This is my piece from Urban Folk‘s July 2007 issue 9. I will post an update to this when the issue is available on their site. I also hope to have photos from the talented Emily Rawlings soon:

Alloy Radio’s YouTube Launch
April 19, 2007

Alloy Radio is an internet radio site featuring independent New York musicians, founded by Jeff Schram. Alloy has quickly become known for the quality of its music and innovative design. It has also been instrumental in bringing people together from various local scenes and communities.

Alloy decided to embrace its visual side with the launch of a new TV channel on YouTube. The first episode was filmed at Matchless on April 19^th. Matchless is rapidly becoming a hot spot for live music in Brooklyn . The mid-size room is a great fit for both singer/songwriters and bands. It’s also a welcome alternative for the performer who’s ready to ditch the dive bars with crappy sound, but not quite up to packing the rooms at Galapagos or North Six.

When I arrived at Matchless, the back room was already bustling with activity. Two video cameras were set up to capture live performances from Sami Akbari, Tom Hayes, Here Lies Pa, and Jeff Schram. Emily Rawlings, a local artist and photographer, was preparing to take pictures.

Leaning against the back wall, I watched Sami Akbari take the stage. Sami is diminutive, but don’t be fooled. She can belt out a note when she wants to, and her personality can only be described as feisty. Her humorous banter between songs had the audience cracking up, yet she made the transition to a song about heartbreak seem perfectly natural. Her smooth, jazz-inflected vocals were flawless.

Next up was my favorite Irish gentleman, Tom Hayes. Tom’s voice slid effortlessly through melismas rolled over finger-picked guitar. He drew the audience into his world, where ordinary, overlooked moments are transformed into achingly beautiful memories. The set concluded with an a cappella piece that was handed down to him, a ghostly Irish folk song that seemed to strip away the distance between continents and generations.

Tom was followed by Here Lies Pa. With several months of continuous gigging under their belts, Here Lies Pa has perfected their sound while maintaining a rousing organic quality. The band made skillful use of dynamics while Paul Basile’s seasoned voice easily shifted from a murmur to a growl. “ Beverly Road ” was particularly striking, with a driving bridge leading up to a surprisingly understated conclusion.

Finally, the night wrapped with a performance by Jeff Schram. Jeff is one of those rare folks in the local scene that fills several roles including promoter, web designer, pod-jay… well, the list goes on. It can be difficult to maintain your identity as a musician, when people perceive you in other roles, but Jeff has achieved a healthy balance. His set showcased new material from his upcoming release, “Season of the White Crow.” The new songs are far and away his best work, with relentless energy and irresistibly sing-able hooks.

Episode 1 is on the way. Meanwhile, check out Alloy TV on YouTube at www.youtube.com/alloyradio.

Other Links:
Alloy Radio www.alloyradio.com
Jeff Schram www.jeffjeffjeff.com
Sami Akbari www.samiakbari.com
Tom Hayes www.myspace.com/tommyhayes
Here Lies Pa www.myspace.com/hereliespa
Emily Rawlings www.myspace.com/emilyrawlings