12.1 A wknd w/ Savoir Adore
Paul Hammer on walking Williamsburg, Brooklyn's best cocktail bar and the band's SOLD-OUT Saturday-night show at Union Pool
HAPPY HOLIDAYS HUNNIES! Hope your Thanksgiving was full of food and love and as little family drama/trauma as possible. (Big ask!)
It’s officially 5 o’clock somewhere (literally here lol), so grab your drink of choice and let’s do what we do best—talk ‘ bout bands. Specifically Savoir Adore.
Let us begin by saying that this is a BIG GET on the SETLIST front. If Spotify Wrapped was a thing back in 2012, Savoir Adore would have been my (Sam’s) #1, sans doubt, which made it ultra surreal when, years later, I (Sam again!) had the opportunity to actually hang out with the artist behind my favorite band—a fangirling tale recounted in Chapter 3 of the Bands do BK book.
🚨 EXCERPT ALERT 🚨
In the early 2010s, back when I was living in Austin and still knew how to drive, “Dreamers” by Savoir Adore was all over the Alt Nation airwaves, and I would actively disturb the same stretch of city twice a day as I blasted it with the windows down, singing along while creeping along the traffic-clogged downtown streets that comprised my commute.
Fast-forward to Brooklyn. It’s seven years since the release, “Dreamers” is well on its way to ten million Spotify streams [ED NOTE: 2023 update is 16+ mil!], and I can no longer be trusted behind any wheel. To my utter disbelief, I am sitting in the back booth of the Savoir Adore-approved cocktail bar Fresh Kills with the man behind the band, who has graciously agreed to meet me for an interview for a blog that, and here’s the kindness kicker, didn’t even exist yet.
Now, I recognize I’m not interviewing the Beatles or Beyoncé here, and all the artists in this book can walk down Grand, Broadway, or Bedford without fear of paparazzi and pop into Sweetgreen for a salad without donning a disguise. But as a fan, it’s still easy to be star-struck by some of these musicians and a little intimidated by the true talent, city street cred, and captivating power of their performances.
After all, the rock-star stereotype does skew more diva than docile and more naughty than nice, with classic tales of trashed hotel rooms and gone-viral riders banning brown M&M’s or outlining avocado requirements for the green-room guacamole. There’s also the fact that, from the fan’s vantage point, musicians often seem more God-like than mortal while on stage, if only because of the booming voices, the bright lights, and the fact that you’re quite literally looking up at them. And for those of us whose musical expertise doesn’t extend beyond an elementary school-engrained recorder rendition of “Hot Cross Buns,” making music is even more impressive because it’s largely a mystery. Watching band members play together is like witnessing an intimate conversation in a language we’re not fluent in, while ripping a guitar solo might as well be rocket science, or perhaps more like pulling a rabbit out of a hat.
That’s all to say that while in my eyes and ears and extended Spotify history, Paul Hammer might as well be Paul McCartney, and I’m sure I greeted him accordingly awkwardly, I’m happy to report that he just might be the friendliest of them all. Dressed casually in a sweater and plain black baseball cap, he didn’t strut into Fresh Kills like he owned the place but strolled in like it was his living room. And while it was his favorite bar where we were meeting and not his actual apartment, much like the guys of Wet Leather, Paul still made me feel right at home.
And then we took whiskey shots served out of little glass boots. As one does on a Wednesday night in Williamsburg.
It’s been about five years since that interview with Paul, and since then Savoir Adore has released a LOT of great new music (the 2019 album Full Bloom + a string of 2023 singles) that has *almost* inspired me to rent wheels with which to ride around and re-live those fan-girl glory days.
(But really, I def don’t know how to drive anymore. So listening to the songs on the subway will have to do.)
And now I couldn’t be more stoked to extend this still-a-bit-surreal collaboration with a weekend plan that Paul has crafted just for you, ahead of Savoir Adore’s sold-out (ugh, sorry!) show at Union Pool on Saturday—
An itinerary that, in very on-brand fashion, includes a stop at the aforementioned Fresh Kills, which the artist describes in the following way in the BdBK book:
“My favorite environments are always the places that take their craft as seriously as possible, but also don’t take themselves seriously. There’s not this pretense, there’s no snooty front, there’s no separation. This is almost like a DIY space where your favorite band is playing. There’s no separation between the performer and the fan, and I’m the fan, you know what I mean? “
Read, listen, enjoy—then head to Fresh Kills and see what all the hype’s about. In the meantime, I’ll be hanging out pinching myself in the corner of my apartment forrrr the foreseeable future. What a band, what a city, what a world—woo! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND <3
[BUT FIRST: PRESS PLAY]
Let’s party babies! Here we go…
Friday night, the weekend begins… I should start by saying that this aging millennial is no spring chicken anymore, but I will do my best to show you a good time!
