BYOP's Stein Talks New Album(s), Touring, Thurston
"There's definitely going to be songs you can listen to and go freak out to."

Photo by Stefano Giovannini

Having just finished a three-week tour in support of Arctic Monkeys, teenage rampagers Be Your Own Pet will head back to the studio in June to record their second album with Steve McDonald, who also produced their self-titled debut.

BYOP guitarist Jonas Stein spoke to Pitchfork recently about the album, which they hope to release sometime in September. "We have about 15 songs written right now, but we'll probably try to kick out a couple more jams for the hell of it."

As for the title of the record, Stein said, "It might have been [bassist] Nathan [Vasquez]'s idea-- I don't remember-- but I thought it would be kind of funny to call it II."

Stein also said the sound of the record "might be a little more colorful" than the debut, meaning it will have "a little bit more variety. There's some really raunchy stuff, and there's some really poppy stuff. There's definitely going to be songs you get stuck in your head. There's definitely going to be songs you can listen to and go freak out to. Everyone's musical tastes have gotten deeper. I've been into the Kinks. Nathan's been digging on the Misfits a lot lately. We've been listening to some T. Rex, and we really like Animal Collective a lot."

Titles of the songs that may go on the new album include "Bummer Time" ("it's got some gang vocals in it"), "The Kelly Affair", "Blow Your Mind", "Becky", "Free the Beast", "Zombie Beach Party", "Food Fight", and "Twisted Nerve". Stein said most of the titles have come from singer Jemina Pearl because she has written most of the lyrics herself. "Being a singer, it's easier to sing what she wants to sing or what she feels rather than getting handed someone else's lyrics."

While touring with Arctic Monkeys, Stein noticed a difference in the way the two bands write. "Arctic Monkeys [take] really long sound checks, and they'll work on songs at the end of their sound checks. We don't really have the luxury of doing that yet. For us, we have to be plugged into amps and have loud noise going on for it to work. We can't just do it really quietly. In the beginning, as far where a riff comes from, that can be anything: acoustic guitar, whatever. But when it comes down to all four of us being in a room, getting a song finished, we need a vacation. [For] most of our writing, we have to cut out time and work on it at home."

Stein's other band, Turbo Fruits (with BYOP drummer John Eatherly and a bassist named Turbo Max), will release their own self-titled debut on July 17 via Ecstatic Peace! (UK residents will get the album on Ark Recordings.) Stein said the Turbo Fruits album differs from Be Your Own Pet in that it's "not quite as spastic, maybe a little bit more classic rock oriented, maybe has a little more of a Southern vibe going on. [It's] still rowdy, but some of the songs are definitely more chilled out than some of the Be Your Own Pet songs."

Stein also sounded off on a few other topics, including partying with the Arctics, meeting Thurston Moore and Sonic Youth, and being such a young touring band.

Pitchfork: Are there any particularly memorable moments of your tour with Arctic Monkeys?

Jonas Stein: We went to a strip club in Minneapolis for the drummer of Arctic Monkeys' 21st birthday. We went to Déjà Vu. There's one in Nashville too, but this was the first one I went to. It was fun. I probably don't need to go again, but I had a good time. It was a little weird and creepy, but that's what I expected, to feel kind of sleazy sitting in that place, to have a bunch of girls dance around on the stage. It was just kind of what I expected. [MORE...]

Net Radio Update: SoundExchange Offers Deal to Webcasters

The war being waged between internet radio stations and copyright royalty collection agency SoundExchange turned another corner over the last 48 hours, as SoundExchange offered webcasters what could be characterized as a compromise.

In response to a letter sent by ranking members of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property, SoundExchange has proposed that-- instead of a per-play, per-listener fee-- small commercial and noncommercial stations would pay 10% of their gross income up to $250,000 and 12% of anything above that to the collection agency through 2010. The proposal is based on the similar stipulations in the Small Webcaster Settlement Act (SWSA), which defined a "small" webcaster as any station with a gross annual income of less than $1.2 million.

The vague offer failed to stipulate how much income a station has to accrue before they no longer qualify for the rate under the new proposal, leaving popular mid-sized sites such as Live365.com and Pandora.com still potentially vulnerable to the original rate hike. Internet radio advocacy sites like SaveNetRadio.org and AccuRadio head Kurt Hanson's Radio and Internet Newsletter also quickly joined the chorus of opposition to the proposal.

As Hanson stated in an e-mail to Pitchfork, "this offer does nothing for the webcasters that comprise 95% or more of Internet radio listening -- broadcast simulcasts, portals' sites (e.g., Yahoo! LAUNCHcast), midsize webcasters (e.g., Pandora and Live365), hobbyists, etc.-- and offers no long-term solution even for small webcasters."

By means of an official rebuttal to the SoundExchange offer, David Oxenford, a lawyer representing many of the small webcasters affected by the proposed rate changes, wrote a statement published yesterday afternoon: [MORE...]

