MAYDAY PARADE / GHOST TOWN / BROADSIDE: WARPED TOUR 2016 ► BAND REVIEW

Ghost Town, Mayday Parade, and Broadside are all part of the Warped Tour 2016 lineup. In this video, I review each of these bands. Mayday Parade is an American rock band from Tallahassee, Florida. Band members include Brooks Bett (rhythm guitar), Jake Bundrick (drums, percussion), Alex Garcia (lead guitar), Jeremy Lenzo (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Derek Sanders (lead vocals, piano). Ghost Town is an American electronic rock band from Los Angeles, California. Band members include: Kevin "Kevghost" McCullough (lead vocals), Alix "Alixmonster" Koochaki (guitars, backing vocals), Manny "Mannythedrummer" Dominick (drums, percussion). Broadside is a pop punk band from Richmond, Virginia. Band members include Ollie Baxxter (vocals), Niles Gregory (guitar), Dorian Enrique (guitar), Andrew Dunton (drums), and Pat Diaz (bass)

Ghost Town is a long time favorite of mine. I'll admit that their dive deeper into the rock side of things had me excited at first. But honestly, their lyrical context in their most recent album "Evolution" really let me down. The sound is great, as always. And the art is amazing as well. Ghost Town has always made songs about real life situations masked in a creepy topic, with a creepy image. The artistry is what I've always loved about this band. They are absolutely unique, and very good at what they do. And when they got signed, I got worried. I know what record labels do. They worry about making money, not about making art... because they're a business, and businesses have to make money. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see no large influence from Fueled by Ramen on "The After Party" aside from some rad promotion. This made me happy, this band I love would remain true to themselves. But with "Evolution" there are clear demographic, target audience, and gimmick influences. So much so, that the entire album is targeted directly at their core demographic. Not that I blame them for being smart in business. And I don't feel like they're less creative. I just feel like their new music isn't as much for me as their older stuff is.

Mayday Parade doesn't require a ton of explanation or elaboration from me. They're popular, and they've been around for quite some time. They have super happy songs, super sad songs, super screw you songs, you super screwed me songs.... all of the songs. Their sound is great and it stays pretty fluent without becoming dull and boring after the gazillionth album. Their newest body of work, "Black Lines" doesn't disappoint. But I have to admit that I still favor picking and choosing songs from each of their albums rather than listening to any single one of them straight through.

Broadside is a new love of mine, and thank you, Spotify for that. The Discover Weekly playlist on Spotify has really become a great friend of mine. If you know anything about me, you know that I crave hearing something new to fall in love with. This playlist is very good at delivering that to me. They're pop punk rock through and through. The only thing that I don't like about this band is something that hurts them, and not me. They need a serious lesson in branding because they are not easy to find on any forum! They seem to have done pretty well for themselves, as they have made it to being one of the advertised bands on the Warped Tour lineup. But imagine how far they could come if they had a more solid and consistent form of branding. There is no logo that I could find, they aren't straight forward with their social media links (nothing is /broadside or /broadside band) and it actually was a chore for me to find them. I was up for that challenge, but most people are far too lazy to bother. I see that they're signed to Victory Records... why isn't their label helping them out with this?!

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TOO CLOSE TO TOUCH: WARPED TOUR 2016 ► BAND REVIEW

Too Close to Touch had to be the first Warped Tour 2016 band for me to talk about because they're my favorite on the lineup. Too Close to Touch is an American rock band from Lexington, Kentucky. Band members include: Keaton Pierce (vocals), Kenneth Downey (drums, percussion), Mason Marble (guitars), Thomas Kidd (guitars), and Travis Moore (bass guitar).


The first time I heard this band was opening for I the Mighty on Connectour.
Their sound is great, but what I really fell in love with was the way Keaton walked out into the crowd, placing his hand on peoples shoulders and singing to them individually. And the way Kenny reminded me of a cartoon with his over exaggerated but super adorable facial expressions.
I went online and checked them out the instant I got home. Already head over heels before even clicking play but every track on the album Nerve Endings is fabulous! My favorite is "The Deep End"

How does it make me feel? sunshine and summer, but also stick it to them. I listen to this album when I need a good pick me up. But it also helps to work out rage.

