I belong to the school of thought that there is no Chiodos without Craig Owens. When he left the band and did his solo thing, I was really disappointed. Fast forward to this coming October, Chiodos carries on with new lead singer Brandon Bolmer, formerly of Yesterdays Rising. I'm going to have an open mind and pretend that this is band not named Chiodos when I listen to it. Who knows, it may be good. I'll let you know.
Circa Survive just released a new tour video to hype up fans about their new Blue Sky Noise album that's due out April 20th. I look forward to hearing what the album sounds like. Circa Survive is actually coming to Austin to play at Stubb's on April 28th with Coheed and Cambria. You can purchase tickets here:
Jacksonville, Florida's own Red Jumpsuit Apparatus will be here at Emo's for what is the last good (touring) rock show this year. Touring to support their latest album, Lonely Road. Released in the early part of the year, Lonely Road hasn't received the critical praise that previous records have. After setting the standard high for themselves with Don't You Fake It, they have been consistent in terms of quality but never as good as that first album. Still, they are a force to be reckoned with and are totally relevant in terms of today's "scene", pun intended.
I've never had the chance to see them live so I'm looking forward to seeing them Tuesday with Fit For Rivals, another Jacksonville, Florida band I've had on my radar. Check out the video I posted below to give them a look and listen. The lead singer looks like the offspring of Joan Jett.
Opening will be local rock outfit, Go Action Team, who go on at 8pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and Emo's is located at 603 Red River for those of you coming in from out of town for this one. Be sure to purchase advance tickets here: TicketWeb
One of the things we like to do at Austin Vida is shed light on the fact that Latinos, U.S. born or foreign born, play a significant role in many non-Latin music bands. We have proved that here in Austin and all over Texas, Latino musicians are making their mark in the mainstream indie, rock, punk and the heavy metal scene. Many Latino musicians do the same but in the national spotlight. Eyes Set To Kill is a perfect example of that.
Eyes Set To Kill are a hardcore-screamo outfit from Arizona that feature sisters Alexa and Anissa Rodriguez. The Rodriguez sisters were made famous last year when Revolver Magazine anointed them "The Hottest Chicks in Metal" for November 2008. Alexa is one of the main song writers and co-lead vocalist along with Brandon Anderson, who handles most of the screaming. Both compliment each other very well and are good enough to front a band on their own.
Me with Eyes Set To Kill at Emo's in Austin, Texas
Currently, the band is about embark on their first headlining tour in support of their latest album entitled The World Outside. Unfortunately, the tour does not stop in Austin this time around. They came through here twice this year at Emo's, which is where the live footage in the video interview was shot. The Texas stops include El Paso, Houston and McAllen. Even more impressive, the tour is sponsored by Revolver Magazine. It is evident that Eyes Set To Kill are stepping up their game and the constant grinding is paying off.
Check out the video interview we filmed for Austin Vida and familiarize yourself with one of the hottest young bands on the hardcore scene and two of the hottest Latinas in metal.
Now that Warped Tour and Mayhem Fest have since past, I am feeling a void in my hardcore soul lately. Say what you want about it, but there's just something that does it for me when it comes to music genres that end in the word "core" or start with "post". Those genres aren't popular here in Austin with local music media (minus Double Stereo and No Control). I don't understand that when I know Austin has plenty of harcore and emo/screamo fans. I see them at shows all the time, mostly at Red 7 or Emo's. They buy the hell out of merch and bring a certain high energy with their mosh pit craziness.
Tonight my hardcore sensibilities will be tended to by none other than Troy, Ohio's own deathcore specialists, Miss May I. They are signed to Rise Records now which is to home of one of my favorite hardocre bands, The Devil Wears Prada. Miss May I would not be on my radar if I hadn't seen them on the Rise Records website, but I found them none the less.
I got a hold of their latest album, titled Apologies Are For The Weak. I have been listening to it for about a month now and it certainly sounds better when played loud in my truck than it does while at my desk. The screams are a little high at times, but over all I enjoy the album. "Architect" and the title track are the standout tracks worth downloading even if you don't pick up the whole album. There's energy, passionate lyrics, and good breaks. In a genre of gimmicky bands who scream because they think its cool, Miss May I is refreshing to hear.
Miss May I headlines a four band bill tonight at Emo's. The show is an early show. Get there at 5pm. Yes, that's correct. Get there at 5pm. Co-headlining are Fearless Records artist, Motionless In White. I haven't seen them live yet or listened to their music, but they seem to have an avid following online.
