Sunday, November 27, 2011

Factory of Sadness

Almost doesn't count in the NFL, only wins and losses. Today the Browns showed improvement, but still posted another number in the loss column. While hope will always be present in Cleveland, and there will always be a good amount of fans waiting for next year. Two things still hold very true.

1. Cincinnati Fans Stink

2. Cleveland Browns Stadium is still the...



I-M

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Val Emmich

Case Closed opens for Val Emmich at The North Star Bar tomorrow night. Check out this video of his appearance on 30 Rock. Dude can act and sing. Tickets are $10. Show info HERE.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Indie History (Mac Miller)



So, when Indie history is on the verge of being made you can expect it to be covered here right? Well, you are correct and let me start off by saying that this month has been incredible in terms of new music.  Debut albums galore, including a self titled album by brand new Indie outfit Young Statues. Listen to it in all of its Indie glory HERE


As for history being made, today marks an inspirational day for independent labels worldwide. A huge congratulations goes out to Rostrum Records, Benjy Grinberg, Wiz Khalifa and most importantly Mac Miller who is about to accomplish something only done by Tha Dogg Pound some 16 years ago. Mac Miller's debut independent LP, entitled Blue Slide Park, is set to debut at number one on the Billboard charts next week. Industry sources suggest the album will sell upwards of 180,000 copies by week's end on Sunday, Nov. 13. The Rostrum Records release is distributed by INgrooves via Fontana Distribution -- Universal Music Group Distribution's indie arm. If "Blue Slide" does top the chart, it will mark the first independently-distributed debut album to hit No. 1 since 1995 (Dogg Pound).


So, let's take a step back for a moment and think about this. First we have Arcade Fire taking home album of the year...




now we have Mac Miller smashing 16 year old records. Go Go 2011! Here's to 2012 bringing independent artists and labels the same success! 


Again, it's great to see Rostrum have continued success. Benjy is as smart as he is passionate. I completely respect his drive and I admire his accomplishments. If you are looking to learn a little bit more about Rostrum and also gain some insight on the industry, Hit Quarters did a pretty informative interview with Benjy last month. You can check it out HERE. Enjoy!


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One Month Away


12/10/2011


Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Run For Cover here comes Young Statues

Well, hopefully everyone’s Halloween lived up to expectations this year! Check out a couple highlights from the Halloween Monster Bash last weekend if you couldn't make it.


Case Closed



Parachuting Apostles
Revolution, I Love You
Dynasty Electric


This week I had the chance to catch up with Carmen Cirignano of Young Statues, a new indie-rock outfit from New Jersey/Philly making some serious waves nationally and abroad. The band’s intricate guitar riffs and introspective vocals are pleasantly reminiscent of acts like The Early November and Saves The Day. They’ve recently signed to Run For Cover Records, an influential, up and coming label that just celebrated its 50th album release in July (expect Young Statues self-titled debut album out November 8). Young Statues will be touring the United Kingdom in November, hitting venues including Cambridge University, Wheelbarrow in London, Talking Heads in Southampton and the Concorde 2 in Brighton. The tour will end back in the States at Milkboy for the Monster Holiday Show on December 10. Check out our interview below!


What’s your favorite Philly venue?
I have memorable moments from almost all of the Philly venues, so I like them all. I think in terms of shows I've seen my favorites at The Electric Factory, but the coolest aesthetically has to be the Trocadero. I have not been to the new Milkboy yet, but a bunch of my friends have, I've heard only good things.


What’s it been like working with Run For Cover Records?
Run For Cover is great. I've become good friends with the people working at the label and we have a great working relationship. It's still very early on, but I couldn't be happier. They have an awesome new dog/mascot too.

What was the recording process like (for the new record) compared with the other bands you’ve been involved with?
Totally different. With this record, I didn't have to go through the process of trying to convey my ideas to everyone else. Steve, our guitarist, engineered the record. When we needed an opinion we sought it out, otherwise we just trusted ourselves and went with it. It was very smooth and easy going.

Where do you draw inspiration?
I draw the inspiration to create music from all different areas. It's something that has always been in my family, and I just enjoy playing guitar and singing probably more than anything else. When I first started writing songs, it felt so rewarding to have an outlet that I felt excited and confident about. It still feels that way, and I'll keep writing music for as long as I feel that. Lyrically, I tend to write and draw inspiration from a lot of my own personal experiences.

Have you toured in the UK before?
No, we've never toured in the UK. We will be playing out there November 15-25, including opening some dates for Saves the Day. I have never even been to the UK, and couldn't be more excited about it. This early on into the band, to be able to do something like this is really awesome, we all consider ourselves lucky.

What can we expect from this new album?
Well it's definitely an indie-rock record, but with a ton of pop influence. We tend to have some pretty intricate vocal parts and harmonies, so you find that throughout the record. It's definitely the most honest and forthcoming material I've written lyrically. I think it's something that hopefully a wide range of people can enjoy.
Purchase tickets to see Young Statues at our Holiday Show here. Also on the bill are Toy Soldiers, The Quelle Source, Revolution, I Love You, Michael McCarry and Case Closed so don’t miss out!


Young Statues
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Run For Cover
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Alexis Canary
Alexiscanary@wearemonsterent.com