THE BREAK!

Bamboozle. 2008.

Each year Bamboozle calls to the stage(s) some of the BIGGEST names in pop, rock, indie, metal...you name it. This year our ears will be graced by the tunes of Paramore, Jimmy Eat World, InnerPartySystem, The Devil Wears Prada, Alien Ant Farm, Snoop Dog, Coheed and Cambria, Scary Kids Scaring Kids and so many more. The talent will be spread over ten stages throughout the Meadowlands parking lots.

Imagine you're a local band trying to make it in the music biz, what would be better than the opportunity to play Bamboozle? Not much. This years The Break contest, which offers a New Jersey local act a chance to duke it out for some Bamboozle stage time, is better than ever and the competition is tight.

Come check out the next big names in music this Saturday at the Stone Pony (www.stoneponyonline.com)

The show starts at noon and will go until about 7. Come stop by and say hi!



Also, be sure to order your tickets for the big weekend- Bamboozle 2008 is May 3rd and 4th!!

**By Amanda who will be at The Break AND Bamboozle.

JEDIDIAH CLOTHING

Often you find the humanitarianism comes after the profit. Humans, by nature, ensure their own happiness before that of others...

It is a rarity that you find a clothing company that is embarking on the production journey with the primary goal being the humanitarianism. To make the world a better place to have to do your part, and I have been fortunate enough to meet a super cool clothing company that is truly doing their part to make this world we live in a more peaceful, clean place.

I attended the recent NYC date of the VS. Tour featuring Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Haste the Day, Drop Dead, Gorgeous, and Gwen Stacy and being a creature of habit at shows, I always head over to the merch area and see if there’s anything new. One of the tours biggest sponsors is a clothing company based out of San Diego, California called Jedidiah. The first thing you notice about their collection is the uniquely modern and artistic designs. The artistry has a very organic feel, and the incredible passion behind each work of art gracing the shirts displayed is awe-inspiring. The unique nature of each design gives a one-of-a kind feel. On tour you can find the Hope Collection available for sale...incredibly rocker. With each sale a portion of the profit goes directly to help an organization such as Invisible Children, World Vision, The Glue Network, Surfrider, and more. You can also get the official tour tee that will also generate proceeds to help such causes.

Jedidiah sent representative Nick Greenwood and the talented photographer Jonathan Foster on the road with Scary Kids and Haste the Day to help spread the message and generate a supportive following. The guys have been producing video blogs and slide shows showing off the tour. You best go check 'em out.

www.jedidiahusa.com
www.myspace.com/jedidiahroots





By Amanda, who will be rockin Jedidiah.

The Voice Behind the Keyboard.

A look at the world of the charismatic keyboardist for Scary Kids Scaring Kids. Meet Pouyan.

My VERY FIRST ever interview/article assigned to me was with up and coming rock band Scary Kids Scaring Kids. My first interview was with Pouyan. Needless to say, he didn't scare me off... Pouyan has a personality as unique as his name. He is creative and passionate about everything he does. His on stage shirtless antics and his intense interest in film make him unique in his field. He is funny, fun loving, and extremely proud of his band (Tyson, Steve, DJ, Chad, and James) and how far they have come. I have talked with many people throughout my life, I have to say Pouyan is one of the nicest guys I have ever talked with.

Have you ever thought that maybe this wasn’t for you, or you wanted to do something else?

I think everyone has whether they have vocalized it or not, I think everyone has kinda wanted to leave whatever they are doing and do something else especially when you have been in a band for as long as I have…the instability of the future kinda makes you want to go back to college and do something else, but we have all really come together as brothers, we are so close and we understand each other, we all really love what we do and we know each others personalities and that makes it easier to get over the small things. I am happier doing this than anything else I would be doing with my life.

When did you realize just how successful you have become?

To be honest, I think this year. We were able to put that kind of faith in ourselves to believe it ourselves. We have really started to become recognized, RCA picked us up and we were recommended to do a co-headlining tour. It’s cool because we are going to be doing co-headlining tour with a band that we really have looked up to over the years, Haste the Day. Our album is something we couldn’t be more proud of. This has been a really good year for us, and I only see it getting better.

What is the craziest thing to happen to you guys out on tour?

