For the music that matters to you.
[email protected]
Our theme for September is "Beginnings", which only seems appropriate with the new school year rolling in, and with the new beginning of Music Villains.
As I write to you, sat in my (unfortunately, full-time) work office, staring out of the window at the doom and gloom of the unsavoury October weather, I can't help but mull over the endless possibilities of themes we could have chosen for this month. It took us a while to draw a conclusion, but after much deliberation, we've decided to stick our middle fingers up to the clichés and bring you a more home-grown theme for October. Ladies and Jelly Beans, I present to you our October issue: Hometown Heroes.
We all have them, a hometown hero. Whether it's that local band you saw open for that internationally recognisable act way back when in 2009, or a record label that planted its roots in your godforsaken town, or maybe your hometown heroes are your group of friends who have been with you every step of the way.
It's why I'm so excited to bring you this theme, because it's about time we gave recognition where it's due, to our local wolves who work hard to create the scene we adore.
Who are some of your Hometown Heroes? Send a message to [email protected] and let me know who you think deserves a special mention this month. Either that, or send me a message with your favourite type of candy or Halloween treat (for a special competition happening at the end of the month. Can you guess what it is, yet?).
Now, I have to get back to the endless amount of paperwork piling on my desk. Let's talk soon, yeah?
September: Balance and Composure - The Things We Think We're Missing
Born in Doylestown, PA, Balance and Composure gained the attention they deserved from the start whilst opening for Circa Survive on their summer 2012 tour along with Touché Amore and O'Brother. The five-piece alternative rock/punk band signed to No Sleep Records in 2009 and their debut release with the label was a four track EP titled “Only Boundaries”.
Their new record and second studio album, “The Things We Think We're Missing” was released on September 10th via No Sleep Records and features 13 tracks. The record opens with "Parachutes", and like a parachute it keeps you up in the air, amidst an abundance of melodies and an honest message wrapped with poised guitar riffs and catchy bass lines.
Halfway through, the record takes a turn for a beautiful protest with "Cut Me Open" and "When I Come Undone", delivering harsh yet genuine vocals with perfect dash of sweet aroma-filled lyrics.
There is a message louder than the music; it is a movement and you can feel it. The moment the record starts it touches you and you're alive with it, you're there in the twist of chords and notes, you've become part of its mission statement - it is your mission statement.
The album itself is a carefully pieced collection of abstract sounds; sounds that remind you of every good moment this past year, or that warm feeling you get when your crush realizes you exist. It's a feel good record, a vent to record when you need a friend, and the radio is the closest nearby thing to a caring soul.
Personally, I've been a fan of Balance and Composure for a while now, and this record, to me, says, "Hey, we know you love us … this is why, in case you were wondering."
It’s a solid album, and they are an amazing band; the record can be hard to listen to more than once back to back though, which is why I give it a glittering 7/10 rating (though, as said before, it is a stunning album).
You can purchase/stream the album here: nosleeprecords.com/release/174/the-things-we-think-were-missing
In no particular order, here are 13 releases of this year that I love. What are some releases you're digging lately? Any upcoming releases that you're stoked for? Let's talk music!
"Split with Sleeping Patterns" - Forever Losing Sleep
Facebook.com/ForeverLosingSleep | @flsnj
Forever Losing Sleep is a 5 piece emo punk band from New Jersey. With diary entry-like lyrics, they have an honest sound that would kill you with truth. This is what teenage lullabies sound like. The band released a split on May 16 with the band, Sleeping Patterns. They recently released an acoustic version of their song from the split, "Sunflowers."The song can be heard on the band's bandcamp, here: foreverlosingsleep.bandcamp.com/
* Click under the cut to see the remaining 12!
