This Saturday it's Star Child's Final Show on WSOU w/ acoustic sets by Kevin Devine, Joe Wilson, Exit She Calls, and ShiraGirl

Dear Readers,

I’ll be celebrating four years at 89.5 FM-WSOU with my last show on Saturday, September 5th from 7pm-2am. Since I graduated from Seton Hall University in May I have to do a final show at the end of the summer. During my time at the station I was an assistant producer, newscaster, and assistant and director of promotions. It was an amazing run, where I worked with great people, got to voice my opinion, go to some great shows, meet some awesome bands, and interview some cool ones as well. Some highlights include interviewing Murder by Death and Poison the Well, meeting Megadeth and Slipknot, doing stage announcements for Rise Against and Atreyu to sold out crowds at Nokia Theatre, Times Square and seeing Interpol and Muse at Madison Square Garden for free.

I’ve interviewed Artimus Pyledriver, Fear Before the March of Flames, Marc Rizzo (of Soulfly), In This Moment, Tim from Rise Against, Doug of the Sleeping, Tommy of The Autumn Offering, Marissa of Screaming Females, Shira of ShiraGirl, Kristin Hersh of Throwing Muses, Otep Shamaya of OTEP. On Tuesday, September 2 at 4pm I’ll do my final interview before my last show with Suicide City. They'll talk about their new album "FRENZY" and the future.

My last show will be on Saturday, September 5th. I'm going to play an eclectic mix of music, tell some station stories, get roasted (I'm sure) by fellow staff members and friends, and maybe a few other surprises. Expect to hear music from The Beatles, Neutral Milk Hotel, The Gaslight Anthem, mewithoutYou, Have Heart, Screaming Females, Blink-182, Lauryn, Fuel and many more.

I'm also honored to announced interviews and acoustic performances by:

Kevin Devine (folk, indie rock singer from Brooklyn)

Joe Wilson (folk Jersey singer from Feeling Left Out & We're All Broken)

Exit She Calls (sweet, catchy alternative rock from Bergen County, New Jersey)

ShiraGirl (all-girl punk outfit from New York)

Thank you for joining me in celebrating my time at one of the leading college radio station's in the country! It's been an amazing run. You can listen on your FM-dial in New Jersey and NYC or www.wsou.net anywhere else. Also, call in at 973-761-9768 (WSOU)

Thanks,
Star Child

Otep Interview to air this Friday on 89.5 FM WSOU

This Friday (8/28) around 5pm my interview with Otep Shamaya of Los Angeles based metal band OTEP will air on 89.5 FM WSOU. She speaks on the new album Smash the Control Machine, the current headlining tour, upcoming tour with 5 Finger Death Punch and Shadow's Fall, and what motivates her to connect with her fans. You can listen on your FM-dial in the North Jersey/ NYC area or on-line at www.wsou.net

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Recent Related Entries:

* Otep Shamaya In-Store at Vintage Vinyl 8-18-09

* Otep in NYC concert review

* OTEP’s new cd, upcoming shows, and video

Silverstein Tour Dates, NJ show on 11/14

Silverstein have announced a U.S. tour. The band will be touring with Madina Lake, I See Stars, Closure in Moscow, and Word Alive on the last leg of the tour with a stop in NY and NY. The first is Nov. 13 at The Chance in Poughkeepsie, NY and Nov. 14 at The Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ.

You can also catch Madina Lake in September for 2 New Jersey show with Alesana, The Bled, Asking Alexandria and the Bled. The first date is Sept. 24 at School of Rock in South Hackesanck and Sept. 28 at Hangar 84, Vineland, NJ



Silverstein Tour Dates:

w/ I See Stars, I Am Committing A Sin
Sep 11 Aurora, IL @ Doug's Rockhouse Grill

w/ I Am Committing A Sin + guests
Sep 12 Lacrosse, WI @ Warehouse
Sep 13 Sioux Falls, SD @ Nuttys
Sep 14 Gilette, WY @ Exhibit Hall Sheridan Fairgrounds

w/ Owl City, Inward Eye
Sep 23 Lansing, MI @ The Small Planet

w/ Madina Lake, I See Stars, Word Alive, I Am Committing A Sin
Oct-28 Winooski, VT @ Higher Ground
Oct-29 Syracuse, NY @ Lost Horizon
Oct-30 New Haven, CT @ Toad's Place
Oct-31 Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock

w/ Madina Lake, I See Stars, Closure in Moscow, Word Alive
Nov-02 Carborro, NC @ Cats Cradle
Nov-03 Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel
Nov-04 Nashville, TN @ Rockettown
Nov-06 Tulsa, OK @ Marquee
Nov-07 Little Rock, AR @ The Village
Nov-08 Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theatre
Nov-09 Columbia, MO @ Blue Note
Nov-10 Louisville, KY @ Headliners
Nov-13 Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance
Nov-14 Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom

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Recent Blog Entries:

* The Measure (SA) tour dates & projects, playing Brooklyn this Wednesday w/ Little Lungs
* Cheap Girls announce new album details and post 2 new songs
* Tegan & Sara posted "Sainthood" tracklisting & artwork plus announce 2 NYC shows
* Extras Needed for Peculiar Gentlemen Video in Brooklyn
* Extras Needed for ShiraGirl Video in NYC
* This Week's CD Releases, Streams, and Downloads
* Events 8.24-8.30

The Measure (SA) tour dates & projects, playing Brooklyn on Wednesday w/ Little Lungs

The Measure (SA) return to Brooklyn tomorrow night at Tommy's Tavern. Also playing is Little Lungs, Helloids, Men Who Lunch, and Sexy Crimes. Tommy's is located at 1041 Manhattan Ave, Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The show is $5 at 8pm.

The Measure (SA) is Lauren Measure and Fid on guitar and vocals, Mikey Yannich on drummer, and Tim Burke on bass. Each member of the band is also involved in other projects.

--> Tim is also playing with the Helloids tomorrow.

--> Fid's other band Fanshen is playing on Saturday with the Degenerics @ the Lake - 258 Johnson Ave, Brooklyn.

--> Lauren is also in Worrier, with Mike Hunchback and Justin from Ringers, and they just posted a new demo.

--> Mikey is in 10 other bands, one of which is Psyched to Die. They're playing on September 26 @ Cake Shop.

As previously announced, the band will be touring with The Gaslight Anthem in October. After the Brooklyn date the band play two New Brunswick shows and in Hoboken with Screaming Females. Check the tour dates below.

