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Monday, September 30, 2013

Monogem Release Video for "The Glow"

>>  In the mood for something new with an old feel?  Perhaps something with synth and smooth vocals?  "The Glow" by Monogem is just what you need! Monogem is a galactic, synth-pop project led by Jen Hirsch. The group just released a video for their debut single "The Glow," and the video will make you nostalgic for the '80s.  The video uses a scene from the movie Breakin' from 1984, and reworks it so that the characters seem to be getting down to "The Glow" (as anyone would).  It's a great song that is doing new things with influences of a past generation, making it more than worth checking out.  Watch the video below:


>>  "The Glow" is Monogem's debut track from their upcoming EP.  Stay tuned for more information about the EP and what's next for Monogem!



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- Kate Russell

Friday, September 27, 2013

No Sleep Records Release Free Fall Sampler

>> Hooray for great, free music! No Sleep Records just released their Fall 2013 Sampler which includes 27 songs from the No Sleep Family.  Artists featured on the compilation are Sainthood Reps, Balance and Composure, Braid, Major League, Into It. Over It., Tancred, and more. Check out the full track listing and download the sampler below:



No Sleep Fall 2013 Sampler Track listing:
01. State Faults - Meteor
02. Departures - A Song For The Sunset
03. The Swellers - Becoming Self-Aware
04. Sainthood Reps - Shelter
05. TRC - We Bring War
06. Balance and Composure - Tiny Raindrop
07. Maps For Travelers - Matter Of Time
08. Long Lost - Not Worth It
09. Drug Church - Donny's Woods
10. In Between - Steady Hands At Seattle General
11. Mixtapes - Bad Parts
12. Adventures - Promise
13. Xerxes - Tramadol
14. Grey Gordon - Still At Home Here
15. Allison Weiss - How To Be Alone
16. Braid - Many Enemies
17. The Wonder Years - Zip Lock (Originally by Lit)
18. Broadway Calls - Bring On The Storm
19. Major League - Walk Away
20. The Casket Lottery - Radiation Bells
21. Early Graves - Red Horse
22. Touche Amore - Unsatisfied (Originally by The Replacements)
23. Lowtalker - The Weight Of An Anvil
24. No Trigger - Skyscrapers
25. La Dispute - You and I in Unison
26. Into It. Over It. - Midnight: Carroll Street
27. Tancred - Black Cat 
>> Click here to download the 2013 No Sleep sampler! <<


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Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Track By Track: "They Always Come Back" by Blue of Colors

>>  I have loved the band Punchline for quite a few years now. Their songs are catchy, but not in the generic bubblegum way, and far from it.  From Action to Delightfully Pleased to So Nice To Meet You, that band consistently puts out great music.  When Punchline vocalist Steve Soboslai started making music as Blue of Colors, there was no question in my mind about the kind of quality tracks he would be making.  Blue of Colors released their first album, titled Small Little Pieces, in June, and it certainly did not disappoint. In order to give more insight into this new project and specifically the album, Steve will be doing a Track By Track for the album, gradually describing his feelings, thoughts, and inspirations behind each song on the album.  For this feature, Steve talks about the background of his song "They Always Come Back."



Blue of Colors - "They Always Come Back"
From the album Small Little Pieces, now available on iTunes, Spotify, Bandcamp, and CDs.

"You and me- we're the good guys." he said to me.  It makes me feel good and always has.  Even at times when I probably could have been more of a "good guy."

A close friend was consoling me about a longtime girlfriend breaking it off. "You know what, man.  You and me- we're the good guys.  You know how I know?  Look at every girl we've ever dated.  It might take some time, but- they always come back."  And for the most part, it's true.  They have, and they do.  But when they come back, things are different.  You've moved on.  And that's a good thing. 

That's what the song was originally supposed to mean.  It began with a song title which sat in my head for a year, until the moment when I knew I had to write the damn thing.

I had this thought about being in love.  About how I had to move forward, letting go of the past, for love to come back.  Not the love from the ex, but new love, or just plain old love.  So I guess you could say love always comes back, that is, if you let it.

