All posts in: Danger Radio

27 Jul 2010

Danger Radio drops new EP

My dear friends Danger Radio dropped their new EP today. You can stream it at Absolutepunk.net or purchase it off iTunes. This is their first big release in awhile so if you’re looking for new music at all, you should definitely give them a listen. I’ve been listening to them since I was 15 so for me it’s just incredible to see how their sound has developed over the years. And as always, I’m a huge supporter of local Seattle music.

I even recognize a few of these tracks from some of their shows, but this is the first time that they are making it onto a record. Since the EP is just a taste of the final product, I know their full length is going to be amazing.

20 Jun 2010

All-Ages Movement Project

The All-Ages Movement Project won the $50,000 prize in the Pepsi Refresh Everything campaign earlier this year. As a result, The Vera Project in Seattle hosted a show today from 1-3:30 PM featuring Zephyrs, Naomi Punk, and one of my favorite Seattle bands of all time Minus the Bear. MTV productions were also be present along with Suchin Pak to record footage for a special MTV presentation that will air at a later date.

The All-Ages Movement Project exists in local venues that showcase hip-hop, indie, and punk music. These venues are open to all young individuals of all ages who enjoy seeing live music and performing music. They offer opportunities to learn new skills through internships with the venues, showcasing their art in shows, and recording music through their own recording studio. I have been involved with the all-ages movement since I was 15 years and old and I cannot even begin to express how much it has done for me and the impact that these venues have had on the local Seattle music scene. These venues include the Kirkland Teen Center, The Old Redmond Firehouse, Ground Zero Teen Center in Bellevue, and The Vera Project.

What Seattle bands have had their start through all-ages teen centers?

  • Death Cab for Cutie
  • Common Market
  • Brite Futures (formerly known as Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head)
  • Danger Radio
  • The Scene Aesthetic
  • Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground
  • Minus the Bear

At the end of the show, I had a few minutes to catch up w/ MTV correspondent Suchin Pak who filled me in on the Pepsi Refresh Project.

Basically the project has $1,300,000 that they give away to people with great ideas and the All-Ages Movement Project won their $50,000  grant back in February so they’ve been traveling for three weeks visiting their recipients and documenting footage to be shown on channels like MTV, VH1, Comedy Central etc. Seattle was their last stop!

To learn more about the project click here

To learn more about the all-ages movement click here

19 Dec 2009

Out on the Town: 12/20

Come to the Destiny Worldwide office in Kirkland tomorrow for their Christmas party! Andrew de Torres, singer in two of Seattle’s prominent bands to the music scene, Danger Radio and The Scene Aesthetic may give us a special treat with music he has been working on for his solo project. Who knows?!

Also Letter & Lights, who are also from the Seattle area, will be performing as well!

Plus, how can you pass up marked-down merch? You can’t!

08 Nov 2009

Meet: Chet Cannon

Chet Sitting

You’ve seen him on MTV’s The Real World. You’ve watched him on The Ruins. Chet Cannon is known for his exquisite style, his friendship with housemate Ryan, and his individualistic personality. Seriously, I’ve never met anyone like him before in my life. I was curious in getting to know Chet a little bit better just to see if he was anything like he was on show. In fact, he’s better!

Q: Alright Chet, tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, what do you do, what’s your sign? Etc

Chet: Well, first off, Chet is my nickname.  Chester is my real name…also the name of my Grandfather I might add.  Sadly, Chester rhymes with molester…the kids at school had a field day with that.  I’m still heartbroken. Right now, I am en route to LA.  Well, actually, I’m headed to Boston tomorrow for a week, then back to SLC for Thanksgiving, then Louisiana, then NYC, then PA, then Baltimore all before December 6th….I guess you could say travel a fair amount. I have lots on my plate right now.  I’ve been approached with ideas about new TV shows hosting gigs which influenced my trek from NYC to LA.  Personal endeavors would include YouTube (which I hope to more consistent with), writing a children’s book, inventing a bowless bow tie, chewable water.  In all seriousness, The Real World, for me, was like a small scale lottery….A lottery that can open many doors.  Now, what you do when the doors are opened is entirely up to you.  Mainly I’m just trying to hustle and stay focused.  There is a lot of easy money with hosting parties and what have you, but I am more than happy to forgo a few of those in my pursuit for elevated status in the television industry.  The end game for me is hosting a successful news show.

Q: Which do you prefer, being interviewed or doing the interviewing?

C: I’m impartial, to be honest.  I guess it depends on the people I’m interviewing, you know?  Sometimes you’ll get out there and throw the mic in someone’s face and instead of being unique, you receive some regurgitated, colorless rant.  I enjoy spontaneity…people who can shoot the proverbial shit.  When I happen upon those types, I enjoy conducting the interview.

