Tuesday: YONATAN GAT (MONOTONIX)
It should come as no surprise that after years of touring with his band Monotonix, once hailed by SPIN as “the most exciting live band in rock’n’roll”, that Yonatan Gat would carry that same intensity in his own act. After five successful years, including one EP and two LP’s on Drag City and a world tour spanning 40 countries with his co-founded band, the New York guitarist and composer took some time to himself, but it wasn’t long before he found inspiration for a solo project. Gat’s truly amazing talents shine on Iberian Passage (which was released in May) as it blends together his punk rock influences with the spirit of Miles Davis. It can be heard in the lengthy shredded guitar riffs melted in between African inspired drums.
Sounds like: Monotonix, Neon Indian, Tim Hecker, Delorean
Wednesday: TY SEGALL (SOLD OUT)
Known for being one of the most prolific songwriters currently in the garage rock music scene, Ty Segall has released seven solo albums in the last 6 years and produced for countless others, including guitarist Mikal Cronin and White Fence. He sings, plays drums, and plays guitar – and is a member of the bands Fuzz, The Traditional Fools, Epsilons, Party Fowl, Sic Alps, The Perverts and Ty Segall Band. His Turf Club shows are known for bringing the roof down and one should expect no less this Wednesday.
Sounds like: Fuzz, Jay Reatard, Holograms, King Khan & BBQ Show
Thursday: GARDENS & VILLA
Having performed several times in the 7th St Entry, Gardens & Villa will be playing their first Turf show this Thursday. Famous for their high energy shows, they’ve toured with the likes of Foster the People and their latest Soundcloud single indicates a darker sound entirely, check it out below. This Santa Clara band has been recording in rural Michigan for their last release and after working with James Murphy’s DFA producers on their most recent effort, Dunes.
Sounds like: Teengirl Fantasy, Gayngs, Yeasayer, The Shins
Friday: FREEMAN (featuring Aaron Freeman of Ween)
Formerly known as Gene Ween of the band Ween, a huge ’90s avant-prog-rock influence, has produced his second solo album, and first under the Freeman moniker, which was released in July – with everything from experimental rock to progressive psych. There is a little bit for everyone on his 14 track LP. He is known for being an eclectic lead guitarist when on stage, and there are countless Ween concert videos which would back this up. Freeman is a record about coming to terms with yourself and reflecting on past mistakes.
Sounds like: Ween, Brian Eno, Moistboyz, Craig Finn
Saturday: WAKEY!WAKEY!
Michael Grubbs, the brainchild behind Wakey!Wakey! began making music at the age of 5. He was mainly influenced by classic composers early on, such as Bach, Beethoven and Brahms, but as a teen finding solace in Led Zeppelin and Billy Joel. After being heard by the executive producer of One Tree Hill, Grubbs finally got his big break, by being featured in the show as himself, with the ability to promote the album during the 7th season. He is a very active Soundcloud contributor, and his page is full of anti-folk covers of many popular songs. Don’t miss this incredible musician’s show here at the Turf.
Sounds like: Joshua James, Matt Nathanson, Amos Lee, Ray LaMontagne
Sunday: il sogno del marinaio (with mike watt)
Mike Watt (of Minutemen, Dos, and Firehose) is returning to Minneapolis on Sunday night. The artist associated with more bands than most, he seems to stay busy with his legendary bass-playing and new group, il sogno del marinaio (translated: “The Sailor’s Dream”), a trio he formed in 2009. Their second release, Canto Secondo is a huge maturation for this group, who relied upon cross-country sending of parts of their first album to produce, where this round they recorded together. Expect some old-school punk to dominate the majority of this set, and expect an impeccable bass performance by Mike Watt.
Sounds like: Mike Watt, Pissed Jeans, Off!, Dirty Three, Stephen Malkmus
Monday: BENJAMIN BOOKER (SOLD OUT)
One of the hottest acts in indie music will be playing his Minneapolis debut at his sold-out Turf Club show next Monday. He was recently featured the the opener for several Jack White dates, and caught the attention of many unsuspecting fans. His self-titled first effort was produced by Andrija Tokic, who was behind albums by Alabama Shakes and Hurray for the Riff Raff and has been being critically-lauded across the board. This 25 year old blues wunderkind played an electrifying Lollapalooza set this past summer and has been continuing the late-night circuit, most recently impressing David Letterman on his program. Expect great things from Benjamin Booker in the future, and anyone lucky enough to have tickets to his Minneapolis debut are in for a fantastic set.
Sounds like: The White Stripes, Eli “Paperboy” Reed, Gary Clark, Jr.