Three Imaginary Girls - Hey Marseilles

Totally legit: Sasquatch! 2012 lineup announced

imaginary victoria — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:38:58 +0000

In the throes of a killer party at the Neptune last night, we were thrilled beyond belief to find out the details on another most excellent year for the Sasquatch! music festival, taking place out at the Gorge on Memorial Day weekend {May 25-28}. Sasquatch! is by far one of our favorite fests every year, and 2012 is going to be no exception.

We're particularly excited about partying down with the likes of Jack White, Beck, Tenacious D, Beirut, Girl Talk {hell yes!}, The Head and the Heart, Tune-Yards, Wild Flag, Blind Pilot, Mark Lanegan Band, The Cave Singers, Grouplove, Ted Leo, Deer Tick, Alabama Shakes, We Are Augustines, Shearwater {!!!!!}, Charles Bradley, Pickwick, Hey Marseilles, Sallie Ford, Dyme Def, Fresh Espresso, and Katie Kate -- but by no means does that even scratch the surface of the seemingly-zillion fantastic bands included on this year's lineup. As usual, there's a thoughtful mash of notable locals and squee-worthy headliners, so much so that slapping down the ticket price to spend the long weekend with twenty-plus thousand of your closest friends is an absolute no-brainer.

Photos & sounds of the day: Hey Marseilles at KEXP

imaginary victoria — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:14:49 +0000

We were lucky enough to catch up with our friends Hey Marseilles this past weekend at KEXP for their Audioasis in-studio. Stopping by for a few songs before heading off to their sold-out show at the Neptune Theater {with Nick Jaina and Bryan John Appleby supporting}, they managed to wow the airwaves with some gorgeous new sounds that left us chomping at the bit for their next release.

Check out the archived performance over at KEXP, and more photos in KEXP's flickr pool here.

Recommended show + free tickets: Hey Marseilles at the Neptune {11/12}

imaginary victoria — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:55:34 +0000

We've told you before, and we're going to keep telling you again and again until you get on the water wagon with us: Hey Marseilles is a fan-fucking-tastic band. If you're already down, you know the goodness of which we speak. And on the odd chance you've been living under some type of musical rock these last few years in Seattle, fret not: we are about to introduce you to your new favorite band.

Hey Marseilles is everything we like about a group: mostly due to the fact that they make good, smart music. Typically billed as "orchestral indie pop," we like to add in the fact that their sound is intelligent, with something lush and layered about it -- but not too layered, these guys are on the money in their mixes -- and recognizably familiar, without being predictable. Add in that sometimes-present vaguely European-tinged funeral parade -slash- carnival vibe {think DeVotchKa, minus the pomp and overwhelmingly sad angst they're prone to} and Hey Marseilles literally have a sound on the block that no one else has got.

Sold? Of course you are! Whether you're a long-standing HM fan or are just getting hip to their sound, there are two things you need to do if you haven't already: one, pick up To Travels and Trunks on every format imaginable if you don't have it already, and play it until it wears out. And two, get yourself a ticket or five to their upcoming show at the Neptune this Saturday. {Tickets are available for purchasing here.} They'll be taking the stage with Bryan John Appleby and Nick Jaina, and the whole night is in celebration of their new 7", Elegy. And PS: we've got a pair of tickets to give away to the show!

Heavy rotation: fall edition, part I

imaginary victoria — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:25:45 +0000

Autumn is upon us, and once again, we've found ourselves happily submerged in a sea of grey mornings at the local cafe with headphones on, poring through new releases and marking our calendars for upcoming shows. And in case you're in one of those spots where you had to put New Release Tuesday on the back burner for a bit, we'd love to help you catch up! Part one of two, this post features stuff we heart to the maxx that also has a live show coming up in November -- and PS, we've got tickets to give away for almost everything featured here! Read on:

Who: tUnE-yArDs, aka Merrill Garbus

What: new(ish) album from earlier this year, upcoming show, all-around awesomeness
Sounds Like: super-melodic, experimental freak-out tribal chanting over sweet beats + some very catchy sing-a-long-y vibes
More info at: http://tune-yards.com/
Playing: The Neptune on Sunday, November 20th

Short version? One of the stand-out small-stage acts at Sasquatch! 2010, plays huge venues now, not to be missed. Long version: tUnE-yArDs -- which is comprised mostly of a lady-genius named Merrill Garbus, along with some loops and accompanying musicians depending on where and when you catch her -- is not like any other band out there today. It's part crazy catchy beats, part tribal warpaint, part musical catch-and-release, and all amazing. 2009's Bird-Brains kicked our asses, and 2011's w h o k i l l took things to a whole 'nother level. Buy both albums and make sure you're front and center for her Neptune appearance later this month.

