News: JANUARY 2004

DELICIOUS!
They're so good, they're Home Grown! Drive-Thru Records own, Home Grown, has just set up a bite size U.S. tour after returning from the U.K! This mini tour will bite your face off in a flurry with bands like Fall Out Boy, Mest, and Madcap. Make a date with that cute girl in your art class and check these shows out. 01/30/04 Ventura, CA @ Ventura Theatre, 01/31/04 Las Vegas, NV @ House Of Blues, 2/02/04 Tucson, AZ @ Skrappy's 2/03/04 Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre, 2/04/04 San Diego, CA @ Soma More to come!

AND YOU THOUGHT YOURS WAS BAD
Has your band ever been stuck playing a show in skanky rural town getting beer bottles thrown at you through chicken wire? Then maybe you can relate to experiences in this recently released book 'Gigs From Hell'. Given to us by the infamous Sleazgrinder, this book will sure keep you on your toes reading about 100's of bands horrific gigs. Maybe your encounter with that one guy, that coat hanger, and the ambulance won’t seem quite as bad after reading some of these! If you're wondering where to score one of these check out website or website

NEW BLOOD
Dead Teenager records has shed new blood in the making of these upcoming releases in 2004:
FEB: (JJ Paradise) Players Club: REGENESIS (features members of UNSANE)
MAR: Manfall: s/t debut
MAR: Voodoo Organist: The Return of (distro deal only)
APR: Areola 51: s/t debut (features members of Ministry)
JUNE: Honky: TBA

HARD OF HEARING?
Never Heard Of It eh? Well this independent band has been getting themselves heard by the major labels. They're working on making the next step to making it big which would mean leaving their own label for a new home. Their label "Unmotivated Records" has sold over 43,000 copies of the bands latest full-length in just this year! They do plan to keep the label going by signing new bands and later on release their own side projects.

HERE KITTY KITTY
Kitty Kat Dirt Nap has recently been added to the Solid PR family. These fat kats produce a rockn’ sound backed with guy-girl vocals. Once you’ve heard them, there will be no doubt in your mind that they're unmistakably a pop punk band. Their feel-good tunes are straight up and make you want to dance! Watch out for their release on Wonka Vision Records this March!

CALLING ALL SKANKERS
Skank it up in a way your mother would approve of! Chris Murray's "The 4 Track Adventures of Venice Shoreline Chris" is out now! This amazing re-release was originally recorded on Moon records and kicked off Chris Murray's solo career, but now Asian Man Records proudly brings you this amazing ska and traditional rock steady now available off their site (website) or at website

HUNGRY? WHY WAIT
A new treat for you indie rockers to snack on has just been released by EE. "Ramadan", EE's debut CD, is said to be the band's best material yet. This poppy but laid back indie rock is delicious midnight snack food if you like bands such as the Flaming Lips, Granddaddy, Seam, or Built to Spill.

PEACE PLEASE
Plea For Peace in 2004! The Plea For Peace Foundation, Asian Man Records, Saddle Creek Records, and Music For America are teaming up to bring you the next Plea For Peace Tour trekking the U.S. April through June. Featuring Cursive, Mike Park, and more to be announced! Don’t miss out on this awesome tour, backed by a good cause.

RUDIES WELCOME!
Pick it up! The Ska Brawl Tour is getting closer to infecting your town with amazing ska bands. Featuring New York two-tone skankers The Toasters and 3rd wave rockers Big D and the Kids Table. This is a must see for any rude boy or girl. Why not make it a date and break out the checkers and chucks.
" SKA BRAWL 2004" TOUR w/ BIG D & THE KIDS TABLE
01.16.04 - AZ, Phoenix @ The Old Brickhouse, 01.24.04 - CO, Colorado Springs @ 32 Bleu, 01.30.04 - TX, Houston @ Fitzgerald’s, 02.03.04 - OK, Oklahoma City @ Green Room, 02.07.04 - MO, St. Louis @ Creepy Crawl, 02.10.04 - KY, Lexington @ The Dame, 02.14.04 - PA, Wilkes-Barre @ Cafe Metropolismore. These are just a few of the many dates. Make sure to check out the rest of the dates at website.

FREEDOM RINGS
Suburban Noise Records is putting out a brand new punk rock classic brought to you by Humble Gods. This pounding punk rock album "Born Free" hits stores on January 4th, 2004. Humble Gods was graced by the presence of some extraordinary musicians in the studios to help them achieve this bitchin album. Josh Freeze - Vandals - Perfect Circle, put on a drum clinic, Byron McMackin - Pennywise brought the intensity while Tom Brayton from the Dwarves, Scott Koziol and Brad Gordon finished the job. Now honestly, are you really gonna wanna miss this? Didn’t think so.

