There are always bridges to cross, mountains to climb. Most of the time, its one foot in front of the other through the fog.  Its hours at the drawing board, drafts in the trash.

 

Such is the life of the artist.

 

King Fish Crow does not have any upcoming shows on our calendar. We’d never rule out a pop up show with some of our local favorites.  But we’re going to take the time being and go back to the drawing board with some new tunes and recently added material.

 

We’ll keep you posted, of course.

 

Today we’d like to introduce Corey B. Toth…He’s kinda like our very own personal Johnny B. Goode.

Corey B. Toth

Bringing the ruckus with the Keys and Synths

Aka: Dynamic Magician

When did you start playing an instrument?

I started taking piano lessons when I was 5, I think. I stopped taking lessons when I was 14 only to start playing again when I was 20. 

Who are your favorite bands/musicians/artists?

I’d have to say Damon Albarn and all his projects. Jim James and My Morning Jacket.  Modest Mouse.  Danger Mouse.  Wu-Tang Clan.  George Clinton.  Josh Ritter.  OutKast.  Bon Iver.  Kanye West. 

What are your biggest musical influences?

I like to draw from manty musical styles, but I feel like the biggest musical influences have been Damon Albarn, Justin Vernon, Danger Mouse, OutKast and Kanye West. The more I listen to Joni Mitchell, the more I like her too.  She is badass. 

Who are your favorite local bands?

12 Rods and Night Moves. Also, all the local bands that are friends with King Fish Crow.  Wailing Loons and Loons in the attic are definitely up there. 

What is your favorite piece of gear? Why?

My Korg MicroKorg. It was my first hardware synth and whenever I think I need something new, I play around with the MicroKorg and I usually find what I’m looking for. 

What genre is King Fish Crow?

Prog Blues Folk

How cool is the Bunker?

The Bunker is pretty great! Ya know?

What had been your most memorable King Fish Crow show for you?

I would say either Wild Springs Festival this year or that time we played with the Twilight Hours on a secret bill at the Driftwood.

What is your favorite King Fish Crow song to play live?

Echo of the Bells, probably

What is your favorite color?

I would have to say blue

Hot Sauce?

I dabble with Franks Red Hot on occasion.

What city do you live in?

Minneapolis

What is your hometown?

Burnsville, Minnesota

What do you do during the day?

Support ERP Software

What is your favorite movie?

Office Space or Princess Mononoke

What is your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving. You’ve got food, football, good company and usually two guaranteed days off work.

What would you bring for your desert island playlist? (5 albums)

• Modest Mouse: Lonesome Crowded West

• My Morning Jacket: Z

• Sly and the Family Stone: There’s a Riot Going On

• Kanye West: College Dropout

• Bon Iver: For Emma Forever Ago

 

What is your favorite hobby/pastime?

I like playing basketball and roasting my own coffee in my popcorn popper

Do you have any pets?

I have an awesome cat named Ralphie. We found him in a box with other kittens at a flower shop.  He just turned 17 and is still as spry as the day we found him.

What is your favorite beer?

Either Founders Breakfast Stout or Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA

What is your preferred method of travel?

I love driving long distances in my car

What is the most important thing to know about you?

I’m good at laughing stuff off and I try to help people any way I can. I also have ADHD, so it makes focusing hard sometimes.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

When people think being dumb is cool. More specifically, bragging about being dumb.

Playing live or recording in a studio? Which do you prefer?

I like both. They hold a different energy.  Playing live gives you a boost that help you play with more energy.  When in the studio, I feel like you get boosts of energy that lead to creative juices flowing.  I do like sharing the sound we create with an audience.  Shows may have the edge. 

If King Fish Crow booked a show on the moon that was to be broadcast to earth and the entire galaxy, would you make the proper preparations and ultimate voyage?

Yeah. I think I would.  The moon would be a pretty great place to play.

 

“It is not the clear-sighted who rule the world.  Great achievements are accomplished in a blessed, warm fog.”     – Joseph Conrad

This past Thursday we shared a bill will the Mumblin Owls at the Viking Bar. We loaded up our gear and arrived a little after 7:30.  We parked in the alley, threw our flashers on and carried our gear inside.  There was a band on stage: upright bass, fiddle, the whole works.  The Mumblin Owls were drinking band beers in the back of the place when we arrived.  As entertainment goes, The Mumblin Owls didn’t go on until 8:30 and we knew our set time would be pushed back as well.