Album's strengths: it flows perfectly


Pretty Little Thing: This track has a super poppy hook that warms my soul. Even though the lyrics are about a toxic relationship, it's upbeat. It doesn't feel contradictory, though. It feels like "Hey, I realize that you're bad for me, and I'm fine with being without you. Good-bye!"

Perfect World: I feel like they placed this song so well. Because sometimes, even if you realize that a relationship isn't right for you, later on a sadness sets in. And even if you don't really want that person back, you want them to want you back. So, I feel like it coming directly after Pretty Little Thing, which is pretty much an "adios, you're crazy" track, is perfect placement.

The Deep End: Hands down my favorite track on this album. The magnitude of the feelings it creates for me are unreal.

Until I Collapse: This song was the perfect ending to the album, and to hear them perform it live is something magical. It feels like the end. Like breathlessness after something strenuous.

This band reminds me of The Wedding in their style, sound, enthusiasm, and stage presence.

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I THE MIGHTY: AWESOME UNDERGROUND ★ MUSIC REVIEW #16

I the Mighty is an Alternative Rock band based out of San Francisco, California. Their album, Satori, really makes me all happy inside. Band members include: Brent Walsh (lead vocals/guitar), Ian Pedigo (Guitar/backup vocals), Chris Hinkley (Bass/ backup vocals), Blake Dahlinger (percussion)

Finding this band was one of the happiest moments of my YouTube journey. And to this day, (more than two years later) they remain one of my favorite bands. "Satori" is still one of my most frequently used forms of therapy. This band blends all of the standard elements of a great rock band, creativity, intelligence, and passion in perfect measure.

It's not often that I run across a band that melts my heart with every element of their work. Every note, every riff, every beat, every lyric, EVERY CONVERSATION. I the Mighty is that band, though. I love everything they have done. I love how warm and kind they are after every show. I love how they'll have casual conversation about practically anything and hand out a hug if you ask nicely enough. They'll even pose how you want for a picture. They love back. A few of my favorite memories include Brent Walsh screaming in my face. And another is the time Ian stopped mid-soundcheck to strike up a conversation with me "Hey! I know you!" Yeah, they've seen me several times, but how many faces do they see in a week? Whether he actually recognized me or not, it sure made me feel good.

This band continues to amaze me with everything they do. From acoustic tracks to album commentary, I love everything I the Mighty puts out into the public. Brent seems to have strong beliefs on several issues. And while I may not agree with him 100% on everything, I can always appreciate that his opinions are well constructed with research and consideration of all factors involved. And I always admire that he hasn't lost the guts to speak his mind.

There are political songs, and love songs, and break-up songs. Songs of loss and longing and even Fuck-you songs. Intelligence, creativity, spite, and passion sum up the lyrical content in their discography. AND IT IS BEAUTIFUL.

Since I put out the review that I'll be pasting below, I've seen this band 8 times live and they have put out a new album, Connector. They've also headlined their own tour, Connectour (which had the best opening acts of any tour in the history of touring) and gained a lot of recognition for their flawless sound. I feel lucky to have found them early enough to witness this growth. I'm so proud every time they reach a new milestone. This is a band I truly love.

While Connector has a different feel, all of the elements that made me fall for I the Mighty are still there. Everything I love about their sound remains. It's not as rough or bluntly in-your-face as their previous album, Satori. But Satori is a break-up album through and through. With Connector come new emotions: love and longing, romantic anticipation... but the spite isn't gone (thank heavens). "The Lying Eyes of Miss Erray" is one of my favorite tracks on the album and although it sounds upbeat and catchy, there's a bite to it if you pay any attention to the lyrics at all. OH and "Psychomachia" ahhhh that is pure spiteful heaven! It's hard to pick a single track as a favorite from Connector, as it was with Satori, but those two are probably up towards the top of my list.

I'm including a handful of pictures that I have taken at shows because I love this band and because I flipping can. You're welcome.

