Titus Andronicus- No Future Part Three: Escape From No Future (video)

Coming to you from Newark, NJ is the new Titus Andronicus video. "No Future Part Three: Escape From No Future" is lyrically about accepting those parts of yourself you may not like, those parts that make you YOU, and finally coming to the conclusion that it's ok to be a loser--it's something to embrace. You don't have to be the most successful person to be happy--but what us Jersey kids know from history class is the state motto: "liberty and prosperity." We're free to do what we please. Fuck what anyone else thinks. Being 23-years old, my generation gets A LOT of shit for leading a supposedly directionless life, living off our parents, piling up student loans, and avoiding adulthood. To that I personally laugh. Right now I have so much freedom and that feels amazing--I'm a suite waitress, a writer for a non-profit, a volunteer, a show goer. Life is swell--I'm still emotional as shit, socially awkward at times, and different than my peers and the people I hang around, a loner sometimes, an outsider--those feelings are hard to deny; but then you have --prosperity--happiness and health, pretty much. I have both liberty and prosperity. Yay!

The video shows Titus Andronicus in 5 different New Jersey cities. I attended the last one in Jersey City. It was quite a wait but it worth it. You can read about how that went here. I may not personally spend that much time in Jersey but I wouldn't want to leave Newark--I have too many dues to pay right now.  I live in Newark, NJ and I'm proud of that. We have an excellent urban debate program where a team from University High School and American History took 1st and 5th place respectively in a national tournament earlier this month. We have Science High School competing in the Race to the Top Commencement Challenge to have President Obama speak at their graduation. We have grants coming in for our parks, schools, and fire departments. We were chosen by Panasonic to be the new headquarters for their national company. We have the Prudential Center leading the way for sports and entertainment. I can go on for a while, but those are some of the bigger things going on. I'm proud to be a Newarker, for sure. "No Future Part Three: Escape From No Future" is visually a homage to New Jersey and I'm happy to have been a part of it with my friend Amy Klein, guitarist and violinist of Titus Andronicus, pal Patrick, and a whole rooftop of Titus Andronicus enthusiasts, vigorously singing, "You will always be a loser."

CONTEST: I'm in the video. Let me know at exactly what time(s) you spot me and I'll send you a prize. E-mail me at the address here with the subject "Titus Video Contest." 

Directed by Tom Scharpling

Amy Klein: folk/ rock musician, feminist, & writer releases new album

For Day 4 of our Women's History Month homage to artists and bands, I present you Amy Klein. A musician, writer, friend, feminist, and all around beautiful being, Amy is a true inspiration. I first meet  her in April 2010 outside of Maxwell's after seeing Los Campesinos and just before Titus Andronicus was loading into the venue to play a night show. She spent several minutes talking with me and was quite nice. Amy just self-released a digital solo album of folk tunes. 

There's the rock and punk side of Amy Klein that comes in the form of Titus Andronicus and Hilly Eye and then there's the folk side of Amy Klein that comes in the form of Solanin. Then there's the folk and psychedelic rock side of Amy Klein that comes in the form a new solo release called, I Know What You Want. Her songs simply put are pleasant, poised, and pretty. With this release Amy gets more musically involved, stretching her playing to include not just guitar, but piano, organ, and percussion, which I was told from her includes tambourine playing. Accompanying her on drums is Nick Shuminsky of Free Energy, a band she toured with in Titus Andronicus' last summer. The lovely sounds coupled with the natural imagery of the lyrics make it easy to get lost in the music.She cites influences like Joanna Newsom, Stevie Nicks, and Nick Drack, but I'm not familiar with these musicians. I can only compare her music to what I know and what I've heard. And though this may be odd to compare a self-described folk artist to a Celtic artist I will say that Amy's music reminds me of Loreena McKennitt. The comparison is mostly in the vocals and how calm and happy I feel after listening to the music. Amy Klein has a strong, delicate, and controlled voice that  is quite a surprise if you know her vocals from Titus Andronicus and Hilly Eye. I'm happy to say that I know this wonderful musician. A personal friend and fellow group member and founder of feminist group Permanent Wave, Amy is a true inspiration and I recommend checking out her awesome writings and posts here and familiarizing yourself with her musical work. On her blog she writes about her tour experiences with Titus Andronicus, thoughts on feminism, provides links to articles that touch on the human experience, and keeps you up-to-date on her music. One piece she wrote, which I found insightful and in-depth was on the Japanese punk band The Suzan, who play Santos Party House this coming Monday. Read it here. She writes about her own album here. I hope you enjoy.

