Jeff Richardson, Founder of Hardwork Records

If you’ve been to a local concert in Tulsa in the past five years and thought, ‘what a great lineup, this is so well organized, why aren’t there more shows like this?’ chances are Jeff Richardson had something to do with it. Jeff has been a key factor in developing Tulsa’s music scene for over ten years; whether in his role as front man for 80’s electro-pop band Stevedore, or as the idea man and owner of Hardwork Records, Jeff works to shape and groom some of Tulsa’s best bands. This month Jeff lets the Tulsa Project in on his upcoming projects, what bands he thinks we should watch, and where the local music scene is going.

tTP: Well, first things first, inquiring minds want to know, is Stevedore dead?

Jeff: Stevedore’s not dead but I am not focusing on Stevedore very much right now at all.

tTP: Are you planning on Bringing Stevedore back anytime in the near future?

Jeff: Yes. There is new material that needs to be recorded and done correctly and I want to put out a new record. But, right now the only stuff that we have ready to play live is stuff that we’ve played so many times I just want to throw up. I just don’t want to play it anymore. At least not right now, without having a bunch of new stuff to back it up. So the bottom line is I don’t want Stevedore to play live anymore until we’ve got a bunch of new stuff, with a totally new set ready to go. Right now it’s Molly (Jeff’s sister) and I, and who knows what it’ll look like when we do start playing live again. There are plans, but it’s just been on the back burner. There is a brand new song that we wrote about two months ago, so that’s good, that means there’s progress there, but it’s just slow. It’s an unlikely cover song, so it’s going to be fun. But it’s still a ways off right now because of all the other projects I have going.

tTP: Other projects, such as?

Jeff: Well the big one will be Native Lights. Their new 7” Blackwater just came out. We’re trying to get distribution for that because it’s the first vinyl record that Hardwork Records has put out, and there’s a lot of learning in regard to that. Digital is so easy, its like falling off a bridge it’s so easy, and awesome, and efficient, and great. But the vinyl is awesome in a totally different way. It’s a pain in the ass, and its heavy, and it sucks, but it’s the last artistic medium left for music.

tTP: It definitely says something about the band when they go to the trouble to do a vinyl release.

Jeff: It says something about legitimacy and you can’t have a certain feel without it being on vinyl. You can have great music, but there is an element that you will never have unless it’s on vinyl. It absolutely tells you what the band is all about when they release a record on vinyl, and you as a consumer know that other things that you like will be important to them also. That’s not to say that a bunch of bands don’t put out shitty vinyl, and keep it for a million years. But if it’s a good band and they put out a vinyl release, then you’ve got something special.

tTP: You spoke a bit about your role as Native Lights’ manager/record label. That leads into my next question: what is Hardwork Records and how does a band get on the label?

Jeff: Generally, Hardwork Records has dealt with bands that I do shows with. I like them, and I want to work more with them, and they want to work with me. People like El Paso Hot Button or Callupsie. Even newer friends that I work with, its all just about relationships. People who are easy to work with, you love their music, if all those elements are hit then, man, game on. I’ll do everything I can to make them successful.

tTP: What does being on the label include?

Jeff: It means being put on good shows with kick ass poster art, big promotion, PR with the big local media outlets, and digital distribution. I recommend Blackwatch studios in Norman to most of my bands who have a recording budget. That’s who records Unwed Sailor and Native Lights. I don’t personally do any of the recording. If there’s something I can’t do then I have people I would refer a band to. I always want the best for my bands, and I do my best to get press and exposure for them. There’s not a lot of options as far as management and promotions go in Tulsa, so Hardwork is unique in that respect.

tTP: Is there a process a band needs to go through to get ‘signed’ by Hardwork Records?

