Fires of Rome, "Set in Stone" Music Video!

The 12th of January marked the day long extravaganza, appropriately (but not) compared to a Motley Crew set by Fires of Rome percussionist, Gunnar. During this lovely occasion only video director Matthew Lessner new what the fuck was going on and as we stood around chain smoking like a bunch of bumblefucks; this beautiful creation was taking place.

FYI -Matthew Lessner, whose previous work has been selected by Sundance, is responsible for this dope piece (and discovering Michael Cera).... Please show love and leave your thoughts in the comments... For Matthew, of course.

So Skanks, skeezers, smack heads, and scallywags; I bring you the Fires of Rome "Set in Stone" video:



Later Lovers

Mixed Bag: Fires of Rome, Green Owl Records and Gettin Happy

I feel a bit bi-polar today; what with the shitty economy, terrible weather , and awesome music.
So this post may reflect my unstable emotions/feelings/wishing I was a man/my need for toilet paper for 7 days now.....

....Anyway, in the midst of all this "danger, danger, terrorist, different people, hating freedom and jobless stock broker bull shit," one thing prevails: Solid tunes.

Yes, our good friend music has leaped in with a solid gold cape and saved the horrible and melancholy day (more like 3 months). If you too find yourself in a funk here are my suggestions for a more positive (or delusional) state:

A. Cop yourself the Green Owl Comp: A Benefit For Energy Action. Who else is better suited to cheer you up than Bloc Party, Violens, School of Seven Bells, Deerhoof, Of Montreal and The Appletrees?
You can get an extra dose of happiness because ALL the proceeds go to the Energy Action Coalition! Now, doesn't helping heal?

B. Next, indulge in some mother earth of your choice (yes, freedom does still exists here at The Hours).

C. Know that Fires of Rome are in the top 30 of the CMJ charts right now! Well, that makes us happy.... But if you buy You Kingdom You, you'll feel just as excited as us.

D. Do something to save this beastly hell hole! Start a compost pile, shop at your local deli or bodega instead of a chain supermarket(sure it may be a few bucks more, but that is a few bucks that will circulate throughout your community and help it maintain itself), bring a few dishes to work and re-use them as opposed to using paper products every time you eat, drink or shit, oh... Wow, I should take care of my issue ans get some damn TP. Doing these things will give you an extra appreciation of the planet and make you feel like the hero you know you can become.

Lastly, know this is just a wave, you must ride it until it mellows out again. When it does mellow out, don't go buy some ridiculous flat screen, gigantic purse or get back into blow; fucken learn children and save cash money, so when the wave hits again your not a bunch of sobbing pussy's.

Later Lovers

Blender! You Make Us Many Pleasures.

Blender is totally like, my new bmf (best magazine friend, totally going on top 8 of my page)...

With all the wish-washy-ness of the musical-journalism world (people rather try to be cool as opposed to naturally being honest); one should appreciate a good ol' humorous-clad-short and sweet review with lots of pictures and colors. Checks it for yourself, it's like an cool-kid picture-book...

And need I say anything about Gunnars radness, nice methphor brother; it wasn't like a Motley Crew set, but at the same time, it was.

Later Lovers

On The Set of Set In Stone, Miike Snow, Gunnar Olsen and More

Part of my lovely job is working a weekend here and there (in the hood and freezing cold weather, with no booze... cry for me Brooklyn), last weekend The Hours crew shuffled over to Bushwick to shoot the Set in Stone video. Director Matthew Lessner's vision was one I could hardly understand (or anyone at the shoot for that matter) but that is the beauty of a creative mind.




Let's just say there were afghan hounds, Fires of Rome, an old-Ed-Sullivan-vision-esque camera, and one stunning Swed (Adina Fohlin) . Collectively, they will contribute to a beautifully simple and minimal piece of art. It is a very strong aesthetic statement. There were only close to 11 shots but, you see, this camera was extra special; for every second filmed, there will be 40 seconds of footage. Very slow motion and eerie, the video will premier the first two weeks of February. I can hardly wait.




The members of Fires of Rome are a creative crew of grown men with ADHD; each of them have several side projects to help burn off all the extra energy (like a kid who's parents enroll them in 7 different sporting activities so they actually go to sleep at night). We asked Andrew and Gunnar to brief us on the hap's of their other artistic endeavors.

Fires of Rome frontman and multi-instrumentalist, Andrew just returned from Thailand where he embarked on a creative retreat focusing on other projects and reconnecting with the simplicity of life (which, we often forget in New York). Another group affiliated with Andrew has collaborated with Treasure Fingers, Crookers and DJ Mehdi on a mysterious musical venture . Gunnar (drums) has been exercising his own experimental powers with a project simply named; Gunnar (www.myspace.com/gunnarolsen). Gunnar's world of remixes has us currently stoked on a Kanye remix that should be in our hands soon.