REMEMBER OR MAKE MEMORIES
Did you make it to The Spitvalves spooky Halloween show at The Social in Orlando, FL? Well if you want to reminisce or missed it and want to get a taste of what you could have had, expect a live CD in February 2004. You'll be able to score this CD through Spitvalves and Resurrection A.D. Records websites.

GNARLY
New England's Premiere Skate Park, Rye Airfield, is releasing their first DVD January 31st, 2004! One of the park's team skaters chose "Arizona" by Kicked In The Head for their video clip. The DVD, "Transition Heaven" will be a FREE giveaway item available at select Rye Airfield events and only New England's best skate shops, so look out for these rare DVDs on your summer trip while your visiting your grandma.

AROUND THE WORLD AND BACK AGAIN
VGS just recently ended their touring season for their latest Victory records release, Steady As She Goes. The band recently released a new DVD entitled, Holmes Movies, contains rare around the globe footage along with individual band member interviews, tours of their homes, and some never before seen music videos from the VGS archives!

RISE OR FALL?
Rise records own Ever We Fall have finally released their debut CD. These young rockers have produced an amazing CD full of sing alongs and plenty of guitars. If you're a fan of Thursday, Jimmy Eat World and Juliana Theory you must check out these rockers from Portland, OR. The CD can be purchased online at Rise, Interpunk and Smartpunk.

STICKS…CHECK!
Stocking up on drum sticks and guitar strings, Curl Up and Die is getting ready to hit the road in support of "...But the Past Ain’t Through with US", their new EP. Watch out for this uprising hardcore band near you! 01.07.04, Sacramento, CA, 01.10.04, Salinas, CA, 01.12.04, Phoenix, AZ, 01.15.04,San Antonio, TX. Check out more dates at the Curl UP and Die website, and leave some love for the band while your at it.

KABOOM!
Dynamite Boy is really exploding! The group just finished up their new album, which is sure to be on everyone’s most wanted list, as it caught the eye of Darren Lewis who will now be working with the group. Want to see the action live? The guys have confirmed the upcoming Mest tour, as well as some Warped Tour dates. Make sure to check these guys out, and the new CD, which hits stores this April!

ELECTION TIME!
I voted for who? I Voted For Kodos! Your very own kick ass ska band from the heart of the Midwest is back at it again, pulling all kinds of tricks, and producing even better treats! These Madison, Wisconsin natives recently returned home from their “All Up On” tour on the East coast. I caught up with the guys via phone at one point while on tour, (they were busy making PB&J sandwiches!) and they had nothing bad to say about it! The crowds were great and the bands they played with were equally awesome! If you missed one of their shows you missed out on one hell of a good time, as these high-energy, crazy guys never fail to please at live shows! But don’t worry, if you live in the Wisconsin area, you can redeem yourself by being present at one of their Milwaukee shows on either January 30, or February 13, both of which take place at The Rave. Also keep your eyes peeled, as a new full-length album that is also in the works. Check out website for updates from the band and other fun randomness!

WE NEED TO TALK…WERE BREAKING UP
Sadness has hit the hearts of many, as the biggest little band, Fifth, has decided on taking an indefinite hiatus. Don’t fret, all the members are moving on to different projects, and producing all kinds of new goods, even if it’s not with each other. These include some acoustic work, and efforts directed toward new bands, including God Does Punish. There is talk though, of the chance of spontaneous shows popping up. If this happens to be the case, rest well knowing we will let you know!

THERE GONE AGAIN!
Tantric is kicking off the New Year by going on tour with 3 Doors Down. As the guys have just finished up their new highly anticipated album “After We Go”. The album is scheduled to hit store shelves February 11th. The guys already took off and hit the road on December 30, and will be perform songs off the new album. Make sure to check out this tour, as it’s sure to kick ass. Tour dates include, 1.06.04, Milwaukee, WI. 1.14.04, Charleston, WV. 1.20.04, Boston, MA. 1.30.04, Memphis, TN. For a complete list of tour dates, check out the bands website.

COMPLETELY COOL NEW COMP!
Ok, are you in a band? Are you from the Midwest? Hell, even anywhere in North America would be ok. Wait, what you are? Well then SCORE! You need to be getting a hold of Uniform Records, as they are once again putting out a compilation CD, open to all artists! Interested? Check out website for the down low!

