House Band Wines is exciting to announce that we recently signed with top-notch northeast distributor Martin-Scott in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. To kick-off our launch into the market, we are teaming with Relix magazine for its June issue release party in NYC on Tuesday, May 29th!
TasteLive’s Café 140 inaugural webcast goes live on Wednesday, May 16th from 6:00pm to 7:00pm PT from Café 140′s home base, Heritage Public House with sponsor The Wineyard, in Santa Rosa. Special guest winemaker Patrick Krutz of House Band Wines and Krutz Family Cellars will showcase four select wines, including the introduction of House Band Wines’ new 375ml single-serve flex pouches to the blogosphere. Click here to download Chef John Lyle’s recipe pairings!
Sonoma County Chef John Lyle of Hardcore Farm to Face, known locally for his seasonal pop-up dinners in support charitable projects, is handling food pairings, while singer-songwriter John Pita will share songs from his new EP Color My World. Wines, recipes and music will be advanced to a select panel of lifestyle bloggers, who will join the event virtually from across the U.S.
Additionally, with new expanded hours at Heritage Public House to include Wednesdays beginning on May 9th, guests are invited to join the live studio audience at 1305-A Cleveland Avenue in Santa Rosa, California. Heritage Public House, which specializes in California craft brews, will have its nano- and mirco-brews and show’s featured wines available for purchase during the webcast and evening mixer that follows. For reservations call (707) 540-0395.
Featured Wines
House Band Wines, Chardonnay, 375ml Flex Pouch
House Band Wines, Merlot, 375ml Flex Pouch
Krutz Family Cellars, 2009 Atkins Vineyard Pinot Noir
Krutz Family Cellars, 2008 Stage Coach Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon
Blogger Panelists
Katie Pizzuto > @gonzogastronomy
http://www.gonzogastronomy.com
Grace Hoffman > @cellarmistress
http://cellarmistress.blogspot.com
Dan Goderis > @dangod1
http://www.crwinenuts.blogspot.com
Ward Kadel > @drxeno
http://www.winelog.net/blogs/drxeno
Lain Bradford > @winereview
http://winetalk.org
Frank Morgan > @DrinkWhatYouLike
http://www.DrinkWhatYouLike.com
Megan Kenney > @Sonadora
http://wannabewino.com
Blood Red Wine from Slayer
Plus, a Eurythmics-Mollydooker collaboration, House Band eco-packaged wine for festivals and rock stars fete Jordan’s 40th birthday
Posted: April 26, 2012
House Band Wines returns to MUSEXPO: The United Nations of Music & Media in Hollywood, taking the stage as the “house wine” for the influencial conference. Happening April 29 through May 2, MUSEXPO – LA is one of the most focused and intimate music conferences in the world, thus allowing it to offer a much more upscale food and wine experience than other events with tens-of-thousands of attendees.
From the opening night gala to dozens of music showcases to CEO/Chairmen dinners with the who’s who in music, wine plays an integral role throughout. Along with sister winery Krutz Family Cellars, Mumm Napa, Wente Vineyards, Kokomo Winery, and Rodney Strong Vineyards will join us for a series of private tastings and dinners. We’ll also be part of a TasteLive.com interactive webcast with bloggers from across the U.S. hosted by Rock ‘n’ Roll Sommelier Ziggy The Wine Gal!
Of course, one of our fave elements of the conference are the live music showcases at SIR Sound Stages featuring dozens of artists from around the world. Click here to see who all will be taking the stage and give ‘em a spin. Luckily, our co-conspiring friend Chef Frank Miller will be dishing up the apps all week long to keep us sated! If you want to learn more about MUSEXPO – LA, check out the EPK from 2011 below…
Just like your favorite band at the local hang out, House Band Wines rock your taste buds for a modest cover charge. Composed of choice lots from selected vineyards throughout the golden state of California, this popular, hard workin’ wine showcases our winemaking chops with true varietal character and rich, ripe flavors. Whether as the warm-up or headliner, the lights are on, the stage is set, and the crowd is roaring for House Band Wines!
At the beginning of May 2011, House Band Wines hit the road to Hollywood, California to participate in MUSEXPO: United Nations of Music & Media. Selected as the house wine for the conference’s music showcases at SIR Sound Stages (yes, the place has an in-house cafe with two bars!), founder Patrick Krutz and his wife Rebecca mixed, mingled and rocked it out with musical artists and executives from around the world. They also spent a fair amount of time talking food and wine with SIR’s Executive Chef Frank Miller, pictured here with Rebecca and Patrick.
Chef Frank Miller Toasts House Band Wines with Rebecca Krutz and Winemaker Patrick Krutz
“We were completely stoked with the response we got to our first major event with House Band Wines,” said Patrick. “It was a bit nerve racking on the first evening because prior to the music showcases, A&R Worldwide hosted receptions featuring luxury wines, including our own Krutz Family Cellars wines. Things went so well folks were even buying House Band during the hosted tasting and loving it. Whew!”
The House Band crew also met one-on-one with their favorite MUSEXPO showcase artists, inviting them to become part of our family of featured artists. Stay tuned for upcoming stories, tour updates, pics, and videos about these breaking artists. Our hope is that you’ll love them, too, and support their creative efforts by scoring tickets to shows and buying songs to help keep the music world spinning ‘round!
Cheers!
Joel Quigley
HBW Emcee & Artist Relations
To celebrate the Fourth of July, the crew at House Band Wines thought it downright appropriate to share the news about American singer-songwriter and pianist, Maggie McClure. We met Maggie at MUSEXPO LA this past May following her showcase at SIR Sound Stages — a performance that left us mesmerized by the clarity of her voice, deft touch on the piano, easy command of the stage and, of course, the hook and melody of her indie, pop songs. Originally from Oklahoma, she is a celebration of what it means to be an American, an independent woman free to express herself through her artful songs— an entrepreneur touring the country to pursue her dreams as a musical artist through hard work and determination.
Maggie’s most recent project, Good Morning and Good Night, was released in September 2010 as she also launched her 2010/2011 College Tour opening for Sara Bareilles. Her songs have been featured on MTV’s The Hills and The City and CBS’s The Young and The Restless. In the above-mentioned title track, Good Morning and Good Night, Maggie takes us on a lyrical and visual tour of America as seen through her eyes and upbeat outlook on life, which is why we felt that this was also the perfect song to share on Independence Day.
We raise a glass to Maggie and to the Fourth of July. Enjoy!
On July 16th 2011, House Band Wines was honored to be part of the 1st Annual Rootstock: The Great Gastronomic Wine, Street Food & Music Festival at Santa Rosa Vintners’ Square in Sonoma County. Our good friends from Hotel Café in Los Angeles traveled north with an entourage of amazing musical talent that included Ladies Gun Club, Erin McLaughlin, The Milk Carton Kids, Holly Conlan, Jim Bianco and Brian Wright.
Along with this smokin’ line-up, the festival also featured 7 top street and market chefs, 20 wineries and a Best Bites competition. Of course, one of our favorite parts of the festival was including House Band Wines in the welcome package for the musical artists when they arrived at their first-class accommodations!
Frontman Jesse-James of Makeshift Innocence live at MUSEXPO 2011 (Photo Credit: Kc O'Connor)
Even though it’s several months post-MUSEXPO 2011, we’re still telling stories from one of the most exciting and intimate music and media conferences in the world. Of course, here at House Band Wines, our mission is to create excellent and affordable wines, while sharing our passion for great music with our fans and friends. And with this post, we have more that just news of the amazing band Makeshift Innocence and front man Jesse-James Cameron hailing from Canada. We have an exclusive video of their hit song “All You Need is Love” shot live backstage at SIR Sound Stages in Hollywood, California during MUSEXPO.
During the four days that the House Band Wines team spent working and hosting the wines for the MUSEXPO Music Showcases at SIR Sound Stages, Makeshift Innocence front man Jesse-James seemed to pop-up everywhere with his infectious smile, charisma, and razor-sharp sense of humor. Whether he liked it or not, we started referring to him as the “Reverend” because of his upbeat, positive message on life and Piped-Piper effect on people. Greg Simpson of Canadian Music Week said recently, “Jesse-James is one of the best front men I have seen in years, and the energy and sense of entertainment of the whole band are going to take them a very long way.” Truly, every member of the band was a joy to work and hang out with throughout the conference.
