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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Lostprophets Ian Watkins sentenced to 35 years.

When Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins was arrested a year ago, I was shocked. I never imagined that I would be sitting here a year later writing out the results of his trial. 

In the past year it's become clear that Ian Watkins committed several child related sex crimes. He was denied bail and has been awaiting trial in prison all year. He was, at one point, placed on suicide watch. Around the same time, the rest of the Lostprophets band publicly announced their break up. 

After pleading guilty to a long list of sex crimes involving children including sexual assault and creating child pornography, Ian Watkins was sentenced to 29 years in prison with another 6 years on license. Identified only as "Woman A" and "Woman B", two mothers accused of participating in his abuse of their children were sentenced to 14 and 17 years respectively. 

I can only hope this horrific story is over and Ian will get some much needed help in the coming years. I also hope that the shock and pain will ease for the other members of Lostprophets and in time they will be able to move in new directions with the same unwavering support that they've seen in the last year. 

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Billie Joe Armstrong and Norah Jones "Foreverly"

Billie Joe + Norah - Foreverly
Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong has teamed up with singer Norah Jones. The two Grammy winners got together to cover The Everly Brothers record "Songs Our Daddy Taught Us".

The new record titled "Foreverly" is available now. Click the link to download from iTunes or listen on Spotify now.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Paramore "Daydreaming" video

Paramore has released their music video for "Daydreaming" off their self-titled album. 
The video is part live show and part small town dreamers preparing for a Paramore show. Naturally, the two story lines meet up when the girls sneak backstage to look for Hayley Williams, who waves before they are thrown out.


Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Mayday Parade releases new album.

Mayday Parade - Monsters in the Closet
Mayday Parade released the new album "Monsters in the Closet" on October 8th.

Click the link to download "Monsters" from iTunes or check it out on Spotify now.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Go Radio announces break up


When Jason Lancaster left Mayday Parade in 2007, he quickly formed a new band called Go Radio. Now, two albums and almost seven years later, he's decided the time has come for a new direction. After touring with Warped tour this summer, they announced that Jason had decided to retire from the road and spend time with his wife. The other members chose not to replace and said it wouldn't be Go Radio without all four of them. 

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Lostprophets announce break up as Ian Watkins awaits trial.


It's been nearly a year since Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins was arrested for a series of sexual crimes involving children. Although the remaining members of the band have been relatively quiet since the arrest, the break up wasn't official until October 1st. They posted a statement on their Facebook page announcing that after fifteen years and this shocking turn of events they wouldn't be continuing as Lostprophets. 


Due to the removal of the Lostprophets Facebook page, you can now read the statement here:

To our fans:
After nearly a year of coming to terms with our heartache, we finally feel ready to announce publicly what we have thought privately for some time. We can no longer continue making or performing music as Lostprophets. Your love and support over the past 15 years has been tremendous, and we'll be forever grateful for all you've given us. As we look forward to the next phase of our lives, we can only hope to be surrounded by people as devoted and inspiring as you guys have been. 
Jamie, Lee, Luke, Mike, and Stu

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Tonight Alive Stream "The Other Side"

Tonight Alive already released their new record "The Other Side" in Australia, but it won't be released here in the states until September 10th. Fortunately for us, they're streaming it right now!

Listen to Tonight Alive's new album "The Other Side" on VEVO now, complete with commentary about the songs from TA front-woman Jenna McDougall herself, and pick up "The Other Side" on September 10th.


Friday, September 6, 2013

Favorites: September 6, 2013

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/greetings-from...-ep/id291138190
Today's favorite comes from the recently broken up A Rocket To The Moon. They may have played their last show, but it's never too late to buy some old music.

It is my opinion that the "Greetings From..." EP is some of their finest work. I highly recommend "Fear of Flying".

One piece of advice however, if this is your first time listening to Rocket, "Dakota" is much better on the album than the EP. Check out their first studio album "On Your Side".

Thursday, September 5, 2013

All Time Low Announce "Don't Panic" Reissue


All Time Low's "Don't Panic" came out less than a year ago, but it's ready for a reissue. 

"Don't Panic: It's Longer Now!" will be released via Hopeless Records on September 30th. The record will feature four new songs, (including the new single with Vic Fuentes) plus four acoustic versions of All Time Low's "Don't Panic" singles.

