The name Relient K has always been synonymous with melodic songwriting, tongue in cheek humor, and all around good music and after eleven years, five full-length albums (of which three have been certified Gold), six EPs and a Christmas collection, nonstop touring, a string of hit singles, a Grammy nomination and two Dove awards,  Relient K’s uniqueness remains intact, “the exuberant punk-pop ensemble running through a handful of inspired cover songs. Covers have been a staple of the group’s live set since their beginning, and it’s clear, based on the high quality of these versions, that they have an affinity for picking songs they can really deliver” says All Music.

Is for Karaoke retail CD track list:

1. Girls Just Want To Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper)

2. Baby (Justin Bieber)

3. One Headlight (The Wallflowers)

4. You’re The Inspiration (Chicago)

5. The Distance (Cake)

6. Crazy (Gnarls Barkley)

7. Motorcycle Driveby (Third Eye Blind)

8. Doctor Worm (They Might Be Giants)

9. Interstate Love Song (STP)

10. Here Comes My Girl (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers)

11. Africa (Toto)

12. Surf Wax America (Weezer)

13. Inside Of Love (Nada Surf)

14. Everybody Wants To Rule the World (Tears for Fears)

K is for Karaoke Vol. 2 Track List: (Digital EP)

1. One Headlight (The Wallflowers)

2. You’re The Inspiration (Chicago)

3. The Distance (Cake)

4. Motorcycle Driveby (Third Eye Blind)

5. Interstate Love Song (Stone Temple Pilots)

6. Africa (Toto)

7. Inside Of Love (Nada Surf)

K is for Karaoke Vol. 1 Track List: (Digital EP)

1. Girls Just Want to Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper)
2. Here Comes My Girl (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers)
3. Baby (Justin Bieber)
4. Doctor Worm (They Might Be Giants)
5. Crazy (Gnarls Barkley)
6. Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Tears for Fears)
7. Surf Wax America (Weezer)

www.relientk.com

www.monovsstereo.com

AT MYSPACE MUSIC STARTING ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 1

RELIENT K RELEASE IS FOR KARAOKE 14 TRACK CD

AVAILABLE IN STORES ON OCTOBER 4

IS FOR KARAOKE EP PT. 2 AVAILABLE DIGITALLY ON OCTOBER 4

“their approach certainly is one of originality, virtuosity, and artistry” – Culture Mob

Relient K’s, Is for Karaoke 14-track CD will be available in retail stores only on October 4 and the 7-track EP K is for Karaoke PT. 2 will be available digitally on October 4, K is for Karaoke vol. 1 EP out now, all on Mono vs Stereo Records and produced by Mark Lee Townsend and Relient K’s Matthew Thiessen.

“it’s clear the band still releases consistent albums and this is no exception”

–        Alter The Press

Get a sneak listen of the tracks from K is for Karaoke EP PT. 2 starting on Saturday, October 1 at: www.myspacemusic.com

“somewhere, most likely on Twitter, John Flansburg and John Linnell are writing thank you notes to Thiessen, Hoopes and the clan. They Might Be Giants have never sounded better” – Absolute Punk

After eleven years, five full-length albums (of which three have been certified Gold), six EPs and a Christmas collection, nonstop touring, a string of hit singles, a Grammy nomination and two Dove awards. Relient K’s uniqueness, sense of humor and artistic brilliance remains intact with the release one of the most fun and random covers collections to date.

“Relient K stays true to the original versions of each song, they just Relient K them up a little which makes for a fun listening experience” – Zoiks!

Is for Karaoke retail CD track list:

1. Girls Just Want To Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper)

2. Baby (Justin Bieber)

3. One Headlight (The Wallflowers)

4. You’re The Inspiration (Chicago)

5. The Distance (Cake)

6. Crazy (Gnarls Barkley)

7. Motorcycle Driveby (Third Eye Blind)

8. Doctor Worm (They Might Be Giants)

9. Interstate Love Song (STP)

10. Here Comes My Girl (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers)

11. Africa (Toto)

12. Surf Wax America (Weezer)

13. Inside Of Love (Nada Surf)

14. Everybody Wants To Rule the World (Tears for Fears)

K is for Karaoke Vol. 2 Track List: (Digital EP)

1. One Headlight (The Wallflowers)

2. You’re The Inspiration (Chicago)

3. The Distance (Cake)

4. Motorcycle Driveby (Third Eye Blind)

5. Interstate Love Song (Stone Temple Pilots)

6. Africa (Toto)

7. Inside Of Love (Nada Surf)

K is for Karaoke Vol. 1 Track List: (Digital EP)

1. Girls Just Want to Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper)
2. Here Comes My Girl (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers)
3. Baby (Justin Bieber)
4. Doctor Worm (They Might Be Giants)
5. Crazy (Gnarls Barkley)
6. Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Tears for Fears)
7. Surf Wax America (Weezer)

www.relientk.com

www.monovsstereo.com

AVAILABLE IN STORES ON OCTOBER 4

IS FOR KARAOKE EP PT. 2 AVAILABLE DIGITALLY ON OCTOBER 4

K IS FOR KARAOKE EP VOLUME 1 OUT NOW

Relient K’s, Is for Karaoke 14-track CD will be available in retail stores only on October 4. A second 7-track EP, K is for Karaoke PT. 2, will be available digitally on October 4. The first Is for Karaoke EP is out now, all on Mono vs Stereo Records and produced by Mark Lee Townsend and Relient K’s Matthew Thiessen.