NOT SO EMPTY HANDED
Empty Handed is returning to the studio to work on their third album. The group is hoping on leaving the studio not so empty handed, but instead with a kick ass new album, already titled “This Attraction”. Make sure to keep up to speed with the band and everything they are doing. Do this by checking out their website website. Start bugging your local music shop in late spring of 2004, as this is when the album will be appearing.

JUST SAY THE WORD
One Word Solution is going out tour! And if word of a tour isn’t good enough news, the purpose surly will be. The guys will be out and about on the road promoting their new album “Walls Without Windows”. Tour dates are not yet confirmed, but make sure to check out the band website website for tour dates, band news, and other randomness.

RAWR..I’M ANGRY!
Get ready to hear some pent up anger let out by New Jerseys tightest and most pissed off band. Bigwig is gearing up to hit the studio, and 2004 will see the release of their fifth album. If practice makes perfect, just imagine what this CD will sound like. You won’t want to miss it! Check out the website to keep tabs on what they are up to!

TAKING THE LEAP
The guys from Trampoline Records are set to make the jump from CD’s to DVD’s. “Live from Los Angles: The First Waltz”. This 60-minute collection of kick ass artists, who have appeared on the 1st and 2nd “Greatest Hit’s” comp, is due out in January. Wanna get your hands on it now? website can deliver the goods. Happily Ever After, Mavis, and Minibar are just a taste of what you’ll be getting on this kick ass DVD.

GIDDY UP!
Yee Haw! Hussieskunk.com" target=_blank>website is proud to spread the word of their first ever compilation CD. Mullets & Alcoholics is full of mayhem and madness with a little bit of upbeat ska thrown in the mix. Thanks to bands like I Voted For Kodos, A Planet For Texas, Blitzkid, Lame Ducks, and Large Marge just to name a few, this album is sure to please. Want to get your little hands on this comp? (We all do!) Well, you can contact the folks at hussieskunk, or even better; contact one of the bands directly! They will love you forever! That’s not all Hussieskunk.com" target=_blank>website is up to though, check out the website for all kinds of new and oh-so-interesting news!

THE GOOD LIFE
Are you in need of a little tre chic CD pampering? How bout an album with hand silk screened canvas covers? Well get ready to dress in your best and log on website to pre-order the only official release by Nausea on Feb. 17th! Nausea's "Punk Terrorist Anthology Vol. 1" will be released by the one and only Hellbent Records, and for those of you that enjoy a little more pampering, a Nausea pin and poster are thrown in making this a must have for any fan of punk music.

CASH OR CHARGE?
Charge is the newest name heard around the neighborhood of Hellbent Records. This New Jersey band combines a list of many musical genres including hardcore/punk, 60's
protest rock, reggae/dub, true conscious hip hop and world beats and rhythm to make what they call "rebel music," Don't miss these rebels as they tear up the east coast! Check out show dates and other info at their new site website.

TEMPORARY MIGRATION
Unearth is migrating to the studio for the winter to work on their upcoming release due in spring 2004 on Metal Blade Records. Unfortunately their hard work is preventing them from regularly playing live shows, but we think the wait will be worth it as the CD will surly kick ass. And you can catch them in the end of January for the shooting of a DVD!

COUCH POTATO!
Ready for some well-spent time on the couch? The DVD, "Armored Saint Magazine: Lessons Not Well Learned" has just been completed by The Saint and is expected to be released in late spring. Throbbing with live bootleg videos, music videos, and other bonus tracks brought to you by the host named "Gahnzo" (take a guess who it is), this will definitely keep you on your seat until its release this month!

TAKING OFF
After recruiting Sven, from the band Aborted, things have been picking up fast for In-Quest. After releasing MCD ‘Destination: Pyroclasm' and blowing away death metal fans away, they're releasing their brand new Full length 'Epileptic' to toss their fans back off their feet. Fans of Killswitch Engage, Meshuggah, Aborted, Aftershock or Fear Factory should definitely check out In-Quest.(30)

WELCOME 2004
Goodlife Records is making sure 2004 comes with a huge bang by putting out these new releases: Damien Done, 'Love Thongs' CD + DVD, Integrity, 'Sliver in the hand of time' CD + Book, I Killed The Prom Queen, 'When goodbye means forever' CD, Death Before Disco, 'Party Bullet' CD, and new CD’s from As We Fight, Angel Crew, Endzweck, and Waking Kills The Dream.

