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.

"We Learned More From a 3-Minute Record, Baby Than We Ever Learned In School"

This segment you're about to read has been a long time coming, since from the time I created this blog my dearest wish was two fold: introduce and encourage local and hometown music, and educate the newly interested listener on the history behind their favorite bands, as well as the unique state that fostered them. So, it is with these ideals in mind I begin the first entry in my special segment:

New Jersey: Sounds of History

I'll start off basic for everyone by covering the beginnings of music in New Jersey.  New Jersey as most of you already know is situated between two major homes of long time musical breeding grounds and influence, New York City and Philadelphia.  Besides the heavy amout of cultural and societial influences the two Metropolitain areas have on the Garden State (Hence the common usage of the terms North and South Jersey among the states population), these two cities have also introduced a wide breadth of eclectic influences to the bustling music scene.  In Philadelphia much of the Philly motown, soul, R&B, and Blues went on to influence many New Jersey musicians, and New York City's abundance of Rap, Pop, Jazz and (perhaps most siginificantly) Punk scenes couldn't help but bleed over into the stylings of New Jersey music.

Some of the first big names to come out of the New Jersey music scene include:

James P Johnson, a pianist hailing from New Brunswick NJ who became famous as one of the first jazzmen to make famous the "Harlem Stride" style. A "Strider" was a performer who continuously played with their left hand to keep the beat while performing.  At his peak, Johnson was widely considered the "King of New York Jazz", and was an inspiration for such famous performers as Art Tatum, Duke Ellington, Newark NJ native Fats Waller, and Red Bank NJ's Count Basie. One of his most well known pieces, "The Charleston" is still considered one of the most iconic Jazz piano songs in musical history.

As mentioned above, Red Bank's Count Basie is also an accomplished jazz pianist, though this is most definitely a massive understatement. Basie was not only one of the most profound Jazzmen of his time, but also a leading influence and means of introduction for many New Jersey natives to his particular brand of Big Band sound.  His many accomplishments and contributions to New Jersey music (as well as music in general) have earned him great esteem, even leading his hometown of Red Bank New Jersey to erect and name a prominent theatre after him, as well as a nearby local field. One of his most iconic songs is "One O'Clock Jump" which has become a staple of countless jazz and big band esemble performances that play to this day.

To round off our Jazz personas, we have the undeniable king of jazz trumpet, Mr. Dizzy Gillespie. Instantly recognizable for his signature bent trumpet and influence on the development of bebop and modern jazz. Gillespie, while born in Cheraw, North Carolina hailed from Englewood NJ for the majority of his life, and was widely considered a trumpet virtuoso seemingly without match.  He is known to be both a major influence and sometimes teacher to some of Jazz's greatest names, including Miles Davis, Fats Navarro, Clifford Brown, Arturo Sandoval, Jon Faddis, Chuck Mangione, and even Philadelphia's own Lee Morgan. One of Gillespie's own songs, "A Night In Tunisia" is conisdered to be one of the most classic pieces of Jazz music ever performed.

It is no surprise that with such a large number of jazz, bebop, and big band artists hailing from the Garden State that one of the most innovative new genres of the past 25 years shares part of it's origins within New Jersey's own music scene; Ska (which fear not, we will explore in depth in a future installment). Well, I'll leave you with this little history lesson and some amazing hometown musicians to explore and take in. Remember always give it a chance, because this music is what helped create the thriving music scene we enjoy today. Respect it's history, support your scene. Till next Time!

Cheers,
Matt    

"So In The Work Fields And Alleys, I Take Them Who'll Come"

Well everyone, we have our list of finalists for the The Break Contest! Below are all the bands that just fought their way to the finals this past weekend, both from The Stone Pony and the School Of Rock shows. Do you hear the Grand Prize winner anywhere?

1. Dead End                         13. Time Will Tell
2. Political Party Crashers     14. 100toONE
3. Julian Fulton and Friends  15. Nottingham
4. The New Royalty               16. That Of A Lion
5. Short Lived Affair             17. Gravity Against Us
6. Going Dark                       18. Doomsday Diaries
7. Audio Insight                    19. Matt Clark
8. Alter The Ending               20. Darkness Descends
9. The Night Life                  21. Ascending From Ashes
10. Devil's Holiday
11. The Zodiac Complex
12. Small Town Scoundrels
\
All of these bands and artists have been fighting long and hard to get this far, so you can bet the Finals will be quite something to behold! The final rounds will be held April 9th and 10th at the Stone Pony, so head on down to listen and vote for your pick!

Cheers,
Matt

O.T.C. 7: Some Big Things A'Comin

Well, I'm piecing together some cool updates and info for your reading and listening pleasure (think The Break contest, Some OLD SCHOOL tunes, and a few fun tid bits seasoned about). To keep you sated till then, here's an awesome video of The Boss himself playing with my heroes the Gaslight Anthem at Hard Rock Calling 2009 in Hyde Park, London.

