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.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
CHIODOS
*I'll be posting the interview later ...
The Collegian
SDSU, Brookings So.Dak.
Issue date: 10/8/08
Section: Juice
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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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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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Thursday, October 2, 2008
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.
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.
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