ALL BY HISELF
The infamous Mike Park, owner of Asian Man Records and member of countless amazing bands, has put out a solo CD! This amazing acoustic album "For The Love of Music" is a very intelligent album focusing a lot on anti-racism and peace. Lucky for you Californians you can catch him live in late January and February. 01.31.04 - CA, Sacramento @ True Love Coffeehouse, 02.05.04 - CA, Berkeley @ 924 Gliman, 02.06.04 - CA, San Francisco @ Bottom of the Hill, 02.11.04 - CA, Anaheim @ Chain Reaction, 02.12.04 - CA, Los Angeles @ Troubadour.

GOT PLANS?
Revelation Records' own Christiansen are on an explosive tour this February! Check them out at one, or even more if you really want to be loved by the band, at one of these upcoming dates: 02.04.04, Anaheim CA Chain Reaction, 02.05.04, Bakersfield CA Jerry's Pizza, 02.12.04, Portland OR Meow Meow, 02.13.04, Seattle WA Graceland, 02.18.04, Denver CO Bluebird, 02.22.04 Phoenix AZ Mason Jar.

WATCH OUT!
Watch out for Baleen, they're finishing up their 3rd full-length album this spring on LiquiLab Records. You definitely don't want to miss this extraordinary release! More news to come at website.

BORING!
Getting bored with your CD collection? Why not get the newly released (And may we mention low priced) EP, “Better Days”, that God Forbid has recently put out? After you get addicted to that one, you can pick up their other new CD “Gone Forever” due out on February 24th. The guys have been on the road since August, and are taking a well deserved break, but will be back on the road sometime this month for their world tour to promote the album. Make sure to check it out!

I’LL KICK YOUR ASS
Rude Ass Records is putting together a compilation for punk/ska bands entitled “Kick In The Ass” (it’s a donkey thing). Bands already joined for this compilation include Pain, Large Marge, The Phenomenauts, Boston Sidecar, I Voted For Kodos, Jerkwater Jive, and Bob and the Sagets. We can’t wait to get our hands on this, and I bet you can’t either, but as things go, we’ll all have to until April 1st when it’s dated to be released. Until then, check out website as they are looking for talented individuals to break out their skills and help out with logos and pictures for merch!

THE FIRST STEP IS…
Finally, a 12-step program that you’ll WANT to take part in! MuBiz.com has recently published a new electronic book "12-Step Program for Music $ucce$$." Many artists are faced with the fact that they don’t know how to get started and up and running, does this apply to you? If so, check out this kick ass e-book on website and learn things from how an inexpensive music video can blow your sales though the roof, to the very easy and simple way of getting your music to qualify and be voted for the mysterious Grammy award. The first step is admitting you need help. So get your ass over to the site!

FLU SHOT?
With what seems to be an epidemic of Indianoal bands losing bands members, the band replacement news continues with Across Five Aprils, and Life in Your Way. Across Five Aprils have secured a new singer and have begun writing new material, which is sure to kick ass. Also, Life in Your Way has scored a new drummer and guitar player and will be getting back into action starting early February. Make sure to keep up to date with both bands and see what these new additions bring to the bands!

UK..WHATS THAT STAND FOR?
Watch out Europe, you’re about to be invaded by 2 kick ass bands! Planes Mistaken For Stars, and The Ataris are gearing up to take off this month and show the UK how it’s done! Now would be a key time to call your grandma who lives in Europe, thank her for your Christmas present and tell her your coming to her house for all of February! As if that wasn’t enough for these guys, when the return home, Planes Mistaken For Stars will start recording on their next album to be released on No Idea Records. The album is due out in the fall of 2004. There are also tentative plans for a tour with Against Me! Keep tabs on all this craziness at the bands website!

MAKING RICE? JUST ADD WATER!
Just Add Water is currently in the studio finishing up tracks for their yet unnamed debut album to be released to the public in mid to late February. Cover art is expected to match their newly redesigned website, which, if you haven’t seen, kicks ass! Be sure to check out website for tour dates, photos, mp3s, random notes from the band, and updates on their upcoming release. Also, if you’ll be in the Wisconsin area mid February, make sure to stop by Madison or River Falls and check out one of these insanely awesome shows! While your there, why not tell the guys how much they rock!

FEELING LEFT OUT?
Look out New Jersey; Feeling Left Out is heading your way for a quick taste. Check out this show information, and make sure you request these days off work! 01/23/04 Red Bank, NJ @ Internet Cafe [website], 1/30/04 Montclair, NJ @ Bloomfield Ave. Cafe [website] 02/06/04 Wycoff, NJ @ Grace Coffeehouse. [website] 555 Russell Ave.

