All I want for Christmas ....

... is a Tenori-On!! Well, pending its release in the States (which looks unlikely at this time).

Japanese media artist Toshio Iwai and Yamaha have teamed up to create a "visual music interface" called the Tenori-On. It's a 16x16 LED switcher with rubber buttons and a similar look to a Lite-Brite (but, I assure you it's much more inspiring). The user composes musical loops and unique light patterns with this new instrument. The goal of the invention is to control "light and sound as comfortably as playing musical instruments or painting pictures" -- Toshio Iwai.

Currently being tested in the London market, the Tenori-On was released overseas on September 4th and runs about $1,200. Hopefully, it will prove to be successful and will make a debut in the USA!

*by Jen Panczenko

Help Wanted Nights

Well, folks, Saddle Creek Records (Cursive, The Faint, Tokyo Police Club, Bright Eyes) has done it again ... an impressive new release from The Good Life! This time lead singer, Tim Kasher has created a music environment wrapped around a unique concept he developed for the new album called 'Help Wanted Nights'. Tim started writing a screenplay in 2006 and initially wanted to create a soundtrack for the film. Front to back - the record takes one through the events in a small town bar (which is the setting for his screenplay). It stays on track with Tim's emotional and narrative writing style - as heard in previous albums.

Since The Good Life released 'Black Out' in 2002, I've been hooked! Tim captures a sentimental approach to life that one can relate to amazingly well. His lyrics are so truthful and his voice so passionate - it's addicting at times. I wondered if that would come across so boldly in a live show - thus, I checked them out for the first time on Thursday when they played at The Triple Rock in MInneapolis.


The Good Life isn't the most energetic bunch of musicians live, but Tim's voice makes up for it. Also, bass player Stefanie Drootin's adorable style makes me want to hug her. Most of the songs came across more mellow live but, when it came time to rock out, the band became incredibly entertaining. Tim jumped down into the crowd during the last song with just his acoustic guitar ... unplugged ... and pure genius. Engulfed in the moment, the audience was speechless.

*by Jen Panczenko, who also enjoys Tim Kasher's other project Cursive.

Tip Du Jour: Make Your Own Time Zone

It's currently 11:30 at night in my bedroom.

When I walk into the kitchen, the time is 10:46.

I'm a little bit extreme with setting my clock ahead. It's a mental thing. I know that my clock is fast, but train myself to forget that it is actually 44 minutes fast. Consequently, I'm usually on time because I think I must be somewhat late... you think I'm crazy? I am, just a little bit.

You probably shouldn't attempt to be 44 minutes ahead of the game, that's a tactic for the advanced (slightly nuts) time-jumper. But, why don't you try giving yourself an extra six to twelve minutes? You may be pleasantly surprised when you find yourself ready for work with enough time to get starbucks and still not be late.

And why go by the rotation of the Earth? Follow your own rotation.


*JR

Tip Du Jour: Tone Your Ass in Seconds A Day!

Do I sound like an infomercial today? I wouldn't say that all of those extended 2 am commercials aren't true - with three easy payments of $29.95 you can have the ass-toner-jiggle-fat-off machine and have a fabulous ass in no time at all!

Possibly true, but why spend nearly $100 to figure it out?

This is what I do while I'm waiting for my laundry to dry. Seriously. There's three minutes left on my dryer and rather than wait in the chaotic laundromat, I take a step outside and I pounce. Roll onto your tip-toes, squeeze your butt tight, repeat. Roll up, squeeze, repeat.

Three minutes later my laundry is dry and my ass and calves are better for it.

You can do these calf-raises while you're brushing your teeth or while you're waiting for the subway. It's subtle enough that people won't think you're TOO weird. But, even if they did, who cares?

Just remember to squeeze your ass tight, and in no time at all, you'll have everyone else wanting to squeeze it too.


*JR

Free Sohodolls Downloads!

Just weeks after the release of its debut album, RIBBED MUSIC FOR THE NUMB GENERATION, Sohodolls has received an impressive 15 adds for the band’s video, “Right and Right Again,” on national, multi-regional and Internet programming outlets.

“Right And Right Again,” Sohodolls’ lead U.S. single (currently in rotation on KROQ in Los Angeles), declares war on anybody who dares to stand in the band’s path to success – and from the way front woman Maya Von Doll delivers it, you know she’s not kidding around. Obviously, this is no fey electropop band: here’s the rare dance act that can slug it out with the rockers.


They’ve proved it onstage: Sohodolls has a well-deserved reputation for furious, chaotic, in-your-face live performances. The band has taken its act all over Europe and shared bills with Daft Punk, The Charlatans and The Magic Numbers, just to name a few.

NME wrote “If the ultimate purpose of modern rock music is to communicate to how entirely fantastic and prolific at sex you are, then Sohodolls are the best band who ever lived,” calling the London based buzz-band “expert purveyors of entirely perverted and deceptively witty sexlectro.”

See for yourself.




For a FREE download of the Crystal Castles remix of “Trash the Rental,” visit www.sohodolls.co.uk.