Jeff: Just get in touch. Hang out and get added to a bill. The first step, if I’ve never heard of somebody and they’re interested, is to send me a link to a recording, so I can hear what I’m working with. If its something I am interested in, I will pursue it. Generally I’m not too impressed with what I hear, but seeing a band live is a much better measure of their potential. If they don’t have a recording, then inviting me to a live show is a great way to get me interested. Seeing you live, and seeing that you’re doing stuff on your own initiative, I eat that stuff up. Doing what you say you’re going to do, and following through is really important to me.

tTP: Do you have any Hardwork shows coming up?

Jeff: Yes, April 2nd at the Marquee is the tour kickoff show for Native Lights, which will also feature Unwed Sailor. Also, I think Fiawna Forte will be a guest singer on Native Lights’ song “Black Walstreet.” That will kick off the Native Lights/Unwed Sailor tour to some of the Northern states, like New York.

tTP: What’s the most important element of having a successful music scene?

Jeff: People getting off their asses. I don’t know if there’s really much more I can add to that. People getting off their asses in whatever capacity that means, if its going to shows and having a good time, or making shows happen. Obviously you can’t have a very good time at a show that doesn’t exist. So, most importantly, people making shows happen.

tTP: What are your thoughts on Downtown Tulsa’s music scene in general?

Jeff: Well, Soundpony has gotten to where it’s so packed you can’t hardly get in anymore. Which in the small picture, sucks because you can’t see the bands, but in the big picture is a good thing because that means things are happening. Crystal Pistol opened up next door, and Soundpony didn’t even lose any business. That means that things are happening and growing, and more people are going to that area, which is what we want. People have more destinations, theyre not just going to Soundpony, theyre going down Main Street. That might be for the Cains, or Crystal Pistol, or The Marquee. Since the Crystal Pistol expanded that gives a lot more flexibility for shows, which is nice.

tTP: What about the Eclipse?

Jeff: Well that’s true, I guess Eclipse is right on the edge of downtown. I’ve done some shows there and I’ve been really happy with it. The size is good. And I like the fact that he’s doing his club there, and Tom and Angie (organizers of DFest) are in the Electric Circus space. So Tulsa netted an extra club out of that deal, and that’s great. Tom and Angie are remodeling Electric Circus right now, and in the future we can expect more touring bands to hit that spot. Since we’re right in the middle of everybody’s touring route, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be getting more mid-level bands coming through. And that opens opportunities for local bands to get on the bill. March is a big month because of the South by Southwest migration, and we should be seeing our venues fill up with lots of touring acts coming through, so that’s something to look forward to.

tTP: So, what’s your favorite band in Tulsa right now?

Jeff: It will be hard to name just one, but for my top 3…definitely Unwed Sailor. They’re the biggest, most legitimate thing in Tulsa right now, and have been for a long time. Ester Drang is an old favorite, even though they’re not really that active right now, but that may change in the future. As far as newer bands, Daniel(s) has caught my eye recently. I am totally stoked about what he’s doing. I knew him when he was in ATL ATL years ago, and I loved him then, too.

tTP: He’s doing something no one else is doing right now.

Jeff:…which is automatically right down my alley. Its hard for me to get excited about bands that are doing stuff that’s been done so many times. Even though they’re really good at it. That makes it sound like I’m talking crap which I’m not, I am glad they’re there, and I am glad they’re doing what they’re doing but if its not really different sounding then its hard for me to get really, genuinely, excited about it.

tTP: Anybody else that’s really sticking out right now?

Jeff: Fiawna Forte is pretty awesome. The best active bands right now, for me, are Native Lights, Broncho, Fiawna Forte and Unwed Sailor, that’s who I want to promote and be involved with.

tTP: Just for fun, what’s your Favorite Band in general, or Top 3 if that’s easier?

Jeff: I would have to go with Mr. Bungle, Swans and Fugazi.

Read the rest of the March Issue of the Tulsa Project here.

Get more music from Ruby here.

In the video below, she brings a more airy and wispy sound. It really reminds me of Kimya Dawson (of Juno Soundtrack fame). The lyrics are breathtaking, like this line “You are smaller than the ocean / But you are bigger than you sound / I’m a head case in a headband / Dead space in a marching band.” In the video she is showcasing her Uke skills, but Ruby also plays guitar and piano. Please enjoy!