Actually I just thought about this… Touring internationally is probably a bad idea for us…we are a band that likes to have fun every night, and we realize when we are over there that we don’t get to be here to often so we tend to party ten times harder. Last time we were in the UK it was just a mess…there was one night specifically where it just was absolutely insane, I think we were in Scotland…yeah, it was Scotland… We were touring with a band, I think it was Candiria, and somehow or another we all got separated and DJ our bassist passed out and completely drunk in the archway of a shop and Candiria found him just passed out in the middle of the road and he would not have found his way back to the hotel. So, they lifted him up and put him into a cab and DJ didn’t remember what the name of the hotel was so they had to drive around until they found the right one. In the morning the hotel clerk told us that at 4 or 5 in the morning one of us had stumbled into the lobby and walked up to a planter and urinated all over the planter and then went up to their room. Haha… That was fun.

What is the best thing about being on tour?

Having a lot of great bands that have the same community vibe as us and they just want to make it a great time on top of having great shows. We find amazing things to do like play Uno and we develop rivalries and its just a good time.

What are your biggest influences outside of music?

Film definitely, I love movies. I love movies in the style of Eternal Sunshine and Adaptation that have many layers and a lot of depth and are imaginative.

(SIDE NOTE-Film is one of my FAVORITE things to discuss....I could have talked with him for HOURS about Eternal Sunshine)



What are your favorite songs to perform?

I think that Free Again is a lot of fun to perform; I think that it comes across better live than it does on the album; we get to add a little beef to it live. I also love playing the Deep End live.

What are you listening to these days?

I’m in GA now and I have nothing but the radio, but the most recent CD I was listening to is the latest Copeland CD. I also like The Weddings new CD. Pierce the Veil for sure, that’s in constant rotation. Oh, and the Water by Thrice. I am also listening to Jimmy Eat World, growing up in Arizona it was just all about Clarity. I could never bad mouth Jimmy Eat World.

Final words?

Check out our new tour with Haste the Day. We are going to be all across the country, come out and check us out. Check out our Myspace and our new site www.scarykidssociety.com it’s kinda like a Myspace, but with more content more videos and pictures…fans can upload stuff, it’s pretty cool.


Scary Kids Scaring Kids is making their way onto IPods everywhere and they are co-headlining a tour with Haste the Day (along with Drop Dead, Gorgeous and Gwen Stacy) starting this January. With their bombastic edgy sound and their hopes high, their future is looking brighter than ever. Everyone who is reading this better check them out on the VS. Tour with Haste the Day, Drop Dead, Gorgeous, and Gwen Stacy! You will not regret it. Visit their myspace (www.myspace.com/scarykids) for dates.

Each band member is their own character and brings their own flair to the music. I have been fortunate enough to meet all the members of SK at one time or another, they are all some of the nicest guys...really. I am glad that I have had to opportunity to work with them through Planet Verge, and I hope to involve them in other projects.



By Amanda who thanks ALL of SKSK from the bottom of her heart.

BONE PALACE BALLET TOUR!

Just When You Think You Couldn’t Find A Better Tour....

As unfortunate as the weather may have been on Monday, the music was far from it. The Nokia theater was hit with more than just some rain and fog- it was hit with some of the most anticipated bands on the rise. It was one of the last stop on the Bone Palace Ballet Tour. Each of the bands brings their own flair to the stage this created variation in the style of their performances, but all the sounds are married by their unique underlying alternative-rock foundation. There was nearly something for everyone who loves rock music.

The Bone Palace Ballet Tour had more talented acts than fans could know what to do with. As much of a tragedy as this is, kids are often hard pressed to find a tour that has more than one band that they love…this one did. Scary Kids jumped on board with the likes of The Devil Wears Prada, Emery, and Chiodos (headliner) to form one of the craziest, most talent packed tours of 2007. There’s more noise, more talent, more merch, and more antics.

Almost every band on the tour was promoting a new release and showcasing their new songs. Each set was musically moving and powerfully energetic grabbing the crowd and running with each song they played. Usually you go to a tour like this to see one or two of the bands playing, but for this show you go wanting to see all. There was not a band on the bill that didn't make you wanna dance and scream.

