HM News Update: Week Ending 2-24
Victory Signs Nodes of Ranvier
Victory Records recently announced the signing of Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s Nodes of Ranvier. Band leader Jon Parker gets right to the point by saying, “This band has been through many ups and downs in its seven year existence. What started in a cramped room in my parents’ basement has grown to international exposure. For a bunch of kids from South Dakota it has been quite a ride and we have achieved more than we ever originally imagined.” Parker goes on to state, “We could not be any more excited about the opportunity to continue to do what we love with a label that understands what it means to have humble beginnings and achieve big dreams. This band will maintain its neck jerking pace and the material for our upcoming release will reflect our fluent ability to make music that drives this band forward. Nodes’ main objective will continue to be to exude the energy on tour, in our live performances and in our records that we have for the love of what we do.” Nodes of Ranvier’s last album for Facedown Records has sold over 15,000 copies since its late 2005 release. The band will be heading into the studio later this month to record their Victory Records debut to be released this July.
New Nate Allen Ministry Launching
HM contributing writer Nate Allen has partnered with Promised Land Fellowship to follow a calling to help hurting people and to live as an ambassador of love and restoration singing in the clubs, basements, churches and bars around the US. "When I moved to San Francisco two and half years ago, I had no idea what lay in store. Within a few months of my move I began to deal with severe depression, loneliness and fear. Over that first year, I was worn down to the point if I wasn't around people I would cry. Life became a cycle of desperate prayers and honest songs. Looking back now, I am thankful for the process. My ideas, character, and faith have been shaped in ways and God has been steadily at work to take my bitter, broken and fearful identity and build me into the man I am to be. In short, I am changed." confesses Allen. "If you could remember me in your prayers, it would be greatly appreciated. I am venturing in many places that are in desperate need of God's love. His tangible presence and grace will be required every step of the way to make this journey a success." For more information on specific needs or to donate please visit destroynateallen.com.
The Chariot Rides Again In 2007
Solid State recording artist, The Chariot has announced a national tour this March with label-mates Norma Jean and Ferret Music’s A Life Once Lost. The Atlanta, GA based Chariot are in the midst of preparing their second full-length album, The Fiancée for an April release. Armed with technical skill, creativity and head-tripping unpredictability in song structures, the band rests on a post-hardcore plateau of their own. Their music utilizes guitar noise, squeals and dissonance as riffs that rarely repeat in the same song, fractured tempos, fluctuating rhythmic attacks and one of the most commanding and legitimately pissed off vocals since Tim Singer fronted Deadguy. Speaking on the difference between the upcoming album and 2004’s debut, Everything Is Alive, Everything Is Breathing… vocalist Josh Scogin says “I believe this album is a lot more mature, musically and lyrically and will define who The Chariot is. The lyrics actually came out darker than anything I have ever put out in the past, which was not intentional since my life is actually brighter than it has ever been, it just sort of came out that way.” On playing live Scogin comments “The live show is the most fun of being in a band. We try to write songs that we feel passionate about playing every single night, whether we are in front of eight kids or fifteen hundred.” Though fierce in his music, Scogin in known to fans for his warm, inviting persona, often cracking jokes in-between songs and speaking to a crowd of hundreds as if he is spinning yarns around the campfire. However during songs, The Chariot take to playing like a gladiator in the coliseum with guitar heads being swung in full arcs, mic stands being demolished and one time Scogin relates “our drummer threw his high hats and stand into our bassists eyeball.”
All dates w/ Norman Jean & A Life Once Lost
3/17 - Homewood, AL - Homewood Armory
3/18 - New Orleans, LA - House Of Blues
3/19 - Corpus Christi, TX - House Of Rock
3/21 - Dallas, TX - The Door
3/22 - Tulsa, OK - The Other Side
3/23 - Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theater
3/24 - El Paso, TX - Chic’s Bar
3/25 - Tucson, AZ - The Rock
3/27 - Ventura, CA - Alpine
3/28 - Orangevale, CA - Club Retro
3/30 - Ft Collins, CO - Aggie Theater
3/31 - Colorado Springs, CO - The Black Sheep
4/1 - Omaha, NE - Sokol Auditorium
4/2 - Springfield, MO - Remington’s Downtown
4/4 - Louisville, KY - Headliners Music Hall
4/5 - Grand Rapids, MI - Intersection
4/6 - Indianapolis, IN - Emerson Theater
4/7 - Toledo, OH - Headliners
4/9 - Clifton Park, NY - Northern Lights
4/10 - New Haven, CT - Toad’s Place
4/11 - Providence, RI - Lupo’s
4/12 - Lancaster, PA - Chameleon Club
4/14 - Charleston, SC - Music Farm
And in other Chariot news - The Chariot will be using the Eventful Demand service to let their fans compete for the bragging rights to the first performance of the new album. Fans from Atlanta, Nashville, Los Angeles, Dayton, Chicago, and Hoboken will be able to compete to see the Atlanta-based quintet perform the first CD Release show. "We are real excited about the idea of giving people a voice and letting them have the control over who they want to see and where!” said The Chariot. “We wish something like this was in place years ago." Fans can log on to eventful.com/thechariot, myspace.com/thechariot, or thechariot.com until February 26 to demand The Chariot plays their album release show in their town.