Neko Case's Lingerie for Sale on eBay

Photo by Victoria Renard

Neko Case is certainly no slouch in the looks department, and Seattle photographer Victoria Renard knows this. Renard has featured Case in much of her "sensual portraiture" (in her own words on her website), and in one photograph-- a shoot for a 2000 Sympathy for the Record Industry promotional calendar (Case was Miss February)-- she adorned Case in "a 50s era black lace full length girdle-style bustier with 6 garter attachments made by Lady Marlene."

That quote comes from an eBay listing for the item, which Renard has now put up for auction.

Here are some other choice quotes from Renard's listing:

"We dubbed this little number 'The Secret Weapon' because it made you look hot in or out of your clothing and mysteriously attracted members of the opposite sex for either of us when worn...

The winning bidder will receive an original 8x10 color print of the photo [pictured] of Neko wearing The Secret Weapon...

Partial proceeds from this sale will go to Greyt Expectations Greyhound Rescue in honor of Neko's beloved greyhound, whom she rescued."

And no, Neko didn't just wear the threads just once. She kept the lingerie, and wore it for two years after the shoot.

Thanks to Seattle Weekly's Reverb blog for the tip.

The White Stripes Extend Tour Into Fall

The White Stripes may have just played their first show in a couple of years a few days ago, but that doesn't mean they aren't prepared. You might even call Jack and Meg over-prepared, since they just announced new dates on their globe-trotting tour, and these dates don't even take place until the fall.

The new dates, in September, show some love to places like Alaska and Wyoming, continuing the Stripes' trend of bringing the rock to out-of-the-way places. But if you don't live in Jackson Hole or Anchorage, (or even if you do), tune in to "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" on June 18 for a Stripey fix.

The Stripes' new album, Icky Thump, will be released here via Third Man/Warner Bros. on June 19 (June 18 via XL in the UK).

The Stripes' world tour begins in earnest May 31 in Barcelona. Dates for their "Still Thumpin' Tour" in the summer of 2017 will be available shortly. [MORE...]

R.I.P. Blueboy's Keith Girdler

A beloved member of the indie pop community-- cherished as the vocalist for melancholy Sarah Records outfit Blueboy, and as a member of Arabesque, Beaumont, and Matinée Records acts the Snowdrops and Lovejoy-- Keith Girdler passed away on May 15, 2007 after a three-year battle with cancer.

In addition to playing music, Keith also served in recent years as a social worker and as the Volunteer Services Manager at the Age Concern care facility in Eastbourne, England.

Girdler's Snowdrops bandmate Richard Preece, who also helms Lovejoy, wrote the following in memory of his friend who passed on:

"Keith was extremely brave and he continued in his work for as long as possible during his illness. I know that Keith was very highly regarded by his colleagues and the people for whom he provided care and support in his work. He was a selfless and gentle person who genuinely affected everyone he knew with his warmth, kindness, humility and humour.

"Keith wanted to be remembered, to use his own words, with 'happiness and smiles'-- which for those of us fortunate enough to have known him, will come all too easily despite our grief."

Read the complete text of Preece's eulogy here.

Preece also wished to extend an invitation to those who also seek to share their thoughts on Keith:

"Words cannot really come close to describing the feelings we have about Keith. However, I know that many people will want to express their sorrow at this news and their sympathy to his family and friends. If you would like to send a message of condolence, or share your memories of Keith, please send an email to:

snowboundipc@yahoo.co.uk

"Messages and tributes to Keith will be published online in the near future, when a suitable web location has been established."

Blueboy live with Brighter:

The Dead C Drone On Future Artists

Most bands don't like to hear that they "drone on," but we doubt very much the Dead C would mind. The veteran Kiwi noise act has been releasing their low rumblings for nigh on twenty years now, and with their new album Future Artists, they show no signs of slowing down.

Future Artists drops in CD form May 29 from BaDaBing!, with a double-gatefold vinyl edition arriving in late June, complete with a bonus track by the name of "The Prisoners." The new album is the Dead C's first since 2003, and follows BaDaBing!'s 2006 release of the collection Vain, Erudite, and Stupid: Selected Works 1987-2005.

Though no dates have officially been announced yet, we're assured that the Dead C will tour Australia this September. [MORE...]

The Black Keys Drop Free Live EP, Tour
Blueshammer!

Photo by Michael Wilson 

White boy blues duo the Black Keys have taken to generating so much racket, they're resorting to giving it away. The Magic Potion-makers have issued a free four-track EP of live performances culled from a pair of 2006 shows. Despite its somewhat staid title, The Live EP rips, and those looking to unlock the down-home donation can do so via the band's MySpace page.

In other Black Keys news, there's been no further word on their role in the Danger Mouse-helmed Ike Turner comeback album that Keymaster Patrick Carney talked to us about in March, but we sorta can't wait. We do know their tune "If You Ever Slip" will grace the soundtrack to the Ethan Hawke novel-turned-flick Hottest State, and that they'll tour through June in a run up to their set at Lollapalooza. And that's plenty for now. [MORE...]

Sufjan Joins Castanets for Single NYC Show
UPDATE: SOLD OUT! SORRY, KIDS.

