Hurtsmile is frontman extraordinaire Gary Cherone’s (Extreme/ex-Van Halen) latest project and features Cherone collaborating with his brother, guitarist Mark Cherone. The Boston Globe referred to “Just War Theory” as a “revved-up rocker(s)” and the video is an equally-dynamic performance take on the song. “Just War Theory” has already received rock radio airplay in markets such as Boston, Phoenix, Oklahoma City, Madison, New Jersey and more. Gary Cherone will appear live tonight on the nationally-syndicated “Eddie Trunk Rocks!” radio show.
Hurtsmile’s self-titled debut was just released in North America via Frontiers Records and has been winning over the press and fans alike. The Boston Herald said of the album, “the results are great”, while Colossal Pop referred to the album as “a rock solid album”; Metal Assault avowed, “With an entertaining debut that excellently portrays a plethora of musical styles executed with aplomb by four seasoned musicians, Hurtsmile is here to stay.” Chock-full of swaggering guitars, soaring vocals and eclecticism, HURTSMILE is a conceptually-cohesive album examining the nature of man and the human heart, with an added focus on the current state of world affairs and political commentary.
Hurtsmile will perform at this year’s M3 Festival at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD on Saturday, May 14th. Hurtsmile is Gary Cherone (vocals), Mark Cherone (guitars), Joe Pessia (bass, mandolin) and Dana Spellman (drums, percussion). Noisecreep is AOL Music’s destination for all things hard rock and heavy metal. Launched in 2009, the site covers everything from news, video and song premieres, and exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in rock music today.
For more information please visit: www.hurtsmile.com www.frontiers.it
The Winter trade show of the National Association of Music Merchants was held in Anaheim, California on January 13th-16th. With more than 1600 exhibitors participating, it’s hard to pick just a handful of top products, but here are five that the musicians here at MeVIO have been chatting about most as we pass around the Jack…er…as we gather around the water cooler.
The Empire Amp – 65AMPS came about when Sheryl Crow’s guitarist, Peter Stroud, needed to find an amplifier that sounded as rich and complex as a larger tube amp, even when played at lower stage volumes. Since the amps weren’t originally conceived as products that would be sold to others, every decision about design and components was made purely to create the best amp possible. Of course, it wasn’t long before other guitarists began requesting the custom-made amps for themselves, and 65AMPS was born.
The new Empire Amp (the head lists for $2900) was the talk of the town in Anaheim. Created to bring the classic tones of British EL34 tube amps from the ’60s through the ’90s, you can channel your inner early Pete Townsend, or your best Mick Jones. Pair it with a 4×12 cabinet and let ‘er rip.
Korg Kronos – With the M1 in the late 1980s, Korg practically invented the workstation category of musical instruments. This year Korg reinvents it in the Kronos. With nine individual synthesis engines in a single instrument, and new interactive performance features, the Kronos brings a virtually inexhaustible variety of sounds for the creation of music.
The 61-key version of the Kronos features the same semi-weighted keyboard found in Korg’s M3-61, and the 88-key model sports the same graded weighted hammer keys used on Korg’s upper-end digital pianos.
For recording and editing, Kronos can send MIDI signals via USB, and the Kronos Editor software allows you to edit sounds and settings directly from your computer. The Kronos 61 has a list price of $3750, the Kronos 73 is $4350 and the Kronos 88 is $4750.
TASCAM DR-680 – If you’re looking for a way to get pristine recordings of live performances, TEAC TASCAM’s DR-680 is about as good as it gets. Record up to eight tracks of 96kHz/24-bit Broadcast WAV quality to solid-state SD card media. With six phantom powered mic inputs and 60dB of gain, a selectable low cut filter and analog limiter – plus a digital S/PDIF source for 8 track recording – it’s the ultimate multi-track portable studio.
The DR-680 also captures stereo audio at 192kHz/24-bit for audiophile-quality masters. Connect two of the recorders with a cascade cable for up to 14-track recording on location using battery power. Am I drooling? Why, yes. Yes I am.
The DR-680 gives you all of this for a list price of $1399.99.
Burns Shadows Bass – John Lennon once remarked that before Cliff Richard and The Shadows, there had been nothing worth listening to in British music. The Shadows emerged as stars in their own right, third only to Cliff Richard and Elvis Presley as the most successful hit singles act in British chart history.
Now Burns brings a recreation of the original 1964 Shadows Bass in a limited edition of 500. At £1050 retail, it’s an authentic reproduction of the original guitar, not the production models of 1964.
This thing has a lot of knobs and switches, but any axe using pickups called “Nu-Sonic type” is sure to peak the curiosity of guitar geeks everywhere.
Ear Filters – Let’s face it, stage volume levels sometimes get out of control. First of all Bruce turns up his bass amp to bring a little more thump, then Andy has to turn up his guitar amp to keep pace, and after the third break when they’ve had enough whiskey it becomes a bona-fide race to eleven, and you go home reeking of stale cigarette smoke with a buzz and ringing in your ears that’s still there at noon the next day. But, hey, loud and proud, right?