Meyers And NBC Go For A Second Date
Krystal Meyers is excited that her song, “Together,” from her latest album, Dying For A Heart, will continue to be used by NBC throughout 2007 for promotional purposes. Beginning last October, NBC called on the song to be used in promotional efforts behind their hit, drama Heroes. The network now has plans to include the song in several DVD releases of their hit primetime shows. The DVDs will be available between September and December of 2007. In addition, Krystal’s song will remain a feature on NBC’s music website for the rest of the year. “I am so excited to know that NBC is continuing to use my music for the upcoming year,” shares Krystal Meyers. “The NBC is obviously a huge part of the television world so it’s humbling and a little overwhelming to turn on the TV and hear my song as part of that show!”
Building 429 Ready With Something New
The members of award-winning band Building 429 recently gathered at SoundStage Studios in Nashville, to critique mixes of their forthcoming album, Iris to Iris. Produced by Brown Bannister (The Afters, Third Day) and mixed by F. Reid Shippen (India.Arie, Johnny Lang,) the record is due out May 1, 2007.
Evanescence Gets A Leg Up
Evanescence has announced the second leg of U.S. dates on their World Tour. Beginning in Fresno on March 16th, the rock group, featuring Amy Lee (vocals, piano, keyboards), Terry Balsamo (guitar), John LeCompt (guitar), Rocky Gray (drums), and Tim McCord (bass), will perform 14 dates in arenas. Chevelle and Finger Eleven will join Evanescence on this tour. Evanescence is also planning a third U.S. leg which will bring the band to arenas in major markets in the late spring/early summer.
Complete Itinerary:
3/16 - FRESNO, CA - SELLAND ARENA
3/17 - LAS VEGAS, NV - PEARL / PALM HOTEL
3/19 - LAS CRUCES, NM - PAN AMERICAN CTR
3/21 - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FORD CTR
3/22 - COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - MID AMERICA CTR
3/23 - CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - US CELLULAR CTR
3/25 - LITTLE ROCK, AR - ALLTEL ARENA
3/27 - LOUISVILLE, KY - LOUISVILLE GARDENS
3/28 - NASHVILLE, TN - GAYLORD MUSIC CTR
3/30 - NORFOLK, VA - CONSTANT CONV CTR
3/31 - HARTFORD, CT - DODGE MUSIC CTR
4/02 - READING, PA - SOVEREIGN CTR
4/04 - PROVIDENCE, RI - DUNKIN DOUGHNUTS CTR
4/05 - GLEN FALLS, NY - GLEN FALLS CIVIC CTR
Speaking Of Amy Lee...
Amy Lee of Evanescence will join Korn for a special performance on the upcoming MTV Unplugged special. The show premieres online on Friday, February 23rd and on-air on MTV on Friday, March 3rd. Check your local listings.
Brand New Music From Chevelle!
Visit www.chevelleinc.com to hear Chevelle's new single "Well Enough Alone" from their upcoming album Vena Sera which hits stores April 3. And don't forget, Chevelle will hit the road with Evanescence for a string of arena dates beginning March 16th in Fresno, CA. See above for tour details.
©2007 HM Magazine - All Rights Reserved
HERE IS SOME MORE NEWS FROM LAST WEEK:
MxPx Rejoins Tooth & Nail
MxPx has rejoined Tooth & Nail Records, re-establishing a strong and familiar relationship that dates back to the beginning of the legendary Washington state trio's illustrious recording and touring career. "There was nothing we didn't like about our last label, we just felt like we have to try new things and always keep things fresh," explains singer/guitarist Mike Herrera. "Tooth & Nail has grown tremendously as a label since we parted ways. In talking to the people there, there is a real enthusiasm for our band. It's awesome." The new album also reunites MxPx with Aaron Sprinkle, who produced the band's very first album, and went on to work with Pedro The Lion, Anberlin, Eisley and Emery, to name just a few. "It's going to be a good mix of stuff. It's going to be mixed with super pop and super fast, melodic punk rock. A lot of aggression, energy and hooks," Herrera enthuses.
Got a Phone? Get Militia
Text TMG to 23333 to get a new Militia Group sampler album! The sampler features 19 new songs from artists like Copeland, The Rocket Summer, Lakes, Jill Cunniff, Lovedrug and more!
