O.T.C. 13 Music Meets Film

Hey again everyone, I've got to make this short because I'm currently writing from my tablet (my computer has taken an aggravating turn for the worse). Anyway, a few days ago Dave Hause of the Philly Punk group The Loved Ones released his music video for his debut single off of his first solo record Resolutions. The video for the track Time Will Tell shows Dave himself re-enacting Martin Scorsese's short film The Big Shave as he sings directly to the viewer. The video tries to convey the same sense of dealing with daily monotony as the short it references, and uses that to compliment the similar sentiment the song shares. While some might find the use of simulated blood off putting, the video uses the stark visuals to amazing affect (at least in my opinion). But don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself (if you feel the above mentioned visuals won't bother you, that is).

*Please Note* I'm posting the direct link at the moment only because the ability to embed is currently unavailable to me. I will embed the actual vide as well as The Big Shave film it references when I can get to a functioning PC*

http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US#/watch?xl=xl_blazer&v=zd8E4xRheZA

O.T.C 12 The Break Results!

Hey everyone sorry for the lag in posts (it's been a pretty rough past couple of weeks), but here I am finally with the results of The Break Contest's final rounds. These five bands will go on to represent their respective regions in a FREE winner-takes-all show at the Gramercey Theatre in New York, NY on April 23rd. So here you have it, the final five:

     Wordspit Theillest

     Mazmyth

     Breathing Blue

     I Am Fighting

     (TBA)

Well there you have it! These five groups will play it out for the title of Break Contest Champions, and the numerous prizes and privileges that come with it.

O.T.C. 11 part 1 "We've Got To Hold On To What We've Got"

Well today is the day dear readers; The Break Contest comes to it's conclusion tonight at 10pm, and brings with it the names of the final winners of the whole contest.  Heading up to The Stone Pony this fine Sunday, I got the amazing opportunity to watch each of the best bands around play for the top spot at The Bamboozle Festival. Some amazing surprises from some of the youngest bands, and the explosive performances of the elder groups shook the Stone Pony to it's foundation! I will post the winners of the contest tonight on this very blog as soon as I receive them, so come on back at 10 pm!

O.T.C. 10: A Six String Sampler

Sorry everyone I've got to make this one a little sparse (life's always about playing catch up as they say), but I have a few new local bands for you all to listen in on and spread the love to.  Some great sounds coming from these fine folks so please give each your ear, even for a second. You'll be glad you did!


1. Collisions of Southern NJ
       Rock / Alternative / Indie

2. This Time Around of Philadelphia, PA
       Pop-Punk / Rock

3. Mike Reisman of Cherry Hill, NJ
       Singer/Songwriter

4. Andrej The Giant of Laurel Springs, NJ
       Rock

5. Sounds From Atlantis of Westville, NJ
       Americana / Indie / Rock

6. Joe Wilson of Bergen County, NJ
       Acoustic / Folk / Rock

7. Val Emmich of Manalapin Township, NJ
       Alternative / Indie / Rock

8. A Balance Between of Bergen County, NJ
       Experimental / Hardcore / Rock

9. The Death of Me of Montclair, NJ
       Indie / Post punk / Rock

10. Waking Lights of Northern NJ
       Folk Rock / Punk / Soul

11. Khaled Dajani of New York City, NY
       Alternative/ World/ Fusion

12. Roland Ramos of Hoboken, NJ
       Reggae / Ska / Soul

13. Readymade Breakup of Asbury Park/Jersey City, NJ
       Classic Rock / Powerpop / Rock

"If It's Better Than My Love, Bring It On"

