Kickstarter Campaign For Adventures in Plymptoons

In the spirit of the independent music I write about, I was compelled to feature this Kickstarter project because it reeks of DIY gone right. Determination, conviction, and a little humor go a long way, and independent filmmaker Alexia Anastasio has all that and more.

Her documentary Adventures in Plymptoons about Oscar-nominated animator Bill Plympton is currently in post-production and needs additional funding. Alexis hopes to achieve her goals through an inventive Kickstarter campaign that brings fans and donors into the fray. She is willing to give her all to achieve her goals, including shaving her beautiful hair and fashioning a Mohawk.

Alexia’s enthusiasm for this project is contagious. She celebrates and is inspired by Bill Plympton’s career as an independent filmmaker and is making this documentary with the same independent spirit. All filmmakers, artists, and musicians should take note and be inspired.

Alexia’s Kickstarter campaign is absolutely worth a click to view. It features some takes with Bill Plympton and anecdotes by a few of his voice-over team edited with clips of Plympton’s animated world.

Even if you don’t have the funds to help her achieve her goals, you can help spread it around through networking.

For additional inspiration, read Alexis’ interview with Film Threat here
And..
video interview with Alexia Anastasio at Comic-Con 2010 for Adventures in Plymptoons
by Jon Raymond from The Writers Muse.

Coyote Eyes, Dynamic Set @ The Delancey

I attended a fundraiser for the band Coyote Eyes on Friday night at The Delancey. Their goal was to recoup the costs incurred recording their EP after the small label that offered financial backing folded, leaving the band with expenses they hadn’t planned for. On hand to help were the Flying Pace, Marie Stella from Portland, Maine, and Quiet Loudly, who played sets and offered cheap merch while friends baked treats for sale. It was an atmosphere of love, support, and good music-making.

As soon as Coyote Eyes hit the stage, it was apparent why everyone there was showing love. The foursome floored me with two guitars, pedal boards, synth, bass, drums, and combined vocals. Coyote Eyes were engaged, creating an invigorating sound guided by melodic sonic movements. They rev-ed up clean bell-like guitar riffs that build and scaffold, blasting with pulsating fast strumming meant to take you somewhere. Leading from the back and divine to witness was Jeremiah McVay, whose thunderous drumming skill was always on queue and the force and backbone of the sound. The dynamic contrasts between the two vocalists diversified the sound and what made it more surprising was how they fluctuated between dominating one song or another or singing in unison. Manny Nomikos's emotional singing style with bursts of volume, multiple pitches, and at times, Yoko-like channeling, while Marta’s Deloreon vocals were smooth intoxicating, and perfectly phrased. What is especially strong is how Deloreon’s voice rises above the amplified sonic rock cycles hanging suspended like a cloud above the surface of the forceful instrumentation. Calling and cooing and taking the listener in. I am looking forward to the EP and am ready to be wowed. Listen Here and hear why.

Flickr Set!

Marie Stella pictures as well