SEP. 3
Kris is playing this year's Dayton Music Fest as part of Father's Day, his little local supergroup with Joe Anderl (The 1984 NFL Draft) and Patrice Hall (American Static). They play Saturday September 9 at The Trolley Stop going on at 10 PM.
JUN. 28
The new album from Kris N. is available now. It's not Supine Sailor, the album we have recorded on and off again over the last two years. Instead it's Heart Scarf, a much more urgent album written in response to happenings in Kris's life over the last year. It's been a tough time lately for Poptekians if you haven't noticed. You can download Heart Scarf freely in the Poptek Shop or if you would like to financially support us, buy it from iTunes, eMusic, Napster, or any of your favorite digital stores.
DEC. 18
Kris N. is playing a lot of shows as Father's Day, his collaboration with Joe Anderl. They play Dec. 23 at the always fun Holidayton. The next Kris N. recording, Supine Sailor, still has more work to go before Kris is satisfied but it shall be released. Some day. Don't forget to pick up the debut of another of Kris's side projects, Hangover, Ohio. Milwaukee artist and former Kris N. member Nick Satinover has teamed up long distance to write the music to underly Kris Neises' lyrics and melodies. Common Measure is free for download in the Poptek Shop.
AUG. 21
Happy Communivale. Even if it does rain, we'll still be pop rocking the day away. We'll just move the music from the beautiful shade under the tree to the woodshop barn. It will be cozy and punk rock. Today is the debut of Father's Day, the local supergroup of Kris N. and Joe Anderl.
JUL. 31
It's just three weeks until Communivale happens on Aug. 21. Kris N. will be there playing a long mixed set along with Father's Day, a Dayton super group made up of Kris and Joe Anderl. Contact us if you want to join in on a great, friendly night of perfect pop songs.
Kris N. has been busy. At the same time as the duo have been working on the next album, Supine Sailor, Kris has been putting time in with the aforementioned Father's Day as well as Hangover, Ohio. Hangover, Ohio is a long-distance project featuring the music of Milwaukee resident Nick Satinover combined with the vocals and lyrics of Kris Neises. Their 11-song album is done and will be posted here at poptek.com this week. Keep checking back.
JUL. 15
Sharing a show with love of Everything was a wonderful experience. They are so great. While there we met Justin who runs The Atlas and the Anchor blog. Go check out his new review of Kris N.'s Lo-Fi Movement.
JUN. 29
Anticipation for the Independence Day weekend has to be high. Don't forget that the Thursday after, July 8, there is a show you just must attend. Love of Everything will be in from Chicago to play Dayton. Kris N. will be playing right before one of his musical heroes. Brandon Hawk and Vox Humana, from Buffalo, will fill out the bill. For a Thursday night, or any night, that will be a good pop show.
JUN. 8
We've confirmed two upcoming shows that involve Kris N. First up, on Friday June 18 in Dayton, Kris N. is joined by the wonderfully dreamy Enlou, our friends The Sexy Accident from Kansas City, and local songsmith Wes Tirey. Then on Thursday July 8 Kris N. gets to share a show with one of Kris's favorites, Love of Everything. Brandon Hawk and Vox Humana are also playing. Love of Everything have a great new record out now on Polyvinyl. Check all the show details here.
MAY 17
Thank you New York for being fine hosts to Kris N. and Wake Up Mordecai.
MAY 12
We're on our way to New York. Kris N. plays Thursday May 13 in Brooklyn. The details are here. See you there? To celebrate we are giving away an exclusive song from the long lost version of the upcoming Supine Sailor. Just sign up for the free Poptek Song Club and that and many other songs will be yours.
Also you can re-watch Kris N.'s recent performance on WPTK by going there.
MAY 6
Click on our WPTK page tomorrow night (Fri. May 7) to check out two performances we will be broadcasting live from the Poptek house. At 8PM EST you can see our newest addition to the Poptek family, L'Albatros. Kris N. plays at 9PM EST and may include some new songs that only five people have heard so far.