Now, with their new album just weeks away from release, we are both honored and blessed to be able to share this exclusive, chill-laxed, backstage performance by one of Canada’s best live bands. As Sat Bisla of A&R Worldwide and MUSEXPO has said, “Makeshift Innocence delivers an organic and infectious soundtrack that resonates at the highest level of positive musical emotions. Front man Jesse-James connects with audiences in the most honest and spiritual ways to ensure you feel his good vibrations….” We hope you enjoy, and please, spread the love and music of Makeshift Innocence!
That’s correct musicians, House Band Wines is sponsoring a “virtual gig” contest where artists submit via our partner Sonicbids.com to be featured in our launch campaign throughout the 2011 fall and holiday season.
We’ll select six winning artists, with one being chosen to showcase in front of music industry executives at our October 14th Get on the List Launch Party at SIR Sound Stages in Hollywood, California. Click here to check out the Sonicbids gig listing and submit your EPK!
The Get on the List Launch Party will bring together tastemakers in wine and music for an evening of tasting House Band Wines, sampling appetizers created by Chef to the Stars Frank Miller, networking, and live music. The celebration is invitation only, with A&R Worldwide heading up the music industry guest list.
Wine and music fans don’t fret, we’re going to run a Get on the List contest through our Social Media pages to win invites to our exclusive launch party.
Stay tuned for more details. In the meantime, make sure to Get on the List and join us on Facebook and Twitter!
News Release ~ For Immediate Release
Line Up Features White+3, Chardonnay, Red+5, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
With Strategic Cross-Promotions at the Heart of its Fall Launch, House Band Wines Partners with A&R Worldwide, SIR Sound Stages, Chef Frank Miller & Sonicbids
(Santa Rosa, CA, August 17TH 2011) — House Band Wines announced today its official launch and musical artist promotion with Sonicbids.com. Sonicbids’ mission is to help create and empower an Artistic Middle Class through the use of innovative technology by allowing bands to find and connect with any type of music promoter, licensor, or broadcaster quickly and easily. House Band Wines, created by winemaker Patrick Krutz, also owner of the luxury brand Krutz Family Cellars, is sponsoring a “virtual gig” contest. Artists can submit via Sonicbids to be featured in the winery’s launch campaign throughout the 2011 fall and holiday seasons. Sourced from select vineyards throughout California, House Band’s wines are composed of choice lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, and show true varietal character with rich, ripe flavors.
“Our team of fanatical music fans will select six winning artists for House Band Wines to highlight during our launch, with one being chosen to showcase in front of music industry executives at our October 14th ‘Get on the List’ launch party at SIR Sound Stages in Hollywood,” said Krutz. “The promotion is being featured on Sonicbids’ website and promoted to its list of 300,000 artists, promoters, and venue partners. House Band Wines will also run ongoing ‘Get on the List’ social media contests for wine and music lovers to win tickets to our launch parties, as well as other exclusive backstage events and promotions created with our partners.”
House Band Wines’ “Get on the List” launch event at SIR Sound Stages is being co-promoted by Creative Furnace and A&R Worldwide, and will bring together wine trade and media, music festival producers, caterers, venue owners, and artists for an evening of tasting, networking, and live music. The showcase will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in SIR’s Main Lounge and Sound Stage 5. From 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., guests will meet the House Band Wines team, sample wines, enjoy stellar appetizers by Chef to the Stars Frank Miller, mix with showcase artists, and network for business. House Band’s winning artist will then perform an opening showcase set, followed by A&R Worldwide’s selected headliner to close the evening.
Longtime wine and music cross-promoter Joel Quigley of Creative Furnace is handling communications and artist relations for the brand. “Over the past two decades that I’ve been creating and producing wine and music events,” said Quigley, “I’ve always felt there was a niche to be filled by a wine brand completely dialed into the music scene, especially presented at the right quality/price-point ratio and with a relevant theme for strategic cross-promotions. When Patrick approached me with the idea of House Band Wines, and I tasted them, I was onboard.”
Inspiration & Vision
Krutz was inspired to create House Band Wines when some of his music industry friends lamented that they couldn’t get good, consistent wines-by-the-glass for their string of music venues, and from a winery that truly connected with their audience to help grow wine sales. Patrick responded to the gig by bringing together a leadership team with the resources, experience and relationships to ensure success, and to bridge the gap between the wine and music industries.
Krutz had the packaging designed to be bold, exciting, and easy-to-read in dim light from behind the bar and have serious “pop” from retail selves. He’s leveraging technology and deep relationships to create a loyal community and fan base by partnering with musical artists and venues, co-promoting through online editorial content, and through strategic special events and projects. Last, but not least, he’s put some heart into the brand by committing 2% of all sales to support select regional music programs and charities, “One gig at a time…”
Wine and music fans can “Get on the List” for opportunities to win tickets to the Hollywood launch party and other upcoming events, and follow our adventures and features covering our favorite musical artists, by signing up at www.HouseBandWines.com.
Contacts & Information
Venues, retailers, chefs, festival producers and others interested in featuring House Bands Wines are encouraged to contact Jennifer Tincknell of Tincknell & Tincknell at (707) 433-3671 or by email at info@marketingwine.com.
Media, artists, and companies interested in partnerships are invited to contact Joel Quigley of Creative Furnace at (707) 495-0831 or email joel@housebandwines.com.
Tasting notes, media documents, and other trade information are available upon request and by visiting www.HouseBandWines.com.
Interviews and high-resolution photos are available upon request.
NEWS RELEASE ~ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Love of Music & Eye-Popping Label Combine for Artist and Venue Cross-Promotions for New Brand Created by Winemaker Patrick Krutz
(SANTA ROSA, CA, September 7th 2011)— House Band Wines announced today its inaugural fall and holiday releases as the winery prepares to host its upcoming “Get on the List” launch party set for October 14th at SIR Sound Stages in Hollywood, California. House Band Wines’ portfolio includes its White+3 (blend), 2009 Chardonnay, 2009 Merlot, Red+5 (blend) and 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon. The suggested retail price for the non-vintage, California blends is $8.99 per 750-ml bottle, while the vintage-dated, California varietals are $11.99 each.
House Band Wines are composed of choice lots from selected vineyards throughout the golden state of California, with true varietal character and rich, ripe flavors. Winemaker Patrick Krutz of Krutz Family Cellars was inspired to create House Band Wines when some of his music industry friends lamented that they couldn’t get good, consistent wines-by-the-glass for their string of music venues, and from a winery that truly connected with their audience to help grow wine sales.
The packaging is designed to be bold, exciting, and easy-to-read in dim light from behind the bar and have serious “pop” from retail selves. The brand is leveraging technology and deep industry relationships in wine and music to create a loyal community and fan base by partnering with musical artists and venues, co-promoting through online editorial content, and via strategic special events and projects. The brand is also committing 2% of all sales to support select regional music programs and charities, “One gig at a time…”
Distributors, venues, retailers, chefs, festival producers, and others interested in learning more about House Bands Wines are encouraged to contact Jennifer Tincknell of Tincknell & Tincknell at (707) 433-3671 or by email at info@marketingwine.com.
# # #
Media Contact:
Joel Quigley, House Band Wines
(707) 495-0831 / joel@housebandwines.com
Timothee Lovelock and Zach Gracius of Mona Music Group and the Electro-Pop Trio AVD
The team at House Band Wines first met Zach Gracius and Timothee Lovelock of Mona Music Group and the electro-pop trio AVD alongside the rooftop residence pool of the W Hotel Hollywood this past spring. It was the opening night gala of MUSEXPO hosted Lady Gaga’s manager, Troy Carter, of Coalition Media Group. Discussing music and fine wine on that perfect spring evening, while overlooking the skyline of Los Angeles, we were immediately struck by Zach and Timothee’s charisma, intelligence, warmth, and geometrically-styled haircuts. We knew right away that these guys possessed style and substance, a critical pairing for success in both music and wine.
At Mona Music Group, Zack and Timothee specialize in producing and remixing Pop, R&B, Rap, Hip Hop and House. Based in West Palm Beach, Florida, Mona was established in the fall 2005 as an offshoot of the team’s original project BabebLu, Inc. As musicians, they are multi-instrumentalists, handling violin to piano, drums, bass guitar and guitar. In addition to collaborating with local studios and radio stations on various projects to “enforce the sounds of good music,” they recently collaborated with two-time Grammy winner Jon Secada on his latest album “Otra Vez,” remixing one of his many hits “Just Another Day.” You can get the full Mona Music Group scoop at www.MonaMusicGroup.com.
