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

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Rock 'n Recession

For anyone who hasn’t heard, several 90s bands are headlining reunion tours this summer, including Blink 182, Limp Bizkit and Jane’s Addiction in a summer of nostalgia. Blink arguably hit the height of their popularity with 1999’s Enema of the State, which was pretty much the soundtrack for my senior year of high school. Thanks, Blink. While Limp Bizkit inexplicably put out albums well into the 2000s, the band peaked in 1999 with Significant Other. Jane’s Addition suffered a tumultuous relationship throughout the 90s and as a result, sprinkled the decade with their alt-rock tunes.

The new wave of 90s influence led the COO of Nederlander Concerts to tell Rolling Stone “[i]t’s a great time to be in a Nineties band” (Issue 1075, pg 24). RS cites the successful tours of other 90s acts Stone Temple Pilots and My Bloody Valentine in 2008 as evidence that the market for the 10 to 15 year-old music is growing and the audience is primed for all of these tours in the coming months. The magazine also uses a market researcher to argue that the original fanbase “Generation X’ers now have a lot of discretionary income… and now they’re starting to focus on themselves.”

Happy as I am that my high-school years are coming back into vogue, I have my doubts about how well these tours will be received. First, the expectation that Generation X is going to carry these tours shows a misunderstanding of where the original fans came from. In 1999, Generation X (traditionally defined as the kids born from 1965 to 1979) ranged in age from 20 to 34 years old. I’m going to go on a limb and say that there weren’t a lot of mid-30 year olds moshing to Fred Durst and his “Nookie.” The next generation up on the other hand, Gen Y, was turning 11 and 19 and still had access to their parents’ generosity during a huge economic boom in the US. The lines of minivans waiting outside these concerts where parents waited to pick up their high schoolers were epic.

Irritating as I find this generation fallacy, the argument that previous bands’ successes and “discretionary income” will propel these bands to tour stardom is most questionable. As you may have noticed, 2009 is not 2008. The ability of STP to earn impressive ticket sales in 2008 may or may not be indicative of their peers’ potential to do the same one year and one massive recession later. STP tickets went on sale when the recession was a whisper among economists and cable news. Spending was stable and unemployment growing, but slowly and predictably.

Compare this to today’s economy that has shed over 600,000 jobs each month for the last three months, with no end in sight. Unemployment has hit 8.1% and the core audience (25-34 year olds) is even worse with unemployment at 8.7%. This time last year the figures were 4.8% and 4.9%, respectively. “Discretionary income” isn’t really a consideration for the unemployed. Even for those who still have an income have become less eager to spend it. Adjusted for inflation, February’s consumer spending was up down 0.2% from January.

For those who don’t enjoy economic data as much as I do, put it this way: sh*t’s gone bad. The fear in the consumer is palpable in numbers and just walking past any given storefront. The “Going Out of Business Sale” and “75% Discount” signs are ubiquitous in Manhattan and around the country. “Retail Space for Lease” signs are also multiplying by the day as business clear out of their pricey Midtown locations. This is not a good time to try and sell anything, including $60 tickets to a band fans saw a decade ago.

This recession is compared to the Great Depression and the big hit taken in the early 80’s (Jan ’80 – July ’80 and July ’81 – Nov ’82). For those of us who rocked “What’s My Age Again” on the way to cheerleading practice, this will (hopefully) be the defining recession of our lives. We’ve never seen anything like this and many remain cautious with their money in the face of an unfamiliar and dismal economy. Optimistic predictions put the end of this recession in fall of 2009, long after these tours have packed it in. No one can tell what spending will do in the meantime.

I am skeptical that this will be the concert coup of the summer, but I also wonder if this isn’t exactly what the weary consumer needs: an escape from the never-ending bad news cycle and a retreat to simpler, happier, younger times when your main focus was having a fun and maybe getting home by curfew. If ever there was a need for good music and good times, this would be it. Even if the concerts are prohibitively expensive, radio play of these and other Nineties acts is up. And the airwaves are still free. Happy reminiscing!

by Jesy, who is inappropriately excited to geek out with economics while talking about music.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

A Bust on PA's Entertainment Boom so Soon?

