vansmusic

WIN a Darkest Hour Skate Deck + Vans Gear

2011-03-04T15:00:00.000-08:00

Up for grabs is a sick Darkest Hour skate deck from Indie Merch, the latest Darkest Hour album and some Vans apparel including a pair of kicks, a tee and a hoodie. 3 lucky winners will be chosen at random when the contest ends on March 25th.

HOW TO ENTER:

- Send an e-mail to music.vans@gmail.com
- Enter DARKEST HOUR in the subject line
- Include you full name, mailing address, clothing size and shoe size (remember to specify Men's or Women's sizes)!

Good luck everyone!

Don't forget to catch the guys on tour now:

02/25 Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
02/26 Virginia Beach, VA – Skate High
02/27 Greensboro, NC – Greene St
02/28 Pittsburgh, PA – Diesel
03/01 Joliet, IL – Mojoes
03/02 Sauget, IL – Pop’s
03/03 Covington, KY – The Madhatter
03/04 Detroit, MI – Harpos
03/05 Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
03/06 St. Paul, MN – The Station
03/07 Iowa City, IA – Blue Moose
03/08 Omaha, NE – Sokol Underground
03/09 TBA, CO – TBA
03/10 Salt Lake City, UT – Club Sound
03/11 Reno, NV – The Alley
03/12 Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
03/13 Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
03/14 Seattle, WA – Studio Seven
03/15 Boise, ID – The Venue
03/17 Santa Clara, CA – The Avalon
03/18 Modesto, CA – Seasons Hall
03/19 Anaheim, CA – The Grove
03/20 Tucson, AZ – The Rock
03/22 Tulsa, OK – Marquee Theatre
03/24 Indianapolis, IN – Emerson Theatre
03/25 Dayton, OH – The Attic
03/26 Lancaster, PA – Chameleon Club
03/27 Albany, NY – Northern Lights

Concert Pics: OFF!

2011-03-03T13:34:00.000-08:00

We have another amazing photo set from our new photo contributor Colleen Allison! Last week she checked out OFF! at the Echoplex. Check out her shots from the show:

Welcome Between The Buried and Me!

2011-03-02T12:08:00.000-08:00

Vans music is expanding by the day! We're stoked to welcome Between The Buried and Me to our roster of bands- and just in time, too. The band is soon hitting the road for a headline tour and releasing The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues on April 12th. The conceptual effort is a 3-song, 30 minute story connected by 2 humans living millions of light years apart. If that doesn't make you want to check it out, I don't know what else will! You can hear a sample of from one of the songs below:

Between the Buried and Me "Specular Reflection" (Sample) by Metal Blade Records

The album is currently available for pre-order until it's April release.

And don't forget to enjoy the guys this spring!

04/15 Farmingdale, NY – The Crazy Donkey
04/16 Worcester, MA – The Palladium
04/17 Lancaster, PA – Chameleon Club
04/18 Pittsburgh, PA – Altar Bar
04/19 Williamsville, NY – Club Infinity
04/20 Montreal, QC – Le National
04/21 Toronto, ON – Opera House
04/22 Toledo, OH – Headliners
04/23 Pontiac, MI – The Crofoot Ballroom
04/25 Milwaukee, WI – Eagles Ballroom
04/26 Lawrence, KS – Granada
04/27 Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall
04/29 Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theatre
04/30 Seattle, WA – El Corazon
05/01 Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
05/03 Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
05/04 San Francisco, CA – Slim’s
05/05 Pomona, CA – Glasshouse Music Hall
05/06 San Diego, CA – Soma
05/07 Mesa, AZ – Nile Theatre
05/09 Dallas, TX – The Door
05/10 Tulsa, OK – The Marquee
05/11 Memphis, TN – New Daisy Theatre
05/12 Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
05/13 Nashville, TN – Rockettown
05/14 Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel

She Wants Revenge Tour

2011-02-28T12:12:00.000-08:00

She Wants Revenge is hitting the road in March. Check'em out!

03/17/11 - Beauty Bar Austin , TX

03/21/11 - Bluebird Theater Denver , CO

03/22/11 - Bar Deluxe - Salt Lake City , UT

03/24/11 - El Corazon Seattle , WA

03/25/11 - Dante’s Portland , OR

03/26/11 - The Alley Sparks , NV

03/27/11 - The Blank Club San Jose , CA

03/28/11 - The Independent San Francisco , CA

03/30/11 - The Boardwalk Orangevale , CA

03/31/11 - Glasshouse Pomona , CA

04/01/11 - SoHo Santa Barbara , CA

04/02/11 - Belly Up Tavern Solana Beach , CA

04/17/11 - Coachella Valley Music and Arts Indio CA

Visit us at MUSINK

2011-02-25T14:21:00.001-08:00

Mark your calenders for the 4th Annual MUSINK festival this spring! The event next weekend, March 4-6, at the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, CA. If you love music, tattoos, skateboarding and BMX, this is the place to be. Needless to say, Vans is all over it.

You can find the Vans booth next to our buddy Oliver Peck's booth where we will host some signings during the weekend and have sweet gear you should check out. Come meet some bands, skateboarders and hang out with the cool kids.

Vans Exclusive: Set Your Goals

2011-02-22T00:01:00.000-08:00

We sent over some questions for Set Your Goals before they left for their tour with Parkway Drive. Check it out to hear their favorite Warped Tour story, insight on the new album and what a pair of Set Your Goals Vans would look like.

Meet Danko Jones

2011-02-20T00:13:00.000-08:00

We are very pleased to welcome Danko Jones to our Vans family! If you are looking for good music, look no further. These guys are awesome. They are heading out on tour this Tuesday for a handful of East Coast shows- even a free performance.

Feb 22- Harrisburg, PA- Drinkin Bone
Feb 24- New York, NY- The Studio @ Webster Hall
Feb 26- Syracuse, NY- Benjamin's On Franklin
Feb 27- Hartford, CT- Webster Underground
Mar 01- Philadelphia, PA- North Star Bar

To get a good feel for Danko, check out the music video to the latest single "Full of Regret." Though really, it would be more accurately described as a mini-movie. One of the coolest videos I've ever seen. Did I mention it even as a cast?! Lemmy of Motörhead, Elijah Wood, Selma Blair and Mike Watt. I know, right!? If you like what you hear, Below The Belt is available now with an exclusive iTunes release featuring 3 bonus tracks.

