TONIGHT! “Perform at The Midday Social” Contest at Fatt Squirrel in PVD!

Posted on July 11, 2014 by Midday Records

TONIGHT! Get over to the Fatt Squirrel in Providence, RI for the “Perform at The Midday Social” competition presented by Midday Records and featuring The Dust Ruffles | Brother Ghost | The Skinny Millionaires | Tomorrow and Tomorrow! Our judges include DAve Crespo of WAAF, Full Scene Ahead, and WEMF Radio; George Nasser of Providence Night Out; and Ashley Goldberg of AAG Booking and formerly of 90.7 WXIN.

This event is also doubling as Jessica Prouty Band‘s Rhode Island CD release! They’ll be headlining the night before we announce the winners of the event!

The winner will perform at the next Midday Social on Thursday, August 28 at Platforms in Providence, RI. Don’t miss this!

GoLocalProv has listed this event as a music must for tonight!
http://www.golocalprov.com/lifestyle/5-live-music-mustsjuly-11-2014

And Providence Phoenix just did a big piece on Midday and listed tonight’s event!
http://providence.thephoenix.com/music/158883-most-valuable-players/

Thanks to Nate Grist who will be on hand photographing the evening and to Pat Keister of PALS who will be manning the door. And Mark Charron of Midday and Satellites Fall will (most likely) be our host. (Tonight is also Mike O’Donnell of Skinny Millionaires birthday!)

DOORS at 8:00 | 10 BUCKS | 18 PLUS! ‪#‎celebratelocalmusic‬

RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/events/1429691913962434/

Show Review: Midday Records, 95.5 WBRU, & Naragansett Beer Presents: The Sweet Release, The Skinny Millionaires, The Brother Kite, & The Morgana Phase at Mardi Gras in Cranston, RI

Posted on April 19, 2014 by Midday Records

Last night (Friday, April 18) was another fantastic night celebrating local music for Midday Records, 95.5 WBRU, Narragansett Beer, and Mardi Gras MultiClub Presents: The Sweet Release, The Skinny Millionaires, The Brother Kite, & The Morgana Phase at Mardi Gras in Cranston, RI

The Sweat Release kicked off the night and we can say that everything you have been hearing about The Sweet Release is true. Musically, they borrow from 70’s punk, hard rock, and some classic rock. Frontman, Austin Sheridan is a combination of Mick Jagger and Iggy Pop with a dash of GG Allin (without all the self-mutilation, defecation, and beating up fans). And we don’t say that lightly. Austin brings the sex, controversy and provocation, and one hell of a performance. When you see them you’ll either get it or you won’t. You’ll either love them or hate them. There is no in between.

Up next were The Skinny Millionaires. Anyone who saw Mike O’Donnell play an acoustic set at The Midday Social and were expecting a similar sound with some drums, as we were, were in for a surprise. Mike gave an amazing performance at The Social but the full band brought more of a punk rock element to the table. They describe themselves as folk rock n roll and while their is plenty of rock there is also plenty of good old fashion punk. Especially in how they approach their backing vocals and harmonies. Pure bliss.

Things shifted gears when The Brother Kite took the stage. Incredibly tight and absolutely beautiful. Last time we saw them was over at Fete Ballroom in Providence, RI opening for Civil Twilight. They’ve been around for some time and are just one of those bands that capture the beauty of local, independent music. Their sound is ethereal at times and rhythmic at others. As a musician watching other acts you often unintentionally zone in on the strengths as well as the weaknesses. There were no weaknesses. These guys are damn near flawless. Interesting and beautiful guitar work, extremely tight rhythm section, and vocals with harmonies that were spot on. I heard elements of Arcade Fire, Death Cab, and even some Cure (good Cure) in the lead lines of some of their older material.

The Morgana Phase were up last. These guys pull from post-hardcore with some punk/emo. It was definitely evident before they covered a Taking Back Sunday song that they were heavily influenced by them and bands like Brand New. They gave a very energetic performance, engaging the crowd and getting every last person in the venue up on their feet. Could not have asked for a better closing to the night

The great thing about events like this, other than the performances, is hanging out and getting to know artists. We spent much of the night hanging with Mike O’Donnell of The Skinny Millionaires, a man who is as sincere as he is polarizing at times. And while we won’t go into details, we want to publicly give props to The Sweet Release for their willingness to step up and do whatever it took to make the night a success and run smoothly.

Thanks to the BRU crew for coming out and giving away some great swag and for their continued support of local artists. Also, thanks to 95.5 WBRU and Narragansett Beer for sponsoring the event and their help promoting. Thanks to Mardi Gras for hosting these events and allowing Midday to bring in local artists. Also, thanks to our friends from Providence Night Out, 990Wbob.com, Downcity Armory, and The October Accord for constantly coming out to support local artists and our events.