Simply text TMG to 23333 from any cell phone (T-Mobile users excluded).You will receive a download code right on your cell phone which you enter in at www.textango.com to download the music!
HM Gets A Nice Nod
Yup...every once in a while, HM Magazine gets its own bit of coverage. Big thanks to Seth and Scene Points/Buzzgrinder. Check out all the fun here.
Love Drugs? Try Lovedrug
Lovedrug will take to the road this month on the $5 Acoustic Storytellers Tour to preview songs from their forthcoming sophomore LP, Everything Starts Where It Ends, due March 6 on The Militia Group. These limited settings will serve as a more intimate forum for songwriter Michael Shepard (vocal, guitar) and David Owen (guitar) to provide insight into the new material and a chance for fans to pre-order the album and receive an exclusive live EP. Following this 10-day jaunt, the Ohio-based foursome will head out with Plain White T's for a nine week tour, beginning March 4 in Green Bay, Wis. and will play the annual South by Southwest Music Festival. Check here for full tour details.
February 15 - Buffalo, N.Y. @ The Icon
February 16 - Lancaster, Pa. @ The Chameleon Club
February 24 - Dallas, Texas @ @ The Cavern
February 25 - Little Rock, Ark. @ Juanita's
February 26 - Memphis, Tenn. @ HiTone Cafe
February 27 - Cincinnati, Ohio @ The Mad Hatter
February 28 - Nashville, Tenn. @ The Basement
March 1 - Columbus, Ohio @ Skully's
March 2 - Akron, Ohio @ The Lime Spider
Knockout Kings Release Their First Video
The video for Knockout Kings' song "All Roads Lead Home" has gone up on their Myspace page. It is their first video and the song comes off their sophomore release on Doll House Recordings entitled The Kid's Got Heart!
Songwriting Finalists Announced
The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) has recently announced it's 2006 finalists and semi-finalists. Selected out of almost 15,000 entries from 88 countries, they represent all genres of contemporary music. For a complete list of 2006 ISC finalists and semi-finalists, please go here.
ISC winners are chosen from the group of finalists and will be announced in March.
Gospel/Christian Finalists
David Harper - Spring Hill, TN
Mark Warren/Joel Warren (Forty Days) - Pagosa Springs, CO
Barbara Angel - Gdansk, Poland
Chris Verdell - Columbus, MS
Bob Halligan Jr./Linda Halligan (Ceili Rain) - Syracuse, NY
Emeka Onyema (Vizion) - London, England
Dennis Reed, Jr.(Dennis Reed & GAP) - Charlotte, NC
Gary Norian (McKaylis Sisters) - Sugar Land, TX
Allison Sattinger - Culver City, CA
R. Hanson/A. Szpakowski/T. Beckles - Berrien Springs, MI
David Leask/Mary Ellen Beatty - Mississauga, ON, Canada
D. Hanburg/T. Hall/R. Thompson... (Revive) - Sydney, Australia
Healy/Pankhurst... (Zebulun) - Auckland, New Zealand
Up Up Up Adé, -Darren Sedor - Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Wings Of Love -Roma Waterman - Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Stormy Trees On Tour
See Hundred Year Storm tour with Between The Trees and Brooks Chambers.
Feb 15 6:00P Hi-tone Cafe - Memphis, TN
Feb 16 7:00P The Savannah - Lawton, Ok
Feb 17 7:00P King of Clubs - Claremore,OK
Feb 18 7:00P The Music Hall - Fayetteville,AR
Feb 21 7:00P Ellum On Stage - Dallas, Texas
Feb 22 7:00P Zapato's - College Station, TX
Feb 25 7:30p Emo's - Austin, TX
Shhh...The Giant Is Sleeping
Facedown Records has signed Redlands band Sleeping Giant. On their debut album Dread Champions of the Last Days, Sleeping Giant showcase an impressive range of song-styling that is rarely seen on a hardcore album. The song "Blame It On The Holy Rollers," recently posted on the band's myspace, boasts extensive guest death-vocals by Brook Reeves of Impending Doom. Sleeping Giant represent a great and terrible day when all living things will return to dust; and their sound is as formidable as one might suspect the apocalypse should be. Sleeping Giant charged onto the Redlands, CA scene in 2006 with their bold and powerful live show, where in addition to being entranced by ominous guitars, crowds are met with burning passion from articulate front man Thom Green. The sincerity behind the words that pour out from Green's mouth is deeply rooted in the band's unwavering love for their fellow man. Sleeping Giant are resolute in their goal to reach as many people as possible with their message of repentance; but their music is anything but single-minded. The diversity of sound on their debut Dread Champions of the Last Days is striking, and listeners will find the band's ability to morph seamlessly from one track to the next to be unforgettable. You can see them next month at Facedown Fest. Check the band's myspace for details.