SXSW AP Showcase

2011-02-18T01:18:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again! Music, interactive and film nerds all pile into Austin for the oh-so fabulous South x South West (SXSW) conference. Yours truly will be in attendance with the Vans crew and I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we can't wait. I may or may not already be counting down the days.

Anyway, our friends at Alternative Press host a rad, all-ages and totally free showcase during SXSW. This year, you can check it out on Saturday, March 19th, across all three stages at Emo's. With over 20 bands performing, everyone will have a reason to come out. And after seeing the crowd from last year, everyone will also have a reason to come out early.

See you there!

Concert Pics: Motörhead + Valient Thorr

2011-02-15T01:08:00.000-08:00

More concert photos have arrived courtesy of new contributor Colleen Allison. She went with the Vans music crew to check out Motörhead and Valient Thorr last month at the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA. Take a look at her shots right here. We can't wait to get some more of her work posted in the blog!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T00:14:00.000-08:00

OFF! + Trash Talk Tour

2011-02-11T00:03:00.000-08:00

This tour sounds like a match made in heaven. OFF! (Keith Morris' new band) and Trash Talk will be hitting the road together this spring for an east coast run. I know that I say to go to all the tours that I post here, but this is the one you really, truly and honestly can't miss, ok? Ok. Cool.

3/22 Atlanta, GA @ Drunken Unicorn
3/23 Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
3/24 Washington, DC @ The Red Palace
3/25 Baltimore, MD @ The Ottobar
3/26 New York, NY @ Santos Party House
3/28 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Downstairs
3/30 Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk Place
3/31 Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
4/1 Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick
4/2 Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
4/3 Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club

Guttermouth Tour

2011-02-09T01:02:00.000-08:00

Yesterday marked the kick off of Guttermouth's 2011 winter tour. Unfortunately, us on the East coast aren't going to catch them this go around. Lucky Colorado! Tickets are on-sale now.

Feb 9 - Meford, OR - Johnny B's
Feb 10 - Portland OR - Ash Street Saloon
Feb 11 - Tacoma, WA - Hell's Kitchen
Feb 12 - Seattle, WA - The Funhouse
Feb 13 - Spokane, WA - A Club
Feb 14 - Boise, ID - Gusto Bar
Feb 16 - Billings, MT - Railyard
Feb 17 - Casper, WY - Downtown Grill
Feb 18 - Ft. Collins, CO - Hodi's Half Note
Feb 19 - Denver, CO - The Marquis Theatre
Feb 20 - Colorado Springs, CO - The Black Sheep
Feb 21 - South Fork, CO - Biggin's
Feb 23 - Crested Butte, CO - The Eldo
Feb 24 - Breckenridge, CO - three20south
Feb 25 - Vail, CO - Sandbar Vail
Feb 26 - Grand Junction, CO - Rocky Mountain Pub
Feb 27 - Salt Lake City, UT - Burt's Tiki Lounge
Mar 19 - Agoura Hills, CA - Canyon Club
Mar 26 - Redondo Beach, CA - Brixton

Win Set Your Goals and Parkway Drive Tickets!

2011-02-06T00:08:00.000-08:00

We are very excited to be a part of the Parkway Drive and Set Your Goals upcoming tour and we are bringing you the chance to check it out...for free! We have a pair of tickets for each date up for grabs. All you do is leave a comment on this post for your chance to win. The contest closes this Friday, Feb 11th, at midnight PST...so get going!

HOW TO ENTER:

-At the comment box below, log-in via Facebook or Twitter from the drop down menu first (so we can contact you if you win).
-Include the concert date and city in which you want to win tickets for in your comment.
-Be sure to let us know your favorite kind of Vans in your comment, too!
-That's it! Winners will be chosen at random.

Parkway Drive + Set Your Goals Tour Dates:
Feb 15 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues
Feb 16 – Salt Lake City, UT – Club Sound
Feb 17 – Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre
Feb 18 – Kansas City, MO – Beaumont Club
Feb 19 – St. Louis, MO – Pops
Feb 20 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
Feb 21 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues
Feb 22 – Pontiac, MI – Clutch Cargos
Feb 23 – London, ON – London Music Hall
Feb 24 – Toronto, ON – The Opera House
Feb 25 – Montreal, QC – The Olympia
Feb 26 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
Feb 27 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts
Feb 28 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium
Mar 1 – Baltimore, MD – Sonar
Mar 2 – Richmond, VA – Hat Factory
Mar 3 – Charlotte, NC – Tremont Music Hall
Mar 4 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
Mar 6 – Austin, TX – Emo’s
Mar 7 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
Mar 8 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues
Mar 9 – San Antonio, TX – White Rabbit
Mar 11 – Phoenix, AZ – The Nile
Mar 12 – Los Angeles, CA – House of Blues

As if that wasn't enough, you can also win an autographed Parkway Drive guitar and free Vans for a year in another one of our contests. Talk about insane. Good luck, everyone!

Concert Pics: Social D + Tumbledown

2011-02-03T01:03:00.000-08:00

There's a new intern floating around the Vans office by the name of Rachel Clare. She loves good music, so I like her. And you should, too. Last week she went to check out a Social Distortion and Tumbledown show, two of Vans favorites, and got some great shots you guys can check out. Welcome to the team, Rachel and here's to more of your shots!

Social Distortion @ Hollywood Palladium, January 29, 2011

Tumbledown @ Slidebar Rock-N-Roll Kitchen, January 25th, 2011

New Datarock Song + Free Download

2011-02-02T01:12:00.000-08:00

Datarock is currently in the middle of what's going to be the most epic release in music to date. Seriously. The project, out March 21, will be a vinyl toy. Inside the toy will be a custom designed USB drive containing 105 songs, 1500 photos, 20 music videos and a concert movie. Check out how rad the toy is going to look!

The track "Catcher in the Rye" from the USB is available for you to stream at Spin.com and download for totally free (link trusted and verified). I just got the song myself and trust me, you'll start shimmying. It can't not happen.

