After an incredible and long weekend, we are very happy to announce that there is only 12 more weeks until the River City Extension Record comes out!!! They just performed at the Status Green CD release ( Cheap Sunglasses) for over 700 people. A close to sold out crowd, and an incredible package of bands to accentuate the evening. It was a momentous occassion for everyone involved. It appeared to voice a new chapter for everyone that has been a part of the Asbury Park music scene. New alternative music (that is good and original), is starting to sprout up everywhere, and the national attention is starting to become more and more apparent.
With these new break out bands, we are proud to announce our working relationship with every band that has done a show with us, or even sat with us for a consultation. We have some of the best bands in our own backyard, and its great that everyone is finally starting to take notice. With River City Extension, it's been a growth process since day one. The band organically evolved from a 3 piece acoustic act, and into an 8 piece orchestral rock band in recent months. We have just about every important name in the music industry interested in this band and their growing career. We signed them to XOXO records and offered a more involved development deal. Their new Album, THE UNMISTAKABLE MAN, is due to hit stores on May 11th, 2010. Each week leading into the release, we will release a new track on their myspace. Each week, new songs will be released in their finalized track order.
If you live outside of NJ, and you see the band on tour, you can buy THE UNMISTAKALE MAN early, the rest of us will need to wait til May. We started last week with FRIENDS AND FAMILY, this week, we have Something Salty, Something Sweet.
www.myspace.com/rivercityextension
The Unmistakable Man
Friends & Family
Something Salty, Something Sweet
South For The Winter
Our New Intelligence
If I Still Own A Bible
Adrianne
Mexico
Too Tired To Drink
Holy Cross Today,
I Feel Like I'm Evolving
Letter To Lainie
Waiting In The Airport
My Top 10 bands to take over NJ and go national...
http://www.shorealternative.com/pages/5952817.php
This should of been in my Top 10 for 2009...but I'm late, and I figured since i talk to much, it'll do just fine in my blog...so enjoy!
*I was inspired by THENJUNDERGROUND.COM that recently did their top bands list...I'm gonna do a similar theme, but with bands we've been developing and working with...So here is my list...
River City Extension
This band we have been working with for over 2 years..Since the beginning, it was only 3 people, acoustic and modest...no drums..just cello, guitar, and acoustic bass... ShoreAlternative.com has partner with notable DIY label, xoxo records, and Bands On a Budget, to release this record. We have big plans for the band this year, and the record is going to blow everyones mind. They recorded the ballad of Oregon after the album was finished tracking, which led to their demo recording that is on their myspace. The song has leaked throughout the internet, and you can find it for free download on TheNjUnderground.com . Lots of touring, and eventual world domination is on this bands itinerary this year. So make sure you get on the band wagon, and catch these guys live, I promise chills...This band makes the Avett Brothers seem really really boring...
Future Future
Such an immense sound coming from 2 disenchanted teenagers from a hidden town in North Jersey. These kids have exactly what it takes to become one of your favorite bands. Their live show is jaw dropping, and their sound is unique and genuine. They recently signed to a very strong mgmt company, Crush Mgmt, and have one of the strongest agents in the music business, Marsha Vlasic @ ICM. I was working closely with them prior to their contractual agreements with these bigwigs...Yet, I have found myself still obsessed and enamored with whatever plans they have for the future. They are gearing up to record with Alex Newport, who has credits w/ At the Drive In, Mars Volta, Deathcab For Cutie, and Frank Turner. With their 1st ep, already 2 years old, and fairly unheard...you need to find their music, download it, and pay attention to their next release..I'm expecting that this band may surpass their predecessors, in the vain of DFA1979/White Stripes/ATDI...when you hear teenagers write music like this, you can't help but pay attention.
Foxes and Lions
Another young band, with the greatest of potential..not even 1 year into this, these guys rose from the ashes of popular toms river punk bands..They stripped their sound down to a roots and rock formula, with the most punk rock demeanor...We see them as the little sister to River City Extension. When she grows up, she is gonna be hot, and everyone is gonna try to date her, so until then, we just book them as much as we can, and hope that everyone realizes what a gem this band truly is. They remind me of old Bright Eyes, but with a really interesting style and songwriting approach. Their core songwriter , John, is only 17 yrs old! what gives me hope is the fact that these bands are coming out of nowhere, and they dont sound like a bad emo band, or some terrible screamo project. They are genuinely writing great songs, that are stripped down, and taken from the core of what makes a song a "hit"...expect more from them in the coming months..We'll make sure we put them in a studio after the summer, and get a proper release for everyone to flip out over.
Brick and Mortar
Whoa. 2 dudes, No guitars. A world of electronics, and probably too many Hallucinogens for their own good. Welcome to the wonderful experience, that is, Brick and Mortar.These guys have been playing together for over 7 yrs, and never found a vocalist, or guitarist...So instead, they decided to take matters into their own hands, and rewrite the biology of a standard band. Their style is all their own, and they have found themselves this year. Watching their live show will make you want to quit playing music. Their ability and technique is something to be seen and heard. It's like watching someone create a diamond from coal. The band is not afraid to write music and experiment with it on stage. Usually on their way to a show, they will beatbox and formulate different song parts in order to construct a song. Instead of waiting until practice to sort it out, they will play their show, and pull the song fragments together and play something not only new to you, but also themselves..Dont confuse them for a Jam band, these dudes are no hippies..they just walk on the darker side of the moon.