Pre-Order bundles are available at alltimelow.com as well as iTunes

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

All Time Low Release New Single "A Love Like War"

After All Time Low posted a video of themselves with Pierce The Veil's Vic Fuentes, it was pretty easy to guess we'd see new material from them soon. 

Sure enough, All Time Low has released a new single "A Love Like War" Feat. Vic Fuentes along with a brand new music video that features Alex and Vic fighting over the microphone. 


Monday, September 2, 2013

Ronnie Radke and Andy Biersack Working On New Project

Hearts exploded when Falling In Reverse's Ronnie Radke and Black Veil Brides Andy Biersack posted pictures from their studio session. 

Although they haven't given any details yet, it's clear that Andy and Ronnie are working on some kind of  music collaboration. Andy accompanied his photo with "Always a blast to collaborate with talented musicians and let me tell you what we did today is gonna be insane!"


Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Mayday Parade Release New Single "Ghosts"

After multiple teases, Mayday Parade has released their first single off the upcoming album "Monsters In The Closet", out October 8th. 

Pre-orders for "Monsters In The Closet are available at MaydayParade.com now. All physical pre-orders are being entered to win extra prize packs including merch, Glamour Kills gear and even a call from Mayday Parade themselves. 


Thursday, August 15, 2013

Tonight Alive Release Video For "Lonely Girl"

Tonight Alive have released a music video for their new single "Lonely Girl" from their upcoming album "The Other Side", due out September 10th. 

Watch it now and pre-order "The Other Side" at tonightalive.merchnow.com


Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Friday, August 9, 2013

Favorites: August 9, 2013

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-rumours-are-flying/id422894897
Are you supporting your local bands? Yeah, I didn't think so. It's okay, you get a second chance.

Every time you go to show you get saddled with a local band no one's ever heard of opening for more interesting people. But listen to me, listen to them. Yeah, some of them suck, but some of them don't.

Being from Chicago I can tell you, some of those bands are Fall Out Boy and The Academy Is...

So listen to those local bands, you're stuck with them anyway, and you might discover the next FOB before your friends.

In the mean time, check out A Kidnap In Color's EP "The Rumours Are Flying". And though they don't exist anymore, if you like what you hear check out their new music under their new name Famous Like You.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Ocean Avenue Acoustic Stream


In honor of the 10th anniversary of Ocean Avenue, Yellowcard recorded an acoustic version of the album.  Though the album isn't available yet, Ocean Avenue Acoustic is streaming now on Pandora Premieres. 

Pandora Premieres is only available to fans in the US, so Hopeless Records has uploaded a stream of the album on YouTube that can be accessed from other countries. 

Ocean Avenue Acoustic will be released August 13th, and is up for preorder on iTunes now. 

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Sleeping With Sirens Feel This Tour

Sleeping With Sirens have announced their "Feel This" fall tour in support of their new album "Feel". 
The tour kicks off October 15th. Tickets are available now at sleepingwithsirens.net



Friday, August 2, 2013

Favorites: August 2, 2013

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wretched-divine-story-wild/id572718496
I've always been a fan of Andy Biersack, but I was never much a fan of Black Veil Brides. Until Wretched and Divine.

I really did try to like their music, but it just wasn't happening, so I may have ignored this album for a while when it was released. Then I just kind of stumbled onto one day, figured it was only a matter of time before I heard it and pressed play. I haven't stopped listening to it since. This album really moves in the classic rock direction and it's a theme album in the awesomest of ways.

I highly recommend picking it up.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Ronnie Radke and Max Green Reunion

When Falling In Reverse's Ronnie Radke battled his way to sobriety, it was no secret that he wished his friend and former band mate, Max Green, would do the same. Over the years Max's addiction has made friends and fans fear for his life, until recently when Max announced on Twitter that he was sober and healthy and focusing on staying that way. 

A few days ago Max Green and Ronnie Radke were reunited, making a three part video series for Alternative Press. In the first video, Ronnie and Max talk about becoming friends, battling their addictions and the last time they saw each other. 


Friday, July 26, 2013

Favorites: July 26, 2013

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/foo-fighters-greatest-hits/id334450811
A couple weeks ago I posted Nirvana's "Nevermind" as that weeks favorite, but how about that drummer?

