Always A Day To Remember

I could be biased but 'A Day To Remember' are one of the coolest band on the planet. They have become one of them rare bands to rise from their own scene, "metal" and create a unique sound which appeals to everyone. From the heavy breakdowns to soothing ballads, singalongs to all round fun guys. This was the third time seeing the band but first time headlining their own show and it seriously was headline worthy.

The day for us started with some drinks in the sun and food at 'The Old Distillery' which could do with some improvement when it comes to food, it was either bland or overpowered garlic, but $3 beer is always helpful. Once we finished up all fresco we took the small walk to The Slyvee, still in its infancy as a venue but certainly not from the acts that have come through the doors, selling out shows every week it seems! Tonight was no different with the 'Raising Hell In The Heartland' tour. 

The first band to start the show was a UK band, 'Boston Manor', who I have interviewed many moons ago on a street in my home town, it is good to see how far they have come. There show reflected that ethos as well, working as a tight knit group of brothers playing passionate radio friendly rock. Second support tonight was, 'Knocked Loose' a raw energetic bunch of guys looking to cause trouble. Their sound is heavy and rough around the edges, not something i can get into live but okay to have briefly on a playlist.

Then it was time for the show to get kicked up a notch! From the get go, 'ADTR' were not going to take this tour/set lightly, they went all out playing hit after hit from their full discography. What excited me most was the amount of tracks they played off their official debut album, 'Homesick' an amazing and ever playable album to play on full. The band had everyone in the small venue captivated and on board with letting loose, giving out t-shirts, getting a fan on stage for their birthday and an emotional acoustic sing along for good measure. The show was one of the most memorable I have ever been to and I was drunk! Thanks to 'ADTR' for giving us a night to remember. 

 

Famous Last Words from The Annex

The mid west is hotting up this summer season, there are lots of huge shows for 2019 coming through the Madison area, especially at The Annex/Red Zone which recently saw, 'Famous Last Words' grace the doors. 

Celebrating the 10th anniversary as a band, 'Famous Last Word' lead vocalist (JT) feels "like [it has been] a long road, that has tested" him but still would not give up the feeling of writing music, being on the road and playing to crowds of fans. JT's passion for music started with the discovery of musicals and continues to adore them to this day, "my favorite musical would be a hard one to pick but one that inspired one of our albums was Phantom of the Opera". Just like the dramatic production of musicals, JT likes to ramp up the adrenaline when putting on their own show.

The show at The Annex was no small show, housing six bands on one stage. The local openers were 'Waiting For Reason' & 'Of Brighter Skies' two strong acts that I will be checking out in the near future as they made their presence known. The start of the travelling acts was, 'At My Mercy' a very young band both physically and on the scene they sound like they are still finding their sound and stride but a valiant effort. 

The next support was looking to steal the show, 'Awake At Last' arrived with their huge hooks and chorus, similar to the likes of early 'Set It Off' and later 'Slaves'. We spoke to the front man (Vincent) about what makes the band tick. "The music [we play] comes from us as a band wanting change, we want people to do the same as us, to follow their dreams, to keep pushing themselves froward, to hopefully make the world a better place." Like the last few words dictated, they are not about changing little things they want to make a big difference to a lot of people, not just from the music but though their live shows as well, "the real connection with our music is through the live shows, where we can hopefully build a movement". They more than proved that with their set tonight, although it was short they delivered on every level connecting with a lot of fans.

The final support act to play was the veterans called, 'Dayshell' a well rehearsed show drawing in a large crowd, as per usual they delivered a great set. Then it was time for the headliners, 'Famous Last Words' to wrap the show up with a career spanning montage of scream along tracks. It will not be long again before they are ready to rock the stage as they will be back here in August for another hot show with Oh, Sleeper. 

There is only one thing i can say, with these famous last words... it would be, pre-order Awake At Last debut album, out June 25th!

A Believer of Brat Fest.

The World Famous Brat Fest returns to the sacred grounds of Alliant energy center for a fun weekend for all the family. Thankfully, the weekend remained dry and warm for the thousands that came to eat up their brats with all profits going to local charities, they managed to sell upwards of 200,000. Awesome figures, as always there was also a large number of attendees at the site as well as Brats at work day, again raising so much money for amazing causes.

As well as the great brats there is the great music of local and national talent. Due to working I was only able to soak in the Friday highlights. A band that I have wanted to see for a while, Smashmouth headlined the main stage of the night bringing everyone together in a mass singalong. Although the band has gotten older since their nineties and naughtiest fame, they did not bring out an old act. They played an exciting show full of energy, delivering tracks from their whole back catalog, as well as some fresh new sounds. The highlight from the night was the double singalong whammy from, 'I'm A Believer' & 'Allstar'. With the famous Shrek song of believer bringing in a flash mob of people dressed up as Shrek characters. This will be a night families will remember together until next year. 

Northwoods growing tall

Northwoods only just came on my radar this year and hearing their double A side singles, I liked them so much I sent the five piece from Boston, Massachusetts, some questions to answer, enjoy below.

 

 

1/ Please introduce yourself and what you bring to the band. 

Zach – vocals

Anthony – guitar

Nacho – guitar

Jon – bass

Derek – drums

2/ To help people to get know you more, what would be the main reason you play and write music?

 Zach – I write music because it's a passion for me. There's so much expression that goes into it, and release that emotion and connect with the audience is just truly special.

Anthony – emotional outlet, to connect with people, to express myself, to create beauty, to cope, for love of music

Nacho – I play and write music for the mere sake of it, to express something that's inexpressible through plain words, to bring out whats deep inside my subconcious

Jon – to create something I love and am proud of, to travel and meet people

Derek – I'm not much of a songwriter, but I'm always chasing the emotional release and human connection that performing music can bring

3/ Your debut EP came out two years ago, how have things changed individually and as a band since then? Would you change anything if you went back to making the first EP again?

We've all become much better musicians since the EP. We're so much better at writing music than we were back then, both individually and as a unit. If we were to do that EP now it would probably sound a lot different, but we're definitely proud of it and excited about the opportunities it has given us.

4/ What would be one stand out or positive moment from the start of the band till present?

Oh man, there's been so many great moments (and a lot of not so great moments that come along with it).Its always really special when this band enables us to visit new places and meet new people. You also can't top the feeling of seeing people sing along, no matter how many shows you play.

5/ The band has worked with a lot of other great touring bands over the few years, would you say you have a favourite or one you connected with the most? 

We've become pretty good friends with Young Culture and Belmont. Both of those bands are going to really blow up in the next couple of years. Make sure you check them out if you haven't yet.

6/ If you could pick any living band to share the stage with who would it be?

Zach – Bring Me the Horizon

Anthony – Counterparts

Nacho – Nickelback

Jon – Bring Me the Horizon

Derek – Touche Amore

7/ You just released a double edge single of delight, on love//on loss. Could you not pick between your preferred single? Why did you release it that way? 

These are stand alone singles, not tied to any larger release. We really wanted to create two songs that contrasted musically and lyrically, yet fit nicely together. We wanted to keep the contrast of “Ebb & Flow” going and these songs are meant to bridge the gap between that EP and our next release.

8/ What was the process when writing and producing these singles?

We wrote a demo version of On Loss nearly two years ago before we had even released the EP. When we went into the studio for production with our friend Charlie Abend in Lowell, MA we ended up writing On Love almost entirely in the studio. The tracks then got sent over to Jay Maas for mixing and mastering. These songs have a long process behind them and we're so excited to finally show them to the world.

9/ Speaking of the titles of the tracks, what and when did you last lose/ felt love for something? 

Zach – The last loss I experienced was a family friend that was a part of the local music scene, Ike May, who was the singer/guitarist for my cousins band A Common Goal. The first local shows I attended were theirs.

10/ Being from Boston, MA. Please represent your area where is good to go hang out, see, eat, etc. Also what is the local scene like? 

The local scene in Massachusetts is solid, lots of variety and great people. Hangout at the Quincy Quarries and Lynch Skatepark. Eat at Maggianos, Tacos Lapita, The Plough & Stars, and South St Diner. Also be sure to check out Northwoods' new favourite spot; Twisted Escape Room.

