SideCho Records

SideCho Newsletter

2006-12-14T11:17:00.000-08:00

12.13.06

SideCho Records
First off, this will be the last SideCho Records Newsletter of 2006. After this week the office is closed for a much-needed holiday break. Don't worry, a couple of us will still be coming in to answer emails and send out mail orders, so don't hesitate to contact us regarding anything! Now moving on to some exciting news...

The Official SideCho Records T-Shirts and Zip-Up Hoodies Are Here!!

A lot of you have been asking about these along with our industry friends, and I'm glad to announce that we finally have some official SideCho Records apparel in stock. The first is a navy blue T-shirt with the SideCho Records logo on the front, and it's also on the lower back corner along with "SIDECHO.COM". The second is a navy blue zip-up hoodie with the same design: logo on the front and logo + "SIDECHO.COM" on the lower back corner. Both are printed on American Apparel clothing, so they're high-quality and extremely comfortable.

So head on over to the SideCho Webstore for pictures of the T-shirt and hoodies, and while you're there, go ahead and order yours before we run out (and we just might!) We have them in every size and currently have both items ON SALE in addition to the rest of the holiday sales we're having.

Holiday Sale Still Going On!

Now that we're talking about sales, have you finished your holiday shopping at our Holiday Sale? We have everything on sale from CDs starting at just 3 bucks to "buy one, get one free" deals on posters and sticker/button packs. And remember, we've added a Blinded Black shirt to the store, and you get a free, unreleased Blinded Black track from the forthcoming, Under The Sunrise, with every purchase! Make sure to get your orders in by December 18 at noon PST for it to get to you by December 25th!!

Peachcake

Crazy Interview at thesocalscene.com!

When you put Stefan in an interview, what do you get? Find out over at thesocalscene.com. It's quite an entertaining read, so check it out.

Blinded Black

Tell Us What You Think...

If you've ordered from our Holiday Sale and have heard the unreleased Blinded Black track that we sent as a thank you, please let us know what you think! Send all feedback to info@sidecho.com with the subject "Blinded Black Feedback".

1090 Club

Band of the Day!

1090 Club was "Band of the Day" on bandoftheday.com last Friday, December 8th. Although you may have missed their actual "day", the page is still up and you should definitely check it out: bandoftheday.com

The Spores

Catch The Spores Before They Leave!

Okay The Spores aren't breaking up or anything, but they will be leaving for an amazing European tour in just a couple of weeks. So for all you American fans, try to catch one of their last two shows in the states before they cross the ocean!

Saturday 12.16.06 @ Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace - Pioneertown, CA
Monday 12.18.06 @ The Viper Room - West Hollywood, CA

Check out The Spores' Myspace page for all the European dates if you're over on that side of the world.

Tokyo Rose

There's Still Time to Vote for Tokyo Rose!

Voting for Absolutepunk.net's "Most Underrated NJ Band" is still going on until December 20th. That means you have a couple of days left to get in your votes and get you friends to vote too. The band is currently tied for 3rd place, which is pretty good, but we want them to win it! Click here to get to the poll.

For all current news, tour dates and everything else you can think of, check out our www.sidecho.com.

SideCho Newsletter

2006-12-14T10:52:00.000-08:00

2006-10-11T01:45:00.000-07:00

SideCho Records Announces Three New Signed Bands: Ghosts & Liars, The Only Children, and Peachcake

SideCho Records is proud to announce their recent signings of Ghosts & Liars, The Only Children, and Peachcake. These are the latest additions to the record label's growing roster, which already includes bands such as 1090 Club, The Spores, Tokyo Rose, and Blinded Black (another recent signing).

Ghosts & Liars features Chris Du Bray and Rachel Bowman, both of who are already familiar with the label. SideCho Records was home to Chris and Rachel's former band, Some By Sea, and the new music will be a pleasant surprise for fans of the now-defunct band. Ghosts & Liars will be playing this year's SideCho Records CMJ Showcase that is to take place at Arlene's Grocery (95 Stanton St., NYC) on November 1. The debut album will follow in Spring 2007.

The Only Children boasts an already-impressive line-up including Josh Berwanger, formerly of The Anniversary, and drum appearances by both Christian Jankowski (also from The Anniversary) and Ryan Pope (formerly of The Get Up Kids). The band is currently in the studio at Black Lodge in KC and will be releasing an album in Spring 2007.

Last is Peachcake from Carefree/Cave Creek, AZ. Made up of Stefan Pruett on vocals and John O’Keefe on keyboards, guitar and—the combination of both— keytar, Peachcake has already been gaining international buzz by winning the “Best USA” category from the 2006 Toronto Independent Music Awards. Out now on Jim Adkins’ (Jimmy Eat World) Western Tread Records is a CD/EP split with another Arizona-based band Less Pain Forever, titled Now We Have Something To Celebrate. You can currently see Peachcake live on tour with Hellogoodbye, but you’ll have to wait until next Spring for the new album.

For more info check out:
Sidecho.com
Myspace.com/sidechorecords

Tokyo Rose in Europe!

2006-09-27T13:49:00.000-07:00

If you're in Europe, come check out Tokyo Rose!

SideCho Records

Free show, free food, free drinks!

2006-09-13T12:15:00.000-07:00

Please shoot us an message on here if you are gonna be coming. We'd love to see all your faces if you live in the area... or even if you don't!

Love,
Your Friends @ SideCho Records

Check out these news!

2006-09-02T14:55:00.000-07:00

8/10 for Shipwrecked!

A review of 1090's debut album from: www.forthesound.com

Band: 1090 Club
Album: Shipwrecked on Shores
Label: Sidecho Records
Overall Score: 8/10

Right off the bat, 1090 Club will show you that they are going to throw you an album that is largely rock based, but it is not solely a rock album. It is a rock indie experiment of sorts and all around a handful of songs that flow effortlessly and really test what basic rock has to offer.
When I read in the bio that this band had a violinist, I was wondering how they were going to incorporate such a stiff instrument. Look what happened with Yellowcard¦ cheese! But wow! The violin soars alongside the piano build ups and really adds to the thick melodies that loop through each song. The drums run the show for the most part and nicely lead raunchy guitars, harmonized vocals, and uplifting choruses.

Female vocalist, Megan Dibble, really pairs up elegantly beside the male vocals. Each tune is unique and has juicy hooks waiting for you to sing along to. "Second Hander" will give you a taste of what a bold catchy rock song done right feels like: really gripping! Huge chant choruses in "It Starts With" are motivating for any musician to want to pick up their instrument of choice and jam along.

The vocal elements bring about comparison to Rainer Maria, but the backing music is just so much more aggressive." Sunk," a husky piano ballad that later picks up drastically, uses group vocals to stay along the theme of shipwrecks¦ it says, like a lighthouse you shine They use some layered instrumental verses much like Canadaâ€™s Broken Social Scene, to electrify the almost-not-there vocals on "Some" and further more show their versatility on "Little Known Fact," a shimmery sway evoking song.

If you know me, you will know that first and foremost I love music. Secondly, I love music that brings something new to the table. Though I respect all shapes of music with a passion it just really excites me to see artists doing something new and different than their peers. I always turned to my fellow Canadian's for a brand of mind-blowing indie but I am happy to see some cats south of the border cranking out tunes this original. It makes me wonder what I have been missing while at the same time; wish I had the talents to make a piece of art this beautiful.

So, where can you pick up this album? Click the banner below to pre-order it right now!

Hitting the store racks on September 19th!

THE SPORES ON MUSIC PLUS TV

Friday Effect is M+TV's new weekly concert series that broadcasts LIVE on www.musicplustv.com. FANS ARE INVITED! Please come down to be a part of the live in-studio audience. The Spores will be performing a 40 min set and doing a live interview. Puppets included!

Date: September, 15 2006
Where: M + TV FRIDAY EFFECT - MUSIC PLUS TV
517 N. Alvarado St., Los Angeles, CA 90026

Check out The Spores official myspace or sidecho.com for more info.

BLINDED BLACK FINISHING UP IN THE STUDIO

Blinded Black is currently in the studio finishing up their first full-length album titled Under the Sunrise, which will be released late February/early March 2007. Be sure to check out Blinded Black at one of their upcoming shows:

-10/06/06 @ Remmington's Downtown - Springfield, MO
-10/13/06 @ Creepy Crawl* - St. Louis, MO
-10/14/06 @ Knights of Columbus Hall - Bethalto, IL
-10/28/06 @ Battle of Potosi - Potosi, MI

*The Creepy Crawl is the last show they will be playing in St. Louis until the release of the album early next year, so don't miss it! (The show is with Rushmore Academy, Novella, Lowercase, The Anchorline.)

SIDECHO STREET TEAM IS RECRUITING!!!

We want enthusiastic fans of any and all of our bands all over the nation. You will be promoting our awesome artists everywhere you can think of (including shows) and get free SideCho stuff for your help! We need people in the following markets: Chicago, Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Orange County, Phoenix, Seattle, Portland, New York, Atlanta, Detroit, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Houston, Dallas and Omaha. If you are not in one of these areas, still contact us! We want people from all over. Sign up by emailing our lovely intern Aly at Alysidecho@yahoo.com

Sign up soon because we are going to be having our first street team contest and the prize is a brand new Fender guitar (plus a bunch of little SideCho goodies).

Pre-order the 1090 Club album!

2006-08-25T14:47:00.000-07:00

You can now pre-order the 1090 Club's debut record "Shipwrecked on Shores" at www.sidecho.com. The new release hit stores 9/19/06 but if you pre-order early, you can loaded up with all kinds of free goodies! We have 2 pre-order packages to choose from and let me tell you about them...

1. $10= "Shipwrecked on Shores", autographed poster, stickers and buttons
2. $20= "Shipwrecked on Shores", 1090 Club exclusive t-shirt, autographed poster, stickers and buttons

1090 Club will be on tour with The Photo Atlas starting September 15 in Denver, CO. Visit their myspace page at www.myspace.com/1090club for all the details.

Please tell your friends, family and lovers! We are stoked to get this band out to burning ears that crave the best new music!

SideCho Records

Want more 1090???

2006-08-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

You can now go over to www.decoymusic.com to hear the songs “Second Hander” and “Hello” from 1090's debut record Shipwrecked on Shores. The cd will be instores September 19th but in the meantime we will be posting 2 new songs every week from here out!

SideCho Records

WE LOVE IDOGS AND HAVE ONE FOR YOU!

2006-08-21T12:33:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys!

Once again we are giving you a chance to win your very own mp3 playing IDOG! The IDOG is one of the best prizes that we give away. It plays music from your itunes and shows its moods via his light up face... Trust me it is very very fun!

Enter to win your idog at www.alternativepress.com

The Spores on FUEL TV Tonight!!!

2006-08-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

The Spores Tonight on FUEL TV

*For Immediate Release

Tonight 8/10 at 6pm PST, FUEL TV’s “The Daily Habit” will feature The Spores as their musical performers. If you miss it the first time, the show will re-air at 9pm and again at noon and 3pm the following day.