Get the latest news on the Sohodolls U.S. promo campaign at www.myspace.com/sohodollsusa and www.audiocrushpr.com.

Since music journalism is a gossip column, here's a blind item

At a show this past weekend, what firearms-monikered local radio personality repeatedly demonstrated signs of social retardation and invaded numerous women's personal space to the point of making us want to sing 1986 Police songs referencing Lolita?

*By Jess, who baked chocolate cherry chip bars today.

Tip Du Jour: Lip Gloss on the Cheap and Awesome

The best solution for chapped lips or unchapped lips that just crave moisture is sold just about everywhere and usually for about $1.

Berry-scents and cotton-candy gloss are all fine and good, but don't hold a candle to the truest, oldest trick in the book.

Vasoline.

Use vasoline on your lips by itself for a smooth, wet look that saturates your lucious lips. Use vasoline under lip stick or colored chapsticks to make it glide on easier and more evenly.

And the best secret of all? Vasolined-lips give the illusion of a bigger pout! That's right, bigger lips sans collagen and for less than a Dunkin' Donuts iced coffee.

So, pucker up and apply!


*JR

Tip Du Jour: Easy Entertaining

Having a party? Sure, you could bake chocolate chip cookies, put out chips and salsa, carrots and dip...

Or you could do something easier and WAY fancier. Guarantee you'll get more compliments on these two party favorites.

1) Berry Skewers

*Step 1: Buy 3 or 4 kinds of berries - blackberries, blueberries, raspberries recommended, but get whatever looks tasty
*Step 2: Buy wooden skewers
*Step 3: Skewer the berries




THAT was so easy, it hardly needed steps....

2) Vodka Gummybears

*Step 1: Put gummybears in bowl and cover them in vodka - all bears should be submerged
*Step 2: Put saranwrap over the bowl and put in fridge overnight

You'll have very potent candy by party time!

Serve 'em up with skewers so people don't get their hands messy!

Project Revolution?

I got passes to Project Revolution this year, but then realized it was an all day event and I couldn't take off work to attend. So I did the next best thing--- gave the tickets to my brother's best friend and intern at my job. After the show, Glenn told me the main thing that ruined it (besides the obvious of Linkin Park headlining) was how mainstream it was. There were little kids with their parents! Unless their parents are young and in the scene, that's just too weird for me. Also, I think this article proves that it's really no longer cool to try so hard to look "punk" because you're really not that different, after all. Where's the Revolution in that? Thoughts?

*Joelle





PNC Bank Arts Center

Review by Glenn Cameron


Skin tight jeans, long teased hair, black and white chuck tailors and thousands of over anxious teenagers roaming an over crowded venue. No, it’s not a scene from the glory days of the Sunset Strip during the mid eighties. It is however, the scene from the Projekt Revolution tour featuring My Chemical Romance and Linkin Park.

Thousands of fans showed up adorning the classic punk rock style of the eighties infused with today’s emo garb. The scene looked like a mix between Edward Scissorhands meets Madonna meets grunge. From what I could tell this seemed to be the youth of America trying to stand out all in one place.

On this years tour Linkin Park played host to a slew of bands ranging from Madina Lake to HIM as well as the pop punk band Taking Back Sunday. The show was an all day event and many new bands had the opportunity to play on the second stage during the afternoon hours.

On the pristine day of August 29, 2007 there were hardly any fans tailgating in the parking lot of the Arts Center. With no doubt due to the alcohol ban instituted only a week before. However, this was still an eerie feeling. One gets used to the ruckus usually found in the parking lot of a large venue before a show.

The crowd was very young and very hyper, running sprints up and down the lawn, jumping over people and wreaking havoc as any other 14-year-old does. They were excited and they were here for the two main acts, My Chemical Romance and Linkin Park.

The crowd was very unresponsive for the first few acts and especially for HIM who played a very melancholy set of “love” songs. It wasn’t until Taking back Sunday hit the stage that the crowd became enthused. Playing to a fairly large crowd of A.D.D. riddled youth, TBS put on a powerful show that captured the mind of even the most restless youth.

As the sun began to fade away, the roar of the crowd began to rise. The next band was to be My Chemical Romance. Playing to a packed house, My Chemical Romance dazzled and surprised many with a powerful live show packed with lights and pyrotechnics. As a band hailing from New Jersey they made sure that everyone there knew that this was their home by screaming “Jersey” every time they had a chance.

As My Chemical Romance finished their set the crowd was pumped and ready for Linkin Park. Past reviews of the bands performances were barley anything more than lackluster so I expected this to be another typical Linkin Park show. Nevertheless I was proved wrong.

The band hit the stage and rolled through hit after hit with astonishing precision. There was tension in the air as well as the roar of the crowd. Linkin Park fed off of this energy and packed their performance with the ferocity of a veteran band. The band left the stage that night leaving everyone satisfied and yet still hungry for more.

Project Revolution is a tour that is bringing the youth of America out and giving them an outlet to be themselves. This is a show for the young and the young at heart. For the MTV soaked culture of today this was a show worth their while.