Dave Grohl is the coolest person I can think of, and I can think of a lot of people. Aside from being a super cool rock dude, he's a crazy talented musician and writer (and director apparently) and while I agree with him that these may not be the best songs they've written, they're the songs that defined the Foo's as a band. They're just good songs.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Favorites: July 19, 2013

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dookie/id5132583
Speaking of 90's punk records that insisted on bleeding into the mainstream, I give you Dookie.

This particular Green Day album is responsible for inspiring musicians from every scene to pick up a guitar. If you're not familiar with it, go get it. Listen to it, maybe start a band. The world could always use more music like this.

A Rocket to the Moon Plan Second Final Show


A Rocket to the Moon's final show on August 31st sold out in just hours. To accommodate fans that may not have had the chance to buy tickets, they have announced a second show, scheduled for August 30th in the same location. Tickets are on sale here.

Other Rocket news: Front man Nick Santino has released the first song from his upcoming solo EP that can be streamed here. 

Monday, July 15, 2013

The Wonder Years - Passing Through A Screen Door

The Wonder Years have released their music video for "Passing Through A Screen Door", the most popular song from their recent record "The Greatest Generation". 

The video, a fitting companion to the song, features a young man riding a train, pondering his life choices and watching the could-have-been versions of himself pass by the window, uttering the songs ever-nagging question "Jesus Christ, did I fuck up?

      

Sunday, July 14, 2013

The Pretty Reckless are Going to Hell

The Pretty Reckless have had one hell of a time recording their second record "Going to Hell". While working on the record at Water Music Studios in New Jersey, they were hit by hurricane Sandy. Losing all their guitars, gear and progress to the flooding, the band had to push back their release and start re-recording everything. 

In order to keep in touch through the set backs, The Pretty Reckless have started "Hell Mondays" by releasing new materials every Monday to give fans something to look forward to on "the most hellish day of the week".

Record preparations are in full swing as the band released one song, a teaser for another and tickets to the Going To Hell tour went on sale Friday. 

For tour information and record updates, check out the new TPR site goingtohell.xxx and listen to the first release off "Going to Hell", "Follow Me Down" below. 


Saturday, July 13, 2013

Nick Santino to Release Solo EP


Former A Rocket to the Moon front-man, Nick Santino, seems to be wasting no time launching his solo career. While he'll still be on Rocket's last tour until the end of July, Nick announced the upcoming release of his solo EP "Going Home" just a couple of weeks ago. 

Though "Going Home" isn't set to be released until July 30th, the four song EP is up on iTunes for pre-order and preview. Fans that tuned into Nick's StageIt shows (or caught them on YouTube) last year may recognize some of the new songs from his acoustic performances.

In the meantime, Nick Santino has a tour and a band to wrap up. A Rocket to the Moon's last show, scheduled for August 31st in Boston, sold out in just 12 hours, but there are still a hand full of 8123 dates left with The Maine.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Favorites: July 5, 2013

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/still-not-gettin-any/id27295864
Let's be honest. Every Simple Plan record will probably end up here at some point. By that I mean, I recommend that you buy all their albums as a preemptive strike an avoid me going on and on saying basically the same thing about every one. It's great.

Think about Blink-182. I assume you've heard Blink on a regular basis, (because otherwise what are you doing here?) but if you haven't, forget Simple Plan and go get a Blink record, you poor, deprived child.

Okay, think about the best things about Blink-182, the very best things. Put them together in your head. Imagine Blink had a child that only got the very best genes and then make that a band instead of a kid. Then imagine that bands music. Then stop imagining because it's not your band and it's already been done for you and go buy Still Not Gettin' Any by Simple Plan. Thank you, have a nice day.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Full Frontal


Why are those dudes naked, you ask? I don't know. What I do know is they now have a radio show on idobi and it's surprisingly entertaining. Don't get me wrong, I dig All Time Low, but when I heard about this show I felt like "Really? These guys are gonna talk for an hour? How's that possibly going to work?"

Well, I got my answer when I tuned in to the premiere of Full Frontal. It was exactly what I expected:  the first few minutes of the show featuring the realizations "I don't even have to say 'eff', I can say 'fuck' because it's the Internet" and "We're going to have no fans left".

