Archive | June, 2012

Get Familiar: Chris Bathgate

29 Jun


Chris Bathgate is a Michigan heavyweight. Though not a native of the mitten, he relocated to Ann Arbor as a teenager to attend the University of Michigan. He’s been kicking around the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti folk scenes ever since. 2011 saw the release of Bathgate’s best album to date, Salt Year. Like much of the 30-year-old folkster’s music, Salt Year is dark, but it’s not entirely bleak. There’s a stark beauty to the album that keeps calling you back. Listen after listen.

Recently, Bathgate was listed as the number two act you should know from Michigan by Paste Magazine. The magazine was right in saying that he’s been one of southeast Michigan’s best kept secrets for years, but I like to think he won’t be a secret much longer. Salt Year has garnered him much deserved national attention, including from NPR, where he performed a Tiny Desk Concert (see video below). An intelligent mind with a poet’s heart, combining americana twang with indie-rock riffs, and one of the most unique voices you’ll hear, Chris Bathgate is primed to shake more than just Michigan. Continue reading →

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Get Familiar: Hoots & Hellmouth

26 Jun


Hoots & Hellmouth have been kicking around the music scene since 2005. Founded by Sean Hoots and Andrew Gray as somewhat of a rebellion against the grandiose modern rock groups they had previously been involved with, the duo created a rootsy soul sound that dabbles in country and folk as well. Eventually Hoots and Gray would add two other members making Hoots & Hellmouth the quartet it is today. My first exposure to the band was through their latest record, Salt. I knew the name because they had embarked on a tour with MFH favorite and Michigan heavyweight Frontier Ruckus, and decided that I should see what they’re all about. I was immediately struck by the slow-building intensity of “Why Would You Not Want To Go There?” a song that stayed in my ears for weeks. Two tracks later, I fell completely in love with the Philly soul men. “Lay Low” displays rhythmic foot stomping and call and response vocals that longtime fans of the band would be familiar with. As a first time listener, I was floored. It drips style. Smooth and soulful, led by the vocals of Sean Hoots, Salt is a record that will leave an imprint on you.

I may have been late to the game with these fellas, but it’s better late than never. If you haven’t heard Hoots & Hellmouth, it’s time to get familiar!

Recommended Songs: “Why Would You Not Want To Go There?,” “I Don’t Mind Your Cussin’,” “Lay Low,” “Apple Like A Wrecking Ball,” “Ocean, Open Wide,” “City Lights On A Country Ceiling,” “Shorthand For A Natural Man”

For more on Hoots & Hellmouth, check out the songs and video below. Also, be sure to visit their website, Facebook, and follow them on Twitter!



The fellas perform “I Don’t Mind Your Cussing” for Mostly Midwest

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10 Questions… with Kiersten Holine

25 Jun


Kiersten Holine’s latest record, Candescent, has been stuck in my head for weeks. Easily one of the best finds I’ve had in a long time. Her laid back sound, fleshed out with exquisite vocals and top-notch lyricism, makes for one of the best listens of 2012. It’s hard to believe she’s only been writing for five years, but it’s the truth. Recently, Kiersten was kind enough to answer a few questions for MFH. Learn why Rolling Stone is to thank for her taking the plunge into music, how she developed her sound and the process of making Candescent.

As always, be sure to check out Kiersten Holine on Facebook, Tumblr and follow her on Twitter.

My Folking Heart: Rolling Stone mentioned you in a 2007 issue, after which you began to actively pursue your music. Had you seriously thought about being a musician before then?

Kiersten Holine: No, I hadn’t thought about it at all. I just did Youtube videos in the beginning to see if anyone actually thought I was worth listening to. If they did, cool. If not, that’s fine. That was sort of where it ended. I remember getting back to my dormroom when I was about 18 and seeing an email from a writer at Rolling Stone. I felt my knees give out a little and had to sit down. After the moment of picking up the issue and reading it in print, my prospective about pursuing music took a 180. I thought, “Okay, maybe this is serious”. Continue reading →

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10 Questions… with Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers

21 Jun


I was in the middle of writing a Get Familiar post about Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, a folk-rock group from Michigan that is making serious waves, when I got an email notification. It was none other than Joe himself. He had agreed to do an interview, but said it might take him a while to answer the questions. With no deadline breathing down my neck, I had no worries about Joe taking his time. Plus, it gave me the opportunity to write a piece about the band, introducing them to readers before the 10 Questions segment.

I sent him the questions Wednesday evening, fully expecting not to hear anything back for a few weeks or so. Then, just a few hours later, there they were. That’s just the kind of guy Joe Hertler is. He signs all of his emails/Facebook posts “all the love, joey.” Promotes hugging at his concerts. Passes out candy and homemade crafts to audience members. He’s genuine, a trait that I like to believe, maybe ignorantly, all musicians have at some point in their careers. Over time, some of them, whatever the reason may be, lose that trait. With Joe Hertler, you get the feeling that even if he becomes a mega rockstar, which he has the sound and disposition to do, he’ll never lose that personal touch. He’ll still sign his emails and Facebook posts “joey” instead of “Joe.” He’ll still flash his megawatt smile at the crowd and thank them for coming out, and they’ll believe he’s truly thankful. Because there’s no reason not to.

If you have yet to hear Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, it’s time to get familiar. On Being is a relentless record that will leave you not only impressed, but wondering why you haven’t heard it yet. It’s that good. Give it a listen on the band’s bandcamp, as well as on Spotify.

I’m super excited to share this with you, one of my favorite 10 Questions so far. Learn how Joe met The Rainbow Seekers, details on a new record (!), and the people you should never lose touch with. Also, be sure to visit Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers’ website, Facebook, and follow them on Twitter and check out the tour dates below to see if Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers are headed to a city near you!

Jun 28| The Intersection| Grand Rapids, MI| Tickets
Jun 29| Subterranean| Chicago, IL| Tickets
Jun 30| Brauerhouse| Lombard, IL| Tickets
Jul 01| Gabe’s| Iowa City, IA| Tickets
Jul 13| Common Ground Music Festival| Lansing, MI| Tickets
Jul 14| HAM Stock| Shepherd, MI| Tickets

Continue reading →

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