Valencia, CA, March 31— Some of today’s most compelling voices in popular music, including
Julia Holter,
Ariel Pink, and
Greg Kursten, co-writer of
Adele’s monster hit
Hello, have emerged from the famously experimental
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). On Monday April 18, 2016, that tradition continues as the Institute’s next generation of trail-blazing musicians takes the stage at the
Troubadour as part of the CalArts Soundstream, an free student-driven showcase that introduces tomorrow’s indie sensations to both the music industry and public.
Featuring a select group of artists graduating this May from
The Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts, the evening promises a high-octane display of CalArts’ innovative spirit. The showcase will feature Ackland, Bashful Creature, Ben & Kat, Yvette Cornelia, Gardenbird Thunderclub, Justin Jackson, Abby Lyons, Maryama Band, Tunefolder, and Wistappear, presenting original compositions with performances ranging from a solo act to large ensembles. Charting new directions in pop and alternative music, the genre-bending line-up reflects influences ranging from folk, rock and jazz to R&B, hip-hop, experimental art rock, and more.
Reflecting the Institute’s mission to provide career development as well as professional training and opportunities for its students, representatives of the music industry have been invited to the showcase.
CalArts Music Source is another example of the Institute’s training in professional practices. This student-run management agency is a project of the School of Music and was developed to coordinate bookings for student musicians, and offer a wide variety of talent for performances and private instruction. A number of Soundstream 2016 musicians offer their services through CalArts Music Source.
About the bands:
Ackland: Blending acoustic instruments, haunting vocals and live electronic effects, the band is led by vocalist and songwriter Molly Pease. The rich ensemble includes Sarah Fylak on violin and vocals, Luc Kleiner on piano and vocals, Caleb Veazey on guitar, Ben Levinson on bass and Nick Hon on drums.
acklandband.com
Justin Jackson: At just 22-years-old, Justin is one of the younger R&B/Soul artists emerging in the greater Los Angeles area. With a style both vulnerable and brave, his vocal melodies cascade over soulful, yet jazzy chords.
Yvette Cornelia: Yvette makes music for day-dreaming and allowing thoughts to wander. She began playing as part of a surrealist storytelling show, and in that spirit, the lyrical themes explore the mysteries of nature.
yvettecornelia.com
Ben & Kat: Los Angeles soprano Kathryn Shuman and bassist Ben Finley share their latest explorations in an array of electronic, acoustic, improvised and movingly creative music.
Maryama Band: This band's sound combines soul/jazz/rock with spices of Persia and the Middle East. The band will headline Persian Culture Appreciation festival at USC’s Tommy’s Place on April 22nd. Debut album “Where the Mermaids Are” will be released in November 2016.
www.maryama-music.com
Bashful Creature: The band intertwines introspective lyricism with colorful textures and harmony. Vocalist/harpist Nailah Middleton and bass player Alex Hamberger are the primary songwriters—giving equal measures of jazz, synth pop, and folk-inspired melodies.
Abby Lyons: Abby is a folk/pop singer-songwriter from Chicago. Cleverly combining catchy melodies and imaginative orchestration, her music creates a world of positivity and honesty.
soundcloud.com/abby-lyons
Wistappear: Wistappear, a southern-Californian indie rock project, sprouted from the off-kilter autobiographical songs of Ian Lipson. Carrying a disorienting duality of youthfulness and nostalgia, Lipson’s solo works evolved into full band orchestrations. Wistappear plans to release the album, "Knack For Whatever," later this year.
Gardenbird Thunderclub: This band emerged from the duo of Kathryn Shuman and Chuck Gloria. Since meeting at CalArts in the fall of 2014, they have developed their improvisatory alternative folk sound.
Tunefolder: An experimental electronic trio that crosses the lines of ambient and dance, Tunefolder is accompanied by custom interactive visuals. Each performance is a unique multi-sensory experience.
Calendar Editors Please Note:
What: CalArts Soundstream 2016
When: Monday, April 18, 2016, 8pm
Where: The Troubadour, 9081 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Admission: Free. Reservations available through
Eventbrite but not required
Ranked as America’s top college for students in the arts by Newsweek/The Daily Beast, California Institute of the Arts has set the pace for educating professional artists since 1970. Offering rigorous undergraduate and graduate degree programs through six schools—Art, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music, and Theater—CalArts has championed creative excellence, critical reflection, and the development of new forms and expressions. As successive generations of faculty and alumni have helped shape the landscape of contemporary arts, the Institute first envisioned by Walt Disney encompasses a vibrant, eclectic community with global reach, inviting experimentation, independent inquiry, and active collaboration and exchange among artists, artistic disciplines and cultural traditions.