Sohodolls, The Academy Is.., The Matches, Butch Walker and Hanson are ON THE VERGE. Coming in early '09 from Planet Verge & Ambush TV!

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Wondering who the hot guy on 30 Rock this week was?

If you're hip, then you know it was uber-talented musician Val Emmich dabbling in acting and getting to smooch Tina Fey's cheek (lucky guy). You'll see he's just as natural on camera as he is in front of the mic.

If you're not hip, go over to www.myspace.com/valemmich, educate yourself and then join the fan club.



There's a lot of exciting things going on for Val, but you may think I'm just self-promoting since I'm his publicist. So just go read about everythin in The Aquarian Weekly this week and The New York Times in December.

Thank me later. Deal?

*joelle, who is typing way too much today

Ads that must have been written by preppies....



When you come across the new issue of OK Magazine, be sure to flip to page 82. There's a really convincing ad for tattoo removal that features a bride with a hideous ink outline on her back. "Tina," the incredibly believable newlywed (and I say that sarcastically) claims that her tattoo led to her divorce. Well, it caused the fight between Tina and her in-laws on her Big Day, and then the ugly fading of her wedded bliss. And now that Tina is about to embark down the aisle a second time, she MUST use the in-home tattoo fade system, WreckingBalm, to make sure the same thing doesn't happen again.

I'd like to meet the marketing people at this company. They can hire me to teach them reality.

First of all, that is the most unconvincing advertisement ever.

Second, they actually show a before and after picture and note that the level of fading they obviously photoshoped to perfection is "not typical."



If I were a bride-to-be (which I am), with many visible tattoos (which I do have) and wanted to cover them up for my wedding day (which I will NOT be doing), I wouldn't even fall for this product.



Can't they just be simple and say "Got a tattoo and changed your mind? You need WreckingBalm." Or something along those lines. That would be much more effective and intriguing then composing a story so unbelievable it's not even worth going to the Web site to investigate (although I did-but only to see if they had the ad to post up there for you).


The slogan for this "Tattoo Problem #7" is "Let them see you, not your tattoo."

What many completey clean skinned folks don't understand is that those of us who PROUDLY wear ink consider to be a part of us. I'm so used to my fore-arm tattoo that I don't even notice it anymore. It's just my arm. I'll admit that I totally freaked out actually seeing such a huge piece of art on me at first and woke up the next morning wishing it was just a dream. But I love it, just as I had calculated for a year before I got it done. It was just an adjustment, not a mistake.



Yes, mistake. That's another word the super-cool staff at WreckingBalm use to describe tattoos. "Go ahead and get another tattoo-Your mistake is only skin deep," it reads.

Are you all laughing with me now? Do you all suffer through hours of pain from a needle digging into your skin by mistake?

Let's just pretend this ad was meant for those tramp-stamp wearing little misses who think their bugs bunny tattoo makes them sexy and call it a day.




*Joelle, who is highly agrivated by everyone close to her that asks her if she plans on covering up her tattoos for her wedding because obviously they don't know her at all!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Burned

MTV just burned Butch Walker worse than the Malibu fires did to his home. The headline on MTV.com is Avril Lavigne Producer Butch Walker Was Renting Flea's Malibu House; He 'Lost Everything'.



Any Butch Walker fan will tell you that headline should read

"Best frontman of our generation, Butch Walker...."

"The producer who can make anyone sound great, Butch Walker..."

"The songwriter no one can penn a better Pop tune than, Butch Walker..."

I think you get the point. Butch deserves recognition and acclaim for a whole lot more than just working with Avril. So much that I am resurrecting a tribute we did to him in a print edition of Planet Verge two years ago and putting it online.

Read. Learn. Listen.


http://www.planetverge.com/pv07/interviews/ButchWalker.asp



It's awful that Butch lost all his creations. His music has shaped all our lives and we're lucky to be able to experience it firsthand.

When it all comes down to it, material things don't matter. It's the memories from the road, the feelings of seeing people's smiling faces while you perform for them, the little things that shape your live and who you are. For all of us, not just Butch.


Events like this really make you appreciate what you have and who is in your life. Live your dream...and all that.

If anyone has pictures or things you'd like to send to Butch- memories for him-- contact us at planetverge@gmail.com and we'll send it over.


*joelle



And here's the MTV article:


In a tragic turn of events, it has come to light that the rental home owned by Flea that burned in the Malibu, California, wildfires over the weekend was being occupied by Avril Lavigne producer Butch Walker — and he lost everything in the blaze.

Walker was touring New York at the time of the incident, and "had just consolidated my entire recording studio and house from Atlanta into the one house in Malibu," the songwriter/producer, who has also worked with Pink, Fall Out Boy, the Academy Is..., Tommy Lee and others, said in a press release. "I lost everything I've ever owned. Every master of every song I've ever recorded, every piece of recording equipment, guitars, drums and things I've collected over the years, cars, motorcycles, every family memorial, heirloom, picture and document we ever had. ... Gone. I feel like I finally know the difference between 'going back' and 'going home.' "

Over the weekend, Flea said in a text message obtained by the Los Angeles Times that his $4.8 million home in Corral Canyon was "burnt to a crisp" by the fires on Saturday morning. According to TMZ.com, a second, $10 million Malibu home owned by Flea — the one in which he currently resides — did not burn. The one that did was a house that the bassist had been renting — most recently to Walker — and currently has up for sale, the site reports.

Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose also had a close call when the fires burned his roof and singed some of his property. According to a report on KCAL-TV, Rose's assistant said the rocker "was with the hose everywhere" on his property, fighting to save his home.

The fires, which have largely been contained, were the worst in Malibu in years, according to the Times. In late October, another series of fires forced evacuations in the area but hit the San Diego area much harder.

THANK YOU FOR THE VENOM: THE RETURN OF lostprophets

* I'm going thru the PV archives and realized since I took all the editorial off PlanetVerge.com, and this interview never made it to print, it won't see the light of day it deserves... So without further adieu....

