Hair Metal Meets Facebook

Earlier this week, I wrote a post for Lemondrop.com that features a hilarious video of a hair metal band singing about the horrors of having their mom on Facebook. For my complete writeup and to watch the video, click here.

I'd love to know your thoughts on the article!

Jupiter One Impress At Maxwell's

Performing just over an hour, Jupiter One filled the room with their catchy indie-pop choruses and energetic stage presence. Bearing resemblance to British rockers Muse, it is easy to picture this band in a bigger arena setting. It comes as no wonder, then that Jupiter One will open for Regina Spektor on her upcoming Australian tour.

For the complete live review of Friday's performance, click here.

Band of the Week: Athlete

UK-based band Athlete's latest release, Black Swan is a beautiful, emotion-filled album with soaring melodies and musical accompaniment. With songs that detail the highs and lows of life — everything from embracing youth to failed marriage and death, Athlete impress and leave a lasting impact on the listener.

Released earlier this month, the band took a different approach to recording. After their split with EMI, Athlete recorded and financed the album with money they raised on their own. Due to lack of funds, they were forced to travel to America without drummer Stephen Roberts and played acoustically while on tour with Switchfoot.

"We were playing to 5,000 people a night, without a drummer," frontman Joel Pott said. "It wasn't an easy experience, but it was a real positive to see what captivates people when you're playing to them totally stripped down. You really get a feel for which are the strongest songs."

Night after night, the crowd's loudest cheers were reserved for first single, "The Getaway", a stirring tale of infidelity and communication breakdown, their press release states.

"That reaction was a real boost," keyboardist Tim Wanstall said. "And it totally focused the idea that the whole record needed to be packed with the kind of songs you can sing along to at the top of your voice."

When Athlete returned to England, they decided they wouldn't record the new songs until they'd been properly road-tested.

"A lot of people talk about us being a great live band, but we didn't think we'd ever quite captured that on record. We wanted it to sound like it was just us, playing together in a room. So before we recorded the songs, we did a tour of really small venues in the UK, to get us to the point where we were playing them well. And it really worked. By the time we got back to the studio, we knew the songs inside out," Pott said. 

Blending electro indie-pop, their fourth LP, Black Swan, offers listeners much diversity. The upbeat "Superhuman Touch" kicks off the album with airy vocals from Pott and electric musical accompaniment. With heavy bass and percussion beats, Pott's singing style produces a striking blend. "Sparks flying out in every direction/There's more of this to come/I think it must be heaven/Burnin the sun with just a wave of your hand," he sings.


Next track and first single, "The Getaway" has a softer and intriguing innocence despite the song's tale of infidelity. With Pott's emotional vocals and light percussion and guitar accompaniment, the band switches gears from the fast-paced and energetic "Superhuman Touch" to a beautiful ballad, showcasing their versatility. With the soaring singing style of Coldplay's Chris Martin combined with their musical prowess, "The Getaway" is one of the record's stand-out tracks.

"Light the Way" begins with nearly two minutes of instrumental before Pott comes in. Where on previous tracks his voice and sing-along choruses evoked the most attention, it is Athlete's rich musicality that resonates with the listener.

Title track, "Black Swan Song" is a powerful and moving number about the death of Pott's grandfather. With a somber and laid-back almost Caribbean feel at the start, Athlete's heartfelt lyrics transcend in the stripped down track. "I've been racing the clock and I've run out of steam/I am ready for my final symphony/Oh, my body is weak but my soul is still strong/I am ready to rest in your arms/Though many battles I have won/I lost too many friends I could count on/And I know they'll be the first to welcome me/When I parachute into eternity," Pott sings.

The delicate "Rubik's Cube" fittingly closes the album. It is a song Pott has said sums up everything. "It's about puzzling through life, working it out as you go along and having to deal with its uncertainties. That's the magic of life, really."

It is no question Athlete have had years struggling to survive and find their rightful place within the music industry. As with anything, these hurdles provided material that only strengthened their impeccable  release, Black Swan.


"After everything we've been through in the last couple of years, it feels like we're starting again with this record," Pott said. "We made it without a label, without any pressure and without really having anything to lose. That's exactly how it felt when we first got together. In a lot of ways, Black Swan, is like our second debut album. That's a pretty exciting feeling."