“The Daily Habit” is FUEL TV’s first half hour original daily series. The show mixes the best in pop culture, top-action sports, cutting edge music and comedy. Each episode is filled with celebrity guests, athletes and musicians you want to hear and see. Tonight’s show features funny man Tom Green, and The Spores will perform two acoustic songs alongside their puppet regime.

For more information on The Spores or to hear sound samples, visit their Myspace page at www.myspace.com/thespores. Additional information can be found at www.sidecho.com.

SideCho Records signs...

2006-08-07T17:50:00.000-07:00

Sidecho Records has officially added another rock act to complement their already eclectic roster. Ladies and Gents, please welcome Blinded Black.

Blinded Black deliver a unique style by combining a heavy synthesizer sound with power-rock. Hailing from St. Louis, MO, the band developed a strong fan base with constant self-promotion and non-stop touring. The band will deliver their debut LP early 2007 that is tentatively titled If Timing’s Everything…

Blinded Black have appeared on tours with Bleed the Dream, A Change of Pace, Limbeck, Letter Kills and have made multiple Warped Tour appearances. The fruits of constant touring propelled Blind Black’s current EP, Sealed with a Stitch, to the third top-selling rock artist at Vintage Vinyl, with Fall Out Boy taking second place.

Alternative Press magazine’s Aaron Burgess has featured Blinded Black in its “Unsigned Band of the Month” section. The passion Blinded Black put into their music, expresses their desire to grow and produce the best music possible.

Updated tour information and sample tracks can be heard at www.myspace.com/blindedblack

SideCho Records

Shows!!!

2006-08-03T16:10:00.000-07:00

Shows coming up in the follwing two weeks 8/4-8/17. Make sure to check out their myspace for more info!

1090 Club

08/04/06 The Manor 1430 Arnold St. Laramie, WY with Landing on the Moon
08/05/06 The Railyard 712 N. 23rd St. Billings, MT with Landing on the Moon
08/06/06 Big V's 1567 University Ave W., 55405 St. Paul, MN with Landing on the Moon
08/07/06 Garage Party Woodstock, IL
08/08/06 114 King St., Madison, WI 53703 with Landing on the Moon
08/09/06 Charter North House with Landing on the Moon
08/10/06 Champaign, IL with Landing on the Moon
08/11/06 Macs Bar 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing MI
08/12/06 Tower of Treason 9521 Madison Ave., 44102 Cleveland OH
08/13/06 Knitting Factory 74 Leonard St., 10013 New York NY with Landing on the Moon
08/14/06 The Distillery 1896 N. High St., 43201 Columbus OH with Landing on the Moon
08/15/06 Stage 83 Red Rose Productions, 5007 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60641 Chicago IL with Kaddisfly
08/16/06 Off Broadway 3509 Lemp Ave., 63118 St. Louis MO with Landing on the Moon
08/17/06 Replay Lounge 946 Massachusetts St., 66044 Lawrence KS with Only

Charlemagne

08/04/06 On The Rox (The Roxy) 9009 W. Sunset Blvd., 90069 Los Angeles, CA
08/05/06 Pehrspace Los Angeles, CA
08/09/06 The Climax 2217 Welton St. 80205 Denver, CO with Kissing Party
08/10/06 Dusty Bookshelf 700 N. Manhattan Ave., 66502 Manhattan KS
08/11/06 O'leavers 1322 S. Saddle Creek Rd., 68106 Omaha NE with Jake Bellows

Sherwood on Warped Tour

08/04/06 Toyota Pavillion Scranton, PA
08/05/06 Nassau Veterans Memorial Uniondale, NY
08/06/06 Englishtown Raceway Englishtown, NJ
08/08/06 Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Charlotte, NC
08/09/06 Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Virginia Beach, VA
08/10/06 Nissan Pavilion Bristow VA
08/11/06 Tower City Ampitheater Cleveland OH
08/12/06 Park Place/Moldon Park Barrie ON

Some By Sea

08/11/06 Hell's Kitchen 3829 6th Ave. 98401 Tacoma, WA

The Spores

EVERY THURSDAY IN AUGUST!
08/10/06 The Viper Room West Hollywood, CA
08/17/06 The Viper Room West Hollywood, CA
08/24/06 The Viper Room West Hollywood, CA
08/31/06 The Viper Room West Hollywood, CA

Tokyo Rose

08/04/06 Toyota Pavillion 18501 Scranton, PA -WARPED TOUR
08/10/06 Nissan Pavilion Washington, DC -WARPED TOUR
08/11/06 Warrenton Community Center 430 E. Shirley Ave., 20186 Warrenton VA
08/14/06 Club Deep Asbury Park NJ
08/15/06 The Championship 829 State St., 17403 Lemoyne PA
08/16/06 Touch 1400 Smallman St., 15201 Pittsburgh PA
08/17/06 The Orange Street Akron OH

1090 Club touring with Landing on the Moon!

2006-08-03T11:38:00.000-07:00

The 1090 Club is heading out this month to support their upcoming release "Shipwrecked on Shores" out 9/19/06 on Sidecho Records. The band is touring with their friends Landing on the Moon and will head from their home state of Montana to round out the tour in New York City at the Knitting Factory. For more information visit www.sidecho.com

1090 Club

Tour Dates with Landing on the Moon
Thursday, Aug 3rd • Denver, CO • Hi Dive
Friday, Aug 4th • Laramie, WY • The Manor
Saturday, Aug 5th • Billings, MT • The Railyard
Sunday, Aug 6th • St Paul, MN • Big V's
Mon, Aug 7th • Woodstock, IL • The Barn
Tues, Aug 8th • Madison, WI • King Club
Wed, Aug 9th • Peoria, IL • Charter North House
Thur, Aug 10th • Champaign, IL • The Canopy Club
Fri, Aug 11th • Lansing, MI • Mac's Bar
Sat, Aug 12th • Cleveland, OH • the Tower of Treason
Sun, Aug 13th • New York City, NY • Knitting Factory
Tap Room
Mon, Aug 14th • Columbus, OH • The Distillery
Wed, Aug 16th • St Louis, MO • Off Broadway
Thur, Aug 17th • Lawrence, KS • Replay Lounge
Fri, Aug 18th • Omaha, NE • Sokol Underground
Sat, Aug 19th • Casper, WY • American Legion *

The Spores on Fuel TV!

2006-08-02T16:31:00.000-07:00

The Spores will be feature on The Tom Green Show on Fuel TV!

It is scheduled to air on Thursday, August 10th at 6pm PST/9pm EST on Fuel TV and rebroadcasts again the following day at 12pm PST/3pm EST (however, check local listings in your area is it could vary from location to location).

Make sure you watch it! Have your vcr/tivo set!

Check out The Spores myspace for more info!

SideCho Records

The Spores on FUEL TV

2006-08-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

The Tom Green show featuring The Spores is scheduled to air on Thursday, August 10th at 6pm PST/9pm EST on Fuel TV and rebroadcasts again the following day at 12pm PST/3pm EST (however, check local listings in your area is it could vary from location to location). Make sure to check it out!

The Spores on Daily Habit

2006-08-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

The Daily Habit is FUEL TV's first original daily series. It mixes the best in pop culture with today's top action sports and cutting edge music and comedy. Today The Spores headed over to the studio to preform 2 acoustic songs on the show. With funny man Tom Green as the special guest and The Spores as the musical guest we are proud to support the show. The taping will air live in the next couple of weeks so stay tuned for the air date!

Shows!

2006-07-26T15:47:00.000-07:00

Shows coming up in the follwing two weeks 7/27-8/9. Make sure to check out their myspace for more info!

1090 Club

08/03/06 Hi-Dive 7 S. Broadway, 80209 Denver, CO with Landing on the Moon
08/04/06 The Manor 1430 Arnold St. Laramie, WY with Landing on the Moon
08/05/06 The Railyard 712 N. 23rd St. Billings, MT with Landing on the Moon
08/06/06 Big V's 1567 University Ave W., 55405 St. Paul, MN with Landing on the Moon
08/07/06 Garage Party Woodstock, IL
08/08/06 114 King St., Madison, WI 53703 with Landing on the Moon
08/09/06 Charter North House with Landing on the Moon
08/10/06 Champaign, IL with Landing on the Moon

Charlemagne

07/27/06 The Red Raven 14 Roberts St., 58102 Fargo, ND
07/28/06 St. Joe's Pub 710 St. Joseph St., 57701 Rapid City, SD
07/28/06 Steamboat Park Pierre , SD
07/29/06 Level 504 Gallery 504 North 20th St. 59101 Billings, MT
07/30/06 Higgins Hall 617 S. Higgins, 59801 Missoula, MT
08/01/06 The Crocodile Café 2200 2nd Ave. 98121 Seattle, WA
08/02/06 Dunes 97201 Portland, OR
08/03/06 Hemlock Tavern 1131 Polk St. 94109 San Francisco, CA
08/04/06 On The Rox (The Roxy) 9009 W. Sunset Blvd., 90069 Los Angeles, CA
08/05/06 Pehrspace Los Angeles, CA
08/09/06 The Climax 2217 Welton St. 80205 Denver, CO

Sherwood on Warped Tour

07/27/06 Post-Gazette Pavilion Pittsburgh, PA
07/28/06 Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Noblesville, IN
07/29/06 Comerica Lot/Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI
07/30/06 First Midwest Bank Amphitheater Tinley Park, IL
08/01/06 Darien Lake PAC Darien Center , NY
08/02/06 Fitchburg Airport Fitchburg, MA
08/03/06 Tweeter Center @ Waterfront Camden, NJ
08/04/06 Toyota Pavillion Scranton, PA
08/05/06 Nassau Veterans Memorial Uniondale, NY
08/06/06 Englishtown Raceway Englishtown, NJ
08/08/06 Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Charlotte, NC
08/09/06 Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Virginia Beach, VA

Some By Sea

08/11/06 Hell's Kitchen 3829 6th Ave. 98401 Tacoma, WA

The Spores

EVERY THURSDAY IN AUGUST!
08/03/06 The Viper Room West Hollywood, CA
08/10/06 The Viper Room West Hollywood, CA
08/17/06 The Viper Room West Hollywood, CA
08/24/06 The Viper Room West Hollywood, CA
08/31/06 The Viper Room West Hollywood, CA

Tokyo Rose

07/28/06 Somer's Point Firehall Somers Point, NJ
07/29/06 Bloomfield Ave Café. Montclair, NJ
08/01/06 Warped Tour 14201 Buffalo, NY
08/02/06 Warped Tour Brockton, MA 02301 Brockton, MA
08/04/06 Toyota Pavillion 18501 Scranton, PA -WARPED TOUR
08/10/06 Nissan Pavilion Washington, DC -WARPED TOUR

CURRENT TV BLOGS

2006-07-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

of The Spores. Click here to check out this awesome blog from Current Tv. Molly just taped a piece for their show, we will let you know when it airs!

SideCho Records

Sidecho is in the spotlight

2006-07-19T16:54:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! Check it out... SideCho Records is the featured label at Rhapsody.com.

Rhapsody.com is a free music listening service.

We are under the Playlist Central section. Give us a listen!

Shows!!!

2006-07-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

in the following two weeks: 7/18-30. Check these bands out when they hit up your area!

