Hey everyone,
I know that lately we have been lacking in content and activity on our various social networking sites. For that, I would like to extend my sincerest apologies. During this time, I have been thinking on a decision that was very tough to make. Starting today, and for the next month, we will be shutting down the blog completely. This includes our Facebook, Twitter, email etc. as well.
What started out as a hobby has grown and surpassed all expectations. I no longer have the time to run and upkeep our presence nor do I have the resources. Our readers deserve the best quality content we can deliver and for that reason, I have decided to shut down, regroup, and if all goes according to plan, reopen and start connecting with you again.
I would personally like to thank all of you that have read our blog, sent us an email or interacted with us on our various social networking accounts. To all of the bands and artists we have had the pleasure of interviewing and/or promoting, we wish you the best of luck in your journey and never stop living the dream.
In addition, thank you all for the patience and understanding as we work through this. As always, I would like to wish you all the best and we look forward to a rejuvenated reopening down the road.
-Matt
YourMusicNews Founder
Important Announcement
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Seeking Empire's New Music Video For "Fairytale"
Check out Seeking Empire's new video for "Fairytale" here:
Tell them YourMusicNews sent you!
Friday, August 03, 2012
YourMusicNews- One Year Later
What a difference one year can make. What started out as a little side project has grown into more then I ever dreamt possible. YourMusicNews has interviewed and reviewed dozens of bands from many countries around the world. As a result, we have received views from all around the world. There are so many people I have met that along this journey that have made it all the more special.
I would like to thank all of the bands, artists and record labels we have had the pleasure of working with. Without all of your support and involvement, we would not be where we are today. You are all incredibly amazing and talented. Thank you for taking the chance with us and helping all of us to grow. I would like to wish all of you the very best in everything you do and I hope that we never lose touch.
To all of our readers, followers and fans, we thank you for all of your support you have given us. All of your patience when we had delays or were backed up was tremendous and we can not even begin to express our gratitude. Every time you read on of our articles, leave a comment or send an email or tweet, this is what keeps us going. The knowledge that there are like minded people out there that care about new music and undiscovered artists as much as we do makes this whole journey worthwhile.
Thank you for everything and we look forward to another year of continued growth and development. It could not be possible without your support. From everyone at YourMusicNews, thank you!
-Matt
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Interview with New Cathedral (Updated)
HOW DID THE BAND MEMBERS MEET?
Chris: The year was 1990 and I was fresh out of the womb. The rest is kind of fuzzy but I know Scott was there. 'Cause, well, he's sort of my brother. As for Ricky and Kersey, at a show I guess.
Kersey: Fate
Scott: We met through various shows and different bands we've been in. My mom introduced me to Chris and since then we've formed this sort of brotherly bond.
Ricky: Wait, you two are brothers? That explains why you look so much alike...
HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON A BAND NAME?
Chris: Ricky actually came up with the idea and we all really liked it.
Scott: Yea, Ricky suggested it and it really fit for what we're doing.
Kersey: Plagiarism
Ricky: You know what? Kersey actually isn't that far off. New Cathedral is the name of a cemetery holding more hall of fame baseball players than any other grave site and, on a more musically relevant note, New Cathedrals (plural) is the name of Anthony Raneri's solo EP. We hope he doesn't mind the reference.
WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM?
Chris: Basically anything I'm listening to inspires me, and I try my best to incorporate things I come up with while we write new songs.
Kersey: Satin
Scott: I get inspiration from everything. What I'm reading, listening to, or whats goin' on around me.
Ricky: I think Kersey meant Satan, but that's still wrong...Personally I watch a lot of Kung Fu- which inspires me to karate chop my family and speak words that don't match up with the movement of my lips.
Musically I don't think anything has been as inspiring as the freedom we've experienced with this project. When we began we just thought "okay, let's make music the way we want it" and set ourselves free from genres and formulas. The result is a sound that's totally us without our forcing anything- and the positive feedback we've been getting is inspiring all on its own.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT PLAYING A LIVE SHOW?
Chris: I would say letting people finally hear what we've been working on and getting their feedback.. hopefully positive feedback.
Scott: Definitely being able to scream and yell for a while and being able to run around like a mad man and ot have everyone think I'm a total nut.
Kersey: Girls
Ricky: I thought a lot about what I should say to answer this question but there really isn't any feeling quite like being on stage. It's pure adrenaline and nerves. You write music you like and put yourself on the line and when people respond positively to your art... I don't know man, it's awesome.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MAJOR INFLUENCES?
Chris: Ever since I was little I've liked watching people play the drums. I grew up watching drummers like Larry Mullen Jr. (U2), Peter Furler (Newsboys), and Ringo Starr and I fell in love with drums. And of course the music I listen to now, which is mainly a lot of Thrice among others.
Scott: Most certainly U2, The Misfits, Danzig, AFI, Interpol, Depeche Mode, and The Cure.
Kersey: Rock-and-Roll
Ricky: MeWithoutYou, As Cities Burn, Beloved, Bayside, Far-Less, Further Seems Forever, AFI. I try not to listen to much when I'm writing though.
WHERE FIND YOUR MUSI? (Typo: Original question: 'Where can people find your music?')
Chris: I'm honestly not sure, but if anyone does find it they can contact me on Facebook and let me know where it is..
Ricky: Musi? Oh man, that's the one Pokemon I never caught...
Kersey: Internet
Ricky: Sorry for taking advantage of the typo, man. Our music is, like Kersey said, on the web. If you go to www.NewCathedralBand.com you can get access to our Twitter, Facebook (www.facebook.com/newcathedralfl), Bandcamp, Instagram, Myspace, Neopets, Xanga, Hot Or Not, you know... All that. Haha
FINALLY IS THERE ANYONE YOU'D LIKE TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO?
Kersey: Dave Grohl
Scott: All my people in the barrio.
Ricky: Not that I can think of but we should plug our new EP, Haunted, which will be out soon. Download the first demo from the record, a song called "Three", for free from our Facebook page!
Connect with New Cathedral:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewCathedralFL
Website: http://www.newcathedralband.com/
Photo Credit: PaperSound Photography
Chris: The year was 1990 and I was fresh out of the womb. The rest is kind of fuzzy but I know Scott was there. 'Cause, well, he's sort of my brother. As for Ricky and Kersey, at a show I guess.
Kersey: Fate
Scott: We met through various shows and different bands we've been in. My mom introduced me to Chris and since then we've formed this sort of brotherly bond.
Ricky: Wait, you two are brothers? That explains why you look so much alike...
HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON A BAND NAME?
Chris: Ricky actually came up with the idea and we all really liked it.
Scott: Yea, Ricky suggested it and it really fit for what we're doing.
Kersey: Plagiarism
Ricky: You know what? Kersey actually isn't that far off. New Cathedral is the name of a cemetery holding more hall of fame baseball players than any other grave site and, on a more musically relevant note, New Cathedrals (plural) is the name of Anthony Raneri's solo EP. We hope he doesn't mind the reference.
WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM?
 |
| New Cathedral. |
Kersey: Satin
Scott: I get inspiration from everything. What I'm reading, listening to, or whats goin' on around me.
Ricky: I think Kersey meant Satan, but that's still wrong...Personally I watch a lot of Kung Fu- which inspires me to karate chop my family and speak words that don't match up with the movement of my lips.
Musically I don't think anything has been as inspiring as the freedom we've experienced with this project. When we began we just thought "okay, let's make music the way we want it" and set ourselves free from genres and formulas. The result is a sound that's totally us without our forcing anything- and the positive feedback we've been getting is inspiring all on its own.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT PLAYING A LIVE SHOW?
Chris: I would say letting people finally hear what we've been working on and getting their feedback.. hopefully positive feedback.
Scott: Definitely being able to scream and yell for a while and being able to run around like a mad man and ot have everyone think I'm a total nut.
