Every so often, we check in with Willobee, the program manager and afternoon host at NV89 in Reno, about what new music he has on deck.
DISCUSSION HIGHLIGHTS:
On new releases on NV89, including musicians based in Nevada:
Carlan: We’ll start with a group called Silver. They’re from Reno. They’ve been together since 2016. The band features Greg Gilmore is lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Josh Kisor on lead guitar, Adam Landis on keyboards, Brendon Lund is bass and Jeff Knight on drums.
They are an indie rock band with each member having varying backgrounds in folk, country, rock, punk, blues, and pop. Their songs are a mix of styles but to me they have a late 60’s psychedelic rock vibe likened to The Electric Prunes, Amboy Dukes, The Troggs or The 13th Floor Elevators. In fact, I suggested they cover a track or two from that era because I think that would be a good fit.
We’ve been playing Silver since the station went on the air with a few songs like “Black Lipstick” and “Burn And Turn” but this month they just released a new EP and the first track is called “Be Somebody.”
You talked with Greg Gilmore. What did he tell you?
They just celebrated the release of their new EP with a huge block party in Midtown Reno last week, we spotlighted them on a new feature broadcast from The Biggest Little Stage in the NV89 studios and they’ll be performing for the Local 891 LIVE at The Brew Brothers June 27.
You’re also featuring a tune by Hopeless Jack called "Pack my Bags."
Carlan: Jack Beisel is the Jack of Hopeless Jack. He’s from the Reno area. He was originally performing as a one-man band. Hopeless Jack is now a two-piece guitar and drum duo out of Reno, a bit reminiscent of The White Stripes but more explosive. Jack’s background includes country, blues and what he calls self-taught madness. He cites his influences include greats such as: Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Johnny Cash and the Gun Club. The band delivers an amazing high energy stage show that showcases Jack’s blistering slide guitar prowess.
He did just pack his bags for a summer European tour. For a local Reno artist to tour the European continent is a real treat for us. It shows that we have solid talent in our city worthy of competing with major label artists.
There is a new group from Las Vegas called Gold Lemonade. On their website is a quote: “When life gives you lemons, make Gold Lemonade.” You've been playing their song "Cake Up."
Carlan: Gold Lemonade is a hip-hop and electro dubstep duo featuring composer Lya Lewis and Jvgg Sparrow. Lya hails from France. Jvgg Sparrow grew up in the Caribbean where he spent most of his time in St. Martin and the West Indies. Jvgg left school at the age of 16 where he found his passion for hip-hop music, later joining the group West Indian Devilz. He began collaborations in France where he met his partner Lya.
What’s really interesting about this project is they are signed to Critically Amused, a Las Vegas-based record label launched by Jackie Jackson.
Jackon is the eldest member of The Jacksons and co-lead singer of the Jackson 5. He’s only sold 250 million records worldwide and The Jackson 5 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. So, Gold Lemonade is certainly in good hands.
One more new release. This one is not from Nevada but you’re playing reggae artist Mystic Bowie’s version of “Burning Down The House.”
Mystic Bowie has been making music since the 1980s. This is a cover of “Burning Down the House.” The Talking Heads released their original in the early 80s. Last month, Mystic Bowie released an all Talking Heads cover album called “Talking Dreads.” There is a common thread to the Talking Heads. Mystic Bowie was a member of The Tom Tom Club, an offshoot which featured Talking Heads members Chris Franz and Tina Weymouth.
Willobee Carlan, NV89