Alesana finds new home with Epitaph

2011-01-31T01:12:00.000-08:00

Our friends at Epitaph have just expanded their family by adding Alesana to their arsenal of bands. Congrats to both! Guitarist Shawn Milke says:

We are very proud to officially announce that we have signed with Epitaph Records. This is a giant step for our career and we could not be any happier than to land with a powerhouse like Epitaph who, like us, and determined to bring Alesana to the next level. We are currently on the road as direct support to Escape The Fate after which we are headed back into the studio with our friend and producer Kris Crummett to record our fourth full length and first release on Epitaph. We hope you are as excited for 2011 as we are!

Epitaph founder and original Bad Religion member Brett Gurewitz adds:

They've got an amazing discography, have helped countless Epitaph bands by taking them on the road and with their latest release being their strongest are a band at the top of their game. I'm stoked to welcome Alesana to the Epitaph family.

The official announcement was made on January 25th, the kick-off day of an extensive tour for the band. Be sure to check them out this spring on the road:

Jan 25 - San Antonio, TX - White Rabbit
Jan 26 - Houston, TX - Warehouse Live
Jan 28 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade
Jan 29 - Orlando, FL - Club at Firestone
Jan 30 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Revolution
Feb 1 - Charlotte, NC - Amos' Southend
Feb 2 - Norfolk, VA - The NorVa
Feb 3 - Baltimore, MD - Ram's Head Live
Feb 4 - Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero
Feb 5 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom
Feb 8 - Lancaster, PA - Chameleon Club
Feb 9 - Allentown, PA - Crocodile Rock
Feb 11 - Hartford, CT - Webster Theater
Feb 12 - Worcester, MA - The Palladium
Feb 13 - Montreal, QC - Club Soda
Feb 14 - Toronto, ON - Phoenix Concert Theatre
Feb 16 - Buffalo, NY - The Town Ballroom
Feb 17 - Royal Oak, MI - Royal Oak Music Theatre
Feb 18 - Grand Rapids, MI - The Orbit Room
Feb 19 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave
Feb 20 - Chicago, IL - Vic Theatre
Feb 21 - Sauget, IL - Pop's
Feb 23 - Minneapolis, MN - The Cabooze
Feb 25 - Denver, CO - The Summit Music Hall
Feb 26 - Salt Lake City, UT - In The Venue
Feb 27 - Boise, ID - Knitting Factory Concert House
Mar 1 - Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory Concert House
Mar 2 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theatre
Mar 3 - Seattle, WA - Showbox at the Market
Mar 5 - San Francisco, CA - Grand Regency Ballroom

Mar 6 - Sacramento, CA - Ace of Spades
Mar 8 - Reno, NV - Knitting Factory
Mar 9 - Fresno, CA - The Crest Theater
Mar 11 - Anaheim, CA - The Grove of Anaheim
Mar 12 - San Diego, CA - Soma
Mar 13 - North Las Vegas, NV - Area 702

Darkest Hour Pre-Order Packages

2011-01-28T01:15:00.000-08:00

Darkest Hour's new album The Human Romance is now available for pre-order until the February 17th release. There are 5 different packages offered in the DH store, some with limited edition items like a key bottle opener. All the options are listed here. European pre-orders have a different package available.

Package A) CD only

Package B) CD & exclusive tee

Package C) CD, exclusive tee, iPod/iPhone skin, "key" bottle opener keychain & 11"x17" poster

Package D) CD, exclusive zip-up hoodie, iPod/iPhone skin, "key" bottle opener keychain & 11"x17" poster

Package E) CD, exclusive tee, exclusive zip-up hoodie, iPod/iPhone skin, "key" bottle opener keychain & 11"x17" poster

Upcoming Motörhead Appearances

2011-01-26T02:12:00.000-08:00

Seems like we're going to be seeing Lemmy all over our TVs pretty soon!

The new Motörhead documentary aptly titled Lemmy will air on VH1, VH1 Classic and Palladia on February 11th at 11:30pm. The film is all about Lemmy Kilmister himself- his life and candid stories directly from him. It also includes interviews with Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Joan Jett, Dave Grohl, Slash and more. All the details can be found at LemmyMovie.com and be sure to catch it on Feb 11th!

You can also catch Motörhead performing tonight on Conan O'Brien on TBS as well as NBC's Jimmy Fallon next week on March 2nd. Tune in.

The Big Four: Coming Soon

2011-01-24T03:00:00.000-08:00

It's finally happening. The Big Four have announced an appearance in the United States. WOO! In case you aren't up to speed, this is going to be the most epic show to ever happen in alternative music. We're talking Metallica, Anthrax, Slayer and Megadeth together at last. I don't even need to say more. They are playing their own festival on April 23rd at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA. Get your tickets the day they go on sale (January 28th, 10AM PST, Ticketmaster) because they won't last long. At all.

Tumbledown West Coast + Mexico Shows

2011-01-21T04:30:00.000-08:00

Tumbledown is currently wrapping up a few shows in Japan before heading back for 3 weeks of shows. If you are lucky enough to be on the west side of the states or in Mexico, get to one of these shows. As for the rest of us, let's hope the band have a nation-wide tour up their sleeves this year!

Jan 23 Central Pointe, OR The Brick
Jan 24 Citrus Heights, CA Fire Escape
Jan 25 Fullerton, CA Slidebar
Jan 27 Tijuana, Mexico Black Box
Jan 28 Mexicali, BC Mexico Bambinos Bar
Jan 29 Hermosillo, Mexico El Bicho Bar
Jan 30 Culiacan, Mexico Explanada de la Plazuela Rosales (UAS)
Feb 2 Aguascalientes, Mexico Cypress Hall
Feb 3 Mexico City, Mexico Foro Alicia
Feb 4 Guadalajara, Mexico Calle 2
Feb 5 Monterrey, Mexico Escenica
Feb 8 Roswell, NM Roswell Country Club (full band acoustic show)
Feb 9 Scottsdale, AZ Rogue Bar
Feb 10 Las Vegas, NV The Beauty Bar
Feb 11 Canoga Park, CA Cobalt Cafe
Feb 12 San Francisco, CA Thee Parkside

Thursday's 10th Anniversary Tour + Bad Religion Cover

2011-01-20T13:01:00.000-08:00

Tonight marks the first night of Thursday's highly anticipated winter tour. The 5-week stint celebrates the 10th year anniversary of the band's sophomore album Full Collapse. Also on the tour you'll find Underoath, Animals as Leaders and A Skylit Drive...can anyone say solid show? Tickets are available now and the dates are listed below.