Kersey: Girls
Ricky: I thought a lot about what I should say to answer this question but there really isn't any feeling quite like being on stage. It's pure adrenaline and nerves. You write music you like and put yourself on the line and when people respond positively to your art... I don't know man, it's awesome.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MAJOR INFLUENCES?
Chris: Ever since I was little I've liked watching people play the drums. I grew up watching drummers like Larry Mullen Jr. (U2), Peter Furler (Newsboys), and Ringo Starr and I fell in love with drums. And of course the music I listen to now, which is mainly a lot of Thrice among others.
Scott: Most certainly U2, The Misfits, Danzig, AFI, Interpol, Depeche Mode, and The Cure.
Kersey: Rock-and-Roll
Ricky: MeWithoutYou, As Cities Burn, Beloved, Bayside, Far-Less, Further Seems Forever, AFI. I try not to listen to much when I'm writing though.
WHERE FIND YOUR MUSI? (Typo: Original question: 'Where can people find your music?')
Chris: I'm honestly not sure, but if anyone does find it they can contact me on Facebook and let me know where it is..
Ricky: Musi? Oh man, that's the one Pokemon I never caught...
Kersey: Internet
Ricky: Sorry for taking advantage of the typo, man. Our music is, like Kersey said, on the web. If you go to www.NewCathedralBand.com you can get access to our Twitter, Facebook (www.facebook.com/newcathedralfl), Bandcamp, Instagram, Myspace, Neopets, Xanga, Hot Or Not, you know... All that. Haha
FINALLY IS THERE ANYONE YOU'D LIKE TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO?
Kersey: Dave Grohl
Scott: All my people in the barrio.
Ricky: Not that I can think of but we should plug our new EP, Haunted, which will be out soon. Download the first demo from the record, a song called "Three", for free from our Facebook page!
Connect with New Cathedral:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewCathedralFL
Website: http://www.newcathedralband.com/
Photo Credit: PaperSound Photography
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Interview with New Cathedral
HOW DID THE BAND MEMBERS MEET?
Chris: The year was 1990 and I was fresh out of the womb. The rest is kind of fuzzy but I know Scott was there. 'Cause, well, he's sort of my brother. As for Ricky and Kersey, at a show I guess.
Kersey: Fate
Scott: We met through various shows and different bands we've been in. My mom introduced me to Chris and since then we've formed this sort of brotherly bond.
Ricky: Wait, you two are brothers? That explains why you look so much alike...
HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON A BAND NAME?
Chris: Ricky actually came up with the idea and we all really liked it.
Scott: Yea, Ricky suggested it and it really fit for what we're doing.
Kersey: Plagiarism
Ricky: You know what? Kersey actually isn't that far off. New Cathedral is the name of a cemetery holding more hall of fame baseball players than any other grave site and, on a more musically relevant note, New Cathedrals (plural) is the name of Anthony Raneri's solo EP. We hope he doesn't mind the reference.
WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM?
Chris: Basically anything I'm listening to inspires me, and I try my best to incorporate things I come up with while we write new songs.
Kersey: Satin
Scott: I get inspiration from everything. What I'm reading, listening to, or whats goin' on around me.
Ricky: I think Kersey meant Satan, but that's still wrong...Personally I watch a lot of Kung Fu- which inspires me to karate chop my family and speak words that don't match up with the movement of my lips.
Musically I don't think anything has been as inspiring as the freedom we've experienced with this project. When we began we just thought "okay, let's make music the way we want it" and set ourselves free from genres and formulas. The result is a sound that's totally us without our forcing anything- and the positive feedback we've been getting is inspiring all on its own.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT PLAYING A LIVE SHOW?
Chris: I would say letting people finally hear what we've been working on and getting their feedback.. hopefully positive feedback.
Scott: Definitely being able to scream and yell for a while and being able to run around like a mad man and ot have everyone think I'm a total nut.
Kersey: Girls
Ricky: I thought a lot about what I should say to answer this question but there really isn't any feeling quite like being on stage. It's pure adrenaline and nerves. You write music you like and put yourself on the line and when people respond positively to your art... I don't know man, it's awesome.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MAJOR INFLUENCES?
Chris: Ever since I was little I've liked watching people play the drums. I grew up watching drummers like Larry Mullen Jr. (U2), Peter Furler (Newsboys), and Ringo Starr and I fell in love with drums. And of course the music I listen to now, which is mainly a lot of Thrice among others.
Scott: Most certainly U2, The Misfits, Danzig, AFI, Interpol, Depeche Mode, and The Cure.
Kersey: Rock-and-Roll
Ricky: MeWithoutYou, As Cities Burn, Beloved, Bayside, Far-Less, Further Seems Forever, AFI. I try not to listen to much when I'm writing though.
WHERE FIND YOUR MUSI? (Typo: Original question: 'Where can people find your music?')
Chris: I'm honestly not sure, but if anyone does find it they can contact me on Facebook and let me know where it is..
Ricky: Musi? Oh man, that's the one Pokemon I never caught...
Kersey: Internet
Ricky: Sorry for taking advantage of the typo, man. Our music is, like Kersey said, on the web. If you go to www.NewCathedralBand.com you can get access to our Twitter, Facebook (www.facebook.com/newcathedralfl), Bandcamp, Instagram, Myspace, Neopets, Xanga, Hot Or Not, you know... All that. Haha
FINALLY IS THERE ANYONE YOU'D LIKE TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO?
Kersey: Dave Grohl
Scott: All my people in the barrio.
Ricky: Not that I can think of but we should plug our new EP, Haunted, which will be out soon. Download the first demo from the record, a song called "Three", for free from our Facebook page!
Connect with New Cathedral:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewCathedralFL
Website: http://www.newcathedralband.com/
Photo Credit: PaperSound Photography
Chris: The year was 1990 and I was fresh out of the womb. The rest is kind of fuzzy but I know Scott was there. 'Cause, well, he's sort of my brother. As for Ricky and Kersey, at a show I guess.
Kersey: Fate
Scott: We met through various shows and different bands we've been in. My mom introduced me to Chris and since then we've formed this sort of brotherly bond.
Ricky: Wait, you two are brothers? That explains why you look so much alike...
HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON A BAND NAME?
Chris: Ricky actually came up with the idea and we all really liked it.
Scott: Yea, Ricky suggested it and it really fit for what we're doing.
Kersey: Plagiarism
Ricky: You know what? Kersey actually isn't that far off. New Cathedral is the name of a cemetery holding more hall of fame baseball players than any other grave site and, on a more musically relevant note, New Cathedrals (plural) is the name of Anthony Raneri's solo EP. We hope he doesn't mind the reference.
WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM?
|
| New Cathedral. |
Kersey: Satin
Scott: I get inspiration from everything. What I'm reading, listening to, or whats goin' on around me.
Ricky: I think Kersey meant Satan, but that's still wrong...Personally I watch a lot of Kung Fu- which inspires me to karate chop my family and speak words that don't match up with the movement of my lips.
Musically I don't think anything has been as inspiring as the freedom we've experienced with this project. When we began we just thought "okay, let's make music the way we want it" and set ourselves free from genres and formulas. The result is a sound that's totally us without our forcing anything- and the positive feedback we've been getting is inspiring all on its own.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT PLAYING A LIVE SHOW?
Chris: I would say letting people finally hear what we've been working on and getting their feedback.. hopefully positive feedback.
Scott: Definitely being able to scream and yell for a while and being able to run around like a mad man and ot have everyone think I'm a total nut.
Kersey: Girls
Ricky: I thought a lot about what I should say to answer this question but there really isn't any feeling quite like being on stage. It's pure adrenaline and nerves. You write music you like and put yourself on the line and when people respond positively to your art... I don't know man, it's awesome.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MAJOR INFLUENCES?
