PlayRadioPlay! released from Island Records

On his myspace blog, PlayRadioPlay!'s Dan Hunter announced his departure from Island Records. Hunter also denounces the music industry as a whole, claiming it's "going the way of the cassette tape."

While I can agree with him on one level--the industry is pretty fucked, and they're not adapting to technology and new methods of promotion at all--he also isn't taking too much responsibility for his big fault, either.

PlayRadioPlay!'s Island debut, The Frequency E.P., was a wonderful confection, but his full length, Texas, was mediocre at best. It didn't have many hooks or melodies or anything to grab, capture and keep a listener. In addition, while his blogs are all well-written, clever, and raise many good points, I can't help but sense some sour grapes.

This isn't to say the label did a good job promoting the record. Aside from us and a review in Entertainment Weekly, I didn't see any press for it anywhere. In addition, the label tended to pick the shittiest songs for singles, which couldn't have helped the then-17-year-old's case.

Dan, instead of pointing fingers, just sing about it. It could be your big break.


*By Jess, who made the best chicken alfredo in history last night.

Some nifty stuff to start your week:

June:

So maybe they didn't break up after all! Sweet.

Drummer Mark Sutor posted the following in a MySpace bulletin this morning:
"First off, we're working on scheduling more shows, so don't worry about that...we'll get them posted asap.

Secondly, the tickets should be on sale very very soon for the Metro show in Chicago. Check back often."

Those of you lucky enough to live in the Chicago area should check them out in case they do wind up calling it quits after that string. Sutor is going back to school and getting a "real" job to pay his way through it. It'll be hard to tour if your drummer's studying for finals.



Jet Lag Gemini:

Did you know frontman Misha Safonov's first band's name was Blind Rabbit?

While packaging Frightened Rabbit videos at HIP Video Promo (he was there slaving for a few days before going back on tour), Safonov said that he and his bandmates at the time found a, well, blind rabbit that inspired their name. But how did he know that it was actually in fact blind?

"It's eyes were all stuck shut," he said. "I felt bad for the rabbit. It was a cute rabbit. But 'Cute Rabbit' would be a lame band name." So they went with its other most defining attribute.

In other Jet Lag Gemini news, you'll soon be able to hear them on Fox's March Madness coverage--"Run This City" is the station's token song for the basketball period.



PlayRadioPlay

PlayRadioPlay's Dan Hunter has posted new material from his upcoming album, Texas, on his MySpace. The three songs are a re-make of fan favorite "Madi Don't Leave," the album outro "Texas," and "Loco Commotion." "Madi Don't Leave" is a bit on the slower side, "Texas" is a short ditty with minimal electronics (I know, weird for him), and "Loco Commotion" is a mish mash of hooks, fast beats, and breakdowns. The full tracklist for the album is here:

1. Loco Commotion
1.5. Suddenly, I've Become A Perfectionist
2. I 'm a Pirate, You're a Princess
2.5. A Special Thanks To Dr. Allan C. Lloyd
3. Some Crap About The Furniture
3.5. Invisible Suits and Ties
4. Madi Don't Leave
4.5. For The Whole World/Room to See
5. Without Gravity
6. See You Soon
7. I'm Afraid There's A Hole In My Brain
7.5. Taxes
8. More Of The Worst
8.5. Lady Killers Wear Funny Hats
9. My Attendance Is Bad But My Intentions Are Good
9.5. Cheap Paper With Full Color Advertisements
10. Corner Office Bedroom
10.5. Why Is Everyone Running?
11. Forgiveness, The Enviable Trait
12. Texas



The Starting Line:

Ken Vasoli and Company are driving the Absolute Punk boards crazy with their promise of a "huge announcement" that will affect ticket sales of their upcoming tour. The band and their management are holding a press conference online on Absolute Punk, leaving the site's members in frenzied suspense: Is the band breaking up? Are they starting their own label? Is Ken's side project Person L becoming his main focus? No one knows for certain until they spill the proverbial beans on March 5th--this Wednesday.



