Bern & the Brights to play 2nd to last Maxwell's show on 7/29 w/ Val Emmich, Secret Islands

It's exciting to announce that Bern & the Brights will grace the Maxwell's stage one last time before it closes. They are bringing Val Emmich and Secret Islands. Emmich is a Manalapan boring musician and actor who you may recognize from 30 Rock and Ugly Betty. Secret Islands is a collective of musicians from Old Wives, Defending Champions, Waking Lights and other bands. Tickets are $10, and all ages, as always. Yes, it's a Monday, but who said you can't rock out on this day? Tickets can be purchased here.

Bern & the Brights Record Store Day @ Tunes, Hoboken, NJ

Bern & the Brights will play a free, all ages unplugged set at Tunes in Hoboken on April 20th featuring songs from "Work", which you can pick up there for $5. Here's the line-up:

4pm Bern & the Brights 

5pm: Charles Keith Sztyk 

6pm: Richard Barone of The Bongos

Also, we will have a $5 sale on all items in the webstore, a test press for Those Mockingbirds 12" available for sale and limited edition package offers starting on Friday April 19th at www.starbeatmusic.storenvy.com 

https://www.facebook.com/bernandthebrights

http://www.bernandthebrights.com/

1/8 Bern & the Brights @ Knitting Factory, Brooklyn

Swoon worthy line-up of bands + comedy and a dj set. We'll be here. Will you? 

BUY TIX HERE: $7 Adv / $10 door

http://www.ticketfly.com/event/191943-sexy-badass-girl-rock-fest-brooklyn/

At THE KNITTING FACTORY BROOKLYN

361 Metropolitan Ave / Williamsburg

7:45 ALYSON GREENFIELD

http://alysongreenfield.com/

8:30 TORI SPARKS

http://www.torisparks.com/

9:15 MANCIE

http://www.manciemusic.com/

10:15 PAPERDOLL

http://paperdollband.com/

11:15 BERN & THE BRIGHTS

http://www.bernandthebrights.com

KARA KLENK 

From Upright Citizens Brigade Theater will be doing Stand-up throughout the night!!!

http://karaklenk.com/

DJ ALEX FLASH spinning hits!

Bern & the Brights 'Work' CD Release Show @ Tierney's Tavern, Montclair, NJ 10-13-12

An incredible night with Bern & the Brights, Plastiq Passion and The Micks down at Tierney's Tavern. Bern & the Brights played Swing Shift Maises, Starchild and then closed the night off with their latest album, Work. If you need Work stream it here and grab it here.

10/13 Bern & the Brights CD Release & StarBeat Music 1-Year Anniversary Show in Montclair, NJ

On October 13th we will be celebrating our 1-Year Anniversary as a label with a record release show for Bern & the Brights CD EP Work. The show will happen at Tierney's in Montclair with performances by Plastiq Passion and The Micks. Work shows a strong musical maturation for the 4-piece have developed their sound into a vibrant brand of rock that weaves together folk, reggae, new wave and pop across these 7 songs. Come join in the magic for a wonderful night of music.

Bern & the Brights 'Work' Pre-Orders Available Now

We're exited to announce that Bern & the Brights new album Work is available for pre-order. We have 3 special packages for you available at starbeatmusic.storenvy.com Official release date is October 2nd. We will do our best to ship these out to ASAP.

Part-Time Work Package: Work CD, Work Sticker

Full-Time Work Package: Work CD, Work Sticker, Work Pin, Work Poster, Lyric Insert

Overtime Work Package: Work CD, Starchild 7'' Vinyl, Work Sticker, Work Pin, Work Poster, Lyric Insert


Tracklisting: 
01. Slave Driver
02. War & Games
03. I See Red
04. Sick of Seeing You
05. Irish Boys
06. As Long As I'm Alive
07. Thieves, Creeps and Automatons


Also, check out their song "War & Games" on our new digital compilation "All These Noises" at allthesenoises.bandcamp.com

Bern & the Brights to be featured on College Radio Day compilation out October 2nd

Our own Bern & the Brights have been selected to be featured on the first College Radio Day compilation. Their song "As Long As I'm Alive" from the forthcoming release Work will be on the album, alongside the likes of Umphrey's McGee, The Maine and The Front Bottoms. Hundreds of stations around the world will participate in the 2nd annual CRD on Oct. 2nd when both the compilation and B&TB Work will be released. A limited pressing of 1,500 individually numbered, double-disc CDs are now available for pre-order. Proceeds benefit The College Radio Defense Fund. From College Radio Day:

"After an extensive national search featuring a judging panel with radio broadcasting students from across the country, we are PROUD to announce our inaugural ‘College Radio Day Album’. Many bands started by being played on college radio, and college radio continues to give many artists today their first break. This album will feature familiar and new artists that play great music and also support the mission of college radio.  

