Band Photo Chick

Band Photo Chick is a music/concert review blog, based on photos we take at shows (usually in and around Detroit). We only write positive reviews. (Why would we spend time writing about bands we don't enjoy, when we could be at a show?) Any reviews on this blog are our opinions. We often interject out thoughts into our reviews (because we like to write the way we speak). We hope you’ll like what we have to say about the bands we love! Follow @BandPhotoChick !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");

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The Biters rolled through from Atlanta on a Tuesday, but a rock show in Detroit always feels like a Saturday night. The rock’n’roll four piece got together in 2009 and took on a classic sound, throwing back to the 70s and 80s. The catchy hooks sound like classic tunes from yesteryear, but they’re anything but a rip-off. Their similarities provide a sense of nostalgia before they introduce their fresh lyrics and point of view. Rock’n’Roll definitely isn’t dead, it’s just been hiding in Georgia.

Their current tour supports the release of their latest album “The Future Ain’t What It Used to Be”. They are supported on this run by Frankie and the Studs (LA) and are signed to Earache Records.

Connect with them on their socials and at bitersband.com.

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Detroit native, Tee Grizzley, played to a crowd of about 500 this past Sunday at Pontiac’s Crofoot Ballroom. While the venue was only filled to about half capacity, it seemed like it was busting at the seams; A tightly packed sea of fans crowded the stage as the opening DJ mixed everyone’s favorite hip-hop jams. The fans were from different walks of life and different areas within the community, but music was able to bring everyone together for a huge dance party.

The 23-year-old rapper took the stage at 1:30 and played until last call. While the set was short, he played all of his hits and every soul in the audience cheered the words right along with him. Not many young rap artists have the stamina and talent to flow the way he can, playing mash-ups of different tracks with fellow artists on stage. This is not a show you want to miss!

Tee Grizzley released “First Day Out” in 2016. The track had over 2 Million views on YouTube in the first 3 weeks and managed to reach 31 on the US R&B Charts, and 67 on Billboard’s Hot 100 (as of May 16, 2017). He has since recorded with Lil Yachty (“From the D to the A”) and Cash Kounty Pilot (“Any Means Necessary”)

If you’re a hip-hop fan, be sure to catch Tee Grizzley on his rise to fame. Between the energy and the talent he brings, we should hear many more great things from this up-and-coming artist.

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Hometown heroes, Wilson, brought their Full Blast Fuckery to the main stage at the Crofoot Ballroom, celebrating the release their newest album “Right to Rise”. The dude-rock five-piece took a different approach to writing their second album, when the entire band used their influence and shared in the creative process. Wilson decided to completely embrace their roots and influences, and bring this story to the masses.

 The new record tells the easily relatable story of what it’s like to struggle. “The title says that we all have the right to find our happiness and grow. You can take our city as an example. You look at it from the outside, hear all of these horror stories, and see so many terrible things. However, when you’re inside, you can see the triumph. You need to make your own way here. No one will respect you otherwise.” (Taken from Wilson’s bio. The full bio can be read on their Facebook page at the link below.)

 Detroit natives have the relentless ability to overcome obstacles and beat the odds, whether it’s in writing music, making art, or having an amazing release party showcasing some of the best rock there is… We all have the Right to Rise, just as the title track says.

Here’s all the back-up info you might need: 

Right to Rise is available online through their website wilsonpartyanimals.com, and iTunes

Wilson can be heard on 89x (fm 88.7) and 101 WRIF (fm 101.1) (Both of these Detroit/Windsor radio stations can be streamed online if you are outside the listening area.)

Stream their music on the website or YouTube

Follow the band on www.facebook.com/wilsonparties or www.twitter.com/wilsonparties to stay up-to-date on where you can see Wilson.

Local openers for the show included Wolfshark, Citizen Zero, and Red Stone Souls. All three bands can be found on Facebook/Twitter.

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Ashes of Soma is making a return to the stage. After a 3 year break from touring, the band has started playing shows again, and recently headlined Pontiac’s Crofoot Ballroom. Playing new and classic material, the set was on point from start to finish. They kept the crowd energized, making new fans and pleasing old ones.

 The band began in 2005, in Windsor, Ontario, under the name “Knematic”. After losing their original vocalist, the band reformed as Ashes of Soma. They gained popularity in 2008 with the release of their third single “Bedroom Walls”, which received radio play on 89x (fm 88.7). This allowed the band to tour across the US and Canada with national/international acts, including Candelbox, Hinder, Default, Theory of a Deadman, Evans Blue, Social Code, and more.