Jan 20- Houston, TX- Warehouse Live
Jan 21- Austin, TX- Emo's
Jan 22- Dallas, TX- The Palladium Ballroom
Jan 24- Albuquerque, NM- Sunshine Theater
Jan 25- Tempe, AZ- Marquee Theatre
Jan 26- West Hollywood, CA- House Of Blues
Jan 27- Anaheim, CA- House of Blues
Jan 28- Las Vegas, NV- Hard Rock Cafe
Jan 29- San Diego, CA- Soma
Jan 30- San Francisco, CA- The Regency Ballroom
Feb 01- Portland, OR- Roseland Theatre
Feb 02- Seattle, WA- Showbox SoDo
Feb 03- Spokane, WA- Knitting Factory Concert House
Feb 04- Boise, ID- Knitting Factory Concert House
Feb 05- Salt Lake City, UT- In The Venue
Feb 06- Denver, CO- The Summit Music Hal
Feb 08- Minneapolis, MN- First Avenue
Feb 09- Chicago, IL- House Of Blues
Feb 10- Cleveland, OH- House Of Blues
Feb 11- Buffalo, NY- The Town Ballroom
Feb 12- Royal Oak, MI- Royal Oak Music Theatre
Feb 13- Toronto, ON- Phoenix Concert Theatre
Feb 14- Montreal, QC- Metropolis
Feb 16- Pittsburgh, PA- Club Zoo
Feb 17- New York, NY- Terminal 5
Feb 18- Worcester, MA- The Palladium
Feb 19- Philadelphia, PA- Trocadero
Feb 20- New Haven, CT- Toad's Place
Feb 22- Washington, DC- 9:30 Club
Feb 23- Charlotte, NC- Amos' Southend
Feb 24- Knoxville, TN- Valarium
Feb 25- Atlanta, GA- The Masquerade
Feb 26- Lake Buena Vista, FL- House Of Blues
Feb 27- Ft. Lauderdale, FL- Revolution

Oh hey- remember the free Bad Religion cover album released Fall of last year?

Thursday recorded BR's "Generator" for it and though we didn't see it on the comp, we can still check it out. The track is currently streaming on the band's Purevolume. Give it a whirl and see if you think it should have made the cut.

As I Lay Dying Video Update + Tour

2011-01-17T09:47:00.000-08:00

As I Lay Dying's Tim Lambesis and Josh Gilbert have given us a video update. The guys talk about their most recent European tour- along with some pretty entertaining footage. You can also catch a peek at the As I Lay Dying Super Deluxe box set, hear about the video shoot for "Anodyne Sea," and find out about the spring tour (dates listed below).

P.S. How cute is that kid in the video?

Spring 2011 Tour with Wings of Plague and After The Burial:
(tickets for all dates are on sale now)

Feb 12: Fort Collins, CO- Aggie Theater
Feb 14: Fargo, ND- The Venue at the Hub
Feb 15: Omaha, NE- Slowdown
Feb 16: Madison, WI- Barrymore Theatre
Feb 17: Green Bay, WI- Riverside Ballroom
Feb 18: Lansing, MI- The Loft
Feb 19: Dayton, OH- The Attic
Feb 20: Syracuse, NY- Lost Horizon
Feb 21: Burlington, VT- Higher Ground Ballroom
Feb 22: Pawtucket, RI- Met Cafe
Feb 24: New York, NY- The Gramercy Theatre
Feb 25: New York, NY- The Gramercy Theatre
Feb 26: Lancaster, PA- Chameleon Club
Feb 27: Raleigh, NC- Lincoln Theatre
Feb 28: Charleston, SC- The Music Farm
Mar 01: Wilmington, NC- The Soapbox
Mar 02: Jacksonville Beach, FL- Freebird Live
Mar 03: St. Petersburg, FL- State Theatre
Mar 04: For Lauderdale, FL- Culture Room
Mar 05: Gainesville, FL- Common Grounds
Mar 06: Tallahassee, FL- American Legion Hall
Mar 07: Birmingham, AL- Zydeco
Mar 09: Columbia, MO- The Blue Note
Mar 10: Tulsa, OK- Cain's Ballroom
Mar 11: Wichita, KS- Cotillion Ballroom
Mar 12: Colorado Springs, CO- Black Sheep
Mar 13: Farmington, NM- Top Deck
Mar 15: Flagstaff, AZ- Orpheum Theater
Mar 16: San Luis Obispo, CA- SLO Brewing Company
Mar 17: Oakland, CA- Oakland Metre Operahouse
Mar 18: Sacramento, CA- Ace Of Spades

New Death Set Music Video

2011-01-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

The Death Set debuted their latest music video for "Slap Slap Slap Pound Up Down Snap" earlier this week. Answer me this: Who doesn't like a double-headed tiger setting stuff on fire while driving a moving truck?

The track is the first single from Michel Poiccard. It's available for download now while the rest of the album can be pre-ordered. Just check out the video and the song because they are both awesome. You can also get brought up to speed with the prequel instructional video from last week.

Stream the New Social Distortion Album

2011-01-12T08:25:00.000-08:00

We've been hopped up since the news of Social Distortion's newest album Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes and now we can listen to the master in it's entirety before the January 18th release. Rejoice!

But that's not all (it never is, is it?). There's a deal in the works for us to get the album for as low as $7.99. The more streams the album receives, the lower the price goes. Each time you listen to an individual song, it counts as a stream. Pre-ordering the album also gets you the lowest price automatically. And! When you share the stream on your Facebook or Twitter accounts, you are entered to win an autographed guitar.

Basically, it's a win, win and another possible win situation. Good tunes, lower prices and maybe even a guitar. Get to it!

Social Distortion - Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes by Epitaph Records
The band will also be performing on Conan next week on January 18th- the day the album drops. Don't forget to tune in.

Behind The Scenes: Darkest Hour

2011-01-10T07:54:00.000-08:00

Darkest Hour have been busy working on their new album The Human Romance and just released a video of some behind the scenes footage of the recording process. Ryan and John give you some insight on what to expect on the new album when it drops February 22nd. Check it out at the jump.