Watch Athlete perform "The Getaway" live at the VEVO Playlist Party at SXSW 2010 below. For more on the band, be sure to visit them on MySpace.



Related Links:
• Band of the Week: Murder By Death
• Band of the Week: The Young Things
• Band of the Week: The Bloodsugars
• Artist of the Week: Griffin Anthony

Poll of the Week: Which 90s Band Do You Miss Most?

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The 90s were a time where boy bands ruled the planet (or so it seems to me). For those that didn't know me back then, consider yourselves lucky. I was OBSESSED with the Backstreet Boys. So much so, I was convinced I would marry one of them (preferably Brian Littrell, the smooth crooner with those beautiful blue eyes...) But I digress.

Last night, I noticed a missed call from my friend and concert sidekick/photographer/videographer Wendy Hu. She left a voicemail blasting BSB's "Everybody" and I couldn't help but smile. This isn't the first time I've received a message with Backstreet Boys on the other end. In fact, all throughout college my mom would frequently leave me similar voicemails when she heard one of their songs.

When I posted this on Twitter I quickly received responses asking me whether I knew what happened to various 90s bands. So, rather than wonder to myself, I figured I'd ask you which 90s band you miss most and what happened to them. I'll choose a few for the poll, but feel free to add bands I've missed in the comments.While you're at it, leave me some song suggestions!

Which 90s Band Do You Miss Most?

Ace of Base

La Bouche

'N Sync

TLC

Other

Song of the Week: "Dying Day"

This week brought new single releases from several talented artists, providing music lovers with plenty of tunes for the weekend. CMT just premiered Brandi Carlile's latest music video, "Dying Day" off her phenomenal album, Give Up the Ghost.

With live tour footage mixed into the video, viewers get a feel for what a typical day of life on the road entails. To watch the music video for "Dying Day" click here.

Gaslight Anthem Unveil "American Slang"

Yesterday, Jersey favorites The Gaslight Anthem released their first single and title track to their upcoming release, American Slang. Produced by Ted Hutt (producer of their second album, The '59 Sound) the highly anticipated third album from the band is due in stores June 15.

Rolling Stone spoke with frontman Brian Fallon a while back and he talked of the album. "The songs sound like Tom Waits' storytelling and the Clash playing as a band, but with some big Motown-style choruses in there."

Longtime fans will be happy to know the band hasn't abandoned their Jersey roots and sound. Their vivid lyrics combined with Fallon's vocals and guitar and percussion intensity on "American Slang" are enough to keep fans anxiously awaiting their June release.

You can listen to "American Slang" on MySpace and Facebook. The complete track listing and lyrics for American Slang are below:

1. American Slang
2. Stay Lucky
3. Bring It On
4. The Diamond Church Street Choir
5. The Queen of Lower Chelsea
6. Orphans
7. Boxer
8. Old Haunts
9. The Spirit Of Jazz
10. We Did It When We Were Young

"American Slang"

Look what you started,
I seem to be coming out of my skin.
Look what you've forgotten here.
The bandages just don't keep me in.

and when it was over, I woke up alone.

and they cut me to ribbons and taught me to drive.
I got your name tattooed inside of my arm.
I called for my father but my father had died.
while you told me fortunes, in American Slang.

Look at the damage,
the fortunes came for the richer men.
while we're left with gallows,
waiting for us liars to come down and hang.

and here's where we died that time last year,
and here's where the angels and devils meet.
and you can dance with the queen if you need,
and she will always keep your cards close to her heart.
before they tear you apart.

What do you think? Is American Slang an album you will be buying?

Related Links:
• You Sing, I Write's Top 5 Concerts of 2009
• Band of the Week: Gaslight Anthem
• Five Albums to Prolong Your Summer
• All Points West : Music, Mud Wrestling, and Beer Gardens

Stream Six Songs Off Sia's Upcoming Release

Australian songstress Sia manages to captivate music fans, critics, and fellow musicians in the industry, most notably Christina Aguilera who recently asked Sia to work on her upcoming release. While Sia's fourth album, We Are Born, isn't due out until June 8, lucky fans can hear six songs from the LP on her site, http://www.siamusic.net.