Adam Piccoli, Zach Gracius and Timothee Lovelock of South Florida-based AVD
Now let’s take on AVD — the duo’s personal music project with long-time friend and drummer, Adam Piccoli. The trio got together after “…discovering a common love for Cold Play, Maroon 5, Michael Jackson, and Kanye West.” AVD, originally conceived as Arrivederci, consider themselves musical alchemists, with a sound that blends electro and pop into an “intrinsic reflection of the melting pot that is America.” Hot out of the studio is one of AVD’s newest songs and video “Got No Lover,” which we share below for your listening and viewing pleasure. And make sure to jump over to http://avdtheband.com to get on the list for updates on performances and the imminent release of the video “Super Human.” Tip: you can download the track “Super Human” for free at www.MonaMusicGroup.com for a limited time…get moving!
Jeff Laliberte, Shelby Archer and Paul Laliberte of Capra Getting Fired Up for the House Band Wines Photo Shoot at the Redbury Hotel in Hollywood
The first time I caught a glimpse of the Redbury Hotel in Hollywood, California, with it’s deep red façade and one side painted with faux drawn back curtains and windows, I dropped my immediate plans and made haste across Hollywood and Vine to get a closer look. Located just across the street from the iconic Capitol Records building, I had high hopes for what I might find. I wasn’t disappointed.
Immediately inside the front entrance was the stand-alone Mediterranean/Moroccan restaurant Cleo, which has garnered excellent reviews from some of LA’s toughest food critics. I grabbed a quick appetizer of artichoke and nicoise olives prepped in the wood burning oven and a glass of wine at the front bar — good spot to people watch, take in the vibe, and ask the bartender a few questions.
What I discovered was that the Redbury is the brainchild of sbe and its CEO Sam Nazarian, a top player in LA hospitality, and curated by the visionary and renowned photographer, Matthew Rolston. The building was originally an apartment complex, so each flat offers a kitchenette, living room space, and is designed to capture “1960s London Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Each room is equipped with a turntable and LPs. Yep.
Sated by my time at the bar, both visually and viscerally, I headed up to the second floor where the hotel lobby is located and asked to tour the property. The staff was very accommodating, and as we made our way through “The Library, a private lounge, and The Glade, an outdoor courtyard with teak decking and lush landscaping,” I had visions of producing wine events in these stunning spaces. And when we toured the flats, I instantly knew that this was where we would host our House Band Wines’ photo shoot.
Consequently, during a follow up visit to LA to coordinate our launch event for October 14th, we scheduled our shoot in one of the Redbury’s two bedroom suites. With rock ‘n’ roll as our theme, we turned to our friends at A&R Worldwide to provide creative direction through VP Monte Malone and in-house photographer, KC Morse. Long time friends and rockers Paul Laliberte, Jeff Laliberte and Shelby Archer of LA-based Capra agreed to sit in, along with Fashion Business Inc. models Jheri Cavitt and Natasha Vo. It was go time! We busted out the cameras, instruments, flipped on the turntable, dished up Katsuya sushi, and poured House Band Wines.
The following are some of our favorite photos from a very memorable shoot!
House Band Wines Line Up
Shelby Archer of Capra is One Lucky Guy!
House Band Wines White+3 Blend Hero Shot
Chop Stick Serenade with Katsuya Rolls, Sushi and House Band Wines...
House Band Wines Red Wine Line Up Posing Next to Redbury Turntable
Joel Quigley, Jeff Laliberte, Paul Laliberte, Shelby Archer, Jheri Cavitt, Natasha Vo, and Patrick Krutz Toast to House Band Wines' Photo Shoot Wrap
To see more photos from shoot visit our Facebook page and Friend us!
UK’s Hermes Selected to Showcase at October 14th Hollywood Launch Event
Overall Selection Expanded from Six to Ten Winning Artists for Launch Promotion
House Band Wines has announced its winning musical artists selected from its cross-promotion with Sonicbids.com, the Internet-based company that allows bands to find and connect with any type of music promoter, licensor, or broadcaster quickly and easily. Originally slated to select six artists, House Band Wines expanded the promotion’s selection process to ten artists to better represent a wider range of popular genres. UK artist hermes has been chosen for the coveted opening music showcase for House Band Wines’ “Get on the List” Launch Party co-hosted by A&R Worldwide and happening October 14th at SIR Sound Stages in Hollywood. Alternative rockers SUDDYN will headline the event. House Band Wines will be served with artisan appetizers created by Chef to the Stars, Frank Miller.
“We had hundreds of artists submit, yet Sonicbid’s system made it very manageable to get through this subjective process,” said winemaker Patrick Krutz, co-owner of House Band Wines. “Listening through the pool of emerging talent was a great experience, which also made it very difficult to decide on just ten finalists — so many more artists deserved to be included. Our hope is to work with these other artists on future projects as we grow and we expand into more markets across the United States.”
House Band Wines will be posting feature blogs on each of the winning artists listed below throughout the fall and holiday season and invite our followers to click through the artist links and give them all a fair spin.
Now let’s raise a toast to our winners…cheers!
The Winning Artists in Alphabetical Order
Trade and media wishing to attend the House Band Wines’ private “Get on the List” Launch Party on October 14th may RSVP by clicking here.
House Band Wines readies to rock guests' tastebuds at October 14th 2011 Launch Party!
When we first arrived at SIR Sound Stages in Hollywood, California, we took it as a good omen that Bono of U2 was onsite rehearsing for the following night’s concert with Lady Gaga and Usher at the Hollywood Bowl — all to celebrate the tenth anniversary of President Bill Clinton’s Clinton J. Foundation. First opened in 1967, the halls and stages of SIR have been graced by many of music’s greatest legends. If we could capture just a tiny drop of this hallowed mojo in our glass, we’d be celebrating success.
Our 375ml Merlot flex pouch. The generous single-serve is also available in Chardonnay.
As with any good show, you’ve got to have the right line up and create a vibe that defines the evening. With Sound Stage 1 as our venue, House Band Wines and Chef Frank Miller’s artisan apps on the menu, and live performances by Tom Jacob of hermes followed by the alt-rock trio SUDDYN, we were confident that we could deliver the promise of a memorable night.
We were also planning to serve up a little surprise, and did this by offering up a sneak preview of our new generous 375ml single-serve flex pouch that is due for January 2012 release. Click here to get the full details on our new innovative packaging that is designed to bring quality California wine to major festivals, outdoor celebrations, and really any event where glass just isn’t going to make the cut.
In a crowd full of wine drinking music industry execs, artists and media folk sipping glasses of House Band Wines, and noshing on passed apps by Chef Frank like Charred Ahi Tuna Crisps with Micro Greens and Drizzled Wasabi Sauce, Petit Shishito Pepper Pizza with Burrata Cheese, and Spicy Lamb Skewers with Jalapeño, Mint Pesto, it was gratifying to see the buzz that our 375ml pouch created. The reaction was basically: “It’s about time somebody figured out how to bring tasty wine to the music scene.”
Joel Quigley, Jillana Nadine Miller and Chef Frank Miller strike a pose for the love of food
Joel Quigley & Patrick Krutz welcome Paul Ezekiel and Lindsay Erin of Erin & The Project to the party
Joel Quigley, Tom Jacob of hermes, Hyim, Patrick Krutz and Rebecca Krutz toast House Band Wines' Launch
Before we get to the live performances, we wanted to share one of the most gratifying experiences of the night: several of our Top 10 winning artists from our Sonicbids.com competition attended the event. These artists included Erin & The Project, Hyim and Jasmine Chadwick. We look forward to working with them in the future and sharing their upcoming features here at HouseBandWines.com.
And now the performances… Though House Band Wines is new on the scene, members of our team have been producing wine and music showcases for some 18+ years. It’s with this experience that we understood we had an unknown in selecting hermes to open the show. As a pair of upstarts (us and hermes), only lead singer Tom Jacob would make the trip from London to LA with manager Symon Bye. Sure, we’d been blown away by the tracks we’d been listening to with the full band, but could Tom deliver the goods with a solo acoustic performance. Did he have the chops? Would the songs translate? He did. They did.
Tom Jacob of hermes delivers powerful solo acoustic performance in his first LA appearance
As we said when we first selected hermes, they have classic U.K. rock ‘n’ roll influences, yet a fresh and atmospheric sound that is pensive, syncopated, and through many of the songs, crescendo into a sonic grooves. The lyrics are youthful, yet poetic beyond years. Tom himself has that “quiet” Brit persona that draws the audience in with his storytelling and subtle hooks — delivered through vocals and guitar. Yet, just about the time you’re comfortable in his grove, he pops the music forward with an internal energy that let’s you know there is serious fire and passion within his heart and soul. To get the scoop on what’s coming up for hermes, visit http://www.myspace.com/hermesuk.