"Rebel Music" - Still Rings True
facebook.com/stillringstrue | @stillringstrue
Still Rings True is a 3 piece DIY punk rock band from Watertown, NY. If you look on their Facebook page, you'll find NOFX, Strike, Propaghandi and such like bands listed as their musical influences. With DIY ethics and a message in their music bold enough to start a revolution, SRT is one of those bands you discover, catch a breath of relief and say, "Thank God for bands like this- thank God they still exist." Sticking to their out of the box and unique attitude, the band recently released an all acoustic EP titled, 'Rebel Music' on January 8. Despite its beginning of the year release, it remains as one of my favorite records of 2013 still. You can listen to/purchase Rebel Music here: http://anchoreightyfour.bandcamp.com/album/rebel-music
xxx
"The Tired and True / American Verse Split" - The Tired and True
facebook.com/thetiredandtrue | @thetiredandtrue
The Tired and True is a whole-hearted, pop punk (with guts) band from New Haven, Connecticut. Signed to Eulogy Records the band released their debut album, Scenarios in 2010. Early this year, on March 26, they released a split with the band American Verse via Broken Rim Records. The split features two songs from each band, each copy hand numbered and available in three colors. You can stream/purchase it here: http://brokenrimrecords.storenvy.com/products/1057274-american-verse-the-tired-and-true-split-7
xxx
"What You're Running From" - Audiostrobelight
facebook.com/audiostrobelight | @audiostrobelite
Audiostrobelight is a five-piece power pop band from Virginia Beach, Virginia. Featured here on the site not too long ago, they released their single, "California Gold Rush" in November of last year, getting everyone stoked but not nearly prepared for the all-hits record they hit fans with this past summer. Featuring dual vocalists, keyboards, electric violin/mandolin, and choruses bursting with energy, they're the perfect addition to any party soundtrack. The band, freshly signed to Little Heart Records in March, released their full length and debut record with the label, What You're Running From, produced by Will Pugh of Cartel - on May 14th. You can purchase the record here: audiostrobelight.bandcamp.com/album/the-whole-shebang
xxx
I Never Deserve the Things I Need - On My Honor
facebook.com/onmyhonor | @onmyhonorband
Named on of AP's "100 Bands You Need To Know In 2013," On My Honor is a pop punk four-piece rightfully reigning from Knoxville, Tennessee. Having played over 600 shows, including Vans Warped Tour in 2009 and a month's worth of shows across Europe, during their first European tour last year, the band is a reminder to us all not to be afraid to work for your dreams. They signed to Little Heart Records in summer of 2011; their first release with the label was just a few months later and titled, Nature and Nurture. They released their latest record, I Never Deserve the Things I Need -which was produced by Nick Diener of The Swellers - on June 11. Watch On My Honor's latest music video for their song, Indrid Cold here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3oOhPCUppc&feature=youtube_gdata_player, and purchase the album here: onmyhonor.bandcamp.com
The Story So Far is proof that just because you're young doesn't mean you can't be great. With four releases between the time of their birth in 2007 and 2011 under their belt, they released their first studio album, Under Soil and Dirt In 2011 via Panic Records. This record was a game changer and paved the way for TSSF into the hearts of pop-punk fans across the country and world. Two years since that release, they've just been named one of AP's "100 Bands to Know In 2013" and released a new full length titled,What You Don't See this past spring, on March 26.
You can watch the music video for their song, "Empty Space" (featured on the new record) here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQg9pZal5_8&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Being one of my favorite bands, The Dangerous Summer announcing that they were working on a new album and it would be released this year, made my year. The band built anticipation for this album like crazy... Tweeting things like "album artwork approved" and posting news entries such as, "upcoming summer tours, new music, new videos and new album, all to be announced soon" on the band's website for month's leading up to the release of their their third studio album, Golden Record, on August 6. The band released the record with their label, Hopeless Records and if you haven't listened to it yet, bless your ears with its grace. You can purchase the record here: hopelessrecords.com/thedangeroussummer
xxx
Debut full length - Above The Underground
facebook.com/abovetheundergrounduk | @atumusicuk
A pop punk quartet from Chester, England, Above The Underground is what I like to call, "Harry Potter Pop Punk." The thing that I love best about this band is the fact that they sound British. Most singers lose their accent when singing, but the vocals are drenched in a proper aroma and even the music has a bit of an UK risqué mood. The band announced earlier this year via their Facebook page that they will be releasing their debut full length this winter. Over the weekend, Facebook posts were made on the band's page announcing that they start recording this week. The band's EP, "Autumns is up for free download as well as their late 2012 split with On My Honor for pay-what-you-like on their bandcamp: http://abovetheundergrounduk.bandcamp.com/
Watch the band's music video for song, "Under the Weather" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTc_ZueSgh0&feature=youtube_gdata_player
xxx
Save Rock & Roll - Fall Out Boy
facebook.com/falloutboy