Chris: Ever since I was little I've liked watching people play the drums. I grew up watching drummers like Larry Mullen Jr. (U2), Peter Furler (Newsboys), and Ringo Starr and I fell in love with drums. And of course the music I listen to now, which is mainly a lot of Thrice among others.
Scott: Most certainly U2, The Misfits, Danzig, AFI, Interpol, Depeche Mode, and The Cure.
Kersey: Rock-and-Roll
Ricky: MeWithoutYou, As Cities Burn, Beloved, Bayside, Far-Less, Further Seems Forever, AFI. I try not to listen to much when I'm writing though.
WHERE FIND YOUR MUSI? (Typo: Original question: 'Where can people find your music?')
Chris: I'm honestly not sure, but if anyone does find it they can contact me on Facebook and let me know where it is..
Ricky: Musi? Oh man, that's the one Pokemon I never caught...
Kersey: Internet
Ricky: Sorry for taking advantage of the typo, man. Our music is, like Kersey said, on the web. If you go to www.NewCathedralBand.com you can get access to our Twitter, Facebook (www.facebook.com/newcathedralfl), Bandcamp, Instagram, Myspace, Neopets, Xanga, Hot Or Not, you know... All that. Haha
FINALLY IS THERE ANYONE YOU'D LIKE TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO?
Kersey: Dave Grohl
Scott: All my people in the barrio.
Ricky: Not that I can think of but we should plug our new EP, Haunted, which will be out soon. Download the first demo from the record, a song called "Three", for free from our Facebook page!
Connect with New Cathedral:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewCathedralFL
Website: http://www.newcathedralband.com/
Photo Credit: PaperSound Photography
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Interview with Final Thought
As told to YourMusicNews by Dustin Dopsa of Final Thought.
How did the band members meet?
All the band members lived relatively close to one another. Dustin lived in Barrie, Ontario while both Tom and Brandon were from Alcona (a small town near Barrie). Dustin met Brandon through some friends and they started a band in grade 10. A couple years later, their drummer left and they started looking for a replacement. They had previously played shows with Tom's band and when he auditioned, they immediately knew he was the one. As they say, the rest is history.
How did you decide on a band name?
Dustin had entered a battle of the bands in high school and he needed a catchy name. He had woken up in the middle of one night with the name 'Final Thought'. When he woke up the next morning, he decided that the name wasn't bad and used it. Final Thought has stuck ever since.
Who are some of your major influences?
Tom Delon of Blink 182 was the one who made Dustin want to start to play guitar, sing and write songs. Dustin tries to pull from as many different musical aspects and genres as possible, everything from Hip-Hop to Taylor Swift and beyond. Final Thought is always trying to expand their horizons because when it comes to making music, it is important to gain influence from as many different sources as possible to create a well rounded and diversified sound.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
You can essentially draw inspiration from anything, be it girls, divorce or death. As a band, Final Thought tries to draw from as many different things as possible.
You are set to release a documentary soon. Can you tell us what it is about?
This documentary is a way of introducing Final Thought to the world and helping to tell the story of the band through film. In addition, it shows the progress of their latest record by including both interviews and studio clips. Once released, the documentary will be released as a digital download on their website (link below).
Where can people find your music?
People cab find Final Thought's music in a variety of places. Their website has a lot of links as well as a store where you can purchase hard copies of their albums and a variety of other merch. The full record is available on Bandcamp. On there is a little write up about each song to give you a bit of background about them. Of course, Final Thought can also be found on iTunes.
Finally, is there anyone you would like to give a shout out to?
My best friends, Tom and Brandon. Demir Chytil and Richard Rotter who helped film the video for "Love Of My Life". Emmett Morris, Jordan Dean, Cody Meskey and all the Barrie kids. Straight Edge Crew and the list goes on.
Connect with Final Thought
Twitter: https://twitter.com/final_thought
Website: http://www.finalthoughtband.com
How did the band members meet?
All the band members lived relatively close to one another. Dustin lived in Barrie, Ontario while both Tom and Brandon were from Alcona (a small town near Barrie). Dustin met Brandon through some friends and they started a band in grade 10. A couple years later, their drummer left and they started looking for a replacement. They had previously played shows with Tom's band and when he auditioned, they immediately knew he was the one. As they say, the rest is history.
How did you decide on a band name?
Dustin had entered a battle of the bands in high school and he needed a catchy name. He had woken up in the middle of one night with the name 'Final Thought'. When he woke up the next morning, he decided that the name wasn't bad and used it. Final Thought has stuck ever since.
Who are some of your major influences?
 |
| Final Thought. |
Where do you draw inspiration from?
You can essentially draw inspiration from anything, be it girls, divorce or death. As a band, Final Thought tries to draw from as many different things as possible.
You are set to release a documentary soon. Can you tell us what it is about?
This documentary is a way of introducing Final Thought to the world and helping to tell the story of the band through film. In addition, it shows the progress of their latest record by including both interviews and studio clips. Once released, the documentary will be released as a digital download on their website (link below).
Where can people find your music?
People cab find Final Thought's music in a variety of places. Their website has a lot of links as well as a store where you can purchase hard copies of their albums and a variety of other merch. The full record is available on Bandcamp. On there is a little write up about each song to give you a bit of background about them. Of course, Final Thought can also be found on iTunes.
Finally, is there anyone you would like to give a shout out to?
My best friends, Tom and Brandon. Demir Chytil and Richard Rotter who helped film the video for "Love Of My Life". Emmett Morris, Jordan Dean, Cody Meskey and all the Barrie kids. Straight Edge Crew and the list goes on.
Connect with Final Thought
Twitter: https://twitter.com/final_thought
Website: http://www.finalthoughtband.com
Saturday, July 07, 2012
UPDATE
Sorry we have not been updating in a while but we have been quite busy with other things. I am in the process of getting a new laptop so that new articles can come out faster.
As always, thank you for your patience and support!
-Matt YMN
As always, thank you for your patience and support!
-Matt YMN
Monday, June 25, 2012
"Girl Crazy" by What Looks Like Crazy- Song Review
 |
| What Looks Like Crazy. |
Their latest single, "Girl Crazy", meets all the pre-requisites of becoming a classic Summer anthem. It features very catchy lyrics, upbeat instrumentals and when you listen to it you can't help but think about Summer. "Girl Crazy' will not go away quickly thanks to an infectious combination of lyrics and vocals. This is the true backbone of the song and it couples nicely with the instrumentals to form one incredibly diverse and amazing song. Feel free to listen to the song on their Facebook page (link below).
If What Looks Like Crazy keeps writing the same calibre of songs like "Girl Crazy", I believe they will be not only around but relevant for a long time to come. I wish them all the best moving forward and look forward to listening to their future releases.
Connect with What Looks Like Crazy:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/WLLC757
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/whatlookslikecrazy
Thursday, June 21, 2012
What Music Means To Me
I won't say music has saved my life but it certainly has made the rough patches more bearable. It has helped me make the right choices and, in turn, has shaped me into who I am today.
Music is my passion, which is quite obvious as that is what we are all about. I have been fascinated by music for many years and it has proved to be a wild ride. When other interests fade away, music always seems to stick around. My music choice has evolved and for that I am glad because there are so many artists out there that I would not have had the pleasure of listening to.
I love how powerful music can be in connecting us. It can be quite the conversation piece and can help unite people. Personally, I find it a great way to express your feelings and emotions. The freedom that accompanies music is great as it lets people express themselves in unique and creative ways.
That's what music means to me, what does it mean to you? Let us know by commenting, sending a tweet to @YourMusicNews or an email to yourmusicnewsblog@gmail.com.
-All the best!
-YourMusicNews (Matt)
Music is my passion, which is quite obvious as that is what we are all about. I have been fascinated by music for many years and it has proved to be a wild ride. When other interests fade away, music always seems to stick around. My music choice has evolved and for that I am glad because there are so many artists out there that I would not have had the pleasure of listening to.