The Measure (SA) Tour Dates:

8/26 @ Tommy Tavern's, Brooklyn, NY w/ Little Lungs, Men Who Lunch (reunion)
9/22 @ Meat Town USA, New Brunswick, NJ w/ Teenage Cool Kids
9/23 @ Maxwell's, Hoboken, NJ w/ Screaming Females
10/9 @ Court Tavern, New Brunswick, NJ w/ The Roadside Graves
10/20 @ Charm City Art Space, Baltimore, MD w/Dead Mechanical

w/ The Gaslight Anthem, Murder by Death, and The Loved Ones
10/21 @ The National, Richmond, VA
10/22 @ 9:30 Club, Washington, DC
10/26 @ Newport Music Hall, Columbus, OH
10/27 @ House of Blues, Chicago, IL

Florida run for The Fest
10/29 @ Transitions, Tampa, FL
10/30 @ Fest 8, Gainseville, FL
10/31 @ Fest 8, Gainseville, FL
11/1 @ Fest 8, Gainseville, FL

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Recent Blog Entries:

* Cheap Girls announce new album details and post 2 new songs
* Tegan & Sara posted "Sainthood" tracklisting & artwork plus announce 2 NYC shows
* Extras Needed for Peculiar Gentlemen Video in Brooklyn
* Extras Needed for ShiraGirl Video in NYC
* This Week's CD Releases, Streams, and Downloads
* Events 8.24-8.30

Cheap Girls announce new album details and post 2 new songs

Michigan's Cheap Girls have announced a tentative Oct. 6 release for their second full length "My Roaring 20's." The album features 10 songs coming in at less than 30 minutes on Paper + Plastick Records. The band posted a two new songs "Hey Hey, I'm Worn Out" and "Ft. Lauderdale" on their myspace. The band tour the west coast next month, then play the Fest in Gainseville, FL over Halloween weekend.

Here's a statement from the band on the release:

We began recording the record with Rick Johnson (as always) at the end of February, 2009 just before we left for a tour. We were able to record all of the drums and bass in a few days and then we had to leave for 3 and a half weeks before we could do any more. Once we were home, we finished it in Ben's basement, Rick's apartment and Rick's new studio. A couple weeks later, we re-finished the record at Rick's studio. After that, he mixed it about 6 times. Some could say we were a bit "prissy" on this one. Either way, we're incredibly happy with how this record turned out and I think all 4 of us involved really kind of surprised ourselves. That's a good thing, right? Right! Thanks, Rick. You're a great sport and we can't wait to make another one.

After all of that was wrapped up, Jeff Rosenstock did the artwork (he did our first LP as well). We mailed him a shit ton of pictures we found in my parents basement, including my parents' pre-children German Sheppard named Biff posed in funny situations and my father dressed as Gene Simmons for Halloween '77. He did a great job. You'll see.

Tracklisting below.


My Roaring 20's Tracklisting:

1. Sunnyside
2. Ft. Lauderdale
3. Hey Hey, I'm Worn Out
4. I Had A Motorcycle
5. Sleeping Weather
6. Something That I Need
7. Modern Faces
8. Lab Technicians
9. All My Clean Friends
10. One & Four

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Recent Blog Entries:

* Tegan & Sara posted "Sainthood" tracklisting & artwork plus announce 2 NYC shows
* Extras Needed for Peculiar Gentlemen Video in Brooklyn
* Extras Needed for ShiraGirl Video in NYC
* This Week's CD Releases, Streams, and Downloads
* Events 8.24-8.30

Tegan & Sara post "Sainthood" tracklisting & artwork plus announce 2 NYC shows

Indie/pop folk duo Tegan and Sara have posted the artwork (see above) and tracklisting (see below) for their new album, "Sainthood" out on Oct. 27. It's the Canadian twins sixth full length studio album. They also posted some initial tour dates. They'll be at New York City's Town Hall on Oct. 30 and 31st. Tickets are on-sale Aug. 28 at 10am EST at ticketmaster.com

Sainthood Tracklisting:
1. Arrow
2. Don't Rush
3. Hell
4. On Directing
5. Red Belt
6. The Cure
7. Northshore
8. Night Watch
9. Alligator
10. Paperback Head
11. The Ocean
12. Sentimental Tune
13. Someday

Extras Needed for Peculiar Gentlemen Music Video in Brooklyn

Peculiar Gentlemen are looking for extras for a music video shoot on Aug. 29 at 5pm. More on the shoot below:

There is a “party scene” that needs to have people dancing around or just hanging out in the background. The video is suppose to take place in the 1940's, so to keep this as convincing as possible, we request you try to bring a costume. It's a fun costume and will make for a fun time, we really hope you can make it.

Here are the details:

Men - Cotton pants or overalls, button down collar shirt, vests, bow tie or regular tie, suspenders, old style hats.

Women - Long dresses, floral patters, skirts above the waist with tucked in button down blouse. Shoes with short white socks. Hair tied up.

When: Saturday, August 29th, 5:00pm.

Where: Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, NY (reply for exact address)

Duration: 4 hours (party included)

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Recent Entries:

Extras Needed for ShiraGirl Video in NYC
This Week's CD Releases, Streams, and Downloads
Events 8.24-8.30
Screaming Females appeared on MTV, playing Impose Party-video, tour dates

Extras Needed for ShiraGirl Video in NYC

All female punk outfit ShiraGirl is looking for extras for their new single "Sick Days" this week. The video shoot will be held beginning tomorrow, Aug. 26 at 2pm in Manhattan for a school scene and Aug. 27 at 4pm in Brooklyn for an outdoor playground/hip-hop dance scene and house party scene. The video will be directed by Parris who has worked with Busta, Luda, and Jay-Z.

If you're interested e-mail GIRLZ.IN.THE.HOOD@GMAIL.COM with the subject "Video" including your name, age, snapshot, and full contact information with phone number to RSVP.

This Week's CD Releases, streams, & downloads

Star's CD Release Picks:

Caliban - Say Hello To Tragedy (Century Media)
fun- Aim and Ignite (Nettwerk)
Korpiklaani - Karkelo (Nuclear Blast)
Mew- No More Stories... (Sony BMG)
Municipal Waste - Massive Aggressive (Earache)
The Casualties- We Are All We Have (Side One Dummy)

* Also, pick up Nakatomi Plaza's new album "Ghosts" here. It's pay what you look or get it for free.

* fun. is streaming its entire new album here.

Events 8.24-8.30

8.24, Monday
* Swingadelic 9 p.m. Free (front room) The People's Open Mic 8 p.m. Free (back room) @ Maxwell's, Hoboken.

8.25, Tuesday

8.26, Wednesday
* New London Fire, The Jetsetting, Charlotte Sometimes, Outernational @ Maxwell's, Hoboken.
* Jettison, Fire First, The Ruining, The Big Dangerous - Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park.

8.27, Thursday
* Doug Gillard Elecric, Get Help, Eastern Anchors plus comedy by Dave Hill @ Maxwell's, Hoboken.
* Enemy of Enferis, Ruins of Akora, Siafu, and The Vivid Twisted @ Dingbatz, NJ.
* Chemtrail, The Amboys, Brian Graney @ Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park.

8.28, Thursday
* The Embracers, Secret Country, Socratic, The Howlies 8:30 p.m. $8 @ Maxwell's, Hoboken.
* Let Me Run, The Casting Out (singer from Boy Sets Fire) @ Court Tavern, New Brunswick.
* Stillborna Monster Babies Misfits Tribute, With Daggers Drawn, and The Dirty Stayouts @ Dingbatz, Clifton.