Yes, it’s true that our country is going through it's fair share of economic troubles and yes, it is our government's job to help make things right. However, some Pennsylvania lawmakers are stirring up controversy by wanting to remove the state's tax incentive program for filmmakers.

There is a $75 million tax incentive that allows movie and television productions that spend around 60 percent of their budgets in the state to receive up to 25 percent back in tax credit. Although it could seem like a slightly indulgent way for the film industry to make a little something back for manufacturing their movies and TV shows here, lawmakers should step back and take a closer look at the bigger picture.

With over 30 states holding similar incentives for the film industry, Pennsylvania has been standing comfortably within the top 5 states in attracting Hollywood business in an aggressively competitive field. With a steady stream of motion pictures pouring into the state, numerous businesses both locally owned and corporate have seen a constant increase in revenue, and will continue to do so as long as the product remains here. Some colleges have even begun offering new programs to train students for work in the film industry. With an abundant amount of crew and stagehands for the industry being hired straight from Pennsylvania, a dozen production sites and companies having been launched providing many job opportunities, as well as over $50 million in local spending, and some 25,000 hotel room nights in just one year in Southwestern Pennsylvania alone. These numbers are just the tip of the proverbial iceburg too, making it seem like the state's lawmakers are overlooking more than one positive outcome they’d be taking away from the area and the people involved in the industry.

Not only that, but cast and crew members usually live in the area where they are filming for the duration of the time, so they not only need basic necessities like groceries and clothing, but night outings, rental vehicles and haircuts are usually on their list as well. So, without the tax incentives all of this business would go somewhere else.

With a number of people who work in or around the industry writing to local newspapers complaining, and union members asking friends on the net to support the film industry and send their concerns about the revoke straight to the responsible lawmakers offices, it would seem that the majority rule is giving the idea two big fat thumbs down!


*by Candace who wishes she could remember where she put her bowl of jello!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

On the Verge: Chris Unck

We filmed On the Verge w/ Chris Unck yesterday and it was a hoot! You may know Chris as a guitarist for Butch Walker's band. However, he also has his own musical project and I can't seem to stop playing the songs. "Ruby..." is a favorite and you can hear it now at www.myspace.com/chrisunck.

I won't tell you any more about him. You'll have to watch our episode of On the Verge once it debuts!

Here's some photos of Butch & company at the Stone Pony last night. Nicole Atkins made a special appearance during the encore, which was a nice surprise. Also really cool, on the last song, opening act (& a fav of. Jessica's) The Films, came out on stage for one big jam. More tours should do this.

*By Joelle, who just drank a delish rice milk latte from Whole Foods.














Jersey girl cool, Nicole.



Jess & Joelle, post interview w/ Chris Unck.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Date Your Favorite Celeb & Donate To A Good Cause

I thought this was a particularly cool email that came through my inbox today and that many of you out there might be interested in hanging out with Jewel, Joan Jett or Kelly Clarkson.

Right now, you can help Farm Sanctuary help farm animals and also get a wonderful gift for yourself or your friend who's obsessed with Bill Mahr...we all have that friend, don't we?

From now until March 31, check out their auction for unique celebrity experiences, rare memorabilia, and special services and merchandise to raise funds for Farm Sanctuary.

Auction items include everything from yoga classes and life coaching packages to once-in-a-lifetime celebrity one-on-ones. Here's just some of what there is to bid on:

* Cruelty-free shopping spree with AlternativeOutfitters.com
* Framed photo from “America’s Next Top Model” judge Nigel Barker
* Meet Kelly Clarkson after seeing her show
* Meet and greet with “L Word” star Daniela Sea
* Home-cooked meal prepared for you by legendary vegan Chef Adam Sobel
* Hollywood Hills hike with Farm Sanctuary Co-Founder and President Gene Baur
* Framed giclĂ©e print from the famous “Opus” cartoonist Berkeley Breathed
* Tickets to "Real Time with Bill Maher"
* Organic, vegan, eco lingerie set from Clare Bare
* Hair cut and coloring in NYC by stylist to the rock stars Wendy Kidd
* Day of wellness with vegan superstar Alex Jamison
* Gorgeous Matt and Nat vegan bags
* Brunch made for you in your home by Chef Josh Katcher (“The Discerning Brute”)
* Talk green living over lunch with star Amy Smart
* Have high tea with actor/author Mariel Hemmingway
* Tickets to the “Rachael Ray Show”
* Visit the set of the Disney hit "The Suite Life on Deck"
* Two tickets to meet Joan Jett after your choice of shows
* Have dinner with actress Ali MacGraw
* Meet Janeane Garofalo in Austin
* Have a private photo shoot with famed shutterbug Penny Dinn
* Learn the joys of raw food with raw expert Gabrielle Brick
* Gorgeous eco vegan shoe shopping spree online at Beyond Skin

