Pony Boy
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Pony Boy

Nashville, Tennessee, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2013 | INDIE

Nashville, Tennessee, United States | INDIE
Established on Jan, 2013
Band Alternative Americana

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"Greatest Unknown: Eerie yet haunting track that I haven’t been able to get out of my head"

Backed by twangy, country-styled guitars and eerie melodies, her sound has been favorably compared to Nancy Sinatra and Loretta Lynn — although I think one can argue that Bradanini’s voice share something similar to Norah Jones. (Trust me, those comparisons are pretty flattering in their own right.)

The video for “Greatest Unknown” was recently released and it’s an eerie yet haunting track that I haven’t been able to get out of my head since I’ve first heard it. " - Joy of the Violent Movement


"Live Review: Pony Boy was America(na) personified. (Clairy Browne + The Bangin Rackettes + Pony Boy @ the Troubadour)"

Pony Boy was America(na) personified as she played a string of country-tinged rock numbers, including Even Cowgirls get the Blues and a set closing cover of Bob Dylan’s Isis - LA Record


"Mixtape 17 feat. Pony Boy - worming her way into my musical heart with her twangy throwback old western sounds"

Pony Boy is the moniker of bluesy songwriter Marchelle Bradanini, who initially caught my attention with the probable reference to The Outsiders, and now is really worming her way into my musical heart with her twangy throwback old western sounds. - best new bands . com


"Like a more sultry Lana Del Rey"

Pony Boy, aka Marchelle Bradanini, puts a seductive, modern twist on the Americana sound with sultry vocals atop twangy, buzzing guitars. She's like a more sultry Lana Del Rey.

We are proud to present her track "Greatest Unknown," which is simultaneously beautiful and eerie, and semi-noir, like it belongs on the Twin Peaks soundtrack.

Listen to "Greatest Unknown" below. Sometimes the biggest thrill in life is conquering the unknown, great or not.
- Artist Direct


"Entertainment Weekly debuts new Pony Boy single Trouble from tonights episode of Nashville — EXCLUSIVE"

“Come for the backstabby prime-time drama, stay for the frequently-awesome original songs. ABC’s country drama Nashville continually supplies both, and tonight’s episode will keep the trend alive with Pony Boy‘s “Trouble,” which you can hear exclusively here.

Pony Boy, if you’re wondering, is actually a lady — singer-songwriter Marchelle Bradanini, to be exact. Bradanini has made her (gender-misleading) name by mixing the best parts of rock, country, the blues, and her own sultry voice.” - Entertainment Weekly


"Song Premiere NYLON : Pony Boy"

Pony Boy is neither a pony nor a boy–instead, it’s the stage name for Marchelle Bradanini, and though it might be a strange moniker, the more we listen to the music the more it makes sense. Between the twangy guitars, heartbreak-heavy lyrics, and Bradanini’s smoky, soulful voice, it’s like a trip to the Old West and back (or at the very least, to Twin Peaks or a ’50s diner).

For proof, just give her track “Greatest Unknown” a listen. The song is like the sonic version of the toaster Instagram filter–whiskey-soaked and nostalgic, while still feeling completely of-the-moment. But don’t take our word for it–we’ve got the exclusive premiere of the song, and it’s yours to download for free.

And then don’t miss Pony Boy when she makes stops in Alabama, Arizona, and L.A. this spring. All the info you could need is right here. - NYLON Magazine


"Greatest Unknown Video - Pony Boy plays her haunting melodies to an unseen audience"

Steeped in the traditions of the oldschool country and blues crooners, Pony Boy is Bedtime for Toys’ frontwoman Marchelle Bradanini’s self-described doom-wop alter ego (whose name is a possible S.E. Hinton reference). Her latest single is “Greatest Unknown”, where her sultry voice bleeds with a darkness that lingers like smoke in an empty bar. Combining the styles of new and old, complete with an unexpected Warren G reference, the video uses a palette of traffic light colours to striking effect as Pony Boy plays her haunting melodies to an unseen audience. - Vancouver Weekly


"Pony Boy Gets Into Character Making Songs for Outsiders"

Cali-bred badass Marchelle Bradanini, who creates '50s-inspired rock'n'roll with a touch of woe.

Full interview below. - Boxx Magazine


"Troubadour Review: Pony Boy: Restrain, sensibility and passion"

Her show was all about restrain, sensibility and passion, as she was often holding back her powerful, raucous voice with a great agility; her performance was truly impressive, her tangled country songs bringing along a sexy atmosphere of smoky small town bars or desolated places of the old west” - rock nyc live


"Review: Pony boy – Greatest Unknown. The Pretiest Song I’ve Heard This Year"

If you put Mazzy Star in a phonebooth with Pasty Cline, Martha and the Vandrells, and Smokey Robinson, you might be close to describing it. Either way it’s beautiful, the production is clean, and no auto-tune on the vox! I can’t wait until Pony boy is more popular so I can hipster it up once again and say I told you so to all my friends. In the meantime, “Greatest Unkown” is on Ponyboy’s Soundcloud page, and it’s free to download. Take a listen to support this great new talent and so I can say I told you so, because I did.” - Weird Science


"REFINERY29 This Is Our Jam Premieres: Pony Boy, “Greatest Unknown” (Video)"

Eager to announce the premiere my Paul McGuigan (Sherlock, Gangster #1) directed video for ‘Greatest Unknown’ on Refinery29 today! Shot on location in Glasgow and the Scottish Highlands. See here to watch: - REFINERY29


"VICE MAGAZINE: Pony Boy Interview w/ Ned Hepburn: You Had Me at Fugazi"

Marchelle Bradanini aka Pony Boy is a singer / songwriter from Los Angeles, but don’t let that fool you into thinking she’s a weeping willow of a human being. Her blend of country, blues, and rock might just make her the next big crossover artist, but her incredible laid-back attitude and sense of humor might will absolutely make her the next schoolboy crush for bloggers and music fans alike.