Charlemagne

07/23/06 Schubas 3159 N. Southport Ave, 60657 Chicago IL
07/24/06 Riverwest Commons 815 E. Locust St., Milwaukee, WI 53212 Milwaulkee WI
07/25/06 King Club 114 King St., Madison, WI 53703 Madison WI
07/26/06 Turf Club 1601 University Ave. W, 55104 St. Paul MN
07/27/06 The Red Raven 14 Roberts St., 58102 Fargo ND
07/28/06 St. Joe's Pub 710 St. Joseph St., 57701 Rapid City SD
07/29/06 Level 504 Gallery 504 North 20th St., 59101Billings MT
07/30/06 Higgins Hall 617 S. Higgins, 59801 Missoula MT

Sherwood on Warped Tour

07/11/06 Seaside Park Ventura CA
07/12/06 Dodger Stadium Los Angeles CA
07/13/06 Sleep Train Amphitheater 94203 Sacramento CA
07/14/06 Treasure Valley Speedway 83701 Boise ID
07/15/06 Gorge Amphitheater Seattle WA
07/16/06 Columbia Meadows 97201 Portland OR
07/18/06 Thunderbird Stadium Vancouver, CANADA BC
07/20/06 Race City Speedway Calgary, CANADA AB
07/22/06 Utah State Fairgrounds 84101 Salt Lake City UT
07/23/06 Invesco Field Denver CO
07/25/06 UMB Bank Pavillion Maryland Heights MO
07/26/06 Riverbed Music Center Cincinnati OH
07/27/06 Post-Gazette Pavilion Pittsburgh PA
07/28/06 Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Noblesville IN
07/29/06 Comerica Lot/Woodward Ave. Detroit MI
07/30/06 First Midwest Bank Amphitheater Tinley Park IL

Some By Sea

07/15/06 Basin Summer Sounds Festival 30 C St. NW, 98823 Ephrata WA
07/21/06 Club Zoe 1710 Market St., 98402 Tacoma WA
07/26/06 The Paradox 1401 NW Leary Way, 98107 Seattle WA

The Spores

07/14/06 El Cid 4212 W. Sunset Blvd, 90029 Los Angeles CA
08/03/06 The Viper Room West Hollywood CA
08/10/06 The Viper Room West Hollywood CA
08/17/06 The Viper Room West Hollywood CA
08/24/06 The Viper Room West Hollywood CA
08/31/06 The Viper Room West Hollywood CA

Tokyo Rose

07/10/06 Faith World Church Jackson TN
07/11/06 Southside Church 1533 Nicholasville Rd., 40502 Lexington KY
07/12/06 Tremont Music Hall 400 W. Tremont Ave., 28203 Charlotte NC
07/13/06 Greene Street 113 N. Greene St., 27401 Greensboro NC
07/14/06 The Brewery 3009 Hillsborough St., 27607 Raleigh NC
07/15/06 St. Johns in Hamilton 5315 Hartford Rd., 21214 Baltimore MD
07/16/06 Roscoe Firemens Field Roscoe NY
07/25/06 Crocodile Rock 520 W. Hamilton St., 18101 Allentown PA
07/28/06 Somer's Point Firehall Somers Point NJ
07/29/06 Bloomfield Ave Cafe Montclair NJ

The Spores video!

2006-07-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

Check out the new video for "(Don't)Kill Yourself" by The Spores!

Get this video and more at MySpace.com

Updates!

2006-07-10T15:03:00.000-07:00

*1090 Club will be shooting the video for "second hander" in Seattle TOMORROW! We need some people to come in as extras on the shoot. Interested? All the info you need is below:

Tuesday, July 11th at the Capital Hill Arts Center. (directions below) 8:30 - 12:00 midnight. Bring your friends!!! This will be a blast.

The Details:

The Capitol Hill Arts Center is located in the heart of Capitol Hill, Seattle, on the corner of 12th Avenue and E. Pine Street, just East of the Lincoln Reservoir. The street address is 1621 - 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

From I-90, take Exit 2-C for Madison Street, make a right off the ramp and take Madison up to 12th, make a left on 12th, and go two blocks, crossing past E. Union and E. Pike. The next light that you will pass is E. Pine (the East Precinct Police Station on your left), go throug http://www.myspace.com/1090club h that intersection and the C.H.A.C is the 2nd building on your left, just past the Liquor Store parking lot.

From 520 or from North, Head South on I-5 S. Take the Stewart St. exit (EXIT 166). Make a slight right onto Stewart Stthen get in the furthest left lane. Turn left onto Denny Way, then stay in the right hand lane for about 1/2 mile until you reach 12th Ave. Turn RIGHT onto 12th Ave. CHAC is located about 2 &1/2 blocks down 12th on the right side of the street, just before the next stop light (Pike St.).

From the South , take I-5 N. Take the Olive St. exit. Proceed up the hill on Olive. Olive will turn into John St. Cross over Broadway, still on John st. Take a right (now going South) on 12th. Go about 4 blocks. The C.H.A.C is on your right, next to the liquor store that is on the corner of 12th & E. Pine.

*The Spores will be playing at The Viper Room in West Hollywood every Thursday night in August. If you haven't check them out yet, what are you waiting for?!? The Spores put on an amazing live show that can't be miss! Make sure to pick up their debut album 'Imagine The Future' as well!

*Sherwood are on Warped Tour right now, so if you're going make sure to catch their act! Show them some love!

*Tokyo Rose are touring across the US! Tonight they will be in Jackson, TN at Faith World Church and tomorrow night in Lexington, KY at Southside Church. For more info, check out their myspace to see when they are hitting up your town!

*Some By Sea will be at the Basin Summer Sounds Festival in Ephrata, WA this Saturday July 15. Go check them out if your in the area!

SideCho Records

The Spores Billboard Review

2006-07-05T14:20:00.000-07:00

www.billboard.com

The Spores

Are they real or are they puppets? The Spores are one of the oddest bands around, a bedroom project gone marionette- turned-live trio, and now with a self-produced album to their name. Singer/bassist Molly McGuire is the linchpin of the group, who used this project as "a trash disposal for odd songs." And odd Imagine the Future certainly is, a surprisingly (considering McGuire's past work) quirky electro-driven set that's still thoroughly accessible. Take "Heat Seeker" for example, where weapons are used as romantic analogies, and a pounding dance rhythm and sweeping synths are melded to alterna-rock with a metal edge. The title track is even more off-kilter, all swirling atmospheres and shifting time signatures. Time itself shoots backwards for "Love My Mind," a blistering techno number circa 1991, that sounds a bit like Prodigy on crack. "Big Brother" tosses old video arcade sound effects into the middle of a stadium rocker, then shifts into dream pop, while "Yum Yum" boasts drums and a big, fat bass line which obviously has lapped up every single one of the delectable dishes McGuire describes within. As off-center as much of the music is, the lyrics are equally disconcerting, be it comparing oneself to "Veal" or spouting bourgeois sentiments about love, marriage and kids that come over a splintering backing that slips and slides disconcertingly between genres. And then there's "(Don't) Kill Yourself," a song already getting sizeable airplay, and boasting an ethereal chorus recommending suicide to stars, slyly adding "your fans will follow" as added incentive. The number soars and swoops, a dramatic and infectious alterna-pop ditty, that defies one not to singalong. It's unclear how many McGuire fans will follow the artist through this album's many electro twists and turns, but it's a stunning set, regardless, and seems likely to win her and her band a whole new group of admirers. ~ Jo-Ann Greene, All Music Guide

The Spores are Spin.com Artist of the Day!

2006-06-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

The Spores are Spin.com's featured Artist of the Day for June 30th!

Check it out here

if you haven't picked up the album, you can go get it at any record store nationwide or at the Sidecho Records Store

www.myspace.com/thespores
www.thespores.com

Get The Spores on the radio!

2006-06-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

Help us get The Spores on the radio! Thursday, June 29th The Spores were on LA/OC radio station Indie 103.1 to play two songs and do a small interview.

Now we have to show Indie how much we love The Spores. Go to www.indie1031.com/requests/request.php and tell them you want to hear "(Don't) Kill Yourself" off of Imagine the Future. You don't have to be in LA/OC either! Indie broadcasts their radio over the internet! Check it out at www.indie1031.com. That means everyone can request The Spores and don't forget to call your local radio stations either!

And if you haven't done it yet, make sure to pick up your copy of their debut release at your local record store. It's available nationwide, but if you can't find it out there, head over to the Sidecho Store to pick it up there!

Some By Sea Update

2006-06-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

We are back from tour feeling physically strong and mentally awake, feeling more able to take things one day at a time and also feeling somewhat fancy fresh.

On the last date of our tour with the mighty Roy in lovely Spokane, WA, the Spokane 7 was kind enough to feature our performance at Rock Coffee as one of their weekly podcasts.

You can listen to that podcast here: http://www.spokane7.com/music/shows/?ID=112.

Prior to this show, we had just driven to Spokane all the way from Jackson, Wyoming. We drove through the night where we came across buffalo in Yellowstone National Park, a cat-themed breakfast restaurant in Montana and...well, our own personalized hangovers.

We hope you enjoy. Cheers to all of you.

Love,
Some By Sea.

PS--Make sure you head over to the Spokane 7 site so you can hear what you might have been missing. One listen and you'll be waiting for tickets for their next tour. Enjoy!

Check out their myspace for dates. Their space

The Spores in LA TIMES

2006-06-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

The Spores Explore the Dark Side

That's quite a crowd the Spores assemble onstage: singer-bassist Molly McGuire, guitarist Greg Biribauer and drummer Kenny Pierce, not to mention a cast of set-crashers that includes the Preacher, DJ Tito Zzorro, Stunbunny and Miss Fishnets. The latter group, it should be pointed out, are puppets, the L.A. trio's alter-egos and other products of their whimsical dark side.

The Muppets they aren't.

"I was a visual artist first and became a musician later. People should know that when they're coming to see the Spores, it's more of a variety show," McGuire says. "It's entertainment."

So at a Spores show you might witness the snarling Preacher's ranting, Tito Zzorro's scratching and Fishnets' vamping, along with sundry other characters and finger puppets.

The music on the Spores' debut, "Imagine the Future," on Sidecho Records, has some character too, mixing thumping rockers with twitchy electronica — imagine Garbage in electroshock therapy, or spaced-out Joshua Tree quartet Gram Rabbit even more spaced out.

The trio marks the release of its album with shows Friday at Pappy and Harriet's in Pioneertown, Sunday at Safari Sam's and Monday at the Viper Room.

www.myspace.com/thespores

Pick up the album at the Sidecho Records Store

Live in Seattle? Come be in the 1090 Club video!

2006-06-29T14:37:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends......

1090 will be shooting the video for "second hander" in Seattle in the next few weeks. We need some people to come in as extras on the shoot. Interested? All the info you need is below...

Tuesday, July 11th at the Capital Hill Arts Center. (directions below) 8:30 - 12:00 midnight. Bring your friends!!! This will be a blast.

