Homecoming Surprise

Plymouth State held its annual Homecoming and family Celebration event this past weekend. Novelties were handed out, student orgs participated in competitions, and students reunited with their families from all around the country. Part of the annual celebration is a big concert that takes place in the court room upstairs in the Hartman Union Building, and this year Hawthorne Heights was the main performance. Opening up for them was Plymouth's own Legends of Crawford. Both bands gave a taste of some real hardcore music that was truly pulsating.

I walked into the opening set a little late, but as soon as I stepped inside, I knew I was in for a treat. Legends of Crawford are a four piece hardcore band from Plymouth, NH. The boys all met at a house on 6B Crawford St. last school year. One member (one of three vocalists, Ben King) lived at the apartment and the other three attended parties at the legendary house or just hung out with some of the people who lived there. All members shared a love for music, and not just any music but all sorts of rock. Lead member, King, has aspired to be in a band since his younger brother started one up called Young Mountain, but it wasn't until this past summer that Ben finally put together the band of his dreams. Their music is inspired by the memories they shared at 6B throughout the year, and those memories are captured well with their music. At the concert, there wasn't a huge turn-out, but that's what's to be expected at Plymouth State's homecoming. Legends of Crawford definitely brought a large following, though as all their friends were front and center screaming every word to the songs. A circle pit was even started when LOC played their heaviest song- not really what Plymouth students (and their parents) were expecting at the homecoming concert. LOC is a band to watch out for. Their stage presence is impeccable, their lyrics are honest, and the music can only get better with another year of college to look forward to. Their set opened up well to old school band, Hawthorned Heights.

Most students expected Hawthorne Heights to have a mediocre performance, since the band has been off the map for waht seems to be a decade. AP recently listed Hawthorne Heights along with Good Charlotte, Sum 41, Yellowcard, and Simple Plan as the "Comeback Kids". I even laughed a little inside when I heard the old timer was coming to play for homecoming, the only song I think anyone remembers is "Ohio is for Lovers". Sadly, this was the truth and Hawthorne Heights didn't give a stellar performance, and had a smaller turn out than LOC did. The death of their original guitar player and screamer, Casey Calvert, could have to do with the lack of stage presence, because it seemed as though the entire band wasn't very excited about playing for us. Lead singer, JT Woodruff, stood still and sang in his squeaky teenage voice, and the other members participated in cliche rock star acts (the bass player, Matt Ridenour, did some half-way splits and the usual head banging). Despite their lack of an amazing show, the boys of Hawthorne Heights treated the people who put on the show with great respect, which is uncommon these days.

Overall the homecoming celebrat at Plymouth this year was a success. Legends of Crawford had a great show, and definitely made a name for themselves at the concert Saturday night. Hawthorne Heights may hae been a dissapointment to me, but I'm sure it was a good show for the kids that looked up to them back in 2001. Check out Legends of Crawford on their always updated facebook page, and give a listen to Hawthorne Height's new album, Skeletons.

Just Greenery and Humid Air

Hellooooo summer time! I haven't written a blog in a while because I've been enjoying my summer too much. So far I've been to my cottage, the beach, BOMB fest, etc... So far nothing too eventful, but it's been relaxing and productive. I've been working a lot and seeing good friends.

I went to BOMB fest as I talked about in my last blog. It wasn't everything that I'd hoped, but I'm glad I went. I was put in ticketing and the info booth. So the whole time I scanned people's tickets, told them how to get to the bathroom, and find merch. I saw a ton of crazy indie people, weird cracked out adults, and some normal people too. I was hoping that I'd get to see some bands like Of Montreal and Mute Math but I just heard them from afar instead. After my shift was over I decided to just go home because my mom was making lobster, and I wanted to make it home for that.. I wish I could have stayed though, and really experience what BOMB is all about. Regardless it was a cool experience and I plan on doing more stuff like that in the future.

This summer I'm really excited to help out some friends with their band. It's called Aesthetic Waves, and it's a post-hardcore sort of band. I went to get coffee with one of the members, and we discussed how awesome it would be to do some real legit promoting for it, and try to get more shows and such. As of now I might be their new merch girl, but nothing is set in stone. He texted me yesterday, and they have been offered to play a show at a place in CT called "The Space", which is really sweet! I'm totally excited for them, and can't wait to see what comes out of this.

I guess this is what my blog will turn into this summer, a way for me to discuss the progress for Aesthetic Waves, and of course more music related events that happen for me this summer. Next up for "AW" will hopefully be a band meeting to talk about the future of the band, and speeding up progress. Who knows...but whatever happens will definitely be fun for everyone!

