Angie Boylan Birthday Tribute

Guitar tapping for Little Lungs @ NYU Strawberry Fest

Most music tributes that I've read focus on famous musicians usually when they have passed away. But why not celebrate someone's career that's already alive. Someone that I actually know and care about deeply because I respect the music they make. I may not be so steady in writing posts on this blog, but I want to make sure that I get this birthday tribute up to a musician buddy I've been following since 2008. With a goofy smile, a sweet heart, and an ambitious talent on vocals, guitar, and drums, Angie Boylan, is a local Brooklyn based musician who deserves a few words. 

Drumming for Each Other's Mothers @ Stolen Sleeves

Angie plays guitar and drums and sings. She's been in at least five bands that I know of: Cheeky, Little Lungs, Each Other's Mothers, Scantron, and Aye Nako. And all those bands are wonderful with a different sound. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I have all her bands releases whether digitally, on vinyl, tape, or CD. I'm consistently impressed with her style and how awesome her bands are. I've had the pleasure of seeing all her bands live except for Scantron, who was short lived and just put out one release and played a few shows.

When I go to Brooklyn punk shows it's easy for me to feel disconnected and like an outsider, but Angie makes a kind effort to make me feel welcomed. She high fives me or hugs me and chats with me, and though these seem like small gestures, they mean a lot. I'll always remember one particular night. After seeing Aye Nako at Manifesta Loft, it was pretty late and I was chatting with Angie. Before I left she said to text her when I get home to make sure I arrived ok. I thought this was sweet. It reminded me of when my buddies would tell me to text them after a late night out when I in college. 

You see, Angie is a nice person and nice people are hard to come by. She's an example of a musician I wish I was friends with and not simply just a Facebook friend or a buddy I only see at a show. If you like melody, punk, and rock, I recommend listening to any of her bands and if you have a chance to hang with her at show, do so. Happy Birthday, Angie. Thanks for being cool.

NOTE: Billy Gray of Ben Franklin reminded me that Angie also plays in Very Okay. I don't know how I forgot since they are really awesome. I guess it's just hard to keep up with Angie! So I edited that band info in below. 

Cheeky: Bratty, fun pop-punk with Angie on drums. Listen here: http://quoteunquoterecords.com/qur016.htm

Little Lungs: Superchunk like indie-punk with Angie on guitar and vocals. 

Each Other's Mothers: Instrumental math-rock you can move to with Angie on drums. Listen here: http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/album/each-others-mothers/3-song-demo/

Scantron: Riot-grrrl influenced rock with range and Angie on guitar. Listen here: http://thegirlsare.blogspot.com/2010/01/introducing-scantron.html

Aye Nako: Some of the sweet pop-punk with a hardcore song thrown in for good measure with Angie on drums. Listen here: http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/album/aye-nako/demo-2010/

Very Okay: Catchy pop-punk with dual male/female vocals. Angie keeps it steady on the drums, of course. Listen here: http://quoteunquoterecords.com/qur048.htm