Matt Nathanson Hits The Road Making “All Night Noise”

Matt Nathanson is more than just a pretty face…but let’s be honest, that pretty face doesn’t hurt at all.

Following up the break-out success of 2007’s Some Mad Hope, Matt’s latest release, Modern Love, has solidified him as the singer/songerwriter-dude who can craft a hit. Digging deeper into his musical influences, Modern Love, hits a whole new level of infectious, catchy, and well-done song craft.

With his hit “Faster” all over the radio, Matt is on the road, crossing the country with his headlining “All Night Noise” tour. His live shows are ridiculous in a good way: wild, energetic, and occasionally hilarious, as he's not necessarily known for his ability to self-censure but always hitting high marks in musicianship and quality performances.

On October 29th, Matt makes a stop in Los Angeles at the famed Wiltern, but before and after that, check the dates below to catch a musical ride with the “All Night Noise” tour.

All Night Noise Tour Dates:

10/21   Salt Lake City, UT @ Club Sound

10/22   Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory    

10/23   Portland, OR @ Music Millennium (In-Store Performance & Signing)

10/23   Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom                              

10/25   Vancouver, BC @ Venue OR Commodore     

10/28   Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades                      

10/29   Los Angeles, CA @ Wiltern

10/30   San Diego, CA @ House of Blues

10/31   Phoenix, AZ @ Marquee

11/2     Austin, TX @ La Zona Rosa

11/4     Birmingham, AL @ The Backroom @ Workplay

11/5     Nashville, TN @ The Cannery Ballroom

In The Studio: The Return of Garbage

Garbage is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on their fifth studio album and their first in seven years. Shirley Manson (vocals, guitar), Steve Marker (guitars, keyboards), Duke Erikson (guitars, keyboards) and Butch Vig (drums, loops) are recording the album in a basement in the Atwater Village area of Los Angeles, CA, the first to be recorded outside of Madison, WI. The still untitled album is scheduled for release in Spring 2012, and is being produced by Garbage, engineered by Billy Bush, and mixed by Butch Vig and Billy Bush. 

"Years-worth of pent-up music came out in some bizarre ways- bleary cell phone memos became real songs, conversations turned into lyrics, and new computer gizmos inspired wicked tangents," said the members of Garbage. "Ghosts came in, had their say. Everyone brought ideas, and everyone fought their corner. At the end of the day it all gets shoved through the four-way brain filter that is Garbage and it ends up sounding like nobody else. Red feathers and black tar."

Even though it's been seven years, there hasn't been a female-fronted band since that has matched their inimitable sound, brashness and energy. Now free of all their corporate obligations, the band has been able to start again with a clean slate on their own terms. They add, "We are making a record filled with the music we love to hear. The new songs have been inspired more by what we haven't been hearing rather than by what we have."

After forming in Madison, WI, Garbage released their self-titled debut album in 1995 and rode a wave of visually arresting, female-fronted alternative rock bands. The album spawned the hit singles "Stupid Girl" and "Only Happy When It Rains" and was certified double platinum in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Their second album, Garbage 2.0, was nominated for two Grammy Awards including Album of the Year and Best Rock Album. 2001's Beautiful Garbage was named one of Rolling Stone Magazine's Top 10 Albums Of The Year. In 2005, Garbage released Bleed Like Me, earning the band it's highest chart position with a No. 4 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart. In 2007, the band released a retrospective collection called Absolute Garbage. Garbage has sold over 12 million albums worldwide.

Goo Goo Dolls Announce New Fall Tour Dates

Having wrapped a three-month summer tour in support of their current album Something For The Rest Of Us, The Goo Goo Dolls have announced that they will continue touring through the fall, launching a new string of dates on October 12^th in Milwaukee. Tickets go on-sale this week, so check out www.googoodolls.com/tour for more information.

