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New York duo Diet Cig brings their empowering new sound to Gallery5 tonight

Doug Nunnally | April 14, 2017

Topics: Diet Cig, Gallery5, indie, pop

Musicians need reassurance too, even those as dazzling, empowering, and forceful as New York duo Diet Cig. You can have all the buzz in the world and a fanbase that grows by the hour, but the confidence has to be there no matter how you get it.

Sometimes, it comes from just a pep talk.

“I had to kind of remind myself that I’m good at this,” vocalist and guitarist Alex Luciano remarks. “There’s a reason I’m doing this so I just had to reassure myself saying things like ‘I got this. I swear.'”

The duo’s debut full-length, Swear I’m Good At This, takes its name from this state of mind, one that’s much more focused on proving your worth to yourself than anyone else. “Once we realized [the band] was a serious thing, like it’s our job, I just needed to prove to myself I could do it and that I was worth it,” she states.

Success came early for Luciano and her musical partner, drummer Noah Bowman. In the summer of 2014, the duo met in New York at a house show concert where Bowman was performing… only to be interrupted mid-set by Luciano as she searched the venue for a cigarette lighter. The very definition of a musical meet-cute, that chance encounter led to the two forming what would become one of the most celebrated live acts of the last several years. In less than six months after that fateful night, the band would release Over Easy, their first EP containing five breezy, yet thumping pop-punk tracks that were wildly praised and earned them an instant following that became rabid for anything the duo put out, even if they were still finding their sound.

“I think we had done maybe two shows before recording that EP,” Bowman remembers. “We didn’t really know what we wanted from each other or how we wanted the music to sound, but we started to learn quick with all the shows we were doing.”

For the next year and a half, the duo lived on the road with only quick breaks here and there between tours. “We’d come home for a couple of days and try to adjust, but we’d have to go right back out in a few days,” Bowman laughs. The constant cross-country travelling weighed on the band, but they admit it was crucial in helping them find the voice and style that’s made their debut record so acclaimed in the few weeks since its release.

“I was just sitting in the van all day, every day, with all these thoughts and emotions and the road became a good place to unpack these feelings for myself,” Luciano explains. Stuck in a car seat for several hours each day, she took to writing in journals and writing down rough ideas of songs she had floating in her head to pass the time. Though it all came from her life on the road though, Luciano was quick to clarify that this was hardly a record written about the dread of travelling.

“The lyrics I wrote don’t necessarily represent me as a touring person, but I think the environment of touring helped influence the way I unpacked those thoughts and feelings,” she reasons.

Around this time, Luciano also solidified her stance as a feminist, a philosophy that boldly comes through on many of the songs that make up Swear I’m Good At This such as “Link In Bio” and “Tummy Ache.” Finding solidarity and inspiration from like-minded musicians across the country, Luciano was able to realize how intertwined her own thoughts and feelings were with the beliefs of feminism, something only bolstered by current events and her introspective time on the road.

“It comes through in a lot of the songs on the record because they’re very personal songs about my own feelings, but those feelings also happen to be my ideals of feminism and empowerment,” she details.

Though Luciano describes herself as an emotional, heart-on-the-sleeves person, there was a bit of trepidation as she hadn’t quite expressed these feelings in her music before. As she started to write and unload her mind though, she found the release of emotions to be not only cathartic, but comfortable as well.

“It’s really cool to be able to take those uneasy feelings and experiences I had and reclaim them by turning them into this piece of art I can scream at the top of my lungs in a rock song,” she lively states.

To Bowman, the time on the road was equally satisfying, even if he admits it was challenging at times. “At times, it was hard to have enough time to even get a thought out, let alone write a song,” he jokes. But the time on the road helped the duo find the right direction for Diet Cig, one that led to a sound he described as “truly us.”

“Playing so many shows together over that time really helped guide us to the sound we wanted to achieve, something that pushed the boundaries of what we could do and also sounded honestly bigger than just the two of us,” he says.

After a year and a half of messing around at sound checks and finding places to hide away to complete a verse, the duo cleared their schedule in October of 2016 to finish this new batch of songs. “We just wanted to take the whole month and finish writing and get in the studio to make sure it was all done,” Bowman recounts. “We were completely ready for it. We just never had the time or chance to do it because we were playing so much.”

