Warped Tour Kickoff 2013 - Club Nokia - March 28, 2013

Brian Marquis, Scutterbug Photography

The evening started off with Brian Marquis looking sharp in a fancy shirt and tie, playing a captivating acoustic set, with lights that made the stage look like space, and one the crowd seemed to be waiting for. He's one that will make Warped Tour's Acoustic Basement worth visiting. (Also the man who created and runs it, for those who don't know!) Later realizing the show started and ended with acoustic sets made the whole night feel kind of cozy, even though the entire venue was totally packed. Echosmith (signed to Warner Bros. Records) was a pleasant surprise, as when they stepped up on the stage, the delicate, young female lead singer, Sydney, and her three accompanying young male band members seemed almost timid and very innocent looking. Sydney's outfit almost looked out of place with such a sweet face! I can say the crowd was probably not expecting such a strong, versatile voice to come out of such a tiny little lady, just the same way that I was surprised the first time I heard them. They rocked out and got the crowd interacting and moving around. Although I personally think Sydney's voice is perfect for acoustic performances, the band's performance was one of my favorites of the night. The show continued with one of the most amusing bands likely to have ever graced a fairly big time stage, New Beat Fund. They're California locals and had something

New Beat Fund, Scutterbug Photography

different going on than most Warped Tour concert-goers, Club Nokia, and myself have ever seen - a man in a ghost costume dancing on stage. Although they seemed out of place with the rest of the performers of the night, their lackadaisical performance seemed to be quite well received. They got the audience laughing and involved in their set, which seems to be rare of a newly emerging band or one that the crowd isn't familiar with.

Dia Frampton, Scutterbug Photography

It was an ultimate pleasure to see up close and personal performances by NBC's The Voice beautiful alums: season 1 runner-up, Dia Frampton (also of Meg & Dia), Juliet Simms, (also of Automatic Loveletter) and Charlotte Sometimes. The crowd seemed to be quite a fan of the strong, female vocal talents of the night. There's just something about that versatile ability that never seems to let you down - and all of these ladies' performances were impressive as usual.

Dia Frampton looked stunning as she took the stage with her usual raw, uplifting, soulful voice and subsequently wooed the crowd (which seemed to be dominated by men) with more than her good looks. Although The Voice may not be everyone's favorite in terms of television, it's safe to say she was appreciated nonetheless.

Juliet Simms, Scutterbug Photography

Juliet Simms is known by her many different forays into the music business, and being the singer for Automatic Loveletter is just one of them. It definitely gave her an advantage to be well known by the audience, many of whom were looking forward to and hoping for the "big" performances. (She showed up with boyfriend Andy Biersack of Black Veil Brides, who will also be on Warped Tour 2013.) 

Her voice has always seemed to be haunting and aggressive, in a way that has set her apart from many musicians, and even sitting down on a stool down stage, she brought her powerful voice that filled the room.

Charlotte Sometimes was a singer who I'd never had the pleasure of hearing before, but the crowd sure seemed to know her - they were whooping and cheering like crazy before she even started her set. Kicking off her shoes, and getting comfortable, she took the stage by storm with confidence - her voice loud and far reaching. She sounds a lot like Fiona Apple, who funny enough, Charlotte told me earlier in the evening during her interview, is one of her musical inspirations.

MC Lars, Scutterbug Photography

MC Lars, who I've been a personal fan of for years, got on stage wearing a Zelda Atari game around his neck, had his laptop rap station set up, as well as being accompanied by Andrea Blunt, on the violin. Not only was it surprising to see how many people in the audience knew MC Lars and his music, but at first there were murmurs and comments about why Lars would have a violin player/back-up singer with him and how that would fit in. As usual, he seemed to wing it and have the confidence that he could get away with anything. He played a few fan favorites,
including Flow like Poe, The Raven, Download This Song, and Hipster Girl. 

