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Hope to see you there!
-Matt

YMN Review: Every You

 Every You is an alternative pop/rock band from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Roughly 300 miles from Ocala, where A Day To Remember hails from, Every You shares many similar qualities. Describing themselves as an "Alternative/Pop/Rock band out of South Florida with a little something more to it." That could not be more true. They play a heavier sound then many bands in the same genre, which is a refreshing and unexpected change.

 Every You released their debut album "A Change Of Scene" back in 2009. This is a very strong album, consisting of six songs, highlighted by "Piece Of My Mind" and the title track. It is hard to point out any glaring errors or weak points on the record, which is impressive and something that you don't find a lot of these days, with musicians trying to pump out as much content as possible. You can really tell that Every You cares about their music and that they want to put out the highest quality work for their fans. These guys deserve your respect and your ears.

 In the Fall of 2012, Every You released a new single "Yours To Keep" along with two other songs. "Yours To Keep" is a bit of a change from "A Change Of Scene". They keep the core of their sound but they have a more polished sound to them. "A Change Of Scene" was just so full of energy throughout, whereas "Yours To Keep" seems to dial it back a bit. Not that it's a bad thing, they now have a more mature sound to them as they seem to drift more towards the alternative rock genre and away from the pop side of things.

 It didn't take long for Every You to win me over as a fan. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect the first time I listened to them but was beyond pleasantly surprised. I look forward to hearing what these guys do in the future and wish them nothing but the best going forward!

Band Connections:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EveryYouMusic

PureVolume: http://www.purevolume.com/new/everyyou

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/every-you/id324194537

Here's To The New Year!

 Hello fellow music lovers! Well, another year is almost over which means it is, once again, time to reflect on the year that was. 2013 wasn't a great year for YourMusicNews (YMN). Posting was very sporadic and we never really got into much of a rhythm. That all changes come next year.

 We already have a couple of interviews and reviews lined up for January with some very high quality artists. In addition, we are bringing back our popular "Artist Of The Month" (AOTM) segment. We have plans to expand upon this and are very excited to share these plans with you.

 Near the beginning of every month, we will select one artist to be our AOTM and at the end of the year, these artists will be in the running for Artist Of The Year. We really want our readers to decide the Artist Of The Year and at this time we are in the process of figuring that out. There will be a few ways to vote, probably through Twitter, email and the blog but we will make an official announcement when we get everything sorted out.

 As always, we appreciate your thoughts, feedback and suggestions about how we can improve the blog. In addition, we are always looking for new bands to listen to. Feel free to send us an email at: yourmusicnewsblog@gmail.com .

 Here's wishing you a Happy New Year!
-Matt

YMN Interview- Junkyard Poets

This is an interview we did with Junkyard Poets back in the summer. We just found it now, so enjoy!

How did you guys meet and how did the idea of forming a band come about?

We all went to the same school growing up and just played in different combinations of groups and bands. Peter and I had been in a band together and there was about a year break when I didn’t do anything music related, so I was just getting sick of not playing and wanted to put together a really energetic band.

 

How did you settle on a band name?

The first 2 years of playing we had trash cans on Stage with a second drummer that would just play junkyard percussion. The name was inspired by Tom Waits nickname the Junkyard Poets.

 

What is your favourite thing about performing live?

Just connecting with the fans and having those cool “not apart of the plan” moments. Some of our mistakes have been our most entertaining shows.

 

Do you have a specific process that you go about when writing new songs?

I just sit in front of the computer at my studio and start playing on the keyboard till I have something. Mixing together loops and keyboard patches until I have something I like.

 

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Definitely other bands. We’re all big music enthusiasts of 1930s and up so we really just draw from the classics.

 

What is your favourite song that you have written thus far and why?

Favourite song would have to be You Gotta Love Somebody. We had it on the first album and 2 years later I realized how dissatisfied I was with the lyrics and rewrote the whole thing. Lyrically I’m definitely the most pleased with that song. 

Blog Stats III

Welcome to the third edition of our "Stats" series. I hope you enjoy!

Most Traffic per Month:

1) May 2011 (1,277 views)
2) June 2011 (566 views)
3) July 2011 (363 views)

Views per Country:

1) United States (2,489 views)
2) Canada (517 views)
3) Latvia (472 views)
4) United Kingdom (342 views)
5) Russia (170 views)

Most Viewed Posts:

1) Interview with Dark Beauty (456 views)
2) La Fin Absolute du Monde- A Review (200 views)
3) A.O.T.M June- Deadlines and Diamonds (174 views)

68.2% of our views come from our top three countries!