I love how powerful music can be in connecting us. It can be quite the conversation piece and can help unite people. Personally, I find it a great way to express your feelings and emotions. The freedom that accompanies music is great as it lets people express themselves in unique and creative ways.
That's what music means to me, what does it mean to you? Let us know by commenting, sending a tweet to @YourMusicNews or an email to yourmusicnewsblog@gmail.com.
-All the best!
-YourMusicNews (Matt)
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Interview with Seeking Empire
How did the band members meet?
All of us were in other bands and eventually met/played with each other.
How did the band name come about?
It was something Alan came up with before the project was put together. It's actually really nice because coming up with a name can be a complete nightmare ha ha!
Who are some of your major influences?
I would have to say Dave Grohl, Jim Ward, and Tim Kasher.
Where do you draw the inspiration from to create music?
Mostly from other music, really. It's easy to get stuck into a certain type of writing, so it's nice to feed off of what you hear.
We heard you are releasing a new music video soon. Care to give us any hints as to what it might be like?
It will be perverse, and probably illegal. Kidding, it's shot by the amazing Angelo Ibanez from Ajapop films. There will be lights, beautiful people...and, did I say beautiful people?
What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I hope they can relate the songs to their life. I really grasp onto melodies, myself, but that's just because I can't remember lyrics very well...or at all. If it even captures one person, then I'm happy.
Where can people find your music?
At our site www.seekingempire.com, or iTunes, soundcloud, etc, etc.
Is there anyone you would like to give a shout out to?
Shout outs to Jamie White & Ashley Rayburn who have helped us spread the word, you girls are AMAZING! To all lovers of music, everyone who has ever believed in us musically, and helped us do what we do. All the people who checked out our music and show us love. Also a shout out to the 8lb 6oz baby Jesus.
Connect with Seeking Empire:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/SeekingEmpire
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/seekingempire
All of us were in other bands and eventually met/played with each other.
How did the band name come about?
It was something Alan came up with before the project was put together. It's actually really nice because coming up with a name can be a complete nightmare ha ha!
Who are some of your major influences?
I would have to say Dave Grohl, Jim Ward, and Tim Kasher.
Where do you draw the inspiration from to create music?Mostly from other music, really. It's easy to get stuck into a certain type of writing, so it's nice to feed off of what you hear.
We heard you are releasing a new music video soon. Care to give us any hints as to what it might be like?
It will be perverse, and probably illegal. Kidding, it's shot by the amazing Angelo Ibanez from Ajapop films. There will be lights, beautiful people...and, did I say beautiful people?
What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I hope they can relate the songs to their life. I really grasp onto melodies, myself, but that's just because I can't remember lyrics very well...or at all. If it even captures one person, then I'm happy.
Where can people find your music?
At our site www.seekingempire.com, or iTunes, soundcloud, etc, etc.
Is there anyone you would like to give a shout out to?
Shout outs to Jamie White & Ashley Rayburn who have helped us spread the word, you girls are AMAZING! To all lovers of music, everyone who has ever believed in us musically, and helped us do what we do. All the people who checked out our music and show us love. Also a shout out to the 8lb 6oz baby Jesus.
Connect with Seeking Empire:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/SeekingEmpire
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/seekingempire
Monday, June 18, 2012
Interview With Permanent Ability
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I (Brian Lanese - Frontman) founded Permanent Ability backin 2006 after moving to Los Angeles from Waterbury, Connecticut. I didn’t knowa soul here, but as soon as the plane landed, I literally hit the groundrunning and started to build the band from the ground up. I already had a bunchof solid songs written like 'Sex Junkie' and 'Bring It On!', so I quickly foundplayers who believed in the project to get it moving. I went through a coupleversions of the band at first and some shows were terrible in the beginning,looking back on them now. Not many people know I’m the lone writer for all of Permanent Ability’s songs including the instrumental parts, so I when I write I write the parts with each member in mind and let them refine it with their style. Currently, I work with a group of guys that a very professional and everyone knows their responsibility within the band and to the music. This is how our band functions, and there aren't too many cooks in the kitchen, keeping it stress free and fun as a band should be. There is NO formula for success and every situation is unique, but this is what works for us.
How did you decide on the band name?
Well I had this philosophy, if you pop out the womb with a god given gift, in my case being art and music, it is permanently rooted in you for life; and even if you wanted to get rid of that talent, whatever it may be, that talent is an ability that will always be yours, and it's up to you to decide whether to use it, abuse it, or let it go to idle. So based on that philosophy, I thought Permanent Ability was suitable for my band name, and the creative abundance given to us as individuals, when coming together as one unit, has proven that we are using such gifts to inspire hearts and minds and using them as our canvas.
Who are some of your major influences?
Our influences come from a wide variety of artists, ranging from LL Cool J to Led Zeppelin and everything else in between. Keeping our ears diverse to all styles of music is important to us, and it also lends to a vast source of creative ammunition to the writing process. So when I say we listen to everything…we sincerely do!
You have a new album due out later this year. Can we expect a similar sound to your previous releases or will it be something completely different?
This record will show an evolution of our sound that some diehard fans may not even expect, for a preview visit www.PermanentAbility.com as we recently released two new singles that will be on the new record.
I feel the new record is the best one yet, and it will be Permanent Ability's first full length release, narrowed down to about ten to twelve songs; although, twenty or so were written. It's titled, Love You To Death, inspired by the album cover design and the waltzy rock title track. Just like our 2010, recently Grammy Nominated release Bring It On! it was also recorded at 4th Street Studios in Santa Monica, CA. It's recorded with tier instrumental equipment this time around. Couple cool facts about the recording is that we were fortunate enough to get to use Chili Pepper's drummer Chad Smith's '64 Gretch Kit to record with, and a few of Taylor Hawkins snares as well (drummer for the Foo Fighters.) The record features bassist Mario Pagliarulo of Serj Tankian's solo band The F.C.C. and our collaboration came into play when he randomly heard the music, and reached out to me. He really loved what I was doing, and he passionately wanted to be a part of it. Mario did an awesome job too! When an opportunity to collaborate comes knocking you don't say no, especially here in L.A., so it was an excellent experience to get to work with him. We are already talking about future projects together as well.
What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I always try to write very universally so that you will apply the songs to your own personal experiences in your life. They may have one meaning for me but for you they may hold a completely different meaning. I simply want in the end to haunt you with my chorus hook and ultimately make you think with my lyrics or be inspired by how motivational the content may be. I'm a go getter and I want to prove to people if you are hungry and stay with it you will achieve it. "God delays, he doesn't deny." - Tommy Lasorda
What is your favourite song you have written and why?
My favorite Permanent Ability song thus far is “Last to Know” simply because of it’s personal meaning to me. I really lyrically poured my heart out on that song to desperately try and close a painful chapter of my life; that from time to time unforgivingly haunts me with its past regrets. To perform live though is definitely “Sex Junkie” cuz all four of us explode to the music, and we are so animated and full of raw energy. Although…that’s pretty much our entire set, but Sex Junkie…we’ve dubbed it the “Eck” cuz it’s our set closer, or our musical Dennis Eckersley. (a famous Oakland A’s baseball closer)
Where can people find your music?
Well your first stop should be www.PermanentAbility.com but we are also available on
iTUNES and CD Baby. Don't for get to "FOLLOW" our ass on TWITTER and "LIKE" us on FACEBOOK too.
Finally, is there anyone you would like to give a shout out to?
I'd like to give a HUGE shout out to my good friends Mario Pagliarulo, Lonnie Jones, and Orlando Mestre. These guys are excellent musicians and as professional as they come. Thanks to Your Music News Blog for the opportunity and for the help of keep the indie fight alive!
