The Nasty Boys

Notes by Lucinda
SDSU Collegian
published 12/3/08

It's hard to call The Nasty Boys "scene veterans" because these five guys are not even close to being done with music.

Alex Foster (drums), Sheldon Swan (guitar), Ben Murphy (vocals), Brady Murphy (guitar) and Nick Murphy (bass) made history in bands After The Sun and Nodes of Ranvier, and now they're continuing with music success in the death metal band they've entitled The Nasty Boys.

"It kind of started off as a joke," says Foster of the band's name. "We thought it would be funny to call it The Nasty Boys so the back of our shirts could say 'Get Nasty'."

Although their name might be a bit of a joke, the skills these musicians have is far from it. Hailing from prevalent metal/rock bands in the Sioux Falls scene, they not only bring the love of old fans, but also the recognition of new ones by catering to a different genre. The band wasn't formed to sell records and sign deals; it was created through the love of music.

"We all just really love heavy metal," says Foster. "We just play the music we've been loving forever."All members have somewhat "grown up" with music being a major part of their lives. But neither the past nor the future is as important as the present.

"We really don't know what will happen in the future," says Foster. "We're all kind of at that point in our life where we're graduating college and paying loans and have careers. We'd love to make something of this, but if not, we're perfectly fine with that, too."

The Nasty Boys started with the five jamming, and they keep the same "whatever will be, will be" type attitude now. There are no set-in-stone plans to tour or record and certainly no shopping for labels; instead, the guys are putting all of that effort into just making the best music they can and making sure it's something they will always enjoy doing.

"We're all about having fun," says Foster. "If people don't like it, that's cool, but we're going to keep doing it. We're all really passionate about it. We're just as passionate as people in the business, we're just not actually in the business."

The Nasty Boys will open for Write This Down along with Life's Breath on Dec. 6. The all-ages show is at Nutty's North in Sioux Falls, starts at 5:30 p.m. and costs $8.

I highly recommend that you don't miss your chance to "get nasty."

PHANTOM PLANET: There Is No Life (ACOUSTIC)

i miss them already.

amazing band. always will be.

Empire Records-Sugar High

one of my favorite movies ...

this is part of the reason i wanted to get into music ...

i wish there were still record stores like this.
at least around here.

Plain White T's, The Cab

Notes by Lucinda
Published 11.5.08
The Collegian, SDSU
Lucinda Albers

Any band's worst nightmare includes being listed as a one-hit-wonder or overnight-success-story cliché. While the Plain White T's did seem to skyrocket to success in a matter of days with their hit single, "Hey There Delilah," they are far from either category.

The Illinois band consisting of Tom Higgenson (vocals), Dave Tirio (guitar), Mike Retondo (bass), De'Mar Hamilton (drums) and Tim Lopez (guitar) recently released their fourth studio album, Big Bad World. Higgenson explains that while most bands may feel outside pressure to constantly do better, the Plain White T's felt more pressure from inside the group.

"We wanted to make this album the best thing we've ever done," Higgenson said. "We really wanted to just blow ourselves out of water."

Big Bad World not only satisfies old fans but intrigues new ones as well. Although listeners can still obtain the classic PWT's feel in songs like "Natural Disaster," they also gain a new sound in tracks like "Big Bad World," a song that is sure to stick in your head. While most songs on Every Second Counts were put together in a short period of time, the band put a little more effort into writing and recording Big Bad World.

"We spent over a month working on songs and putting them together so that every idea we had we could try to see the best way possible to put it together," said Higgneson. "It gave us the chance to find new things that we hadn't originally thought of. It feels a lot nicer and smoother, more organic and real."

The band isn't the type to constantly cling to fame, but instead focus on the music and their fans. In fact, Higgenson admits that even with amazing feats such as Grammy nominations and certified Gold records, the real joy of making music is found in their fans.

"Playing every night and connecting with the fans is amazing," Higgenson said. "We spend so much time writing the songs and recording the songs that it's amazing to actually get up there and hear them sing along and see them smile. That's why you do it."

The Plain White T's are currently on the Rock Band Live tour with Dashboard Confessional, Panic at the Disco and The Cab, a band from Las Vegas, Nev.

The Cab, composed of Alex DeLeon (vocals), Cash Colligan (bass), Alex Johnson (drums), Alex Marshall (keys/vocals) and Ian Crawford (guitar) released their first studio album, Whisper Wars, last spring. Although The Cab basically went straight from high school to a tour bus, songs like "Bounce," "One of THOSE Nights," and "I'll Run" show musicianship far beyond their young age. Since the release of the album, the band has been touring all over to promote it. Johnson admits that every new stop on their tour is a little different from their hometown.