They are getting ready to release a New EP, of their first proper studio recording, and recently posted their new song, TOLD U, on their myspace...check it out and get familiar with these guys.
Soft Black
Easily one of my favorite discoveries of the past year (thank you Brian, from Werewolves). They have been touring and supporting their record, THE EARTH IS BLACK, for the past 2 years. After getting their gear stolen during CMJ, the band seemed to derail themselves after figuring out how to replace their vintage equipment. With that problem recently solved, the band is working off the momentum they have built, and are looking for a label to release their follow up. Easily, one of the best bands to come out of brooklyn, but because they aren't a cheesy Brian Wilson rip off, they don't get the attention they deserve. Explore this band and record, they are about as D.I.Y. as it gets. I promise that you'll find something in this record that will resonate with you and turn you into a believer...the earth is black, and the end is near.
Gimme Drugs
The Drug buds recorded a record last year with Bouncing Souls Guitarist, Pete Steinkopf. The band had toured throughout last year, and played some really great shows nationally. This year, they are planning to get the record finally released, and they are gearing up to hit the road full time. The band has a certain charm that can't be denied. The way singer/songwriter, Jesse, croons his elaborate and sadistic lyrics, the band follows by tightly weaving melodic riffs and dynamic drumming. Creating their own cult following and their own brand of indie rock. There is no band that can touch what they are doing stylistically...conjuring the inspiration of bands like Magnetic Fields, and their punk roots, these fine young gentleman will find their way into your hearts and ears...Let's see what the future holds for them this year...I'm guessing big things.
The Amboys
The Amboys have been building themselves for the past year or so. Armed with a defined taste in Classic/Southern Rock, and the budding alternative scene. They are about ready to release their 1st full length record independently. They have one of the tightest bands I've had the blessing to book, and they have been gaining momentum with each show. Their fanbase just keeps growing with each show. Expect to hear a lot out of these guys in the coming years...no plans for national touring just yet, but they are still building their hometown foundation...I think once these guys find there way out of NJ, they will take the world by storm. They have such a definitive sound, not many people are able to pull of exactly what these guys are doing...keep your ears to the ground, there is a seed here that is ready to sprout.
Walking With Cavemen
The Cavemen are a collective of incestuous and accomplished musicians from New Brunswick. All have done their time in various projects, and are ready to release their new EP, as Walking with Cavemen. Imagine if you took the core of great 90's alternative from the US and UK, and blended it with the Radiohead- " bends" record...This band has the potential to, not only, be credible, yet Mass Appeal. Their songs are genuine, and heartfelt...Lyrically, their music is serious and tragic, yet, the music seems to offset it with really great melodies and hooks. Watching them live is a treat in itself...so wander around New Brunswick, and I'm sure you'll stumble into them at some point. These guys could be the next Looking Glass, just cause they are equally as smooth.
Taylor Allen
This dude should be a fucking comedian, but the problem is, he writes the most legit blue collar punk anthems. From the ashes of local heros, Skull Motion, we have this guy, armed a guitar, and a bottle of brown alcohol. This dude will scream,yell, and laugh his way through a half hour set. There is an amazing charm to what he is, and what he represents. He is an accomplished songwriter, who has the ability to write clever lyrics, laced through songs that are more like anthems. His banter between songs, and his personality will win you over and grab your attention immediately. Even if you don't know him, or never caught him, you'll still find a way to connect with him and his music. There is a fine line between those songs that are serious, and those that are outright hilarious, and I think his secret has been his ability to balance the two. He just recently released his 7" record, Farmingdale, on Diy/vinyl label, Panic State Records...To coincide with all he has been doing, he is planning an independent film to coincide with him and his story. Whether its true, or if its a farce, I expect to see something that will be not only hilarious, but awesome. Don't think his wedding this year is going to slow him down at all, he is just getting started...I think he is planning to go on tour with his wife for the Honeymoon...Needless to say, this is probably one of the most unique singer/songwriters to come out NJ...keep your ears open, and your eyes peeled for any of his upcoming shows...you thank me when you catch him. Buy him a shot of bad whiskey when you do, cause that'll make this dude get progressively more and more hilarious...trust me.
Scott Liss and the Sixty Six
Where has this guy been? I find myself asking this question every couple of weeks, then I'll see him out, and realize, this dude isn't gonna stop playing music...He is just fine tuning everything to his standard of perfection..and lets not think thats a bad thing. He has been bouncing around from state to state for the past few years, and finally settled himself in NJ...after working a demo ep that he realeased a few years ago, he has finally finished his first full length record. Given the privilege to listen to a few songs, I can safely say this record is going to find it's way on most peoples top 5 albums of the year. His ability to mix classic folk/soul/and gospel has been able to provide him with such a unique sound that is only defined through his live show experience. When I find myself wondering what this guy has been doing, I realize that he is just planning his assault on the music scene. He took a break from live shows for 6 months, to not only finish the recording, but also finalize and perfect his band, " The 66"...He is starting to play again in a few weeks, and all I need to say is, Go see him live and get your mind blown...I think this record is going to be a lot bigger than we all could of anticipated...
Thank you for listening to my opinion, whether you like it or not...this is what I see, Think, and Feel...