Connect with Permanent Ability
Website: http://www.permanentability.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/PermanentAbilty
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Permanent-Ability/20522581563
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Interview with States Away
How did the band members meet?
We've all originally met by being in other local bands, or from back when we were in high school. Our guitarists Cody and Geoff started writing material together back in early fall of 2011, started jamming with our drummer Ian, and then I (Michael) decided to join right when I moved back from Orlando in December of 2011. Then we actually entered the studio without a vocalist, found our singer Corey and got him in the studio immediately!
How did you decide on a band name?
Our good friend Josh Minnich who does all our graphic design work presented it to us and we really liked it. It sort of represents relationships we have with people that aren't near us, and how we can conquer that distance.
Who are some of your major influences?
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| States Away |
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I think a re-appearing theme in our message is relationships. Everyone in the band has a bad relationship history when it comes to being treated wrong or even conflict within ourselves, so we try and express that in our lyrics.
You recently released your debut EP. Which songs are your favourite and why?
I think everyone likes "Heads Up" because it's fast paced, has some heavier parts, but still with a catchy chorus. I'd say we also like It's Not Me It's You, because it's probably our most mature sounding song, and we really connect with the lyrics.
Mean What You Say is definitely the most fun for everyone to play live though, because so far it has the best crowd reaction.
What do you hope people take away from your music?
We all hope that everyone can connect with our lyrics, realize that they aren't the only ones having those specific kind of relationship issues, or conflicts within themselves, and find hope that there is always a way out to be a happier person.
Finally, is there anyone you would like to give a shout out to?
Our dads.
Connect with States Away
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/StatesAwayOH
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StatesAwayOfficial
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
States Away- A Review
States Away is a pop/punk band from Springfield, Ohio. They are a textbook perfect pop/punk band consisting of upbeat instrumentals and accompanying vocals. Their lyrics are catchy and that makes for a fun listen. When comparing States Away to other bands it's hard to narrow it down as there are so many bands playing this style of music. However, with that said, if you have an ear for pop/punk you will definitely enjoy it.
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| States Away Album Artwork. |
Being such a young band, States Away has already accomplished so much. They have a very respectable fan base and a very solid debut album.I look forward to seeing them build on this success and I hope that they continue to make music as well as grow and develop as a band. I recommend you give them a listen as they are well worth your time.
Connect with States Away
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/StatesAwayOH
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/statesawayofficial
**Note: Watch for our interview with States Away tomorrow!**
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Joshua Hyslop- A Review
Joshua Hyslop is a singer/songwriter hailing from Abbotsford, BC. Joshua combines soothing guitar melodies with solid vocals that create a well rounded sound. He has released two albums, an EP in July of 2011 entitled "Cold Wind" and his first full length album, "Where the Mountain Meets the Valley", last month. Both works are structured quite similar and are quite the treat to listen to.
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| Joshua Hyslop. |
"Cold Winds" is a six song EP filled with raw and simple songs that will please almost any ears. Sometimes, simple does not always work, but for Joshua it fits very nicely. The two songs that jump out at me are "Nowhere Left To Go" and "If I Was A Better Man". "Nowhere Left To go" was perhaps my favourite lyrically and was a very relaxing song that holds your interest throughout. "If I Was A Better Man" was a pleasant surprise and a great way to end the album. It was the most upbeat song on the album and for that reason, it stood out the most. It was almost as if the album was building up to this very song and this was the grand finale, and a grand finale it was. Excellent lyrics, incredible vocals and great instrumentals make not only this song, but this entire album worth a listen.
"Where the Mountain Meets the Valley" is the first full length release from Joshua Hyslop. Right away it's as though he carried the energy that ended off his first album and carried it through this one. However, that is not to say that he didn't include any aspects from his first album as there are several softer songs on the album including "Time Alone", "First Light" and the title track "Where the Mountain Meets the Valley". Some of my favourites include "Wish You Well" and "Have You Heard?" because I feel as though these songs emphasise the evolution of Joshua's music, not to mention they are very sound both lyrically and instrumentally. If you liked "Cold Winds" you will definitely love "Where the Mountain Meets the Valley".
Joshua Hyslop tends to keep his music simple but there is always something that gives his music a twist and makes for an enjoyable listen. Both his releases, "Cold Winds" and "Where the Mountain Meets the Valley" are very well done and chart his growth as an artist quite nicely. I recommend giving them both a listen, you will not be disappointed.
Connect with Joshua Hyslop
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/joshuahyslop
Tumblr: http://www.joshuahyslop.tumblr.com
Monday, June 11, 2012
Edwin Miles- A Review
Edwin Miles is a singer/songwriter/guitarist living in Manchester, UK. Edwin combines soothing guitar melodies with his heartfelt vocals. When putting Edwin Miles music into a genre, you could easily put it in several, from pop to folk to rock. Originally from Saudi Arabia, Edwin has been playing guitar since he was twelve and has developed the talent that helps propel his music to another level which is evident in his debut release.
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| "Get Off Your Rock" by Edwin Miles |
If you are into mellow, acoustic songs you may enjoy Edwin Miles. Even if you don't, I encourage you to give him a listen as everyone of his songs is filled with passion and they flow so smoothly throughout the album. He is very talented on guitar and has great vocals to match. "Get Off Your Rock" was a very well done debut album and I look forward to Edwin Miles future releases.
Connect with Edwin Miles
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EdwinTheMiles
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/EdwinTheMiles
Monday, June 04, 2012
La Fin Absolute du Monde- A Review
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| La Fin Absolute du Monde. |
La Fin Absolute has released several prominent songs. "She's Got To Be A Pirate" is perhaps their best example as this showcases what La Fin Absolute du Monde is all about. Featuring their signature blend of several different genres and uniquely crafted vocals, this is La Fin Absolute du Monde at their very best. " Black Sheep" is a perfect example of how dynamic this band really is as they can go from upbeat to mellow in an instant. "Dark Fetus" contains the best of both worlds and is one of my personal favourites by La Fin Absolute du Monde.
If you are looking for a unique listening experience, look no further then la Fin Absolutedu Monde as they blend several different genres to create a very unique sound that helps them stand above the crowd. Personally, I look forward to watching the band progress and build off of their success. Any future releases by La Fin Absolute du Monde are sure to be a hit and I can't wait to see what they come up with next.
Connect with La Fin Absolute Du Monde
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LaFinAbsolute
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lafinabsolutedumonde
Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/la-fin-absolute-du-monde
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
A.O.T.M (June)- Deadlines And Diamonds
Deadlines and Diamonds
Sacramento, California
The Members
Laura- Vocals
Shane- Vocals
Phil- Guitar
Daniel- Bass
Kori- Guitar
Namor- Drums
The Sound
Deadlines and Diamonds compare themselves to A Day To Remember which is fair in many aspects. However, a more accurate comparison would probably be a mix of Evanescence and Asking Alexandria with the vocals reminiscent of Evanescence and the instrumentals comparable to those of Asking Alexandria.
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| Deadlines & Diamonds. |
Deadlines and Diamonds has released several solid songs that showcase their true ability. In what has become a watered down genre, Deadlines and Diamonds has set themselves apart due to their powerful vocals evident in each song. The clean vocals are complimented quite nicely with the screams. "I Created A Monster" has quickly become one of my favourites due to incredible lyrics that are easy to relate to and the fact that it flows so smoothly with no dead spots evident in the song. Another stand out is "Marionettes". Incredible lyrics and vocals coupled with amazingly effective instrumentals make "Marionettes" a true pleasure to listen to. It is hard to find a song that is not well put together by the band, even their cover of "Blow" by Ke$ha draws no complaints from me.
The Bottom Line
Deadlines and Diamonds is a special band in that they are strong from all aspects which makes for an outstanding listen. I look forward to the release of their debut EP, sure to be solid, and any future releases from them because they have the talent to keep making music for a long time to come.