Who: We Were Promised Jetpacks

What: new album, upcoming show, mosh potential
Sounds Like: straight-up indie rock, big guitars, angst, Scottishness
More info at: http://wewerepromisedjetpacks.com
Playing: Neumos on Tuesday, November 15th

All your Fridays {and one Saturday} are belong to KEXP in August!

imaginary victoria — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:58:22 +0000

Summer wouldn't be summer without a sweet lineup at the Mural at Seattle Center during the month of August, and this year is no exception: our friends over at KEXP have put together another killer series of shows for 2011. As usual, it's all ages to rock, 21+ to hit the beer garden, and f-r-e-e FREE. (Although donations are gladly accepted at the KEXP tent, we're sure!) "Doors" are at 5, bands start at 6, and each Friday is hosted by a different DJ. It just doesn't get much better than that. Check out these bands and hosts!

Friday 8/5
Host: DJ El Toro
The Maldives /  Hey Marseilles  / Black Whales

Friday 8/12
Host: Troy Nelson
Seapony /  Gold Leaves /  Math and Physics Club

Let's Nic at Nite with Hey Marseilles, Pearly Gate Music, star-tastic silent auctions and more for a good cause

imaginary liz — Tue, 10 May 2011 15:33:26 +0000

{Hey Marseilles photo by Jason Tang from the Imaginary Photo Pool}

Huge thanks to the folks that have put together the Nic at Nite party for letting us share a special invitation to their big soiree on Monday, May 23rd at the Fred Wildlife Refuge (128 Belmont Ave E ) in Capitol Hill. The evening is a celebration and fundraiser for Nicole Pieratt, amazing Seattle stylist, lady, etc. Earlier this year, Nicole was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer (at the age of 27) and has spent the last few months in treatment. To mark this special milestone, a group of her fans and friends have organized a fancy party complete with performances and silent auction prizes featuring a who's who of Seattle:

Special Live Performances by:
Hey Marseilles
Pearly Gate Music
DJ Erika White

Silent Auction Contributions from:
Mathews Winery, Mark Ryan Winery, Sub Pop, Teatro Zinzanni, Pacific Northwest Ballet, autographed works by Lance Mercer and Charles Peterson, photographic prints by Hayley Young, original artwork by Stacey Rozich, Drew Christie, Daniel Carillo, autographed vinyl from The Cave Singers, Campfire, Ok, and many more

Autographed vinyl! Original artwork and photographic prints! Sub Pop!

Recommended show: Hey Marseilles at Columbia City Theater {Saturday 10/30}

imaginary victoria — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 16:46:24 +0000

We've said it before, we're saying it now, and we'll keep on sayin' it until the cows come home: we loves us some Hey Marseilles.

A little more seasoned these days, this local septet is one of those bands you want to catch every chance you get -- and thankfully for us, they'll be gracing the sweet stage of Columbia City Theater with their alt.orchestra.indiepop sound this Saturday. And as if one of our favorite bands at one of our favorite venues isn't enough to make for a stellar night, Fences will be opening up the show, fresh off a week of stellar performances at CMJ out on the East coast. For the win, indeed!

If you're able to get out to the show on the early side, make sure you do -- there's an opening reception going on from 6-9pm for November's art installation in the Bourbon Bar that you won't want to miss. Photographer Dylan Priest will be exhibiting shots from this summer's famed weekend out at Doe Bay, where Hey Marseilles and Fences both took the stage, among a slew of other talented acts. The reception is free, but the show is not -- make sure you take a moment to pick up a ticket before heading out! {21+ / $12 adv / 9pm}

Thanks to the talented Hayley Young for the gorgeous photo!

