We love music. This is probably a little obvious considering the fact we run a platform for sharing new and unreleased music with the entertainment industry at large, but it’s the truth. We consider ourselves very fortunate to wake up every day and have a wealth of new music waiting to be heard. Some we love, most we enjoy, and every so often something come along we simply do not ‘get.’ This post, which we hope to make a recurring feature on the site, highlights three albums hitting stores this week (which we all promoted through Haulix) that we feel you should make time to experience. Enjoy!
Microwave – Much Love (SideOneDummy Records)
Atlanta’s boys that could have become the man that have, and by that we mean they’ve risen to the challenge of topping a release as good as their debut, Stovall, by creating an album so emotionally-charged it might as well come with a warning label. Much Love is another ambitious collection of progressive alternative dripping with passion too rich to deny. When you hear Microwave tell their tales you can almost taste the sweat in the air of the tiny space where the songs where created, with amps turned up as loud as possible to help capture the perfect mood for whatever story they felt compelled to share in the moment. There is a mood to Much Love, or perhaps it is better to say a vibe, that grabs you early and never loosens its grip, but it’s all good because you’re still alive and there is another day to live with the knowledge you now have.
Yellowcard – Yellowcard (Hopeless Records)
Time is not linear, but life is a lot easier if you perceive it that way. Everything moves forwards, never backwards, and we carry the memory of what came before. This is the truth for everyone, and there is a beauty to the frustration that comes from such knowledge because it often produces the best art. Yellowcard have staked their career on this belief, weaving to tales of love and a huger for the great adventure that is life through Warped Tour ready pop-punk that was never afraid to sprinkle a few radio-ready pop rock sensibilities into the mix. No band in recent memory has found a way to top the alternative scene and Billboard charts, disappear almost completely, and once again rise to the forefront of a genre that is now littered with bands their initial hits helped inspire. We’ve seen other bands follow suit in their wake (looking at you, Good Charlotte and Sum 41), but there is only ever going to be one Yellowcard, and soon they will cease to exist.
The band’s tenth and final album, Yellowcard, handles the difficult task of saying farewell without forgetting to tie together whatever loose ends the themes and journeys their body of work needs to see concluded may have in a near-perfect bow. Ryan Key’s songwriting has always used hindsight as a leaping point for a motivation message or otherwise silver-lined message of surviving life’s reality, and that plays well into a record that is released with the public knowing it will be the band’s last. He touches on the themes of moving on, evolving, and learning to love the best and worst moments of his past as if writing an epilogue for his own life. In a way, he is.
It’s often easy to praise a band going out with a record the brings together the ideas that have worked in the past and channeling them through a perspective fully aware it is sharing a final message, but here the credit is praised is earned.
Famous Last Words – The Incubus (Revival Recordings)
If there is one band carrying the torch for the style of edgy, alternative hard rock that was first popular in the late 2000s their name is Famous Last Words. The group’s Sophomore release, arriving three years after their chart-topping debut, offers a collection of infectious anthems for the disenchanted that relies on good old fashioned hope to save the day. We sometimes fear bands like Famous Last Words will go the way of ska bands or the vast majority of jam bands in terms of popularity, but then we hear a release like Incubus and all bets are off. If the band’s previous record had not already performed incredibly well I would say this record could be a game-changer for them. Still, it could help elevate their circle of rock to the heights it once knew.
James Shotwell is the Digital Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. He is also the Film Editor for Substream Magazine and a 10-year music industry veteran. When not blogging for us or hosting the Inside Music Podcast you can find James discussing pop culture and his struggles in the entertainment business on Twitter. Follow him.
On this episode of Inside Music, host James Shotwell calls Chris Farren to discuss his upcoming SideOneRecords debut album, ’Can’t Die’. This episode marks Chris’ second appearance on the show, and together with James he details the artists that influenced his latest recordings, his fast-approaching one year wedding anniversary, Jeff Rosenstock, and how he copes with the understanding life is shorter than most of us would like it to be. There is talk of death and the futility of existence, but don’t let that get you down! This is one of our favorite discussion in some time, and we hope it encourages you to support Chris as he begins the next chapter of his already prolific career in music.
The music you hear in this episode of the show is “Still Beating,” which can be found on Chris Farren’s new album, Can’t Die (out September 2).
You may already know this, but Inside Music is available on iTunes. Click here to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Depending on where you live it may be hard to tell, but summer is fast-approaching, and with the rising temperatures comes an avalanche of new music competing for your attention and blog coverage. We cannot and should not tell you how to run your blog, but if you’re the kind of writer looking for the best of the best to share with your audiences then we know of a few upcoming releases you should definitely keep your eye on. These records criss-cross genres, but each one adds something special to the global music community that we believe is worthy of coverage.
