Question: What do you get when you mix a “sullen, sultry crooner” (Philadelphia Inquirer) and “refined songwriter” (WDVR) with a “surreal” guitarist and composer of “post-apocalyptic, dystopian landscapes” (Elucidator)?
Answer: Hot4Robot, whose debut, self-titled album drops May 18, 2021.
Webcast series, contemplating performing and visual arts, (and occasional feel-good story) during uncertain times – presented over live-stream on YouTube, and Facebook.
Pandemic Creates Timefor Art:
Indie Rock Band, Hot4Robot, Releases Debut Album May 18, 2021
Indie rock band Hot4Robot releases its debut, self-titled album on May 18, 2021 with a series of locally produced web and podcast listening parties. Hot4Robot is the latest collaboration of celebrated local solo artists Alex Radus and Dave Cahill. However, without the pandemic, it may have been a few more years before Hot4Robot’s concept rock album saw the light of day.
Listening Parties (list to be updated)
flex* adapt with intent – a webcast series hosted by Dina Hall (date and time tba)
Sit Downs and Sessions – a podcast series hosted by Chris Poh and Dave McBride (date and time tba)
Radus and Cahill are musical opposites. Radus is a “sullen, sultry crooner” (Philadelphia Inquirer) and “refined songwriter” (WDVR), while Cahill is a “surreal” guitarist and composer of “post-apocalyptic, dystopian landscapes” (Elucidator). They have shared the stage with diverse national artists: Richie Havens, Regina Spektor, Sharon Van Etten, Tim Reynolds and Dean Ween, and have performed at numerous festivals and famed clubs such as MusikFest, The New York Antifolk Festival, World Cafe Live, Club Passim, and John & Peters.
Their unlikely collaboration defines Hot4Robot’s sound. Blending a colorful palette of influences (Dire Straits, Radiohead, Bowie, Muse, the Pixies), Hot4Robot creates rich, textured soundscapes in service to melody and lyric-driven compositions.
This clash of opposites also shaped Hot4Robot’s story. Begun in 2014, Hot4Robot was a multi-year labor of love. This is due to the meticulous crafting of its songs and recordings, but also to Radus’ and Cahill’s busy schedules for their solo projects. “Like everyone else, the pandemic slowed down our hectic lives and allowed us to focus on this project,” says Radus. “Hot4Robot might have been a few more years in the making otherwise.”
As a concept rock album, Hot4Robot has only become more relevant with the passage of time. A dark, whimsical and at times humorous exploration of mankind’s use of tech to transcend itself, Hot4Robot merges thoughtful commentary with energetic and emotive indie rock delivery. Think a musical version of Netflix’s Black Mirror.
The web and podcast listening parties will feature music and videos from the new album, interviews with Radus and Cahill on the making of Hot4Robot, contests and giveaways and more.
The pandemic has shown that music still connects us, even when we are physically apart–and that a little extra time may be all you need to realize a dream deferred. Connect with Hot4Robot at their upcoming album release listening parties as they share their pandemic project with the world.
Question: What do you get when you mix a “sullen, sultry crooner” (Philadelphia Inquirer) and “refined songwriter” (WDVR) with a “surreal” guitarist and composer of “post-apocalyptic, dystopian landscapes” (Elucidator)?
Answer: Hot4Robot, whose debut, self-titled album drops May 18, 2021.
Webcast series, contemplating performing and visual arts, (and occasional feel-good story) during uncertain times – presented over live-stream on YouTube, and Facebook.
On Tuesday, April 16, I took over the DJ booth at WDVR 89.7 FM during Bill Kalke’s wonderful show, Hotel California. I had a wonderful time spinning tracks from my influences, and some of the great musicians around the country I’ve performed and collaborated with. I also played a few tunes live, new and old, and featured a brand new song from Hot4Robot, my art rock project with Dave Cahill, Evan Straley and Andy Janowiak.
Below is the playlist. One correction: I announced that the Jay Unger and Molly Mason song I played was “Ashokan Farewell”. That was incorrect. It was actually “The Lovers’ Waltz”.
Ol’ Moose – Bone Dry River (America 90 Proof)
Jay Unger & Molly Mason – TheLovers’ Waltz (The Lovers’ Waltz)
Alex will open for Brad Cole & Robinson Treacher at the The Roxbury Performing Arts Center on Sunday, September 16th at 4pm. Produced by Riverside Rhythm and Ryhme and sponsored by WXPN.
Tix available at https://skylandssongwriters.org/rr-r
flex* guest: Alex Radus and Dave Cahill–HOT4ROBOT