River City Extension Fund Raiser 12/23/09 !
So, We are proud to Announce that ShoreAlternative.com will be teaming up with XOXO Records & BANDSONABUDGET.COM to release the River City Extension record, The Unmistakable Man. We are planning to release the New Album in April/May or 2010. To prepare ourselves for a really important year, RCE will be hosting a fundraiser to help generate money to support their extremely diligent tour schedule for the next year...
We ask you all to come out and support this band, & help assist them in their future endeavors... They are playing this Wednesday Night, Dec. 23rd @ Cool Beans in Toms River!
Details here-
River City Ext fundraiser this Wednesday
12/23 @ Cool Beans in Toms River
6pm+
All Ages
w/
River City Extension
Brick And Mortar
Grand Alto
Foxes and Lions
This will be a fundraiser to help get River City Extension on tour, the show itself is free, here is how the fundraiser will work:
• As always... free stickers
•
• $2-$5 — Demo Pack
•
• $5-$10 — Gets you a Holiday Edition NauticalSabbatical + demo pack
•
• $15-$25 — Reserves your copy of the new album + demo pack
•
• $25-$30 — Reserves new album + t-shirt + demo pack
•
• $50-$75 — Personalized copy of new album with a t-shirt + demo pack
•
• $100 — Band member of your choice takes you out to dinner + demo pack
•
• $150-$250 — Band will come to your house and cook you dinner + demo pack
•
• $250+ — New album (personalized), 2 t-shirts, demo pack, and dinner from the band
This is a great show bill, experience it for yourself!
The Soundtrack to a New Brunswick basement show...
Where did all the DIY shows go?
One thing that I feel affects the music scene, is the disappearance of basement shows/house parties, etc, done by bands and fans. The New Brunswick police have seemed to "Crackdown", on the once important and influential Basement scene. It's somewhere where I've learned to cut my teeth, and do shows with alcohol for the first time, whether it was with kegs, or BYOB, it definitely changed the atmosphere of the show. I began with hall shows, and doing stuff at skateparks, but once all my friends went to college, I ended up crashing on their couches, and using their basements for band practice, and threw some of the illest parties.
If your in a band, or if your friends are, and you have access to a shitty old house with a huge basement...THROW A GOD DAMN PARTY. The landlord won't care, as long as you clean up the next day, and trust me, you'll get the strongest marketing...WORD OF MOUTH. Once people leave the show and talk about the crazy night they had, the great bands they saw...etc...it almost becomes personal, there is a greater sense in what your doing.
For Instance, when you play a basement show, there is no barrier, there is no stage.. the sound sucks...(its suppose to), and the ceiling is low...This allows you to have a greater connection to your audience, and shows your music in the rawest form...Like a band practice, except with a slew of people, drinking, and smoking..NO DISTRACTIONS...they are forced to watch you, and listen. There is something special about that...and its a shame to think that those shows will eventually be a memory.
One of my fondest memories, was when i was 17 yrs old, someone down the street on SEAMAN ST (in No Funswick), needed a PA...we ended up showing up to the show with our practice PA, and a case of coors light...it turns out it was Q and NOT U, and it was their first show in NJ. Needless to say, it was one of the best shows i've seen in a basement. The floor erupted into an insane dance party, with hippies, hessians, hipsters, punkers, and college kids doing some absurd dancing...From then, that band became legendary in New Brunswick...
I just recently played a show (yes, I'm in a band), in the basement of a house belonging to The INVINCIBLE GODS, we played with Ben Franklin, and a few other great bands...the place was packed, and it was the best show we've ever played...its a shame, because I ended up leaving early, due to the fact that there was a load of cigarette smoke, and i had hella heartburn...but I left there missing something that was once really special and important to me, the show was on rt 18, in east brunswick. Even though it wasn't in NB, everyone from out there came out ,regardless..It was really special. Now that I'm older, I feel like I'd be an old creepy man, if i tried to start doing these basement shows again...walking into a house of 18-21 yrs old kids, and asking if i could throw a show in their basement....doesnt seem too realistic anymore. Ever see the recent, It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, episode when they are starting a Flip Cup team? Basically they start going to frats to recruit people, The frat kids turn on them, and bully on them...I feel...Thats what would happen to me.
If you are looking for some DIY shows to attend, there is one going on @ THE MEATLOCKER in MONTCLAIR...another great little scene, you should exploit. I believe the show is curated by THENJUNDERGROUND.COM , and they are starting to do some really awesome shows...Support what's happening in the underground, its what dictates the surface... TED LEO, THE EXOTIC AQUATIC, and TOURMALINE...a great show done by great people...I'll be there, so come hang!
until then....salutations....
New Jersey, All Bands...No Fans...
Ok, so I missed my blog last week...no biggie..I'll post two this week....There is actually a little back story to what I have written below...A friend, in the band, THE AMBOYS, was doing a paper for school, and needed quotes about the local music scene...instead of giving him a quote, I wrote a ridiculous rant... You see, I put very little thought into it, I just let me fingers do the work, and let my heart and mind do the talking. I was on the radio, doing my show with Mr, Mike Merrell, and i was typing this during songs, in between our breaks...so read and enjoy, I feel like this should be shared with anyone whos in a band.
