State Disco debuts dramatic new live video
Well-lit and upbeat, State Disco shows are typically quenching for those thirsting for indie dance rock. Yet, the Omaha band’s new live video reveals a more emotional side.
With instruments adorned like landing strips and disco balls glinting, “Balcony” begins with twinkling guitars and a swelling synthesizer, like deeper, bluesier Sparta cut. As the ballad behind him intensifies, vocalist Cody Rathman’s vocals crescendo from gentle coo to delirious scream before a dramatic, screaming guitar solo brings the song to a climax.
State Disco debuts the video for HN today in advance of its first headlining show this weekend at Reverb Lounge with AZP and Rothsteen (RSVP here). The live performance was filmed at Slowdown May 15 as the band opened for Twinsmith. Bassist Jared Bakewell says they wanted to feature an alternative look.
“Most of our songs are up tempo, danceable, and fun. But sometimes you’ve got to offer up a heartbreaking ballad to maintain balance,” Bakewell says.
The dance rock four piece also looks to intensify its light show. They say they’ve recently acquired Talking Mountains old rig and looks to unveil it Friday.
“We were told one of the lasers isn’t entirely legal in the United States, so hopefully we don’t cut a hole in the ceiling or anything,” Rathman says. (We hope he’s joking).
And now, the debut of State Disco’s live “Balcony” performance.
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HN Workshops: Protect yourself and your music
If you’ve ever written, recorded and released a song, you need to know this stuff.
Hear Nebraska is hosting a pair of free workshops designed to help musicians with the legal side of recording. University of Nebraska College of Law student attorneys will teach legal basics relevant to all musicians, including: copyright law; licensing; contracts; streaming services; performance rights organizations; and signing with agents, managers and labels.
The first session is this Saturday, Nov. 14 from 1-2:15 p.m. at Omaha’s TipTop Building, 1516 Cuming St. (RSVP here). The second is in Lincoln at NonProfit Hub, 211 N 14 St in the third-floor conference room (RSVP here). Omaha’s session is sponsored by Omaha Creative Institute; Lincoln’s is sponsored by KZUM.
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Concert Round-up
Tonight, alt-country/punk band Lucero brings its hard-touring act to Slowdown. With its original lineup intact, Lucero has played upwards of 150 shows per year since 2001. The band released its 11th studio album, All A Man Should Do, September 18 on ATO Records. RSVP to the 9 p.m., all-ages show here.
In Lincoln, HighLucyNation hosts its free pre-11th anniversary party at Bodega’s Alley. Boulder, Colo., reggae-rock band Na’an Stop stops by on its Get Wet Midwest Tour, with support from djBLAC, JMNM, Jonny Beatz and more. Yesterday, we published a Q&A with HLN founder Dustin Dohrman, which can be read. The pre-party starts at 9 p.m. and is 21+. RSVP here.
Around the corner, Zoo Bar will host Justin Ready & the Echo Prairie, The Hottman Sisters and Jales Hupka from Virgin Mary Pistol Grip. You might not want to miss this one if you hold an OEAA vote, as all three acts have been (deservedly) nominated for this year’s “Best New Artist 2015” award. RSVP to the 9 p.m. show here.
And finally, Fever the Ghost plays Vega with Purple and Omaha’s Black Finger Cult. In just under a year, the spacey psych-pop band has gone from the fray to one of Los Angeles’s stand-out acts, releasing its debut album Zirconium Meconium in September. RSVP to the 9 p.m. show here.
As always, head to our statewide calendar at hearnebraska.org/events for a fuller listing of shows. If you do not see your show or one you plan to attend, email us at news@hearnebraska.org, or add it yourself. And keep those song submissions, story ideas and news tips coming.