Win free concert tickets

We got the scoop on a neat giveaway from Fuse and Xfinity for a free trip to NYC and concert tickets. If you live in Pennsylvania, Delaware or New Jersey you are eligible to win 2 tickets to a show of your choice at Madison Square Garden or any MSG venue along with the following:

•    Roundtrip train transportation to New York City
•    Two (2) nights’ hotel accommodations in New York City
•    Two (2) tickets to a museum, or major attraction in New York City
•    Fuse apparel and a $200 gift card to help you enjoy your stay  

This sweepstakes is currently running and will end on January 23rd at 11:59 PM EST, and here’s the link to the contest: http://fusemycity.com/


Good Luck!

Neon Dynamite: a sexy blend of funk

Woohoo. Neon Dynamite is ready to make your feet explode with their funky ass tunes. Their new EP features some of the hottest dance tunes I've heard since Boston's Bodega Girls new EP. And I'm sure their live show is equally entertaining. One listen to "Diamond Star," is all I needed to be mesmerized by their music. With smooth vocals, a funky bass, and hot beats, you can't go wrong with this band. They're set to entertain three times this month, so get down if you feel it. Listen to their new 3-song EP here: http://neondynamite.com/

Upcoming Shows: 

June 15 @ Spike Hill, Brooklyn, NY

June 25 @ Club Groove, New York, NY

June 28 @ The Local 269, New York, NY 

8/21 Alex Bleeker & The Freaks, Free Advice, 4 Visions @ Pantry Party, NYC

The Pantry Party is hosting its first NYC based show on Saturday, Aug. 21st at the St. Marks Cathedral in Bowery. The party features music and an art exhibition featuring folk-rock bands Alex Bleeker & The Freaks, Free Advice, and Four Visions. Admission is $10 or a $1 off for ever can of food you bring in. Bring $10 cans and get in for free. All proceeds go to St. Marks Pantry. 131 E. 10th Street, New York City.

Amy Regan going strong with "Carry On," playing The Living Room in NYC on June 8

New York based songstress Amy Regan originally from New Jersey, knows how to mix melody with sweet vocals to create a great acoustic-pop song. That song is "Carry On," which is featured in a Hertz Commercial. That's an especially promising opportunity for a local musician. The song features a pleasant melody with a hint of folk, an uplifting spirit, and a lovely, soothing voice. "I’m not disappointed or let down/ Cuz it’s time my senses finally came around," she sings. 

Amy Regan's songs have a Sarah McLachlin meets Joni Mitchell feel with just the right amount of folk, pop, and soul that doesn't make her music sound dated, but rather a young fresh take on the music.

Amy plays at The Living Room, 154 Ludlow Street, New York, NY on June 8 at 9pm. 

Hank and Cupcakes ("Pleasure Town" Music Video, Free NYC Show + EP Release May 12)

The delightful NYC dance duo, Hank and Cupcakes have released their first music video for the song "Pleasure Town" (see above). It was directed and shot by Matt Bockelman at Coney Island. They also have two upcoming shows. One is a free show at The Studio at Webster Hall on April 21 with Saadi, Arms and Legs, and Unsolved Mysteries. The second is their EP Release Party at (Le) Poisson Rogue on May 12. The show is only $6. Tickets are available here.

The band recently wrapped up gigs in London and Israel. They'll be back in the Big Apple to bring you a sexy, high energy, bass and drum  live performance that will make you dance. Get into it!

Live Review: MiniBoone / Ava Luna / Ball of Flame Shoot Fire @ Cake Shop 4-6-10

MiniBoone @ Cake Shop

Cake Shop hosted a night featuring three of the L Magazine's Top 8 NYC Bands You Need to Hear. The night started off with the peculiarly interesting Ball of Flames Shoot Fire. It wasn't just their name that was so, but the music, too. They sounded like an experimental indie rock bands employing accordion, electronic samples, saxophone, and keys. The music had a slow sounding vibe but picked up at times. They reminded me of Sunset Rubdown, Man Man, and LIARS. The performance lacked a liveliness that I'm used to seeing with these type of bands. Someone told me they had a Pink Floyd vibe.