TAKE FOREVER!
Further Seems Forever is back in the studio producing some kick ass tunes that will grace your ears in mid July of 2004. They are currently working on the instrumental tracking, but will be taking a six-week break to headline the first ever “Tooth and Nail” tour. Vocal tracking will take place as soon as they get back. Can’t wait for the album? Then make sure to check out one of their shows! Tour dates available on website or website

LIKE FOR SURE!
Flash back! It’s time to revive your middle school crush! You might remember Jordan Knight as the lead singer of New Kids on the Block, or from that poster you kept in your room, but either you know you still wanna get with him! Well here’s your chance. After the break up of New Kids on the Block in 1994, Knight has been pursuing his solo career, and will perform on Friday, January 30th at 8:00pm at the Roxy Theater! This time you won’t even need to break you’re your jelly bracelets or puffy hair, but you’re more than welcome to!

ROAD RAGE
Cris Kirkwood was recently hospitalized, and in critical condition after a shooting in Phoenix, AZ. AZCentral.com reported that Kirkwood was arguing with a fellow customer over a parking space, one thing led to another and violent threats and obscenities were shouted and exchanged. When approached by the security guard on duty, Kirkwood shoved the man twice and took his baton, striking the guard in the head once. In response, Kirkwood was shot in the abdomen once as a self-defense measure. Who knew road rage could be so serious?!

THIS IS TO DIE FOR!
Integrity is on hiatus…. again! Internal conflicts between the band members can be to blame. With each member going their separate ways, I hope you had a chance to catch them while they were out on their recent US tour. If you didn’t get a chance to see that, they have also recently put out an amazing album “To Die For” by Deathwish Inc. Make sure to get your hands on this last piece of Integrity history.

ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Anaheim, CA was recently graced by the presence of Matt Embree of RxBandits, as he performed at the acoustic benefit concert for the fire victims of California. Other featured performers included by Up Syndrome, Bullets N' Octane, and Halfway Home. Hopefully you got a chance to check out this kick ass show and help benefit a good cause!

ANIVERSERY TIME!
The Aquabats are celebrating their 10th year as a kick ass band! These ska super heroes are kicking off the celebration with multiple US tour and their first studio album in 3 years! If you haven’t had the chance to skank your ass off at a live Aquabats show, it’s about time you do! Hit up their website for more details and get ready for a great show, followed by a great album.

TAKE OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT
Junction 18 will be starting off 2004 on the right foot by hitting the road with Tokyo Rose and Still Life Project! This will be one tour not to be missed! Here is just a bite size example of some of the upcoming dates, make sure to check out the Junction 18 website for the down low! 1.18.04 - Port Jervis, NY, 1.19.04 - Charleroi, 1.20.04 - Montclair, NJ, NC, 1.22.04 - Marietta, GA, 1.26.04 - Orlando, FL, 1.28.04 - Anniston, AL, 2.01.04 - Vineland, NJ.

HORIZONTAL OR PARALLEL?
If you talk about your CD collection and Weezer, Elvis Costello, and Quicksand all come to mind, if you haven’t already, check out All Parallels! Take the funniest, mot energetic band you know, and add what may be some of the best musicianship around, and ta da, you have All Parallels! This band has been quoted as “…one of the, if not the TOP band in 2004”. Live in NY, NJ, or Philly? If so, were all jealous of you because you have the opportunity to catch these crazy cats at a couple of different dates. 1.10.04 @ Club 218 in Philly w/ Flashlight Arcade, Agents of Man, Rahim, 01.20.04 @ Knitting Factory w/ Lying In States, The Killing Gift, and 02.05.04 @ The Cricket Club w/ Murphy's Law!!! Check out website for some kick ass MP3’s. You won’t be disappointed!

QUIT MAKING SO MUCH NOISE!
“Noise from the basement” by Skye Sweetnam, is exactly that. This 15-year-old rocker recorded and co-wrote the album, with the help of 21-year-old guitartis/keyboardist/bassits, James Robertson. This youngster isn’t deprived of experience though, as she has already toured the US, Canada, Europe, and Hong Kong! Her debut, “Noise from the basement”, due out in late April, is full of spunky pop punk songs, and a hit single girl powered anthem. Skye isn’t stopping there though as she is forgoing a career in television also. Having already written the theme song from “The N’s” “Radio Free Rosco”, Sweetnam will be appearing soon in the show. Make sure to check out this peppy punk CD when it hits stores in April!

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