Listen to Amy Klein here: http://amyklein.bandcamp.com/
Listen to Solanin here: http://solanin.bandcamp.com/
Listen to Hilly Eye here: http://hillyeye.bandcamp.com/
Listen to Titus Andronicus here: http://titusandronicus.net/videos

Titus Andronicus shoot music video in NJ

Titus Andronicus on the roof of the Iron Monkey

Titus Andronicus spent a day in New Jersey on Feb. 20 to shoot a video for their song "No Future Part Three: Escape From No Future" from last year's release The Monitor. The plan was to perform mini shows in Little Egg Harbor, Asbury Park, New Brunswick, and Jersey City. Director Tom Scharpling along with a crew who helped create the videos for the New Pornographers "Moves" and Ted Leo And The Pharmacists "Bottled In Cork," would solicit a call for fans to come out to the shoot. The Jersey City shoot took place on the roof of the Iron Monkey, a bar located just a few blocks from the PATH train station. Being just 30 minutes away I got on the train to make the shoot. Although I arrived at 8:30pm, the band didn't arrive until 10:30pm. 

Shortly after the crowd was let up to the roof. It was pretty packed, so much so two support beams broke. The band played "A More Perfect Union" followed by two takes of "No Future..." It was pretty fun and Patrick got the crowd going. The crowd singing, "You will always be a loser" together was pretty cool.  Somehow a New Jersey Devils chant erupted. Afterward handed out free posters and signed some autographs. I wish I had brought my Monitor LP for the band to sign. Their April 29 show at Maxwells is already sold out but you can see them at Music Hall of Williamsburg on April 30. Do. They put on a good show. See here and here.

Here's a funny picture of Patrick holding a Titus Andronicus license plate: 

Amy Klein: starting a feminist movement, playing w/ Hilly Eye & Titus Andronicus

Amy Klein is not only a musician but an advocate, a voice for females in a world that says they are less than.  In a world nearing 2011, we still have to fight for our rights, proper treatment, and respect among others, including guys and other girls, too. Her experiences touring with Titus Andronicus, including seeing a sexist advertisement in Southern Ireland and a male college student touching her boobs, just two examples she writes about in her blog, have angered her to the point where enough is enough and something needs to be done. She's stepping up for all women who have ever been touched inappropriately or seen sexist ads and haven't done anything about it. She's a voice for the voiceless, the fearful. It's hard to write about this sort of experience the way she does, but it's relevant to us. Yes, it's her experience but we can all learn from it. We can learn that we can't be quiet about it and we must learn to voice our opinions. As a woman of color who identifies as egalitarian, humanitarian with D.I.Y. punk ethics who rejects the mainstream what Amy is speaking out about it quite exciting to me. It makes me feel like there's a pool of individuals who can unite to do things about the shit that brings us down on a daily basis. How can we feel more connected to the world and how does music play a role in this?