Behind the scenes there was chit chat with the band, cigarette smoking and a bit of standing around (oh, and a set interruption due to a journalists' flash while taking pictures)... All and all it was a beautiful vision, day, and time well spent. Stay tuned, we will have more info on Fires of Rome, the Set In Stone video and more.

Later Lovers




The band and staff just living the dream.

Paper Mag "Firesof Rome" Feature

Hoooorah! Folks finally are realizing how dope Fires of Rome and You Kingdom You are (even if they don't write anything about them)... We'll have our own informative behind the scenes feature of the video as soon as I am done celebrating MLK day. Until then! Checks it!

http://www.papermag.com/blogs/2009/01/fires_of_rome.php


LAteR lOvErs

FIRES OF ROME FOR YOUR DOME

YOU KINGDOM YOU is now available for purchase through all major retail outlets.
iTunes
Amazon



We know not everyone makes the big bucks (we know all too well). We also know that music sharing started because kids don't have $ for every album that rocks that special place in their heart. The albums first single "Set in Stone" has been making its rounds on the net for months, and has just recently (today) reached elite status of being amongst the top 5 most added to college radio stations around the country. Since you have probably only heard "Set in Stone" up until this point, some of the staff here at The Hours have suggested their favorite cuts off You Kingdom You. So, go on, minimize your pirating software, and buy a fuckin track (actually, buy the whole album, and throw a review up there while your at it) you no longer have to worry that your unable to shit hundred dollar bills; we got your back.

Fabien, Ben, Katherine
Dawn Lament
If you like: heavy organ

Opens with a beautiful organ, setting off a slow and eerie beginning as Wyatt delicately pours his heart out. After about a minute the guitar and Gunnar's drumming intrudes the melancholy tone and Wyatts voice goes into a splendid falsetto climatic explosion. It makes you want to go emo and cut yourself as you look into the eyes of your biggest crush...while floating....on a cloud..in Rock n Roll hell. Smashing.

Gautier, Ashley
But Your Such A Cherry
If you like: Maroon 5, Led Zepplin

This is one of the danceable, pop-rock tracks (never mind that it's about cradle robbing). Wyatt's immediate introduction "you're too young and the young need to be schooled" mixes nicely with the instrumental pop-rock orgy supporting him. In the chorus he goes into his unique falsetto again giving chills down me spine...arrrg. The guitar demands attention like a Zepplin track, and Wyatt has a spoken-word Robert Plant-esque moment. One of the best components of this track is the lyrics; sweet, honest and still a bit dirty.

Vincent
It Makes Me Weak
If you like: Kasabian, Bush

Nice heavy bass and drum intro, like if you could put a sound to hot women soldiers marching. 30 seconds in you have the grimy-yet-angelic voice of Wyatt "sometimes I break up from myself" where he displays a virtuoso that only he can (you buy, you understand). Supporting the sing-songy sound of Wyatt, Matt, Gunnar and Oscar fade in with meaning: drums banging steadily, bass strumming and guitar snarling. Great track, nice use of layering with, again the organ and some synth.

We wouldn't lie to you (about this anyway), you need to cop "You Kingdom You." Your friends will think your the coolest and you'll probably get laid (turn up the heat, put on track 1 Dawn Lament and wait for the magic to happen).

Later Lovers

Fires of Rome - Spins and Grins

Well, it is less than 12 hours until the debut album from NYC's own Fires of Rome hits the shelves. Since November, college radio, internet radio, and music blogs have been all over the albums single "Set In Stone", and the remixes by M83, Don Rimini, Dada Life and others. Within the last few weeks though, we have seen a rise in attention to several other notable tracks, including the albums opener "Dawn Lament", and rock anthem "Love is a Burning Thing".








It has been a hoot to see the albums impact around the country -- the bay area's CMJ award winning Bagel Radio has been giving the album some lovin lately, along with WLUR 91.5 out of Lexington, VA.





If you haven't yet pre-ordered your copy of You Kingdom You, you can do that by clicking HERE

Hey You! Pre-order You Kingdom You!

Fires of Rome debut album You Kingdom You is available for pre-order on iTunes and Amazon

Time for Festivities! The Hours Festival

Dan Black at Le'Regine in Paris


The Hours will host The Hours Festival in Paris! See dates and venues below:

March 2009

03/24 -Cazals and Elbow at Le Cigale

03/26 -Dan Black, Fires of Rome, The Shoe's at Le Bataclan



03/27 -Etienne d Crecy, Don Rimini, Dada Life, Autokratz at Le Bataclan

03/28 -Rythm and Sound and Xaver Naudascher


Believe you me, this is going to be an event to blow some savings on. There will be something for everyone; brit-rock, electro-pop, rock and roll, metal.... You only live once
Dan Black at Le'Regine in Paris

So Many Thoughts

Being a Portland, Oregon native might have something to do with my giddiness, for this weekend has me fancy extra tickled pink. Starting Friday, avant-garde noise rock and DIY attitude will merge for the NY Ear and Eye Festival. Giant abandoned warehouse-flat to boot! We can thank Todd Brooks (also known as Todd Pendu) from the Pendu Organization in Brooklyn, NY after the weekend; when our socks are missing and minds have been blown.


