Ivy Spokes

Archive of interview available on www.wmse.org


In 2011, Ivy Spokes unveiled their unique style of indie pop-rock – dubbed “bio-digital” – with the release of their debut EP, Chaos to Cosmos. The opening track, “In Dreams,” earned the band a Wisconsin Area Music Award (WAMI) nomination for ‘Song of the Year’.

Since then, the band has toured the Midwest music scene from local radio stations to being featured by TMJ4’s Wisconsin Tonight, The Yellow Phone Music Conference and Summerfest’s Emerging Artists Series. “Part one” of their sophomore release, Upside, will be released February 28th at the Cactus Club in Milwaukee alongside Ikarus Down and I’m Not a Pilot.

Listen to the Ivy Spokes on Local/Live on WMSE this Tuesday, February 25th — WMSE.org to stream live or in the archives or simply tune your radio to 91.7 on your FM dial at the 6 o’clock hour.

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Tags: 91.7 FM, Ivy Spokes, Local/Live, WMSE - 91.7 WMSE

or most bands working today it’s common practice to release EPs every so often. Albums can take days to months to complete, and it takes more time to release the finished product, while EPs are a good way to get music out faster. The Milwaukee pop-rock band Ivy Spokes, however, is resisting the term EP. Instead, they’ve combined their output into a two-part album. The first half, the five-song Upside, comes out Feb. 28, while the second half, which is still being written, is tentatively planned for a late summer release.

Singer/guitarist Brandon Arndt, who is joined by drummer Hans Blanc and bassist Phil Cowan, says they initially just wanted to get some music out. However, with limited resources and wanting to do something new, they hatched a plan to have a two-part album.

“It’s hard to do a full-length album when you’re a smaller band and to get people taking about it, so we thought we’d try something new that we hadn’t seen anyone do before,” says Arndt. “And instead of just releasing an EP, which a lot of people do and we’ve done before, we wanted to have a full-length album, but having the resources to do it is kind of tough, so we thought this would be a great way of doing it.”

Ivy Spokes, who formed in 2011, dubbed their sound “bio-digital rock ’n’ roll,” a mixture of digital (i.e. lots of samples) and traditional rock band sounds, after hearing the term used in the movie Tron: Legacy and sensing how it fit their unique sound. The two-part album sonically builds on their 2011 EP Chaos to Cosmos and while it’s easy to see its halves as separate, there’ll be a common theme between them.

“We really like the themes going on and how catchy everything is at this point and we think it’ll flow nicely, this next round of songs,” Arndt says. “Originally we were going to call the first half Upside and have the second half called Down so it would be Upside Down. But now we’ve been thinking that we’re actually going to call it Upside Up, because a lot of our songs have an uplifting feeling.”

“Some of them are about being who you are and loving yourself kind of thing,” he adds. “Even if some of the songs are about something that kind of gets you down you can still bring it around and still look positively at life and be up with it.”

For Upside they turned to Bobby Peru Recording in Milwaukee to record the album, and later sent it to Jon Fuller in Colorado to mix and master. As for the second part, the band is currently compiling and writing songs and hope to start recording in summer. “The plan is to release the second half separately and also have a full album version that will have some bonus material on it,” Arndt says.

The band got a boost in popularity last year when their song “In Dreams,” from Chaos, was nominated for a WAMI award for Song of the Year.

“Just being nominated was a good feeling,” says Arndt. “Just to get recognition for what you do and spend a lot of time doing what you love, and someone taking time to nominate you, it’s a big deal.”

Last summer the band enjoyed playing their biggest show thus far as part of Summerfest’s Emerging Artists Series. The performance was threatened by the heat, rain and hunger (the latter almost making Arndt pass out afterward) but everything worked out.

“It looked like no one was really there, which was unfortunate. And then the rain stopped right before we went on stage and all these people flooded in and it was a really great experience,” he says. “I think we gained a lot of fans from that show alone.”

Ivy Spokes releases Upside, Friday, Feb. 28, at Cactus Club with Ikarus Down (who will be releasing their new EP Debris) and I’m Not a Pilot. The $10 cover includes copies of both releases. - Shepherd Express/Express Milwaukee

Ivy Spokes was interviewed before their live set at Summerfest. - SF Lounge

Ivy Spokes was nominated for the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Award for Song of the Year. - OnMilwaukee.com

Ivy Spokes was featured on JSOnline.com and in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel News Print for their Summerfest Emerging Artist Series Set. The online issue also included a music video.

June 27
If you like Neon Trees (10 p.m. July 6, U.S. Cellular Connection Stage), see Ivy Spokes (4:15 p.m. June 27).

