Burn Halo Stole the Show (And not just cause the opening act sucked and we didn't stay for the headliners...)

Burn Halo.

The moment of truth...

What's it like to see James Hart fronting a band that's not Eighteen Visions?

As I found out a few weeks ago, quite enjoyable!

Burn Halo songs have instant radio appeal baked into each scrumptious tune. Mainstream music fans will--pardon the pun-- eat them up. The band's debut album is good, but I have to say the live set puts the recording to shame. I actually prefer the demo of "Dirty Little Girl" (the favorite of mine and I'm sure a million others) to the version that made the final cut. And of course, the live version was the highlight of the night.

There didn't seem to be any Eighteen Visions fans in the crowd. I would have been able to tell. They would have been the cool people. Everyone in attendance at this show was a bit weird. The kind of people who wear the t-shirt of the band they're there to see at the show. And apparently also the kind who go out in public wearing nothing but bras, pleather underwear and boots up to their crotches. But I blame that on the fact that this was Snocore and Static-X was headlining.

The point I was trying to make, however, is that the original hardcore Eighteen Visions fans are most likely NOT going to be at these shows. Those who jumped on the bandwagon for their final album, which was much more melodic and mainstream friendly, may have carried over. But unfortunately, as usual, the major label 18V was on never did them justice and rarely seemed to make them a priority. So those fans never had a chance to get a head start on the Burn Halo train.

It was great to see that Hart hasn't lost his edge. He's a captivating frontman and I look forward to seeing another show.

One thing I have to say, however, is that the other guys in the band scream "LA rock." There is totally a different breed of rock musician out there on the west coast. I wish the other band members didn't try so hard to look like they just came back from hanging out with Avenged Sevenfold. That's when I shed a few tears in remembrance of Eighteen Visions. They eluded their own brand of cool.

Expect to hear lots more about Burn Halo this year. They've got the total easy to market package and unlike some of their peers- talent.

I spoke with James while this new musical venture of his was still forming.
CLICK HERE TO READ IT

*By Joelle, who wishes she had Sirius right now so she can be listening as our PV Girl, Jordana, chat with Cosmo Radio.

BAMBOOZLE! 2009

Who's coming out this weekend?! Hopefully everyone!

As we speak(...or as I type) many of the top bands are closing in on the Meadowlands. This year we have acts such as THIRD EYE BLIND, NO DOUBT, Fall Out Boy, This Providence, The Maine, All Time Low, SILVERSTEIN, Our Last Night, Forever the Sickest Kids, Demi Lovado, Sing It Loud and MANY, MANY MORE. Woah. It's going to be insane.

I urge you to come say hello to me, Amanda, at the ShoreAlternative.com tent (we will be located with LyncStar Records). Throughout the day we will be interviewing the who's who of Bamboozle and there will even be some surprise meet and greet opportunities as well! We are going to be posting many of our interviews on Bamboozle TV so if you miss it, you can check them all out later! Awesome, right?? We will also be running contests and have KILLER prize packs.

Stay tuned for more info, but in the mean time head over to www.shorealternative.com and check out our "Top 20" playlists.


**By Amanda who is getting antsy for the weekend.

Live Radio Drama-esque Story-telling @ NYU 4/24

Join a community of writers and audio book lovers in a live radio drama-esque reading celebrating the launch of Gather 'Round: New Audio Stories, a series of stories recorded and produced by Recorded Music senior Vanessa Harris.


Friday, April 24, 2009
Time: 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Location: NYU's Lillian Vernon Creative Writers House
Street: 58 W. 10th St. (closer to 6th Ave. than 5th) New York, NY

The 411: Live radio drama-esque readings, live music, sound effects made by chosen audience participants, wine and refreshments. This is a FREE event.


This is no ordinary reading! Chosen audience participants will be given scripts with directions and items (can of coins, windchime, etc...) to create LIVE SOUND EFFECTS.

Voice over artists will be reading the parts of various characters.

Acoustic guitarist Katie Buchanan will be accompanying the readings to create DRAMA, and will also be playing her own material before and after the event. You can check out her music here:
http://www.myspace.com/katiebuchananmusic

The story-telling line up:

"Electrolytes"
written and narrated by Mary Shyne

"My Father, the Gun Harboring Vietnam Vet" and
"My Mother, the Murderer"
written and narrated by Barbara Sueko McGuire

"How to Avoid Turf Wars in Your Classroom"
written and narrated by Ilana Garon

"Until the Next Check Comes"
by Nicki Gill, narrated by Allyson Briggs

"Chant For Glory"
by Bianca E. Schreiber, narrated by Vanessa Harris

ALSO
There may be another surprise musical guest...
There will be wine and refreshments.