It’s June 15, two weeks before the lostprophets’ third album, Libertation Transmission, is set to be released on Columbia Records. Members of the band are in New York City for a special one-day only press extravaganza. Vocalist Ian Watkins and guitarist Lee Gaze are running late for this interview, tied up at Billboard magazine. Inside the press room of Columbia Records, the television crew of NY360 scurries around to set up for their interview with the guys. The show’s immaculate host takes a seat on a comfy purple suede couch and stares at herself in the mirror, constantly touching up her make-up. This is, after all, a big day for everyone.

It’s been two years since these Kings of Wales have been back in the States, but it seems more like an eternity. The last we heard from them, their sophomore album, RIAA gold-certified Start Something, had just been released and they embarked on tours with My Chemical Romance and Head Automatica. Things were just heating up on our shores. But back home in the UK, the band was the target of massive backlash from fans who couldn’t accept that the lostprophets evolved musically. The band strayed from the aggressive, intelligent mix of metal, rock, punk, jazzy progression that consumed their debut album, thefakesoundofprogess, and began to incorporate (gasp!) more melodies. The move was risky, but worth it. After all, creating the same album over and over again with each new release would only waste the talent that thrashes through their veins.

Now all eyes are locked on lostprophets once again. With the album slated to be released June 27, ears are waiting, minds wondering just what they’ve done this time. Legendary producer Bob Rock (Metallica) was chosen to head the recording process. But what happened in the studio, is not what one may expect.

Liberation Transmission has punk attitude ala The Clash (“I’m sick of working all week for people I cannot stand,”- “Everybody’s Screaming”). It has what Watkins calls “big stadium rock choruses before American Idol ruined it all,” a throwback to the heyday of Bon Jovi (“You’ll never fall in love if you don’t fall at all,”- “Broken Hearts, Torn Up Letters and the Story of a Lonely Girl”) and a story-telling perspective on some tunes that are Butch Walker-worthy (“The haircut’s hot, but this has gotta stop, good shoes won’t save you this time” – “Can’t Stop, Gotta Date with Hate”). Basically, this album has all the ingredients to finally propel the lostprophets to rock star status in America, if we’ll accept them.

The aura already surrounds them. As Watkins and Gaze enter the press room with their publicists, they take it upon themselves to cordially greet each person awaiting them with a handshake. They’re the type of guys who will smile at you if you pass them on the street. Both are wearing black leather jackets. Though, Watkins tones down his look with a pair of beat up brown Converse, and Gaze dresses his up with a pair of painfully pointy white shoes. He is looking particularly thinner this time around. Both are modeling sleek new hairstyles that will make any scenester green with envy. They reek of coolness. But most importantly, their personalities lack any hint of arrogance.

Gaze takes a corner seat on a sofa and opens his brand new Sidekick, as Watkins asks the show’s producers “Are we playing any songs?” It is evident that no rehearsals for any would be last-minute acoustic performances are needed. There’s unprocessed talent for you!

Before taping begins, Watkins jokingly requests “a big silver chalice of ice,” which later turns into a plastic cup he fills with Coca-Cola.

The host drills them on the usual get-to-know-you questions: “What’s it like being signed to Sony?” (“A big soft bed, maybe with razors in it here and there,” reports Watkins).

And for all the stalkers, where can lostprophets be found hanging out in NYC? The Dior Store, 7A, and reveals the frontman, “I could sit in a dog park all day.”

Finally, it’s a wrap with the taping. Gaze retreats to a couch in the back of the room, while Watkins admirably explains to the host how to send a message on MySpace, without making her feel stupid (“Hit send message, type your message, then hit send and we’ll get it”).

He later admits to being the most MySpace addicted member of the band, signing on “Whenever I can get an Internet connection.” He justifies it with “The excuse is, it’s not a personal page. It’s our band page. I update tour dates, post blogs and do all that stuff.”

A few years back when the site made its debut, both Watkins and Gaze had their own pages, as well. But that soon ended because, as Gaze says, “It gets boring. Everyone says the same thing and everyone posts a comment on someone else’s page just to look cool, not because they give a shit about what they’re saying. It’s craving attention and we don’t really need to because we’re in a band.”

His band mate continues, “You get addicted to it and you’re like ‘Why am I going on MySpace every day when I’m in a band and we’re having this cool life?’ We should be enjoying it rather than being addicted to the Internet. If you go on it just to keep in touch with people and chill, that’s cool. If you go on it just to get as many friends as possible and be a celebrity….”

There you have it. Yes, the band does run its own page. And they are the ones writing the blogs telling you off. In a recent entry, Watkins hilariously confronts everyone who has thrown the dreaded “emo” word their way:

“So, I’ve noticed a lot of silly comments recently throwing inane accusations around, and accusing us of somehow 'selling out' and 'changing',” he begins, continuing, “The basis for this unrest seems to be the idea that we have somehow turned 'emo.’ Now ignoring for a second that most of these kid’s don’t even know what the real term 'emo' means, and even then it doesn’t really exist anyway, what makes them think that we have changed?”


They have however, had one massive change. During the writing process for Libertation Transmission, drummer Mike Chiplin left the band “to pursue other musical opportunities.” Watkins, Gaze and Chiplin, along with guitarist Mike Lewis and keyboardist/programmer Jamie Oliver, all grew up together and formed the band almost ten years ago. It contributed to the amicable split.

When it came time to record the album, everybody’s favorite drummer-to-the-rescue, Josh Freese (A Perfect Circle), took his place behind the kit. The ‘prophets have yet to name a permanent replacement, but it looks like 17 year-old IIan Rubin will have the honor. After referrals from a few friends, the Welshmen decided to check out the lad at the tip of everyone’s tongues. “One day we were in LA, doing pre-production, and he lives in San Diego, so we were like ‘Hey, why don’t you come up for a day?’ We didn’t think anything of it. Lee was like ‘Why are we even doing this?’ But after playing with him for about an hour, it was kinda obvious that he was just amazing,” tells Watkins.