Bands – Main Stage


Linkin Park

My Chemical Romance

Taking Back Sunday

HIM

Placebo

Julien-k



Second Stage


Mindless Self Indulgence

Saosin

The Bled

Styles of Beyond

Madina Lake

Tip Du Jour: Sleeping Pills

As I sit here in the office, practically still asleep and unable to fully function, I think that the tip of the day need not be none other than what is causing my current funk.

I've tried most of the goodies; ambien, tamazapan, lunesta.

Each works differently for everyone, so you've got to figure out which is your poison. Basically, if you don't need them, don't take them. And, if you do need to take them, don't do it regularly. They are addiciting, despite what the commercials say.

Lunesta: Sort of works, has a really horrible after-taste

Tamazapan: Doesn't really work, but I guess it kept me asleep, once I finally fell asleep

Ambien: Works every time.

Now for the tip of caution. Split Ambien in half. Taking even a half will make you loopy and knock you out. Taking a whole will make you forget that you even slept. And, again, as I sit here this am, I've forgotten 1) that I went to bed last night 2) that I somehow woke up and went to the gym 3) how did I get to work? 4) What should I be doing now that I'm actually here?

Half the pill next time... or plan to sleep for more than 7 hours...

*Jordana (I think you know how I'm feeling right now...)

Tip Du Jour: How to order the best thing on a menu

This one is so easy that I should be ashamed if I elaborate for more than a few sentences.

You go to a restaurant: everything looks great or everything looks mediocre or nothing is comprehendable?

Doesn't matter because you know the name of the restaurant, right?

Guarantee the name of the restaurant is in the title of one cocktail and at least one entree choice.

Et Voila. Your order.

90% of the time, this is the right move. This is the restaurant's signature drink or meal.

It was so good, it got branded.

Order it. Let you friends be jealous when yours is the tastiest, fanciest, bestest.


*JR (who recently proved herself right for the 30,000th time when ordering a Butter Martini at Butter in nyc)

Tip Du Jour - Eat Clean Protein

My mom told me yesterday that she nearly passed out at the gym because she was trying to be "like her daughter" and get in an intense workout.

Her daughter said, "mom, you didn't eat properly during the day leading up to your workout." I'm such a good daughter, right?

Eat energy foods. Eat clean protein.

Clean protein is low in saturated fat and obviously, has high protein content. Eating protein a few hours before your workout should help keep your head on your shoulders.

Examples: plain or baked tofu, chicken breast - grilled or baked without skin (white meat), plain yogurt (watch out for yogurts with high sugar content), skim milk, cottage cheese, egg whites

Great way to get it if you can stomach it - whey protein. Mix it with water, skim milk or with oatmeal for that extra energy boost.


*Jordana - who could use that extra energy boost...

Help our friends out!

Help The Junior Varsity get played on MTVu! They're at #2 now, and we all know what #2 is.

Go here and please vote for TJV - You can do it as many times as you want. And you know you want to do it a lot.

http://www.mtvu.com/music/freshmen


*By Jess, who is newly addicted to banana chips

Tip Du Jour: Thong Shopping!

Ever feel cut off or like you're getting rubbed the wrong way... down there? Is your thong like a thick, painful string of dental floss between your cheeks?

Ladies!!!! You're doing one thing so wrong and it's not wearing the thong in the first place (panty lines are still a big fashion no!)!

When purchasing a thong, put your ego aside. In order to wear a thong comfortably, you're going to need to buy big. Buy your thongs one size larger than the rest of your underwear. If you're a medium, bring on the L and if you're an L, it's time for XL.

Buying a thong one size larger than your normal panties will ensure that there is no digging (which can cause lines anyway, completely defeating the purpose of the thong) and will also let your bottom be in peace, avoiding the tug of war of the too tight thong.


*JR

Tip Du Jour - Random facts have a purpose!

I think I have a knack for obtaining a great deal of relatively random information. While random, much of it is actually quite useful and I'm pretty happy that my brain is a sponge for all the info.

Quick example - one might think that learning about the feeding habits of the whale shark has no relevance in day to day life. Generally, this is true. But, imagine you're on the phone with a client and they tell you they just came back from vacation where they went scuba diving and, you guessed it, they saw a whale shark. You would then be able to use your smarts to say something like, "They are huge, right? But luckily you didn't have to worry since they don't use their teeth for biting!" Far fetched? You'd be surprised!

Today's tip is to learn at least one random fact each day. Random facts are great icebreakers, keep your brain stimulated and when used correctly, can be an effective pick-up line.

So I'm starting this Tip Du Jour on the PV blog to spread the info - sometimes it might be those random weird facts, like that whale sharks eat phytoplankton, but more often I'll shoot for a tidbit that will more easily apply to your every day. Tips and tidbits about relationships, sex, work, money, restaurants, food and entertaining... keep checking every day for the latest and the greatest.

And remember, nothing is irrelevant!


*Jordana

In which Jessica dissects current pop culture phenomena

I don't understand why everyone is bitching about Britney Spears at the VMAs.