Entering the studio, the band set their sights high by quickly pushing their pop punk into expansive territory. Some additions were subtle, like the synthesizer parts on “Maid Of The Mist,” while others were much clearer like their use of a fuzzed out wall-of-sound on songs like “Leo.” Ideas came from everywhere, but the duo admits the diverse list of bands they toured with definitely had an impact.

“They are just so many things a rock a band can be,” Luciano posits. “Every band we toured with, we took a little bit from each, just being inspired by anything and everything they did.”

Some bands had a tangible effect on Diet Cig – things like a different approach to drumming or concrete touring advice — while others had a much more cerebral impact on the band such as Nashville rock band Bully. “We toured with Bully and it was… just… wow,” Bowman gushes. “Alicia [Bognanno] is just so fuckin’ good.” Luciano was quick to agree. “One of the best rock bands I’ve ever seen in my life! God, I learned so much watching them.”

All of these experiences gave the duo new life in the studio throughout October, a time that never felt rushed according to Luciano as the duo took their time and thoughtfully crafted their record. Released at the beginning of April on Frenchkiss Records, Swear I’m Good At This earned strong reviews from critics and fans, with praise focused on the sonic leap the duo made as well as the stirring lyrics that make each song unforgettable. So beloved, the record even earned rare defense from musicians and publications when a few critics dared to disparage its quality.

Twelve songs make up the record and naturally, the duo has already gravitated towards their own personal favorites. “I love the singles of course, like ‘Tummy Ache,'” Luciano says, “but I also really love ‘Maid Of The Mist.’ It recalls our Over Easy side in a way, but it’s still within our new sound that we’re doing. That song is really so poppy and fun and I was really proud of the vocals and harmonies at the end.”

Bowman also enjoys the singles, specifically “Link In Bio,” but while he loves the wide sound they were able to accomplish, he highlighted the record’s most reserved track as a favorite. “I really love ‘Apricots,'” he laughs. “The rest of the record is big and loud and in your face, and this one’s a nice contrast. It’s just Alex with an acoustic guitar in a kitchen. I love that it’s the most stripped down song on the record. It’s like a little step into Alex’s thoughts for a second.”

Truthfully, the entire record is a step into the thoughts of Alex Luciano, ones wrought with apprehension and indignation. Guiding you through that mind are the scopic sounds she and Bowman have crafted, bold and resourceful harmonies and melodies that fly past the pop-punk moniker they were casually saddled with years ago. Those sounds fluctuate throughout the record of course, but they never waver in their ability to support the album’s authentic intimacy, something that makes the record equal parts endearing and rousing.

All you need is one listen and you’ll know one thing: Luciano needs no further reminder that she and Bowman can truly do this.

Diet Cig play Gallery5 tonight with Daddy Issues and Waiting For Silence joining them on stage. Doors are at 8 PM, music starts at 9 PM, and tickets are $12. For more information on the show, click here.

Norfolk avant-garage group You’re Jovian drops second full-length album, catch them 4/16 at Gallery5

Greg Rosenberg | April 10, 2017

Topics: avant-grunge, Funny Not Funny Records, Gallery5, indie, You're Jovian

The Norfolk avant-garage outfit, You’re Jovian, creates a sonic dreamstate with the release of their full-length, They Were Selected and Divided. The eight tracks encompass dynamic fluctuations without abandoning the central sound of stormy euphoria.

Elliot Malvas has come quite a long way since writing the first tunes for first You’re Jovian in his mother’s home back in 2008. They released their first full-length Stereochronic in 2012 and with the exception of a few singles and an EP between, the group hasn’t put out a full record since. The wait seems to be worth the pay off, as these songs are the product of years of effort.

“A lot of these songs are pretty old,” said Malvas. “‘Revelations’ was written in 2008 and tracked in 2013. Even the newer ones are a year old now.”

What has really developed since the last release is Malvas’ approach toward recording. “The only thing I’ll say is different is I’ve becoming more realistic while recording in the studio and a lot more comfortable,” he said. “I used to have demoitis. So tracking was always a pain and I was never satisfied with the tones compared to what was in my head on the demos.”

Production on this record hits the mark. Somehow in the fuzz and bluster of swollen guitar riffs and bass drives, lucidity and grace persist. Songs like “Downstream” embrace the pacific vocals naturally situated in the energetic instrumentation and humidity of reverb, calm yet charismatic – vibing with a late 90s Ben Gibbard.