This takes a lot of courage. I haven't gotten this personal in my writing for Star Beat but there comes a time when it's important to put yourself out there, share your thoughts, and explain why you're writing about what you're writing about, instead of just putting it out there. It's most impressive that Amy's taking the initiative to create a conversation about what feminism is (and broadly and openly) and what we should be doing in this day and age to keep things right. It's easy for me to lose focus  given my rejection of mainstream (I don't watch TV, I don't watch movies, I don't read magazines, I don't know what's popular), so I've been kept unaware of the wrongdoings going on- what the USA and even the world is selling to woman about what we should be, about who has power. It's disgusting to think that we are told to stay mute, be a certain way, or we won't succeed. In my eyes, people are people. It's so fucking simple. Humans are humans. Can we all just get some respect. In the end, we as woman have to work harder than our male counterparts for acceptances into this world that jokes like we are equal when in reality we are not. We're too scared to be free thinkers, who make our own decisions, because society and the media is telling us we can't. We have to fit into this box, in this certain way. Well, it doesn't work that way. We can't let that happen. So here we have Amy Klein, 25, sticking up for all girls and women to be recognized, respected, and rebellious. Something needs to change. She goes on at length about the current state of affairs to bring "A New Feminist Movement for the New Millennium." She's organizing a meeting on Dec. 9th to discuss these things. Woman (in the broadest sense), male allies, and supportive guys are welcome. A diverse pool of people will create a wide range of thoughts and what I hope will turn out to be an interesting conversation and starting point for something greater to come.

Here's an excerpt from Amy's Tumblr about the initiative:

I want to see a world one day where girls and women of all shapes, sizes, religions, races, ages, sexualities, and abilities can be the heroes of the day, the heroes of the story, the heroes of their own lives, without facing a backlash of hate and criticism and jealousy and violence and anger. I want to see a world where all girls are powerful and can succeed, and so that’s why I’ll support those women around me who are seizing the spotlight, and making it shine a little brighter on them. Because maybe, just maybe, the spotlight might shine on every girl one day, and that would be a good thing for all of us, and for the principle of equality, and for the entire world. 

All girls who are ready for change should come to our first NYC meeting at 8:00 p.m. on December 9th. Send me a message by clicking on the Ask Amy Andronicus button and include your name and email address in the message. You will then receive an email telling you the meeting location. If you are not in NYC, but are interested in having a meeting too, why not have your own meeting in the city or town where you are! (via post)

Live Review: Titus Andronicus, Free Energy, & Screaming Females in NYC

 photo by kolored for BrooklynVegan
story by star morales

Luck had it that two of my favorite New Jersey punk rock 'n roll bands would be playing together at the spacious Webster Hall and I would get to see them with a good friend. Titus Andronicus hailing from Glen Rock and Screaming Females from New Brunswick would unite for a rockin' evening with Philadelphia's Free Energy. This night would cap off Titus Andronicus' tour with Free Energy and was probably the biggest show of the tour. What's cool is that there seemed to be more people in attendance than when I saw the band opening up for Man Man at this same venue in 2008. This is certainly a testament to how far the band has come in just a few years and only two albums. The band's epic qualities, intelligent lyrical themes, and grand musicianship is what makes the band exciting for me. I saw Titus and Screamales at the beginning of their tours, but why not see them again? Seeing this show was a great way to spend my Saturday night. 

Screaming Females nailed it with their punk driven, heavy, rock 'n roll set. They played a nice mixture of new songs from their latest album, Castle Talk, as well as older songs. They kicked it off with the catchy, quick poppy "Bell," and then hit a few newer songs, including "I Don't It," "New Kid," and "Sheep." They played older song "Stave the Beat," with its insanely driving beat, delicious shredding guitar, jammy edge, and screamy vocals. What's neat about seeing Screaming Females live is the improvisation in the guitar playing! It's wicked cool. They closed with the stellar "Lights Out," prompting me to two-step, air drum, air guitar, headbang, and dance around. It wasn't the typical Screaming females crowd I'm used to, but I didn't care, I still danced. I didn't care I was only. The sound was great, the band was great, and I had fun. Thanks, yet again, for a great time Screaming Females.

Free Energy, who brought a poppy feel good rock flavor to their music,  was next. Many of the people I was around seemed to be familiar with the band. They danced, sang, and had a good time. I enjoyed "Free Energy" and "Bang Pop," for their fun, catchy rock. Titus' Amy Klein played guitar with the band for one of the songs. Jumping up and down with a smile, she added some extra flavor to the song. I've sadly forgotten which one.