Was her performance lackluster? Yes. But what were we expecting? It's been long-established and accepted that the girl can't sing (though "Gimme More" has a sweet beat), and her much-publicized decisions as of late insinuated that she hasn't been operating with a clear head for about a year.

And really, are we done calling the woman fat? Try popping two adorably chubby-cheeked babies in two years before you judge her by her waistline, because given those circumstances, she looked pretty damn good (from the forehead down, anyway--I'm not going to get started on her weave).

Frankly, the most offensive thing about her performance was the spawning of Chris Crocker. I haven't even watched that video, because I'm already sick of that hideous mug infiltrating every virtual inch of the Internet. As a child, I had monsters in my closet who would beg for that douche to get work done and stop giving them nightmares.

I'm glad to know Kanye West, who publicly defended Spears and denounced MTV, is on my team. And I am on Team Kanye. Anyone who can reference both a Prince protege and the brand of gloves O.J. Simpson was acquitted of wearing in one song is my hero. I can't think of a single intelligent rhyme by 50 Cent, who has admitted to seeking to appeal solely to commercial interests. And my team won that battle.

If only the Jets, my football team, would do the same. Get well soon, Chad. And then start, otherwise I'm gonna owe a few guys at work some tip money.


*By Jess, who should be doing a crapload of political science reading.

The Next Mr.A-to-Z

At 6'6" and long, scraggly hair, it’s hard to miss Chris Nathan in a crowd. And once he steps onto the stage, it’s even harder to take your eyes away from him. His voice is raw and true, just like his lyrics. The melodies get stuck in your head, and within the first five minutes of his set the audience quickly sings along and participates in the musical love festival that Nathan has begun.

Nathan has somehow managed to combine that acoustic singer/songwriter sound that so many of us love, with emo, rock, hip-hop, and country. His sound was described by one audience member as “countrymo: it’s country and emo!” Nathan also plays a variety of covers in his set, including Jason Mraz, Oasis, and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” theme song that we all love to sing along to.

As Nathan gets into the music, his hat doesn’t stay on his head long; his hair can’t seem to be confined by a hat and nor can he. His lyrics are infectious, honest, and true to his life, who he is, and the man he hopes to become. Some personal favorites of mine that will be on his upcoming debut album (due out in October) are “The Contender” in which he sings “I’ve been wasting my time, stepping over the line,” and you can tell he means it. Other tracks include “Bonnie and Clyde” where he tells the true story of the infamous couple, Bonnie and Clyde, from start to finish. “Bad Habits”, which we all can relate to in some way. “Stone Me” written by his producer, Terry Sawchuk, rings true to anyone who’s struggled in those oh-so-confusing love relationships that you can't live with but can’t live without. "All Four Seasons" with lyrics and vocals so full of pain you can't help but hurt along with him. “Girl By The Window” is the tune that makes every female wish and hope was written about them. Every singer/songwriter has to have a song for the ladies, right?

Although, you may not have heard of Christ Nathan until now, once you hear his debut album, or catch a live show of his, you will never be able to forget his name, his songs, and that smile that surely will make your heart melt. For more information on Chris Nathan check out: www.myspace.com/chrisnathanmusic

-written by Christina V.- the Nashville PV girl that believes no press is bad press!(www.myspace.com/christinaisawesome)

A Look at What Makes DAMIERA so Damn Good.

In late August the NY band Damiera (Equal Vision) jumped on the join Scary Kids Scaring Kids on a few dates of their national tour. While I didn't have my photo pass until RIGHT before Boys Night Out hit the stage, I did not need to be close up the realize that these guys are amazing. They are a pleasant departure from the cookie cutter power pop punk mess that a lot of up and coming bands are mass distributing. Damiera is made up of David Raymond, Steve Downs, Josh Sparks, and Jayson Dezuzio. They are a band that you should most definitely without a doubt check out, they have a full length out entitled M(US)IC. www.myspace.com/damiera

When I approached bassist Jayson about doing an interview, he was almost as excited as I was...which made me even more excited...here is some of what we talked about...

You guys have such a unique name...Where did it come from?
Jayson: an Italian gaming board (noun) - a place for strategy. the idea fit, as i started with an idea...and had to coordinate the pieces to fit the sound i had in mind.

What has been your biggest inspiration(s) thus far?
the people who have put aside everything in their lives to participate in this group.


What has been the hardest thing to overcome as a band?
finding the right people, again and again. i have turned every stone over countless times now to find the people who have had a part in this band.


Describe your music with one word...describe your sound with one word.
organic



What was it like recording the album you have out now...what was it like going through the whole producing process as well? Jayson, you produced the album, right?
jayson had a clear vision of what we were trying to achieve as a band. though we weren't open to (literally) any experimentation during the recording process, damiera is looking forward to a much deeper recording experience this time around. having jayson in the band, maintains an enthusiasm to record, and we're all very curious to see what comes out of this process this time around.

What do you enjoy more, touring or recording?
making songs is feeling it for the first time, while playing them live is feeling them grow. apples and oranges.

Recently you enjoyed Scary Kids on tour, what has that been like?
we vibed really well with pierce the veil, dear hunter, sksk, and boys night out - we all wished we could have been on the entire trip with them, but the time we had was truly a blast.