Go on, bid now!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Jessica doesn't care if this offends you.

I'm beginning to think that the Roman numerals following "Pope Benedict" are indicative of his I.Q. Read on:

But the Vatican's controversial policy on condoms continues to be tested on a continent where AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since the 1980s.

While medical workers advocate the use of condoms to help prevent the spread of AIDS, the Church insists on fidelity within heterosexual marriage, chastity and abstinence.

"The problem cannot be overcome by distributing condoms. It only increases the problem," the pontiff told reporters on board the plane headed for Africa.


Then again, this is the same guy from the Hitler youth (a youthful indiscretion, surely) who said Queen, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, and The Beatles make "the Devil's music," so I can't say I'm shocked.


*By Jess, who was raised as a relatively non-practicing (read: hypocritical) Catholic.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Airborne Toxic Event, Moving On Up

Having three Airborne Toxic Event shows behind me, I had a vague idea what to expect at their March 11 show at the Bowery Ballroom, but this was my first sold out ATE experience, and by far the largest venue, so I was eager to see what would change from their cramped gig at Pianos a year ago.

As both the venue and crowd were considerably larger, the band seems to have grown comfortably into their new surroundings. Though always a commanding front man, lead singer Mikel Jollett has shed the lovable geek he used to morph into between songs at previous NYC gigs. Gone is the adorable Garth-like “thank you very much” at every applause. The result is a more consistent stage presence, but this writer was a little sad to see that humble dimension of Jollett fall victim to the screaming fans.

Musically, the band was ever dependable, drawing mostly from their self-titled album out in 2008. Perhaps greater commercial success means audiences already know the songs and want to sing along. Or maybe relentless touring limits the time ATE can dedicate to new material. Whatever the reason, all but a couple of songs are already available on iTunes, which is unlike my previous ATE shows that featured several unknown tunes. While the lack of new songs was somewhat disappointing, the set was solid and energetic, with appearances by the Calder Quartet in a makeshift string section and an overwhelming number of tambourines.

After nearly an hour on stage, the band took their leave to recoup for the always predictable encore. This girl has already voiced her irritation at the requisite two song follow up, but drummer Daren Taylor did his best to bring back the tradition of earning your encore, leading the crowd, clapping the rest of the band onstage. Apparently the effort was more than sufficient, because about 20 people poured out to play some more. And throw tambourines.

Pulling out some rare new material, Jollett kept the audience on pause before the band, quartet, and various others exploded into “Innocence” and a small dance party. Physically, the band simply could not have given more to these last two songs, and seemed to love every sweaty minute of it. Some of the audience got to know violinist Anna Bulbrook a little better during her short-lived stage dive, while the rest of us learned why you don’t see much crowd surfing at ATE shows. Taking off the rockstar cool veil, the members of ATE looked like kids on Christmas morning, closing the night with “Missy.”

By the time it was through, the band’s enthusiasm had fully infected the audience, with this girl practically skipping out of the Bowery. No doubt The Airborne Toxic Event will be playing sold out shows in NYC for the foreseeable future and with good reason.

By: Jesy, who is more than a little upset that she did not catch one of the neon tambourines being hurled at the audience.

Jollett, hard working front man.



Steven Chen as contemplative guitarist... in red.



Bassist Noah Harmon nails the prep school drop out look.



Bulbrook caps the night with some brief but popular audience interaction.

Butch Walker to Rescue Indie Rock from American Apparel



Just as indie rockstar wanna-be's rip off Butch Walker's songwriting style (and fail miserably), they too often steal his style.