Neon Trees is one of 15 bands cited as inspiration on Milwaukee-based Ivy Spokes' Facebook page, and you can hear the influence in frontman Brandon Arndt's melodramatic vocals and the band's slick, post-punk style. - JSOnline.com

Ivy Spokes was interviewed and played a song live on Milwaukee's TMJ4 News.

http://www.todaystmj4.com/multimedia/videos/?bcpid=558092277001&bckey=AQ%7E%7E%2CAAAAAG_pBMo%7E%2CkVIkQYQQ-Iw0616Y-wpIS00yR0PFX2J3&bclid=0&bctid=2510566372001 - TMJ4

Once Upon A Party: The Tale of The $5 All-You-Can-Drink at Club Anything
by Clay Smith

Once upon a party, there was a magical club. It celebrated the diversity and richness of the modern musical experience. It catered to so many different genres that people said they could host practically anything—thus, it was called Club Anything. People came from all across the enchanted land of 414 to dance, cheer and be merry at this wondrous place. All was well…

But one day, an evil dragon came and nested atop Club Anything. Its name was Economicon and it breathed the fiery fumes of uncertainty and personal responsibility. The people of 414 trembled with fear and priorities. They tried to escape, but the evil creature burned through their pockets with a single, mighty roar!

Terrified by this devilish beast, the townspeople reported the events to their wise Duke (sometimes called Duke414 for branding purposes). Duke414 replied, “I have heard your plight and it makes me sad. We must do something at once! I know of three brave knights who can fend off the creature with their spectacular, musical badass-itude. Then, we shall have dance and good cheer in their triumph!”

The duke summoned the mighty, musical warriors; Sir Fossils (with the sword of ultimate destiny), Sir Ivy Spokes (and his cosmic shield of psychedelic oblivion) and Madame Rio Turbo (with her bow of truth and arrows of grace and power). They set out with the mission to liberate Club Anything at any cost.

Although they were unable to slay the evil Economicon, their combined powers and brave deeds were able to drive him out of the 414 for one evening, using the Amulet of Affordable Boozery. It was a night celebrated vigorously throughout the land, which we continue to observe to this very day.

Tomorrow is the feast day of the good Duke414 and his courageous three. Please join us as we commemorate this epic day in Milwaukee history with a $5 all-you-can-drink special and unique, live music experience! - Do414.com

414 Music: Ivy Spokes

Tagged: Ivy Spokes, mke, Milwaukee music, 414 Music, Live in studio

Filed: 414 Music
Jordan Lee | Jun 7 2012 - 5:39pm |
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414 Music: Ivy Spokes

Today, Milwaukee dance-rock trio Ivy Spokes made their Radio Milwaukee debut.

Vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist, Brandon Arndt, openly admits that Ivy Spokes is from outer space. It’s hard not to believe him with all the spacey synth textures, solid guitar riffs, and impossibly catchy vocal lines sprinkled throughout their songs. “It’s definitely a rush to see people singing along already,” says drummer, Hans Blanc, “I think it’s a sign we’re on the right track.”

The fellas played three tracks today in studio, and two of those tracks are from their new EP CHAOS TO COSMOS.

You can find more info on Ivy Spoke on Facebook, Twitter, and Reverb Nation.

To hear today's show, click play below.

To download this show, RIGHT CLICK HERE. - 88.9 Radio Milwaukee

Tag Archives: Ivy Spokes
CALLIOPE, THE SMALL CITIES & IVY SPOKES AT STONEFLY MAY 5TH
Posted on May 8, 2012 by Danielle Hanson

Well another great weekend has come and gone again! This Saturday was pretty unique with Cinco de Mayo, the Kentucky Derby, and the “Supermoon”, bringing all the crazies out to Stonefly Brewery for some local Milwaukee music. Do414.com organized Milwaukee bands Calliope and Ivy Spokes to play with The Small Cities from the Twin Cities for a night of rock’n’roll. All three bands left some pretty big shoes to fill when it comes to entertainment and we have no doubt we’ll be hearing more from all of them.

If you are a regular Local Playlist blog reader, you would know that Calliope earned the position of Featured Talent of the month of April and they deserved it. The best way to describe their sound to put it most simply is progressive oldies with a flavor of the psychedelic. “La Catalina” features mystical spoken word from Al Kraemer combined with the gritty electric guitar sounds of Victor Buell, the song made you feel like you time traveled to a Doors concert in the 70’s, all from the comfort of Milwaukee. On bass, John was consumed with his instrument in almost a meditative state. At one point Jeremy Rogers of Do414 turned to me and said ”He is such a good bassist.” I quickly agreed, nodding my head to the music. Calliope did a fun and unique cover of Acapulco Gold as well as paid tribute to Adam “MCA” Yauch of the Beastie Boys who passed away on May 4th by covering (You Gotta) Fight For Your To Party! Go to their Facebook page or Localplaylist’s YouTube channel to see a clip of the band nailing this classic song. Towards the end of the set, the band called local musician & friend Jack Tell on stage to hold up a Sponge Bob Square Pants pinata for audience members to take a swing at in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Check out Calliope on Facebook for up and coming show dates and make sure you check out this unique Milwaukee band.