“Revelations,” stands out as a sweet, arpeggiated-harpsichord tone ballad with an uptempo bouncy solo evocative of The Cure. This is some flat on your back cloud watching music, with just a hint of overcast.

Much of Malvas’ songwriting comes from a place of nostalgia, but is more imagery inspired. “I have fond memories of biking down the oceanfront on my single speed,” said Malvas. “Breathing in the dense, salty, humid summer air feeling very alive. The concrete still radiating heat from the blistering late summer sun. All of the temperate climate trees are lush green. I love that shit. Highly influencing and caps off a certain period of my life.”

The beauty of the inspiration behind his writing is the relatability to a romanticized, nostalgic setting.

“If people who listen to my music can relate similar feelings through music then that’s amazing because I was influenced by certain tones back then that set the mood of my music,” said Malvas. “Everyone has a band, record, or song that sticks with them from a certain period of their life, right?”

They Were Selected and Divided, which was recorded and produced by Mark Padgett, is out now on Funny Not Funny Records. You can get it on cassette and Spotify.

Catch You’re Jovian on Easter sunday, April 16 at Gallery5 with Fat Spirit (read our interview with them here) and Basmati at 7pm. There is a suggested donation of $5-$10 and all proceeds go to ACLU.

Gallery5 turns 12 in style with fire spinning, live music and visual and performance art

RVA Staff | April 6, 2017

Topics: Gallery5, Gallery5 12 year, RVA, RVA ARt, RVA shows

Gallery5 has a birthday coming up this weekend and if you’ve ever been to one of their parties, you know they bring the weird, wacky and wonderful. The old firehouse-turned-art space is turning 12 and will celebrate the only way they know how – with fire spinning, a group art show, burlesque, live music and dance tunes in the streets this Friday, April 7.

The gallery, located in Jackson Ward, has operated as a 501(c)3 non-profit since its inception in April 2005 to provide a space for diverse local and touring exhibitions, music, comedy, dance and art of all forms. Gallery5 is also no stranger to utilizing its space for various fundraisers.

“It lends itself to housing so many diverse forms of artwork and collaboration, which is one of the big missions of the gallery,” said Parker Galore, Operations Manager at Gallery5 as well as co-founder and former Editor-In-Chief of RVA Magazine.

As the story goes, while the first RVAMag print issue was being assembled, a woman named Amanda Robinson, whose parents owned the firehouse, reached out to him.

Robinson had been in Georgia at Savannah College of Art and Design, but was returning to Richmond in order to transform the derelict firehouse into a space for art.

Around that time, Galore also decided to have Robinson’s story be one of featured articles in the mag as well as have Gallery5 host the launch party of the very first issue in its grand opening.

Ever since, the two Richmond creative entities have often found themselves intertwined.

After the success of their combined efforts, Robinson asked Galore and other local artists and creatives to continue helping out. Over the years countless volunteers and employees have contributed to Gallery5 continued success.

The space itself has always sought to add a unique and diverse voice to Richmond and it is with that diversity in mind that this week’s birthday celebration will include various types of art and entertainment.

Live music on their inside stage includes the haunting tones of Lobo Marino, long-time Gallery 5 board member and legendary RVA musician Prabir Mehta, singer/songwriter Georgie Isaacs and local indie-pop heavy hitters The Trillions.

Beyond live music there will be burlesque featuring Arroh Meuse, Caza Blanca, Jo’Rie Tigerlily, Lottie Ellington, Lula Houp-Garou, and Melody Magpie all guided by the sensual hand of Deanna Danger.

Danger has been a longtime collaborator with Gallery5 and, as of last March, her burlesque studio, Boom Boom Basics, moved into the building. Gallery5 has hosted Danger’s burlesque shows as well as touring burlesque artists for years.

“Gallery5 is a big piece of the burlesque history in Richmond,” Danger said.

“She got in touch with me through MySpace back when MySpace was still a thing,” Galore said of Danger’s earliest involvement, only reinforcing the long and impactful timeline from both orgs.

Meanwhile, outside the venue, The Party Liberation Front will showcase a pyro circus street show with fire-based performance art. PLF is also a 501c3 non-profit that works to fundraise for the art community and is a frequent collaborator with Gallery5.

Party Liberation Front at Gallery 5 from Sean Ruecroft on Vimeo.