MAR. 18
The drum tracks are all finished for the next Kris N. record, Supine Sailor. Next come the guitars, then the vocals, and then the cello and synthesizer. We know the songs are good. Now we're excited that this record is going to more accurately portray Kris N. in all their glory.
MAR. 6
More recording of Supine Sailor will take place over two days next week. The duo are also working on a May tour with Wake Up Mordecai to show off the new songs to people outside of Dayton. Already confirmed is a show in Brooklyn. Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. are potential destinations as well.
JAN. 30
Kris N. will get back to recording their next album, Supine Sailor, this week. Follow along with the Poptek Twitter. Over the previous many months we have been giving away songs from the accompanying album, Sit Up Sailor, as our Poptek Song Club "Song of the Month". If you want to pick up those songs and many more sign up for the free monthly newsletter on our News page.
JAN. 26
Tune in to WPTK on Friday January 29 to watch Kris N., Wake Up Mordecai, and Jill Potter play live. The web broadcast starts at 7:30PM.
JAN. 19
Kris N. is playing Wednesday at the Ohio Coffee Co. in Dayton. Check Dates for more information. Kris N. is also slated to play Jan. 29 for a show that will be video streamed online at WPTK.
DEC. 22
We are pleased that so many of our Poptek Recs were chosen by the Dayton Daily News as some of the best local albums to be released in 2009. We obviously agree. Wake Up Mordecai's Too Young for the Disco was ranked the #8 full-length. Yesterdays Forever by XL427 was the #1 EP. Kris N.'s Lo-Fi Movement even got a special mention but was left out of the rankings. Read the article for yourself at the Dayton Daily's web site.
If you are around Dayton this Christmas do come by HoliDayton happening at Blind Bob's on Saturday Dec. 26. Kris N. plays at 8 among ten others.
DEC. 8
"Hey God", here's another "Kris N. Song of the Week".
NOV. 17
Today we release another "Kris N. Song of the Week" to the legal downloading few. Enjoy "Half Full and Refilling".
NOV. 12
The first two drums tracks for the re-recording of Supine Sailor are done. We are already excited for how it's going to turn out. You can follow the recording process at the Poptek Twitter. We are also going to video stream some of the upcoming sessions over at WPTK. Stay tuned for that. We also unveil another "Kris N. Song of the Week", the young and brash "Marlon Brando".
OCT. 22
We return with another "Kris N. Song of the Week" and some news. "3-D Glasses" is a brand new song from Kris N. which you can download here for nothing. The frequent duo have started to re-record their next release, Supine Sailor. There is a version of this album that has been finished for over a year that will someday be released. There is such a difference in how the duo sound live compared to the usual solo kitchen recordings that Kris wants an album to reflect that. For any of you who are lo-fi purists, don't worry, it will still sound like a wind tunnel. The recordings are just moving from the kitchen to the living room with more drums, synths, and vocals. You can follow the recording progress on the Poptek Twitter.
Kris N. played live, in-studio a few weeks ago during "Kaleidoscope" which airs every Wednesday night on WYSO. You can re-listen to it here.
OCT. 7
Listen in to WYSO tonight around 9PM as Kris N. plays some songs, we talk about all things Poptek, and the staion offers some special Poptek CD packages as part of their pledge drive. You can tune in locally to 91.3 FM or online at wyso.org.
SEP. 22
There hasn't been a "Kris N. Song of the Week" the last couple of weeks as we planned and basked in the beauty that was Communivale. The stage was built by Kris N. himself if you didn't know and it was perfect.
Next up is the Dayton Music Fest on October 3. Kris N. plays at the Dayton Dirt Collective right after XL427. If you are around Dayton, don't mis one of the best nights of the year.
SEP. 12
We would like to say "boo" to the Dayton Daily News for cancelling Kris N.'s local music blog. That is all we will say about that. Rumors are floating around that Kris may re-open his Dayton music blog at poptek.com. We'll figure it out and keep you posted. With that bit of sadness, we counter with a joyful "Kris N. Song of the Week". "The Wake Up Mordecai Show" is an envious celebration of the loyal and ridiculous fans who attend every Wake Up Mordecai show.
