Astronauts of Antiquity Blog http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog If you like the music of Portishead, Zero7 or Morcheeba, you'll love AOA. Sun, 26 Jul 2009 02:10:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en AoA Video in Post-Production… http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/aoa-video-in-post-production http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/aoa-video-in-post-production#comments Sun, 26 Jul 2009 02:10:21 +0000 India http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/?p=29 Dear Friends / Fans,

Here’s what’s going on in AoA’s world right now. In a week we will start post-production on our new music video. Really looking forward to that! That’s where the magic unfolds. It should be ready for the reveal around Mid-August. Very excited…

It’s a bit of a heart warming story in regards to where it was shot and who was involved. We chose to film a little north of NYC in a small lovely rivertown on the Hudson. The first location was in a large, beautiful vintage antique warehouse. The owner, Howie was extremely generous and did not charge us a fee for using his space.  Howie was in the process of selling it when we approached him in regards to using the building for the video. Last year he suddenly lost David, his life partner of 40 years and decided to make the difficult decision to move. He was so congenial and open in spite of the huge challenge and transition he was facing.

Then there is Sri Kishore, the man behind the camera. Such a wonderful, talented artist with great passion and vision. He too had lost Marion, the love of his life and fiance to a recent car accident. Still he decided to throw himself into his work as AoA’s film director. His deep meditation on our project is extremely inspiring.

We are dedicating this music video to David and Marion. May their bright light shine down on all who is involved in transforming this project into a reality.

Also thanks to the crew, hair, makeup, friends, costume design, photography for making this endeavor such a smooth and professional operation.

Thank you dear fire department for not kicking us out of the building in the middle of the night when the smoke machine set off the fire alarm!

Cheers!

]]> http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/aoa-video-in-post-production/feed MusikReviews.com http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/musikreviewscom http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/musikreviewscom#comments Sun, 21 Jun 2009 20:32:25 +0000 India http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/?p=28 “Cool” is an underrated concept in modern music, where seemingly every other indie band is lining up to replace the chic with the goofy. Thankfully, some out there are still carrying the dapper torch - the experimentally jazzy Astronauts of Antiquity, for example, whose sophomore release Rocket Science For Dummies is like some lost hybrid collaboration of Hooverphonic, The Bird and the Bee, and Everything but the Girl.

As their ironic name might imply, the Astronauts are a heady mix of eclectic urban genres and ultra-cool lounge swagger. Armed with a healthy dose of funk, polished production, and a whole hell of a lot of handclaps, Rocket Science For Dummies succeeds in being both innovative and accessible, allowing eager listeners to catch an aural glimpse of the Astronauts’ fast-paced, rhythmic world.

Of course, it helps to have a vocalist as dynamic and cocky as India, who, fortunately, often comes across as a self-indulgent, crooning jazz songstress rather than some pop star wannabe. Clearly, the foundation of the Astronauts’ aerodynamic package is built around her teasing persona - a less-prickly version of Garbage’s Shirley Manson, for example. The results are smooth and fearless: songs waste no riff or transition in their glide, compacted into nothing short of cafe-infused pop brilliance that swirls and twists around India’s advisory muse.

Perhaps the real key to Rocket Science’s success is the fact that it maintains an authentic, jazzy pulse throughout, no matter how glossy the production gets. Indeed, tracks like “Everywhere” pulse with a clubbish, urban rain, owing nothing to standard radio fare, while “Strangest Places” brims with a bebop soul that outstrips any coffee house-bred singer/songwriter ballad. The album thus prevails because it is both familiar and yet exotic, melding the habits and techniques of lesser-known musical styles with a tried-and-true sensibility. Such is the method of “Beautiful Fate,” which plops alternative guitar, electronica flourish, and rhythmic euphoria into a gigantic blender and goes to town on the highest setting. Whereas some other band would get unrecognizable glop, the Astronauts get a tasty shake.