FRIDAY
5pm… you walk out the door of your office, or in my case, your studio bedroom. Any night out begins with… a coffee… yes you heard me right. Stop by Black Brick on Bedford avenue for the best cortado in Brooklyn. You could stay and enjoy it in their beautiful backyard, but I recommend taking it for a stroll up Bedford Avenue to feel the energy of NYC on the weekend start to grow. A significant portion of this weekend will be walking, but to me, that's the beauty of New York. After a big loop around Williamsburg, you head back south to Diner on Broadway. Sit at the corner of the bar and order your favorite cocktail, or a natural wine. Then, order the best burger in town. After that, head down the street to Baby's Alright to catch whatever band is playing, or just a really good DJ and hangs. Honestly, I think people don't do this enough, one of the joys of New York is just rolling the dice and seeing what happens, you might just discover your new favorite band by chance. Depending on how late you stay at Baby's, walk back up Bedford Avenue for a post show slice at Joe's Pizza, or a nightcap at Maison Premiere. Since it's Friday, and you've got a big weekend ahead, you head to bed full and happy from the night out.
SATURDAY
Saturday morning, you're a little fuzzy so you need a good breakfast and of course, coffee. If you're an early riser, head up Five Leaves on the corner of McCarren Park and sit at the bar. it's an institution, and sometimes crowded to an annoying degree, but if you get there early, you'll be rewarded with one of the best vibes in Brooklyn, and a big brekkie to match. After this, hop on your bike (or city bike) and ride down to the Brooklyn Museum. There are always incredible exhibitions from around the world, and special installations, and it's one of the best museums in all of New York. In addition, they start their winter pop market this weekend, so you can start your holiday shopping AND support local artists and makers from all over Brooklyn. Now, if the weather isn't too cold, I'd recommend a nice bike ride around Prospect Park and then back up to Bushwick. Grab lunch at Roberta's, followed by an afternoon coffee at Sey and stroll around to some more art galleries or just take in the bustling neighborhood. Your evening plans await... We’re biased here, but Savoir Adore is playing at Union Pool! holy moly! Before Union Pool, grab a bite at some of the best restaurants in Brooklyn like... King's County Imperial, St. Anselm, or a pizza at L'Industrie. After a show at Union Pool, there's only one place to eat, and that's the backyard at the El Diablo Taco truck. Shrimp tacos, queso, and an ice cold tecate. Or... a taco tour perhaps? Head outside to the square and have a birria taco at Birria-Landia too! Now, if you still have the energy, head over to House of Yes in Bushwick to dance the night away... OR, if you'd prefer a more relaxed nightcap, head just down the street to the best cocktail bar in Brooklyn... Fresh Kills.
SUNDAY
Sunday - Now, you will probably be feeling your Saturday night, so you'll want to start your Sunday with a big breakfast sandwich from Frankel's. Get the pastrami and cheese. Sit in McCarren park and take it easy, it's Sunday after all! Catch up with friends or just stroll around Greenpoint. After this, how about a little classic New York in December? Grab a big cup of coffee and make your way into midtown Manhattan. The iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has just been lit, and yes, it's predictable, but still very cool to see in person. After this head to MOMA to take in some modern art, and after that... how about a little ice skating? You're still hungover from your 4am departure from House of Yes, but that shouldn't stop you from pretending you're in a 90s romantic comedy right? Now, you could go to Rockefeller Center for that, but I'd recommend the Wollman Rink in Central Park. All that skating has made you... thirsty? Head over to Bemelman's Bar for one of the classic great bar rooms in New York, and a perfectly made martini. Now, after all this excitement, you're gonna want to finish your weekend with something cozy, so head back to Williamsburg for some udon and magical vibes at Samurai Mama. Then, get some sleep! We hope you had a good time <3
Itinerary above written + submitted by Savoir Adore. Follow the band at @savoiradore, add the songs to your Spotify playlists and find everything Savoir Adore at savoiradore.com!
Feature image provided by the band.
MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS
We’re excited to announce the upcoming BONUS ADDITION to THE SETLIST—debuting next week!
