Emo Nite LA Presents Emo Nite @ Webster Hall
July 20, 2019 Leave a comment

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June 28, 2019 Leave a comment

Well, here’s the year that any pop-punk kid has been dreading for the last 25 years- the very end of Vans Warped Tour. For a quarter of a century VWT has been a haven and a ‘punk rock summer camp’ for “outcasts,” “misfits” and those who were seen as “too different.” From sky rocketing the careers of bands like All Time Low and Neck Deep to giving back to the community in the form of blood drives and canned goods collections, VWT has been a quintessential part of life not only for the bands and the behind the scenes crew but for the fans as well.
With VWT kicking off their anniversary events in Cleveland, Ohio at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a sold out and super successful start to the summer, the following stops span over two weekends, June 29th and 30th in Atlantic City, New Jersey and July 20th and 21st in Mountain View, California. With all of our Warped-Tourian knowledge and our inner scene teens sobbing over the end of era, we’ve created a list of the top 13 bands you must see this summer.
1. Dance Gavin Dance
Hailing from Sacramento, California rock band Dance Gavin Dance never fail to put on a killer show. First appearing in 2009 and doing four runs on the tour the group have performed their hits such as “We Own the Night” off their 2015 album Instant Gratification and “Betrayed By the Game” off 2016s Mothership. With the release of Artificial Selection just last year, one of their best albums in my opinion, you definitely won’t want to miss “Suspended In This Disaster” or “The Rattler” live (really crossing my fingers that they play them.)
Inspire The Liars- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-aQrBZ4Duw
Pennsylvania metal-core band August Burns Red has been delivering hit after hit since the bands creation in 2003. Completing 7 summers on the Vans Warped Tour the band have given us consistent powerful vocals, spine tingling guitar riffs and have expressed nothing but gratitude and love towards their fans. With the band hitting the stage for one final VWT show fans are hoping for a mix of hits such as 2011s “Carpe Diem,” 2015s “Separating the Seas” and 2017s “King of Sorrow.”
The Frost- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKlP2rKtAGQ
Maryland based rock band Good Charlotte, formed in 1995 by brothers Joel and Benji Madden, has been giving us all of our rock medicine for years on end. With hits like “The Anthem” and “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous” both off the 2002 album The Young and the Hopeless we’re definitely in for a treat and with tracks pulled from the 2018 record Generation Rx fans will most certainly get the perfect mix of old and new.
Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-jC3H_8Dk4
Starting in 1997 the Floridian ska-punk band has played VWT a mind blowing 13 times. Getting to experience tracks such as “The Rest of My Life” and “Sunstroke” from a band that helped create and shape Warped Tours’ legacy is definitely something that everyone should take advantage of. Even if you can’t stay for their full set, and trust me you’ll be disappointed if you don’t, make sure to drop by and catch at least one song from the energetic and crowd thrilling band.
The Science of Selling Yourself Short- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krXG307d4k8
Playing Vans Warped Tour for their fifth time, Texas metalcore band Memphis May Fire are coming to light up the stage once again. Memphis May Fire always delivers and never fails to have a wave of crowd surfers and mosh pits rocking out to hits such as “Sleepless Nights” and “The Enemy.” If you’ve never moshed before, I highly suggest taking the gloves off and experiencing your first mosh pit to a Memphis May Fire song.
Heavy Is the Weight- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUfkqYWxLjk
Florida pop-punk band Set It Off is a fairly new band to the scene but their fan base has been growing rapidly since their debut at VWT in 2013. The band signed to Fearless Records in 2018 and released their fourth album Midnight in February of this year. Fans can most likely expect a range of tracks from over the years (really hoping “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” makes it onto the setlist) but regardless of which songs they play, a Set It Off performance is something you don’t want to miss.
Why Worry- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sesKiKYQn84
Rock band Silverstein, hailing from Ontario has played VWT 10 times, starting back in 2004. With a mix of rock, post-hardcore, metal core and indie-rock vibes the versatile band is one that absolutely is a can’t miss. Whether it be their heavier songs like “Live To Kill” off of the 2011 album Rescue or the more pop-punk sounding “The Afterglow” off of 2017s Dead Reflection there’s no denying that Silverstein, while continuing to bring in the sounds of their roots, is one of the most adaptable and ever changing bands in the scene.