Ooh...He's So Wordy
John Reuben’s Word Of Mouth is now out and he's hitting the road for a 40-city tour, along with a series of videos on both the YouTube.com and MySpace.com sites. Reuben will kick off his Word Of Mouth Tour in his hometown of Columbus, OH and zig-zag across the nation for the next two months. This week the first video in a special series will be unveiled online at both YouTube.com and Reuben’s MySpace site. The “mockumentary” styled video series follow last year’s 9-minute “pilot” featuring an exaggerated John Reuben alter-ego. The clip, produced by Reuben and his brother and recalling classic satires like Waiting For Guffman, found a large audience quickly, amassing over 175,000 views on Youtube.com and setting the stage for these upcoming video clips. Fans can anticipate 17 video clips beginning this week through the end of May, with one releasing online each week. Find the full list of tour dates here.
02/15 - Tulsa, OK - The Other Side
02/16 - Dallas, TX - Ellum: Onstage
02/17 - Texarkana, TX - Fusion Student Center
02/18 - Houston, TX - Java Jazz
02/20 - Borger, TX - Frank Phillips College Auditorium
02/22 - Roswell, NM - Church on the Move
02/23 - Phoenix, AZ - America West Arena
02/25 - Riverside, CA - Harvest Christian Fellowship
02/28 - San Diego, CA - Epicentre
Audio Adrenaline Extends Farewell Tour?
Obviously finding it hard to quit, Audio A has accepted MercyMe’s invitation to extend its fall touring with an encore 40-city winter/spring tour that kicks off February 16 in Tulsa, OK and wraps up April 28 at the final farewell concert in Honolulu, Hawaii. Due to previous commitments made prior to the tour being carried over to the spring, Audio Adrenaline members Ben Cissell (drums) and Tyler Burkum (guitar and vocals) will not be on the road this spring, with the exception of the final concert in Hawaii. Ben and Tyler played a key role in selecting the individuals who will be filling their roles. Brian McSweeney, who previously performed on stage with Audio Adrenaline and was also the guitar player on the band’s album, Some Kind of Zombie, will step into the role of guitar and background vocals. Jared Byers, formerly of Bleach, will be the drummer. See the band's website for a full list of tour dates.
16-Feb - Tulsa, OK Mabee Center
17-Feb - Salina, KS Bicentennial Center
18-Feb - Sioux Falls, SD Sioux Falls Arena
20-Feb - Billings, MT Shrine Auditorium
22-Feb - Tualatin (Portland), OR Rolling Hills Community Church
23-Feb - Spokane, WA Spokane Opera House
24-Feb - Redmond (Seattle), WA Overlake Christian Church
25-Feb - Bend/Redmond, OR DeShutes Expo Center
1-Mar - Redding, CA Redding Convention Center
2-Mar - Santa Barbara, CA Arlington Theatre
3-Mar - Fresno, CA Warnor's Theatre
4-Mar - Las Vegas, NV Thomas & Mack Center (Cox Pavilion)
6-Mar - Albuquerque, NM Kiva Auditorium
8-Mar - Dallas, TX Meyerson Symphony Center
9-Mar - Rogers, AR John Q. Hammons Center
10-Mar - Evansville, IN The Centre
11-Mar - South Bend, IN Morris Civic Center
15-Mar - Minot, ND All Seasons Arena
16-Mar - Alexandria, MN Lake Geneva Christian Center
17-Mar - Brookfield, WI Elmbrook Church
18-Mar - Champaign, IL Univ. of IL./Assembly Hall
22-Mar - Albany, NY Palace Theatre - NY
23-Mar - Erie, PA Erie Civic Center
24-Mar - York, PA Toyota Pavilion
25-Mar - Wilkes-Barre, PA Wachovia Arena
30-Mar - Ozark, AL Ozark Civic Center
31-Mar - Johnson City, TN Freedom Hall Civic Center
©2007 HM Magazine - All Rights Reserved
HERE IS SOME MORE NEWS FROM LAST WEEK:
P.O.D. Partners Up For New Project
INO & Columbia Records recently announced a partnership with multi-platinum selling and critically acclaimed recording artist, P.O.D. Currently involved in pre-production, P.O.D. and are scheduled to release their new project in late summer with the band's original formation of Sonny (lead vocals), Wuv (drums), Traa (bass), and the recent return of Marcos (guitar). Regarding this new partnership, INO President Jeff Moseley stated, "I am thrilled to work with P.O.D. I have been a big fan of the band for a long time and think they are at a special place in their career. I anticipate a landmark record. I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the guys and their manager Tim Cook."