Talk about new beginnings. FOB is back. We survived the hiatus. If you aren't even a little excited about Pete Wentz and Patrick Stump being on stage together again, you're lying to yourself. They're touring, have launched a brand new merch store and released their first studio album since 2008 worldwide this past spring on April 15/16. The record debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, earning the band their second career number one. Comeback of the year. The record can be purchased here: http://falloutboy.gomerch.com/preorder
xxx
Of Fortune and Fame / The Traditional Split - Of Fortune and Fame
facebook.com/offortuneandfame | @ofandfmusic
Of Fortune and Fame is a five piece pop-punk band from Syracuse, New York. The band was formed in early 2010 and a little over a year after playing their debut show on January 23, 2011, the band signed to Seattle-based indie label, Panic Records in March of 2012. The band continued to prove that 2012 was their year after releasing a new single, music video and EP all in just a three-month time. The band just announced that they will release a new split with The Traditional on October 4; the split features 4 tracks, 2 songs from each band and is a digital release. The split can be streamed/pre-ordered from the band's bandcamp: offortuneandfame.bandcamp.com
xxx
Collider - Cartel
facebook.com/cartel | @CARTEL
Being from Atlanta, I've always been proud to say that Cartel is from my home-state. What can I say, these dudes have been going hard since their their first full length, Chroma was released in 2005. Since their debut, they've had four releases - two studio albums and two EPs. They released their latest full length, Collider on March 26, and it's the band's first studio release since their 2009 record, Cycles.
Listen to their song, "First Things First" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpKYswiHou0&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Magnolia's debut full-length Turnover was born on April 16 via Run for Cover Records. The band released a music video for their song, "Most of the Time," which is featured on the album, earlier this year.
It can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d34G0ZkJsqw&feature=youtube_gdata_player
You can order the record here: http://runforcoverrecords.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=30&zenid=80fa321bba58044162cc75c5bed9ff53
xxx
After Your Own Heart - Yes Virginia
facebook.com/yesvirginiaband | @yesvirginiaband
Since the release of their sophomore EP, The Past Was Practice in March of 2012, Yes Virginia has become a must have in my music collection. It's not all too much anything that you've never heard before or anything you wouldn't expect from a pop punk band, but they're good. You can't help but think about middle school and dance to the contagious breakdowns. They're back with the fun punk and released a 5-song EP titled, After Your Own Your Heart on January 22 and it can be streamed/downloaded here: http://yesvirginianj.bandcamp.com/album/free-after-your-own-heart
Competition: Win tickets to see Heaven's Basement with The Pretty Reckless!
Want to win tickets to see Heaven's Basement and The Pretty Reckless whilst on tour in the US? Of course you do!
Music Villains have teamed up with the band to offer you a pair of tickets to each stop on the tour, t-shirts and Heaven's Basement Fire, Fire Hot Sauce! What a prize!
To win, all you need to do is make sure you're following Music Villains (it's a thing you should be doing, anyway), and enter your details into the competition page, found here.
Good Luck!
* To view the tour dates, please click under the cut.
Heavens Basement Tour Dates
with The Pretty Reckless
9/22 - Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
9/23 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
9/25 - Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbits
9/26 - Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum
9/27 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution Live
9/28 - Orlando, FL @ The Social
9/29 - Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall
9/30 - New Orleans, FL @ House Of Blues
10/2 - Houston, TX @ House Of Blues
10/3 - Austin, TX @ The Parish
10/4 - Dallas, TX @ House Of Blues
10/5 - San Antonio, TX @ Sams Burger Joint
10/7 - Scottsdale, AZ @ Pub Rock Live
10/9 - San Diego, CA @ House Of Blues
10/10 - Anaheim, CA @ House Of Blues
10/11 - Los Angeles, CA@ House Of Blues
10/12 - San Francisco, CA @ Slims
10/14 - Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater
10/15 - Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
10/16 - Vancouver, BC @ Rio Theatre
10/18 - Edmonton, AB @ The Starlite Room
10/19 - Calgary, AB @ The Den
10/20 - Saskatoon, SK @ Louis Pub
10/21 - Winnipeg, MB @ West End Cultural Centre
10/23 - Minneapolis, MN @Varsity Theatre
with The Pretty Reckless
10/27 - Chicago, IL @ House Of Blues
10/29 - Columbus, OH @ A&R Music Bar
10/30 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
10/31 - Cleveland, OH @ House Of Blues
11/1 - Cincinnati, OH @ Bogarts
11/3 - Washington, DC @ The Fillmore
11/4 - Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theater
11/5 - Quebec City, QC @ Le Cercle
11/8 - Montreal, QC @ Theatre Corona
11/9 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
11/10 - Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre Of Living Arts
11/11 - Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
For more information, please visit:
http://heavensbasement.com/
http://www.facebook.com/HeavensBasement
http://twitter.com/#!/heavensbasement
Spotify is recruiting student leaders and Spotify super-fans to join the SpotifyU Campus Influencer Program. If you want hands-on resume building experience with a global brand and you love music, this is where it’s at!
