Hey honey, you could be my drug...

Before I even start in on the awesomeness that was the night I went to see Walk The Moon and Neon Trees at my favorite venue with the coolest guy I've met in a long time, I just think you should all know what major points you earn in my book for taking me to a concert, any concert (I can only think of one band I wouldn't even go see for free, to avoid ruffling some feathers I won't mention them here but they are ABSOLUTELY NOT hip to my heart, and I DO NOT want to be the only girl they love all their lives- can anyone guess who?) 

I'm making the decision right now to spare you all the details of me gushing over this nearly perfect night and focus just on the concert, but I'm smiling to myself as I type because I had such a great time.  A few weeks back, after I had called out of work for accidentally being way too hungover to handle my life the next day, I went for an evening stroll on the beach (God, I love living here) with my mom.  We walked by Freebird Live because I wanted to check out who was playing.  Sidenote:  One time, before I lived here, my mom was down in Jax beach and snapped a picture of the marquee at Freebird just because she missed me, 3 days later I drove down for less than 24 hours to see The Maine with my lovely cousin, complete with a raging spider bite on my leg that rendered me useless for the next 3 days.  I digress, but that is the reason I insisted on walking by, I'm normally on top of my concert dates, but not always.  So, back to the story.  Upon seeing the sign I said to my mom "OH!  Neon Trees is playing?!  I should go to that!"  As always, she laughed and started to recount the day I made her drive me to Freebird to stalk Craig Owens, D.R.U.G.S, and Sparks the Rescue because I couldn't afford to go the show (I'm a crazy fangirl for Craig Owens).  Needless to say I was stoked when someone with an extra ticket asked me to go, and I began cramming like one might for a huge final exam to try and learn as many songs as I possibly could in 3 days.  I failed, but I had a great time anyway. 

Every time I go to a show, girls always want to fight me because I insist on pushing through the crowd to get a good spot close up, in the middle, where I can see everything.  At Freebird, this is less of a problem, because it's a pretty small venue and assuming you don't get stuck standing behind one of the tall brick pillars (which I obviously do not allow to happen) its easy to see.  This particular show, we found ourselves surrounded with a super nice group of people with paint on their faces that I chatted with in between bands (that is, when they weren't all making out with eachother).  So many people were rocking the face paint thing, that I was forced to ask one of them about it (I told you, my studying didn't quite pay off).  If I had waited 5 more minutes, I would have seen that all the members of Walk The Moon had their faces painted too in homage to their Anna Sun music video.  I can only confidently say I knew 3 songs that they played, but I appreciate live music at it's finest, they were awesome and now their songs constantly fill the walls of my house (fun fact: Tightrope, my favorite song, is also on an HP commercial).

I've seen a ton of bands play, Tyler Glenn of Neon Trees is one of kind.  He ran on stage with his platinum blonde hair, shades, and a polka dotted shirt that reminded me of something my gorgeous and classy best friend might wear, if I ever saw her wear polka dots (I was glad when swapped it for a classic white v-neck and leather jacket because frankly it was distracting me).  Overall, their set was upbeat and energetic, had a super fun vibe complete with lots of neon purple lighting, they closed out the show with my favorite song Everybody Talks and I was jamming hard. 

Awesome beer, awesome tunes, awesome company!  Check out some pics and vids....

Walk The Moon- Tightrope

Walk The Moon- Anna Sun

Walk The Moon- Quesadilla

Tyler Glenn- Neon Trees

Obsessed.

My head is exploding with all the rad new music that came out this week, check out some of my favorite videos...

 Boys Like Girls- Be Your Everything

 

I love this song so much, and don't even get me started on the outrageous sexiness that is Martin Johnson.

Sparks The Rescue- Disaster

  

Sparks doing their DIY thing, can't wait for their new EP later this month!

Yellowcard- Always Summer
 

LOVE this song, LOVE this band, LOVE LOVE LOVE their new album

Yellowcard- Here I Am Alive (ft. Tay Jardine of We Are The In Crowd)
 

...like I said.

A Little Less Rock, A Little More Indie

I've been on a bit of an indie kick lately, here's another playlist, LOUDER 2 on Spotify (if you don't have Spotify yet, get your shit together.)

1. Tightrope- Walk The Moon (just saw them play last night, post coming soon duhhhh)
2. Maybe I'm Sorry- Three Legged Fox (how about a hint of reggae?)
3. Say I'm Wrong- Ballyhoo!
4. All Alone- Fun.
5. Tongue Tied- Grouplove
6. Fluorescent Adolescent- Arctic Monkeys
7. Down By The Water- The Decemberists
8. Stars- Fun.
9. Don't Tell Me What To Do- Air Traffic Controller
10. Fidelity- Regina Spektor
11. Naked Kids- Grouplove
12. Someday- The Strokes
13. Naive- The Kooks
14. Foot of the Bed- Air Traffic Controller (I dare you to not smile when you hear this song)
15. Little Talks- Of Monsters and Men
16. The Underdog- Spoon
17. Cough Syrup- Young The Giant
18. Hey Mama- Mat Kearney
19. Don't Stop (Color on the Walls)- Foster The People
20. Lonely Boy- The Black Keys
21. Skeleton Key- Margot & The Nuclear So and So's

Warped

Friends of mine will tell you that the one place I am truly in my element is when I'm watching a band play.  For many years my love of pop punk/alternative/rock music culminates in what can only be described as the "best/worst" day ever- Vans Warped Tour.  This year, that firey red headed best friend I always mention was my date to her very first Warped Tour, and unfortunetly for her, getting there was slightly more dramatic than usual.  Imagine this:

It's Thursday morning, Warped is Friday.  You are repeatedly calling everyone you know looking for a place in Orlando to stay tonight so you don't have to wake up at the ass crack of dawn, drive 2 hours, spend all day in the raging Florida sun, only to have to drive those same 2 hours again that night.  And of course, no body is answering.  Then you check your bank account, and that is a sad story in and of itself.  Everyone you ask for help is telling you that you obviously shouldn't be going to this concert because you can't afford it and things clearly are not working in your favor.  Your response to everyone is "I don't care, I'm going.  I'll sleep in my car."  Long story short we found a friend that let us crash at his place and scored a big comfy hotel bed the following night, so it all worked out, but not without me bursting into tears a few times in a raging 24 year old temper tantrum worthy of some kind of trashy reality tv show; I threw another one when we were stuck in traffic trying to get to the fairgrounds when it took us an hour to drive the last mile and park, and then again when I discovered not only did we miss Tonight Alive and Four Year Strong but All Time Low and Mayday Parade were playing at conflicting times (if you know me, you know this was my WORST CASE SCENARIO).

But Alas, we made it to the fairgrounds and enjoyed what I can say with complete confidence, the best day of my life.  As we walked in we caught the tail end of Polar Bear Club's set and wandered around trying to get our bearings and prepare ourselves for the day ahead.  We watched Lostprohpets play a few songs before heading over to the Kevin Says stage to catch I Call Fives, where I shamelessly flirted with one of their merch guys, who liked me because I already owned their brand new full length, and convinced my best friend to buy it- so worth it.  We got an excellent spot for New Found Glory even though I had to suffer through the ramblings of the most obnoxious shirtless guy in white sunglasses about how much he hated The Ghost Inside (playing the other main stage), I swear I almost punched him.  As soon as NFG came out on stage in their matching basketball uniforms the crowd went nuts, it was perfect.  After that, we skeddadled over to the Monster Energy stage to catch Sleeping With Sirens.  Sidebar- Kellin Quinn is such a little guy, but I swear my face turns into that cute little emoji with hearts for eyes when I look at him.  His lyrics are so intense and watching him sing them with such passion nearly brought tears to my eyes, most definately one of the high points of the day.  After that we ran back over to jam with Taking Back Sunday, not the first time I've seen them but they were amazing as usual, and even had a special guest from A Day To Remember for a couple of songs. 