Check out the Is for Karaoke listening party video here: youtube.com/monovsstereo

“The song selection is intentionally all over the map, hopefully there is something for everyone. A few of the songs are 80s throwbacks, several are influential songs that we love, and some are just meant to be funny. We had a lot of fun recording and putting these songs together, and I am really happy with how everything turned out” – says Matt Hoopes Relient K Guitarist and A&R for Mono Vs Stereo

Relient K has a history of playing a diverse selection of cover songs in their live show, and now they are set to release one of the most fun and random collections to date.

Known for their melodic songwriting and tongue in cheek humor, Relient K has released five full-length albums (of which three have been certified Gold), six EPs and a Christmas collection, fresh off the Vans Warped Tour 2011, the band has toured incessantly, scored a string of hit singles, a Grammy nomination and two Dove awards. With all of this the bands quirky sense of humor remains intact with their entertainingly fresh yet respectful covers tribute they have deemed Relient K Is for Karaoke.

For up-to-date band news check out www.relientk.com

Is for Karaoke retail CD track listing:

1. Girls Just Want To Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper)

2. Baby (Justin Beiber)

3. One Headlight (The Wallflowers)

4. You’re The Inspiration (Chicago)

5. The Distance (Cake)

6. Crazy ((Gnarls Barkley)

7. Motorcycle Driveby (Third Eye Blind)

8. Doctor Worm (They Might Be Giants)

9. Interstate Love Song (STP)

10. Here Comes My Girl (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers)

11. Africa (Toto)

12. Surf Wax America (Weezer)

13. Inside Of Love (Nada Surf)

14. Everybody Wants To Rule the World (Tears for Fears)

www.monovsstereo.com

WHAT:                         This weekend, Rock the Universe 2011 – Florida’s biggest Christian music festival – kicks off at Universal Orlando Resort. Guests can rock out to seventeen of the biggest names in Christian rock – including Switchfoot, Casting Crowns, and Relient K and enjoy access to an all-new fan zone, inspiring guest speakers, nightly candlelighting ceremonies, some of the world’s best theme park attractions and more.

The full artist lineup can be viewed below.

** Names in bold indicate headlining acts.

Along with live concerts by top-name talent, guests can experience an all-new fan zone, featuring autograph sessions with performing acts, band merchandise, and a first-ever New Artists’ Stage where three emerging artists will perform live, including former American Idol contestant Jason Castro. Guests can also enjoy the thrilling attractions found only at Universal Studios, including Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – where they can rock out to hidden tracks by some of this year’s performing talent.

For more details about Rock the Universe 2011 and to purchase tickets, visit www.RocktheUniverse.com or call 1-866-RTU-INFO (1-866-788-4636).

WHEN:                        Friday, September 9 and Saturday, September 10

4 p.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the event

WHERE:                      Universal Studios Florida

MORE                         Media Site: http://media.universalorlando.com

INFORMATION:         Rock the Universe Site: www.RocktheUniverse.com

On September 9 and 10, Rock the Universe 2011 – Florida’s biggest Christian music festival – will take place at Universal Orlando Resort.  Guests will enjoy a faith-filled weekend featuring performances by 17 hit artists, an all-new fan zone, inspiring guest speakers, nightly candlelighting ceremonies, access to some of the world’s best theme park experiences and more.

This year’s sensational lineup features some of the biggest names in Christian rock, laying claim to a combined total of 71 Dove awards and 39 No. 1 singles. More than a dozen hit bands will take the stage, including Switchfoot – who was named “Best Christian Band” by the 2009 Top in Rock awards; Grammy award-winning group and Daytona Beach natives Casting Crowns; rock group Relient K who have sold more than two million albums; and Third Day who have topped the Christian music charts with 14 No. 1 singles. The full lineup is below.

** Names in bold indicate headlining acts.

Click here to see a special video message from Relient K, one of this year’s headline acts.

In honor of the 10^th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, this year’s event features guest speakers who survived the attacks that day.  Retired Navy Captain Tom Joyce, who survived the attack on the Pentagon, and Sujo John, who worked on the 81^st Floor of the North Tower in New York City, will share their inspirational stories about how their faith helped guide them through that tragic time.

Rock the Universe guests will also get to experience an all-new fan zone, featuring autograph sessions with performing acts, band merchandise, and a first-ever New Artists’ Stage where they can enjoy live performances by three emerging artists: former American Idol contestant Jason Castro, for King & Country and Dara Maclean.