Sufjan Stevens will join the band of Asthmatic Kitty labelmates Castanets for a single show in Brooklyn this Friday (May 25). The show will take place at bar/restaurant/performance space Monkeytown, and it is the only show either Sufjan or Castanets have scheduled at the moment. It's the launch party for new NYC company Kepler Events.

UPDATE: DUE TO THE FACT THAT MONKEYTOWN IS A VERY SMALL SPACE, RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE IN ADVANCE TO ATTEND THIS SHOW. AND EVEN THEN, WE CAN'T GUARANTEE THAT YOU'LL GET IN. SORRY!

UPDATE UPDATE: THE SHOW IS SOLD OUT! YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE! 

The Sufjan-infused Castanets will play two sets on Friday. The band's lineup will also include Mathew Houck (aka Phosphorescent), Laura Goetz (aka Golden Ghost), and Dan Bryant of the Skaters.

Hey Sufjan! When you aren't too busy playing in other peoples' bands, playing on other peoples' records, and writing stuff...how about a new album?

Peter Bjorn and John Plot More U.S. Live Action

Peter Bjorn and John, the fever that just swept the nation, return to the U.S. yet again this summer to continue sharing their tuneful wares with folks young and old.

People in select U.S. cities can look forward to crying and laughing more often now, as the unexpectedly delectable combination of Peter Emerson, Bjorn Lake, and John Palmer makes its way to Cali (including an L.A. make-up gig), Chitown, B-town, and Salt Lake City-town.

In a genius logistical move, they'll play a special Lollapalooza aftershow in Chicago August 3, fly out to Baltimore the next night for the Virgin Festival, and then fly back to Chicago the day after that for Lollapalooza itself. At least we know the skies will be that much friendlier with PB&J all up in them.

And of course Peter Bjorn and the other guy have the usual run of European festival engagements, including Donau, Accelerator, Benicàssim, Fuji Rock, and Tötållymàdeüpfést 2007. [MORE...]

Calla to Open for Interpol on Summer Tour

Photo by Scott Irvine

Calla believe in Strength in Numbers, and apparently so do Interpol, as Paul Banks, Carlos D, and co. have tapped their fellow brooding New Yorkers to open for them on Interpol's U.S. club tour this summer.

The festivities begin July 19 in Rochester, New York and end August 3 in Covington, Kentucky. [MORE...]

Sage Francis, Buck 65, Alias Launch Tour

Like wordplay-obsessed wolves, indie rappers travel in packs, or at least that's what we gather from the lineup of Sage Francis' "Death Dance Tour" in support of his recently released new album, Human the Death Dance.

The tour kicks off tonight, May 23 in Cambridge, Massachusetts and features Buck 65, Alias (whose MySpace page claims he has a "new solo instrumental record in the works"), and Buddy Wakefield by Sage's side. Sage Francis will perform with a live band on the tour, and he will also perform at all three dates of the traveling Rock the Bells festival after the tour winds down.

Buck 65 has one non-"Death Dance" date of his own. It's not until October (at the Iceland Airwaves Festival in Reykjavík), and by that time, his new album, Situation, should be available in stores. He is also working with Greetings From Tuskan's Joëlle Phuong Minh Lê on a project called Bike for Three! Their forthcoming album is called More Heart Than Brains. [MORE...]

Daft Punk and Kanye Team up for Song, Video
Please God, let it be better than Busta Rhymes' "Touch It"

Though Graduation, Kanye West's lavish paean to the value of a good education, won't drop 'til the fall, it's already shaping up to be, um, awesome. As reported by The Daily Swarm and confirmed by management, the producer/MC's third album will include a song titled "Stronger" and credited to Kanye West featuring Daft Punk. Yes, it's built around a sample of "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" from Discovery.

Kanye recenly linked up with director Hype Williams for the song's video. And, in a fitting nod to the dudes whose song he's biting, none other than the Daft Punk robots make an appearance in the clip.

No word on when we'll actually get to see the video, or whether Kanye realizes how easy it would've been to dress two bums up in helmets.

According to Billboard.com, Coldplay's Chris Martin appears on the Graduation track "Homecoming", and Jon Brion is helping out with production, just like on 2005's Late Registration. The song "Can't Tell Me Nothing", co-produced by DJ Toomp, will also be included on the album.

And in a recent MTV News story, West revealed that the tour in support of Graduation will be called the Glow in the Dark Tour, and will feature choreography by Madonna's choreographer Jamie King.

As recently reported, West did some production work for Talib Kweli's Ear Drum and Common's Finding Forever, and will get his philanthropy on at both LiveEarth and the Princess Diana tribute show.

Daft Punk, of course, is doing the summer tour thing. [MORE...]

Do you have a news tip for us? Anything crazy happen at a show you attended recently? Do you have inside info on the bands we cover? Is one of your favorite artists (that's not somebody you know personally) releasing a new record you'd like to see covered? You will remain completely anonymous, unless we are given your express permission to reveal your identity. (Please note that publicists, managers, booking agents, and other artist representatives are generally exempt from this rule, but will also be granted anonymity if requested.)