If you could be any superhero...which one would you be?
james brown

What do you listen to when you are out on the road? What cd's are you rockin' out to?
blockhead, mew, mos def, the books, norah jones, al green, isley brothers, imogen heap,

What do you guys enjoy doing in your free time?
ha, what?

If you could only play ONE more show..EVER...where would you want to play it and with who?
access community shop in buffalo, ny (capacity 90) with those who wait, spirit of the stairway, counterfit, sleeping girl drowning.


What are your plans for the up coming year?
write. refine. record. refine. play. refine. repeat.

Where do you see yourselves as a band in the next 5 years?
where do you see yourself 5 minutes from now?

Final words... What should everyone know about your band?
we're very lucky to be able to live without address, transient, and artistic. we, extremely appreciative and thankful for the time taken to decide if damiera is a band worth a second listen or second thought.






By Amanda who will be at the next Damiera show in the area...

(and oh- today is my birthday!!!!)

A boy that loves ... shoes?!!?

Raise your hand if you've been to Birmingham, England.

NO?!

Alright, so neither have I ... BUT, I do rather fancy the accent for some reason. Admit it, ladies - a girl can never get enough of a nice looking English boy. Last night, I had the opportunity to listen to a couple nice looking English boys (from Birmingham) making great music - they are called The Editors.


The Editors caught my attention in the Fall of 2006 when they were nominated for The Mercury Prize (which is an annual music award given to the best album from the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland). The elected list of nominees for The Mercury Prize was pretty radical that year and, if I remember right, included some of my favorites such as Hot Chip, Muse, Thom Yorke, and the Arctic Monkeys. Although, The Editors did not win (the prize went to the Arctic Monkeys), the buzz on this band grew to new heights and I was hooked the moment I heard a few clips from "The Back Room". Furthermore, I greatly anticipated the June 2007 release of their newest album "An End Has A Start". The album title IS a little generic but, I assure you, the music is not!


Sometimes I get nervous right before I see a band I admire play live for the first time. Such feelings came over me as the guys were walking onto the stage at the Fineline Music Cafe in Minneapolis but, from the moment lead guitarist and synth player Chris Urbanowicz started jamming on his Rickenbacker 620, I was in love. Now, word on the streets is that Chris used to work in a shoe store with drummer Edward Lay for about 3-4 years. Judging from the trendy pair he was sporting onstage, I would say this babe has some knowledge of his shoes (and good style, as well). Personally, I didn't get a chance to ask him but, maybe next time he's in town - I'll kidnap him for a shopping adventure.


Lead singer Tom Smith is extremely captivating live .. he has a very quirky style about him that sort of reminds me of my neighbor's hyperactive kid on rollarskates. Edward packs quite a punch live, as well! The show exceeded my expectations (which was hard to do) and I highly recommend seeing them - even if only for Chris' perfectly messed up hair - you will enjoy it. The only thing I will say on a sad note is that the bass player, Russell Leetch was kind of stuck behind Tom's piano and I didn't get a decent view of his performance.


For those of you interested, I snapped a shot of the set-list for your enjoyment.


Lastly, keeping on our theme of overseas music ... I have run across an alternative indie pop band out of Denmark that I'd like to quickly share with you. The Kissaway Trail. I'm excited about their song "Tracy" and, although their song titles aren't the strongest or most interesting, the music still catches my attention. Plus, Tracy Maurice did their album artwork (you may be familiar with her stuff from the 'Funeral' album by Arcade Fire).


* by Jen Panczenko, who wants to borrow Tom Smith's black hollow body guitar someday!

A few reasons why I want to move to Illinois

I just love their music scene so much better than the shitty, cookie cutter hardcore bands New Jersey spits out every ten minutes. Seriously, I don't care about how loud you can scream, about how many times your girlfriend makes you cry, or how many carbon copy breakdowns you can insert into a song to compensate for your lack of melodic conception. As long as you go down the river and not across the bridge, I'll be happy. Moving right along, in no particular order:


The Junior Varsity. I say it all the time, but they are one of the most underrated bands ever. Yeah, they're going through some issues right now in regards to their vocals, but Cinematographic was just a killer record.



www.myspace.com/thejuniorvarsity




June. I reviewed Make It Blur a few weeks ago and won't repeat myself too much. Just know that they've grown up a lot and evolved into a very harmonious outfit.




www.myspace.com/june



The Elation. Clever lyrics, hooks catchier than tuna nets to dolphins--and, what do you know? They're cute to boot. And that rhymed, so I win. Which makes me elated. Which is cheesy and a bad pun of sorts. Which is why I will stop now.



www.myspace.com/theelation




Powerspace. I cannot stop dancing. This becomes problematic in the car when movement is limited and hands must remain at 10 and 2. Plus, they have the word "Snapbracelet" in a song title. I need say no more.




www.myspace.com/powerspace




*By Jess, who would like to bake a pumpkin pie sometime this week and has given up trying to fix the layout of this entry--substance over style anyway, right?