I caught up with her after her performance at The New Yorker festival, held, cruelly, at 11:30 on a Saturday morning, where we were plied with several beers from a major corporate sponsor directly before the interview. This is what transpired...
...
OK. You have a great fucking voice. It’s a phenomenal instrument, your voice. It’s bigger than this room that we’re in, that’s for sure. It was one of those things where I could almost see you at the opera or something.
I was trained as a mezzo soprano.

No fucking way!
Yes, but that’s so rigid that I spent my whole life trying to fuck it up. Then I got into, like the first time I heard Tom Waits or somebody like Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, people that aren’t traditional or... how can I put this... technically great... like... hearing Nina Simone the first time... or Billie Holiday. That changed me. When I was little I was into opera, I was like the altar boy in any sort of Puccini thing they had going on.

That’s a great reference.
Then I got really into Bad Brains and Fugazi and Public Enemy and then I was like, “Oh, this is what I’ve been missing...”

You had me at Fugazi.
Yeah!

That’s gonna be the name of the article. “Pony Boy: You Had Me At Fugazi.”

Fugazi, though, you obviously don’t hear now in my music. Or even like Merle Haggard or Warren Zevon. I love country guys.

You covered 70’s, religious Bob Dylan, and it doesn’t suck! That was the most amazing thing. That was fucking impressive. Bob Dylan’s religious period was awful and you managed to make it euphoric.
I just want to say, I love the sound selection happening.

*** Whoever is programming the music in between acts clearly has it on random***
It’s like I’ve heard Carly Rae Jepson, a baby crying on a loop for 20 minutes, and Peruvian nose humming. A whole bunch of weird things. All before this entire recording.
I’m just imagining the guy making the playlist, you know?

Some guy. Some guy’s roommate probably too.
But anyway, I love country music. But always wanting to do that was like a dirty secret. I didn’t want people to think it was going to be like when you think of mainstream Nashville Country. I wanted it to be like you never knew if somebody was gonna get stabbed.

You could be the next big crossover artist, kinda like how Norah Jones bridged the gap between jazz and the Starbucks crowd. Do you have an interest in doing a big fuck-off cross-over thing?
Yeah, you know. It seems weird to have ambition in music in 2012, but...

Unless you’re a rapper, kinda. I mean, I say this with a little bit of hyperbole, but I a huge fan of Norah Jones. You could very much be that crossover artist. It’s strange to, uh, ‘come out‘ as a Norah Jones fan. I’m a terrible human being.
No, I’m a terrible human being as well. She’s awesome.

READ Full interview:
http://www.vice.com/read/pony-boy-you-had-me-at-fugazi
- VICE Magazine


"VICE MAGAZINE: Pony Boy Interview w/ Ned Hepburn: You Had Me at Fugazi"

Marchelle Bradanini aka Pony Boy is a singer / songwriter from Los Angeles, but don’t let that fool you into thinking she’s a weeping willow of a human being. Her blend of country, blues, and rock might just make her the next big crossover artist, but her incredible laid-back attitude and sense of humor might will absolutely make her the next schoolboy crush for bloggers and music fans alike.

I caught up with her after her performance at The New Yorker festival, held, cruelly, at 11:30 on a Saturday morning, where we were plied with several beers from a major corporate sponsor directly before the interview. This is what transpired...
...
OK. You have a great fucking voice. It’s a phenomenal instrument, your voice. It’s bigger than this room that we’re in, that’s for sure. It was one of those things where I could almost see you at the opera or something.
I was trained as a mezzo soprano.

No fucking way!
Yes, but that’s so rigid that I spent my whole life trying to fuck it up. Then I got into, like the first time I heard Tom Waits or somebody like Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, people that aren’t traditional or... how can I put this... technically great... like... hearing Nina Simone the first time... or Billie Holiday. That changed me. When I was little I was into opera, I was like the altar boy in any sort of Puccini thing they had going on.

That’s a great reference.
Then I got really into Bad Brains and Fugazi and Public Enemy and then I was like, “Oh, this is what I’ve been missing...”

You had me at Fugazi.
Yeah!

That’s gonna be the name of the article. “Pony Boy: You Had Me At Fugazi.”

Fugazi, though, you obviously don’t hear now in my music. Or even like Merle Haggard or Warren Zevon. I love country guys.

You covered 70’s, religious Bob Dylan, and it doesn’t suck! That was the most amazing thing. That was fucking impressive. Bob Dylan’s religious period was awful and you managed to make it euphoric.
I just want to say, I love the sound selection happening.

*** Whoever is programming the music in between acts clearly has it on random***
It’s like I’ve heard Carly Rae Jepson, a baby crying on a loop for 20 minutes, and Peruvian nose humming. A whole bunch of weird things. All before this entire recording.
I’m just imagining the guy making the playlist, you know?

Some guy. Some guy’s roommate probably too.
But anyway, I love country music. But always wanting to do that was like a dirty secret. I didn’t want people to think it was going to be like when you think of mainstream Nashville Country. I wanted it to be like you never knew if somebody was gonna get stabbed.

You could be the next big crossover artist, kinda like how Norah Jones bridged the gap between jazz and the Starbucks crowd. Do you have an interest in doing a big fuck-off cross-over thing?
Yeah, you know. It seems weird to have ambition in music in 2012, but...

Unless you’re a rapper, kinda. I mean, I say this with a little bit of hyperbole, but I a huge fan of Norah Jones. You could very much be that crossover artist. It’s strange to, uh, ‘come out‘ as a Norah Jones fan. I’m a terrible human being.
No, I’m a terrible human being as well. She’s awesome.

