Station Static

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.

“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

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

”BURN IT. DOWNLOAD IT. I DON’T CARE. IT’S NOT LIKE BANDS MAKE MONEY OFF CD’s THESE DAYS ANYWAY,” –Chiodos Bassist Matt Goddard

Did anyone purchase Grand Coda yet? For you kids that don’t know what that is, it’s Chiodos’s re-release of their album Bone Palace Ballet which followed All’s Well That End’s Well. It includes four new songs:

◊ Two Birds Stoned At Once
◊ …And Then The Liver Screamed “HELP!”
◊ We Swam From Albatross The Day We Lost Kailey Cost
◊ Smitten For The Mitten

With acoustic releases of Read More

The creepiest thing I’ve ever done for a band was, well I’m not sure since I tend to do strange things, but I do know that it didn’t involve me cutting someone’s name into my skin. Someone did, however, bleed through the process of cutting Mark McMillon from Ohio’s The Story Changes name into her arm. I literally feel sick typing this. Ahh. Anywho, The Story Changes consists of two dudes, Mark & Poppy, from Dayton, Ohio. And you should listen to them because well, I said so and if a person was willing to permanently damage their skin for the sake of showing some love for the band, then you know they must be worth it.

Q. The worst thing you have ever accidentally done on stage?
A. The first thing that comes to mind is a show in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. The soundman asked to record our set and we said yes. We figured it was a typical soundboard recording or some room mics in the back of the club, but he ended up adding a lot of extra microphones everywhere on the tiny stage and used the big bulky mic stands that the club had. We all took a mental note of where the stuff was and the limited space we had left before we started, but somehow I managed to fall into some stuff and knock a lot of it over by the end of the second song and ended up Read More

WHO IS THAT KID AT 0:44 ?
I know, he’s doing something Mr. Roger would not be proud of, but seriously, who is he? Does anyone know?

I am totally, completely in love with The Cab. Especially with their song I’ll Run. I watch music videos before I go to school every morning. When I heard it playing on The Fuse I ran downstairs like an idiot. I love the video. But, I have watched it several times, and each time this one thing bugs me. Who is this kid.

Read More