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In case you're a super music nerd like me... they're also in my warped tour video from 2014

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How to Get Your Music Noticed: Presentation - Social Media Art

In this mini-series, I'll be giving indie artists tips to help them be more successful in getting noticed on the internet and growing their fanbase. In this video, I'll be covering how important social media art is for presentation, and getting noticed in the sea of musicians. 


For a very long time now, I have noticed that so many very talented independent musicians skip very simple, but very important steps that would help them get noticed by potential fans. So, here I am, sharing what I know in an attempt to help those who may not know what I do.

Let's talk about presentation as a whole for a minute. The image that you present to the online world has such a large bearing on whether anyone ever listens to your music that it cannot be ignored. It doesn't matter that you've created the next big musical thing if nobody ever clicks on your link. You are but a tiny paddle boat out in a sea of varying sized ships. You have to stand out. You have to look like you're worth someone's time, or they'll decide that you aren't before even hearing what you have to offer. So, let's learn how to put a shiny new coat of paint on that old worn out paddle boat.

Social Media Art:
Where do you share your music? How do you let the world know that your music exists? If one of your answers to that was not social media, then you're even further behind than I expected. People see so much on social media that everything you present needs to look bright and shiny. This is where social media art comes in. If someone lands on your page and it looks like a kindergartner made your art, they're not going to take you seriously. If someone lands on your page and your art doesn't excite them, then they're likely to not even bother. You have to give people incentive for them to give you their time, or they just won't. As theneedledrop so accurately stated, people aren't going to come up to you and beg you to make music for them. There's already more music out in the world than any one person could ever even listen to. They don't need you. But that's not to say that you can't add value to their music library, that you can't brighten their days, that you can't help them through emotional turmoil. But they'll never know that if you don't coerce them into giving your music a shot. These days, everything starts with an image. Make that image beautiful. Make it represent you accurately.

So, how do I do this social media art thing?
Well, you have two options: you can pay someone to do it for you, or you can learn to do it yourself. I suggest the latter because it's a valuable tool in several areas where marketing is concerned. However, I know that independent musicians are busy. You're working a day job, you're making posts, you're connecting with fans, you're playing shows, you're practicing, your work is endless and on top of all of that you still have to have time to do two more things: create music, and have a life. So, if you're not up for the challenge of learning how to do this stuff, and you're broke (I know you are), go here and find someone to do it for you for $5.

Okay, now that I've weeded out those who aren't up for the challenge of learning to make their own social media art, to you worker bees in the group, here's what to do:
You're going to need a photo editing program, such as Photoshop. However, I don't recommend Photoshop because it's pricey and the learning curve is steep. Gimp will get you on your way a whole lot faster and it's not going to hurt your wallet at all (since it's free).
Learn how to use the lasso tool. This will allow you to take the background out of an image and replace it with a solid color to make it more captivating. You can search videos on how to make an image have a transparent background. This will help you out tons!
This part is very important:
Learn the aspect ratios for each social media or music sharing platform. For example, for YouTube thumbnails, the dimensions are 1280x720. You can google whichever social media you're working on at the time. And usually, you can even find a template. Keep in mind that most social media sites have multiple dimensions for different devices. So, you're going to need to know where the line is.

Make sure that the image you use has a high resolution. You don't want the thing you've worked so hard on to end up blurry! Well, that's not everything you need to know, but it will be different for each individual. I will offer this, if you come across a problem and you need to know how to do something (and you just can't figure it out), you can message me on Facebook and I'll do my best to walk you through it (or help you figure it out if I don't know how).

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Support Local Music #2 ★ Denver

On my mission to support local music, I found that SpokesBUZZ is an amazing music program that fosters the talent of growing Denver musicians. Eldren and Red Fox Run have both been part of that program. As has Shatterproof. I got some surprises while getting all of my ducks in a row for this review, but I think you'll find a happy place with at least one of these bands. This is some great underground music, regardless of the surprises.

Eldren:

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They classify themselves as “Psychadelic Space Pop” and I couldn’t agree more. This music is very free-spirited and it feels good for the soul. They have some trippy intros, but they go well with the rest of the song they belong to. It isn’t something I could listen to just any time, but when in the right mood, this music can really leave me feeling light and carefree, and maybe even a little more lovable. Some of their tracks are even what I would describe as super pop, that nods to a different decade.