*********This was written quickly,last night around 10pm, since he needed it before mdinight..sorry Connor!****************
The local scene in jersey.. all bands and no fans...there is some truth to that, everyone is in a band, and we are all musicians. the problem is that we turn it into a competition. We need to start thinking about building a community, and think about uniting ourselves..there is strength in numbers. Think about it, look at seattle, or detroit, Orange County, DC, etc...it happens when one band gets signed/or recognition, and the rest of the artists get the attention on the coat tails of success..maybe its the major labels fault...but we try to break down those walls with ShoreAlternative.com . one thing a local band does in their local area, is over play the market. When trying to build a fanbase, you need to understand that less is more. Focus on the other regional markets, and focus on building those...when you play at home, you have friends and familiy that will always support you...the idea is to turn hometown shows into a monetary EVENT. we live in NEW JERSEY...1 hour from NY and 1 hour from philly...the idea is to work those places, and the small towns around those cities with small yet strong communities...bring yourself there, build a relationship with them, when you get a show in those primary markets(ny/phil), those people will drive to see you. GIVE THEM A REASON, make them your friends.
With the advent of the internet, you tube, myspace, twitter..all that shit, fans want to interact and know their idols...its not like worshiping these false idols that existed in the 60's-80's...before then YOU HAD TO GO TO THEIR SHOWS TO SEE THEM..there was no internet, none of that jazz to distract a potential fanbase...you need to make yourself relevent, you need to make that personal connection with them, because its all about identity association, and if they identify with you, your music, and the bands identity, you've won over a new fan that'll tell all their friends...word of mouth and the power of ones influence is the greatest form of promotion.
one of the best quotes i've ever gotten was from Kyle Krazewski from No Milk Records/Merovignian music, and he heard this from someone else...so a quote passed down, and now I'm sharing it with you...
"The quickest way to get yourself a gold record, is when you shake 500,000 hands"...sit on that shit and let it spin...
Love you homo...i'm writing this while i'm in the middle of doing a radio show..live...so tune in to 1057thehawk.com ...Cheers!
The Fear Of Hip Hop Music in Asbury Park.
My new blog , and my thoughts on the AMA's
Suddenly, I feel compelled to write. After spending over 8 months trying to figure out what kind of blog to develop. I realized that I had the idea all along. I live it each day, listen to new music constantly, and actually have a passionate involvement in a really exciting, up and coming music scene in Asbury Park, NJ. You can fuck off if you expect to see perfectly written essays based on my ideas…I type the way I speak. So please, try to get use to it.
Recently, I was inspired to actually move forward with this after participating in The Asbury Music Awards. We had some nominations, and we presented an award…cute. It’s something that is really insignificant on a national level, but also holds a fairly important and almost controversial role in our lives locally. Regardless, what I noticed was that there was so much shit talk, and drama going on. I don’t think anyone has the balls to really cover it, or reveal it for what it is. I think that I have a different perspective, that could offer an honest and truthful opinion on the situations that emerge in this up and coming city, “ where the debris meets the sea”. Advice is always free, and you’ll find it here. You can tell me to fuck off, but I bet you’ll read it anyway.
This blog is going to cover any and all aspects of what I go through weekly. Whether its generally on the surface, and in regards to an event or experience; or whether its something almost personal…That doesn’t mean I plan on airing anyone’s dirty laundry, yet the things that are spoken about openly in our scene/city, whether its gossip, or real…I will talk about it, and weigh in on it.
So on to my first discussion, I choose to point at the fact that the largest promoter in the area; was bashed by the small local music community. This guy actually contributed a lot to this area, and was able to bring in national artists that were able to see and experience the “hip” alternative market that we are growing into. He actually did A LOT more than most of the people that have been “involved” in this scene for 10+ yrs. He has done more than you or I. If we can’t achieve attention nationally by bands, agents, labels, press, etc, our music scene doesn’t mean shit. We’ll be forced to glorify ourselves once a year, like a bunch of retards that created our own “cool club”. I understand how important the awards are to the local music community, and how it sets a standard for achievement, yet I don’t agree with them actually forcing the local community to watch something that bashed someone explicitly and directly. There is a certain level of class, and it’s a shame that those people were able to take something that SHOULD BE POSITIVE, and actually turned it into something negative. THAT IS SOME KANYE WEST SHIT!
After hearing about this, days following, I see how ridiculously dramatic of a town that we live in. We are one of the smallest and most insignificant markets in the United States, although, because we are from NEW JERSEY and have this ridiculous sense of pride. We see ASBURY PARK, HOME OF BRUCE, and we act like everyone should bow down and respect us.
We need to earn it. We have too many amazing bands that should focus on regional market building, not trying to prove themselves weekly or monthly in the same clubs in Asbury, to the same people. The bands need to build themselves beyond; your hometown should be the focus no more than 6 shows a year. With that being said, the local bands should apply strategy to their locality, and use those shows to build hype and interest, they should promote it to the extent of making it a monetary achievement…you can’t take advantage of the opportunity, if you go to the well to many times, the well will run empty. Don’t tire out your fan base, your friends and family can only take so much, regardless of how good your band is.