"Vegas seems like a town in its own," said Johnson. "We seem to do really well with the Midwest, but everywhere we go is a lot of fun. The kids have been amazing."

You'll get a chance to see both bands on Nov. 18 when they perform at the Sioux Falls Expo Building with additional support, Meg and Dia.

Mayday Parade

Quite possibly my new favorite band.

"I Don't Care" Guitars from clandestine on Vimeo.


I love these guys and how constantly innovative they are.

Some of the best minds in the business in my opinion ...

All Time Low

Notes by Lucinda
The Collegian, SDSU
Published 10/29/08

All Time Low was in Austin, Texas, when I phoned in with lead singer and guitarist Alex Gaskarth. By the numerous voices in the background, I could tell the energy on their bus was high even though it was almost 10 p.m. And there's no reason it shouldn't have been. Gaskarth and his fellow band mates (lead guitarist and backing vocalist Jack Barakat, bassist and backing vocalist Zach Merrick and drummer Rian Dawson) are currently on tour with Mayday Parade, The Maine and Every Avenue: in my opinion, one of the best lineups this year and the number one show to attend this fall.

"Tour has been really fun," Gaskarth said. "Realistically, nothing insane has happened, but it's cool 'cause all the bands are friends and hang out. It's a blast."

While the Maryland band certainly isn't new to the touring scene, this tour, labeled the "Compromising of Integrity, Morality and Principles in the Exchange for Money Tour," was a little different for the guys.

"It was all our choice," said Gaskarth. "Where we went, who we play with … we got to decide."

ATL's latest album, So Wrong, It's Right, is filled with pop punk melodies and catchy lyrics that led them to be signed right out of high school to Hopeless Records. Although most bands whose members aren't even old enough to drink play songs about high school loves and parents that just don't understand, ATL's upbeat singles consist of somewhat more "mature" subjects. Take, for instance, "Dear Maria, Count Me In," a song written about a friend who had admitted to becoming a stripper.

Their music, which Gaskarth describes as 'sexual chocolate,' may be labeled as a cliché boy band, but the guys don't let any negative comments get to their head.

"Not everybody is going to like what you do," said Gaskarth. "We don't really care. As long as people are paying attention."

Attention seems to be all that they receive at their shows. Hundreds of little girls scream at the boys as their parents stand nearby. And while Gaskarth says that he loves their fans and the band would be nowhere without them, he also admits that he gets some odd presents."I got fish once," Gaskarth said.

"It was crazy 'cause someone was giving me these live animals and all of a sudden I was responsible for them."

You'll get the chance to bring Gaskarth more fish when the band plays at First Avenue in Minneapolis on Nov. 13.

The Academy Is ...

Notes by Lucinda
The Collegian, SDSU
Published 10/22/08

With three albums out on Fueled By Ramen, The Academy Is … continues to make headlines and spark interest.

The Academy Is …'s debut album, Almost Here, was released in 2005 and hit the Billboard Heatseekers chart at No. 20, as well as the Independent Albums chart at No. 24. The album received a lot of buzz in the music scene and seemed to skyrocket the band to success.

After several tours, the band went back into the studio to record Santi, which was released in 2007. Although some critics praised the record as a huge progression from the band, TAI also received a lot of heat from fans who thought they changed their sound a little too much. The album seemed to put off a love-it-or-hate-it vibe, but TAI certainly didn't let any negative criticism get in their way of continuing triumph.

While in the process of getting ready to record their third album, William Beckett (vocals), Adam Siska (bass), Mike Carden (guitar), Andy "The Butcher" Mrotek (drums) and Michael Guy Chislett (guitar) moved out to New York to refresh their energy.

"Being five young guys in such a big city is very humbling," said Siska. "There's a lot of pressure to kind of do or die. We just wanted to make a record because it's really fun to do, and we plan on making many more of them."

In Aug. 2008, TAI released their third album Fast Times and Barrington High. While many critics were unsure of what results the third album would produce, Fast Times smashed the apprehension with upbeat tempos and reminiscent lyrics of high school.

"Every CD for us is very interesting," said Siska. "You wonder if you'll be happy with the results, and that can be very stressful. [Fast Times] is my favorite record we've ever made. We just had a lot of fun."

Besides putting out three continually evolving albums, TAI has been busy touring the states as well as oversees. They also try to include the fans into their everyday lives with the creation of TAITV (The Academy Is … TV), which is updated every Sunday on their Web site. Although the concept of a weekly video blog seems perfect to fans, Siska admits the idea was somewhat accidental.