The Details:

The Capitol Hill Arts Center is located in the heart of Capitol Hill, Seattle, on the corner of 12th Avenue and E. Pine Street, just East of the Lincoln Reservoir. The street address is 1621 - 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

From I-90, take Exit 2-C for Madison Street, make a right off the ramp and take Madison up to 12th, make a left on 12th, and go two blocks, crossing past E. Union and E. Pike. The next light that you will pass is E. Pine (the East Precinct Police Station on your left), go through that intersection and the C.H.A.C is the 2nd building on your left, just past the Liquor Store parking lot.

From 520 or from North, Head South on I-5 S. Take the Stewart St. exit (EXIT 166). Make a slight right onto Stewart Stthen get in the furthest left lane. Turn left onto Denny Way, then stay in the right hand lane for about 1/2 mile until you reach 12th Ave. Turn RIGHT onto 12th Ave. CHAC is located about 2 &1/2 blocks down 12th on the right side of the street, just before the next stop light (Pike St.).

From the South , take I-5 N. Take the Olive St. exit. Proceed up the hill on Olive. Olive will turn into John St. Cross over Broadway, still on John st. Take a right (now going South) on 12th. Go about 4 blocks. The C.H.A.C is on your right, next to the liquor store that is on the corner of 12th & E. Pine.

hey kids

2006-06-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

Don't forget.... The Spores album was released yesterday. If you haven't heard them yet, check out their myspace at http://www.myspace.com/thespores. Then after you fall in love with them, go buy the cd. You can find it at your local best buy, Tower Records, wherehouse, or wherever you aquire cd's from. And if you can't find it anywhere you can always buy it from the sidecho store at http://sidecho.com/store

Get to listening guys

have a happy day =0)

The Spores cd releases today!

2006-06-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

The Spores are in-stores today! The debut record Imagine the Future is now available at your local indie record store, Tower Records, FYE, Best Buy or wherever you shop! Find it, buy it, and support this band!�

You can hear them perform live this Thursday, on LA's Indie 1031.1FM as they perform 2 acoustic songs and do an on-air and interview. Not in LA? Thats ok, you can stream it live at www.indie1031.com�

For all of the most recent tour updates, news and information about The Spores visit www.sidecho.com.

Thanks for your continued support of Sidecho Records!

click the link, buy the album

4 days till it drops!

2006-06-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

The Spores will be releasing their debut album Imagine The Future this Tuesday, June 27! You can pick up the album at your local Best Buy and Tower Records.

The Spores put on an amazing live show! Molly McGuire, lead singer, has worked with many artists such as Queen of the Stone Age and Peaches.

This is one album that must be in your collection! If you would like to recieve a free signed poster, exclusive Spores buttons and stickers! Come over to www.sidecho.com to PREORDER the album now!

Don't Give Up On Your Dreams

2006-06-19T15:45:00.000-07:00

From, The Spores:

Are you ready to throw in the towel on your dreams?... Settle down into a life that isn't all "that"?... Give up and join the rest of the lemmings?... Stop investing your time, money and heart into something that you think will never happen?... Well FUCK THAT. I'm here to prove to all of you, that if you hang on to those slivers of hope and keep fighting for them, your dreams will be realized right in front of your eyes and soul.

I though I'd pretty much run the mill of trying to create music that mattered with people that cared. Got fucked over by labels, managers, other band members, you name it. Thought I might be done. So okay, I was doing sound for some pretty cool acts, mixing shows all over the world fom Madison Square Garden in NYC to Milkweg in Amsterdam to Big Day Out in Australia. But something was missing. I still felt I had something to offer to the world musically, something down inside me that had the magic that was missing from half the acts I was mixing. ?So I kept going, kept learning, kept writing. Kept PUSHING...?

Then all of a sudden an angel came into my life. She was just down the hallway at an old house I used to share in North Hollywood. We lived together for months, finding each other slowly, gaining trust as friends, building respect as peers. I had a few songs, so did she, ones she'd never bring to any of her musical collaborators at the time. We tracked one of her's first, eventually calling it "Entwined Like Lovers". We finished it and I felt the hair on my arms rise. We were onto something. Then came a riff from my library. That turned into "El Matador". Then came a bunch more songs, one called "Kill Yourself" (eventually renaming it "(Don't) Kill Yourself" to keep the FCC off our backs).??All of a sudden, there was a record done. And people actually fucking dug it. OUR songs! They tripped? Wha? Whassup? You DIG this? Well, actually, we do, too.?Then I asked the most brilliant drummer I knew to join. And he was into it! Then, Kazzaam!! We were playing out! And the shows were great! Then we started touring cuz we wanted to go to Mardi Gras. All of a sudden, people were coming back to see us play and we be-friended them.

Then we found an honest, brilliant and steadfast manager who believed. Then a whole pile of fans started showing up in places like La Habra and New Orleans, and D.C. and Charleston, WV and Seattle and San Francisco and Houston and New York and then Abraca Pocus!!!! Mark Sovell and Indie 103.1 played DKY and then Holy Crap! Rodney Bingenheimer played it on KROQ, what? How did that happen?

Then, NO WAY!!! We got a record deal with people that really cared about music. And now... Hokus Cadabra!!! ...we have an album coming out all over the USA on June 27?...and it's actually a record that we're proud of?... and we made it OURSELVES? How the fuck did that happen??

Well, I'll tell you, my dear little Sporeheads...?Never give up on your dreams. Fucking NEVER. Hold on. They're coming. They're closer than you think. ??But remember, the trip there is the real juice.?.............?To all our fans that have made the journey so far, hats off to y'all. You have enriched our lives on levels we could have never imagined, and we owe you our history. But I guess for us, the time is now to imagine the future.??
Stunbunny

Maximum Ink Reviews The Spores

2006-06-12T14:02:00.001-07:00

THE SPORES - Imagine the Future (SideCho Records) Using Paper Mache persona on stage, the Spores score slippery symphonies for marionettes, serving irresistible ear candy slathered in hip urban funk ripe for fantasy and satire. Flexing psycho-tropic muscle with slick hallucinogenic hustle, the electro-phonic dance-rock grooves of Imagine is pumped with electric adrenaline and coated in neon foxy bravado. www.thespores.com

Maximum Ink Reviews The Spores

2006-06-12T14:02:00.000-07:00

The Spores Review in RockIt Newspaper

2006-06-12T13:42:00.000-07:00

THE SPORES - Imagine the future
Label: Sidecho Records
Reviewed by: Christina Cetto
Will The Spores make it? Only time will tell; June 27 of 2006 to be exact. Along with a catchy debut album title, comes along a catchy but spacey Trip-hop new band, The Spores. The Spores, one can consider a poor man’s version of England’s infamous Portishead. In areas where Portishead really tends to stand and deliver, The Spore’s vibe tends to be much lighter and shyer, but also retains that same techno/electronica sound.
“The Spores will win you over live. You’ll put down the cellie and become a fan”-Indie 103.1. Their single “(Don’t) Kill yourself” had received particular media and industry insider’s attention. Much thought that the original title of the single “Kill yourself” was “too brutal for mass exposure”-thespores.com . Because of the hesitant and negative release advice given to The Spores, they simply added one word into the title that changed it all. Now it is called “(Don’t) Kill yourself,” and since then it is a highly anticipated album. Imagine the future has been featured on KROQ's "Rodney on the Roq" and "Flash Forward." Hopefully The Spores live up to their already sought after reputation, and do truly become as popular as they expect to be.

CHECK THEM OUT ON THEIR MYSPACE THEN PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM AT SIDECHO.COM!!!

Meet our new band! 1090 Club!

2006-06-09T13:24:00.000-07:00

1090 CLUB
“Shipwrecked on Shores”
In Stores – 9/19/2006

Line Up
Sean Lynch: guitar, vocals
Megan Dibble: violin, vocals
Mike Galt: piano, vocals
Steve Serfazo: drums, vocals

Biography
With the nearest major metropolitan area ten hours away in any direction, Billings, Montana may not seem to be the most ideal or likely hometown for a respected up-and-coming indie rock act like the 1090 Club. Wedged between the Northwest’s Seattle and Portland scenes, and Midwest music meccas of Minnesota, Nebraska and Ohio, Billings is an oft-forgotten location, which has been left to create and support its own musical community.

But the members of the 1090 Club are hoping they can faithfully represent the Treasure State that’s been crucial to their success as a band outside its own borders. After all, being a big fish in a small pond (and one of the state’s only signed rock bands) does have its advantages — something guitarist Sean Lynch learned, when he opted to move back to his hometown to open a café after living several years in Portland.

Upon his return to Billings, Lynch became an instrumental figure in the local music scene, actively promoting shows in the area and opening a recording studio.

“Coming back to Billings was one of those things where I felt like I could add something back to a community that probably needed something,” he says.
In 2002, Lynch also released two compilations of local Montana bands and included a contribution from his yet-finalized project on the disc with collaborator Mike Galt, which was dubbed The 1090 Club.

The band began to take form over the next year, with the addition of drummer Steve Serfazo and later, violinist Megan Dibble. But the major turning point came not with an addition, but the omission of a member — namely the band’s bassist.
“Before we were writing poppier songs, more shoegazer indie pop stuff,” says Lynch. “But we all started to sing and when that happened, the feel of the music started to change as well. It was a huge decision for us to decide that we weren’t going to play with a bass player, but we played a show without one and thought, ‘Wow, this is it right here.’”

Able to carry on without a bassist, the band began re-tooling its compositions to include vocals from all members and found ways to compensate on the lower register.

“It took a few months to actually get used to playing without a bassist,” says Lynch, “and now there’s no looking back.”

With influences from bands like The Decemberists Death Cab For Cutie and Stars, the 1090 Club quickly began perfoming locally and regionally with a host of artists including Minus the Bear, The Gossip, Neva Dinova, Orenda Fink, Even In Blackouts and The Jealous Sound.

The band also launched its recording career via a series of split recordings with an eclectic mix of artists, including The Brother Egg (Lynch’s former band), The Forecast and The Front. Chalk it up to the “one scene fits all” attitude of its locale.

“The scenes are all the same up here,” says Lynch. “There’s just an independent music scene. It’s not like, here’s the indie kids, here’s the ‘whatever’ kids. It’s just, here’s the music scene.”

Still working in the concert promotions business, Lynch became aware of SideCho after booking one of the label’s acts, Neva Dinova, at a local club. On a whim, he sent the label a demo and kept the label informed of the band’s progress. Next thing he knew, label owner James Cho was interested.
“James was very similar to us in the way we think,” says Lynch. “For him to call us and say he liked our demo, that was the best part to us. We went with our gut feeling on it and the label has a lot to offer.”

The 1090 Club immediately began work on its debut full-length, sporadically recording in Lynch’s studio throughout the entire year of 2005.
When it came to mix the album, the band had two excellent options of which to choose — so they selected both. Six tracks were mixed with veteran engineer Steve Fisk (Nirvana) on an extremely tight budget. “Because he liked the record, Steve did it for quite honestly, virtually nothing,” says Lynch. And three other tracks were mixed by Alex Newport (The Mars Volta), also on a “virtually nothing” deal.