How does Rubin feel about joining an internationally acclaimed band? “He was the youngest person ever to play Woodstock. He’s in the Guinness Book of World Records and he’s been on Warped Tour for the past six years, filling in for Good Charlotte and NOFX, so he’s had a lot of experience,” informs Watkins, who originally was the lostprophets drummer until he stepped up to the mic.

The band introduced Rubin, a protégé of Blink 182’s Travis Barker, to fans with a smashing drum solo during their comeback performance, headlining the Big Day Out festival in the UK. The set included the anthemic new single, “Rooftops."
The song, inspired by a scene in the movie Garden State, “Is one of the simplest songs we’ve written,” reveals Watkins, the sole lyricist of the band. It will also be released to radio, something that wasn’t done for any of the songs on Start Something. It was a conscious effort agreed by the band and its management,Q Prime (Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Metallica), to keep them off the radar until they built up a big enough fanbase to make the jump to mainstream, and avoid any lumping with teeny bopper bands like Fall Out Boy.

Do they feel the pressure burning now? Not at all, according to the frontman. “We’re in a place where we’ve done the independent label and the indie records. We want to succeed for ourselves. We’ve always wanted to get our music out to as many people as possible.”

Visible Noise still distributes the lostprophets in the UK. Beginning on an indie, Gaze feels, is integral to a band’s success. “Major labels don’t have the time to let you grow.”

The lostprophets formed because they didn’t hear what they wanted to hear in other bands. “We don’t write for anybody other than ourselves. If other people like it, then cool,” they say.

“Fans who still moan don’t like change,” the quiet Gaze contributes.

The band had to confront change during the recording process, thanks to Rock. “Dealing with Bob Rock was a big challenge, but he was awesome,” admits Watkins. “Other than that, just focusing in on getting the best songs out,” was another obstacle. “We had a lot of ideas and it was about just stripping those ideas back to where it was more focused on real songs.”

Sought after producer Butch Walker was also considered for the role. “We actually had a meeting with him. He was a really cool guy. We hung out with him a few times when he was in LA. Ultimately, we decided to just go all out. He’s a songwriter more than a producer. We didn’t need anybody to write our songs, but he’s a really cool guy.”

With Rock, the album was recorded in Vancouver, Los Angeles and Hawaii. “A Town Called Hypocrisy,” “Everybody’s Screaming,” and possibly “Can’t Catch Tomorrow (Good Shoes Won’t Save You This Time)” are being thrown around as singles. The one track that will definitely shock old school fans upon its release is “4:AM Forever.” The ballad, like a few other tracks, reveal signs of heartbreak in Watkins’ recent past, as he pours out the lyrics “Yesterday I lost my closest friend… I just let you slip away.”

The lyrics also reflect other matters the band has dealt with. In the opening track, “Everyday Combat,” the first words spoken are “Bar fight, week night.” That’s something bassist Stuart Richardson can relate to, as he is the only member of the band who ventures out into the nightlife in their hometown of Pontypridd (Watkins, Gaze and Lewis refer to themselves as straight-edge). When jealous drunks tried to beat him up recently, he turned the tables on them and emerged victorious.
Then there are the feuds in the media, which UK journalists are well known for fabricating between bands. “I’m sick of watching my mouth with everybody looking at me,” sings Watkins in “Everybody’s Screaming.” Today he says “Whatever, I don’t really care about any of it to be honest.”

In “For All These Times Son, For All These Times,” (“Part of where you’re going is knowing where you’re coming from”) and “A Town Called Hypocrisy,” (“There’s no pride to be found when you follow sheep around”), lostprophets pretty much sum up what the band is all about. They are leaders, not followers, and have remained humble through all their success. It’s something Watkins feels you need to do until you prove yourself.

They have never let go of their working class roots, and have a hand in everything from designing merch to their Web site. Oliver and Watkins collaborated on the cover design for Liberation Transmission, and Lewis recently created signature sneakers that will available from sponsor Ordinary Clothing’s newest venture- Corinthian’s Shoes.

They may be jocks of all trades, but the lostprophets shine best on stage. They’ll be embarking on a US tour this October with Finnish superstars, HIM. But for now, it’s on to another interview. Watkins, who slept uncomfortably the night before and complains,

“I can’t even fuckin’ turn my head,” will pay a visit to a massage therapist first. Before leaving, he invites fans to “Check out our MySpace. Come and say hi.”

His final words of wisdom? Watkins reveals the biggest life lesson he’s learned since lostprophets became successful: “Fuck ‘em if they can’t take a joke.”

* By Joelle, who has been hooked on Lostprophets upon first listen and was very excited when Lee used a picture she took of him as his main photo on MySpace back when MySpace was a little known site.

10 Minutes in the Ladies Room with Kill Hannah's Mat Devine

* I'm going thru the PV archives and realized since I took all the editorial off PlanetVerge.com, and this interview never made it to print, it won't see the light of day it deserves... So without further adieu....



Interview by Joelle

Mat Devine is leaning against a sink in the dimly lit women’s room of The Starland Ballroom, sending a text message with chipped white-polished nails. “I can text really rapidly,” he proclaims pre-interview. His time managing skills must be a result of the constant demands on him, as the singer for Kill Hannah, one of indie rock’s most wanted.

Mix The Cure’s Robert Smith, Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor and Depeche Mode’s Martin Gore in a blender with The Smashing Pumpkins and Psychedelic Furs, and you’ve got the dirtied up, American cocktail for your ears Kill Hannah exudes.
Thanks to the single, “Lips Like Morphine,” off their sophomore Atlantic Records release, “Until There’s Nothing Left of Us,” Kill Hannah have broken back into the public eye. There was a time when perhaps no one thought that would happen. After all, it’s been four years since the band’s debut, “For Never and Ever,” which spawned the smash hit “Kennedy.” But now Kill Hannah are finally getting the push they deserve.