Third Day Shows What's Behind The Curtain
Dove Award-winning rock band Third Day will release the first installment of a two-part career retrospective titled Chronology, Volume One (1996-2000) on March 27. Featuring rare, previously-unreleased video and audio, this exclusive collection includes early video of Mac Powell and Mark Lee performing at their home church, band commentary on music videos, and brand-new recordings of classic songs. Chronology, Volume One’s CD/DVD combo showcases the first five years of Third Day in a way you will not see or hear anywhere else. Together with the August release of Chronology, Volume Two (2001-2006), which will feature a full ten-year video documentary on the band, these new projects will give both longtime fans and new listeners a look at the humble beginnings, yet meteoric rise of the Atlanta-based five-piece rock group. The band has tour dates scheduled for Australia, New Zealand and Jamaica, as well as several European countries and selected festival dates in the U.S. They'll be showcasing songs from Wherever You Are through mid-fall before heading back into the studio to complete work on the next studio project, scheduled for release in early 2008.
The Almost Plays Matchmaker
Seattle independent label Tooth & Nail has announced they’ll partner with major label Virgin Records for the forthcoming debut album from The Almost. The Almost, the brainchild of Underoath drummer/vocalist Aaron Gillespie, will release their debut album Southern Weather on April 3 via Tooth & Nail and Virgin Records. Brandon Ebel, head of Tooth & Nail/Solid State/BEC recordings, explains, “We are incredibly excited about the release of Southern Weather. For some time now, Jason Flom (Virgin Records) and I have been looking for the right record to team up on, and we have found a perfect fit in The Almost. The band blends hit song-writing with relevant, accessible rock. We really think this record will appeal to a wide variety of music fans, and we can hardly wait for it to hit stores.”
Impending Doom Indeed
The ink is barely dry but we cannot wait to spread the word about Corona, CA’s Impending Doom. These guys have been burning up the stages in Southern Californian venues since 2005 and they have now signed with Facedown. There’s a new marque of darkness coming out of the amplifiers of Impending Doom. Three guitarists contribute to the density of sound that fills your head like an inky black menace when first you hear this band. This is a band comprised of musicians who manipulate the genre of grind core like a butcher wields his cleaver. Bending vocal sounds to his whim, Brook Reeves takes the listener on a downward spiral into the depths of the band’s convictions where one may be surprised to find a shining light of unbelievable brilliance. The juxtaposition of guttural bellowing and slaughterhouse wailing isn’t the only thing that catapults Impending Doom above the rest of the death metal bands. The fact that Impending Doom refuse to toe the line with their spiritual convictions in a genre long known for it’s demonic inclinations is paramount to the band’s impending notability…and your impending doom.
Experience Impending Doom for yourself:
Feb. 22 – San Diego, CA - Soma
Feb. 23 – Bakersfield, CA - The Dome
Feb. 24 – Las Vegas, NV - Leatherneck’s
Feb. 25 - Phoenix, AZ - Metal Devastation
Mar. 24 – Pomona, CA - The Glasshouse – FACEDOWN FEST 07
Paid Dues Fest Features Pigeon John
Due to the overwhelming success of last years launch event, Paid Dues returns March 24, 2007, this time to the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, CA. Presented by Murs 3:16 in association with Guerilla Union, Paid Dues promises to prove itself as the premiere festival for independent hip-hop with billing that includes talents like Sage Francis, Brother Ali and Pigeon John. “Don’t let the often redundant and routine rap songs and videos played on commercial radio, BET and MTV fool you. There’s a vibrant rap scene with advanced lyricism, stinging political commentary and quality DJ performances that continues to flourish in a seemingly parallel universe, largely shunned by the mainstream media,” wrote Soren Baker of the Los Angeles Times (3/3/06) in his review of the first Paid Dues event. Go here for more info.
Anberlin Blogs And Tours...There's Multi-Tasking
Anberlin now has its own official channel on YouTube.com! Head to the band's channel to check out their video blog, music videos, and more. See it here. Anberlin will also kick off a headlining U.S. tour February 21 in Charlotte, NC. The coast-to-coast trek will hit New York’s Bowery Ballroom February 27 and the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles March 13. Bayside, Meg & Dia and Jonezetta will provide support for the winter trek.
2/21 Charlotte, NC Tremont Music Hall
2/22 Norfolk, VA The Norva
2/23 Washington, D.C. 9:30 Club
2/24 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of Living Arts
2/25 Boston, MA Axis
2/27 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom
2/28 Buffalo, NY The Buffalo Icon
3/1 Detroit, MI St. Andrews Hall
3/2 Chicago, IL Metro
3/3 St. Paul, MN Station 4
3/4 St. Louis, MO Creepy Crawl
3/5 Lawrence, KS The Bottleneck
3/7 Albuquerque, NM Sunshine Theater
3/9 San Diego, CA House of Blues
3/10 Pomona, CA The Glass House
3/13 Los Angeles, CA El Rey Theatre
3/16 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theater
3/17 Seattle, WA El Corazon
Disciple Shows Off Their Road Scars
S/R/E Recordings band Disciple continues to play road warrior in 2007 with a slew of dates supporting their current album, Scars Remain. Headlining once again, Disciple brings along a batch of rockers to share in the fun, including Family Force 5, Fireflight, and Decyfer Down.
