Veara is a four-piece band including a girl drummer (girl power!), produced by Jeremy McKinnon of A Day To Remember. They released “What We Left Behind” in May. Yes, I am very behind on this band but this is my blog and I get to write about whatever I want. (insert big smile)
So I listened to the two Veara songs on myspace and I figured I could really be into this band. I listened to their cd on Rhapsody once through and thought, “okay, so far so good, now I have to listen to in my car to know if it’s a winner for sure.”
I’m sad to report that it didn’t quite pass the test.
This is pop punk at it’s mediocre-ness (yes, I did just make up a word). And I usually like mediocre pop punk but nothing about “What We Left Behind” really grabs me. I’m really disappointed because I’ve grown to love A Day To Remember (there was a point in time where I didn’t want to listen to them) and I thought Jeremy could do something really cool with this. However, I think he basically just handed over his songs that weren’t good enough for “Homesick”.
The lead vocals aren’t as pleasing and appealing as I usually like my pop punk and nothing really sticks in my head. You know when you listen to a cd and there’s a song you walk around singing all day? That didn’t happen here and again, I’m sad.
I’d be willing to give their next release a shot, if there happens to be one.
Here’s another reason why I love my job: I’m going to Epicenter 2010! Epicenter is a two-day music festival put on my KROQ. It will be at Fontana Speedway this September.
I’m going to promote New Politics, which I am GLAD and happy to do because their self-titled record is one of the four that have been on constant repeat in my car’s stereo since I got a copy.
The lineup will be a lot of fun and includes: Blink 182, Rise Against, Against Me, Bad Religion and A Day To Remember. You have probably heard (or heard of) all these bands but I’d like to introduce you to New Politics. I am not sure if KROQ is yet to play them but I can definitely predict that they will after they play Epicenter. Also, they’re on tour with 30 Seconds to Mars so, that helps!
So here’s their single, “Yeah Yeah Yeah” and one of my favorite tracks off their self-titled, “Dignity”.
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As I played this on my iTunes just a few minutes ago, I came to my blog and thought “hmm how long ago did I blog about This Time Next Year?” Surprise to me, I haven’t blogged about them yet! I love this band. What’s wrong with me?!
I really don’t remember how I came across this band but I began listening to them around the same time I discovered The Wonder Years and I was relieved. Finally! A pop punk band I really, really like!! I needed some new music desperately and since I found TWY and TTNY, that was all my car stereo was playing. I love the quirky and smartass lyrics from both these bands.
I saw these guys play the Kevin Says stage at Warped Tour in Pomona and I was surprised to see such a small crowd. I expected a lot more but I am a bit biased. However, I was a little thrown off by their performance. Their lead singer, Pete, had the biggest smile on his face while he sang such angry lyrics, bobbing his head up and down in the weirdest stance on stage. I didn’t get it. He was too happy. It was a little awkward. I’ve only seen them play once but hopefully next time will be better.
On to the record. I love it. “Rise & Fall Curtain Call” is the perfect opener, it’s in your face and gives you a taste of exactly what this will sound like. Fast paced and energized with a little bit of pop. I love the breakdown, “New pair of old worn shoes, Where the hell do you get off? Pretending to know what I’ve been through, We never needed you…”. They just released a video for “New Sensation”, judge the song for yourself:
The song that sucked me into this band was their last single, “Alex in Wonderland.” Lyrics include, “you’re a walking disaster, you need to grow up, I wish you nothing more” and it definitely reminds me of someone I used to know. Those lyrics apply perfectly. “New Florence,” “Rhyme and Reason” and “Calling in Dead” are all catchy as hell too. “Calling in Dead” is one of my favorites too because of the line “it’s shameful to know little girls grow up to be you.” Basically, this is a record I can actually listen the whole way through and not skip a song. What does that tell you? Buy the damn record.
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This little gem is floating around Tumblr and it blew my mind. Talk about a Summer Hits medley!
Sam Tsui is currently an undergrad from Yale who started covering songs on youtube and became one of those as-seen-on-youtube stars doing covers of famous songs.
If it wasn’t for this nicely done little medley, I wouldn’t have looked twice. But he has a very nice voice and LOVE what he did with these songs. He mixes in B.O.B ft. Hayley Williams – Airplanes, Lady Gaga – Alejandro, Ke$ha – Your Love Is My Drug, Katy Perry – California Girls, and Usher – OMG.
Listen up!
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I blogged about 2AM Club when I first started this blog, but since it was so new, chances are you didn’t listen to me! You might have seen these guys on The Early Show, on tour with TV/TV or Mike Posner! (you know, “you think you’re cooler than me”). These guys are so much fun, especially live. It’s an r&b, pop, somewhat Gym Class Heroes but classier, type thing. Check out the video:
When I first heard of Matthew McGinn, he went by “Courage Call”. The instant I heard, “Change Your Mind” I heard his genuine talent and his adorable vocals. The song was a little creepy, (“I’m just going where ever you are”), but apparently it’s supposed to be funny (I see the humor, but I’m not sure creepy people would haha). While Courage Call’s songs are catchy and fun, Matthew McGinn has done a little soul searching and maturing to bring us his self-titled project. Matthew is the boy next door; charismatic, charming and sweet. He kind of reminds me of the talented Jonas Brother (Nick, but I bet you knew before I said it). Here’s a taste of both but make sure to go to his myspace, as I LOVE his song “Maybe This Will Be My Year.”
Courage Call – “Change Your Mind”
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Matthew McGinn – “Better With You”
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What’s better than a cute guy that can sing? A cute guy that can sing with a twin! WIN.
Trey and Ty are twin brothers from Florida. If you like acoustic, pop rock, singer/songwriter type of stuff – you’re about to fall head over heels my friend! On top of all this, there’s an uncanny vocal resemblance to John Mayer. Yes, John Mayer. Just listen to “Invincible”:
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Told you, I wasn’t lying. Now, if that’s not enough, you have to check out their covers. I love when rock bands cover r&b/hip-hop so when I came upon their youtube page, I was happy. But! I can’t figure out which cover is better, Drake’s “Find Your Love” or Usher’s “Burn”, so here’s both:
Have I convinced you to check them out for yourself and buy their latest record, Love Is The Answer? Well, here’s one last attempt, a beautiful love song by The Icarus Account, “Tidal Waves & Hurricanes”:
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I always love to see a band working hard to get their name out there. Some bands put out some demos or an EP and expect the world to come crawling to them. This band got creative and took on a growing social media outlet: Tumblr! (For those of you out of the loop, tumblr is like twitter but for blogs) Anyway, their songs are catchy and they’re nice guys. Check out their myspace for their video and their tumblr to download their free EP: farewellfighter.tumblr.com
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I wonder if Heidi Montag has heard this song? I can’t help but to think of her.
Brittany McDonald is a country pop singer from Orange County, California. She writes, produces, records, etc all her own stuff. She has a good team behind her that could really skyrocket her career. Her songs are catchy and fun, however, I think her voice isn’t as strong as it could be. But, since when did that stop anyone from becoming a pop star?Anyway, I have a soft spot for country pop and this song should remind people to stop trying so hard.