At face value, this song comes from an album that is about a breakup.  But it goes deeper than that. "Small Little Pieces" is really about getting to a place where you're ok with who you are. 

Follow the path that feels most natural.  Flee from the path that feels unnatural. 

I remember being asked what certain Punchline songs meant (mostly from Action), and I would often say something like "well it's hard to explain," when really the song was so all over the place that even I had a hard time wrapping my head around a specific theme. "They Always Come Back" is like this, but I knew what I was going for. What came out, however, paints a much bigger picture. 

Why was I still living in the town I grew up in?  Why was I so scared to leave?  It was comfortable I guess.  Life on autopilot.  But still, home did not feel like home.  I felt a sixth sense that was rejecting me from my surroundings.  This feeling made who I thought was me, into someone else. 

Time has passed and I've been following a path that feels natural, and I've felt much better.  I think it's healthy to change, when your brain is telling you to, and that's when it should be the easiest.

Some more thoughts:
  • I love the vibe this song creates.
  • The song was one of five recorded at the lake house in West Lenox, PA.  It most definitely captured the essence of a Pennsylvania Fall.
  • Harrison Wargo, who produced the album, is currently working on a remix of this song.
  • The working title for the song was "Home".
  • The guitar solo at the end was masterminded by John O'Hallaron.  One of my favorite parts of the entire album

>> Now that you've learned what it's all about from the guy who wrote it, listen to the song! Check out "They Always Come Back" below.  In addition, click here to read Steve's track by track description of "This Is A Story," the first track off of his latest album.




>> * Thanks to Steve Soboslai, aka Blue of Colors, for giving us a look into his mind and his creative process.  This is the first Track By Track feature on the site.  So if you guys enjoyed this and would like to see more, let me know! Comments, tweets, likes - it all counts.

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Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Krewella Release "Dancing With The Devil" feat. Travis Barker and Patrick Stump

>> Let me start by saying if you have not purchased Krewella’s new album Get Wet yet, then stop right now and buy it. Seriously, it’s that good, and I’m serious when I say it could be album of the year. Need proof? Well I have the perfect song to entice the fan base of The Music Obsession. Enter “Dancing With The Devil,” a track from the album that features Travis Barker and Patrick Stump.



>> "Dancing With The Devil" starts up like a signature Krewella track, with an ambient beat and fleeting vocals dispersed here and there. The vocals get louder before the verses really start up with a haunting, angelic voice. A deep throaty chorus accompanies the lyrics as they begin to unfold, building up into a louder orchestra of voices (enter Patrick Stump). The lyrics give out to one of the most incredible drops I’ve heard to date and accompany it through an intense rage-inducing ride filled with some filthy wobbles and some heart-pounding bass. The song peters out into the vocals before building right back up into a hard style drop semi-alien to the first; faster and heavier, in fact filthier. There is nothing more golden I can say about this song other than the fact that this NEEDS to be put on the radio, although I do worry about how much that will affect drivers on the daily commute. The entire album was released today and can be purchased on iTunes or streamed through Spotify. Don't sleep on this!

"Shut the fuck up - we're about to leave a legacy."

Written by J. 



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The Most Definitely & Beautiful Buzzz Announce 2013 CMJ Showcase

>> The Most Definitely have partnered with Beautiful Buzzz to put together a showcase for the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon.  The showcase will take place on October 15th at The Knitting Factory in Brooklyn.



The Most Definitely & Beautiful Buzzz CMJ Showcase:

Tues Oct. 15th  |  Doors @ 6pm
Tickets: $10 in advance / $12 day-of
All Ages
LINEUP:

Little Daylight
JOYWAVE
Bad Suns
ASTR
Night Drive
Story of the Running Wolf
BADBOXES




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Run For Cover Records Announce CMJ Showcase

>> Run For Cover Records announced details for their showcase at this year's CMJ Music Marathon.  The showcase will take place on Saturday October 19th at Santos Party House.  The line up includes Tigers Jaw, Hostage Calm, Pity Sex, and more.  Check below for more information.