Also, just so you don’t start believing we claim to have final say over everything that is good or bad, please know we are always in the market for new discoveries ourselves. It’s rare that more than a day or two passes without someone pitching us new music, and we do our best to hear everything that arrives in our inbox. If you know of a great record on the horizon that is not mentioned in the list below, please comment and add your suggestion. We will definitely make time to listen, and who knows? Maybe you will be responsible for kickstarting the development of future blog content down the line.
Anyways, here are our picks for the must hear albums of June 2016:
Gates – Parallel Lives (June 3)
There are few bands in modern alternative music with as much potential for mainstream success as Gates. Their music speaks to something bigger than themselves, and with each listen to their Sophomore LP we find ourselves falling deeper in love with their sound. There are some bands whose talent cannot be denied, regardless of your personal preference in music or genres, and Gates are one of those acts. The only problem is, nowhere near enough people know their name…Yet.
Beartooth – Aggressive (June 3)
If there is one band with a Warped Tour background poised to become rock and roll mainstays in 2016 it’s Beartooth. Everyone in the rock world already knows this to be true, including Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor (who recently expressed his love of the band in the media). Aggressive is a far more focused effort than the band’s debut, but it has the same chaotic tendencies that made the group an underground sensation. Caleb Shomo is a beast on vocals, and his unabashed approach to songwriting adds a layer of sincerity to the band’s music that just isn’t found in rock today.
Garbage – Strange Little Birds (June 10)
A band that certainly needs no introduction, Garbage are continuing to redefine their sound with the release of Strange Little Birds. Fans have long wondered if the group would return, and with that question came concerns that any new material might spoil the work the band released around the same time we all feared for the impact of Y2K. We’re happy to report Strange Little Birds is quite possibly the band’s strongest record, and it has hooks that will stay stuck in your brain for weeks to come. If you need more proof of our love, make sure you find time to read this week’s Monday Motivation post.
Empty Houses – Daydream (June 10)
Love Motown, but wish there were some young artists making that classic sound work in 2016? Empty Houses are about to become your new favorite band. Comprised of vocalist Ali Shea and two former members of pop-rock favorite Fireworks, Empty Houses have been carving a unique place for themselves in the world of pop since their formation in early 2015. The band’ Sargent House records debut blends classic genre sensibilities with the perspective of people living in the now. This is the kind of record that makes you want to fall in love, and we doubt it will leave our stereo anytime soon.
Nahko and Medicine for The People – HOKA (June 10)
Our friends at SideOneDummy are releasing this record, but Nahko and Medicine For The People are not your typical S1D band. HOKA is a very grounded, very organic release that relies on acoustic instruments and nature metaphors to convey its message. The results are an entirely heartwarming and often whimsical musical experience that feels intended for summer road trips without a destination. It’s the kind of record you put on when you want to get lost, and it’s the only company you’ll need on your journey.
I See Stars – Treehouse (June 17)
Now five albums deep into a career many thought would die with the downfall of Myspace, I See Stars have long proven their critics wrong be continuing to push themselves and their fans in new directions. Treehouse is a culmination of everything the band has done in the past, with pop-friendly hooks and mosh pit ready guitar work, but it also points to where they may go in the future. Not many bands can claim to have the confidence to do whatever they desire with each new release, but there is a palpable amount of self-assurance running through Treehouse that makes us root for I See Stars continued success. If tracks like “All In” and “Mobbin’ Out” don’t get your heart racing we highly recommend seeking medical assistance as soon as possible.
Sherwood – Some Things Never Leave You (June 17)
There was a time not that long ago when we thought we may never heard from Sherwood again. That was before the band launched a Kickstarter in 2015 to fund a new album, of course. That promotion lead to an avalanche of love for the group being expressed from all corners of the Earth, and the band quickly gained the funding needed to continue their musical endeavors. Some Things Never Leave You picks up right where the band left off with unique pop-rock songs that feel fragile while carrying a heavy emotional payload. Where one song might make you feel happier than you can remember being for quite some time, another will no doubt bring you to tears, and the ability to criss-cross the emotional range like that is part of what makes Sherwood such a wonderful group to follow. We are barely halfway through 2016, but this record is a definite contender for our favorite album of the year. If not number one, then almost certainly in the top 5.
Avion Roe – In Separation (June 17)
We’ve been promoting the debut full-length from Avion Roe since the band’s vocalist appeared on Inside Music back in January. In Separation is the result of years of hard work on the alternative rock underground, and in our opinion it’s one of the best debuts of 2016. Whether you’re looking for something to scream at the top of your lungs in times where you need hope, or if you’re seeking a soundtrack to keep you company when you’re feeling down, In Separation is the answer. Avion Roe could very well be the biggest band in ‘the scene’ at this time next year. Do NOT sleep on them.