First single, "Clap Your Hands" is an energetic track that is sure to bring even the most timid wallflower to the dance floor. While many of the tracks on her site are upbeat, danceable numbers, ballads like "I'm In Here" showcase her emotional vocals, having the listener beg for more. To preview Sia's six tracks, click here.

I named Sia one of my Top 10 interviews of 2008 after chatting with her about her last release, Some People Have Real Problems. She filled me in on the touring lifestyle, her songwriting process and stalking Amy Winehouse. To listen to my interview with her, click here and be sure to catch her on the road later this spring!

Related Links:
• Q&A with Sia
• Sia Interview Featured on Rolling Stone
• Sia Plays Sold-Out NYC Show
• Sia Interview on mp3

Band of the Week: Murder By Death

I have yet to hear an album as versatile and powerful as Murder By Death's upcoming release, Good Morning, Magpie. Of the LP, singer-songwriter Adam Turla said, "Good Morning, Magpie is some of the darkest and brightest material we have ever written. While it's not a concept album, it embodies the struggle between light and dark that has defined our previous work."

This struggle can be heard throughout many of the tracks. In fact, it is Turla's vocals that demand the listener to take notice. "I traveled so long/I traveled so long til I was cold, cold as stone/My whiskers are gray they reach to the ground" he sings emotionally on "King of the Gutters, Prince of the Dogs." It is perhaps no surprise then, that Turla wrote most of the new material during two weeks spent alone deep in the woods of Appalachia with just “a tent, a fishing pole, a guitar, and a lot of paper.”

Their biography describes Murder By Death perfectly. "Theirs is a world where Old West murder ballads mingle with rock-injected Western classicism; where an album’s sequencing can take listeners from a haunted back alley in rural Mexico to a raucous Irish pub. All of which is to say, Murder by Death albums don’t just string together songs; they create experiences."

I couldn't have written it more succinctly. Their fifth album release, Good Morning, Magpie, continues to bring listeners on a journey. Combining powerful haunting string interludes, horn accompaniment and percussion features, the band's music leaves just as much a lasting impact as Turla's vocals. First single, "Foxglove" is a beautiful love song with moving string accompaniment. With that classic Johnny Cash feel, you can easily picture Johnny singing "It was always you" to June Carter Cash.

Whether it's a love ballad or drinking away the pain on, "As Long As There Is Whiskey In The World," ("For as long as there is whiskey in the world we can drink away the heartache/We can drink away the girls"), Murder By Death manage to keep the listener intrigued and wondering what will come next.

Due out April 6, Good Morning, Magpie is one record to buy this spring. I can only imagine how Murder By Death sound live. Be sure to visit Murder By Death on MySpace for songs and upcoming tour dates.

Related Links:
• Band of the Week: The Young Things
• Band of the Week: The Bloodsugars
• Artist of the Week: Griffin Anthony
• Band of the Week: Nikki & Rich

Poll of the Week: What Spring Album Release Are You Looking Forward To?

It's officially spring and lucky for all you music lovers out there, that means plenty of album releases. From classic acts like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Willie Nelson to powerful female singers including Christina Aguilera, Sia and Katy Perry, there are numerous gems to choose from. And lets not forget my favorite Jersey boys, Gaslight Anthem.

While I've included four of the artists I've previously covered on You Sing, I Write in this week's poll, I realize these artists are just a sampling of the many albums being released. So, be sure to leave additional suggestions in the comments as I'd love to know what you're most excited about hearing this spring!

What Spring Album Release Are You Looking Forward To?

Gaslight Anthem

Jakob Dylan

The National 

Sia

Other

Attention High School Students: Grammy Camp 2010

Are you in high school and interested in pursuing a career in the music industry? If so, Grammy Camp is the place for you. Held in Los Angeles July 10 - July 19, Grammy Camp offers students the opportunity to work with Grammy-winning and nominated professionals and industry specialists affiliated with The Recording Academy over a number of music industry career tracks.