Run For Cover Records 2013 CMJ Showcase:
*First 200 people through the door get a free new Tigers Jaw 7", which gives a sneak peak at their upcoming LP*

Tigers Jaw
Hostage Calm
Pity Sex
Captain, We're Sinking
Cloakroom
Modern Baseball
Young Statues
Petal
GDP

Tickets are $12 adv/$14 doors
Doors @ 4pm
Santos Party House
96 Lafayette Street
New York, NY
Limited number of CMJ Badges allowed





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Tickets  |  Event Page
runforcoverrecords.com
facebook.com/runforcoverrecords
twitter.com/rfcrecords
cmj.com
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Topshelf Records Announce All-Ages CMJ showcase

>> The initial Topshelf Records showcase on October 19th announced a few days ago has since sold out.  Rather than letting that be that, the people at Topshelf have announced an additional showcase for this year's CMJ Music Marathon.  This second showcase will take place on Friday October 18th at Suburbia in Brooklyn.  It's all ages and free, and includes performances from The Jazz June, Prawn, and more.


Topshelf Records 2013 CMJ Party:

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18

The Jazz June
The Saddest Landscape
Prawn
Enemies
Caravels
My Fictions

Brooklyn, NY @ Suburbia
FREE - CMJ BADGE NOT NESSESARY
ALL AGES
7 PM




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Monday, September 23, 2013

Balance and Composure release video for "Reflection"

>> Balance and Composure have unveiled their new video for "Reflection," directed by Dan Centrone.  This is the band's first single from their latest album, The Things We Think We're Missing.  Watch the video below.
 



>>  The Things We Think We're Missing is available now through iTunes and No Sleep Records.  The band is currently touring with Title Fight until October 13th.  A few days later, Balance and Composure will hit the road with Coheed and Cambria.  Click here to see the band's full list of tour dates.



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Sunday, September 22, 2013

Live Review: JAZMO at The Cutting Room NYC

Family Breakfast Live Review: JAZMO at The Cutting Room NYC 
If You like: David Bowie, Lady Gaga, Tom Petty 

>> On September 16th, I was invited to the first ever live performance of JAZMO at The Cutting Room. The Cutting Room was the perfect place to host this eccentric band in their premier on the NYC scene - the space was intimate, classy and eclectic. It paid homage to the artists who have defined NYC, in a way where a retired veteran of the music scene wants a place to come and relax, and perhaps see a band like JAZMO whilst enjoying a Palm and eating something amazing from the menu. It reminded me all of a toned down circus theatre - and then JAZMO took the stage. 
Enter Birdy - dressed head to toe in New York City’s own Trash & Vaudeville (the last surviving punk boutique on St. Marks) sparkling in the light and sporting a rainbow mane of hair. Birdy was like Alanis Morissette, Debbie Harry and a glam Elvira all rolled in to one. The boys in the band (or shall I say, musical veterans) brought an interesting juxtaposition to the sound of Birdy and her new scene look. The songs had an interesting range, and the lyrics of nostalgia sung by Birdy and her father represented the beauty of the city - old and new coming together to create something strange and wonderful. 
>> JAZMO’s sound seems really influenced by David Bowie, Tom Petty, Devo, PIL, Bob Dylan - all of  the great music that came out of the 60’s and 70’s, really. There was even a special guest appearance by a past member of Blood Sweat and Tears on trumpet! What it really boiled down to were accomplished musicians getting together and having a fun time - roping the audience in to their musical life experiences on a lyrical and musically stylistic tour of the golden age of music. They have a great rock sound and with more shows and tours JAZMO will really come in to their stage presence. Seeing JAZMO’s debut performance was a real treat. The audience was captivated, and rightfully so. This was truly a lovely evening and I can’t wait to see what this crazy group does next! JAZMO is not to be missed. Jazz-less? No! JAZMO!

>> My favorite quote from the show: “We’re five psychedelic relics and one little Birdy!” 