Titus Andronicus got Webster Hall rockin' with their hour and a half long set. Highlights included, opener "A More Perfect Union," "Four Score and Seven," "The Battle of Hampton Roads," "Theme from Cheers" and "Titus Andronicus." Goodness this band sounded great. Their performance speaks for itself. They closed with a cover of AC/DC's "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock n' Roll)" featuring Free Energy. They called themselves "The Temporary Tattoos," which seemed to be a joke since Amy Klein had gotten everyone temp tats. I want to try and say more, but truly I'm near speechless. I've written about them before here and here. If you care about good, passionate rock, then check out any of these bands.

See below for setlists and links to other coverage with photos. 

Live Review: Titus Andronicus & Free Energy in Hoboken

Titus Andronicus is one of my favorite bands that I don't get to see nearly enough as I'd like. They truly embody everything I love in a band: powerful, intelligent, and honest lyrics, strong musicianship, and a punk urgency that makes the music moving. Live the band is serious, yet fun. It's  inspiring to see a band like this make it (Jimmy Fallon appearance, U.S. tour, upcoming headlining show at Webster Hall where just two years ago they opened for Man Man).

I've seen Titus Andronicus once a year since their opening slot in 2008 with Yo La Tengo at Jelly NYC's Pool Party at McCarren Park. The last time I saw the band was at Glassland's Gallery last July for a free show. I finally saw the band again, with a new album and new musicians, at Maxwell's in Hoboken on Aug. 19. Early in the year I ran into Titus' violinist/ guitarist Amy Klein, who were playing a sold out show that evening. I was there for an earlier show to see Los Campesinos, but couldn't make their that night. The band could've easily played a much bigger space, it's apparent they sell out these smaller places; but, here they are,  a national band, playing the same venue where they got their start.

What's fun about seeing the band live is the repetitive lines that drive you to sing and dance along. The  audience yells, along with Stickles, lines like "your life is over," "it's still us against them," "the enemy is everywhere," and "you will always be a loser." Somehow each lines is sung with more urgency than the previous. Some bands you might describe as "good," "bad," "boring," but Titus Andronicus surpasses these one word descriptions. When you describe them you need to say alot because they say alot, with heart. Otherwise it would do the band a great injustice. The band encompass a bunch of one and two word descriptions: serious, sing-Alongs, driving. Guitar-solos, punk, enemy, friend, war, Shakespearian, lo-fi, garage-punk, rock 'n roll, that together, that together make Titus Andronicus sort of hard to really categorize. That makes them stand out. Yeah, the band is awesome live.

10 Acts Who Will Save 2010 From Chillwave

Flavorwire writer Heidi Vanderlee wrote an list called "10 Acts Who Will Save 2010 From Chillwave." The writer highlights two New Jersey bands: the smart, folk/punk rock 'n rollers from Glen Ridge, Titus Andronicus, and the jammy, grungy, rock 'rollers, Tourmaline. Kudos! This is a solid list and I commend Heidi for saying enough is enough with chillwave. We want rock 'n roll and music that speaks to our ears in news ways. Now we present the list:

1. Of Montreal
2. Black Mountain
3. Afuche
4. Sleepy Sun
5. Titus Andronicus
6. Tourmaline
7. Mavis Staples and Jeff Tweedy
8. LCD Soundsystem
9. The Morning Benders
10. Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti

Free Energy/ Titus Andronicus covers split available on tour

Free Energy has been confirmed as support for all dates on Titus Andronicus' upcoming headlining tour. The band who recently played a free show with Best Coast at South Street Seaport, will play a now sold out show at Maxwells on Aug. 19 and Webster Hall on Sept. 25.

For the tour, a special split 7'' featuring a cover song from each band will be available. 

Side A: Titus Andronicus- Anxiety Block (Television Personalities)

Side B: Free Energy- I'm Going Down (Bruce Sprigsteen)

Spotlight: Titus Andronicus

DOWNLOAD: Titus Andronicus- A More Perfect Union

Titus Andronicus is a New Jersey band that makes you think and no matter how big they get they still remember their roots. The Glen Rock band has garnered much attention and have played sold out shows but they still manage to get away with playing the same venues. Their brand of punk rock is both urgent and intelligent, thoughtful and passionate. The band's Shakespearean name and themed Civil War album, The Monitor are just two intriguing aspects of the band. At least two of the members (Patrick and Amy) live in Brooklyn, but so be it, they are still a Jersey band. The band's history is worth mention to show their progress. I think there's so much to learn from a band like this.