Introducing THE RIDER—a feature in which bands share the Top 10 things they can’t live/love/laugh without. (We’re still working on the verbiage obviously.) The first featured band to be featured will be Mary Shelley, whose single “She’s a Star” is out TODAY!
Listen to the song now, look out for their Top 10—hitting your inbox on next week!—and stay tuned as we slowly roll out this feature as part of our regularly scheduled programming for 2024. (If you’re an artist interested in participating—while promoting your latest release/upcoming show/etc., of course—shoot an email with THE RIDER in the subject line to bandsdobk [@] gmail.com)
HAPPY BANDCAMP FRIDAY! You’ve probably seen this graphic (below) from UMAW and/or heard the news that, beginning in 2024, Spotify will no longer be paying a big percentage of artists… like, at all.
Here’s an article that explains how/why, as a subscriber, your money isn’t *actually* going to the indie artists you *actually* stream but instead to the Taylor Swifts and Ed Sheerans (etc.) of the world… even if you never, ever listen to them. (FUCKED UP, RIGHT?!) As a fan, this means it’s more important than ever to financially support independent artists in other ways, and—as we remind you on the monthly—Bandcamp Friday is the perfect opp to do just that. Grab some merch and pay for some music today, when the site is waiving their fee, so you know that your fanship is financially benefiting the artists you love <3
(AWOLNATION voice): SAAALE! It’s come to our attention that the BdBK book (cited above) in paperback is now only like $11 on Amazon. (Don’t think of it as supporting Bezos; think of it as supporting Bands do BK.) If you love books and/or bargains, feel free to buy and hopefully enjoy… or at least adorn the back of your toilet… for what is now literally the price of 1.5 lattes.
(Photo/everything c/o the best publisher, Lit Riot Press)
IT’S A HOT TODDY TOY DRIVE, Y’ALL! Bushwick Ayuda Mutua and Bar Freda are teaming up to make the holiday season a little sweeter for kids in need. Bring a toy to the bar to donate (or show a donation receipt) and get a FREE hot toddy, now through December 15th. PLUS! Don’t miss the kick-off party, happening TONIGHT from 7-10 pm <3
If you’re looking for a festive event to serve as the filling in your Holiday Party Sandwich next Thursday (more on the bread that is BdBK’s two seasonal shows below), our pals at New Colossus Fest are throwing their holiday show at Knitting Factory on 12/7 and you can snag those tickets here.
Is your band readyyyyy toooo rumblllllle?! Registration for WINTER MADNESS—Our Wicked Lady’s annual BATTLE OF THE BANDS—is open now and runs through December 15th. Learn more + submit your app here for the chance to fight it out onstage in February and compete to win $5,000 (+ a whollllle lotta street cred).
RELEASE RADAR
New(ish) stuff from local (+ occasionally, once-local) artists we love, listed in no order whatsoever:
New Jokes // Buff Ginger
“Ghost” video // Wetsuit
“Yellow Lays” video // Tennis Courts
“Haunt You” // Book/Spirit
“Order Up” video // MayQueen
New Jokes // Buff Ginger
“Hey, Whatcha Doin’ For Christmas?” // Viktor Longo
“Christmas Day at Fran’s” // Hayes Peebles
“Suburban Speed Seekers” // Petite League
Salt Pepper Catshit // Pespi
IT’S HAPPENIN’
12/5 STRONG LITTLE SONGS ft.Sam Zalta, Taylor Yancey (of Mary Shelley), Redbud and our co-host Arlo Indigo benefitting Toys for Tots - BYOB and donation-based w/ Bands do BK matching the first $150 in donations - DM 4 address!
12/6 HOLIDAY BASH + SOCK DRIVE ft. Mary Shelley (single release!), Wetsuit (music vid release!), Redbud, BRODEO, Go Home @ Our Wicked Lady - Tix here
12/8: HOLIDAY BASH + SOCK DRIVE 2 ft. Jelly Kelly, SKORTS, Wakelee, Tennis Courts, Redbud @ Arlene’s Grocery - Tix here
(Special thanks to Ryan Minter of the very good band Buff Ginger for the two very good flyers!)
ICYMI
Around the blog and in the archives
PREMIERE: “Haunt You” from Book/Spirit
THE SETLIST by Bands do BK is a reader-supported publication that’s freeeee. BUT! If you want to become a paid subscriber to show some love and support the work BdBK is doing… well, hey. That’d be pretty rad of you. <3
Thx 4 reading! Find more fun stuff at bandsdobk.com and @bandsdobk. <3
Order the Bands do BK BOOK (!) (out now via Lit Riot Press) here.