The Mumblin Owls were a three piece on Thursday and a little leaner than I have seen them in the past. They have a female pianist/vocalist and a cajon (with kick pedal) vocalist that share leads and harmonies.  They also have an acoustic guitar player who will sing, stomp and clap away behind them.  The band can pull off some beautiful harmonies.  It’s these harmonies accompanied by their quality songwriting that originally drew me to the band.

 

About a year ago, I was searching the Reverbnation folk charts in the local area for bands we could possibly share a bill with. I was, and maybe still am, drawn to band names with birds in them.  I found the Mumblin Owls and went to see them at the Underground Music Café at what turned out to be their bassists last show with them before he moved away.  It was a dramatic and grand introduction to The Mumblin Owls live performance dynamic.

 

They have yet to replace their bassist, but they still bring such a warm and joyous approach to folk music. They can go from minimalistic ballad to an all hands on deck, with the crowd into it, foot stomper without missing a beat.  It was a thrill to finally share the stage with them and we hope to do it again.

We started our set a couple minutes after 10 pm. Liz was sick and I was getting over a head cold.  Liz showed up at the Viking Bar, but wasn’t sure if she could sing.  At show time she made the call.  We missed her on stage, but sometimes it’s best just to get healthy.  We knew we had some time on stage so we played thirteen songs.  There wasn’t a whole lot of room on stage either, but we’ve got to learn to be agile.  In the middle of the set Dave broke a string and quickly switched guitars and jumped back on stage.  We played a solid set in front of a very sparse crowd.  At the end of the show, one older gentleman came up to the stage and asked us what our band name was again.  He said he had started walking home three times and our music kept drawing him back.  We thanked him and he said we deserved a bigger crowd.

 

“All life demands struggle. Those who have everything given to them become lazy, selfish and insensitive to the real values of life.  The very striving and hard work that we so constantly try to avoid is the major building block in the person we are today.”     – Pope Paul VI

This past Thursday we went to Prospect Park for a photo shoot. Legend has it, Bob Dylan wrote All Along the Watchtower in that very spot.  It’s a great place to check out the Minneapolis skyline.  We met up at the Bunker at six and carpooled over.  We had a little less than an hour of daylight to capture the essence of our band in photographs.  Luckily we had the guidance and skill of our photographer, Tami Draheim.  She kept us in check, in frame and somewhat looking at the camera.  Thank you so much.  Here are the results.

 I’ve had a few bands thank me for including them in the blog and that means a lot to me. What really comes to mind, as this blog evolves, is how talented the musicians I know are and how diverse and passionate the Twin Cities music scene is.  I’m glad to be a part of it, glad to know as many musicians as I do and glad to be able to share bills with them.  This is what it’s all about.   No band is an island.  When we support each other in our musical endeavors, we begin a process that enriches our musical neighborhoods, so to speak.

Coming up this Thursday, October 19^th, we’ll be at Viking Bar with the Mumbling Owls.  We’ve been looking forward to playing this show with The Mumblin Owls for a while now.  So catch them at 7:30 and King Fish Crow will be on right after their set.  We’ll put on a show for you.  Dave might even wear his new hat.

 

Oh and yes! Parking.  There may be street parking and there is a pay lot just down the block.  Hope to see you Thirsty Thursday!

 

“I’m inspired by artists and musicians. There are so many wonderful and talented people in the world.  I love discovering new music, new writers or new art.”     – Alicia Keys

LoonFest was a success. Five thousand dollars was raised throughout the evening and a generous donor matched that amount.  It was a thrill to be a part of the first year of a great festival.  It’s a cause, I know, all of us in King Fish Crow hold dear.

Dave, Beau and I arrived caravan style to the sounds of Go For Retro booming into the alley. They had some great tones and licks, some very nice instruments and they played loud.  They were great, bringing their spin on indie psychedelic rock.

 

We were running a little behind schedule and missed Loons in the Attic’s set. We caught them as they were packing up their gear.  They had an out of town gig that was canceled.  So they were planning on hitting one of their cabins for the weekend and making some music.  They invited us to bring our gear and join them. If we weren’t going on stage in a couple hours, we might have taken them up on their offer.  Raincheck, guys?