Red Fox Run:

There’s something about denver vocalists that tug at my heart. The way they form their words has a similarity to it, just like speech from any area. Within the first five seconds of listening to “Didn’t see you there” My mind morphed to Isaac Slade of The Fray and his ability to touch my soul with simple delivery of an everyday word. Daniel has that power within him as well. However, I’ve heard him sound like a few different artists that hold a beloved spot in my heart. For instance, at some point, I thought to myself… this guys voice really sounds like the lead vocalist of NEEDTOBREATHE and at some points, the music reminds me of band of horses. I’m not trying to box this band up into how they sound like so many other artists. Because as a whole, their sound is something unique and beautiful. I’m simply telling you where my brain went while falling for this band. I think if you like The Fray, Taking Back Sunday, Constantines, bands that have strength in being mellow, you’re really going to love this band also.

They list their genre as Rock, indie, alternative, which is fitting. And I like that they didn’t try to get too specific with classifying themselves because throughout their discography, the sound does vary a bit. So this generalized classification fits them well.

I found both of these bands on the SpokesBUZZ website, which is a GREAT place to find amazing Colorado music. I really want to thank this organization for promoting their local music and I actually found it through a band I reviewed in the past, Shatterproof.

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PICTURESQUE: AWESOME UNDERGROUND ★ MUSIC REVIEW

Picturesque is a Lexington, KY based underground rock band with those "northern notes" being "crushed" by lead vocalist, Kyle Hollis (as "Alternative Press" so accurately stated).

If you follow me at all, you know that I'm constantly searching for music. But I'm also constantly being reminded that while I am capable of finding pure gems all on my own, sometimes the music that falls out of the sky and into my lap unexpectedly is the greatest treasure. With plans to see one of my favorite bands (for the third time), I nerdily began listening to some of the other bands on the tour line-up. Quickly, I realized that the band (aside from my favorite, Too Close to Touch) that I was most excited to see was the underdog of the tour, the low men on the totem pole, if you will. Actually, it's not all that surprising in retrospect, because I'm forever traveling hours to see openers on tours where I have no real interest in the headliners. But somehow, this simple trait of mine keeps surprising me. Picturesque may have been the low men on this particular totem pole, but they sure as hell were stars on that stage, politely. The guitarist would glance down at me before stepping on the barrier every single time to make sure that he didn't step on my hand (thank you for that, Zach).

This band is full of talent, and the thing that made them an unusual favorite for me was their vocalist, Kyle Hollis. His voice is definitely on the higher end, which isn't something I usually enjoy. But it fits so perfectly with the sound of this band, how could anyone not love it? To me, his voice embodies heartbreak, which works so perfectly with the lyrics he's shouting. He won't just verbalize your pain, he puts those feelings out into the air as if they had been trapped within him for ages. And even if you didn't start off listening to this music with a broken heart, once you finish this EP, you'll know what heartbreak truly feels like.

Casting spells on the strings in this band are Zach Williamson, Dylan Forrester, and Robert Mote. I'll not pretend to know which wizard makes what sound, because I'm just not that advanced. However, I will say they come in hard to rock your face off right before pulling the strings attached to the most recently created hole in your heart. No worries, though, I'm quite positive that it's all in the service of stitching it up, or at least aiding you in the task.

Cole Clark is the warlock slamming on the voodoo doll that is your exes head (he plays the drums, if you didn't catch that). Be sure to thank him for doing such a great job. You didn't think they had backed off of the drunk texts for no reason, did you?

I don't know when this band formed, but I can definitely say that they compose and perform such perfectly pieced together works of art that it blows my mind. Every space is filled with the right chord, the right beat, the right note. Through my brief interactions with this band, I conclude that Picturesque is a great group of immensely talented guys who were lucky enough to from a band that is full of compliments to one another artistically, whose music is sure to captivate the broken parts of your heart, and maybe even heal it, if you let it.