11/ Any famous last words/comments...

Yeeeeeeeehaw

 

Check out more from the band here: https://www.facebook.com/NorthwoodsNewEngland/

Tickle My Tiki TOURch

Many punk/skate rock acts from the 80’s/90’s have either dissolved out of existence or evolved into something that sells out. Neither of these can be said about, ‘Reel Big Fish’ who have kept the torch lit with their infectious danceable melodies.

Before the heavy hitters of ‘RBF’ hit the stage, there were fellow bands, ‘We Are The Union’ and ‘Ballyhoo’ to warm the crowd up. ‘We Are The Union’ are a Michigan band full of energy and heart as they win over new fans tonight. However, the case maybe not the same for Ballyhoo who do deliver their long 40 minute set without much interaction or charismas. They do please some members of the audience as they can pen a soulful beat, just nothing hard hitting.

 As the clock struck 10pm it was time most audience members were waiting all day for, to party down, Ska punk style. The first song off the set list, ‘Take on me’ was a sure fire sing along complete with a dance pit. Not once did I witness the show becoming tame as they had everyone involved from doing the fish to singing asshole. These guys nailed the show and tour, with their hit filled set complete with covers and brand new track, ‘U can’t have all of me’ (see picture for complete list). A lot of acts in the music industry today aim for different experiences or political angle when putting on a show but these guys just came to celebrate life by making sure everyone left with a smile on their face. A job well done, keep rocking.

 

Wondrous WUD

Another great tour rolls into this town, this time for free! Thanks to members of the WUD (Wisconsin Union) a special show took place at The Sett (University of Wisconsin) featuring a boat load of punk talent. AJJ, Kimya Dawson, Laura Stevenson and Shell Shag all came together for a joint tour, including Madison as one of the opening shows.  

Starting early was the two piece called Shell Shag, full of energy and chaotic rhythms they put on an interesting and exciting show, especially with their one piece band kit (see images online for more). Next was Laura Stevenson a much calmer performer as she introduced herself but no less powerful, as the first song made people stop in their tracks. The echoes of love and pain were delivered beautifully in her own unique style. You could feel these songs were personal to this individual, as she sang and played guitar you could not help but get lost on her poetry.

From one strong vocalist to the next as Kimya Dawson hit the stage to a rapturous applause. From the Mouldy Peaches to sea chastise, children rhymes to political poetry, Kimya covered it all in this delightful set. Being a fan of the Juno soundtrack for over ten since its release, I was pleased to meet the other half of the Mouldy Peaches, Kimya. Kimya D and Adam Green, aka the Mouldy peaches were pinnacle in setting the movie its innocent and honest tone. It has and always will be a favourite of mine so I was excited when I heard the amazing vocals of Kimya pay tribute to that part of her career. Track after track was delivered in her own beautiful way with confidence and passion.

Lastly, the night was closed by fellow punk stars AJJ, whom earlier this year sold out a big venue in the city. Tonight is no different with the atmosphere hopping and crowd growing as the guys hit the stage. Their set contains only highs in my opinion, as they become masters of their own sound, certainly ones to keep track of when they hit Madison again.

Make sure to keep up to date with events from the University of Wisconsin unions via their social media and websites. They are continuously offering great shows at either a cheap or free rate, so no excuses to check out some new and original sounds!

Seeing Red

Fierce and fiery is the perfect words to describe the debut single from new age rocker, Blake Red.

The hot ‘n’ fresh track, ‘Face It’ is burning through everyone’s playlist as one to hear and repeat. Like the songs title and lyrics suggest, you can’t resist, you must listen and face the shear passion of this marvellous artists performance.

 

Judging Blake by the debut track may leave some to question, why they haven’t heard of her before as it sounds mature and professional. But it was musical influences that shaped her; Blake grew up in the “angst-filled 90s”, developing a “rebellious spirit from her metal forefathers of Alice in Chains and Tool”. Not settling for anything short of loud Blake has started to built up a torrent of since releasing her epic single and video teaser.

 

Blake Red is just getting started and is almost ready to unleash her debut EP onto the world so watch out because this one star that will make you hear and feel the music every time.