8.29, Friday
* The Roadside Graves, The New Dress @ Court Tavern, New Brunswick.
* Houston Calls (Last Show), Paulson , Red Light Green Light , The Tonight Life , Hoover Flags (members of FOLLY) @ School of Rock, South Hackensack.
* Splitvision (Last Show), Piston Driver, Empire Fallen, Septik @ Dingbatz, Clifton.

8.30, Sunday
* Hatebreed, Chimaira, Winds Of Plague, Dying Fetus, One Brick Down and Toxic Holocaust @ Starland Ballroom. $19. 5pm.

Screaming Females appeared on MTV, playing Impose Party- video, tour dates

New Music - More Music Videos

Screaming Females made their first television appearance on MTV's latest variety show, It's On With Alexa Chung this past Thursday. The band played "Bell" off their latest release Power Move. They totally rocked. They played on the floor with the audience fairly close to the front. I couldn't help but shake my head, move about, and pump my fist. I was wearing loose shoes and not sneakers, so I wasn't to two-step, but it was still fun. My hair got in my face and I was right up front to see Marissa shreddin' on guitar, Mike thumpin' on bass, and Jarrett rollin' on drums. You can actually spot me a number of times in the video above. Can you see StarBeat?

Screamales play the Impose Party at The Yard next Saturday with Psychic Ills, Zs, Silver Summit, Sharon Van Etten, Future Islands, Air Waves, Boogie Boarder. Info and tickets for the all day event is available here. After they headline NYC's Mercury Lounge followed by some Jersey shows and what looks to be an east coast tour.

The way things look for Screaming Females, it's easy to make the comparison that they're like the Vivian Girls of New Brunswick. They've opened for mainstream acts (Dinosaur Jr and the Deadweather), have been getting good press and blog support, and have a devoted fanbase. Now we just need to see them on tour outside of North America.

Screaming Females Tour Dates:

08.29.09 - Brooklyn, NY @ The Yard
09.01.09 - New York, NY @ The Mercury Lounge
09.04.09 - Stony Brook, New York @ WUSB Studio - Stony Brook University
09.15.09 - New Brunswick, NJ @ Casa de esperanza
09.23.09 - Hoboken, NJ @ Maxwell's
09.24.09 - Washington, D.C. @ Black Cat
09.25.09 - Philadelphia, PA @ Pi Lam House
09.27.09 - Providence, RI @ AS220
09.28.09 - Cambridge, MA @ Middle East
09.29.09 - Portland, ME @ SPACE Gallery
09.30.09 - Montreal, QC @ Casa Del Popolo
10.01.09 - Montreal, QC @ POP MONTREAL
10.03.09 - Detroit, MI @ Majestic Cafe
10.08.09 - Chicago, IL @ Ronnie's
10.10.09 - Richmond, IN @ Earlham College

The Sleeping return to Long Island for 4 Shows 9.13-9.16

On Thursday post-hardcore lads The Sleeping announced via a MySpace bulletin that the band would return to Long Island. Here's the statement from the band:

Ladies and Gentleman, we have been patiently waiting for the perfect time to return to the Island and with tons of proper planning, the time has finally arrived.

We will be playing FOUR SHOWS BACK TO BACK starting September 13th-16th at Broadway Bar in Amityville, NY. That's FOUR SHOWS for FOUR NIGHTS IN A ROW and that's not all:

Each night will be a different set and a different theme. There's also going to be different bands supporting us and a killer after-party after each show. You can come to one show if you want but if you like to rock the fuck out and party then you're really not going to want to miss ALL FOUR DAYS of The Sleeping's long awaited LONG ISLAND RETURN!!

Don't forget that each night will have different VERY SPECIAL GUESTS (which we will start announcing very soon) so come rock out with us and some of our closest friends!

Each show will cost only $12 BUT if you head over to the bar you can find out how to get special deals on all FOUR DAYS!!

Well, Long Island, we are very proud to be back in our hood, so why not make it extra special?

As for TOURING PLANS... we will see you all soon as well. ;)

Douglas



*THESE SHOWS ARE ALL AGES SHOWS!!*

You can find out about the special ticket deals by heading to:

Broadway Bar (The old VP South)
198 Rt. 110
Amityville, NY 11701

Otep Shamaya In-Store at Vintage Vinyl 8-18-09

Otep Shamaya, the poetic prowess herself, of OTEP made an appearance at Vintage Vinyl in Fords, New Jersey on Wednesday evening for an autograph signing and reading. I was excited to finally get my copy of her poetry book "Caught Screaming" signed. The lined moved fairly quickly despite mostly everyone either getting multiple things signed or taking pictures. Finally, it was my turn and she signed my book with "Art Sevas" and also a booklet and a poster. Upon mentioning I was from WSOU and would be interviewing her next week, she shock my hand and said something along the lines of: that's nice. I don't usually get to meet the people that interview me. I said thank you, took a picture with her, and was on my way.

Following the signing she began with her piece "Hail Caesar" from Caught Screaming, a political little piece. Then she called for people for either the book to read another piece or Q&A. Someone handed her the book and by the request of a fan she read "My Lover." A fan wanted her to lick her teddy, so she did.

That night Otep performed with her band at The Starland Ballroom.

Upcoming in-stores at Vintage Vinyl include The Used on Sept. 3, Lillian Axe on Sept. 9, Brand New on Sept. 23rd, and Anvil Sept. 25 and 27, among other.

Pictures and a video montage from the store can be seen here.

More photos and video below.

Terrance Pryor Presents Two Upcoming Shows at the MMAC in Bloomfield, NJ

S.ons of S.ilence @ 5 Corners Library, 8/17/09
Holding it down for shows in and around Essex County is local promoter Terrance Pryor who has been putting on shows since 2007. He puts on all ages show, where he doesn't make bands sell tickets, at The Meatlocker in Montclair, Gardensk8 in Pine Brook, and currently the MMAC in Bloomfield, where he presents his next two shows.

This Sunday it's sure to be a good afternoon of rock music with Of Fate and Chance, Exit She Calls, Control, and many more. This is the show to be at for any screamo, post-hardcore, pop/rock and alternative rock fans.

Check out interviews with Exit She Calls here and one with Of Fate and Chance here.

Exit She Calls @ 5 Corners Library, Jersey City, NJ


Upcoming Shows:

8/23 4pm- Of Fate and Chance,Where The Ocean Meets The Sky,Exit She Calls,The Marionette Roulette,Control,Lake Ave,I Am Fighting and S.ons Of S.ilence @ The MMAC, 562 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield, New Jersey - $10

9/3 6pm- Vega Under Fire,The Big Dangerous,The Marionette Roulette,In Full Bloom,Lake Ave.and 1TBA @ The MMAC, 562 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield, New Jersey - $10

Flyers below.

