Down at The Slowdown, dark romantic (goth-western?) indie band Murder by Death headlines. Their most recent album, The Other Shore, was released by Bloodshot last year. Their dense, cinematic sound is like an alt-country version of The National, but is much more interesting. Opening is our very own Little Brazil. 8 p.m., $25.
Meanwhile, over at The Sydney in Benson, Those Far Out Arrows headlines a midweek show with cool Arkansas indie band Mouton, who is working with cool St. Joseph, Missouri, label Wee Rock Records (who released one of my favorite albums of 2013 by The Gardenheads). Add to that opener Ben Eisenberger and you’re in for a great night of music for just $5. Starts at 9 p.m.
Finally, there’s a sleeper of a show tonight at Reverb Lounge featuring singer/songwriter Sidney Gish. The Bostonite toured with Mitski briefly last year after her self-released No Dogs Allowed grabbed a 7.7 rating from Pitchfork. She’s got a new two-song single out on Oat Milk Records that’s kicky, upbeat indie rock in the free-wheeling Vampire Weekend vein. Family Reunion opens at 8 p.m. $12.
Research for this article was my first introduction to Murder by Death, though the band has been kicking around since 2000. My wife and I listened to Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon (2012, Bloodshot) all yesterday afternoon, enraptured by the album’s gorgeous cinematic style — consider it spaghetti western outlaw folk. I was reminded of Decemberists and Johnny Cash as well as Silver Jews, Morphine and Elvis Perkins, though the Louisville-based 5-piece has a unique sound all its own.
Their latest album, Big Dark Love, came out in 2014 on Bloodshot, which tells me they’ve got to be due to release something new. Maybe we’ll get a peek at the new stuff when they play at The Waiting Room Wednesday night.
I asked Murder by Death to take our Ten Questions survey. Guitarist/vocalist Adam Turla took the plunge.
1. What is your favorite album?
Adam Turla: Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust
2. What is your least favorite song?
Pretty much anything Top 40.
3. What do you enjoy most about being in a band?
Writing, being creative.
4. What do you hate about being in a band?
The “hurry up and wait” aspect of touring. Never getting enough sleep, then hurrying to the venue, where you sit around waiting to play.
5. What is your favorite substance (legal or illegal)?
Bourbon or Gin. But really, probably, good crusty bread.
6. In what city or town do you love to perform?
Anywhere where folks care!
7. What city or town did you have your worst gig (and why)?
Hmmmm. We had a crazy one outside of Charleston, SC, where the club was falling apart and the cops came. It got pretty bananas.
8. Are you able to support yourself through your music? If so, how long did it take to get there; if not, how do you pay your bills?
Yes, have done so for 13 years (some better than others!). Took a couple years, but we didn’t make much, and lived modestly. We also stayed on the road constantly during that time to keep down expenses and stay busy.
9. What one profession other than music would you like to attempt; what one profession would you absolutely hate to do?
I love food, I want to open a restaurant — it involves a lot of creativity beyond the food, from building renovation to decoration, spatial creativity and an awareness of people. I would hate to be a politician.
10. What are the stories you’ve heard about Omaha, Nebraska?
We have probably played in Omaha over a dozen times, maybe more. My best personal story was when we were driving from Omaha to Denver, and a snowstorm shut down all the highways. We had to stop in Kearney, NE, but all the hotels were booked up, so we had to stay at the National Guard Center, where we helped set up cots and hand out pizza. Then we watched Total Recall in our van, had a few beers, and went to sleep. Next morning our trailer hit some black ice, smashed into the guardrail and the walls of the trailer ripped right off. Managed to find a trailer shop a few miles down the road, bought a new one, and still made the show in Denver.
Murder by Death plays with Laura Stevenson Wednesday, Nov. 9, at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. Showtime is 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 Adv./$17 DOS. For more information, go to onepercentproductions.com.
I fell across this item about indie folk band Murder by Death and was surprised at the amount they’ve raised via Kickstarter: More than $187,000. Which made me wonder what exactly are the limitations for Kickstarter campaigns? This one was created to fund a deluxe vinyl edition of their latest album, which they’ll self release and which augments the digital/CD release on Bloodshot. Look at some of the premiums you can receive for donations: Tattoos on band members. A Kentucky bourbon distillery tour. A day of riding roller coasters at Cedar Point Amusement Park with the band.
$187,000. I’ve asked before, I’ll ask again: Is Kickstarter how independent bands will survive (or thrive) in the future?
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House of Loom sent out an announcement today about their 1-year Anniversary party this Saturday featuring Philly/NYC DJ Rich Medina. Details at the Facebook invite. I can’t believe it’s been a year since the club opened. If you haven’t checked out the chillest bar in Omaha, you’ll never have a better opportunity.
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Tonight at The Sydney in Benson it’s the always entertaining So-So Sailors with Hers (formerly known as Honeybee & Hers) and Kelly King. $5, 9:30 p.m.
Also tonight in Benson, chamber-pop band The Last Bison plays with Skypiper. $8, 9 p.m.
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