It's inevtiable that at every Warped Tour, 2 bands I want to see will play at conflicting times and I'll be forced into making a choice I don't want to make.  As I said before, my WORST CASE SCENARIO was that Mayday Parade (my favorite band) and All Time Low (one of my favorites, and one of two bands on the tour I have never seen before) would play at conflicting times.  Fitting with drama the previous day had provided me, Mayday was set to play at 5:30 on the Monster Energy stage and All Time Low was playing at 5:40 on the Kia Rio stage.  We decided to watch Mayday play 3 songs and then bolt across the fairgrounds to catch All Time Low, as it turned out I couldn't even enjoy Mayday because I was so concerned about being far away when All Time Low was playing, and when I faintly heard the opening tune of Damned if I Do Ya, I gave my best friend a look and we bolted away from the Monster Energy stage and pushed our way through the crowd for All Time Low.  I shoved my way to the middle and got stuck behind maybe the tallest, biggest guy ever....figures right?  I stretched and squirmed for 2 songs before I found my way in front of him, surely stepping on his toes and jumping all over him while screaming the words to Heroes, Time Bomb, Weightless, and Jasey Rae (I've said it before and I'll say it again, my all time FAVORITE song by them).  I teared up as they played The Reckless and The Brave as other girls threw their bra's and Jack hung them on his mic stand (I didn't see this happen for any other band all day, girls love All Time Low) and had the biggest smile on my face after hearing Dear Maria, Count Me In.  I'd drive 1000 miles right this very moment to see them play again (I smiling to myself right now, fangirl much)?  I know by the way I felt after that set I had made the right choice but that didn't stop the tears streaming down my face the past 2 days at every Mayday Parade song.

I'm tempted to say that I don't listen to We The Kings too much but as we ran over and watched their set which was actually really awesome, I surprised myself by knowing the words to every song they played, and surprised myself even more by wanting to be all over Travis Clark and that mane of red hair, boy has some serious stage presence, just saying.  At this point in the day, it's 7:00, we've been in the sun for 8 hours, clothes soaked in our own (and a million other peoples) sweat, 8 bottles of water and 1 PBR deep, with raging bra tanlines that are still infuriating me now- and fading fast.  We dragged over to watch We Are The In Crowd on the Tilly's stage and were kind of shocked at the number of manly tattooed men in the crowd, I love WATIC and have a legit girl crush on the beautiful and Talented Tay Jardine (I even have her haircut) and I was feeling their set but feeling a little rough at the same time.  I caught a peak of Alex Gaskarth backstage and got all hot and bothered and immediately fired up at the prospect of him coming out to sing Kiss Me Again, I compeletly lost my shit when he did.  It was perfect.

As we walked slowly back over to the main stages to watch Yellowcard, we considered skipping out on Breathe Carolina because of how exhausted we were.  Looking back on it now, I would be a miserable disaster if we had.  Watching Yellowcard sing Always Summer, With You Around, and Ocean Avenue was pretty amazing even though Ryan was chewing a piece of gum in between words in the most annoying and obnoxious way (the littlest things bother me, I mean honestly, who cares right)?  Fun Fact- Yellowcard was actually the first concert my mom let me go to by myself right after Ocean Avenue came out, she dropped me and my friends off at Hard Rock Live and we just thought we were hot shit (I still kind of think that though, ha).  Every Band we watched talked about how they were being fined for cursing on stage that day so in the middle of their set, Ryan implored everyone to yell their favorite curse word on the count of 3- have you ever heard thousands of people yell the word "FUCK" 3 times?  I have, and it was awesome.  As soon as Yellowcard finished, I heard the familiar electronic tune of a Breathe Carolina song and ran over (with everyone else) to the other main stage and just broke out dancing.  I've watched a lot of bands play over my 24 years of life, and I can say without a doubt that those 30 minutes Breathe Carolina played were the best I have ever seen.  Even though it was 8:30, the sun was set and everyone was exhausted, the excitement in the air was more palpable than it had been all day long. I don't even know how to describe it because there is no way I would be able to do it the justice it deserves, but I cried with the biggest smile on my face when it was over- euphoric and so bummed at the same time.

I'm deep in the midst of a hollowing post concert depression right now, check out the pics while I go cry myself to sleep because I can't go to Warped every day. 

Sleeping With Sirens

Taking Back Sunday

We The Kings

I Call Fives

Mayday Parade

New Found Glory

All Time Low

A Warped sunset with Yellowcard

We Are The In Crowd

Breathe Carolina

My outfit, ticket, and best friend

Tay Jardine and Alex Gaskarth singing Kiss Me Again

Yellowcard

Rockin' Playlist #1

 Making rad playlists on the regular is one of my favorite things, so how about I post them here so you can all enjoy?  Here are 30 songs I CAN'T STOP JAMMING TO this week.

1. Blackout- Breathe Carolina
2. The Reckless and The Brave-All Time Low
3. If I'm James Dean, You're Audrey Hepburn- Sleeping With Sirens
4. Hit and Run- Breathe Carolina
5. Ocean Avenue- Yelloward
6. Miles Away- Memphis May Fire ft. Kellin Quinn
7. Edge of Heaven- Breathe Carolina
8. Two Sides of Every Story- I Call Fives
9. The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows- Brand New
10. Last Night (Vegas)- Breathe Carolina
11. Under a Paper Moon- All Time Low
12. She Takes Me High- We The Kings
13. R U Mine- Arctic Monkeys
14. Alive in the Lights- Memphis May Fire
15. With You Around- Yellowcard
16. Say You Like Me- We The Kings
17. Only One- Yellowcard
18. If You Can't Hang- Sleeping With Sirens
19. Backup Plan- I Call Fives
20. Tally it Up, Settle the Score- Sleeping With Sirens
21. So Damn Clever- Plain White T's
22. Time Bomb- All Time Low
23. Breaking- Anberlin
24. Do It Now, Remember It Later- Sleeping With Sirens
25. Last Train Home- Lostprophets
26. Up All Night- Blink 182
27. Two Days or a Lifetime of Failure- I Call Fives
28. Heroes- All Time Low
29. Liar (it takes one to know one)- Taking Back Sunday
30. Hearts All Gone- Blink 182

yeah yeah yeah, I know some of these songs are mad old, but that doesn't make them less awesome.  If have Spotify (which you obv should) you can listen to this playlist there, search LOUDER 1.

On My Honor

Meet the band:
Drew Justice- Vocals
Jordan Garner- Guitar
Lucas Sams- Guitar
David Fear- Bass

So you all may be wondering (or you may not give a shit, but either way) why I haven't posted in over a month.  The truth is, I tweeted On My Honor over a month ago to do this interview and it took me this long to get back to them (despicable, I know).  However, don't write me off just yet- I thought we were all in this together, and I still want to so I still will.  The reason I've been so delinquent on writing this blog (aside from being delinquent in general) is the beach.  I spend about 98% of my free time in a bikini (in fact, I'm wearing one as a type this).  I think about how to make LOUDER better every day but for the past month, thoughts are as far as I've gotten.  Three days ago I was laying on a familiar beach (Bay Street is my beach of choice) listening to "Nature and Nurture" and heard a few words that snapped me back into the mindset that made me start this blog in the first place.  Moving to the beach and pouring my heart into what I love doing is truly a chance to make myself mine, find definition, and clarify my place.