Admitting that they had no idea what they were doing and depending on a friend in their hotel room to make them feel like they were doing it right was awkward...for a minute. Then the awkwardness went away as they got into discussing current events and the pros and cons of friends with benefits. Throughout recent episodes their banter and their crew weighing in on topics have made for a good time. It's an hour well spent.

Although the show seems to lose a bit of momentum without their other tour mates around, it's going strong into it's fifth week, the "Warped Tour Special" set to include guest appearances from The Summer Set's Brian Dales and The Wonder Years Dan Campbell.

Overall, Jack and Alex are truly entertaining (although Vinny Vegas is the clear star) and to be (surprisingly) qualified to host a radio show. If you've got some time on Monday evening, I'd have to recommend you listen. If you don't have time and/or are one of the people who have complaining about the shows inconvenient timing, head over to iTunes. You can download Full Frontal episodes for free and subscribe to the show to have the newest episode automatically download when it's posted. 

Thursday, June 27, 2013

A letter from the place off Ocean Avenue. (Favorites: June 28, 2013)

I first heard Ocean Avenue on the radio many, many years ago. I was a kid. I had no scene, no musical taste, but there was something about that song. It stuck with me. I would dream of that place off Ocean Avenue, fairly certain I would be there when I was sixteen.

Two days before I turned sixteen I found myself standing in the snow in front of a small-ish bar/music venue, about to see Mayday Parade, a band I'd been attached to nearly since it's inception. It was my first time in a place like that. It was the first time I was in the middle of a crowd of people all jumping and falling and singing and screaming.

I saw Yellowcard at the Vans Warped Tour that year. I walked through the crowds of people holding my bottle of vitamin water over my head and singing along.

That fall, I went to Cape Cod with my mom where we stayed in a cabin near the ocean. One day she woke up early and went out exploring the town. She sent me a picture of a street sign right down the road from our cabin.

In November I went to the House of Blues for the first time and watched Yellowcard from the bar balcony. At the end of the show, they geared up to play their last song. We got up and, in spite of the strange looks from the bartender, we danced. We held hands and jumped and spun straight through Ocean Avenue.

For ten years this song, this record, and this band have been blasting through my speakers. Live shows, road trips, grandma's stereo when it was my turn to pick the music, good times and bad, it's been there and I know it always will be.

I know this is much more personal than my regular posts, but in honor of the tenth anniversary of this album, I wanted to say something about how important it's been to me these last ten years. Yellowcard led me into the world as I know it. The bands I love, the friends I have, the industry  I work in would probably not be without Ocean Avenue's influence.

So, happy anniversary to one of my favorite records. I can't wait  for the release of the acoustic version. And congratulations to the gents in Yellowcard; you've done fine work.

On another note, while we're on the subject, I'd like to mention that Ryan Key and his beautiful new wife Alyona Alekhina have been facing some hard times. Send him some kind words on twitter (@williamryankey) if you get a chance and let him know everything is gonna be all right.

Be strong, believe.







Monday, June 24, 2013

Empty amps and PA systems.



The internet is abuzz. Teenage girls and middle-aged metal heads are in uproar over the recent realization that Black Veil Brides are using empty amps on the Vans Warped tour. It isn't a big shocker. Big amps are something of a rock icon, but that just isn't practical anymore.

Contrary to popular belief, empty amps don't always mean your favorite bands are playing tracks. There are just better ways, clearer ways even, of getting the sound from the stage to the crowd, especially in large outdoor venues like the main stage at Warped. Real amps are often miked; sound comes straight through the PA system. The result? Better quality, less instrument-fighting-instrument and better control of sound distribution to the crowd.

Okay, it may be a little less "rock n roll" to do things the practical way, but it sounds better. We could stack amps across the back of the stage, have an awkward and deafening sound at the front and not understand anything, but would that really make sense? The fact is venues are bigger, sound is better, and we need a system that keeps up with the times. Empty amps give you the sound and the appearance of a real rock show, you just get to hear the music.