READ Full interview:
http://www.vice.com/read/pony-boy-you-had-me-at-fugazi
- VICE Magazine


"here is something inherently beautiful and kinda sleazy – if thats the right word, about her music and it shows up again in her new song “not in this town.""

i love ponyboy aka marchelle bradanini and proclaimed so in a post earlier this year. there is something inherently beautiful and kinda sleazy – if thats the right word, about her music and it shows up again in her new song “not in this town." definitely lookin forward to a full length record. hopefully soon… - Captains Dead


"Listen: Pony Boy’s “The Murder Ballad of Carrie Lee”"

Pony Boy are a promising bunch. Fronted by Marchelle Bradanini and made up of Garrett Ray (drummer of Fool’s Gold), JP Bendzinski (Crystal Antler’s guitarist), Brandon Owens (Bassist for Lauryn Hill), the band has to potential to become an interesting catalyst. The band release their first single, Not in this Town, on the 31st, but for the mean time you can listen to the single’s b-side “The Murder Ballad of Carrie Lee." - The Silver Tongue


"Pony Boy Playing The New Yorker Festival + NYC Dates, New MP3"

Pony Boy is Marchelle Bradanini, a sultry songwriter with a seductive voice and a sound reminiscent of the old west. With smoky, crooning vocals atop twangy guitars, the songstress can instantly transport listeners to a dimly-lit barroom in the smallest town, conjuring visions of struggle and heartbreak. Following the release of the “Not In This Town” summer single, NYC fans will have several chances to experience Pony Boy live next month. Her appearances including a very special performance at Joe’s Pub as part of TheNew Yorker Festival on October 6th.

Accompanied by licks of buzzing guitar and regimental drums, Pony Boy’s distorted vocals set the tone for a dark lullaby on her cover of Father John Misty’s “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings.” You can download the chilling cover HERE, and for a deeper look into Pony Boy’s mysterious world, check out her previously-released “Saints & Liars” video. We encourage you to post & share the MP3 and video.

Single “Not In This Town” is a slow-burning track with deep, resonant vocals juxtaposed against the delicate shimmer of harp strings. Produced by John Would (Fiona Apple, Wanda Jackson) and featuring Amy Wood (Fiona Apple) on drums, its b-side, “The Murder Ballad of Carrie Lee,” is an upbeat track with vocals that twist and turn. Having made a splash performing alongside Saddle Creek artist The Mynabirds this summer, don’t miss Pony Boy live in NYC next month! - Fearless Radio


"Not In This Town Video Review: Like a good book you can’t put down, the mystery element to this video makes the viewer want to watch this more than just once."

The new video for Pony Boy’s “Not in This Town” plays with intriguing themes related to small-town life and heartache. Like a good book you can’t put down, the mystery element to this video makes the viewer want to watch this more than just once. - mxdwn.com


"Dust off your boots for Pony Boy Cover!"

Pony Boy’s voice has a dust on your boots and booze on your breath kind of pretty, pretty hurt to it. - Alan Cross


"Pony Boy possess a seductive, magnetic voice that provides the perfect compliment to a sound that recalls the old west and romantic gloom of southern gothic."

Pony Boy possess a seductive, magnetic voice that provides the perfect compliment to a sound that recalls the old west and romantic gloom of southern gothic. For audio proof, take a listen to her cover of Father John Misty’s ”Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings.” Pony Boy is also set to play a few live shows in New York, including a special performance at Joe’s Pub as part of The New Yorker Festival. - The Truth About Music


"Smoky voiced crooner turns J. Tillman’s tune into a eerie lullaby which would fit nicely in the soundtrack for David Lynch’s next film"

Pony Boy has released a sultry cover of Father John Misty’s “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings.” The smoky voiced crooner turns J. Tillman’s tune into a eerie lullaby which would fit nicely in the soundtrack for David Lynch’s next film. With only a few singles under her belt, Pony Boy will be looking to break out in big way with her seductive modern twist on American western music. - M.A.D.D. Chicago


"Pony Boy, Johnny Cash, and Father John Misty"

Marchelle Bradanini, better known as Pony Boy has become a new favorite of mine — her voice is a smoky, sultry croon that perfectly fits songs focusing on murder, despair and loneliness. This cover of Father John Misty’s “Hollywood Forever Cemetery,” is her latest single and it’s a languid, buzzing and altogether seductive cover. In an odd way, it reminds me of some of Johnny Cash’s covers of old folk tunes — where he also made songs about murder kind of sexy. - Joy of the Violent Movement


"Earbuddy feat. Pony Boy Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings cover"

Pony Boy is the project of the sultry singer Marchelle Bradanini. Before her cover of the Tillman song, Bradanini released the summer single, “Not In This Town”, produced by John Would (Fiona Apple, Wanda Jackson) and featuring Amy Wood (Fiona Apple) on drums. However, Pony Boy’s sound is anything but Fiona Apple, almost an old west style sound with twangy guitars. - Earbuddy


"The Girl Who is Pony Boy Q &A w That Music Magazine: Sit patiently- 2013 will be big for Pony Boy and her new music will be worth the wait. It’s surely nothing short of amazing."

Sit patiently- 2013 will be big for Pony Boy and her new music will be worth the wait. It’s surely nothing short of amazing.

The Girl Who is Pony Boy
25 Sep 2012
0

Meeting the Girl Who is Pony Boy

by Jessica Nguyen



I’ll admit- after a good bit of research, I was embarrassed to tell Pony Boy I didn’t know how to pronounce her real name. “That’s okay, no one really knows how to pronounce my name. Not even my own mother sometimes,” she says. Her name is Marchelle Bradanini. The way it’s pronounced, easy enough- Mar-Shell. It’s pretty and unique, so I wondered why she had a stage name and how she came up with the idea to call herself Pony Boy.

“I got the name from the book by S.E. Hinton. One of the characters is Pony Boy and I just loved the whole meaning. I also have a friend who calls me just Pony,” says Bradanini.

Currently, Pony Boy is trying to finish her debut album with producer John Wood, due out early next year. She’s also gearing up to play some shows in New York . This weekend, on the 6th, she’ll be performing at the New Yorker Festival. I asked her she got this gig- was it something she tried out for or something she was asked to do? “I sent a link and applied to play at the festival and honestly forgot about it. Then I got the invite to play the show,” says Bradanini. She also says being able to play the New Yorker show is one of the best accomplishments being a musician thus far. Pony Boy is really proud of the songs she has recorded.

Her music is being described as junkyard country mixed with a southern Gothic soul sound. Uh…what? “I told them to write that about my music. I didn’t want to be described a certain way or in just one way. I don’t fit into one general category of music,” says Bradanini.