O.T.C. 6: A Taste Of Whats To Come

If you haven't already pieced together from my previous posts, let me make it clear; I loves me some Gaslight Anthem. These guys are Jersey rock/punk through and through, and recently they have once again been hitting the pavement to make sure the world gets an earful of that sweet New Jersey sound. In a true turn of good fortune and luck on the part of fans worldwide, it appears that The Gaslight Anthem has teased Australian fans with a brand new song entitled "Biloxi Parish" while playing the annual The Soundwave Festival. Thankfully, one outstanding Aussie fan had the opportunity to video this tantilizing performance, and has posted it onto youtube for the rest of us Gaslight faithful. So check out the footage, and don't forget to check out and thank KillYourStereo.com and youtube user thewhiteshore for breaking this story and supplying this sneak peek.

"We're Having A Party, Everybody's Swinging"

Well, from April 29-May 1 NJ's biggest music festival will again blow the roof off of the garden state. The Bamboozle Festival is an annual celebration of the best music to hit or come out of New Jersey, and the 2011 lineup is quite mindblowing (to say the very least). So in the spirit of the Bamboozle, I thought I would share some music videos of my personal "must-see" performers on this year's roster.

1. Taking Back Sunday - Cute Without The 'E' (Cut From The Team)


2. The Gaslight Anthem - Great Expectations


3. 30 Seconds To Mars - Closer To The Edge


4. Anberlin - Paperthin Hymn


5. Frank Turner - I Still Believe


6. Gatsby's American Dream - Theater


7. Forever The Sickest Kids - She's A Lady


8. Mayday Parade - Jamie All Over


9. Senses Fail - Can't Be Saved


10. Streetlight Manifesto - We Will Fall Together


11. New Found Glory - My Friends Over You


12. Thrice - Stare At The Sun


And finally, the strangest dude with a piano there is....... Bo Burnham - Welcome To Youtube

O.T.C. 5: You Look So Familiar

Hello everyone, just have a little fun factiod for you all that I found out about not too long ago and had to give myself the old facepalm for not noticing it. You've probably heard of the band Cobra Starship, the band made famous by their hit single "Bring It (Snakes On A Plane)" from the film Snakes On A Plane. I bet you didn't know that while Cobra Starship is based out New York, their lead singer Gabe Saporta is actually from Springfield, New Jersey and the former lead singer/bassist/lyricist of New Jersey pop-punk band Midtown. Now even if your not that big a fan of Saporta's current musical stylings don't let that stop you from checking out this amazing band, especially considering that Midtown's music was firmly within the spectrum of Pop/Jersey Punk (Unlike the varied and eclectic styles common to Cobra Starship). So to give you a taste of Midtown, we have the video for their song "Like A Movie". Sit back and enjoy!  

O.T.C. 4: Jersey Forged Metal

I quick skim of my posts so far has led me to the conclusion that while New Jersey Has a talented and abundant pool of musicians, I have yet to feature or include any of the more metal leaning bands. So for your enjoyment, here is the music video for Middletown, New Jersey's own Symphony X. Let's see those heads banging!

"Making a Boardwalk Out of Philly Streets, New Jersey Becomes the New Atlantis"

*Purevolume Picks Round 1*

Well I've been shooting this way and that across the internet for a bit today, and I have a few local bands for your listening pleasure (courtesy of the always awesome Purevolume.com browse feature). This are in no particular order except as they were found, so give each one a fair chance and listen!

1. First up we have one of the bigger names to come out of the New Jersey music scene,The Early November. While this Hammonton, New Jersey band is currently on a self described "indefinite-hiatus", that hasn't lessened the impact of their considerable stock of previous work, or stopped them from making great music in various side and solo projects. If you've heard of I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody's Business, Ace Enders and a Million Different People, Jeff Kummer, Man Overboard, or Hellogoodbye you've felt the musical after effects of this band.

2. Next we have a group of hard working Pop-Punkers by the name of I Call Fives. Hailing from Washington Township, New Jersey these guys have been playing all over their home state as well as participating in and headlining countless tours across the United States. Currently they have two EP's in their discography ( First Things First and Bad Advice), as well as their recently released 7' split with New York band and show friends Rust Belt Lights. If your looking for high energy Pop Punk that can keep you looking up, check these guys out.

3. Another group of Pop Punk rockers to keep an eye on is the Mullica Hill, New Jersey band Major League.  These guys have been playing shows and rocking ears since 2007, and have just released their first EP The Truth Is… this past November. With a refined sound and a fresh EP shipping out, I would not be suprised to hear big things out of these guys in 2011 and beyond. So give them a listen, so you can say you heard them first!

4. Finally we have the boys from the Gloucester City, New Jersey band Tsunami Rising. Formed in 2003 these guys have spent the last seven years bringing their sweet style of equal parts Rock, Punk, and Reggae to the music masses of their home state as well as those of their nieghbors to the Philly east and New York north. With the release of their 2007 full length The Exploration for an Explanation firmly under their belts, these Reggae/Punk rockers continue to play their hearts out at new shows across the area. So check them out for a shot of some raw-yet-smooth rock groove.