Paramore:

The inexplicably Grammy-nominated band have cancelled a string of European dates to sort stuff out internally. Hayley Williams has already clarified that she isn't pregnant. Twelve year old boys everywhere heave a collective sigh a relief.


More as it comes!

*By Jess, who has rekindled an old flame. That's right, she's rediscovered her love for Coco Puffs.

More on the musical act that makes Jay-Z bob his head

Remember a little bit ago when I introduced y'all to PlayRadioPlay?

Since then, I got to talk to him on the phone (while baking biscuits, no less!), and now I just love him even more. And don't be fooled by his Texan roots--he's not an idiot (like one really famous, powerful person from that state, or my older brother--hi Steve!), nor does he have a really strong accent. However, they say everything is bigger in Texas--and if they're talking about potential for greatness in powerpop, by God, they finally got something right with Dan.

Tell us a bit about your newest EP, The Frequency.
Ah, The Frequency--it's six songs; they're demos I recorded by myself at my house over a year. Half of it is very electronic-y--is that a word?--and half's a lil' mellow but dancy. I'm actually working on a full length that should be out in January.

Oh, neat! Wanna dish a little about that?
We might redo one or two songs from The Frequency EP, but things are going well in studio, so now maybe we won't. And I'm recording with producers! So it's gonna be a lil'–-still really electronic, but a lil' bit more full band interaction, too.

Do you prefer working with a full band, or do you like to be on your own to have more control over your sound?
You know, I'm excited for the chance to do a full album on my own, but I'm definitely not in a place yet where I can make a full album by myself. I'm working with Garrett Lee and Dr. Luke--and we're all from such diff backgrounds, with different musical experiences... I'm just taking it all in right now, and I'm really learning a lot. But, I would like to do one on my own in future.

One of your marketing points is "straight edge Texas softcore." Do you listen to any hardcore bands at all?
Hmmm, I dunno'. I listen to metal, but I'm not a connoisseur. I do like harder stuff definitely, but I'm not the best versed person. I will never be an encyclopedia of metal bands.

You're straight edge after a pretty tough battle with substances. Is it hard for you on the road, like if you're playing with other acts that don't share that quality?
Ah, straight edge--I started being straight edge right out of rehab. It was really difficult at first, but now it's really just not an issue.

What could we find if we invaded your iPod right now?
Muse, Arcade Fire—-I actually just saw them live last night at the Amphitheater in LA, and man, it was quite an experience!—Sigur Ros too. And my all time favorite, the Smashing Pumpkins.

You must be excited for their new material.
Ohhh yeah, definitely. The new album will be awesome, I'm sure.

You just played Bamboozle, which is pretty huge. Do you prefer big crowds or smaller, more intimate shows?
Oh boy, the bigger the better! But I definitely like small shows where everyone knows the words. Bamboozle was unreal--it was such great experience, and I really liked it a lot, but I definitely do like more intimate shows too.

You've accomplished all this before you even graduated high school. Are you gonna don the cap and gown with your class?
I finished school two months ago with online courses. The ceremony is next week, but I'm not really excited…

As a rehab veteran, what do you think of Lindsay and Britney? You think they'll make it?
Ha, I'm not sure, but you know what? Any press is good press, so rehab press is good press.

And naturally, I have to ask. What was it like meeting Hova?
Jay-Z works at Def Jam, which is a part of Island, and I played for everyone there, and he was there, and he was bobbing his head discreetly in back room while I played. And we had an awkward handshake and an extremely awkward picture taken.


*By Jess, whose biscuits are better than Red Lobster's (are you paying attention, Joelle?)