Being as lucky as I am to get the opportunity to listen to music a lot in my day job gives me the chance to really listen to new artists. One of my favorite songs by Pony Boy is “Saints and Liars”. “I was sitting alone in London when I wrote that song. It started on a voice memo. I think it was my subconscious channeling a relationship. The great thing about music is you can feel (not think) when you write your songs,” she says.

Bradanini loves to play her songs live. She enjoys playing acoustic but when people pay for a ticket to see her show, Pony Boy has a full band with her because “people pay to see a full band”

I asked Bradanini the biggest struggle she has faced as a musician. She says, “making music that I would want to listen to [is a struggle]. It’s a really hard time to be making music . Also, trying to figure out how I will survive or the best way to make my living making music and stay in my vision yet still have self value and be proud of what I am doing. I struggled with hating myself one minute thinking what I wrote was amazing, one minute hating what I wrote and another minute of satisfaction with what I wrote. Being a musician is hard in this life- there is a lot of rejection or failure. You have to really love it to pursue it.”

Bradanini also recently covered “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings”, originally recorded by Father John Misty. “Father John is such a funny person and so talented. It’s a song about having sex with someone in a graveyard during a funeral. I covered it in a few hours and it’s not a lot like the original but it was a fun song to cover.”

The girl who is Pony Boy currently is working on the last leg of her album. She has to decide the best way to send her music out into the world to reach people. Until she ventures into Philadelphia and starts to promote her debut, you can listen to her music on her website or iTunes. Sit patiently- 2013 will be big for Pony Boy and her new music will be worth the wait. It’s surely nothing short of amazing. - That Music Magazine


"The Girl Who is Pony Boy Q &A w That Music Magazine: Sit patiently- 2013 will be big for Pony Boy and her new music will be worth the wait. It’s surely nothing short of amazing."

Sit patiently- 2013 will be big for Pony Boy and her new music will be worth the wait. It’s surely nothing short of amazing.

The Girl Who is Pony Boy
25 Sep 2012
0

Meeting the Girl Who is Pony Boy

by Jessica Nguyen



I’ll admit- after a good bit of research, I was embarrassed to tell Pony Boy I didn’t know how to pronounce her real name. “That’s okay, no one really knows how to pronounce my name. Not even my own mother sometimes,” she says. Her name is Marchelle Bradanini. The way it’s pronounced, easy enough- Mar-Shell. It’s pretty and unique, so I wondered why she had a stage name and how she came up with the idea to call herself Pony Boy.

“I got the name from the book by S.E. Hinton. One of the characters is Pony Boy and I just loved the whole meaning. I also have a friend who calls me just Pony,” says Bradanini.

Currently, Pony Boy is trying to finish her debut album with producer John Wood, due out early next year. She’s also gearing up to play some shows in New York . This weekend, on the 6th, she’ll be performing at the New Yorker Festival. I asked her she got this gig- was it something she tried out for or something she was asked to do? “I sent a link and applied to play at the festival and honestly forgot about it. Then I got the invite to play the show,” says Bradanini. She also says being able to play the New Yorker show is one of the best accomplishments being a musician thus far. Pony Boy is really proud of the songs she has recorded.

Her music is being described as junkyard country mixed with a southern Gothic soul sound. Uh…what? “I told them to write that about my music. I didn’t want to be described a certain way or in just one way. I don’t fit into one general category of music,” says Bradanini.

Being as lucky as I am to get the opportunity to listen to music a lot in my day job gives me the chance to really listen to new artists. One of my favorite songs by Pony Boy is “Saints and Liars”. “I was sitting alone in London when I wrote that song. It started on a voice memo. I think it was my subconscious channeling a relationship. The great thing about music is you can feel (not think) when you write your songs,” she says.

Bradanini loves to play her songs live. She enjoys playing acoustic but when people pay for a ticket to see her show, Pony Boy has a full band with her because “people pay to see a full band”

I asked Bradanini the biggest struggle she has faced as a musician. She says, “making music that I would want to listen to [is a struggle]. It’s a really hard time to be making music . Also, trying to figure out how I will survive or the best way to make my living making music and stay in my vision yet still have self value and be proud of what I am doing. I struggled with hating myself one minute thinking what I wrote was amazing, one minute hating what I wrote and another minute of satisfaction with what I wrote. Being a musician is hard in this life- there is a lot of rejection or failure. You have to really love it to pursue it.”

Bradanini also recently covered “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings”, originally recorded by Father John Misty. “Father John is such a funny person and so talented. It’s a song about having sex with someone in a graveyard during a funeral. I covered it in a few hours and it’s not a lot like the original but it was a fun song to cover.”

The girl who is Pony Boy currently is working on the last leg of her album. She has to decide the best way to send her music out into the world to reach people. Until she ventures into Philadelphia and starts to promote her debut, you can listen to her music on her website or iTunes. Sit patiently- 2013 will be big for Pony Boy and her new music will be worth the wait. It’s surely nothing short of amazing. - That Music Magazine


"Twang pop that might have been country or rock at one point, but after enough whiskey shots, she can’t remember and probably doesn’t care. Well suited for small town bars or dusty desert casinos, her sound is either catchy or sultry but always sexy."

Pony Boy), makes twang pop that might have been country or rock at one point, but after enough whiskey shots, she can’t remember and probably doesn’t care. Well suited for small town bars or dusty desert casinos, her sound is either catchy or sultry but always sexy.

Her debut album is in the works, but for now you can enjoy the upbeat “The Murder Ballad Of Carrie Lee” which was recorded with daughter/father producers Amy Aileen and John Would (Fiona Apple) at Stanley Studios. Murder ballads are reserved for the Appalachian Mountains and should carry a melancholy tone, but don’t tell that to Bradanini, because she might spit in your face –then kiss it. - Free Bike Valet


"Pony Boy Cover like a field of full newly christened ashtrays billowing smoke lines into the midnight air"

Bradanini’s voice is strong and sexy (a few Cat Power comparisons are plausible), and her music is best-suited for fans of old westerns, romanticized outsiders (check the S.E. Hinton-inspired name), Springsteen’s Nebraska and Tom Waits.

