buffaBLOG - The Buffalo music blog: bryan johnson

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12 days of christmas 2013, bryan johnson, mac — 0 comments

buffaBLOG's 12 Days of Christmas: Day 8 - Bryan Johnson & Tracy Willis

Bryan Johnson, lead singer of Buffalo's surf infused power pop act Bryan Johnson & Family, sat down with friend and occasional collaborator Tracy Willis to cover the holiday classic "Deck the Halls." Armed with only a ukulele, Johnson and Willis deliver a charming rendition of the tune while lounging in his mirror filled apt. The fun clip is complete with a blooper reel and all. Happy holidays from Bryan and Tracy.

aircraft, best of 2013, bryan johnson, bryan johnson and family, darwin deez, guest post, johns — 0 comments

buffaBLOG Best of 2013: Guest Post - Bryan Johnson

Editor's note: For our best of 2013 coverage, we once again reach out to some friends of the blog to get an idea of what made the year in music so great for them. For today's installment in the guest series, Bryan Johnson, singer/guitarist of local rock act Bryan Johnson & Family, submitted his best of list. Bryan Johnson & Family will be playing at the Lovin' Cup in Rochester this evening in support of Fowls vinyl release party.

We should start by saying what defines "best" best - the most excellent, effective, or desirable type or quality.

This is a definition stolen from a Google search I just did because I wanted to be at least as accurate as the internet. With our definition, we can now push forward into my choices for Best of 2013.

Best Album of 2013: Darwin Deez - Songs for Imaginative People
Even with a Pitchfork rating of 5.0, this album stayed on repeat in my car more than half of the year. Favorite tracks are "Moonlit" and " You Can't Be my Girl."

Best Local Show of 2013: Aircraft CD Release Show
This goes to Aircraft and their Sonic Boom CD Release Show at the "late" VAULT art space. The foursome packed the Vault with ease. There were even paper airplanes everywhere, soaring through the air, strung up to ceiling spinning in the tiny beams of light across the room.

Best Local EP/Album: JOHNS - House Of Wrongheads
JOHNS have a dark rock vibe that separates them from the others in the area. I loved the guitar hooks and layered vocals on this album. Favorite tracks were "No Ones Watching" and "Never Done."

Tell buffaBLOG what some of your favorite shows, artists, albums were for 2013.

~ Post by Bryan Johnson

aye fast, bryan johnson, guest post, Lesionread, melt banana, the tralf — 3 comments

Quick Thoughts on Last Night's Melt-Banana Show

There's a first time for everything. This is my first article about my time seeing Melt-Banana.

Lets start with Ay Fast, though, the first musical act of the night. With quick transitions and heavy house bass tracks, Adrian Bertolone went from Sega Genesis space age RPG to crazy acid club tunes and everywhere in between. This is definitely something to check out if you're a fan of Squarepusher.

Although the show's attended was initially light, the next act sparked the interest of a growing crowd. Consisting of only baritone sax and blasting metal drums, the group surprised us all with a truly unique sound that involved heavy droney repetition and Eastern influences. Unfortunately when they introduced themselves, the announcement was so heavily masked by effects you couldn't tell what was said.

Lesionread aka Shawn Lewis, Buffalo's freak out electronic DJ, followed next. Known for bringing something new to the table every show, Shawn Lewis built a 15 ft tall robot, erected off to side of the stage, who interacted with the crowd between songs by talking with Lesionread, only to later be destroyed in the parking lot shortly thereafter. Over the course of his performance, Lewis ordered everyone in the room to run in a circle, gave away the "eat my vag" he wore, and made all of us lay on the floor. Lewis continues to create a new experience for each one of "her "shows.

Finally, Melt-Banana, the chaos from Japan, brought the show to its energetic climax. Playing only as a two piece and controlling the backing tracks with a brightly color gamepad, each song turned those in attendance into quite the agressive, thrashing bunch until everything was just motion with distorted squealing guitar pounding with heavy, out of control percussion. I hate that you missed it but you'll be at the next one.

~ Post by Bryan Johnson

~ Photo by Cliff Parks

alex berkley, andrew biggie, Andy Vaeth, anthony delplato, backyard, brandon schlia, bryan johnson, Damian, mac, sonny baker, steak and cake — 0 comments

Today: Steak & Cake Backyard Showcase

Nearly two years ago, Steak & Cake threw it's one and only Bidwell Indie 5000 Fest down at the Elmwood Village park, and thanks to a resident curmudgeon, we won't be seeing a return of the fest anytime soon. Luckily, S&C leader Brandon Schlia had a backup plan and location: his own back yard. This afternoon, stop on down to 410 Potomac for the third installment of the Steak & Cake Backyard Showcase. This year's lineup of local singer/songwriters has to be the label's best yet as Sonny Baker, Anthony Delplato, Bryan Johnson, Alex Berkley, Andy Vaeth, and more will provide entertainment to the backyard audience all afternoon long.

Past years' installments have seen welcomed, but not required donations go towards a pretty tasty hot dog, beer, and the chance to go home with a CD or two from Brandon's own collection. This year, get ready for some pizza as Schlia and crew have deemed it to be the best compliment for acoustic tunes. This week has already seen Buffalo become hell on earth, between blacktop melting temps to the Wrath of God storm on Friday night, so isn't a pleasant and sunny 75 degree afternoon of music and friends just what you need? Music kicks off at 1:00pm and bring some beer while you are at it.

bryan johnson, bryan johnson and family, mac, new musc — 0 comments

Listen To The New Solo Song From Bryan Johnson

Bryan Johnson, frontman of Bryan Johnson & Family and sometimes bass player of Nelson-Type, just released a pleasant new solo tune on his soundcloud page. Titled "She wants to get married," the song was written by Johnson, and engineered by fellow songwriter Alex Berkley, for his older sister's wedding this past weekend down in his home state of Alabama. Taylor made to soundtrack the spring season that seems to finally be arriving here in Buffalo, the simple, straight forward, and pretty song would fit perfecly onto Surfer Blood's debut album. You can stream and download the wedding song below Enjoy and congrats to Bryan's sister.