Station Static

Holy crap, OK Go.

Jennnn — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 21:51:10 +0000

“And I know it’s not too sexy, that I’m singing about the blessings.”

Jennnn — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:49:17 +0000

Set to release next Tuesday, February 23rd, the upcoming album from The Rocket Summer titled “Of Men and Angels” is able to be heard in its entirety on their Myspace found here. This album created by Bryce Avary shows a maturity and talent gained in him, that outdoes everything previously shown in “Do You Feel” or “Hello, Good Friend”. Listen to it before anyone else, and give him credit for coming out with the most remarkable work The Rocket Summer has released since his first EP back in 2000.

Once It Hits Your Freakin’ Lips

Jennnn — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 23:46:22 +0000

On the same epic day I asked some kid to TWIRP (hello to you if you’re reading this), the Once It Hits Your Lips Tour was hitting the streets Milwaukee. It was made up of men from The Friday Night Boys, Anarbor, The Bigger Lights, and The Ready Set. Surprisingly, the tour was a relatively small event, being held on the smallest stage of the Rave. There were less than 50 people there, and that could possibly be due to the fact that it was on a Tuesday night, haha. Favorite highlight of the show would have to be Matt (merch man of the night) who gave us love advice and received a lecture from me on the dangers of smoking. Another moment of epic was hiding in a Kim Possible blanket with Slade and Josh (members of the tour), after running from gangsters and being ignored by McDonalds workers. As the teethbrushing Ke$ha would say, we went till “they kicked us out” and were forced to go outside. And as the snow continued to fall, we realized it probably wasn’t the smartest idea to leave coats in the car. But overall the setlists were good, the fan girls were kept at a minimum, and the musicians were polite and smelled alright.

Take Action!

Jennnn — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:53:14 +0000

On the 9th of February, Hopeless Records and Sub City are going to release the ninth volume of their Take Action Compilations. They went up on presale in January, and all profits made from the sales of the album will go towards charities. This year, Take Action is spotlighted by the “Driving for Donors” charity, who have traveled around America in their “Donormobile” with the hope of signing people up to the National Marrow Registry to help find bone marrow matches for people in need of a transplant. Since then, they have added over 22,000 donors to the registry. This album will include tracks from bands such as We The Kings, Mayday Parade, and Cobra Starship. Also, on the discs will be all of the bands we saw on the Once It Hits Your Lip tour that is still going on currently. These songs will include exclusive tracks not yet heard, and also remixes of certain singles. The Take Action Tour and foundation, is a love child of Sub City and Hopeless formed in 1999. It brings various bands together on a nation-wide tour for weeks. At all tour dates, they sell compilations, to help raise and promote awareness on important issues such as suicide and depression. Check it below and pick one up.

Hello. Creation

Jennnn — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:23:06 +0000

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 maybe 7 people would show up. Best shows ever, very loose, relaxed, and just fun.

4) What bands have you made plans to do shows with in 2010?
Well, while Jeremy is in college shows have kind of been put on the back burner, which is a blessing in disguise, because now we can record and release a bunch of music for you. But bands around here we would love to play with would be The Call Out, We Own Egypt, and Like The Stars. All bands with really good guys in them, and we really respect them.

5) What is your milk to cereal ratio?
Oh lord, I use way to much milk, I’m thinking the contents of the bowl, 2/3 is milk, and 1/3 is actual cereal.

The World is Listening

jordan — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 03:19:44 +0000

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.

Q: How long have you been involved in the music industry?

A: I’ve played Music since I was 9 years old. I played in a couple of small bands over the years. Now with Palomine we are a band for 7 years. We just recorded our second album with Australian producer Peter Crosbie. Our first record came out in 2007.

Last years we played a lot of shows.

Palomine is David (lead vocals), Levi (bass guitar), Ralf (lead guitars and backing vocals), Simon (Fender Rhodes, keys), Nico (drums and backing vocals)

Q: Where does the name “Palomine” come from?

A: Palomine comes from “Pal of mine”, “my friend”. But it is also a song title from Dutch indierockers Bettie Serveert. We have nothing in common with that band. Years ago, our singer David stood in front of his cd rack, gazing over the cd titles. Then he saw the name “Palomine” from that Bettie Serveert album, and he just liked that name.

Q: Where did you get the idea to pursue the ‘World is Listening’ Project?

A: Well, at the release of our First CD (Get the luxurious big bath size), we organized the release show in a coal mine. (palo”MINE”). Just for fun, and to do something special for the release of that cd. We got a lot of great comments on that show. So, for the release of this CD, we decided to take it a step further and come up with an idea that has never been done before by a band. Our new CD “Attention Alpha” is finished, but we won’t officially release it in Stores or iTunes as long we didn’t receive a video message from at least one person of every country in the world. People who make a video message for us, may download a pre-release of “Attention Alpha” for FREE, immediately, months before the official release. And we will put the most interesting video in our new music video, of the single “Never be the same”.