Pony Boy tackles “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings” from Father John Misty’s brilliant Fear Fun, and she succeeds in turning it into a sexy, gothic gem. Bradanini’s delivery complements J. Tillman’s stirring lyricism to pull off a murky graveyard vibe, like a field of full newly christened ashtrays billowing smoke lines into the midnight air. - The Silver Tongue


"September Singles feat. Pony Boy"

With her smoky alt-Western sound, Pony Boy (Marchelle Bradanini) saunters through the darkness. Twangy, jarring, and low-fi, the music for Not In This Town is compelling. The metallic taste of Tom Waits' skewed musical aesthetic and the discordant guitar solo are warning signs, but Pony Boy's breathy whisper in my ear is confident that she'll pull us all in. - Jester Jay


"September Singles feat. Pony Boy"

With her smoky alt-Western sound, Pony Boy (Marchelle Bradanini) saunters through the darkness. Twangy, jarring, and low-fi, the music for Not In This Town is compelling. The metallic taste of Tom Waits' skewed musical aesthetic and the discordant guitar solo are warning signs, but Pony Boy's breathy whisper in my ear is confident that she'll pull us all in. - Jester Jay


"Tips for Today: Pony Boy Paper Mag live music pick!"


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Tips for Today: Celeste and Jesse Forever in NYC + Pony Boy in L.A. + The Zombies in Chicago + Alex Clare in London
By RENEE JACQUES
New York

Celeste-and-Jesse-Forever.jpgBe the first to see Celeste and Jesse Forever, a movie co-written by co-stars Rashida Jones and Will McCormick. The serio-comedy focuses on a married couple who are complete best friends. The only problem? They're getting a divorce. The film focuses on the idea of staying friends after ending a romantic relationship. Jones, McCormick and the director, PAPER Beautiful Person Lee Toland Krieger, will be at 92YTribeca for a post-screening Q&A. [Flavorpill]

Even though the Sigur Ros show is sold out, the great thing is that it's at Prospect Park. So you can still set up shop and picnic outside of the show and melt away the summer blues with the Icelandic band's epic sounds. [NY Mag]

It's a beerfest! Indulge in all things hops with Edible Manhattan's Fourth Annual Good Beer festival. Peruse 82 Mercer Street and sip on brews from Crabbies Ginger Beer, Smuttynose Brewing Co and Sixpoint Brewery. Food vendors Brooklyn Cured, Northern Spy Food Co. and the Milk Truck will also be there to satiate your drunk munchies. [Flavorpill]

Acclaimed writer, Charles Yu, will be reading from his new science-fiction short story collection, Sorry Please Thank You, at McNally Jackson. [NY Mag]

Los Angeles

Screen shot 2012-07-26 at 1.35.54 PM.pngMarchelle Bradanini of Pony Boy has a pretty good slew of musicians backing her up in her band. The doo-wop rough country singer plays with Garrett Ray of Fool's Gold, JP Bendzinski of Crystal Antlers and Brandon Owens (who has played bass for Lauryn Hill). Check her out tonight with The Mynabirds and Deep Time at The Satellite.
- PAPERMAG


"Not In This Town Video Feature"

Ready for a trip back to the 70's? Well I have a classic rock sounding track with a modern twist. A slow tempo, a mellow electric guitar and a steady drum beat make this track just like something out of Almost Famous. Pony Boy has a sultry voice, and an even sexier look when she’s all dolled up in the video for Not in This Town. Scope both the track and the video below. You’re gonna like it. - Music You Need


"Jukebox Tuesday: Pony Boy"

Whenever I see the words “Murder Ballad” in a song, I immediately gravitate to Nick Cave’s “Stagger Lee.” What imagery that conjures up! With a song named like the one Pony Boy selected, you expect something dark and menacing. But this song is neither dark, menacing, nor is it a ballad. Marchelle Bradanini has taken a pop song construction and spun her seductive web around it. For this song — the B-side to the “Not In This Town” single, due July 31 — she creates a dusty trail of American music warped in with some Dusty Springfield and a tint of neo-soul. The song is bouncy and gritty all at the same time. Like a bullet hole nestled in time in some random saloon in Bisbee (or any western town for this matter), it’s hard to gauge a sense of time to this song Bradanini has created a song frozen in place that can easily fit in any decade. - Zap Town Magazine


"Our Stage Exclusive Q & A: Pony Boy Talks Poetry, Pop, and Production"

Pony Boy sounds like a dusty old Ford rumbling down a deserted road… We caught up with her to chat about her poetic past, manicured pop, and what really separates her from R. Kelly. - Our Stage


"Lady Indie September Artist Of The Month"

Pony Boy, aka Marchelle Bradanini has a sultry pop/Americana style or what she calls "Junkyard Country Soul Wop Blues". The new single 'Not in this town' was produced by John Would (Fiona Apple, Warren Zevon, Wanda Jackson). - Lady Indie


"Lady Indie September Artist Of The Month"

Pony Boy, aka Marchelle Bradanini has a sultry pop/Americana style or what she calls "Junkyard Country Soul Wop Blues". The new single 'Not in this town' was produced by John Would (Fiona Apple, Warren Zevon, Wanda Jackson). - Lady Indie


"Jivewired Radio pick of the week!"

Jivewired Radio pick of the week. ah to the yeah. "Our pick of the week is Pony Boy's The Murder Ballad of Carrie Lee. It's a hot track with a little twang and a lot of sexiness. As we say here in the Jivewired Offices since we got this li
ttle gem earlier this week, "Keep Calm and Play A Murder Ballad" - we spare so many intern's lives with that mantra.

Pony Boy, aka Marchelle Bradanini, (yes, Pony Boy is a woman!) puts her own seductive, modern twist on the Americana sound with sultry vocals and twangy, buzzing guitars.

I am crushing on Pony Boy. Not that there is anything wrong with that - Jivewired Radio


"Jivewired Radio pick of the week!"

Jivewired Radio pick of the week. ah to the yeah. "Our pick of the week is Pony Boy's The Murder Ballad of Carrie Lee. It's a hot track with a little twang and a lot of sexiness. As we say here in the Jivewired Offices since we got this li
ttle gem earlier this week, "Keep Calm and Play A Murder Ballad" - we spare so many intern's lives with that mantra.