The excitement outside the venue started around 2 pm when loving fans started to line the sidewalks…keep in mind; doors were at 6:30. As I walked by the groups of kids forming outside the venue, I could see and feel in the inaudible displays of excitement. I will never tire of seeing those little pre-show twitches- the ever present ear to ear smile, the perfectly parted and sometimes gelled hair, the rolling of the feet (which are often being stowed away in Chucks), the precision eyeliner, and the point and shoot cameras, and the excitement emanating from every breath they took. You could hear the screams as the venue doors opened as fans prayed for a glimpse.


THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA



It was my first time seeing The Devil Wears Prada and my expectations were high; I am fan of their latest album Plagues and had hoped that they would be able to translate the hypnotizing metal core sound into a reality on the stage. They exceeded my expectations. Mike grabbed the mic and within seconds was expelling a power house of vocals. Not only is he only about 19 years old, he is probably one of the most consistently talented "screamers" in the biz...his singing isn't horrible either. The melodic riffs and thumping harmonies that accompany the vocals are nothing to look past. One thing I loved about the performance was every bit of energy that Mike expelled to the crowd, the crowd reciprocated.



While this band may be criticized for being just another metal core band, I think they need to take another listen. They may be following the metal core lead, but they have their own unique touch that in my eyes lends itself to longevity and exploration of the genre that others may never have the guts to venture into. They are all still very young guys, two of them just graduated high school for goodness sake, they still have much to experience, for experience is what often takes talented group of musicians and turns them into a solid successful band. If this is where they are today…


SCARY KIDS SCARING KIDS



Enter Scary Kids Scaring Kids. I have seen them more times than I can count, well, it's more like I lost count. What can I say? This band never ceases to amaze me with their consistent jaw dropping performance. SKSK was my first interview EVER, and whenever they are around I try and make it out to their show to give some support. Having to go to a lot of shows is the name of the game with music journalism, the bands that truly stick out in my mind at the end of the day are not necessarily bands that produced an amazing album, but they are more often than not bands that blew me away with a live performance. For me, Scary Kids is one of those bands.



Scary Kids has the ability to take alternative rock to the next level and leave you with a high of music that is indescribable. Between the ever maturing vocals of Tyson and the catchy, catchy tunes bellowing from Pouyan's keys you can not help but get drawn in. The guitar riffs are always dead on, and even with rockin' a new drummer, they never skip a beat. They performed many new songs, such as Degenerates, The Deep End, and Faces along with older tunes like The City Sleeps in Flames. Scary Kids performance in NYC really impressed me, the way that the performed (dead on) and the way that they interact with the crowd and draw them in is truly something cool to watch. They are a band that really gives the crowd something to scream over. Their performance is always filled with elements that draw in the crowd; there was never a dull moment.





It is one thing to be able to pull of a performance and leave your fans wanting more, it is another to play EVERY performance and leave everyone wanting more. Even though there has been some speculation that the sound departure from their last album to their current release was premature and something that their fans might not be ready to greet with open arms, I beg to differ. Open your arms wide because their sound and talent played and displayed on this album is larger than you could ever get your arms around, so start wrapping your ears around it folks, be part of this stream towards the very top. There new sound is fitting to their musical progression and drive to always be creating the best music they can, but more so, creating something that they are proud of and will be proud of 40 years from now.


EMERY



Emery is another band that I have experienced either hit or miss success as far as their albums and recorded songs go, I think that with their songwriting they either hit the nail on the head as far as a consumable sound that their fans will dig, or they just slightly miss, however, they are a band that is always great live. Each charismatic member brings something entertaining to the performance and always leaves you with a smile. While their album may not grab you their performance will leave you a fan. At first thought their music is not necessarily the perfect match for this style tour, but after hearing their new stuff and watching their live act, there is not doubt that they are certainly a great band to have in the line up and an incredible talent. They have been around for a little longer than some of the other bands, their experience shows. They know what their fans love, and they certainly give it to them. I enjoyed seeing Emery perform again, and would never pass up another opportunity to see them.