So what if these are the last words I ever get to say?

On My Honor is a 4 piece pop punk band from Knoxville, Tennessee signed to Little Heart Records (not my first band on Little Heart, see Talk of Spring and Uh Huh Baby Yeah!) that rocks like Anberlin, Jimmy Eat World, and Brand New.  Their newest release "Nature and Nurture" is full of pop punk sing-a-long worthy anthems built on intricate, high energy guitar riffs, and honest, personal lyrics.  It's absolutely one of those records you listen to 3 times through as soon as you get it and then call your friends and tell them they NEED IT(I can almost hear the eye rolls through the phone).  The opening track grabbed me after about 2 seconds and still remains my favorite on the album, just in case you couldn't have already guessed that ;-).

The guys of On My Honor are no newbies in the music business, they've been recording and touring since late 2007 but their music roots go back much further- Lucas grew up with father who was a musician and he started playing guitar when he was 15.  "I've always loved pop punk.  The first music I ever bought was Green Day Dookie on tape when I was like 6 and the first CD I ever bought was Enema of the State."  When asked about musical influences he listed Jimmy Eat World, Reliant K, and New Found Glory as bands they all agree on, followed by "we all individually have some pretty weird stuff we listen to..." ahhh, intrigue!  Maybe I should add a question about guilty pleasure music?!  I am willing to reveal my slight obsession with the Nickelodeon band Big Time Rush, that I own the soundtrack to ALL 3 High School Musical movies, that whenever I'm in the car with my firey red headed best friend we are undoubtedly singing and dancing to Carly Rae's "Call Me Maybe" at top volume, and that I may be guilty of listening to Shpongle at the beach with my sister as joke but kind of liking at the same time.  

Lucas briefly talked about what he's given up to live his dreams, "all my time, physical and mental well being, anything worth doing requires a lot of sacrificing and we all get that."  He and the rest of On My Honor find inspiration in everything around them from fellow musicians, to athletes, to friends.  "I look around the world and see all this amazing stuff that people are capable of and it inspires me to do what I do the best I can."  He made my heart melt when I asked what the ultimate, end all be all, goal of his music career would be:
"I think we've already achieved our ultimate goal, we make the music we want, and we get to play it almost every day.  There's a lot of people out there that care about our band and us as people, we can't ask for more than that." 

Thanks Lucas and On My Honor for reminding me why I love music (and writing about it) so much!  See you tonight in Orlando (hopefully)!!

To LIKE On My Honor on Facebook click here!

 To FOLLOW @Onmyhonorband on Twitter click here!

Onmyhonorband.com

As a closing note, On My Honor is currently looking for a drummer, anyone interested who thinks they are capable and can commit to full time touring can email Lucas at Lucasomh@gmail.com

Summer Tour Flyer

me typing this post

Fahrenheit 43

Meet The Band:
Richie: Lead Vocals/ Acoustic/Piano
Elmo: Drums/Percussion
Grant: Bass/Backing Vocals
Sparty: Lead Guitar/ Backing Vocals

"Many newborn babies have been sacrificed to the God's of Rock for this career to flourish.  I had to write my name in blood and pledge my soul to the devil in order to get a pass for my band." Haha.

That is just one of the many precious gems that Richie gave me, in fact his entire interview was so just so perfect that I find myself fighting the urge to quote it in it's entirety. 

Fahrenheit 43 is a band from Melbourne, Austrailia (my first international interview, woohoo), they've been together for about four years and play their own form of radio friendly pop rock music that boasts a sense of urgency and depth, combined with mature lyrics left open to any interpretation.  Musically, the guys come from totally different backgrounds, each finding its way flawlessly into their own.  Richie told me that he and Elmo come from similar upbringings, not ever really belonging to one particular genre.  "We were just children of music our whole lives, I mean, we still laugh about having both made out with girls listening to '50 Candles' by Boyz II Men, haha." Sparty loves John Mayer and a lot of other really bluesy soulful guitars but can get right into progressive rock bands like Angels and Airwaves, and the Foo Fighters.  Grant comes from a more hardcore background, he brings a lot of the harder, edgier sound to Fahrenheit 43's music, Richie described him as a "musical encyclopedia."  The guys named The Dangerous Summer as the band they would most like to share the stage with.  I'm just getting into The Dangerous Summer myself but I couldn't agree more that AJ's lyrics have a sense of urgency and knowledge to them that is absolutely captivating. 

"I try to find appreciation in everything I hear, I think we do that as a band constantly, it's definitely a key to evolving and staying relevant."

I wasn't shy about telling Richie that his interview was one of the most perfect I've gotten so far, when I asked him what inspires him, the answer he gave made me melt:

"Seeing art that comes from the fucking heart!  To see music played from the fucking heart!  It gets me hard and makes me want to flip the bird at the world and say 'fuck you!"  We found the secret to life....find what you love and do that forever."  (Richie, I'm officially putty in your hands, haha).

A year from now the guys of Fahrenheit 43 want to have their debut album out and begin recording their sophomore album with Paul Leavitt (All Time Low, The Dangerous Summer, Heroes For Hire).  "The band is in a position to really start heavily touring and ultimately we want to bring our sound to the US and really start working that territory; but you've got to own your own city first- so really, a year from now, we want to be one of the most popular bands in Melbourne."  As for Richie, the end all be all of his music career involves creating something that helps develop and grow this scene.  "I have a real passion to see people play from their hearts.  I'd want to be involved in a mentoring sense, perhaps a small record label.  We'd invest entirely in the artists we believe in.  Many times, that's all it takes for someone to really flourish, just to have that one person that really believes in them."

I've started asking bands how they respond to the hate, I've seen how hard it is for some people to understand the life these guys have chosen, nearly giving everything up to persue a dream, the answers to this question are some of the realist I've ever gotten, here's Richie's:

"Firstly, in life, and it doesn't matter what you do, there will always be haters.  There will always be people who will want to secretly toast to your failure because not everyone has found what they love.  Not everyone will respect you for trying to make a living being an artist.  The ignorance of humans is that they will hear music on the radio or see music videos on TV and only see that.  They don't see the years and years of work that needed to happen to get to that point.  Some people need to come to that realization on their own.  All you can do is keep working hard, let your haters become your motivation.  Let them remind you why you still wake up everyday to live your dream.  The people around you eventually witness the the work ethic and commitment you have to your art.  So it's a matter of earning that respect and working your ass off.  If you're not the best, you've got work harder than the best."

He thinks he talks too much, but couldn't you just let him talk all day long?  The passion that I got to witness just from reading one email is astounding, now listen to their music and it'll blow your mind.

"Music is a cruel mistress and she will never ever share you with anyone or anything else.  You're a fool to believe you can- your talent, your playing, your writing, and your career will all suffer.  She will make sure of that...but in the end, if you believe in yourself and each other, and you do it honestly, the dream will manifest itself into a reality."  The guys of Fahrenheit 43 are married to the music, for better or for worse, but that's what makes it so perfect, that kind of passion is intoxicating, and it's something we could all use a little more of.  These guys are doing big things, mark my words. 

p.s. I'm a smart girl but 'Fahrenheit' has to be the hardest world to spell ever, I think I misspelled it EVERY time I wrote it!