Bern & the Brights join the StarBeat Music family

It’s a pleasure to welcome Montclair, New Jersey’s, Bern & the Brights to the StarBeat roster. I’ve been following the band since back when MySpace was a thing in late 2008 and even saw co-vocalist Bernadette solo in Newark many moons ago (2004). From listening to their music to attending shows to writing reviews to chatting with the band, I’ve gotten to know B&TB on a musical and personal level over the past few years. It was a natural progression to sign them for the release of their new EP Work, an album that highlights both the label’s diversity and hardwork thus far. Musically Work focuses on a brand of rock that weaves together folk, reggae, new wave and pop influences.

Bern & the Brights - Work Artwork

Work will be available in CD format on October 2nd. The release date falls on the second annual College Radio Day, which is cool for me (Star), as a former dj at Seton Hall University's WSOU.

The release of Work will also mark our 1 year anniversary and things couldn’t seem more promising for our little label out of beautiful, Newark, NJ. This is our 4th release and marks a significant turning point for us as a label. We have learned so much in a year and have been blessed to work with some incredible New Jersey artists so far. This is a significant release as we can say we have released music in four mediums: Vinyl, Cassette, Digital and now CD.

Work is a significant album for us to release as two 20-somethings who are trying to make this bedroom music label into a sustainable venture. This album signifies the long trek we all have to take in life’s journey to get where we need to. Songs on the album attest to the theme of working hard to get where you want to be in life - something no one is immune to.

The band’s intention is best explained from this biography excerpt: “Our aim, with every musical noise that we conjure, is to make hearts burst, faces melt, mouths kiss, and bodies move. In short, we are here to bring you an emotional conglomerate including our love, and to win your heart forevermore. And our fans have ours, sincerely. No fake exchanges allowed.”

We’ll have pre-orders available on September 18th and the band will rock out at Tierney’s Tavern in Montclair, NJ, on October 13th for their release show and 1-year anniversary celebration.

They also launched a new website with two new songs streaming, "Irish Boys" and "War & Games" at www.bernandthebrights.com, so check it out.

Facebook Twitter

-Star and Jeff

This is an announcement not the official press release. Press: contact us for more info!

Bern & the Brights stream two new songs

I'm constantly impressed by the quality recording and sweet music of Montclair, NJ's Bern & the Brights. They now have two songs, "Wars and Games" and "Irish Boys" up for stream. Listen to them here:

http://bernandthebrights.com/

Bern & the Brights stream new song "Irish Boys"

Bern & the Brights have shared their new song "Irish Boys" on their website. Take a listen here: http://www.bernandthebrights.com We have a few copies of their first 7'' Starchild available at our newly launched store www.starbeatmusic.storenvy.com


Upcoming Shows:

6/15 | 9PM | Tierney's Tavern w/Defending Champions/Kiwi/Old Wives | Montclair, NJ

6/19 | 8PM | Bowery Electric w/Plastiq Passion/Ruby on the Vine | NYC

6/22 | 11PM | Rockwood Music Hall | NYC

Montclair Music Jam f/ Melissa & Paul and Bern & the Brights on May 25th

Cool independent music showcase featuring our very Melissa & Paul and our dear Bern & the Brights with I.O.U, Near, and Pinegrove. They will perform at the First Congregational Church of Montclair on Friday, May 25th. All Ages like shows should be. This is the really deal, talented local bands in one place.

Here's what the organizers had to say about the show:

MMJ is a homespun operation aimed at providing a venue for some of New Jersey's best, but largely unrecognized bands. Our goal is to select only the finest bands that are producing new, original music. We are musicians and music lovers looking to connect great bands with great audiences. I think we've got something really cool here, and I hope you want to be a part of it.

Thursday's Show Picks

Readers! 

Happy Thursday. 

There are some pretty cool shows happening tonight. The last official RXP/ Anything, Anything show at Bowery Electric featuring Big Eyes, The Naturals, and Paul Collins perform for night of power pop. Hosted by Rich Russo. What a shame his program and RXP are no more. More info here. There's also A Million Years at Mercury Lounge. Listen to tunes here. Then there's Poison Control Center at Cake Shop, who Amy of Titus Andronicus/ Hilly Eye describes live as "a mix of a classic Street Fighter video game and the nerdiest indie pop you’ve ever seen—but with the hard-est core circle pit thrown in for good measure." Read about it here. I'll be checking out Big Eyes and A Million Years. 