>> The band, whose members include Jeff Lasdon (vocals/harp/lyrics), Michael O’Keefe (drums/vocals/music), Paul J. Magliari (bass/vocals), Al Orlo (guitar) and Charlie Lagond (saxophone), are currently in the recording studio finishing their first CD. 

Taste the Band: 
"Heart Collector"
"Cigs and Beer"
"Sal Mineo"
"The Other Side of the Map"



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Friday, September 20, 2013

Topshelf Records Announces 2013 CMJ Showcase

>> Topshelf Records will be hosting a showcase at this year's CMJ Music Marathon on October 19th in Brooklyn.  The showcase will feature performances from Braid, The Jazz June, Caravels, and more.  Full details on the show can be found below.

*UPDATE: As of September 23rd, this showcase is officially sold out! Topshelf has announced an additional CMJ event featuring a few of the same bands plus a few others for October 18th.  Click here for the full details on the additional event, which is all-ages AND free!



Topshelf Records 2013 CMJ Showcase:

21+  |  $15
Limited CMJ Badges welcome
*Free exclusive 7-inch record for all attendees

Saint Vitus
1120 Manhattan Avenue
Brooklyn, NY, 11222

Tickets: http://www.ticketfly.com/event/374401





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Idobi Radio Announce CMJ Showcase

>> idobi Radio, best known for its killer selection of radio shows including The Gunz Show, will be hosting a showcase at this year's CMJ Music Marathon.  The idobi Radio showcase will take place on Thursday October 17th and will feature performances from NGHBRS, Young Statues, Have Mercy, and more.  Full details for the showcase can be found below.



idobi Radio 2013 CMJ Showcase:

18+ w/valid I.D.
$10
Limited CMJ Badges Welcome

Paper Box
17 Meadow St
Brooklyn, NY

Tickets: http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/376213






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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

NGHBRS Release Instagram-based Video for "Hold Up Girl"

>> There's a reason that I write about NGHBRS as often as I do.  Personally, I'm drawn to acts that have true drive and who constantly think outside of the box.  NGHBRS have both the passion and the determination to do different things that will catch your attention, and they've done just that once again with their new music video.  The band just released their video for "Hold Up Girl," a track from their album Twenty One Rooms.  This video is completely done through Instagram.  It's high quality, unique, and overall really innovative.

Source: Dana Cama

>> It's one thing to keep fans in the loop with updates on social networking sites, but this video is something else - this band is clearly in touch with their audience and what's "in" right now.  This video is really creative, and the best part is that all of the clips are actually on Instagram.  If you make note of the usernames in the video, you can look up the clips used in the video on Instagram.  So not only is this just an awesome idea, but it's also something that you can feel like you're a part of just by having access to its mode of creation.  In addition, the band shared parts of their process with The Wall Street Journal here.  Well done, guys. Well done.

>> What are you waiting for? Watch the video for "Hold Up Girl" below!



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Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Meet The (New) Staff!

>> Hey guys! So, more than likely you've been reading every post on the site (right? Right?) and you've noticed some names that aren't mine.  I've taken on some new writers and I'm really excited about it.  Each of the writers I've added to the TMO team have a specialty, and therefore a new feature.  I previously introduced podSessions, a podcast feature hosted by JP and Mike.  In addition to that feature, we've got some others to be excited about.  Sheila will be writing about metal and bluegrass type bands, J will be focusing on EDM, JP and Mike will talk about whatever catches their interest, and I'll cover the rest.  I'm still looking to include more people because with more writers comes a greater ability to write about the artists you guys should hear.  So without further delay, meet the staff - 


The Family Breakfast -Sheila McNair

Where does Metal, Hardcore, Folk and Bluegrass meet? At the breakfast table, of course! An Albuquerque, NM native explores these genres and music scenes in the Big Apple - with a few album reviews in between. Wake up, time to Dine!