After Go For Retro wrapped up their hydraulic set, Wailing Loons took to the stage. This whole event was their idea and was six years in the works.  They know how to party and get everyone smiling and dancing.  And they didn’t disappoint.  The room loved them and everyone sang Happy Birthday to Emilie in the middle of their set, truly a warm and delightful time with plenty of clogging and stomping.  I’ve been playing shows with the Wailing Loons for years and they have some songs that are like fine wines and they just get better every time you hear them.  Kudos, friends.  And thanks for letting us be a part of your festival.

After Wailing Loons finished their set, One Ukulele took to the stage. Don’t be fooled.  Though there is only one ukulele in One Ukulele, there are also two guitarists.  They play a mix of old folk tunes and originals crafted in that fashion.  Watching them, I’m not always sure who is singing what part.  They are in such unison and bring three great voices to the stage and pull off some amazing harmonies.  Not an act to miss.  In the middle of their set, one of the guitarists broke a string.  He asked Dan if he could borrow his guitar, but Dan had just broken a string on his guitar during the last song of the Wailing Loons set.  I offered my guitar and the show continued.

When One Ukulele was done with their set, it was our turn to take the stage. We set up fairly quickly.  The stage wasn’t very big.  Space was a prime commodity.  After we figured out how to stack all of our amps, we did a quick sound check and started into our set.  It was boomy in the venue.  We rocked our set and howled above the heads of the audience.  It was a ton of fun and everyone was in to it.  We couldn’t have been happier to play at the first ever LoonFest.  Dave was even sporting a Save the Boundary Waters pin all night long.  It was truly great to be a part of it.  And the children were dancing and dancing until they just couldn’t take it anymore.

 

After we hauled our gear off the stage, Hayden Fox started setting up. They are a power three piece.  We stacked most of our gear to the side of the stage near the garage door and walked outside for some fresh air.  It was a beautiful night and Modist Brewing has some great beverages on tap.  We took advantage of our wristbands and enjoyed the band from the cool air of the patio.

 

Flatwater Mississippi went on for the grand finale. All of the lights in the room were turned off and they rocked their intricate, swampy blues to the pulse of the stage lights.  Everybody was in to it and stomping around.

We had a ton of fun at LoonFest. We want to thank everyone who came out to support the cause.  Modist Brewing was a great venue.  The bands were great.  Wailing Loons were gracious hosts and they met their fundraising goal.  The food truck was top notch as well.  It was an honor to be a part of it.

 

In Other Bunker News:

 

We had our first ever alligator in the Bunker this past Thursday. Just a little two footer.  Everything was fine, for the most part.  Except for the time we all went out for some fresh air and Liz stayed in the Bunker with the alligator and it escaped its enclosure and she ran out to tell us it was loose.  So, we came back in and had to find and safely secure the alligator and put it back in its enclosure. I imagine that won’t become a regular occurrence.

 

We are happy to announce that Wailing Loons will be joining the Bunker for the foreseeable future. We’re excited to have them aboard.

Don’t forget! We have a show next Thursday, October 19^th at the Viking Bar with the Mumbling Owls.  It’s been a long time coming and I’m excited for the evening.  Music starts at 7:30.

 

Finally, it’s time to give the drummer some.

Beau Larson

Create Tension and Awkward Moments…Drums

Aka:  El Shogun

When did you start playing an instrument?

I started singing at an early age (even though I don’t sing in King Fish Crow). I started playing drums for the fourth grade elementary school concert band.  It wasn’t until I got my first drum set at the age of fourteen that I really got into it!

Who are your favorite musicians/bands/artists?

Sofakingdom, The Bad Plus, Happy Apple, Primus (or anything else Les Claypool does), Lagwagon, Bob Marley, The Buddy Rich Big Band, Galactic, Vulfpeck, Tool, A Wilhelm Scream, James Brown, Trio CrEePy, Good For Cows, Paul Simon, Led Zeppelin, Jeff Hamilton Trio, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Matisyahu, Easy Star All-Stars, Pink Floyd, Clifford Brown, The Vandals, Strung Out, Muse, Twenty One Pilots, Weather Report, Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters, Propagandhi, King Crimson, and yes, Ween and too many others.  

Who are your biggest musical influences?

Dave King (everything the guy does is amazing), Owen Weaver, Steve Gadd, Stanton Moore, Jeff Hamilton, Dave Raun, Jordan Burns, Derrick Plourde, Steward Copland, Elvin Jones, Buddy Rich, Carlton Barrett, Bill Stewart, Mike Clark, John Bonham, Bill Bruford, Peter Erskine, Danny Carey, Max Roach, Mark Guiliana, Benny Greb, Josh Freeze, Jojo Mayer and again too many others.