In the end, Rocket Science For Dummies is alluring because of its unending strive towards slick perfection, and in turn, listeners will recognize the effort and self-discipline that emanates from Astronauts of Antiquity’s sonic offerings. Then again, perhaps it’s not that complicated - perhaps the album is simply the musical equivalent of an unbridled car race, too damn fun to peel away from despite its mindless entertainment. Yet that, too, is a misnomer, as Rocket Science possesses an ample brain to go along with its considerable heart.

Kevin Liedel, MuzikReviews.com Sr. Staff

For Questions or Comments On This Review Send An Email To kliedel@muzikreviews.com

]]> http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/musikreviewscom/feed Awesome New Addition to the AoA Players! http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/awesome-new-addition-to-the-aoa-players http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/awesome-new-addition-to-the-aoa-players#comments Sun, 21 Jun 2009 20:00:00 +0000 India http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/?p=27 You know sometimes what may appear as a set back in your life could be a blessing in disguise.

The short of it:  Our extremely talented bass player Shyam was let go from his day job as a copy editor earlier this year just like thousands of others due to the national/global financial crisis. After our last show at Shrine he announced that he was going to take advantage of this time to act on a long time dream of moving to South India with his wife to soak up it’s culture of music and spirituality. Naturally the rest of the band was very sorry to see Shyam leave but totally understood. We all wish him the absolute best!

The hunt for a new bass player ensued. Thanks to Shyam it went smoothly. He had recently met an incredible musician by the name of Mario Padron here in NYC who was coincidentally looking for a new project like AoA. Call it kismet. Thank you Shyam.

Mario is our guy! He is a very versatile bass player and carries a deep groove whether it is dub, funk, rock or any hybrid of rhythm. Also he is familiar with kirtan, a devotional musical tradition from India which interests myself and Bradd. Most of all he is a very genuine person and we are all honored to play with him.

You can click on the bio section of this web site to read about him and all the players in AoA.

Until next time…

]]> http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/awesome-new-addition-to-the-aoa-players/feed “Filter In Flight” Show Features AoA! http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/filter-in-flight-show-features-aoa http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/filter-in-flight-show-features-aoa#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:58:41 +0000 India http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/?p=26

A small group of artists submitted through “Hitt Music Group” were chosen for the “Filter in Flight” show in January on American Airlines.  The show plays to an audience of 4.2 million travelers both domestic and international on AA.  The artists were also featured on the second page on the “Filter Good Music Guide” that is free of charge at concerts and stores like Diesel, Urban Outfitters and Landmark Theatres.

This is a great vehicle for exposure in that the artist’s music was played to a captive audience on the flight, with the show repeating every 2 hours.

Congratulations to: Astronauts of Antiquity for being one of the artists chosen for this opportunity.

]]> http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/filter-in-flight-show-features-aoa/feed AoA In Heavy Rotation On College Radio! http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/aoa-in-heavy-rotation-on-college-radio http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/aoa-in-heavy-rotation-on-college-radio#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2009 23:28:17 +0000 India http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/?p=25 Astronauts Of Antiquity-Rocket Science For Dummies is on heavy rotation on college radio. We are being played on 85 + college and specialty stations and charting on 30 core CMJ stations. We are getting through to program and music directors of jazz, soul, alternative, world and even hip-hop. The record is really showing a very multi-genre cross pollination. AoA would love anyone to call or email their local college stations and request a track from “Rocket Science for Dummies” by Astronauts of Antiquity. We would be so grateful. We’re also doing an “AoA Fan of the Month” on our AoA lounge newsletter for comments written in response to our www.myspace.com/astronautsofantiquity blog section and to this blog and future ones on our website.

Groove + Grace + Inner Space = AoA

India / AoA

]]> http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/aoa-in-heavy-rotation-on-college-radio/feed Astronauts @ Southpaw (Brooklyn) Deliver! Free CD / Tee!! http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/astronauts-southpaw-brooklyn-deliver-free-cd-tee http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/astronauts-southpaw-brooklyn-deliver-free-cd-tee#comments Fri, 27 Feb 2009 01:12:42 +0000 India http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/?p=24 Astronauts first live performance of 2009 @ Southpaw in Brooklyn on Feb. 4th was a great success! We didn’t have much time to break in our two new hot players DJ Mole (Fredo) and amazing drummer Dan Walsh before the show but they really gave their all that night (in spite of some tech difficulties) along with the rest of the band , Taylor on keys, B. Rhyan on guitar, Elton on bass and singer (me) India. Fredo has won awards for his DJ work and Dan is a highly respected / sought after player in the NYC music scene.