email - sam702@nyu.edu
twitter - @ThatAlienGirl



EDM Central - J
Hey all, my name is J, I’m a junior at Iona College currently studying Public Relations. I am an avid writer and am truly passionate with my love of EDM. My favorite artists include Excision, Knife Party, Pendulum, Krewella, Pegboard Nerds, Adventure Club and of course Daft Punk. But I also like The Doors, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Bullet For My Valentine and Paramore. This summer I started my own merchandise and promotion group Savage Crew and we specifically work with up and coming DJs and Producers from the NYC/LI area. I look forward to interacting with you guys over what kind of styles you like, and hope to bring you a myriad of music from hard style to drum and bass to filthy nasty dubstep! Just don’t expect your usual Billboard top 100.

email - jbrannigan1@gaels.iona.edu



podSessions - JP & Mike

Salutations, dear listener!
My name is JP Catalanotto, and I'll be hosting podSessions, a brand new podcast presented by The Music Obsession. Here, we'll talk about new music on the local rock scene and ramble about just about anything, all for your listening pleasure.
I've been a Long Island resident all my life and I've played in a multitude of bands, most recently the Dead Echoes with my dear co-host, Mike Kurczak.
So, stick around and grab our sweaty, Sharpie-marked hands as we lead you knee deep into the depths of rock. Just make sure you wear some boots and protective gear.


email - themusicpodsession@gmail.com
twitter - @jaypizzz
 

 >> And then, of course, there's me - Kate Russell.  I'm split between NYC and LI and I cover everything that catches my interest.  My specialty is essentially good music made by people who put in their all.  I've been running this site by myself for 5 years and I'm so pleased with all that I've accomplished, and I'm looking forward to this next chapter now that I have a team behind me.

email - katerussellftw@gmail.com
twitter - @KateRussellFTW 






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Sunday, September 15, 2013

Video: "Low Light Assembly" by The World Is A Beautiful Place

>> The World Is A Beautiful Place And I Am No Longer Afraid To Die recently released a new music video for their song "Low Light Assembly."  The song is from the band's album Whenever, If Ever, which is out now through Topshelf Records.  The video is essentially the album cover in video form and is therefore pretty damn cool.  Watch it below.


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Family Breakfast with Toy Soldiers

>> Ron Gallo, Matt Kelly, Dominic Billett, Bill McCloskey and Luke Leidy make up Toy Soldiers - a true American rock band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

>> It was great to sit down with Toy Soldiers at Big Picture Media in NYC the other day to talk about their new album The Maybe Boys, musical influences and Monster Energy origin stories...
Toy Soldiers are sure to make a space in your heart with their rock and soul sound - something you get at a live show but you rarely hear in your headphones. With their current tour underway these boys are sure to git er done, in the best way possible. Great things are ahead for Toy Soldiers and they are not to be missed. 

An Interview with Toy Soldiers 


>>  Now that you've got a feel for what these guys are like, take a look at what they can do behind some instruments.  The warmth and soul in their songs is even stronger in person, but you can get a taste for it in the Acoustic obSession with the band below.

"Heart in a Mousetrap" by Toy Soldiers


"Tomorrow to Today" by Toy Soldiers


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- Sheila McNair

Saturday, September 14, 2013

An Afternoon with Chevonne and the Fuzz

>> Earlier this week, I got to spend some time with a group of very cool and talented people - Chevonne and the Fuzz.  We sat down at the Big Picture Media office in NYC and just had a good time.  I had first met and interviewed Chevonne last December at a showcase at Sullivan Hall, and it was great to be able to meet up with her and the band again months later and find that they're on the road to success.  After launching a successful Kickstarter campaign, Chevonne and the Fuzz are getting ready to put out an EP, titled Fire At Will, and have no intentions of stopping there.


>> The band performed "Glow" and "Heels", two songs from the upcoming EP that are likely to get stuck in your head after hearing them.  Check out the Acoustic obSession with Chevonne and the Fuzz below.

"Glow" by Chevonne and the Fuzz


"Heels" by Chevonne and the Fuzz



>> After the Acoustic obSession, I spoke with the band about the journey they took in bringing the EP to life, their style (musically and otherwise), and how they never limit themselves. These guys have big plans.  Watch the interview below.