In other Goos news, the band's blockbuster single "Iris" has soared to No. 1 on the U.K. iTunes chart after being performed by two finalists on the British edition of The X Factor. In addition, the band's Greatest Hits album re-entered the chart at No. 18. "Iris" has been a steady seller in Great Britain since its original release in 1998, enjoying more than 433,000 in sales, and racking up more than 30 million views on YouTube. The song is expected to top the U.K. Singles chart this weekend, which would be its highest chart position ever.

"I love the fact that young artists are inspired to sing this song.  It opened a lot of doors for us," says Rzeznik. "To see it hit No. 1 in the U.K. and connect with a growing new audience is cool."

Finally, the band, which is singer-guitarist Johnny Rzeznik, bassist Robby Takac, and drummer Mike Malinin, has just recorded a brand-new song, entitled "The Best Of Me," which will be heard on an upcoming episode of CBS's hit remake of Hawaii Five-O, as well as on a soon-to-be released soundtrack album.

The Goo Goo Dolls upcoming tour dates are as follows. Ryan Star supports on all dates except for those starred.

10/12- Milwaukee, WI, Pabst Theater

10/15- Chicago, IL,  Mix Second Chance Homecoming*

10/16- Morgantown, WV, Morgantown Event Center

10/17- Nashville, TN, Ryman Auditorium

10/19- Ithaca, NY, State Theater

10/21- Utica, NY, Stanley Performing Arts Center

10/22- Hampton Beach, NH, Hampton Beach Casino

10/23- Torrington, CT, Warner Theater

10/25- Williamsport, PA, Williamsport Community Arts Center

10/26- Charlottesville, VA, John Paul Jones Arena

10/27- Greensboro, NC, Carolina Theatre

10/29- Lake Charles, LA, L'Auberge du Lac Hotel & Casino*

10/30- Tupelo, MS, BancorpSouth Arena

11/02- Fort Myers, FL,  Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

11/04- Gainesville, FL,  Gator Growl*

11/05- Melbourne, FL, King Center for the Performing Arts

11/07- Richmond, VA, The National

11/08- Reading, PA,  Sovereign Performing Arts Center

11/09- Wilmington, DE,  Grand Opera House

11/11- Montclair, NJ, Wellmont Theater

11/12- Huntington, NY, The Paramount

11/13- Erie, PA, Warner Theater

Hey Bands! Come Open For Us, Signed Yelle.

For all the musicians out there who have ever seen an opening act at a live show and thought they could do better, now is your chance to prove your skills! French electro-popsters,  Yelle, is launching a contest to find an opening act for each of their upcoming shows in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and New York.  If you think you have what it takes to share the stage with Yelle, send some music and info about yourself to yelle.contest@gmail.com.

The dance-pop trio also enlisted London-based producer Second Date (a.k.a. Henry Birkbeck) to remix “Comme Un Enfant,” off their latest album Safari Disco Club (V2/Cooperative Music USA/Downtown Records). His production places emphasis on intricate beats, warm bass, poppy vocals and arpeggiating piano - the latter of which has become Second Date's trademark.

Yelle have also released a trailer for the upcoming worldwide Safari Disco Tour;-  watch it and get ready to dance the night away in a city near you!

Yelle US Tour Dates:

11/10: Los Angeles, CA @ Wiltern

11/12: San Francisco, CA @ Mezzanine

12/02: Miami, FL @ Fillmore

12/03: Orlando, FL @ Social

12/04: Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbits

12/05: Atlanta, GA @ Loft

12/07: Baltimore, MD @ Sonar

12/08: New York, NY @ Webster Hall

12/09: Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall

12/10: Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer

UK Soul Ambassadors The New Mastersounds Announce the Breaks from the Border Tour

The ambassadors of the Northern England Soul scene, the New Mastersounds are hitting the road this November in support of their new record Breaks from the Border, their first album recorded on U.S. soil.

