Shaking Through
An Online Music and Video Series
Shaking Through is an online music and video series that showcases and fosters select independent musicians. Through the production resources of Weathervane Music and the radio and online distribution and marketing reach of WXPN, this series is made possible and promoted in a unique, community-supported public forum.
Participating Shaking Through artists are given the opportunity to make high-end audio and video recordings of their original music. It is then released on the web at WeathervaneMusic.org and XPN.org, and promoted on the radio by WXPN. The purpose of this series is to support and advance the careers of select independent Artists, particularly in this day when the conventional music industry rarely affords such opportunities.
Shaking Through: Volume II
January, 2012
Shaking Through: Vol. III Ep. 1
Discover Filthybird
Filthybird is the brainchild of lead singer and songwriter Renee Mendoza and her husband, guitarist Brian Haran, a professional luthier who builds his own guitars (as well as his bandmates). Rounding out the band is guitarist Chris Girard, bassist Nick Jaegar, and drummer James Wallace (standing in for Jim Bob Aiken).
The band’s single, “I’d Like to Know,” showcases Mendoza’s incredible voice, the unique sounds of Haran’s self-constructed gear, and the entire band’s outstanding musicianship—all served with a touch of power-pop sensibility.
This session was curated by Independent Weekly music editor, Grayson Currin, who contributes to publications including Pitchfork and IFC. Currin is also the co-producer of the Hopscotch Music Festival, which is held annually in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Shaking Through: Volume II
November, 2011
Shaking Through: Vol. II Ep. 10
Discover Snowmine
This month’s episode of Shaking Through features a song by Snowmine titled “Curfews.” The Brooklyn-based indie-pop quintet released its debut LP Laminate Pet Animal (which you can listen to and download via Bandcamp) earlier this year; the episode was curated by Mark Schoneveld of YVYNYL. You can watch the finished video and listen to the track on The Key.xpn.org.
October, 2011
Shaking Through: Vol. II Ep. 9
Discover Creepoid
This month’s episode of Shaking Through features a song by Philadelphia’s own Creepoid, “Old Tree.” Earlier this year, the rock quartet released its debut LP, Horse Heaven; around the same time The Key interviewed drummer Pat Troxell and recorded the band for a Key Studio Session. This month’s session was Curated by Sean Agnew of R5 Productions and features guest producer Kyle “Slick” Johnson.
September, 2011
Shaking Through: Vol. II Ep. 8
Discover Family Band
 This month’s episode of Shaking Through features a song by Family Band titled “Again.” The Brooklyn-based act is composed of husband-wife duo Kim Krans and Jonny Ollsin as well as family friend Scott Hirsch; the episode was curated and produced by Daniel Rossen of Grizzly Bear.
Check out this new episode from Family Band, an amazing group from Brooklyn via the Catskills, and hear them play live and watch the video.
August, 2011
Shaking Through: Vol. II Ep. 7
Discover Sweet Lights
Could one person really have recorded this song in one day? Can't say we are surprised, after all Shai Halperin, the multi-instrumentalist who records under the name Sweet Lights is one of the most talented musicians we've ever met. But we couldn't keep this secret to ourselves. Have a look and listen to "You Let Me Down." Check out the episode and watch the video. We think you'll be blown away too.
It's rare that a band of such intense sincerity and passion comes around these days. Dreamers of the Ghetto perform and write with such conviction it stopped us dead in our tracks at times. Don't believe us? Have a look. Perhaps some won't get it. That's okay. We do.
We asked Ben Swanson, co-founder of the venerable Secretly Canadian Records, to think of an artist that his label wasn't working with, but that he personally wanted to give a huge career opportunity to. Without hesitation Ben insisted it be Bloomington IN natives, Dreamers of the Ghetto. And were we're glad he did!
Go watch the video and download the song.
May 17, 2011
Shaking Through: Vol. II Ep. 5
Discover Big Troubles
We hope you like BIG guitars, because there's even more bigness to Big Troubles than their name suggests. A penchant for mischief aside, these guys can rock AND have a great time doing it. Running a mile a minute they barreled through their new track 'Phantom,' the first song they've ever tracked in a real studio. Go watch the video and download the song.
We're proud to release Shaking Through Volume 2, Episode 4 featuring, Hezekiah Jones, the ever changing crew of Philadelphia folk musicians brought together by the words and music of Raphael Cutrufello. The band recorded "Borrowed Heart," a song written to sync with a scene from the 1930's film, Bride of Frankenstein. Go watch the video and download the song.
March 15, 2011
Shaking Through: Vol. II Ep. 3
Discover LA BIG VIC
 Brought to us by Elise O. of the Brooklyn-based music blog, Pixelhorse, LA BIG VIC is violinist and music blogger, Emilie Friedlander, analog synth guru, Peter Pearson and Japanese synthesist and guitar player, Toshio Masuda. To our ears, their massive soundscapes recall late 90s bands like Eltro, PanSonic and Bowry Electric ... and, perhaps distantly, the original experimental Krautrock of the 1970s. LA BIG VIC makes music that unfolds with a patience rarely seen today. It's music that rewards with each listen. Read, Listen, Watch, Download at ShakingThrough.com
February 15, 2011
Shaking Through: Vol. II Ep. 2
Discover Port St Willow
Nick Principe, AKA Port St Willow, an amazing multi-instrumentalist out of Portland, OR. If that wasn't enough, the session was curated by Peter Silberman from The Antlers. The two go back a ways, and the song the episode produced "Stay Even" sticks in our minds as a moment of collaboration between old friends and incredible musicians.