His fascination bordering on obsession with Edgar Allen Poe is both amusing and perplexing to some, but it sure makes for interesting "laptop rap." The beach balls he had bouncing around with notes and faces taped to them rounded things out for a very interesting set.

Big Chocolate, Scutterbug Photography

DJ Big Chocolate, like MC Lars, had a bigger fan base than one might realize before he got on stage. Apparently his listeners have traveled down the coast from Seattle, because the crowd was super psyched to hear him and his extra-long set. Not the type of music you would typically expect to hear on a big Warped Tour stage, but nonetheless an interesting set. As he says on his SoundCloud, "Forever evolving or always getting bored," Big Chocolate always seems to be up to something different. While his set may not have been everyone's personal cup of tea, especially those who were there especially for Chiodos (which there were many), we all know people like to have different types of music to listen to and it was certainly fun to mix it up from all of the female vocalists performing.

Gin Wigmore, Scutterbug Photography

Gin Wigmore, New Zealand native rocked the stage with a full band (she's better known as a singer/song-writer) and her sassy voice and moves. It's hard to speak for everyone, but it wouldn't be a shock if many were surprised to hear that she was much more than a pretty face. It was an enjoyable combination of the cheerful music paired with her accented voice. She's been compared to Amy Winehouse, a connection that certainly seems to fit well. Besides having absolute star quality, her songs are like earworms in the sense that they made a lasting impression after the show.

Craig Owens, Scutterbug Photography

Attendees seemed to be most excited for what would be the last two sets of the night, Chiodos and Craig Owens acoustic. Unfortunately, one of the members of Chiodos could not be there due to reasons I'm notat liberty to release, so Craig put together a 3-part acoustic set and had the crowd crooning along to well-known songs from Chiodos, as well as a personal favorite, "You Told Me You Loved Me," from Cinematic Sunrise. 

All in all, it seems that this was a great sample of the diversity that will be displayed at Warped Tour 2013 and all of the up and coming artists that show-goers will be discovering. Despite the controversy that the bands playing the last few years have not lived up to expectations of previous years, it's still exciting enough for people to come out to Warped dates and see what these artists have to offer.

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You can check out all of the above bands and artists on Facebook at the clickable link through their names, and check out the page for my talented friend Lan Nguyen (all photos above) on her Facebook at Scutterbug Photography.


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Warped Tour Kickoff 2013 Interview with SECRETS (3/28/13)

I found SECRETS struggling to explain their name to a writer nearby, to which I politely interjected, "Their name is SECRETS - it's one word and all capital letters." to which Michael and Richard (bass & vocals/guitar) both gave me a smile and Michael exclaims, "Yeah, you know!"

The guys were really friendly and excited to talk about their music and upcoming news, which fans who listen to post-hardcore and that genre of "harder" style music should take note of.

Of course, some of the news they gave me on the "DL" is now public knowledge, but hopefully all you SECRETS fans will enjoy reading nevertheless.

***

What are you influenced by in your music career? What got you started and fuels your fire to continue?

We all grew up in the music industry. This is our dream job. Pretty incredible to make a career of doing what we love.

What has been difficult to overcome along the road?

Picture from Facebook. With new vocalist Aaron Melzer!

When you get together as a band and start playing music, it seems like a lot of fun, but you don't know what to expect before tour. There can be things about your fellow band members you don't know about and once you're on tour you might not like those things or be able to relate to them. It's rough being away from home and being on the road for so long.

We recently lost our bassist and vocalist (who we've replaced now with Aaron Melzer) which is really hard - we've all been super close.

What have been some of your favorite moments?

Europe, definitely. New York City. It's so unreal and like the movies - so cool to have that chance to see the world and doing what you love. Meeting people and kids with problems that you can relate to.

What are your guys' musical influences?

Death Cab for Cutie, Brand New, Bayside, Underoath, As Cities Burn, and A Day to Remember (post-hardcore scene).