Live Review: Look Mexico, Dear & the Departed, and Gabriel the Marine @ The Studio 3-10-10

“You Stay. I Go. No Following.” The song began like most Look Mexico songs, quiet, before picking it up sonically with their musical prowess. This was the first song the 5-piece played at the Studio of Webster Hall on Wednesday night. The song goes "Thank you, I thank you, thank you for absolutely nothing." The song is one of the band's latest and seemingly their lead 'single' off their new album. A little mathy, a little dancey, some pop/rock and a lot of melody, the now based in Austin band  who are originally from Tallahassee, delivered a nice 45 minute. They mixed in songs from their new album To Bed to Battle (out on March 23) and previous releases. At one point singer Matt walked off stage to sit on the floor, amongst the crowd, and played guitar while the other members stayed on the stage, but were also sitting. It was great seeing the band in a basement, but not just any basement a really nice one at Webster Hall,with phenom sound, for the third time. I think this was their best one.

Also on the bill was Gabriel the Marine from Long Island, who had a pleasant violin-driven rock sound. They played songs off their Your Friends and Loved Ones EP, as well as new ones. Vocalist Dylan reminds me of Circa Survive's Anthony Green. On “Heaven Only Knows” the singer tried to sing really high but didn't quite make it there. The song itself it pretty sweet. The crowd cheered for one more, so they played a  quick new one that sounded awesome. There was a sweet bass line and the song was quite rockin'. A tad different from the main set GTM had played, which seems to be telling of the band's new music.

Don Giovanni Records Presents two shows April 24 & 25 w/ Special Guest & Shellshag

After a successfully fun sold out show with a stacked line-up of 7 bands for Don Giovanni Records annual showcase, which happened at Bowery Ballroom in February, the label have announced they are presenting two spring shows at Mercury Lounge NYC. April 24 features The Measure (SA), Byrds of Paradise (who will release a 7'' on the label), Modern Hut (the label's own Joe's band), and a special guest headliner. April 25 Shellshag headlines with Noun (Marisa Paternoster of Screaming Females solo project), Full of Fancy, Black Wine, and Pregnant. The show is $10 in advance. Get ready for another night of punk, rock, n roll goodness. Details below.

Secret Lunar New Year Party this Friday in Chinatown

To celebrate the Chinese New Year a mega bash is going down at a secret location in Manhatten's Chinatown this Friday, Feb. 26. Tiger Beer is hosting the party with DJ's Tittsworth, Justine D, Egg Foo Young (Michna), and Tiny Pants. Entry is free, but you must RSVP at http://www.tigeroftheyear.com/ Early attendees receive free beer and free Asia Dog hotdogs, and everyone gets a night of dance from 10pm-2am. Before the party you'll receive an e-mail with the location. So if you dig a good party and your Friday night is empty, we've just made plans for you.

NJ/NYC Show Calendar 10/18-10/24

Here are some shows happening in New Jersey and NYC for next week for those looking for smaller shows, punk rock, or an alternative to CMJ or The Fest. Most of the band's are doing multiple shows in the area, so check out what's happening below. More shows will be added.

Sunday, 10/18:

The Bomb, Vision, The Fire Still Burns - Court Tavern, 124 Church St. New Brunswick NJ- 8 pm, $10, 21+

REVIVAL TOUR with Chuck Ragan, Jim Ward, Tim Barry, Jenny Owen Youngs - Asbury Lanes, 209 4th Ave. Asbury Park NJ - 8 pm, $8, 21+

Monday, 10/19:

Pretty Boy Thorson, Stolen Parts, The Measure (SA) @ Lulu’s aka Lost and Found aka Alligator Point. 8pm. Free

Look Mexico, Hop Along, Kite Party, Alaska Alaska @ 538 Johnson Ave #208, Brooklyn, NY. 8pm. $5. All Ages.

The Pharmacy, Taco Cat @ Bruar Falls, Brooklyn. 21+. Free. 9pm

Star Fucking Hipsters Record Release Party w/short acoustic SFH set @ Teneleven,
Ave. C between 10th & 11th st., NYC. 11:15pm. Free. Birth celebration for SFH's Frank Piegaro & Bill Cashman. It will feature short acoustic sets by some form of SFH, Yula Beeri & Popeye aka Banji.