Read more, Listen, Watch, and Download at ShakingThrough.com/portstwillow.
2011 and Volume 2 kick off with
A Classic Education. Hailing all the way from Bologna, Italy, we were charmed by their humble professionalism and impeccably crafted pop songs.
....Read more, Listen, Watch, and Download at ShakingThrough.com/aclassiceducation.
Shaking Through: Volume I
Philadelphia new-comers Party Photographers round out Volume 1 of Shaking Through. They descended on Miner Street studio and ripped through their 21st song with charisma and energy to spare. Their music, high energy punk drenched in reverb and haze, left us in awe and their personalities sealed the deal. There truly was never a dull moment.
....Read more, Listen, Watch, and Download at ShakingThrough.com.
Lo-Fi pop duo Reading Rainbow brings their A-game to Volume 1, Episode 9 of Shaking Through. Shot in June, the band takes us to their loving and object-filled Philadelphia house, talks about their sound AND records three stellar songs in ONE day. We didn't know you could do this. It was amazing.
....Read more, Listen, Watch, and Download at ShakingThrough.com.
September 21,2010
Shaking Through Vol. 1 Ep. 8:
Discover Twin Sister
Long Island rising stars, Twin Sister and their brand new song, "Meet the Frownies." Twin Sister was selected for Shaking Through by Guest Curator, Mark Schoneveld of the ultra keen, high quality music blog, YVYNYL.
....Read more, Listen, Watch, and Download at ShakingThrough.com >>
August 17,2010
Shaking Through Vol. 1 Ep. 7:
Discover Ben + Vesper
Ben + Vesper
"Hot Thunder" was recorded for Shaking Through on June 10 and 11, with curator, producer and friend, Daniel Smith of the southern New Jersey band Danielson.
From Orange, NJ, the husband and wife duo of Ben and Vesper Stamper are a fresh, strange and increasingly important voice in the indie music world. They are joined by Steve Oyola and Jon Mosloskie on bass and drums (both from the band Holler, Wild Rose), along with Ben's older brother, Joshua Stamper who plays guitar and created the oddly cartoonish, perfectly executed orchestral arrangements that grace this song.
The Stampers are artists, through and through, utilizing every medium they encounter and creating something amazing every time. Whether it's tattoo design, painting, film, video, illustration … and of course, music, Ben + Vesper are a well spring of creative energy.
Since joining up with Daniel Smith's label, Sounds Familyre in 2005, Ben + Vesper have recorded, performed and collaborated with Sufjan Stevens, Kurt Weisman (Feathers), Asa Irons (Feathers, Witch) and Chris Weisman (Happy Birthday). Their new album, Honors, produced by Daniel Smith with help from Brian McTear and Amy Morrissey, will be released in January 2011.
Read more, Listen, Watch, and Download at ShakingThrough.com.
June 15,2010
Shaking Through Vol. 1 Ep. 6:
Discover Springs
Springs is the new brainchild of guitarist and vocalist Mike Visser. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa he spent 8 years in California playing with the band Frank Jordan and touring the United States. After that project dissipated, he bounced from Sacramento, CA to Shwanksville, PA before settling in Brooklyn and setting to work on new material.
During his time on the road he developed a friendship with guitarist/vocalist Scott McMicken now of the band Dr. Dog. A fan of Visser's solo work, McMicken asked Springs to be the sixth Shaking Through artist for 2010, an experience that had a big impact on Visser....Read more, Listen, Watch, and Download at ShakingThrough.com.
Hailing from the small mountain town of Black Mountain, NC, Floating Action is the project of multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Seth Kauffman. Blending an unusual array of genres — dub, folk, blues, garage-rock, soul, reggae, gospel, bossa nova, and country — the music of Floating Action is unique in its ability to combine cross-cultural elements from various periods into one cohesive, body- and mind-warming sound. It's music that could fit comfortably in many decades, many places, but always feels right in the moment, right now, right here. Read more, Listen, Watch, and Download at ShakingThrough.com.
Performing on “Spirit Oh Spirit” are:
Aaron and Michael Weiss of MeWithoutYou
Nick Kinsey of Elvis Perkins in Dearland
Brian Christinzio of BC Camplight
Charlie Hall of The Silver Ages
Toby Leaman and Zack Miller of Dr. Dog
See Shaking Through artist Strapping Fieldhands perform at Fishtown’s Shadfest on Saturday, April 24, 2010!
The third Shaking Through project featuring Philly's own reunited Strapping Fieldhands debuted on March 16, 2010. Their Harbinger, Dark Herald is the second of three projects curated and produced by Daniel Smith (of Danielson). More...
February, 2010
Shaking Through: Vol. I Ep.2
Sonoi
The first of three sessions curated by Danielson's Daniel Smith. Sonoi is from Chicago, IL. "Micro-Coliseum" was recorded December 14 - 15, 2009, and you can listen to it here. Video, a download, and more from Sonoi.
January, 2010
Shaking Through: Vol. I Ep.1
Sharon Van Etten
Sharon Van Etten’s debut full-length Because I Was in Love is a complete package of her strongest qualities - a little less lo-fi and a far more introspective. With guitar in hand, she is the first featured artist in the Shaking Through music series from WXPN and Weathervane Music. Here's video and more from Sharon Van Etten.
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