This is a FREE event, guaranteed to be like no other reading you've been to before......
Mark your calendars!!

Slumdog Thousand-aire

Since it is entirely possible that you’ve been living under a rock for the past six or seven months, here’s a recap – Obama won (yep, the black guy), everyone hates rich people, and the Oscar’s were swept by a little movie called Slumdog Millionaire.

Ok, so now that we’re all caught up, let’s talk about this movie. Slumdog Millionaire is the story of a scrappy kid growing up in (no spoiler here) the slums. These slums happen to be in India, making Slumdog arguably the most successful movie - in American markets - with India starring front and center. The implausible love story and game show tension are not really the main attractions. (Really, did anyone not see the Three Musketeers question coming?)

What made the movie unique was the frank depiction of Indian poverty and the stark contrast between the country’s wealthy and poor. For Americans watching from the safety of a multiplex, the plight of the impoverished in India is astounding and probably helped propel the movie to Oscar and box-office glory.

The film has been criticized by some for glossing up the slums a bit too much. (As one Indian friend put it “go to those slums. You’re not going to find Freida Pinto.”) And, yes, there have been more realistic films made illustrating these this poverty. But the fact of the matter is that this is the first Indian-centric film to achieve significant critical and audience success in America, and it shows a small, if less than realistic, shot of the hardships endured by too many every day.

20% of all children who die before age 5 do so in India. And in the five minutes you’ve spent reading this, an Indian woman has died, as one dies every 5 minutes. There is a severe need for improved healthcare and last week, the New York Young Professionals Chapter of the American India Foundation (AIF) hosted their second annual benefit dinner to raise money in an attempt to make an impact on this appalling situation. Raising money for the Apna Clinic, a public health initiative, the Young Professionals will help fund a center to serve 50,000 – 60,000 migrant workers and their families in Mustafabad. The clinic will provide basic screenings and education as well as reproductive and women’s care.

Saturday night is not generally when most people want to hang out and discuss issues of poverty, but the 200+ people who showed up to Vermillion on Manhattan’s east side were happy to use their weekend to try and help. And the many volunteers who spent weeks planning the event were thrilled that such an enthusiastic crowd gathered for this cause. An undeniable success, the event raised over $14,000 for the Apna Clinic. Not quite 20 million rupees, but an impressive effort nonetheless! [Ed note: suddenly thinking we should get one of these volunteers on a game show...]

Whether people are drawn to Indian causes because of a popular film, family connections, or other interests, there is a real and growing need for change in the country. If a mildly cheesy Bollywood type film helps raise awareness among people who can help, then it can be as glossy as it wants to be.

By Jesy, who falls firmly into the "Other" category

Getting ready for our photoshoot!

Sneak a peak as the On The Verge hosts- Joelle, Jordana & Jessica- raid Posche Boutique in Wayne, NJ to pick out clothes for their upcoming photoshoot!













The Glam Fairy is going to do our makeup. We're so excited!





Posche's super sexy owner styled us.

Olsen Haus It!

We stopped by Elizabeth Olsen's NYC studio to pick out some posh feet decor for our On the Verge tapings. Elizabeth's 100% vegan shoes are so stylish we had a hard time choosing! Joelle fell in love with the heels and swears they are the ONLY heels she can walk in! Not only are they comfortable, but they form to your feet so you don't feel like you're going to fall over.

Anyway, keep an eye on our feet to see which ones we picked and head over to www.olsenhaus.com to get a pair of your own! Celebs including Emily Deschanel, Finola Hughes, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Princess Superstar are fans. You will be, too.

Bad idea

E! Online reports that Medium casted Rumer Willis as a prostitute in an upcoming episode.

This is an extremely poor casting decision on a few different fronts. One, Rumer can't act. Two, no one actually likes her, so this won't garner any viewers. And three, it'll be hard for anyone to believe that anyone would pay to hit this (in the non-Chris Brown sense, at least).

*By Jess, whose coffee equivalent is Pepsi Max.

Jordana's Going on CosmoRadio!

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.

ON THE VERGE IS HERE!!

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!

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.

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 giclée 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!

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.

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.