Living Room Performance: Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas - "Caught Up"

Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas - "Caught Up"

The Magic Bag

Ferndale, MI

July 20th, 2012




The soul-rocking sound of Detroit's Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas is a rich study of cultural and environmental influences. Led by the bold vocal presence of Jessica Hernandez, this band has a thickly wonderful sound that's executed with amazing energy. If you were lucky enough to catch their set as part of this year's Musicfest NW you're a first hand witness. If not, don't despair, the recent release of their Live at the Magic Bag EP might be the next best thing. Also, check out BLS's recent interview with the band.

10 Questions: Jessica Hernandez

Jessica Hernandez is the saucy lead singer of  her Detroit based band The Deltas.  She took some time and talked to BLS about her music, the road and a few other things.
Make sure you you catch her this week as she plays a show Friday night at the Doug Fir as part of Musicfest NW.



BLS: With the release of your latest EP Live at The Magic Bag you’ve been able to experience both live and studio recording. Are there elements that you both like and dislike about these two recording processes? Do you have a favorite?

JH: I recently discovered that my favorite recording process is a combination of both. We just recorded a couple new songs for a new 7'' and we recorded to tape. That's kind of the best of both worlds. It has the feel of a live show but its a little safer and more planned out. You get a live feel but if someone totally fucks it up you can just do it again.

BLS: As a first-generation American that was raised in a Mexican/Cuban household. How has your cultural up bring influenced your music?

JH: My parents listening to everything from Bowie to Buena Vista so they definitely had a big impact on my musical taste from a really young age. I still listen to all the music they got me into and I think its a big part of why my sound is all over the place. I was raised on so many genres that even though I go into writing trying to be original, i can sometimes hear where weird little things come from.

BLS: Having grown up in Detroit, the home of rocking soul and gritty rock n roll do you find your music influenced by environmental elements of the Motor City?

JH: I think everyones environment influences them, so yah for sure. Motown was one of those staples when I was growing up. My grandparents are really young and they tell me about how bands like the temptations, supremes and four tops used to come and play at their high school dances growing up. On a subconscious level I feel like the vibe of this whole album coming out is like Detroit. Its somehow really beautiful and really morbid at the same time.

BLS: You included, there are 7 members in your band The Deltas, all playing a broad arrangement of instruments. How do you incorporate all those elements into your songs with out having them feel crowded?

JH: I always write starting with a different instrument. Sometimes its a horn idea first or a piano part or even a drum beat. After I write a vocal melody that's when I figure out how much room there is for everything else. I like having a big band, but I also like simplicity and the contrast of the two. It's nice to play one song with 7 people and a brass section then play another with just a piano and vocals.

BLS: How dose the wide range of instruments effect the writing process?

JH: It basically just makes me feel like I have a lot of freedom to do anything with a song. It can stay bare bones or become this huge production and I know that either way I go I have some great guys that can pull it off. It's nice to go into writing without limitation.

BLS: Is it hard being the only women in the group, or do you like being the queen bee?

JH: I'd be lying if I said I didn't like it. It definitely isn't easy being the only women but it also some how ends up being really peaceful. The guys like to party and I like to be more of a recluse on tour. Since they have their bromance I don't feel bad hiding away to be alone. I could do with less farts and boogers in the van though.

BLS: As the female lead you seem to have been able to find a way to balance the aggression of the music with a feminine sensuality. Who are other female leads from which you’ve gained inspiration?

JH: Dolly Parton, Kate Bush, Wanda Jackson, Tammy Wynette, and basically all ladies of Motown. I feel like a lot of women back in the day really knew how to pull that off. They were all these gorgeous sensual women that were so badass.

BLS: You’re in the middle of a very extensive tour. How has the road been treating you?

JH Honestly for our first year of heavy touring I couldn't ask for anything better. Even if we have a dud playing for like 4 people in some small town, it still ends up being fun and gives you more bonding time with other bands on the road. No complaints.

BLS: What’s the one question you wished more music writers would ask you in interviews? How would you answer it?

JH: How many times has someone puked in the van after a show? 1 too many.

BLS: Name 5 bands you love but who few people have heard of?