That's all for now. If you like what you hear from any of these talented groups remeber to grab some of their music or merch from either their online distributors or even better, from one of their shows. Remember folks, it's all about supporting the scene and most importantly keeping the tunes playing playing and the dream alive!

Cheers,
Matt

O.T.C. 3: History Lesson, Children!

For any Philly/Jersey music fan that wasn't in diapers in 1990, the Dead Milkmen should be a nostalgic slap to the cerebellum.  These guys ripped up the Philly underground scene during the 1980's, and have overcome multiple personal and professional pitfalls to continue doing what they do best (that being, cracking jokes and ripping the underground apart!).  So sit back and enjoy some good old fashion Punk that is confident enough that it doesn't need to take itself so seriously.

 

O.T.C. 2 : Picture This At The Stone Pony

In addition to the deluge of photos taken of the talent during the day today, I also managed to snap a few shots of some cool little here-and-theres around the Stone Pony. Now I share some of these sights with you:
        

Some seriously sweet memorabilia floating around that place, if you didn't notice already.

Day 2: "I'm A Midnight Mile From Your Home"

Well folks, I've got some pretty awesome stuff for your listening and viewing pleasure this evening. I've just returned from my travels to the faraway land of Asbury Park, New Jersey and I bring you some news and pictures from the front lines of the The Break Contest (held at the historic mecca of NJ music, the Stone Pony.) The Break Contest is offering up the chance for one lucky band to win a slot on the main stage at The Bamboozle Festival, one of the east coast's premier festival events, as well as a whole van full of other life alteringly awesome awards.  The bands that I got to see play today were (for the most part) all extremely talented in thier own rights, but three bands in particular stood out as heavy contenders for front-runner positions (to your humble blogger, at least.)

First off we had Fairfield, an alternative pop rock group hailing from Metuchen, NJ. With a very professional and poised showing these guys showed the Pony crowd they are out to make a real name for themselves, and have the talent and drive to to just that. Check them out at: http://www.myspace.com/fairfieldnj

                                                                             

                                                                                                          

Next up we had the Panic Switch, a group of Jersey Gents hailing from central New Jersey that has the makings of the next great hard rock ensemble to come out of the Garden State. Combining melodic vocals with some of the heaviest rock riffs this side of the Delaware, Panic Switch is the best of both old and new for fans of real, classic hard rock. Check out their stuff for yourself at: http://www.facebook.com/panicswitch#!/panicswitch?sk=info

                                                                       

And finally we come to the band that brought me up to this fine musical mixing pot, Marlton New Jersey's own Short Lived Affair! These five ladies not only delivered what was arguably the most energetic and skillfull showing of the day, but also attracted the most active crowd turnout and response to boot.  With explosive guitar riffs, smooth bass lines, rabidly rocking percussion, and spot on vocals and harmonies, this crazy quintet delivers on their promises to save the world and melt faces. Today they made that delivery in thirty minutes or less, so why don't you check out the next big thing in New Jersey music: http://www.myspace.com/shortlivedaffair

Many of the other bands that performed today were also exceedingly talented, so please check them out as well: The New Royalty, Shake That Bear, When Legends Die, and the hilarious disaster that was Cadaver Dance Party (sorry guys, but some of the stuff you were spitting would make Sam Kinison's stand up sound like a sermon.)

Well that's all for now, I'll be sure to update when the winners of the contest our announced. And good luck to the rest of the bands I unfortunately couldn't stick around to see, I will check you all out and spread the good words around when I get a second to grab a listen. Until next time, keep the radio turned up and the good vibes moving!

Cheers,
Matt

O.T.C. 1: Them New Brunswick Boys

Here we have my first O.T.C. (Off The Cuff) post, which will be posts consisting of links and some little blurbs to keep you entertained between  big posts. So, considering this is my first little share session, I give you my personal idols The Gaslight Anthem, with their most recent video for their newest album's title track "American Slang". Watch out!:

Day 1: "Someday Your Folks Will Welcome Me"

Today marks the beginning of a bold new enterprise, one that will change the way the world sees New Jersey and the music that sorrounds and defines it......

Okay maybe I'm embellishing (just a bit), but this is the internet, what did you expect?

Anyway, back to the point: Welcome to my blog dedicated to all things music in New Jersey (and on occasion, Philadelphia). My name is Matt, your friend with all the facts, links, and updates you didn't even know you wanted.  With New Jersey's strong and fertile music scene and it's dedicated family of fans, friends, and neighbors, I guarantee you that this blog will never leave you without a new song to hear or a new band to see. So sit back, relax, chat up myself and your fellow readers, and let's make this the hub for all things music and Jersey!

P.s. Each main post, like the tome you just read, will be named after something from a New Jersey song name or lyric. If you are the first person to name the source of the lyric or song, you'll get a cool shout out and your name on the wall of fame (coming soon).

Cheers,
Matt