The warm glow of good times fills Sound Stage 1
By the time SUDDYN took the reigns, SIR’s Sound Stage 1 was filled with a lot of smiling people, sated by House Band Wines, Chef Frank’s excellent food, and the good company of colleagues and friends. Clearly, it was time to put a cap on the evening with a full out rock ‘n’ roll onslaught courtesy of A&R Worldwide’s headliner SUDDYN, comprised of brothers Alan and Jarrett Steil and drummer Ben Masters.
Alan Stiel of SUDDYN dishes the goods to enthusiastic crowd!
Perfectly described in their bio as “piano-driven electro-rock,” SUDDYN delivers a huge sound of pulsing energy and hook that is guaranteed to bring a crowd to its feet. The trio combines alt-rock rawness with melodic anthems led by front man Alan’s impassioned lead vocals and piano playing — and intense stage presence. Inherently, there is an intuitive interaction, both musically and in performance, that we’re sure is derived from the deep bonds of brotherhood. This camaraderie is as infectious as their songwriting, which has just the right dash of pop and swagger to make us want to come back for seconds, thirds…
You can dish up your own taste of SUDDYN by getting an exclusive download of the trio’s newest track Naked Prophecy. All other important stuff is at www.SUDDYN.com.
So as the lights came up and “last call” rolled into “good nights” and “big thanks,” we certainly felt like we’d captured just the smallest drop of magic that comes from a legendary site like SIR. Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen. Cheers!
Brother Jarrett of SUDDYN laying down fat guitar and spot-on harmonies
Photo credits: A&R Worldwide
On Sunday, October 30th, we had the pleasure of hosting Nashville-based, singer-songwriter Carey Ott at our sister winery Krutz Family Cellars in Santa Rosa, California. We’ve known Carey for several years now, after being introduced to his beautiful songwriting through his manager, Gary Taylor. Gary is also Executive VP International for the acclaimed Canadian Music Week, which happens each spring in Toronto. We toast Gary for his relentless support for indie artists worldwide!
Joel Quigley of House Band Wines with Chef Christopher Greenwald and Artist Carey Ott
For Carey’s performance, the afternoon was a perfect Sonoma County day — 78 degrees, bright blue skies with a slight breeze. We were set up on Santa Rosa Vintners’ Square’s outdoor terrace, with guest Chef Christopher Greenwald serving up delicious dishes, and an eclectic mix of wine and music lovers. Carey delivered a captivating double-set of songs from his most recent release Human Heart, as well as tracks from his first album, Lucid Dreams.
Though he’s based in Nashville, Carey’s deeply passionate songs of love and loss are a blend of pop-rock and Americana (and more), with poetic lyrics that are far more abstract than the generally straight-forward story telling that comes out of the hub of country music. Needless to say, our guests drank it in, and cleaned out Carey of every last CD he’d brought along to share.
So how does this all tie-in with Carey Ott live at the Blue Bird Cafe in Nashville? Well, beyond supporting an artist that we love, House Band Wines has signed a deal with Athens Distributing Company in Tennessee. We’ll be in town to meet with our new partners and attend Carey’s show. Clearly, we’re very excited to be coming into one of America’s greatest musical States. We look forward to working with Carey and so many of the legendary music venues in Tennessee on future events in 2012!
If you’re a venue or artist in Tennessee that would like to work with us, please drop us a note. In the meantime, below are the details on Carey’s show and much more!
New York Times – The Boston Globe – The Washington Post – Robert Plant – Alison Krause – The Los Angeles Times etc. Award winning Wayne Brezinka has been the Artist behind the Art of a plethora of Prolific clients including Carey’s Human Heart CD.
Since our official launch this fall, House Band Wines has garnered a collection of media reviews and stories that we find inspirational, mainly because we feel like we’ve inspired people and vice versa. We share these stories and links below with some of our favorite pull quotes. We kick it off with a pull from Bill McCoy of Shakedown News. We love his music and wine pairings. If you’re so inspired, we encourage you to share your favorite wine and music pairings on our Facebook page!
House Band Wines launch party stage shot at SIR Sound Stages by Tom Plant of Wineormous
Shakedown News
House Band Wines Bring Together Music & Wine at Launch Party in Hollywood
[House Band Wines] “…offers up a decadent selection of wines that stir certain musical feelings within your palate. Maybe it was just suggestive marketing at work, but I found myself sipping the White +3, a delightful mix of fruit undertones of peach, apple and pear, and thinking, this wine would go great with a String Cheese Incident or Lotus show. Taking your palate on a delightful ethereal musical journey. The Merlot made my palate dance to the sounds of Southern Rock like Allman Brothers and Widespread Panic, mixing dark chocolate with black pepper to give it that hard edge that Southern Rock delivers. The Cabernet Sauvignon…that’s easy as my taste buds were teleported backwards in time to those classic rock ‘n’ roll festivals of the late 60’s like Altamont or Monterey Pop with the Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane. Lastly, the Chardonnay, a clean light and airy taste put me front row with a singer/songwriter and an acoustic guitar pounding out his passion with crisp clean notes on a beat up old instrument. Can you dig it?”
PubClub
California Winery Pairs Wines Not With Food But Bands
“It’s called House Band Wines, and it offers selections at prices just above Ticketmaster fees, leaving plenty of money left over for concert tickets.”
Coverage of House Band Wines photo shoot at the Redbury Hotel in Hollywood
“For hundreds, maybe thousands of years, music and liquor have been a marriage brewed and fermented in the vats of history. I’d even go so far as to say you can identify a certain style of music with the type of booze that the fans imbibe. Country Music; gotta go with Southern Whiskey and a cold Budweiser. Jazz brings thoughts of martinis. The Blues…nothing like a glass of fine whiskey on the rocks to make the Blues go down easier. Jamband music has got to be micro-brewed beer. The list goes on and on. But wine has, in my opinion, never really found its place in the line-up of musical libations. Until now.”
StuffWeLike.com
House Band Wine – Bringing Wine to the Music
“Their selection of wines were excellent, especially their Red+5 which had a distinct, but enjoyable taste.”
Nightclub & Bar
House Band Wines and Sonicbids Launch Wine & Music Showcase
“Our team of fanatical music fans will select six winning artists for House Band Wines to highlight during our launch…”
The Tasting Panel magazine
Brief Encounters, November 2011: House Band Wines
“Florian Etienne, Manager at the restaurant at the hip Mr. C Hotel in Los Angeles, poses with Patrick Krutz, founder of House Band, a wine created for music venues, clubs and other cool millennial accounts.”
North Bay Business Journal
Wineries pursue pouches for premium brands
“It’s really about talking to the end user about what makes sense for serving our products, and we’ll reverse-engineer it,” Mr. Krutz said. House Band is also being marketed via the music industry to pull the product through distribution into new markets.
Indie Music
Submit for House Band Wines’ Hollywood Wine & Music Showcase
“House Band Wines is dedicated to creating fun, affordable, and tasty wines ready to rock or roll anytime, while also promoting emerging artists that catch their attention.”
The Tasting Panel magazine
Brief Encounters, October 2011: House Band Wines
“Imagine a wine portfolio that fits into the rock lifestyle of nightclubs, bars and music venues. Such is the case with Patrick Krutz, a winemaker/négociant who has created a [wine] label for [record] labels and on-premise calls.”
LA Dine n Club
House Band Wines Launches
“Determined to bring delicious wine to the masses and large festivals, the new pouch is the perfect idea at events and locations where glass is prohibitive by offering quality California wine at an excellent price in a super-lightweight, re-sealable pouch.”
375ml Merlot flex pouch. Also available in Chardonnay.
James Skeen Blog
It’s All Rock n Roll
“The night was a success. We had great food and wine, got in some great people-watching, and we found an underdog band [hermes] to root for.”
Hollywood Today
House Band Wine & Music Concert Contest Winners
“House Band Wines, to my peasant palate, was wonderful. Their wine comes in two colors, and five flavors. I tried them all and they were delicious.”
Glam
House Band Wine & SonicBids Launch Artist & Wine Promotion 10/14
“Over the past two decades that I’ve been creating and producing wine and music events,” said Quigley, “I’ve always felt there was a niche to be filled by a wine brand completely dialed into the music scene, especially presented at the right quality/price-point ratio and with a relevant theme for strategic cross-promotions. When Patrick approached me with the idea of House Band Wines, and I tasted them, I was onboard.”