PLF will also have a presence inside the gallery with a multi-media presentation called “Visuals 2” on the venue’s second floor. The show was funded by grants from PLF and includes work by Annie Peace and Reginald Conyers called “Reflections.”

Another PLF grant funded piece on dispaly, put together by the All Saints Theatre Company, involves “a haunting singing ceremony with tributes to the 12 foot tall Grandma Moon Puppet with celestial moon/sun masks, choreographed performances and glow in the dark hand painted humans by the lovely Ali Warters.”

There will also be plenty of art on sale from groups like Fallon Corrine Photography, The Art of Nicole Pisaniello, The Clockworks Collective and more.

This week’s upcoming festivities begin at 6pm and will run through until midnight. The event is free, though donations are encouraged. Find out more about the event here.

Words by Charlotte Woods

April events at Gallery5

RVA Staff | April 3, 2017

Topics: Gallery5, music, RVA live music

There are so many venues around Richmond that are dedicated to serving more than just the music scene. They serve up comedy acts, artists, exhibits, burlesque, dance and more. Gallery5 is one of them and they have a stacked calendar for this month. Check out the awesome events they have lined up below:

4/7 First Fridays 12th Year Anniversary Party
Doors 6pm / Sounds 8pm / FREE
Burlesque and Variety Hour:
Hosted by Deanna Danger

4/9 Sunday Luxotica Lounge Cabaret
Doors 7pm / Sounds 8pm // Pre-Sale $10 / DOS $15
Featuring a 4-piece band

4/13 Thursday Moon Bounce / Ehiorobo / BSTFRND 1 TBA
Doors 7pm / Sounds 8pm // DOS suggested donation $5-$10
Moon Bounce (10:15)
TBA (9:30)
Ehiorobo (8:45)
BSTFRND (8pm)

4/14 Friday Diet Cig / Daddy Issues / Waiting for Silence ** THIS INCLUDES SOUND CHECK **
8PM Doors // 9PM Sounds | $10 in Advance // $12 Day of Show
Load in 6pm
Diet Cig (11:00pm)
Daddy Issues (10:00pm)
Waiting for Silence (9pm)

4/15 Saturday The Wimps / Hill Walkers / The Hoodoos / Strawberry Moon
Doors 8pm / Sounds 9pm // Pre-sale $5 / DOS $6
The Wimps (11:15)
The Hill Walkers (10:30)
The Hoodoos (9:45)
Strawberry Moon (9pm)

4/16 Sunday Fat Spirit, You’re Jovian, Basmati
Doors 7pm / Sounds 8pm // Pre-sale $6 / DOS $7
Fat Spirit (10:00)
You’re Jovian (9:15)
Basmati (8:30)

4/20 Thursday Battlemaster / Left Cross / Murdersome / Buzzard Dust
Doors 7pm / Noise 8pm // $5
Battlemaster (10:15)
Left Cross (9:30)
Murdersome (8:45)
Buzzard Dust (8pm)

4/21 Friday RRFP End of BAT Party!
Doors 7:30pm / Sounds 8pm / $5-$20 donation

4/23 Sunday All Talk, Wester Green, Hot Reader (THIS SHOW STARTS LATER THAN USUAL SUNDAY SHOWS)
Doors 8pm / Sounds 9pm // Pre-Sale $5 / DOS $6
Wester Green (10:15)
All Talk (9:45)
Hot Reader (9pm)

4/27 TBA Secret Show More Details to come!
Doors 7pm / Sounds 8pm // TBA

Gallery5 is located at 200 W. Marshall St., details on the shows can be found at the links above or here.

Silent Music Revival presents The Night Before Christmas 12/18 at Gallery5

Amy David | December 13, 2016

Topics: Gallery5, RVA film, silent movies, Silent Music Revival

To celebrate their 10 year anniversary, Silent Music Revival will screen Ladislas Starevich’s 1913 film, The Night Before Christmas this weekend at Gallery5.
[Read more…] about Silent Music Revival presents The Night Before Christmas 12/18 at Gallery5

December events at Gallery5

Amy David | December 2, 2016

Topics: Gallery5, RVA ARt, rva music

Along with new music at the beginning of the month, local art galleries also have a stacked calendar filled with comedy, fundraisers, exhibits, some live music and more or you to go check out. Here is the rundown of events at Gallery5 for December:
[Read more…] about December events at Gallery5

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