If you could choose someone to collaborate with, who would it be?

Michael: Justin Bieber or Kanye West.  Richard: Ben Gibbard. Aaron: Tom Denney

What can we expect from you in 2013?

A new album, a new look, and a lot of good sh*t.

***

Check the band out on Facebook, Twitter, and their website, where you can preorder their new album, Fragile Figures, out July 23rd! Also be sure to check them out on select Warped Tour Dates!


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Warped Tour Kickoff 2013 Interview with Stephan Jacobs (3/28/13)

It was a surprise for me to see the electronica artist and producer Stephan Jacobs at the Kickoff Party - not the type of artist you'd normally expect to be on Warped Tour, but I was nonetheless excited to be offered an interview with him by his manager. He's had a lot going on and a lot planned for the next year that fans of his music and the genre will be excited to hear, in his straight to the point style of interviewing.

***

What is your inspiration to make music?

The parties and the producing; I love making music.

What are your musical influences?

Punk rock, hip hop, electronic, West Coast sound. Parts of Canada and Eskimo.

What are your goals for 2013?

Things are really unfolding. Besides being on the Warped Tour line-up, I expect it to be a lot like 2012, where I had 180 shows, including Identity Festival, Pretty Lights, and playing with ill.Gates.

What do you see for yourself in the next 5 years?

I will continue evolving and reaching new fans. I look forward to custom equipment, my own crew, bigger tours, and bigger stages.

***

Be sure to check out Stephan on Facebook, Twitter, and on Warped Tour this summer!

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Warped Tour Kickoff 2013 Interview with New Years Day (3/28/13)

It's been a busy last few months, I must admit. Although that isn't the reason I'm finally publishing my work from the Warped Tour Kickoff Party! I'll get right to the point here.

They were having quite the busy evening with all of the interviews being recorded, but the spooky sweet New Years Day clan were gracious enough to grant me with a few minutes of their time; all of the members got involved and it was certainly one of the most memorable interviews I've had yet!

***

What was your inspiration to get together and start a band?

It started out as something to do. I didn't know how to do anything else. It began as an accident, really. And you have a choice in life - you can be a musician or you can be a serial killer.

Where do you get ideas for lyrics; what's your writing process liked?

It comes from a lot of bad things, honestly. Anxiety, insanity, heartbreak, depression. That's how we cope with those things. I once made an attempt at a happy song. It was called "Murder."

What are your musical influences?

Darker music; bands with dark imagery like MCR, Avenged Sevenfold, and AFI. We naturally became spooky and creepy; Halloween like.

What would be some of your guys' ideal collaborations?

Gerard Way, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Richard Ramirez, Danny Elfman

What has been your favorite tour or a specific favorite show?

Warped Tour. Main stage in Phoenix or New Mexico. In New Mexico, they get Albucrazy!

Have you had a least favorite moment or a very memorable one?

Picture from Facebook

Last Warped Tour - we had to sell our van and drive home in a UHaul.

What can fans expect from you in 2013?

Lots of touring, lots of shows, and on June 11th we release a brand-new full-length album!

Tell me your long-term goals, say 5 years from now?

World domination.

***

Well, there you have it. Prepare yourselves for New Years Day to take over the planet. And if you're unfamiliar, you should probably get to know them so you recognize who's coming for you!

Here are their Facebook and Twitter.

Now that their album is actually out (though this was written before it was) you should definitely hop on it and buy it. And while you're at it, catch them on Warped Tour at a date near you!

Picture from Facebook

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Interview with The Neighbourhood

The Neighbourhood has been on my "watch list" since I first heard them, and the fact that none of my friends seemed to know their music was frustrating to me! How were so many good bands like this one so unknown, while others with more "marketable" sound were filthy rich and ridiculously famous? (Just another reason why I am passionate about this website - to help those great bands get more recognition - free press is good press!) I fell in love with their music, the lyrics, their energy, and I told myself I knew that they were gonna hit it big. I didn't know when, but I knew it was going to happen for them.