PV's Jen in Alternative Press

Yea, we got the talent....

PV's Jennifer Sica's photograpy is featured in the new issue of Alternative Press (with Chiodos on the cover). Pick it up and turn to page 122 to droll over her shots of Motion City Soundtrack!

Jen was Managing Editor when Planet Verge was in print.

Friend her on MySpace: www.myspace.com/jennifersicaphotography

Lolla and other adventures!

As the weather starts to cool down, I am reminded that summer is nearly over. Unfortunately, I live in a part of America where the majority of the population embraces the change of scenery and temperatures. I do not. I frown upon it - as it means the summer outdoor concert season has come to a close. Boo! Can I at least think back through the last month of summer adventures?! Come with me, my dear ....

In 1991, a gentleman named Perry Farrell (Jane's Addiction, Porno For Pyros, Satellite Party) decided to organize an event he named Lollapalooza. This event was aimed to be similar to Woodstock and it ran annually until 1997. In 2003, it was restarted and I believe was cancelled in 2004 (due to poor ticket sales). Suddenly, a brilliant idea was had ... "let's have it in CHICAGO"! The 'if you build it, they will come' attitude worked! In 2005, Lollapalooza set itself in Chicago's Grant Park and has used that as its destination city/venue every year since. It started out with 4 main stages over 2 days. This past year, it expanded to 9 main stages over 3 days! It was literally 3 full days, nearly 12 hours a day of constant incredible music (along with a sea of endless masses of people)! Chicago's Grant Park not only boasts amazing views of the city's skyline, but it also includes Buckingham Fountain (which should be familiar for those of you who are fans of the old tv sitcom 'Married With Children'). My favorite stage was the Myspace stage on Saturday - as it sort of reminded me of a reunion with the current trendy favorites from Minneapolis - Tapes 'N Tapes, Motion City Soundtrack, and The Hold Steady played back-to-back (Sherwood also played on that stage).


I love watching Motion City Soundtrack's live show ... those guys have so much energy and I always wonder about Jesse Johnson and his synthesizer. I worry for him, actually - it seems he might get whiplash one of these days from playing so crazy. I realistically can't talk about every single band I saw at Lollapalooza as we'd be here until next year! BUT, with that said, I will quickly mention a few more of my favorites. Starting with Saturday - I ADORE Toyko Police Club!!! I believe they are all under 19 and from Canada but you'd never know their age from watching them play. Very entertaining and their indie rock style is super catchy! Silverchair is always another favorite of mine. I still can't believe they were only 15 when they recorded 'Frogstomp'. That album is still to this day one of my favorites! They played some new stuff from their fifth album 'Young Modern' which was released in March of this year. I was bummed nothing was played from 'Frogstomp'. The Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs were weird. Lead singer Karen O was sporting some wacky get-up and I was so busy trying to figure out what it was made of and how it was staying up that I think I lost track of the music! haha! Muse was the best headliner - hands down! It started pouring rain in the middle of their performance and not one person budged.


Lastly, Sunday I was most excited for performances from Paolo Nutini (he has the thickest Scottish accent I've ever heard and it's totally adorable), Kings Of Leon (by far one of most popular performances!), Peter Bjorn and John (whom lost power onstage and, after 20 minutes of waiting for them to return, the heat and crowd made me give up and move on to a different stage), and Amy Winehouse.


Now, Amy Winehouse seemed to be the concert of choice for many artists. I moved up to try and get a few great pictures during her show and I bumped into Ben Harper, Eric Applewick (Tapes 'N Tapes), Craig Finn (The Hold Steady), Eric Harvey (Spoon), and Chris Guanlao (Silversun Pickups)! I'm sure there were many more artists there to see her in the mix of the crowd.

After Lollapalooza, I spent a week in Los Angeles and luckily found myself in town during the outdoor street fair known as Sunset Junction.



It's a weekend festival on a closed-off section of Sunset Boulvard and I stopped by with some friends for Saturday afternoon's events. I saw Sea Wolf - an indie alternative pop band based in LA. It's actually a band formed around Alex Brown Church whom used to be in the LA band Irving. The concert was very entertaining but the heat and sun was sort of overwhelming at times and my friends and I ended up leaving before any other bands made it onstage. I also had the pleasure of seeing Andy Blunda's new project Eject at the Key Club AND James Grundler's project Golden State at the Viper Room that week. I first met Andy around 1998 - during his touring days with Fastball (do you remember their hit song 'The Way'?!). He soon joined James Grundler's project called Paloalto in 1999. If you've never heard of this band, please look them up (Paloalto). Honestly, Paloalto is one of my favorite bands (and sadly they are now broken up)! Their indie alternative sound paired with James' voice and song writing is unbelievable!

Ok, so enough traveling, right?! I'm back in Minneapolis now and I closed out the summer with my last week of warm temps here in the city. The Format returned to the Twin Cities (this time on a headlining tour!) and they played for over an hour I believe! Yah! This made me happy!