Pony Boy, aka Marchelle Bradanini, (yes, Pony Boy is a woman!) puts her own seductive, modern twist on the Americana sound with sultry vocals and twangy, buzzing guitars.

I am crushing on Pony Boy. Not that there is anything wrong with that - Jivewired Radio


"Pony Boy is one the most talented new singers/guitar players we’ve heard in a while."

Pony Boy is one the most talented new singers/guitar players we’ve heard in a while. Her sound is exceptionally soulful and clean. Listen to her crooning sensation on the new song called “Saint’s & Liars”. The video features her trying to make it in the music business and she goes through the grind most musicians go through playing at spots that they can look back upon and smile. Pony Boy is Marchelle Bradanini and she has bluesy sound that is official. Adele has someone to worry about. We can’t wait to hear more!

The video for “Saints & Liars” is filmed, edited & directed by Paul Fegan assisted by Ellen Tolsma. We love Pony Boy’s sound. Along with by drummer Garrett Ray (Fool’s Gold), guitarist JP Bendzinski (Crystal Antlers) and bassist Brandon Owens (Lauryn Hill), Pony Boy is set to play shows in the West Coast to support the new single she is dropping called Not In This Town that will be released digitally on July 31st. - CollegeDJ.net


"Pony Boy is one the most talented new singers/guitar players we’ve heard in a while."

Pony Boy is one the most talented new singers/guitar players we’ve heard in a while. Her sound is exceptionally soulful and clean. Listen to her crooning sensation on the new song called “Saint’s & Liars”. The video features her trying to make it in the music business and she goes through the grind most musicians go through playing at spots that they can look back upon and smile. Pony Boy is Marchelle Bradanini and she has bluesy sound that is official. Adele has someone to worry about. We can’t wait to hear more!

The video for “Saints & Liars” is filmed, edited & directed by Paul Fegan assisted by Ellen Tolsma. We love Pony Boy’s sound. Along with by drummer Garrett Ray (Fool’s Gold), guitarist JP Bendzinski (Crystal Antlers) and bassist Brandon Owens (Lauryn Hill), Pony Boy is set to play shows in the West Coast to support the new single she is dropping called Not In This Town that will be released digitally on July 31st. - CollegeDJ.net


"Lucky Magazine's 34 Stylish Music Girls You Don't Know…Yet"

Marchelle Bradanini of Pony Boy

Sound: Sultry, smoky and soulful vocals from Marchelle Brandini and songs that explore the myth of the Old West and heartache make for an all-original junkyard country meets southern gothic soul sound.

Style: You’d think West Coast cool and Southern country charm would clash, but somehow Marchelle Brandini makes it work with denim vests, horseshoe jewelry and leather belts. - Lucky Magazine


"Murder Ballad of Carrie Lee premieres on MTV Hive!"

Cross-country crime-sprees typically get a bad rap, but you might change your mind after listening to Pony Boy’s gorgeous new song, “The Murder Ballad of Carrie Lee.” The track is the b-side to her forthcoming single “Not in This Town,” … Pony Boy says that it’s essentially an up-tempo rocker sung from the perspective of a ’50s gal who fall under the sway of a bad boy, loosely inspired by the 1958 Starkweather-Fugate murder spree. “[Caril Ann Fugate's] story felt like an allegorical tale of American alienation, blind love, the desire for notoriety and tragedy,” Bradanini tells Hive. “There’s a brokenness in these characters, yet a primal desire for love and belonging that I think I’m drawn to in most of my songs, skinned-up knees and all. How do we cope with loneliness, love, and love lost? That’s where the good stuff lies.” We agree. - MTV Hive


"Murder Ballad of Carrie Lee premieres on MTV Hive!"

Cross-country crime-sprees typically get a bad rap, but you might change your mind after listening to Pony Boy’s gorgeous new song, “The Murder Ballad of Carrie Lee.” The track is the b-side to her forthcoming single “Not in This Town,” … Pony Boy says that it’s essentially an up-tempo rocker sung from the perspective of a ’50s gal who fall under the sway of a bad boy, loosely inspired by the 1958 Starkweather-Fugate murder spree. “[Caril Ann Fugate's] story felt like an allegorical tale of American alienation, blind love, the desire for notoriety and tragedy,” Bradanini tells Hive. “There’s a brokenness in these characters, yet a primal desire for love and belonging that I think I’m drawn to in most of my songs, skinned-up knees and all. How do we cope with loneliness, love, and love lost? That’s where the good stuff lies.” We agree. - MTV Hive


"Flavorpill Editor's Pick: Preview of Pony Boy 7.31 Satellite show!"

“Pony Boy creates 1950s-influenced music, stewed in Americana, that’s been called “junkyard country.” With a gorgeous smoky voice and a doom-wop vibe, Bradanini counts Hank Williams, Bobbie Gentry, and Tom Waits among her influences. The tracks on her upcoming LP were largely taped in one take — produced by Amy Aileen and John Would, who have recorded rockabilly legend Wanda Jackson, along with Fiona Apple. Listen to Pony Boy’s tales of heartache when they open for Mynabirds at the Satellite.” - Flavorpill


"LA Record + Pony Boy Interview"

She is neither boy nor pony, but don’t let the stage moniker of doom-wop singer/songwriter fool you. Singed with just the right amount of L.A. flare, Pony Boy’s down-home Southern style allows the small-framed blonde and blue-eyed bombshell to get down and dirty with the right amount of class. … Pony Boy’s seductive voice is definitely what sets her apart, carrying a soul and strength unrivaled by other Americana-loving female vocalists in L.A.

+ full Q & A on site - LA Record


"LA Record + Pony Boy Interview"

She is neither boy nor pony, but don’t let the stage moniker of doom-wop singer/songwriter fool you. Singed with just the right amount of L.A. flare, Pony Boy’s down-home Southern style allows the small-framed blonde and blue-eyed bombshell to get down and dirty with the right amount of class. … Pony Boy’s seductive voice is definitely what sets her apart, carrying a soul and strength unrivaled by other Americana-loving female vocalists in L.A.

