I had almost written Vedera (ex-Veda) off as a mediocre pop rock outfit after I started hearing songs off their latest Stages EP. I missed the days when they sounded like a crystalline and polished piece of pop craft, but still managing to feel personal. This recent MGMT cover reminds me of those days. The song floats whimsically like the original yet almost gives a different interpretation.
Vedera will be on tour with Coldp–err, The Fray, this summer.
As if Shaun Lopez wasn’t busy enough producing for bands like the Deftones, Will Haven, Blackout 101, and AKW, he has to go ahead and start playing guitar again with his old band Far. Oh I’m sorry, Hot Little Pony. Anyway, since the demise of Far, Mr. Lopez was been busy playing with his own band, The Revolution Smile as well as producing for a plethora of other bands. Amidst all this craziness, he has taken time to answer the Kuestionnaire and share how much of a Beatles freak he is.
1. Of all the bands/artists in your CD/record collection, which one is your most cherished?
The Beatles
2. What have you been listening to lately?
Hmm… Always a tough question…. (Scans iTunes to see what he’s been listening to)
Here…
Oasis – Dig Out Your Soul
John Legend – Once Again and some tracks off his forthcoming record
Sebastien Grainger – American Names EP
M83 – any
MGMT _ Oracular Spectacular
Ratatat – LP3
Flying Lotus – Los Angeles
Justice – † (easily my favorite record in the last 5 years)
Pelican – City Of Echoes
3. What’s your favorite local band? Giant Drag, Autolux
4. What was the last show you attended?
Deftones @ Spaceland
5. What was the greatest show you’ve ever been to?
That’s a tough one…..
Not really a “show” but The Beatles LOVE show in Vegas is probably the best show I’ve ever seen.
Radiohead on the OK Computer tour was very memorable…
Justice @ The Henry Fonda Theater. What show has different parts of the crowd dancing, moshing, and pogoing all at once? It happened that night..
6. What show are you looking forward to?
In December I’m going to see Oasis in Vegas. I saw them in Vegas last time they came through and 60% of the crowd was british on holiday. It went OFF.
7. What musician would you like to hang out/work with for a day?
Paul McCartney
8. What four albums you would bring to a deserted island?
The Beatles – Magical Mystery Tour
Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti
DJ Shadow – Endtroducing
Prince – Purple Rain
9. Would you call yourself a music geek?
Completely.
10. Any favorite music-related videos/DVDs you own?
I will pretty much buy any and all of them.
Pink Floyd Live @ Pompeii is amazing.
The Beatles Anthology is great.
All the Zeppelin dvds.
A year in the life of Metallica
11. What’s the last book you read?
Recording The Beatles.. Still reading it..
12. Do you prefer live performances or recording in the studio?
Both are fun, but I think I’d have to say studio by a bit. I love to geek out on sounds, etc..
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you’d like to share?
I have to say I’ve never been embarrassed on stage before. I’ve had some bad shows, etc but it’s all in the name of rock.
14. Any favorite tour locations?
I’d say touring Europe is always amazing, especially the UK. I love England.
15. Lastly, what have you done today?
I’ve been in the studio mixing. I just ate some taco bell and now I think I need some sort of espresso drink.
As much as I wanna play along, I can’t contain myself…FAR IS BACK! Under the unique moniker, Hot Little Pony, Far has lined up two LA shows and a handful of UK shows to boot. Today the highly influential rock group released a video contest and a steamy new single that covers mid-90s R&B sensation, Ginuwine. Not only that but a they snagged a nice little indie snob article on Filter Magazine’s website.
Oct 15 2008 7:00P
Glass House Pomona, California
Oct 16 2008 7:00P
Troubadour Los Angeles, California
Nov 24 2008 7:00P
TJ’s Disco Newport, Wales
Nov 25 2008 7:00P
Carling Academy Birmingham, England
Nov 26 2008 7:00P
King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut Glasgow, Scotland
Nov 27 2008 8:00P
Manchester Academy Manchester, England
Nov 28 2008 7:00P
The Mean Fiddler London, England
Who ever decides to do the video contest is going to have to compete with this, good luck! The winner will get HLP swag, tickets to a show and 4Lyfe membership in the HLP Fan Club.
Kata Rokkar is a place where you can download free mp3 from artists and bands that I currently love and listen to. They are only for sampling purposes and to influence you to go out and support these artists by purchasing their records and going to their concerts. If you are a record company or an artist that is displeased with a song being displayed, feel free to contact me and I will remove it ASAP. Thank you and enjoy!
Vedera – Weekend Wars (MGMT Cover)
