Ed Schrader's Music Beat Headed Our Way

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Jul 31, 2013 3:00PM

It’s not easy to pin down Ed Schrader’s Music Beat: the Baltimore act spans everything from goth to pop to opium-potent psychedelia. But that’s Ed Schrader for you. The man of many hats—musician, comedian, host of his own self-titled talk-show and journalist—isn’t down with the whole limitations thing. And for much of his music career, he’s roamed the country solo, though for this project he brings on board bassist Devlin Rice (who's performed alongside Future Islands, Dan Deacon and other Wham City crew).

This is the first we’ve heard from Schrader since he came by the Empty Bottle last year in support of his 2012 release, Jazz Mind. The album is available to stream at the duo’s Bandcamp page—if you listen to only one track, make it “Air Show/Can’t Stop Easting Sugar,” which features experimental legends Matmos. It’s a little like the mantra of a madman: Schrader’s monotone voice repeats perplexing phrases at a steady pace, like “I’m a ceiling fan / a troubled man / a hazy dew.” And it's a pretty good taste of just how out there this album truly is.

For next week’s show, Ed Schrader will be playing in support of headlining act Ceremony, the hardcore punk act hailing from San Francisco. Opening will be Schrader’s fellow Baltimore rockers GIVE.

Ed Schrader plays Wednesday, Aug. 7 at the Beat Kitchen, 2100 W Belmont, 6:30 p.m., $10 in advance or $12 at the door, All Ages