+ full Q & A on site - LA Record


"Grunge meets Americana. Pony Boy on Loud Locker! )))"

Ready for a bit of grunge meets Americana fix for your Tuesday? Then check out Pony Boy’s seductive new single and video “Not In This Town.” Seemingly channeling Shirley Manson and Melissa Auf Der Maur, Pony Boy is one to not be ignored. - Loud Locker


"PureVolume Premiere's Not In This Town Music Video on Homepage!"

PureVolume Premiere's new Pony Boy music video: Not In This Town on Homepage! - PureVolume


"PureVolume Premiere's Not In This Town Music Video on Homepage!"

PureVolume Premiere's new Pony Boy music video: Not In This Town on Homepage! - PureVolume


"Tuesday Double Feature: Pony Boy “Not In This Town” & My Morning Jacket “Out of My System”"

Pony Boy is the seductive Marchelle Bradanini who’s music is a sensually smokey hybrid of blue hazed jazz joints and broken down honk-tonks. The latest single,”Not In This Town” is sure to be the continued slow build to Bradanini’s future success. Like a mind blowing game of foreplay, she seems to be stoking the fires until we beg for the release of more material. Either she’s a marketing genius or a sadist, either way it seems she’s incomplete control. I just hope she’ll tell us the safe word. - By The Light of the Stereo


"Pony Boy feature on The Vinly District's First Date"

Feature about artist's first date with vinyl:
My first experience with vinyl started with a cardboard box labeled “Ancient Age Kentucky Bourbon Whisky.” Sadly, the whisky was no longer, but the box contained hundreds of 45s from my grandfather’s time in the Jukebox business in Montana during the 50s and 60s - The Vinyl District


"Pony Boy feature on The Vinly District's First Date"

Feature about artist's first date with vinyl:
My first experience with vinyl started with a cardboard box labeled “Ancient Age Kentucky Bourbon Whisky.” Sadly, the whisky was no longer, but the box contained hundreds of 45s from my grandfather’s time in the Jukebox business in Montana during the 50s and 60s - The Vinyl District


"Pony Boy feat in Magnet Magazine’s MP3 at 3pm!"

A blues stomper, “Not In This Town” is the latest single from Pony Boy (a.k.a. Marchelle Bradanini). It’s a good example Pony Boy’s Southern-gothic soul. - Magnet Magazine


"Song of The Day on KUT Austin, TX"

Like its fellow Southwestern states, California is a melting pot of differing cultures. Los Angeles might be the perfect example of this, especially when it comes to its music. Enter Pony Boy, an Angeleno outfit that flirts with the sounds that have made the Southwest so romantic.

Pony Boy is something of a misnomer–it’s the work of Marchelle Bradanini, an L.A. native that splits her time between Southern California and London. It’s only fitting that she’s worked with John Would, a producer who’s spent time with Fiona Apple, Wanda Jackson, and Warren Zevon. Pony Boy’s music is something of an amalgamation of all three of these artists, melting together in a way that only an Angeleno could achieve.

She’s hard at work on her debut album, but earlier this summer Bradanini let loose the first Pony Boy single. The A-side, “Not In This Town,” shows off Pony Boy’s pop side, but it’s the B-side that has our Song of the Day ears on alert. “The Murder Ballad of Carrie Lee” features a classic country narrative that’s shot through with rockabilly attitude. It’s a sound that might recall both cowboys and motorcycle greasers–in short, it’s rebellious, and proud of it. - KUT 90.5FM


"Song of The Day on KUT Austin, TX"

Like its fellow Southwestern states, California is a melting pot of differing cultures. Los Angeles might be the perfect example of this, especially when it comes to its music. Enter Pony Boy, an Angeleno outfit that flirts with the sounds that have made the Southwest so romantic.

Pony Boy is something of a misnomer–it’s the work of Marchelle Bradanini, an L.A. native that splits her time between Southern California and London. It’s only fitting that she’s worked with John Would, a producer who’s spent time with Fiona Apple, Wanda Jackson, and Warren Zevon. Pony Boy’s music is something of an amalgamation of all three of these artists, melting together in a way that only an Angeleno could achieve.

She’s hard at work on her debut album, but earlier this summer Bradanini let loose the first Pony Boy single. The A-side, “Not In This Town,” shows off Pony Boy’s pop side, but it’s the B-side that has our Song of the Day ears on alert. “The Murder Ballad of Carrie Lee” features a classic country narrative that’s shot through with rockabilly attitude. It’s a sound that might recall both cowboys and motorcycle greasers–in short, it’s rebellious, and proud of it. - KUT 90.5FM


"EP Review!"

“Pony Boy, who confusingly is neither a boy nor a pony. She’s a human woman, but none the worse for it. I am struggling to describe her sound. Musically it reminds me a bit of Neko Case and Kelly Hogan, but vocally Karen Dalton is perhaps a closer comparison. However you describe it, it’s good stuff.” - 27 Leggies


"EP Review on Americana Roots!"

With Pony Boy’s self titled EP Pony Boy there wasn’t any skipping of songs. From track 1 Saints and Lairs to track 5 The Murder Ballad of Carrie Lee each song was a beautifully crafted lyrically haunting treasure. A wonderful soundtrack for these late fall days and nights. I hope to here more from Pony Boy soon! Get this CD, I promise you’ll wear it out. - Americana Roots


"Great UK site Beat Surrender EP review"

“…[Pony Boy] has left behind her punk roots and twin-decks for her debut solo Pony Boy EP, aptly described as junkyard country Bradanini channels her wonderful smoky vocal through a slew of influences to produce something of real gravitas, the tracks were recorded to tape mostly in one-take and produced by Amy Aileen and John Would (Fiona Apple, Warren Zevon, Wanda Jackson), excellent stuff that had this listener reaching for the repeat button over and over.”

- BEAT SURRENDER


"Video of The Day"

Saints & Liars is Video of the day! - When You Awake


"Let's Get Huge!"