The act christened the album Shipwrecked On Shores — a fitting title if you ask Lynch. “Billings, Montana is like being shipwrecked on shores. We’re out in the middle of nowhere. Still trying to get off this island, this isolated scene.”
Shipwrecked On Shores fires off with “Hello,” of which Lynch says was written with an air of optimism about a big turning point in his life. Other key tracks include “Gypsea” of which Galt says, “I’ve got loads of stuff to pick through so I pieced together lines. I started to laugh about how tough it is at times to write a song, so that’s what the first lines are about — making sure everything’s all right, making sure everything’s supposed to be where they’re at.” “It Starts With” is a full-on collaborative affair between Lynch and Galt. “That’s a good song for us because I feel like that’s the direction we’re moving in,” says Lynch. “That’s the newest of the songs on the record.”

With the album wrapped and ready, The 1090 Club have shifted into full-time band status, including plans for national tours, of which they can thank their largely affordable hometown.

“The best thing for us is that it is very inexpensive for us to live here,” says Lynch. “That allows us the opportunity to tour. And for us, being able to afford to do this is really key.”

“We can say we are from Montana and can represent Montana,” adds Galt.

“We’re excited to put the focus on Montana. It’s not all cowboys or Unabombers. It’s been a fun and interesting experience so far. And it’s kind of like we’re right at the first step of many.”

We have a new website!

2006-06-09T13:23:00.000-07:00

We have a new website up! Make sure you check out all the new features, like videos and e-cards!

Sidecho Records!

Pre-Order the Spores!

2006-06-06T15:34:00.000-07:00

Have you pre-ordered your Spores cd yet? We have 2 packages for you to choose from. First a copy of Imagine the Future with a signed poster, exclusive Spores buttons and Mandible stickers all for just $10!!! Or you can get Imagine the Future with a signed poster, exclusive Spores buttons, Mandible stickers and an exclusive Spores design tshirt all for $20!!! This are some deals and they wont last forever! Order your copy of Imagine the Future before its too late!

Pre-Order Here!

Check out what Absolute Punk is saying!

2006-06-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

Absolute Punk users comment about Tokyo Rose's song "Philadelphia in the Springtime" (Japense exclusive release). See what they have to say about our band!

Then be sure to check out the song " Philadelphia in the Springtime" on Purevolume

Rebel Noise Reviews 1090 Club

2006-06-06T14:48:00.000-07:00

1090 Club although a unique name are definitely a New Rock / Indie vibe with a twist of heart and soul. The freshmen to Sidecho Records 1090 are an Indie quartet that is each member of the band sharing vocal responsibilities. Which is really something that grabs some ones attention basically you don’t see that much anymore, which is really a sad thing. Running along the lines of Death Cab For Cutie or The Postal Service 1090 club will be making a name for themselves.

Steve Fisk (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Minus the Bear) and Alex Newport (Mars Volta, At the Drive-In gave a helping hand in mixing several of the tracks on this album. Have two HUGE names in music mix parts of your new album out of the love for your band really says something. If you have never really took a listen to most Indie music then its really a breathe of fresh air, no ear shattering and no base tracks that shake your water glass on the table. Its not hard to be a vocal based band now in this day because not too many bands really take that stride to rely on their talent as vocalists. Mike Galt, keyboards; Megan Dibble, violin; and Steve Serfazo, drums really make a bit of light music and created something wonderful.

My favorite track on this album is track 9, “Business End”; it shows that they have some attitude and some style. Most of you are probably all primarily “PUNK” fans but you really should see what Indie music has to offer. There is something out there for everyone you just have the intuition to try new things.

ALSO: myspace.com/1090cclub Go check out what makes them in the club.

WE'VE SIGNED A NEW BAND

2006-05-23T11:44:00.000-07:00

SideCho Records Plans Fall 2006 release of 1090 Club

LONG BEACH, CA-- Never has there been a more successful meeting of chance than Billings, Mont.-based indie rock quartet, the 1090 Club. Four years after their formation, the band is gearing up for the September 19, 2006 release of “Shipwrecked of Shores” on SideCho Records. Steve Fisk (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Minus the Bear) and Alex Newport (Mars Volta, At the Drive-In) mixed several songs off the new album.

Formed in 2002 by guitarist Sean Lynch as a one-song project for a compilation, the cohesion of Mike Galt, keybords; Megan Dibble, violin; and Steve Serfazo, drums; manifested into the 1090 Club.

Each member shares vocal duties to produce a singsong style that fits comfortably beside Death Cab for Cutie, the Postal Service and Mates of State.

Finding the two famous names of Fisk and Newport to mix the CD was simple for 1090 Club. “They offered to mix our CD because they liked the band,” Lynch said.

The 1090 Club’s fanbase reaches past their hometown. The band frequently tours to the thriving all-ages scene in Rapid City. “I always enjoy coming to Rapid City; it’s fun,” Galt said, “It’s nice to have people come and want to listen.”

Last January the band ventured out to the west coast. The 1090 Club is planning to hit the road again for a Midwest tour with Landing on the Moon in August.

Updated tour information and sample tracks can be found at www.myspace.com/1090club and www.the1090club.com.

Transform Online Reviews Sherwood

2006-05-19T12:37:00.000-07:00

For the love of God, when will it stop? It seems that there is no end in sight to the exorbitant amount of bands throwing themselves on the persistent bandwagon of emo. They should update the ol’ saying: “only THREE things will survive a nuclear war: roaches, Cher, and emo.”

Now that I have a legion of overly sensitive 16 year-old enemies, let me just say that I actually liked Sherwood’s full-length debut. Sing, But Keep Going is definitely better than the average emo record that’s come out lately. I’m not quite sure what exactly sets it apart from the rest, except that aesthetically it just sounds more mature. Not so much the lyrics, but the composition of the songs as a whole (i.e. the manner in which the vocal melodies are layered with the instrumentation). That, and the mere intonation of the vocals don’t make me want to crawl out of my skin.

From what I’ve read about the band, it seems that Sherwood have a very honest, documentary style approach to their songwriting. It’s a method that has paid off with a debut album that’s as organic in sound as it is uncontrived in emotion. Amen to that.

Leak Mob Reviews Some By Sea

2006-05-19T12:36:00.001-07:00

Most people know SideCho Records for bands like Sherwood, Tokyo Rose and at one time Anadivine. The band Some By Sea can now be placed on that list for those fans of folk-indie rock with a hint of pop. This band will compliment the label who has also released indie-favorites The Pale Pacific’s records.

The album is filled with songs that average over five minutes a piece, each song with lots of lyrics that keep you pondering while listening to the record. It’s songs like “One More Day Goes By”, “A Night Without The Cineplex”, and “The Things We All Carry Around.” The album also includes songs that have a lot of folk influence like “The Saddest Christmas” and “Fables (Kentucky Social).” Many of the songs also include a female vocalist which really sounds good with Some By Sea’s folk sound.

This album isn’t for the hard rockers out there but more for fans of bands like Limbeck, The Pale Pacific, and Reuben’s Accomplice. This album is a very long album, it lasts for over an hour and at times may be a little bit boring for those non-indie fans, but for those who love that genre they will find this album very, very appealing. Check this album out, it is a fun and thought-provoking listen. I also must add that the artwork of this album is fantastic.

Review: 3/5

Mammoth Press Reviews Sherwood

2006-05-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

Melody. Everywhere. For its all too brief entirety Sherwood's debut album, Sing but Keep Going, delivers an affecting dose of beautiful, melodic music. Picking up where their EP left off, but far from becoming stale, the album showcases a band at ease. Confident in their music and comfortable with being themselves, Sing but Keep Going sounds like an honest album from the heart.

Utilizing every member of the band, Sing but Keep Going is comprised of 12 solid, well-textured pop/rock songs. The album definitely sounds like a group effort – there are no token members here. Their keyboardist contributes frequently, both guitars are consistently employed, and their ability to mix some aggressive elements (strumming patterns, technical leads, energetic drumming) into their music helps the album command attention, keeps everything from becoming stale, and gives them a unique sound.

Lyrically, the album tends to avoid looking outwards for it's subjects and the unpretentious, introspective ones that result are a refreshing change from the overdramatic, clichéd lyrics that not only try too hard but can be found on almost every album in the emo/punk section of your record store. While the album lacks any fancy wordplay, intensely biting jabs, or words you'll need to grab a dictionary for, the simple, hopeful lyrics that fit between the soaring choruses really add to the ability of the disc to succeed where it does.

If the lyrics tended towards the simple side of things the vocals definitely do not. Sing but Keep Going is filled with an incredible amount of intricate harmonies and throughout the album Sherwood use their voices like additional instruments to help convey the melody of the given song. The different vocal approaches found over the course of the album really develop the music and definitely help separate Sherwood from many of their peers.

At less than 34 minutes, the only disappointing thing about Sing but Keep Going is its length. Noteworthy vocals, poetic lyrics, tight musicianship all delivered with noticeable poise…without knowing their history it would be difficult to figure out that this is a debut album and given their demonstrated work ethic, Sherwood's future is looking bright.

Rating: 9 out of 10

UCI New University Press Reviews Tokyo Rose

2006-05-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

The promising New Jersey indie rock band Tokyo Rose performed a solid set at The Alley in Fullerton on March 29.

The audience was dismal in numbers and what was even more embarrassing for this (yet, another) Jimmy Eat World-influenced band was when lead vocalist Ryan Dominguez’s guitar pick, a typically coveted treasure for concert goers, fell onto the feet of the crowd. It was picked up by a young girl who attempted to return the pick.

To be fair, Tokyo Rose is an upand- coming rock band, which means that knowledge of their existence didn’t quite strike the bell of cognizance for their preteen spectators at The Alley.

Yet within due time, Tokyo Rose will be seeing better times along with bigger crowds in the upcoming year.

Since releasing their album, “New American Saint,” with Side Cho Records in October, Tokyo Rose has been catching the attention of fans across the globe.

Having recently finished touring in Japan with The Rocket Summer and another obscure Japanese band, Tokyo Rose admitted to enjoying a stage with such a diverse group.

“We’re a lot different from them and it was strange because the crowds were coming for The Rocket Summer but we won [the fans] over and gained some new friends,” explained bassist and vocalist Chris Poulsen.

As a veteran of encountering Japanese culture, Poulsen admits that he still isn’t able to stomach the Japanese delicacy of sushi and is amazed at how different the reserved Japanese are from Americans who are used to being “loud and obnoxious.”

Regardless of their band name, label origins and sticky Japanese photo booth press photos, Tokyo Rose hasn’t been swayed by Asian cultures.

In the “oversaturated” music scene of New Jersey, Rutgers alumnus Dominguez and Monmouth graduate Poulsen gathered the rest of the members of the Tokyo Rose quartet.

Soon afterward, the coagulation of “New American Saint” granted Tokyo Rose recognition among bands such as Taking Back Sunday, whom they will be joining on tour this coming Friday.

Fortunately, Tokyo Rose hasn’t come across any bumps in their rise to musical fame, such as lawsuits concerning their name; there is an older UK band that shares the same moniker.

Tokyo Rose couldn’t be bothered with such trivial situations as they are prepping for their shows at Warped Tour, Cornerstone and Flipside Festival with lineups including Mae, Motion City Soundtrack and many others later this year.

The question arises as to whether “New American Saint” is analogous to some sort of political agenda.