CHIODOS



CHIODOS! (chee-O-dose) I have been corrected many a time. Boys and girls, it is pronounced CHEE-O-DOSE. The show got kicked off with the spotlight on Craig, he opened the show with a light acoustic song that grabbed everyone’s attention, and then immediately following the rest of the band hit the stage- entangled the crowd in rock euphoria. Craig's ability to do vocal gymnastics and make his voice soar to reach hair raising notes and send chills down your spine is undeniable. The unique way in which Craig's vocals and dynamic lyrics compliment the insane instrumentals is a testament to the overall connection between band members. The dynamic guitar riff’s and heart pounding bass lines generate alternative rock bliss. The intensity and concentration that each band member brings to the stage makes watching their performance more than just a live concert, it makes it an entire musical experience. The way that the band incorporated orchestral schemes gave their harder rock sound a soft edge. When Craig looks out into the crowd his eyes undoubtedly meet your and the music and message becomes personal. Making a connection with the crowd is one of the most challenging tasks a band of this nature has to conquer, and they have. During the band’s set they performed older tunes along with newer songs such as “Is it Progression If a Cannibal Uses a Fork?” and “Lexington (Joey Pea Pot with a Monkey Face)”.




While their new album Bone Palace Ballet is incredibly complex and multi-layered (kinda like an onion) the band can perform it, they wrote an album that is certainly a little out there, but it is musically advanced and conveys each member’s talent and creativity- their performance is nothing less than that.





BY AMANDA who is jealous Robert has the Sigur DVD...i want it. and yes, I took ALL the pictures featured in this article.

The Scariest Kids of All....

“We’ve been waiting for this one day all our lives, this is nothing short of predictable…stop holding your head down…” -sksk

On the oh-so-gorgeous August 28th 2007 Philadelphia’s The Fillmore (at Theatre of Living Arts) was taken by storm as Scary Kids Scaring Kids released their sophomore album. This time around the guys took Boys Night Out, Pierce the Veil, and Damiera on tour with them. The show was very well attended by loving fans stoked out of their minds to get their hands on the new CD. Before the show even started people were pouring in and flocking to the merch table to snag a copy of the self entitled album. You could feel the excitement emanating from everyone, with SKSK you can expect great things, the only question is how great will it be?

Both Damiera and Pierce the Veil were shocking talents, I had never seen them before this show and was taken happily by surprise when both bands hit the stage. Damiera (Equal Vision Records) had an established refined rock style that no one could turn away from. Pierce the Veil bellowed throughout the theater with a hard punching more screamo sound that was produced by a unique vocal that caught the ear of just about everyone, they are undeniably talented. Boys Night Out is also a band that I was formerly not extraordinarily familiar with, however, I am now, and I’m a big fan. They hold back nothing, every moment they are up on stage they are making the most of it, interacting with the crowd, jumping around, etc, etc. Their electrifying sound prompted me to buy their album. All the supporting acts at this show are bands that I would go see again in an instant.





“This is our fight for freedom, this is our way of saying…THIS IS OUR DAY…” -sksk

Scary Kids, Scaring Kids. What more can I say…really? They have out done themselves ten times over with this new album. For me, I found this album to be monumental. The obvious maturing and dedication and time and love that went into this album pours out every second that its playing. Their live performance is second to none. They exude energy and pride for their work and appreciation for success in their craft.



At first listen I was hard pressed to find words for those who have yet to listen to it…How can you describe the indescribable? After I listened to it again I was again, left in awe. Their opening “Prelude” leads gently into “Degenerates” which is filled with empowering lyrics with an ultra catchy chorus that left me believing that this may be the new underground alternative rock anthem. Their released single “Faces” is a fun song that basically summarizes the journey of this album, they are finally exposing who and what they are, take it or leave it. There is a song towards the tail end of the ride entitled “Goes Without Saying” which is a complete rhythmic departure from the other sounds and dynamics that reside on this album, but it fits, and it is incredibly well written and very catchy. Another song, called “Free Again” is also really catchy and is empowered by various melodic entities and messages. I like it! I really can not talk about EVERY song on the album…I don't want to spoil it!



This album has rougher rock sounds and then what I believe are more of ballads, the guys have put together a well rounded grade A album that everyone should give a listen to. They have taken their completely organic talent and their deeply rooted passion for their music to an all new playing field, and they are adapting to the new field well. Mixing together hard hitting raw sound and organic emotionally thrashing lyrics, and what’s the product? You get an insanely well produced, bombastic, in your face dose of what REAL alternative rock is supposed to sound like.