SEP. 7
The show at The Southgate House with Surfer Blood has been cancelled. Sorry. Next up is Communivale.
AUG. 28
"Overeasy and Facing Winter" is the new "Kris N. Song of the Week".
AUG. 22
The "Kris N. Song of the Week" keeps going, this time with "Pop Song" as the free, exclusive download.
AUG. 13
"Butter Rum Goodbye" is the next weird little ditty to make it as the "Kris N. Song of the Week".
AUG. 7
"Music Journalism" is a live favorite that usually brings a chuckle. The lyrics are especially ironic when you know that Kris is a music journalist himself. Take a gander at his Dayton Daily News blog. And download the song as it is the new "Kris N. Song of the Week".
JUL. 28
"Note to Self" is the next "Kris N. Song of the Week".
JUL. 22
"Mt. Olympus" is the new "Kris N. Song of the Week". Download it by clicking on the song title.
JUL. 15
The "Kris N. Song fo the Week" is back. Download "Broken Heart Caulking Gun" now and again expect free, exclusive songs each Tuesday.
JUN. 23
The two latest releases from Poptek, Wake Up Mordecai's Too Young for the Disco and Lo-Fi Movement by Kris N. are now available from iTunes if that is your prefered way to buy music.
JUN. 10
Kris N. is playing this Saturday in Dayton as part of the "Not Much More than Awesome" Fest that our friend Joe Anderl is putting on. Two stages of music start at 3PM at Blind Bob's in Dayton. Kris N. will go at 9PM.
MAY 9
Some of you may be wondering where this week's "Kris N. Song of the Week" is. It's supposed to come out on Tuesdays, sometimes Wednesdays, with a few Fridays thrown in. Well, we have decided to take a break from the "Song of the Week" until June. Kris N. has a new record out and we want to direct attention towards that. Lo-Fi Movement is a really good and consistently sloppy and poppy album. Those of us who make up Poptek are very proud of it. The "Kris N. Song of the Week" will return in June to lead into the quick release of his next album Supine Sailor. In the meantime, please pick up one of Kris' records, the new one or his debut The Burning Down Belmont EP. If you are broke, take one of the many previously posted "Kris N. Songs of the Week". There are surely more good and free songs to come though.
MAY 1
The new "Kris N. Song of the Week" is a cover of our friend Joe Anderl. Joe was voted the second nicest person in Dayton by the staff of our beloved Gem City Records. We aren't bragging but the one they voted as the nicest happens to run a certain record label that you just might happen to be reading about right now. Joe Anderl, whether solo or with his band The 1984 NFL Draft, has released album after album of good introspective folk rock. He really knows how to turn a phrase and put words to the human experience. "Moons Over Miller Lite" is from the album I Love Joe Anderl and is Kris's ode to Joe. It is free and available now.
APR. 26
The second album from Kris N., entitled Lo-Fi Movement, is now available for sale in the Poptek Shop. The digital version as well as the disc + digital combo are available at very affordable prices. We are very proud to unveil what we think is a great and thorough pop record.
APR. 22
There is just one more day before Kris N.'s Lo-Fi Movement is released. We will celebrate with another "Kris N. Song of the Week". "Bear" has nothing to do with the upcoming album but it is a brand new song that is not slated to go on any record. Like usual, that means it is free and exclusive from Kris and Poptek Recs. Enjoy.
APR. 17
There is a slew of press for Kris N. hitting right now. With just one week to go before the release, Kris N. is streaming his second album over at MySpace. Listen to the glory of Lo-Fi Movement in its entirety.
Also, DonThrasher wrote a great article about Kris N. and his new record for the Dayton Daily News. Read it in print by picking up the April 17 edition or read it online at Active Dayton.