To LIKE Fahrenheit 43 on Facebook click here!

To FOLLOW @Fahrenheit43 on Twitter click here!

To browse their youtube channel click here! (there is a precious video of a giggly Richie in the morning, just saying)

To visit their official site: www.fahrenheit43.com

Plastic Smiles

Meet The Band:
Dave Gomez: Vocals/Guitar
Colin Ignots: Drums
Dom Talerico: Vocals/Bass

Being the Florida girl that I am, I spend most of my days off soaking up some sun and listening to music by the pool or the beach (and tweeting every 5 minutes since apparently that's the kind of girl I've become).  Last week I was laying by the pool thinking about how awesome and terrible it would be to tour with a band, I'm the kind of girl who can hang with a bunch of guys and listen to LOUD music for countless hours (hence the name of my blog) but I also cherish showers and a good nights sleep which leads me to believe I might hate it.  Either way, as with every other thought in my head, I tweeted about it offering my services as a merch girl.  The funniest and best response I got was from Colin who said "dress slutty and sell our shit."  If his band wasn't from Chicago that's an offer I wouldn't pass up, but alas, I live in Florida so Colin and I will both have to settle for me featuring his band.

Plastic Smiles is a pop punk band from the south suburbs of Chicago that rocks like Jimmy Eat World, New Found Glory, and Blink 182, bands they named as their musical influences.  As I sit here typing this post, cuddly kitty cat purring by my side, their EP Deadlines is playing LOUDLY out of my ipad speaker and I'm loving every minute of it; for some reason the song "Runaway" really caught my attention and I actually played it 3 times in a row.  Colin (drummer) has been playing music since he was younger and began playing with bands when he was a teenager, when asked who he'd most like to share the stage with he answered "realistically: Allister, unrealistcally: Blink."  If there is one thing I've learned about him, it's how much he loves Blink 182 (and baby seals, somethings we have in common haha), which isn't a secret considering his Twitter handle.  He told me that as he grew up he could pop in on of their albums and everything would get better; I love that feeling, no matter what kind of hell life puts me through, nothing can cheer me up like listening to my favorite band.

As an ultimate goal, Colin said "I would love put out an EP or full length that I am truly proud of, something that can connect with people and will be a timeless release."  Putting out a classic album would be the end all be all for them; writing and playing what they love is the most important thing.  The guys of Plastic Smiles made it clear that changing their music to conform to what is current and trendy isn't an option; that is something I love to hear, I never want to love a song that I know was written because it would sell, I want to hear and connect with music that is the heart and soul of the person who writes and plays it; that's what pop punk music and Plastic Smiles is all about.  The guys aren't afraid to make sacrifices to make their dream a reality:

"Not everyone is going to be a fan of what you're doing and I respect that- Time, money, outings, relationships- I'll give up what needs to be given up to keep what I love going.  It's what makes it all worth it."


To LIKE Plastic Smiles on Facebook click here!

To FOLLOW @PlasticSmilesIL on Twitter click here!

While you're at it Follow @Poppunkwayo (run by Colin) for the latest music, music videos, free downloads, & dick jokes.

To browse their official website click here!

To download their EP for FREE click here!

Trophies

Meet The Band:
Tim McGrath: Vocals
Eli Hawes: Bass/Vocals
John Ventura: Guitar/Vocals
Patrick McCafferty: Guitar/Vocals
Dave Walker: Drums

IF YOU WANT SOMETHING, GO FOR IT- that's what this band is all about and it's perfect for where I am in my life right now.  About three weeks ago, I was sitting on my the floor of my teeny tiny one bedroom apartment, drinking a  beer, and making myself look beautiful for a night out with my cousin, my firey red headed best friend, and some other cool people- which is a pretty standard Thursday night in this college town.  The song Graveyard Dancing by D.R.U.G.S. (I lust so hard after Craig Owens it's not even funny) blaring out of my little iPad speaker as I hear the familiar ding that tells me I have a direct message on Twitter- from Tim.  The reason for all this nonsense about that night is simple- Tim and Trophies were the first band to reach out to me, although I did place them on a list of bands I wanted to interview that very morning (written on my bathroom mirror, I'm such a girl).  I couldn't have been more excited, except for maybe 2 days ago when he sent me a preview of their EP, which I can't stop listening to (What You Want To Be is killer).  Something as simple as that DM on Twitter validated something for me and made me want to go after this even harder, so thank you Trophies, not only for making awesome music, but for just being awesome in general and motivating me to go after what I want (and make your post extra special).

"This is for everyone who has stood by us and more importantly cast us aside, without you we would be nothing."  Trophies is a pop punk band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (the greatest city on earth apparently), their unique sound combines the heavier aspect of bands like Four Year Strong and A Day to Remember (2 of my favorites) with a straightforward pop influence.  The guys started writing music together last May (although none of them were new to playing) and find inspiration and motivation in their dreams of playing together until they can't anymore.

"There's nothing we DON'T love about music.  We just want to play what we love and have a good time.  Our friends and family inspire us, anyone we meet really- everyday life is an inspiration."

When asked about their favorites and who they would most like to share the stage with, they all answered differently, I love a band with diverse taste in music.  They mentioned A Day To Remember, Underoath, Thrice, Brand New, Say Anything, Transit, and The Story So Far (I just discovered this band myself, it was love at first listen). We all relate ourselves to the music of our favorite bands, and that's probably what drew me into Trophies so deeply, the first line in the first track on their EP says it all.  Trophies is about staying true, being real, having a good time, and making awesome music.  They live life to the fullest, look at all of their supporters as a family, and go after what they want.  They have influenced and motivated me more than they will ever know, keep an out of these guys- they're doing it big.

And we are SO going to rage if you all ever come to Florida, book a show in Jacksonville and I promise to pack the house! :-)

Look for the release of their EP Room To Grow on May 26th, like I said I've heard it and it's awesome!  To catch a listen of the song I mentioned above What You Want To Be click here!

To LIKE Trophies on Facebook click here!

To FOLLOW @weareTrophies on Twitter click here!

Boom Boom Crash

Meet The Band:
John Maxwell: Vocals
Jason Jepson: Drums
Tom Linnane: Bass/ Back up vocals

I may or may not have just watched a five minute youtube video of John and Jason cooking dinner, I will admit to laughing my ass off at Jason eating cheese out the bag the whole time-since if you ask my mom that's how I "help" her cook too.

Boom Boom Crash is an electro-pop rock band based out of Boston, Massachusetts; when they aren't busy going to Taco Bell and "looking like hipsters" they are making music they describe as an "electrogasm for your ears."  Best. Description. Ever.  I giggled to myself the day I tweeted at them that their song "Tap" gave me an electrogasm (if you follow me on Twitter you know I always say the most appropriate things, haha).  In fact, I'm listening to that very song as I write this.  4, 3, 2 ,1.....Now I'm ready to go.

The guys of Boom Boom Crash all started playing music at a young age and name bands like These Kids Wear Crowns, Let's Get It, The Summer Set, and Blink 182 as their musical influences, "anything with a good upbeat tempo really."  Judging by their music, it's easy to see that these are three easy going, super fun guys with a passion for life and music- and I can honestly say, they had me laughing out loud reading their email responses (in fact, of all the bands I've written about I think I'd most like to hang out with Boom Boom Crash, I'm pretty sure we'd get along great).