Who are your favorite local bands?

Again anything Dave King does (The Bad Plus, Happy Apple, Dave King Trucking Company), Wailing Loons, Loons in the Attic, Flatwater Mississippi and Sofakingdom

What is your favorite piece of gear? Why?

My drum throne. I love my drums, but who doesn’t love a good place to sit. 

What genre is King Fish Crow?

Indie Folk Rock with a harder edge

How cool is the Bunker?

It’s pretty sweet. It’s the type of jam/hangout spot you dreamed about when you were fourteen.  It also combines the fun of playing music and the relaxation of being in a sauna. 

What has been the most memorable King Fish Crow show for you?

The house party we played in Dexter. Because of waiting out the rain in our sweet tarp fort and the cheese ball munching little girl who clung to Josh. There was also a show at The Fine Line Music Cafe, when I was in Invisible Machines, and we played on the same bill as King Fish Crow and I remember that night because that was the night Osama Bin Laden was shot by US forces. 

What is your favorite King Fish Crow song to play live?

Sweet Desperation and 1,2,3,4, but Annie’s Piano is climbing that list pretty fast.

What is your favorite color?

Green

Hot Sauce?

Yes, if Sriracha. No, if Tabasco (too much vinegar)

What city do you live in?

Zumbrota

What is your hometown?

Cannon Falls

What do you do during the day?

Practice. Practice and more Practice.  I work second shift at a restaurant, so during the day, it’s practice till I have to go to work.

What is your favorite movie?

Beetlejuice

What is your favorite Holiday?

Halloween, without a doubt.

What would you bring for your Desert Island Playlist? (5 albums)

I can’t choose and you can’t make me!

What is your favorite hobby/pastime?

Drumming and watching movies (I’m partial to cheesy horror movies).

Do you have any pets?

5 cats (Sammy, Binx, Bella, Cleopatra, and Gizmo), 50+ Snakes (10 Green Tree Pythons, 2 Emerald Tree Boas, 4 Amazon Tree Boas, 4 Carpet Pythons, to name a few) and 50+ other reptiles.

What is your favorite beer?

Newcastle

What is your preferred method of travel?

It depends on where I’m going. I have never been on a train.  Probably plane, just because it’s more novel to me.  It’s great.  You get to burden people with dropping you off and picking you up.  It really makes you feel important. 

What is the most important thing to know about you?

I’m not ticklish… I also have a decent sense of humor. I might not talk much, but if you get to know me…I’ll talk your ear off. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

When it takes forever for the server to come back and receive payment for the meal.

Playing live or recording in a studio? Which do you prefer?

Live! I love the spontaneity of live music.  Anyone can make their music sound great if they have twenty takes to get it right, but to really nail it in a live setting is a thing of true beauty.  Not to mention the energy you feel when the crowd is really enjoying what you are doing.  It’s really exciting to see a band just crushing it.

If King Fish Crow booked a show on the moon that was to be broadcast to Earth and the entire galaxy, would you make the proper preparations and ultimate voyage?

Why? Did we give up trying to book shows on Earth?

 

“Each year, every city in the world that can should have a multiday festival.  More people meeting each other, digging new types of music, new foods, new ideas.  You want to stop having so many wars?  This could be a step in the right direction.”     – Henry Rollins

The First Annual LoonFest is this Saturday, October 7^th, at Modist Brewing. This event is being held to support Save the Boundary Waters.  You can register for free, and make a donation to the campaign through the “ticket” link.  An anonymous donor will match donations from LoonFesters up to $5,000!  Festivities start at 2 pm and go until 10.  It’s going to be a whole lot of fun with both Loon bands on the bill (or is it beak?).  We are very excited to be out for the occasion.  King Fish Crow will take the stage at 7.  The rest of the lineup includes: Loons in the Attic, Go for Retro, Wailing Loons, One Ukulele, Hayden Fox and Flatwater Mississippi.  Come on out for a good cause, great bands, and some local brew.

https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/loonfest-2017

 

I woke up this morning to the news of the shooting in Vegas. It’s impossible to ignore.  Our hearts go out to everyone touched by this tragedy.  There aren’t words.  It’s appalling and cowardly and devastating.  I cannot imagine going to a concert and having to run for my life.  It breaks my heart.

 

We’re going to take a moment of silence this week and we’ll see you on Saturday at Modist Brewing.

 

“Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.”     – Nelson Mandela