The Small Cities, all dressed in plaid, (except for the drummer who apparently didn’t get the memo) from Twin Cities MN, took the stage next. With a tough act to follow, the guys definitely rocked out and set themselves apart from Calliope with their more modern, indie-rock which infuses just the right amount of pop while still remaining “alternative” enough for this Riverwest crowd. Some of their songs were a little more laid-back a la Jimmy Eat World but most of the set had an upbeat tone to it, reminiscent of early Kings of Leon. This four-piece is made up of Leif Bjornson and Wes Burdine both on vocals & guitar, Jimmy Osterholt on bass and David Osborn on drums, contributing heavily to vocals as well. Their set ended all too early but I hope this talented group makes it back to Milwaukee sometime soon because everyone at Stonefly thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Check out their website for music, videos, shows & more!

To cap off the night was the headliner, Ivy Spokes, a trio made up of Brandon Arndt on lead vocals, synth, keys and guitar, Hans Blanc on drums and Phil Cowen on bass. This trio continued the rock’n’roll theme of the night but with a dance-y flair that fit perfectly for the end of the night spot. Their most poppy song, “Shake it Off” on their Chaos To Cosmos Ep is simple but super catchy I feel like it will fit well on the radio and become a top single. Take a minute next time you are on a computer to check out their Facebook page for their EP and upcoming show dates!

Edited & Co-Written by Anne Conway

Twitt
Posted in Show Reviews | Tagged Calliope, Ivy Spokes, Show Reviews, Stonefly Brewery, The Small Cities | Leave a comment - Local Playlist

The interview is located in the WMSE archives at 1:12 pm April 12th 2012

http://www.wmse.org/archive/new.php?dow=Thu&hour=120 - WMSE

Ivy Spokes To Headline Do414 Day Show

If you missed out on the Ivy Spokes EP listening party at Ten Bells last week, shame on you! Lucky for you, I don’t hold grudges and you’ll have the opportunity to redeem yourself on Saturday night. Ivy Spokes will be celebrating the release of their brand new EP Chaos to Cosmos with a free show at The Tonic Tavern.

Ivy Spokes

Not sure what to expect? Nick Tovarek wrote a great review of their new EP that you should read if you haven’t already done so. He described the EP as “an album of huge choruses, dance-beat drums, carefully layered synth textures, and strong vocal melodies.” That has to peak some interest in you, right? The band may be less than a year old, but their music sounds big, well composed, and has you believing they have been jamming for years. This Saturday’s show is guaranteed to have people standing up, dancing, and singing along as they celebrate the release of the EP they have worked so far on.

Plus, do you realize what Saturday is? It’s 4/14! Or should I say Do4/14? The Earth busts its ass all year going around the sun. For what reason? So that once a year, we are given our own Do414 Day. A day to celebrate Milwaukee’s leading source for what to do around town. Come celebrate with us.

Make sure you get to The Tonic Tavern early. Starting at 9:00, Zoo Animal from Minneapolis will be taking the stage. Do414 is always giving away free stuff, so it is only fitting on Do414 Day that we would put on a free show. But that doesn’t mean you still shouldn’t RSVP. If you RSVP to the event, you’ll be entered to win a copy of Ivy Spokes’ new EP, Chaos to Cosmos.

Tags: Ivy Spokes Ten Bells The Tonic Tavern Milwaukee Do414 Zoo Animal Minneapolis - Do414.com

Chaos to Cosmos

By Nick Tovarek

Chaos to Cosmos

Ivy Spokes formed in the summer of 2011 out of the ashes of a handful of solid Milwaukee groups, including No sleep for the bear and Single serving friends. Chaos to cosmos, Ivy Spokes latest EP, carries a sound that bounces from blues to disco, space-rock to synth pop.

It is an album of huge choruses, dance-beat drums, carefully layered synth textures, and strong vocal melodies. Sonically the album is huge - like recorded on an asteroid passing through the Messier 83 galaxy huge. Part of this undeniably has to do with the mixing and mastering skills of LA engineer Jon Fuller, who worked on the EP and also had a hand in mixing music for the James Cameron film Avatar.

In just over 19 minutes, the album impressively manages to create a space to lose yourself in. And if you find the album ending too soon, there are enough subtle nuances to keep repeated listens even more enjoyable than the first time through.

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This Saturday, April 7th at Ten bells, Ivy Spokes will play a stripped down set followed by an exclusive listening of Chaos to cosmos.

Listening Party

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April 14th: official EP release party at The Tonic Tavern.

(Source: blog.do414.com)

Tags: Do414.com milwaukee Ivy Spokes Ten Bells What to do things to do in Milwaukee Milwaukee music
- Do414.com