  You can catch Ashes of Soma at:

The Machine Shop in Flint: Opening for Finger Eleven on June 17th

Fork and Cork on Windsor’s River Front: Saturday, July 4th

We will keep you posted about more shows as they’re announced. In the meantime, find them on Facebook and Twitter to hear about shows, stream their music on YouTube, pick up an album at your local record store (or iTunes, if you must).

(All photos are reduced resolution.)

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It took 19 months to write, produce, and record “Colors”,the newly released album from Mike O’Phee. (The band behind O’Phee, Color Blind, includes Luc Michaud, Matt Evola, and Eric Hoff.)Upon listening, you’ll see why it was worth the wait. It has a crisp polish that is not usually heard from top 40 artists, let alone an up-and-coming independent. This singer/songwriter from Windsor, Ontario blends rock and hip-hop in a way that still sounds fresh.  (O’Phee co-fronted Miclordz and Sauce Funky, a rock/hip-hop 5-piece. This album embraces the sound MLSF is known for, with a new level of maturity, musicianship, and artistry.)

 “Colors” is hopeful, loving, and most of all, real. This highly relatable album, with tracks ideal for every mood, has an overall message of positivity and self worth. It is characteristically ordered to have softer songs followed with those that are more up-beat. As each person listens, they can pull what they hear out of a song and apply it to their life. (The original idea behind this review was to pull out what we heard when listening, but we felt it was more important to write an overview, share the basic info about the album, and encourage you to listen for yourself. Listen and take away what you hear and what you feel.)

 Here’s where Mike O’Phee is making a buzz with “Colors”:

“Believe” was released as a single and has received radio play on US and Canadian stations. (Hard Time, Never Too Far Away, and Wishing Well have also received air time on local stations.)

“Anarchy’s Son”, a heavier, rock track, is currently being used as entrance music for Michael Elgin (Pro Wrestler) for pay-per-view matches.

Interviews on Mix 96.7, CBC Radio, and AM800, with reviews in many Windsor news publications.

 In addition to the album release, we were able to catch Mike O’Phee and Luc Michaud of Color Blind live at Venue Music Hall, in Windsor, March 27 (where these photos were taken). They will be playing on July 3rd, at Forks and Corks on the Windsor river front (but we’re sure they’ll announce dates in the meantime). The album is available online and directly from Mike at a show. Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MikeOPheeColors or Twitter at https://twitter.com/MLSFMike to stay up to date on shows and when you can hear him on the radio.

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We pulled up to the venue, making the left off Hoover into the unimposing lot. It was a freezing January night in Warren, MI. Sightline was playing direct support for ERA 9 (a band from Montreal, Canada, beginning across-country US tour) at The Ritz. The show was the first after a few years’ hiatus from the concert scene.

 Sightline came out strong, like they had just played a show the night before, not missing a beat. Though the band is celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, they still bring youthful energy to the rock stage; jumping around and interacting with the crowd. Their set included old favorites, as well as newer songs. (Music is available for download using the links below.) After the show they were happy to hang out with fans and friends; sharing drinks and conversation with everyone who came out.

 Having opened for bands including Marcy Playground and Three Days Grace, great music is to be expected. They self-classify as “post-grunge”, a great description for the melodic/riff based alt-rock group. Sightline is regaining their momentum and we can expect them to announce show dates soon.

 You can track the band and listen at http://www.facebook.com/sightlineband. Follow them on http://www.twitter.com/sightlineband. For any additional information including booking, shows, bio, etc., visit http://sightlineband.com.

 As always, more photos can be viewed on http://www.facebook.com/BandPhotoChick.