An Interview with Chevonne and the Fuzz:



>> The band's EP, Fire At Will, will be released on September 17th.  The album release show is September 25th at Sullivan Hall in NYC.  If you can't make that show, the band will also be performing at Tammany Hall on October 16th as a part of CMJ.



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Friday, September 13, 2013

Krewella Remix Fall Out Boy's "Alone Together"

>> Alright so who else here grew up with Fall Out Boy? C’mon, raise your hand. Well then I have great news for you: to garner hype for their debut album Get Wet, Krewella have released an incredible remix of Fall Out Boy’s single ‘Alone Together’.

 photo 1-falloutboy_zps779a2bad.jpg

>> Don’t be fooled, for this isn’t an ordinary remix: this is a complete rework of the song, including two completely new and unique verses from the lovely ladies themselves! Recently Fall Out Boy have taken a new approach to music with their latest album, Save Rock and Roll, in which they try to grow and mature past the teenage angst of their past and embrace adulthood while still holding onto the essence of youth. While Fall Out Boy have been huge in the scene since most of us were in middle school, what better way to spread that general message of a track like "Alone Together" than by having the hot new faces on the EDM scene Krewella give it a kick-ass remix?

>> Krewella take the song and kick it up a notch, turning it into an incredible dance track that even die-hard Fall Out Boy fans could appreciate. The girls angelic voices combined with FOB vocalist Patrick Stump’s repeated verse gives this song a powerful message that spans generations and genres and overall makes a powerful statement. Hopefully this follows a recent trend that was started by Deadmau5 with his song "Professional Griefers" that took everyone’s first love Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance) and threw him into a robot battle with the eccentric mau5 (no, really).  It's good to see collabs like these enter the scene - keeps things fresh and breaks down genre barriers.

>> If this track tickled your fancy, then I’m sure this tidbit will too: Krewella also confirmed that they have a song with Travis Barker and Patrick Stump entitled "Dancing With The Devil". So yeah, there’s that to look forward to. Just two more weeks until Krewella's Get Wet album drops on September 24th, and I’m going to go ahead right now and say it’s a contender for album of the year.

- Written by J.


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Thursday, September 12, 2013

Album Review: The Maybe Boys - Toy Soldiers

Toy Soldiers - The Maybe Boys 
If you like: The Black Keys, Vampire Weekend, Jack White, The Strokes

>> Within the first thirty seconds of listening to "Tell The Teller" - the opening track on Toy Soldier’s full length album The Maybe Boys I found myself transported to a rockabilly barn dance paradise. It’s obvious that these Philly boys really do know how to rock - and rock in that homegrown Americana way that a lot of us rarely get to experience; but once you do the feeling worms it’s way in to your feet and makes a permanent residence.

>> The Maybe Boys gives you a taste of what Americana means - blue jeans, whiskey and flatbed trucks. This album took me to a couple of places: a late night in a packed, intimate venue - like the first time you really experience music that changes your life based on the pure talent the musicians have - giving all they have to the audience. I found myself wanting to sing along even though I didn’t know the words.
  • It took me to Bourbon Street in New Orleans, a real soul and folk album to listen to while you’re wandering around. 
  • It took me on a road trip with close friends, in the spirit of Jack Keroac; following route 66 and stopping to see the sights along the way. 
  •  
>> Toy Soldiers are a pleasant surprise and a nice change of pace. The Maybe Boys is a charming, rousing album - it’s something you wish you could experience live. (Don’t miss out on their east cost fall tour!) My guess is it’s not something you would usually find yourself listening to, but my advice is to put it on, take the road less traveled and let it take you on the great American adventure.

>> The Maybe Boys is available to listen on Spotify.



Taste the band: 
  • Tell the Teller 
  • I’m Your Woman  
  • Laughing Pain
  • Away We Go 
Where does Metal, Hardcore, Folk and Bluegrass meet? At the breakfast table, of course! An Albuquerque, NM native explores these genres and music scenes in the Big Apple - with a few album reviews in between. Wake up, time to Dine!
- Sheila McNair

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

July signs with TDR Records

>> It's official - July have signed with TDR Records! The band will be releasing their first full length album, titled What We Signed Up For, through TDR on November 12th, 2013. You can pre-order the album and some cool July merch now at tdrrecords.bigcartel.com.  Watch the band's announcement video below for more information.