Their tour mates Steel Train and Limbeck ruled as well. Now a fact you may not know ... Motion City Soundtrack singer, Justin Pierre loves filmmaking and he paired with Shane Nelson to direct the Limbeck video for "Big Drag". If you've never seen it, take a peek (Big Drag) - it's a clever video shot to look like it was done in one full take (I hear it was really 2 takes but let's pretend it was one).

I also saw Damien Rice's solo acoustic show this past week. UN.REAL. I've been a Damien Rice fan for about a year or so. I think I was late on that bandwagon, but - nonetheless - I attended the show and was quite impressed. As he came out from stage right, the lights fully dimmed ... in fact, they shut off completely - and the only light came from 6 candles placed at the front of the stage. It was literally him, his acoustic guitar, and a grand piano for over 2 1/2 hours! He played his heart out (and occasionally told us funny stories between songs with his sassy Irish accent). At the end of the concert, he sat onstage heavily drinking a bottle of wine and telling the story behind the song "Cheers Darlin'" ... apparently it's about a man who bumped into a beautiful girl in front of a bar as they ran inside to get out of the pouring rain one night. They clicked right away and sat at the bar all night laughing and drinking. Suddenly, it's last call and they begin gathering their things and paying their tabs. This man is so excited about this woman and their connection. He wants to spend more time with her but, she leans over right then and whispers that she must get going as her boyfriend will be there soon to pick her up! He is shocked ... BOYFRIEND?!!! ... oh no - how disappointing ... and, that - my friends, is where the song begins. Now, go play it and listen with this story in mind. It will hurt your heart (in a good way).

* by Jen Panczenko, the "new girl" - thanks for reading!

In which Jessica throws a book at her TV

"The war in Iraq, a direct result of the tragedy six years ago today..." was how a story began on the evening news.

BULLSHIT.

The end.


*By Jess, who is still waiting not only for evidence of Saddam's involvement with 9/11, but also of any weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

Geography was never this fun

I came across a really cool artist at the Red Bank Street Fair this weekend. She paints pin-up girls on maps. Check her out at www.pellmell.com. Glam up your walls! I deff. plan on it

<3 Joelle

Exciting Revelation

I just realized that the new bass player for the Smashing Pumpkins is Ginger Reyes from the Halo Friendlies! Halo Friendlies were the first female artists I ever interviewed (they were opening for Good Charlotte) and they made the cover of Issue 3 of Planet Verge Magazine many years ago! The band has been on hiatus and members have been doing side projects, but it's so nice to see Ginger stepped up to the big time. Even if I don't really care for Smashing Pumpkins either way and that's prob. why I just figured it all out now.




Reminise with me: www.myspace.com/thehalofriendlies

Love,
Joelle

Help Me Save Tigers!

For years I have been active in Save the Tiger efforts and never asked for help from my friends. But now I am, so please do it! lol thanks!

Without these efforts, tigers can become EXTINCT within the next 20 years. That's in our lifetime. Our children or grandchildren may never see tigers in a zoo.... These are such beautiful creatures and contrary to popular belief, they are solitary and only go near or attack people when they are ill or STARVING because we HUMANS destroy their habitat and they have nowhere to go but into villages.

Now do this for the tiger I adopted that was sadly killed by a logger and trapped under a falling tree years ago. And the cubs who died because their mom was killed and no one was there to save them.

all you have to do is go to this link and hit a button

* Action Defenders. org

we need 15,000 more people to sign the petition to save tigers! you all know my obsession with tigers.....

http://action.defenders.org/tigerhabitat

In the early 1900s, there were around 100,000 tigers throughout their range. Today, only an estimated 4000-5500 exist in the wild.


Thanks!
Joelle

since we're on the subject...

....I'll just say that I was a big fan of Breaking Benjamin, as members of that band were once in LIFER. And LIFER was the first band I ever interviewed. My first interview with Breaking Benjamin was a phoner with Aaron--back when their first album came out. It went great.

By the next album, I suppose Rock Star status went to their heads. It was an in- person interview when they headlined Starland Ballroom and a disaster! I arrived at the venue and the tour manager didn't know where anyone was. He said something like "Ben (the singer) is passed out drunk and Aaron jumped off the tour bus and we have no idea where he is or when he'll be here." Nice. So they tracked down Mark, who was super cool in his LIFER days. This time, Mark who was not prepared for an interview, said he had to go brush his teeth and would be right back. I waited a half-hour and then left to go eat White Castle. I skipped the show and went to a movie. No more Breaking Benjamin shows for me.

On a brighter note, the best interview ever was when Jen and I interviewed The Used. Jeph was soo nice and talked to us for an hour, which is way longer than the standard 10-15 minute alloted time for interviews. He revealed details of his personal life that out of respect, we'll never print.

We're not out to bash anyone, but if you're a jerk, we have the freedom of speech to let people know. Just like when Jared Leto kicked our photographer in the shoulder and poured water over her camera --when she had a photo pass to be up there taking pictures. But he did redeem himself by being uber nice and even hugging Planet Verge crew numerous times after that occasion.