Video courtesy of Ruby’s Myspace.

There is a new (to me, anyway) band called The Atlas Life that was playing at The Gypsy. I could find hide, nor hair of them on the interwebs, so I decided to check them out for myself. Thus, this was the first stop on our Saturday Night adventure. By the time the foursome (2 guitars, drums and bass with both guitarists on vocals) began, the Gypsy was filled to the brim with music fans of the ‘under 21′ persuasion. Unbeknownst to me, The Atlas Life already has a dedicated fan base, complete with singing-and-dancing along. For being so young, The Atlas Life is very impressive musically. The lead guitarist creates most of the melodies from a technique called double tapping, which involves no strumming at all, just pushing the strings into the frets in rhythm to your desired melody. Yes, it is as difficult as it sounds, but this nerd-rocker pulls it off with ease. The overall sound is comparable to The Mars Volta and other experimental hard rock outfits like Queens of the Stone Age.  Pillotalk and Benjamin Lyman also played the Gypsy Saturday, but alas, the pavement and $3 Guinness called us.

We pedaled just a few short blocks West to the Crystal Pistol, where Low Litas was just coming off the stage. We buckled in for the long haul see the remaining bands on the bill; Jacob Abello, Fiawna Forte and BRONCHO. Jacob Abello adds a glam-rock Freddie Mercury character to the scene fully outfitted in body glitter and a gold sequined tuxedo jacket. Oh, and don’t forget, gold suspenders. Heavy on keys and gloomy bass lines, it’s hard not to think of Tim Curry in Rocky Horror.

Fiawna and BRONCHO put on great shows, as always. Energy, happiness and excitement to be a part of something were all feelings exuding from the crowd. It was a terrific night for Tulsa’s music scene. We teetered home, feeling alive.

Caution: if you decide to bike next time you go out, make sure you have reflectors, lights and other safety gear. Cars hardly see bicyclists anyway, but in the dark after a night of bar hopping, it’s important to be extra careful!

The case of 2 + 2 on the Moon happens to disprove this theory. Aficionados of instrumental/experimental music would most closely compare the Moon to Explosions in the Sky. The four piece sticks pretty close to the formula, guitar, bass, drums and synth. However, the effect produced with this simple set up is intricate and lush. At one point during the set, the percussionist brings a separate guitar and amp onstage. He creates a wafted feedback effect with the amp, then proceeds to slap the back of the guitar with his hand, and later with a tambourine. Talk about a creative way to get the desired effect! Both the drummer and guitarist seem to ooze the music from their pores, at some points during the set they seem utterly possessed.

These guys keep it interesting and fun to watch. Catch them next time they are out and about, and they will change your view of instrumental bands for good.

Late Incubus overlain with shades of early Green Day and Nirvana brings us back full circle, and you’ll be happy you took the trip. “When one door closes, the other’s ajar / none of these hallways have gotten me far / I looked for answers written in the clouds / but time and time again the storm’s all I’ve found,” Chris murmurs on ‘No More Running.’ Scales of Motion are a logical choice for any post-rock fan.

You can pick up their album ‘Cave Dweller’ on their myspace (link above), and you can read their blog for musings on love, photos, quotes and a peek into the life of a local band. Their willingness to be vulnerable is refreshing.

Also! Don’t miss them this Saturday with Lizard Police at Soundpony! 10pm!

Projected on the screen behind him are videos synced up to each song. A scene from the 80’s cult classic Tron was reworked and remastered to make perfect sense with the sci-fi video game rock playing as its soundtrack. Daniel stands cooly in the foreground, jamming on his bass, as if he hasn’t spent hours creating the electronic compositions matched perfectly to the frantic video art behind him.