Jersey folks can check out a free pier show in Hoboken featuring cuties Bern & the Brights, The Amboys, and Those Mockingbirds. Info here. 

It's hot, but perhaps these shows will get your mind off the heat and rockin' in some air conditioned places or some breeze along the pier for a good time. 

Review: Bern & the Brights- Starchild 7''

Bern & the Brights- Starchild 7''
Montclair, NJ
Indie / Rock / Chamber-Pop
Released: April 16, 2011
Self Released

There is something breathtaking about the music of Bern & the Brights. With their new vinyl release single "Starchild," Bern & the Brights has solidified their place in my heart as one of the best bands around today. The songwriting, groove, and lyrics on this song are top notch. It's a mesmerizing song about the one you love. I don't know exactly who they are referring to, but that doesn't matter. What matters is what it means to me, to you, to us, together. 

The release of this single was well-thought out by the band. They chose to release the single in time for Record Store Day, which was on April 16, to celebrate their love of vinyl and to showcase one of their best songs that they have been playing live for quite some time. They chose to do the artwork themselves. They chose to finance the release themselves. No kickstarter campaign, no label support. They used their own cash, impeccable talent, and music community to release it. They worked at Home Front Studios with Matt Ryan of The Defending Champions, who contributed a fitting trombone on the single. I respect that Bern & the Brights in true D.I.Y. aesthetic worked on the artwork and design of the record by themselves and financed it themselves, too.

Montclair venue to host Boro 6 Indie Music Fest 6/3 & 4 f/ Defending Champions, Bern & the Brights, Old Wives, and more

Boro 6 Indie Music Fest returns to Montclair with a two-day line-up of some of the areas best band's.

Friday, June 3rd

Doors - 8:30PM

The Defending Champions, One & Nines, Bern & the Brights, Stephanie White and the Philth Harmonic

Saturday, June 4th

Doors - 8PM

Frozen Gentlemen, Old Wives, The Micks, Tip Canary, The Porchistas

The fest will be accepting clothing donations for the Human Needs Pantry in Montclair.$8 at door/$6 at door w/ clean shirt or clean shorts donation. More info here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=221335334550465

Bern & the Brights to celebrate Record Store Day in Hoboken, releasing 7'' single

Celebrate Record Store Day with one of New Jersey's finest, Bern & the Brights. Tomorrow, they release their single "Starchild." Listen to the tune here and catch them at Tunes or Maxwell's or heck both tomorrow.

Live Review: Bern & the Brights and Delta Hotel in Brooklyn

Bern & the Brights 

They say love makes you do stupid things, right? I've probably committed the stupidest but at the time they don't seem stupid. You see, I make choices based on how I feel. Because what's in my heart feels right. My love it doesn't judge. My love it doesn't care about what's rational or not. It doesn't question. Because sometimes you just have to go with your gut. My love is music. It makes me feel complete when nothing else will. So then why would I not choose to request off from work to attend a show featuring two cutie pie bands? It made sense to me. I just want to rejoice in good company and good music. 

Delta Hotel and Bern & the Brights delighted with their melodious songs, both having different approaches but pleasant all the same. It doesn't matter how many people were at this show or that I went by myself. Why? Because I had the music to keep me together. And this might sound like some cheesy shit but it's true. I like supporting good music and these two bands deserve the attention. Delta Hotel from Brooklyn, NY has a boppy indie pop sound that reminds me of the now defunct Long Island band One True Thing meets pop-punk. Singer Kiri Oliver's vocals are pleasant and pronounced. The band carries along a heavy pop sound due to their metal influenced drummer Jason Orlic. One of the songs that stood out was "A Solitary Life," which begins: If beauty’s in the eye of the beholder, / Then ugliness is in her jealous mind /Why do I look good in mirrors but not in photographs? Truth. 

Moving along was Bern & the Brights from Montclair, NJ. They usually play Brooklyn's Spike Hill but switched things up this time. They sounded better than ever with their 4-piece line-up. You can hear everyone clearly and the dancier aspects of the band shined through nicely. You can hear indie, pop, folk, of course rock, and even reggae influences. They played two of my favorite songs off their latest EP Swing Shift Maises, "Sleepless Aristotle" and "Sangria Peaches." They closed with "Starchild," for which they are releasing a 7'' vinyl for on Record Store Day, April 16. I'll always smile when I hear Catherine and Bernadette sing, "I love you more than a fish loves the water." Ugh. Such a cute line. They were charmingly pleasant and just made me feel good. Now if only I had a lovely someone to enjoy this romantic band with... It's nice to get out to these shows. They always made me feel less alone. Music will always be there for me, so I'l always be loyal to it. Now go and listen to these bands my fellow readers. 