“For Never and Ever,” according to the band, was eleven songs of basically untapped potential. “10 More Minutes With You” and “Boys and Girls” could have taken on radio chart-toppers, if released then, or even today. They’re that good. But there’s no use dwelling on the past, as Devine has learned.
“If you allow things like that to frustrate you, you’ll never get out of bed,” he says, holding the tape recorder close to his mouth, as he doesn’t trust recording devices.

“The way major labels work is so irrational and so hard to comprehend. It used to really drive me crazy until I realized that I can’t change it and it’s just getting upset for a hurricane or something that you can’t control. I’ve always believed that if I could run a record label for a month, I would probably save them about $25 million. I think there are a lot of crappy bands that get a lot of attention and labels waste a lot of money on really horrible bands. In a perfect world, the most powerful people would have the best taste and the best common sense, but it’s just not that way.”

He does, however, make sure Kill Hannah is projected in the way the band wants.
“We do everything. We design our own merch. We did the last album cover and CD packaging, a lot of our Web site, our MySpace page… We’re very hands on.”

Devine has lived and breathed his band since it first formed ten years ago. “We’ve stayed together the first half of our career because it’s all I ever thought about,” he reveals. “I was probably the driving force behind it. I was so focused on it that nothing could break up the band because I did almost everything.”

He continues, “I had really good friends and really talented people around me helping, but as other things came up, whether its relationships, work, family, travel or whatever, we started to take the band more seriously. The members of the band became much more professional from the musicianship to the dedication. For the second half of our career, we stayed together mainly through because it took so long to assemble the right band, that’s just really it. We didn’t compromise. Everybody in this band is essential and we lean on and inspire each other.”

Then he smiles and says, “Also, we’re fucked now. We don’t have jobs and we don’t have insurance, so there’s no where else we can go. So I guess it’s a combination of being really into our band and also having no choice. We trapped each other.”
However, feeling trapped is hardly the driving force behind Devine. It’s rather a genetic predisposition, he says, that propels him to create art, whether it be working on a film or writing song lyrics.

While in college, Devine majored in English for two years, then art/photography, followed by film and video. It was also there that he met Hannah Ekberg, the girl who broke his heart and inspired the band’s name.

Today, the tables have turned and girl’s hearts flutter and sigh every time they see him on stage, ask for an autograph and then must bid him adieu. Devine laughs when told that when Planet Verge sent out a bulletin asking fans to send in their burning questions for Kill Hannah, every single one of them was along the lines of “Ask the singer if he’ll marry me/wants my number, etc.”

However, fan interaction is vital in the Kill Hannah camp. Devine and his band mates (Greg Corner- bass, Jonathan Radtke- guitar, Dan Wiese- guitar) believe that maintaining a relationship with their fans is everything.

“It’s been really important since day one. We have kept printed e-mails going back to the late 90s that kids sent us. From the very beginning, we responded to everything very personally and we took so much time and effort. Now it’s really impossible to do that. But, with MySpace comments and if they’re sincere, we write them back. If it’s not someone in the band, it’s someone who works closely with the band,” he confirms.

Kill Hannah are also relying on the good ‘ol Internet to pave the way for their next single, “Crazy Angel.” Devine promises the concept for the video is “awesome,” and if all goes as well, the song will prove ten times bigger than “Lips Like Morphine.”
He describes the plan starting with “The single gets pushed first through Internet marketing, then to Internet radio, then commercial radio and hopefully the video will begin getting some air. If it’s done well enough, hopefully it’ll be a viral video. If people stick to the marketing plan that I just saw a week ago, then three months from now, people will start talking about the song “Crazy Angel,” whether you’ve seen the video or heard it.”

For now, Devine is focused on finishing up this tour with Papa Roach and It Dies Today. Tomorrow will be the last day and a lot of pranks are planned. But those won’t be the highlights when he looks back on these past few weeks. His favorite part of touring is actually outside the venue. “When I go wander by myself and find some weird part of town, weird stores or restaurants and meet someone cool,” he explains.

One recent city that really struck a chord with Devine is Asbury Park, New Jersey. “You can’t wander that far in Asbury Park without a body guard or something,” he half jokes.

“But that place is just a music video waiting to happen. Decrepit old scary buildings… A place that was once designed for amusement is now a hotbed for crack trade. It’s such a bizarre contradiction. And plus, it’s on the ocean. Where else is beachfront property worth nothing?”

Next month, Kill Hannah will embark on a UK tour and they’ll be plenty more streets to wander. While Devine hints that another really big tour is being worked out, one thing is for certain, Kill Hannah will capture everyone in their path.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Model for a Day

When my friend sent me a pass-along e-mail from Marie Claire magazine's Shopping Editor, Zoe Glassner, seeking 101 "real women" to model 101 holiday dresses, I replied for the hell of it. I didn't give it a second thought until they contacted me to actually take part in it!

So I burried my fear of having a group of people staring at me (I'm shockingly shy at times) and went. I had to arrive at the shoot with NO MAKEUP, which meant venturing to NYC behind big sunglasses. I've never left the house less than perfect for something where I'm going to interact with people. So it was a big deal. My friend warned me they might take a "before" picture, which thankfully they didn't.

Also lucky for me was that the photographer directed me exactly what to do so I didn't have to do any dance crap up there. I seriously freaked a bit when I saw girls having to do that but I got a prop to sit on! And I didn't have to wear a dress from the GAP, which was the original plan they had. I actually got to play up a goth look (and had to have make-up redone cause it was "too goth" originally).

It was fun to get hair and make-up done for a day and be the one infront of the camera for once. Pick up the Dec. issue with Nicole Kidman on the cover. Or check out this picture I stole off the Web.

Loud and Proud- Joelle is a Backstreet Boys Fan

I've been waiting a while to review the new Backstreet Boys CD because I really wanted to devour the album before I made any public comments. While I'm very proud of myself for not holding an obsessive countdown until the release date (actually I barely even paid attention to the fact that a new CD was in the works and I didn't even listen to it the day it came out!), I will admit a bit of BSB fever hit me once I actually got my hands on Unbreakable. But still, I couldn't review it right away. If I did, my story would begin with flashbacks to my younger days when my best friend (who pleaded with me to remain nameless at present time--ahem, Noelle) and I would awake at 4 am only to sit wrapped in blankets outdoor Ticketmasters in a snowstorm until doors opened and we could purchase BSB concert tix.