The Contact Information
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/DeadlineDiamond
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/deadlinesanddiamonds
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
The Fallows- A Review
The Fallows are an indie/folk/rock band from Coventry, England. The four piece group, formed in 2010, has been busy entertaining many a crowd with their addictive and catchy sound. Following the success of their debut EP "We Are The Hunted", the band released their first full length album, "Face The Wolves" early this year and will be playing many more shows over the coming months.
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| "Face The Wolves" Album Cover. |
The Fallows never seem to slow down. They will be busy touring this summer and if you get a chance to go see them, do it, I have heard many good things about their live performances. "Face The Wolves" is a very well done debut album and I look forward to hearing what the band comes out with next. I highly recommend you check out their album on iTunes or their website as it is worth a listen. I wish the best of luck to The Fallows in whatever they do and look forward to watching them continue to grow and progress.
Connect with The Fallows
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/thefallows
Website: http://www.thefallowsmusic.co.uk
Interview with Mike Luno Band
How did the band members meet?
When I lived in Victoria, bassist David Augustin and I got keen to form a band in 1996. Dave found the missing band members- including drummer Curtis Leippi, who was playing in a local cover band called Star 69 at that time. Dave was knocked out by Curtis' drumming, and recommended him for the band. I've been playing with Curtis ever since. Our current go-to bassists, Kirby Green and Scott Tucker, were both recommended to us late last year by musicians whose opinions we hugely respect. Both bassists are incredible musicians.
How did you decide on a band name?
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| Mike Luno Band. |
What drives you to make music?
Great musical moments are deeply invigorating, powerful and addictive. This is true for live performance and songwriting. The writing can also be quite cathartic.
Who are some of your major influences?
This question often stupefies me because I never know where to begin or end! In trying to keep it to an even dozen: Dave Matthews Band, Screaming Headless Torsos, Sting/Police, Daniel Lanois, Neil Finn, Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley, Jeff Beck, Led Zeppelin, Frederick Chopin, Allan Holdsworth, J.S. Bach. I suspect Curtis would want to toss in Chick Corea, Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, Dream Theater and Buddy Rich, at the very least
What do you hope people take away from your music?
I'd hope to grab listeners instantly with the groove, a lyric or melodic idea, and hold them there long enough for the stuff that isn't instantly apparent to wash over them...and finally, for the music and lyrics to keep returning to mind the way a good book, movie or poem might. Leave the listener uplifted, yet provoked to question and ponder. Ultimately moved. Piece o cake, right? ;)
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| Mike Luno Band. |
What is your favourite song you have written and why?
Excruciating question! Disallowing yet-unreleased tunes and ignoring such factors as whether the tune is fun to play live - keeping it to just the meat of the songwriting and arrangement - I'd lean toward 'Heart Beat Up'. It has no bass, a very unusually minimalist yet effective drum part, some chord changes you're not otherwise likely to hear in pop music, and the lyric was about as heartfelt yet entertainingly bitter as I can manage. Because of the weirdly sparse arrangement, it seems to grab listeners' attention quickly, relative to much of our other material.
Where can people buy your music?
mikelunoband.com
itunes.com/mikelunoband
cdbaby.com/mikelunoband
Finally, is there anyone you would like to give a shout out to?
Melissa Ratcliff and her amazing Simon Fraser University Choir; Crying Sky Studios, Vancouver; Indie Pool, Toronto; Bruce Gerrish and Vancouver City Limits; and all the local clubs that support live music, in particular original live music - and in extra-particular the Princeton and the Cobalt.
Connect with Mike Luno Band
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/MikeLunoBand
Website: http://www.mikelunoband.com
Monday, May 28, 2012
Wing And Hollow- A Review
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| Wing And Hollow. |
Their first release, “Frozen Trees” was nothing short of a masterpiece. Coupling the cornerstones of folk music while adding their own unique twist makes this album that much more enjoyable. The first two songs, “Frozen Trees” and Shadow Man” are, perhaps, the most complete songs on the album as Jill’s vocals and Haven’s instrumentals combine to create the perfect example of traditional folk with a modern twist. Later on in the album we are introduced to the harmonica. On “Lock It Away”, this is used perfectly to fill gaps that otherwise may have been lacking in substance. My personal favourite from the album is “On Goes The Air” as I believe this song is their most emotionally driven on the album. Wing And Hollow’s signatures, powerful vocals and genius melodies that help their music flow so well make “Frozen Trees” a worthwhile listen and a solid first release that you don’t often see.
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| Wing And Hollow. |
Wing And Hollow’s relaxing and soothing music is a worthwhile addition to any collection. I hope they continue to make music as they have the talent and the passion that is needed to succeed. Both “Frozen Trees” and “North Of Nowhere” were great albums and I hope you get a chance to listen to them. I wish them all the best and look forward to hearing more from them in the future!
Connect with Wing And Hollow:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/wingandhollow
Website: http://www.wingandhollow.com/
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Lily Brooke- A Review
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| Lily Brooke |
The first song I heard by Lily Brooke was “Eclipse”, a song that demonstrates her maturity through both the lyrics and mellow melody. Both of these tend to be her strong points and are echoed throughout most of her music. My two personal favourites by Lily Brooke are “As Days Go By” and “Until We Meet Again”. These two songs showcase her true talents vocally and lyrically. It is hard to pinpoint any one thing that she should work on as Lily Brooke is already quite well rounded, something that is generally not seen for someone so young.
However, there is some room for growth and being such a young artist, this should come naturally with time. As mentioned previously, Lily Brooke has some stunning, powerful vocals that will only continue to be more empowering as her musical career goes on. I look forward to seeing how Lily Brooke’s music continues to evolve. I can easily see her making it big in this business and truly believe she has what it takes to succeed.
Connect With Lily Brooke
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LilyBrooke13
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/lilybrooke13
Listen to her music: http://soundcloud.com/lilybrooke
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Whitemoor- A Review
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| Whitemoor. |
From the very first song, “Three Words”, you can already see them starting to develop their unique sound that has long since been the bands signature. For the most part, you can hear the emotion that they pour into their songs, most notably on vocals which are reminiscent of Kings Of Leon but with a more raw edge to them. This adds another layer of depth to the talent that Whitemoor possess. It is hard to pick out a song or two that isn’t up to par with the rest due to the fact that every single song on the album is perfectly polished and adds to the fullness of the album. Standouts include “Artefacts” and “At The Crescendo”. “Artefacts” has outstanding lyrics that are easy to relate to and a catchy upbeat sound that never gets old. “At The Crescendo” is the song that sounds the most unique when compared to the others on the album. It is a great song and helps to break up the album.
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| Whitemoor album cover. |
Connect with Whitemoor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/WhiteMoorBand
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/whitemoor
Interview with The Spade
How did the band members meet?
The Spade was created in 2008 in Paris. The band was originally composed of Alex Kobs on the drums, Ben "Rudy" Flatstone on the bass, Clay Gombert on the guitar and Virgil MacBryde on the guitar and lead vocals. This formation toured the Paris clubs and concert halls for about a year, gaining some recognition and reaching the finals of the French national battle of the Bands: Emergenza. In 2010, after a 5 month break, MacBryde approached William Watkins with a project for a concept album. MacBryde and Watkins started composition of project JMT (The Journey Of A Modern Tribesman).
In September of the same year, Watkins officially became a member of The Spade, assuring lead guitar alongside Clement Gombert. In October 2010 MacBryde & Watkins both left for the UK where they met French theater comedian Jay Carnero and comics illustrator Tim Travé, who would later do some artwork work for the band, both of whom they befriended. In February 2011 Jay Carnero effectively became the band's bass player around the same time Clay Gombert left the band due to musical differences.
How did you decide on a band name?