Get Your Style
House Band Wine & SonicBids Launch Artist & Wine Promotion 10/14
“Krutz was inspired to create House Band Wines when some of his music industry friends lamented that they couldn’t get good, consistent wines-by-the-glass for their string of music venues, and from a winery that truly connected with their audience to help grow wine sales.”
House Band Wines is excited to share our feature story covering our launch event this past October in Tasting Panel magazine’s December 2011 issue. This feature comes right on the heels of our recent blog House Band Wines Media Coverage: Inspired Inspiration showcasing our list of media and blog features since our official launch this fall. We include the first paragraph of the article below to whet your appetite in hope that you’ll be hungry for more and download the complete story. We also include here Tasting Panel’s wine reviews, which are clearly music to our ears!
Tasting Panel Magazine "Launch Pad" Feature, December 2011
“Your typical wine release party might take place in a fancy hotel event space, elegant mansion or atmospheric barrel room. That’s not House Band’s style though. For their coming out party held October 14, they rented Hollywood’s famous SIR Sound Stages (where U2’s Bono was rehearsing just hours before), brought in some indie rockers, cranked up the volume and let the juice flow.”
~ E. C. Gladstone, Tasting Panel
Tasting Notes
House Band 2010 Chardonnay ($11.99) Pale green-gold color and a bold creamy/tart nose of custard apples and peaches. The palate is crisp and clean with tart citrus and apricot and a little wood on the soft finish. Good with medium-soft cheeses.
House Band NV White +3 ($8.99) With a pale straw color, this blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Muscat Canelli has a modest citrus nose. The softly juicy palate, with notes of Golden Delicious apple, pear and lemon paired well with Chef Frank Miller’s fried shrimp and spring rolls.
House Band 2009 Merlot ($11.99) A soft nose of berries and a little orange zest yields to a ripe cherry-berry palate with a dash of black pepper in the finish. 81% Merlot jazzed up with Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot and other red varieties.
House Band NV Red +5 ($8.99) A true blend, with 60% Merlot, 30% Syrah, and small parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Sirah and Petit Verdot, the “+5” has a rich purple color with a pleasant nose of plum and spice. The slightly chewy, softly tannic palate offers cherries, blackberries, plum with touches of leather and oak on the long finish. This paired with Chef Frank’s grilled skewers and spicy pizza.
House Band 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($11.99) With a deep red-ruby color and relatively low alcohol (13.5%), this is on the softer end of the spectrum of California Cabs, offering juicy cherry, plum and a little dark chocolate. 86% Cabernet/14% Merlot blend.
House Band Wines featured in Music Connection magazine's 2011 Holiday Gift Guide
House Band Wines Launches Online Wine Shop for Holidays
The team at House Band Wines couldn’t be more honored in being selected for Music Connection magazine’s 2011 Holiday Gift Giving Guide. One of the music industries most respected publications since 1977, Music Connection focuses mainly on bands, which makes it unique from other magazines in the biz. When we first saw the two-page gift giving feature, we got chills seeing our wines surrounded by all the recommended music equipment and gadgets.
If you’re looking for holiday gifts for your favorite artist friends and family members, jump over and check out the top-notch list of goods. The December issue also has a Hot 100 Live feature listing top unsigned artists and bands. This is the place to find affordable music gifts, look like you’ve got the insider track on up-and-coming talent, and support indie artists. Win, win, win…
As mentioned above, we have also launched our online store for buying House Band Wines direct!
To read more about House Band Wines fall 2011 media coverage, please visit our recent blogs: House Band Wines Feature Story in December 2011 Tasting Panel Magazine and House Band Wines Media Coverage: Inspired Inspiration.
Happy Holidays!
One of the most exciting elements of the House Band Wines launch this fall was our Sonicbids.com competition and the friendships that have come out of it. When we first announced our Top 10 winning artists, we learned that Lindsay Erin and Paul Ezekiel, the duo who make up Erin & The Project, were based in Northern California and, in fact, had family in Sonoma County — our home turf. Even more coincidental, they had a gig booked the following week in the area and were also coming into town to visit family. We immediately scheduled a meeting and tasting at Santa Rosa Vintners’ Square to say hello and get to know each other…and plot.
Paul, Oz & Lindsay take a break from recording Erin & The Project's new album "Birthday" in their home studio.
It was at this gathering of fast new friends that we discovered that Erin & The Project had just put together a deal with the illustrious engineer and mixer Oz Fritz to record their new album. Oz works regularly with Tom Waits and took home a Grammy for his work on Mule Variation. Jon Axtell, known for his work with thrash funk band Psychefunkapus and party group Notorious, would handle guitar and bass. This fast-track project would begin the following week. Wow! How many times did we toast?
Fast forward to today and the tracks are in the digital can. Perhaps this is the easiest part to execute for an extremely talented group of indie artists — laying down killer tracks. The real challenge now is to fund the project and get their new album “Birthday” to market in early 2012. Our hope is that you will join House Band Wines is supporting Lindsay and Paul by visiting Kickstarter.com to make a pledge. To help motivate you, we share their video “Pieces,” the song that closed the deal on Erin & The Project making our Top 10!
Kasino Will (born Earl Williams) is a Northeast-based hip-hop artist and engineer whose music and passion for life captured our attention during our Sonicbids.com competition. With unflinching self-reflection and truth, Kasino Will’s soulful, poetic songs of urban life weave a story of heartbreak, life, death, love, tragedy, and ultimately, hope.
Kasino Will's first mixtape "Time II Cash In"
This straight-up storytelling, wrapped in lyrical rhymes that shift and shuffle against solid hip-hop beats, and layered in melodic R&B hooks and constructs, is what landed Kasino Will in our Top 10.
The release of his second mixtape Currency Chase 2 is due any day, so here’s the invite to hit the virtual streets with Kasino Will by visiting his website and giving his music a spin. For those sensitive souls, we share a language warning.
As we continue our series of blogs featuring our Top 10 Sonicbids.com winning artists from our launch, we find ourselves going through another selection process: which artist do we write about next? It’s become a matrix of who’s got a hot topic, who’s engaged with us, and a bit like a DJ putting together a set list — it’s all about timing and flow and reading the audience.
Hyim brings his spirit to every live performance!
This process has brought us to Hyim, a pop singer-songwriter from California with a world beat groove. When we first wrote about Hyim, we presented this musical vision: Imagine Bruce Hornsby going on a global, musical spiritual journey and returning a more worldly artist.
We were certainly honored when Hyim took time out from recording his new album Love Songs in Times of War to join us at our launch event at SIR Sound Stages in Hollywood. We learned that the spirituality that shines through his beautifully crafted songs is a genuine reflection of the man himself. Hyim emanates a warmth and peacefulness that makes you want to engage the person and his music.
While we await with great anticipation Hyim’s next release, we share below his Elation video, which was nominated by the Hollywood Music in Media Awards in the Adult Contemporary category in 2010. The hit single is from his current album, Sex In The Morning. Who needs a cup of coffee, right? Perhaps we can discuss a remix: Sex in the Morning, House Band Wines at night?
INXS's post-punk album Shabooh Shabah propelled the Australian band to international stardom with hits "The One Thing" and "Don't Change"
Back in 1982, I fell in love with my first Australian rock band, INXS. Their third album, Shabooh Shabah, was the band’s first international release and it blew me away. The album vinyl took a serious beating through relentless spins and from being hand carried to every party far-and-wide to share with all who would listen. Okay, they didn’t have a choice.
When my posse of music fanatic friends and I heard INXS was coming to the Kabuki Theater in San Francisco, we pounced on tickets. As the band took the stage that night so many years ago, the crowd was hanging back a bit, not quite sure what to expect. By song three, Kabuki’s security team had to form a human wall with interlocked arms to keep the women off the stage. Michael and crew killed it that night under a shower of undergarments and lace. INXS’s charisma and camaraderie onstage, combined with blisteringly tight song delivery, made them one of the great live acts in rock ‘n’ roll.
Fast-forward: I still consider Shabooh Shabah one of rock’s defining albums — a post-punk, alternative rock masterpiece. The influence of INXS on the “Australian” sound and beyond is, to this day, widespread and relevant. Which brings us to The Jefferson, a melodic alt-rock band based out of Sydney, Australia. They made House Band Wines’ Top 10 Sonicbids.com launch list. Sure, the band has a lot of other pop influences, but when I listen to them, they have that unmistakable “Australian” alt-rock influence, which for me was defined by INXS. And that clearly makes me nostalgic and happy, because both the sound, and I, survived the 80s.