It would recall my intrigue with the group before they even released their break-thru single, "Quit Playin' Games," because I read about them in British magazines. You would feel my pain as I told you that the first NYC appearance for the Boys was also during my vacation to California. And how I sent Noelle with a video camera to the Virgin Mega Store autograph signing. But instead of getting me phootage of the group, I was welcomed home with video of girls trampling her.

Perhaps I'd post some embarressingly old pictures of us and the band backstage at Hammerstein Ballroom for their first NYC show. And blush as I revealed that AJ told me "Damn, you smell good girl!" Or cringe at the cost we paid for floor seats at
AJ's solo "Johnny No Name" tour.

Ok I'm going to stop now because the rest would just diminsh the level of professionalism in this industry we have both worked like dogs to achieve.

Back to the music.

Backstreet are born entertainers. They're not here to change the musical landscape, or let's be honest, credibility. When those guys hit the stage, it's to put on a show, just like the dancers in Vegas. Yes, I wish the group wrote ALL the lyrics they croon, but it's just not going to happen. Neither is them playing their own instruments. Come on, how would they pull off those skilled shoe-shakin' moves if they had to strum guitars or were locked down behind a drum kit? So all the neysayers, shove it. You're missing out on a guilty pleasure.

However, I feel no shame and will scream it from any front row- I am a Backstreet Boys fan. I grew up with them and even though I'm now a 26 year-old engaged music publicist/editor for an extremely reputable company, that love of timeless Pop music has not faded. Nor has my little-girl crush on the group's badboy, AJ Mclean. But at least now I can give him a run for his money with tattoos.

So let's talk about AJ for a minute. As the member with the strongest, most distinctive voice, it was only natural to have him open up the new album singing an acapella track that nicely ties together with the closing track.




Though I would have advised a little more fine-tuning before the release of the BSB comeback album--like making sure each and every track made a statement that said "this group is not going anywhere," I really enjoy it. Nothing really diverts from the band's classic signature sound, but only a few tracks can really back up a reasoning for that. "Trouble Is" and "Unsuspecting Sunday Afternoon" are extremely beautiful songs with Top 10 written all over them.

One shocking event was finding out that 'N Sync member, JC, co-wrote and arranged vocals on the track "Treat Me Right." At first I was dissapointed by the result of the collaboration and expected more of a giant Pop song. But over numerous listens, I've really come to appreciate it. And no one can write a Pop song better than Butch Walker anyway.

I wish I could say I miss Kevin Richardson, who chose not to reunite with the group for this album. But sadly, he was never given the chance to become a distinctive member of the group. Yet, he had a better voice then heart-throb Nick Carter, who gets a lot of the leads.

Thankfully, there are no filler songs so corny that I feel embarresed for them just listening to it. You know, like "The Perfect Fan," from past efforts?

I even think that releasing "Inconsolable" as the first single may not have been the greatest idea. Yes, it's a catchy hit. But it's the safe bet and not too far away from the lead single "Incomplete" off their last release. A&R at the label should have went with "Unsuspecting Sunday Afternoon" instead. The lyrics are so touching that I can picture a singer-songwriter releasing it and getting a Number One Hit. AND all four members co-wrote it. Why won't someone just let them take control? This song is better than any other on the album, that pro songwriters were brought in to craft. Come on! The label could have even done some radio teasers and played the acapella intro because it says "no matter what you think, these are four talented vocalists."

That's the bottom line.

I can't wait to catch the live show. Hang up your skinny jeans and stuck up nose and maybe I'll see you there!

Love,
Joelle

SPOTLIGHT FEATURE...

CHAOSIS



I will be honest, I have in fact been putting off writing this article. I have been putting it off until this point because what is the point in writing about the fully bloomed flower until its ACTUALLY a flower? There is no point, you wouldn't.

You really wanna read this article. Trust me.

My freshman year in high school (which feels like 2847305209 years ago) I met a boy named Jay. We became great friends, and he showed me things about the music world that I would have never ever been exposed to if it weren't for him. Boys and girls, you have him to thank for this whole music journalism thing... Thanks Jay. Anyways, as time went on our friendship faded in and out, but during that time (about 2 years ago) Jay put together a band and they named it Chaosis. It is with all the pride and honor in the world that I now write about them...

Chaosis is made up of Rudy (bass and vocals), Mason (guitar), John (guitar and vocals), and Jay (drums). Since the bands conception they have gone through the expected phases that any band that's starting up would go through, they hit bumps in the road and I'm sure have been about to break up about 67 times. Now, however, they are more solid than a lot of major label bands I know. They play with confidence and practice as if they are performing. Their sound has gone from being a group of gifted musicians to a talented mature sounding band.

Their EP which was self entitled blew me away, not knowing what to expect, I listened to it completely subjectively. They were able to capture and suspend melodic riffs and vocals in moments that would leave your jaw on the floor. Songs such as 'Chaosis' and 'Astronaughty' (a personal fav) truly give you a feel for the bands' vibe and sentiment. For a bunch of teenagers just looking to stumble upon talent and make a band successful, I think that have done more than that. I would recommend them to anyone.

Chaosis has truly rose from underdog new band to well respected band of musician status. They have played shows at the world famous Stone Pony, The Saint, Chubby's, the Kevin Says! Stage at the 2007 Vans Warped Tour, and numerous other known venues along the eastern seaboard.

For me, Chaosis is more than music; to their fans, they are fun loving and an inspiration for anyone who may want to start a band. Where they are going to end up? If they continue like this, I believe they will be at the top along side their inspirations. Each member brings something to the table, but they all feed off of each others drive and will to be better and to explore new avenues...and my friends, THAT is what separates a band from a successful band.

They are playing their last show of the year on November 24th at the Internet Cafe in Red Bank. You should go, seriously. Go to the show and LISTEN to them. Buy their album and HEAR them.