>> Last month I interviewed July and recorded an Acoustic obSession with them.  Check out all 3 videos in the feature here!



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Bayside Announce Northeast Holiday Shows

>> Bayside are celebrating the holidays this year with three Northeast shows said to feature special guests. Pre-sale tickets are available now at http://bayside.ducatking.com/. Bundles are also available, featuring a limited edition silkscreened poster and a meet & greet with the band. 

Bayside Holiday Tour Dates:
12/27 - Huntington, NY @ The Paramount Theater
12/28 - Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
12/29 - Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club




>> Before the band's holiday run, Anthony Raneri will be playing some acoustic shows in September and December.  The dates for that run can be seen below, and tickets can be purchased at www.anthonyraneri.com
Anthony Raneri Acoustic Tour Dates:
September 20th - Philadelphia, PA @ Northstar
September 22nd - Brooklyn, NY @ Knitting Factory
September 27th - White Plains, NY @ Westchester Tattoo Convention
December 6th - Chicago, IL @ Schuba's
December 7th - Pontiac, MI @ Pike Room
December 8th - Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop

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Thursday, September 5, 2013

Video Spotlight: 'The Fox' by Ylvis

>> It's pretty likely that you've heard the tune of "Old MacDonald Had A Farm" at some point in your life.  You know, the children's song that lists animals and the sounds they make.  It's pretty basic, and yet it's catchy enough to get stuck in your head.  Take that image of little kids singing along to the song about Old MacDonald's farm and add some grown adults in animal costumes and some club music, and boom - you've got "The Fox" by Ylvis.


>> This video has gotten over a million views in the past 2 days, and for good reason.  It starts out almost normal, and then the singing begins.  We get to hear Ylvis's interpretation of all the animal sounds, all except the one elusive sound - the sound of a fox.  Once the chorus hits, if you manage to not crack a smile or say "What the hell am I watching..." then you get a gold star.  Both the video and the song are pure quality, even if you don't catch it the first time around.  Apparently the video is from the Norwegian talk show I kveld med YLVIS which I know I'm curious about now. (Can't find out too much more based on the facebook page because I only speak English...)  It just goes to show that no matter how ridiculous the lyrics are, a song can be super catchy and a future club hit if the people behind it know what they're doing.  The people behind this song? Yeah, they look like they know what they're doing.  Watch the video and see why i love it so much... or get really annoyed and confused and prompted to argue with me.



>> In case the subtitles weren't enough, click here for the full lyrics.

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Fall Tour Dates: Young Statues with NGHBRS

>> Young Statues will be hitting the road with NGHBRS in October for a run that includes some CMJ performances.  Check the full list of dates below, and if you can, go to a show!

Tour Dates:
OCTOBER 04  - HAMDEN, CT @ THE SPACE**

OCTOBER 05 - RICHMOND, VA @ THE CAMEL**

OCTOBER 15 - DANBURY, CT @ HEIRLOOM ART THEATER*

OCTOBER 16 - PROVIDENCE, RI @ McNEIL'S TAVERN

OCTOBER 17 - BROOKLYN, NY @ PAPER BOX (CMJ)

OCTOBER 18 - NEW YORK, NY @ SULLIVAN HALL (CMJ)**

OCTOBER 19 - NEW YORK, NY @ SANTOS (CMJ)*

OCTOBER 20 - BAY SHORE, NY @ EVEN FLOW
OCTOBER 21 - STANHOPE, NJ @ STANHOPE HOUSE



*YOUNG STATUES ONLY

**NGHBRS ONLY



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Interview: Quincy Mumford and The Reason Why

>> New Jersey-based singer/songwriter Quincy Mumford has played over 400+ shows and has had 4 award-winning albums in the past 5 years.  Normally I don't focus on stats, but when it comes to Quincy, it matters.  He recently put out his 5th album under Quincy Mumford and The Reason Why, and it features some serious musicianship.  His impressive show count aside, it's clear from listening to the new album, It's Only Change, that this is an act to keep an eye on.  Read an interview I did with Quincy recently below.