The Jefferson recently wrapped up their debut album Safe Return to Earth with Award-winning producer Craig Porteils
The Jefferson recently wrapped up their debut album Safe Return to Earth with Award-winning producer Craig Porteils. They also made their American debut this past fall, playing a five-week tour that included taking the stage at such iconic venues as The Next Big Nashville, The Key Club LA, and The House of Blues. The U.S. tour also spawned a video where you can hit the road with band mates Jared King (bass), Andrew Horvath (drums), Andrew Turner (guitar), and singer/songwriter Geoff Rana. We recommend you get your roadie gear on, pour something tasty, and give it a watch.
P.S. Never take your eyes off the Australian indie music scene.
On this last Sunday morning before Christmas Day 2011, I sit at our dining room table with my computer, sipping a cup of coffee, noshing on a bit of breakfast, and catching up on some work. Outside, the sky is gray overcast; the mix of deciduous trees across the street clinging to the last leafs of fall. The year is coming to a close and the combination of delicious coffee and introspection warm my thoughts. I open a browser window to singer-songwriter Jasmine Chadwick’s website. Her playlist automatically launches, and her gentle blend of folk-rock and angelic voice are a perfect pairing for this morning. Truth is, I didn’t plan to write, but the mood of the moment and the beauty of Jasmine’s music inspire me.
Born with a passion to sing and to express herself, singer-songwriter Jasmine Chadwick was raised in a musical family on an island in rural Canada
Back several months ago, on the final night of submissions for our Sonicbids competition, I was enjoying the waning heat of that summer evening and listening to the last group of artist submissions. Just moments before the deadline closed, Jasmine’s submission popped up on my screen. By the third track of her EPK, I knew we had another member of our Top 10. Perhaps, just like this morning, she caught me at a time of introspection and I folded to the sweet-will of her music.
In 2010, Jasmine released her debut CD, This is Who I Am. Immediately following its release, she was invited to perform as an opening act for multi-platinum Grammy-award winning artist Sarah McLachlan on the 2010 Lilith Fair Tour. This past fall, her title track This Is Who I Am was featured on MTV’s hit docu-series I Used To Be Fat. On her latest breaking news Twitter feed, Jasmine has informed us that her song Back to California will be featured on an upcoming episode of MTV’s The Real World: San Diego. The fact that a folk-rock artist is landing MTV placements makes its clear that Jasmine Chadwick has the ability to crossover into popular music, which to us means, The Best is Yet to Come.
Some people make cookies to share with friends and family for the holidays. Some bake cakes and pies. Some craft homemade greeting cards. The more ambitious might knit sweaters. Lindsay Erin and Paul Ezekiel of Erin & The Project fire up the video camera and give us all a beautiful Christmas song, We Three Kings.
We can’t wait to see them live on New Year’s Eve from 3pm to 6pm at the Lagunitas Tap Room in Petaluma, California. Ale you say? Yes, as the word goes in wine country, it takes a lot of good beer to make great wine.
Happy Holidays from all of us at House Band Wines!
Last night I had an amazing dream; I was a friend of Elvis Costello. As friends are apt to do, he was allowing me to indulge myself and take advantage of our relationship. My evening dreamscape was an outdoor amphitheater surrounded in a warm mist and soft white light on the edge of a placid body of water. I was onstage with Elvis, sitting about ten feet apart — the intimate audience of maybe a thousand guests murmuring with great anticipation. This was an MTV Unplugged / The Actors Studio fantasy-mashup of the mind and I was the rock ‘n’ roll equivalent of James Lipton.
James "The Dawg" Lipton of The Actors Studio
Between pensive, down-tempo songs performed on his acoustic guitar, Elvis and I bantered back-and-forth about the evolution of his career, from pub rock to punk/new wave to singer-songwriter to abstract composer to activist and seemingly everything in between. I fielded questions from the audience, who by the way were as dazzled as I by this once-in-a-lifetime experience. And when the lights came up, there was a warm embrace between friends as a respectful and restrained wave of applause washed over the stage. Bravo!
Then the dream got even better. Backstage, my group of friends, whom I play music with recreationally, joined us…along with Diana Krall. Following handshakes and hellos, Diana (yes, we’re also on a first name basis) broke out her guitar to share a new song she’d been working on. As happens in the realm of dreams, we were all instantly braced with our instruments, me sitting on my cajón laying down the beat, improvising with Diana and Elvis to a song I’m sure will soon be a hit.
Perhaps this is a moment of TMI, but as we countdown the final days of 2011 and roll into 2012, we at House Band Wines believe that we should all dream big. This is especially important for musicians who constantly bare their souls in song and struggle everyday to survive in a time when their art is under attack by the mundane tasks and tariffs of life and a business that appears a bit rudderless as it attempts to steer a new course.
So we raise our glass to all our musician friends, and those we have yet to meet, as they create one of the most important elements of human expression — music. Cheers to a successful 2012 filled with peace, understanding and creativity!
In a post-holiday daze of resolution and wishful commitment to burning off some newly acquired pounds carried over into the New Year, the House Band Wines team is pleased to serve up a heaping helping of zero-calorie Shoefly Pie by The Wood Brothers. In fact, if we all get off our butts and dance to this delicious track laid down by the sibling duo of Chris and Oliver Wood — renown for their soulful blend of blues, folk, back-porch funk — we might actually achieve a negative-caloric intake from this joyous slice of songwriting spiced heavily with funk-slappin’ standup bass, slingin’ slide blues guitar, and perfectly baked, multi-layered vocal harmonies.
Now what could be better than gorging in guilt-free seconds, thirds and fourths of Shoefly Pie? How about indulging in the live, full-course feast being hand-delivered by The Wood Brothers on their current national tour. Our founder and winemaker, Patrick Krutz, and the rest of our team, plan to do just that when the tour swings through Sonoma County Wine Country for their gig at The Mystic Theater on February 1st in Petaluma, California. The gathering will also be a reunion of friends…
Back in 2002, Patrick was introduced to the jazz-funk trio Medeski, Martin, and Wood — via his winemaking buddies Dylan and Tobe Sheldon of Sheldon Wines — when the band was performing in San Francisco. Many of our fans and friends already know that Patrick has a top-shelf winery called Krutz Family Cellars, which has been on fire, winning critical-acclaim vintage after vintage since its launch. At the time, Patrick had no intention of creating an Art Series label, but he had immediately become a fan of drummer Billy Martin’s visual art.
"I wanted the first vintage of my art label project to reflect or remind me of my roots and homestate of Mississippi. I was first thinking of trying to find something tied with a Blues motif, but when I came across this piece of Billy's, "Stay" it immediately took my mind to the Mississippi Delta, from where we Krutz's hail." ~ Patrick Krutz
Then in 2004, with his first vintage of Napa Valley Stagecoach Cabernet Sauvignon juice in the barrel, Patrick wanted to “do something a bit different and fun.” This is when the idea of his Art Series began to ferment. That same year, he went to hear MMW play at Villa Montalvo Performing Arts Center in Saratoga, California and he introduced the idea to Billy. Billy loved the concept, and from that year forward, the kit-kicker’s art has graced each vintage of Krutz Family Cellars’ Napa Valley Stagecoach Cabernet Sauvignon.
Considering the above historical thread, it’s fairly safe to say that the friendship that has come through Medeski, Martin, and Wood, and the varied musical incarnations derived from the band mates, including Wicked Knee and The Wood Brothers, have all in their own way played an inspirational role in the creation of House Band Wines. Our plan for the February 1st gig is to deliver a big “thanks” in the form of bottles of wine for the tour bus and, in turn, burn some serious calories devouring a full set of The Wood Brothers’ home-spun tunes.
Talk about a no sweat New Year’s resolution…
We love it when our upstart indie winery makes the pages with the big players! Check out House Bands Wines’ vignette in Chilled magazine’s In the Mix / Rhythm & Booze section, Vol. 4, Issue 4. Once again a shout out to A&R Worldwide for the stellar photo shoot with Capra band mates at the Redbury Hotel!