The importance of having Live Nation bring in legitimate national acts consistently, is what will turn Asbury into a LEGITMATE market. Without that, the local community is just a joke, working on a dream that only came from the attention of VERY FEW great bands that came from New Jersey. We need to act LOCALLY, cultivate and develop the bands from here, THINK GLOBALLY, and let the bands understand that they should be thinking about how they are seen on a national level…We can be the next Seattle if we really tried to positively encourage and inspire one another, as opposed to acting like competitive dickheads.
I will tell you all about these bands, the shows I see, my honest opinion, and anything else that happens to me.
So as I start to write more, I will use this opportunity as therapy. You will see the perspective of someone who is living in it, and actually writing about it. All of you that I encounter will be a part of this story, No names will be given, only perspective on a situation at a certain time or place. The way I felt and my insight will guide these blogs, the bands will be the soundtrack. I talk too much, so its time to let my fingers and mind do the work.
Arriving in Portland
September 18, 2009
So last night, I arrived in Portland to come visit some Family, and check out the MFNW (huge Music festival). Every band that matters is on this bill, and playing venues all across the city. We came with one mission, to see Sunny Day Real Estate.
Upon my arrival I was greeted by my brother and wife, who took us home to unwind and enjoy some wine.
After our second bottle, an intense knocking came from the front door. It turns out to be his neighbor, Marty. Marty was already half in the bag, and it turns out, he use to play with THE SHINS, as well as a few other notable Portland bands. This topic was never brought up, even though I'm a fan of the band, mentioning the fact that i was a "fan", or knew of the band he was in , could of easily turned him off from partying with us.
This dude was a Whirlwind, he came in with his homegirl, and shit immediately hit the fan. We began by playing records, and playing the arcade version of Ms. Pac Man. This dude was all over the place, spilling records, and his drink just about everywhere he went. We spent the next few hours obsessing over cheesy 80's records, and playing wii. Before i knew it...Boom!, homeboy dissapeared and went home. With the house being a total disaster, and records thrown throughout the house, we realized it's probably a good idea to retire to bed.
This is just the beginning of probably one of the most memorable trips of my life.
After tonight's show, I plan on giving you guys a full on review of the show. It's been 9yrs since i last saw Sunny Day Real Estate. When i saw them it was during " THE RISING TIDE" tour...Easily one of the best shows i've ever seen. They played a nice array of material from " Diary, How it feels, Pink, etc"...Tonight, I am curious what kind of set they would play. I remember reading an interview a while ago, where Jeremy Egnik, states , that he doesnt like to play anything off of Diary, or How it Feels, because of how depressing and dark the songs were ( this is after his "rebirth" into his christianity)...but still at that show 8 years ago, i heard the best songs off of those two albums....
What will tonight bring? Details to soon follow...
wow...Train...really?!
August 12, 2009
they just released a really great song. Like i hate the fucking band, and always have, but this song is fucking solid!
So Last Wednesday, on July 15th I witnessed a pretty incredible incident, that was extremely unexpected.I was told to come see Gimme Drugs at 10pm. Unable to make it there in time, i let them know i’d be there around midnight to catch them for a drink. Now, the show was at a place called - THE NOT YET FAMOUS SUDSY MUG SALOON….yes, its a dive bar, across from a trailer park about 1 mile outside of asbury park. So you can imagine the regulars that come in and out of that place, sometimes with their teeth in their hands.
I arrived around 12:15, and noticed that Gimme Drugs didn’t even hit the stage (or lack thereof) yet. So at that moment, i peek around the 50 or so people and asked what was going on, did i miss anything? The response i got was, ” They told everyone they would be on at 10pm, so about 100 people left”. I could only imagine how crowded, and gross it must of been, but was glad to make it in time to see my friends.
I walked up to the guys to see how they were doing, and noticed how incredibly hammered they were. At that point,conversation was futile.. i decided to grab a beer, find myself a stool, and anticipated whatever was going to happen from that point on.
Gimme Drugs began their set surprisingly strong (despite their condition). Lots of interesting banter was exchanged from the stage, to the crowd, and crowd to the stage. It was hilarious and confusing, i thought i came to see a band, not a comedy act. Although i was extremely entertained to say the least. As their set progressed, they were doing shots and demanding beers between each song. Ah yes, only at the sudsy mug.
Towards the end of the set, i noticed something weird happened, once the bassist kicked over a mic stand and monitor. The guitarist who actually provided the sound equipment asked him not to do it, because he can’t afford another broken mic. From that point shit gets REALLY weird…
He threw his bass off and stormed off stage, as the audience yelled at him to stop being such a “bitch”, he got over himself, and picked up the bass guitar…cranked up all his knobs and distortion pedal, and went into the song.
The sound was unbearable and the band was soo out of tune, they cut the song after the intro. The bassist then went to his bass amp, and began to tune his bass so they could properly finish their set. The vocalist, Jesse, Decided that swinging a mic stand around his head would keep the crowds interest during this minor distraction…Then suddenly, CRACK!
Jesse cracks Justin(bassist) over the head with a mic stand, and immediately justin reacted.
He turned around,saw jesse with the mic stand in hand… took his bass off, threw it into jesse’s face, and immediately went for him. He punched Jesse about 3 times in the face, and they went to the ground, beating each other up like 2 brothers. They rolled around on the dirty floor of the sudsy mug, and everyone sat their confused and astonished. Shit was getting weird, but we didnt think it would be THAT weird.