The deadline for high school students to apply is March 31, 2010. Interested students can apply here. You can submit your video essay and audition videos online here. Applicants in Los Angeles and Scottsdale can also record their application videos free of charge at MyStudio locations in those cities.

For more information and to apply, visit grammyintheschools.com. Good luck!

Song of the Week: "American Honey"

Lady Antebellum have been taking over the airwaves with their chart-topping hit "Need You Now." The Nashville-based trio just released the second single off their sophomore album, Need You Now and it's bound to reach similar success.

Reminiscing of days gone by, on "American Honey" Lady A sing, "Nothing's sweeter than summertime and American honey." I couldn't agree more. Watch the video below for a taste of summer.

Related Links:
• Q&A with Lady Antebellum
• CMA 2009: Six Artists to Watch
• Friday Song Addiction: Country Music Edition
• You Sing I Write's Top 5 CMA Week Songs

Want Your Photo in Dlugokecki's New Album?

Last year, during SXSW I had the privilege of interviewing Southampton, England-based sextet Dlugokecki during their first trip to the States. Having been in the music scene the past 10 years, the band is inviting fans to add their picture in the inside of their upcoming release, 10 Years of Dlugokecki.

The 2-Disc, 34 track album will be available April 5 and all you have to do to enter is hold up a piece of paper with the name of your favorite Dlugokecki song clearly written. The most original entry wins an A2 framed 10 Years of Dlugokecki print of the new artwork, signed by the band. Three runners-up will be picked at random and win free tickets to the tour finale and a free Dlugokecki T-Shirt.

Send a picture of yourself,  friend or family member and they'll print it in the inside of the CD and add it their Web site. Add the picture to facebook and tag Ben Dlugokecki, or send him the image via E-mail. The contest ends Sunday, so be sure to enter now! I may send a photo myself...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Hope you're all having a great St. Patty's Day! What better way to celebrate than some Irish music? Here's a few tracks to get you through the day. What songs am I missing?

Dropkick Murphys "Wild Rover"



The Pogues with Joe Strummer, Kirsty McColl, David Byrne and more. "Thousands Are Sailing"



U2 "Sunday Bloody Sunday"



Michael Londra "Danny Boy"

Meet Danny Gokey

Some of you may recognize Danny Gokey as third-place finalist from season 8 of American Idol. Since Idol, Gokey has gone on to sign a record deal with Sony Music Nashville and released his debut album, My Best Days earlier this month. With current single, "My Best Days Are Ahead of Me" climbing the country charts and a summer tour with Sugarland and Jake Owen in the works, he is well on his way.

Gokey recently sat down with Walmart Soundcheck and filled them in on his first single, dealing with his wife's death and his love of music.

"I think music, whether I write it or not, always makes a connection. Music is a universal language that everyone speaks. Music has formed humanity. In every culture there is music. Music can make you feel different emotions at different times and I think that's the power and connection of music. Whether I write it or not, I connect with the music and I try to make people feel what I feel when I'm singing," he said.

Learn about Gokey's debut album below and for the complete interview where he talks of stage fright, American Idol and why he sees his music as a movement click here.



Currently one of my favorite country music videos, watch "My Best Days Are Ahead Of Me" below. Pay close attention the quotes.

Poll of the Week: Which Festival Are You Looking Forward To?

It's that time of year again: festival season is upon us. SXSW just started and those that aren't making the trek to Texas have many additional options to choose from. While 2009 brought plenty of festival coverage for You Sing, I Write, this year I'll be watching from the sidelines. Although I won't be attending, I have quite a few interviews lined up in the upcoming weeks, so be sure to check back often!

Just because I'm not headed to any festivals doesn't mean you won't be. My poll question for this week is: Which Festival Are You Looking Forward To? Feel free to leave your answer in the poll and be sure to let me know which you're attending as I'd love to hear all about it!

SXSW
Coachella
CMA Festival
Bonnaroo
Other

Song of the Week: "More"

Earlier this week, Tyrone Wells debuted the music video for single, "More" off his album, Remain. Named one of You Sing, I Write's top five concerts of 2009, I was lucky enough to chat with Wells last year right before one of his showcases at SXSW. A powerful performer, he filled me in on his songwriting process, whether he'd rather someone witness him live first or hear his record and the inspiration behind some of his songs, including "More."

