The Uncommon Houseflies: The Buzz

That's right, kids -- now you too can download your copy of Hipster Apocalypse, hot off the press! And you can do it at CDBaby.com!

Check out the title track for our new EP, which drops on Tuesday! TUESDAY!

Our pal (and Houseflies guitar player) Nick Peay has a podcast. It's called "Podcastiness", and it primarily features conversations with musicians about why and how they do what they do. And it's very podcast-y.

See where we're going with this? Nick interviewed Butch and me about how we got into music and how the band got started. And you can listen to it right here.

It's just the sort of seedy, shocking tell-all you would expect from the Uncommon Houseflies, too, from our lurid affairs with celebrity bimbos to crazy, behind-the-scenes misadventures with groupies and midgets. Oh, and there's bacon involved as well. It's ... crazy.

Please share the link if you feel so inclined!

Cheers,

Kevin

Hola! It's me again, the erstwhile Housefly guy, here to update you on what's what in Housefly Nation. You know, the buzz, as it were.

We posted a new video on the site and on YouTube that you may want to check out. It's a live version of our tune "Zany Pete's Revenge," recorded at Dillinger's on March 9. Here's the YouTube link to the vid. We posted it because we thought we rather rocked that thing. A few folks have concurred. Please watch. And you might want to make sure you're sitting down.

Speaking of sitting down, at that very show my guitar strap broke just as we finished playing "Zombie Girl," so I had to play/sing "Hipster Apocalypse" from my aging keister. At first I thought it was a bit embarrassing, but now I think maybe it was kind of rock 'n' roll. We sure enjoyed playing the song for everyone, and the crowd seemed to like it too. There was dancing, and lots of folks chanted along with the "This week!" bits, which was gratifying. (You know, we get tired of doing it all ourselves!)

Anyway, Nick wore his Japanese baseball jersey, and looked and sounded smashing. Butch wore his mechanic shirt, the one he wore onstage in Chicago last year, and by golly, I don't think he's washed it since that road trip. Something needs to be done about that. And John? Well, John was John. Sounded great as always and scared children with all the crazy he faces he makes during songs.

We played at Dillingers again the following week as Nick's backing band. I won't go into too much detail, but suffice to say that every rock show should have a midget dressed as a leprechaun.

And finally, we have finished tracking for our new EP, Hipster Apocalypse! It's mixing time, and we hope you'll be able to hear some sample previews in the next couple of weeks. Special thanks to LeighAnn Yost/Northcutt for providing some most wonderful backing vocal help on the John Prine-ish tune "The Last Singalong." (Nick did some great work on that one too.)

Next up, it's Dillinger's again on March 29 followed by International Pop Overthrow, again in Chicago, on April 25 and 26. We were slated to play IPO in Nashville in a couple of weeks, but the festival there has been postponed due to the venue suddenly not wanting live bands there any longer.

That's it for now. It's lunchtime. Yes, Houseflies need to eat too.

Cheers,

Kevin

Well, we survived our first band foray into Nashville. Barely.

We backed up our good pal Nick Peay on stage at Douglas Corner, opening for Jenn Franklin and Kristen Cothron. The turnout was decent, but regardless of a few empty seats we enjoyed the experience greatly. The way we see it, as long as Nick is happy, the Houseflies are happy. At least when we're performing as his backing band. On this night we billed ourselves as Nick Peay and the Philadelphia Incident. (There's a story behind that; you'll have to ask Nick.)

Anyway, we spent Saturday hanging out with friends. You know, once we recovered from Friday night's PBR-fueled debauchery. Kristen and her resident guitar player/boyfriend Justin took us to a place called Twin Kegs for lunch. On the bar's sign out front it announces that Twin Kegs is "International Famous." We're pretty sure that fame is because of the burgers, not the grammar.

Oh, and the burgers were quite tasty. As was the giant basket of fried okra we shared. The downside, however, was the moldy men's room. Wow, that must be what evil smells like, folks. I took some video in there just to prove it exists, and I can only say that it's good our video camera cannot record smell.

On Saturday night, we went to a bonfire party and roasted some hot dogs. After that, someone passed around the moonshine with Gummy Bears dropped into it for flavor. I can't speak for the rest of the guys, but I don't remember much after that. No one got any new tattoos, though, so it couldn't have been too bad.

Oh yeah, and Aaron, the guy who threw the bonfire party, has a treehouse on his property. And it has a Jolly Roger hanging from it. Bad. Ass. Can't wait to go back in April with a parrot on my shoulder.

Cheers,

Kevin

We're super-excited to be trekking to Nashville this coming Friday, Feb. 22, to play as Nick Peay's band. For one thing, it will be the first time playing in Nashville for Butch and me -- like, ever. And of course there's the obvious reason, that we really love Nick's songs and truly enjoy hanging out with him and our esteemed drummer John. Who wouldn't? They're both shorter than us.

Also, we'll be opening for a couple of talented singer-songwriters in Jenn Franklin and Kristen Cothron. If that's not enough, the show will be at Douglas Corner, a place whose stage has seen the likes of Bonnie Raitt, the Kentucky Headhunters, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood and plenty more whose names I've momentarily forgotten.

