Are you all as confused as I am? I could’ve sworn I read that 2018 was Warped Tour’s last year, but as soon as we said goodbye, it returned. Warped Tour will occupy two weekends this summer in two different cities. There is some overlap in bands. This feels positive to me for two reasons. One, is that the bands actually want to be a part of this tour and community. The second is that there’s another opportunity to see your favorite band instead of just in one city. The downside? That it’s two weekends as opposed to what Warped Tour used to be: an actual tour. A part of me is very tempted to attend especially because the Mountain View weekend is within reach. I would be most excited to see Circa Survive, Taking Back Sunday and The Starting Line! Readers – are any of you considering attending?
All posts in: Warped Tour
Warped Tour 2011 Lineup
You know you’re getting old when you barely know any of the scene bands on the lineup for Warped Tour. I remember when I was just a teenager, and Warped Tour was always the one summer event that I had wanted to attend. Now, looking back, I am realizing just how many bands have entered into the world and how many of them have ridiculous names.
Paramore, you don’t need Warped anymore. Just do your own thing.
The Pretty Reckless Preview
I have had my mixed thoughts about Taylor Momsen. She went from cookie cutter sweet Little J on Gossip Girl to downright brooding, dark, heavily makeuped JENNY. Not gonna lie, I was a taken aback by the transformation that seemed to occur right on my television screen and in reality. I’ve read plenty of articles where she claims that this her true self. Well, Taylor, if this is who you are then okay. Be who you are. I just wish you were a bit nicer with the things that came out of your mouth. We all remember the time when you brushed off donating to Haiti because you said you were too busy focusing on your music.
She has few words to say about her series, but once you get her on the topic of her band The Pretty Reckless, she never stops. Her music is…respectable. I applaud Little Tay (she’s still 16 after all) for venturing into new career goals. The Pretty Reckless actually toured Seattle not too long ago and I was thinking about going to her show to see this inner monster of hers come out. I’ve seen videos. She looks crazy! Unfortunately, I missed my chance, but for those of you readers going to Warped Tour this summer be sure to stop by her set and let me know how it is.
Here’s a sneak peak preview of her new EP. She definitely reminds me of Karen O. and Courtney Love even though she hates that comparison.Whatever.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoCW02zdC4o&feature=player_embedded]
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
Bekker
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
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
Wasabi Bistro’s unexpected surprise!
We The Kings
had dinner right next to us tonight at Wasabi Bistro and even though it was an awkward moment, we still got to meet them!
Thanks Mika chu!
The guys are on tour right now and were coming from Warped Tour, check out their music here
Spiraled and Smoke
Song of the Day
Lights – Ice
There’s been some buzz on my post about musician “Lights,” so I decided to choose her for the song of the day today. Go check her out, buy her CD when it’s released and if you happen to be at Warped Tour, my readers told me she’s performing so go watch her show.
Fueled by Ramen produces another Paramore
They’ll be making their huge debut at Warped Tour this summer and they have just released a music video of their song, “Past Praying For,” off their self-titled ep which is available from their label’s website Fueled by Ramen. These guys and girl of VersaEmerge have been picking up a lot of buzz for sometime now and have been compared to their already well-known label mates Paramore.
the lead singer Sierra is only 18! hmm Hayley Williams in the making
check them out on their myspace: myspace.com/versaemerge