"Music that makes you feel something or that you can connect to is always a plus and gets me going, but for the most part it's just Tom's mom," said John when I asked what inspires him.  Jay followed up with "for the whole part it's Tom's mom but if I were to have any other inspiration it would be meow mix."  Perfection. Tom, possibly feeling a little pressure to conform, also finds inspiration from his mother "but not the same way they mean it." On a more serious note, the guys of Boom Boom Crash love "just being able to play in front of people; and seeing people enjoy our music is just amazing."

When asked who they would most like to share the stage with, the guys mentioned bands like Macy Gray, Insane Clown Posse, and the Backstreet Boys, haha no, "but 'for realz' These Kids Were Crowns all day err day." The guys listed Trophy Scars, The Wonder Years (because Jay likes Lucky Charms and soy milk), and Green Day as some of their favorite bands.   They also named Artist vs. Poet, Man Overboard, and We Are The In Crowd as the music currently playing on their iPods.  Except John, apparently his iPod got stolen, sorry about that bud.  Tom, I can't get enough of We Are The In Crowd lately either and I'm OBSESSED with the song 'I Like it Like That' by Hot Chelle Rae (he said it's his favorite song right now).  In fact, it was the very first song on my "Kickass Summer 2012 Playlist," followed closely by your song 'Tap,' I literally can't stop jamming to it. 

Jay said that Warped 2011 was the best concert he's ever been to because he got backstage passes and "it was a grand ol' time."  Boom Boom Crash has been one of the top featured bands on the Ernie Ball Warped Tour Battle of the Bands page this year, to VOTE for them to play click here, and don't forget that once you've registered you can vote ONCE A DAY.

To LIKE Boom Boom Crash on Facebook click here!

To FOLLOW @BoomBoom_Crash on Twitter Click here!

To browse their youtube channel click here!

Boom Boom Crash is planning to release their EP for FREE download sometime in the next couple of months and plan on being at Bamboozle and Warped for a few dates to promote their music this summer.

Count To Four

Meet the band:
Mike Hayden: Vocals/Guitar
Jay Miller: Guitar/Backing vocals
Neale DiMento: Bass/Backing Vocals
Pete Adams: Drums

"Pop punk is all about growing up, and we try to capture all the emotions, positive and negative, that go along with it.  I think that's what makes it relatable...in the end, it's music, it's expression. We do this because we love it, and none of us would want to be doing anything else."

Count To Four is an aggressive pop punk band hailing from south New Jersey with a talent for catchy yet mature lyrics, banging guitar riffs and an apparent love of Pokemon and mustaches.  The band formed in early 2010 but some of the guys (Mike and Pete) have been writing music together since high school.  After spending some time perusing their Facebook page, watching random videos- my favorite would have to be the Warped 2011 video, for some reason or another I thoroughly enjoy watching band guys mess with each other on long van rides- I have a couple of observations; is there some kind of unwritten rule that guys in bands must constantly be half naked?  Not that I really mind that none of you ever wear shirts but still, and Jay what did you do to deserve being dubbed 'the one that every hates on'?  I really liked your pink sunglasses and the fact that your goal for the next 10 years is to create a real life, living Pokemon, and that awesome sunburn- wow, you've got some serious sex appeal (that is only half way sarcastic, just saying). 

One thing is for sure when it comes to Count To Four, they all have drastically different musical taste and influences but their styles meld in the most perfect way, creating a unique sound the goes above and beyond that of many bands that conform the the craziness that is the pop punk genre.  Blink 182 and Jimmy Eat World are 2 bands that I constantly find on the list of musical influences, but the guys in Count To Four also mentioned bands like Pierce The Veil, Fall Out Boy, August Burns Red, As I Lay Dying (one of my favorite Pandora stations), Thrice, Bruce Springsteen, and Meatloaf.  Although they dream about sharing the stage with their favorite bands, realistically they'd love to tour with their friends Close To Home, "just awesome people, in an awesome band."

Count To Four is releasing their first full length album this May called Between Two Cities, recorded with the help of Matt Dalton (I See Stars, Craig Owens (my soulmate), For The Fallen Dreams, These Hearts etc), and will be touring April-August in support of it- guys if you book a show in the sunshine state, I'm so down, and if you send me one of those AWESOME purple mustache stickers I will proudly display it on my little white S.U.V. and spam the shit out of it on my Twitter. :-)

To Like Count To Four on Facebook click here

To Follow @CountToFour on Twitter click here

Uh Huh Baby Yeah!

Meet the band:
Kevin Fletcher: Vocals
Sean Smith: Drums
John Braboy: Guitar
Joe Brock: Guitar
Ryan Matthews: Bass

Can I just start by saying that this band has maybe the best name ever?!  I really can't explain why I love it so much, aside from the fact that it has punctuation and it just makes me smile.  As per my usual routine, after they started following me on Twitter, I scurried over to youtube to catch a few videos and see what they were all about.  I knew I was in love when I watched Kevin rant and rave (laced with profanities) about the lack of alcohol in central Pennsylvania (a man after my own heart, ha).  Not to mention, the name of their debut album Till Death Do Us Party is basically my motto for life, I'm not sure what all of that says about me but who cares?

Uh Huh Baby Yeah! is a dance/rock band from Louisville, Kentucky.  Their "catchy, soulful, party music," laden with fun hooks, rock and roll lyrics, and guitar riffs that make me wish I knew how to play-gave me the same awesome feeling I get when I listen to Anarbor.  It's rock and roll for the sake of rock and roll, its get off your ass and dance, its quite literally Till Death Do Us Party, and its absolute perfection. 

When asked how long they have been playing and writing music Kevin told me, "we've all been playing music since the womb, we came out doing what we do."  Easy to imagine when you hear the raw passion and talent  showcased in each and every song off their album- the self titled track and New Squeeze are my favorites.  They named bands like The Cab, Head Automatica (obsessed), The Audition, The Used, and Micheal Jackson as some of their main musical influences.  The guys find inspiration and motivation in their friends, families, and fans; and boast "Booze, Bros, and Broads" as their band mission and interest.  I'm in love with the attitude on these guys, the carefree yet passionate lifestyle is so much like my own that I just can't get over it. 

Uh Huh Baby Yeah! not only won the Hard Rock Battle of the Bands contest for their region last year, with the help of a "gnarly" cover of Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer," but also boasts a double win in the Ernie Ball Warped Tour Battle of the Bands.  They have played with acts such as Senses Fail, Hawthorne Heights, From Autumn to Ashes, and Armor for sleep; but when asked who they would most like to share the stage with they answered "Micheal Jackson, hands down."  So guys, can any of you moonwalk?! ha.

The guys of Uh Huh Baby Yeah! released their debut album Till Death Do Us Party with the help of their label Little Heart Records and have been touring in support of it, all the while writing some new "angsty and a hell of a lot more aggresive" jams for an EP they hope to release this year.

To check out a demo of their new song "Whores Will Be Whores" click here

To like them on Facebook click here

To follow @uhhuhbabyyeah on Twitter click here

To VOTE for Uh Huh Baby Yeah! in the Ernie Ball Warped Tour Battle of the Bands click here, and don't forget once you register you can vote ONCE A DAY.  They've had my vote more than a couple of times :-)

Kids These Days

Meet the band:
Eric Goldhahn- Lead Vocals/Guitar (and apparently never turns his headlights on)
Dave Pritsky-Guitar/Vocals (doesn't eat bacon)
Korey Ottmuller-Bass/Vocals (never wears a shirt)
Dan Morgan- Drums (never covers his calves)

I enjoyed this bands Facebook page way too much, hence the inclusion of those random facts in parenthesis, they made me giggle as I was typing this. 