Q: Chet, you happen to be one of my favorite Real Worlders ever. Just so you know, I don’t give out that title too often.  You made a brief appearance on The Ruins, would you ever do it again? What was that experience like for you?

C: Well, thank you, my lady!  You’re a peach.  Yes…brevity would be an accurate description of my time on The Ruins.  I loved it.  The format, in terms of filming is a bit more enjoyable than Real World.  There are so many people, so you can avoid the cameras if you feel the need.  Never say never.  I may do one again…depends on the location.  Phuket….obviously I wasn’t going to turn that down.  The Challenges aren’t a focus of mine at the moment, I will put it that way.

Q: Your friendship w/ Ryan and the song you guys made up in one of the early episodes. Inspiring. Are you guys still pretty close? How is he doing?

C: Ryan is doing very well.  He called me just days ago from IraqRyan and I have some projects in the works right now, which hopefully, will put both of us back on the tube…together.

Q: Your fashion sense is exquisite. Where do you prefer to shop and would you say you have more of a hipster or metro style?

C: Hipster or Metro….couldn’t tell you.  My friends from back home laugh at the way I dress.  They are the furthest thing from hipsters or metro.  I will leave that up to you guys to decide.  I really enjoy Ben Sherman and whenever I get a chance to visit SLC, I hit up the thrift stores.  SLC has great, cheap thrift stores.  You go to the thrift shop in NYC and the prices are comparable to those at Saks and Barneys…no joke.

Q: So are you still in Utah or have you relocated?

C: I stayed in NYC and only recently moved away, so I could pick up my car and make the trek to LA.  I hope to get back to NYC soon.

Q: What’s a typical day for Chet Cannon?

C: That’s a tough one.  They are so different.  Yesterday, I filmed some video for my YouTube channel, worked out, edited video, worked on a children’s book I’m writing, and then went to a party downtown for the Nitro Circus movie…dancing the night away.  It was brilliant.  After that, some mates and I went hot tubbing and I arrived home at 3 AM, where I then edited video again until 4 AM.  Tomorrow I hop on a flight to Boston.  I enjoy the inconsistency.

Q: If you could interview anyone, who would it be?

C: Dead or alive?  Let’s go with alive….hmm….maybe Pete Doherty.  He is my favorite rocker/fashion icon.

Q: My favorite episode was when you had the chance to meet and interview one of my friend’s bands while on the show, Danger Radio. Had you been listening to them prior to the show as well? And also, what kind of music are you listening to these days that you think my readers should be listening to?

C: Cool guys.  Love them.  The Danger Radio interview was offered to me and at that point I began listening to them (in preparation)….grew to enjoy it….and then we had the interview.  It was one of my favorites.  I just made this really awesome “love songs” mix.  I wish I could post a link to it.  My favorite band is The Sounds.  Easily.  At the moment, I’m stoked on Fun and Foxy Shazam (Check them out).  Amazing stage presence.

Q: There’s always talk that MTV’s editing portrays characters in a certain way for their audience to see them as. Do you feel as if you were portrayed correctly or incorrectly? Is Real World REALLY real?

C: You can’t deny anything that makes the air.  I believe they will heighten aspects of your personality, but each person has a lot more depth.  I’m not super bummed over my portrayal, but there are plenty of things I would have displaced with other moments from the 4 months in Brooklyn….had I been given the creative control.

Q: When I was younger, I used to want to be an MTV VJ, but first! I wanted to do Real World (like yourself) in hopes that it would lead me to becoming a VJ. This was before I knew TRL was going  to be canceled. Do you think MTV has contributed in helping you get to where you are today or did Chet Cannon conquer the world all on his own?

C: VJ’s don’t exist anymore…haha.  My stint on MTV has DEFINITELY given me more opportunities than I would have otherwise received.  Is it possible to make it without a reality show….ABSOLUTELY.  Reality TV can be scary.  You have to be very calculated about your decisions….which is very difficult considering the frequency with which you are filmed.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffyRSvyKDuY]

Q: I’ve seen some of your YouTube videos on your blog featuring your covers, is there a singing career in the works? Maybe you and Ryan can get together and start something!

C: Singing is just for fun…I’m not opposed to playing with Ryan when he returns.  I think we could form a pretty kick A duet.

Q: Jesse McCartney Pee Pee Hands story. Is it true?

C: Yes.  It is true.  Scott Herman and I walked into the bathroom and Jesse was on the phone, while peeing and didn’t wash his hands.  IT was disheartening.

Q: What are you up to and where can we see you next Chet?