If you have any questions about the programs, want more details, shoot me a message! I’ll put in the good word.
If you apply, make sure to list me as a reference!
Apply here: http://mry.cm/SpotifyFall2013
1. Tell us a little more about the piggy bank and how the name New Beat Fund came about. "We were recording at a good friend of ours' - Matt Wallace - studio, which is in the same complex as the original Sound City Studio. There was a piggy bank with the words new boat fund etched into it. The 'o' was carved into an e and then became the new beat fund. Just a collection of coins and such to supply the next beat of inspiration. We then decided to put the piggy bank into a 3 man water balloon launcher and catapulted it into the façade of a corporate building, Thus the conception of NeW bEAt FUNd.
2. You guys are currently on Vans Warped Tour, give us a progress report: How much fun has it been? The progress report is all check-plusses. It's been a devil of a good time.
3. The Warped menu has such a great reputation. What are some of your favorite meals from the catering section? Kale parm salad, tri tip sandoz, and some BBQ feta corn. Twuz bomb as fuuuuhhhhh! #Yum.
4. Warped Tour's line-up is one big melting pot of bands and artists. A lot of times in individual local scenes, genres, bands and their fans can be like cliques. Pop punk kids with the pop punk kids, hardcore kids with the hardcore kids…how has the fellowship been with the bands on line- up behind scenes? Everyone has been really chill! We're kinda the new dudez at Warped but we've made friends with bands from all different genres and scenes. It's a melting pot of friendships.
5. What's been the most difficult thing about Warped Tour so far? Something you never would have imagined would be as difficult as it is. Smelling good. It's a constant challenge.
6. What's one thing you have to take on tour with you? Not necessarily something you need, just something you want on the road with you. Cashmere slippers and a skateboard.
7. What are some bands that you guys have discovered through this year's Warped Tour that you suggest we check out? There are a lot of great bands we've discovered old and new. Really vibin' Wallpaper, RDGLDGN, Pacific Dub, Citizen, Big Chocolate, to name a few.
8. This year's theme for Warped is Best Day Ever.. which day of tour has been your favorite and why? The Ventura, CA date was awesome, it's our hometown show and the Warped we all grew up going to. It's also right by the beach, so the vibez were on point. Also, Detroit was ill! Shout out to 8 Mile, slim shady kidz!!! :)
9. If you could add one attraction, feature or anything else to Warped what would it be? Half pipes and pro skaters. Miss that shit.
10. Any Warped survival/success tips for bands who may be playing Warped for the first time in 2014? Gold Bond, powder up peoples.
I started doing press over two years ago and it's become an actual love of mine. I do PR for several bands, including On My Honor (Facebook.com/onmyhonor), Of Fortune and Fame (Facebook.com/offtortuneandfame) and more. I'm by no means an expert, I'm continuing to learn every day and still being taught. But I am good at my job and I take pride in my PR accomplishments. These are just a few of my personal tips, a fraction of the blue print I work by. Everyone has their own way of doing things, but I hope this helps an aspiring or beginner publicist just starting their press adventure.
_______________________________________________
1. Be friendly - I think the main thing that people, publicists, don't pay enough attention to is the true definition of PR. PR stands for Public Relations, meaning dealing with people, building sustaining and continuing relationships. Maybe this is why I enjoy press so much, because I genuinely enjoy being nice. Being a publicist you're going to be asking for a lot of favors, don't forget to include "please" and "thank you" in your press letters. No one has to post about your band/the band you represent. Appreciate everyone and thing that they do for you.
2. Be responsible. It's a publicist's job to relay interview questions, press assignment deadlines, live links, the schedule for tour press and other important info. Make notes for yourself to forward over any such information at the end of each day or at a certain time during the week to the band. Sometimes it may take a while until links come back or you have anything of real importance to pass on to them, but communicate and let them know that things are being done so they aren't wondering what's going on.