So here's the story: One morning a few weeks ago, my little sister Lindsay (when I say it like that she seems like she's actually little when in fact she's 20 and at least 5 inches taller than me) was staying with me for the weekend to go to a concert (Anarbor, The Downtown Fiction, Mayday Parade).  As with most mornings, I woke up and immediately checked Twitter to see that Kids These Days tweeted something about a free t-shirt in exchange for people writing reviews of their new EP "Manifest Destiny."  I jumped at the chance for 2 reasons: 1. I enjoy writing about bands and I genuinely enjoy their music. 2. Free t-shirt is always the best motivation (I no longer care about this fact at all, but the recent college graduate in me jumps at the chance for anything free.)

Kids These Days is a pop-punk/easycore band from South New Jersey whose music brought me right back to my early college years when I use to JAM OUT in the car to Punchline and Say Anything.  The guys have been into music ever since they can remember.  Dan began taking drum lessons at a young age, stuck with it all throughout middle and high school, and started playing in rock bands at the age of 15.  When Dave was 13 he received a hand me down electric guitar from his dad and taught himself how to play. 

I'm dying to learn how to play guitar, but I highly doubt that I could EVER teach myself how, even though it seems that so many people get started this way!  Frankly I find it unfair, ha.

The guys of Kids These Days named bands from The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, to Green Day and Weezer, to Bayside and Say Anything as their musical influences.  Dave says "Their lyrical writing abilities alone are stellar and they make great use of metaphors and writing techniques that aren't exactly the cookie cutter cliches that most songwriters use in their songs," of Max Bemis (Say Anything) and Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day).  They find inspiration in things like friends and family, nights out, and success- they say they write the best when they are having the most fun.  This is perfection:

"My personal motivation is that I just want to do something not to many people get to do.  I don't necessarily want fame, but I at least want to hit the road and know that I made some people happy with music.  Everyone has a chance to grow up and have a career and a family, but while we're still young I want to try to do something exciting and different."

As with every email I send, I asked the guys what their favorite band was, their answers warmed my heart.  The bands they named were Bayside, New Found Glory, Green Day, and Thrice.  Dave chose Green Day and said "I've always respected the fact that with every album they grew a little more than the last.  Some people call it selling out but I think that's bullshit, you have to grow or else you're obviously not learning anything."  Dan chose Thrice as his favorite because "they're incredible musicians and cross so many genres at once, they play in different keys and times, but still write great lyrics, catchy and heavy stuff all at once." 

 I loved EVERY SINGLE track on Manifest Destiny, my 2 favorites being On My Way and Fools Like Me.  Each song is made up of awesomely relatable lyrics set to melodies that make you want to turn the volume all the way up, jump on your bed, and play your best air guitar (at least that was my reaction).

"We're just 4 dudes who try to write music with no gimmicks; just 2 guitars, bass, and drums; making music that we like and hope other people will too!"  Guys, you're on the right track, I haven't stopped listening to your EP since I picked it up.

To like Kids These Days on Facebook click here

To follow @KidsthesedaysNJ on Twitter click here

To pick up their EP Manifest Destiny click here
     seriously, do it, it's worth the $5.94 many times over.

Big Cartel: www.ktdpoppunk.com

Band Camp: www.ktdpoppunk.bandcamp.com
 

Assemble The Skyline

Meet the band:
Austin Hayman: Lead Guitar/Vocals
Max Waller: Vocals/Bass
Luke Boor: Vocals/Guitar
Nick Jordan: Drums

Okay, are guys in bands 100 times sexier purely because they make music?  I think the answer might be yes, although my musical obsession probably makes me biased but who knows; either way I find a member of Assemble The Skyline pretty damn sexy, (I'm sorry but sometimes things just need to be said).

Assemble The Skyline is a band from Los Angeles, California that plays their rock/pop music to the vein of Jimmy Eat World, Third Eye Blind, Yellowcard, John Mayer, and Blink 182- their musical influences.  The guys started playing music together in early 2009; From all over the United States (California, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma) they met at Musicians Institute, a music school in LA and clicked from the start.  "We haven't had any other members since we started this band, partially because besides bandmates, we're all best friends."

The guys of Assemble The Skyline find inspiration in the ups and downs they have faced in relationships and experiences they've been through as a band.  When asked who they would most like the share the stage with, their answer "Blink 182, they are kind of the father figure band of our generations pop/rock/punk scene.  They are as big as it gets in the scene and have successfully gone from a goofy pop/punk band aimed at teenagers to a mature rock band that is relatable to all ages."  I couldn't have said it better myself.

Austin talked about the Goo Goo Dolls and John Mayer as two of his favorites because of their raw, basic, and genuine writing.  There is nothing flashy needed to make perfect music and if you listen to their song "We're Not Going Down Without A War," you might just get that same feeling.

To spend some time browsing their music videos, "Tomorrow Doesn't Matter Tonight" is a must, Click here.

To Follow @WeAreATS on twitter Click here

To Like Assemble The Skyline on Facebook Click here

To Vote for Assemble The Skyline to play the Ernie Ball Stage at Vans Warped Tour this summer in Pomona, California, click here: Battle of the Bands.  And don't forget that you once you register you can vote ONCE A DAY.  I've already voted for them numerous times :-)

Also lookout of the release of their new album Assemble on May 11, 2012!

p.s. Austin if you like Ashley by Escape The Fate check out the song Situations, it's old but its so fantastic.

Dear You

Meet the band:
Chris Roach: Vocals/Guitar
Mason McDonald: Vocals/Bass
Danny Davis: Guitar
Louis Moore: Drums

"I don't want to be content with my present, I want to be in love with my future."

I don't find it difficult to identify with song lyrics, but that line from the song "The Way The You Left Me," is just perfect.  Dear You, based out of Beaumont, Texas is a band that plays their pop rock music to the tune of bands like Blink 182, Fall Out Boy, and The Starting Line- three bands that they agreed on as influences depsite their musical taste being vastly different.

Chris and Louis began playing music something like 7 years ago. After a few years and a couple member changes Danny and Mason joined and something magical happened.  The previously mentioned song, "The Way You Left Me" (I'm listening to it right now, it's perfect) is the first they released with the current line up.  The guys of Dear You talked about being brought up on very different genres of music; Chris and Mason on classic rock, Louis on pop punk, and Danny on metal- giving their music a tone that is all their own.  They find inspiration in life and try to write their music based on what they feel at a specific point in time and how that feeling affects them- ultimately making their songs relatable in a way that makes you want to listen to them over and over. 

Like most bands, they had a hard time definitively answering a couple of questions, but their perfectly worded responses told me something very important; they LOVE music, respect all types of artists, and appreciate any opportunity they are given to further their passion for what they do.  I loved that they gave a shout out to the music scene in Texas, which we all know is fantastic (Hellllllo, SXSW is happening right now) and loved even more that they didn't pinpoint one big band they'd love to share the stage with, "there are so many awesome bands out there, most of which we haven't even come across yet!  We would love the opportunity to play with them all."  Do these guys love what they are doing or what?  Just from that one quote, it's easy to tell that Dear You is truly in this for the love of music. 


To spend some not so wasted time (literally the past hour of my life) browsing their Youtube account watching videos of the songs they have covered, including tracks by Pink, Fall Out Boy, Four Year Strong, and The Format (this one tugged at my heart strings because I LOVE THAT SONG SO DAMN MUCH) click here.