Ghost- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqDR4TW2vfs
Alternative rock band Sleeping With Sirens from Florida emerged on the scene in 2009, playing their first Warped Tour in 2012 and going on to play another 5 years after that. With five incredibly successful albums and a sixth one in the making Sleeping With Sirens has no shortage of hits ranging from “If I’m James Dean, You’re Audrey Hepburn” and “If You Can’t Hang” to “We Like It Loud” and “Empire to Ashes.” If you’re in the mood for an engaged and incredibly hyped up crowd singing back the lyrics to an equally hyped up band, Sleeping With Sirens is a band you’re not going to want to miss.
If You Can’t Hang- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UwWYtLWEZg
If there’s a band that radiates scene energy the most, it’s definitely Utah’s own The Used. Having played VWT 8 times, the first being in 2002 the band has become one that everyone knows at least one song to, even if you don’t know the name of the band. The post-hardcore/alternative rock band has enticed fans with tracks like “Pretty Handsome Awkward” and “Rise Up Lights,” and the mix of old school and new school that this band is going to bring to the stage is going to result in a show for the books.
All That I’ve Got- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgB_JwcuPg0
Another Ontario band that’s played VWT 10 times is Sum 41, the first time being in 2000. With six albums previously released holding two of their most popular songs “In Too Deep” and “Fat Lip,” the band is set to drop their seventh album Order in Decline on July 19, just one day before they’re set to play Warped Tour. The release of the new album is bound to get fans hyped up and eager to learn the words to the newest songs so they can belt them out along with the guys giving it their all on stage.
In Too Deep- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emGri7i8Y2Y
England’s Dominic Harrison, known to his fans as Yungblud is set to make 2019 his second consecutive year on the VWT. The energy he exudes on stage and the sheer poetry of his lyrics makes it hard not to love Yungblud and want to listen to his songs on repeat. His debut album 21st Century Liability which was dropped last year features tracks such as “Medication,” “Psychotic Kids” and “Polygraph Eyes” and recently he released a successful collaboration with artists Halsey and Travis Barker titled “11 Minutes.” If there’s one artist you want to keep your eye on, it’s Yungblud.
Medication- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM1shsSRqB8
This pop-punk Floridan band has done nothing but continue to grow their fanbase from their debut in 2005 to their first VWT in 2008 up to now. With eight Warped Tour summers under their belt the band has had no shortage of catchy hits going back from “Check Yes Juliet” on their self-titled album released in 2007 to 2013s “I Feel Alive.” We The Kings never fails to put on a fantastic show and you can genuinely see and feel the love that they have for their music and their fans.
Check Yes, Juliet- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CUyWJ7UINM
Rounding out our list is Montreal originated pop-punk powerhouses Simple Plan. Playing VWT first in 1999 and going on to take on to dedicate an additional 12 summers. Bangers like “Addicted” and “I’m Just a Kid” were, and still are, staples in every scene kids music rolodex. The vibes, riffs and vocals that Simple Plan gives off for every performance are insane and time and time again they remain incredibly humble and thankful for their fans. There’s no doubt in my mind that Simple Plan was one of the best choices to add to the end of an era and if you miss Simple Plan’s set, you’re missing out entirely.
Addicted- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvpNa5O-0-8
Article courtesy of Linette Ray
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June 16, 2019 Leave a comment
Being odd is typical for artists. It’s what makes us all unique. Josh Balz took the idea of odd and amplified it. Owner of the Strange and Unusual Oddities Parlor in Kingston and Philadelphia, PA, Josh has certainly added a little gem to the often dreary North East, PA. I sat down with him to talk about how life has been after his transition from being in a touring band to running his store full time.
I started by asking if the transition from touring to being grounded back in PA was strange?
“ I love the area, I grew up here and always lived here.” He says.
He certainly thought the transition was strange, since the hectic touring life took a lot out of a person, “ I never felt busy, I felt like I wasn’t doing enough, since I was only running the store, not doing both.” He said while talking about reconfiguring his life after leaving his band.
I asked about his music, Strange Kids, which he’s released two singles under, and more importantly if he was releasing more music, “ I’d like to, it’s more of a hobby right now.” Genre wise, Strange Kids and Motionless in White are very different. Josh said, “ It’s all based on my emotions, what I’m feeling at the time.”
In NEPA, Josh is somewhat of a hometown hero. I asked him if support from local fans had ever changed after coming home. “ I think there’s more support now. The store and Motionless have the same vibe. It goes hand in hand.” His employees at the store said his fair share of fans still come in, excited to meet him. Fans and locals alike still love the shop, enjoying how different it is among the repetitiveness the Valley seems to see often.