Thank you. Good luck, my friends.

By Amanda who doesn't know what she would do without her freshman year.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Happy Birthday, Jess!

Jessica's too modest to tell everyone it's her 21st b-day today, so I'm gonna do it for her, even though it makes me feel really old.

What better way to celebrate than at a Butch Walker show?



Yep, so come bring Jess come cookies (Lord knows she bakes enough cakes for everyone else!) and hang out with us PV girls on Saturday night. Jen is even flying in from MN for Butch's Maxwells show because it's just gonna be THAT good.

Wait, read our report on it and you'll see.

*Joelle, who likes to spend Sundays at the dog park, even though her dog isn't too find of the mingling.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Whooooooooa (NO!)

I really want to know what the big friggin' deal is about Paramore. To me, they sound like Panic! At the Disco with a girl singer, and I think Panic! are grossly overrated as is. Frankly, if you have a punctuation mark in your band name (and are not a member of !!!, who are actually good), you're probably a bunch of pretentious, monotonous douchebags.

Hayley Williams does have a strong voice, but that's the only thing that makes her otherwise cookie cutter band unique. Their lyrics aren't profound, their live show isn't groundbreaking, and their material just isn't as mindblowing as I find people (read: tween girls with studded belts) make it out to be.

Also on my mediocre-to-shit list:

- The Honorary Title. I don't care if their frontman is or was dating Kelly Osbourne. Ozzy's money can't buy you a hook.

- Stores putting up Christmas displays before Thanksgiving. Why are we in such a rush? Life is so SHORT!

- Kanye West, for not putting his "Bittersweet" collaboration with my husband (shut up, a girl can dream) John Mayer on Graduation; but a bigger one to his mom's plastic surgeon. Godspeed, bro.

- The Junior Varsity for only just recently confirming their breakup, as well as for breaking up to begin with.

- And any band who feels the need to put their hidden tracks twenty minutes after the last song on a record.


*By Jess, who is excited for Monday!

Troy Akers: Musical Gold in the ♥ of Nashville



This past Tuesday I went to the small, local venue/eatery Christopher's Pizza. A place known for its intimate setting for small bands and acoustic performances (I hear the pizza's not bad, too). The room was filled with Belmont University students. The man they came to see was Troy Akers, a fellow Belmont student, Starbucks employee, and singer/songwriter. Hmm...sound like anyone you know? The struggling music student employed by a coffee shop?

As Akers approached the stage, I couldn't help but notice his small frame, tall hair, big boots, tight jeans, and a fashionable vest. He is all that is known as "the Nashville scene," and no, I don't mean that as a compliment. I sat there hoping his music had more originality than his apparel. Although, I must say original music seems difficult to accomplish in a town full of posers and indie rock (not to mention cliche country songs and John Mayer followers galore).

Akers quickly sits behind a keyboard and 2 violinists join him on stage. Already, I'm impressed. Perhaps he is different from the usual young, good-looking guy and his acoustic guitar. In fact, there's no guitars at all. Akers introduces the show with an introduction song...no, really. He sings a welcoming tune and I can't figure out if he's kidding or serious, so I refrain from giggling too loudly.

As his set goes on, I can't help but smile as I feel I'm one of the firsts to experience this musical gold. He is by far one of the best local performers I've seen to date. I also can't help but smile as I notice Akers dimples form with each note he intensely sings.

To sum up Troy Akers show: beautiful vocals, intelligent lyrics, and talent bursting from the stage and pouring into the audiences ears. This is why I go to shows, this is why I write reviews, this is why I'm still around the music industry. Simply put...raw talent!

For more information on Troy Akers, visit his solo Myspace at: www.myspace.com/troyakersmusic
Or visit his band's site at:
www.myspace.com/kennedyrock

Other artists that played that night that I HIGHLY recommend are:
Katie Ro and The Most - www.myspace.com/katieroandthemost (listen to the track "jack and jill")
Matt Dragstrem - www.myspace.com/dragstrem (listen to "south of chicago")

LOVEHATEHERO



It’s such a cliché to start an interview/article off like this, but I truly feel the need…I had the divine opportunity to chat with the guys in the SoCal punk/rock/screamo band LoveHateHero… Really guys, it was amazing. Going into the interview knew two things 1. Their album (which you obviously need to buy if you aren’t rocking out to it already) “White Lies” is above and beyond something you can normally expect from an artist in their genre and 2. They bring the 15 year old girls out screaming. The band is made up of Pierrick(vocals), Paris(bass), Kevin(guitar), and Scott(drums).

After gathering all the guys together we made our way to the freezing cold balcony where the oh-so-adorable (and mighty flirtatious) Paris (bassist) offered me his jacket and our interview…no, journey began. With every interview I find that there is usually a flow to it or the ‘interviewee’ knows when to wrap up their answer and wait for the next question I muster up to be unveiled, however, with these guys we had no such situation…it was free flowing and very conversational. As my questions and their questions were unrolling and evolving, I was discovering more and more about them and my respect for them as artist(s) was growing by the second. They are normal, really cool dudes.

They are a band that can truly say that they have been through it all. After having band members depart, they kept their stuff together and forged on to create what we know have the opportunity to enlighten our ears with, ‘White Lies.’ While they have had their fair share of struggles and a band, however, they claim their biggest embarrassment to this point is…well, Paris. They claim now to be together and have a really solid feeling about the band and the final line-up of members.

LoveHateHero has such a unique sound for their genre. It is hard to describe it unless you hear it for yourself, then you will really understand. While I absolutely love their CD (I would have to say that my favorite song off it is Amity), the live performance that they put on is definitely a strength. Having the talen on an album is one thing, being able to pull it off live is another...and they can do it. Their musically maturity has grown with this album and you can hear the vocal power that their front man Pierrick brings to the group as well as the melodic marriage between each other members’ parts. Pierrick's vocals can bring goosebumps to your skin while the instrumentals send chills down your spine. The pretty intense sounding guitar solo's could definitely go up against those of the best of the best in metal. LoveHateHero is no doubt in my mind a TREMENDOUS live band. Saints and Sinners was a great place for them to showcase that.


