Friday, October 30, 2015

The Wax Record Fair Takes Los Angeles



>> The most exciting thing about attending the first year a fair gets off the ground is being able to watch it grow. WAX: The Los Angeles Record Fair is a two day fair that takes place in the Capitol Records parking lot in Hollywood. It isn’t perfect, but it will grow and blossom and, hopefully, become one of the must-go-to festivals during the season.

>> Way back in the 70s when vinyl was big, there would be a record sale in the Capitol Records parking lot once a month. Once vinyl started becoming a thing of the past, so did these sales. This weekend is trying to bring that back. The Harvest Records representative said it best, “We want to…resurrect it. It didn’t really exist in this incarnation before, but we’re starting something new. It’s an hour old, so, it’s the first of many. Imagine us as the first Tori Kelly song and next year it will be massive.” With over 30 vendors here on this 90 degree October day, I think it has a good chance.

Ari on the scene for TMO

>> Over half these vendors are different record stores throughout LA. Of course there is Amoeba, but that’s not all. From what it looks like there about a dozen different stores that still sell vinyl around LA. This is the part of the fair that is bringing back the sales from all that time ago. 

>> However, the other vendors is what makes this different. There are two vinyl mailing services (like Netflix, only with vinyl) bringing this into the modern era, one radio station that focuses on unsigned artists, Fender Music Foundation which focuses on helping get instruments and music education to kids in the US who can’t afford it, and many more.

Fender Music Foundation (Photo Credit: @waxrecordfair)

>> It’s a baby Warped tour and baby SXSW mashed together with a focus on vinyl. But there is one big thing that separates this fair from anything else — VIP and press get access to Capitol Studios. Most fairs and festivals are in an open area where there never is a building to explore. This is different. The bottom floor of Capitol Records is Capitol Studios, where many of your favorite bands have probably recorded. However, the recording rooms are in the front of the building. If you go all the way back, past the picture of Norah Jones, there is a door that leads into a beautiful but small room with wood paneling and stones on the wall. This is where records are made. 

>> The process is beautifully simple and almost feels like magic. When the song starts, a machine applies just the right amount of pressure to create grooves on the acetate. I’m sure it takes many years, but Ian Sefchick makes the mastering process look effortless. I was never a vinyl collector before this weekend, but I might just go out and buy a turn table now. 

>> From the mastering to hearing about how Dorado PKG makes record jackets to talking to a company like Audio Fidelity which tries to make records sound the same way they used to, there really is something magical and majestic about a vinyl record. 

>> It’s not perfect yet, but the WAX fair is well on it’s way to expanding vinyl culture. The process of making music the old fashioned way really is a beautiful thing.  



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Thursday, October 29, 2015

Tonight Alive and Set It Off Co-Headlining The Fight For Something Tour



>> Having just announced details of a new album and a world tour for 2016, Tonight Alive have revealed something extra special for the US leg of the run! Set It Off will be co-headlining The Fight For Something Tour set for March, which is bound to leave fans of both acts absolutely thrilled. The Ready Set and SayWeCanFly will be along for support, adding to what is already a fantastic line-up. Tickets for this tour go on-sale on November 3rd and can be purchased at thefightforsomethingtour.com.


The Fight For Something Tour Dates:
March 01 - Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
March 02 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
March 03 - Pontiac, MI @ The Crofoot
March 04 - Buffalo, NY @ Waiting Room
March 05 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
March 06 - Boston, MA @ The Sinclair
March 08 - Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage
March 09 - Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
March 10 - Greensboro, NC @ Greene Street
March 11 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
March 12 - Orlando, FL @ Beacham Theatre
March 14 - Houston, TX @ Walters
March 15 - Dallas, TX @ Trees
March 17 - Phoenix, AZ @ Nile Theater
March 18 - San Diego, CA @ Soma
March 19 - San Bernadino, CA @ Self Help Fest
March 20 - San Francisco, CA @ Slim’s
March 21 - Sacramento, CA @ Ace Of Spades
March 23 - Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
March 24 - Seattle, WA @ Neumos
March 26 - Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue
March 27 - Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater
March 28 - TBD @ TBD


>> Following a string of Australian shows and a run of dates across Europe, Tonight Alive will drop their new album, titled Limitless, on March 4th as they're on the road in the US. The band has emphasized that this is only the first leg of a world tour, so if your city has been left our there's no need to worry! The group released a gripping video for their new track "Human Interaction" which you can see below. Also, the gents in Set It Off will be playing three shows on their own after this run, and you can get the details for those dates at thefightforsomethingtour.com.



Get Connected:
Tonight Alive: WebsiteFacebook | Twitter | Limitless Pre-Order
Set It Off: Duality on iTunes | Facebook | Twitter
The Ready Set: Facebook | Twitter
SayWeCanFly: FacebookTwitter
thefightforsomethingtour.com


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Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Patent Pending Announce New Album, Release Animated Video


>> Long-time TMO favorites Patent Pending will be releasing a new album, titled Riot Hearts Rebellion, on November 27th through Rude Records. While that's a month away, the band is set to keep fans entertained with their new video for their latest single, "NSFW (.)(.)" The video itself isn't unsafe for work, but rather it's meant to serve as a fun warning for those with a penchant for frisky photos. Watch the video below and stay tuned for more from the band!



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Monday, October 26, 2015

Saint Ballantine Unleash Hypnotic Single "The Stoned"


>> Hailing from New York, Andrew Thomas Reid and Brian ‘Sene’ Marc have come together to embark on a new musical journey as Saint Ballantine. The two producers / musicians initially formed this new outfit after both collaborating at the Clubhouse in South Brooklyn. The Clubhouse, a modern day creative commune founded by Reid, has hosted over 50 artists who create a myriad of artistic works. Having come from such a vivacious environment, the gents in Saint Ballantine are bringing their creative artistry to life in something that has yet to be seen elsewhere. The duo describes themselves as “Gangsta Indie Rock”, which comes off as a combination of sharp production elements, heavy subject matter, and festival-ready downtempo tunes. Reid and Sene have incredible chemistry as writers, leading to a slew of versatile and meaningful songs. The duo prides themselves on the interesting mix of influences and genres in their music, and their knack for experimentation is personified in their latest single, "The Stoned."

>> Released through Tommy Boy Entertainment, “The Stoned” gives listeners something completely new. The intricate use of hypnotic electronic sounds with far away yet ever-present vocals gives a twist to what some call 'typical indie rock.' The anything-but-typical indie beat gives an enchanting background to the vocals as rock undertones subtly express the darker side of the lyrics. Listen to "The Stoned" below and get groovin'!


>> We hope to see more from this dynamic and innovative duo as they continue to make some of their most enticing music to date. For now, be sure to keep tabs on Sene's acting career - he just announced his part in the upcoming Marvel's Luke Cage Netflix series!

- Jody Seidel & Kate Russell

Get Connected:



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Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Bayside Announce Northeast Holiday Shows


>> Happy Holidays, folks!  It feels too early to say that, doesn't it? As we prepare for Halloween, Bayside are planning ahead and putting together something special. The band will play a series of intimate shows in the Northeast starting on December 15th. Tickets for these shows are available now through www.baysidebayside.com, and the full list of shows can be seen below. 




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