Last but not whatever, we released a cool little song to the Poptek Song Club in March. It was Kris N. covering the new single from Animal Collective, "My Girls". While the "Song of the Month" is exclusive to the Poptek SC mailing list subscribers, The Buddha Den liked it so much they asked if they could spread it around a little more. Kris, Poptek and Animal Collective's management all gave it our blessing so everyone now can go get it from The Buddha Den. Or you can sign up with the Poptek Song Club at the link above for that and many more free songs.
APR. 14
It is time for another "Kris N. Song of the Week". We predicted that Kris would be ashamed of the old song we posted last week. We were right and so Kris recorded a brand new song to make up for it. This song is called "Something" and is available for everyone to share now.
APR. 7
This week's "Kris N. Song of the Week" is an old and obviously unreleased track from when Kris was all "emo". Kris will undoubtedly be embarrassed that this song became public but Kris is embarrassed by everything so we don't really care anymore. It is a nice chorus and that is why Poptek is sharing it now. "Sailboat" is another song from the Best Kisser days and is free to be downloaded.
MAR. 29
Here is the track listing for the next album from Kris N., Lo-Fi Movement, which will be out April 23.
B-Side, Lo-Fi Movement, My Parents, Pollard's Old Drunk Drivers, Pick-up Line, Turning 31, Saturday Girls, B-Side Instrumental, Mustache Jesus
MAR. 25
"Heads Up" is another good song being left off the upcoming release of Lo-Fi Movement. This is actually the second song Kris has written which contains an ode to a certain infuential radio station out of Oxford, Ohio. The repetition is part of the reason it was left off. It is now the "Kris N. Song of the Week".
MAR. 19
The record release for Lo-Fi Movement is now slated for April 23 in Dayton. The show will take place at Canal Street with Dayton native and Austin resident Wil Cope.
MAR. 10
This "Kris N. Song of the Week" is freshly recorded and available to you now. "Book Club" literally arrived from Kris just minutes ago. Enjoy.
MAR. 4
We have another cover. The new "Kris N. Song of the Week" is his take on "Young Shields" by Casiotone for the Painfully Alone.
FEB. 24
Back around Christmas we offered Kris N.'s contribution to the Scribble Christmas '08 compliation as an exclusive download for the Poptek Song Club. That is the free newsletter we send out each month. The new "Kris N. Song of the Week" is not a Christmas song at all but does mention the holiday multiple times. We at Poptek like to celebrate Christmas all year round, so here is "Christmas Mix Tape Song".
FEB. 17
One thing we love about Kris N. is how hard he works to take care of his family. Amazingly he still finds time to write a lot of songs. The "Kris N. Song of the Week" is entitled "Working Class Hero" and very much sums up the struggle of the blue collar work ethic. This is another older song from Kris' days masquerading as Best Kisser.
FEB. 10
As we get closer to the release of Kris's next album, Lo-Fi Movement, a couple of tracks are being jockeyed around and replaced. The new "Kris N. Song of the Week" is a track that no longer will be included on Lo-Fi so now "Sugarcreek Reserve" is available for free for anyone who cares to download it. This song happens to be the autobiography of the life of Kris Neises.
Poptek Records is throwing our first showcase next week featuring Kris N. and XL427. It is a free show that will take place Wednesday February 18 at Oregon Express in Dayton. This show is in conjunction with The Buddha Den's NTR/XPO series.
FEB. 3
It is another Tuesday which calls for another "Kris N. Song of the Week". "Studdering" is a very old song that comes from the days when Kris briefly adopted the band name Best Kisser. A raw, disonant, early emo influence is much more evident in his older solo work than in anything recent. Enjoy.
JAN. 27
We are always tweaking poptek.com as you can see with the updated design for kris-n.com. While graphic unrest keeps a label manager busy, we have not forgotten another "Kris N. Song of the Week". Download "Street Cred" for your listening pleasure.