To Follow @Dearyoutx on Twitter click here

To Like them on Facebook click here

"I think we can all agree that the best concert we've ever played was at Vans Warped Tour in Houston.  That was just a great experience, being able to play for so many new faces and then to meet them afterwards- it's what we love to do.  We hope we can continue to do that for years to come."  To VOTE for them to play on the Ernie Ball Stage at Warped this year click here: Battle of the Bands.  And don't forget that once you register you can vote ONCE A DAY!

"Music is what you hear, and not what you see"

....except when you're at a show, duh.

Sharing my love of music is just about the most important thing to me (but I probably don't need to tell you that since obviously that's what this whole thing is about).  I tweet, facebook, email, and write about bands almost everyday; and for the most part I ask everybody the same questions.  To me, the beauty of music is that it goes deeper than just the way it sounds, it's the way it makes you feel when you listen to the words, it's the way you can learn so much about yourself and what you're feeling in the 3 minute span of one song.  I want to know what inspires an artist to put pen to paper and compose a series of simple words that in the end mean so much. 

It occurred to me today, while I was driving home from a show in Pensacola that I ask you guys some pretty hard (some of you have even said "impossible") questions without even attempting to answer them myself; so here's a quick post about what I'm into (this week at least).

I have not been shy about the simple fact that I have no musical talent whatsoever, my talent lies in writing (hence the blog) and like I always say, I have a strong opinion and a way with words (or so I've been told).  My favorite answer to read in an interview is to the question "what inspires you?"  I'm not one to deal with my feelings or even attempt to decipher them and I find inspiration in the music itself- in those songs that I hear and I just have to play it over and over and over again, in the songs have me in tears every time I hear the words, or in the songs I just have to dance to (locale does not matter in this instance, I will break it down anywhere.)

The hardest question for every band to answer is one that seemed the most simple to me.  I never thought about how difficult it is to name your favorite band, until I tried to name mine.  I do think however, despite my diverse and intense love of all music, I have a clear favorite: Mayday Parade.  I have honestly loved Mayday since their first EP Tales Told By Dead Friends came out, I have stuck with them through line up changes, 2 years in between albums, and I've seen them live somewhere around 20 times.  Derek Sanders is an angel and Mayday Parade can do no wrong.  The song Three Cheers For Five Years happens to be the first song they ever wrote and the one song that WITHOUT fail makes me tear up every SINGLE time I hear it (I won't even discuss what it does to me to watch them play it live).  That song is lyrical perfection and composed of pure, raw feeling.  I'll stop gushing now.  Other favorite bands of mine include: Sparks The Rescue, D.R.U.G.S. (the fact that I've gone this entire post and not referred to Craig Owens as my soulmate is a shock, I'm honestly in love with him), A Day To Remember, All Time Low, and Sleeping With Sirens.

The best concert I ever went to, shit that's a hard one.  Warped Tour never disappoints, and I once went to Taste of Chaos with my older brother (Chiodos (<3 Craig <3), The Used, Saosin, 30 Seconds to Mars, Aiden) which was amazing.  The show I went to last night, the last stop on the End Of The World Tour (Anarbor, The Downtown Fiction, Mayday Parade) was beyond words.  It was the first time I've ever seen Anarbor (shout out to their sexy guitarist, literally couldn't take my eyes off of him) and The Downtown Fiction absolutely killed it.  Perfection.  I shed a tear when it was over. 


Filling the walls of my little apartment as I write this post is the song Vanities by Sparks The Rescue.  I can't get enough of their music lately because I missed their Jacksonville stop on the S.I.N Tour with my soul mate Craig Owens and D.R.U.G.S. and frankly I just haven't gotten over it yet. 

This is me and my sister before the show.

The one picture I took during the show, what can I say?  I was distracted, I'm a girl in love.

Beaten To The Punch

Meet the Band:
Cody Berhens: Vocals
Thomas Garcia: Rhythm Guitar/Backing Vocals
Jeremy Almagur: Lead Guitar
Weston Sudell: Bass
Daniel Garza: Drums

Before I begin a post on any band in particular I do three things: follow them on Twitter (duh, that's how I find them in the first place), like their Facebook page, and listen to their music.  Beaten To The Punch has one very clear interest aside from music, and that appears to be pizza (it's my favorite food, I can't hate).  Based out of Houston, Texas, Beaten To The Punch plays that perfect combination of pop punk and hardcore music we all love so much.  The kind that makes you want to turn the volume all way the up, roll down the windows, and jam out while you carelessly flip the bird to everybody who pisses you off that day (who cares?  The music is all that matters). 

As a band, the guys have been playing together since early 2010 but their love of music started much earlier for each of them.  Their musical influences range from Pantera and Katy Perry all the way to classic rock and today's death metal.  It's clear that aside from life experiences gained from hanging out with friends, playing shows, and heartbreakthey find inspiration in music itself.  "Our music is  inspired by all genres such as metal, punk, deathcore, metalcore, rock and some indie rock; we try not to define ourselves under one in particular."

As a band they would love to someday share the stage with hardcore and pop punk bands like The Wonder Years, Title Fight, A Loss For Words, Transit, Fight Fair, Terror, and Dead End Path.  They say the best concert they ever went to was FREEzerFest 2 where they got to play alongside national touring acts and some other great local bands.  Cody, is the literally the only member of any band I've spoken to that could answer the "favorite band" question definitively, Pantera.  Cheers Cody, I know it's a hard question but if somebody were to ask me I could answer it as well. 

Beaten To The Punch is about to start recording their debut EP entitled "Keeping It Reckless" which is slated for an early to mid April release, Can't wait!

To like Beaten To The Punch on Facebook Click Here

To follow @bttpbandtx on Twitter Click Here

Earth House

Meet the band:
Caleb Eberle: Vocals/Guitar
Sam Oden: Guitar/Vocals
John Oden: Drums
Donte Taylor: Bass

Earth House began about two years ago when one of the members, Caleb, began recording acoustic songs on cassette.  Over the past year they have blossomed into a flawless combination of indie rock, southern folk, post gospel, and "a lot of noise."  Fun fact: I actually met Caleb while creeping around St. Augustine with my little sister one night in November, just saying.

Originally from Enterprise, Alabama, Earth House is currently located in St. Augustine, Florida and working on Esto Records.  Caleb finds inspiration in religion, which he studies at Flagler College and talks about bands like Neutral Milk Hotel (who doesn't agree that Jeff Mangum is a writing genius?), and post rock bands like Explosions in the Sky as his biggest influences.

"I read a lot of really strange books and they just make me want to write about how strange religion and even the idea of religion is."

Of all the bands I've exchanged emails with, Earth House mentioned so many bands that I have NEVER HEARD OF (not to toot my own horn but this is a rarity, but thanks for all the new tunes).  Caleb mentioned Sufjan Stevens right after Age of Adz came out or Bon Iver (woohoo, best new artist) as some of the best concerts he's ever been to and I'll Get By by Become the Teeth as his favorite song right now.  "The entire story of the album is just amazing and it all comes together with this last song."

The guys in Earth House are hoping to do a cover of "I'll Make Love To You" by Boyz II men (after they figure out how) and when asked who they would most like to share the stage with chose Kanye....as in West?  I still haven't figured out if I read that correctly, but if so, I love it!

Earth House is going to be playing a few shows this month at SXSW in Austin, Texas, which they are stoked on.  "We've never played a festival before so this is a big step for us and we're all excited to sleep in a van six days."  They are also beginning work on recording their first full length album at the beginning of the summer, look for it's release this fall!