Plus, guests can enjoy the thrilling attractions found only at Universal Studios. They can rock out to hit songs at 65 mph on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, laugh along with America’s favorite animated family on The Simpsons Ride and speed through darkness on the world’s first psychological thrill ride – Revenge of the Mummy.

There are a variety of ticket options for Rock the Universe 2011. The best value is the “Rock Your Weekend” ticket, which includes admission to both nights of the event and three days’ admission to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.  This ticket is only available until Sept. 2 and will not be sold at the front gate.

For more complete details about Rock the Universe 2011 and to purchase tickets, visit www.RocktheUniverse.com or call 1-866-RTU-INFO (1-866-788-4636).

Universal Orlando Resort

There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation – but there is only one Universal Orlando Resort. It is a completely separate destination featuring two theme parks, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex. It’s the only Orlando destination where you are not just entertained – you are part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created. You can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, battle aliens alongside Agent J, and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D. You can be courageous, be outrageous – and be extraordinary.

Relient K’s, K is for Karaoke EP out today on Mono vs Stereo.  Produced by Mark Lee Townsend and Matthew Thiessen the release is available digitally and at all Vans Warped Tour stops.  Look for the band to release a full K Is For Karaoke album on October 4 in stores and digitally

“The album’s most halcyon moments are a too-good-to-be-true version of “Doctor Worm” and a can’t miss version of “Surf Wax America.” Long-time fans will certainly find this enjoyable, and somewhere, most likely on Twitter, John Flansburg and John Linnell are writing thank you notes to Thiessen, Hoopes and the clan. They Might Be Giants have never sounded better”

– Absolute Punk

Known across the globe for their explosive and amusingly entertaining live show, the band is currently playing their 3rd stint on the longest running tour in America, the Vans Warped Tour now in its 17^th year.

Relient K on the Vans Warped Tour 2011 –
Wed    6/29    Las Cruces, NM                         N.M.S.U. Practice Field
Thu      6/30    Las Vegas, NV                          Plaza Hotel – Parking Lot
Fri       7/1      Pomona, CA                               Pomona Fairplex
Sat      7/2      Mountain View, CA                   Shoreline Amphitheatre
Sun     7/3      Ventura, CA                               Seaside Park
Wed    7/6      Bonner Springs, KS                  Sandstone Amphitheatre
Thu      7/7      Noblesville, IN (Indianapolis)       Verizon Wireless Music Center
Fri       7/8      Detroit, MI                                   Comerica Park
Sat      7/9      Tinley Park, IL (Chicago)            First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Sun     7/10    Shakopee, MN (Minneapolis)     Canterbury Park
Tue     7/12    Darien Center, NY (Buffalo)       Darien Lake Fields
Wed    7/13    Mansfield, MA (Boston)              Comcast Center
Thu      7/14    Scranton, PA                              Toyota Pavilion
Fri       7/15    Mississauga, ON (Toronto)        The Flats at Arrow Hall
Sat      7/16    Montreal, QC                              Parc Jean-Drapeau
Sun     7/17    Hartford, CT                               The Comcast Theatre
Tue     7/19    Milwaukee, WI                            Marcus Amphitheatre
Wed    7/20    Cleveland, OH                            Blossom Music Center
Thu      7/21    Camden, PA (Philadelphia)       Susquehanna Bank Center
Fri       7/22    Burgettstown, PA (Pittsburgh)    First Niagara Pavilion
Sat      7/23    Uniondale, NY                            Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Sun     7/24    Oceanport, NJ                            Monmouth Park Racetrack
Tue     7/26    Columbia, MD (D.C)                   Merriweather Post Pavilion
Wed    7/27    Virginia Beach, VA                     Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Thu      7/28    Charlotte, NC                            Charlotte Verizon Amphitheatre
Mon    8/1      Atlanta, GA                                 Aaron’s Amphitheater at Lakewood
Tue     8/2      Cincinnati, OH                            Riverbend Music Center
Wed    8/3      St. Louis, MO                             Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Thu     8/4      Council Bluffs, IA                         Westfair Fairgrounds
Fri       8/5      Denver, CO                                Invesco Field at Mile High
Sat      8/6      Salt Lake City, UT                     Utah State Fairgrounds
Sun     8/7      Phoenix, AZ                                Desert Sky Pavilion
Tue     8/9      San Diego, CA                          Cricket Amphitheatre
Wed    8/10    Carson, CA (Los Angeles)        Cal State Dominguez Hills
Thu      8/11    Marysville, CA (Sacramento)   Sleep Train Amphitheatre
Fri       8/12    Nampa, ID (Boise)                    Idaho Center Amphitheatre
Sat      8/13    George, WA (Seattle)               Gorge Amphitheatre
Sun     8/14    Hillsboro, OR (Portland)            Washington County Fairgrounds