Deftones + Dillinger Escape Plan Tour

2011-01-07T19:45:00.000-08:00

Deftones and Dillinger Escape Plan are going on tour. Excited? We all are. Check out the spring dates below (and here's to hoping more get added!):

4/14 Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre
4/16 Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
4/18 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
4/22 Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
4/25 Kansas City, MO @ Harrah's
4/26 St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
4/28 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
4/29 Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
4/30 Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
5/1 Detroit, MI @ Fillmore Theatre
5/4 Montreal, QC @ Metropolis
5/5 Hampton, NH @ Hampton Beach Casino
5/6 Providence, RI @ Lupo's
5/7 Hartford, CT @ Webster Theatre
5/9 Boston, MA @ House of Blues
5/10 Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
5/11 Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
5/13 New York, NY @ Best Buy Theater
5/14 New York, NY @ Best Buy Theater

"Slap Slap Slap Pound Up Down Snap" Handshake

2011-01-04T16:52:00.000-08:00

Handshake pioneers The Death Set, Ninjasonik and Cerebral Ballzy are here to show you the latest in the handshake world: the Slap Slap Slap Pound Up Down Snap. It sounds complex (because it is) but fear not! SHAKE IT UP has made an easy to follow, step by step instructional video featuring the guys. Thanks to SHAKE IT UP, you and your friends can be up on the latest handshaking trends.

Gorilla Biscuit Shoes Now Online!

2011-01-03T09:17:00.000-08:00

Our latest music-shoe collaborations are now available online! What better way to start the new year, aye? They are inspired by none other than the Gorilla Biscuits, and true to the Biscuit-lifestyle, both pairs are vegan. We have teamed up to make two equally rad pairs of shoes that you'll go bananas over (see what I did there?).

First up is the nifty two-tone tan and orange SK8-Hi with two subtlety awesome details. The GB logo is embroidered on the back and the gorilla head logo is on the tongue. My highlights, though, have to go to the orange eyelets and pastel teal sole.

The second shoe in the collection is a Slip-On. These are my favorite- probably because I'm a sucker for gray shoes. I give props to the maroon stitching and, of course, the sea foam green sole. I'm going to put in a petition for more green-soled Vans. Who's with me?!

Both just became available online at Vans.com, so get these puppies while you can!

Mariachi El Bronx on to 2nd Album

2010-12-31T06:47:00.000-08:00

Mariachi El Bronx have been busy working on their much anticipated second album! So stoked. There is no news yet on a release date but we know it's in the works after the release of tons of photos from the recording process, some of which you can see below. Mariachielbronx.com has also been seeing updates, so keep your eyes peeled for some info on the new material.

The rest of the recording session photos can be found on the band's Facebook.

Want to know how Mariachi El Bronx got started? Check out our interview with Matt last year at SXSW below:

Motörhead + Valient Thorr Tour

2010-12-30T18:18:00.000-08:00

Motörhead have just announced their North American The World Is Yours 2011 tour. Supporting the headliners will be Clutch and Valient Thorr and tickets are available now.

1/25 Anaheim, CA @ House Of Blues
1/29 Las Vegas, NV @ House Of Blues
1/30 San Luis Obispo, CA @ SLO Brew
1/31 San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
2/1 Sacramento, CA @ Harlow's
2/2 San Francisco, CA @ Warfield Theatre
2/4 Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
2/5 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
2/7 Vancouver, BC @ Vogue Theater
2/9 Edmonton, AB @ Edmonton Events Center
2/10 Calgary, AB @ Flames Central
2/12 Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre
2/15 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
2/16 Milwaukee, WI @ Rave Ballroom
2/17 Kansas City, MO @ Midland Theatre
2/19 Chicago, IL @ Congress Theatre
2/20 Sauget, IL @ Pop's
2/22 Grand Rapids, MI @ Orbit Room
2/23 Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Theatre
2/25 Kitchener, ON @ Elements
2/26 Toronto, ON @ Koolhaus
3/01 Boston, MA @ House of Blues
3/08 Austin, TX @ Stubbs
3/10 Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
3/11 Los Angeles, CA @ Nokia Live

You can also download Valient Thorr's latest release "Double-Crossed" for free from their website, and check out their newest video for the same track right here:

Merry Christmas from The Death Set and Spank Rock!

2010-12-22T02:28:00.000-08:00

The Death Set and Spank Rock just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas by taking their own spin on oh-so-famous Bing Crosby and David Bowie's "Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth." Unless you want eggnog pouring out of your nose from laughter, may I suggest setting it aside before watching this:

Street Dogs perform at AFL-CIO

2010-12-18T10:45:00.000-08:00

Street Dogs and Wayne Kramer of MC5 recently visited the AFL-CIO, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, in Washington, DC. The organization is a federation of labor unions currently pushing a movement to get more young people involved.

Check out a video of their performance below that also features pieces of the meeting and commentary from the band.

The Aquabats' Album Update

2010-12-16T04:14:00.000-08:00

The Aquabats! have been itching for a new full-length since their 2005 release Charge!! and we finally have some details on the upcoming CD.

The new album is titled Hi-Five Soup. It will feature 12 tracks (listed below) and will hit shelves and the net on January 18th with Fearless Records. The first track "The Shark Fighter!" can also be heard in it's entirety on the band's Facebook page.

1. The Shark Fighter!
2. B.F.F.!
3. The Legend Is True!
4. Radio Down! (Featuring Biz Markie)
5. Poppin' A Wheelie!
6. Hey Homies!
7. In My Dreams!
8. Just Can't Lose!
9. All My Money!
10. Pink Pants!
11. Food Fight On The Moon!
12. Luck Dragon Lady!

There will also be a few lucky cities who get to see The Aquabats! early next year for a mini ska-tastic tour with Reel Big Fish, Suburban Legends, & Koo Koo Kanga Roo:

January 14 - Dallas, TX @ House Of Blues
January 15 - Houston, TX @ Verizon Wireless Theater
January 17 - Tallahassee, FL @ Floyd's Music Store
January 18 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
January 19 - Ybor City, FL @ The Ritz
January 20 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ The Revolution
January 21 - Jacksonville, FL @ Freebird Cafe
January 22 - Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live

Bring Me The Horizon + A Day To Remember Spring Tour

2010-12-14T07:28:00.000-08:00

Bring Me The Horizon and A Day To Remember have just announced a spring tour for 2010. Joining the tour will also be We Came As Romans and Pierce The Veil.