“im gonna preface this by stating that i am only a man, and being the heterosexual man that i am, i am drawn to women; especially lovely women you can sing, and play guitar. so, i have zero shame in saying what drew me to listen to ponyboy’s music is that she’s quite an attractive young lady. but, and this is a huge but, it doesnt mean shit if her music doesnt back it up. luckily for all of us, from what i have heard, it does…. ive only heard a handful of songs, but she’s kind some smokey pipes reminiscent of chan marshall but with more a whisky soaked southern lilt – or at least it sounds southern. although, she may be from los angeles? at this point she’s an enigma wrapped in a riddle as i dont know anything about her, and actually thats ok with me. i dont even know if its ponyboy or pony boy? shes got a bunch of tracks streaming on her site, and all of them are pretty damn great. i really, really look forward to hearing more from her aka a full record, and it sounds like it may be in the works. i dont say this often, but she could be huge.” - Captains Dead


"Let's Get Huge!"

“im gonna preface this by stating that i am only a man, and being the heterosexual man that i am, i am drawn to women; especially lovely women you can sing, and play guitar. so, i have zero shame in saying what drew me to listen to ponyboy’s music is that she’s quite an attractive young lady. but, and this is a huge but, it doesnt mean shit if her music doesnt back it up. luckily for all of us, from what i have heard, it does…. ive only heard a handful of songs, but she’s kind some smokey pipes reminiscent of chan marshall but with more a whisky soaked southern lilt – or at least it sounds southern. although, she may be from los angeles? at this point she’s an enigma wrapped in a riddle as i dont know anything about her, and actually thats ok with me. i dont even know if its ponyboy or pony boy? shes got a bunch of tracks streaming on her site, and all of them are pretty damn great. i really, really look forward to hearing more from her aka a full record, and it sounds like it may be in the works. i dont say this often, but she could be huge.” - Captains Dead


"EP Review"

“…There is a distinct natural beauty in her voice that speaks to the soul, I also love that her website points out that this song among others was recorded “mostly in one-take performances between beers and Mexican food.” Viva. ” - Harmon Drive


"Saints & Liars Love"

I have to thank fellow blog When You Awake for turning me onto L.A./London-based chanteuse Pony Boy. Back in my adolescence, I read and thoroughly enjoyed S.E. Hilton’s classic youth novel The Outsiders as part of my school’s curriculum, and was immediately attracted this musical project, named for the narrator of that text. …Influenced by all the right names from Tom Waits and Howlin’ Wolf to Bobby Gentry and Wanda Jackson. “Saint and Liars,” is a pleasant mix of slow-burning electric guitar, 1960s mellotron, and sultry vocals. The video, filmed at a Working Men’s Club in Glasgow, comes across as the Scottish corollary to the film Searching For the Wrong-Eyed Jesus. Either way, both the song and the video are excellent, and I’m very excited to hear more music from this project. Enjoy! - See that my blog is kept clean!


"Pony Boy on Americana Rock Mix 138"

Saints & Liars AND The Murder Ballad of Carrie Lee by Pony Boy featured on rad Americana Rock Mix. I’m followed by Johnny Cash and Wilco. Not bad company. - No Depression


"Buzz Bands features new Pony Boy tune! Free download for limited time"

Junkyard country songstress Marchelle Bradanini, aka Pony Boy, returns after flying back and forth between L.A. and London, and she lands with the gritty tune “Not In This Town.” As a preview track for her forthcoming record, it’s got a bit more backbone than what we’ve heard from Bradanini. The smoky vocals are still there, but they crackle with more attitude this time around as guitars chug and break and bass lines plunge. Bradanini’s breathy country-rock has always exuded a touch of elegance; here it merely takes on a darker tone. - Buzz Bands LA


"New Band of the Day #55 - Pony Boy by New Music Team | The 405"

Featured on influential UK music site The 405

Name: Pony Boy
Location: Los Angeles, USA
Genre: Indie Soul
Described in 5 words: Powerful, dramatic, down-tempo pop music
For Fans of: Tom Waits and Bobbie Gentry - The 405


"Comedian Jimmy Carr spreads the love for new PONYBOY Video for SAINTS & LIARS"

@jimmycarr: What if someone made a country video with the best looking dancers in Glasgow? Thanks Ponyboy! - http://twitter.com/#!/jimmycarr


"Ears Wide Open: PONYBOY"

Some may know Marchelle Bradanini as the “Pony” half of international DJ duo Pony vs. Tiger (with the other half being Natasha “Tiger” Noramly), who spins everything from Hot Chip to Os Mutantes to Orange Juice. However, Bradanini’s solo moniker Ponyboy zooms in on a sound that she considers “junkyard country music.” With smokey vocals that could rival Cat Power and humble country roots, Ponyboy is miles away from what Bradanini would typically toss on the turntables. Channeling the romance of Patsy Cline, the blues of Gram Parsons and the balladry of Tom Waits, Bradanini has been crooning her new songs all over the U.K. this summer. However, Ponyboy is now back home and ready to present her self-titled debut EP, produced by Amy Wood and John Wood, which is slated for a Spring 2012 release.

- Buzzbands.LA


Discography

Live in Stero (Glasgow UK) Threads of Sounds (UK Label)
released Sept 2011
Not In This Town (Single Release July 31, 2012) Cogito Records
Another Grand Plan LP (Upcoming 2013)

Photos

Bio

Exploring themes of the Ol West and heartache, Pony Boys gravel-riddled tunes recall a 1950's nostalgia and Southern Gothic Soul.

From Doom-Wop to junkyard country, the wanderlust-filled Californian set out to capture her own black tales of earthquakes and heartbreak with nods to a myriad of influences from Bobby Gentry, Howlin Wolf, and Karen Dalton.

With a handful of singles under her belt, Pony Boy has been featured on the TV hit, Nashville and toured the US and UK. She is currently in Nashville recording her debut record.

[Pony Boy] has left behind her punk roots and twin-decks for her debut solo Pony Boy EP, aptly described as junkyard country Bradanini channels her wonderful smoky vocal through a slew of influences to produce something of real gravitas, the tracks were recorded to tape mostly in one-take and produced by Amy Aileen and John Would (Fiona Apple, Warren Zevon, Wanda Jackson), excellent stuff that had this listener reaching for the repeat button over and over. Beat Surrender (UK)