Joseph Arthur is a creative dynamo. Since being discovered by Peter Gabriel in the mid-’90s, the extremely prolific singer/songwriter has delivered eight albums and ten EPs, staged gallery shows and released a book of his visual artwork, and even opened a museum. Last year, he debuted Fistful of Mercy, a side project that featured three-way collaborations with Ben Harper and Dhani Harrison, and this year brings the release of his newest album, The Graduation Ceremony. We caught up with the artist in the midst of a ten-show run at NYC’s Living Room to talk about the record, learn about his favorite collaborations, discuss his painting career, and discover his most surreal moment (hint: it involves Lou Reed and Dolly Parton).

Read More »

With his fifth album under the Twilight Singers moniker, former Afghan Whigs frontman Greg Dulli regroups his collective for one of his strongest, darkest efforts yet.

As always, there are notable guests on hand for Dynamite Steps, with frequent Dulli collaborators Mark Lanegan and Joseph Arthur both appearing, along with Ani DiFranco and the Verve’s Nick McCabe. Drenched in the explosive booze-and-soul-fueled rock with which Dulli is synonymous, the album also hints at the more slow-burning menace of his other project with Lanegan, the Gutter Twins.

Read More »

Earlier today, we received an email that simply read: “Fistful Of Mercy is Joseph Arthur, Ben Harper, and Dhani Harrrison,” followed by a link to fistfulofmercy.com.

Note to publicists: sometimes less definitely is more, as this sparse, hyperbole-free notice was enough to have us instantly clicking through to learn more. The new supergroup’s website is equally bare, and its Facebook and MySpace pages just went live today, but they do feature a phenomenal video for what appears to be the trio’s first single — a moving, self-titled track that features all three musicians on both guitar and vocals. Watch it for yourself after the jump and tell us if you’re as excited for this collaboration as we are.

Read More »

Featuring exclusive performances by Peter Gabriel, Andrew Bird, Billy Bragg, and Har Mar Superstar, the Voice Project presents artists covering other artists in aid of the women of Northern Uganda.

In a region where soldiers abducted as children are afraid to return home because of what they’ve been forced to do, the women have banded together to sing songs of forgiveness. Inspired by their undertaking, the Voice Project initiated “cover chains,” with musicians covering their favorite acts and passing the baton for that act to do the same.

Read More »

This charity project revives a timeless childhood pursuit, guided by artists including MGMT, Stars, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Iron & Wine.

The Indie Rock Coloring Book is an offering from the Yellow Bird Project, a Canadian nonprofit that sells musician-designed t-shirts, with proceeds going to the artists’ favorite charities. The book features work by illustrator Andy J. Miller, inspired by bands supporting the project. It even includes other activity-book staples, such as a maze and connect-the-dots. Read More »