Here are the remaining tour dates:
Feb 8 Danville, IN Northview Christian Church
Feb 9 Trenton, MI Southpoint Community Christian
Feb 10 Spring Arbor, MI Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church
Feb 11 Grandville, MI The Ground Floor
Feb 13 Pittsfield, MA New Life Community Fellowship
Feb 14 Buffalo, NY Buffalo Icon
Feb 15 McMurray, PA S South Hills Bible Chapel
Feb 16 Westerville, OH Westerville Christian Church
Feb 17 Youngstown, OH Crossroads Church
Feb 18 Chambersburg, PA Chambersburg High School
Feb 19 Quakertown, PA Strayer Middle School
Feb 20 Absecon, NJ United Methodist Church
Feb 23 Greensboro, NC Café Jam
Feb 24 Cincinnati, OH The Underground
Feb 25 Newburgh, IN First Christian Church
Feb 27 Nashville, TN Rocketown
March 1 Jacksonville, FL Murray Hill Theatre
March 3 Orlando, FL The Last Wave
March 4 Atlanta, GA Mt Paran Church of God
Brawler Tour Features The Handshake Murders
Remember the days when a band played in your town for spare change? Back when just enough cash to buy gas and food was all they wanted in return for a killer show with the mere love of the music fueling the room? Well - those days are back! Starting on February 9th The $2 Brawler Tour, featuring The Handshake Murders, Burn In Silence, Ligeia and Apiary returns their appreciation to the loyal music lovers by asking next to nothing for a night of high-octane metal and good music-loving company. A mere $2.00 at the door gets you over 4 hours of brutal, intense, street aggressive metal, without burning a hole in your wallet.
Feb 9 Dover Elks Lodge Dover, New Hampshire
Feb 10 Dock Stret Staten Island, New York
Feb 11 Castaways Ithaca, New York
Feb 12 Backstage Enterprises Kingston, Pennsylvania
Feb 13 Plan B Danville, Virginia
Feb 14 Soap Box Laundro Lounge Wilmington, North Carolina
Feb 15 Swayze's Marietta, Georgia
Feb 16 Sector 7G Augusta, Georgia
Feb 17 AKA Lounge Orlando, Florida
Feb 18 Thee Imperial Jacksonville, Florida
Feb 19 The High Ground New Orleans, Louisiana
Feb 20 Monroe Jaycees Monroe, Louisiana
Feb 21 Vino's Little Rock, Arkansas
Feb 22 Rubber Gloves Denton, Texas
Feb 23 The Conservatory Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Feb 24 Bottleneck Lawrence, Kansas
Feb 25 The Foundry Joplin, Missouri
Feb 26 The Picador Iowa City, Iowa
Feb 27 Howard's Club H Bowling Green, North Dakota
Feb 28 Static Age Romeo, Michigan
Mar 1 Chugger's West Seneca, New York
Mar 2 The SSCC Saratoga Springs, New York
Forestry Has A Future
Future of Forestry recently released their debut project Twilight on Credential Recordings. The San Diego four-piece, Future of Forestry has put a new twist on the alt-rock formula, which has gained them recent BBC airplay. Produced by Ken Andrews (Failure, Mae), Twilight pushes the boundaries of pop music. Unafraid of ambient instrumental breaks mixed in with their guitar-laden hooks, Future of Forestry have achieved a balance. Balance between loss and gain, fear and faith, hurt and strength. When asked about working with the band, Andrews explains “I’ve become a lot more selective about things I choose to produce lately, having focused more on mixing for the last two years, but when I heard the FoF demos, I couldn’t resist. The song writing is just beautiful and quite varied throughout the album with Eric’s emotive voice and classic song writing sensibilities pulling it all together. One thing I hate is listening to and working on albums with a lot of filler. I’m proud to say if you like the first song on this album, you’ll like the last one and everything in between. My favorites are “Twilight,” “Thinking of You” and “If You Find Her.” These guys should open for U2.”
Upcoming Tourdates:
2/8 Azusa, CA
2/9 Las Vegas, NV
2/10 Chino, CA
2/11 Palm Desert, CA
2/13 Bakersfield, CA
2/14 Pleasant Hill, CA
2/15 Portola, CA
2/16 Modesto, CA
2/17 Reno, NV
2/18 Redding, CA
2/21 Portland, OR
2/25 Boise, ID
3/2 Naperville, IL
3/13 Nashville, TN
3/15 Marion, AL
3/16 Due West, SC
3/17 Jacksonville, FL
3/18 Lakeland, FL<
©2007 HM Magazine - All Rights Reserved
HERE IS SOME MORE NEWS FROM LAST WEEK:
HM Magazine Podcast Episode #6 Now Online
You heard that right ... now go get it! Click here for more info.