Where you stand on BVB's rock status doesn't matter. Similar setups are used by tons of bands, old and new, rock and not-so-rock. Carry on, do your thing and don't worry about how a band is getting its sound to you. Unless they're lip-syncing. Don't tolerate that.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Favorites: June 21, 2013

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/love-drunk/id325306627
 So, I've always kind of felt like BLG was a joke. I don't know why. I mean, I know why now, they've apparently done some weird country thing, but I don't know why they were a joke before.

Anyway, this weeks favorite is Love Drunk by Boys Like Girls, because I like it (except when Taylor Swift shows up--nothing against her, it just sounds so weird). It's got some cool sounds and some sick writing and I play it kind of all the time.

Also, I seriously recommend the song "Go" to anyone with some hard choices to make.



Friday, June 14, 2013

Favorites: June 14, 2013

In the interest of being honest, this week I've basically only listened to the Wicked soundtrack.

I mean, it's Oz! Anyone who had seen them knows that Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth are the shiz. And, oh okay, I'm just a sucker for musicals and magic.

But it's a killer soundtrack and you should probably listen to it right now, whether you've seen the musical or not, just so you can feel fancy and cultured and pretend to be a person who sees musicals. That's what I'm doing.

Get it here:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wicked-original-broadway-cast/id4426862

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

The Lonely Island - The Wack Album

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-wack-album/id656352348
These dudes.

When Andy Samberg left SNL, fans instantly mourned the loss of the digital short. To cushion the blow, I present "The Wack Album".

Honestly, is there anything more entertaining than self-aware rappers? No. The answer is no.

Like the other Lonely Island albums, there are a few SNL shorts, all-star guest vocals, jokes, and the answers to some lingering questions about who really runs New York.

Guest spots include Maroon 5's Adam Levine, Robyn, Pharrell Williams, T-Pain, Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong, and Solange. Basically, artists coming from every direction.

This album goes deep. "Semicolon" explores rappers making grammatical errors in their lyrics. The Adam Levine assisted "YOLO" flips Drake's "The Motto" into a cautionary tale about the dangers of the world. "Go Kindergarten", a club anthem that takes instructing listeners on how to act to a new level, is one of the best songs on this album. And of course, The Wack Album is home to the continuation of the Justin Timberlake trilogy with "3-Way".

I'm not gonna lie to you, I'm clearly a fangirl, but I am right about how nothing is more entertaining. Even if you aren't a fangirl I'm sure you'll agree with me. So go and download this and laugh and sing along and turn it up in your car until you can't hear and roll down the windows and look like a badass.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Cautioners - Conditional Identity

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/conditional-identity-ep/id656391001
In a world where we can fix everything with Pro Tools, existing only online is a risky move, but the UK band Cautioners have done it flawlessly. When their debut EP "Conditional Identity" dropped they hadn't played a show yet.

EP's don't give you a lot of time at live show and they don't provide a whole lot of material to get a feel for a band, but this EP is one of the better executed. With only six tracks Cautioners manage to give a taste of everything with tracks ranging from guitar heavy instrumental driven to soft and soothing vocal driven.

The range doesn't give you an unsettling feeling though; every track seems to flow into the next effortlessly. The EP starts out with "Staging Area", an appropriate title for sure as it sets the theme with it's melancholy opening building to a pop-rock vibe climax. From there it slides into "The Build Up" and "Iteration V", carrying you on a wave of building and backing off.

I would have to say the best moments are found on "Man of Science" and I would tell you to go download this track, but I feel that to really appreciate it you need the experience of listening to the whole EP straight through.  Ride the wave.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Favorites: June 7, 2013

After being caught off guard by "Kill The DJ" and then having the trilogy dropped into obscurity after that whole rehab incident, I kind of gave up on this record. Until it popped up in my recommendations on Spotify.

I had actually kind of forgot to listen to it... To be completely honest, I still haven't listened to the other two. I wouldn't say this is any great Green Day endeavor, but when you take the name off of it there are some solid tracks. Angel Blue, Stay the Night, Rusty James; they may not be Green Day gems, but gems nonetheless.

Get it here:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/uno!/id542873746


Friday, May 31, 2013

Favorites: May 31, 2013

Anarbor is one of my favorite bands and they just happen to have a new album out June 4th. So, in anticipation, I've been listening to "The Words You Don't Swallow" on repeat.

