Station Static

1) What do you think of music labels sometimes signing contracts with seemingly untalented musicians, and good bands staying underground?
I think it’s a pretty good example of how music is becoming more of a business, and less of an privilege. I know people that make music, because they just want to be in bands. Usually labels sign these kinds of artists, because of the 12-14 year old fan base, that doesn’t have much musical knowledge. And as for the underground part, I think it’s kind of cool, but I really wish some artists I knew got the attention they deserve.

2) What are some things you wish fans would stop doing? Are there any things you’d like them to start?
I can honestly say, I wish our fans would stop being so damn awesome, it makes me realize how un-rad I am. But in all seriousness, nothing really, I wouldn’t change a thing, they have been really supportive and hands on, and we appreciate it.

3) Do you enjoy playing the shows in people’s basements with only 11 people in attendance?
Those are the best shows to play, I used to play at the internet cafe in Red Bank, New Jersey, and seriously Read More

All the way from Belgium five piece rock band, Palomine is doing one of the more interesting things ever seen leading up to an album release. Although “Attention Alpha” (their newest album) is finished, it will not be released until the band receives a video message from one person in every country of the world saying “my name is…and I listen to Palomine,” In their native tongue. The most interesting of the videos will be put together to help form the music video for the single “Never be the Same.” Those who send in video messages will receive a digital download of the album before it is officially released. The album is similar to Kings of Leon but has a sound of its own. This project will hopefully be finished in January or February of 2010. I was given the opportunity to exchange a series of emails with Palomine bassist, Levi Lenaerts and the following is our interview regarding the band and their unique project.

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I always told people that if they wanted me dead, they’d only need to kill Craig Owens and I would locate the nearest rooftop. Not as intense but equally as horrific, the departure of Craig from Chiodos will most likely lose a countless amount of fans, and torture the hearts of many young teenage boys and girls, including myself.

Brad, Jason, Pat, and Matt: “To all of our friends, family, and fans: We would like to let you know that we have let Craig Owens go as the singer of Chiodos. This decision was a necessary one. Out of respect for all of the hard work that we have put in together for all of these years we will not be discussing the specific reasons that this needed to happen. We wish Craig well. We will absolutely be continuing on as a band and we will keep you informed as this next chapter unfolds. Chiodos fans are the best fans in the world and all we can ask of you, after everything you have already given us, is to share in our excitement for this next album. We promise you will not be disappointed…“

Honestly, I just might.

But that isn’t the case for the Plain White T’s. They might have polished and spruced up their looks from v-necks to ties, but their personalities and care for fans is still the same. A few weeks ago, there was a semi-formal fundraiser I received free tickets worth $75 to. Open bar, strange hor’dourves, snazzy hotel, that whole ordeal. I went to see the T’s, and during one of their songs I asked them to play one song they wrote years ago called Kitty Cat Shirt. They couldn’t because it wouldn’t be the best song to play for this type of older audience, so I was fairly disappointed. And they could tell. It was as if they had broken the heart of the only girl in the room who knew all 20 of the songs they played. They’d look down to see if I’d crack the slightest smile, and out of love for the band I did. After closing the set with Someday, Tom Higgenson got up from his chair and handed me his custom guitar pick with a look that said he was sorry. He then crouched down to have a conversation with my friend and I. I showed him the picture of him and me from the first time I met him and he said, “I remember meeting you. It was in Milwaukee, right?” That was almost three years ago. This band is part of the reason I started this whole site. They were my first concert, and I’ve been to over 14 since then. I became addicted to music and started playing guitar because of them. So to the Plain White T’s, thank you.

“Hanging out behind the club on the weekend, acting stupid, getting drunk with my best friends, I couldn’t wait for the summer and the Warped Tour, I remember it’s the first time that I saw her there.” –Blink 182

Warped is the most important days of the year to kids like me. When everyone is shoved back into the cramped halls of their local high school, this summer tour is the epitome of heaven, only instead of God and angels, you have Kevin Lyman and sweaty kids with smeared “FREE HUGS” written on their chests. Every year I find that the Milwaukee date is always relatively small, giving you easier access to your favorite musicians, and the Chicago date is always packed to the core with bikini-sporting girls and stunningly scrawny men. Dragging fellow writers Jordan and Vada, along with myself, to both dates, we all had a different little take on this geniously crafted summer festival which is finally coming to a close on the 23rd of August. Read More

This band has practically exploded over the year. Now with over two million plays, they’re tracing about the entire continental U.S. adding on to their seemingly endless and devoted fanbase. It’s a wonder to everyone how they aren’t yet under a major label and dominating the cover of Alternative Press. But for now they’re going to play a few major dates of this summer’s Warped in the middle of their tour with Stephen Jerzak, Chase Coy, & Romance on a Rocketship. Their essential album, which no SmartPunk user is complete without, titled Honestly, is now being followed by sophomore EP, Emotion, available August 18th. Released from that EP tomorrow is “What Would You Say”, featuring Chicago dweller Tom Higgenson who will never be forgotten as the genius who brought you Hey There Delilah. Breathe Electric’s Grant Harris, Jeff, Carter, Jake, and a man who is frequently mentioned on this page, Vince Pierri, are all headed to your town any day now, but will never stray too far away from their home residing in cornfield covered Lake County. Just recently, I ran into Jeff Geisser (synth player of Breathe Electric) at a small show for Goodbye Gravity (formerly War Against Reality). He was wondering why I never uploaded the video we took almost a year ago. The last time I saw this man it was almost eleven months ago, he had no shirt on, was sporting a full-on beard, and we were in a church. For the longest time, no one has bothered to Read More