If you don't know them, they're California based and comprised of vocalist Jesse Rutherford, bassist Mikey Margott, drummer Bryan Sammis, and guitarists Jeremy Freedman and Zach Abels. All hugely talented guys, with an obvious passion for music. It's been said that they popped up out of nowhere as a band, and I think that mysterious aura adds something to their music.

***

How did you guys first get started as a band?

We all knew each other and decided we wanted to try and fulfill this shared vision we had with our best friends.

What, if anything, have you run into as a band that was difficult to overcome?

We were thrust into this world so fast. It was the best thing that has ever happened to us, but going from living at home to being on tour for over a year is definitely something that you need to adjust to.

Do you feel like those things brought you closer and made the band even stronger?

Definitely. We live together now, all day every day. We've gone through the trials and tribulations of a proper relationship. We've had arguments and disagreements and it's all brought us to a place of love.

Tell me about your current process in songwriting and recording. Has this changed at all since the beginning?

It's always been an evolving process, especially on the road. Now a days people work on songs in the van on their computers and such. We have also been jamming some new stuff during sound-checks, which is definitely a new experience.

Who writes most of the lyrics and music? Or is it a collaboration between all of you?

Jesse writes the lyrics. We all write the music.

Photo by Eric T. White (c)

Do you find writing songs therapeutic, if you use real life experiences to influence them? They seem to be pretty different than a lot of what's going on in the music scene these days, so I'd like to know about where they come from.

It's definitely therapeutic. The lyrics are all truthful and about real life things. The music is from a place where we get to express our feelings through our instruments.

Did you experience any issues or problems while recording your new album?

Honestly, no. Our biggest problem was which songs to put on the album.

Do you think that the Spotify EMERGE contest had a lot to do with building your fan base more recently?

Spotify is a great tool for people to find music. It has definitely helped people find us.

How has being on tour for you recently? Have you had a favorite moment that has stood out as being especially memorable?

Denver was a great show with our good buds in the band Lovelife.

What can fans expect from you in 2013/2014 after your current tour is over? I know you just released a new album, but hey, the fans always want more!

They will get more. It will be momentous for us. You'll see.

Where do you see yourselves in 5 years? What are your long-term goals for the band?

I see us doing what we do on a larger scale. Being more respected.

I'm curious as to how you feel about the way music sales have changed, such as online sales and illegal downloading. Do you feel like this improes the way that music is purchased and reaches your fans ears?

Definitely. It makes it more accessible.

Do you think that the future of CD and vinyl sales will eventually be completely replaced by online music sales?

No, because there will always be that niche market for vinyl.

If each of you could colaborate with one artist or band, who would it be?

Mikey: Dustin Kensrue
Zach: Kendrick Lamar
Jeremy: Tony Iommi
Bryan: Hans Zimmer
Jesse: DJ Premier

If each of you could pick one place to travel/tour to, where would it be?

Mikey: Hawaii
Zach: The Beach in the movie "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio
Jeremy: New Zealand
Bryan: Japan
Jesse: Paris

***

If you don't know this band and their music, please do yourself a big favor and get acquainted right now. You don't even have to thank me. Let the music speak to you like it did to me. It might be one of the best things you do for yourself! Buy the music if you like it. Support them! I can't stress how important that is.

Find them on their website, Facebook, and Twitter.


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Interview with Laptop Rapper MC Lars

Pic @ Vans Warped Kickoff Party (MC Lars w/Andrea Blunt)

I'm a little late getting this up, but I was happy to catch up with my buddy MC Lars who makes some of the best "laptop rap" in the game, at the Vans Warped Tour Kickoff Party! I was introduced to his music many years ago, during a very monumental time of my life, and I was very influenced by this genre, which he's well known in. (If you don't know of him, get acquainted now!) I genuinely appreciate all the amazing work he puts into his music and the sweet, sweet poetry (literally and figuratively) that comes as a result. He also is inspired by one of my favorite poets, Edgar Allen Poe! To top it off, he's such a genuine sweetheart and for me, that makes everything in the music game better.