The bartender yells out ” shows over”, and we all storm out of the bar and immediately head homeward bound.
The next morning i get a phone call from on of the band members, and i ask them, ” hey, what the F*%$ happend? are you guys still a band?”
He replies in a scratchy and hoarse tone, ” yep, everything is cool…we just drank a little too much, and went on a little too late.”
“Agreed!”
And they are still having band practice and getting ready to release their record, 1 week later.
Thank you to Gimme Drugs for keeping rock and roll dangerous and not breaking up over it. Swelling only makes the heart grow fonder.
.
June 29, 2009
So on June 23rd, 2009, All the Day Holiday played in Asbury Park,NJ. After their set, they noticed a gorgeous old theatre on the boardwalk. They were staying across the street at a nearby hotel. The band decided after their set to explore this huge building on the beach. With the help of a few locals, the band was able to sneak themselves into the old paramount theatre, and explore the old dressing rooms, most of which were burned out from a terrible fire that happened in the 20’s and took the lives of a large group of orchestra musicians . Throughout the exploration, they were told of old stories that haunt the buildings. One of which was the Morro Castle, an old Luxury Liner that caught fire and burned out at sea. The next day the charred and empty vessel floated up to convention hall, and sat there for a few months, until they decided to move it. The buildings were used as a morgue to house all of the burn victims. You could feel the paranormal energy as we embarked into the darkest corners of the building. As you walked down the stairs, you felt the energy of someone or something following you.
At that point, the band decided to perform a couple of songs. The old theatre had perfect acoustics, so there was no need for amplification. We sat, and let the cameras roll…footage to soon be released,and there are some audio files floating around as well… listen and you can hear the atmosphere.
Check it out… All the Day Holiday “Invisible (Live in an empty Paramount)”
Day-Glo? You weren't old enough for that:
May 15, 2009
Being the super important (yet stone cold sexy) jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none that I am, I manged to finagle myself a God pass for the Bamboozle 2 weeks back and aside from the rain it was a good time of meeting up with some old friends, making new ones, checking out some awesome bands (Lydia, Set Your Goals, Vision of Disorder, Outbreak, Get up kids) and sitting through some suburban rich white kid rap and Cornball dance rock. Overall a good time to be had for all plus, booze was free and being Irish that was reason enough to go.
One startling trend that I noticed over the weekend was the amount of 12-20 yr. old kids wearing NEON. NEON!!??? REALLY!!!??? That shit was wack in 1989 when shredding pools on your Cabellero was the only time you could pull that off. Give it up you people who wore that shit back then were looked at like assholes in 20 years what do you think has changed?
And some off these misguided future disappoinment to thier mothers would follow that up with a “scene” shirt with the clever moniker of “FUCK CANCER” or “FUCK SWINE FLU” or “LOVE IS THE ANSWER”(future blogs on that). Really how can you procreate with a microscopic organism? Why not try LETS CURE CANCER or END CANCER NOW. Secondly, what question did I ask that makes you think that love is the answer for me.
ex:
Q: I’m failing out of college, my father just left my mom, how do I fix the transmission on my car?
A: Love
The only time love is the answer is when you are training a puppy or taking care of a newborn.
I don’t know, I guess I’m just bitter and jaded but I see these kids and I don’t know if I want to head butt them or give them a hug and say, “Its ok your parents still love you, why don’t we go get you a soda.” But what ever happened to being dressed like you could go meet your girls parents for the first time and still go to a concert, God those were the days I guess now I know how Archie Bunker felt.
Anyway move your head and neck in a syncopated fashion to these songs#
Lydia-”This is Twice Now”
The Snake The Cross The Crown- “Behold The River”
The Dead Weather-”Hang You From The Heavens”
Tim Barry-”Dog Bumped
The Mars Volta*-”Cotopaxi (new song)” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSbnxVaKTCk&feature=response_watch
# I encourage you to buy these tracks not rip them offline
*normally i don’t condone leaked tracks but its the Mars Volta you need to hear this
What a wild night!
April 21, 2009
Last night (4.20.09), there was an incredible celebration at the aptly titled, ” The Not Yet Famous SUDSY MUG”, in Neptune,NJ. Despite the torrential downpour, easily about 100 people came to MY FAVORITE dive bar in NJ. Throw in a couple of the locals (some have less than 10 teeth, and some are missing limbs), and we are on to having ourselves a great night.
Granted, the show was in direct celebration of the date 4.20. NO, not because of Hitler’s Bday, or the columbine anniversary, but because of the fact that most of the people attending; Burn their evenings away with their Vice of choice, so amid the fog of “pungent green odors”, some incredible music was made, and friends burned the evening away in cadence. Also- Some incredible locals came out to check out the next wave of up and coming NJ bands, and they were jsut as impressed as I was.(Nicole Atkins, Pete from the Bouncing Souls, as well as Gentleman Jim from the famed parody punk rock band CRUCIAL YOUTH)
Starting the show was River City Extension, usually a 6+ piece band, they played a stripped down 4 piece version of their band. The set was concise and strong. The energy was impeccable, and whether or not you wanted to, you were compelled to watch their set. Moments of chaos seemed strangely calculated, and their folk rock set was delivered as if they were a 1980’s punk rock band. The set was short and sweet, and frontman Joe Michelini had the audience on their toes. You couldn’t anticipate what was to follow. The music translated well, and each moment was met with surprise.