DJ Shadow – The Mountain Will Fall (June 24)
DJ Shadow is forever a legend in our book. …Endtroducing is one of our all-time favorite albums, and we still believe he has an even better release in him. We have yet to hear The Mountain Will Fall in full, but our faith in his ability to deliver incredibly original and undeniably catchy music is strong.
Rae Sremmurd – Sremmlife 2 (June 24)
We don’t know if anyone could have predicted the rise of Rae Sremmurd. In a world where every new rap act feels like an imitation of an already notable name, the duo known as Rae Sremmurd exist in a lane all their own. The group’s business is built atop easy-to-learn, bass heavy material, and the early released from Sremmlife 2 shows there is plenty of that in store on this release. Will it be enough to push the group further into the spotlight? We’re not sure. What we do know, however, is that there will not be another hip-hop release this summer that sounds anything like this record.
Depending on where you live it may be hard to tell, but summer is fast-approaching, and with the rising temperatures comes an avalanche of new music competing for your attention and blog coverage. We cannot and should not tell you how to run your blog, but if you’re the kind of writer looking for the best of the best to share with your audiences then we know of a few upcoming releases you should definitely keep your eye on. These records criss-cross genres, but each one adds something special to the global music community that we believe is worthy of coverage.
Also, just so you don’t start believing we claim to have final say over everything that is good or bad, please know we are always in the market for new discoveries ourselves. It’s rare that more than a day or two passes without someone pitching us new music, and we do our best to hear everything that arrives in our inbox. If you know of a great record on the horizon that is not mentioned in the list below, please comment and add your suggestion. We will definitely make time to listen, and who knows? Maybe you will be responsible for kickstarting the development of future blog content down the line.
Anyways, here are our picks for the must hear albums of May 2016:
The Obsessives – My Pale Red Dot (May 6)
It is incredibly hard to summarize the sound of The Obsessives in a paragraph, let alone a single sentence, but their music can best be likened to carefree indie punk with often gut-wrenching themes. The band’s latest EP is a testament to their ability to take a wealth of diverse influences and channel them into something entirely unique. There is no other group in the world that could write or perform the way The Obsessives do, and this release sets the bar extremely high for everything they may do in the future.
Astronautilus – Cut The Body Loose (May 13)
If you have yet to listen to Astronautilus on our podcast, what are you waiting for? The Minneapolis based emcee is set to release his label debut for SideOneDummy Records this month, and we’ll be the first to tell you it is a serious contender for our favorite record of 2016. Cut The Body Loose celebrates the human spirit and mankind’s unique ability to accomplish pretty much anything we set our mind to. It’s the inspirational rap album to end all inspirational rap albums, and it’s coming out on one of the most punk labels in existence today. Don’t sleep on this record.
Pierce The Veil – Misadventures (May 13)
There are very few bands in alternative music today who are able claim they have maintained a singular narrative throughout the career, but Pierce The Veil can. The California rock act has been teasing the release of their fourth studio album for the better part of two years and the wait finally ends later this month. So far, early singles like “Texas Is Forever” and “Circles” tease a diverse offering that pushes the lyricism and technical prowess of the band. Whether or not it can top their other records remains to be seen, but we certainly hope it will.
Modern Baseball – Holy Ghost (May 13)
Modern Baseball are to pop-punk in 2016 what The Wonder Years were back in 2010. Having ascended through nearly every rung of the alternative underground as if they were propelled by jet fuel, the band is now in a place where mainstream publications are knocking on their door. Still, the material that makes up their third full-length is perhaps their most personal offering to date. The record addresses mental health, religion, and the stress distance places on relationships with an unabashed sense of realism that can shake you to your core. This makes for a challenging listen, but also a rewarding one, and at just twenty-eight minutes in length the album makes repeat listens incredibly easy to justify.
Head Wound City – A New Wave Of Violence (May 13)
This band features both Jordan Billie and Cody Votolato of The Blood Brothers. Do we really need to say more? Head Wound City has been a force for raw rock and roll goodness since the mid-2000s, but their musical output has sadly been pretty minimal. That changes this month when A New Wave Of Violence arrives in stores, and our hopes for the record could not be higher. Those who loved Billie and Votolato’s work with Blood Brothers will not be disappointed by this group’s sound, but those who disliked the band may find something to enjoy as well. This is not a knock-off as much as it is a variant that was inspired by acts that a lot of older alternative and hard rock fans still care about.