Anyway, we hope you enjoyed. If you know of an awesome band we should check out, let us know. Send us an email at: yourmusicnewsblog@gmail.com Artist Of The Month is returning January 2014!

YMN Reviews: Tiki Black

 Born in Paris, raised in France and Cameroon and now based in England, singer/songwriter Tiki Black has been entertaining audiences with her natural musical talent for years. For Tiki, the words and passion seem to come straight from the heart. For a first time listener like myself, I found that rather impressive. A childhood that involved many moves and little consistency, music was the one thing that she could always rely on and are we ever glad that she did.

Tiki Black

 Released in July of 2013, Tiki Black's debut album "Out Of The Black" is nothing short of a masterpiece. Ten tracks are included on the album and each one is worth listening to ,and more then once. Piano is quite evident throughout the record and it compliments her voice quite well. If I had to pick one song that stood out to be, it would have to be the first track, "Feel Like Smoke". The song has a very powerful feel to it and it does a great job of setting the tone for the rest of the album. Other personal standouts include the title track "Out Of The Black" and "Powder Masks".

 Throughout the past few years, Tiki Black has played many shows in Europe and that will continue into next year as well. I can only imagine the powerful and moving shows that Tiki Black puts on and if you get a chance to go, I highly recommend that you do.

 Well, it was an honour to do this for Tiki Black. She is a deserving musician and we wish her nothing but the best going forward. Be sure to check out her music, links will be below.


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tikiblackmusic

Website: http://tikiblack.com/

Listen: https://soundcloud.com/tikiblack

"A.O.T.M" May- Junkyard Poets

Junkyard Poets.

 Junkyard Poets are a Christian Rock band hailing from Sherwood Park, Alberta. Earlier this year, they released their second album, "Mrs. Sophomore". Featuring twenty tracks, there is no shortage of potential stand out singles. Personally, "Fly Away" is a track that immediately jumped out at me. Be its catchy chorus or its genuinely crafted instrumentals, the reasons could go on and on. Often times, I'll catch myself humming along to it.

 The bonus track on the record, "You Gotta Love Somebody", is an artfully crafted seven minute piece that truly blew me away the first time I heard it. The lyrics are simple yet heartfelt, easy to relate to and to the point. Judging by the album cover, you would seem to think that a track such as this would be out of place.However, I am glad that I included it as it diversifies the album.

"Mrs. Sophomore" album cover.

 If you ever get the chance to see Junkyard Poets live, do it. You will not be disappointed. I got the treat of seeing them recently and that's what persuaded me to explore this band on a deeper level. They have a great, commanding stage presence and do an excellent job of interacting with the audience. Junkyard Poets are one of the few bands that actually sound better live as opposed to their record. They seem to take things to a whole new level and you can tell that they enjoy doing what they do, truly a talented band. I look forward to what they put out in the future and wish them nothing but the best. Buy their album, come out to their shows and support Junkyard Poets.



Connect With The Band:

Website: http://junkyardpoets.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/junkyardpoets

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.

States Away Album Artwork.

 States Away released their self titled, debut EP last month. Consisting of four songs, it will please anyone who is a fan of upbeat pop/punk music and catchy lyrics. The first song, "Heads Up", is my favourite from the album due to the energy that is sustained throughout and the way that it ties the whole group together. "Mean What You Say" is similar in many aspects, which helps carry that energy through the first half of the EP. The third song, "It's Not Me It's You" seems to change the mood of the EP. The lyrics seem more emotional and heartfelt which adds a layer of depth that you don't often see with bands in this genre. "Don't Try", the final song, seems to shake things up again. Although the vocals seem upbeat, the instrumentals seem more mellow which helps to summarise the EP's mood. Overall, States Away delivers a solid debut release.

 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!**

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.

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

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.

"Get Off Your Rock" by Edwin Miles

"Get Off Your Rock", the four song debut EP from Edwin Miles was released in early 2012. It is a very wonderful and relaxing collection of songs. It seems as though he feeds off of his guitar and in turn, creates more energy and passion within his music which truly makes for a great listen. My favourites from the album include the title track, "Get Off Your Rock" and "Troublesome Eye". I really like how "Get Off Your Rock" flows so smoothly. It is a really nice introduction to the album and it does a nice job of setting the tone for the rest of the album. "Troublesome Eye" was one of my favourites due to all of the emotion that is portrayed throughout it. Both the lyrics and Edwin's voice make this a stand out song. There is not a song that I didn't really like on the album as I found they all contributed to the mood of the album and helped to solidify it.