Brooklyn Pendu Organization is some pretty cool stuff; they reflect an idea of sustainability that The Hours can dig on. Their slogan “An arts organization with a focus on occultism, adhocism, & eroticism” captures an ideology of disregarding the mainstream path as the only path to follow. Here is a place that represents a group of artist that may not find freedom in the more corporate side of America. Most importantly we get some fresh art, because their full potential is being fostered and supported until it grows and wafts to some of us caught up in the other world. That is what I anticipate at the NY Ear and Eye Festival will be about, introducing people to some freshness that doesn't quite exist in our sterile world. Yea, we like it.
For more info on this magical event you can check out the myspace page at www.myspace.com/nyeyeandear, they have radio interviews that for auditory learners and band listings.





Paris (sigh). If I had only realized what kind of dark and delicious trouble I was getting myself into

Underneath the hundred mirrors, red velvet, disco balls and dance floors, I found myself too drunk to realize how dope of a party I was at. Sweat, smoke, accents and traces of blow illustrated a underground Paris scene the most would be lucky to dream about (if, indeed, dirty Parisian club going is your thing). Beatrice owner and renowned graffiti artist André showed love, Marion Cotillard, Daft Punk and others inflated the evening from live and fun, to exclusive and magical.



http://www.myspace.com/regineclub .... Its like Last Nights Party but French
__________________________________________________________________________________
New York had been good to us so far. And beyond the anxiety of economic turmoil, descending employment market and political melee we've found a comfort somewhere in the middle. A strikingly similar story to my recent autobiographical chapter; being green to New York but for the most part, loving whatever it dishes out.


How appropriate to have worked for a record label that is experiencing the same habitual-urban preadolescence challenges as me. So I figured why not merge to the two? Why not blog about developments at The Hours if they can relate to my own triumphs, tragedies and blackouts?

Sure, I'm no socialite, daughter-of-somebody starting my “art” career nor is The Hours DFA, Sub Pop, or Def Jam. We are, however, both pretty fucken rockin in our own, humble beginnings, slightly crazy - will be noticed-way: which is a pretty rad start. So watch both of us move up or crash in the city that never sleeps and have some fun while doing it. As this label, blog, and life expands into New Yorks numerous scenes you'll be right with us. I may not be dancing with Andrew W.K or meandering about with Michael T or any other paradoxical partier for my starry eyed, fame thirsty generation -but that is not to say I wont.

We Likes to Party

Our Showcase event was a blast! I think it is safe to say we will be throwing loads more parties and concert events; especially when people are down and anxious due to the economic/social environment. The best way to cure those blues is music and cutting rugs.

DJ Angola spun a great set, the Europeans went wild; pumping their fist and dancing like it's London in 1999. Fires of Rome had a decent set, they are a good band but new, so performance perfection is a matter of doing more shows and adjusting accordingly. Many would agree, Cazals had a dynamite performance. They were tight, loud in all the right places and Warren the drummer was banging like he just got out of prison. We'll be putting up live video soon, for now check the pictures! Talented photographer Faith Ann-Young was there with her artistic eye to show love and take pictures, these photographs are credited to her. Thanks Faith!

Here are some blog responses from the enchanting evening:

http://1stbestmusic.blogspot.com/2008/11/rcrd-lbl-mp3-of-day-cazals-life-is.html

http://www.mytrackdujour.com/2008/11/set-in-stone.html

http://www.asianmandan.com/blog/

http://hipvideopromo.blogspot.com/2008/11/cazals-wow-audience-at-fires-of-rome.html

http://digitalmusicnews.com/

http://blog.wired.com/music/

Next up is Paris! Where the The:Hours is more situated in the music, party and too-cool scene. You will be educated on the event, just stay tuned.

In addition to the showcase, we also had a pretty smashing time with Cazals. Drinking, interviews and photo shoots (we managed to get in on that action!) were the norm. In the nocturnal hours, we scampered about the city listening to Cazals guitarist, Luca Ciampi, DJ at Annex, Le Poison Rouge and Beatrice. Annex being the most receptive of his Italian disco, Euro-house, digital taste.

In any respect, we would love to see you at our next party; we're not so much snooty about who joins, just as long as your not a belligerent asshole. Until next time all; stay up and get down.

Ciao Lovers