Chilled magazine cover, Vol. 4, Issue 4
House Bands Wines' “In The Mix” vignette top right
Many of our followers are already hip to House Band Wines imminent launch of the first-ever 375ml single-serve, wine flex pouch. Others may ask, “Wine in pouch?” Here’s the deal: Imagine going to your favorite music festival and being able to order tasty California wine at an excellent price in a super-lightweight, single-serve, re-sealable pouch. No glass issues. No spilling wine from cheap plastic tumblers.
House Band Wines new "eco-vessel of cheer" filled with California Chardonnay and Merlot.
Manic Fest Destiny Day Party, March 15th Austin, TX
House Band Wines couldn’t be more pumped that our kick-off will take place in the Music Mecca of Austin, Texas at the same time that SXSW is going live. We share a huge shout out to Tijuana Gift Shop and Sideways Media for allowing us to sponsor the wine for their Manic Fest Destiny Day Party happening on Thursday, March 15th at Rusty’s from Noon to 6pm. This is a FREE event and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC — no wrist bands or badges required.
Manic Fest Destiny Facebook Event Page
We’ll be serving up complimentary flex pouches of 2010 Chardonnay and Merlot throughout the day while a stellar line up of musical artists deliver the goods from two stages. Below is video by showcase artist Wishes & Thieves — who have already snatched away our hearts — followed by the artist line up to-date. The foursome’s track Forrest Fire is meant to temporarily quench your thirst until the big day at Rusty’s. In the meantime, we’ll follow up with more blog features on the line up of showcase artists as we anticipate cracking open the first House Band Wines flex pouch at Manic Fest Destiny!
Manic Fest Destiny Featured Artists
The D’Addario Stage (indoors)
12:30 – Dearly Beloved (Canada)
1:30 – The Shrine (Venice, CA)
2:30 – Wishes & Thieves (NYC)
3:30 – Jesse Thomas (Los Angeles, CA)
4:30 – Firehorse (Brooklyn, NY)
5:30 – Stone Foxes (San Francisco, CA)
The Mapex Stage (outdoors)
1:00 – Hey Marseilles (Seattle, WA)
2:00 – Jasmine Ash (Portland, OR)
3:00 – backwords (Brooklyn, NY)
4:00 – New Cassettes (UK)
5:00 – Greylag (Portland, OR)
6:00 – Howlin Rain – accoustic set (Oakland, CA)
Dropcards will double as VIP badges at select events nationwide in 2012.
In preparation for a busy spring season of wine and rock ‘n’ roll events with Gibson GuitarTown on The Sunset Strip, SXSW, MUSEXPO LA, Memphis in May, and more, House Band is launching its Dropcard promo featuring 11 indie artists with free song downloads and easy recipe pairings by Chef to the Stars Frank Miller. Below we share a sneak peak of our 11 artists (in the order we’d imagine the compilation album spinning), with special shout outs to Sat Bisla of A&R Worldwide, Gary Taylor of DiscoverRock.com and Jeff Kilgour of Tijuana Gift Shop for hooking us up with so many stellar, emerging artists. We look forward to rockin’ and sippin’ with many of these artists in Austin, TX at Manic Fest Destiny!
Click here to get more Dropcard scoop and Get on the List.
House Band Wines’ Spring 2012 Indie Artist Dropcard Line-Up
Wishes & Thieves (Brooklyn, NY)
Wishes & Thieves ~ Wishes and Thieves is an alt-pop group that came together when long-time friends Joe Higgins (bass) and Mike MacAllister (guitar) sought to create music featuring modern electronic sounds without loosing the element of human performance. Their bass-heavy, female vocal driven sound has drawn comparisons to the likes of Portishead, Bjork, and Little Dragon.
“Sultry and expertly produced tracks leave fans so entranced it’s easy to see why their debut is a popular download.” – Jet
Firehorse (Brooklyn, NY) photo credit Sherri O’Connor
Firehorse ~ Firehorse is the captivating new project from singer/songwriter/instrumentalist Leah Siegel. The Brooklyn outfit released the eclectic debut, and so they ran faster…at the end of 2011 and received praise from LA Times, NPR, Wall Street Journal, XPN, Paste, Teen Vogue, MOKB & The L Mag, to name a few.
NPR named Firehorse the “Next Big Band from NYC,” she’s a Paste Magazine “Best of What’s Next” and one of Spinner’s “12 Artists to Watch in 2012.”
Carey Ott (Nashville, TN)
Carey Ott ~ In a recent article in Music Connection Magazine by esteemed writer Dan Kimpel in regards to his 2011 release of Human Heart Kimpel says: “Nashville-based singer-songwriter Carey Ott reveals a portfolio of musical touchstones in his music: modern rock, Americana and world grooves. What is consistent are the reflective details of his lyrics, the conversational ease of Ott’s vocal performances and the enchanting melodic possibilities.”
One could say the same and more about Muddy Water, the title track of his upcoming 2012 release. Produced by Ott and Nashville producer / writer / performer Neilson Hubbard, Muddy Water delivers a thought provoking musical art piece that will assure true music fans a feast of rhythms & hues accompanied by a cinematic feast for their souls.
backwords (Brooklyn, NY) photo credit Olivia Fancytramp
backwords ~ Brooklyn’s backwords will release their sophomore album, By The Neckon March 6, 2012 on Campers’ Rule Records and blend modern psychedelics with “mellow folk pop” (BROOKLYN VEGAN) and a myriad of sonic surprises. THE L MAGAZINE calls it, ”Twangy Americana” and “70s psych rock” and THE DELI MAGAZINE concedes, “They sure are doing something nobody else we are aware of is doing in NYC right now: unpretentious, mellow psych folk that speaks to the heart.”
Téa Petrovic (Vancouver, CN)
Téa Petrovic ~ Téa is a Vancouver based singer/ pianist/ songwriter who fuses elements of R&B, Soul, and Pop music into her own brand of “City Soul”. Drawing inspiration from diverse artists like Sade, Amy Winehouse, and Remy Shand, Téa has crafted an unmistakable sound that continues to win audiences over.
Petrovic’s first single from her upcoming 2012 release, “Didn’t See It Coming,” shows off her remarkable ability to craft deliciously infectious songs that will instantly resonate with pop – dance aficionados worldwide!
Erin & The Project (Colfax, CA)
Erin & The Project ~ Erin & The Project is an original musical coalition featuring core band members, Lindsay Erin (vocals/keys) and Paul Ezekiel (drums/percussion).
Their soul-ternative sounds have been described as “refreshing” and “epic” by audiences across the country, and “soulful and inspiring” by world renowned engineer/mixer, Oz Fritz (Grammy Award Winner: Tom Waits “Mule Variations”), who recently produced their new indie/progressive album project, Birthday (released Feb. 21, 2012).
Colour Vox (Stroud, U.K.)
Colour Vox (formerly hermes) ~ Founded in Stroud, England, the band consists of singer/guitarist Tom Jacob, drummer James Dolman and bassist Ben Kritikos. Reputed for their intense and energetic live shows and bittersweet, uplifting tunes, Colour Vox are becoming one of the UK’s most exciting new bands.
Last October, following positive response from certain American radio shows to the songs Should I Jump? and Jack, singer Tom Jacob made his way to LA to perform at SIR Studios, Hollywood. Since returning home to England the band have had a series of successful London shows and are currently planning the recording of their debut album.
New Cassettes (Northampton, U.K.)
New Cassettes ~ New Cassettes is a five-piece band from Northampton, England who delivers a fresh blast of modern rock that is artful, edgy and infectious. They released the Silent Guns Deluxe EP in November 2011 via MTV’s HYPE MUSIC and received accolades from AOL Spinner, PureVolume, Filter & RCRD LBL.
New Cassettes release Winterhead on March 6, 2012 in partnership with MTV.
Vanaprasta (Los Angeles, CA)
Vanaprasta ~ “Vanaprasta The L.A. rock group seems to have pulled ahead in the November residency sweepstakes, with its volatile strain of guitar thrash owing more to psychedelia and noise traditions than the neighborhood’s typical indie fare — and the kids are coming in droves.” – LA Times
“Rock feels bold in their hands, a cause worth signing up for, and that’s pretty f–king cool.” – Jambase
Stone Foxes ~ “Everyone must get a Stone Foxes song into their iPod.” – San Francisco Chronicle
Stone Foxes (San Francisco, CA)
“Composure was lost, and anyone with a working set of muscles found themselves writhing around like maniacs. It was the first time I’d seen bona fide head-banging and a ferocious mosh pit in the park. Just the way it’s a meant to be.” – 7×7 Magazine
All Mankind ~ All Mankind have gained a loyal following across the USA, UK, and Australia, having performed over 500 times to more than 100,000 fans, and have just finished recording and mixing their debut full-length album with Mike Crossey (Arctic Monkeys, Razorlight, Foals) in Liverpool, England.