Dustin Kensrue on Letterman February 2nd
Known and respected by many as the focal point for Orange County’s critically acclaimed band Thrice, Dustin Kensrue’s perceptive songwriting and dynamic vocal styling are displayed through his debut solo release Please Come Home on Equal Vision Records. Combining classic folk with earthy blues, melodic country and deep soul, Kensrue creates a unique aural landscape complementing his musical versatility. Please Come Home takes listeners on a reflective journey of wisdom and hope that dates back to a far gone era. “With only eight songs, it’s a bit of an old-school record,” says Kensrue. “But it’s similar to the old LPs I love—a lot of them only had eight, maybe nine songs. I feel you really get a sense of the whole sentiment of the record, and you can grasp it all in one gulp. It feels very complete to me.” Dustin is scheduled to perform on the Late Show with David Letterman this Friday.
Redwall Music signs Nema
From South West Virginia, Nema is a mixture of melodies, screams, heavy riffs, pounding beats and piercing lyrics that cut straight to the heart and soul. Formed in 2004, Nema has shared the stage with such bands as He is Legend, Farless, Every Time I Die, Gretchen and more. After playing as much as possible in the local VA, NC, TN scene, Nema inked their first deal with Redwall Music in 2006, and have been touring full time ever since. The band's debut release You Could Be All Flame, is going for adds nationwide on February 6th at CMJ College Radio. The CD was produced and recorded by Jamie King (Beloved, He is Legend, Far-Less). Fans can look for their CD at shows and in stores this spring.
Escape From Earth Sticks Around To Tour
CupCake Records' Escape From Earth have a bunch of tour dates coming up. They're also working on a bunch of new material right now that will most likely ultimately end up on some sort of recording in the very distant future. Watch for the band to start sharing some new music in the coming months.
TOUR DATES:
02 Feb 2007 The Rave Milwaukee, Wisconsin
16 Feb 2007 Judson College - Herrick Chapel Elgin, Illinois
23 Feb 2007 Java Jim's Music Theater LaPorte, Indiana
24 Feb 2007 Rhinelander High School Auditorium Rhinelander, Wisconsin
25 Feb 2007 tba tba, Illinois
10 Mar 2007 Clearwater Theater West Dundee, Illinois
21 Apr 2007 tba tba, Texas
14 Jun 2007 Atlanta Fest - Late Night Stage Atlanta, Georgia
15 Jun 2007 Ichthus Festival - Edge Stage Wilmore, Kentucky
After?...After What?
As a result of the mass appeal for The Afters’ hit song “Beautiful Love,” Nielson Soundscan has named the song as the top downloaded song on the inspirational chart for 2006. This song resounded with audiences as it also received RIAA Gold Certification for Digital Sales in 2006. On the heels of this news and following a successful tour with tobyMac’s Winter WonderSlam, which placed the band in front of more than 30,000 fans, The Afters prepare for their sophomore effort set to release in the fall of this year. “The songs are some of the best we've ever written. We're working with great producers, and we have the support of a great label...what more could a band ask for,” shares lead vocalist Josh Havens. “We're working hard on the new music and taking our time to get it perfect for our fans. We're committed to making the very best album that we can, and I think it will be worth the wait.”
It's Right There. Right Before Their Eyes
Before Their Eyes has officially joined the Rise Records roster. Watch for the band to enter the studio in February with producer Joey Sturgis (The Devil Wears Prada) to record their debut full length which will be in stores in June.
Heros After Our Own Hearts
Our Heart’s Hero, the newest band to ink a deal with Gotee Records, is poised to unveil their debut on May 22nd. Led by front man and guitarist Nick Joyce, Our Heart’s Hero includes Jason Nattier (guitar), Jeremy McKnight (bass guitar) and Ricky Holbrook (drums). The self-titled debut effort hails 11 songs of heartfelt, soaring pop-rock, all penned by Joyce, and feature producer Brent Milligan (Audio Adrenaline, ZOEgirl, Rebecca St. James) at the helm. Sonically, Our Heart’s Hero is being likened to Switchfoot, Sanctus Real, Jimmy Eat World, and Delirious. "Gotee is thrilled to have Our Heart's Hero as the newest artist with our team,” said label co-founder, Toby McKeehan. “We love the music and the hearts of this band. Not only is their music top notch, but these are guys who pour their lives into the kids they play for and walk through whatever life brings to them with grace and wisdom. I can't wait for people to meet this band." Major tour plans are underway for Our Heart’s Hero and The Afters to hit 20 cities this March.