Following RCE, was the ever popular GIMME DRUGS. We’ve watched this band build over the past year or so. The band started as a side project for a bunch of punk rock dudes that prefer a more sophisticated approach to songwriting, despite their contemporaries. Their set was the best i’ve ever seen them, and trust me, I’ve seen them A LOT. Adding an additional 3rd guitar player to the mix, as well as backing vocals/hand percussion really rounded out their sound. It offered a quality to their music that makes their songs that much more impressive. The layering of guitars and melodies are EXACTLY what this band has needed. Their set was well composed, and you could tell they have been practicing. They finished the set with the song, ” Jesse’s a Mess”, and as much as it is TRUE, it was a beautiful disaster.
So it’s been a busy weekend for us at ShoreAlternative.com. To give you guys an idea as to what’s been goin’ on, we’ve sponsored a few events, and we’ll catch you up to the shows and bands we’ve been working with.
On Friday May 27th, we did an incredible with with 2 really great indie bands, THE ART (AUS), and THE VANDELLES. Opening the show was We’re All Broken and JERK CITY. Steve, The drummer for THE ART, let me know they were touring, and wanted to know if he could have me build a show around them. I said sure, and went with the flow.
In building the show, I knew immediately that The Vandelles would have been a PERFECT fit for THE ART. Yet, when we went to confirm the show, The Vandelles didn’t confirm, so I asked Steve who we should get so we could announce the date. Steve recommended Jerk City. I listened to the Myspace, and it sounded like typical pop punk/positive hardcore. When time was the essence, I decided to go ahead and throw them on the bill. A few days later, The Vandelles confirmed the show and we were ready to go!
Showtime.
Bands are playing, the first band We’re All Broken provides a strong and technical set, all derived around humble song compositions that are reminiscent of a less cheesy GIN BLOSSOMS. Followed by Jerk City, and don’t let the name fool you, if the vocalists idea of berating the audience was a “schtick” then so be it, job well done, a tell tale sight of things to come. The music was simplistic and reminiscent of Lifetime or Kid Dynamite. The singer jumped around the stage angry as if it was a Hardcore show in 1996-1998, nothing groundbreaking there. They even covered a Rancid song, Roots and Radicals, which was well done, Except a REALLY bad song choice, (sorry fellas).
So begins the set with THE ART…A very loud and sexual set is immediately delivered in the first 30 seconds. Demanding the attention of the room, the band leads into a very dynamic set, strongly focused on their front man, who had an Iggy Pop, Michael Hutchins, Jim Morrison approach to his delivery. I was mind blown and immediately knew I was watching something special.
Moments later, about 20 minutes into the set, The Vandelles, are starting to set up their merch and projector they are known to use, while setting up, they accidentally knocked over Jerk City’s Merch. From that point I couldn’t tell you what happened. Violence immediately erupted, and as fists flew, I fought me way from the door, to the back of the club to diffuse the violence. From that point, I couldn’t tell you what happened other than the fact that The Vandelles cancelled, understandably so, and we ended the night early….bummer.
Ps- I hear that they went to another bar that night, as the same crew began to fight at yet another gathering. Wow, Hardcore died a very long time ago. This will be the last time we incorporate Hardcore/Punk with Alternative/Indie music.
So let’s roll ourselves into Saturday March 28th!
To compensate for Friday night, the stars must of aligned. We had a very incredible show, well put together and a packed house. The best part was seeing our favorite up and coming bands deliver on the legendary stage of the stone pony, Asbury Park, NJ.
First up was Detournement, compromised of members from, Lifetime, Worthless United, Bigwig, and Ensign. These dudes were on a mission to deliver to fasted and post poignant 15 minute punk rock set that these 30 somethings could offer. Really well thought out, and very political, these guys summoned their idols, ranging from The Clash, Sex Pistols, Ramones, and any other anarcho punk band from the 70’s and 80’s. Incredible set that made me happy to know where my roots came from.
Following was the band River City Extension, these kids are one of the most interesting and unique bands NJ could ask for. Imagine if Arcade Fire, Avett Brothers, and Modest Mouse started a band, and delivered it the way a GOGOL BORDELLO or MAN MAN show is presented. They deliver strong showmanship, while their rabid audience yelled each lyric, and danced to their resounding beats and rhythms. These guys had the energy of a classic punk rock band, yet polished and sophisticated.
Second up was the notorious, GIMME DRUGS. The band started off their set as their vocalist Jesse took the stage, Dressed in all Pink and $300 Prada sunglasses, he looked homeless, but in an artistic way, like Jean Basquiat. Their set was strong and flowed lovely. Songs that have somewhat clever, yet extremely fucked up, kept the audience entertained, and interested. Even if you didn’t want to take the band seriously there was no denying their set. Watching drummer Timme Church is a show in itself, his unique drumming patterns and dynamics, breathes life into their music immediately. Their sugar coated indie pop music was complimented by the unique vocal delivery of their songwriter/frontman Jesse Skokos, giving it almost a Bauhuas/Peter Steele vibe that would give a goth kid a reason to stop being such a bitch. Smoke a joint or slam a beer, life’s too short homie.