Tiny Moving Parts – Celebrate (May 20)
Minnesota rock purveyors Tiny Moving Parts have been in a league all their own since day one, and their latest record, Celebrate, cements their place as kings of the indie rock underground. Ripe with finger tapping, riffs, and hooks that just won’t quit, the third album from TMP features their longest and most creative songs. That said, the album barely cracks thirty-minutes in length, so though the songs are longer the nonstop party vibe of previous records is still present. There are no radio cuts on this record, but the band’s songwriting has taken an ever-so-slight turn toward the more accessible that should help them recruit a new group of devoted fans without alienating longtime supporters.
Hit The Lights – Just To Get Through To You (May 20)
2016 marks the ten-year anniversary of Hit The Lights’ debut album arriving in stores, and the band is celebrating their success by releasing a one-of-a-kind acoustic EP that features reworked version of classic songs, as well as a new track called “Lighthouse” that is sure to become a fan favorite. It seems every pop-punk band eventually reaches a point where they feel it necessary to release stripped down versions of their biggest hits, but in the case of Hit The Lights the changes made actually give you a new appreciation for the material. Even seemingly disposable songs, like the infectious and utterly empty “Drop The Girl,” feel more important when presented in a new light on this record.
Pup – The Dream Is Over (May 27)
It is quite possible that The Dream Is Over will be the best rock and/or punk album you hear all year. If Pup were a single US citizen and not a group of cool dudes from Canada we would call for them to be elected as president because that is how much we believe in their message, their music, and the endless fun that runs through everything the do. Listening to this album is akin to throwing the greatest party known to man, only there is no cleanup and the risk of nursing a hangover the next day are much lower. If a better collection of twenty-something anthems exist in 2016 we have yet to hear them.
Half Hearted Hero – Isn’t Real (May 27)
New England is no stranger to producing unique punk bands, and Half Hearted Hero are the latest exports from the area to earn national attention. After listening to their new record it’s not hard to understand why either as the group delivers catchy hooks and toe-tapping melodies with skill well beyond their years. It doesn’t hurt that the band spent the better part of a decade being a popular regional act, but they do not let their humble beginnings define who they will become in the future. Isn’t Real offers the promise of an alternative scene where the best music is held in higher regard than who can generate the most clicks, and we cannot wait to see where the band finds themselves once the world hear the art they have created.
Thrice – To Be Everywhere Is To Be Nowhere (May 27)
It’s 2016 and we’re about to hear a new album from Thrice. Not a single, or an EP, but a complete full-length record filled with songs most of the world has never heard. If you had told us even a year ago this would be happening we probably would have scoffed in your face, but here we are and our excitement is through the roof. We have only heard as much of the record as the rest of the general public, yet we are convinced this will be one of the band’s best albums to date. Even mediocre Thrice is better than most bands at their absolute best.
On this episode of INSIDE MUSIC, host James Shotwell welcomes Minneapolis based rapper and SideOneDummy recording artist Astronautalis on the show as his first-ever in person guest. Astronautalis tells James about the inspiration behind his new album, Cut The Body Loose, as well as his crazy history in music. The two also discuss the influence of the Miami music scene on Astronautilus’ career, as well as their mutual admiration for the music of Trick Daddy. We don’t have a lot of hip-hop artists on the show, but we hope to have more in the future. Don’t miss this conversation!
The song you hear in this episode is “Running Away From God,” which appears on Astronautalis’ new album, Cut The Body Loose.
You may already know this, but Inside Music is available on iTunes. Click here to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
New year, new music. We are still discovering the best release of last year that we didn’t know existed until our peers published their annual best-of posts, but that doesn’t mean we have forgotten about all the new material the lies on the horizon. We have only scratched the surface as far as what bands have new material in the work, but we already have nearly two dozen releases we cannot wait to own. What follows is a list of the artists and albums we believe will define the sound of the 2016, and we think if you give any one a chance you will find something to love. Who knows? You might even find the next band that will change your life.
PUP (Spring/TBA)
SideOneDummy may be the only label to appear twice on this list, but it’s an accomplishment their roster has more than earned. Pup, Canada’s answer to everything American rock is not, have criss-crossed the globe several times over since the 2014 release of their debut album. The world has been chomping at the bit for new music for quite sometime, and it seems the group is gearing up to share what they have been working on sometime this spring. Our hope is that there will be more anthems on par with “Reservoir,” but at this point we are willing to follow the band anywhere. All we ask is that a tour immediately follows the album’s release so that we may mosh with all our friends to what will surely be the soundtrack to summer 2016.
