts at 8:00 p.m. EDT. Tune in for a full night of soulful indie pop by clicking here.

Tune in to birnCORE on Wednesday, September 18 for a very special live broadcast as GRAMMY® award-winning drummer, producer, educator and activist, Terri Lyne Carrington is joined by guitarist Matthew Stevens and pianist, Aaron Parks for what is sure to be an electrifying live set at the Red Room @ Cafe 939. Carrington‘s new album Waiting Game will be released on November 8 of this year.

On Thursday, September 19 at 8:00 p.m. two exciting young vocalist/songwriters are live from Cafe 939 as Tasha and Christelle Bofale take the Red Room stage. Click here to find out more about the show and to tune in.

Boston’s own Helenor is our special guest performer for week 2 of BIRN Alive fall 2019. The band combines great songs with a sophisticated blend of atmospheres and harmonies. Check out the live set and interview at 4:00 p.m. on Birn1.

Win tickets to see Xavier Rudd, Guerilla Toss and Banners on the BIRN!

Start the fall 2019 semester off the right way by winning tickets to see one of three amazing shows. The BIRN has a pair of tickets for you to see Banners at Brighton Music Hall on September 18, Guerilla Toss at Brighton Music Hall on September 20 or Xavier Rudd at the Paradise Rock Club on September 24. Send an email to tickets@thebirn.com and let us know which show you would like to attend by putting the name the band or artist in the subject line. Also include your contact phone information so we can let you know that you won! There is 1 pair of tickets to win for each show and winners will be chosen at random. Good luck!!