www.relientk.com

www.monovsstereo.com

P.O.D. & Red Head Out On Rock Allegiance Tour
Take the pledge this summer and celebrate American rock & roll with the debut of an exciting new package tour: the ROCK ALLEGIANCE TOUR featuring co-headliners Buckcherry and Papa Roach with Puddle of Mudd, P.O.D., Red, Crossfade and Drive A. Set to kick off August 24 in Dallas, TX, the tour will unite these seven rock bands for an unforgettable American summer rock & roll party with a ticket price under $30. The month-long ROCK ALLEGIANCE TOUR is presented by RIGHT ARM ENTERTAINMENT.
Tour Dates:
8/24 – Grand Prairie, TX
8/26 – Oklahoma City, OK
8/27 – Miami, OK
8/30 – St Charles, MO
9/1 – Rockford, IL
9/2 – Mt Pleasant, MI
9/4 – Orange Beach, AL
9/9 – Winston Salem, NC
9/10 – Portsmouth, VA
9/11 – Rochester, NY
9/14 – Columbus, OH
9/20 – Grand Island, NE
9/21 – Colorado Springs, CO

Stars Go Dim Launch FB Contest
Stars Go Dim are officially launching the biggest, baddest contest they could possibly dream up. They asked you, the fans, what you would want for prizes. How does this sound:
Grand Prize Winner: First listen of their new album “Between Here and Now” and Choose your prize:
1) Day w/SGD and private concert.
2) Star in next SGD music video.
3) Autographed guitar or snare drum.
4) Instrument or voice lesson with SGD.
5) Record a song with SGD.
5 Runner-ups: First listen of their new album “Between Here and Now”, concert tickets and backstage passes, and autographed merchandise. The Contest: Stars Go Dim currently has 33,400 Facebook “Likes”. Enter the contest and help us reach 40,000 by July 15th for your chance to win one of the amazing prizes. Create a Facebook Event encouraging your friends to “Attend” and then “Like” their Facebook page. If they reach 40,000 “Likes” by July 15 (11:59pm EST) winners will be chosen randomly by members of Stars Go Dim and announced July 20th. Stars Go Dim will pay attention to “effort” more than anything else. How to Enter: Details on how to enter this contest are posted on starsgodim.com and facebook.com/starsgodim. Enter now!

Relient K To Drop New EP
The name Relient K has always been synonymous with melodic songwriting, tongue in cheek humor, and all around good music. The band is set to release what is easily one of the most fun and indiscriminate cover albums to grace alternative music to date. Relient K’s, K is for Karaoke EP, produced by Mark Lee Townsend and Matthew Thiessen, will be available digitally and at the Vans Warped Tour 2011 starting June 28th on Mono vs Stereo. “We have always talked about wanting to do a covers record, and we are excited to finally release one. We always try to include cover songs in our live show, so it was nothing new for the band, and working through the songs was fairly easy. We tried to put our own take on the songs, but while retaining the melody and other musical sections from the original songs” –Explains Matthew Hoopes.
Track Listing:
1) Girls Just Want to Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper)
2) Here Comes My Girl (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers)
3) Baby (Justin Bieber)
4) Doctor Worm (They Might Be Giants)
5) Crazy (Gnarls Barkley)
6) Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Tears for Fears)
7) Surf Wax America (Weezer)
Tour Dates:
6/24 – Dallas, TX
6/25 – Houston, TX
6/26 – San Antonio, TX
6/29 – Las Cruces, NM
6/30 – Las Vegas, NV
7/1 – Pomona, CA
7/2 – Mountain View, CA
7/3 – Ventura, CA
7/6 – Bonner Springs, KS
7/7 – Noblesville, IN
7/8 – Detroit, MI
7/9 – Tinley Park, IL
7/10 – Shakopee, MN
7/12 – Darien Center, NY
7/13 – Mansfield, MA
7/14 – Scranton, PA
7/15 – Mississauga, ON
7/16 – Montreal, QC
7/17 – Hartford, CT
7/19 – Milwaukee, WI
7/20 – Cleveland, OH
7/21 – Camden, PA
7/22 – Burgettstown, PA
7/23 – Uniondale, NY
7/24 – Oceanport, NJ
7/26 – Columbia, MD
7/27 – Virginia Beach, VA
7/28 – Charlotte, NC
7/29 – Orlando, FL
7/30 – West Palm Beach, FL
7/31 – St. Petersburg, FL
8/1 – Atlanta, GA
8/2 – Cincinnati, OH
8/3 – St. Louis, MO
8/4 – Council Bluffs, IA
8/5 – Denver, CO
8/6 – Salt Lake City, UT
8/7 – Phoenix, AZ
8/9 – San Diego, CA
8/10 – Carson, CA
8/11 – Marysville, CA
8/12 – Nampa, ID
8/13 – George, WA
8/14 – Hillsboro, OR