The band used to be named "The Tings", however another British band with a similar name was getting bigger and bigger. Hence, the name of the band had to be changed, to not be confused with the Ting Tings. The four band members: Virgil, Ben, Alex, and Clem came together to find a new name. Virgil picked the longest straw and TheSpade was born.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
(Will:) "This is actually a funny original story. In July 2010, Virgil phoned me in a hurry: "Will! You gotta come here! Now!". So I ran up to his place in Paris, thinking something was wrong. He told me to sit down and listen. After what he started dancing about, telling me this dream he had where Joe Strummer told him that he has to make a Rock Opera about this 20 odd year old boy who left his well-off family to find the evergreen plains. But when he got there, the kid realised that the journey was really what counted. Plus the kid was schizophrenic. He told me all the story in details, and finished by " Dude! We gotta make the album!". Thus we began composing straight away, Sacrificed Generation was born this very day. Since then each song is born in Virgil's dream as part of a whole story. We've finished the first album The Journey Of A Modern Tribesman. But we're already composing the next album which is being created the same way, but the story remains a secret as for now."
Who are some of your major influences?
Each song is composed by Virgil and I, since the story of the song is already written, we need to find the appropriate music genre that is compatible with the atmosphere of the song. Virgil would find some songs on the internet that sound like the kind of stuff he thinks our music should be like. Therefore our influence is nearly unique to each song. However our major influences, I would say, are: Green Day, Kravitz, The Clash obviously, The Raconteurs, you will also a bit of Micheal Franti, Pink Floyd, or even The Beatles, and plenty others that don't come up to mind right now.
What do you hope people take away from your music?
I really like this question, since our albums are Rock Operas, there's always a story told, and some kind of moral. So we hope that people will listen closely to the story, and maybe see themselves in it. However, I cannot tell you what we want them to understand. This is for them to choose, we are only story tellers. This is so important to us that one of the last songs from JMT was meant to explain everything, the story, and the meaning. But it was crossed out.
Where can people get a hold of your music?
Our music is available nearly anywhere online, from Youtube to Facebook, etc… However the best place to get it is on our website www.TheSpadeBand.com, in the freebies section, since you can download it for FREE. So I encourage anyone to get it, share it, and enjoy it.
Finally, is there anyone you would like to give a shout out to?
"We send our thanks to Joe Strummer without whom this album would not have been possible."
Connect with The Spade
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/TheSpade
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/JvlpK9
Website: http://www.TheSpadeBand.com
The Spade was created in 2008 in Paris. The band was originally composed of Alex Kobs on the drums, Ben "Rudy" Flatstone on the bass, Clay Gombert on the guitar and Virgil MacBryde on the guitar and lead vocals. This formation toured the Paris clubs and concert halls for about a year, gaining some recognition and reaching the finals of the French national battle of the Bands: Emergenza. In 2010, after a 5 month break, MacBryde approached William Watkins with a project for a concept album. MacBryde and Watkins started composition of project JMT (The Journey Of A Modern Tribesman).
In September of the same year, Watkins officially became a member of The Spade, assuring lead guitar alongside Clement Gombert. In October 2010 MacBryde & Watkins both left for the UK where they met French theater comedian Jay Carnero and comics illustrator Tim Travé, who would later do some artwork work for the band, both of whom they befriended. In February 2011 Jay Carnero effectively became the band's bass player around the same time Clay Gombert left the band due to musical differences.
How did you decide on a band name?
The band used to be named "The Tings", however another British band with a similar name was getting bigger and bigger. Hence, the name of the band had to be changed, to not be confused with the Ting Tings. The four band members: Virgil, Ben, Alex, and Clem came together to find a new name. Virgil picked the longest straw and TheSpade was born.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
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| The Spade. |
(Will:) "This is actually a funny original story. In July 2010, Virgil phoned me in a hurry: "Will! You gotta come here! Now!". So I ran up to his place in Paris, thinking something was wrong. He told me to sit down and listen. After what he started dancing about, telling me this dream he had where Joe Strummer told him that he has to make a Rock Opera about this 20 odd year old boy who left his well-off family to find the evergreen plains. But when he got there, the kid realised that the journey was really what counted. Plus the kid was schizophrenic. He told me all the story in details, and finished by " Dude! We gotta make the album!". Thus we began composing straight away, Sacrificed Generation was born this very day. Since then each song is born in Virgil's dream as part of a whole story. We've finished the first album The Journey Of A Modern Tribesman. But we're already composing the next album which is being created the same way, but the story remains a secret as for now."
Who are some of your major influences?
Each song is composed by Virgil and I, since the story of the song is already written, we need to find the appropriate music genre that is compatible with the atmosphere of the song. Virgil would find some songs on the internet that sound like the kind of stuff he thinks our music should be like. Therefore our influence is nearly unique to each song. However our major influences, I would say, are: Green Day, Kravitz, The Clash obviously, The Raconteurs, you will also a bit of Micheal Franti, Pink Floyd, or even The Beatles, and plenty others that don't come up to mind right now.
What do you hope people take away from your music?
I really like this question, since our albums are Rock Operas, there's always a story told, and some kind of moral. So we hope that people will listen closely to the story, and maybe see themselves in it. However, I cannot tell you what we want them to understand. This is for them to choose, we are only story tellers. This is so important to us that one of the last songs from JMT was meant to explain everything, the story, and the meaning. But it was crossed out.
Where can people get a hold of your music?
Our music is available nearly anywhere online, from Youtube to Facebook, etc… However the best place to get it is on our website www.TheSpadeBand.com, in the freebies section, since you can download it for FREE. So I encourage anyone to get it, share it, and enjoy it.
Finally, is there anyone you would like to give a shout out to?
"We send our thanks to Joe Strummer without whom this album would not have been possible."
Connect with The Spade
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/TheSpade
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/JvlpK9
Website: http://www.TheSpadeBand.com
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Seeking Empire- A Review
Seeking Empire is an alternative rock band from San Francisco, California. Made up of musicians fro several other bands, Seeking Empire is more of a side project then anything else. Normally, side projects can be rather tedious but Seeking Empire is one of those rare exceptions. They bring a solid mix of upbeat instrumentals and strong vocals which make Seeking Empire a force to be reckoned with.
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| Seeking Empire |
In late 2011, Seeking Empire released their self-titled, debut album. Encased in its seven songs are captivating melodies that get in your face and grab your attention, not in an annoying way but an effective one. The opening track, “Fairytale”, is a great attention grabber as it draws you in and keeps you there. “Broken” and “Liar Liar” are very catchy and are singer friendly, especially the latter.
My personal favourite, “Cave In”, really showcases the bands true vocal talent. Couple this with intricate lyrics and you can argue that this song is perhaps the true gem on the album. “Remember the End” has similar characteristics, mainly powerful vocals, however the instrumentals don’t seem to carry as much meaning as they did on “Cave In”. The second to last song on the album, “Deliver Us”, seems to tie the album together nicely by combining the upbeat instrumentals and powerful vocals to create a track that really sums the album up nicely. The album ends with a second version of “Liar Liar”.
Seeking Empire has all the characteristics of a talented band and can continue to make enjoyable music that people want to hear. Their self-titled, debut album was very well done. It was a solid album worth the seven dollars on iTunes. Consisting of a great creative mix, if Seeking Empire releases more music, it is sure to be very well done and I look forward to it!
Connect with Seeking Empire
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/SeekingEmpire
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/seekingempire
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
The Stone Pines- Review
The Stone Pines are a five piece rock/blues band from Vancouver, B.C. Formed in early 2010, The Stone Pines has been busy releasing and recording their unique brand of blues and rock music. The band’s first release, “Goodbye Devil”, a three song album featuring their unique sound. The album begins with “Big Goodbye”, a solid opening track that showcases their unique blend of several different genres. This is followed by “Devil In The Shade”, my personal favourite track. On this song, they seem to truly capture the blues feel and with it, separating themselves from the rest of the pack. The final song “Close Your Eyes” is a solid track that finishes the album off nicely.
