Greenville
March 23-Songwriters Showcase at Smiley’sÂ
If it wasn’t R.E.M. that bonded my relationship with Greenville songwriter Shaun Williams, it might have been our mutual love for bands like Teenage Fanclub. For years William’s has been active with bands like Archer vs. Gunman and Mountain Homes, along with playing on his own. Lately, he’s been less active, so this show hopefully marks somewhat of a return to activity on the music scene for Williams. Especially in this setting, it will give a deeper glimpse into the lyrics that grind from a deep emotional place.
Columbia
March 23-See Through Dresses at New Brookland Tavern
Two years ago on a suffocating famously hot Columbia evening See Through Dresses played a ripping set at Shredquarters (RIP) with Charlotte band It Looks Sad and now defunct Columbia band Small Sanctions. Based out of Omaha, the indie rock band shines brightest with their guitar work and melodies which pull a nostalgic feeling from your gut. It pairs well with the Pavementesque guitar work of Columbia locals Release the Dog who share the bill.
March 24-Daddy’s Beemer at New Brookland Tavern
I’m not sure how much of the SC music scene has realized it yet, but theirs something special going on in the Clemson music scene right now. Banded behind a rejuvenated WSBF and their excellent series of live videos lately, along with some great local talent, the Upstate received a much-needed shot of youth. Daddy’s Beemer, who just released a video for their latest single “Rain Dance” have that classic college rock slack mother fucker rock vibe that’s indelible to folks like me. I’ve been singing the opening lines “I had a dream I could fly” over and over for weeks. It is after-all my favorite local song of the year so far, and will appear on our 2017 SceneSC Sampler which happens to drop the day of this show.
Charleston
March 26-Leyla McCalla w/ Becca Leigh at The Royal American
One of the surprise songs of our 2016 SceneSC Sampler was “Garden Bed” by Becca Leigh. Just weeks before it was released I was eating lunch with Luke Mitchell of The High Divers and he mentioned that I needed to give her a listen. Her voice and stylings grab you and pull you in right off the bat. From there it’s just a deep dive into her lyrics and composition.
Asheville
March 23-Ne-Hi at The Mothlight
Chicago band Ne-Hi started popping up on national radars in 2015 on the back of their 2014 self titled album and opening slots with Car Seat Headrest and Black Lips. Now they’re back with their new album Offers picking up where they left off with a video première from NPR. “Stay Young” is a great window into the new album and the roots of where they band came from giving us a glimpse of the bands NW Chicago roots.