Last up was the ever-amazing SKULL MOTION. They were recording their record Live that evening, so to add to the energy, their crowd went ballistic. Songs about revolution, Working class, and drinking littered the set, and fueled the audiences desire to get more. The energy in the room gave everyone from the staff, to the fans a memory we all will never forget. I don’t want to spoil this one for you, the record will be out this summer, and we will follow it up with a record release show. Buy the record and listen for yourself, you’ll see you missed out on one of the most magical evenings in local music history, March 28 2009, @ the Stone Pony in Asbury park, NJ.
ESSENTIAL LISTENING- I gave Taylor Allen a CD, the day we booked the show in my office. It was a bootlegged recording of SAM COOKE, LIVE AT THE HARLEM CLUB 1963. It was during segregation, and it was an all black audience. I REQUIRE YOU TO FIND THIS RECORD SOMEWHERE…IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE. You can read the energy from the beginning to the end, They way Sam Cooke delivered his live show on that record is immense. The band is loose and obviously following their cue from Mr. Cooke himself, there was no intention of that recording to get release, but it was put out in 1985. If you’re in a band, we recommend you listen to this record at least once daily. This is the fine art of SHOWMANSHIP.
MDB
The Fear Of Hip Hop Music in Asbury Park.
So it’s been about 5 yrs, that I’ve been trying to do a hip hop show…Why do you ask? Because There is a whole marketthat discovered Garageband, ipods, and the Internet, thus, creating a world of suburban hip hop music. I knew a bunch of kids that were harnessing their “flow”, whether it was a joke, or to be taken seriously. For me, creating the opportunity to allow them to develop, was something that was important to me. It’s similar to the reason why I got my start doing punk rock and Hardcore shows in the mid/late 90’s, cause no one else wanted to book them. No one cared, and they had a fear in doing those shows.
I’ve been able to toy with the idea of putting a hip hop artist in the midst of a punk show, actually even booked a few at strip clubs in Sayreville, but nothing really seemed to work out or make sense. Each time I’d approach a club manager in Asbury Park with the idea, I was immediately turned away. They wanted nothing to do with the concept, regardless of the artists, and the audience they would potentially draw.Is it racism? I call it Rappism.
Now, a little background on the efforts in hip hop this year…We had the lovely Snoop Dogg perform at the Stone Pony’s back lot this year. Weeks leading into the show, meeting after meeting, the people running shit would talk about the potential problems they would run into. Granted, he did have a backdrop that was blue, and said “ tales from the Crip”, which they did not allow him to put up, because there are definitely a huge population of bloods in Asbury.
Security heads were talking amongst themselves about how there was internet talk of a gang war, or local gang backlash, because “ they didn’t want snoop in their hood”…I’m sorry people, but gang members DO NOT use the internet, let alone chat rooms, to talk about their business. Yet, this talk was taken very seriously, and the security, and local police were ready to deal with it.
Fast forward to the night of the show,Slightly Stoopid and Snoop Dogg, and guess what, it was a 90% all white audience, mostly of underage drunk white girls, and hippies smoking massive amounts of weed. Surprise! No gang colors were shown, aside from some terrible Tribal tattoos that I saw flaunted in the audience. (Lots of tramp stamps too, must be a Gang, ”initiation” thing…)
I think the police had more issues in dealing with the general public.Those that could not afford tickets, perched themselves on the boardwalk, caught a free show, danced, and tried to get away with mild drug use amongst the public. More power to them. That's about as bad as it got.
This brings me to our recent and wonderful show, on Nov. 1 @ The Wonderbar. After putting shows together there for the past few months, they seemed to trust me enough to book this show. They didn’t even put up a fight, no request to double the security, or have metal detectors at the door…nothing like that. I waspleasantly surprised. I have a slew of friends that have these projects, and the Wonderbar was cool enough to let me go forward with the show.
The show was one of the best we’ve done, and rivaled our previous attendance records. Shameful, Joe Monmouth, .448, and The Serial Rappist, Who would of thought? The crowd was a sea of indie rock kids in skinny jeans stoked to see their friends perform, whether they took it serious or not. I think we pulled more Indie kids at this show, than we’ve done with actual indie rock bands…could be seen as sad, but it still makes a strong point.
Regardless of race, or lifestyle, The audience the artists drew were predominately suburban white kids, whether they were from the area, or the surrounding counties. All stoked to see their friends perform their music beyond Myspace.
Thank you Wonderbar for not having a shit fit. The more that the city assumes, the more they prove their ignorance. The whole movement of hip hop is evolving, Just as Punk Rock was an urban thing, that eventually went to the suburbs, hip hop seems to follow the same trend. Whether it’s Snoop dog, or a bunch of local dudes, The people that spend their time and money to attend, are not in gangs. They are people that love music, like you and I.
Also, Thank you to all who came out to support the show, and very special thanks to the artists, because without them, and you, we would not of been able to make a point, and have success as well…
Do yourself a favor, check out their myspace pages, and listen to them loud, hopefully you can offend someone you work with.
Suddenly, I feel compelled to write. After spending over 8 months trying to figure out what kind of blog to develop. I realized that I had the idea all along. I live it each day, listen to new music constantly, and actually have a passionate involvement in a really exciting, up and coming music scene in Asbury Park, NJ. You can fuck off if you expect to see perfectly written essays based on my ideas…I type the way I speak. So please, try to get use to it.