A very imaginary Labor Day Weekend: Bumbershoot!

imaginary victoria — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:52:53 +0000

Somehow, in the avalanche of amazing bands at Seattle Center this past weekend, we managed to scrawl some furious notes on a fistful of locals and indie bands that brought the noise / love / ache / bliss. Here's a few of our picks to start the best-of Bumbershoot chatter that we'd like to share, in no particular order:

1. David Bazan at the KEXP 'Secret Stage'

It's no secret at all that KEXP's hideout is one of the best things about Bumbershoot: a great selection of all the best acts of the weekend, in a cushy, sit-down theater that's got impeccable sound and flawless sightlines. Thanks to a thoughtful friend, we had two seats for the 1:15pm Sunday performance -- and sat rapt with attention while the band proceeded to rip the roof right off from above us. Longtime fans of Bazan's solo work and earlier Pedro The Lion need not hate on this revamped sound: the new (and reworked versions of older) songs are nothing short of big-guitar bring-it-ness. Anthematic, cinematic renditions from Curse Your Branches had us covered in goosebumps; and the six-song power set left us both satiated and eagerly anticipating the next show -- you can catch David Bazan + Band (with the lovely Head and the Heart opening) at the Showbox over Thanksgiving Weekend.

2. The Tripwires at the Mural

Honestly, I can't think of a better way to start a festival day than with a full-frontal rawk set from some of Seattle's very own power-pop royalty foursome, the Tripwires. Promptly at 11:45am, the band took to the Mural stage and shot a big bag of awesome into the waiting arms of the still-caffienating crowd. Opening with "Let's Get You Started" (one of the best tracks off their newest album, House to House), they set the tone -- and the standard -- for a truly excellent day. Sangster + Sangster + Ramberg + Pickerel + espresso + sunshine = a brunch-rock set to remember.

Tonight's recommended second-of-three: Matt Bishop at the Tractor

imaginary victoria — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Dear Seattle: You do not want to miss Matt Bishop's set at the Tractor tonight. The end.

If you were fortunate enough to see our favorite local seven-piece indie.orchestra-pop band's frontman go solo at the last City Arts Song Show, you are familiar with the awesomeness of which we speak. Matt Bishop, of the highly-esteemed, new vinyl-releasin', fresh-off-still-kinda-mid-tour Hey Marseilles, puts on a solo show that does not dissapoint -- the City Arts set was full of stripped down full-band favorites and a few new takes on some sweet old covers. All that and a choice set of interview questions for a lovely evening did make.

Drooling yet? Well, fret not: if you missed Matt's last showcase showdown, you've got yourself a second chance. Perched in the opening spot for Peasant tonight sits HM's lead songsterer, doing a full solo set for the proverbial cause. He's been dropping love notes via Facebook invites that direct the masses to his newly ressurected MySpace page -- where four previously unreleased solo tracks have been put forth for our listening pleasure. And really good ones, at that: one of our new non-negotiable, can't-live-without tracks is Matt's gorgeous, sparse cover of "Never Tear Us Apart" by INXS.

Hey Marseilles celebrate vinyl release of debut with all ages show at Vera (5/21) and club show at Tractor (5/22)

Chris Estey — Thu, 20 May 2010 17:27:02 +0000

{Photo: Hot Avocados}

I am a latecomer to the mesmerizing travelogues and swirling epiphanies of Hey Marseilles' musical majesties. Wayfarers to the bone, lead singer and guitar player Matthew Bishop, along with players Nick Ward, Samuel Anderson, Philip Kobernik, Jacob Anderson, Patrick Bannon, and Colin Richey crafted their DIY release To Trunks & Travels out of accordions, violas, cellos, trumpets, "and so forth" before getting the hell out of Seattle and touring like they're no good for shore.

Now that Onto Entertainment will be giving the astonishingly assured Martin Feveyear mixed-and-mastered debut a rightful reissue in late June for the rest of the world, the band also unveils its vinyl version on Friday, May 21 for an all ages show at the Vera Project (with Sea Fever opening), and a regular booze-available following night at the Tractor (with The Head and the Heart opening).