JH:

The Growlers

Goran Bregovic

Fools Gold

Cha-chas

Grupo Fantasma Del Peru

From the Shelf: Summer Cannibals - No Makeup (2013)

Summer Cannibals

No Makeup

New Moss Records

The dredge-fuzz rock of the Summer Cannibals debut album No Makeup has a bold thickness to it.  With heavy dream rhythms and precisely punctuated drum beats, the opening track “Sounds” foreshadows the lovely album to follow.

Ripe with the thickened guitar tones more equated with 70’s rock and 90’s grunge the Summer Cannibals have mastered a truly luscious sound on their first album.  The weighty atmosphere of these songs is the perfect home for Jessica Boudreax’s sultry vocals, while the caressing waves of instrumentation is nearly hypnotic in nature.  An instant classic, from yet another Portland band that makes supporting local music way too easy,The Summer Cannibals’ No Makeup foretells of budding greatness. With tracks like the rocking swagger of “Wives” and building drive of “Wear Me Out”this boldly wonderful album is a must have.  Even if you haven’t heard the band yet, pick it up. It will be love at first note.

Tuesday Double Feature: JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound "Rouse Yourself" & Luke Winslow-King " Moving On (Towards Better Days)"

This week's Tuesday Double Feature includes videos for two uniquely interesting artists that just happen to share room on the Bloodshot Record label and will be playing shows her in Portland this coming week. So enjoy the videos and if you like what you see, go check them out live.

JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound - "Rouse Yourself"


The lovely soul music of JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound is the kind of dance inspiring ear candy that makes you glad to be alive.  Having just released their latest album Howl, the boys will be playing this Thursday evening at Lola's Room downtown. Here's the 411:

Thursday, August 15th
Lola's Room
1332 W Burnside
Doors: 7PM / Show:8PM
Adv.: $15 / Day Of: $17
All Ages


Luke Winslow-King - "Moving On (Towards Better Days)"


The music of Luke Winslow-King is a throw back to a simpler time when jazz and blues were more closely related. Touring on the heels of his latest album The Coming Tide, Winslow-King will be stopping to play two free show in our area. Here are the details:

Friday, August 16th
McMenamins Edgefield
2126 SW Halsey St
Show: 7PM
Free
21 & Over

 and

Sunday, August 18th
Elizabeth Caruthers Park
3508 SW Moody Ave
Show: 3PM
Free
All ages

Cure for the Mondays: The Heavy - "Can't Play Dead"

The Heavy - "Can't Play Dead"

Blues and voodoo seem to go hand in hand, it must be all the mojo.



The rocking soul music of UK's The Heavy has all the manic feet attitude of James Brown's ghost. Known for the commercial use of their song "How You Like Me Now?" this band is so much more. With a funk and groove that's undeniable, you'll find that you can't stop dancing. Don't believe me, then check them out for yourself this Tuesday, August 13th at our own Mississippi Studios. Here's all the info:
Mississippi Studio
Doors: 8PM / Show: 9PM
Adv.: $12 / Day Of: $12
21 & Over

Living Room Performance: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - Medicine

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - "Medicine"

Mophonics Studio, NewYork New York

2010



Recently at BLS we've been talking a lot about soul music. So I thought we'd get the women's perspective in the bluesy seductiveness of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.Still riding high from the release of last years The Lion The Beast The Beat,Grace and the band have spent their summer on tour and will continue into Fall. Having just come through town last month, we might not get to see her live again until next year, but the great thing is no matter her touring time table we always have her music.

Sound Art: The Heavy North American Tour

By Tony Whitebeard of New Analog Design

Designed By Tony Whitebread of New Analog Design the North American Tour Poster for The Heavy is truly bitchin'.
Sporting the image of a dapper Wolf-man caught in mid transformation, this poster lends itself well to the ferocious power that the band is know for.
Catch the band this Tuesday, August 13th at Mississippi Studios.
Here are the details:
The Heavy
The Silent Comedy
Mississippi Studio
3939 N Mississippi
Doors: 8PM / Show: 9PM
Adv.: $12 / Day Of: $12
21 & Over