I had the opportunity to spend sometime with the guys outside the interview and in a somewhat normal setting. They are fun loving, spontaneous, funny, caring, and daring. Each personality brings a twist to the table. After getting to know them I found that their music really reflects them. All artists say that they put themselves into their music, but sometimes they just say that and they go a head and try and write an album that will sell…not the case here. They don’t hide who they are. Their album is honest, and their performance kicks ass. Go see them.


(in picture:band+crew)

Their future is bright, and they made no mention of slowing down anytime soon. Something that they were sure to drive home was that they genuinely love their fans, they are very active with their own self-promotion and they love to meet the people that listen to them.



By Amanda who misses hanging out with LHH

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

BANG CAMARO!


If you are reading this article and wondering to yourself (or maybe the person sitting next to you) who the hell is Bang Camaro? Get savvy.

I was fortunate enough to talk to ALL 28472409 members of the ultra unique, ass kicking rockability of Bang Camaro. We sat around a table discussing everything from most embarrassing moment to favorite album of all time to where they would want to play their LAST show ever. Let me just say- shy, they are not. By the end of the interview I had successfully determined that there is a good chance that Bang Camaro could take over the world, then I thought again and realized that they already are the world, next is the universe....hey, they have enough men in the band to do it.

Saints and Sinners brings out the best in the genres of alternative rock, punk rock, a more 'metalish' rock, and screamo. After checking out Bang Camaro's performance, I officially understand why they were there. With all the members playing a vital role in the bands overall sound, they fill your ears with inter genre gymnastics (boys and girls, describing the indescribable is relatively difficult). Playing songs that make you wanna sing along, scream and dance all at once is what makes them so freakin' awesome. Their performance is packed with as much personality as they have when they are off the stage.

When I asked them about embarrassing moments, they had a plethora of stories and to hell was I going to stop them in the middle of one. Between disappearing when you are supposed to be home for dinner, family members think you're a 'missing persons' and nearly getting deported... Where should I start?

This is a band with too many members to mention them all and do them justice, and with all that positive energy and talent, it does not seem like they are going to be fading out of the scene anytime soon. In five years where do they see themselves? Hopefully still doing what they are doing now. Its not just them hoping that. I can see great things for them, and I wish them all the very, very best. Musically they are a trip...for sure. On a personal/interview level, they are a whole vacation.

The charismatic nature of this band made it difficult to keep a straight face, and by the end of the interview, my stomach muscles hurt from laughing so hard. You need to check them out.

www.bangcamaro.com

By Amanda who is a little upset about her camera.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Manchester Orchestra's Golden Ticket

This was not the typical 21st birthday for a young musician. No crazy drinks, no fancy strip clubs ... in fact, Manchester Orchestra's lead singer Andy Hull was actually talking to his mom and sister just before walking onstage at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis. When I read the news of a Manchester Orchestra headlining tour - I was ecstatic! I saw them once earlier this year and they, unfortunately, played with such a huge line-up of bands that by the time they got started, they were already done. I had tickets to see them here later in the year with Colour Revolt - but, as history has it - the 35W bridge collapsed on my way there that night and I couldn't get across the river. It's hard to believe Andy is turning a mere 21 as his lyrics suggest life experience expanding beyond that young stage.


It's rare that I find an album that grabs my attention and actually holds it for an extended period of time. There happened to be a Manchester Orchestra single on a PASTE sampler I received some time ago and I actually remember glancing over it and thinking - 'Paste put classical music on here?!!?' ... seemed odd to me ... but, from the moment I played that first Manchester Orchestra song, it was apparent that this music product is far from what their band name suggests. I immediately purchased their album "I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child" and I've literally had this on repeat for months. This album is not classical at all - it's one of the most well written pieces of indie rock art I've had grace my ears all year!

Manchester Orchestra has had a busy year. After being listed as one of Rolling Stone's top 10 bands to watch - they accompanied Brand New, Piebald, Colour Revolt, and Kings of Leon on nationwide tours and they also joined the stages at Bonnaroo and SXSW! They traveled to the UK for both the Reading and the Leeds festivals ... AND they even made an appearance on David Letterman! Their live show has often been compared to that of My Morning Jacket, but - in my opinion - it's much better. Andy Hull is captivating during his performance. He was born for the stage and it's obvious the deeper you get into a Manchester Orchestra set. The pure emotion Andy brings to his songs is reason enough to see this band live. In fact, I really don't remember anyone else in the band sticking out during the whole show (except for keyboardist Chris Freeman because at one point I thought he was having a seizure onstage - but realized that's just the way he plays). I really love when a crowd respects an artist or band enough to be completely still during slower songs. At times, the crowd actually sang Andy's words louder than himself ... but, when it came down to the slower intimate songs, you could hear a pin drop as the audience was so quiet and so focused on Andy's intensity. Manchester Orchestra really isn't anything different or new sounding .. but, I think they bring such a unique passion to their music and that alone gets addicting. At times the lyrics seem a little religious but despite this - MO insists they are not a christian band.


Manchester Orchestra formed in 2005 in Atlanta, GA. Drummer, Jeremiah Edmond is actually a studio engineer and has worked on some amazing projects (Bubba Sparxxx to name one). Jeremiah is also one of the founding members of Favorite Gentlemen Recordings - which happens to be the label that MO graces. Andy Hull has also found time to pursue a side project which he calls 'Right Away, Great Captain!' The first album under this pseudonym is an acoustic album which incorporates a storyline about a sailor that leaves his family and Andy wrote it with the direction to be the "saddest record possible". Not many are familiar with this hushed album as Andy doesn't want to take away attention from Manchester Orchestra. He's so humble he even wears his own merch onstage and orders the audience "if you're going to buy one of our shirts - please, don't do that ... purchase albums for the bands we are touring with instead because it's such great music".