In addition, we're getting closer to having our new EP finished, and we hope it will be ready for sale when we head back to Nashville April 11 as the Houseflies for International Pop Overthrow.

Joke of the week: What has two legs and bleeds? Half a dog.

Cheers,

Kevin

Yowza. We're not even through January, and our dance card is already full. We're old men, dammit! We won't see age 50 if we keep living this blasted rock 'n' roll lifestyle!

OK, rant over. Here's a rundown of what's ahead:

• We're playing in Nashville for the first time ever on Feb. 22, backing up our buddy Nick Peay. Band name for that night is yet to be determined, but maybe Nick Peay and the Pappaws will make an appearance. Beer may be involved.
• On Feb. 28, we're at Zazoo's, again backing Nick. Our show there on Jan. 24 was boffo.
• On March 9, it's the Uncommon Houseflies with Discount Guns, Tall Squares and Cincinnati's own The Getaway at Dillinger's, a new-ish venue in New Albany, Ind. We plan to bring plenty of rock that night. We'll wear our rock pants, just for good measure.
• The weekend of April 13, we're back in Nashville as the Houseflies as part of International Pop Overthrow. We'll also be booking some Nick Peay shows in and around Nashville for that weekend. Beer may be involved.
• Later in April, we're headed back up to Chicago for more International Pop Overthrow, where we'll have two slots -- one as the Houseflies and one as Nick Peay. We may try to book a show in Indy for the trip up or back. Jimmy Rane may be involved.
• Sometime in late March or early April we plan to release our new EP, Hipster Apocalypse. That will be followed with a CD release party at Apocalypse Brew Works, featuring a beer brewed by Leah Deines especially for us! (Does the name Uncommon Ale sound enticing? We think so! And we've asked her to make it bacon-flavored; she looked at us like we're idiots. Which we are.)
• Later in the spring, we plan to revive our Spinal Tap/Tenacious D tribute show. More details on that as we make them up. Silliness may be involved.

Whew. I'm tired just from typing all that. Now I have conserve the energy to actually go out and live it. Hopefully, Butch or John will be able to carry my amp for me.

Cheers,

Kevin

2012 was quite a year for the Houseflies. Last year, we:

• Released our EP Wretched Radio in February with a big bash at the Monkey Wrench in Louisville 
• Played in Chicago as part of International Pop Overthrow (IPO) in April
• Played in Boston at the release party for Chorus and Solos: A Tribute to Charlie Chesterman, a compilation on which we had a song. (Charlie even got on stage and sang with us!)
• Got pulled over by the cops
• Toured the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame
• Got our own weekly radio show, 'Flies on the Wall, on Crescent Hill Radio
• Created videos for "Wretched Radio," "Space Monkey," "Zombie Girl," "The Jam Band Incident" and more
• Played lots of shows over the summer and debuted some new songs
• Ate lots of chicken wings
• Performed a Spinal Tap/Tenacious D Tribute show in October
• Played a couple of shows as the backing band to our pal, ultra-talented songwriter Nick Peay
• Started recording a new EP titled Hipster Apocalypse
• Drank some beers
• Covered Sonny & Cher at a wedding reception
• Released our EP A Very Houseflies Christmas
• Performed on WHAS 11's "Great Day Live!" TV program
• Filmed and released a video for our recording of "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer"
• Were told by the writer of "Grandma" that our version sounds like "Johnny Cash facing mortality"
• Had an Apocalypse sing-along on the show with a bunch of talented local singer-songwriters
• Rang OUT the old year with an End of the World Party at Apocalypse Brew Works

Whew. We should really be tired, but we've got more to accomplish. We're finishing up the aforementioned EP Hipster Apocalypse over the next few weeks and hope to have that out in time for our show in Nashville, Tenn., in mid-April as part of IPO. We also plan to play more shows with Nick Peay, and are hoping to do a recording project with him sometime during the summer.

So, happy 2013 to everyone. We hope to see you soon!

Cheers,

Kevin

Our Christmas EP, A Very Houseflies Christmas, will be available for download soon! Check back for more info!

Here it is! Episode 1 of our radio show 'Flies on the Wall!

On June 13, 2012, we were guests on the Homegrown Radio Hour, by way of Crescent Hill Radio. We played some tunes and talked with hosts Christi Stevens and Kathy Weisbach. And it was fun! Check out our new song "Nothing New."

Check out the trial run demo of our new radio show 'Flies on the Wall here. Crescent Hill Radio asked us to take a stab at live radio, and the plan is to make this a weekly event. The target start date to go live is Wednesday, June 20, at 8:30 p.m., and you can stream it in real time at crescenthillradio.org.

Wanted to report that our road trip to Boston was a smashing success, all things considered. We played a set at Chorus vs. Solos: A Tribute to Charlie Chesterman, got to spend some time with Mr. Chesterman himself, met some great people, saw some cool bands, and caught up with old friends. We even ate some raw shellfish -- what could be better?

Keep your eyes peeled, because we'll be posting some video and photos from our experience very soon. We also might kidnap the Go-Go's. We'll just have to see.