"We're not like the Motle-Cru days of partying, getting all sorts of crazy with drugs and everything," said Siska. "We were bored and decided to make a home movie and goof around. We posted it and got a positive response, so we decided to keep doing it every Sunday night."

With constant touring, recording, filming TAITV and basically being scene gods in general, you'd think the guys of TAI would be exhausted. Although Siska says going non-stop can wear you out, in the end, he's really doing what he loves.

"I am very blessed in the fact that I get to play music on stage every night," Siska said. "The fact that I get to go to all of these different places, play music and help people create all these memories with their friends and inspire people … I'm so privileged to get to put this mark on my generation. All other things are just secondary to this."

The Academy Is … is currently co-headlining the Bill and Trav's Bogus Journey Tour with We The Kings. They will be in Omaha on Oct. 28 and in Minneapolis on Oct. 31 with openers Hey Monday and Carolina Liar.

Forever The Sickest Kids Article

The Collegian
SDSU
published 10/15/08

Most bands take years and numerous member changes to find their sound. Then again, some have the chemistry and talent to be amazing from the start.

Enter: Forever The Sickest Kids.

The six Texas-grown guys (vocalist Jonathan Cook, bassist Austin Bello, guitarists Caleb Turman and Marc Stewart, drummer Kyle Burns and keyboardist Kent Garrison) of this power-pop group have been skyrocketing since they formed just two years ago. But don't count this band as the 'oh-they-got-lucky' type.

"A lot of [our success] has to do with how involved we are," said Stewart. "We don't just sit back and wait. We go out and make stuff happen on our own. When we're on tour we don't just play the shows: we do meetings, radio, in-store promotions. … We get out as much as possible."

A perfect example of their go-get-'em attitude goes back to how they broke into the scene in the first place. Cook spent $350 for a front-page song placement on scene-adored Web site PureVolume.com. However, the band didn't have the money or the song. Seeing this as an excellent opportunity, the band headed to the studio to record "Hey Brittany" in a matter of days.

Once the song was posted on the site, FTSK blew up all over the Internet and in April 2007, signed with Universal Motown. Around a year later, they released Underdog Alma Mater. Since then, their hit song "Whoa Oh! (Me vs. Everyone)" has blown up the airwaves internationally. Even with the sudden celebrity status, the band stays true to their own unique sound.

"We're making music that we want to please ourselves with and means something to us," said Stewart. "We want the lyrics and music to make you happy and dance and lift you up."

Since the release of Underdog, FTSK have been touring non-stop - playing with the likes of Danger Radio, The Maine, All Time Low - spent the summer on Warped Tour and even went to the United Kingdom for a while.

"We've never been there before," said Stewart. "We got to play smaller clubs and most of the shows were sold out. It was cool to go over there and see all the kids taking our pictures and singing along."

On top of touring, recording and endless self-promotion, the members are personally involved with every aspect of their careers. From designing T-shirt art to picking the bands they play with to urging fans to be involved with social issues (i.e. their latest promotion of the Blood:Water Mission), these multi-taskers handle it all.

"It's just who we are," said Stewart. "We're really picky about a lot of stuff. We love to create our own art. I mean, we're the closest people involved in this, and what better way to use our creativity?"

Currently, the band is supporting Cobra Starship on the Sassyback Tour with Hit The Lights and Sing It Loud. You can see them on Oct. 16 at The Cabooze in Minneapolis.

CHIODOS

*I'll be posting the interview later ...

The Collegian
SDSU, Brookings So.Dak.
Issue date: 10/8/08
Section: Juice

----
With two breakout albums (2005's All's Well That Ends Well and 2007's Bone Palace Ballet) under their belt and one more on the way (Bone Palace Ballet: Grand Coda out at the end of the month), Chiodos has hit the music scene with bone-shattering velocity (pun intended).

Although the Michigan natives have been thrown on some odd tour bills, Craig Owens (vocals), Radley Bell (keyboards), Pat McManaman (guitar), Matt Goddard (bass), Jason Hale (guitar) and Derrick Frost (drums) continue to gain speed (and fans) through their travels. Although the variety in shows can add some spice to the job, Bell admits that touring so often can get a little dull.

"It's a little monotonous at times, just like any other job," says Bell. "But we do get to go to different places, which is always cool."

Not even a month ago, the band traveled up to Alaska to play a couple shows. And while more and more cities get added to their tour calendar, Bell explains that he really only wants the crowd to have fun.

"We want them to feel comfortable and just have a good time," said Bell. "That's what our music is all about, just forgetting your problems and singing along and having fun."