Let's not forget it was Walker, in his Marvlous 3 days, who first wore the skinny tie. Of course, at this point, the wanna-be rockstar local band boys were still a little slow. It took a few years for them to dig this trend into the ground.

Then it was the bandanna. I remember the first time I saw Butch perform solo, he had one of the red rags flowing from his pocket. About a year later, the emo kids once again have killed the bandanna (RIP.)



Last night, at Webster Hall, Butch Walker And His Gang of Merry Musical Melodymakers took a stand against all the girl-pants-wearing boys, whether you realized it or not. Walker and co. took the stage in plaid shirts. Ok, minus Randy Michael, who always looks so dapper in his suits and fedoras and new hot dude Chris, who has a tattoo of a pin-up girl on a tiger (two of my favorite things), so that should not be covered up.




The subliminal message was evident.


Attn.Those who worship Butch Walker so much that you steal his style musically and fashionably:

Don't fall any further!


VICTIM.


Give your girlfriend her jeans back!

DO NOT PUT ON THE SPANDEX!

V-Neck shirts are only sexy if you have cleavage! We don't want to see curly chest hair strands sticking out!

Dress like a man!



On another note...

VENUES: Please note....

When you are fortunate enough to have Butch Walker grace your stage, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT disrespect the man by pumping god-awful techo (described by Walker as "the devil's music) on the floor below!

* By Joelle, who along with Jess, escorted their friend Nicole to her first BW show last night. Nicole left saying "That man has so much talent it should be illegal."


Go here:


www.savethetigerfund.org

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

O Shot, It's a Video from The Gay Blades!



Enjoy the first single off the band's debut record, Ghosts.




DOWNLOAD THE SINGLE HERE.

“…More saw-riffed swagger than a dog with two dicks and a cougar’s yowl. Clark Westfield and Puppy Mills are bad, bad men and we love ‘em” NME

“"Raw power and basic rock thrills are rarely sacrificed for smart-alecky intervention…whatever is they’re doing, they're very good at it” THE GUARDIAN


We love them. You will, too. Catch them at SXSW:

March 18th, Texas Jumpstart Day Party / ASCAP Official showcase / Pure Volume Late Night Afterparty;

March 19th, Gibson /Affliction Day Party;

March 20th, Planetary Promotions / Sonic Bids Day Party; Give It More Love showcase;

March 21st Reggie’s Music Joint Party Day Party.

Support RAINN.org (rape,abuse,incest,national network)

EVENT: “LET IT RAIN!”

Benefit for RAINN.org (rape,abuse,incest,national network)
NYC Release of the new CD by Meredith Blis, “Let It Rain”

6 BANDS - “Making Music That Makes a Difference”

RAINN.org is the nations largest anti-sexual charity. They support education & awareness programs, host a 24/7 crisis hotlines, and offer legal counsel to survivors. Our goal is to raise awareness which equals Prevention of sexual assault crimes and all proceeds will be donated to fund their 24/7 crisis hotlines.

EVENT COORDINATOR: MEREDITH BLIS – NYC Release of her new CD, “Let It Rain”
DATE: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
TIME: 7PM – 1AM
VENUE: KENNY’S CASTAWAYS
ADDRESS: 157 Bleecker St. , New York, NY 10012
PHONE: 212-979-9762
WEBSITE: http://kennyscastawaysnyc.com
TICKET PRICE: $10 Suggested Donation – All Proceeds go to RAINN.org to support their 24/7 crisis hotlines
AGE LIMIT: 18+

BANDS ON BILL:
Meghann Robinson 7:00 PM MeghannRobinson.com
Bill Popp & The Tapes 8:00 PM BillPopp.com
Meredith Blis Band 9:00 PM MeredithBlis.com
Markeisha Ensley 10:00 PM MarkeshaEnsley.com
Green Tree 11:00 PM Myspace.com/GreenTreeMusix
Sister Monk 12:00 AM SisterMonkharem.com



**”Let It Rain” was Produced by Grammy-Winner, Larry Mitchell and features original music by Meredith Blis, in the Alternative Adult Contemporary Genre.
Part of all Proceeds from this project will be donated to RAINN.org (rape,abuse,incest national network) to support their 24/7 crisis hotline
In the spirit of awareness to equal prevention, one of the tracks, “The Birds and The Bees,” details statistics of sexual assault crimes.
Our goal is Education to raise awareness which Equals Prevention
And to provide support/healing for survivors.
Meredith is also available for print and radio interviews to discuss this topic in more detail.**

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

LMFAO...Rock The Beat & Rock The Show!