***

What influenced you to start making music?

I was passionate about punk rock, hip hop, and I just really loved doing it myself. When I was sixteen I started writing hop hop songs.

What is your writing process like?

I start with a beat, need the cadences, the beat informs the rap. I look for a beat that matches, like a paper - the chorus is the thesis, the verses are the defending paragraphs. [I just have to say I love this, as a writer myself!]

Do you consider yourself a nerdcore artist? That's definitely how I was introduced to you.

No, I definitely don't consider myself a nerdcore artist.

What has been your favorite moment or show or specific tour?

Warped Tour 2011. The Less Than Jake main stage and performing with them.

What drives you and keeps you going?

It's a miraculous thing to make a living doing what you love. I feel very lucky.

Have there been any bumps in the road that you've had to overcome, and then grown from?

Being "DIY" you do it all. You have to find the fun and momentum. People are so generous. And Kickstarter helps.

Courtesy of mc_lars Instagram

Who did you grow up listening to that has influenced you?

I grew up on Weird Al and the Beastie Boys, but got more into punk and indie rap as I got older.

If you could have a collaboration with one person, who would it be?

Dr. Dre. He's awesome, a great song writer, and great with beats.

***

Check out MC Lars online to check out his music and what he's up to, and check him out on Warped Tour!

Twitter, Facebook, and his website!

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Red Jumpsuit Apparatus & The Material @ The Roxy Theater

Show reviews are much like album reviews in the struggle that involves morphing a beautiful live experience into the proper words. I started listening to The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus when I was probably 10 years old and they were part of my regularly listened to playlist over my early teenage years. Their first album Don't You Fake It, was a popular one that I couldn't stop listening to and sharing with everyone.

Not having seen them live for years, I was really excited when I found out my buddies in The Material were going to be on a leg of their tour! Stepping into The Roxy near the beginning of the night, I was so excited to see how many people were there. Not just for the main act, but in support of local music and for The Material, who over the years have gotten themselves quite the following as well.


The Material took the stage, and I glanced around to see how many fans pushed their way to the front, as well as how full the venue was. Often when you go to see a show, many people are standing outside or haven't even arrived until the headliner takes the stage. If you didn't know better, you'd have thought The Material was headlining the show. As vocalist Colleen started to belt out her strong, mesmerizing vocals, the crowd sang and clapped along with songs they were clearly familiar with. Something that's always caught my attention with their music is not only the quality of the vocals, but the power behind them. Impressive is the length at which she sings without taking a breath. Add to the mix two skilled guitarists and a kick-ass bassist, a drummer who seems he could go on for hours, and you've got yourself a band that's a real team. Safe to say besides being able to draw a crowd and put on a great show, The Material has truly grown into themselves and has so much to offer in terms of a real live experience.


When Red Jumpsuit took the stage, it was apparent that many didn't quite know what to expect. If you're like most modern Americans, you listen to so many different genres and bands, which means it's hard to keep up with every band. Many, like myself, are most familiar with RJA's first album, despite having listened to their newer albums over the years. Ronnie, after so many years in the band, still almost has a shyness about the way he performs, which seems to endear fans to him even more. Playing a mixture of songs from the beginning straight through to their latest album, the band made it clear why they're still around after so many years. With solid harmonies and passionate vocals, the guys still love what they're doing for the sake of the music.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Red Jumpsuit show without two of their most famous songs, "Your Guardian Angel" and the last song, their most popular, "Face Down." Any fan who wasn't singing for the entirety of the set was definitely singing and moving for the last few minutes of the show.

THE MATERIAL
(All live show photos shot by Molly Calvo)





RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS