Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Toe from Japan

Toe is another great instrumental band. The drummer is pretty ridiculous and makes the beats look so easy and incorporates a lot of different 'sounds' (for lack of a better word). I'm way into this band and of course they're an international band... so there's a fat chance I'll ever see them live.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Pelican

I've been listening to them a lot. As well as humming their tunes since that's really all you can do for an instrumental band. Their album, City of Echoes, is great. Really low key and chill but does not drone on. It's perfect for when you aren't 'in the mood' for anything that's on your ipod.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Fest 9 Schedule

Fest finally posted their schedule!  Check it out here.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

The Countdown Begins!



Now that we're knees deep into September, there is a lot of chatter about Fest. Buying Tickets. Booking Hotels. Possibility of House Shows. Everyone's all about it. Especially, taking days off work for it... my favorite part.

I have never gone to Fest but what I've heard is that is exhausting, uncomfortably hot and crowded, but the most fun you'll have all year. I'm pretty siked about attending Fest 9 in Gainesville, Fl.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Kite Party

My internet has been down for a week and... I'm still alive. But in all honesty, my ipod is boring the hell out of me.  It's been deprived of good local music for too long.  So, I just downloaded Kite Party's free EP from their bandcamp and you should too.  Kite Party's another indie PA band that'll catch your ears.  I wasn't sure if I liked them the first time I listened... but they're a keeper for sure.  They sound like... a subdued version of Junior Astronomers... but of course no one is like JA!  I'd only be lying to you if I said that... Enjoy.


<a href="http://kiteparty.bandcamp.com/album/wish-mountain">Indiana Pete by Kite Party</a>

Sunday, June 13, 2010

More Free Downloads

Until this summer, I never noticed the trend of bands promoting free downloads of their EPs and even full length albums. Yeah well, if you enjoyed my last post go to A Great Big Pile of Leaves' myspace. In the left column you will find two links to download both of their EPs... free of charge. This band has replaced Tigers Jaw in my rotation the last two days. Give them a listen and let me know which band you like best.

A Great Pile Of Leaves--Mystery of the Brain by OTMP

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Love Affair with Title Fight//Tigers Jaw


It's about that time when I upload a playlist of my current rotation, but there's a problem. The past month or so, my rotation has been almost non-existent.  I've been listening to Tigers Jaw non-stop... and when I get sick of them I listen to Title Fight for the longest... when I need a break from Title Fight I return to Tigers Jaw... and the cycle continues.  

For someone who loves finding new music, you could say I'm stuck on those two bands.  They're so good, though!  Definitely the only two bands who fit my mood(s) the past one or two months.

Tigers Jaw is an indie band from Scranton, PA... home of The Dunder Mifflin paper company (I couldn't resist it, sorry!). If you are fond of Saves The Day, The Get Up Kids, or Lemuria, you will appreciate their music.  You might agree that one of the vocalists sound similar to Chris Conley from Saves The Day.  And Tiger Jaw's other vocalist sounds a lot like Lemuria's drummer/vocalist, Alex Kerns.  I recommend listening to their self-titled album, 'Tigers Jaw.' As well as their latest album... Balance and Composure/Tigers Jaw split.  Their overall sound has a satisfying balance between emo and indie.  And their lyrics are symbolic, relatable and catchy.  They're hitting the road with Man Overboard this summer... I'd love to see them get their name out there!

And Title Fight?  Ohhh, Title Fight... I'm having a love affair with this band!  I've been listening to them since Rad Fest and I can't stop playing them in my car. The majority of their songs on 'The Last Thing You Forget' album are very energetic but not so happy-go-lucky.  "Why not tie a noose around my neck? I'm sure it'd be much more subtle than everything that you said."  Title Fight is also from Pennsylvania--Kingston, to be exact.  I'm almost positive these guys are all younger than me but I give them a lot of props.  They've developed their own unique sound, making them stand apart from bands in their own genre.  Earlier this year they were in Europe with Polar Bear Club and Shook Ones.  And in the fall they are going overseas again, headed to Japan!  Have a safe trip guys.


Standalone player
I only found one decent recording of Tigers Jaw... so I uploaded three from my own computer because I'm awesome like that!  Enjoy.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Big Announcement

Earlier this week, The Wonder Years hinted they had a big announcement to make... they kept quiet until today.  If your first assumption is they're going on a hiatus or breaking up... well.  You are very wrong.  Actually it's the opposite: The Wonder Years have signed to Hopeless Records.  The contract is complete, so it's most definitely official!


Growing up, I always had mixed feelings when a band got signed to a big label.  I'm sure it's out of pure selfishness of wanting them to stay obscure... as well as the fear of the band no longer upholding the DIY aspect of punk and indie rock.  But I'm beginning to grow out of that mind set.  Any band that works hard and tours as much as TWY deserves to be signed to a reputable label.  Fortunately for them, Hopeless Records signs a modest number of bands at a time.  This means that the label picks the very best musicians and has plenty of time, resources, and energy to devote to their bands in order to give them the best quality of publicity and promotions--which they deserve.  