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Just after a recording session for their new album (to be released this spring), we were able to connect with singer, Josh Mayle, of Citizen Zero. The band has many plans for 2015, and we’ll surely hear plenty from them. Here’s some of what we discussed, including band history, musical process, and current plans. (For more CZ info, read through to the bottom. There are links, as always, so you can follow them on the social media of your choice.) Josh met three brothers (Matt, Greg, and John Dudley) through friends, in Rochester, MI.(1) They had previously heard of each other, through the musical airways. (Local music travels fast in Metro Detroit.) Greg and Josh became friends but lost touch. Matt later connected with Josh and began writing music. Citizen Zero was born. (2) In April of 2012, Matt died. This was very hard on the guys, particularly John and Greg (Matt’s younger brothers). The three remaining members took time to collect themselves, did some soul searching, and began looking for drive. Greg and John, ultimately made the decision, they had to continue. (“We can’t not do this.”) With the addition of guitarist, Sammy Boller, they found immediate chemistry. Within 2 months of this change, they were spinning on 89x (88.7fm) and 101WRIF (101.1fm), as well as playing shows with Kid Rock and Stone Temple Pilots. Labels gained interest in the band, based on older songs, which still play on radio stations, almost daily. New songs take a different direction, leaving the more generic alt-rock sound the band was previously known for, for a more aggressive approach. Mayle classifies the band as “Definitely alternative rock… But not the traditional alternative rock. Not pansy-ass alternative rock.” Currently “They are there”. New songs sound nothing like the old stuff. The band is "no longer going after the low hanging fruit". The new direction leans more toward what the band wants, versus what a label may be expecting. (1) Rochester, MI is “A small suburban city in northern Oakland County… Where all musicians in the area are interconnected in some way. They either know each other directly or through mutual friends or acquaintances.” (2) The name came from a brainstorming session between Josh and Matt. “Certain words trigger other words, different emotions, sounds” Josh tells us as he describes the process. They eventually came to Citizen Zero, as an us-against-the-world, faceless human character. “We could be anybody.” (Including the listener) The band puts on a great live show, playing many local festivals, including Arts Beats and Eats and Showcase D’ Holidays. Citizen Zero can be seen supporting national bands and headlining their own shows. As promised, here are those links you’ve been (patiently) waiting for… You can check out their music on www.reverbnation.com/citizenzero. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter on www.facebook.com/citizenzero or www.twitter.com/citizenzero0 for the latest info on shows and new music releases. Citizen Zero’s music is available for purchase on iTunes, or directly from the guys at a show. (As always, we recommend the latter. Shows are fun and that’s always the best way to support music.) More photos are available on the BanPhChick Facebook page. Look for the “Citizen Zero” album.

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It was a chilly 19 degrees in Detroit as we waited in line before the Fall Ball at the Fillmore Detroit. (Sponsored by our favorite radio stations; 93.9 The River and 89x [88.7].) We were greeted by warm smiles from the cold faces of fellow music lovers. Some people got to the venue as early as noon, when doors would not be opened until 7; a long wait in the cold for two great bands. Big Data was introduced by their digitized friend, the comical voice of the NSA, urging fans to share their experiences on social media throughout the show. We were quickly warmed with their energy and dancing was definitely encouraged. (Who could stand still with music like that?) Their sound blends many genres, including electronic, alternative, and pop-rock. (The 4-piece band self-classifies as “Paranoid electronic pop music from the internet”: a spot on description.) The set included original material, with instrumentation that could only be described as Big Data. In the second half of the set, their friend, the NSA, introduced a fantastic synthesized cover of Hall and Oates’ Private Eyes, which had anyone who wasn’t dancing already, on their feet. Big Data concluded their set with their alternative single Dangerous, and left the crown unsure if they wanted more or if they were ready for Fitz and the Tantrums. Big Data provides an ideal concert experience. Their music is easily danceable, even if the song is not particularly upbeat. Subjects touch on the electronic age in which we currently find ourselves, while their friend, the NSA pokes fun at our reliance on social media, the internet, and the cloud. They are a great way to start or end a show. For more information on Big Data, visit them on their website at http://www.BigData.fm/ Stream their music at http://youtube.com/BigDataBigData (Music is also available on iTunes and Spotify.) Find them on your preferred method of social media including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Soundcloud followed by .com/BigDataBigData.

