Back in April, banjo player, singer and songwriter Tony Furtado spoke to the News prior to his solo performance at Boulevard music. He’s back on October 14, and this time he’s bringing the extremely talented Stephanie Schneiderman with him. A celebrated musician in her own right, Schneiderman told the News about what Culver City can expect from this show…
When did you start playing and performing?
I started playing and writing songs in college. At that time I was in a big motown funk band, traveling up and down the west coast. I split off from the band and started in the direction of writing, recording and releasing my original music. I won a music competition to play Lilith Fair and it helped to launch my solo career.
Describe your sound/style?
I’ve explored lots of styles throughout the years, from folk and pop to trip-hop with electronic bass and drums. The thread that runs through the varied textures is my voice and my songwriting, but I’ve experimented a lot with the production to keep pushing out my own comfort zone.
What are your career highlights so far?
I formed a band with my former Dirty Martini bandmates (McKinley and Lara Michell) called Swan Sovereign. We became our own rhythm section and co-wrote an album together. All three of us share the lead singer role and there are a lot of intricate harmonies throughout the songs. I started playing drums in that band and I’m proud of our punchy and defiant pop songs as well our vocal arrangements. It was an incredible experience discovering my love for playing drums in that band.
What recorded music is available — particularly the most recent?
My most recent album is CROSSFIRE, an album I produced and released last year. On it, I combined many of my past sonic explorations including folk, Americana, trip-hop and pop. It’s my ninth solo album and I was able to finish it in the middle of the pandemic.
Have you performed at Boulevard Music before?
I’ve sat in with Tony Furtado once before at this venue and I loved playing there.
What can the audience expect from the set this time?
This time, I’ll be joining Tony Furtado for a duo performance. We’ll have special guest Lily Wilson sit in with us! Tony is a world renowned banjo and slide guitarist so our set will be filled with folk and rock songs textured by the world of Americana.
What else do you have coming up?
I’ve got a few new songs I’ll be releasing in the coming months and I’ll be touring with my acoustic trio (featuring Jenny Conlee of the Decemberists and Keith Brush of the Blue Cranes).
Tony Furtado and Stephanie Schneiderman perform at 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 14 at Boulevard Music. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more information about the show.
Elsewhere this week
The Culver Hotel will be hosting the likes of Sylvia & the Rhythm Boys, and Scotty Bramer. Go to culverhotel.com for more info.
There’s a full program of music at the Cinema Bar this week, as usual. The Hot Club of Los Angeles plays every Monday, and Wednesdays are singer/songwriter and open mic night. Other artists performing this week include the Everglades and Patrolled by Radar. Go to thecinemabar.com for more info.