3. Be personable - I know the owner or contact person for each bog on my press list's name. I have their personal emails memorized; I can send out a full press release without peeping at my contact list, because I know it by heart. I follow some of them on twitter and I interact with them even when I don't need something posted. I send out emails on holidays and if someone is sick or going through something I make sure I reach out to them. I don't do this just so that they will join my press list- the people on my press list are my friends. I've built relationships with them and I've become p e r s o n a l. Sometimes I send out emails even when I don't have a press announcement, just to say "Hey, just checking in. Hope all is well; thanks for all your support!" NOTE* Don't be annoying/ I only send out check up emails maybe once every 4-6 months.
4. Be organized - Google drive. Download it. Use it. Love it. Live happily ever after- it's that easy. Google drive is the love of my press life. The convenience, structure and flexibility it offers is amazing and I recommend it to any publicist or person in the industry for that matter. I use google drive to store my contacts, keep schedules, create show sheets, You can share the documents with business partners, band members or whoever else may need to view the docs. You can adjust the settings so that they can only view the files or have the ability to edit them as well. I have the iPad app and make all my documents available offline so I am literally capable of being a PR ninja all day everyday, even in the car.
5. Follow through and follow up - Google drive is the love of a publicist's life but follow up emails take the crown for best friend. Don't be afraid to send someone another email...whether it's acquiring about a feature you're waiting to go live or checking in on a review. Do not cross the thin line of being annoying when sending these emails- the first follow up email should only be sent after. 3-4 days without a reply Remember a normal reply will come in within 24-48 hours, sometimes people need a grace day or two (an additional 48 hours) but if it's been 3-4 days and you haven't heard back from the contact- follow up! When I send a follow up message, I reply to the last message that I sent so that if they haven't read it yet they know what exactly it is I'm referring to. A good follow up email will go along the lines of:
"Hi (insert name here),
Just following up regarding the email below. I hope all is well.
Thanks!
Best,
(your name)"
6. Be determined / persistent - Press is a hard job but the harder you work, the greater the rewards. I literally love seeing a release I sent out being posted by blogs across the country, it makes my day and hours of sending emails completely worth it. Remember that each step is a milestone and to value your progress. Don't get frustrated when replies come in slow- just keep sending those emails! I remember when I first started....I would literally send more than 100 emails in a weekend and get maybe 1 reply, and that reply was from the server saying my message wouldn't be delivered due to server errors. But I tell ya, when the replies start rolling in, it's like a tidal wave. Things get easier the more you work and you'll find the blogs you reached out to in the beginning (who never replied) emailing you down the road requesting press passes.
6.5 Stay determined / Stay persistent -It's a lot easier to start off excited than to stay excited, but keep that drive! Make it fun and challenge yourself to stay motivated. If there is a TV show that I want to watch, I bribe myself, I say, "Hey Nicole, get five new press contacts added to the list and then have a movie night." This may sound crazy, but it works! Make it a goal to add to your press list every week and search for new blogs whenever you can! I work two full time jobs, so I'm constantly busy and so to maximize my time to work on press things, I create my own systems and schedules. If I see a band post an interview that they did with a blog I've never heard of, I write the name down in my press notebook. I write down all the new blogs I see during the week in this book and when the weekend comes and I have the time, I add all of the site's information to my google drive.
_________________________________________________
Like I said, these are just a few of my tips and how I personally do things. Are you a publicist or interested in PR? Do you have any questions for me or feedback regarding this blog? I'd love to hear from you! [email protected]
I had just passed my sixteenth birthday when I had thought up the concept of Music Villains. I had nothing but a name, and a collection of music I wanted to share with as many people as I possibly could, because I believed in the songs I was listening to. Three birthdays later, and a one-woman blog that spotlighted a couple of bands here and there has turned into a community of thousands. It's hard to put into words how much I believe in this little community we've built together. We're like one of those families, with the endless amount of cousins who we can't remember the names of, but that's okay, it just makes the holidays a little difficult.
In the scale of things, three years doesn't seem as significant as ten years does, but we're all constantly changing. We're exploring new situations, mixing with new people, being influenced by things we never thought we'd be influenced by -- and that's why Music Villains needed a little bit of a reboot, because we're not the same people we were three years ago, and we're hardly the same people that we were five minutes ago.
