Of all the hardcore bands and DIY power violence outfits to emerge from Eastern Iowa in recent years, few have been able to channel sheer anger and emotion as effectively as Closet Witch. Forming a little over five years ago, the band is characterized by their aggression, both onstage and on-record. Guitarist and primary songwriter […]
Next Friday, Oct. 26, former Iowa Citian Kelly Pardekooper releases his ninth studio album, 50-Weight (available for pre-order). And, as the title implies, he’s come back to the beginning: his very first demo, 30-Weight, was recorded 20 years ago in his Iowa City basement. […]
Dead Rider is a Chicago rock band made up of Todd Rittman (formerly of Chicago noise rockers U.S. Maple); Andrea Faught on trumpet and keys; and drummer Matt Espy. While their sound is heavy on guitar and drums, keyboard plays a big part, and they seem to wind their own path between rock, jazz and Tortoise-style experimental rock. […]
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Iowa City songbird Elizabeth Moen releases a dreamy cover of avant-pop singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston’s 1985 call to action love song “True Love Will Find You in the End.” […]
Jenny Hoyston and Ellie Erickson of the punk band Erase Errata are bringing their new act Hey Jellie to the Trumpet Blossom Cafe on Tuesday night. The duo resides in Austin, Texas and are currently in town recording their latest album at Flat Black Studios. […]
Elizabeth Moen and her bandmates — Justin LeDuc, Blake Shaw and Dan Padley — were out at Flat Black Studios earlier this month, recording tracks for their second LP, which they expect to release next spring. In between takes, they decided to have a little Halloween fun with the classic 1956 track “I Put a Spell on You.” […]
Kirk Walther, owner of the Record Collector, passed away on Sept. 24 after more than 35 years of service to the Iowa City music community. As any small business owner will tell you, an owner’s DNA is woven into the fabric of their business. It is an extension of them, a reflection of their ideas, ideals, goals, vision and integrity, and, conversely, the business becomes a part of the owner. I write this about Kirk Walther, a man I consider to be the best boss I ever had, but an even better friend. […]
The first ever Grey Area festival has come and gone. […]
Grey Area, a joint venture by Flat Black Studios and White Rabbit clothing store, is an unusual new festival taking place just outside of Iowa City on Aug. 18 and 19. Featuring live music and a diverse range of multimedia programming, it’s a celebration of our local musical community. The festival will span Friday afternoon to late Saturday night, and is set outdoors (on-site camping is encouraged; bring plenty of water, bug spray and other necessities, as well as blankets or chairs to sit on). […]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] GREY AREA Flat Black Studios — Friday, Aug. 18 and Saturday, Aug. 19 Luke Tweedy has been recording music for over a decade — first in his home studio in Iowa City and now at his “rural recording resort” in a remodeled barn on his property near Lone Tree. The new studio is […]
Iowa City’s Brian Johannesen celebrates the release of his first solo full-length album this weekend with an album release party Saturday, May 6 at Big Grove Brewery and Tap Room — Iowa City, which is quickly becoming a vibrant music venue, since its opening in March. Northern Town, which releases tomorrow, marks Johannesen’s second outing recording with Luke Tweedy at Flat Black Studios, following his 2013 self-titled EP. […]
Shortly after their move outside of Iowa City in 2015, Flat Black Studios began recording a series of covers of well-known songs. Initially, the recordings were meant to hone the studio’s acoustics and celebrate the new space, but as the months passed and the covers piled up, the project took on a life of its […]
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