With catchy riffs and head bobbing melodies, Chiodos captures your attention. Songs like "Lexington (Joey Pea-Pot With A Monkey Face)" and "The Words 'Best Friend' Become Redefined" could even make your monotonous chemistry teacher want to thrash around in a mosh pit. Owens offers a ridiculously expansive vocal range over heavy guitars mixed with melodic keyboard trails to offer the perfect mixture of punk-pop-hardcore.

Chiodos may feel pressure to keep creating new, better sounds, but Bell admits that playing with new ideas in the studio is one of his favorite parts of being a musician. Another is playing live for hundreds of fans.

"It's awesome to see the kids' faces," says Bell. "They have a glow in their eyes and we know some of them have been waiting a long time to see us live."

While the job offers many perks, Bell admits that handling the bad aspects, like all the negative criticism, is something you learn to deal with.

"As much as you try, it's really hard to avoid," says Bell. "Especially with the internet being so popular. You just have to channel your positive energy and forget it."

Keeping a positive attitude towards their lives doesn't only come into part when reading a bad review. Back in July, Owens admitted on his personal Web site that he had tried to overdose on Xanax, due in part to a struggle with bipolar disorder and anxiety attacks. After recovery, Owens stated that he had amazing help from friends and family and was excited to continue on with Chiodos. Besides depending on one another, the fans also provide a huge support system to the band.

"No matter what minimal problems we have, our fans are always there," said Bell. "Anytime you surround yourself with a certain group for so long like we do, it gets frustrating and you don't always get along. We just stay positive and keep looking forward to all the opportunities we have."

Chiodos is currently on tour with Silverstein, Escape the Fate, Alesana and A Skylit Drive. You can catch them at Epic in Minneapolis on Oct. 12. The all ages show starts at 5 p.m., with tickets running at $25 through Ticketmaster outlets.
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Here Lies the Traitor

Watch any movie about the music industry, and you'll probably assume that musicians are in it only for the 'rockstar' image. However, throughout the course of my life, I've met several bands that give off the pure essence of passion.

One of these bands is Here Lies The Traitor.

HLTT started about a year ago, when Lake Preston locals Robert Swaney (bass), Alex Gutzmer (drums) and Jordan Kruse (vocals) met up with Huron native Jim Hughes (guitar). Just this last summer, Brookings local Coleby Visker was added as a second guitarist.

Although being in a band does give you the perk of meeting more people, HLTT's purpose isn't for the rock and roll status.

"We want kids to get two things out of our music," says Swaney. "One is to just have fun. We want to make music that people can get enjoy. Two is to just be positive. We want kids to know that they're not alone, and we also want everyone to respect each other."

Some of these values could possibly be traced to their beliefs. But even though the members will admit to being Christian, don't catalog them as a preachy Christian band.

"We're more so just Christians in a band, not a Christian band," says Swaney. "We're all Christians, and that obviously influences us. We don't try to preach, but it's something in our lives."

After HLTT's next show, the band will be taking a short break to write new material and hopefully make it into the recording studio around Christmas.

"Since we started, we've been really busy with shows," Swaney says. "So much so that our shows started turning into our practices. Even now, we're all really busy with school and sports. So we decided not to worry about shows for a while and focus on the music."

And no matter where the music takes them, the main point is that they will be traveling it together.

"We are best friends that just happen to be in a band," says Swaney. "Not a band that happens to be best friends. Some bands are just business. The play their shows and then go their separate ways. That's not us."

HLTT will be playing at the Peace Lutheran Church in Brookings on Oct. 4 with Venia, Everest, These Hearts, All But Promising and Awaken My Nightmare. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. and costs $7.

Fast Times at Barrington High

I'm absolutely in love with The Academy Is .... 's new album. I'll try to get a revue up later.

Favorite song so far:
"The Test"

Look like a lush.
Talk like a tease.
The way you like it.
In front of your house, alone on the street,
You ask me to come inside.
Asleep through all our classes,
You hang me out to dry.

If this is a test
I'm losing my shit
Would it kill you to care
As much as I did?
If this is a test,
I'm wasting my breath
You're a stranger I know well, A
nd not at all.

Heart on a hook thrown out to the sea,
Your basement busy.
Sitting in the dark, I turn the radio off for a
Phone call you'll likely miss.
Wake me when it's over.
The last sound of goodbye.

If this is a test
I'm losing my shit
Would it kill you to care
As much as I did?
If this is a test,
I'm wasting my breath
You're a stranger I know well,
And not at all.

"Let's imagine the end before we even begin,"
You said.