This is one of those rare records that just doesn't have a bad song on it. If you're into the grunge thing, jam to this for a bit. Trust me.

Get it here:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-words-you-dont-swallow/id485973082

www.anarbor.net/
twitter.com/Anarbor
facebook.com/Anarbor

Friday, May 24, 2013

Favorites: May 24, 2013


This week: Go Radio's "Lucky Street".

Jason Lancaster: Mayday Parade had him, he was good. Now Go Radio has him and he's great. Combining pop-rock music with poetic lyrics, the album has kind of a vintage feel, well captured by the worn design on the cover.

Listen to it and buy it:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lucky-street/id434786807

wearegoradio.com
twitter.com/goradio
facebook.com/goradio

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Dana DeStefano & Dollparts, March 27, 2013

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dana-destefano-dollparts/id627973172
It's still not an easy world for a female rocker. No matter how talented you are, you can still be victim to degrading comments and Taylor Swift references, especially when you don't exactly sound like a rock star.

Although there are small technical issues commonly associated with independent releases, Dana DeStefano and Dollparts first album combines punk attitude with pop instrumentals, effectively destroying musical stereotypes.

There are brief moments on songs like "Change the Theme" and "New Years Eve" when the music is too much and overpowers the vocals, as well as an audio quality difficulty on "Trouble Sleeping", but for a group just starting out these moments are surprisingly rare.

The album gets better as it progresses with standout tracks like "Trailer Park Sharks", lyrics like "I hope you die" paired with a catchy pop tune, and "Naperville", a rebellious breakout from social norms.

This record is worth downloading at the very least for it's potential. This band knows what it's doing and there is a real lesson here about doing what works instead of what is familiar and overdone.

Dana DeStefano and Dollparts are out on tour this summer. For updates on their stops check out Facebook.com/DanaDeStefanoDollparts

Friday, May 17, 2013

Favorites: May 17, 2013


This week: radiosepia's "Digital Scars".

I've probably listened to this album twenty times this week. It's good for your imagination. It sounds like nature, but not like someone recorded crickets chirping in their backyard. It sounds like nature translated into music, which makes it a perfect soundtrack for basically everything.

Listen to it and buy it.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/digital-scars/id574904508

radiosepia.com
twitter.com/radiosepia
facebook.com/radiosepia

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Paramore, April 5, 2013

It's taken me a long time to get around to this review, mostly because I haven't known what to say. I've spent a lot of time listening to this album and trying to change my initial reaction, but every time I get the same thing. What happened to Hayley Williams?

Of course I was expecting a different sound from this record and even a bit of a different writing style since the departure of Josh and Zac Farro, but I wasn't expecting an entirely new sound from the singer.

The vocals don't just differ from past Paramore records, but vary track to track in such a way that makes it almost impossible to get used to what you're hearing. To make matters worse, the album is broken up by a series of weird interludes that throw off the flow completely.

The record starts with the drum-heavy "Fast In My Car" that seems more like a showcase of the bands new sounds than a song and ends with the much too long "Future", a nearly eight minute, slow instrumental that fakes you out several times by slowing down and fading out only to come back.

The truly low points come from "Ain't It Fun", an R&B/rock track featuring a full choir, and "Anklebiters", an upbeat pop song with cynical lyrics about learning to love yourself because "Someday you're gonna be alone".

On "Part II", Hayley throws back to RIOT!, reprising "Let the Flames Begin" with depressing lyrics like "What a shame we all remain such fragile broken things" and "Oh glory, come and find me". It's a far cry from the original "I believe that there's hope growing beneath it all".

By far, the weirdest moment comes on "(One Of Those) Crazy Girls". Musically, this song isn't bad, but the lyrics tell a story of some seriously twisted ex boyfriend stalking. When calling a hundred times fails, she shows up at the door with a copied key saying "If you're not here when I break in, I'm gonna go to your closet just so I can smell your skin" quickly followed by repeating "I'm not one of those crazy girls".

It's really not completely terrible though. Like anything, it has it's high points too. "Grow up" is one of the best songs on the record, making the difficult decision to grow up even though it means letting go of someone you love. This is also the only song that breaks away from the constant change ups and inconsistent beats on the record. Sometimes, stripping something down is the best thing you can do for it.