L-M-F-A-O, rock the beat and rock the show! Sky Blu and Red Foo brought the party to Orange County last week for UC Irvine’s Homecoming concert. Even if the weather was of the summer kind, this duo certainly heated up the scene even more with their new and improved lyric, “I’m in OC, bitch.” Born and raised in Hollywood, this twosome makes a family act look more than happening, as they hit the music scene with their mix of hip hop beats and electro spins. LMFAO starts a party that seems to never stop as their crowd rocks to their beats like Flava Flav rocking to the tic tocs of his clock, but new and improved.

Although LMFAO seems to have come out of nowhere, this uncle-nephew pair has come a long way starting from the raw city of LA. With the influence of comedian, Eddie Murphy, on the performance aspect, Sky Blu and Red Foo have definitely learned a thing or two from performing individuals, as they know how to start a party. Performing everywhere from Hollywood’s New Years Eve 2009 Bash at the Paramount Studios Lot to MTV’s Spring Break in Cancun later this month, they continue to add a ton of performing experience, as well memorable stories to their list along with their committed fans’ lists, which include staying an hour after the show to take pictures and sign autographs. With their commitment to their music, party style attitudes, and fan base, LMFAO is full of unexpected surprises for their unique and distinct music.

What’s in store for the future of LMFAO? Time will only tell, but it seems like this performing act is good to go as their popularity is at an all time high as they have been ubiquitously present. Collaborations, an album, and a countless number of shows (which include their trip to the Winter Music Conference in Miami) are just a few things on their to-do list as LMFAO keeps the party going strong with support from Will.I.Am’s record label, Interscope Records. As this duo is keeping busy, make sure to keep up with LMFAO’s tour dates at www.myspace.com/lmfao to see if they hit up your town one day soon! And finally, in the words of LMFAO, “Keep partying!”

**By Jackie, who wants to get a cruiser bike ASAP with this legit Newport Beach weather!

Sunday, March 01, 2009

This is a "What's Up" Update

Ladies, gentleman, snails, bears, tigers, ligers, and all other living things... Here is an update from the cubicle of Amanda.

Current Tours You Should Pay Attention to-

TASTE OF CHAOS! (Grrrrrr, if I could put "Taste of Chaos in a brutal font, I would). This year TOC took it to the next level. One of the founders of modern day hardcore rock, Thursday, was named headliner with support from new school, death-defying British screamo act Bring Me The Horizon, along with Four Year Strong, Pierce the Veil, and Cancer Bats. All acts on this tour are incredibly strong and bring a certain fullness to the overall presence of the tour. Without a doubt, this is one of the most powerful years for Taste of Chaos and I think that if these bands tickle your musical fancy you should treat yourself to a night out.
www.tasteofchaos.com

The Number 12 Looks Like You is out on tour again with one of my favorite acts, Our Last Night. The Number 12 is a tremendous stage presence and makes a concert more than just a concert, it's a whole experience. Our Last Night has been nonstop touring for the past year and are currently working on a new album. I See Stars and We Come As Romans are also supporting on this tour. Check it out!
www.myspace.com/tntlly
www.myspace.com/ourlastnight


Other News!

Bamboozle is creeping up on us yet again! This year the line up is out of control...No Doubt! Fall Out Boy! Our Last Night! Innerpartysystem! Metro Station! All Time Low! Third Eye Blind! Jeezzz, don't miss out on this crazy mixed bag of music.


There's more to come from the cubicle of Amanda... So STAY TUNED!!


Ps- Stay warm New Jersey! We are in for a wild, wild snow storm tonight! Break out the sidewalk salt!



**By Amanda who will be posting waay more now that things are calming down.