Facedown Fest Turns Seven
2007 marks the 10th anniversary of Facedown Records and the 7th year for the annual Facedown Fest, a weekend full of Facedown alumni, newcomers and roster favorites performing over a two-day stretch in Southern California. The Fest began in 2000 and has included headliners such as Comeback Kid, Overcome and Figure Four. Facedown Fest also had the distinction of hosting xDisciplex AD for their final show and Shockwave for their first-ever West Coast appearance. This year being the label's 10th anniversary, we have asked some alumni family members to grace our stage. Sinai Beach will perform on the first night of the Fest and Point of Recognition (who are re-uniting exclusively for the fest) will be back in action on the second night. This is Facedown Records' year to shine and the annual Fest will prove it, most likely to a sold-out crowd. Label owner Jason Dunn had this to say about the SoCal tradition: "Facedown Fest has always been a very special time of the year where our bands come together under one roof to give kids a great show for a realistic ticket price. It has grown from a single night at the Showcase Theatre to 2 nights at the Glasshouse. It's an honor to have Point of Recognition and Sinai Beach on this year's lineup as we kick off our 10-year anniversary celebration; these bands were two of the most important in the label's growth and history. Not to mention some incredible new bands that we are very excited about like Means and a couple more that will be announced in the next week or two."
Friday, March 23
xDeathstarx
Sinai Beach
Nodes of Ranvier
Seventh Star
Alove For Enemies
Kingston Falls
+ 1 more band TBA
Saturday, March 24
Point of Recognition (re-union)
War of Ages
No Innocent Victim
Inked In Blood
XLooking Forwardx
Means
Call To Preserve
+ 1 more band TBA
Thems Good Monsters
After wrapping up a successful, acclaim-filled 2006, which featured the release of the much-heralded album Good Monsters, multi-Platinum selling band Jars of Clay prepares to launch an ambitious spring schedule of shows throughout the United States and Canada, featuring special guests Needtobreathe and Burlap to Cashmere. Reflecting on the band’s time on the road in the fall of ’06, Jars of Clay’s Dan Haseltine said, “It was great getting to play our new songs on the road, but I think my favorite part about touring is being able to reconnect with and make new fans.” Good Monsters, completely self-produced by the band, offers eleven original songs, and a remake of the Julie Miller-penned anthem, “All My Tears.” Good Monsters even boasts a couple of stirring guest appearances: Nashville-based, singer/songwriter Kate York guests on “Even Angels Cry,” and formerly of Sixpence None the Richer, Leigh Nash, sings on “Mirrors and Smoke.” Additionally, the African Children’s Choir is featured on the moving, “Light Gives Heat,” a song inspired by its work in Africa through its non-profit, organization, the Blood: Water Mission. Long considered a critical success, Jars of Clay has also enjoyed major commercial success over its decade-long career, including a double-platinum selling debut project, and more than 5 million records sold in total. With Good Monsters, the band set out to capture its communal experiences and have a bit of fun with the process.
Jars of Clay Spring 2007 Good Monsters Tour
Feb. 9 Memphis, TN/Fedex Forum
Feb. 16 Gatlinburg, TN/Gatlinburg Conv. Ctr.
Feb. 19 Winnipeg, MB/Burton Cummings Theater
Feb. 21 Calgary, AB/MacEwan Hall
Feb. 22 Edmonton, AB/W. Edmonton Christ Assembly
Feb. 23 Kelowna, BC/Grand Hotel
Feb. 24 Surry, BC/Chandos-Pattison Aud.
Mar. 1 Vancouver, WA/Skyview Concert Hall
Mar. 2 College Place, WA/Walla Walla Comm. College
Mar. 3 Missoula, MT/SHEC Community Center
Mar. 4 Great Falls, MT/Mansfield Theatre
Mar. 6 Salt Lake City, UT/Kingsbury Hall
Mar. 7 Greeley, CO/Union Colony Civic Ctr.
Mar. 10 Fargo, ND/Playmakers
Mar. 11 Sioux Falls, SD/Washington Pavilion
Mar. 22 Duluth, MN
Mar. 23 Des Moines, IA/Val Air Ballroom
Mar. 24 Peoria, IL/Peoria Civic Ctr.-hockey game
Mar. 30 St. Catherine's, ON/Central Gospel Temple
Mar. 31 Toronto, ON/Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship
Apr. 2 Ottawa ON/Dominion-Chalmers Church
Apr. 3 Hamilton, ON/Reedemer Univ.
Apr. 4 Cambridge, ON/Forward Bapt. Church
Apr. 5 Washington DC/Lisner Auditorium
Apr. 7 Austell, GA/Six Flags Over Georgia
Apr. 12 Cleveland, OH/House of Blues
Apr. 13 Philadelphia, PA/Electric Factory
Apr. 14 Boston, MA/Avalon Ballroom
Apr. 15 NYC, NY/Irving Plaza
Apr. 28 Irvine, CA
©2007 HM Magazine - All Rights Reserved
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