The New Mastersounds funk powerhouse includes Eddie Roberts (guitar), Simon Allen (drums), Peter Shand (bass) and Joe Tatton (keys). On tour the set will include cuts from "Breaks from the Border" the seventh studio recording from NMS released August 9th on Tallest Man Records. “Breaks” marks a new era in the bands sonic landscape by topping their unique syncopated grooves with group vocal stylings. This break from convention was met with enthusiasm from fans and critics alike.
Known for their power packed and dance inducing live show the New Mastersounds have been motivating hips to sway and rears ends to shake all over the world. This past year the New Mastersounds played not one, but two sets at Fuji Rock, when they were asked to step in to take Buddy Guy's spot, wowed crowds at the world famous Red Rocks, the North Coast Music Festival, Gathering of the Vibes, Moe.Down, Summer Camp and more.

Tour Dates

Oct 29 Honolulu, HI Hallowbaloo Festival
Oct 31 Maui, HI Paia Charley’s
Nov 02 Austin, TX The Parish
Nov 03 Houston, TX House of Blues - Parish
Nov 04 New Orleans, LA Tipitina’s
Nov 08 Nashville, TN Mercy Lounge
Nov 09 Chattanooga, TN Rhythm n Brews
Nov 10 Savannah, GA Loco’s
Nov 11 Atlanta, GA Masquerade
Nov 12 Live Oak, FL Bear Creek Music Festival
Nov 13 Live Oak, FL Bear Creek Music Festival
Nov 16 Charlottesville VA Jefferson Theatre
Nov 17 Baltimore, MD Soundstage
Nov 18 New York, NY Highline Ballroom
Nov 19 Philadelphia, PA Blockley Theatre
Nov 20 Boston, MA Royale Theatre
Dec 31 San Francisco, CA Warfield Theatre w/ Tedeschi Trucks
Jan 01 Deland, FL Bondfire Festival
Jan 08 Boca Raton, FL Revolution
Jan 09 Ft Lauderdale, FL Jamcruise 10

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Add National Dates Supporting New LP "Am I The Enemy"

Three years since their last full album and with nearly 2 million records sold worldwide, Am I The Enemy is the sound of The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus in fighting form (available on iTunes).  The single "Reap" was the first song written for the new LP - and in the words of frontman Ronnie Winter, "I think it's one of the best, because it pretty much spawned the entire sound for the new record."

"We have always supported various charities like To Write Love on Her Arms and the Take Action tour, which promote awareness against teen suicide and offer peer to peer counseling. 'Don't Lose Hope' is a direct message to those who feel like no one else cares," Winter reveals. "God does, and always has."

Recorded with producer John Feldmann [Goldfinger], the effort explodes with 12 hard-hitting rock tracks released via Collective Sounds. 

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Tour Dates

Oct 13 - The White Rabbit - San Antonio, TX
Oct 14 - Trees - Dallas, TX
Oct 15 - Scout Bar - Houston, TX
Oct 17 - The Rock - Tucson, AZ
Oct 18 - Martini Ranch - Scottsdale, AZ
Oct 19 - House of Blues - Anaheim, CA
Oct 22 - Oakland Metro Opera House - Oakland, CA
Oct 24 - Wow Hall - Eugene, OR
Oct 25 - The Venue - Boise, ID
Oct 27 - Club Sound - Salt Lake City, UT
Oct 29 - Manny's - Billings, MT
Nov 3 - The Hayloft - Mt Clemens, MI
Nov 6 - Brighton Music Hall - Boston, MA
Nov 8 - The Studio at Webster Hall - New York, NY

Nov 10 - Mr. Smalls Theatre - Milwale, PA
Nov 11 - The Canal Club - Richmond, VA
Nov 12 - Amos South End - Charlotte, NC
Nov 13 - Exit / In - Nashville, TN
Nov 15 - The WorkPlay Theatre - Birmingham, AL
Nov 17 - Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
Nov 18 - The Varsity Theatre - Baton Rouge, LA
Nov 19 - Floyd's Music Store - Tallahassee, FL
Nov 20 - State Theatre - St Petersburg, FL
Nov 23 - Freebird Live - Jacksonville Beach, FL

Neon Indian Returns With Fall Tour And “Era Extraña”

When last we saw Neon Indian aka Alan Palomo, he was synthing and popping and synth-popping it up on stages at the best festivals around like South By Southwest, Sasquatch, Bonnaroo, and as the opener for the likes of The Flaming Lips and those Frenchies, Phoenix. All of that on the heels of carving out a creative space for himself appreciated by the masses and critics, alike, with his debut “Psychic Chasms”. Not bad, Mr. Palomo!

But hey, here we are some two years later and Neon Indian is ready for a return. A fall tour kicks off immediately following the September 13th release of the full length “Era Extraña”, said to be a darker body of work written and recorded in Helsinki, Finland. "It's the closest you can get to feeling like you're at the edge of the earth," says Palomo. "And there were moments where I lost sight of what I was really there to do."

We can only hope that “Era Extraña” has a track with even half as catchy a title as “Psychic Chasms” charmer “I Should Have Taken Acid With You”.

Neon Indian Tour Dates:

9/15 Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church
9/16 Washington DC - Rock n Roll Hotel
9/17 Carrboro, NC - Moog Festival
9/19 Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
9/20 Birmingham, AL - Bottletree *
9/21 New Orleans, LA - One Eyed Jacks *
9/22 Houston, TX - Fitzgeralds *
9/23 Austin, TX - The Mohawk
9/24 Dallas, TX - Granada Theater
9/26 Tucson, AZ - Club Congress
9/27 San Diego, CA - Belly Up Tavern *
9/30 Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour *
10/1 San Francisco, CA - Rickshaw Stop * ^
10/3 Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge
10/4 Vancouver, BC - Venue *
10/5 Seattle, WA - Crocodile Cafe *
10/7 Boise, ID - Reef * ^
10/8 Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge * ^
10/10 Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater *
10/12 Kansas City, MO - The Record Bar * ^
10/13 Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry * ^
10/14 Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall * ^
10/15 Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop * ^
10/16 Detroit, MI - Magic Stick * ^
10/18 Toronto, ON - Lee's Palace * ^
10/19 Montreal, QC - La Sala Rossa
10/20 Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall ^
10/21 New York, NY - Webster Hall ^

* w/ Com Truise
^ w/ Purity Ring

Eli James - Pump Up The Jam Tour

If you haven't already heard, High Voltage has joined Eli James on the road this summer. Eli James is the modern one-man band whose taking art & music to the next level as a live drummer/DJ DIY-combo. With his custom LED drum kit, his passion for music and drive to make the people smile, dance and get inspired along the way; Eli will slowly change the average fan's expectations of what should go into a live show with his dedication & onstage animation.


The tour started last night in San Antonio, TX and will be making it's way around the country over the next few weeks. Chelsea will documenting the journey along the way, so make sure to read the On The Road with Chelsea column every so often to see road stories, reviews on music we've discovered along the way, etc. Full tour dates below:

PUMP UP THE JAM TOUR 2011

Date	City	Venue
July 19, 2011	San Antonio, TX	Boneshakers
July 20, 2011	Austin, TX	Beauty Bar
July 21, 2011	Houston, TX	Super Happy Fun Land
July 23, 2011	Birmingham, AL	The Nick
July 27, 2011	Worcester, MA	Lucky Dog Music Hall
July 29, 2011	New York, NY	Pianos
July 31, 2011	Philadelphia, PA	Dockside Bar
Aug 3, 2011	Madison, WI	The Frequency
Aug 5, 2011	St Louis, MO	2720 Cherokee
Aug 6, 2011	Warrensburg, MO	400 Bar
Aug 11, 2011	Denver, CO	Moe's Tavern
Aug 13, 2011	Las Vegas, NV	Artifice Bar
Aug 19, 2011	West Hollywood, CA	Sunset Strip Music Festival
Aug 20, 2011	West Hollywood, CA	Sunset Strip Music Festival

Facebook | Twitter

Hanson's Musical Ride Tour

Indie-pop darlings Hanson announce fall tour where they will let the fans decide which ALBUM to play each night. Drummer, Zac Hanson, adds "This tour is a unique way of saying thank you to the many fans that have followed the band for years, who will, for the first time, get a chance to help shape the show they see each night."