If this is a test
I'm losing my shit
Would it kill you to care
As much as I did?
If this is a test, I'm wasting my breath
You're a stranger I know well,
And not at all.

Listen to Powerspace

"right on right now"

My feet are shuffling
The clouds roll in, the wind at my neck
But every day's a thunderstorm
I'm always walking back these days

I live to pass time
It makes sense in my mind
But that's not a reason
To keep this weak heart beating

And I know that this place
And these walls and this race
Will melt down in one breath
And leave it all behind me

My feet are shuffling
The clouds roll in, the wind at my neck
But every day's a thunderstorm
I'm always walking back these days
My knees are quivering
The cliff's edge so inviting, yeah
The lightning hits my chest
But the shock is so routine for me these days

You stand up and I bow
Right on, right now
I'm always hoping for some enjoyment from disappointment

I can feel the misery from some place deep inside of me

My feet are shuffling
The clouds roll in, the wind at my neck
But every day's a thunderstorm
I'm always walking back these days
My knees are quivering
The cliff's edge calls me
The lightning hits my chest
But the shock is so routine for me these days

You make my bed, I'll make your day
I'll write down every word you say
And stuff it in a record sleeve
And make sure no one ever, ever finds it

Can you save me now?
Someone, somehow
Right on, right now

understanding ...

Matt leaves in 30 days.

I'm not sure what I feel.

I'm so so happy he's branching out and trying new things. Things that I was not courageous enough to do.

But I know that secretly ... I'm just scared.

For over 6 years, he has been by my side. I don't think I've ever gone more that 4 or 5 days without talking to him. He's my best friend. And he's leaving.

I'm not sure if I'm scared that he's leaving, or that this is the first sign that we're growing up. We're moving apart. We're moving on.

He's the only person who I've been unable to imagine the rest of my life without. I realize people grow up. I realize your friends in high school move on, and your friends in college move on. Don't get me wrong, these people will forever be a part of my life. I will always love them and will always keep in touch. But in no way do I think that we will live in Brookings forever in our little college atmosphere. I will move on. They will move on. New students will come, form connections, live in our houses and go through the same thing.

But I can't imagine a world where I get an amazing job and Matt isn't the first person I tell. Or my favorite bands just announced a concert in the area and Matt isn't the first person I invite. Or at night when I have nothing to do and Matt isn't the first person I call.

It's hard to think that the people you love the most are moving on.

Especially when you're not so sure that they will remember you the way you remember them.

I don't want to forget him. I don't want to move on from him. I've come to terms with it when it comes to everyone else ... but I can't .... I REFUSE to believe it will happen with him.

God, please don't let it happen with him.

Every Avenue

I realize I've been completely neglecting this blog, and I hope to change that.

Now that school is over and I'm not regularly writing articles for the paper, I'm going to be updating every now and then throughout summer discussing new bands that I love and shows I've been to.

First band to talk about ...

Every Avenue

David Ryan: Lead Vocals, Piano
Joshua Randall: Guitar, Backup Vocals
Jimmie Deeghan: Guitar, Backup Vocals
Cam Grenstiner: Bass, Yells
Michael Govaere: Drums, Percussion, Programming

I stumbled across these boys about a month ago and I think they've been CONSTANTLY playing on my iPod. I just can't get enough.

These Michigan natives are currently signed to Fearless Records (A Static Lullaby, The Maine, At The Drive In, Plain White Ts, Sugarcult, etc.). They have a very very catchy, melodic sound but still include the dueling guitars and steady drums. Ryan has an AMAZING voice that's smooth and captivating. As I've mentioned before, I'm captured by lyrics and overall hook of bands, and these guys definitely have that.

Their latest release, Shh. Just Go With It hit stores last winter and they have been sending shock waves throughout the 'scene' ever since. They've been around since 2003, when they released their self-titled record themselves.

I'm also a big fan of bands who know it's key to keep in touch with their fans. There's nothing better than going to see a band live and running into them on the floor after their set. Grestiner is quoted on Fearless' site saying "We have always pushed ourselves hard to make a one on one connection with all of our fans, and that is never going to change."

I haven't had the pleasure of seeing these guys live, yet, but I've read reviews of them being energetic and fun, and definitely passionate about everything they do. They're on Warped Tour this year, and one of the bands that I'm most looking forward to seeing.

Definitely check them out if you're fans of All Time Low, The Maine, Valencia, We The Kings, etc.

Danger Radio

The second I heard Andrew de Torres' voice in The Scene Aesthetic, I was put in a trance. He has a very unique voice that you'll either love or hate. Upon more research, I noticed that de Torres was also in a band called Danger Radio out of Seattle. Although the music is far more upbeat then the acoustics of TSA, I fell in love with this band as well.