5 Points NYC Music News

* Brooklyn punk/rock band Nakatomi Plaza have called it quit, but are releasing a new album, and playing some final shows after its 10 year history. More info here.

* Hardcore outfit Zombie Dogs have posted 4 songs off their upcoming 7 inch release on MySpace.

* Indie shoe-gazers Vivian Girls headline at Death by Audio this Tuesday with The Beets and Real Estate.

* Punk/pop outfit Lemuria have a new print available for pre-order here. The 7-color screen print on French Brand Banana Split 100lb with cover stock in a limited edition of 200 signed and numbered copies.

* A new NYC music message board has been created. Join the conversation here.

CMJ Music Marathon Announces Initial 2009 Performers

CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival, October 20th-24th has announced its first round of performing artists to include NJ's Screaming Females, plus Broadcast, School of Seven Bells, Zac Brown Band, Múm, Atlas Sound, Japandroids, Margaret Cho, The Budos Band, Pitbull, The Very Best, The Temper Trap, Crystal Antlers, Portugal. The Man, Cymbals Eat Guitars, Malajube, Local Natives, Wild Light, The Antlers, Das Racist, Suckers, and Pissed Jeans. Hundreds more artists will be announced in the upcoming weeks, visit www.cmj.com/marathon for continuous artist announcements.

New York’s largest music event and one of the world’s most important showcases of new music artists, CMJ Music Marathon draws tens of thousands of professionals from all sectors of the music and film industry. More than 1,300 artists and over 120,000 music fans will converge on the Big Apple to catch the latest buzz band, cool indie film or learn more about the ever-changing music industry from key innovators, insiders and celebrities.

The 2009 event will feature performances from artists that span genres including alternative, rock, electronic, hip-hop, metal, Americana, world, jazz and so much more. It’s virtually assured that 2010’s superstar artists will be playing the CMJ Music Marathon in 2009.

“CMJ prides itself on musically taking chances by striving to present the most innovative and cutting-edge new music,” commented CMJ Music Marathon Founder and Executive Producer Joanne Abbot Green. “As has been the case for 29 years, CMJ curates the best in new artists for fans and music business tastemakers to enjoy. As with each festival, we look for ways on how to make the experience more exciting for our attendees from around the world.”

CMJ Music Marathon takes over 75 venues across Manhattan, Brooklyn and surrounding environs presenting a dazzling array of new music from around the globe. Registration to CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival (go to cmj.com/marathon for discounts) grants attendees entry to all daytime and nighttime offerings (venue capacity permitting).

CMJ has always been a springboard for the best new music talent from multiple music genres, discovering music’s future superstars years before their commercial breakthroughs. Past marquee artists include Crystal Castles (’08), MGMT (’07), the Shins (’06), Feist (’05), the Arcade Fire (’04), the Killers (’03), Modest Mouse (’98), Eminem (’98), Black Eyed Peas (’97), Wilco (’96), Green Day (’94), Queen Latifah (’90), the Beastie Boys (’85), U2 (’85), Red Hot Chili Peppers (’84), and R.E.M. (’83). And that’s just for starters.

Since its inception, CMJ Music Marathon has featured many of the world’s most influential and revolutionary musicians, artists, cultural and political figures at a variety of events including presentations, screenings, Q&A sessions, panel discussions and, of course, over 1300 live music performances each year.

Further details on all of the upcoming events will continue to be announced online. For artists updates, discount badge registration and more information visit: www.cmj.com/marathon.

OTEP played in NYC, playing NJ tonight

The lights dimmed, but no signs of OTEP. The crowd kept cheering "OTEP. OTEP. OTEP" over the good rap music that was playing. It seemed to go on for a while, I just wanted OTEP to come out already. Finally, one by one the members came on stage. When Otep herself came on stage, everyone of course cheered. The interlude began..."Battle Ready" would kick off the set. It was the perfect song to start with. Although, there weren't many people in the small Gramercy Theatre, the fans seem really excited and why not? It was NYC on a Tuesday night for OTEP's cd release show. The band surely set it off right from the beginning. With each song Otep would put on something new whether it be a hat or a mask. Each song had a different vibe that found me either jumping, 2-stepping, moshing, headbanging, singing, or whatever else.

Other tunes included "My Confession," "Blood Pigs," "Ghostflowers," "Homegrown," and a cover of Nirvana's "Breed." By the end of the night I was drenched in sweat. Saw some great people and was able to network. It was crazy. It was beautiful. It was cathartic. It was fun. This is how a show should always be! They played mostly off of their last release The Ascension and first release Sevas Tra, only playing three new songs and none off of House of Secrets. I wish they would've played longer, but it was a tight set.

Openers Destrophy, Seven Year Existence, and local NY natives, Hung, slayed, as well.

OTEP perform tonight in Jersey! Should be better, because OTEP in Jersey always kicks ass. OTEP will be at Vintage Vintage in Fords at 6pm for an autograph signing and poetry reading from Otep herself. After get to Starland Ballroom to check out local openers Ashes of Your Enemy, Romance at Gunpoint, and AnAka.

Check out Smash the Control Machine, it's very poetic, anthemic, and hard!

As the guy said to his friend in the 7-11, "OTEP is heavy metal thrash-core." Take it for what you will. I'd call OTEP a me(n)tal mutiny of the senses.

Setlist below.



OTEP NYC Setlist 8/18/09

Battle Ready
Crooked Spoons
My Confession
Ghostflowers
Smash the Control Machine
Blood Pigs
Confrontation
Rise. Rebel. Resist
Homegrown
Breed (Nirvana Cover)

Encore:
Serv Asat

CD Releases, Music News, & Bouncing Souls contest

CD Picks for this week:
As Tall As Lions- You Can't Take It With You
Broadway Calls- Good Views, Bad News
Burnt By The Sun - Heart Of Darkness (Relapse)
Emmure - Felony (Victory)
Gwar - Lust In Space (Metal Blade)
Otep - Smash The Control Machine (Victory)
Paint It Black-Surrender

* OTEP cd release show tonight at Gramercy Theatre!
* Thursday added date with Far at Bowery Ballroom on Oct. 25th
* New Brunswick's Ex-Wife (formerly You Without Teeth) are working on a new album
* Currents have posted an album teaser for their new EP on myspace.
* Also, win tickets to see Bouncing Souls, Lifetime, and None More Black this Thursday in NYC here.

OTEP’s new cd, upcoming shows, and video

Los Angeles metal band OTEP will release its new album, Smash the Control Machine on Aug. 18th. To celebrate its release the band will perform a CD release show at New York’s Gramercy Theatre. Also performing is Destrophy and Seven Year Existence. The day after, Aug. 19th Otep Shamaya will be doing a poetry reading and autograph signing at Vintage Vinyl in Fords, NJ. Afterwards, the band plays at The Starland Ballroom with AnAka, Ashes of Your Enemy, and Romance at Gun Point.