Please state your name and your role in the band.
Quincy Mumford, front man, lead singer, and rhythm guitar player for Quincy Mumford and The Reason Why

When did you first get into making music?
I grew up listening to a ton of music around the house because my parents were such music lovers. I listened to everything from Peter Tosh and Bob Marley, to Pink Floyd, to The Talking Heads, to The Misfits! I started playing guitar at the age of 9, and started writing music around 13.

How did you go about forming your live band?

It started with just me, playing solo acoustic at open mic's and small coffee shops. My best friend was playing bass, so it made sense for him to jump on board after I recorded my first album. We played as a trio with a drummer for about a year before expanding the group to a 5 piece. Many members came and went but Karlee Bloomfield (keys) and Brian Gearty (bass) have been there since the beginning. Our current guitar player is from the Jersey shore area and had been sitting in with us for about 2 years before becoming a full time member. Our drummer is actually from Italy, and our bass player met him at the Collective Music School in NYC.

Your album, Its Only Change, came out fairly recently on July 30th.  What was some of the inspiration behind that?
The record is kind of like a story. Every song relates to each other, and has the same constant theme of "change". Change is never an easy thing to go through, but we do it everyday and we must learn to embrace it, and not let it overcome us.

What was the writing and recording process like for this album?
Writing this album came natural, because I, myself was going through a lot of change that caused an abundance if inspiration and writing material. Recording this album in Nashville was amazing. Best dam time of my life. The producer Ken Coomer was a pleasure to work with and super creative. What I liked most, is that he saw my vision and helped me execute it.

How was this different from recording your last album, Live At The Saint?
A live album, you only have one shot to make it sound good. No room for mess ups, or technical problems, it has to be perfect. With this record, although we only had 10 days to record it, there is a lot of time spent mixing and mastering to make it sound just the way you want it. Also, when you are in the studio, you have do take after take after take to get it just right.

You're on tour now.  What are some of your goals for this run?

Build more fans in new markets! We are always trying to expand!

How has it been playing the new songs live?  How has the crowd reaction been?
Its been amazing, we play mostly from the new record, and the reaction has been awesome! People really vibe off of these tunes, especially Under The Covers and Change.

What would you consider your biggest accomplishment so far?

Touring with Slightly Stoopid!

After this tour, what's next for Quincy Mumford and The Reason Why?
Writing new material, more tour dates, and continuing to work on our live show to change it up!

Is there anything else you'd like to say?
Check out our music, feel the good vibes, keep it positive and keep it lifted!



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Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Confessions Under Water Vol. 2: A Compilation from I Am Shark

>> Back to school or end of summer blues got you down?  Here's a free compilation from I AM SHARK to distract you from real life for a bit.  The Confessions Under Water Vol. 2 comp includes tracks from Owen, Braid, Blue of Colors, and more.  Check out the artwork and track listing below.



Track listing:
01. The Story Changes - We Were Numb
02. Owen - Blues To Black
03. Tides Of Man - Young And Courageous
04. Braid - Lux
05. Blue Of Colors - Goodbye Stranger
06. Edhochuli - Sir, I've Been Observing You For More Than Five Minutes And You Have Yet To Say Whoo Once
07. Their / They're / There - Their / They're / Therapy
08. Hospital Ships - If It Speaks
09. Fun Size - End Of The Road
10. Wives - Cheaters
11. Y(our) Fri(end) - Pallet
12. The New Amsterdams - Dear Lover
13. Gates - Like This You Mean
14. One If By Land - Yesterburner
15. Plow United - Cui Bono?
16. Bells & Whistles - Distance

Click here to download the 
Confessions Under Water Vol. 2 Compilation!




Cover photography by Ryan Russell - www.ryanrussell.com

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