The nation-wide dates are listed here:

3/10 Philadelphia, PA @ The Electric Factory
3/11 Philadelphia, PA @ The Electric Factory
3/13 Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
3/15 New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
3/16 Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
3/18 Niagara Falls, NY @ Rapids Theatre
3/19 Montreal, QC @ Metropolis
3/20 Toronto, ON @ Sound Academy
3/22 Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theater
3/24 Chicago, IL @ Congress Theatre
3/25 Minneapolis, MN @ Epic
3/26 Kansas City, MO @ Beaumont Club
3/27 Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium
3/29 Magna, UT @ Salt Air Theatre
3/30 Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory
3/31 Seattle, WA @ Showbox Sodo
4/1 Vancouver, BC @ Vogue Theater
4/2 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
4/3 San Francisco, CA @ Warfield Theatre
4/5 Fresno, CA @ Woodward Park
4/6 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium
4/7 San Diego, CA @ Valley View Casino Center
4/8 Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
4/9 Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
4/11 Tulsa, OK @ Brady Theater
4/12 Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits
4/13 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
4/15 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
4/18 St. Petersburg, FL @ Jannus Landing

Below you can also check out BMTH's latest music video. It's for "Anthem" from their latest album There Is A Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is A Heaven, Let's Keep It A Secret:

New Music Video from The Sword

2010-12-13T02:44:00.000-08:00

The Sword have released a music video of "Lawless Lands," a track from their latest album Warp Riders.

The Sword also have a limited edition hexagon 12" picture disc featuring Warp Riders track "Tears of Fire" and b-side "Farstar." Only 3,000 are available. Honestly, how sweet is a hexagonal album?

The band also have only a handful of dates remaining on their winter tour, so if you are lucky, check it out:

Dec 13 - St. Louis, MO - The Firebird
Dec 14 - Iowa City, IA - Blue Moose Tap House
Dec 15 - Kansas City, MO - Record Bar
Dec 16 - Little Rock, AR - Jaunita's
Dec 31 - Austin, TX - Mohawk

Social Distortion First Television Performance: Videos

2010-12-10T06:27:00.000-08:00

Despite the 30+ years of Social Distortion's career, the band can still have firsts. And this week marked their first ever television performance since the band's formation.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! hosted the performances of "Machine Gun Blues," their latest single, and later "Story of My Life." Both videos are available to watch online:

Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes, the band's newest studio album in 6 years, will be released on January 18th.

Parkway Drive Tour

2010-12-05T15:18:00.000-08:00

After a successful run on the Vans Warped Tour this past summer, Parkway Drive have planned to come back to the states early next year. And guess who's going to join them? Labelmates Set Your Goals. Word is you can also hear new music from PWD with these upcoming shows, so get pumped. If you're looking for a good show next year, look no further.

Tour dates with Set Your Goals, The Ghost Inside and The Warriors:
Feb 11 – San Diego, CA – SOMA
Feb 12 – Pomona, CA – The Glass House
Feb 13 – San Francisco, CA – The DNA Lounge
Feb 15 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues
Feb 16 – Salt Lake City, UT – Club Sound
Feb 17 – Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre
Feb 18 – Kansas City, MO – Beaumont Club
Feb 19 – St. Louis, MO – Pops
Feb 20 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
Feb 21 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues
Feb 22 – Pontiac, MI – Clutch Cargos
Feb 23 – London, ON – London Music Hall
Feb 24 – Toronto, ON – The Opera House
Feb 25 – Montreal, QC – The Olympia
Feb 26 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
Feb 27 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts
Feb 28 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium
Mar 1 – Baltimore, MD – Sonar
Mar 2 – Richmond, VA – Hat Factory
Mar 3 – Charlotte, NC – Tremont Music Hall
Mar 4 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
Mar 6 – Austin, TX – Emo’s
Mar 7 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
Mar 8 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues
Mar 9 – San Antonio, TX – White Rabbit
Mar 11 – Phoenix, AZ – The Nile
Mar 12 – Los Angeles, CA – House of Blues

The Death Set's Latest FREE Mix CD

2010-12-01T09:33:00.000-08:00

We love The mothereffing Death Set. Not just because they are amazing, but they are always giving us (and you) free music!

The Death Set has teamed up with Мишка to release Artificially Sweetened. This mix has an astounding 43 tracks- all for free. There's going to be something for everyone on this one. If not, you must not listen to any music...so shame on you.

Check out the low-down on this album:

This mix is so much more than raps and rocks getting jumbled around. There’s a good melange of everything that would possibly get people pumped. There’s some salsa, the Zombies, The Jackson 5, some Fugazi, Angry Samoans, The Misfits, Descendents, Waka Flocka, Black Sheep, Cee Lo – you know what, it’s mostly just punk and rap. But there’s a ton of great mixing in this thing.

Sounds like a party, right?! Get it today! We can verify this is a trusted download link.

The full track list is below.