Another reworked movie scene from Dead Alive is not for the weak of stomach. Perpetual replays of bloody stumps and entrails up the shock value more than I bargained for. But, Daniel definitely sets himself apart as an avant garde music and video artist. Many other twinkling tracks fill his set with colorful, neon shapes and cartoons. It is a thoroughly invigorating stimulus overload. There is a sore lack of quality Audio/Visual bands in Tulsa right now, and Daniel(s) fills that void without apology.

I’ve already discussed both these bands, Panda Resistance here, and Dead Sea Choir here.  I won’t waste my breath repeating how awesome these guys are. We have huge Rock’n'Roll months coming up in March and April, with SXSW March 17-21 and Norman Music Festival April 24th-25th. It’s ok to rest up your little indie feet for these awesome events, but we hope to see you out to support your local music scene!

Samantha Crain and The Midnight Shivers– Samantha has gained quite a bit of notoriety around the country within the Indie/Gospel revival movement, but for some reason Tulsa hasn’t gotten privy to her. Samantha’s song-writing will transport you to another era, a black and white picture of a (sometimes)  romanticized South. Full of wistful narratives and dusty spirituals, Samantha’s got the right idea. Her albums are available on iTunes. Mixtape Pick: Rising Sun

Fiawna Forte– Ok, well, maybe you have heard of her. The Gospel of Fiawna has traveled far and wide. She played our blog launch show on the 6th, and the pictures of her alone are enough to make you swoon. Fiawna and her band have found the holy grail: chemistry, dynamics, charisma, and a lead singer you want to take home to mom–but only if your mom is into Janis Joplin and Jack Daniels. Mixtape Pick: I’d Rather Die

Pillotalk– Broken Arrow crooners Seth Harcrow, Nikolai Datsko, and David Warwick certainly are smooth. With complicated guitar harmonics, acoustic/electric pairing and cymbal heavy drum beats, they make very difficult musical endeavors look, and sound easy. Comparisons to Snow Patrol and Iron & Wine are easy to draw. Mixtape Pick: Away With Me

Low Litas–Mandii Larsen is responsible for Low Litas, which is remarkable in itself. To think that one person could create all the sounds you hear in Low Litas music is mind-blowing. I hear something new every time I listen. At the core, Low Litas is a girl singing about love and loss. Piled on are heavy vocal effects, sound effects, harmonicas, guitars and a number of other things. Listening to Low Litas is like finding someone else’s love letters. As you uncrumple the music, you begin to live vicariously through the protagonist. She lets you in, and you root for her. Mixtape Pick: Closer, but No Good For You is pure poetry.

The Lava Children–Featured on NPR last lear, The Lava Children are one of Tulsa’s best kept secrets. They don’t play often, but their Self Titled EP is available on iTunes. If you purchase this EP, you can expect to hear Joanna Newsom-esque vocals, heavy basses and lots of electro elements. The sound is layered and whimsical. The Lava Children manage to combine a childlike fairy tale fantasy with a heavy alternative rock sensibility.  Mixtape pick: I am a Pony

If you’re looking for a romantic trip to Swoonsville check out Leah Hugon tonight at Ida Red. (3336 S. Peoria Ave.) 7pm.

With vocals akin to Neko Case, soulful and deep, Leah’s music is decadent. Acoustic guitars accompany the gentle but sure siren. On her recordings, there are also electric guitars and basses, but I don’t know if tonight is an acoustic set or not. Either way Leah’s voice will mesmerize you.

She is playing with an act dubbed simply Anne! At this point I haven’t been able to gather any information about Anne!, but maybe her elusive behavior adds to her charm. I will update you fully, or you could just come out to the show and see her for yourself!

Ida Red Boutique is an offshoot from The Cains. They sell Cain’s gear as well as local art, jewelry, soda pop and candy! In an effort to do more local shows, Ida Red was created to give local musicians a venue that is all ages. It is a great place to enjoy local music that you might not see at some of the more mature venues (bars). We love Ida Red here at IC, and we want you to love it too!  Even if you just stop in for a Brambleberry Soda, all the shows are free!

Keep on rockin’ Tulsa!