The signing of TWY is not surprising since they were recently on tour in Australia.  Any band who has a large fan base in other countries just blows me away.  That's when you truly know you've made it big.  Your paycheck or car may not show it... but once you influence people around the world... Well, that's kinda a big deal.  Don'tcha think?  So, congrats to The Wonder Years.  Sounds like 2010 is going to be a good year for them.



Get a playlist! Standalone player Get Ringtones

Monday, May 24, 2010

Free Download

Just in... literally, in my email inbox.  Junior Astronomers have finished recording their EP with Kris from Solo Sound Studio at Legitimate Business in Greensboro, NC.  I won't get upset if you haven't heard of them... You could think of them as one of Charlotte's many prized secrets... or at least I do.  Junior Astronomers fit in the "indie" genre but have a raw, upbeat flair.  Their music is a breath of fresh air and their lyrics are metaphorical... they stand apart from any band you've heard, I'm sure!  Today, I'm actually hooking you up with their EP before even listening to it.  This band always receives good remarks so I do not see how this EP could be any different.

Whoa whoa whoaaah. I almost forgot! I almost forgot to distribute the goods! Check out JA recording their EP in this quirky video.  And here's the free download as promised.  JA are awesome guys on stage and as human beings.  Show them love on myspace and of course, facebook!  Jam out.

<a href="http://juniorastronomers.bandcamp.com/album/i-just-want-to-make-a-statement">Settle Down by Junior Astronomers</a>

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Rad Fest Recap

Not attending Rad Fest due to money is understandable because travel expenses, tickets, and food will eat away at your wallet.  Not attending Rad Fest because you're unfamiliar with most of the bands is, well... unacceptable. It is illogical to think you need to familiarize yourself with each bands' myspace to have a good time because you naturally walk in and out of venues while waiting for your favorite bands to play.  Doing so, I made new friends and discovered new bands.

Unforgettable Performances
  • RVIVR
  • Night Birds
  • Young Livers
Largest Audience
  • Lemuria
  • The Measure
  • Young Livers
Regrettably Missed
  • Landmines
  • Battle!
  • Fin Fang Foom
  • Coke Bust
Favorite Merch
  • How Dare You
  • Lemuria

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Rad Fest 2010

Website: Rad Fest NC
Rad Fest.  Rad-freaking-Fest.  What does it entail?  Over 100 signed and unsigned bands from all over--Canada, Colorado, Florida... you best believe!  Oh, and don't let me forget to mention the Beach.  Sweat.  & Parties.  Get stoked on it.


I'm still looking through the list of bands.  At the moment I am prioritizing Lemuria, Cheap Girls, Battle!, How Dare You, and Junior Battles... I guess you can say in that order.  I'm sure they'll be more bands I come across before or during the Wilmington extravaganza.  If there are any bands I failed to highlight let me know so I can check them out.


I hope everyone has a fun-action-packed weekend... if not, drive down to Wilmington and say what's up!


Rad Fest bands listed below.  
Click on their name to view their myspace page.


Tuesday, May 11, 2010

It happens.

Life definitely caught up with me.  Although I've been absent for over a week now, I have some awesome posts coming up in the near future.  However, today I just want to share my college graduation gift with you.

I've been playing for six months now and it blows my mind how enjoyable the learning process has been.  Drums are annoyingly difficult when it comes to recording but I might throw a few audio tracks of myself playing.  Don't hold me to it though.

Anyways, I suggest you return back to find out which fest I'm attending this summer.  So stoked.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Lemuria 24/7


Photo Credit: My good friend, Angela Owens
I've been listening to Lemuria nonstop the last 24 hours. As you already know, they recently signed to Bridge 9 Records which is awesome. So I made a Lemuria playlist to distract you until my life goes back to normal--Wednesday. Gotta love finals week....



Get a playlist! Standalone player

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Living With Lions

I love finding new music. I have some friends who are still stuck on the bands we were into during high school. To this day, they refuse to listen to anything else. Since you're reading this blog I'm assuming you're on the opposite end of that spectrum. So check out Living With Lions. They're a pop punk band with rugged vocals--my fave. Let me know what you think.



Living With Lions @ Myspace

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

In My Headphones

I've been incredibly busy lately. So for now, check out some of the tunes I've been listening to. The past few weeks, I've been really into slow paced, chill, indie sort of music. I rarely like slow songs but perhaps it's because I'm stressed out. Listening to Lydia is soothing during stressful days like these.


Monday, April 12, 2010

Good morning, Soupy!

  
Photo Credit: Dan Bassini

Have you ever woken up with a song in your head?  I suppose you could say an internal alarm clock woke me up this morning.  My eyes opened 10 minutes before my alarm and Dan ("Soupy") Campbell from The Wonder Years sang in my ear,

"I don't think I love anything the way that some people love Morrissey.  
It's just that nothing speaks to me that way..."