Мишка Presents The Death Set – Artificially Sweetened
1. Mario Shows Pee Wee Some New Items In the Magic Shop vs. MFDS (Pee Wee Herman vs. The Death Set)
2. Brooklyn to Baltimore (Scottie B vs. Notorious B.I.G.)
3. I Want You Back (Jackson 5 and a Sprinkle of S & P)
4. 52 Girls vs. Shimmy Shimmy Ya (B52′s vs. O.D.B.)
5. Born Free (Ninjasonik vs. M.I.A. vs. Suicide)
6. Aussie Bogan Chick on Train (Some Dumb Skank)
7. Deformative vs. Circumstances (Black Eyes vs. Buju Banton)
8. I-10 vs. Terrorist (Japanther vs. DJ Vadim)
9. Ballzy Anthem Summertime (Crystal Fighters and a Spinkle of Cerebral Ballzy)
10. Chew It Like a Gun Gum [Mixtape Teaser Edit] vs. 1800 Suicide (The Death Set vs. Gravediggaz)
11. Perversion For Profit (George Putnam)
12. My Shadow vs. Pass the Mic (Jay Reatard vs. The Beastie Boys)
13. Hybrid Moments (The Misfits)
14. Suburban Home (The Descendents)
15. The Choice is Yours (Black Sheep)
16. Be Faithful (Crooklyn Clan)
17. Diamond Sea vs. Be Faithful vs. Hunter S. Thompson Lecture on Herpes & Disco (Sonic Youth vs. Crooklyn Clan vs. Hunter S. Thompson)
18. Pico Pico (Los Pico Pico)
19. Baltimore Collage (Ponytail, Double Dagger, Ecstatic Sunshine, Dan Deacon, Video Hippos, Spankrock, MFDS)
20. They Come to Get Us (The Death Set & XXXChange)
21. Earth Fwend Fire vs. O Lets Do It (Best Fwends vs. Waka Flocka Flame)
22. Mind Ya Buisiness (Rod Lee)
23. Black Metal vs. Lights Out (Ascii Disko vs. Angry Samoans)
24. Kittens Inspired by Canonball, Black Metal, Should I Stay or Should I Go, Get to the Point (The Breeders vs. Ascii Disko vs. The Clash vs. Sizzla)
25. Shot a Fire (Shabba Ranks)
26. Loving You Sometimes (The Outkasts)
27. Time of the Season (The Zombies)
28. Windowlicker (Aphex Twin)
29. Mashed Potato Time vs. He Hit Me vs. In the Clear (Dee Dee King vs. The Crystals vs. Cap’n Jazz)
30. Deep Cover (Hollywood Holt)
31. Subliminal (Suicidal Tendencies)
32. Public Witness (Fugazi)
33. Hypnotize vs. Brown Paper Bag vs. Blitzkrieg Bop (Notorious B.I.G. vs. Roni Size vs. The Ramones)
34. Grinding Halt (The Death Set Covering the Cure)
35. Ya Fat Bugger! (Wigan Fatty Fuck)
36. Chick Habit (April March vs. Zap! Pow! Die!)
37. Fair Weathered Friends (Daedelus)
38. Fair Weathered Friends (Daedelus, The Death Set Wonk Remix)
39. Hello Miss (Cee Lo, XXXChange Remix)
40. At the Movies (Bad Brains)
41. Zombie (The Death Set, Baby Giraffes Remix)
42. Michel Poiccard Prefers the Old (Breathless)
43. Gut Feeling vs. It’s Just a Ride (Devo vs. Bill Hicks)

New Song from The Damned Things

2010-11-30T08:07:00.000-08:00

The Damned Things (you know- the crazy mash up Every Time I Die, Anthrax and Fall Out Boy) have announced their new album Ironiclast will be available on December 14th. Word on the street says it's amazing and after seeing the band's second performance ever, there's no debating that claim over here.

There are a few of the new tracks on the band's MySpace, but the latest song "Little Darling" can be heard over at AbsolutePunk. Keith comments on the song:

"Little Darling" may have been the most instinctually oriented song on the record as far as the lyric writing was concerned. I remember when Joe and Rob and I sat down to go over possible melodies, the first line was the "example" we gave as to the vocal cadence of the verse. I remember saying "ok, so something that SOUNDS like 'little darling'" and went to the drawing board. After nothing really felt right, I realized that those two words were perfect from the beginning. It set the tone for the entire rest of the song which is essentially just a letter of apology for being so absent from certain peoples lives.

A second song "Friday Night (Going Down In Flames)" can be downloaded for free via Facebook and for another taste, check out the song "We've Got A Situation Here" below (which is available for download on iTunes):

Just for kicks, see how the guys look live! These photos are from The Borderline in London back in June:

Free Live Tumbledown Tracks

2010-11-29T08:18:00.000-08:00

Daytrotter, a website that features music sessions from a massive variety of artists, recently had Tumbledown in their studio. The website has a different band session available everyday- which leaves 28 free songs a week for all of us to enjoy for free. On behalf of everyone who likes good music, thanks for bringing TB in!

Tumbledown's session features new, live recordings of "Butcher of San Antone," "Let's Drink," "State Line" and "Son of a Gun." To download the set, you must register for the site (all of which is free). If you don't feel like downloading the tracks, you can simply stream them.

And don't forget to pick up TD's latest release Empty Bottle with these awesome packages- like an MP3 download, autographed poster and a t-shirt for $15.

In Flames Tracking for 2011 Release

2010-11-27T12:11:00.000-08:00

In Flames has been in a the studio for the past month recording a new album. There aren't many details being released other than a 2011 release date, but the band have been posting what look like some productive photos.

Jesterhead.com, the official In Flames fan club, has some exclusive behind the scenes videos from the recording process. You have to join to check them out, but by the looks of the photos, I can only imagine what these videos have in store.

If you want to follow the recording saga, add the band on Facebook and Twitter for continuous updates.

Check out the photos below and let us know what you think this album is going to sound like:

Happy Turkey Day!

2010-11-25T01:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Vans Warped Tour Dates and Ticket Package

2010-11-24T08:20:00.000-08:00

We have a huge announcement in regards to the Vans Warped Tour!

Our dates for 2011 are finally revealed along with a limited edition ticket package for the holiday season. For $45, you get a limited edition commemorative ticket, holiday ornament and pair of 2011 Warped tube socks. This is your first crack a tickets and the offer ends Dec 10th (until supplies last, that is). On the order page, there's even a nifty wish list feature so you can e-mail this to whoever you'd like to receive it from.

And don't worry. The band announcement is just around the corner. You can expect it on December 8th.