It was the coldest night of the winter but the luv coming from the audience warmed up  the room and our hearts. Thank you to all who came down to support us that night.

Now for more news:

Astronauts are planning a six month tour to promote our new cd release”Rocket Science For Dummies” starting in April beginning at “Shrine” in NYC on April10th @ 10:30. This is a very cool club in Harlem and we are really excited about being invited there to play. We will keep you posted on the tour schedule and  updates via astronautsofantiquity.com, myspace.com/astronautsofantiquity.

ATTENTION!

Win a FREE Astronauts of Antiquity cd “Rocket Science For Dummies” or Astronuats of Antiquity tee by being the first two to comment on this blog. Just come on down to our show at “Shrine” (show us your ID)  and get your free cd or tee. Plus you will get to enjoy the Astronauts Of Antiquity live!

We invite you to sign up on our mailing list and receive our monthly band letter loaded with AoA VIP info not available to anyone else. Of course you receive our latest free download as a thank you for giving us your very much appreciated support. Go to www.astronautsofantiquity.com home page and click in the upper right hand corner to sign up!

Groove+Grace+Inner Space=AoA

India/AoA

]]> http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/astronauts-southpaw-brooklyn-deliver-free-cd-tee/feed Win A Free AoA Tee + “Rocket Science For Dummies” CD !! http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/win-a-free-aoa-tee-rocket-science-for-dummies-cd http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/win-a-free-aoa-tee-rocket-science-for-dummies-cd#comments Sun, 11 Jan 2009 01:52:47 +0000 India http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/?p=23  Dear Friends and Music Lovers,

Please come join us for our first 2009 show @ Southpaw (Brooklyn,NY) Wed. Feb. 4th @ 10 pm. and win a free AoA tee and our newly released ” Rocket Science for Dummies” cd. You can view them both in our shop section on our website. Just be the first to comment on this post and sign off with your first and last name and show up for the show with your ID. You get a free AoA tee and “Rocket Science For Dummies” cd. The best part is we get to see you in the audience sending us the luv. That makes performing and playing music so worth it!

Here’s the info:

Southpaw

www.spsounds.com

125 5th Ave

Brooklyn, NY 11217

(718) 230.0236

 

Organic Entertainment is presenting 4 excellent bands beginning @8:15 pm. Astronauts of Antiquity go on @ 10 pm.

Here is a great review on Southpaw:

“Believe it or not - I prefer seeing shows here over anywhere else I can think of. Southpaw seems to have the right amount of everything.The stage is awesome - the presentation is awesome. This place is big enough to never feel like you’re suffocating…even on crowded nights.There’s always someplace to escape to (especially now that their downstairs lounge is open). The sound is amazing and the vibe is amazing. The beers aren’t too expensive - the covers are totally fair.The bands are great - they really know how to book this place. I find myself hopping on the train to Brooklyn for Southpaw constantly now….I don’t even think about it anymore. Great bands, great atmosphere, amazing sound.”

 

The Astronauts are very much looking forward to seeing you there. It will be a great night!

Keep the Groove and the Grace in place.

India/AoA

]]> http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/win-a-free-aoa-tee-rocket-science-for-dummies-cd/feed Compassion = Peace http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/dazed-and-confused http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/dazed-and-confused#comments Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:21:08 +0000 India http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/?p=22  

 
“Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.” - Albert Einstein
 

Thanks so much for visiting AOA’s website/blog. Thanksgiving is coming soon and millions of turkeys will be slaughtered. They can’t defend themselves or speak out. They are at our mercy. My humble request is for all of us to consider new non-violent ways of showing our gratitude for the blessings in our lives and let our feathered friends live the life they deserve . Let EVERYONE have a Happy Thanksgiving!!
On an AoA note please check out the two reviews of our show at B.B. King Blues Club in the press section of our website at www.astronautsofantiquity.com. We opened for famed Digable Planets. It was a wonderful night. - Love / India / AoA

