Tag: paltrowitz

I first learned about The Black Atlas when their publicist, Meijin Bruttomesso at Effectively Immediately PR, sent out a press release announcing the band’s debut album, “Devils,” being celebrated at The Manderley Bar at The McKittrick Hotel. Certainly not a venue I often hear about for bands. Then on top of that, the press release noted that the group would be joined by “The Little Top Circus & Medicine Show.”

With my curiosity piqued, I went to The Black Atlas’ Soundcloud page and noticed that The Black Atlas was actually a solo project of Peter Koronios. Alas, I reached out to Peter’s rep and arranged to do a Q&A with him over e-mail.

I’ve heard The Black Atlas described as “ambient grunge-rock” — how do you feel about that tag?

The Black Atlas’ Peter Koronios: I think it’s fair on the part of the listener to assume that the music has been influenced by those things, because it has. I don’t think it will ultimately stick, though. The music has to evolve. It’s evolving as I progress.

At the “Devils” album release show at The McKittrick Hotel, you’ll be joined by The Little Top Circus & Medicine Show.  What exactly will that entail?

P: They’re a really excellent troupe of performers. Their show is styled after a turn-of-the-century patent medicine/traveling sideshow act. I’ve asked for no spoilers for this particular show, so I’ll likely be just as surprised as everyone else. I do know there will be burlesque dancers.

What do you wish more people knew about The Black Atlas?

P: The Black Atlas is not gluten-free.

Was playing all of the instruments on your recordings a choice, or out of necessity?

P: It was definitely a deliberate choice. For me, it was part of the initial challenge I put to myself at the outset. I could have had any number of extremely talented musicians perform those parts, or create their own, but that would have completely defeated the purpose of this project. It is a very personal project for me. I am very glad, however, that [co-producer] Jesse [Clasen] contributed some piano to the recording. Working with him really made me focus on listening in order to hear what I needed to improve on in my playing.

As an artist, how do you measure success?

P: Do I feel like what I’m trying to say is an accurate statement in regards to myself? Does this feel right? Is this still fulfilling?

I noticed a Florence & The Machine cover on your Soundcloud page.  Do you have a “bucket list” of sorts when it comes to artists you hope to collaborate with?

P: I’m open to pretty much any kind of collaboration with people that are in a similar mind-frame, artistically. I’ve been very fortunate to already be working with musicians and artists that have inspired me in some way, and I’ve learned a lot in a relatively short period of time. But I don’t usually go in for that kind of daydreaming. I try to focus on what I’m creating, and put myself to work in a practical way.

Finally, Pete, any last words for the kids?

P: Keep doin’ you.

Ambrosia Parsley first achieved success as the front woman of Shivaree, who made four albums (three of which released in North America) and two EPs, as released by Capitol and Rounder/Zoe. Their music ultimately appeared in big movies like “Kill Bill” and “Silver Linings Playbook.” Ambrosia further developed a following with her “Sings The News” segment on Air America in 2004.

Shivaree disbanded in 2007, and since then, Ambrosia has moved forward with a proper solo career. Her debut solo release, “Weeping Cherry,” has been years in the making and will be celebrated with an album release party at Rockwood Music Hall’s Stage 2 on May 14th.The Elegant Too will be joining her at Rockwood.

I first learned about you when Shivaree was doing the major label circuit.  As a whole, do you look back on that time fondly?

Ambrosia Parsley: Sure. Some of it. We spent a lot of time in southern Europe — the “Food Countries,” as we called them — where people were very warm and supportive. That part was great. Arguing with some overpaid jerk in a Prince Valiant cut about my album art was definitely the dark side.

For someone that knows you primarily from your work with Shivaree, how would you compare your solo recordings?

A: I still sound A LOT like myself. It’s annoying. A lot of the same people are still involved, and we all have our fingerprints, but there was no in-fighting like in a band. It was all on me, for better and worse.

Considering the work you did with Air America in 2004, was there ever any intention of doing more topical or timely material in your solo career?

A: Singing “the News” for Air America was a great AND I got to occasionally sit next to Chuck D. Funny you should ask, as Lizz Winstead [creator of “The Daily Show” and host of “Air America Unfiltered”] just asked me to start writing and singing the worst laws concerning our reproductive freedoms, from every state. Sounds like fun, huh? And there’s a track on the record, “Make Me Laugh,” that’s definitely coming from a topical, “Air America” place, but with a little wistful twist where the daggers used to be.

Aside from promoting “Weeping Cherry” in the coming months, what lies ahead for Ambrosia Parsley? 

A: Laundry.  My nine year-old wants a buzz cut, so that’s on tap for the weekend. Slaw season is nigh…

For those looking attend your  May 14th show at Rockwood Music Hall, what’s to be expected?

A: I will sing, tell jokes, talk nasty, look sharp, hopefully smell nice. I’ll have a crack band.

Finally, Ambrosia, any last words for the kids?

A: Yeah, go to your room.