As most bands start, vocalist de Torres met his band mates (guitarists Andy Brookins and Elan Wright, bassist Marvin Kunkle, drummer/programmer Nico Hartikainen and keyboardist Spencer Philips) back in middle and high school almost a decade ago.

The band's bio describes their earlier stuff to show a "rougher, punkier edge, that's mostly because their abilities hadn't yet caught up to the sounds in their heads." And it's certainly true. Comparing their 2006 self-released EP, The Difference Between Love and Envy, with their latest EP and Photo Finish Records debut, Punch Your Lights Out, you can definitely hear their sound has smoothed out.

"We've grown a lot since our last recording," said de Torres. "The EP is almost three years old or so, and I think we've become stronger writers and musicians."

With a mix of rock, pop, jazz and funk, DR fills your taste for a little bit of everything. De Torres alone cites Adam Levine (Maroon 5) and Michael Jackson as personal influences, and the band as a whole has sparks of everyone from Justin Timberlake to Stevie Wonder.

"We listen to a bunch of music you wouldn't necessarily expect us to," said de Torres, "but it's all stuff we've grown up with."

You can clearly see this mesh of influences in songs like "You All Believe," where there's a funky, jazz-like bass beat leading up to a jumpy chorus, or "Sparkle Baby Shine" that gives the feel of a jam band. De Torres' voice is just as diverse as the music behind it, sometimes being soft and scratchy and other times being strong and melodic.

Danger Radio is hitting the road for several dates with Forever the Sickest Kids, Metro Station, The Maine and The Cab. De Torres says traveling and meeting people is one of his favorite parts of being in the band.

"Some of the kids have never even seen us, but there are a lot of people at the shows and the reaction is just amazing," said De Torres.

If you can, catch Danger Radio in Omaha at the Sokol Underground on May 13 with the bands listed above.

Camera Can't Lie

In three words, they're Camera Can't Lie.

In one word, they're passionate.

This Minneapolis-based band consists of Eric Arjes (vocals/guitar), Josh Bendell (drums), Kyle Lindsay (bass), Tim Nustad (keys/sampling) and Travis Stearns (lead guitar/vocals). In the past few months, CCL has been spotlighted on several big-time sites such as The Daily Chorus (top third unsigned band) and PureVolume (where "Losing You" was the most-played song for six days in a row). But the band is certainly not letting the success get to their head.

"A title is only a title," said Arjes. "We're very proud of the work we put into our music. We work very very hard and don't take it for granted ... There were a lot of great bands on [The Daily Chorus], and it's incredible to get that respect."

CCL released their first album, Love the Noise, in December of 2006 and their latest album, Camera Can't Lie EP, in July of 2007. The sound is much like Switchfoot, with hopeful, enlightening lyrics that many kids of the younger generation can relate to.

"[The lyrics] are influenced from life and what life throws at you," said Arjes, who writes most of CCL's lyrics. "I feel boring sometimes, though, like I haven't been through that many hardships, so I like to take my friends' experiences and express what they may not be able to. I just want the music to mean something."

The entire band helps collaborate on the instrumentals of the music, creating something that the whole band can be proud of. Their music is melodic and keyboard-inspired with very catchy choruses. Don't be surprised if their songs (particularly "Losing You") get stuck in your head for days.

Camera Can't Lie is currently touring and putting out demos with hopes of getting into the studio later this year. They've played over 150 shows in their time span and just finished up with the Always Clothing Tour with Windsor Drive and select dates with Abandon Kansas.

"It was our first tour down south and there were a lot of kids," said Arjes. "We had a lot of fun. It was pretty relaxing and very successful."

As a band that's always on the road, Arjes said that playing all the live shows for different kids is one of his favorite parts of being in a band.

"Getting on stage every night for 30 to 40 minutes is just a whole different world," Arjes said. "It's an experience that you can't really relate to anything else. Music has such an impact on me as it has to so many others. It's an amazing way to connect with people."

While the boys have toured many areas of the country, being from the Midwest certainly doesn't get their hopes down. In fact, they think it helps.

"When you're on the coast, it's so overpopulated and harder to stick out," said Arjes. "Here, it's easy to be original and unique and you still have so many opportunities."