12 Stones Push Release Date To September 6
The new release date for 12 Stones new album is September 6, not August 23 as originally indicated in the press release. 12 STONES is Paul McCoy (vocals), Eric Weaver (guitars), Justin Rimer (guitar), Michael McManus (drums). ONLY HUMAN is being released on the Executive Music Group label via Fontana/Universal. The band joined forces once again with producer Skidd Mills (Saving Abel, Skillet, Saliva), who had previously worked with 12 STONES on 2007’s ANTHEM FOR THE UNDERDOG, which was inspired by the effects of Hurricane Katrina on their hometown of New Orleans. “Bulletproof” is the album’s first single–mixed by Mike Shipley (Green Day, 30 Seconds To Mars)—which will impact radio next month although it’s getting early spins at stations such as KXXR (Minneapolis), KMYZ (Tulsa), WIIL (Chicago), KILO (Colorado Springs), WJJO (Madison), KDJE (Little Rock), KFMA (Tucson) and WWBN (Flint). A video is currently in the works.

Two Elefante-sung Kansas Albums Re-released
Kansas ‘Vinyl Confessions’ CANDY095 / Despite the fact that Kansas went relatively unheard of in Europe, they were one of America’s most successful rock bands during the mid to late ’70s. Their brand of progressive pomp rock had spawned several multi platinum albums and hit singles, including the ubiquitous radio staples ‘Carry On Wayward Son’ and ‘Dust In The Wind’. However, by the early 80s all was not well within the Kansas camp. Singer Steve Walsh had elected to leave the band, paving way for the appointment of a new vocalist, the previously unknown John Elefante. Recorded in Los Angeles at Chateau Recorders with producer Ken Scott (Supertramp, Jeff Beck) and featuring Queen’s Roger Taylor on backing vocals, the band crafted a winning slice of melodic rock with all the twists and turns that you might expect from such masterful musicians. ‘Vinyl Confessions’, originally released in 1982, manages to remain true to the roots of Kansas, while at the same time noticeably moving from the band’s traditional sound of the ’70s into the more AOR-friendly ’80s. The impact of spiritualism on this version of Kansas can certainly be heard in the lyrics, too, but it would be wrong to define this album as a Christian record. It doesn’t attempt to bludgeon you to death with its message and, above all, it doesn’t neglect the most important thing of all, which is, of course, the music. 24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 3,000 word essay about the making of the album, interview with John Elefante and additional photos spread out over a 12 page full colour booklet.
Track Listing:
1. Play The Game Tonight
2. Right Away
3. Fair Exchange
4. Chasing Shadows
5. Diamonds And Pearls
6. Face It
7. Windows
8. Borderline
9. Play On
10. Cross Fire.

Downhere To Drop New Album On August 23
One of Christian music’s premiere bands, Downhere, is scheduled to release their eagerly anticipated new studio album, On The Altar Of Love, August 23, 2011 on Centricity Music. The album once again teams the group with Grammy and Dove award-winning producer Mark Hiemermann (Michael W. Smith, Tait, Stacie Orrico). The new CD is a pop-driven project that offers a positive outlook for our future, while maintaining the integrity and artistry of Downhere. All songs on the CD were written by Jason Germain and Marc Martel. Let Me Rediscover You, the first single from the album, was written by Marc Martel two weeks before Downhere entered the recording studio for On The Altar Of Love. The song is already resonating with listeners and radio programmers, as it’s New & Active at AC Monitor (#3) and at #28 on AC Indicator. Thirty one radio stations are currently playing the song including; KSBJ/ Houston, WCIE/Tampa, Sarasota, FL, WBSN / New Orleans, LA, New Life Media, WBFJ / Winston-Salem, NC, KSGN / Riverside, CA. On The Altar Of Love is being described as one of the most “pop-friendly” albums that Downhere has recorded to date, with heartfelt lyrics that are a return to the core of Christianity. The CD kicks-off with Only The Beginning that focuses on how our Christian walk of new life and continual mysteries always feels like a new beginning, while the hard rocking Seek describes how God searches for us “like a kid with a crush” in order to make us whole, and the title track says to lay down your possessions and obsessions. Love will ask of you more than treasure/When you’re willing to trust/Blessing far outweighs the loss/When you lay it all at the altar of love. “On the Altar of Love is really a proclamation of faith,” explains band member Jason Germain. “It’s an encouragement to continue on regardless of circumstance, to continue this journey with joy and celebration, because we have a promise. We know where the journey ends. And we know that we’re not alone as we make our way. We have the companionship of Christ, and we have this vast family of brothers and sisters, and we have this great cloud of witnesses that have gone before us, who are cheering us on. So we want to cast aside the distractions, return to what is essential, and spend ourselves completely in response to the love we’ve been given.”