Owning a store like this comes from a love for weird things. “ I always enjoyed them (oddities). The stuff comes from all over. A lot of vintage taxidermy” He said when I asked how he finds his unique items, “ It’s definitely a process.”
In a town full of pizza shops, I wondered how a shop selling human bones and spell books does so well, “ I wanted to do something different here,” Josh said when I asked what inspired him, “ Everyone told me I was going to fail.”
Balz said that the shop does very well, being able to sell such unique, incredible items and still stay afloat, where in a huge city it would be difficult. Having the backing he did, it’s no surprise the shop is well loved and received. While wrapping things up, I asked him how it feels to know his music and his parlor help so many people. Being weird isn’t always easy, and he’s always made people like him feel a little less like outsiders. I asked if he ever wanted to have that effect on people. “ Always. I’ve always been a very supportive person. I love helping other people.”
Josh has always encouraged people to be themselves, and be interested in unique things. He’s very proud of who he is, and everything he’s built. “ I hope people come in, to see the shop and try the cafe.”
The Strange and Unusual Oddities Parlor sits at 467 Wyoming Avenue in Kingston, Pennsylvania. Now boasting a Harry Potter themed cafe called Steamy Hallows, serving cookies, Butter Brew coffee and hot chocolate covered in glitter, The Strange and Unusual is a little gem in a town that people seem to forget. Give the shop a visit, buy a skull or two with your coffee, and never be afraid to be a little weird.
Interview courtesy of Emily Sulkowski | SHOP NOW : The Strange and Unusual
Follow Josh Balz here
June 14, 2019 Leave a comment

With the Vans Warped Tour coming to an end in 2018, a lot of us were wondering what we would do to fill that void. Well, the Rockstar Disrupt Fest was announced, and it is a game changer in the scene. Unlike a lot of festivals, you get the best of both worlds. The event starts off on an outdoor stage on the festival grounds and then shifts into an amphitheater concert at night. And unlike other festivals, there will only be one band performing at a time, so you don’t have to pick and choose which bands to see. The lineup is absolutely stacked, and bands include: The Used, Thrice, Circa Survive, Sum 41, The Story So Far, Atreyu, Sleeping With Sirens, Andy Black, Four Year Strong, Memphis May Fire, Trophy Eyes, Meg & Dia, Juliet Simms, and Hyro The Hero. Lineups differ from date to date so make sure to check your date on rockstardisrupt.com to see what bands are playing. The festival kicks off in exactly one week, Friday, June 21st, in Dallas, TX, and tours the country for over a month until Sunday, July 28th, in Albuquerque, NM. Two of our photographers will be attending the tour, and each have listed their top 5 most anticipated sets to see on the Rockstar Disrupt Festival.
Laura’s Top 5 Most Anticipated Sets
Jamie’s Top 5 Most Anticipated Sets
The Rockstar Disrupt Fest looks to be an exciting event and will help fill the void other tours once stayed in. The tour will also cover new ground with the festival and amphitheater mixture idea. Check out the dates below, pick up your tickets at the link below, and keep up with the festival by following their socials!
DATES
FRI. JUN 21
DALLAS, TX
SAT. JUN 22
AUSTIN, TX
SUN. JUN 23
THE WOODLANDS, TX
TUE. JUN 25
WEST PALM BEACH, FL
WED. JUN 26
TAMPA, FL
FRI. JUN 28
ATLANTA, GA
SAT. JUN 29
CHARLOTTE, NC
TUE. JUL 2
SYRACUSE, NY
WED. JUL 3
TORONTO, ON
FRI. JUL 5
MANSFIELD, MA
SAT. JUL 6
HOLMDEL, NJ
SUN. JUL 7
HARTFORD, CT
TUE. JUL 9
BRISTOW, VA
WED. JUL 10
CLARKSTON, MI
FRI. JUL 12
TINLEY PARK, IL
SAT. JUL 13
THORNVILLE, OH
SUN. JUL 14
NOBLESVILLE, IN
MON. JUL 15
MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO
WED. JUL 17
DENVER, CO
SAT. JUL 20
IRVINE, CA
TUE. JUL 23
AUBURN, WA
WED. JUL 24
NAMPA (BOISE), ID
FRI. JUL 26
CHULA VISTA, CA
SAT. JUL 27
PHOENIX, AZ
SUN. JUL 28
ALBUQUERQUE, NM
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June 1, 2019 Leave a comment
Kulick
The Faim
Andy Black
Photos courtesy of Madison Boyce
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May 27, 2019 Leave a comment
What inspired you to start a career in music?
