“But I am just a boy who’s only skin and bones, and
you’re a pretty girl who I’m dying to know…” –I Think I Like You
our favorite bassist and Big City Someone. Happy birthday, Vince Pierri.
“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
What better reason to drive two hours into the city than to see your hero on stage?
First off, I know two hours doesn’t seem like all that long to you, but trust me, two hours in Chicago traffic can feel like ten. My mom (she has always secretly wanted to see Kate play, plus she paid so I didn’t argue), and two of my friends (Jenna and Sam) accompanied me to the amazing show at Park West. Surprisingly the show started pretty much on time (7:30) with a shy kid who’s hair fell slightly in front of his left eye, Matt Hires. Now, I’m not going to lie, Read More
The Milwaukee date of the AP Tour was insane. We entered the Rave, my shoes were a-glowing (literally) and first to perform was Massachusetts native Nick Santino of A Rocket To The Moon. Playing only songs from Greetings From… it was a killer set. We left the pit after ARTTM, and went to merch. Chatted with Nick for a while, then off to see Hit The Lights. Unfortunately, they didn’t play the hidden track “Acoustic”, then after that was The Maine, who, remind me incredibly of All Time Low. The hilarious stage banter between John O and Garrett was not unlike the dirty, inappropriate commentary provided by Jack Barakat and Alex Gaskarth, haha. Family Force 5 was pretty entertaining, you can never go wrong with matching outfits, right? By far, the most insane set was during 3OH!3. The crowd was rowdy, dancing, and the good thing about concerts is that everyone around you look like complete idiots, but no one cares because you’re all doing the same thing.
During FF5 (or was it 3OH!3?) this huge guy, four times my size, in his 20s-30s, decided to enter the pit, carrying a full cup of beer over his head. Read More
The new installment into the Fast and the Furious series did not disappoint. Fast & Furious was funny and action packed, plus they had some really beautiful cars. Oh, and Paul Walker is in it, so how could you go wrong? I know, some of the girls might be thinking “Ugh! I don’t want to go see this stupid movie” if you are then you’re missing out on a good one. This is obviously more of a guys movie, but that’s alright because I don’t really understand anything about cars and the fact that P.W is in it makes it okay.
In the movie, Dom (Vin Diesel) is wanted for stealing oil. When the cops catch on to him he runs away, leaving his girlfriend behind. Little did he know that while he was on the run she was trying to help clear his name with the FBI. Something goes wrong and it leaves Dom very upset which causes him to seek revenge upon a 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
“You look so neat and tidy when I’m way up high…”
Last night Jennnn informed me that I needed to have a post done in 24 hours or else…well, I don’t know what would happen, but she’s my “boss” so I figured I needed to have one done. My first thought was ‘well yeah, I do kinda owe you a post because I slept too late to take you to the show I was supposed to bring you to.’ But my second thought was ‘holy crap, I don’t know what I’m going to write about.’ Lucky for me, I got home from school today and checked my MySpace, and saw that Kate Voegele had her new single up on iTunes.
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
“With our faith in God and your faith in us, I believe this band has a bright future.”
–Bradley Vaughn