Mostly, good parts on this record are few and far between and buried in an unfortunate excess of sounds, but they are there and hopefully, those parts will be the ones carried to the future Paramore projects. Trial and error, right?

Thursday, May 9, 2013

A Rocket To The Moon splits up


It's never easy to say goodbye to a favorite band, but A Rocket To The Moon has decided that after five years, it's time to part ways. 

"You need to get lost before you get found." front-man Nick Santino titled the blog post on arockettothemoon.net announcing the bands decision to move past their Rocket days. 

The band started out on tour with The Maine, so it only feels fitting that they should go out that way. This summer you can catch A Rocket To The Moon on tour with The Maine for the last time. They're encouraging all their fans to come out, share stories, sing, laugh and cry with them one more time. 

The tour will kick off June 4th in Tempe, AZ with an album release show for The Maine's new record "Forever Halloween" and will continue through the summer. You can check out dates and pick up tickets at http://8123.me/themaine/ 

Come out for a final Rocket show, and get ready for whatever comes next from Nick, Justin, Eric and Andrew.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

The Summer Set - Maybe Tonight

After a lot of questioning around the internet, The Summer Set have stepped up to announce that they are the "Half Moon Kids".

If you're wondering, like I think most people are, "What is a 'Half Moon Kid'?", the band answered it on their new website halfmoonkids.com.

"The Half Moon Kids started as a tight knit group of friends on a midnight walk one warm summers night. The Half Moon Kids soon became a collective consciousness, a train of thought, that turned one seemingly light hearted night into a new perception of reality."

And that sets the scene for their new music video "Maybe Tonight". 


The new album "Legendary" will be available April 16th via Fearless Records.

Monday, March 4, 2013

Streetlight Manifesto decide it's time for a break


Streetlight Manifesto has been struggling to get out their latest album "The Hands That Thieve". After many arguments and runarounds with their soon-to-be ex-label, the album has finally gotten it's release date. 

After nearly a decade, the guys are happy to say that they're "free of a very contentious, very unhappy relationship" with their record label, but they're also happy to call it quits. On touring, that is.

They stated on their website that they will never stop making music together, but the time has come to move on. Some of them will be exploring other musical avenues while others will be settling down and just being happy to be home. 

So, to finish out 10 straight years of tours, Streetlight Manifesto presents: The End Of The Beginning Tour, a year long, multi-country farewell tour and while they're not saying goodbye to live events forever, they did say it's likely they will never return to most of the places they're appearing this year. 

You can check out tour dates and read the bands farewell statement at streetlightmanifesto.com

"The Hands That Thieve" will be available on April 30th via Victory Records. 

Sunday, March 3, 2013

3oh!3 find an interesting way to celebrate 3/03


Nat and Sean have declared today "3Oh!3 day" and to celebrate they posted a list of 303 things to do on 3Oh!3 day. They asked their fans to do a whole slew of things ranging from drawing a 3Oh!3 sign to rolling down a hill to singing a duet with a stranger and asked for proof via instagram, Twitter and Youtube. Why would anyone do those things, you ask? To unlock some long awaited information and a new song.

They were successful. Within the early hours of the morning all 303 tasks had been completed and the proof posted. (You can see all the completed tasks here)

The guys are now streaming their new song "Back To Life" from the upcoming album "Omens". They also announced that "Omens" will finally be released June 18th. Pre-orders launched today. You can check out bundles and pre-order the album at store.3oh3music.com. To finish out the exciting news for 3Oh!3 fans, the music video for "Back To Life" will premiere on March 5th. The song will also be available on iTunes that day.

3Oh!3 will be performing select Warped tour dates this summer as well. Check your city and get tickets at vanswarpedtour.com.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Bring Me The Horizon have had a busy week.


In the past few days Bring Me The Horizon had their new album "Sempiternal" leaked. They responded to the leak with a tweet saying they were glad everyone liked the album and teased that there might be an early release. 

Then on Thursday they announced the album had been bumped up four weeks from it's original release date. The album will now be released on April 2nd. 

They also announced that they've posted an official stream of the new album on youtube for a limited time and are urging everyone to buy it when it's released so they can continue making new music. 