My life has always revolved around music. I never even considered another career path. I started singing at a very young age and enjoyed it so much that I just kept going with it and never looked back.
How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before?
My music is a mix of electronic sounds and organic instruments. My producer and I like to lean towards EDM so people can dance and sing along easily, and we always try to add in our own unique flavors by using trumpet, electric guitar, and a lot of sampled sounds that we find ourselves. Sometimes we throw in some sprinkles of other genres like hip hop, jazz, Latin, or swing just to push the boundaries of pop music and make our songs sonically intriguing.
To a new listener, what song would you suggest they listen to?
Check out Show Me Love. It’s a fun, easy to dance to song with a meaning that I think a lot of people could relate to.
What is your biggest goal for this year, musically and personally?
My biggest musical goal this year is to reach more people with my music. Personally, my goal is to have developed more self-love by the end of the year. Self-love is so important, because the way we perceive and experience the world depends on our mindset. And when our “cup” is full, it overflows and we can give more to others.
What is the meaning behind your most recent release?
My newest single “Running Wild” will be released soon. Follow me at @kathana.music for updates and the release date, (TBA).
“Running Wild” is about dealing with anxiety while being a relationship.
What inspired the song Show Me Love ?
My sister was going through some relationship issues, which inspired me to start writing the song. The guy she was with was very unpredictable. One minute he was there for her, and then would suddenly disappear, and this went back and forth over and over. It reminded me that I had experienced the same thing, and the song quickly became a story of my similar experience.
Will there be any upcoming new releases or tour dates in 2019?
There are no official release dates yet but as I mentioned “Running Wild” will be released next and there are plenty more to be released this year.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I’m a delegator extraordinaire. Need an itinerary? I will have it planned and mapped out down to the minute. I also swing dance, and I can identify almost any fragrance in food. Boom! Next question 😜
Something you want your fans to know?
I love getting to know more about them and building true friendships through social media.
Have you faced any hardships being a women in the music industry / What advice do you have for other young ladies getting there start in this male driven industry?
Yes, I’ve definitely faced hardships. I encourage other young female artists to stand up for themselves and set boundaries, and know their worth.
Kathana’s social : Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | Soundcloud
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Interview by Cristine Trimarco
April 21, 2019 Leave a comment
Times Like These is a 4-piece pop rock band from Long Island, New York, consisting of vocalist Mike Acampora, bassist Zach Dyer, guitarist Eddie Giuffo, and drummer Cody Omage, have toured throughout the East coast, finding new fans everywhere they go with their energetic and intimate live performances.

What was is like working with Hope ( Vista), while covering Panic ! At The Disco ?Hope is amazing! She’s super talented and her band is phenomenal! Working with her was amazing and we would love to work with her again. You can view the cover here.
You worked with Rian Dawson ( All Time Low ) on your song, “Take me Home “. How did that go ? We clicked with Rian and his assistant Dan right off the bat. It was such a smooth process and it honestly couldn’t have went any better. We can wait to work with them again.
Where did the band name come from ? Did you have any others chosen first ?
Times Like These actually comes from a lyric in the old All Time Low song “Noel”. We had a few other names in mind but we didn’t like any of them as much as we liked TLT. Two that stick out to me are Sound The Alarm and Easy Target.
What was the very first show you played, who was it with, and how did it go ? The very first show we ever played was in our friends backyard and it went pretty well for our first show. Our friends in Break Down The Walls and Suburban Zombie also played. Everyone killed it that night.
Out of all of your releases, which is your favorite song, and why?
My favorite song we’ve ever put out at the moment is Take Me Home. Writing it came so natural and it’s so much fun to play live!
Times Like These | Interview questions by Madison Boyce
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March 8, 2019 Leave a comment

Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival powered by Gringo Bandito will embark on its biggest year yet in 2019. After announcing that its flagship Southern California event will expand to two days this year — Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7 at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, CA — Sabroso will also hit the road for single day shows in Fort Worth (4/14), Salt Lake City (4/27), and Denver (4/28) in April. Each date of the 6th annual taco and craft beer celebration features a music lineup headlined by The Offspring, along with The Vandals, Black Flag, Strung Out, and Dwarves. Bad Religion and Sum 41 will perform on select dates. Visit www.SabrosoTacoFest.com for music lineup details, location, and to purchase tickets.
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March 1, 2019 Leave a comment

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