With a minimal budget and a so-crazy-it-just-might-work concept from director Mikey Van Beuren,  A Cool Stick has stepped up their game with the release of “Water”, the first single from their debut album, Bird’s Eye View. Frontman Luke O’Brien answered a few questions for us.

Who came up with the concept?
Basically, Mikey and myself and the ACS guys wanted to make something that was different as far as a rap video goes, and something that we were proud of. The song itself, “walking on water” becomes a metaphor for fame, glory, or having “made it” in the music industry. “The look of the pavement” is where I am now. Although I love my position and see this all as part of the ride, at times I feel vulnerable, and extremely human. However, where I can envision myself high stepping on H20. But, no matter what gets thrown at me; fame (blue) money (gold) or women (red) I will remain “grounded and well rounded”… the final scenes are of myself, immersed in the water, and when you look close there are “demons” or negative influences closing in on me. It is the same regime that kidnapped me in the beginning of the video and represents The Industry. I break free from the ropes and it is assumed that I escape these demons and maintain my values like love, passion, family, true friends, and good music… Or will I??? deep right?

Mikey played a big role in conceptualizing which was really cool because he took that away from the song and brought it to me. Mikey is not just a great person but an amazing videographer. He’s passionate, insanely talented, and currently living in Brooklyn doing what he loves; video. Check out some of his other work in his vimeo page.

What was the budget / total cost?
The only major cost for the whole thing was an underwater camera rental from borrowlense.com. that cost us $400 but I think it was well worth it. That was used in all the shots during the bridge. The verses and such were done in a more gorilla fashion and involved fish tanks, LED lights, gaff tape, food dye, weights, and sandwich baggies… and a bunch of other shit…. Film professor’s would have been proud of us. So the total was roughly $437.56 and a lot of well spent time and energy.

What comes to mind when you hear the song now?
People have told me the video is kind of “scary” and “out there” and I think that is true. The song is definitely on a positive note but I love doing something visually that is unexpected and still meaningful and relevant. I still hear and feel the same message when I listen to the song. I hope that this video gives the song more exposure because I think the concept of staying true to who you are and knowing your roots is universal and I think we captured that in both the video and audio. Glad you like!

A Cool Stick
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A Cool Stick returns to The Grape Room on Friday, March 2. Also performing that night: Ditto Demi, New West, Sunshine Superman and James Suit.

The Tressels will return to The Grape Room on Friday, February 10. Also performing: The Kalob Griffin Band, Johnny Action Figure, Andrew Jude and Matt Spitko.

‘You, Me, Them, Everybody’

Check out the show HERE.

Read more HERE.

From antimusic.com:
Rock Ridge Music is expanding the Hotel Carolina brand by starting an new event weekend scheduled to take place at the Grape Room in Philadelphia on January 27 and 28, 2012.

Like the original South Carolina event (which has taken over The Windjammer on Isle of Palms for three years in a row in late summer), the Philadelphia event will feature the best in touring singer-songwriters.

Read more HERE.

But on Dec. 10, Lucy Tight & Wayne Waxing, otherwise known as the duo Hymn For Her, will truly be home as they return to Philadelphia to perform at the Grape Room.

The multi-instrumentalists formed their duo in the City of Brotherly, looking to ply a sound they’ve dubbed “stomp-grass punk folk with a hint of Americana.” Lucy plays a three-stringed broom handle/cigar box guitar, banjo and sometimes even a glockenspiel as she shares vocal duties with Wayne, who also plays acoustic guitar, banjo, dobro, and/or harmonica all while handling percussion on bass drum and hi-hat.

Read more HERE.

Danny Newport’s ‘Power of Love’ remix of doom:

But one local group’s name can be catagorized as comical.

Big Fat Marker — a name which came about during a “very intoxicated conversation” — was the result of indecision, said Keith Colella, vocalist and guitar player for the band.

“We couldn’t decide on a band name for months, and Big Fat Marker just stood out and we all liked it,” said Keith Colella. “It eventually ended up as a lyric in one of our songs, ‘Timelines.’”

Colella and band mates Kyle Jaep on vocals, keyboard, guitar; drummer/percussionist Tad Lecuyer; Keith’s brother bassist Andrew Colella who also adds vocals and plays the cello and singer Emily Costantino, a multi-instrumentalist who joined the guys in the summer of 2010 make up the band’s self-described sound of “indie folk-rock — characterized by tight vocal harmonies over ringing guitar lines and driving rhythms.”

“Also, it’s awesome,” added Keith.

Big Fat Marker was created when Constantino joined the ranks, and since that time, the group has been performing and recording. They will release their official EP “Timelines,” Saturday at The Grape Room in Philadelphia.

Read more HERE.

A Cool Stick

Also performing on November 23: Grind City, Rowboat Casino (featuring Sib from Spanish Blue), Justin Phillippi and Keystoned (unplugged).