The WillaJay Sober Release Show: A Night of Enchantment and Unforgettable Talent

As the lights dimmed and a hush fell over the crowd, anticipation hung heavy in the air. It was clear that this would be no ordinary concert. The WillaJay “Sober” release show promised an evening of soul-stirring music and stunning performances, and it delivered in spades. From the opening piano solo to the final notes, WillaJay and her talented bandmates captured the hearts and minds of everyone in attendance. Where will this enigmatic performer lead us next?

The evening began with WillaJay, dressed in a black tutu, taking the stage alone. Her graceful entrance and emotive dance moves set the tone for the night, as she began playing a haunting piano solo. The crowd was immediately hooked, and the power of her flawless vocals soon filled the room. With each note, it was evident that WillaJay had the ability to command the attention of everyone present, and it was impossible not to be swept up in the emotion she so effortlessly conveyed through her music.

Strong Collaborators

As the first song came to a close, the anticipation only grew. It was time for the band to join WillaJay on stage, and they did not disappoint. Among the talented musicians were bassist Jonathan Dell, known as Jdell, and producer/sound engineer Xhris A. Jdell, a young, versatile musician, has made a name for himself playing with bands like Jimmy Climbs and Lowmello of the Monsoon crowd. His collaboration with WillaJay on the sober release album took their combined talents to new heights.

The second song of the evening, “Codependency,” showcased the power of this collaboration. Co-written by WillaJay and local legend Edgar Wonder, the track demonstrated the chemistry between the band members as they played off each other’s energy. Jdell and Xhris A, who co-produced most of the record, brought a unique depth to the performance that resonated with the audience. With the addition of the skilled backup musicians, the entire ensemble created an experience that few local acts can match.

As the night progressed, it became increasingly clear that WillaJay’s performance was a force to be reckoned with. Her enigmatic presence, combined with her emotive facial expressions, captivated the crowd as she sang her heart out. It was evident that this was more than just a performance. It was a deeply personal and transformative journey for the artist and the audience alike.

Throughout the show, the band’s cohesion and chemistry only grew stronger. Jdell’s innovative bass lines and Xhris A’s masterful production skills complemented WillaJay’s evocative vocals perfectly, creating an unforgettable musical experience. The synergy between the musicians was palpable. It was clear that they had formed a powerful bond during the creation of the sober release album.

Conclusion

As the evening drew to a close, it was difficult not to feel a sense of awe at the sheer talent on display. It was clear that the WillaJay “Sober” release show was truly majestic, and the term “masterpiece” seemed almost inadequate to describe the experience. As the text aptly states, WillaJay’s masterpiece is yet to come, and we can only imagine the heights she will reach in the future.

WillaJay ended the night with an encore per vehement request of the crowd. Glory Box by Portishead.

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Sacred 20s Delivers an Electrifying Performance at Echoes Brewery with Unique Visuals

Sacred 20s, a band known for their punk sound and captivating performances, played at Echoes Brewery on March 11, delivering an electrifying performance that left the audience in awe. The band’s performance was enhanced by a stunning visual display, with videos and visuals projected onto the back wall of the stage using a projector. The display was a perfect fit for the Echoes Brewery stage, complementing the aspect ratio and transforming the otherwise plain white walls into a dynamic backdrop that added to the ambiance of the performance.

The sounds of Sacred 20s echoed through the open doors of the brewery, captivating street walkers near and far and drawing in a small but enthusiastic crowd. The music was so infectious that even the toilet seats bumped to the beat. Although the crowd may have been small, the band played their hearts out, delivering a performance that was truly memorable.

One of the most striking aspects of Sacred 20s’ performance was the use of the projector to create a stunning visual display. The band’s use of visuals was highly effective, creating a multi-sensory experience that was both captivating and immersive. The videos and visuals projected onto the band and the back wall of the stage were highly dynamic, with images and colors that complemented the music and added to the overall atmosphere of the performance.

The band’s unique sound was also a highlight of the performance. Drawing from a wide range of influences and genres to create a punk rock sound that is entirely their own. The band’s music is highly rhythmic and loud, with simple catchy beats and intricate melodies . For a simple three piece they really did a phenomenal job of sounding full. Upright bass was definitely a highlight of their performance.

Despite the small crowd, Sacred 20s delivered a performance that was highly engaging and memorable. The band’s energy and enthusiasm is palpable, and their love for music is evident in every note they play. The audience was highly responsive, with people dancing and swaying to the music, fully immersed in the experience.