A track that almost didn't make the record, of "More," Wells said, "It’s really the age old search of mankind to find more meaning, whether it be faith in God or faith in humanity or hope for a better day and hope that we can see people loving each other in this world and coming together instead of always separating. Less selfishness and more togetherness.

"I think everybody who hears that song plugs their own life into it and whatever is more for that person is what they draw from it. I met a girl who really wants to write screenplays and she adopted the song as her mantra. For me, it was the age old search for God and connecting to him and finding more meaning in that."

For more of my interview with Tyrone Wells, click here and watch the music video for "More" below. Currently on tour with Tony Lucca and Roy Jay, be sure to visit his MySpace for dates. I'll be catching his show this Wednesday in NYC, so be sure to follow me on Twitter for live concert updates!

Related Links:
• Q&A with Tyrone Wells
• Better Than Ezra, Tyrone Wells Bring Surprises At Sold-Out New York Show
• SXSW: Day Two Recap
• Jason Reeves and Tyrone Wells Entertain Crowd with Intimate Tales and Stellar Performances in Hoboken

You Sing, I Write on Last.fm!

I'm excited to announce that you can now follow You Sing, I Write on Last.fm! Having covered 400+ bands, you can listen to all the bands I've written about over the past two years on Last.fm while reading about them on the blog at the same time. How cool is that?

In addition to listening to some of the bands I've featured, check out the journal section for my SXSW interviews and coverage from last year as well as all the artists I've interviewed this year for Spinner.com.

To visit You Sing, I Write's page click here. Special thanks to Shelley Tibbetts for setting everything up!

Q&A with Intimate Stranger

A few weeks ago I interviewed Tessie S-Woodgate from Chile-based band Intimate Stranger. She filled me in on her writing process, how the band formed and plans for SXSW.

"SXSW is really important to us since it's the chance to play to a bunch of new people who haven't seen us live, in a place where we are relatively unknown. It's new terrain for us, so the prospects are very exciting," she said.

Having experienced the 8.8 earthquake in Chile, Tessie recently wrote her firsthand account for austin360.com. Despite the devastation her hometown has faced, Intimate Stranger will perform several showcases next week at SXSW and will play a benefit for the people of Chile at the Parish in Austin.

For Tessie's account of the earthquake, click here.

To read my complete interview with her on Spinner.com, click here.

Band to Watch: Avi Buffalo

Photo Credit: Jon Klemm courtesy of Bumpershine.com

Whether it was their heart-thumping experimental bass and drum beats or shared vocals between frontman Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg and keyboardist Rebecca Coleman, Avi Buffalo impressed concertgoers. While many of their songs can be easily pictured being heard in indie films, it was their stage presence and interaction with the audience left the greatest impact.

For my complete live review and photos, visit Bumpershine.com.

Thank YOU For Your Votes!

I can't express in words how appreciative I am of your support and votes for the SoundCtrl and Pepsico FlashFwd contest. Unfortunately, I didn't win the trip to SXSW but I did reach over 50 votes and was even featured on their blog as one of their top contenders.

While a free trip to Austin, Texas, and interviewing tons of bands while there would have been amazing, I'm truly grateful for the response, emails, comments, retweets I've received from everyone. It made me realize this little music blog of mine has had a much greater impact than I ever could have imagined. From a friend who works at a national magazine telling me she based their magazine's blog after mine to a former colleague from college who informs her students of my blog, I couldn't be more humbled.

I may not be attending SXSW, but that doesn't mean I won't keep on interviewing and discovering talented musicians for you. With a site redesign in the works and interviews lined up with some amazingly talented bands, You Sing, I Write will keep me busy. Thanks for coming along for the ride!

For a complete list of the winners, click here.

Q&A with Withered

Last week I interviewed Mike Thompson of black metal band, Withered. Describing their sound as "tortured black and doom metal," the band has been making a name for themselves and are hailed by critics as the future of heavy metal.

By far the most intriguing (and slightly disturbing) interview I've ever had, I learned much about the genre, Withered's songwriting process and the craziest tour story you will ever read. Let's just say it involves decapitating pigeons for a performance later that night.