It Lies Within – Paramount (1/8)
Michigan’s It Lies Within have been through hell and back since inception, but every time people count them out they come back with a new record that commands the attention of any genre fan open to new ideas. Their latest, Paramount, is no exception. The band’s signature aggression is as present as ever, but its met with forward-thinking guitar work and globally focused lyricism that cuts through the ego-boosting noise currently polluting far too much much of the modern heavy music scene.
Frameworks – Time Spent (2/5)
We cannot think of the last time Topshelf Records let us down, but we know for certain it’s not the latest release from Frameworks. The band’s upcoming 2-song EP serves as an introduction into what could be the future sound of the group, with elements of industrial noise and synth being injected into their trademark noise. Some artists would struggle to leave a lasting impact on listeners with only two tracks, but the material on Time Spent is so interesting we have no doubt you’ll still be talking about it weeks, if not months after release. If this is indeed where Frameworks hope to focus their efforts moving forward they have more than earned our unwavering support.
YG – Still Krazy (TBA)
“Twist My Fingaz” and “I Wanna Benz” were the only two tracks released by YG in the last year, but they were also two of the best hip-hop tracks to hit radio in 2015. The Compton raised rapper has been busy working on the follow-up to My Krazy Life for months on end, but all signs point to the album finally seeing the light of day sometime in early 2016. Rumors claims DJ Mustard may contribute to the record, but unlike YG’s debut we expect a wide array of production talent working behind the boards.
Modern Baseball – Holy Ghost (TBA Spring)
Run For Cover is a label that can do no wrong, but their greatest offering in 2016 (based on what we know they have planned) will no doubt be the third studio album from Philadelphia natives Modern Baseball. The group spent the fall recording the album, and when Spin spent time with the group in the studio the publication claimed the material was more expansive and anthemic than anything that has previously been released. We hope this is true, and we have no reason to doubt the band, especially after the wonderful evolution showcased on The Perfect Cast EP in late 2015.
Gojira (TBA)
The world needs more Gojira. Three and a half years have already passed since ‘L’Enfant Sauvage’ hit stores, and that is three and a half years too long. There are numerous talented death metal bands in the world, but none of them can compete with our love of Gojira, and we think any true genre fan will probably feel the same. Every release in the band’s catalog has been littered with envelope pushing ideas and lush guitar work that has helped to inspire an entirely new generation of musicians, and we expect something even better might be on the horizon.
ROAM – Backbone (1/22)
We are tired of people claiming to reinvent or bring meaning back to pop punk, so we’re choosing to call Hopeless Record signees ROAM pop rock’s much needed saviors. The band is everything 5 Seconds Of Summer are not, offering heartfelt anthems capable of inspiring a generation to move their feet and chase their dreams with songs they themselves wrote, but they could easily capture the same audience if given the chance. They are also tough enough to roll with Warped Tour regulars, boasting the intermittent heaviness of New Found Glory alongside the motivation lyricism of Set Your Goals.
Pierce The Veil (TBA)
There are few bands in the alternative rock world with a bigger global reach than Pierce The Veil, and it doesn’t take more than a simple Twitter search to understand how anxious their fans are for new music. The band has infamously teased the release of their fourth release for over a year, but a recently released 2016 preview from Fearless Records has now confirmed the release might actually be closer than fans think. If the material is even half as good as “The Divine Zero” we will be happy.
Lionheart – Love Don’t Live Here (1/22)
As long as bands like Lionheart exist we can sleep knowing hardcore music is alive and well. Four extremely long years have passed since the band released their last album, but now they are back with an LP dropping through their own label, LHHC Records, that does not disappoint. The album’s title is a nod to a Motown song of the same name, which plays well with the band’s refusal to abide by the so-called rules of hardcore far too many bands continue to cling to in 2016. Lionheart, like all true fans of the genre, understand hardcore is more a state of mind than anything, and they make that clear on this insanely good release.
Empty Houses (TBA)
Detroit’s Empty Houses quietly entered the music scene in 2015 with a short EP released through Bandcamp that quickly got alternative music snobs and throwback pop fans talking. It was the kind of magical moment that happens all too rarely in our oversaturated media landscape. The album had no major promotion and few reviews, but for whatever reason it resonated with listeners all year long. We have it on good authority that the band has another release prepped for 2016, and we have our fingers crossed this one is longer than four tracks. If you grew up with your parents’ Motown collection playing on repeat this is one group not to miss in the new year.
Pusha T – King Push (TBA)
Have you heard ‘King Push – Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude’? If not, finish reading this article and immediately head to your local record store to purchase a copy of Pusha T’s late 2015 release. Yes, Pusha T just released a 10-song album ahead of an already announced 2016 full length, but that is just the way the angsty half of Clips likes to roll. Pusha has never been one to shy from controversy or saying what needs to be said, and he more than proved with that fact with the material on ‘Darkest Before Dawn.’ Knowing that album is essentially everything that was not good enough for ‘King Push’ proper leaves us foaming at mouth. Yes, we are so excited for this release the mere thought of it transforms us into rabid animals.