Another little piece of news to share today! Apparently NJ's good sons The Gaslight Anthem have just finished filming their latest music video this past week. Hints of work on the video were referenced on Philly musician Dave Hause's Twitter and Facebook accounts with two seperate posts (which you can read here and here.) While those posts did not name the band or video involved many fans suspected that the filming in question somehow involved The Gaslight Anthem, given the close personal friendships between them and Dave (as well as his bandmates in The Loved Ones). These suspiscions seemed confirmed when the next day Brian Fallon posted on his Twitter account stating that "a new video.." was coming "....soon." The song to be featured in the video was not directly mentioned, but earlier this month while in Australia for the Soundwave Festival Brian mentioned on TripleJTV that the band's next single would be "Bring It On" off of their latest release American Slang.
                               Considering all of this information, it is quite likely (though not absolute) that the next new video for The Gaslight Anthem will be for "Bring It On", will most likely be directed by Kevin Custer (who directed 3 of their 6 previous videos),  and have at least one featured guest in the form of Mr. Dave Hause. I personally can't wait to see what those guys have cooked up and share it with all of you, but to give you a taste of what to expect (perhaps), here are the previous music videos that The Gaslight Anthem have produced (in order no less!) Enjoy!

*For those wondering, the second music history segment IS in fact coming, just taking a bit longer to sort out and put together than originally anticipated*

O.T.C. 9 : Showtime!

Hello hello everyone! Welcome back to the returning readers (all three of you), and a big salutations to any potential newbies! While I'm finishing up gathering all my sources together to continue my 'New Jersey: Sounds of History' segment, I thought I'd give you all something a little more practical than links and facts for a change. So to honor that idea, I thought I'd list some live show venues for you all to check out and hopefully attend (remember, if you like the music, support the scene!). Also remember, if you know a band or musician that's looking for places to set up gigs (or you yourself are) this list isn't a bad place to turn for ideas! Let's cut the jawing (in a manner of speaking) and get to it!

1. The Trocadero Theatre (Philadelphia, PA)
2. Hanger 84 (Vineland, NJ)
3. Savage Rock School (Deptford, NJ)
4. The Coffee Works (Voorhees, NJ)
5. Grooveground (Collingswood, NJ)
6. The Test Tube (Deptford, NJ)
7. UACA Hall (Philadelphia, PA)
8. North Star Bar (Philadelphia, PA)
9. Yardley Community Center (Yardley, PA)
10. The Stone Pony (Asbury Park, NJ)
11. The Court Tavern (New Brunswick, NJ)
12. Maxwell's (Hoboken, NJ)
13. Tierney's Tavern (Montclair, NJ)
14. Architekt Music (Butler, NJ)
15. Cafe Incite (Lyndhurst, NJ)
16.Starland Ballroom (Sayreville, NJ)
17. Asbury Lanes (Asbury Park, NJ)
18. First Unitarian Church (Philadelphia, PA)
19. Johnny Brendas (Philadelphia, PA)
20. The Barbary (Philadelphia, PA)
21. World Cafe Live (Philadelphia, PA)
22. Starlight Ballroom (Philadelphia, PA)
23. Kung Fu Necktie (Philadelphia, PA)
24. Bowery Ballroom (New York, NY)
25. Terminal 5 (New York, NY)
26. Mercury Lounge (New York, NY)
27. The Electric Factory (Philadelphia, PA)

Check out the venues close to you, see when you make make it out, and enjoy the show!
(*If you have a venue I haven't listed, by all means PLEASE share it with me, we have to spread the word!)

O.T.C. 8: "Carry On Like We Were Soldiers, The War Has Just Begun"

Some slightly somber news to share today; apparently as of March 16th 2011, the Philadelphia PA band Victory In Numbers has officailly called it quits. Now having been a long time listener and fan of these guys, I can tell you from experience that these guys are not only amazing people and musicians, but immense contributers and supporters of both the Philly and New Jersey music scenes. The band issued a note via their facebook page outlining their feelings and the overall reasons behing their decision, and made it very clear that while this was obviously a very hard decision it was made unanimously and with no ill will or issues amonst anyone involved.  Victory In Numbers has been a resounding and positive voice in the Philly music scene for over 14 years, first under the name Blue Collar and then later Victory In Numbers.  These guys have been through so much and accomplished amazing things over the years, and I will stick with each of them and wish them the best in their future endeavors, as I hope all of their fans and you fine readers will as well. So raise a glass to an amazing run, and a bright future! Cheers guys!

*Victory In Numbers final show will be at The Note in Westchester PA on April 10th . This show will also see the return of Nick Passio (who had been the lead singer and guitarist for V.I.N. until his departure a few months ago due to personal obligations). So come out as a show of thanks to these guys, who gave everything they had for the music and the fans.