Did I peak your curiosity? For my complete interview, visit Spinner.com. I'd love to read your reaction to my writeup so please leave your thoughts in the comments!

Rogue Wave Bring New Tunes, Dance Party, and Nada Surf to Sold-Out NYC Show

Photo Credit: Jon Klemm courtesy of Bumpershine.com

The night after their record release, Rogue Wave have much to celebrate. Their first album in over two years, Permalight, brings a new sound and optimism. And, considering what frontman Zach Rogue and drummer Pat Spurgeon have been through the past few years, this comes as no surprise.

For my complete review and photos of Wednesday's sold-out show at Bowery Ballroom, visit Bumpershine.com.

Song of the Week: "Heads/Tails"

Earlier this week, Hotspur debuted the music video for their newest single, "Heads/Tails." An emotional ballad on deciding the outcome of a relationship, the video strikes a chord between the soaring piano accompaniment and moving vocals.

"So let's let fate decide for you and me tonight/If there's half a chance we'll make it/Then it's not too late to try/Call it in the air heads or tails/Heads we go to London and try to save the queen/Tails we go to Paris and try our hand at romance/Either way we're flying and at least I've got a chance."

The video leaves the viewer wondering what the outcome will be. Watch it below and for more on the band, visit them on MySpace.

Album Review: The Canon Logic's "FM Arcade"

I've been to my fair share of shows over the years. Every now and then there's a band that really sparks your attention. Not just the, "Wow. They were pretty good," remarks after a concert, but thinking that this band truly has something special. Something different than all those other up-and-coming bands out there. This is exactly how I felt the first time I covered The Canon Logic.

It was October 2008 at Arlene's Grocery and the first night of the CMJ festival. I had never seen a New York crowd go that crazy. The girls were dancing like maniacs in front of the stage and everyone was wearing Canon Logic sunglasses that the band made specifically for their showcase. Performing at 7pm on a Tuesday night the first day of a festival was definitely not the best time slot, but the band worked it to their advantage.

I interviewed the guys after their set and never imagined I'd wind up working with them as tour manager and publicist for a few months. Funny the way things work out. During my interview, I asked TCL what makes them different from every other band invading NYC during CMJ week. Guitarist Josh Greenfield informed me of their diverse and devote fanbase where everyone from parents to grandparents to even his high school-aged sister enjoy their performances and frequent shows.

"I think we have a wide range of fans. We like to try and bring everybody together. We're trying to pull from so many different influences. We really like the classic rock stuff and we also like what's going on now. I think we have a good balance of the two, which allows everyone to really get into the music."

It's been a long journey since that October. Many concerts later, The Canon Logic are releasing their debut full length, FM Arcade. The 12-track album is an accurate portrayal of their talent and energetic live show. Think The Killers meet The Beach Boys. Or, as Time Out New York once wrote, "The Canon Logic plays 1960s-style shameless pop fused with latter-day production sensibilities."

Kicking it off with solid instrumental buildup on first track, "Villain In America" the listener is jolted awake and quickly realizes this isn't your typical debut. Frontman Tim Kiely's vocals have an old school vibe that intrigue and are never overpowered by the musical accompaniment.

Second track, "Avenue of Criminals" has always been a concert favorite. Longtime fans will be impressed with the arrangement. Slow piano draws the listener in at first before Kiely enters while guitar and percussion further layer the track. Complete with Beach Boys-esque harmonies, their first single off FM Arcade is bound to stay stuck in your head.

"It All Went Away..." switches gears from the high intensity of the first few tracks. Just over a minute long, the piano based song showcases the band's willingness to try something new with a stripped down approach, breaking up the album well. "Nights At Armour Mansion" follows suit and is a darker number with a slow beat at first listen. Midway through, however, an instrumental interlude quickens the pace with fitting percussion before the rest of the band joins in on vocals.

Standout track, "Dead Man" begins with 15 seconds of guitar distortion reminiscent to that of The Kinks. The energy never wavers, and instead continues to electrify throughout the entire track. This is indie rock at its finest. While it's hard for the rest of the album to follow such intensity, "Dead Man" is one track that is sure to have music critics raving.