Would love to hear from you. Write to me at : India@astronautsofantiquity.com

Join our ezine by clicking on the upper right hand corner on our website. You will receive all sorts of secret and fascinating AoA info along with two free downloads of our hottest tunes! Peace

]]> http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/dazed-and-confused/feed Astronauts Open for Digable Planets at BB King’s NYC http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/astronauts-open-for-digable-planets-at-bb-kings-nyc http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/astronauts-open-for-digable-planets-at-bb-kings-nyc#comments Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:07:18 +0000 India http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/?p=21 Greetings!

Astronauts of Antiquity had our first live performance October 8th opening for the Grammy award winning Digable Planets. Their front man Cee Knowledge, aka Doodle Bug, has a guest appearance on our new album “Rocket Science for Dummies ” on the track “Soup de Jour”. Check it out on our website/myspace. He really rips the track! 

It felt great to get back on stage again. We didn’t receive a sound check (not cool) so the technical aspects of performing such as a good mix on stage and off was challenging. It did feel wonderful connecting with the audience. I took it all in stride and can’t wait to do it again! I will keep you posted on any gig dates and tours through our website-www.astronautsofantiquity.com.

Don’t forget to sign up on our ezine through our website if you haven’t already. Get two free tracks from ”Rocket Science for Dummies” !! Please hit me with an email at india@astronautsofantiquity.com and share your thoughts about the music. 

” Rocket Science for Dummies” is ready for purchase!!! Would love to get some feedback ya’ll…

Love from AOA,

India

 

 

 

 

]]> http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/astronauts-open-for-digable-planets-at-bb-kings-nyc/feed Winged Rocket Ship Hovers Over NYC…Really! http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/winged-rocket-ship-hovers-over-nycreally http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/winged-rocket-ship-hovers-over-nycreally#comments Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:20:46 +0000 India http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com/blog/?p=20

Dear Music Loving Friends,

Have you heard the newest Jacob Dylan album? No Wallflowers, just the guy and his guitar with a few musicians here and there filling in the appropriate bars with tender folksy seasoning. I don’t drink the coolaid but I can still appreciate the timelessness of his lineage. Is it challenging to make a stand when you are the son of one of the greatest music icons of our time?  Maybe, but with the help of Rick Rubin the beautiful offspring with delicious eyes stakes a promising claim, which brings this next thought to mind…

 

 To express purely, passionately with detachment to outcome is the journey of any artist. The Zen of song writing has always been an elusive, tantalizing  affair. Now that the new Astronauts of Antiquity album is about to get dressed in digi pak and heels for a date with fate India and B. Rhyan  (that’s us) gear up for playing live again.

 

 For the Astronauts a recording studio is an intensely creative cocoon and it makes sense that the stage is a winged rocket ship. It has been two years since AOA’s last performance and we are assuredly firing up for the journey back in front of an audience to promote the new album. We are urban eclectic which means we’ve got some amazing musicians from the NYC area who make up our live show. Collectively each brings a unique, cool element to the band that translates into the world of hot. A few rehearsals @ 450 degrees should do it. We are really looking forward to seeing you in the audience giving us some love. It’s all about connection, heart to heart, soul-to-soul.

 

 Along with all our tunes make sure to check out ” Soup de Jour” on line: www.astronautsofantiquity.com. Cee Knowledge from the Grammy award winning / ground breaking group Digable Planets graces the track with a steamy performance smoking up the midsection with his signature classic rap.  We send our love to Cee.

 

 Please give us a write on our blog or myspace to let us know how you feel about your free AOA downloads.We really want to stay in touch with our AOA family. It is the greatest pleasure to know that you are listening and enjoying what we create. Even if you are not feeling the tracks we would love to hear why. Life is for learning right? You can also write to me at: india@astronautsofantiquity.com

 

Hope to hear from you soon…

 Peace,

 

 India /  AOA

 

 

 

 

 

 

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