Phinehas & A Past Unknown Offer Pre-releases
Pre-orders are now available for Phinehas “thegodmachine” and A Past Unknown “To Those Perishing.” ach album has two package options available. Choose between a CD + shirt or just a CD. Please make sure to check out both package for Phinehas and A Past Unknown and get your order in!
For more information on the pre-orders, visit:
indievisionmusic.com

Ska Lives, Volume 2 To Be Released
“Ska Lives Vol. 2? follows close on the heels of our widely successful first album “Ska Lives Vol. 1?, which featured many well respected Ska bands including The Insyderz, Christafari, A Billion Ernies, and Five Iron Frenzy as well as up and coming bands such as Send Out Scuds, October Light, Blood and Water, and Dime Store Heist, and gained recognition from Absolute Punk and the German Kirchencore music blog. “Ska Lives Vol. 1? also received radio airplay when it was featured on the Broken Record Hour on BrokenFM. Ska Lives artists The Insyderz, Blood and Water, and PayPer Chainz were interviewed shortly afterwards. “Ska Lives Vol. 1? was also voted Indie Vision Music’s most popular compilation of all time, and has been downloaded an estimated number of 4,000+ times since October 1st (IVM switched hosts, so we lost track of the exact number), and has been streamed via Soundcloud 4,483 times! This means that “Ska Lives Vol. 1? has been heard over 8,483 time worldwide! “Ska Lives Vol. 2? promises to be even more successful, featuring an all star lineup including of, once again, the likes of The Insyderz, October Light, Blood and Water, Send Out Scuds, etc. as well as many other great bands including Make Up Your Mind, Good Weather Forecast, Upstanding Youth, The Nova Ray, and The O.C. Supertones!
For more information, go here:
victoryrecords.com/distro

Anthem Lights Appeared On JCTV
Pop group Anthem Lights recently taped a featured episode of the Trinity Broadcasting Network’s “1 Music Village,” a JCTV exclusive weekly show highlighting the best in contemporary Christian music. The group performed a mini-concert of songs from its May 10, 2011 self-titled debut, including current hit single, “Can’t Shut Up.

Brandon Bee Plays At Pure Rebellion
Popular worship leader, recording artist and producer Brandon Bee recently performed at Pure Rebellion, a high-energy youth event held at Grace Calvary Chapel in Amarillo, Texas. Bee shared his testimony and songs from his latest CD, Inside These Walls. Best described as a radical presentation on sex and relationships, Pure Rebellion openly addresses various sexual issues and pressures affecting both youth and adults today. “The heart of Pure Rebellion ministry is to equip young people to live life with no regrets,” says Todd Gatlin, CEO of Pure Rebellion ministry. “Brandon Bee is a vital part of this ministry as he brings powerful, relevant music and lyrics along with a life story that he shares during the event. His story is one of redemption and the truth that turning to God always brings forgiveness and healing. Brandon’s life has been abundantly blessed and I know he attributes it all to the love that God has for him and his family.”

We Shot The Moon’s Jonathan Jones Releases Album
The highly anticipated solo release from singer-songwriter JONATHAN JONES (We Shot The Moon, Waking Ashland), COMMUNITY GROUP, is now available. Located at his website, you can purchase the album, stream the entire record for free, and download three songs – including a cover of Arcade Fire’s “Wake Up” – in exchange for an email address. Community Group is a fan-funded, self-released album, made possible by Kickstarter, a website where supporters were given the opportunity to pledge money to Jones in order to help him finance this new release. “The title of the album largely (but not entirely) comes from the Kickstarter experience of making a record in a non-traditional community setting with my fans,” says Jones. “I wrote this album looking to challenge myself on making a recording that was a departure from my previous projects’ over-produced sound.” Community Group features an array of instruments, such as a string quartet, brass, harp, and a heavy dose of piano that accompany Jones’ smooth vocals. “I was dependent on these instruments as the backbone to this project, instead of always going to the guitar.”

©2011 HM Magazine All Rights Reserved

More news from last week:

still fresh (as far as you know)

The name Relient K has always been synonymous with melodic songwriting, tongue in cheek humor, and all around good music. The band is set to release what is easily one of the most fun and indiscriminate cover albums to grace alternative music to date.  Relient K’s, K is for Karaoke EP, produced by Mark Lee Townsend and Matthew Thiessen, will be available digitally and at the Vans Warped Tour 2011 starting June 28th on Mono vs Stereo.

“We have always talked about wanting to do a covers record, and we are excited to finally release one. We always try to include cover songs in our live show, so it was nothing new for the band, and working through the songs was fairly easy.

We tried to put our own take on the songs, but while retaining the melody and other

musical sections from the original songs”

–Explains Matthew Hoopes

K is for Karaoke EP tracks:

1) Girls Just Want to Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper)
2) Here Comes My Girl (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers)
3) Baby (Justin Bieber)
4) Doctor Worm (They Might Be Giants)
5) Crazy (Gnarls Barkley)
6) Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Tears for Fears)
7) Surf Wax America (Weezer)

“The song selection is intentionally all over the map, hopefully there is something for everyone. A few of the songs are 80s throwbacks, several are influential songs that we love, and some are just meant to be funny.  Many of the songs that we chose to record are songs that we have played live over the past few years such as “Girls Just Want To Have Fun”, “Surf Wax America”, ‘Crazy.  We had a lot of fun recording and putting these songs together, and I am really happy with how everything turned out” – says Hoopes

You can hear clips of each song on the 7-song EP along with intros for each song from Matthew Thiessen, Matthew Hoopes, and Ethan Luck in a video exclusively atwww.facebook.com/relientk

Catch the band on their 3rd stint on the longest running tour in America, the Vans Warped Tour now in its 17^th year, kicking off on June 24 in Dallas, TX.

