strange dreams + old songs + new songs + things left unsaid + willie dixon + bill hicks + john trudell + orchids + funnel clouds + chris farley + jim beam + cornfields + mississippi river +grocery stores
Sounds Like
"Lyrically clever, witty and vivid, and musically inspired, these songs instantly live inside your head. Sure-footed and charming."- Q magazine“talented singers and songwriters…The Pines can make you feel happy and sad almost simultaneously.”- No Depression“starkly poetic, buzzed-about Americana”- Minneapolis Star Tribune“Quiet, serene, romantic, mysterious—The Pines are all these things and more on Sparrow in the Bell.”- Goldmine“a spooky, dangerous edge pleasantly reminiscent of Bob Dylan’s recent sound.” - The Onion“Sparrows in the Bell is a consistently compelling listen”- Exclaim“This is real-deal, salt-of-the-earth balladry done right.”- Twin Cities Metro
..
Made up of Iowa natives David Huckfelt
and Benson Ramsey, indie-roots duo The
Pines actually began their musical
partnership in Arizona, where they both
lived in a Mexican barrio and first began
playing together. Committing to a musical
career, they returned to their Midwestern
roots and moved to Minneapolis, a city that
has launched many folk and rock acts from
Bob Dylan to The Replacements to The
Jayhawks. Like these Twin Cities legends,
The Pines weave together many musical
styles to create their own unique sound that
is hip and haunting.
The son of Greg Brown’s producer and
sideman Bo Ramsey, Benson was reared on
folk and blues music and continues to let
those influences shine, even on louder
electric songs. David also has a deep love for traditional music, and together the two of them craft songs that
evoke the ancient, while incorporating newer rock and pop grooves. Both strong writers and musicians, David
and Benson have distinct voices that complement each other, causing audiences and critics alike to tout them as
a powerful young force in American roots music.
After releasing their first CD on Iowa based Trailer Records, The Pines signed with acclaimed indie label Red
House Records in 2007 and released their breakout album Sparrows in the Bell, named one of the top roots
releases of the year by Q Magazine. Garnering rave reviews in magazines and blogs in the UK and Europe, the
album won them new fans all over the world. The Pines wowed audiences at the 2008 South By Southwest
(SXSW) and were named one of the musical highlights by CMT.com. Their dark Americana sound has gained
a devoted cult following and has led them to share the stage with such diverse acts as Jolie Holland, The
Arcade Fire, Iris DeMent, Bon Iver and The Holmes Brothers.
Now with the release of the new CD Tremolo, The Pines solidify their place as one of the acts to watch on the
indie-roots music scene. Produced by Bo Ramsey and recorded in just two days, the album showcases their
unique songwriting and musicianship. It features their all-star Minneapolis-based band, which includes
acclaimed drummer J.T. Bates (Michel Portal, John Gorka), jazz bassist James Buckley (Ed Harcourt, Daniel
Johnston, Dosh) and Benson’s brother Alex Ramsey on keyboards.
A great live act whether performing as an acoustic duo or as a full rock band, The Pines can be seen playing
clubs, festivals and theaters across North America. They will be touring heavily this fall and throughout 2010,
supporting the release of their new album. For The Pines’ full schedule and booking information, visit
www.thepinesmusic.com.
For Booking Inquiries: Gravel Road Touring - www.gravelroadtouring.com
Mike Rossetto - mrossetto@gravelroadtouring.com
Hi guys, Thanks for the friendship and the add. You folks have a remarkably original, authenic sound. I just love it. Keep up the great work. Peace. Mel
Sonicbids is an Artist and Promoters Worst Nightmare
Recently we began a trial usage of Sonicbids service for our artist and band searches.
As a result of that test it became clear that Sonicbids is all about earning money at the expense of artists looking to break through the wall that surrounds the music industry.
Based on our experiences from both the perspective of artists we are associated with seeking to benefit from opportunities offered though Sonicbids. As well as from the perspective of promoters searching for talent through Sonicbids service.
We have concluded that Sonicbids operation is nothing more than another one of these money making SCAMS that is generating as much as $8,000,000.00 a year for Sonicbids at the expense of artists and bands paying subscription fees on top of submission fees to be considered by promoters utilizing Sonicbids services. Of which many of these Promoters are running nothing but a SCAM on artists or bands that apply.
First, you should be aware of where the money goes. For every dollar an Artist or Band pays for Sonicbids’ subscription fees, it goes directly into Sonicbids pockets. Second, the first $100.00 of every listing by a promoter, as well as 50% of all fees you pay for any listing also goes directly into the pockets of Sonicbids. This means that Sonicbids is, by our estimation, pocketing over 75% of all monies collect from unsuspecting artists and bands.
We also believe that for every band that pursues any individual opportunity at least 50 artists or bands have applied for it, and in some cases 1,000’s of artist or bands. And in many instances after paying the fees and being selected the artist or band finds out they have to pay additional fees to be included, or they will receive a notice from the promoter telling them that even if they weren’t selected, if they want to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars they can still be included in the opportunity.
Incredible set on Sat! It was great to meet you both. Going home was priceless and St James Infirmary left me awstruck. Me and Dia are looking forward to seeing you guys in the future.
We are seeking a Pop/Rock Commercial band with female lead vocals. Band should consist of 2 guitars (Prefer both guitar players to be of lead caliber. However, one lead and one rhythm is acceptable), keyboard/piano, bass, and drums.
*** Average age of the band should not exceed 28 years of age.
* Group must have an outstanding lead vocalist. ** Musicianship throughout the entire band must be very strong. *** Group cannot currently be under any contract, of any type, that is related to the music industry.
If you meet these qualifications click on this link for additional information.
We are seeking a Modern Rock Commercial band with male lead vocals. It must be a complete band but there are no prerequisites as it relates to the make up of the band.
*** Average age of the band should not exceed 25 years of age.
* Group must have an outstanding lead vocalist. ** Musicianship throughout the entire band must be very strong. *** Group cannot currently be under any contract of any type that is related to the music industry.
If you meet these qualifications click on this link for additional information.
If you're around on Thursday, December 10th, we are playing a show at Mario's Keller Bar. I don't know if you've been there, but it's a very cool place. It's a comfortable space, the room sounds great and they have a stellar beer selection.
Also, we will be playing ALL NIGHT! We'll play some funky, bluesy, and soulful music. We'll project live video onto a 9 ft screen. We'll play some older material that hasn't been heard in awhile, as well as some brand new songs that've never been heard. All bets are off!! We'd love it if you'd come down and listen/party with us!