I predict these boys will be playing many many shows in the future and are a rising star in our area. It's only a matter of time until they are 'discovered' by a label that believes in them as much as their large fan-base does. You can check them out at www.myspace.com/cameracantlie.

being broken is a beautiful thing

I wish these tears were for joy
But I know deep down inside
That my heart is breaking

I force a huge congratulations
A smile and a hug
But all I want is to hold on forever

I know you’ll have fun
And experience more life
But all I can think of is how mine is ending

I’m sorry I can’t be happy
I’m sorry I can’t pretend
I never saw us coming to this end

I think you’ll forget me
I think you’ll move on
And I’ve tried so hard to keep this

I don’t want to think about it
I don’t want to talk about it
But it still keeps me awake all night

This is all you dream of
This is all you want
And I’m sorry I can’t support you

I’m trying to be happy for you
I’m trying to smile
But all I can think of …

All I can think of …

You’re leaving me.

We The Kings Review - April 12

You know when a band comes on stage and the lead singer is wearing and N'Sync t-shirt that they're going to be amazing.

On April 12th, at Sokol Underground in Omaha, Nebraska, I got the pleasure of seeing just that.


My friends and I arrived a little late to the show, just at the end of the second band, Charlotte Sometimes' set. The next band up was The Cab. I'll admit that I had never heard of these guys before, but they completely blew me away.

These Las Vegas boys got on stage and within twenty seconds of their first song, I was already in awe. Their energy was incredible and their music so smooth. They had a very unique sound that reaches into you. Lead singer Alex Deleon has one of those hard-to-describe voices that attracts you within seconds. Their rock-pop beats were equally guitar, drums and bass but they also had a focus on keyboard which I absolutely love (and a trend that I feel we are going to see a lot more of in upcoming bands). I didn't know a single word to their songs but I was dancing with the biggest fans by the end of the set.

Up next was Valencia. I've heard several songs from these Philadelphia boys and thuroughly enjoyed all of them. However, seeing them live was a whole other level. They were completely involved in their music and had an amazing connection with the crowd. As one of my friends pointed out, they seemed more of a 'clean-cut' band (which I think she was basing on the fact that they all had short hair, a rarity at rock shows) but in no way should you peg them as a 'preppy' band. They're music even makes the parents standing in the back of the room at least tap their foot. Their set was energetic and I'd undoubtedly say these guys are a band to watch this year.

Up last but obviously not least was We The Kings. Just on our way down to Omaha, my friends and I had possibly listened to their debut CD about four times. With every line, chord and even clap memorized, I was as giddy as a nerd on the first day of school to see the boys live. And I wasn't disappointed. The second the got on stage was like that moment at the top of the first really big hill on a rollercoaster. Your heart stops in anticipation, your eyes get wide, and you hold your breath for the ride. Then they start to play and it sends you completely over the edge.

With catchy pop-rock songs like "August is Over" and "Skyway Avenue", you can't help but jump to the chorus and scream along with lead singer Travis Clark. By the end of the night, every line and every beat of their music was worth the hoarse voice and tired feet. To put it simply, they were incredible. Clark even took the stage alone to play "This Is Our Town", telling the venue to turn down the lights and the audience to hold up their cell phones (the next generation of lighters, for those of you who haven't been to a rock show since the 90s). The song is reminiscent of that amazing hometown that you can always leave but never forget.Clark's voice, especially during this 'ballad' like song, has a way of grabbing at your heart. You can feel exactly what he's singing about. Taste his words on the tip of your tongue. Each and every kid in the room weren't just screaming the words, they were meaning them.

The last song they played was "Check Yes, Juliet", their MTV-like hit song. And there's a reason for that. The song is based on a current day Romeo and Juliet story with the feelings of runing away with that special someone. At the end of the song, members from the previous bands hoped on stage and helped sing the rest of the song. The crowd went wild and it was definitely a great idea to end the show with a bang.

Overall, I was extremely impressed with the entire line-up and the energy of the show. If you didn't get a chance to see We The Kings, or won't for the rest of the "Long Hair Don't Care Tour", be sure to catch these guys on Warped Tour this summer.

THIS is my life

There are moments in life where you just stop and wonder “Is this my life?”

You drop your cell phone in water. You spill your drink/food all over yourself. You tripped into a snow bank. Your car won’t start.

All these moment make you stop, frown, and depressing think, Yup … this … is my life … Go figure, right?

A few days ago my friends and I traveled down to Omaha for a show. (Read upcoming blog for review.) As we were standing there, one of my friends, who has only been to a few shows in his life (whaaat?) turns to me and says, “So this is what you do? This is your life?”

I glanced around the room to what he was seeing for one of the first times. The venue was like a basement at a frat house … cement floors, brick walls, dirty bathrooms. The dark room was slightly lit by a few filtered lights pointing towards the small stage. There was no barrier … just a group of music lovers such as myself scrunched to the front. The kids were generally younger than me (a concept I’m familiar with at the ripe age of 21), but shared the same interest I did.