C: You will see me again soon.  I hate to be the guy who says “it’s confidential,” but that’s how most of this stuff works.  Mums the word.

18 Aug 2009

Seattle bands you should know (or listen to)

I think Seattle music posts are my favorite to write. I was inspired to write this post when I heard a little snippet preview from Minus the Bear the other day. When I was fifteen years old, I threw myself in the local Seattle music scene and since then  I’ve watched favorite bands dissemble, migrate to other bands, or become incredibly successful.

The music scene is no longer what it used to be. The bands I grew up listening to are no longer really a part of that scene and neither am I, but that doesn’t mean that I ever stopped listening. This post embodies a part of my adolescence that most people never knew or could understand about me. Just so you know, this has taken me DAYS to write and perfect.

Here are a few of my local favorites:

This Providence

I recently caught their new music video for single, “Letdown” on MTV a couple weeks ago. Currently, they are on the bill for Warped Tour, but will be starting their own tour with Cartel beginning October 22nd in Raleigh, North Carolina. The guys will be playing in Seattle on November 10th at El Corazon.

Best Songs:

  • Well Versed in the Ways of the World
  • Certain Words in Uncertain Times
  • My Beautiful Rescue
  • Chasing the Wind
  • Letdown

Myspace

Danger Radio

I was first introduced to Danger Radio four years ago at the first show I attended. I wasn’t even there to see them nor did I stay for their set. It wasn’t until after the night that I realized what a mistake that was. I make an effort to never miss one of their shows at home now, these guys are my favorite and as much as I like their new songs now, I love the old ones even more. The guys were recently in California writing their next album and were taking a break from touring this summer, but will be back on the road again come fall.They were also featured during the Real World Brooklyn season this past year.

Best Songs:

  • Slow
  • Sparkle Baby Shine
  • Groovin’
  • Kiss N’ Tell
  • Slow Dance With A Stranger

Myspace

The Scene Aesthetic

I wouldn’t know about Seattle music if it weren’t for these two fools. They were my first show and first favorites. After creating the hit song, “Beauty in the Breakdown,” the dynamic duo continued to take over MySpace music putting out a series of cd’s and popular singles and even a DVD. After a two year hiatus – the guys have come back together with full force. The two recently spent nearly a month in California recording their new album and just began their new tour. They will be performing in Seattle at Neumos on October 16th.

Best Songs:

  • Beauty in the Breakdown
  • Alvin Maker’s Greensong
  • Don’t Be That Note I Can’t Hold
  • Come What May
  • It’s A Promise, Like A Song

Myspace

Letters & Lights

Letters & Lights is a new band in Seattle, but if I’m assuming correctly Erik and Ethan have been around Seattle for quite some time. Erik (left) and I used to go to all the same shows! He was actually very well known (and liked) in the Seattle music scene so I was excited when I heard he had been making music himself. Their EP was just released on iTunes and they recently played a Santa Monica show with The Scene Aesthetic.

Best Songs

  • Smile Bright
  • In Love and Outdone
  • Pretty Letdown

Myspace

Dyno Jamz

They are your perfect mix of hip-hop and jazz. I’ve never heard anything like it and I LOVE it. And I promise I’m not biased just because my friend Nick is in the band hahah These guys dominated the EMP Sound Off! competition earlier this year, which has earned them a well-deservesd slot at Seattle’s largest and most anticipated music festival, Bumbershoot.

Best Songs:

  • Universal Love
  • Footprints
  • Come Out and Play

Myspace

Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground

I’ve been talking a lot about this band lately! They recently finished their sophomore album and it is fantastic. Other than that, I don’t really have anything else to say except that I adore this band, enjoyed working with them for the short evening that I did and am never disappointed by their shows. These guys are true characters, but very talented musicians.

Best Songs:

  • Hey Momma’
  • Birds on a Day Like Today
  • Bowie the Desert Pea
  • Santa Cruz Lined Pockets

Myspace

Lizzie Huffman

Lizzie has been performing since she was fourteen years old at local teen centers. She has worked with both Danger Radio and Thomas Dutton of Forgive Durden and Matt Bekker. Watching Lizzie perform is always a treat for me. Her voice is so refreshing and her shows are always personal. She is currently performing in and around the greater Northwest area including at my school, Seattle University, on September 19th! You should all come out and see her!

Best Songs:

  • Heavy Hearts
  • Country Song
  • Country Song Number 2
  • Oh My Sweet Carolina (Cover)

Myspace

Bekker

2

When Matt first started out, it was just him and his guitar. He has since collaborated with a number of other people around Seattle including singer Lizzie Huffman, and now has a full band to back him up. I’ve watched Matt grow into a very talented and dedicated musician. Now signed with Sound Records and Entertainment, Matt Bekker and Bryan Watson are continuing to record their next full length album and touring the states.