JAN. 20
On this historic inauguration day, here is to the hope that our new president will hold true to his promises; to end the string of presidents who favor the exploitation of the people by the powerful, to refuse to start wars with nothing more than selfish reasons, to provide an unblurred hope and pride to the United States of America. Dreams and promises have been dashed before so we at Poptek will just keep making music while we wait to see if the leadership of this country has truly changed. Kris N., whose songs contain some very subtle political jabs, offers this free "Song of the Week". It is another cover, this time of "To a Husband at War" by I Hate Myself. Enjoy.
JAN. 14
Kris N. has recorded a few covers that remain unreleased. This week's "Song of the Week" is one of them. Kris did a very weird version of "Shine on Me" which is by labelmates Ruetschle. Feel free to compare Kris N's "Shine on Me" with the original. Don't say which one you iike betther though. Someone might get offended.
JAN. 6
The title of the new "Kris N. Song of the Week" may sound epic but that isn't exactly Kris's style now, is it? It surely is dreamy. It is rather moody. Maybe it is more Roman that we throught. It is none other than "Alexander".
DEC. 30
This week's "Kris N. Song of the Week" rhymes with a recent movie put out by a rather humorless alum of Saturday Night Live who in turn was trying to get in on the success of a British chap who made a previous movie about a character with a funny sounding two-syllable foreign name whose mannerisms were nothing more than a crude Peter Sellers knock-off. It also bares similarity to a legendary action flick from the 80's acted out by the current muscle-bound governor of California. This older but freshly available Kris N. song is entitled nothing more than "Cohan".
DEC. 23
For those signed up for the Poptek Song Club, we offer an exclusive "Song of the Month". We previously offered a nice little Christmas tune by Kris N. that appears on a benefit project put out by Scribbles Cafe. While we intend for those songs to remain exclusive for the mailing list subscribers, there really is no better song to offer as a "Kris N. Song of the Week" for the Tuesday before Christmas. So we share again with all of you the simple but charming "Christmas Song". We really hope you can enjoy Christmas despite all the busyness, business, and dysfunction the holiday has become. Merry Christmas.
DEC. 16
As a stark contrast to the curse of last week's song title, the new "Kris N. Song of the Week" is "L-O-V-E-U".
DEC. 9
Kris N. has a complicated relationship with one of his heroes Tim Kinsella (Joan of Arc, Owls, Cap'n Jazz, Make Believe). Music is therapy so Kris writes about it in another "Kris N. Song of the Week", "GDYou".
DEC. 2
Many people may not know that Kris N is writes for the Dayton Daily News. And what good are newspapers for? Well music news, of course, and crossword puzzles. "Crossword" is the name of the latest "Kris N. Song of the Week".
NOV. 25
"Great Gatsby" is the new "Kris N. Song of the Week". Try listening to this song while you read the book of the same name. The music and the words might synchronize. Or not.
NOV. 17
The second "Kris N. Song of the Week" is now available as a free download. Entitled "Background", this is another newer selection that is not going to fit on any upcoming albums. It is reverby and hooky so enjoy.
NOV. 11
Kris N. is such a prolific writer that Poptek Records is excited to add a beautiful new feature. This treat is called the "Kris N. Song of the Week." Every Tuesday there will be a free, new song available to download from kris-n.com and poptek.com. Kris has a secret batch of 40 new and old unreleased songs that will comprise this feature. In other words, there are plenty and they are so so good.
Also don't forget to check out previews Poptek has posted of Kris N.'s next two releases, Lo-Fi Movement and Supine Sailor. You can pick up two free MP3s from each album on the Poptek Media page. Both albums are also streaming in their entirety at last.fm. Enjoy.
NOV. 1
The relatively reclusive Kris N. will be performing live in Dayton, Ohio on November 22. Kris will be opening up followed by XL427, The Lions Rampant, and Towhee. After averaging one show a year for the last few years, this show will be the second in two months.
OCT. 29
The Poptek Shop has been updated with digital versions of all available albums. This includes The Burning Down Belmont EP from Kris N. Most digital albums are only $3 and disc + digital album combos are $5.
JUL. 20
Kris N. has a new website. kris-n.com is now the place to go for everything Kris N.