In fact, all the kids shared the same interest. The drunken girl in the slutty dress … the bigger guy with the Mohawk … the little boys and girls in skinny jeans. For this night, nobody cared what anybody else was wearing or what they were saying … we were there for the music and the chance to forget everything.

This was my passion sprouting out of all these kids’ eyes as they stared at the bands and shouted the lyrics of their lives. This was my love sweating out of every pore as we all jumped to the chorus and danced to the verse. This was every piece of anger, hurt, depression, sadness, guilt … all wrapped into one and exerted into the crowd through every beat of the drum and ever strum of the guitar. This was everything being let loose and turning into the magical feeling of relief as you focus on the music, and those feeling float to the back of the room.

I was completely lost in the moment. When I came back to my thoughts, I realized I was grinning from ear to ear.

“Yup,” I said, eyes still glazing over the the crowd. My smile widened. “THIS … is my life.”

We The Kings

Published in The Collegian on April 2

If you've ever seen tour videos from We The Kings, you will automatically relate to them and adopt them into your circle of friends. Not only because they are our age but they emit that same quirky, energetic atmosphere that kids who grow up in small towns tend to ignite.

Travis Clark, Hunter Thomsen, Drew Thomsen and Danny Duncan grew up together in the small city of Bradenton, Fla. Moving from little league and recess, the boys eventually formed We The Kings. The band has been labeled as hometown heroes, creating a sort of homage to their hometown. But putting Bradenton on the map isn't the only intent of their "fun and up-lifting" music.

"We just wanted to have people relate to [our music]," said Clark. "We wanted feedback, and so far, the response has been incredible."

Although the band has been together for years, they just recently started skyrocketing into national attention. The guys have signed with S-Curve Records (Fountains of Wayne, Joss Stone), been chosen for MTV's Discover and Download and are headlining sold-out shows on the "Long Hair Don't Care" tour before hitting the road with the Vans Warped Tour this summer.

"We had no idea how great this would be," said Clark. "We weren't hoping to sell out, we just wanted to have a great time. It's wild. It hasn't really hit us yet."

Coming from a smaller town, WTK had to commit themselves to really break into the industry. They started out playing in coffee shops and churches before Internet sites such as myspace.com and purevolume.com really kicked in and helped them boost a fan base.

"It was really tough because there were no venues in or around us, and so we had to travel," said Clark. "But we were still in high school, which made it that much harder."

But starting out small didn't stop the guys from reaching success. Although they've shared the stage with bands such as Madina Lake, Boys Like Girls and All Time Low, they don't put their success up to chance.

"Luck is when preparation meets opportunity," said Clark. "If you prepare yourself, then good things will come."

Touring has definitely been a new adventure for the band, but knowing they have support from home keeps their spirits high.

"It's flattering to have so much support," said Clark. "It's awesome to travel and see how the town where you grew up relates to everywhere you go."

We The Kings will travel to the Sokol Underground in Omaha, Neb., on April 12. They will play with Valencia, The Cab, Charlotte Sometimes and Sing It Loud. The show is $8 in advance, $10 at the door and starts at 7:30 pm.

Dawning By Day

Published in The Collegian on April 9th

Dawning By Day recenly recorded their first EP, The Red Sun EP, featuring six original songs. The heavy guitar riffs and lively drum beats set rhythm for catchy lyrics, and while their recordings on MySpace still sound a little rough, don't let that discourage you. For those of you who read my column on a regular basis, you may remember me mentioning this band that opened for Four Letter Lie a while back. They were the exceptional opening band then, and they still impress me now.

And although they've shared the stage with some pretty great bands, don't think that's going to their heads.

"A lot of bands we play with have this 'we're in a band, we're cool' type of attitude," said John Olivier.

Olivier, David Vanderbush, (both SDSU students), Joe Olivier and Tyler Hennagir have only been playing together for about a year now, but these guys are in no way newbies to music. All of the members have been playing for years, mostly in church bands.

But don't be so quick to categorize these guys as just another Christian band.

"We're a rock band, but our inspiration comes from our faith," said Olivier.

Vanderbush agrees that their self-described "straight up rock and roll with an edge" music is about more than preaching.

"It's about writing and singing about our faith," said Vanderbush. "We just hope someone pulls something from it."

The boys are working on setting up some shows for summer, which you can find on www.myspace.com/dawningbyday. Above all, the guys seem to count more on making a friendly impression on those they meet than appearing as rockstars.

"We have an atmosphere of humility," said Vanderbush. "We tend to respect others a lot and try to help people as much as possible."