It's Never Sunny In South Philadelphia is one of the many songs I love by The Wonder Years but I haven't listened to them in a while... Probably not since their show with Crime In Stereo and Just Die!--which by the way, was an awesome show!  I'll have to write about that another time.

The Wonder Years-"It's Never Sunny In South Philadelphia"

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

A feeling's just a feeling, til you let it get the best of who you are

I promised myself to hold off on sharing my favorite band but it got harder and harder each day I listened to them.  So I caved.
The Band: The Dangerous Summer (TDS) falls in the "alternative rock" category yet has an indie aura.  They're from Ellicott City, Maryland and started making music in 2006.  They signed with Hopeless Records in 2007 but broke up shortly after.  TDS returned on stage a year later and released a full length album, Reach For The Sun, last year.  These guys are constantly on tour and have plans to release another album in 2011.  Their influences are Third Eye Blind, Bright Eyes, Jimmy Eat World, U2, Phil Collins, Explosions in the Sky, and Andrew McMahon.  Interesting but random fact... One of their songs (The Permanent Rain) actually made it into a mainstream movie trailer--Love Happens starring Jennifer Aniston.

The Sound: Okay, so, quick story... Last summer, I was bored and hung out on purevolume.com.  Do you remember when that used to be so popular?  Anyways, I weeded through a lot of overproduced pop punk/power pop bands and wa-la! I found TDS.  Their music stood out because all the other bands just simply sound the same.  Initially what lulled me in were AJ Perdomo's vocals.  

Many people will argue that his voice is very similar to The Starting Line's vocalist, Kenny Vasoli.  As much as I hate to admit it... I have to agree but AJ's voice is still distinctly different.  Less "pretty."  Less  whiney.  Not quite rugged but rough around the edges, I suppose... If anything, I should say 'masculine' but I know people will take offense and I am definitely not calling Kenny feminine.  So I'll just stop there.

I've had friends tell me TDS is depressing and to change the music in my car.  Other friends consider it deep.  It is whatever it means to you.  I never considered the lyrics of A Space To Grow sad until it was brought to my attention.  I mean... I'm not saying I thought it was cheery, skipping through a field of daisies, sort of thing.  But the song isn't a slow mundane death march either.  I don't know... I just know that both their EP and full length album (Reach For The Sun) is a mixture of slow and fast-paced songs, filled with lyrics telling stories that relive emotions.  All of their songs are relatable.  I guess that's what draws me to particular bands... especially in the punk genre--it's REAL.  The emotions are real.  The lyrics are real.


"Well I'm an optimist but only in a perfect world.  I think I'm too stained with all the negativity of all the people in my way."



The Truth: Obviously, I have nothing but good things to say about this band.  TDS will always be in my rotation and I wish more people knew about them.  I've seen them live twice and they surpassed my expectations (which were already high).  Both performances were stellar.  And although the merch, tickets, and beer put a hole in my wallet, I would do it all over again.  These guys are meant to play live and not hide in the studio.  I honestly think they sound best live which is impressive for a band as young as they are.  They've been on tour with well known bands like The Casualties, Less Than Jake, Mayday Parade and The Audition, so I hope they've gained more attention.  

I strongly recommend giving The Dangerous Summer a listen.  Their sound is refreshing and the lyrics make me fall in love with the songs over and over.  I can relate to every lyric they've written.  Personally, I see no point in listening to music that cannot capture emotions and real life situations.  That's why I can't stand 90% of the crap that's on the radio.  I don't want to listen to a guy calling himself Mr. Flintstone 'cause he can make my bed "rock" (man, it kills me how catchy that song is!).  Anyways, each one of TDS's songs seem to exemplify an experience or emotion I've had--maybe for you as well.  So give them a listen... Then comment and let me know what you think!

Photo Credit: 
Sarah Blumenthal




Monday, April 5, 2010

Self Aware Records & Zine

I recently wrote my first article for Self Aware Zine.  Self Aware is an independent record label and zine based in Charlotte, NC.  I was asked to write about The Junior Astronomers show I attended in Chapel Hill last week.  The zine is a collection of reviews and interviews of featured bands for a big... whopping... two dollars. That's it.  Awesome, right?  I mean come 'on, that's not even half the price of a 5 dollar foot long sub.


Oh and I know that no one really cares but I'm going to tell you anyways: I am absolutely stoked about contributing to Self Aware Records/Zine.  If you haven't heard of 'em you should check 'em out... regardless if you live in North Carolina or not because they put out records of great bands like Just Die! (from Asheville, NC).  So give their websites a lil' look-see!






Self Aware Records
for records & zines

Self Aware e-Zine 
for articles in-between publications

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Music. Reviews. Photos.

Those are the three central components of my blog. Nevermind who I am, what I do and where I'm from. If anything, I'm the girl you rammed into at a punk show the other week (no hard feelings). I could yammer on and on about my expectations and purpose of this blog... but what's the point? We're humans--regardless of what we're told, we develop our own opinions.

In that regard... Let me show you what my blog is all about!