Tickets go on-sale Friday, July 8th and voting begins on Hanson.net Monday, July 11th. Not to mention the tour ends with two nights at Disney World, now that's magical any way you spin it.

Visit Hanson.net for the full list of tour dates.

Twitter | Official Site

Sunset Strip Music Festival 2011

You've probably heard the news by now (or saw our line-up leak flyer photo on twitter last night), but the SUNSET STRIP MUSIC FESTIVAL 2011 line-up is out. Headliners include Motley Crue, Bush, Matt & Kim, She Wants Revenge and many more. While previous headliners Ozzy Osbourne and Smashing Pumpkins are quite the rock legends in their own right, it will be nice to have the Kings of The Sunset Strip (Motley Crue) back where it all began. This is one of those rock moments not to be missed!

Full line-up here.

Official Site | Facebook | Twitter

The PreZcotts cover Metallica

They are some songs you just don't cover unless you can do it justice, I would file "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica in that category. And well, The PreZcotts (aged 11, 13, 14 & 16) own their cover of "Nothing Else Matters" not to mention the 10 year old guitarist, Yuto Miyasawa, who shreds the guitar solo. Check this video out:



Facebook | Official Site

Foxy Shazam & Free Energy together at last!

Today marks the beginning of what might be the best tour of the year, SPIN Magazine is presenting Foxy Shazam & Free Energy on a 33 date US tour. Why should you care? Well, lets start with Foxy Shazam; a theatrical rock group who have recently inspired artists such as Meatloaf & Justin Hawkins (of The Darkness). Their blend of high energy rock n roll preaches, grooves, and will deeply infect one's soul until you can no longer control the spastic dance moves (flailing arms, head-banging compulsions, etc). Not to mention, frontman Eric Nally's deliverance tends to remind us of Freddie Mercury. Tracks to check out: "Wanna-Be Angel" and "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow"

Next up we have Free Energy, a straight forward pop rock group reminiscent of early 70s rockers Cheap Trick and Thin Lizzy while possibly channeling Tom Petty lyrically. While the music may be simple, it's also simply awesome. Prepare to get your dance on to tracks like "Something In Common", "Free Energy", and "Bang Pop"

The tour kicks off in Portland, ME tonight and is sure to rock a city near you soon. Full schedule below.

Foxy Shazam / Free Energy tour:
10/12, Portland, ME (Space)
10/13, Providence, RI (Jerky's Music Hall)
10/14, Burlington, VT (Club Metronome)
10/15, Montreal, QC (Juke Box)
10/16, Toronto, ON (Horseshoe Tavern)
10/18, Columbus, OH (The Summit)
10/19, Nashville, TN (The End)
10/20, St. Louis, MO (The Old Rock House)
10/21, Kansas City, KS (Record Bar)
10/22, Dallas, TX (The Loft)
10/23, Austin, TX (Mohawk)
10/25, Phoenix, AZ (Rhythm Room)
10/26, Pacific Beach, CA (710 Club)
10/28, Los Angeles, CA (Troubadour)
10/29, San Francisco, CA (Slim's)
10/30, San Jose, CA (Blank Club)
11/10, Portland, OR (Doug Fir Lounge)
11/11, Seattle, WA (Crocodile Café)
11/12, Vancouver, BC (The Media Club)
11/14, Edmonton, AB (Pawn Shop)
11/15, Calgary, AB (Republik)
11/16, Saskatoon, SK (Amigos)
11/17, Winnipeg, MB (Pyramid Cabaret)
11/18, Minneapolis, MN (400 Bar)
11/19, Chicago, IL (Lincoln Hall)
11/20, Indianapolis, IN (Radio Radio)
11/21, Cleveland Heights, OH (Grog Shop)
11/22, Albany, NY (Valentine's)
11/23, Boston, MA (Paradise)
11/24, New York, NY (Bowery Ballroom)
11/26, Brooklyn, NY (Music Hall of Williamsburg)
11/27, Philadelphia, PA (The Theater of Living Arts)
12/1, Washington, DC (Rock and Roll Hotel)

100 Monkeys End of the Year LA Show

This Sunday, Binary Day (10/10/10), High Voltage favorites 100 Monkeys will be tearing up The Roxy in Hollywood with their unique blend of fun and funk-infused rock. Their songs are infectious and they're a hell of a lot of fun to watch. Tickets are available via: Ticketmaster or by calling The Roxy directly.