Overall, Sacred 20s delivered an exceptional performance at Echoes Brewery on March 11. The band’s use of a projector to create a stunning visual display added to the overall ambiance of the performance, creating a multi-sensory experience that was both captivating and immersive. The band’s unique sound was highly engaging, drawing from a wide range of influences and genres to create a sound that was entirely their own. Despite the small crowd, Sacred 20s played their hearts out, delivering a performance that was truly memorable. If you ever have the chance to see them perform, do not hesitate to do so – it’s an experience you won’t forget.

The Launchpad: Reviewed Honestly

Alright, music lovers of Albuquerque, buckle up for a no-holds-barred review of the infamous Launchpad. As a musician who’s played at this joint more times than I can count, I’m going to give you the real deal, from the good to the bad to the ugly.

The Good

Let’s start with the good, because there’s definitely some good to be found at the Launchpad. First of all, this place has been a staple of the Albuquerque music scene for over 20 years, and it has played host to some of the most epic shows in the city’s history. If you’re a fan of punk, metal, or indie rock, you’re going to find a lot to love here.

Another thing I appreciate about the Launchpad is that it’s run by music lovers, for music lovers. The folks who work here are passionate about what they do, and they’re always looking for ways to make the venue better for everyone involved. They book a lot of local acts, which is great for up-and-coming bands who are trying to get their feet wet in the scene.

The Bad

Now, let’s talk about the bad. One of the biggest complaints I have about the Launchpad is that some nights, the sound is amazing, and you can hear every note crystal-clear. Other nights, it’s like the sound guy is half-asleep and everything just sounds muddy and garbled. The in-house sound equipment is state of the art and one of the best in the city for a venue this size. However, it seems that the sound guy on duty really can make or break this aspect. The monitor situation is either amazing, or non-existent.

The Ugly

But the real ugly side of the Launchpad is the bathroom situation. Look, I know it’s a rock club and all that, but can we please get some functioning bathrooms in here? It’s like they intentionally make the bathrooms as gross as possible to weed out the weak. I’m talking overflowing toilets, broken stall doors, and that weird smell that you can’t quite place but you know it’s not good.

All in all, a Wonderful place…

All that being said, the Launchpad is still one of my favorite places to play in Albuquerque. There’s just something about the energy of the place that keeps me coming back, despite the flaws. And hey, if you’re a true music lover, you’re willing to put up with a little bit of grime and discomfort in order to see your favorite bands in action.

So, there you have it, folks. The good, the bad, and the ugly of the Launchpad, from the perspective of a seasoned musician in Albuquerque. If you’re looking for an authentic rock club experience, this is definitely the place to be. Just don’t expect luxury accommodations, and make sure you bring some hand sanitizer

Best of “Best of Burque Music 2018”

weekly alibis best of burque 2018

In case you missed the Weekly Alibi’s Best of Burque Music event on Saturday, here I have some pictures and videos, with captions that capture the spirit of the Event. I asked many performers, organizers, and attendees, what their thoughts were on the event. Most people agreed saying “it was better back in the day”. I wasn’t around back in the day, and thus had fun at the 2018 event nonetheless. Continue reading “Best of “Best of Burque Music 2018””

Recording Studios in Albuquerque

      If you have been looking online or on Facebook for a studio to record your next piece of music or other audio project, you probably noticed it’s not so easy to find practical information about such places. We have a decent collection of very capable studios in Albuquerque that can meet your needs for a lower price than what you’d pay in a large city. Running a studio is an act of love and that is exactly what these amazing people bring to the table when you hire them to do your next project. I took the time to find all the information you need to know before making the call and booking your first day of recording. Click on the name for the link to their contact pages. Continue reading “Recording Studios in Albuquerque”

Most Energetic Rock Duo in ABQ

The Talking Hours Album Release Show at Sister

One of the many reasons I have a love/hate relationship with Downtown ABQ is that we are a small enough town that you can run into people you know every weekend. It can be good or it can be bad. Thankfully, it was G O O D last night. I ran into The Talking Hours’ album release show! I was walking by Sister bar on Central, I wasn’t going to go in because I was headed to Burt’s Tiki Lounge to meet up with friends but I saw the event schedule by Sister’s front door it said, “THE TALKING HOURS 11:11-12:12”. I was just in time to catch the entire show. My friends had to wait.

Continue reading “Most Energetic Rock Duo in ABQ”