February 1, 2009: E*Rock / Atole

Where were all the dancers on Sunday night? I know, you were probably still marveling at the site of The Boss’ crotch coming right atcha. But still, eating too much guacamole during the Super Bowl is kind of a lame excuse for missing the second installment of our monthly music and interview series, Portland Makes Music.

Way back in October, when we were brainstorming ideas for PMM, the one main issue we wanted to address was diversity. While the Lounge Series kicked a lot of ass, most of the shows centered on quiet, acoutic-based singer-songwriters. It made sense (how would you fit a hip-hop crew on stage at the Towne Lounge?) but with the new series we wanted to strive for something bigger. And for those who attended, the night was epic. What else do you expect with the Someday Lounge offering 50 cent PBR’s?

Sunday was E*Rock’s first solo show in months, and dude didn’t disappoint. It’s too bad that the Someday’s video camera was stolen in January, because his crazy, trippy videos really need to be seen. In part one, WW Music Editor Casey Jarman talks to Eric Mast about his long-delayed new record and what the word “explode” means to him. In part two, E*Rock’s rad 30 minute set.

E*Rock
Interview:

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Set:

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After a brief break, Atole took the stage to field my hardball questions about the band’s “krautrock disco” sound and plans for 2009. Since we’d already tackled most of the serious questions a few weeks ago, we kept things short and a bit silly. Aren’t the best interviews usually that way? Atole then invited the crowd up to the stage, moved the tables, and set the floor on fire.

Atole
Interview:

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Set:

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Atole Tracklist:
1- Voices
2- Satyricow
3- Tonya’s Song
4- Taco Tuesday
5- Strike Zone

Note from Manny: “Voices” is a cover of a seminal Tribal House track same name by K.C. Flight that our friend Arya pointed out borrows lyrics from the Police’s 1980 track “Voices Inside My Head”—but we rewrote all the music and I added new lyrics.

Wahoo! Thanks again to Atole and E*Rock for playing and the Someday Lounge for being such a gracious host. The next installment of Portland Makes Music is on Sunday, Mar. 1. Pure Country Gold are playing, and we’ll flesh out the rest of the details soon. This much we do know: All shows are free and get over well before bedtime.

Links:
AtoleSpace
E*RockSpace

Photos by Nilina Mason-Campbell

Related posts:

1. LC Radio: Portland Makes Music, Episode 3 March 1, 2
2. LC Radio: Portland Makes Music, Episode 4 April 5, 2
3. LC RADIO: Portland Makes Music, Episode 6 June 7, 20
4. LC Radio: Portland Makes Music, Episode 1 January 4,
5. Portland Makes Music: My Interview With Atole Two weeks

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