Soulfly, Cattle Decapitation, Prong, Mutiny Within @ Gramercy Theatre, NYC.

Tuesday, 10/20:

Tacocat, Little Lungs, Weird Fantasy Band, Stinklines (first show), Lazy Targets (first show) @ 131 Tompkins, Brooklyn. 8pm Sharp. $5.

The Assassinators from Denmark close their 2 week long U.S. with a house show in New Brunswick, NJ with the town's own Mirrors and Wires and some other acts.

Wednesday, 10/21:

Bomb the Music Industry!, Cheap Girls, Chotto Ghetto, Barnaby Jones and Failures union @ Glass Door, Brooklyn. 8pm. $7.

Jeff: the Brotherhood, Tacocat, Weird Fantasy Band in New Brunswick, NJ. $3.

Thursday, 10/22:

Flexions featuring members of Blood Brothers and Past Lives will be at Princeton University (Terrance F Hall) with The Very Best.

Friday, 10/23:

Enjoy an indie/folk rock night with Chris Batten & The Woods, Tris McCall, You Scream I Scream, Val Emmich (acoustic). This goes down at Maxwell's. You can grab some eats beforehand, then head to the back for the show. Really laid back place. 8 p.m. $10

The ex-Bratmobile fronted PARTYLINE will kick out the jams in the Land of the Grease Trucks, sure to make you shake yr. butt to tunes about lovin’ Ralph Nader and hatin’ Domino’s Pizza (blecch). Not only that but MIRRORS AND WIRES, NOISY PIG, WEIRD FANTASY BAND will make sure things don’t get normal AT ALL, NO MATTER WHAT, AG.

Cheap Girls and Failures Unions make a stop in New Brunswick on their way to the fest with hometown natives The Measure (SA) making for a great pop/punk night at The Court Tavern.

Bridge & Tunnel play at The Shed in Toms River. While, Thomas Francis Takes His Chances is at the Meat Locker in Montclair.

Damages, Black Kites, The Men, Rational Animals @ the stolen sleeves collective. 538 johnson ave, brooklyn. 7pm. $5

Saturday, 10/24:

SISTA SEKUNDEN, Thriller, In Defence, Stressed Out - ABC No Rio, 156 Rivington St. NYC. 3 pm, $6, all ages

Nato Cole (of Used Kids) solo, With Pretty Boy Thorson and the Falling Angels, the Sandworms, and one more @ Lulu's. 9pm. Free.

Kittie looking for extras for NYC video shoot 7/26

Kittie is TARA, MERCEDES, MORGAN & IVY

Canadian metal band Kittie is looking for extras for a video taping in New York City on Sunday, July 26th. The video is for the band's upcoming single, "Sorrow I Know" from the band's new album called In the Black in stores on Sept. 15. The band will release the cd on E1 Entertainment and plans to tour this fall. Details on the shoot below:

The video will be directed by David Brodsky (Suicide Silence, Gwar, The Black Dahlia Murder) and his crew at MyGoodEye in New York. From MyGoodEye producer Allison Woest: "We are shooting a ‘20s era, speakeasy/burlesque music video for KITTIE, and are looking for fans to participate!

If you would like to be in the video and have ‘20s-era nighttime social clothing to participate in the debauchery, please get in touch! It is important that you bring your own outfits.

For Women, please wear dresses. Styles can include: Cocktail style dresses, anything with fringe, lace, silk or satin, drop waist or A line dresses, even flapper style halloween costumes! For Men: Suit and tie, fedora hat if possible Males and females both welcome. The video will be shot during the day on Sunday, July 26th, in New York City. If you are interested, please send an email to: casting@mgenyc.com.

Hand Jobs/ Zombie Dogs/Death Rats @ Death by Audio 7-5-09- pics & video

Zombie Dogs "Thrashin" @ Death By Audio 7-5-09


All photos by Star
At the last minute I was invited to a hardcore show at Brooklyn's Death by Audio featuring Zombie Dogs, Deathrats, and General Interest. This would be my first time at the place, so I was excited. I had heard so many good things about this place. Upon arrival I noticed it was a true DIY warehouse type space with couches in the back area and blue and pink bathrooms. I also realized that Dead Today and Hand Jobs had been added to the show. Walking into the space there was hardly anybody there, except what looked like band members.