All Mankind (Sydney, Australia)
Break the Spell, the first effort from the band’s upcoming album Simple Desire has captured early spins on tastemaker radio and tv stations on three continents including Australia (ABC, Channel V, MTV, RAGE, Nova, 2Dayfm, FOX, B105, SAFM, 929 Perth, MMM), USA (KROQ L.A., KNRK Portland OR, KTCL Denver, WCNR Charlottesville VA, plus CHMA, KCRW, KFMA, KPNT, KTCV, WEQX, WNRN, WXPN), Europe (MotorFM, Flux FM, Delta Radio Germany), as well as stations in South America and Asia.
If you’re an artist who would like to check out creating a Dropcard promo, visit Dropcards.com.
When House Band Wines was first conceived, we wanted to create a program that would allow us to be both flexible and proactive in supporting music projects. The arts, and especially music, are very important to us, so we created our overarching theme: “Supporting Music Projects One Gig at Time…” with a goal of committing 2% of our net sales to benefit regional music programs via charitable events.
Gibson GuitarTown on the Sunset Strip - Round 2 Unveiling & Check Presentation goes off March 12th
We couldn’t be more proud to kick-off our program with Gibson GuitarTown on The Sunset Strip’s - Round 2 unveiling and check presentation in West Hollywood, California on March 12, 2012. Gibson GuitarTown on The Sunset Strip is administered by the Gibson Foundation and is a public art project featuring 26 10-foot-tall Les Paul guitars. Each guitar sculpture was/is made by a local artist to commemorate assorted musicians and personalities associated with the Sunset Strip. These artists have included Slash, The Doors, Mötley Crüe, Jimi Hendrix, The Roxy, The Whiskey A Go Go, Slash, Cheech & Chong, Ozzy Osbourne, The Runaways, and Beach Boy Brian Wilson — to name a few.
The Gibson GuitarTown statues were placed along Hollywood’s famous Sunset Strip for several months last year and then auctioned off this past December, 2011. Proceeds from the auction benefit the Los Angeles Youth Network, which provides outreach, food, emergency shelter, transitional living and educational enrichment programs for homeless adolescents; West Hollywood Arts & Cultural Commission to further support public art and artists on The Sunset Strip; and the West Hollywood Library.
The Gibson GuitarTown Round 2 March unveiling event is an invite only affair where guitar legend Slash will present the check from proceeds raised at the 2011 auction. We’ll be on hand quenching thirsts with tastes of House Band Wines and Krutz Family Cellars (our lux sister winery). The evening is sponsored by Gibson Guitar, The Sunset Strip Business Association, Hornburg Land Rover & Jaguar, West Hollywood Convention & Visitors Bureau, IZZE and Icelandic Glacial.
(SANTA ROSA, CA, March 7th 2012) — House Band Wines will launch its first-ever 375ml single-serve flex wine pouch at spring and summer music festivals beginning this month in Austin, Texas. The upstart brand sees this alternative wine package as a key component in its campaign to bring delicious wine to occasions and venues where glass is banned or impractical. The first release includes California Chardonnay and Merlot in case boxes of 24 pouches, in retail 4-pack cartons. The 375ml flex pouch’s SRP is estimated at $4.99 each.
Austin, Texas Launch Events – March 14th & 15th
La Zona Rosa during The Warner Sound Captured By Nikon Residency
Day Parties March 14th and March 15th
Rusty’s Austin during Manic Fest Destiny with Tijuana Gift Shop & Sideways Media
Day Party March 15th
“Vendors are excited about the pouch because glass safety issues are eliminated, service is expedited, and inventory control is vastly improved,” said winemaker Patrick Krutz, founder of House Band Wines. “For the consumer, the wines are from California vineyards and truly well made. No more negotiating festival crowds with plastic tumblers sloshing wine over the sides.”
Since launching House Band Wines in 750ml bottles with screw cap closures in October 2012, the brand has secured a string of distribution deals in the following states: CA, CT, FL, GA, LA, NY, NV, MO, MS, NJ, TN, TX and VA, with more states due to open in the coming months. Intense interest in the single-serve flex pouch by distributors, retailers, and venues has helped the brand to expand sales and availability rapidly. The wines are also available direct at www.housebandwines.com.
Media and trade wishing to attend the Austin, Texas events to taste and interview Patrick Krutz may email Joel Quigley at joel@housebandwines.com.
Trade may contact Jennifer Tincknell of Tincknell & Tincknell at (707) 433-3671, by email at jennifer@housebandwines.com.
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Well, the House Band Wines team is back from SXSW where we launched our single-serve, 375ml flex pouch to the masses in Austin, Texas. We have a lot to share and are seriously pleased with the amazing reception our wines and new packaging received…but now we rest…
In the meantime, check out this toe-tapping video by Alice Rabbit documenting the Big Brown Bus Company road trip to the unofficial SXSW event Heartbreaker Banquet in Willie Nelson’s “Luck” Texas. The most excellent sound track Lay Me Down is by Andy Barham, owner of the Big Brown Bus Company. That’s Andy steering the bus in the video. Make sure to click over to give his tracks a spin.
Big Brown Bus Co from Alice Rabbit on Vimeo
Warner Bros. Records “Vinyl Revisionists” is the first art show to be held at Warner Bros. Records’ iconic Burbank building. The event will feature local Los Angeles-based talent as Tim Biskup, Sylvia Ji, and Victor Castillo, as well as street artists Prime and Josh Petker, who will each revisit and reinterpret the covers of their favorite Warner Bros. Records artists’ albums. The work spans the rich 50-year musical history of the iconic label and will feature imaginative interpretations of covers of albums by WBR artists past and present, including Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jimi Hendrix, Madonna, Prince, Van Halen, Roxy Music, The Smiths, and Mastodon, among others. Patrick and Rebecca Krutz will be on hand to share tastes of House Band Wines and Krutz Family Cellars as the featured wines for the evening.
Be sure to visit Warner Bros. Records website on March 31 to take an online tour of the exhibit.
House Band Wines and sister winery Krutz Family Cellars will host its “Indie Artist Lounge” in association with Creative Furnace and TasteLive at San Francisco Vintners Market on Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 15 at Fort Mason in San Francisco. At San Francisco Vintners Market, wine buyers can connect with hundreds of wineries and taste and buy wines direct from the source. The artist lounge will be House Band Wines official launch into the Bay Area market and feature six artists over the two-day event. The complete artist line-up and schedule are listed below. Click here to check out the artists’ featured videos.
Click here for complete SFVM information on times, tickets, directions, etc.
House Band Wines "Indie Artist Lounge" Line-Up at SF Vintners Market 2012
House Band Wines Indie Artist Lounge Schedule
Saturday, April 14th
1:00pm: David Berkeley
1:30pm: Justin Olson
2:00pm: Tyler Godfrey
2:30pm: Rebecca Sullivan
3:30pm: Charles Ellsworth
Saturday, April 14th
1:00pm: David Berkeley
1:30pm: Justin Olson
2:00pm: Tyler Godfrey
2:30pm: Erin & The Project
3:30pm: Charles Ellsworth
House Band Wines invites our friends and fans to check out the following videos by the six featured artists at our ”Indie Artist Lounge” at San Franciso Vintners Market, happening Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15 at Fort Mason. Each artist will perform 30 minute showcase sets and then be available for meet-and-greets and to sign CD’s, which will be available for sale at our artist merchandise table. We encourage all our guests at the lounge to support these hard working emerging, indie artists by investing in their CD’s and booking them for gigs during the summer concert season. This is how we all come together to keep great music spinning!
The weekend’s artists include David Berkeley, Justin Olson, Tyler Godfrey, Rebecca Sullivan, Erin & The Project and Charles Ellsworth. Of course, we’ll be sharing tastes of House Band Wines and Krutz Family Cellars (our sister winery), which will be available for direct sale.
Saturday, April 14 & Sunday, April 15 @ 1:00pm
Saturday, April 14 & Sunday, April 15 @ 1:30pm
Tyler Godfrey of Horse Bones
Saturday, April 14 & Sunday, April 15 @ 2:00pm
Saturday, April 14 @ 2:30pm
Sunday, April 15 @ 2:30pm
Charles Ellsworth & The Dirty Thirty
Saturday, April 14 & Sunday, April 15 @ 3:30pm