Need more 100 Monkeys? Check out their DVD teaser posted last month for their upcoming DVD Live and Kickin' (Part Too):


Lose yourself. Be a monkey. Check them out. And if you're going to the Hollywood show, we'll see you there!

MySpace | Official Site

More J-Rock hits the States!

Hold on to your socks, jrock fans- there's another tour kicking off this week in LA, courtesy of Hyde (L'Arc~en~Ciel) and K.A.Z. (Oblivion Dust).

In 2008, the duo teamed up to create VAMPS after several years of working together on Hyde's solo material. Both seasoned veterans from their respective bands, they released one single, "Love Addict" and quickly organized a tour spanning Japan's famous ZEPP venues throughout the country. Even with multiple shows at each location, most if not all sold out. A 10-stop US Tour followed after the release of their self-titled album in 2009.

Their latest offering, BEAST was unleashed in Japan and online earlier this year (07/28), with versions in Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Europe following days after. After yet another a 40+ show Japan tour, they're gearing up to rock the world with stops in the US, China, Europe, & South America.

US Tour Dates:
10/01 - Hollywood, CA @ Avalon
10/05 - Las Vegas, NV @ Hard Rock Cafe
10/09 - New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom

Tickets available via Livenation.

MySpace | Official Site

Street Drum Corps' takeover Knott's Scary Farm

Looks like Halloween Haunts just got a whole lot louder. Get ready for a bangin' time as Street Drum Corps' BANG! takes over the Camp Snoopy Necropolis Theater at Knott's Scary Farm in Buena Park, CA. "BLOOD DRUMS" promises to be an exciting, high energy blend of percussion, music, rhythm, and lights. The new SDC album Big Noise will also be available for sale at the show before it hits stores next year.

The show runs on select days from September 24 - October 31 at 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM, 10:30 PM, and midnight. SDC BANG! will also be at Great America Haunt in Santa Clarita, CA as "Prime Evil Percussion" from October 1 -31. Check the links below for details.

MySpace | Official Site

X Japan embarks on US tour!

On Saturday, September 25, Japanese rock legends X Japan embark on their first ever US/Canada tour. Pioneers of the modern Japanese rock scene, X Japan influenced some of the biggest names in the Japanese music world today such as Luna Sea, Glay, and Dir en grey. From 1982-1997, X Japan changed the face of music in their home country. Their mix of speed metal anthems and rich, evocative ballads fueled their rapid rise to the top of the industry, selling over 30 million albums and videos. They filled the 50,000-seat Tokyo Dome an unheard of 18 times, and remain to this day deeply rooted in the hearts and minds of Japanese culture. With a new album set to be released this year, X Japan is poised to once again claim their dominance in the land of the rising sun, and maybe this time - the world.

Tour Dates:

09/25 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern Theater
09/28 - Oakland, CA @ Fox Theatre
10/01 - Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre
10/03 - Vancouver, BC @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre
10/06 - Chicago, IL @ Riviera
10/07 - Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall
10/10 - New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom


MySpace | Official Site

US tour announced for Japan's Dir en grey

Dir en grey is one of the hottest and most successful Japanese bands to break into the Western music scene over the last decade. Generally tagged anywhere between alternative, nu-metal and even grindcore, guitarists Kaoru and Die, bassist Toshiya, drummer Shinya, and vocalist Kyo deliver their particular brand of metal without apology. They transcend language barriers through the sheer force of their music, which is visceral, evoking a spectrum of emotions that is far better experienced than described. Unafraid to experiment, their style has evolved since their debut in 1998, combining their Japanese roots with Western influences, some gleaned from working with other bands during overseas tours. Their latest single, "Hageshisa to, kono mune no naka de karamitsuita shakunetsu no yami" is a blistering feast of drums and guitars.