Delta Hotel: http://deltahotel.bandcamp.com/

Bern & the Brights: http://deltahotel.bandcamp.com/

Bern & the Brights to release 7'', upcoming shows w/ Amy Klein and Melissa Ferrick

I'm happy to announce that one of my favorite New Jersey bands, Bern & the Brights is releasing a 7'' on Record Store Day, April 16th. The single will feature the wonderful "Starchild" on the a-side and a new song called "Lost in the Sea" on the b-side. This will be the band's second physical release, but first time pressing on vinyl. 

As always Bern & the Brights are busy recording, working on artwork for the 7'', and playing shows in true D.I.Y. form. Some exciting shows include 2/16 in Brooklyn with Amy Klein and Delta Hotel and 4/1 in Teaneck with Melissa Ferrick! 

Bern & the Brights Shows:

2/15 @ Montclair Public Library, Montclair, NJ (6pm)
2/16 @ Bruar Falls, Brooklyn, NY w/ Amy Klein (of Titus Andronicus) and Delta Hotel (8pm) 21+
2/24 @ Norther Soul, Hoboken, NJ (9pm)
2/25 @ Burlap and Bean, Newtown Sq, PA (8pm)
3/5 @ Tierney's Tavern, Montclair, NJ (9pm)
3/8 @ The Grape Room, Philadelphia, PA (8pm)
3/22 @ Van Gogh's Ear Cafe, Union, NJ (9pm)
3/24 @ Northern Soul, Hoboken, NJ (9pm)
4/1 @ Mexicali Live, Teaneck, NJ w/ Melissa Ferrick (8pm)

Jacket Weather Festival, Montclair 10/15-16

We've all noticed the change in weather. It's getting cooler. It's that time of season we're busting out of  our jackets. But some don't have jackets to keep them warm. That's where the Jacket Weather Fest, a music event, as well as coat and food drive happening in Montclair, comes in. Performers include Bern & the Brights, The Defending Champions and Frozen Gentlemen. $10 admission. $5 discount with a coat donation. $2 discount with a food donation. Limit one discount per person. You can rock and help out a good cause! Full details below.

 

Tierney’s Tavern

136-138 Valley Rd.

Montclair, NJ 07042

The Jacket Weather Fest Lineup:

9PM 10/15 Friday Night – Bern & the Brights, The Defending Champions, The Big Takeover and the One & Nines

10PM 10/16 Saturday Night – Frozen Gentlemen, Stefanie White and the Philth Harmonic, Catch Wild and Invisible Lines

Free Show: Bern & the Brights, The Amboys @ Pier Sessions, Hoboken 9/16

The Pier Sessions in Hoboken is this Thursday with some great acts on the indie-folk side of things. Come out and enjoy the view, free music, and grab some grub at the taco truck on 14th Street. Also, good for the Hoboken Shelter will be collected at the event. Check the website to find out what's needed.

Live Bands-

WJ and the Sweet Sacrifice
Bern and the Brights
The Amboys
The Fave

Location: 1301 Sinatra Drive (Shipyard Lane)-next to NY/NJ Waterway at 13th Street

Bar opens at 6. Music starts at 7. Rain or Shine. Afterwards, you can head over to Maxwell's to see Biffy Clyro and Atlanta's O'Brother. Only $5.

Bern & the Brights to play Union County Music Fest this Saturday

Montclair’s own Bern & the Brights will perform at this weekend's Union County Music Fest in Clark, NJ this Saturday, September 11th on the 101.9RXP stage at 2:45PM. Watch them dazzle you with their sweet rhythms and mesmerizing vocals that'll get your dancing. This is the 13th annual Union County Music Fest and will be featuring Train, Soul Asylum, OK Go, The Bravery, Spoon, Jesse Malin, Robert Randolph, and more!  This festival is free for all. For more information, visit: http://www.ucmusicfest.com

WRXP/ Crossroads Stage:
7:45 pm – Lisa Bochelle
6:30 pm – Keeping Riley
5:15 pm – The Mungers
4:00 pm - Elephant in The Room
2:45 pm – Bern & The Brights
1:30 pm – Anthony D’Amato
12:15 pm - Matt Koziol
11:00 am – Ugly Club