Working musicians are finally recognizing the need for ear protection. Tinnitus is not fun, whether temporary or permanent. Unfortunately, traditional ear plugs tend to make it difficult to hear the music. Enter Ear Filters, named a 2011 NAMM Best of Show. When inserted correctly, they filter out 75% of the dangerous sound pressure without blocking the clarity of what you want to hear. At only $1.50 a pair, they’re perfect for the working musician, and also for others who want to hear clearly but protect their ears in high volume situations.
HelloGoodbye have been around since 2001, when singer Forrest Kline got together with some other musicians in Huntington Beach and began writing songs, recording MP3s and playing local clubs while still in high school. In the ten years since, the band has gone through some interesting times, including lineup changes, almost constant touring, appearances on MTV’s The Real World: Austin, a flipped and totaled van, several albums and EPs, a concert DVD and more. This Summer they’ll be one of the acts on the Vans Warped Tour.
Here’s the band’s current personnel.
Forrest Kline – vocals, guitar, ukulele
Mike Nielsen – drums
Travis Head – bass
Joseph Marro – keyboard, guitar
Andrew Richards – guitar, ukulele, mandolin
Joseph Lemble – guitar
Here are upcoming tour dates, where they’re appearing with Jukebox The Ghost, Gold Motel and Now Now Every Children.
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Have you ever wished that there was one single site on the Web where
you could find everything you need for your dog? Now there is. Dog.com
has all of the equipment, supplies and goodies that you need, all at the
lowest prices, guaranteed. It’s your one stop source for everything
dog. You’ll find everything from dog equipment such as beds, crates,
collars, and toys, to dog supplies like dog food, treats, supplements
and first aid and grooming supplies.
Whether you’re using rewards as a training method or just want to
share something tasty with your best friend, you’ll find treats that
suits your dog’s size, age, health, activity level, chewing style and
taste at Dog.com. They’ve got a huge selection of treats, including the
best-selling greenies. Of course, you’ll also find top food brands for
regular meals as well, all at great prices.
Need a new bed or crate? Dog.com has a fine selection. Remember that a
good bed benefits your dog just like a good bed benefits you, providing
support, security and comfort after a long day. Dog.com even has
specially designed beds to fit in dog houses and crates. And speaking of
crates, Dog.com has all kinds – soft sided, travel crates, exercise
pens, and more – from all of the top brands including MidWest, PetMate,
Cayman, and AKC Brand.
You’ll also find a huge selection of dog toys of all types at
Dog.com. Whatever your dog’s size or play style, toys from Dog.com are
sure to brings hours of pleasure and exercise.
In addition to great products at incredible prices, Dog.com also
features an extensive community section, with forums, blogs, and a large
video library, including a wide variety of how-to videos. It’s a wealth
of knowledge and conversation from around the world, around the clock.
While you’re there, sign up to receive special offers and information by
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Dog food, treats, crates, toys, beds, collars, health supplies,
travel and outdoor needs – you’ll find it all at one spot on the Web:
Dog.com!
Lily Halpern describes herself as an “everyday girl,” but there is
nothing ordinary about this 18-year-old Boston beauty. Beyond having
the ambition to pack her bags and move to New York to pursue music,
Halpern is an old soul with pipes that warrant the attention of any
pop/R&B fan. Now, she’s showing the world exactly what she’s made of
on her stunning debut EP Not Gonna Cry.Halpern discovered her
love of music in kindergarten, and though she was just five years old,
she remembers it like it was yesterday. “We had art class, music class,
reading class and numbers class, “ she says. “But I never wanted to
leave music class.” The tenacious teen spent her youth listening to
“classy ladies with big voices,” and to this day, she says that Motown
is her biggest indulgence when it comes to music. Halpern cites Alicia
Keys, Mariah Carey, Joss Stone, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga as contemporary
idols, drawing inspiration from their talent, spirit and fearlessness.
The influence of those artists is evident in her songs, particularly
in the title track of her EP, which was produced by Alex Cantrall (JoJo,
Nicole Scherzinger, Vanessa Hudgens). “Not Gonna Cry” shows the
expansiveness of Halpern’s velvet voice, which covers an impressive
three-octave range, and demonstrates the singer’s innate,
wise-beyond-her-years songwriting capabilities. “It’s about the point
you get to in a relationship – whether it be with friends, boyfriends,
family, yourself, whoever – that you have put so much time and effort
into something, and it means so much to you, but it just isn’t working,”
she explains about the song’s lyrics. “You don’t know whether to
abandon it, or keep going, but you know you are done with letting it
consume you – something has to change.”That sense of
empowerment is a theme that is close to Halpern’s heart, and one that
she aims to echo throughout all of her songs, whether they are about
boys, friends or school. Her lyrics have been inspired by all that she
has experienced
in
life, which, she says, is the reason why her songs are so relatable.