There are 194 countries in the world. (counting only the countries who are affiliated with the United Nations) At the time or writing this, we received video messages from 118 different countries. We don’t have a specific deadline, but counting at on average one movie a day, we will hopefully finish the project January or February 2010. And then we’ll have successfully finished a unique project and we will officially release our CD “Attention Alpha”.

At www.theworldislistening.com we present all recorded movies. You can look up the countries on an interactive map.

Q: Who would you consider to be the bands biggest musical influence(s)?

A: In the beginning, our biggest influences were singer-songwriters, like Ben Christophers en Ben Folds. Nowadays, as I’m sure we don’t sound like any other band, some genres come close, like those of Coldplay, Kings of Leon, Snow Patrol…

Q: What has been your craziest fan encounter?

A: There is this wild fan in St-Louis , Missouri . She came to Europe some years ago. On my birthday we met in Germany and she brought me a lot of gifts. We went to bars the whole night and ended up really drunk.

Craig Owens not in Chiodos?

Jennnn — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 05:28:01 +0000

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.

A lot can change in three years.

Jennnn — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:43:39 +0000

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.

Warped ‘09

Jennnn — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 22:28:27 +0000

“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.

Jennnn: I’ve now gone to a total of four dates of Warped. At Milwaukee, I finally got to see local Lake County band Breathe Electric play the Smartpunk stage, a huge sign as to how big they’ve gotten, and how far they’re still going to go. I got pointed at by Vince Pierri, waved frantically, and all I could think was that they came from our area. The Wisconsin date is where I met TV/TV for the first time, a band seeping with unbelievable talent and have the personalities of someone you would want in your best friend. I’m eternally grateful to frontman Josh Ocean for the marvelous commentary to me and this site in between songs. It made the Milwaukee date all the more wonderful. I met You, Me, and Everyone We Know for the first time since first hearing their album a few months ago. At the second rendezvous at Warped in Chicago, I spoke to Grant Harris (Breathe Electric), nearly collapsed from watching the Millionaires, saw Christofer Drew, and finally completed my life goal of meeting Craigery Michael Owens. I also got hit in the head with shoes two times in the middle of Anti-Flag’s Wall of Death and famous circle pit. YMAEWK’s Ben Liebsch waved towards me from remembering meeting me at Milwaukee and I smiled like a three year old, haha. Oh, and you should really listen to I Fight Dragons. They’re…different (in the sickest way). Finished the day by chatting it up and promising an interview with TV/TV in the fall, and my day was then complete. It all had come to a close, but this is all going to get me through the next few months of sitting at my desk and thinking of all the wonderful times I had at Kevin Lyman’s Warped Tour ‘09.

Jordan: So last week I had my first Warped Tour experience. I’ll admit I was skeptical about having to work while being a first timer, but it was all worth it. I got to see a ton of amazing bands, topping the list being You, Me, and Everyone We Know, I Fight Dragons, and Breathe Electric. But I think that my favorite part of my Warped Tour experience was being able to hang out with a band native to New York City, TV/TV. We ran into them in their tent early in the day and then during their set lead singer, Josh Ocean mention Station Static, which was unbelievably awesome. So if you have yet to hear them get over to their Myspace.

Vader: My first year at Warped was an interesting one. From getting lost for about an hour, to witnessing the horror of what is the Millionaires (thanks for that, Jenn). The great thing about Warped was that I was able to discover and meet smaller bands. Bands such as Breathe Electric, TV/TV, and nevershoutnever. I had always heard Jenn talking about Breathe Electric and how good they were but I never took the interest to actually check them out. After I saw their set I finally saw what she was talking about. I liked the energy their show carried, plus their synth player is total boss. I am satisfied with my purchase, or rather Jenn’s purchase for me, of their EP. Overall my first year of Kevin Lyman’s ingenious “punk rock summer camp” was a great experience. I’m definitely counting down the days til next summer. Nicest bands to meet: TV/TV and Valencia.

See you next year.

Breathe Electric

Jennnn — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 06:55:52 +0000

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 inform me that although I uploaded their interview, my computer is the only one that showed it. Despite the fact that this is completely overdue and next to nothing quality, here is that missing interview that apparently only two people have ever seen. I took down that invisible post realizing that it didn’t do justice to show how amazing this band really is and rewrote it entirely into this piece that you’re reading right now. Amazingly, they agreed to do a second interview this summer so keep your eyes out for it sometime in August.

Click here for the official Breathe Electric site.

IT’S BEEN ONE YEAR

Jennnn — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:40:03 +0000

since we brought this music site to life. Happy one year to us and happy 15th birthday to my best friend Nate. We’d like to thank everyone who helped out throughout the year. Every band who has ever asked for an interview, and all of the musicians who have helped out with promotion and chose not to ignore and overlook us because of our young age. Warped Tour is going to be amazing, and we want to meet you all. We love you!

TV OFF

Jennnn — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:41:52 +0000