“No, really, he’s the coolest boss I’ve ever had,” -Adrian Sanchez, JM’s guitar tech

Andrew McMahon is quite possibly one of the friendliest musicians I’ve ever met. I recently went to the Tinley Park date of the Fray tour featuring Jack’s Mannequin. We got to the show, received “Support Guest” stickers, and I secretly died inside upon seeing both the Fray and Jack’s Mannequin perform on stage. A few hours later, we embarked backstage with guitar tech Adrian where we saw the Fray getting ready for an encore, and as my brother would say, “they’re so close you can kick them!”, haha. We were then granted access into the Jack’s Mannequin tour bus. And after going to over eleven shows within the past year and a half, and envying the fans allowed inside of those traveling homes, I was finally one of them, and inside of their’s? Holy moley! The first time I saw Andrew in person was when he stepped out of the bus restroom then exited towards the bunks and closed the door. I didn’t think he was coming back, but he did eventually, and words cannot describe how I now feel about this man. An affable gentleman, I’d describe it. I almost forgot I even had a music website until my brother stepped in and mentioned it. Andrew, if you ever end up reading this, I do hope you know how close I was to a near collapse. Trying to act professional while finally getting to speak with the man who has covered the pages of AP and dominated the vh1 Video Countdown? Well, that’s a bigger challenge than the MCAT’s.

He had to run and catch a cab with the rest of the band, while Adrian, Mark, & a man named Greg and I stayed aboard the bus and I tried to come to terms with what had happened. Greg was making a hot pocket when Andrew ran into the bus going, “I forgot my cell phone.” The last time I heard him say something about his mobile device was when he was belting it out on iTunes in his single titled, well, “Cell Phone”. He exited the bus, and two minutes later came back in saying, “wallet.” Then, for a third and final time, came back in for something I believe was his hat. Such a forgetful, talented man. Hopefully the next time I encounter him I’ll have an interview, but this was enough for one night. I mean, I would have settled for a t-shirt and a seat in the back of the venue towards the parking lot. Adrian, you’ve made my year by helping this happen. Mr. McMahon, you’ve dazzled this 15 year old braceface completely.

“Fans are the main thing that keep us doing what we do. Touring
can break you down at times, but fans make it worthwhile.”

What do you think of bands that don’t communicate with their fans ?
I think communicating with fans is one of the most important factors to drawing kids to a show and keeping their loyalty. Bands that don’t maintain that connection with fans are probably going to lose a lot because fans are like our fuel. They keep us going. They always give so we always give back. Without that relationship, being in a band wouldn’t be as fun.

The first thoughts running through your mind right when you’re about to go on ?
Greg: I am always pumped up to play. Of course, I am always thinking about playing perfect and rocking out really hard. But mostly I’m just thinking about having a good time.

Anissa & Alexia, what are the most annoying things that the boys always do on tour ?
The guys in the band aren’t annoying at all! I think we all have our own silly habits like leaving clothes everywhere, chewing too obnoxiously, farting too Read More

A lot of bands are starting to get a lot of crap from former fans for no reason. Because the band grew from a small indie band into something more. They gained a larger fanbase, their shows got sold out, and pretty soon they were headlining their own tour. I’m talking about bands like All Time Low, nevershoutnever, or 3OH!3. It isn’t their fault that they got noticed, or that fame came upon them. If you’re talented, it’s only natural that eventually more and more people will start realizing it. The play numbers will increase, and that thrill of seeing “New Friend Requests!” will start to show up A LOT. I’m a hypocrite for posting this, because once or twice I’ve hated on the hometown of Wilmette natives Read More

For months, a friend of mine has been trying to get me to go see this local band called Morning Will Break. A few weeks ago I gave into her constant nagging and agreed to go to one of their shows. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, but within the opening notes of their set I stopped my questioning and listened.
From Lake County Illinois, this five piece Christian rock band made up of Skyler (vox), Doug (guitar), Chelsea (violin), David (bass), and Luke (drums) is on its way to fame. Skyler’s vocals give the band a remarkable Paramore resemblance, while Chelsea adds a Yellowcard edge. Doug and David seemed to have their instruments become an extension of them while Luke’s movement seemed to fuel the crowd as sweat flung off from him.

Discovered by Austin Cook of Nashville based Indevo Records during a National talent contest, Cook saw definite potential in the band and signed them. He continued to work with the band and produced their EP which was released in spring of 2008. They got back into the studio in August to begin work on their first full length album which is expected to be released in spring of 09.

So head on over to www.myspace.com/morningwillbreak and prepare to be dazzled.
If not by their sound, they make for some wonderful eye candy, :D