Best Songs:

  • All Tied Up
  • Empty
  • Deep
  • Let’s Get Away
  • Donovin

Myspace

Also visit my YouTube page to watch some of my recorded videos of Matt’s performances here

Minus The Bear

Minus the Bear IS Seattle music. (Excluding Death Cab) Their single, “Pachuca Sunrise,” is what defines every one of my summers. Whenever I was planning a show, they were always at the top of my list. They still ARE at the top of my list and I’m so determined to have them someday. Not only are they amazing musicians they have given me some great memories. Currently, the band is getting ready for the release of their new album! Here’s a snippet, too excited!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7Q0jH5cJKk]

Best Songs:

  • Pachuca Sunrise
  • Knights
  • The Ice Monster
  • This Ain’t A Surfin’ Movie
  • Drilling
  • The Pig War

Myspace

07 Aug 2009

Song of the Day

SuperFire – Trippin

Superfire is the side project of guitarist Elan Wright of Seattle band Danger: Radio. Today their EP was just released on iTunes and they’re about to blow up!

Well this is just the start, but  I really like this song.

To listen to more of SuperFire’s music click here

09 Jul 2009

SuperFire show tomorrow!

Have Friday night plans yet? No?

There is an all-ages hip hop show at The Lab tomorrow in Seattle! SuperFire is the side project of guitarist Elan Wright who is also in the band Danger Radio.

Come listen to their tunes here

My favorite song is “Trippin‘”

25 Jun 2009

Saying Goodbye to the King of Pop

Today, we say goodbye to Michael Jackson, a phenomenal artist and performer. His death came as a shock to the world as it came out of nowhere. He was pronounced dead at 2:26 PM this afternoon after being taken to the hospital suffering from cardiac arrest.

To read more information click here for the story at CNN

Poor Blanket 🙁 and in case you didn’t know, Michael Jackson was on the verge of making his comeback.

I bet the crowd around that hopsital must be in a frenzy right now! Apparently my Danger Radio boys were on the scene today documenting through Twitter and pictures.

If you’re really bumming out about Michael Jackson right now, Playlist has created the ultimate playlist of his classic hits. Enjoy!

Rest in peace, Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson.

HEY EVERYBODY! POST YOUR FAVORITE MICHAEL JACKSON SONG IN A COMMENT!!

Mine’s “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” What’s yours?

And I also propose we have a Michael Jackson themed party to celebrate his life. Ya dig?

23 Jun 2009

It’s a music post!

My taste in music has gone through many phases. Let me just break it down for you.

Age 0 – 3 – – – – That Barney ish and the theme song to every children’s show. Let’s throw in.. Blossom. That’s not a kids’ show but it will do

Age 4-6 – – – – – Rap. I kid you not. My brother and I used to rap the songs to lyrics. Okay that’s a lie, maybe he rapped the songs and I was the chorus that the female usually sang. Mariah Carey, 112, Ginuwine, Tupac, Biggie, Mase, Blackstreet,

Age 7-9 – – – – – – Spice Girls and your typical pop, mainstream radio.

Age 10-13 – – – – – Britney, Christina, Mandy, Jessica, N’Sync, Backstreet Boys, M2M, BBMak lulz.

Age 14 — – – – – – –  John Mayer and the electronica phase of C89.5, Kaskade, ATB, Paul Van Dyke

Age 15-18 – – – – – – Indie and local Seattle bands – Danger Radio, The Scene Aesthetic, Daphne Loves Derby, This Providence, Gatsby’s American Dream, Forgive Durden

Age 19 – DJ’s and remixes as well as everything above.

Today, I wouldn’t really know what to call the music I listen to. I would say  I listen to a mixture of all of my previous phases, but that doesn’t mean I’m not expanding my library still because I am, so with that I’m going to introduce you to two different artists/dj’s who are both similar and different!

First is Pretty Lights.

Derek Vincent Smith, a producer from Colorado, combines electronic music and simple beats often times accompanied with a drummer to create “soulful music.” He juxtaposes collages of beautiful vintage samples against backdrops of futuristic synthesis and dirty broken beats, creating a sound that can snap your neck while simultaneously shedding your tears.

To listen to Pretty Lights, view his Myspace here

Second is The Twelves!

Yay! Thank you Hudson for introducing me 🙂

This dynamic duo pair from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil are receiving quite a bit of attention for their remixes! Word on the street is that they have amazing sets and currently their songs are playing all over the clubs in Brazil. I hope they come to the US soon cause I would love to see them!

To listen to them visit their MySpace!

Listen to Metric’s “Help, I’m Alive” remix first!