Ending with the minute-long "Last Day of Man," The Canon Logic leave the listener wondering what they can expect next. A solid debut release, FM Arcade, is only a glimpse into what is sure to be a bright future for the Brooklyn-based band.

Gearing up for their debut full length release this coming Tuesday, FM Arcade, will be available on iTunes and Canon Logic's Web site. If you can't wait that long, you can download "Nights At Armour Mansion" and "Avenue Criminals" for free here.

The band will be performing at Mercury Lounge tomorrow night celebrating their release. For more information, visit their Web site.

Related Links:
• Q&A with The Canon Logic
• Song of the Week: "Delia"
• The Canon Logic Video Performance
• Canon Logic Lure Fans With Catchy Rock Songs, Sunglasses

Orianthi Interview Featured on MarieClaire.com!

Photo and video credit: Wendy Hu

Earlier this week, MarieClaire.com featured my interview with guitar goddess Orianthi. Feel free to check out the post here.

Watch my video interview with Orianthi below to learn more about her passion for guitar, what it was like to perform with Santana and her experience working with Michael Jackson. For the complete transcription, click here.

PT Walkley, Greg Holden and Ian Axel Perform at Joe's Pub Tonight

Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

Quite possibly my favorite thing about being a music journalist is discovering new bands before they make it big. Whether my coverage precedes a write-up in Rolling Stone or a song being placed in hit TV shows like Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice, in a way it helps confirm that my music taste is ahead of the curve. Or, so I'd like to think!

I'm excited tonight to be catching three sets at Joe's Pub, two of which are bands I've already covered and interviewed. Feel free to follow along on Twitter as I'll be reviewing the show live. And, if you haven't yet, check out my interview with Greg Holden here and PT Walkley here. For more on each artist, you can find their MySpace below.

PT Walkley on MySpace.
Greg Holden on MySpace.
Ian Axel on MySpace.

Band of the Week: The Young Things

Those that think rock & roll is dead obviously haven't heard of The Young Things. With music that transports the listener back to the 1960s, it's easy to envision the Brooklyn-based band opening for the likes of The Beatles and The Beach Boys.

Having just released EP, ...is the Killer, the 15 minute, six track album is not nearly enough to satisfy. After just one listen, The Young Things leave music lovers wanting more.

"Uptown" starts off the EP with gritty guitar and percussion instrumentals before the vocals enter. "Callin' my girl/We're gonna meet uptown/I gotta hurry/She doesn't wait around," The Young Things sing with spot-on precision. A solid and energetic start to ...is the Killer, "Uptown" and second track, the tongue in cheek "Case of the Mundanes," bear familiarity to that of The Beatles' and their 1965 hit single, "Ticket To Ride."

Guitar heavy "6 1/2 Stone" portrays a darker sound for the band with fitting percussion. The track slows down midway to the fadeout and is fueled by plenty of guitar fuzz and seductive singing. The EP is rounded out by quirky "All My Friends Are Junkies," fast paced "The Well" and "Boy You're Lookin' Pale." Complete with slapstick lyrics, "All My Friends Are Junkies," offers humor to the listener while "Boy You're Lookin' Pale" provides seemingly important life lessons (to some, perhaps): "The world may not look half as bad/Through an empty whiskey glass."

A glimpse of what is to come from the band, ...is the Killer takes it back to the 60s where The Beatles and The Beach Boys ruled the music scene. While The Beatles influence can be easily heard throughout much of the rhythm and musical accompaniment within the six-tracks, the vocal harmonies of The Beach Boys are also ever present. All in all, The Young Things satisfy those pining for classic rock & roll. While no group can ever replace The Beatles' influence, it is refreshing to hear a band that embraces such classics and bring their own flavor to the table.

Having just played the famed Viper Room in California, The Young Things will perform at New York's Rockwood next month. For more information, visit them on MySpace.

Recommended: For fans of The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Gaslight Anthem.

Related Links:
• Band of the Week: The Bloodsugars
• Artist of the Week: Griffin Anthony
• Band of the Week: Nikki & Rich
• Band of the Week: The N Result