Austin 2010: a quick peek back at SXSW

imaginary victoria — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:54:12 +0000

Now that the rest of the music community has moved on to bigger and better things, it's time to take a look at last month's adventures in Austin for SXSW 2010. Everyone is back, rested, over the post-festival flu, and digging their proverbial heels into favorite finds -- here's some of the highlights and likes (as well as a few dislikes) from this year's trip, in no particular order:

Hey Marseilles

Our favorite seven-piece alt.indie.orchestral conglomerate of goodness, Hey Marseilles, did Seattle proud in Austin this year, playing what seemed like a dozen different showcases over the course of three days. Each performance was spot-on, right up to and including Saturday night's rooftop-blowing-off official at St. David's. HM ran the rooms, raged every single performance, and left us giddy with anticipation for the release coming up later this year. If you weren't able to see Hey Marseilles (or your exes) down in Texas, you can come by The Tractor on May 22 (21+) or to the Vera for an all-ages show on May 21. Tour dates abound -- more news, mailing list and goodies here.

Photo Essay: SXSW Sendoff at Neumos

imaginary lori — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:23:48 +0000

5 Mar 2010

DSC_0114.jpg

The sold out Stranger / Three Imaginary Girls SXSW Sendoff Show at Neumo's on Friday was amazing. Here are some photos featuring our local loves: Fences, Mash Hall, Hey Marseilles and Visqueen.

See more photos by Lori of the night on Flickr.

The sold out Stranger / Three Imaginary Girls SXSW Sendoff Show at Neumo's on Friday was amazing. Here are some photos featuring our local loves: Fences, Mash Hall, Hey Marseilles and Visqueen.

See more after the jump!

Tonight's recommended show: Imaginary SXSW sendoff at Neumo's!

imaginary victoria — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:42:46 +0000

It's finally here! Tonight's the big night, and we hope you'll all be joining us for our very imaginary SXSW sendoff hootenanny at Neumo's! Doors are at 8, and tickets are going fast -- so make sure you get down there early.

We've told you about Fences, Mash Hall and Hey Marseilles over the last few days, and now it's time to give you some scoop on our headliner: Visqueen. Bringing big guitars, tight vocals, and catchy songwriting to the stage for as long as our imaginary hearts knew how to swoon, Visqueen is jumping on the success of their last album Message to Garcia and taking the show on the road. Literally.

March 13   Boise, ID @ the Record Exchange
March 13   Boise, ID @ Neurolux
March 14   Denver, CO @ Lion's Lair Lounge
March 16-21 SXSW
March 22   Tuscon, AZ @ Plush
March 23   Las Vegas, NV @ Thunderbird Lounge

Let's start them (and the rest of our fabulous favorite-ist bands) out right with a Seattle-worthy farewell tonight -- we'll see you all there!

Countdown to our imaginary SXSW sendoff -- we love you, tomorrow

imaginary victoria — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:37:01 +0000

Well, we love you all the time. In the most appropriate of imaginary ways, of course. But right now we love you a little bit extra for all the love you're showing for Friday's lineup -- tickets are selling like hotcakes! Sweet, indie-rock singin' neckerchief wearin' hotcakes.

Speaking of sweet, we wanted to give you a little more lowdown on Hey Marseilles, third up on tomorrow's bill. As we've gushed over them time and time again, this is for sure the best alt.indie.orchestral septet in town -- in fact, they're soon to be the best seven-piece on both coasts because they're embarking off on an east coast tour leading up to their dates in Austin for this year's SXSW.

Check it out!

March 7   Putnam Den, Saratoga Springs NY
March 8   Rockwood Music Hall, New York NY
March 9   TT the Bear's [swoon!], Cambridge, MA
March 10 Higher Ground, Burlington, VT
March 11-12 Canadian Music Fest, Toronto, Ontario
March 18 SXSW
March 19 SXSW
March 20 SXSW
March 25 Mississippi Studios, Portland, OR

Win tickets to this Friday's SXSW sendoff show at Neumo's!

imaginary victoria — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:54:45 +0000

Come and get your gee-haw on this Friday night at Neumo's -- on us!