I encourage you to take time to give Manchester Orchestra a listen and take a peek at some lyrics. My personal favorite songs are 'Now That You're Home', 'Where Have You Been', and 'I Can Barely Breathe'. During the live performance of 'Where Have You Been', The Annuals ran back onstage with individual drums and jammed along in a drumline-like fashion. It was totally incredible and engulfing. This is honestly one of my favorite live shows of the year and one of my favorite albums. I promise it will not disappoint!

Lastly, the Annuals (from Raleigh, NC) opened for Manchester Orchestra! I was a little distracted at first by the lead guitar player, Kenny Florence - as he bears a crazy resemblance to American Idol singer Sanjaya. Perhaps it was the low lighting or his long hair, but Kenny really did sorta look like Sanjaya. Anyways, Kenny is one of the best guitar players I have ever seen - and, that alone is enough to check out a live Annuals show! Ladies, lead singer, Adam Baker, is quite the eye candy catch at times as well!


*by Jen Panczenko, who is super pumped the Packers won today!

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

This is not a straight-edge preaching post.

It is, however, one begging you to consider who else you're hurting when you abuse yourself.

I am tired of not being able to sleep. I am tired of seeing people cry. I am tired of wearing black. I am tired of carrying around copious amounts of Kleenex. I am tired of buying sympathy cards and sending fruit baskets for something so flagrantly avoidable.

I am tired of my friends dying of drug overdoses.

Yes, it can happen to you. And when it does, it also happens to everyone who loves you. Think about your parents, your grandparents, your boyfriend, your girlfriend, your husband, your wife, your friends, your children, your colleagues, and how much they're going to suffer because you wanted to have a little more energy to party the night before.

And to those of you who are too scared to call an ambulance when you're witnessing your friends having seizures and OD'ing? Get over it. You can get a slap on the wrist, or you can live the rest of your life knowing you watched someone die. It shouldn't be a difficult decision to make.

With that, I will step off of my soapbox and pray someone sees this and declines a line tonight.


*By Jess, who, on a lighter note, is obsessed with Jay-Z's American Gangster album.

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Save the orangutans because they are awesome.

Joelle and I have huge soft spots for animals, and let's face it, I don't have them for much else. I urge you to help the orangutans, because they are awesome, and because they're related to us. Actually, maybe not. I'm trying to figure out if the men I've dated are proof of the missing link or if they completely disprove natural selection. In any case, please copy and paste this (or use the one on the site--I tweaked mine a bit, obviously) and use it to harass your representatives. The site automatically inputs it for you once your address is entered, and they won't harass YOU in return. Sweet deal, right?


As a fan of fellow primates as well as an awesome human being, I strongly urge you to co-sponsor the Wyden-Alexander Amendment to the Federal Farm Bill.

This amendment would make it a crime in America to knowingly import, sell, buy or transport illegally-sourced wood and wood products. Would you sell a stolen car? No, because it's illegal. Same idea, right? In addition:

Illegal logging triggers a chain of events that results in further deforestation, large fires and carbon emissions. This reckless and unregulated logging often occurs in national parks and indigenous reserves, destroying large areas of intact habitat many critically endangered species need to survive. For example...

* Indonesia is undergoing some of the most rapid deforestation in the world, up to 88% of which is illegal. A recent U.N. report declared a state of emergency for the orangutan, predicting the species could go extinct within the next 20 years. Illegal logging has recently taken place in 37 of Indonesia's 41 national parks, some of the last strongholds of the endangered orangutan. These numbers? Not awesome.

* The Amazon Basin, home to a rich biodiversity which includes jaguars, ocelots and macaws, is under severe threat due to the illegal logging of mahogany. An estimated 80% of exported Peruvian mahogany is illegally sourced. This constitutes a grave threat for indigenous people, who often fall victim to novel diseases and violent confrontations with illegal loggers. ILLEGAL loggers: Not awesome.

* In the Congo Basin, the illegal timber trade is associated with the illegal trade in wild-caught meat, or bushmeat, including gorillas, chimpanzees and other protected species. In addition to the risk of extinction for wildlife, the bushmeat trade poses a serious disease risk to the local human population, as documented by recent outbreaks of the Ebola virus and other zoonotic diseases associated with the handling and consumption of bushmeat, which are not awesome.

* In the Russian Far East, approximately 50% of timber harvested is sourced illegally. This contributes to lasting corruption within state forest management and the timber industry in addition to endangering local wildlife. Illegal logging in the Russian Far East has been linked to the future risk of extinction for the Amur leopard and the Siberian tiger, and those risks are not awesome.

The insatiable demand for cheap wood products and luxury hardwoods in the United States, Europe and Japan is driving illegal logging operations worldwide. Yet America has no law against importing illegally harvested wood into the U.S. That is not awesome!

The Wyden-Alexander Amendment to the Federal Farm Bill will give enforcement agencies a powerful tool in the fight against illegal timber traffickers and increase the risks associated with illegal timber trade without creating more obstacles for legal trade, thus leveling the playing field for businesses that already do things the right way. Score one for fair capitalism!

The diverse groups and people supporting this amendment include major industry representatives, labor and human rights proponents, environmental organizations, and Jessica Sager, who I hear is awesome.

It's time to let criminal timber barons know that America won't subsidize their destruction of vital wildlife habitat. I strongly urge you to support inclusion of the Wyden-Alexander Amendment in the Federal Farm Bill and take this vital step to protect habitat for the world's disappearing wildlife.

Thank you for considering my views on this issue, because they are awesome.

Truly,
Jessica Sager

It's a Bitch, Brit

The new Britney Spears is so bad! Poor girl. My whole office is listening to an illegal stream of the album now (ironic as we are a music company) and are just cringing! However, we just put on Spice Girls "Now Return," (unofficial release due 12/07) that got leaked and the first song is cool. Deff. add it to your guilty pleasure list. The rest of the songs are just Xmas, live, not that good, etc. But let's hear it for the long awaited comeback of cheesy pop anyway! I'll tell you my Backstreet Boys verdict soon.



*Joelle, who loves the movie Spiceworld