The album is filled mostly with songs pertaining to the ups and downs of relationships, yet was inspired by the work of the famous beatnik Jack Kerouac.

In Kerouac’s novel, “On the Road,” which Dominguez is a big fan of, protagonist Sal Paradise soaks in life through his travels and lives to the fullest due to inspiration by the enigmatic character of Dean Moriarty.

The members of Tokyo Rose were musically illuminated from a young age by their families and it is this ideal of “soaking in life” that brought to fruition the “New American Saint.”

Poulsen’s expectations are high for the next couple of tours and most likely those aspirations to “live like a rockstar” and to succeed for Tokyo Rose will be fulfilled since “New American Saint” is an album worthy of blasting in your car stereos.

Wranky Music Reviews Tokyo Rose

2006-05-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

Tokyo Rose is one of those bands who have been doing their thing for quite a long time. Back before screamo really took off to the point that it is now, and even before this whole scene grew into this insane monster of a ubiquitous concept on everyone's mind, Tokyo Rose was still playing local shows, and releasing songs on mp3.com. In fact, I even had a few of their songs downloaded onto my computer up until the whole thing got wiped. I even remember a horrible show at the Downtown where about fifty kids showed up, but Tokyo Rose still represented and they definitely salvaged most of the night. Now they come through with New American Saint, which is actually a good record, if not a little bit long winded.

The big strength of the band lies in their vocalist. He's got a lot of power behind his voice and spreads it throughout every song on this disc. Whether he's employing it via expansive, large notes being held out for seconds, or through rapid-fire fast speaking through tightly written verses. The big voice is definitely met, though, by the full sound of the recording, mostly in the realm of the guitars. All of the tones sound nice and chunky when they need to, and the producer has also captured a lot of the more atmospheric and highly detailed smaller nuances that the band has thrown in. If you pay attention to detail, this record will definitely satisfy even the most meticulous of listeners.

At times, especially noticeable in the song "The Tin Man Gets His Heart", things tend to drag out for a little while. It's easy to lose focus when listening to this album, mostly because the songs tend to stick to their own structures, and repeat upon themselves without any hooks to shake you from the second half of the song. That's not to say anything is bad about the songs in question, but unless you're focusing entirely on just the record and nothing else, I think it might be hard to not get distracted at least once.

Overall, it's a good, great sounding album with talented musicians at work, who can use a little bit of tightening on their songwriting. I would love to see these guys realize their full potential on their next record.

The Verdict: 8/10

Suburban Horror Reviews Tokyo Rose

2006-05-19T12:33:00.001-07:00

CD: New American Saint Artist: Tokyo Rose
Label: SideCho Records Rating: 2/5
Best Song: New American Saint Author: Bobby Gorman

I remember a few years ago when Tokyo Rose broke out with Reinventing A Lost Art. I was impressed with the pop-punk sensibilities of the album and enjoyed it quite a lot. Sadly though, after reviewing it, I don’t know if I ever took it out of its case again. Instead, I think it just sat in it my CD rack collecting dust. Nevertheless, when I saw New American Saint I was excited, because I remembered enjoying their previous effort; but once again, I think after this review is done; New American Saint will join its brother in my CD rack collecting dust.

Even though New American Saint is moderately entertaining, I don’t see it having any sort of lasting effect on me. There isn’t nearly of a hook, the songs aren’t attractive enough, and seem to drag on a bit (especially with all the songs between 3:30 and 4:45 in length).

Not only that, but the band seems to have fallen in the sophomore slump and landed right smack on their head. They’ve taken a 270 degree rotation with New American Saint when compared to Reinventing A Lost Art. Their previous effort was much more energizing, more upbeat – and fun pop-punk album. This one on the other hand, seems to be a much mellower version of Fall Out Boy and Panic! At The Disco. The guitar riffs are slower and softer than before. The vocals go for the soaring, moving effect, but instead come of whiny after a while.

That’s not saying the album is just eleven duds, because songs like Spectacle, New American Saint and The Tin Man Gets His Heart are good; but there’s not enough of those to keep you listening for the whole 36 minutes. And even those few songs become boring after a while.

This CD isn’t that bad, but there’s not lasting effect at all. You can listen to it once, twice, and that’s all. It’s not really memorable and nothing that will make you go back and listen to it again. Maybe next time they’ll break out of the sophomore slump and make a slightly more memorable release.

ThePunkSite.com Reviews Tokyo Rose

2006-05-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

I remember back when this band was on the same record sampler as Noise Ratchet. And it sounds like they would be, too.

Although I'd have to hand it to this band for having a more FULL sound and for avoiding the infamous "every song sounds the same" syndrome. This album is a pleasant Noise Ratchet reincarnate sound with a hint of 21Rest- two very local and very talented bands (out of San Diego) that have parted ways. Tokyo Rose seems to be the perfect band-aid for fans that are still sore from the break-up in a sweet package from New Jersey.

Aside from comparisons, I really enjoy the layered vocals and well-done hooks. The music is very tight; it's obvious they work well together and practice a LOT. Singer Ryan Dominguez definitely has control of his voice and that's very rare nowadays, ESPECIALLY in this genre. Although it's still not the most original album I've heard, it has it's own voice and finds it's own way of standing out among the crowds of indie/emo bands mass-produced every day.

I'm almost enticed to check out any and all of their music before this album because I think it would be worth listening to. I recommend it to fans of Noise Ratchet, 21rest, Watashi Wa, Last Days of April, and music in general.

Be Our Friend!

2006-05-19T12:32:00.001-07:00

Are you on myspace? Will you be our friend? Sidecho needs to get to 10,000 friends ASAP!! So if you are not our friend head over to www.myspace.com/sidechorecords and be our friend!

Music Saves Lives Review by Euphonia Online

2006-05-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

The "Saving Lives Never Sounded So Good" project is based in Southern California, and their main focus is... well, saving lives. With the American Red Cross, they set up blood drives to keep California's supply at a steady level. If you're eligible to donate (http://musicsaveslives.com/donorquality.htm), head over to SoCal between March 1st and July 5th and give a pint. Not only will your blood be used to help someone in dire need of it, but you'll receive a rather awesome comp as well. The CD features several of everyone's favorite bands, and some of their most popular songs. It's a mix of awesome already-released material, new versions of songs, and B-sides, so it's pretty sweet.

The tracks range from the innovative trashcan-banging of Street Drum Corp's "Wrecks" to Plain White T's catchy "Revenge," and those are just the first two tracks. Following is "Unusual" by Stacy Clark, a sort of female version of The Postal Service. Motion City Soundtrack's "Hangman" and Mae's "Someone Else's Arms" are without a doubt hits on their own, but it adds appeal to the comp for those who don't own the bands' original albums.

I'm surprised that I hadn't heard of This Is Me Smiling before this. Judging from "A Better Way To Fall In Love," it sounds like the scene should be jumping all over them. Same with Angela's Dish, a charming Australian group that should receive instant lovin' from American fans in the very near future. After their track is one of the aforementioned B-sides, the full-band version of The Starting Line's "Lasting Impressions." This was up for download on their Purevolume for a few days, but if you weren't able to snag it there or on a P2P network, now's your chance! And take it--it's a great track. Sherwood's donation to the comp is a slightly different version of "The Summer Sends Its Love," which saw its premiere on their self-titled EP in 2004. The actual differences are best left to describe by music gods and AP Music Theory students--to ordinary ears, it's simply another version of a wonderful song.

Starting the second half of the comp is "Way Away," a lovely acoustic Yellowcard song that everyone ignored in favor of "Ocean Avenue." I don't know what was on the minds of those Top 40 deejays as they made that choice, because this is acoustic at its best. "Love Is A Fast Song" (Copeland) and "Eyelash Wishes" (The All-American Rejects) are, of course, amazing for those who are already fans and those who (for some strange reason) haven't heard of either yet. Next is "Bonjour Bonjour" by Run Doris Run, who sound like they're well on their way to following in Fall Out Boy's footsteps. After that is another acoustic bit, this one from hardcore band Bleed the Dream. Sound neat? It very much is. So is "Philadelphia in the Spring Time," a Tokyo Rose song from their Japanese release. Finally, to close the comp is an intense Matches song and the infectiously good "City Lights" by Over It. It sounds like a demo version of the song, or some other version than that on Smartpunk's comp. The harmonies are much more prevalent on this one. I think Saving Lives got the better deal.

If you haven't gotten the idea already, this is one of the best comps I've had the pleasure of listening to--and it's not entirely composed of rare tracks, or a tribute, or anything like that. It's just really good. The best part is that the price of the CD is only 45 minutes of your time. Best trade ever. Your blood will help people in need, and you'll get a superb comp in return. And if you don't live in SoCal, donate blood anyway. You can find at least one blood drive every few months somewhere in your area. Because when it all comes down to it, music is pretty neat, but it doesn't save lives--people do.

TRACK LISTING
1) Street Drum Corp - Wrecks
2) Plain White Ts - Revenge
3) Stacy Clark - Unusual
4) Motion City Soundtrack - Hangman
5) Mae - Someone Else's Arms
6) This Is Me Smiling
7) Angelas Dish - The Light On
8) The Starting Line - Lasting Impressions
9) Sherwood - The Summer Sends Its Love
10) Yellowcard - Way Away
11) Copeland - Love Is A Fast Song
12) The All-American Rejects -
Eyelash Wishes
13) Run Doris Run - Bonjour Bonjour
14) Cartel - The Minstrel's Prayer
15) Bleed the Dream - Broken Wings
16) Tokyo Rose - Philadelphia in the
Spring Time
17) The Matches - My Soft and Deep
18) Over It - City Lights

Neva Dinova Bio

2006-05-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

Neva Dinova was born amidst the Midwestern emptiness of Omaha, Nebraska. Originally a basement-dwelling partnership between band founders Jake Bellows (vocals/guitar) and Heath Koontz (bass/vocals), the two eventually became bored of their isolated state and recruited three others to help them move their sound from the basement to the stage. After several incarnations, Neva Dinova finally found a solid line-up with Tim Haes (guitar), Mike Kratky (guitar) and Bo Anderson (drums) and began playing shows around Omaha. They gained respect very quickly from their musical peers. However, with The Faint, Bright Eyes and Saddle Creek Records focusing the nation's musical eyes on Omaha, the as-of-yet unsigned Neva Dinova seemed to be left behind, destined to be the respected, yet unsung hometown heroes.

Fortunately, that all began to change in 2002.

After having recorded and compiled their own record in 2001, the whisperings about Neva Dinova began to get louder. A copy of their debut effort found its way into the hands of respected indie label, crank!, who quickly signed the band and released the eponymous debut in 2002. The album was met with tremendous critical acclaim, including being lauded as a "Top 10 Release of 2002" by the Los Angeles Times. Though the band enjoyed one lengthy sold-out tour with Omaha heroes (and former crank! artists) Cursive, their remaining tour attempts were fraught with trouble and left the album floundering as simply a rare find amongst the musical cognoscenti; that is, until a long-standing hometown friendship catapulted Neva Dinova to the forefront of indie rock.

