The Aquarian Weekly » Jordana Borensztajn

Peaches @ Webster Hall

Jordana Borensztajn — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:43:07 +0000

NEW YORK, NY—When artists are creative, they’re alluring. When they reveal themselves to be eccentric individuals, they’re intriguing. But when they prove to be completely out of their bloody minds, it makes for one hell of an entertaining gig. And Peaches’ show at Webster Hall was the zaniest, craziest, wildest and most insane show I have seen yet in New York. Not only was the crowd it attracted colorful as all hell, but Peaches, aka Merrill Beth Nisker, took fans on a riotous hour-and-a-half journey.

Black strappy boots, white tights, some sort of pink puffy costume, and a balaclava with…

Interview with Ben Wysocki of The Fray: All Grown Up

Jordana Borensztajn — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:00:28 +0000

Overnight commercial success might seem like a quick path to fame and fortune for a band but this doesn’t always mean it’s an easy road to travel.

While the Denver-based rockers The Fray reached huge levels of international acclaim soon after their hit “How To Save A Life” was propelled into the spotlight by ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, it’s taken plenty of hard work since to ensure they’ve not only moved forward as a group, but that they’ve become known for more than just the popular TV medical drama.

“This is our dream come true but we had no idea what…

Peter Björn And John @ Webster Hall

Jordana Borensztajn — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:55:51 +0000

NEW YORK, NY-When internationals successfully wow every member of a capacity crowd at a New York show, it’s something special. It’s even better when overseas acts manage to get every person inside a venue dancing, cheering and feeling so goddamn excited that the energy buzzing throughout the performance lingers long after the stage lights are turned off. When it came to the Swedish indie pop trio, Peter Björn And John’s gig at Webster Hall, it’s fair to say they created this exact sort of atmosphere.

The threesome, who reached mainstream chart success in 2006 for their single “Young Folks,” were,…

Interview With The Indigo Girls: Mutually Beneficial

Jordana Borensztajn — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:00:21 +0000

Getting dumped by a major label is usually a serious career pitfall for a band. But in the case of the folk rock team Amy Ray and Emily Saliers—aka the Indigo Girls—getting dropped by Hollywood Records proved to be a blessing in disguise.

“It was sort of forced on us, but we were really happy about it,” Ray says, on the phone, driving near her home in Georgia. “I feel like the kind of music that we make—it’s got some pop elements to it because Emily can really write a pop song—but as people, we sort of go against the…

Shiny Toy Guns @ Webster Hall

Jordana Borensztajn — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:00:47 +0000

NEW YORK, NY—Some artists create onstage characters in an effort to appear interesting and intriguing, and some musicians are just naturally captivating. The members of the Shiny Toy Guns, by their very nature, are gripping, and at their New York gig it was hard to take my eyes off them. While the L.A. quartet specializes in rock and electro music, after seeing them perform (for the first time), I realized it wouldn’t matter what music these guys were playing—electro, rock, pop, blues or even jazz—there’s something exciting and alluring about the way they work as a band.

They gel well,…

Video Interview With Taking Back Sunday, Pt. 1

Jordana Borensztajn — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:30:08 +0000

Jordana Borensztajn sits down with the boys from Taking Back Sunday about their new album, New Again.

Video Interview With Taking Back Sunday, Pt. 2

Jordana Borensztajn — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:52:07 +0000

The thrilling conclusion.

Jack’s Mannequin @ The Fillmore at Irving Plaza

Jordana Borensztajn — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:00:14 +0000

NEW YORK, NY—Every so often you get lucky enough to experience a gig that completely blows your mind. And Jack’s Mannequin’s show at Irving Plaza was one of the best performances I’ve ever seen. Not only is Andrew McMahon incredibly inspirational for battling leukemia and surviving a huge battle when the odds were stacked against him, but the former Something Corporate frontman didn’t just come back into the scene after being seriously ill—he returned with a killer new record. And after seeing him live, McMahon appears invigorated, brimming with energy, and quite clearly sporting a new appreciation, and approach, to…

The Faint @ Webster Hall

Jordana Borensztajn — Mon, 25 May 2009 12:00:13 +0000

NEW YORK, NY—When it comes to a band like The Faint, being in the business for more than a decade pays off. At the first of the new-wave electro group’s back-to-back shows at Webster Hall, they very much proved they were veterans of the genre, who—rather than being worn down and tired from being in the biz for so long—have instead spent the last 14 years in the industry crafting, honing in on, and perfecting their skills. And honestly, I was surprised. There are so many young hot bands dabbling in, and very much succeeding in, creating killer electro beats…

of Montreal @ Music Hall Of Williamsburg

Jordana Borensztajn — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:30:36 +0000

BROOKLYN, NY—I’m going to throw a bunch of words out on paper, and I want you to think about how they are all connected. Okay, here goes: Costumes, glitter, pigs, wolf, masks, feathers, sunglasses, cartoons, music and party. Any guesses? I’ll bet you’re struggling to come up with an answer so I’ll make it easy for you. Two words: of Montreal. They’re daring, edgy, over-the-top, and out of this world. They blend pop, rock and dance with a whole heap of crazy, and in some bizarre “of Montreal universe” that the quintet creates on stage, all of these elements blend together perfectly. Well, maybe not all; the topless performers at the end of the gig came as a huge surprise. But overall, of Montreal delivers something pretty unique. Their music is awesome. It’s high-energy, melodic, and by it’s very nature rouses a positive atmosphere and spirit, but the band’s true magic—and the reason why they had three back-to-back, sold-out shows in Brooklyn—is because of their vision as a group, and the wild and entertaining journey they take fans on.