Check out and buy the poster for this weekend's Chorus vs. Solos benefit show for Charlie Chesterman. We're heading to Boston to play a set to help out. And if you buy a poster or one of the cool t-shirts or other items on CafePress? The proceeds go toward  helping Charlie with his medical bills! 

Many thanks to the wonderful Dr. Demento for playing "Commando for Jesus" on his show March 17. "Commando" is, of course, a track from our new-ish EP, Wretched Radio. Here's the link to the Dr. Demento play list, if you're interested. And if you aren't interested, why the hell not? Dang.

We posted a video for "The Jam Band Incident" over the weekend. Check it out over at our Videos page or at YouTube. If you like dancing, you'll like this vid. We promise.

Our own Kevin Gibson was interviewed recently on a local podcast by Louisville musician/producer/all-around-nice-guy Jordan Forst. Check it out now.

Hey everyone -- our first show with Brad went swimmingly (and really, check out the Debauchees, for whom we opened that night -- amazing young band), so on April 22 we're off to Chicago to play our first out-of-town show as part of International Pop Overthrow. Tres fun!

A couple weeks later, on May 12, we're playing in Boston as part of a CD release party for Chorus vs. Solos: A Tribute to Charlie Chesterman. We hear tell that Charlie himself will be in attendance, which makes us excited and nervous and giddy and even a tad dizzy. He is, after all, something of a music legend. Well, if you are into '80s cowpunk and the alt-country revival, he is.

After we rest up and recover, we'll schedule some more local shows. And we also may go to Detroit. More on that later. Oh yeah, and we're cooking up another CD that will include songs such as "Nothing New," "Hipster Apocalypse," "Public Display of Affection," "Hairy Ballerina" and "Mr. & Mrs. Awesome," among others. Stay tuned!

Hey all, just wanted to introduce you to our new drummer, Bradford Randall. Bradley recently moved here from Royal Oak, Michigan, and just happened to be looking to play rock tunes with an original band. Craigslist took care of the rest, and now Brad is the newest Housefly!

Find out more here.

Chorus vs. Solos: A Tribute to Charlie Chesterman, is now available here. Donate whatever you feel comfortable donating, and download 24 great tracks, including one of ours! In case you don't know who Charlie is, he was the frontman for alt-country punk-rockers Scruffy the Cat before launching a solo career. Google him -- you won't be sorry. And you can get started buy purchasing this tribute album, which will help Charlie defray medical expenses related to his cancer treatments.

This is kinda nice. This dude really did his homework. Dang.

Tuesday, 28 February 2012

Review: The Uncommon Houseflies

The Uncommon Houseflies - Wretched Radio (Better Days Records)
In 1986 Frank Zappa posed the question “Does Humor Belong In Music?” Considering Frank’s oeuvre included such gems as “Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow” and “Penguin In Bondage” we must conclude that his own answer was affirmative. I think it’s safe to assume that The Uncommon Houseflies are very much in agreement. Previous albums “Zombie Clowns Ate Your Sister's Kitty” and “Excrement Weather” have featured many sing-a-long family favourites including “Disgruntled Shooter (In the Nursing Home)”, “Pink Party Vomit” and “Beating Up Hippies”, and fans of those particular recordings will not be disappointed by the fare on offer here.

“Wretched Radio” is chock full of irreverent subject matter, from being dumped for a longhair (“The Jam Band Incident”) to misguided religious enthusiasm and giving up underwear for lent (“Commando for Jesus”). Originally inspired by The Ramones, they’re not averse to wrapping feisty power-pop-punk tunes around their words of wisdom, but other styles, including alt. country and rap get a look in. Needless to say, your own response to the original question will help make your mind up whether this is a band you want to hear. If you’re partial to a bit of comedy then jump right in. I’m sure you’ll have a chuckle or two when you hear the tracks already mentioned, and you’ll be equally chuffed with “Border Disorder (The Canada Song)” and “Space Monkey” – everyone likes a hairy astronaut song.
http://uncommonhouseflies.com/
Rob F.

Go to the Leicester Bangs site: http://leicesterbangs.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-uncommon-houseflies.html

Well, well. For anyone who's paying attention out there, we're about to begin marching to the beat of a different drum. Bradford "Brad" Randall, who moved to Louisville from Royal Oak, Mich., last year is going to join the Houseflies and help us pound out some cool tunes.

Brad has been playing drums for more than 30 years, and has a ton of experience and contacts. He also is friends with Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, which puts the rest of the band just degrees away from Flea, and makes us feel like minor celebrities. Or maybe celebrity minors.

Anyway, welcome, Brad! Looking forward to rocking out in 2012 and beyond.

Need we say more? Download it today!

Hi again. Are you there? Anyway, we had a great time at the Monkey Wrench for our CD release party -- Sara Havens and Nick Peay were awesome as usual, and everyone seemed to enjoy our set as well. Our bass player got a little bit of bacon funk in his hair, but otherwise there were no casualties.

We have lots coming up, and we may ask for your help in getting some of it done. For now, you can pick up your copy of Wretched Radio at Better Days Records in the Highlands. It will be available online very soon as well, so stay tuned.