Neva Dinova's main songwriter, Jake Bellows, and indie rock hero Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes fame, had discussed a musical collaboration for years. With conflicting schedules, however, it never seemed to come to fruition. Suddenly in late 2003 Jake and Conor found themselves both in Omaha for weeks at a time. Conor and Neva Dinova with new drummer, Roger Lewis (also of The Good Life) quickly recorded six songs together, each writing three songs but playing on all six, and in mid-2004 crank! released the highly anticipated collaboration, "One Jug Of Wine, Two Vessels." The release was lauded as a masterpiece and began selling instantaneously, driven by acclaim from powerful media like MTV, Rolling Stone, Spin, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Blender, Jane, Alternative Press and many others. The record skyrocketed up the college radio and Billboard Independent charts. Suddenly Neva Dinova was on the tips of people's tongues.

Just a few months later, Neva Dinova finished recording the eleven songs for their second full length, the soon-to-be-released The Hate Yourself Change. From the first listen it is clear that Jake Bellows' songwriting has matured and flourished. The many who were overly impressed with Neva's work on "One Jug..." will be blown away by the new release. His uncanny ability to subtly integrate infectious melodies into non-traditional rock song structures continually sets him apart from indie rock’s numerous songwriters, as a writer who will stand the test of time. And when he belts into the power of "It's a dream" (from "The Blackest Heart"), one can't help but feel light-headed with anxious energy. And the Iggy Pop-meets-Leonard Cohen pop infectiousness of "A Picture In Pocket" will have you hitting the repeat button on your stereo incessantly.

Thanks to Sidecho Records, a formidable national distribution arm and promotion company — and its relationship with the savvy crank! label — The Hate Yourself Change will have the support it needs and deserves.*

Sherwood Bio

2006-05-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

While nearly every modern-day rock band is greatly affected by rock’s iconic songwriters, very few bands aspire to rise above fad-status and achieve something great. Sherwood is one of those bands.

Since forming in late 2002 as college friends in San Luis Obispo, CA, Sherwood has developed a reputation for being one of the most industrious bands in their league. They’ve booked multiple nation-wide tours and enjoyed immense success with their self-released EP, making fans wherever fans could be made. Whether they’re meeting people at shopping malls, or chatting with crowds waiting in line at shows, Sherwood knows the value of making new friends. Guitarist Dan Koch remarks, “It’s easy to get down when you’re on a hectic tour playing to sparse crowds. A few things always seem to keep us going, like a great show, a cool conversation with a fan, or moments that remind us how lucky we are to do this kind of thing.”

Despite the usual hurdles every new band encounters, Sherwood has also experienced some nice breaks. Last August, the boys were asked to join the last three weeks of the 2004 Vans Warped Tour, and they made the most of each day. If you were at one of these shows, you might recognize Sherwood as the group of smiling faces that greeted you while you waited in line at 8 a.m. Although the band agrees Warped Tour was “totally ridiculous,” Sherwood had a blast developing their live show and reaching a vast audience.

After the New Year, Sherwood went into the studio with producer Michael Rosas to record their debut full-length, “Sing, But Keep Going.” The band recorded fifteen songs, but ultimately kept twelve of the best tunes for the record. Drummer Joe Greenetz remarks, “No matter which song you think will turn out great, you can never tell until the whole thing is done. Since it’s our first album, we really tried to put our best foot forward.”

SideCho Records will deliver “Sing, But Keep Going” on May 31st, after serving as a source of counsel to the band during its earliest days. When Sherwood first released their EP, SideCho Records president, James Cho, encouraged the band to tour as much as possible and make friends on the road. The band received similar advice from others in the industry and wasted no time booking their first national tour in support of their EP. Their hard work and catchy tunes helped generate considerable label attention early on, but Sherwood found a home at SideCho.

With a diverse selection of influences that include The Beach Boys and Jimmy Eat World, “Sing, But Keep Going” offers sharp lyrics, indie charm and a nod to the great songwriters of decades past. The band referenced standards such as “Pet Sounds” and “Revolver” to create engaging instrumentation and relied on personal experiences to inspire the lyrics. “Sing, But Keep Going” also includes an EPK that documents the band’s adventures across the U.S. via live performances, candid clips and interviews with the band members. Sherwood hopes their fans can see their personalities and feel like a part of the band. Lead singer and bassist Nate Henry calls the enhanced disc, “A small window into our world.”

Amongst a sea of predictable clones, Sherwood's natural sound and clever hooks serve as a refreshing reminder of how far a great song can go.

MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/sherwood
PUREVOLUME: http://www.purevolume.com
OFFICIAL SITE: http://www.sherwoodmusic.net

Tokyo Rose BIo

2006-05-19T12:29:00.001-07:00

New Jersey has come to be known as a scene with a plethora of outstanding bands. However, only a few really get noticed outside of the garden state, where natives say, “only the strong survive.” Tokyo Rose are no longer satisfied with being a brilliant flower in the garden state, and with an impressive debut album – the boys won’t have to wait to long for the world to take notice.

Tokyo Rose began in the summer of 2001 when Ryan Dominguez (vocals, guitar) and Chris Poulsen (bass) started playing together after they both parted ways with their previous bands. A couple of member changes later, Tokyo Rose brought aboard Jon Smith (drums) and a few short months later, Greg Doran (guitar – also a old high school pal of Jon’s), stepped up to the plate to complete the Tokyo Rose lineup.

What became second nature of them was to write catchy emotional pop rock with insightful lyrics. Soon after they started playing shows with this lineup, things started looking up for them. They garnered a bigger fan base at home (Jersey) and managed to get themselves out of Jersey a few times to tour with the likes of The Beautiful Mistake, Glasseater and Northstar. Tokyo Rose was starting to “happen.”

The story goes that even before playing their first “real” show (besides at friend’s basements and such), Tokyo Rose had sent a demo to Chad Pearson, who works for SideCho Records. Chad quickly contacted them to say that he loved what he had heard, and the two parties quickly formed a close friendship.

Soon afterwards Tokyo Rose had a more then a few labels interested in them in California – so they decided to book their own tour out to California and play a few showcases for these labels “When we got to California to play for all the labels, Chad introduced us to James Cho, the owner of SideCho, and we instantly saw that both James and Chad were a cut above the rest of the typical label scum,” Poulsen said, “we felt that we really wanted to deal with SideCho from then on.” Fast-forward through a few months of building a closer friendship and trust with each other – SideCho presented Tokyo Rose their deal.

“It took me awhile to say ‘Let’s do this!’” Cho comments, “because I wanted to be sure that SideCho had the best resources to give Tokyo Rose. I definitely feel that we can work magic together.”

Tokyo Rose spent all of March and April 2003 at Portrait Studios in Lincoln Park, NJ recording Reinventing A Lost Art, Tokyo Rose’s debut full-length out July 15th, 2003. Although the band had independently released an EP titled, “Chasing Fireflies,” it was not until the making of Reinventing A Lost Art have they had ever recorded in true studio fashion. Tokyo Rose paired up with Jersey-based producer Chris Badami (Dillinger Escape Plan, The Early November, The Starting Line, etc.) to help them on the record.

“[Chris] is a great guy and is very supportive of our band,” Poulsen spoke of Badami. “He had great ideas that we wouldn’t have thought up to make our songs be the best they could be.”

Tokyo Rose plans to keep playing in their home state, as well as tour nationally. They have already booked their own 6-week national tour with The Lyndsay Diaries (The Militia Group). “There are so many bands [in Jersey], sometimes you can get lost in the mix,” Chris comment on the jersey scene, “but we have a lot of dedicated, loyal fans and they support what we’re doing whole heartedly.” That is strength in numbers--and only the strong survive in Jersey.

MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/tokyorose
PUREVOLUME: http://www.purevolume.com/tokyorose
OFFICIAL SITE: http://www.tokyorosenj.com

The Pale Pacific Bio

2006-05-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

THE PALE is the kind of band that will either appeal to you immediately, or grow on you relentlessly. Front man and lead vocalist Gabe Archer started the band with his cousin, Cameron Nicklaus, in 1994. Together the two wrote a batch of songs resulting in a six-song demo-tape, made on their 4 track. While playing shows to support the tape, the band filled out with different members and instruments, but one thing remained the same: Archer and Nicklaus were always busy recording new songs. Archer was clearly mastering melody, Nicklaus consumed with audio engineering. They have since put out three self-released albums (with drummer Greg Swinehart joining in college, Lance Fisher joining after). In the nine years of the Pale’s existence, they have become a pop-rock orchestra with wonderfully complex arrangements. They project an energetic force rarely seen in live performances.

The Pale will nationally release its third record, Gravity Gets Things Done, January 13th, 2004 on SideCho Records. Recorded once again by guitarist Cameron Nicklaus, the record is musically and lyrically edgier than any of their previous work. Before signing with SideCho, Gravity was released in their hometown of Bellingham, WA. where its poignant melody and intriguing, introspective lyrics drew an entirely new crowd thanks to both college and commercial radio championing the band. In Seattle, The Stranger’s Barbara Mitchell said the band is “amassing the kind of organic buzz that makes you know they've got what it takes to back it all up.” They have already played several high-profile local venues in the northwest: the Crocodile, the Gorge, Graceland, the Showbox, and the EMP Sky Church, alongside bands such as Supergrass, Evanescence, and Pedro the Lion. The Pale was invited to play at the Sasquatch! Festival on May 24th, 2003 with Coldplay, Flaming Lips, and Jurassic 5, and they performed at 107.7 The End’s Endfest on June 21st, 2003, with Godsmack, Staind, and Trapt. They were also honored to play to a capacity crowd of 800 at Seattle’s Bumbershoot festival in September 2003. Since its northwest release, Gravity Gets Things Done has gone to the CMJ top 20 at 5 Washington college radio stations (including #2 at Seattle’s KEXP), #1 on the People’s Choice Countdown at 107.7 The End (Seattle), #5 on the indie chart at MP3.com, stayed in The Stranger’s Top 20 for local sales for five months, received a glowing review on National Public Radio, and been dubbed the “Next Big Thing” by AbsolutePunk.net, a colossal website that lauded The Pale even though they aren’t a punk band.

The Pale creates spirited, punchy, and surprisingly moving pop rock. Michele Myers at KEXP says “The Pale raise the bar… with their thoughtful, dynamic approach to indie rock. Melodically infective lyrics explore the science of sensitivity.” They are pop music with brains and brawn, and their unique mix of fun and substance is winning the hearts of giddy teenagers and jaded indie rockers alike.

Now signed to SideCho Records and booked by Aero Booking, The Pale will tour the nation beginning January 15th, 2004.

OFFICIAL SITE: http://thepalepacific.com
MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/thepale
PUREVOLUME: http://www.purevolume.com/thepalepacific

Charlemagne Bio

2006-05-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

Carl Johns is Charlemagne. But he's been known as Carl Johns before — like when he was born in Southern Indiana in the mid-'70s, and when he started playing the drums (his first instrument). He was also Carl Johns when he left the Hoosier State and relocated to Madison, Wisconsin eight years ago, learned to play guitar and ended up in the group Noahjohn (a sort of a psychedelic Americana project, depending on which album you're listening to), of which released four albums from 1999 to 2004, and toured all over the U.S. and U.K.