While the world is getting their first taste of Halpern, the
diligent singer is hard at work on the makings of her debut album. She
has been collaborating with several producers and co-writers to sculpt
her sound, which will encompass “danceable pop music, with a soulful
edge and an empowering message.” In 2011, Halpern looks forward to
touring with pop phenom Cody Simpson, and will continue to concentrate
on her craft and forthcoming LP. For now, she’s just reveling in all the
possibilities. “My music is for the everyday girl, because I am a
normal, everyday girl,” she says. “I go through the same growing pains
and triumphs that any young girl does; I’m just lucky enough to be able
to express it through my music.”
Dorian Douglass reports that the latest Britney Spears video “Hold It Against Me” will premiere tonight on MTV. The much anticipated debut is scheduled for 9:55 PM Eastern Time.
Teasers of the video have been drawing lots of attention, and there is talk of Britney “reclaiming her throne” as queen of Pop from Lady Gaga with her new album Femme Fatale.
So, how long before we see a video of Gaga’s Born This Way? All you little monsters will just have to wait, but Dorian speculates about a video war coming our way soon.
I can’t wait to see what Reform School does with these.
Here’s my story. I’m sticking to it. So listen up.
I grew up in the deep, deep south where we eat fried catfish and
grits and drink sweet tea — not iced tea, sweetened — but sweet tea.
It is basically one word, split into two for you non-southerners.
My barbie dolls sang musicals, and I sang along with the various
pop princesses of the time — Tiffany, Paula, Janet, Madonna — dancing
around the living room with my friends. I also liked to climb trees,
create secret clubs with the neighborhood kids, and sell seashells from
the driveway.
Fast forward to 1999: I took my little Yamaha off to college, to
the mini-music-mecca of Athens, GA, where I met a friend who helped me
form my first band. Terrified and shy and lacking confidence, I played
some open mics and my very first full-band shows to responsive crowds.
For the very first time in my life, I felt like I knew where my place
was in the world. After a couple years, I made my first album and built
up a little following.
In the fall of 2004, I sold my stuff at a flea market and headed
west. It was the best decision of my life. I started up my own band
again – lucking out by finding Mike Stevens and John Howland. It was
like reuniting with old friends. We meshed together like peanut butter
and jelly and wonderbread. We played around the bay area, as an acoustic
trio, eventually landing at Ex’pressions College for Digital Arts to
record a demo we could sell at our shows. Here we met Jack Douglas (a
producer with an impressive resume, including Aerosmith, John Lennon,
Patti Smith, the Who). Seriously. He’s even on wikipedia. Jack took an
immediate liking to us, and sent us on to local producer Jim Greer, who
adopted us like stray kittens. Hungry stray kittens.
After mixing our Expressions demo and getting to know us a bit, Jim
decided to sign us to his local label, Fortune Records, and record a
real full-length album. He helped transform our little baby songs into
grown up songs, and in March of 2008, we had the experience of a
lifetime, recording our album “The Night Turned to Song” in Caspar,
California – in a studio by the sea. That album led us to be included on
the bay area KFOG’s Local Scene 5 CD and featured on their morning
show, in addition to being played on Americana radio across the U.S. and
Europe. We played San Fran’s HUGE Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in
October ’08 and the Gilroy Garlic Festival in ’09 (over 100,000
attendees!).
2010 began with the recording of our 2nd album together “From the
Echo,” back again at Old School Studios in Caspar. It’s an album about
freedom and release and moving away from the things that hold us back
toward the things that give us hope. Real life stuff, folks.
Sumerian Records new signee’s I, The Breather are ready to take over the metalcore scene with the release of their “Forgiven” Music Video. These Are My Sins, the new album from this 5-piece band from Baltimore, Maryland have sold over 5,000 records in just 2 months time and over 15,000 singles. They have shared the stage with some of the most successful indie bands to date, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Forever the Sickest Kids, Underoath, and August Burns Red. Be sure to keep I, The Breather on your radar as they invade your city on their upcoming Welcome To The Jungle Tour featuring Upon A Burning Body and The Color Morale.
In case you missed it, here are the 2011 Grammy winners in all of the major categories.
Album of the Year: Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
Record of the Year: Lady Antebellum – Need You Now
Best New Artist: Esperanza Spalding
Song of the Year: Lady Antebellum – Need You Now
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance: Lady Gaga – Bad Romance
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance: Just The Way You Are – Bruno Mars
Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: Train – Hey, Soul Sister
Best Pop Vocal Album: The Fame Monster – Lady Gaga
Best Hard Rock Performance: Them Crooked Vultures – New Fang
Best Rock Song: Neil Young – Angry World
Best Rock Album: The Resistance – Muse
Best Alternative Music Album: The Black Keys – Brothers
Best R&B Album: Wake Up! – John Legend and the Roots
Best Contemporary R&B Album: Usher – Raymond v. Raymond
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: Jay-Z and Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind
Best Rap Song: Jay-Z and Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind
Best Rap Album: Eminem – Recovery’
Best Country Song: Lady Antebellum – Need You Now
Best Country Album: Lady Antebellum – Need You Now
Best Female Country Vocal Performance: The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert
Best Male Country Vocal Performance: ‘Til Summer Comes Around – Keith Urban