The Best Music You've Never Heard Of (but will soon)

Ryan Artrip

In his Minus Hollywood EP, Ryan Artrip combines lovely acoustics (everything), occasional chuckles ("Hint of Spring"), and the most vivid lyrical imagery you'll probably ever hear ("Duck Pond")--his descriptions are so detailed that you truly can see everything. As a result, I don't recommend listening to this if you're on 'shrooms, because it might be too vivid, to the point where you think you're actually in the song yourself.

A really killer track? Number fo', "A Song for Sore Arms and Lungs," which opens with violins to make you think it's a sappy ole' ballad, then switches to a lightly head bobbing tune, then slows again, then adds in a piano, and then--it's just batshit crazy good, and it's about fireflies (on the surface, anyway). Everyone loves fireflies. Naturally, they're a metaphor for something considerably less pleasant, but regardless of the context in which you delight your ears with this, they're still gonna be delighted.

Another fun tidbit? Mr. Artrip's voice can at times be likened to a certain Mr. Lacey's. Oh yes. Ohhhh, yes.

www.ryanartrip.com
www.myspace.com/ryanartrip



The Peasantry

I know I've mentioned these guys before, but damn, they're good. Their latest, Don't Harm Barbara Gordon, opens with "Tie Off Before You Go Out," which may have the catchiest intro to any song by anyone ever. Pianos, handclaps, guitars, a hint of a gang vocal--it is two minutes and sixteen seconds of total, utter audio bliss... And the rest of the CD is just as good.

Also take a listen to Dear Ulysses--they share members (and have really cute merch)!

www.myspace.com/thepeasantry
www.myspace.com/dearulysses
www.myspace.com/mixtapemanagement



PlayRadioPlay

A seventeen year old straight edge Texan (who went to rehab at fourteen for just about everything) plays with a computer and sings about his girlfriend, who's a smidgen older than he is. Fans of Rediscover and Hellogoodbye will absolutely love this kid.

And, uh, he's met Jay-Z. Who is my hero. Yes, I am a fan.

www.myspace.com/playradioplay




*By Jess, who learned the difference between Lebanese and Egyptian bellydance shimmies today

One Bamboozle of a Recap! DAY One

When Gloria Gaynor penned her tune "I Will Survive," she must have had some psychic insight into music festivals. After avoiding being crushed in a stampeed of people coming from all directions at Bamboozle last year by gripping our fingers into a metal fence (and that was just the first five minutes upon entering festival gates), Jen and I were not all too excited to take on the masses this year. I'd say we pretty much survived by holding hands and weaving our way through what seemed like endless crowds (anyone else get caught in that Yellowcard mess we tried to escpape?) of people and cutting lines to get through the entrance gates.

We prepared in advance by smuggling in caps to water bottles since the vendors conficate them and dressing for comfort. The only thing we failed with was sunblock. Who thought we'd get burned in this cold spring weather? I can only imagine how those high-heeled girls busting out their bras (and ONLY their bras) must have fried.

So Bamboozle... We came, overdosed on bands, and conquered both days.

*By Joelle

Day One:

Wake up call- around 9 am for a 10:30 departure. Much better than when we work at Warped Tour and must load in at 8 am.

12:25-12:55- Phil Bensen on the main stage.

There's a big buzz around this 17 year-old NJ native right now. Several major labels showed up to check out his set and there's little doubt that he'll be signed soon. As Phil played his acoustic jazzy pop spectacular, the crowd just kept growing and growing and cheering. He's already landed opening slots for acts like Blues Traveler, Pete Yorn, Teddy Geiger, Nick Lachey, and Lifehouse. It was great to start off the day with a breath of fresh air and see my old friend Rich Andruska (who is producing for Phil and playing on stage with him) from the bands pete. and Sonicult. If you're in NJ, make sure you come see Phil at the Stone Pony on June 8.

The Crowd for Phil Bensen

12:55-1:25- Forgive Durden. They were a time waster and boring. Not much action on that stage. Why is it that people think they are cool dressing like Gerard Way? Do they not see they are posers? Posers are not cool, Mr. Lead Singer of Forgive Durden!