The band also has a deluxe edition package for their new release. It includes a limited edition OTEP t-shirt, poster, digipack with bonus Victory Records CD, holographic cover and short DVD, 52-page booklet with lyrics, poems and illustrations from Otep Shamaya, DVD with interviews, poetry readings, and more.The CD features 13 songs including “Rise, Rebel, Resist” and the single “Smash the Control Machine.”

Finally, the band will take part in the “Shock and Raw Tour” this Fall with Five Finger Death Punch and Shadow’s Fall. Sound like a familiar line-up? Well, if you remember it was half of WSOU’s 60th anniversary concert at The Starland Ballroom last April. Yep, they liked it so much they decided to bring the three bands together for a tour.

Screaming Females to appear on new MTV show

Screaming Females are going to be on MTV's "It's On With Alexa Chung" next Thursday (Aug. 20th). The "rock 'n roll power trio" will be performing "Bell" and possibly doing an interview. The show airs at Noon on MTV.

Here's the show's music schedule for next week:
8/17 Taking Back Sunday
8/18 Sea Paul
8/19 Jessie James
8/20 Screaming Females

The band is currently wrapping up a west coast tour with Shellshag. They return for some show at the end of month and in September. Last month the band debuted their Smashing Pumpkins/White Zombie inspired video "Buried in the Nude." Check it out above. Also, check out this recent interview.

Screaming Females Tour Dates:

8/29 @ The Yard, Brooklyn, NY w/ Future Islands, Air Waves, and more
8/30 @ Mercury Lounge, NY, NY w/ Shellshag, Black Wine, and Ex Wife
9/4 @ Sac Auditorium @ Stony Brook U w/ Real Estate, Spider Bags, Slothbear
9/23 @ Maxwell's, Hoboken, NJ w/ The Measure (SA), and more

Hub City Hardcore Fest Cancelled Today

To all of you who planned to attend this weekend's 3-day HCHC fest, there has been a change in plans.

Unfortunately, local authorities took it upon themselves to contact the landlords of all planned venues. Their reasons for order the shows cancellations were somewhere between fire codes and threats of noise violations.

Therefore, today's show is canceled. Psyched to Die, The Measure (SA), Tinnitus, Static Radio NJ, staring problem and Antietem were scheduled to perform.

There are many people scrambling to make this work right now but hopefully the scheduled bands will still get to play somewhere. Saturday's show has been moved to the Court Tavern.

Most importantly, these shows were an honest effort to raise money to benefit a great friend and local legend to our music scene.

Taken from Chunksaah Records site:

Rich Cunningham formed Happy Days Records in 1995, releasing debut records by Hot Water Music and Ink & Dagger, as well as titles by Endeavor, Times Up, and Human Remains. In 2000 he formed New Labor, an alternative model of worker organization that combines new and existing strategies to improve working conditions and provide a voice for low-wage, young, immigrant workers in central New Jersey. In 2005 Rich was diagnosed with cancer and recently his battle has taken a turn for the worse.

Please listen up for other changes for the weekend plans and come check out the Court Tavern show on Saturday.

Hubcity Hardcore Fest Details:
Friday- Canceled

Saturday- Moved to Court Tavern
124 Church St

21+

The Match and the Moth (reunion)
Detournement
Fanshen
Mirrors and Wires

Sunday- Moved to Rutgers
Sunday show moved to the Rutgers Labor Education Center. 50 Labor Center Way.
All Ages

Ke Chu-Char
Zhenia Golov
Pregnant
Torchbearers
Stressed Out
The Degenerics
Kamikaze (reunion)


Starts at 3.

What's Going on in Jersey & NYC 8/13

in NJ:

* Ida Maria, Franz Nicolay (of the Hold Steady) @ Maxwell's, Hoboken

* Only Living Boy, The Press(NYC), Thee Fine Lines (MS)@ The Court Tavern, New Brunswick.

* King's X, Last Perfect Thing, Friends of Bill Wilson, Jon Klein Combine, Filter Effect @ Stone Pony, Asbury Park

* Through the Eyes of the Dead @ Hangar 84, Vineland

in NYC:

* Queen V, GSX, Merit @ Santos Party House

* Algernon Cadwallder, The Brass, My Heart to Joy, The New Dress, Agent @ Glass Door, Brooklyn

* CKY, ASG @ Gramercy Theatre

* Blondie, Pat Benatar, The Donnas @ Asser Levy, Brighton Beach (free)

* Yeasayer, Amazing Baby @ Hudson River Park's Pier 54 (free)

HardDrive Live Tour Dates: All That Remains, Lacuna Coil, NJ & NYC

All That Remains will headline the HARDDRIVELIVE TOUR this fall. HardDrive is a nationally syndicated radio show that will be sponsering the tour. The 40 date North American tour features Lacuna Coil and Maylene & The Sons of Disaster for the full tour and From Sword to Sunrise and Taking Dawn on two separate legs. The tour kicks off in Albany on September 22nd.

The tour visits NYC's Irivng Plaza on Sept. 23 and NJ's Starland Ballroom on Nov. 13th. Tickets are on-sale Aug. 21 at noon, but HardDriveLive.com has a pre-sale for the NYC date and the NK pre-sale is Aug. 17th.

HardDrive Live 2009 Tour Dates:

Sep 22 – Albany, NY – Northern Lights
Sep 23 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
Sep 25 – Philadelphia, PA – The Trocadero
Sep 26 – Syracuse, NY – The Lost Horizon
Sep 27 – Pittsburgh, PA – Club Zoo
Sep 29 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
Sep 30 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Orbit Room
Oct 1 – Ft. Wayne, IN – Piere's
Oct 2 – Pontiac, MI – Clutch Cargo's
Oct 3 – Madison, WI – The Barrymore
Oct 6 – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall
Oct 7 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues
Oct 9 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
Oct 12 – Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine
Oct 13 – Phoenix, AZ – Marquee Theatre
Oct 14 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues
Oct 16 – Los Angeles, CA – House of Blues
Oct 17 – Fresno, CA – The Crest
Oct 18 – San Francisco, CA – Grand Ballroom
Oct 20 – Spokane, WA – The Knitting Factory
Oct 22 – Salt Lake City, UT – Murray Theater
Oct 23 – Denver, CO – The Fillmore
Oct 25 – Fargo, ND – The Venue @ Playmakers
Oct 27 – Calgary, AB (Canada) – MacEwan Hall
Oct 28 – Edmonton, AB (Canada) – Edmonton Events Centre
Oct 30 – Winnipeg, MB (Canada) – Garrick Centre
Oct 31 – Minneapolis, MN – Epic
Nov 2 – Little Rock, AR – The Village
Nov 3 – Knoxville, TN - Valarium
Nov 5 – Ft Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room
Nov 6 – Gainesville, FL – The Venue
Nov 7 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
Nov 8 – Orlando, FL – House Of Blues
Nov 9 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm
Nov 11 – Baltimore, MD – Rams Heads
Nov 12 – Lancaster, PA – Chameleon Club
Nov 13 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
Nov 14 – Hartford, CT – Webster Theater
Nov 16 – Montreal, QC (Canada) – Le Medley
Nov 17 – Toronto, ON (Canada) – Sound Academy

* All That Remains, Lacuna Coil, Maylene & The Sons of Disaster on all dates
* From Sword to Sunrise on September 22nd through October 7th
* Taking Dawn on October 9th through November 17th

Paramore Fall Tour Dates- NJ & NYC

If you missed pop rock darlings Paramore when they opened for No Doubt earlier this summer, then fret Jerseyans, they'll be back in the fall. The 5-piece returns to Jersey for a headlining show Montclair's Wellmont Theare on Oct. 16. Opening are Paper Route and The Swellers. The all ages show is $29.50 and on-sale Fri. 8/21 at noon. The band also performs in NYC on Oct. 21.