As amazing as their album is, their live show on the day of their album release...I can not find words. Scary Kids Scaring Kids is a punk rock alt band that I feel strongly everyone should see before they call it a day.


*By Amanda who is listening to SKSK right NOW.

Scary Kids to Release NEW Album...

This is Amanda's pick for album of the "end-of-summer"....

After the sucess of their first full length album the Gilbert, Arizona natives are back to shock and awe with a sophomore album that, I think, will blow your minds.

Many of you may have recently been creeping around MySpace and stumble upon the Scary Kids Scaring Kids page and found that they have released their first single off their up coming release (which is self-entitled) which is called "Faces."
Having listened to the first couple tracks that have been released on their MySpace, I feel that it is safe for me to say that this new self entitled may be their best work yet... I can confidently foreshadow that this album will not let you down.

SKSK is currently on tour! Check them out!!!
www.myspace.com/scarykids





BUY IT.


By Amanda who is STOKED to see them on the 28th for their album release.

BAMBOOZLE 2007 Artist Spotlight

SCARY KIDS SCARING KIDS

This past fall, for my very first music related article EVER I had the opportunity to interview Scary Kid Scaring Kids' keyboardist, Pouyan. The unique charismatic nature of his personality makes it hard not to laugh and thoroughly enjoy yourself while talking with him. After the interview had come and gone and the article was up for the public to enjoy, it was hard for me to turn away from my newly discovered love for their music. Their first full length album had not been out for too long, and in my eyes was a complete success. They achieved a sound unlike any other band in the genre, and they were totally humble to boot. Every time they have come locally I always try to make it out to their show, they put on the kind of performance and stage presence that most major label bands should aspire and pray to have. I have yet to encounter a performance that I have not been completely riveted by, Bamboozle 2007 was no exception.

One of the only real reasons I decided to attend the notorious spring music festival is because I knew that Scary Kids were going to be performing Sunday and they have an album coming out VERY SOON and it is pretty safe to assume they would be pulling out some of their new stuff to throw at fans to kinda mix it up. I had the opportunity to chat with front man Tyson for a bit (whom might I add is one of the nicest guys ever), and from what he was telling me..."this new album is going to be huge." When I asked him what would be different about this album, his eyes lit up like a kid in a candy shop and he took a moment to put together and explain to me that this is going to be an album that is going to bring ALL their fans together and all the miscellaneous genres they have merely touched on and nearly conquered...every kid, every genre...its a little of everything, Scary Kid style. As we continued to talk about it I got more and more excited for this album that Tyson and they guys have been dedicated to for so long and even brought in producer Don Gilman (Linkin Park, etc) to hook it up.

Even thought the guys have been working tirelessly on their new album (having JUST finished the day before they flew in) they were able to put on an awesome show playing favorites of their last releases and some unexpected surprises. Anyone who was lucky enough to be there to watch it definitely left with that in-awe-speechless feeling any true music fan gets after seeing a great live performance. Regardless of how windy it was (there was some wind issues...) or how the wind caught the stage, they rocked it. Tyson's voice sounded awesome, and for once that day, the sound system seemed to be working and making each instrument sound the way it should as opposed to the blob-ish fuzzy sounds I heard earlier in the day. Watching Scary Kids perform is always an experience, as I have said before, but there is always a twist or there is a new song..something that's different. Going along with true Scary Kids fashion, i knew that Pouyan would probably do something crazy or maybe this time his little "near de-pantsing" routine would back-fire. After a set filled with older favorites and some newer ballads that were sure to please, Pouyan scaled the stage. That tall tower thing you always see on either side of the stage, yeah, Pouyan climbed it....and then jumped into the crowd. He rules.

Bottom line here kids- from Tyson's mouth, to my ears, to your eyes..."Please go check out this album, it means a lot, its going to be huge..there's something on it for everyone."

COMING THIS SUMMER. BUY IT.

PICTURES COMING SOOOON...

By Amanda (who will buy at least 3 copies...car, house, and extra cause on is bound to get scratched from use)

THE TAKE ACTION! TOUR 2007

This year music united with 1(800)SUICIDE to try and saves lives. The Take Action! Tour promoted the hotline and is hoping to have an affect…an affect large enough to hopefully take suicide out of the number 3 spot in killers among people ages 15-24.