Avion Roe (TBA)
The future of Epitaph Records ability to continue their foothold on the world of alternative rock rests on the shoulders of Dallas natives Avion Roe. If this were any other band we would be concerned, but having watched the group build their career brick-by-brick with a fiercely DIY mindset since day one we have the utmost faith in their ability to win over rock fans around the globe. The group is a blend of everything that is popular today in alternative rock, but mixed with just a dash of mid-2000s influence that helps add an additional layer of emotional resonance to every track. Their four-song 2015 EP has been on repeat at HQ for weeks, and we cannot wait to have something new to enjoy (hopefully) early in the new year.
Microwave (TBA)
Georgia’s Microwave is perhaps the young band to beat in 2016. With SideOneDummy backing their every move, the band is set to finally release a follow-up their amazing full length album Stovall, which has been the talk of alternative music circles since its initial release in late 2014. Add to all this the fact the bandore than proved their ability to live on the road throughout 2015 and you have a recipe for indie punk success that knows no bounds.
Good Charlotte (Late Spring/Summer)
We never expected to be talking about Good Charlotte again, especially after hearing a whole lot of promise on The Madden Bros. solo record, but here we are at the start of 2016 feeling like our high school selves all over again. A recent profile in Rolling Stone covering 5 Seconds Of Summer revealed it was the contributions the Madden Brothers (Joel and Benji) made to that group’s first two records album that initialy inspired them to return to their punk roots, which means we now have a reason to love 5 Seconds Of Summer. GC dropped “Makeshift Love” back in November to prove they still know how to rock, but since then they have kept quiet as far as talk of new music is concerned. We suspect the group will have something ready by summer, but don’t hold your breath just yet.
Candy Hearts (TBA)
Nearly two years have crawled by in the wake of Candy Hearts’ All The Ways I Let You Down, and the world of female lead punk has been aching for the band’s return ever since. An acoustic EP released during summer 2015 was more than enough to keep us interested in the band’s unique take on rock’s angsty stepchild, but 2016 should see the band return with a proper third LP. If such a release never arrives, we may spend the year heartbroken, but we have a good feeling new material will surface sooner than later.
The world has been waiting for Views From The 6 since it was announced in the fall of 2014. Drake said it would arrive in 2015, but sometimes greatness takes time, and it’s not like Drizzy has left fans waiting in the interim. His biggest distraction from completing his long-awaited new LP has been working on other music projects, from his beef with Meek Mill that resulted in a Grammy nomination for “Back To Back,” to his chart-topping collaborative release with DS2 mastermind Future, and he’s more or less delivered quality material throughout. Drake always saves the best material for his albums, but considering everything we heard in the last year it’s hard to imagine what might still be on deck.
Deftones (TBA)
If there is one rock band we hope remains a band long enough that we can one day to our children (who do not yet exist) to see it’s California’s hard rock kings, Deftones. The band has been working on a follow-up to 2012’s Koi No Yokan since 2014, but numerous production delays has forced the release of the record into the first half of 2016. There is still no date set in stone, but we imagine the album will almost certainly be out by summer, which means a single should surface before the last of the winter snow begins to melt. Having already waited basically four years, what’s a bit longer?
Blink-182 (TBA)
There will be some who claim there is no Blink-182 without Tom Delonge, but we are trying to approach the Mark, Matt (Skiba), and Travis show with an open mind. Hoppus and Barker proved with their short-lived +44 project that they can pen powerful pop punk anthems without the aide of their longtime Blink brother, and Skiba is certainly no stranger to the band’s world of music. There is a possibility this new version of Blink falls flat, but there is equally good chance this unique trio delivers something truly special that no other act can imitate. Here’s hoping the latter comes true.
Explosions In The Sky (TBA)
Five years have passed since Austin’s Explosions In The Sky released a proper album, but they have contributed a number of enthralling soundtracks to the world of independent film in the interim (Prince Avalanche, Lone Survivor, Manglehorn). It’s hard to know where the world’s leading post rock group will go next, but there are throngs of listeners around the world waiting with bated breath to find out. If the only reason you know this band is because you loved Friday Night Lights we highly recommend using the time you have now to familiarize yourself with the rest of their catalog.
Whitechapel (TBA)
Speaking with HoustonPress back in November, WhiteChapel guitarist Alex Wade perked out interest about the band’s future when he said to expect the unexpected with the group’s upcoming 2016 release. He teases a complete turn in term of sound, even alluding to the possibility of clean vocals appearing on the record, and we haven’t been able to stop trying to imagine what that might sound like ever since. We haven’t heard as much as a second of this new record, but we already wish to know every detail about its inspiration and production.