That's right, we're giving away a pair of tickets to the show of the week, our very own SXSW 2010 Sendoff! You can rage along to Visqueen's big guitars, swoon to the orchestral-pop melodies of Hey Marseilles, get your groove on with Mash Hall, and warm your night up right with Fences -- all under one roof! (And PS -- tickets are only ten dollars in advance. Ten! It's a steal at twice the price!)

Just send an email to tig@threeimaginarygirls.com with the subject line, "Let'sGetReadyToSX!" by this Thursday, March 4th at 10am, and tell us why you and your +1 should be our lucky guests.

Good luck -- we'll see you all at the show!

Tonight's recommended show: Hey Marseilles at the Vera Project!

imaginary victoria — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:53:36 +0000

Whether you're debating what to do tonight, out of town on March 5th, not going to SXSW, or just need to get your indie.stringed.goodness fix -- you're in luck. Hey Marseilles will be headlining an all-ages show tonight at the Vera Project. Come on down and get your swoon on with Seattle's favorite seven-piece!

Friday night plans with the Young Fresh Fellows?

imaginary liz — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:26:22 +0000

{Photo: Hot Avocados Photography from the Three Imaginary Girls Sparkly Flickr Photo Pool}

Being Friday night, there are so many stellar options of what to do! Thee Oh Sees at the Funhouse, The Pharmacy at the Comet, or Hey Marseilles all-ages style at Vera are all wonderful paths to take... but when the Young Fresh Fellows are in town (this time at the Tractor with Girl Trouble), I'd be remiss to recommend anything but a full night of their songs which, as our own Chris Estey poignantly wrote, connect the dots between "The Sonics and The Wailers to The Posies and Death Cab with that sweaty, fun, beer-soaked, Puget Sound-smelling, back-yard stomping garage band life."

Want to know all the options at your fingertips? Here's what we've got on the Friday imaginary calendar:

Let's send off some of Seattle's finest to SXSW in style on March 5

imaginary victoria — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:05:57 +0000

Three Imaginary Girls, The Stranger, Pabst Blue Ribbon and Neumo's are proud to present Hootenanny! -- our very own SXSW sendoff party for 2010 -- with Visqueen, Hey Marseilles, Mash Hall (formerly known as They Live!), and Fences on Friday, March 5th at Neumo's.

It's that time of year again, kids -- where we all steel ourselves for some couchsurfing, and start making our wishlists for the bands we can't miss -- yes, it's time to head down to Austin for SXSW 2010! And to celebrate, we'd love for you to join our sendoff party at Neumo's on Friday, March 5th. Come join us as we wish our favorite ladies and gents well before they hit the road... tickets for this 21+ show are only $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

Expect a downright rager of a night, with local big-guitar all-stars Visqueen headlining the bill, and Hey Marseilles bringing their lush, alt.indie.orchestral songwriting skills to the stage. On top of that magic, Mash Hall and everyone's favorite Fences will be rounding out the opening support -- doors are at 8pm and you won't want to miss a minute of this lineup. So make sure you're on the hill nice and early!

Photo of the day: Tragos Amargos at The Crocodile

Jason Tang — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:30:46 +0000

Tragos Amargos, a side project of Portland's Y La Bamba, opened last Saturday's completely sold-out show at The Crocodile. The amazing folk music lineup also showcased fellow Pacific Northwest favorites Loch Lomond and headliner Hey Marseilles.

The rest of the photos from the set can be viewed here and in the TIG Flickr Photo Pool.

Jason Tang's Top Ten Concert Photos of 2009 (plus a few extras)

Jason Tang — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 03:20:32 +0000

As I was picking out my favorite shots from this past year, it quickly became apparent that I couldn't just leave it at ten. I've posted my top picks below (in no particular order), but you can check out the rest here.

Huge thanks to the TIG crew, especially Chris and Keenan, for giving me the opportunity to share these amazing moments with all you lovely people! And thanks to all my fellow photographers, both in Seattle and elsewhere, for giving me inspiration every day. Hope you all have a safe, prosperous, and Happy New Year! Here's to an even bigger and better 2010!

2009-09-05: Hotels @ Bumbershoot - EMP | SFM's Sky Church