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On a Sunday afternoon, our staff departs from Detroit, west bound on 94, towards Grand Rapids. The Bangups are playing with Skinny Lister, so we make the (almost) three hour drive for what we know will be a great time. After the drive, we have a light dinner at Founder’s Brewery, a hang-out for locals and visitors alike. They have an extensive menu of house made brews, artisan sandwiches, and more. We run into Skinny Lister heading in and pass them an exceptionally large bottle of rum (as always, to fill their flagon). We sit, enjoy ourselves, and try to relax before the show (This proves difficult, as the excitement has been building for weeks). As we finish our meals, the World Cup game plays on every TV in the patio area. America is going to lose, but we remain on the edge of our respective seats; ever hopeful. The Bangups (Joey Dornbos, Guitar and Vocals, and Brent French, Drums) are seated with Lorna and Dan Heptinstall (Skinny Lister). We see them sharing words and laughs at a distance. As they begin to stir, we leave to walk the half block to the venue, slowly, enjoying the last bit of beautiful daylight on the first day of summer. We enter the vaguely familiar entrance of The Intersection. It’s been three years since our last trip, but the venue hasn’t changed much, regardless of the renovations. We stop by the bar to settle in and loosen up before the show. As we start to turn, we are greeted by Dornbos. We make our way across the slate-tiled floor, around to the left, where the stage is illuminated with blue LED’s. The drum kits are set up already and sound-check happened long ago, before doors. Tables near the back are filled. Standing room is the only option, close to the stage, as any fan would love. The Bangups take the stage. They greet and thank the audience for coming. Dornbos introduces each song as though he is preaching to the audience; like they’re attending a service at the church of Rock’n’Roll. Each speech draws the crowd in even more, building anticipation for the next song. By the time their set is done, we aren’t sure if we are more excited to see the headliner or if we want more from The Bangups. Cheers continue as they begin to clear the stage. Once we know they are really finished, the crowd relaxes and heads to the bar to prepare for Skinny Lister. We caught up with Dornbos after Skinny’s set to find out where they got their sound. The long list began with Delta Blues, then went into early country (Hank Williams and Johnny cash) which blended into Rock’n’Roll (Elvis and Chuck Berry) then went into punk, with Iggy Pop. (We compared them to The Biters, out of Georgia, as a modern band with the influence of classic Rock’n’Roll, blues, and early country. Both bands have a similar style, but completely different execution and delivery.) We also asked how the band got started. After writing several albums worth of music, Dornbos called French and said it was time to add drums and head to the studio. That’s just what they did. Now, after being a band since 2008, they’ve released two albums, and are working towards a third. We’re looking forward to more great music and (hopefully) tour dates from this duo. Stay connected with the links below for a show near you! You can visit their website at http://www.thebangups.com. Listen to their music at http://www.youtube.com/bangupsmusic. Connect via social media and keep up-to-date on shows at http://www.facebook.com/bangups and http://www.twitter.com/bangups. You can view more photos from this show on the BanPhChick Facebook page. *All photos are reduced resolution and ©Band Photo Chick 2014.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. will once again be playing on Record Store Day! (4/19/14) They played last year at Midtown Detroit’s historic Majestic Theater, with the Hard Lessons and Phantasmagoria. This year, they continue their trend of headlining a hometown show on, what has become, one of the largest days of the year dedicated to local/small business and music. This year’s show, sponsored by UHF Records (512 South Washington Street, Royal Oak) and “The Only New Rock Alternative, 89x” (fm 88.7), will be held at the Royal Oak Music Theater. To draw in a crowd, tickets were the bargain price of 89 cents. (Needless to say, the show sold out in less than a week, in spite of the very strict 2 ticket limit.) Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. provides an electronic-infused pop sound. (They refer to it as an “Organic vs. Synthesized Perspective”.) They are relaxed, but upbeat. (It’s definitely a great time to grab your dancing shoes!) These hometown boys have no ties to the driver, but decided on the name to allow them the experiment in multiple genres. This Quote, taken directly from their bio, sums it all up: “The idea being, that if one can accept a band being named Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., then you’ve already opened yourself up to listening to anything that band can come up with. You’ve already decided to leave expectations behind.” (We think they’ve accomplished that quite well.) Their recently released album, “The Speed of Things” (10/8/13), is available now, wherever you choose to purchase your music collection. You can also pick up their first album “It’s a Corporate World”, released on 6/7/2011, just prior to their sets at Lollapalooza. Be sure to catch this band in a venue near you! Check in with tour dates on www.daleearnhardtjrjr.com. Follow them on Twitter and “Like” them on Facebook for updates on shows, music, and more! For more information on Record Store Day events, please visit www.recordstoreday.com, contact UHF Records at [phone], visit them at the address above, find them on Facebook, or their website at www.uhfmusic.com. You can also contact your preferred local record store for events near you. If you’re in Dearborn, we also like Dearborn Music and Stormy Records. Our Detroit record-store-of-Choice is Hello Records, in Corktown. FYE Berkley appears to be more corporate, but as far as we’re concerned, it’s still Harmony House and gives a local vibe that regulars love (It’s kind of like Cheers!).