Perform At The Midday Social: Get To Know The Artists

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Midday Records

Check out our interviews with the 6 artists in the upcoming “Perform at The Midday Social” competition for a “Get to Know the Artists” segment. 6 questions for the 6 bands; Echoes of Petra, The October Accord, Downcity Armory, Weld Square, Escape Pod, & Most Dangerous Men Alive.

Jump To The Interviews:
Echoes of Petra
The October Accord
Downcity Armory
Weld Square
Escape Pod
Most Dangerous Men Alive

You can catch all these bands this Friday, January 24 at The Met in Pawtucket, RI. (Doors at 7:00. All ages. 10 bucks. Click here for the event page.) They’ll be competing for our judges: Mike Delehanty, talent buyer for Lupo’s and The Met; Marc Clarkin, music journalist for Motif Magazine, and Brian Manfredi, Senior Account Executive at 95.5 WBRU for a chance to perform at the next Midday Social. The Midday Social is one of New England’s fastest growing music related networking events. Held quarterly by Midday Records at Platforms in Providence, RI, we fill the room with the area’s top promoters, venues, radio stations, publication, etc. for a night of networking. The event is always free and open to all genres. For more details click here.

Echoes of Petra

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Midday Records

Midday Records sits down with Jodi and Jeff of Echoes of Petra for our “Get to Know the Artists” feature. Echoes of Petra will be competing on Friday, January 24 at The Met in Pawtucket, RI for a chance to perform at the next Midday Social.

Midday Records: Let’s start off with the basics. Can you tell us a little about the band and the story behind your name, “Echoes Of Petra“?

Jodi: Jeff can probably explain that one best but here is a little history straight out of wikipedia; Petra is a historical and archaeological city in the southern Jordanian governorate of Ma’an, that is famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system.

Jeff: Petra was a city circa 1500bc and the entire civilization was lost. No reason has been found whether they abandoned the city or it perished. “Echoes of Petra” is homage to that civilization lost….Echoed in time.

Jodi: Our former guitarist, Nik Rooney, came up with the concept. We all loved it and just went for it!

MDR: You’ve recently opened for “All That Remains” at Lupo’s. How was that experience and how has shows like that affected the band?

Jodi: I’m not sure about anyone else but I’m pretty sure they all feel the same; it was a huge accomplishment for us and we were just happy to have the opportunity to play such a historical venue. I know I’ve been to a ton of shows at Lupo’s (even the old Lupo’s) and it has always been the best size club to see a band in the Providence area. Not to say there aren’t other great clubs out there but the capacity, reputation, and location is what makes it so special to me. Naturally, I was nervous. But the days leading up to the show I had far more butterflies than I did the day of the show. I said to myself “Jodi…..this is it…. game time. Time to sing your heart out with your friends and enjoy every moment!” That’s what I did. After our set I had an entirely different mind set. Let’s just say I had a few too many celebratory cocktails!

MDR: You have members that have been in previous projects with styles ranging from alternative to metal, how did you decided on your current sound and what artists influence the band?

Jodi: Well, Jeff and I decided to start a project and he was coming up with some different ideas. Due to the fact we’ve worked together in the past he was aware of my interests (which are pretty much a mish-mosh of different styles) and knowing the type of vocalist I was, he had a jump-start. I loved a lot of his ideas and it went from there. Gradually, we added members 3,4 & 5 and before we knew it we had an EP. The guys really helped me come into my own with that first EP. They were patient while I tried figuring out “my way” when it came to writing. They had all been such seasoned musicians in the scene and although I was a studio musician and huge local music supporter, this was a completely different animal. I love those guys! They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself and inspired me to push through the fear……. wow, that sounded like either a Nike commercial or maybe an idea for my next song!?

MDR: Which of your songs do you enjoy playing live the most?

Jodi: Personally, I love to play “A Vacant Tide”, “Fault Lines”, and the occasional cover song. For me, “A Vacant Tide” is one of those songs I can completely lose myself in with all the emotion and meaning behind the song. “Fault Lines” is another favorite of mine because it has a little bit of everything that I love about music; a groovy beat, soft vocals, inspirational lyrics, loud vocals, climax, emotion and big ending. It allows me to show my low vulnerable tone as well as my high and emotional notes. When the song ends I’m usually feeling an adrenalin rush due to the power of the instruments and me being able to express myself along with this amazing power. The only downfall is that we play it last a lot of the time and I’m standing here (or on my knees) wanting more!

MDR: You’ll be competing for a chance to perform at The Midday Social, have you attended a Midday Social in the past or worked with Midday Records prior to this event? If so, what was the experience like for you?

Jeff: We have attended all 3 of the Midday Socials. We loved the first event and even got to play the 2nd time acoustically. Prior to that we had been on one of Midday Records compilations. We have been working with Midday for quite awhile and appreciate all they have done to motivate and stimulate the scene!

MDR: What can we expect to see in this upcoming year from the band?

Jeff: Our goals are simple: Finish our new record. Play some great shows. And have fun while doing it.

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