San Diego's TV Girl are new to the music scene, but they're already getting a lot of press.
Aside from generating local buzz, the lo-fi rockers recently caught the ears of Pitchfork, who called the band's Todd Rundgren-sampling single, "If You Want It" (MP3), "balmy and inviting." The tastemaking music website also bestowed the ever-important "ballsy" distinction upon the track.
One listen to "If You Want It," and you'll wish TV Girl had their own show. Fortunately for you, they do: The Rumble -- San Diego's monthly indie showcase at Bar Pink -- kicks off its 2011 season this Saturday, and the band will be there to drag you away from the late-nite boob tube.
In anticipation of the show, we asked the TV Girl boys what influences them. Band member Trung Ngo replied: "Being in a 'buzz band' is about one thing: Money. Whether you’re haggling with some sketchy promoter throwing a chillwave festival in Finland or hawking your limited edition 7-inch through your blog, 'buz zbands' should be prepared to come into contact with lots of cold hard cash. Handling such ungodly sums of money can become tiresome, that’s why it’s important to keep it fresh by referencing lots of obscure slang in all your financial dealings. Here are just a few of our favorites":
Moolah: "I like using this term in transactions involving dairy products. Eample: 'Come on, this milk has been expired for a week. How about cutting me a little break in the moolah department, if you catch my drift.' "
Big Ones: "With this one, the smaller the transaction being referred to, the better, especially if it’s under a dollar. Example: 'All right, you can have a stick of gum, but now you owe me .05 big ones.' "
Greenbacks: "It seems like everyone is going 'green' these days. You can do your part to raise 'green' awareness by incorporating this term into your everyday business. Example: 'Sorry, lady, I don’t have any greenbacks to donate to your Save the Rainforest campaign. I had to fill up my gas tank on the way over.' "
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Tender: "Use this one on dates when you’re trying to give the impression that you are a sensitive and caring human being. Example: 'I’m telling you, baby, these are the best wine coolers that tender can buy."
Doubloons: Not a very versatile slang. It only really works in pirate-themed situations. But in those rare situations, it is very effective. Example: 'I bought a used talking parrot for about five doubloons at Captain Discount’s Pirate Accessory Outlet and it died about five minutes after I bought it. I guess you get what you pay for.' "
The first Rumble of 2011 is this Saturday, Feb. 12. The evening will also feature live music from L.A.'s Letting Up Despite Great Faults and San Diego's Dirty Gold. DJ Cory Casey will spin records between sets. As always, entry is free, the bands will bring the noise, bartenders will bring the booze, and you, well, you'll be there too.
T. Loper is a writer and photographer for the San Diego music blog Owl and Bear.