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Has winter got you down? Here’s something to get you warmed up and ready for summer: We’ll be seeing more of Air Dubai (Denver, CO) this summer on the Vans Warped Tour! The “Detroit” stop will once again be held at the Palace of Auburn Hills on July 18th, 2014. This band features an eclectic mix of hip-hop, pop, soul, electronic, and rock to create a unique sound. Their music is highly danceable and with their energy, how could you not get on your feet and onto the dance floor?!? The original band, formed as a hip-hip duo in 2008, used pre-recorded beats. In search of a different sound, vocalists Jon Shockness and Julian Thomas added Nick Spreigl (drums), Lawrence Grivich (guitar), Michael Ray (keyboard/synth), and Taylor Tait (bass) in the spring of 2009. Since they’ve rounded out the sound with live instruments, Air Dubai has been cranking out some pretty spectacular music. “Wonder Age” (released in 2010), “Day Escape” (released in 2011), and the hype surrounding this band led them to be signed to Hopeless Records. In May of 2013, they released their 5-track EP “Warning”. Just in case you can’t wait until the summer to see these guys, you can catch them at The Shelter (inside St. Andrew’s Hall) on February 22 for their “Thank You for Flying” Tour! (Tickets are only $13, so no excuses!!! Don’t miss it! Available at the St. Andrew’s or Fillmore Detroit Box Offices and ticketmaster.com) As always, you can find Air Dubai at http://airdubaimusic.com, on http://youtube.com/airdubai, http://twitter.com/airdubai, and http://facebook.com/airdubai. You can find listen to their music, purchase merch, etc. (Photos may appear blurry initially, please allow time to load. Thanks!)

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Up-and-coming Detroit band, The Audionics, have a classic rock influence (particularly Frank Zappa, King Crimson, and Led Zeppelin). Their unique use of multicultural instruments and intellectual lyrics create an interesting listening experience for any audience. The foursome will release their debut album, “The Big Note” on March 2nd, 2013 at PJ’s Lager House in Corktown, Detroit. (and of course we’ll be there to take more photos and interview the guys. Which we’re pretty excited about since their front-man, Leo Gillis II, happens to be Jack White’s brother… and the band is pretty awesome too.)

The first time you see these guys, it might be a bit confusing… Take one look at the instruments on the stage and you’ll think you’re about to see a full orchestra! Djeto Juncaj begins the show with guitar, and in the blink of an eye has switched to the Santoor or Oud. Kerry Gluckman runs his expanded drum kit through pedals to create a bass effect and round out the rhythm section. (Because they don’t have a bass player?!?) Instead of bass, Sheldon Santamaria runs a saxophone through an octave divider.

  We can only tell you so much about the experience that is The Audionics… See it for yourself: Check them out on Facebook (http://facebook.com/TheAudionics), follow them on twitter (@The_Audionics), and check out their website (http://www.TheAudionics.com) for more information.

  We look forward to telling you more about this band. Until then, we’ll see you at the release! (Cover is only $5. Check out the event on Facebook or contact PJ’s Lager House at [phone] for more info.)

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Flogging Molly always puts on an amazing live show! (and I’m not just saying that because they’re my favorite band) Their clever lyrics (often politically charged) paired with a traditional Irish sound make this Celtic punk-folk group an unstoppable force. (Can’t shut ‘em down!)

This year on the Green 17 Tour (Supported by Dave Hause and Skinny Lister), they opened their set with “Another Bag of Bricks”… The first note hit, the crowd lost it! (Everything from head-banging to crowd surfing and moshing) Fans of all ages and sizes enjoyed themselves (However, some fans enjoyed it more from the balcony).

We know that every city has its own style and responds differently to music. (Silver Spring, MD [where the photos were taken] was pretty docile, a word not normally used to describe a crowd for Flogging Molly) Detroit is a completely different story! Detroiters love the inspiring newest album, “Speed of Darkness”, as well as all the others. (We also enjoy showing Bridget some hometown love!)

They always show love and respect for their working class fan base and are always willing to jump off the stage at the end of a non-stop set to thank everyone. (Shout out to Nathen Maxwell: Thanks again for signing my bass!)

Catch the band while they’re on tour! They return from Australia in early March to finish off the Green 17 Tour. Check out http://floggingmolly.com for updates about the band, shows, merch, etc. Follow them on Twitter, Like them on Facebook, check out their music on YouTube/iTunes/whatever record store you go to… Just make sure you learn their music and see them live! (in my opinion, you’re missing out on life if you miss Flogging Molly live) See you next year in Detroit when they, once again, blow the roof off the Fillmore!

For more photos of Flogging Molly (as well as others), check out http://facebook.com/BandPhotoChick/  

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Skinny Lister is a punk influenced folk band from London, England. This year, they’ve joined Flogging Molly and Dave Hause for the 9th annual Green 17 Tour! (Celebrating the 20th anniversary of House of Blues)

After seeing them at The Fillmore Detroit, we decided that one show just wasn’t enough… So, we took the BanPhChick staff on the road to The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Maryland. This band alone was worth the 9 hour drive!

