Stomping Grounds: Portland, OR by Danny Seim of Lackthereof/Menomena
Danny Seim has dedicated himself to a life of music. A resident of Portland, Oregon, he has contributed an array of experimental sounds to the music scene since 1997. Not only is he a member of the band Menomena, he has a solo act, Lackthereof. His most recent Lackthereof release, Your Anchor, was recorded and mixed in his basement. It was put out by Barsuk this past July. Learn more of Portland’s hidden gems in this Stomping Grounds.
Singer, songwriter, producer, artist, writer, and model Jennifer Herrema seems to be an extreme renaissance woman. She has twenty record releases and has either sang with or produced for many indie artists such as Palace Brothers, The Kills, Delta 72, David Pajo, and too many more to name. Originally from the band Royal Trux, Herrema formed RTX with a new cast of characters in 2004 and has been releasing albums under Drag City (a label in which she helped to form) ever since. RTX’s latest, Western Xterminator, was released in 2007. Check out her take on Huntington Beach, CA below.
This supergroup from Louisvillle, Kentucky may refer to their homeland as Loserville, but it sounds pretty nice. In this special edition of Stomping Grounds, we hear from three, that’s right, three of the notorious guys from metal band Dead Child. You’ve surely heard of guitarist David Pajo from bands such as Slint, Zwan, Papa M, and many, many more. Vocalist Dahm, previously from Starkiller, and Tony Bailey of Anomoanon and Lords are to follow. But that’s not all. Click on the photo above for a Ghettoblaster premiere of their new video, Sweet Chariot off of the 2008 album “Attack.” And don’t forget to bask in their glory when they come to a city near you this summer.
This guy seems to be somewhat of a renaissance man. Growing up in Oakland, CA, the Grouch was on the up n’ up, emerging in the Bay City underground scene in the 90s and covering new ground with his super MC skillz. He is a member of the Living Legend crew and has collaborated with all kinds of acts. Finding himself frequenting Los Angeles as his career progressed, he made it his second home and has gained a hometown love rivaling Oakland. Check out this feature for not one, but two stomping grounds locations covered. And there’s a bonus! Listen to this track from his new solo album, Show You the World, aptly titled “The Bay to LA” 
Hailing from the Dirty D (aka Dayton, OH), Ruckus Roboticus is a mastermind at fusing many genres of music into one piece of sheer magic. Not only is he experienced in remixing for the stars (heard that Bloc Party remix?), he has been on stages with mounds of notorious DJs. Not to mention he can be heard on Nickelodeon and the Disney Channel. He must be busy. His new solo album, “Playing with Scratches,” was released in 2007 and portrays a “semi-autobiographical” story. Read on for why he loves the city he grew up in.
Cloud Cult is a well established band in Minneapolis. Developing in the mid-nineties and releasing eight albums, they are on a steady roll and there is no stopping in sight. They have recieved numerous good reviews and have played with bands such as Spoon and the Flaming Lips. Not only are they a successful and lasting band, they are unique from many band out there. (And not in a cult sort of way – their name comes from ancient native American prophecies). Cloud Cult self-releases all of their albums on their own label, Earthology Records. Also, they donate all profits to environmental charities and drive a biodiesel van. Kudos, Cloud Cult! See what Sarah Young, cellist and vocalist, has to say about the “Mini Apple.”
Proud residents of Bloomington, Indiana, “the Mikes” (Mike Notaro, Mike Bridavsky, and Mike Hoggatt) are making some seriously spastic music. Gaining noteriety throughout the midwest through shows with fellow Bloomingtonians and other local bands, they recently signed on with Joyful Noise Recordings and have released an EP titled “3.” Learn more about their stomping grounds below and keep an eye out for Push-Pull, perhaps coming soon to a Midwest town near you.