And I must mention that Frank Iero is super nice. It's obvious My Chem has a super-strict management team. It was barely impossible for us to get an interview approved with them when MCR hit it big. But when Ordinary Clothing was nice enough to introduce Frank to me one Warped Tour, he said I could interview him right there on the spot. The result? The first article on Skeleton Crew ever published, I think.

I'll leave you with that, before I reveal even more gossip.


Love,
Joelle

And then there's the flipside.

While I appreciate and admire Ms. Tumulty's enthusiasm for her work, I want to point out that most music journalism isn't really like a gossip column at all, unless you're talking that Pete Wentz/Ashlee Simpson type garbage.

Most music journalists--the good ones, anyway--write about real experiences. Not all of these are positive ones, no matter how you try to spin it to appease their publicists.

Take, for example, Houston Calls. They stood us up--which we understand can happen, but then they threatened to sue us when I wrote a make-due show review to have an article to turn in by my deadline (which, I should add, actually complimented their music tremendously), then stood us up again for a make up. Writing this now, I still have a little bit of an expectation to receive a summons in the mail any minute.

Then there was Hoobastank, who tried getting me drunk when I was sixteen, and Wakefield, of whom J.D. was a total sweetheart and Ryan and Mike pompous assholes (Aaron wasn't around long enough for me to characterize him) with sticks up their asses and egos the size of my very own stick-free derriere (which is pretty large for a white girl).

The fact is, most musicians are, in fact, good people--but not all of them. Both my journalistic and personal integrity prevent me from glorifying douchebags, especially when there are so many more talented, genuine souls out there who can't seem to catch a break. If that makes me sound like a Page Six reporter, so be it.


*By Jess, who thinks you should buy Cinematographic by The Junior Varsity.

What MY Media REALLY Is...

It has recently occurred to me that after all this time of writing for Planet Verge (and loving every single second of it), that I am actually becoming a music journalist. I thank Joelle from the bottom of my heart for all these incredible opportunities she has given me. This has opened doors that I did not know existed, and I will continue to venture in this world learning as much as I can about myself, music, and journalism.

There are some people and some people in bands that view the media as a gossip column, spreading the often elaborated and embellished untruth of the band...the somewhat fabricated opinion or half assed biography/interview of what the band is and what it stands for... NOT every journalist does this. The media can be good! There are writers out there that are looking to give you the truth about the music you listen to, and are the printed voice for what bands want their fans to know!

I am not a journalist that does an interview with a band I don't love or do research on, or listen to their albums and know all the words. I would put off writing an article on a band I could not do HONEST justice, I write an article when I have experienced them as artists and as people (music is more than what you hear on your ipod). You can not write about a country you do no know exists and that you can not find on a map with your eyes closed.

I am not condoning writing anything extra ordinarily sugar coated...write what you mean, mean what you write. I have been fortunate enough to have opportunities presented to me to learn about new talented bands through this expedition into journalism.

Attending the AP Tour this past April I had only really heard of Circa Survive, yet I had been asked to write about many of the other bands that were there... Thanks to Anthony Green, I discovered tremendous talent where I was not sure there was any (As Tall As Lions, who is playing in my car). Don't judge a book by its cover. You can not write an article or a book or a accident report based on hear-say.

I do not judge bands or their members on their past mistakes or career choices. I look at what they are doing for themselves NOW and what they are planning on doing in the future. Their past was once their present and they were judged and ridiculed then, what is important is that they are doing what they are doing NOW. I want to do what I can to show the people that read Planet Verge who the band REALLY is... When I do an interview, I don't sit on a bench and ask meaningless question after question, I walk around the venue with them, or I sit on their bus and read the paper with them...I get to know the band that I love as people and as the musicians that make up the band...

I refuse to provide a altered version of a bands existence, I will show you who the band really is...the way THEY want to be known...

I just want to take a minute and thank all of my friends...who are in bands. I will never show you as something your are not. I am on your team.

Sorry for my rant. I just wanted to make sure that all you readers know that I care about you and what you read about music...


By Amanda Tumulty...who is listening to a mix of all her favorite bands...thank you.

Punk's "Bling-Bling"

Meet Rusty Pistachio, husband, guitarist, rock icon, hero, jewelry maker. For years Rusty has been hand crafting jewelry for stars and for the people that stumble upon his hidden treasures… Rusty's jewelry line is called PNUT (yes, kind of a take off of his last name...). A few years ago one of my best friends, Jay Weinberg (of the band CHAOSIS) introduced me to Rusty and his lovely wife backstage at the Conan O'Brien show. Jay bought a couple of his pieces right there on the spot, and from just checking out what Jay was buying and the few pieces left for others, I was hooked. Rusty gets much of his inspiration from his tattoos and music ( he is the kick ass guitarist in the infamous underground rock band H2O), his unique style and handcrafting ability has helped him create lines of charms, rings, key chains, etc that people like, Brody Dale, Joel Madden, Mike Dirnt, and Braden Steineckert are rocking.

Recently I checked out the website to see if there was anything new that I needed to update my jewelry box with and I stumbled upon a new line that I think everyone should jump on…






By Amanda who will be adorning new PNUT jewelry for her up and coming birthday!!