BOMB fest

My dillema on going to BOMB fest or not has ended (for the most part). I was reading the facebook discussion board for the festival, and saw that someone asked about volunteering. I read into the volunteering options that BOMB fest has, and I'm very excited to say that I have a 70% chance of filling those positions. The lady that I emailed about it was so nice, and totally willing to accept volunteers so last minute. I just hope I can do a job that will actually give me some good experience. Can't have too high of hopes though...BOMB fest is in 17 days!
In replacement of Brand New, 30 Seconds to Mars is playing. A slightly larger bamd, but not necessarily my favorite.
The lineup includes:
- Lupe Fiasco
- 30 Seconds to Mars
- Of Montreal
- Girl Talk
- Mute Math
- The Cool Kids
- Roots of Creation
- Christine Olham & Rebel Montez
- 40 oz. to Freedom
- MORE MORE MORE!!
There is also a buuuuunch more local bands that are playing. Mostly from CT, but some from LA, Louisina, Maine, and Florida! This should definitely be an interesting fest, and I'm pumped that I might get to be behind it all.

correction

I'm very sad to say that what I wrote in my last blog post was false. Well it wasn't at the time, but the next day it was. Brand New has been dropped from the line-up for B.O.M.B fest this summer, and I couldn't be more upset. I don't know why exactly that is, but if I learn why I'll say. So this means that I don't know if I'm still going to B.O.M.B fest or not anymore since it's $50, but we'll see.

In other news the latest issue of AP Magazine is absolutely to die for. First off, one of my favorite bands in the entire world, Chiodos, had a 3 page spread, explaining the new stuff that they will be putting out this summer without the acclaimed frontman, Craig Owens. I loved Craig Owens in Chiodos, and I love his other work as well (solo work, Cinematic Sunrise, and Isles and Glaciers), but I'm excited to hear what Chiodos has to come. The new singer, Brandon Balmer, should be a quite interesting addition to the band since he has a completely different voice than Craig does, but who knows. I'm glad this article was done by AP because I was really anticipating the news on Chiodos' new stuff, and it's really the first thing that has been released about it. I can't wait for the new album!! Also in the #263 issue of AP, Circa Survive was featured. The article was primarily about the struggle in writing their latest album, Blue Sky Noise, after a two year break from anything Circa. It talked of Anthony Green's personal life and the struggles that he has inside of him, and it really touched my heart. I never really liked Circa Survive that much, but lately I've been listening to the last two albums a lot, and it was nice to read about the band. If you like Circa Survive, make sure to get your hands on this issue of AP.

AP Magazine also featured a section about "The AP Innovators of 2010" which was SO interesting for me to read because most of the people that were featured were working in the music industry. Others were DIY artists. My favorite was Tom DeLonge and Jimmy Throgmorton and their invention of modlife.com. I've been working all semester on a project for one of my classes that was to make a business presentation and report on a new product of your choice. So I chose Macbeth shoes. So throughout my research I learned about modlife.com since both were created by Tom DeLonge. I love him. Everything he does is for the benefit of music, and nothing else. For their company they wrote how they "[Want] to make a living, but [they're] not doing it because [they're] trying to get rich off of someone else's talent. [They're] there to support people and help them in any way [they] can." Modlife.com is a website that allows artists and fans to interact with one another, and it is the first of its kind. It really is a great invention that needs more recognition.

I especially loved this issue of AP because of that section. Each one of those artists said something about following your dreams, and it was truly inspiring for me. One said (though I don't remember which), don't let anything get in the way of your dreams, and make sacrifices for it. And that is exactly what I'm going to have to do.

Long story short...READ AP MAGAZINE #263!

i need the smell of summer..i need it's noises in my ears

Summer is coming (for me there are 20 days until summer) and that means beaches, popsicles, mowed lawns, and concerts..lots and lots of concerts. There are currently four that I can definitely attend, but I'm not sure if I will be able to yet, which is beside the point. I'm for sure going to the Vans Warped Tour, and BOMB fest. But I would also like to see The Devil Wears Prada on thier "Back to the Roots Tour", and Alexisonfire.

Warped Tour is always my favorite part of summer. It's the one day of the year where I spend all day doing one of the things I love most..seeing bands live. It's such a thrill, and having the tour outside during the summer time makes it so much better. My first Warped Tour was in Boston on a gross rainy day. Actually there were tornado warnings that day too, but that didn't stop anyone from having a good time. While Four Year Strong was playing, it was raining SO hard, and kids were sliding down the soaking wet grass hill behind the stage. Everyone should attend at least one Warped Tour, it is definitely a site to see.