Look for the band to release a full K Is For Karaoke album on October 4 in stores and digitally.

Relient K on the Vans Warped Tour 2011 – more info at www.vanswarpedtour.com

Fri       6/24    Dallas, TX                                  Gexa Energy Pavillion
Sat      6/25    Houston, TX                               The Showgrounds at Sam Houston
Sun     6/26    San Antonio, TX                        AT&T Center
Wed    6/29    Las Cruces, NM                         N.M.S.U. Practice Field
Thu      6/30    Las Vegas, NV                          Plaza Hotel – Parking Lot
Fri       7/1      Pomona, CA                               Pomona Fairplex
Sat      7/2      Mountain View, CA                   Shoreline Amphitheatre
Sun     7/3      Ventura, CA                               Seaside Park
Wed    7/6      Bonner Springs, KS                  Sandstone Amphitheatre
Thu      7/7      Noblesville, IN (Indianapolis)       Verizon Wireless Music Center
Fri       7/8      Detroit, MI                                   Comerica Park
Sat      7/9      Tinley Park, IL (Chicago)            First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Sun     7/10    Shakopee, MN (Minneapolis)     Canterbury Park
Tue     7/12    Darien Center, NY (Buffalo)       Darien Lake Fields
Wed    7/13    Mansfield, MA (Boston)              Comcast Center
Thu      7/14    Scranton, PA                              Toyota Pavilion
Fri       7/15    Mississauga, ON (Toronto)        The Flats at Arrow Hall
Sat      7/16    Montreal, QC                              Parc Jean-Drapeau
Sun     7/17    Hartford, CT                               The Comcast Theatre
Tue     7/19    Milwaukee, WI                            Marcus Amphitheatre
Wed    7/20    Cleveland, OH                            Blossom Music Center
Thu      7/21    Camden, PA (Philadelphia)       Susquehanna Bank Center
Fri       7/22    Burgettstown, PA (Pittsburgh)    First Niagara Pavilion
Sat      7/23    Uniondale, NY                            Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Sun     7/24    Oceanport, NJ                            Monmouth Park Racetrack
Tue     7/26    Columbia, MD (D.C)                   Merriweather Post Pavilion
Wed    7/27    Virginia Beach, VA                     Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Thu      7/28    Charlotte, NC                            Charlotte Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Fri       7/29    Orlando, FL                                Central Florida Fairgrounds
Sat      7/30    West Palm Beach, FL (Miami)    Cruzan Amphitheatre
Sun     7/31    St. Petersburg, FL (Tampa)       Vinoy Park
Mon    8/1      Atlanta, GA                                 Aaron’s Amphitheater at Lakewood
Tue     8/2      Cincinnati, OH                            Riverbend Music Center
Wed    8/3      St. Louis, MO                             Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Thu     8/4      Council Bluffs, IA                         Westfair Fairgrounds
Fri       8/5      Denver, CO                                Invesco Field at Mile High
Sat      8/6      Salt Lake City, UT                     Utah State Fairgrounds
Sun     8/7      Phoenix, AZ                                Desert Sky Pavilion
Tue     8/9      San Diego, CA                          Cricket Amphitheatre
Wed    8/10    Carson, CA (Los Angeles)        Cal State Dominguez Hills
Thu      8/11    Marysville, CA (Sacramento)   Sleep Train Amphitheatre
Fri       8/12    Nampa, ID (Boise)                    Idaho Center Amphitheatre
Sat      8/13    George, WA (Seattle)               Gorge Amphitheatre
Sun     8/14    Hillsboro, OR (Portland)            Washington County Fairgrounds

www.relientk.com

www.monovsstereo.com

Above: Original Vans Warped Tour^® logo.

Renowned for bringing skate/punk/action sports and youth culture to the forefront on a global scale, the Vans Warped Tour^® is going back to where it all started…

Last night the tour’s kick off party and press conference was held at the newly opened House of Vans–a stunning 24,000 sq ft indoor skate park and concert venue in Brooklyn. At midnight, VANS WARPED TOUR 2011 main stage artists 3OH!3, A Day To Remember, Travie McCoy, The Devil Wears Prada and Asking Alexandria were revealed. The above acts will join an eclectic mix of hotly-tipped artists in punk, indie, metal and hardcore, to rock, pop, electronic, reggae and hip-hop. Previously announced 2011 tour acts include: Jack’s Mannequin, Less Than Jake, Pepper,  Madina Lake, D.R.U.G.S., Continental, Street Dogs, Lucero, Yelawolf, We Came As Romans, Foxy Shazam, Woe Is Me, Black Veil Brides, Big Chocolate, Dance Gavin Dance, MC Lars, Every Avenue, The Ready Set, Winds of Plague, Simple Plan, Eyes Set To Kill, The Wonder Years, The Word Alive, Big B., Relient K., Middle Class Rut, Electric Touch, Permanent Bastards, Go Radio, The Steelwells, The Aggrolites and Unwritten Law plus many more. For the full list of confirmed artists, visit: www.warpedtour.com/bands.