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FIVE HUNDREDTH YEAR: AWESOME UNDERGROUND ★ MUSIC REVIEW

In most cases, it is pretty simple to decide right away if a band is something I enjoy, can tolerate, or simply detest. However, when I am asked for my opinion, such quick-draw type judgment won't suffice. Why do I like this band? Why don't I like this band? What is it that they could do to sound more appealing to me? Or What is it that they do differently than the fourteen thousand other bands I've listened to this week that makes me smile and shout, "Yes!"
Had this been a band I found on my own, honestly, I would have skipped them. Don't stop reading yet. I would have skipped them because their style isn't what I normally enjoy listening to, not because of any lack of talent or fatal flaw.
The band is pushing a cover track "Talking Body," originally performed by Tove Lo and an original called "Blame."
Let's talk about that cover first, shall we?
The original version is what I would classify as bubble gum pop attempting to be badass, however not accomplishing that. This is a good song, how it is delivered by Tove Lo is substandard and mediocre. It's just "okay" but a great artist could really turn it into a fantastic song.
Five Hundredth Year covering this song is different. It's not like they're copying Tove Lo's version, they have made it their own. And I will repeat this until I can no longer utter the words: You will not do a cover song better than the original artist attempting to do it the same way as they did. If you do not make it your own, you will fail, and fail in an epic manner. We will laugh at you. Don't butcher our beloved tunes. Sorry, back to Five Hundredth year. They nailed the chorus. Fucking nailed it. They did the chorus of this song better than Tove Lo could have in an acid enhanced dream,okay? They beat her. FHY, you win.

Okay, quick intermission. I'm realizing more and more that I am extremely picky about the type of vocalists I enjoy... and those who don't fit that standard, I tend to pick apart (and I do it well). So, excuse me while I attempt to NOT do that with this band.

However, I couldn't properly call myself a critic if I didn't tell you the good and the bad, the sometimes harsh opinion more admirably known as mine. The lead vocalist is... well, his vocal chords are the doppelganger of Sully Erna of Godsmack's vocal chords, mkay? That's what I'm hearing. His delivery is okay but it tends to seem lacking a bit when he's in the spotlight. Don't argue with me, I know the lead vocalist is "always in the spotlight." What I'm getting at, is when the drums and guitars and all that magic is hanging back a bit he does not convey as much passion and enthusiasm and sense of belonging as he does when they are at closer to equal levels. Hate me for this, I know you will, but I could just do without the female vocals altogether. I do not feel like they add to any of the songs this lovely, and surely talented lady happens to be lending her pipes on. It does not seem to fit at all to me. It sounds out of place. I'm not bashing her, nor trying to downplay her gift. I'm just saying hers does not fit the sound of this band, in my opinion. I'm not sorry. *shields herself from inevitable stones thrown*

Moving on!
I stumbled upon a handful of original tracks that I actually listened to before the cover. "Blame" is the one they're pushing, but I do what I want, and I'm going to say save that for second. Why? Because "Reflection" is better. I am right about this. I believe the term "magical" was used in the discussion I had with myself concerning the guitars, the energy, and the emotional build-up. Again, I could do without the female vocals *ducks* but overall, that's the only complaint I have about this song. And if my opinion counted for anything, I would say FHY, you're pushing the wrong tune. "Reflection" is your gold star track. This is one of those tracks, you know? Those tracks that pull you out of life for 3 minutes or so and surround you. One of those that you could close your eyes and feel like you're levitating to (I swear I'm not on drugs).

"Blame" starts off high energy and immediately grabs your attention. I can't help but think of Drowning Pool in certain spots, however the song as a whole doesn't sound like any other band.What I'm saying is I see clear influences, but no lack of originality. This is another good song to find escape in... maybe not at the same level as "Reflection," but in a similar way.

This band is semi-heavy, but still manages to be melodically well structured and the lyrics are good. For the most part, the vocal delivery is good. The drummer and guitarist play well together. All in all I think this is a good band. I would advise a few changes, but what works for me does not work for everyone. And if they sit back and assess their sound and it sounds like what they want it to, then it's perfect. As for you, you should go listen to them. You can find them virtually anywhere, and you know you'll find their links below, as always. Don't forget to let me know what you think and tell Five Hundredth Year that I sent you. I'm coming back to YouTube, I have not abandoned you guys, I PROMISE.

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