The band's new album Brand New Eyes is out Sept. 29th. MTV will priemere the new video for "Ignorance," the first single form the cd tomorrow.

Paramore Tour Dates:
Sep. 29, Pomona, CA (The Fox Theater)
Oct. 1, Los Angeles, CA (Hollywood Palladium)
Oct. 2, San Francisco, CA (Warfield Theatre)
Oct. 4, Denver, CO (The Fillmore)
Oct. 6, Kansas City, MO (Uptown Theater)
Oct. 7, St. Louis, MO (The Pageant)
Oct. 9, Maplewood, MN (Myth)
Oct. 10, Chicago, IL (House of Blues)
Oct. 11, Detroit, MI (The Fillmore)
Oct. 15, Toronto, ON (Kool Haus)
Oct. 16, Montclair, NJ (The Wellmont Theatre)
Oct. 17, Philadelphia, PA (Electric Factory)
Oct. 19, Boston, MA (House of Blues)
Oct. 21, New York, NY (Hammerstein Ballroom)
Oct. 24, Norfolk, VA (The Norva)
Oct. 26, Orlando, FL (House of Blues)
Oct. 27,Atlanta, GA (The Tabernacle)
Nov. 1, Nashville, TN (Ryman Auditorium)

WSOU gets new web stream, blog, and Twitter

Poison the Well @ WSOU 7-10-09

Your leading New Jersey radio station for loud rock, 89.5 FM WSOU has made a few changes this summer. First, they have a new on-line stream here. Second, they have a blog for "music and absurdity." You can check out recent concert reviews of Killswitch Engage, Eagles of Death Metal, and Incubus. Finally, the station got a Twitter account filled with music news and SOU happenings any listener or loud rock fan should know. So tune in, follow the station, and read and comment the blog. The station still has giveaways all the time, so make sure to listen for your chance to win concert tickets, cd's, and much more.

The station has new music by Shadow's Fall, Five Finger Death Punch, Suicide City, Havok, Bury Your Dead, Suicide Silence, Obituary, and more so keep the requests coming for your favorite bands.

Loud Rock NJ/NYC Concert Calender:
8/12 Shai Hulud , Reign Supreme , The Carrier @ Santos Party House
8/13 CKY, ASG @ Gramercy Theatre
8/13 Through the Eyes of the Dead @ Hangar 84
8/15 Threat Signal, The Autumn Offering, The Agonist, Sybreed @ Highline Ballroom
8/16 Threat Signal, The Autumn Offering, The Agonist, Sybreed @ Chamionships
8/18 OTEP, Destrophy, Seven Year Existence @ Gramercy Theatre
8/18 CrueFest2: Motley Crue, Theory of a Deadman, Drowning Pool @ PNC Bank Arts Center
8/19 OTEP, Destrophy, AnAka, Ashes of Your Enemy @ Starland Ballroom
8/20 hed(pe), Mushroomhead, Straight Line Stitch @ Gramercy Theatre
8/20 The Bouncing Souls, Lifetime, None More Black @ Webster Hall
8/21 The Bouncing Souls, Lifetime, Tim Barry @ Webster Hall
8/22 Nebula, The Entrance Band , Naam @ Santos Party House
8/25 Heaven & Hell, Coheed & Cambria @ WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden
8/29 Killswitch Engage, Vision of Disorder, All That Remains, Unearth @ Bay Stage at Jones Beach
8/30 Hatebreed, Chimaira, Winds of Plague @ Starland Ballroom

New Show Announcements at The Starland Ballroom

Rockers rejoice The Starland Ballroom has announced a couple shows that are on-sale this Friday at noon.

9/17 Our Lady Peace

9/18 Chevelle, Halestorm

10/11 Five Finger Death Punch, Shadows Fall, 2 Cents

Incubus @ PNC Bank Arts Center 8/7/09

Going to a huge venues like the PNC Bank Arts Center comes bought once in a rare time for me, so when I had the chance to see Incubus and the Duke Spirit, in seats, not lawn, nonetheless it was pretty exciting. Incubus was one of the early mainstream rock bands I heard growing up and one of my favorites, so getting to hear and see their “Monuments and Melodies” tour brought back at least a few memories of my middle school days.

The Duke Spirit, a U.K. band with a lady singer with a nice groove and 70s/ 80s rock vibe to them were up first. They played for 30 minutes, which I feel wasn’t too long. But they had a big sound to them and the sound quality was awesome. It’s a bummer people were still in the parking lot during their set, they missed a good band.

Incubus came on at 9pm kicking it off with “Pardon Me,” where the crowd quickly got pumped. It was nice hearing all the hits, acoustic songs, and the oldie “Redefine.” I didn’t expect the band to play anything off of “S.C.I.E.N.C.E,” so it was a cool treat. Brandon Boyd still maintains a youthful appearance and high energy, after being in the band over 10 years which is really awesome to see. The excitement of the big show was topped off by the lighting and video screen which were like mini music videos that fit each song the band played. For instance, during "circles" there was a bike wheel spinning in the video. It was also nice hearing "Wish You Were Hear" and thinking of friends who couldn't make it to the show.

The band played an hour and a half set, then came back out for a 3 song encore that closed with a jammy, almost heavier misplaced song, which I later found out was a cover of Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy.” It was an interesting choice to close with a cover, but it seemed to work and everyone indeed went “crazy.”

Incubus Setlist (via)

1. Pardon Me
2. Nice to Know You
3. Anna Molly
4. Stellar
5. Megalomaniac
6. Circles
7. Love Hurts
8. Just a Phase

9. Drive (Acoustic)
10. Talk Shows On Mute (Acoustic)
11. Dig (Acoustic)

12. Redefine
13. Warning
14. Oil and Water
15. Quicksand
16. A Kiss to Send Us Off
17. Wish You Were Here
18. Aqueous Transmission

Encore:
19. The Warmth
20. Sick Sad Little World
21. Let's Go Crazy (Prince cover)

August New Brunswick Show Calender

Message me for addresses. All shows are all ages and cost $5. Doors are at 6pm, show starts at 7pm, unless indicated.