Beginning today, Saturday March 26 (10:00am) festival goers can purchase tickets early via the exclusive, lower-priced pre-sale via www.warpedtour.com. To keep the festival affordable, pre-sale package prices are around $25.00 and include commemorative 3D ticket–which also serves as a jump-the-line early entry pass–a Vans Warped Tour 2011 compilation CD and a 25-cent donation to the Unite the United charity and all service fees. Only a limited number of pre-sale tickets are available per city and once they sell-out, they’re gone. Go to www.warpedtour.com.

For the first time in its history, the tour is thrilled to partner with Vans and offer a series of intimate in-store events at select local Vans shops around the U.S. Fans can get up close and personal with four of the 2011 tour’s main stage artists including: 3OH!3, The Word Alive, A Day To Remember and The Devil Wears Prada–who debut their new Vans shoe the Devil Wears Prada Old Skools in June–(see dates, locations and artists below). The in-stores are free and open to the public on a first-come-first served basis. For more information and to RSVP, go to: vans.com.

Vans Warped Tour In-Store Events at Vans shops:

DATE                          CITY                           ARTIST
Thu      3/31                 New York, NY              3OH!3
Fri        4/15                 Portland, OR               The Word Alive
Mon     4/18                 Tampa, FL                  A Day To Remember
Thu      6/23                 Dallas, TX                   The Devil Wears Prada

Also a first, from May 15 through June 15^th 43 Vans shops will be selling VANS WARPED TOUR tickets in select markets. The tickets will be $26.00 (1$ service fee), all tickets will be handed out in custom Vans envelopes which can be turned in to the Vans booth at the Vans Warped Tour show for a free item onsite. In addition, a select number of Vans retail shops across the U.S. are offering a coupon of 20% off a single item and free gifts for two weeks following the Vans Warped Tour show.

In other news, the tour is inviting fans to be a part of producing the first mosaic art piece in the tour’s history, We Are Warped. For the We Are Warped movement, as fans log in and follow the prompts they’ll upload a photo and then be instructed to it’s location in the mosaic. With over 2,000 photo entries so far, We Are Warped gives concertgoers another chance to connect and interact with each other and be a part of official tour art and VANS WARPED TOUR history. Log onto: www.wearewarped.com.

Now in its 17^th year, the 44-date VANS WARPED TOUR commences June 24 in Dallas, TX and finishes August 14 in Portland, OR, go to: www.vanswarpedtour.com/dates.

The full list of tour dates is below (subject to change):

Vans Warped Tour 2011

About Vans Warped Tour:
The VANS WARPED TOUR® is well established as America’s longest-running touring festival, breaking up-and-coming indie talent as well as both creating and showcasing major established artists since 1995.  The nationally-renowned festival has cemented its place in history by playing a major role in bringing punk rock/skate/action sports culture from the underground to the forefront of global youth culture, while at the same time helping those in need and being the first tour to consistently use groundbreaking environmental techniques every year on the road. The Warped Eco Initiatives (WEI) range from biodiesel fuel for touring trucks and buses, to environmentally friendly catering for bands and crew courtesy of Tada Catering. There’s even a solar-powered sound system on the Kevin Says Stage and www.vanswarpedtour.com showcases public transportation options for every tour date and carpool message boards as well as exotic eco travel contests. The traveling summer camp features a diverse array of artists—with hotly tipped acts in every genre from punk, metal and indie to rock, pop and hip-hop; as well as a variety of lifestyle attractions for its traditionally low ticket price.  For more information on the tour that Alternative Press readers voted the “Best Tour/Festival” of 2009 and Rolling Stone called “America’s most successful festival” (2005). Now in its 17th year, the 44-date tour commences June 24 in Dallas, TX and finishes August 14 in Portland, OR go to: www.vanswarpedtour.com.

*About the Unite The United Foundation:
Unite The United Foundation is a public 501 (c) (3) non-profit, fundraising organization founded by the producers of the Vans Warped Tour Rockstar Taste of Chaos Tour and Mayhem Festival. It is our mission to encourage fans, artists and industry leaders from the music, touring and action sports worlds to work toward positive change, by supporting local charities and participating in community volunteerism events across the United States. Unite the United Foundation is committed to raising funds to be donated directly to grass roots organizations that are making a difference in our national community. www.unitetheunited.org.