Bob Seger – I Knew You When (TBA)
2016 marks Bob Seger’s 50th year in music. Go ahead and let that sink in for a minute. Crazy, right? In all that time Seger has released more hit songs than we can begin to count, and he’s certainly not letting a milestone like this pass by without sharing some new(ish) material with the world. I Knew You When will reportedly feature unreleased material, as well as updated takes on old songs. Seger will also tour next year, and we cannot urge you to see him enough.
Sum 41 (TBA)
There was a time not that long ago when it seemed like the world would never see Sum 41 again, but an outpouring of support for frontman Deryck Whibley as he fought for sobriety reigniting the vocalist’s creative passion. Whibley found healing through venting his songwriting, and as a result he committed himself to the studio to vent whatever demons were dragging him down. The rest of the band followed Deryck’s lead and soon the group was working on their most aggressive release since Chuck. We don’t know when we’ll hear the finished product, but we know that time cannot come soon enough.
Moose Blood (Summer)
We caught Moose Blood for the first time during Warped Tour 2015, and the impression they left on us has been the topic of numerous conversation ever since. The UK born band has been compared to everyone from Brand New to Mallory Knox, and their debut album I’ll Keep You in Mind, From Time to Time is already considered a classic. We believe the band will continue to carve their own path with an ever-evolving sound that challenges the alternative norm, which is something that cannot be said about most leading rock bands today. No Sleep has yet to tease any material from this release, but we really don’t need to hear anything to know we want this album in our personal record collection as soon as possible.
James Shotwell is the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. He is also a professional entertainment critic, covering both film and music, as well as the co-founder of Antique Records. Feel free to tell him you love or hate the article above by connecting with him on Twitter. Bonus points if you introduce yourself by sharing your favorite Simpsons character.
Hey there! Welcome to our blog. We thank you for finding time in you busy schedule to spend a few minutes on our site. The post you’re about to enjoy is the latest installment in our popular podcast series, Inside Music. If you like what you hear, the entire catalog of episodes can be found and enjoyed through iTunes. Subscriptions and reviews are always appreciated.
This site exists to promote the future of the entertainment industry, and to do that we need input from people like you and your entertainment-loving friends. If you have any questions about the content in this article, or if you have an artist you would like to see featured on this blog, please contact james@haulix.com. We can also be found onTwitter and Facebook.
On this episode of INSIDE MUSIC, Jeff Rosenstock stops by to chat with host James Shotwell about his career in alternative music. Over the course of one-hour the two discuss everything from the early days of Jeff’s time with Arrogant Sons Of Bitches, to the death of Bomb The Music Industry, touring with Antarctigo Vespucci, and even some details about his upcoming wedding. They also discuss Jeff’s new solo album, ’We Cool?,’ which hits stores through SideOneDummy Records on March 3. It’s an awesome record, and we’re excited to host a conversation about everything that went into its creation.
The music you hear in the intro to ‘Inside Music’ this week is “Nausea” from Jeff Rosenstock. You can learn more about that song, as well as the album it hails from, on the Jeff’s official website.
You may already know this, but ‘Inside Music’ is now available on iTunes! Click here to subscribe.
Hello, and welcome to the very first Haulix PR Spotlight. We have enjoyed getting to know the blogger community over the last two months, and we certainly plan to continue that series as long as there are writers willing to talk to us, but we also want to highlight those working everyday to get talent in front of journalists around the world. If you know a PR talent we should feature in a future installment of this column, email james@haulix.com and tell us their story.
Designer Roy Halston Frowick once said “Buzz and the right publicist are not only important, but crucial in show business.” If you’re a rising punk talent who isn’t afraid of a great pop song and people with the type of personality you cannot help but love, the right publicist for you may be SideOneDummy Records‘ Jamie Coletta. Since joining the team in 2012, Jamie has furthered SideOneDummy’s already well established brand online and off while simultaneously helping develop new talent from a wide variety of genres. She has been working nonstop within the industry for the better part of the last half decade, and in that time has worked with nearly every type of artist or group you can imagine. We are honored to have her serve as our first highlighted publicist, and hope the insight she provides will aide future PR stars in bettering their efforts.
As always, if you like what you read, be sure to reach out and let Jamie know you enjoyed her interview. She can be found on Twitter, just like SideOneDummy, and is often spotted singing at the top of her lungs while standing side stage at pop punk festivals across the country. If you have any additional questions for her, please do not hesitate to leave them in the comments section at the end of this post.