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

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.



Deadlines & Diamonds.

The Review

 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

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.

"Face The Wolves" Album Cover.

 "Face The Wolves" is a ten song album that blends several different genres, most notably rock and folk, together. This creates an interesting listen that captivates the audience and draws you in. The first song, "We Are The Hunted" is a powerful song but I believe that the next song, "When The Sun Goes Down", is even more captivating. Stand outs from the album include "One By One", which is perhaps one of the more emotionally felt songs on the album and "Break My Bones", which is easily the most catchy song and really helps to add another angle to the album. This album is full of variety and that continues with "Annecy". This song feels like more of a country song then anything else. "It's Not Over" is a beautiful way to end the album, full of heartfelt lyrics coupled with instrumentals that compliment the vocals quite nicely. A well rounded album, "Face The Wolves" has something for everyone and enough variety to keep it from getting stale.

 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

Whitemoor- A Review

Whitemoor.

 Whitemoor, formed in April 2009, is generally classified as an indie or alternative band however their style fits into a number of different genres. The five-piece group formed from the ashes of three different bands, Ejectorseat, You-V-Me and The Beau Peepshow. The band signed with Sound-Hub Records in 2010. In January of 2011, Whitemoor released their self titled, debut album.

  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.

Whitemoor album cover.

  Whitemoor is due to release their second album this summer through Sound-Hub Records and is sure to follow the success of their debut album. In the three years that they have been together, Whitemoor has already found the success that many bands can only dream of. They have received all sorts of praise from their first album and it is easy to see why. I look forward to seeing how the second album turns out in addition to future releases. If you get a chance to go see them live, do it, I have heard nothing but positives about the bands live shows. I wish Whitemoor all the best and hope that they stick around for many years to come.




Connect with Whitemoor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/WhiteMoorBand

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/whitemoor

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.

Deer Park Avenue

 When listening to “City Streets”, the first release from Deer Park Avenue, you can already tell that the chemistry and talent is there to make it big. You can see that their sound is starting to take shape as it lays a solid foundation for which to build upon. Everything that makes them Deer Park Avenue is evident in this record, from the lyrics to the vocals to the instrumentals, everything that is associated with Deer Park Avenue makes an appearance. My personal favourites from the five song EP include “Over Again”, a picture perfect pop/rock song and a staple that sets the tone for the rest of the album. “Rescue Me” is also high on the list due to the emotion expressed in the song. The lyrics to this song are also my favourite.

 “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

"Forgetting Something Unforgettable"- A Story Left Untold (A Review)

After listening to the debut album, “Forgetting Something Unforgettable”, by A Story Left Untold, it became clear that they are primed and ready to be successful in the music industry. The maturity level of the band is certainly rare these days. In addition, many of their lyrics are written quite well which is another thing you do not see very often these days. Kudos to A Story Left Untold for creating a solid debut album.

Through the instrumentals in “Forgetting Something Unforgettable”, the band conveys several different emotions. There are many upbeat songs such as “Hallows”, “Getting Out Of Vegas” and “Ten Years”. To compliment these songs, A Story Left Untold includes several softer songs such as “Life Points” which, if nothing else, add diversity to the album. There is a great mix on the album which holds your attention to the very end.

Dissecting the lyrics we can see that, there to, is a mix of both serious, heartfelt lyrics and some that can be rather fun and silly. However, everyone interprats lyrics differently so to judge for yourself, I would give the album a listen. Songs such as “Life Points” and “Runaways” are perfect examples of the more emotional songs on the album. Many of the songs are very easy to sing along to and are very catchy which only adds to the solidity of this album.

A Story Left Untold is a very talented band, there is no doubt about that. From lyrics to instrumentals to vocals, they are a very solid group. Often times on a debut album, bands tend to make errors which they then learn from in the future. However, with this group, you can tell that they put so much passion and effort into their music that, when compared to many other young musicians, they are quite advanced. “Forgetting Something Unforgettable” is a solid first step for the band and I look forward to where they decide to go next. A Story Left Untold will most certainly be around for many years to come, something you could tell by giving their debut album “Forgetting Something Unforgettable” a listen.

Links:

Twitter: @OfficialASLU (Band)
@ElleLeftUntold
@AlexLeftUntold
@JoLeftUntold
@SeanLeftUntold
@NickLeftUntold

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/astoryleftuntold