Myself, Rachel, Nicole and Caitlin will be sailing this ship forward, but we'd still love to hear from you if you want to be a part of our movement. To everyone who's ever been a part of Music Villains -- you're the beez kneez, and I'm going to shower you in gummy bears and fizzy drinks when I get the chance to.
We post three times a week, and those days tend to change depending on how busy our lives get. Our theme for this month is 'Beginnings', and I hope you're as excited as I am to read through this month's content.
Drop us an ask sometime if you're feeling lonely. We have hot chocolate and pin badges and guess what? We're sharing.
It's been a while since we've spoke, hasn't it? That ain't a fun time for anybody, so we apologise for that! All we're asking is that you hold on just that little bit longer for us, because we promise (and just like Rapunzel, when we make promises, we never, ever, ever break those promises) that everything we're working towards right now is going to be worth the wait!
Also, we're looking for writers and photo/videographers to join our family! You don't need experience, just an appreciation for damn awesome music. If you're interested, just like this post and we'll send you an askbox message with all of the details!
We love you guys. So much.
Just bare with us whilst we get our feet off the ground!
"Mission South is an adventure through the rolling hills of roots music. A train ride filled with sounds of both city and countryside. The scenic route that also mingles in dark turns where liquor lives and women tell red lipstick secrets. The stories are sung and the truth is played. Grab your suitcase and come along for the ride."
I have to ask, where did the name MISSION SOUTH come from?
Dan: Everyone thinks it's some reference to the deep south, which I suppose is understandable, but the name actually originated in California. Dan was teaching surfing at a summer camp in Santa Cruz, and he had a friend there who would save up all his money every year to travel to south america and go surfing in the southern hemisphere. He did it every year like clock work, and he called it his "mission south." We really admired how this guy had found what made him happy, so we adopted the name, and we think of it as an allegory for that idea of finding your place in the world.
You guys have been on tour for two weeks already with 10 more shows to go. How has the run been to this point? Which city has hosted the best show so far?
Dan: Well, we're a little late on the turn around here, but overall the best shows were as follows:
New York City -- For whatever reason we're doing really well here, and it's awesome to be big in the big apple.
New Orleans -- Played Tulane's Crawfest opening for the Funky Meters. The only the bigger than the stage was the 3 metric tons of crawfish they hauled in.
Boulder, CO -- Played the legendary Fox Theater. You know who has played there?! Everyone ever.
Ithaca, NY -- No one parties harder than college kids. NO ONE.
You recently released a new EP, Migration Vol. 2 on April 9th. Describe the record in one word.
Dan: Brunch -- the best of both breakfast and lunch with some alcohol on the side.
Your first album, Tall Tales from Mohican Hills was released in 2009. How have you all changed or grown in the 4 years between that release and your most recent?
Dan: /Laughs/ I didn't even know that record counted? Can you still find it? Tall Tales was our High School EP. That said, it had some cool songs on it for some teenage jerk offs who liked Sublime and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. But in all seriousness, one thing that has carried over since the beginning is just a sense of adventure in our songs. Not limiting ourselves to typical songs with typical grooves. What has changed is our sound. Someone recently described our sound is having "Blues grit, combined with pop sensibility, and folk sensitivity." I think that is an accurate description (as accurate as music descriptions can be), and that it reflects how we changed. We've grown into that sound.
Along with you, a lot of band have just released new albums and EPs. What are some new releases that you guys have picked up and been listening to lately? Any future releases you're looking forward to?
Dan: I've really been into Alt-J's new record, an Awesome Wave. All of us LOVE Kendrick Lamar's Good Kid, m.A.A.d city. That album is epic; it has a fresh sound, and all of it is so honest and real -- that realness and honesty is what we're trying to achieve musically, so it's inspiring. I also really like JT's 20/20. It might seem funny that our band listens to these pop and rap records, since we're more on the rock spectrum but I think it's a good representation of our goals. No album sounds like 20/20, Good Kid, m.A.A.d city or an Awesome Wave, and that's ultimately what we're trying to achieve with Mission South.
You each attended different colleges in individual states (New Orleans, Virginia, and Vermont) all while continuing as a band and playing shows. What good or bad effects did this have on the band? What did you guys do to keep the relationship and band as strong as you did?