But soon enough Dead Today would start to play, on the floor, despite the fact that there was a stage. This impressed me and showed how much the bands really wanted to create an intimate vibe. At one point the singer came into the crowd and put her hand on my shoulder mine and sort of rocked me back and fourth for a moment singing near me, before going further into the crowd. The sound was probably the loudest I've heard at a show in a very long time, it was almost an uncomfortable loudness but thankfully as the other bands went on it got better- either that or I just got used to the loudness. But at any rate, it was a different experience from the typical indie rock/punk rock 'n roll shows I’ve been going to lately.

Next was Deathrats from Washington DC. The singer was pretty intense with her vocals and had some great things to say. In particular, that you shouldn’t make someone feel like shit because your life is shit. She announced the band has tapes, which still surprises me when I hear. Tapes are so old school, yet there are so many hardcore and punk bands that still use them and sell them.

Local act Zombie Dogs were another good one who was a bit more catchy with a shout scream hardcore sound, then super screamy like Deathrats. Boston's General Interest played a Slapshot cover set. The music was pretty good, but the vocals weren’t anything impressive and I could barely understand the singer.

Finally, it was Hand Jobs from Brooklyn. They reminded me of Bikini Kill and I really enjoyed their songs. When I moved to the front the singer ran into me, and I fell a little back but it was fun to see her moving around, the crowd really wasn't. The guitarist also played keyboard at points, but their should've been more of it. While most seemed to be enjoying the set, it would've been cool to see some people dancing around. It's not like angry, super fast hardcore bands like Trash Talk or Ceremony were playing. These bands were bands you could move around to, instead of headbang to. I would've danced around had I not being taking photos and been wearing my contacts. Next time! Next time, friends.

Videos and photos under "read more."



Deathrats Video 1
Deathrats Video 2
Deathrats Video 3
Deathrats Video 4
Deathrats Video 5

Zombie Dogs 1
Zombie Dogs 2
Zombie Dogs 3
Zombie Dogs 4
Zombie Dogs 5
Zombie Dogs 6

Jared Grabb, Lead Pipe Cinch, and Will Dailey perform at upcoming TM Promotions shows

TM Promotions have three diverse shows coming up in New York and New Jersey.

Tuesday, June 9th
Acoustic/Singer-Writer Showcase
Shrine | 2271 Adam Clayton Powell blvd. | New York | NY | 10030
Jared Grabb former vocalist of Scout's honor, Tina Sparkle former members of Scout's Honor and the Forecast, Jenna Nichols, Sean Morris, Denise Barbarita, and White Noise supremacists
Doors at 6pm
Tickets $10

Friday, June 19th
Three local rock bands
The Tank | 354 W. 45th St.| New York | NY | 10030
Lead Pipe Cinch, Color Engine, and The Red Lights
Doors at 7pm
Tickets $10

Sunday, June 21st
Best acoustic rock in the area at Maxwell's
Jon Robert, Will Dailey, Nick Howard and Anthony Melillo
Maxwell's | 1039 Washington St. | Hoboken, NJ
Doors at 7:30pm
Tickets $10

K'Naan to play FREE show in NYC this Thursday

K'Naan will perform a free show with DJ Kamala at Steven in NYC this Thursday. The show is from 7-9pm. 21+ only. RSVP here.

His new album, Troubadour, was released this past Tuesday. It features hot hip hop tracks like "ABC's," "Dreamer," and "If Rap Gets Jealous."

Shiragirl Listening Party Tonight in NYC!

As reported, here , tonight is Shiragirl's cd listening party at Angels & Kings for Scream! Spit! Sing! Hear the new cd, listening to music, and enjoy free PBR and vodka.

Scream! Spit! Sing! tracklisting:
1. Anthem
2. Lights Out
3. Roll with tha Crew
4. Tantrum
5. Reklys
6. Drama Club
7. Terrorist
8. Never Not Ever
9. Battles
10. Scars
11. Days