Since 2005, they have made the rounds at various European music festivals including Rock-am-ring, Sonisphere, Download, and Octopus Rock, as well as headlined their own tours in both the US and the UK. They've been invited on tour with the Deftones, Korn (as part of Family Values), Mindless Self Indulgence, and are currently co-headlining a US stint with Finnish cello rockers, Apocalyptica. The tour kicked off earlier this week in Toronto and Dir en grey will be working their way around North America over the next 3 weeks.

Remaining tour dates:

08/27 – Baltimore, MD @ Ram’s Head Live
08/28 – Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
08/30 – Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage
08/31 – St. Louis, MO@ The Pageant
09/01 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
09/02 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
09/04 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
09/05 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theatre
09/07 – Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
09/08 – Los Angeles, CA @ Club Nokia Live
09/10 – San Francisco, CA @ Grand Ballroom at Regency Center
09/11 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
09/12 - Portland, OR @ Roseland Theatre

Tickets & VIP Packages are available via Brat Marketing and Ticketmaster.

Dir en grey: MySpace | Official Site

It's All Stops Here - The End of Y-Rock

Last night I got some sad news, local/indie  music giant Y-Rock will have it's last broadcast this Thursday with a sign off show from long time DJ Y-Rock On XPN founder and Operations Manager, Josh T. Landow airing from 9am-5pm. It feels like the summer of '06 all over again. On August 1,2006 Philadelphia's only alternative rock station Y100 was flipped, another station took over, and we lost our source for alternative and emerging local and indie acts in Philly. The concerts went on, local bands still toured, but, without the support of  Y100 the scene began to fizzle.

I remember frantically email the dj's to see if I'd fallen victim to some sort of joke, could this really be happening? If I can't hear their voices, do they still exist? Who will sponsor the next Dave Matthews Band Show?! I then went to see My Chemical Romance a few days later and had the pleasure of meeting Electra and asked why it is that things ended so abruptly. She said "They're trying to reach a new demographic; Suburban,16-25 yrs old, African Americans." and I shouted "I'm their demographic! Why are they doing this to me?!"

Five days later a ray of hope was found in the form of a bright idea from former program director Jim McGuinn. The idea? To take music from his personal collection and another Y-Rock team members, Jake, and turned it into Y-Rock Philly Local. Shortly there after Y-Rock on XPN was born, some of my favorites returned to the air and I'd never been happier to her Bjork's latest single. That was four years ago.

Now, things have changed, people have moved on and the door is once again closing on something great. I'm sad to see it go, and even more so for those who it helped to discover something new or old. This truly is a testament to music changing lives and I'm happy to have gone to their shows, and met a few great folks in the process. So a big, big, BIG thank you goes out to the dj's of the past and present for every track that broke my heart, got me through, and made me smile. Please support your local radio station, they may not be there forever!

More info can be found here in Jake's own words, in City Paper's orginal cover story Buried Alive (05), and the most current article from CP by Molly Eichel

~Naimah

MySpace | Official Site

Outside Lands

Announcing their return to San Francisco for it's third year today, Outside Lands will take place August 14th & 15th. Full line-up to be announced on June 1st.

And don't forget, Austin City Limits will be announcing their line-up on May 18th!

Austin City Limits Website | Outside Lands Website

The Dead Weather - Sea of Cowards

It's finally happened, vinyl has gone digital. How you ask? Check it out, for the next 24 hours The Dead Weather are hosting a live stream of their new album Sea of Cowards. However, it's not just an audio stream - it's a video stream of the album being played on vinyl (as it should be heard) with special guests flipping the album over, etc. Tune in now...



Official Site