Thursday, Aug. 6 @ Meat Town USA
Delay (OH)
Amelia (OH)
Rubber Moulding

Aug. 8 @ Camp Anawanna
Used Kids
Tenement
Slaw

Monday, Aug. 10 @ Death Valley
Witches (GE)
Helloids
Landlord (IN)

Tuesday, Aug. 11 @ Death City ($6)
Dr. Manhatten
Truman & His Trophy,
Darlings' Cabinet of Sundry Horror,
Chambers,
Chased By Bears

HUB CITY HARDCORE FEST II
Get more information here.

Fri., Aug. 14 @ Death Valley 6pm
Hub City Hardcore Fest 1
Psyched to Die (Record Release)
The Measure (SA)
Static Radio NJ
Staring Problem
Tinnitus (MA)
Antietem (MA)

Sat., Aug. 15 @ (A)merica
Hub City Hardcore Fest 2
Positive Noise (MI)
Crucial Cause (CA)
Thrashington D.C. (France)
The State (MI Early 80s HC Legends)
Killin' It
Silent Way

Sat., Aug. 15 @ Death City
Hub City Hardcore Fest Day 2
Match and the Moth (reunion)
Mirrors and Wires
Detournement
Fanshen

Sun., Aug. 16 @ Camp Anawanna (3pm Sharp)
Hub City Hardcore Fest Day 3
Zhenia Golov
Stressed Out
Ke Chu Cha
Pregnant
Torchbearer
Kamikaze (reunion)
The Degenerics

Mon. Aug. 17 @ Meat Town USA
The Sidekicks (OH)
Helloids
more t.b.a

Thurs., Aug. 20 @ Camp Anawanna
Stupid Party
Bad Blood
Slaw

Fri, Aug. 21 @ Death Valley
Dead Mechanical (MD)
Full of Fancy
The Break Events
Night Birds

Sat., Aug. 22 @ Meat Town USA
Ex Wife (formerly You Without Teeth)

Thurs., Aug. 27 @ Death City (CANCELED)
Ensign
Inhuman
Hellmouth
Black Angils
Stressed Out

Thurs., Aug. 27 @ Camp Anawanna
Eine Kleine Chinmuzik (WI)
Jambox (WI)
Alligator

Sat., Aug. 29 @ Death Valley
Heath Deadger (OH)
Silent Way
Burden
Plague Bearers
Sacri-Fidels (MD)

The Court Tavern
124 Church St
21+

8/7 Tea & Whiskey, Blind Man Drive, Groucho Marxist, Thomas Francis Takes His Chances
8/8 Ice Picks, F-Bombers, Lesser Of Two, Freedoom
8/9 Risk Relay, White Problems, A Fucking Elephant, The Invisible Gods & All Left Out (from New Zeland)
8/10 Hub City Music Presents: Terminal Reynaldo, Sugar Glyder (from NC), People (from CA) & ... ($3)
8/11Die Area, Kechu=cha, The Jurks 9pm $3
8/ 12 ANDY DIAMOND presents TOWN DRUNK COMEDY NIGHT with Bigger Thomas, Post No Bills
8/13 Hub City Music Presents: Only Living Boy, The Press(NYC), Thee Fine Lines (MS) $5 9pm
8/14 The Van Cleef Band, Divinity Destroyed, Fighting Fighters, The Fifth
8/17 Hub City Music Presents: Toys in Trouble, Great Unwashed, Destroy Nate Allen. 9pm. Free
8/21 Lifetime, Endeavor, Torchbearer
8/25 Aerana, Sun, Shagnas $3 9pm
8/28 ANDY DIAMOND END OF SUMMER PARTY 1 with Let Me Run, The Casting Out (singer from Boy Sets Fire)
8/29 ANDY DIAMOND END OF SUMMER PARTY 2 with The Roadside Graves

Join music site, Shockhound to support bands, get free mp3's, merch, and more.

Anyone who goes to shows or is apart of the music scene knows that when bands play shows, they don't make a lot, if anything. Most bands make money by selling their merch. But through supporting ShockHound, an on-line distribution and music site, you’re supporting the bands in full. Not only is Shockhound free for you, but for bands, they make 100% profit of what they sell. Their eclectic music selection makes it nothing but difficult to find a band or artist not on there, including the great Ray Charles.

Last October ShockHound partnered with Hot Topic to provide music fans and bands an opportunity to become a part of a community. The site is filled with MP3’s, band merch, exclusive interviews and videos, social networking, and purchase concerts tickets to. It’s free for everyone and ShockHound does not take anything. You can add your favorite artists to your profile. You can also find friends and new people with the same musical interest. The music is not just mainstream either, you can also get a wide variety of music from independent labels in rock, hip-hop and pop among other genres.

Hot Topic has always brought you alternative clothes and "everything about the music," but ShockHound is the site to fulfill your needs when you're not in the store, the two work nicely together. All the individual Hot Topics in the country are competing for, not themselves, but for the bragging rights that comes along with it. You hear "mall" you automatically think of the endless amount of Jersey Malls. Which is great, and due to economic growth, NJ is a suburban state with mass transportation. But there's one Hot Topic around that stands out, the one in Middletown, NY. Most of you don't know where Middletown is let alone civilization. But Middletown Mall’s Hot Topic is based on group effort, exceeding expectations in their goals. They strive off customer service. Not only is it naturally in each employee just to be friendly and outgoing, but to have the customer’s experience to be memorable. The small store relies on it's customer service and each customer will get the attention they deserve. They store had the following to say:

“We are the under dog store, we live in a rural area where mass transportation doesn't exist. We are still the only non-remodeled store in our entire district, we are really small in comparison, we all are a family and are so tight, we are 'all for one, and one for all!' We have a diverse group of employees musically, personality, beliefs, anything you can think of. But we understand that humanism is what should be first. Equality, is what we want. You deserve that! Have an amazing experience at our store!"

You can sign up for a ShockHound account here. When you register, use this sign up code: 0179-87406 and check out the Middletown HT here.

You can also get free mp3s of Sonic Youth, Suicide City, Kiss Kiss and others.

SUICIDE CITY's Frenzy out Aug. 4th, NYC CD Release Aug.5th at Highline Ballroom

SUICIDE CITY will mark the release of their album, Frenzy, with a cd release show the day after its release on Aug. 5th at the Highline Ballroom. The album comes in much anticipation of the band's debut on The End Records. Made up of ex-Kittie bassist, Jennifer Arroyo, and Biohazard guitarist Billy Graziadei the band brings together a sound unlike these two bands. Joined by drummer Danny Lamagna, guitarist AJ Marchetta, and singer Karl Bernholtz Suicide City deliver an alternative brand of rock with punk roots and a dazzling performance.

Graziadei describes SUICIDE CITY’s sound as “punk rock, dirty rock ‘n roll with some big balls of metal and a touch of manic depression thrown in.”

You can join ShockHound for a free download of the band's new song "The Best Way."