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| The Stone Pines |
Considering that they haven’t been around for very long, The Stone Pines has found great success playing at many venues throughout Vancouver including the 2011 Grey Cup Street Festival. Their first full length album, “Landmark” will be released on May 20th and will surely feature some amazing work. I look forward to watching this band continue to grow and can not wait for future releases. The Stone Pines will be around for a long time to come and it would be well worth your time to give them a listen.
Connect with The Stone Pines
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/thestonepines
Website: http://www.thestonepines.com
Monday, May 14, 2012
Barely Blind- Review
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| Barely Blind |
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| Barely Blind |
Their most recent release “Wilder Child Of A Thousand Suns” truly shows how far this band has come. With an ever changing musical landscape, Barely Blind has changed for the better. This album feels as though they have arrived where they were always meant to be. The raw emotion portrayed in this album easily make it their best release to date. It is hard to pinpoint which song truly makes this album as they all help to create a solid listening experience. Some notables on the album include “Silver Lake”, the first song on the album, it draws you in and sets the tone for the rest of the album. “How To Sail The Atlantic Alone” is another great song that helps propel this album to the next level.
All three of these albums are on iTunes and are well worth the money. I look forward to seeing how this band continues to evolve and grow. “Wilder Child Of A Thousand Suns” will be a hard album to top but I believe that Barely Blind can get it done.
Connect With Barely Blind
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/BarelyBlind
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/barelyblind
Website: http://www.barelyblind.com
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Interview with Green Line Inbound
How did the band members meet?
It's kind of a wild story in terms of how we all met…J(.)(.)$E and Rare Breed were friends since kindergarten, while Husky J, B-Mac, and DJ GBLOK met while in line for their dorm keys the first day of college freshman year. Coincidentally, J(.)(.)$E, Husky J, and B-Mac were dorm roommates. We all became friends from hanging out, and after countless nights of Nintendo 64 binges we realized that we had the proper instrumentation to set up a few jam sessions. After playing together a few times, we decided for formally start a band together and the rest has been history.
How did you decide on a band name?
We decided on the name Green Line Inbound because it's rooted deeply in Boston. Our college, as well as our old Band house were located along the green line in Boston, so Green Line Inbound just kind of stuck.
Who are some of your major influences?
We all come from different musical backgrounds, but share a lot of the same "favorite" artists and influences. We are mainly influenced by the Hip-hop mainstream of the past few decades, with specific artists being Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Wiz Khalifa, and a couple other oddballs like Lil' Wayne or LMFAO. Other than that, we pretty much enjoy listening to anything that's good.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Most of our inspiration in our own writing comes from the above influences, and we try to bring the elements of that sound to our own music. Over the past couple of years, our sound has evolved and we've sort of "re-formatted" our songs and sound to its current configuration.
What is your favourite song that you have written and why?
All of them! (Haha). Well, it's tough to say that we have one favorite, so the most recent four off of our Mixtape have pretty much been the current favorites. We'll be releasing our own take on a Boston tribute song late this summer with a few special guests on the track, so that just might become our favorite!
What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
Whether they're listening to a recording or seeing us live, we hope that our listeners feed off of the energy that we put out and feel good. We want them to have a good time, and basically just want to make people feel like partying!
Any advice for bands that are just starting out?
Keep on keeping on. There's new things that we're learning every day about being in a band. If you work hard and believe in yourself & your craft, people will notice and have no choice but to take you seriously. Some days you might be playing your biggest show yet, and other days you might be broken down in your van on the side of the Jersey turnpike. All of it is part of the big story, and each band tells their own in time.
Where can people get a hold of your music?
Google us. We're on most social networks (so go and Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter), and have a strong YouTube presence of both Cover & Original songs. You can download all of our tracks for Free off of our website as well!
Finally, is there anyone you would like to give a shout out to?
We'd like to shout out to friends, family and fans - thanks for the continued support. Also shootouts to our CA$HFORD crew, our Photo/Video director Steve at Mindlessphotos.com, and all of the amazing artists in our local Boston community for creating such an awesome scene to be a part of.
It's kind of a wild story in terms of how we all met…J(.)(.)$E and Rare Breed were friends since kindergarten, while Husky J, B-Mac, and DJ GBLOK met while in line for their dorm keys the first day of college freshman year. Coincidentally, J(.)(.)$E, Husky J, and B-Mac were dorm roommates. We all became friends from hanging out, and after countless nights of Nintendo 64 binges we realized that we had the proper instrumentation to set up a few jam sessions. After playing together a few times, we decided for formally start a band together and the rest has been history.
 |
| Green Line Inbound |
We decided on the name Green Line Inbound because it's rooted deeply in Boston. Our college, as well as our old Band house were located along the green line in Boston, so Green Line Inbound just kind of stuck.
Who are some of your major influences?
We all come from different musical backgrounds, but share a lot of the same "favorite" artists and influences. We are mainly influenced by the Hip-hop mainstream of the past few decades, with specific artists being Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Wiz Khalifa, and a couple other oddballs like Lil' Wayne or LMFAO. Other than that, we pretty much enjoy listening to anything that's good.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Most of our inspiration in our own writing comes from the above influences, and we try to bring the elements of that sound to our own music. Over the past couple of years, our sound has evolved and we've sort of "re-formatted" our songs and sound to its current configuration.
What is your favourite song that you have written and why?
All of them! (Haha). Well, it's tough to say that we have one favorite, so the most recent four off of our Mixtape have pretty much been the current favorites. We'll be releasing our own take on a Boston tribute song late this summer with a few special guests on the track, so that just might become our favorite!
What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
Whether they're listening to a recording or seeing us live, we hope that our listeners feed off of the energy that we put out and feel good. We want them to have a good time, and basically just want to make people feel like partying!
Any advice for bands that are just starting out?
Keep on keeping on. There's new things that we're learning every day about being in a band. If you work hard and believe in yourself & your craft, people will notice and have no choice but to take you seriously. Some days you might be playing your biggest show yet, and other days you might be broken down in your van on the side of the Jersey turnpike. All of it is part of the big story, and each band tells their own in time.
Where can people get a hold of your music?
Google us. We're on most social networks (so go and Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter), and have a strong YouTube presence of both Cover & Original songs. You can download all of our tracks for Free off of our website as well!
Finally, is there anyone you would like to give a shout out to?
We'd like to shout out to friends, family and fans - thanks for the continued support. Also shootouts to our CA$HFORD crew, our Photo/Video director Steve at Mindlessphotos.com, and all of the amazing artists in our local Boston community for creating such an awesome scene to be a part of.
Deer Park Avenue- A Review
Deer Park Avenue is a pop/rock band based out of Sacramento, California, consisting of two sisters living out their dreams. Playing music from such a young age together has helped unify and solidify their songs thus far. From the instrumentals to the vocals, everything fits together so well. Their music is very catchy and it hooks you in, as any music should.
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| Deer Park Avenue |
“Stop & Go”, the second and most recent release from Deer Park Avenue is a solid follow up album. Building on the foundation of “City Streets”, the instrumentals have become more well rounded and provide more harmony for the vocals. Speaking of vocals, “Stop & Go” is just another example of Deer Park Avenue’s greatest strength. They take nothing away from their debut EP but instead add another step of depth and growth.
Both of Deer Park Avenue’s albums can be found on iTunes and I highly recommend you give them a listen. Personally, I can’t wait to hear what they come up with next but without a doubt, it is sure to be a solid next step in their musical careers. Bursting with talent, Deer Park Avenue is one of those bands that will be around for a long time to come.
Connect with Deer Park Avenue
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/deerparkavenue
Facebook: http://facebook.com/deerparkavenue
iTunes: http://itunes.com/deerparkavenue
Website: http://deerparkave.com
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