To LIKE Earth House on Facebook Click Here

To FOLLOW @earthhousemusic on Twitter Click Here

To visit their web page earthhousemusic.com

For more information on SXSW Click Here

This Wild Life

Meet The Band:
Kevin Jordan: Vocals/Guitar
Mikey Hoefnagel: Guitar
Anthony Del Grosso: Drums
Alex Bemis: Bass

"Just be yourself and you'll learn to see that I'm always free in a way you'll never be."  The guys in This Wild Life are based out of the "sketchy city" of Long Beach, California and play their pop punk music to the vein of New Found Glory, Yellowcard, and Blink 182.  Looking at the email they sent me, while their song "Lost Boys" plays (LOUDLY) out of my little iPad speaker, I have a very clear sense of the love and passion these guys have not only for their own music, but for music in general.  Sometimes it astounds me how much I can get out of a person, and a band, from reading one short email while I let their music fill my little apartment.  

 Kevin (vocals/guitar) began playing music at a young age when he would sneak in and practice on the equipment left in his garage by his older brother's band.  He was eventually caught, but instead of being dubbed an annoying, pesky little brother he was given his first electric guitar and began writing his own music soon after. 

I'm obsessed with that story, what a great start.

The guys in This Wild Life are inspired by the words and melodies of fellow musicians and use that to create songs that are special to them and their fans.  I literally just played the songs "Trash Talk" and "Lost Boys" at least 6 times.  When asked who they would chose if they could share the stage with anyone, Kevin, chose Paramore (I have such respect for Hayley Williams; she has such great hair, and as far as I'm concerned the song "Misery Business" is pure lyrical perfection).  "She's so talented and energetic, and I would do terrible, unforgivable things to open up for them."  Well Said.

Of all the bands I've spoken to, This Wild Life mentioned more bands in their email than any other- it was perfect.  "Music is so attainable through the internet, television, and radio that I think it's impossible to be narrow minded when it comes to musical taste." Couldn't have said it better myself.  Music is such a universal art, Kevin talked about an As Cities Burn show he attended in high school and how the band was so amazing and intense playing live and the connections he made with his friends through their songs is something that can never be broken.  He also loves the band Copeland, four amazing, different, and emotionally captivating records.  "They say the most tortured souls can create the best art, and I think they are a perfect example.  His records deal with love, death, and rebirth, and I have never heard more sincere, heartfelt songwriting in my life."  (I think Kevin might be better with words than I am, maybe he should be writing this? haha.)

"We are not here to reinvent the wheel, we just love playing fast, energetic, and heartfelt music for people who dig those kind of jams."

To like This Wild Life on Facebook Click Here

To Follow @ThisWildLife on Twitter Click Here

Merch: www.thiswildlife.bigcartel.com

To listen to an AMAZING cover of "If it means a lot to you" by A Day To Remember Click here
...goosebumps....

High Society

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Faster Coaster

The man behind the Music:
Rod Pliego

There is only one thing that could possibly make me happier than getting in touch with people who make music, and that is when their answers to my questions flawlessly and coincidentally reflect my own taste.  I ask every band I interview what song is playing on their iPod right now, that question is more for my own personal interest (I think it says something about who you are as a person and what is going on in your life, or maybe that is just me); the strange thing is that when I opened Rod's email and read over his answers I happened to be jamming to It Feels Good To Be Charlie Sheen by Sparks The Rescue (a very normal thing for me as they are one of my favorite bands, in fact I'm listening to them as I write this post)- his answer to my question:

"Basing my answer on what's happening right now, you would have to listen to It Feels Good To Be Charlie Sheen by Sparks The Rescue."

Freaky.

As Rod Says, he is the only one responsible for "Faster Coaster's mess."  Based out of Mexico City he makes some kind of pop punk music with a touch of punk rock (or at least that's what he thinks it is: Rod, you're right, and it's great).   Like most musicians, he draws inspiration from life experiences, whether his own or somebody else's, "or maybe I'm just scribbling down about something funny I'd like to happen, it could be anything really."

Rod named Blink 182, Sum 41, and Green Day as his top musical influences and favorite bands, but also mentioned bands like Cartel, The Maine, and All Time Low as bands he grew up listening to and would love to tour with (I can promise you that EVERY SINGLE playlist I make has a song by each of these bands, and I'm wearing my favorite All Time Low shirt right now! Rod, maybe we're musical soul mates? ha.). 

Talking to Rod was awesome because even though I've only been in touch with him via Twitter and Email he made me laugh so many times.  It's worth a visit to Facebook just to read the biography on his band page, I died laughing, it's so awesome.  He answered his questions in the realest, funniest way and literally sounded just like me.  I mean seriously, here's proof:

Laura: Favorite song right now?  I say right now because mine changes all the time.
Rod:  Mine changes all the time too!  Maybe because I listen to it like a fucking too much.
(I literally listen to my favorite songs like 85 times a day until I move on to the next.)

To be awesome and go like Faster Coaster on Facebook Click Here

To follow @FasterCoaster on Twitter Click Here

"If people want to tag along, I like to think They're in for something cool, since I'm here for long run."

Cheers to you too Rod!

Talk Of Spring

Meet the band:
Josh Napier: Vocals/Guitar
Scotty Peebles: Bass
Jake Griffith: Drums

 Talking to these guys really solidified one thing for me, the best time to get in touch with a band MUST be around 1 a.m. (it keeps happening that way for me, good thing I'm a night owl).  As I was trying to force myself to go to sleep, am I the only person who can NEVER go to sleep when I'm actually trying?  Anyway, I was scrolling through my beloved Twitter time line and this band started following me, I immediately lurked their tweets to find a link where I could listen to their music.  About 3 seconds into their track "You're  A Dream" all I could think was "I wonder if I have Fall Out Boy on my Rhapsody?"  (and I mean that in the absolute best way).

The guys of Talk of Spring started playing their tune of pop punk music about 2 years ago in Louisville, Kentucky.  Whenever I hear music by a new band I can't help but compare them in my mind to the bands I already know and love, and there is a reason that Fall Out Boy was the first to come to mind here: not only were they pitted as one of Scotty's (bass guitarist) favorite bands but also as the best concert he ever attended; "I saw them in Chicago in an arena, it was definitely an experience- Lots of pyro."  As far as I'm concerned, Fall Out Boy was one of the bands that really paved the way for this genre of music to break into the mainstream, top 40 radio stations with their upbeat rock melodies and catchy lyrics that had everyone relating and singing along (who didn't love 'Sugar, We're Going Down')?  Talk of Spring has the same sound that had me jamming in my p.j's at 1 a.m. while watching them dance with a human banana on the side of the road in one of their tour videos (nice moves, boys).

When asked who they would most like to share the stage with they answered with bands like Coldplay, Taylor Swift, and Katy Perry; they even did a cover of her song "California Gurls." The guys of Talk of Spring find and take inspiration from everything and anything; seeing people smile, slutty ex-girlfriends (I LOVE this answer), and having fun.   "We just try to write what we like to play and make sure everyone has a good time."

Talk Of Spring just finished recording their second EP with Marc McClusky (Weezer, Hit The Lights, Ludo).  Watch out for a new song release soon!

To watch their video for "You're A Dream" CLICK HERE

To "like" them on Facebook CLICK HERE

To follow them on Twitter @TalkOfSpring CLICK HERE