So join the band on Aug. 5th for a night of fun, frenzy, and frolicking for the
Cirque du Rock: Gotham Underworld. The show is all ages. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 the day of the show. Doors open at 8pm and the concert starts at 9pm.

Cirque du Rock is back. Imagine the wildest night you’ve had in your life - go ahead, take a minute. Got it? Clear in your mind? Now multiply that into an infinite loop and you might understand a tenth of the essence of Cirque du Rock. It is night of complete extravagance, where music and visual arts are combined to leave you dizzy, spellbound, and thirsty for more. Every sort of genre of music is fused together under the umbrella of heavy rock: it IS self-willed chaos.

The bill is packed with amazing stage performers and sideshows including magicians, belly dancers, stilt walkers, jugglers, and much MUCH more. All these elements come together to create a carnival-like atmosphere, a turbulent ride for all five senses.

This is about raising questions, turning heads, and daring to blur social values.

Highline Ballroom
W. 16th St. between 9th and 10th ave.
Manhattan, NYC

9:00 PM Hate in the Box
10:00 PM Suicide City
11:00 PM PUi
12:00 AM Game Rebellion

8:30 – 11PM DJ Chris Landry will spin
11:30PM – 1:00AM (approx) DJ Michael T will spin

Sp. guests
HEATHER HOLLIDAY & SERPENTINA
from the CONEY ISLAND CIRCUS SIDESHOW

+ Sensual Dominatrix GODDESS SHEA

August Star Beat Concert Calender

Star Beat Music Concerts:

8/1 M. Ward @ Central Park Summerstage, NY
8/2 Coldplay @ All Points West, Jersey City NJ
8/3 The Start @ Mercury Lounge, NYC
8/4 The Rural Alberta Advantage @ Music Hall of Williamsburg Brooklyn NY
8/5 Suicide City @ Highline Ballroom, NYC
8/6 Eagles of Death Metal @ Webster Hall, NYC
8/13 Pat Benatar @ Asser Levy Park at Brighton Beach, Brooklyn NY
8/15 The Big She-Bang @ Judson Memorial Church, NYC
8/16 Dinosaur Jr. @ Central Park Summerstage, NYC
8/17 Exit She Calls @ 5 Corners Library, Jersey City NJ
8/18 Otep @ Blender Theatre, NYC
8/19 Otep poetry reading/signing @ Vintage Vinyl, then Otep @ Starland Ballroom
8/30 Hatebreed @ Starland Ballroom

Black Wine sign to Don Giovanni Records

Don Giovanni Records have signed New Jersey trio Black Wine. The band features ex-Ergs member Jeff Schroeck on guitar, Miranda Taylor of Full of Fancy on drums and vocals, and ex-Hunchback drummer J. Nixon on bass and vocals. The band will be recording their debut album in the fall with a release by the end of the year.

"Combined the trio play a a mix of alternative and punk reminiscent of the early days of SST and Sub Pop," the label said.

The band has an upcoming show at Mercury Lounge NYC with Screaming Females on Sept. 1st and at the Alligator Lounge in Greenpoint, Brooklyn on Sept. 25th.

Also, Full of Fancy will be playing the Big She-Bang at Judson Memorial Church on Aug. 15th. The band returns to New Brunswick for a show at Death Valley on Aug. 21st with Dead Mechanical, Break Events, and Night Birds featuring ex-members of Ergs, Hunchback, and For Science. Miranda plays guitar for Full of Fancy, but rocks out on the drums in Black Wine.

Videos of Black Wine below.

APW Fest: Day 1, Friday Tickets Honored for Saturday & Sunday, Yeah Yeah & Ra Ra

Erika of Heartless Bastards

The colossal indie rock, comedy circus of the summer, All Points West, greeted fans for its second year at Jersey City’s Liberty State Park. The weather managed to hold up for longer than was expected. The forecast predicted rain around noon, but it didn’t start until about 3:40pm when Fleet Foxes was performing. It was just enough rain where it wasn’t annoying and it was actually quite beautiful to see the band on the big screen with the Jersey City skyline right behind me seeing couples embrace, friends chatting, and the crowd enjoying the ‘foxes set. While the rain caused people to buy $5 ponchos and mess up their shoes, it prompted the festival team to welcome concert-goers back to the park saying: "Due to today’s stormy weather, we'd like to invite Friday ticket holders to be our guests at the festival on Saturday or Sunday. Simply bring your Friday ticket or Friday ticket stub for entry into your choice of Saturday or Sunday." But let me back up.

Upon entering the park I was given an All Points West passport, complete with a map and schedules for the three day festival-definitely a cool souvenir. It took a little longer to get to the park, so I had to run to see Heartless Bastards set. I was able to catch about 25 minutes of their wonderful set. Erika's voice was great, similar to Janis Joplin in some respects. The band had a blues-groove rock feel to them and I couldn’t help but think killer an addition they would’ve been to the Dead Weather/Screaming Females tour.

Next, it was time for some laughs with Bo Burnham who delivered his comedy via song. He played on keyboard and guitar providing a catchy set of tunes with a funny twist to them.

Eugene Mirman went on stage right after Burnham came off, but he seemed to make mostly black jokes. I tend to enjoy a variety of jokes. So, I wandered away to check out the craft fair, the food stands, and the art displays before seeing some of Seaside Steve who had a country/rock feel to him. I caught Telepathe as I passing by their stage but they quickly turned me off with their poor drum machine beats and inaudible vocals.

Next was Ra Ra Riot who I believe played everything off their latest and first album, The Rhumb Line. The singer said he thought only 5 people would be watching them due to the rain but that he’s grateful so many people saw the band. “Ghost Under Rocks,” into “Too Too Fast,” and “Dying is Fine,” were great to finish up with. They also announced that they will be heading to upstate New York to work on their second album.

A few songs into Fleet Foxes it started raining but this didn’t seem to bother the crowd, who was really getting into the band’s performance. Carolina Liar had the misfortune of playing when Vampire Weekend was going on but the modest crowd size responded well to the Liar's set. They rocked and got the crowd excited.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs put on one of the best big show live performances I’ve seen. There was a huge on the stage which drew your attention and one by one members of the band made their way on stage. Singer Karen O. strutting her stuff and jumping around to the band’s latest “Heads will roll.” Karen O. moved around, used her mic, shouted, and spoke to the crowd, showing her great stage presence. The band rolled through catchy song, after catchy song and a lighter one as well. One of the catchiest and sweetest parts of the set was the introduction to "Maps." She said "we'd like to sing you a summer love song...so we like to dedicate this song to Yeah Yeah Yeahs family and Yeah Yeah Yeahs loved ones...we like to dedicate this song to MCA and the Beastie Boys...and most importantly we like to dedicate this song to all you lovers in the crowd tonight braving the storm."

"Wait...they don't love you like I love you."

Highlights: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Ra Ra Riot, Heartless Bastards, Fleet Foxes, Carolina Liar.