Friday, March 1, 2013

We Are The In Crowd plays new song on tour

We Are The In Crowd played a new song at a show in Anaheim a few days ago. 

They are currently on the Wake Up and Be Awesome Tour with The Summer Set. 


Thursday, February 28, 2013

William Beckett live from the studio


William Beckett is putting on a stageit show from the studio where he is recording his first solo album.

Tonight at 7 pm Central he offers a look into the studio. Tickets are pay what you want.

You can purchase a ticket and see the show at Stageit.com

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Forever The Sickest Kids announce a new album


Forever The Sickest Kids have announced a new record to be released by Fearless Records.

According to Jonathan Cook, the new album will be a rock one and he's related it to the "Underdog Alma Mater" days that everyone loves.

There is no official release date yet, but the guys are hoping for June 24th. 

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Wake Up and Be Awesome Tour


The Summer Set kicked off their spring tour on Thursday in Arizona. 

The "Wake Up and Be Awesome" tour includes guests We Are The In Crowd, Go Radio and For The Foxes and will run through the end of March 

For dates and tickets go to thesummersetband.com/wakeupandbeawesome

Monday, February 25, 2013

Travis Barker isn't coming to Australia this time around

Sorry kids! It looks like Travis Barker won't be able to make it to Blink's Australian tour.

After the horrific plane crash Travis was in a few years back he's been nervous about getting back on a plane. The bands Facebook page states that this tour was decided on last year and they knew there was a possibility that Travis wouldn't be ready to fly by then and although he's been working through his fears, he is not ready yet.

Travis took to his own page to add that he's sorry he can't be there and hopes to return to Australia someday, even if it has to be by ship.

The band has recruited Brooks Wackerman to play drums on the tour that kicked off this past Wednesday.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Mayday Parade is back in the studio


Work has officially begun on the upcoming fourth Mayday Parade album. 

Producer Kenneth Mount tweeted "In the studio now with Mayday Parade. Starting their 4th full length album!!" on February 20th from the studio in Atlanta. 

They are hoping to have the album out this fall via Fearless Records.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

A Rocket To The Moon - Ever Enough

A Rocket To The Moon recently released their song "Ever Enough" from their upcoming album "Wild & Free". Front man Nick Santino then headed to Vegas to film the road-trip style music video starring Debby Ryan. 

The video shows a young terminally ill woman escaping from the hospital to live while she has the chance. Packed with beautiful travel scenes, dancing in public and even a Vegas wedding, it's definitely tear provoking video. 

You can pre-order the new album at arockettothemoon.net/






Friday, February 22, 2013

Tonight Alive release new video


Tonight Alive is hard at work on their new album, but to hold fans over until it's done, they're releasing a new single and music video. The song "Breakdown" features Benji Madden of Good Charlotte and will be available on iTunes March 15th. 

The music video will premiere March 12th. You can check tonightaliveofficial.com for specific times. 

You can watch the official announcement from Tonight Alive here. 

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Speaking of returns...

The future of Fall Out Boy starts now.

The guys are back together with a new album "Save Rock And Roll" due the first week of May and a Save Rock and Roll tour from May 14th to June 30th. Tickets go on sale later this week.

You can pre-order the new album at falloutboyrock.com  and see tour dates.

You can also read answers to burning FOB questions from Pete Wentz himself at petewentz.com


Paramore's Return

There have been some huge changes to Paramore since the release of their last record "Brand New Eyes" and while they've been talking about a new record for a long time, nothing had come of it. Until now.

The band is back with a new single "Now", a release date for their new self-titled record "Paramore" (out April 9th) and they'll be touring until the end of May.

You can pre-order the new album and check out tour dates at Paramore.net.


Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Calling All Musicians!

Hey, you. Yes, you. The hardworking, talented individual that stumbled upon this. I want to talk to you. I want to know about your music. I want to listen to it, share it with my friends and basically the world. I'm about to completely redesign this site. I want to make it about YOU.

I want to publicize music, interview it's creators and hopefully cover live shows. But to do that, I need help. I need musicians. I need you. So, if you're interested in helping me out and gaining a few fans in the process, get in touch with me. Tweet or Message me on twitter @itstorilinn or email me at musicalnotesmail@gmail.com

I'm here to help you.

-Tori