In August the band performs both at Glasslands and Maxwell's. The band performed a free show at Glasslands Gallery in 2009 with The So So Glos, now they come back to play for $15. The day after they'll be at Maxwell's. Earlier this year the band played a sold out show there. Finally, the band plays the 1, 000 capacity Webster Hall in September. I saw them open for Man Man in November 2008 there, now they are headlining. Truly amazing. They've played with Ted leo, Los Campesinos, The Breeders, No Age, Black Lips, and Lucero, among others.

Titus Andronicus plays Glasslands Gallery with Bad Credit No Credit, Bottle Up & Go on August 18th. Tickets available here. Then they're at Maxwells on August 19. Tickets are $12 in advance here, $14 at the door. Finally, the band wraps up their tour on Sept. 22nd at Webster Hall. Tickets are $16 in advance here.

--by Star Child

Interview excerpt, line-up, and full tour date below.  

Titus Andronicus/ So So Glos Shows: PA/NJ/NY

Glen Ridge, New Jersey's Titus Andronicus play their last three shows this week. Tonight they're in Philly, tomorrow Hoboken, and on Thursday it's Brooklyn. They play with Brooklyn's So So Glos. A fitting bill with two atypical punk bands with rock n roll roots. The live performance is sure to hook you in. Check these two bands out, they rock.

10/13 @ The Barbarby, Philadahlpa, PA. Get tickets here.
10/14 @ Maxwell's, Hoboken, NJ w/Eula. Get tickets here.
10/15 @ Knitting Factory, Brooklyn, NY w/ Grooms. Get tickets here.

Titus Andronicus music video shoot in Brooklyn this Monday, plus Record Store Day shows

Titus Andronicus "Thunder Road" & "Upon Viewing Brueghel's 'Landscape and the Fall of Icarus'" @ Maxwell's, Hoboken 1/14/09


Titus Andronicus are filming a video for "Upon Viewing Brueghel's 'Landscape and the Fall of Icarus'" at Silent Barn in Brooklyn, NY this Monday afternoon at 4pm. Details are below. The band will also perform at 3:30pm at Vintage Vinyl in Fords, NJ for Record Store Day on April 18th before playing at Music Hall of Williamsburg with Lucero.

Our masters at eXtra Large Recordings have decided that the audiotory elements of Titus Andronicus are not doing the job as far as moving units is concerned, and so we must enter the visual world in the form of a music video for our forthcoming UK single, "Upon Viewing Brueghel's 'Landscape and the Fall of Icarus.'"

Since the men of Titus Andronicus are all ugly bastards, we humbly request yr presence at Silent Barn on this coming Monday (this is where we are going to make the video), so that you, in all yr beauty, can dance and throw confetti and pretend that Titus Andronicus are actually playing music instead of just pretending. In this way, perhaps we can manipulate the record-buying public into allowing us to seperate them from their hard-earned money, the fools.

The prancing around will begin at around 4:30 PM and continue long into the evening. If any of you still have jobs for some reason, or some other obligation to see to, it will be perfectly fine in you want to come at a time after 4:30 PM. Nobody will think ill of you. We just desire yr presence in whatever way it may manifest itself.

We ask with the utmost humility that you come equipped with either a white or black t-shirt and pants.
No print on them please - a shirt turned inside out would be okay!

Also, please feel free to invite all yr friends so that we can create the illusion that everyone loves us.

This is all happening at Silent Barn, which can be reached by taking the L Train to Halsey, or by taking the M to Myrtle/Wyckoff. Here is Silent Barn on Google Maps: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

Okay, that's all. Please come, or our self esteem will suffer irreperable damage.
Try having that on yr conscience!