As I pulled up to the vintage rock palace that many of us Jersey music fans have come to call a second home it was hard to miss the oversized tour buses that the performing talent has inhabited for the past month. The Stone Pony was hosting the The Action! Tour, and its hard to pull up to a venue like this knowing that some of your favorite acts are going to be performing, and not get butterflies in your stomach…

This tour was STAKED with big name talent. The line up included the likes of Kaddisfly, A Static Lullaby, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Emery, with The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus as the show headliner. Hopeless Records Capitalized and set up a huge merch table where you could find random band members chillin’.

The first band of the night is one of AP magazine’s 100 bands to know for this year…Kaddisfly. It mattered very little to them that they were the show opener. They packed their performance with music, antics, and most definitely talent. They pulled the crowd into their performance every chance they got….with their enchanting tune entitled ‘Campfire’ they were able to get a lot of the crazed fans to sing a long. Kaddisfly is certainly a band to watch. Their presence on this tour can not be ignored; great things can be expected from their future.

*Show Spotlight: Kaddisfly, hailing from Portland Oregon is one of this year’s most anticipated acts in the indie-alt world… Since being signed to Hopeless Records, they have already developed a natural, very empowering lyrically driven sound. This band is packed and stacked with the raw talent that no one can deny is refreshing alternative and their release is certainly something that you want to pick up because for a “newer” band, they have it going on.

A Static Lullaby slammed the stage with a lot of their older tunes much to their fans delight. Guitarist John explained to me that they would rather play their older stuff that fans really got into because the band isn’t feeling much success of this latest release. There hardcore sound bellowed around the Stone Pony giving everyone…including myself, chills. You would have never known that they had been “unsuccessful” with the energy that each member of the band brought to the stage. They played their latest song gone video ‘Hang ‘em High’ along with an older hit ‘Lip Gloss and Let Down.’

There is absolutely NOTHING like watching the guys of Scary Kids Scaring Kids take the stage. Each one of them are unique with their stage behavior, but they all deliver a similar message…this is what we love, take it or leave it. Their love of music certainly shines through as lead singer Tyson Stevens belts (and screams) out the lyrics to a hit of theirs…The City Sleeps in Flames. Pouyan’s dramatic and fun stage thrashing, and near de-pantsing makes watching their performance not only a musical experience but an entertaining moment of mystery…will his pants actually fall of this time? The band played one of my very favorites of their album (The City Sleeps in Flames 2005) My Darkest Hour, and it was difficult to find someone that wasn’t singing along. Much like the two bands that played before them, Scary Kids is a MUST watch band. Since I wrote the article on them earlier this year, they have already seen a tremendous peak in their success. Their last album is one that is ALWAYS in the cd player…I come back to it time and time again it never fails to put me in a “comfort zone” ( one that only the best music can provide) and the familiar confidence you get from listening to it, I am hard pressed to see how their up and coming release will be anything but amazing.

Emery was a pleasant departure from the previous more “screamo” type bands we had been seeing…while they still do their share of screaming, their slower ballads are enchanting and make you wanna sway. By far the highlight of their set was watching of the the crazy band members climb the rafter type piping situation that the Stone Pony has all over the ceiling… As I was standing their, not far from Static Lullaby guitarist John, I got a little nervous that the rafter would give and their would be screaming and well, and end to the show. Emery played a solid set, and I say that with no hesitation. They are a band you can watch play for hours.

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus was certainly a crowd favorite. With their radio smash hit entitled Face Down, they have been selling records, and as a result, building a fan base that ranges from college age kids, to 6th graders to post college graduates, and everything in between. They are also a band is that for me, the press, has fun with. Their delightful manner and overflow of creative talent that affects everyone around them in such a positive way is definitely a highlight of watching them perform their album hits. Their emotional out pour in Face Down was most certainly the crowd favorite.

Its hard to find a GOOD solid tour where every band is one you don’t want to miss….but boys and girls…this was one of them. Each band brought something different to the table and it just made it that much better. I give this show 5 out of 5 stars…


PHOTO CREDIT: Amanda Tumulty


*By Amanda who is oh so thankful for soy chai tea lattes from Starbucks