BOMB fest is an event that I'm definitely excited for this year. It is a small festival that is sponsored by B.O.M.B (Bring Our Music Back, Inc.). This is a festival in Connecticut at the Durham fair grounds, and it is suspected that the festival will hit New Orleans next year. The lineup includes all sorts of artists including, Brand New (STOKED), Girl Talk, Of Montreal, and Lupe Fiasco. This is definitely a show to see due to the range of artists that it is bringing along. I'm excited to see how it turns out!

The Devil Wears Prada is definitely one of my favorite bands to see live. They bring so much excitement to the crowd, and put out a good show for everyone. This summer they will be touring all over the US throughout the entire summer at small venues. Front man Mike Hranica told TheyWillRockYou.com that their mission is to, "play little hole-in-the-wall places where fans can be right there in front of the stage, where [they] can hand someone a mic and really have the fans be an active part of the show." That sounds awesome, and I definitely need to find a way to get there. The best part is having the shows be at small venues, so the tickets are usually pretty cheap! For me...$15!

Alexisonfire is also touring this summer with bands including Trash Talk, La Dispute, and Therefore I Am. Primarily I want to go to this concert because I've never seen Alexisonfire play, and I feel like it'd be worth the money. Also, La Dispute is a band that I've got a special place in my heart for for some reason. Their sound is pretty different compared to other bands in their genre, and is fun to listen to because you really have to listen in order to hear what they're saying. That doesn't sound good to most, but for La Dispute you need to listen because they're telling a story that makes you want to listen. I really want to see La Dispute while they're still a small band, and this tour seems like the perfect time.

So this summer make sure to wear your sunscreen and check out some bands :D happy campin!

my boys..again

Pictures of my two favorites. Jeremy and Christofer. Jeremy is on the top and Christofer is on the bottom. Enjoy.

Jeremy

super duper cute

So I feel really wierd writing this post, but I just had to. I think about it all the time, and it's something I was just thinking about..so here I am writing a blog about all the super duper cute boys that rock the music industry. These guys aren't just irresistibly hot because of their outer appearence either. They have incredible ambitions and a heart full of love.

Christofer Drew:
A nineteen year old solo artist from Joplin, Missouri is super duper cute, and I can't stand it. Those are lyrics from his song Can't Stand It off of his latest album What is Love? He calls his music Never Shout Never, and every song that he puts out is bubbly and usually about love. Everything that this guy does is all about the love. Love for music, love for girls, and love for family. If you ever check out his myspace...www.myspace.com/nevershoutnever, you will notice this. His "about me" section says, "My name is Christofer Drew. I am nineteen. I make music for expression, not a paycheck." and to follow that up he writes, "I smell real bad (lack of bathing) I don't believe in shoes." That is just too darn adorable. All of his clothes are extremely vintage. At a show you will most commonly see him wearing a sailor's cap, tight ripped jeans, a very sophisticated scarf, and a suit jacket..oh and of course, bare feet. AP magazine says, that his music is "breezy and downright whimsical". I find it incredible that he is so in touch with his music not for the fame but purely for the love of it. That's hard to find in solo artists now in days..take Justin Bieber for example. The kid is 15 and is pretty much only famous because he is so cute. Drew has the best of both worlds, cute and extremely talented.

Jeremy McKinnon:
Now this guy is more of my usual type. Lead singer of A Day to Remember, Jeremy is the definition of a hot hardcore guy. What makes him so delicious in my opinion is how funny he and his band are. After watching every youtube episode leading up to the release of thier newest album, Homesick, I laugh every time I hear him speak. They make fun of eachother every chance they get, and it's just stupid jokes that you have with your friends. By watching these videos you can really feel connected to A Day to Remember, and since Jeremy is the lead singer and usually the focus of the videos; you mostly feel connected to him. When Homesick was released I later got the deluxe special edition, which features a DVD about their experience out on the 2009 Vans Warped Tour. In this Jeremy constantly makes fun of himself by pretty much making himself seem like a concieted jerk. He is obviously not the way he makes himself out to be though. He is actually a very nice and heartfelt guy. In the video a lot of thier sets from Warped Tour are filmed, and in one of them they focus on what Jeremy tells the crowd. He says something along the lines of, "Don't listen to what your friends tell you to do. Go out there today and have a good time. Fuck my favorite band on this tour is NOFX, who knew. Listen to the bands you want to listen to, don't listen to what anyone tells you to do." From that point on I knew I loved Jeremy McKinnon. That's my modo. We are meant to be.