1:25-1:55- Play Radio Play. I like this kid. He's got spunk. Well, who wouldn't after being in rehab at 14 and is now only 17? If you dig electronic music, then pick up his album (Island Records).



Play Radio Play live at Bamboozle!

4:20- Interview with The Rocket Summer. I like Bryce Avery. He's a really cool, down to earth guy. And pretty lucky because he got to hang out in his tour bus the whole day. Jen and I hopped on board and got talking about his upcoming major label debut on Island Records.

On July 17, the world will know what a tight indie community has known all along- The Rocket rocks. He's a mere 24 years-old with a decade of industry experience under his belt and an enviable talent. But is there pressure now that he upstreamed from The Militia Group to Island?

"There’s no denying that there’s pressure. It’s like ‘OK, it’s up to you to write every song, every word, every note of every part. And if it sucks it your fault. But it’s kind of exciting, it’s an adventure," he revealed.

The whole making-the-album experience is way more intense now-- "I feel the heat. But making the record was awesome. I didn’t have to sleep on a floor," say Avery.

Fans are excited and so is the media. Avery says it's "The coolest thing ever," to be mentioned as a Most Anticipated Release in Alternative Press and that he couldn't be happier than he is right now.

We discussed how he wants to contribute to make the world a better place- like supporting causes such as Write Love On Her Arms. “It’s in my heart to want to do it," he shares. "Some people listen, some people throw things at you.”

And how through his years in the biz, he's found that years “It’s so important to stay true, have a good time and don’t take it to seriously."

He advices fellow musicians to seperate business and music, as hard as it may be.
"I’ve seen peers go from their original love of music to being overwhelmed by the business of it and all of a sudden changing things. It’s kinda gross to watch. I’ve definitely fallen into that category sometimes, too. There’s no getting around it sometimes. Just have fun with it. It’s a beautiful thing. It’s really cool if you get to do it a long time as your business. Work as hard as you can while having a good time.”

While we were talking, his lovely wife and former tour manager was busy selling merch. He hadn't made his way out yet, other than to watch labelmate and fellow hometown native, Play Radio Play, because most of the bands he wanted to see were alas, on the same time as him.

My favorite thing that he said was "I feel like I’m a jaded person sometimes. There’s too many bands doing stuff that doesn’t mean anything. I don’t want to start a fight with anyone, so I’m going to shut up."

We're right there with you. Be sure to catch him on a headlining tour this summer and then Warped Tour!


5:15-5:45 Hit The Lights. Boy these guys have come along way since playing Hamilton Street and Planet Verge buying them dinner a few years ago. The crowd for them was enormous! They were one of the best acts on the bill, no doubt.



Watch Hit The Lights at Bamboozle!


Someunknown time- The Matches in the Bamboozle TV Studio. I don't own any of their albums, but I should. Each time I see this band, I love them more and more. I'd say they were the best band of the day. The lead singer is S-T-A-R.



Watch The Matches Live at Bamboozle!


7:55-8:25 The Rocket Summer performance. It was cold and we were tired but The Rocket Summer lifted our spirits and was a perfect ending to the night. This was my first time seeing TRS, but I'd deff. catch another show. The performance was quite impressive and I think more people should have been there watching!


Watch The Rocket Summer Perform at Bamboozle!



That's all for day one. We deff. wanted to see My Chem and Muse, but fatigue and the fact that we had to get up bright and early and do it all over again the following day put an end to that. Hey, we're like the old ladies of Bamboozle now. lol Although, some bitch did yell at Jen, "What are you, 18?," as she pushed her way through the crowd. Add about eight years on that....


Joelle and Jen. Most Dressed.


PV commentary on Bamboozle.



And one last shout-out to our new friends in Where Legends Die. You may recognize Dom from The Escape Engine. They made a really cool video for us but You Tube is being annoying and won't upload it! Check them out.