But today, Carl Johns is Charlemagne (translation: Carl the Great), and is releasing his second album, Detour Allure, on SideCho. The Charlemagne debut, a 2003 self-titled affair, found Johns producing and performing all instruments, of which he says was a longtime dream. Recorded in "the dead of winter" in Madison, Charlemagne also found Johns layering his parts for the first time; the Noahjohn releases were generally tracked live, together in the studio.

Charlemagne gained a number of accolades both at home and abroad, and drew comparisons to The Beach Boys, as it was Johns' intention of making the debut a decidedly pop album. In 2004, Johns took his Charlemagne act on the road, touring the U.K. with singer-songwriter (and Militia Group artist) Denison Witmer, who eventually linked Charlemagne to SideCho.

But Johns, a rather prolific songwriter (who's also a producer, arranger and side/session man), had more to offer and headed back into the studio in November 2004 to start tracking Detour Allure. Inspired by bands like Magnetic Fields, Fleetwood Mac and My Bloody Valentine, Detour Allure finds Johns creating less of a singular, songwriter-esque release, instead opting to incorporate more of a full band aesthetic, even utilizing other musicians to assist in the album's creative process. Crammed with plenty of melodies, hooks, reverb, keys, beats and handclaps, Detour Allure shows Charlemagne drafting a modern, psychedelic pop album, with plenty of conviction to boot.

Detour Allure was co-produced by Charlemagne and The Arty Bastard (real name: Curtis Whaley, keyboard player and graphic designer for the disc), and it was the first time the two paired up as a production team. "Curtis and I worked really well together," says Johns. "I really enjoyed working with Curtis. He's a Southern gentleman with Euro flavor, which I think comes through on the record. He's equally at home at cookouts and art openings, a subtle iconoclast."

To ease the pain of a recording budget, Detour Allure was largely tracked at a local home studio, Science Of Sound. Yet, the album was mixed at the prominent Smart Studios, owned by Butch Vig of Garbage. Johns enlisted his current live band to perform on Detour Allure, which consists of Whaley; A12 (a.k.a. Alex Fulton), a badass lady drummer/Janet Weiss devotee; The Equalizer (a.k.a. Bill Borowski), a grunge and surf rock bassist with a closet obsession for Wings/Paul McCartney; Katydid (a.k.a. Kaleen Enke), who hails from a pig farm in Iowa, has four sisters whose names all end in "-leen" and sings on Denison Witmer's new album; Ladybird (a.k.a. Tenaya Darlington), who's a novelist, poet, journalist and professor, and holds dual citizenship with Switzerland. (Darlington left the band shortly after the album was tracked.)

The blending of the two studios, Smart and Science of Sound, gave Detour Allure an aesthete that's both low-brow and high-brow, homegrown yet produced, and both natural and alien. Enlisting the skills of mixing engineer Mike Zirkel at Smart, Johns notes that Zirkel's excellent contributions to Charlemagne lead him to understand and stay true to the vision of a homegrown pop album with mass appeal, and create an equally excellent product with Detour Allure.

Detour Allure launches with a triumvirate of material — specifically "Greyhound," "Pink and Silver" and "Nematode" — that, according to Johns, sets the parameters for the rest of the album and dictates "the palette that we're working with." "Greyhound" is self-tagged as a "lazy pop song," on the slower end of a mid-tempo pace. (The song's chorus is where the album title was lifted.) The upbeat "Pink and Silver" sports an '80s feel, with plenty of hooks and fuzzy tones. Johns' psychedelic influences make an appearance in the middle section of "Nematode," which fires off with rough drum beats, acoustic guitars and a female voice, then breaks into a pop song with male/female vocal interplay.

The most folk-ish track on Detour Allure, "Your Scars," is a song Johns claims is "about the card game hearts, and swingers," with its jangly feel, augmented by brushed cymbals and careful harmonies. "Tell Me" finds Charlemagne on the opposite side of the spectrum, self-described as "a bit cock rock" with a wanking bass guitar solo, cheering, clapping and a singular, directed and demanding lyric line of "Tell me what you want."

"Half of my choruses are something I woke up the next morning and remembered what someone said the night before," Johns says, who notes that he can get bored with creating the same album twice, thus his body of work is really an artistic progression or journey. "I've already covered a lot of sonic ground," he says. "Detour Allure next to Tadpoles is quite a contrast, as is Detour Allure next to the Charlemagne debut."

And when it's all said and done, the core of Charlemagne's Detour Allure is Johns' songwriting common denominator: the exploration of mystery and becoming comfortable with the unknown. The juxtaposition of such elements in Detour Allure includes offering pop melodies of intimate scenarios (conception, knitting, travel, gossip, card games, etc.) ? the familiar and "known" ? amidst psychedelia and a wash of sound ? the undefined and "unknown."

"And I think the two ultimately make peace with another," says Johns of the contrasting, yet strangely complementary elements. "It's not about 'fear,' it's about saying 'fuck fear.' It's also about precision and imprecision. We combine synthesizers, which are pitch perfect, with acoustic guitars, which are tonally all over the place. Also drum machines with real drums and tight vocal lines with off-time vocals. There is disorder within the order, but somehow it all fits."

MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/charlefuckingmagne
OFFICIAL SITE: http://www.beholdcharlemagne.com
FLICKR PHOTO POOL: http://www.flickr.com/groups/charlemagne/pool/
TOUR DIARY: http://www.beholdcharlemagne.com/tour/diary.html

Some By Sea BIo

2006-05-19T12:24:00.000-07:00

Perhaps it was never Chris Du Bray's intention of launching a full-blown project — one that mutated into the quintet known as Some By Sea — but in this instance, not charting such a stringent course eventually yielded greater, more fulfilling results.

Du Bray had been in several groups since the age of 14 and really hadn't reached his full musical potential, particularly when considering the amount of time he'd invested. So, like any other enterprising musician, the guitarist/vocalist opted to hit the stage, performing solely on his terms.

Tagging himself as Some By Sea in early 2003, Du Bray began playing solo acoustic shows within his Seattle locale. When a friend joined Du Bray, Some By Sea's evolution into a band quickly gained momentum, particularly with the addition Rachel Bowman on cello and piano. In fact, in less than a year's time, the one-man show had become a full-blown group and Du Bray was finally in a band that he felt could potentially meet or exceed his expectations. The original intent of creating music on a smaller scale had actually worked its way into a venture far more developed.

Within a few months and in trio formation, Some By Sea had already started recording what would become tracks for their debut, most notably with Bowman's classical influences adding an entirely new dimension to Du Bray's songwriting. After an encounter at one of the band's shows, drummer Daniel Disparte and keyboardist/lap steel/guitarist David Bilbrey joined the effort and completed the outfit.

In January 2004, Some By Sea's debut, Get Off The Ground If You're Scared was released by the band's own label, Kringle Recordings. Generating rave reviews from a vast array of publications, the debut stamped an indelible first impression on music fans and critics alike.

After wrapping successful touring stints in support of Get Off The Ground If You're Scared, Some By Sea found themselves back in the studio a year after their debut's release, composing, demoing and eventually tracking a batch of new material. These sessions would mark the first time Some By Sea collaborated and recorded as an entire unit, which gave the quintet more of an opportunity to experiment and analyze their material. It also marked another shift in the line-up, with the inclusion of bassist Blake Johnston. "This time, we actually had a chance to write these songs and perform them as a group in our practice space and at shows," says Du Bray. "We had the chance to arrange them and try different scenarios with them." Helmed by producer David Nichols (Time To Fly, tex.) starting in March 2005, Some By Sea sporadically pieced their recordings together around the various members' schedules in Tacoma over the course of three months, completing a total of 17 songs. Five were allotted for the band's self-released EP The Saddest Christmas and the remaining dozen for their SideCho debut and sophomore album, on fire! (igloo).

For Du Bray, connecting with his new home at SideCho in the summer of 2005 was rather simple. "The spark was there just as far as getting along, talking about music, SideCho and Some By Sea," he says. "It was pretty obvious for us to go with them based on their past successes with The Pale Pacific and Sherwood."

Placing a solid team like SideCho behind the band was a key factor in the successful release plans for Some By Sea's sophomore effort. "We tried as hard as we could to get [on fire! (igloo)] put out by someone else so we could focus more on touring, playing music, and do whatever it took to promote the album," says Du Bray. The 70-minute, 12-song on fire! (igloo) found the band "taking the sound that we had before and just improving upon it," becoming more epic with certain tracks, infusing a variety of styles and genres, yet all the while maintaining their overall sense of direction. "I'm very confident that we pulled it off," Du Bray says. "The biggest goal to everyone, I think, is to make a record that if we weren't in the group, we'd actually want to sit down and listen to over and over again. It's a group of five complete music nerds and we're our own biggest critics." As for these five critics' seemingly odd choice in album title selection, Du Bray offers a rather logical response that's reflective of the band's forward-thinking idealism. "If you get fire around an igloo, it'll melt instantly. It's a tenuous thing and with the least amount of effort can just be destroyed. And I think that going into this recording and hearing the reviews that were putting us into these classifications, we felt like an igloo that was about to catch on fire. It's just one of those images that felt kind of perfect, something that hopefully can never happen and a direction that we don't want to go. We don't want to be the igloo that burns to the ground!"

MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/somebysea
OFFICIAL SITE: http://www.somebysea.com
PUREVOLUME: http://www.purevolume.com/somebysea

The Spores Bio

2006-05-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

THE SPORES came to attention with the inclusion of noted figures vocalist / bassist MOLLY McGUIRE, having recently exited from MONDO GENERATOR and featured on QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE's 'Songs For The Deaf' and MARK LANEGAN's 'Bubblegum', along with guitarist GREG Stunbunny BIRIBAUER, engineer for QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, eARTHLINGS? and THE VINES.

Home recordings would be given new impetus by McGuire's sudden exit from MONDO GENERATOR and THE SPORES would duly be built up as a live band with the induction of the SOUL and ORGY credited KENNY PIERCE on drums.

Featuring a supporting cast of mutant puppets and a tantalizing array of music and performance, the act would soon make a name for itself on the Californian club circuit guesting for the likes of EAGLES OF DEATH METAL, BRANT BJORK and MONSTERS ARE WAITING...

In 2005, between shows, recording and building THE SPORES live act into a 75 min. puppet/human extravaganza, MOLLY added sessions with FRANK BLACK (of PIXIES fame) and electro-clash artist PEACHES to her resume.

2006: A new deal with SideCho Records anticipates the release of a special edition 12" inch vinyl in early '06, plus a full album slated for June.

THE SPORES will ship the self-released "LIVE 8.29.05" (to benefit Katrina victims) on 01.17.06. You can pre-order and order the CD at: http://www.thespores.com/merch.shtml

:: LINKS :: The Spores
OFFICIAL WEBSITE FOR THE SPORES!: http://www.thespores.com
OFFICIAL MYSPACE PAGE FOR THE SPORES!: http://www.myspace.com/thespores
OFFICIAL PUREVOLUME PAGE FOR THE SPORES!: http://www.purevolume.com/thespores