Check out this live clip for "Architect" by Miss May I:
For more info on this show or Miss May I, check out the following links:
After four years and two albums, Circa Survive have completed their recording contract with Equal Vision and have signed with Atlantic Records. The band has begun work on their third record in Toronto, ON with producer David Bottrill (Tool, King Crimson, Silverchair, Moneen).
The band has posted a full statement on their official website:
Me and my good friend Ajay Miranda with Brad Bell and Craig Owens from Chiodos. Check out Ajay's interview on Double Stereo with Chiodos. For being such a huge star in the Alternative Press world, they were some of the coolest dudes you'll meet.
Me with Dallas Green from Alexisonfire at the San Antonio Warped Tour stop. In case you were wondering, it is pronounced "Alex-is-on-fire". They're a cool band from Ontario, Canada. You should check them out along with their interview on Double Stereo.
Me with Chris 2 from punk rock legends, Anti-Flag. Unfortunately I didn't catch their set this year, but I have seen them three times already. I was just stoked to get this picture.
Here is a picture of me with Buddy Nielsen, lead singer of Senses Fail. This was taken at the San Antonio Warped Tour stop on July 2nd. I like Senses Fail, but I didn't do the interview for Double Stereo. My good friend and writer extraordinaire, Ajay Miranda, made his first Double Stereo contribution with his interview with Buddy. I commissioned Ajay to help with Warped Tour being that we had so many opportunities for interviews. Plus it was his first time going to Warped Tour, so I was happy to share that with him. I wish I was press at my first Warped Tour. Anyway, we got more Warped Stuff coming your way on Double Stereo. I'll be introducing you to some great new, young bands as well as publish my conversation with a Warped Tour legend.
Check out this video for "Family Tradition" off Senses Fail's latest album, Life is Not a Waiting Room:
A great album from a band on this year’s Warped Tour is The Sound of Human Lives by Therefore I Am. Somewhat screamo, somewhat hardcore and little indie is the best way to describe Therefore I Am. Whatever the style or genre they fall under, it’s all aggressive and well put together. The fans at Warped Tour are going to love them. The album has already passed my “car test”. Click here to read the full review on Double Stereo
Ian is a graduate of Round Rock High School and attended St Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. In 2008 he joined the team at Double Stereo (formerly CD Fuse) as their Blog editor where he reviewed concerts, albums, and did interviews for the popular music site.In January 2009, he became the Editor in Chief for Austin Vida. In 2010, with the help of some of his most talented friends, he launched Red River Noise. "Ian's Music Blog" is also one of the few blogs selected to be a Do512 All-Star.
On any given night of the week he can be found in downtown Austin on 6th Street and the Red River live music district.
Now that Warped Tour and Mayhem Fest have since past, I am feeling a void in my hardcore soul lately. Say what you want about it, but there's just something that does it for me when it comes to music genres that end in the word "core" or start with "post". Those genres aren't popular here in Austin with local music media (minus Double Stereo and No Control). I don't understand that when I know Austin has plenty of harcore and emo/screamo fans. I see them at shows all the time, mostly at Red 7 or Emo's. They buy the hell out of merch and bring a certain high energy with their mosh pit craziness.
I got a hold of their latest album, titled Apologies Are For The Weak. I have been listening to it for about a month now and it certainly sounds better when played loud in my truck than it does while at my desk. The screams are a little high at times, but over all I enjoy the album. "Architect" and the title track are the standout tracks worth downloading even if you don't pick up the whole album. There's energy, passionate lyrics, and good breaks. In a genre of gimmicky bands who scream because they think its cool, Miss May I is refreshing to hear.
After four years and two albums, Circa Survive have completed their recording contract with Equal Vision and have signed with Atlantic Records. The band has begun work on their third record in Toronto, ON with producer David Bottrill (Tool, King Crimson, Silverchair, Moneen).
Me and my good friend Ajay Miranda with Brad Bell and Craig Owens from Chiodos. Check out Ajay's interview on Double Stereo with Chiodos. For being such a huge star in the Alternative Press world, they were some of the coolest dudes you'll meet.
Me with Dallas Green from Alexisonfire at the San Antonio Warped Tour stop. In case you were wondering, it is pronounced "Alex-is-on-fire". They're a cool band from Ontario, Canada. You should check them out along with their interview on Double Stereo.
Me with Chris 2 from punk rock legends, Anti-Flag. Unfortunately I didn't catch their set this year, but I have seen them three times already. I was just stoked to get this picture.