They started off the set with a bold sea chantey and pumped up the energy quickly with their lively polkas and folksy melodies. (A great way to prime a crowd) Once they start, Skinny Lister never stops. Whether they’re dancing about the stage or crowd surfing (with or without an upright bass, which is a lot harder than it sounds) you know you’re going to have a fun time! (And, after attending 8 Flogging Molly shows, there was finally a mosh pit for the opener!)

Be sure to check out this awesome band while they’re on tour. Raise a glass to Party George with Flogging Molly and Dave Hause, or, if you’re in Cali, at Coachella! (They’re playing both weekends!!!)

Pick up their new album “Forge & Flagon” (released in the US on January 29th, Side One Dummy Records) online or at any of their upcoming shows! (As always, we recommend the latter... You never have any fun stories from buying music online)

Like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, check out their music on YouTube, and keep tabs on the band with their blog on http://www.skinnylister.com (They also have merch. online if you absolutely can’t make a show… We’re just throwing that out there.)

Looking forward to the next show… “Let’s get wasted on rum and ginger!” (Shout out to all the band members for “being awesome, both on and off stage” from our assistant director Anthony Guido and the rest of the BanPhChick Staff!)

Want to see the rest of the photos? Check out our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BandPhotoChick (We tried to post more! We maxed out the photos allowed!)

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Motion City Soundtrack released their 5th studio album, “Go”, in April. The album keeps with their raucous/punky nature, but sounds a bit more mature.  Don’t let that turn you off though, they’re still as much fun as the day they started.

They played a healthy mix of all 5 albums during their most recent Detroit show at St. Andrew’s, even covered Ben Folds during the encore!  Between the crowd interaction and staying after to meet with all their fans, you really get a sense that they care about all the people who come to see them.

A fan emailed the band months before the show, telling them how much he loved their music, how many shows he’d been to, how it spoke to him, and how it made him feel… They let him propose to his girlfriend on stage! (Luckily, she said yes) It’s nice to know that they’re as dedicated to their fans as the fans are to them. (Keep in mind; their fans wait outside for hours in November, in Detroit, to hear them play. If that’s not dedication I don’t know what is.)

You can catch them live again when the headline Warped Tour! (The Palace of Auburn Hills on July 19th). If you check them out, you can even play charades with Justin after their set! (He likes to save his voice so he can rock out the rest of the tour. It’s fun though. We highly recommend it!)

  Pick up their album “Go” on their website http://www.motioncitysoundtrack.com/ or at a show!  They always have a merch table. Like them on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter… They even have Tumblr!

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Happy New Year from BanPhChick!

It’s been a great year for everyone at Band Photo Chick. We’ve launched our blog, taken great photos, interviewed amazing people, and made lasting friends… But it’s more than that to all of us. You see, it’s a life style. It’s about taking advantage of the opportunities you have, because if you miss out, they’re gone forever.

One opportunity we were able to seize was an interview with Ice-T (full review to follow). He is so genuine, but something he said in our very short interview let me know that this was a NYE story. I asked him how he felt when he was getting into acting from the music industry. His response was something a friend had said. “You can always quit.”

I was awestruck. In our culture we are taught to never show defeat, quitters never win, never give up… But he was right. He went on to say that if something isn’t for you, do something else. There’s nothing wrong with quitting something you have no interest or aptitude for, as long as you try.

I feel like Band Photo Chick is based on the same idea. Live life, try new things, live your dream. If you never try, you never learn.

Remember to live, love, and rock out in 2013! We have a lot to tell you about some awesome music in the coming year. Happy new year everyone!

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From production to performance, Matt & Kim will make you come alive! They enter a dark stage and their personalities instantly light up the room. With passion and energy, they create one the best live show’s I have ever seen.

This duo loves crowd interaction. From throwing confetti and balloons for the audience to inflate, to dancing on the hands of the crowd, the pair is more energizing than a flat of RedBull! No wonder they easily sold out The Majestic Theater (an iconic venue in Midtown Detroit that holds 1100 people).

Matt and Kim are currently on tour promoting the recently released album, “Lightning”. Available wherever CD’s are sold, online, at their shows, etc. Follow them on Twitter @mattandkim and like them on Facebook. Be sure to check for a tour date near you: this is not a show you’ll want to miss!