Dan: To keep it strong we just played together whenever we were in the same place. At first it was just in the summers. By senior year though we actually started travelling to each other's schools on weekends to play shows -- flying and driving around the country-- it was pretty insane doing that on top of school, I think we're lucky we all graduated. On the bad side, it was hard for us to write new songs and hard for us to come up with new stuff to do live when we weren't together. We could nail the songs we'd recorded without even rehearsing but to take it beyond that without having an extensive time together was difficult.
"Migration Vol. 2" is the second instalment of the 3-part Migration series. What encouraged you guys do to a trilogy project? Is there a certain theme that the 3 volumes have?
Dan: The theme is our transition from being students, kids, and part time musicians, to being a professional, touring and recording band with a definitive sound. We thought "hey, wouldn't it be cool to chronicle this development and have our earliest fans see our development and growth?" Plus we don't want to be shoving a full-length album down peoples throats while we're still on the come up. We want to work towards it so that when we get to that full length people will be excited about it and it'll be a big deal on its own.
What can Mission South fans expect from the band for the rest of 2013?
Dan: Another tour in Fall 2013 -- possibly going out as far as California? we'll see. Writing some new material for sure. And there are rumors going around that there will be a recording and video of our version of Prince's "Kiss" mmmmm that song is delicious.
Your closing words. Hit us with them.
Dan: To our fans? Yeah. We love you. Really love you. Like stalker love you. Where do you live?
It's been a while since the UK has been greeted with such a hearty pop-punk line-up, so it's unsurprising when 90% of the shows on this tour sell out before the doors are opened for the almost starved pop-punkers (and when they are opened? It's a riot). The bill sees Gnarwolves and The American Scene open for the highly credited The Story So Far at a sold-out Birmingham Asylum.
Opening their set with Roam, The Story So Far are nothing if not interactive with their crowds. Without a barricade, The Asylum is the perfect venue for the band, and it's been made quite clear from the start that if you aren't diving from the stage or jumping on your best friend's shoulders (only to be knocked from them by said rowdy crowds surfers moments later), then you're doing it wrong. The set transitions into Daughters, a song that has everybody rushing to the front to try and grab hold of the microphone.
A break in the set sees frontman, Parker Cannon, commending those who have spent a good amount of time travelling to see the band tonight, dedicating 680 South and Mt. Diablo (a definite crowd favourite) out of sincere gratitude. Other stand out performances include High Regard, Right Here, and Empty Space (after a reticently debuted music video).
All throughout the set, the fans stay on top of their game as the band keep them on their toes, playing songs from their debut record, 'Under Soil And Dirt', but adding a generous amount of material from their newest release, 'What You Don't See'.
It's quite easy to see why The Story So Far are doing so well for themselves. Their live shows are what make them as musicians, and are a definitely a must see for all. If you haven't had the chance to yet, make sure you catch them at this year's Slam Dunk Festivals, or on the Vans Warped Tour all summer long.
Z!ng Revolution is still looking for Warped Tour volunteers!
Still looking to volunteer at Warped Tour? Come be a part of a fun team and help with an interactive campaign for Z!ng Revolution!
Z!ng Revolution? What’s that?
Z!ng Revolution creates custom accessories for electronics so you can personalize and protect them. This summer we will be selling phone cases and other accessories with the official Warped Tour art. Check us out online! http://www.zingrevolution.com
What will I do?
• Arrive at the venue at 9am to help with set up.
• Aid in selling merch.
• Assist with multiple acoustic sets and artist signings.
• Help out with our photo booths throughout the day.
• Pass out fliers and other items.
• Help pack up the tent at 6pm.
REQUIREMENTS: Be 16+, have own transportation to venue, and be able to work from 9am - 6pm. Show up ready to work and have a positive attitude!
All volunteers will get a working wristband, which allows you to get into the venue for free. While you will get to enjoy a couple bands you are also expected to work hard! Last year, taking my awesome volunteers onstage for their favorite band was a fun way to say thank you - you get from the opportunity what you put into it!
• Name, age, and city / date you would like to volunteer.
• Tell me about yourself! What experience do you have in the music industry? Have you street teamed before? What would you eventually love to do in the industry?
• If you and a friend would like to work together, PLEASE apply in one email!
Hope to see some of the WATK community this summer!
jacobvanloon
baratheonpilled
ellievsbear
izzy806