H: For those unaware, please state your name, the company you work for, and your role at said organization:
JC: Jamie Coletta, SideOneDummy Records, publicist. I handle in-house radio promotion.
H: You’re an East Coast girl who now resides on the West Coast, so surely you have a story to tell. When did you first realize you wanted to work in music?
JC: That’s hard to pinpoint but it probably all started from some random night at the Living Room (RIP) in Providence, RI. I would go there all the time in high school just to be around live music. I helped bands flyer from time to time, joined street teams and eventually starting booking local shows.
Once I got to college and realized that my school had an actual degree in music business, I knew that was the only option for me. I actually didn’t even get accepted at first because my grades were so low (woops). I ended up writing an essay about my favorite concert of all time (Yellowcard/Something Corporate/The Format @ Bentley College, 2004) that convinced them to let me into the program.
I moved to LA after college because I knew that it was the only place in the world I would be happy. And I am.
H: Where did you first find work in the industry (and yes, working for free counts in this case)?
JC: My first internship was at Riot Act Media with a great publicist named David Lewis.
H: Okay, now the big question: Where did you first find paying work in music, and how did you go about landing that job?
JC: My first paid job was assisting an independent publicist at Fly PR. It was short-lived, though, because only a few months after starting, I got hired to work at a major label and obviously took it.
H: Many may believe the ultimate goal of people working in music is to be part of a major label, but your career has gone another path. You were at onetime a member of one of the largest labels still around, then chose to go the indie route and joined the SideOneDummy Records team. What inspired this change of pace?
JC: Honestly? I didn’t like it. I never set out to be a major label publicist or work with pop music but I needed (and wanted) the experience. The majors are basically a jungle and if you’re into that sort of thing, then go for it. Personally, I’ve always wanted to work with the bands I love and have a direct hand in their success. That just wasn’t going to happen at a major pop label so after a few years, I decided to move on. I’m grateful for the entire experience, though, especially meeting people like Rey Roldan who put me in touch with the SideOne team.
H: There has been increasing talk of the necessity for labels ever since the rise of social media. Having gone from major to indie, do you feel smaller labels serve more important/lasting purpose than majors?
JC: Smaller labels have the ability to give you more of a hands-on approach and really work as hard as possible for their artists. Majors just shell out cash and hire a bunch of super smart people to make shit happen. You can still end up on the back burner at both but with an indie, your team is much more likely to care about your music and success, I feel.
H: Most of the artists you work with now fall under the punk category, but that was not always the case. Have you found any major differences between the various genres and artists you have worked with? Is any particular genre necessarily easier than another?
JC: Well our roster is definitely not strictly punk – we’ve got a really diverse mix of bands and artists here so that’s rad. But yeah, I’ve worked in a whole bunch of different genres now and I think it all depends on you. Personally I like punk and alternative so I tend to find it easier to work within those worlds because it’s what I feel most passionate about. Although a mentor once told me that a good publicist should be able to work PR for a bar of soap…
H: As a publicist, what advice would you offer writers hoping to work with your clients?
JC:
H: Piracy is one of the most discussed topic in the industry today. Do you feel album leaks are preventable? If so, how would you advise an artist to keep their music safe while still getting the word out? If you can, share an experience.
JC: It’s hard to say. If you don’t want your album leaking, then you really just need to be super selective with who you give it to. If you can, utilize a service like Haulix or something that will let you watermark the promo so you can track it if it does leak.
But at the same time, I feel like a leak is a sign that people care so much about the record that they’re willing to go through any length to get it early. Does it suck, especially after you & your team have been working your butts off on a release? Of course it does. But it’s a part of the industry now so you just have to be mindful of that when preparing a release.
H: When it comes to working with your clients, how do you prefer to share their music with press? What is it about this method that appeals to you the most?
JC: I would always rather show someone music in person, mostly because I can display my excitement better that way. But since we live in a digital age and the majority of my contacts are spread across the country, I use Haulix, Soundcloud and YouTube primarily. Each have their own unique benefits but overall I just like the process to be quick and painless for a writer whose trying to decide if they’re into something or not.
H: If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
JC: There are so many talented musicians in the punk/alt community that get categorized as Warped Tour or Hot Topic bands and for whatever reason, that holds a negative connotation in the mainstream music world. I think that sucks.
Oh also, there is a major difference between hardcore and metal. Thanks . H: Your roster is as eclectic now as ever before. Do you have any plans or releases on the horizon you’d like to share with our readers?
JC: We’re putting out Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants new album later this month and I’m predicting that to be one of the best country/americana records of the year, hands down. Otherwise we have a bunch of surprises up our sleeves for the next couple months so you’ll just have to stay tuned for that.