6/24/2011	Dallas, TX
6/25/2011	Houston, TX
6/26/2011	San Antonio, TX
6/29/2011	Las Cruces, NM
6/30/2011	Las Vegas, NV
7/1/2011	Pomona, CA
7/2/2011	Ventura, CA
7/3/2011	Mountain View, CA
7/6/2011	Bonner Springs, KS
7/7/2011	Indianapolis, IN
7/8/2011	Detroit, MI
7/9/2011	Tinley Park, IL
7/10/2011	Shakopee, MN
7/12/2011	Darien Center, NY
7/13/2011	Mansfield, MA
7/14/2011	Scranton, PA
7/15/2011	Toronto, ON
7/16/2011	Montreal, QC
7/17/2011	Hartford, CT
7/19/2011	Milwaukee, WI
7/20/2011	Cleveland, OH
7/21/2011	Camden, NJ
7/22/2011	Burgettstown, PA
7/23/2011	Uniondale, NY
7/24/2011	Oceanport, NJ
7/26/2011	Columbia, MD
7/27/2011	Virginia Beach, VA
7/28/2011	Charlotte, NC
7/29/2011	Orlando, FL
7/30/2011	West Palm Beach, FL
7/31/2011	Saint Petersburg, FL
8/1/2011	Atlanta, GA
8/2/2011	Cincinnati, OH
8/3/2011	St. Louis, MO
8/5/2011	Denver, CO
8/6/2011	Salt Lake City, UT
8/7/2011	Phoenix, AZ
8/9/2011	San Diego, CA
8/10/2011	Los Angeles, CA
8/11/2011	Sacramento, CA
8/12/2011	Boise, ID
8/13/2011	Seattle, WA
8/14/2011	Portland, OR

Queen Remasters and New Record Deal

2010-11-23T12:18:00.000-08:00

You know what 2011 is going to bring?

Remastered Queen studio albums for the band's 40th year anniversary! All 15 of them.

The band recently signed a new record deal with Universal Music Group. Despite being with EMI for the past 40 years, the change occurred when the company was bought out by a private firm.

Their new deal covers the globe, not just North America, and the reissues will be out on Hollywood Records throughout next year. And despite the passing of Freddie Mercury, this new deal should result in another popularity surge for Queen.

Know the best way to get amped up for these remasters? Get a pair of our sweet, black denim Queen kicks. I'm dying to get my hands on these:

Millencolin Tour Dates

2010-11-21T07:26:00.000-08:00

Millencolin has announced a lengthy South American, Australian and European tour through April 2011. The Pennybrigade Pioneers 10 anniversary tour has already hit Canada and Brazil, so if you are overseas, you're still in luck!

Dec 09- Monterray, Mexico
Dec 09- Mexico City, Mexico
Dec 11- Panama City, Panama
Dec 12- San JosÈ, Costa Rica
Feb 26- Brisbane, Sidewave, Australia
Feb 27- Sydney, Sidewave, Australia
Mar 01- Melbourne, Australia
Mar 04- Melbourne, Sidewave, Australia
Mar 05- Adelaide, Sidewave, Australia
Mar 07- Perth, Sidewave, Australia
Apr 14-Cologne, Germany
Apr 15- Nurnberg, Germany
Apr 16- Prague, Czech Republic
Apr 17- Vienna, Austria
Apr 18- Munic, Austria
Apr 19- Solothurn, Switzerland
Apr 20- Saarbrucken, Germany
Apr 21- Munster, Germany
Apr 22- Meerholt, Groezrock, Belgium
Apr 23- Amsterdam, Holland
Apr 24- Bremen, Germany
Apr 25- Hamburg, Germany

Check out this amazing video of the crowd when the tour hit Buenos Aries last week!

A Day To Remember - Out NOW!

2010-11-17T08:52:00.000-08:00

A Day To Remember's latest album What Separates Me From You is in stores and online NOW! Grab it today if you know what's good for you.

Check out this video for a behind the scenes look at the making of the album:

And did you know the guys are also on tour?

Nov 17 - Sauget, IL - Pop's Nite Club
Nov 18 - Des Moines, IA - Val Air Ballroom
Nov 19 - Oklahoma City, OK - Diamond Ballroom
Nov 20 - Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theatre
Nov 21 - El Paso, TX - Club 101
Nov 22 - San Antonio, TX - BackStage Live
Nov 23 - Mission, TX - Las Palmas Race Park
Nov 24 - New Orleans, LA - House Of Blues
Nov 27 - Nashville, TN - Rocketown
Nov 28 - Memphis, TN - New Daisy Theater
Dec 3 - Jacksonville, FL - The Big Ticket
Dec 4 - West Palm Beach, FL - Buzz Bake Sale
Dec 5 - Tampa, FL - Next Big Thing
Dec 8 - Kansas City, MO - The Night Buzz Stole Xmas
Dec 11 - Universal City, CA - Almost Acoustic Christmas
Dec 12 - San Diego, CA - Wrex The Halls

Cancer Bats Webisodes

2010-11-13T09:50:00.000-08:00

Wonder what Cancer Bats have been up to lately? Check out their World Wide Wacky Webisodes! The band just released their sixth video in the series but for your viewing convenience you can check out any that you missed right here.

Stay tuned to see what happens next!

Man Man Tour Dates

2010-11-10T11:54:00.000-08:00

Man Man has finally got us some more tour dates lined up! I love this band and I feel like seeing them is a privilege because their shows are sparse. If you're lucky enough to be on the east coast at the end of the year, then you best get to one of these shows:

Nov 6 - Austin, TX - Fun Fun Fun Fest - Get Tickets
*Dec 28 - Charlottesville, VA - Jefferson Theater - Get Tickets
*Dec 29 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory - Get Tickets
*Dec 30 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club - Get Tickets
*Jan 01 - New York, NY - Terminal 5 - Get Tickets

*Starred dates with Gogol Bordello

Mastodon limited Re-Release

2010-11-09T08:11:00.000-08:00

Mastodon have a special re-release just in time for Christmas!

Due to the success and quick sell-out of the "Wormhole Tunnel Edition" of Mastodon's Crack The Skye, the band is issuing only 600 additional copies on Black Friday (that's November 26th this year for all you boys who haven't planned ahead).

The hard-case features a 3D wormhole design (I think it's worth buying to figure that part out) featuring artwork from Mastodon artist Paul Romano. Inside you get a copy of Crack The Skye along with a DVD featuring the making of, photo gallery, track-by-track commentary and more.

The re-release is available exclusively through Metal Club. Mark your calendars if you want your metal paws on this one.

The Sword Tour Dates

2010-11-07T07:04:00.000-08:00

The Sword have been going through a few changes recently and it seems they are back on track. After the departure of their drummer Trivett Wingo, the band postponed their previously announced tour. Now they have found a fill-in (no news as to whether he is permanent) and the tour in support of their latest release Warp Riders has been rescheduled!

A statement from the band:

We are pleased to announce the Warp Riders 2010 U.S. Tour Mk. II, beginning in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on November 27! These performances will feature the formidable skills of notorious intergalactic bounty drummer, Kevin Fender. A veteran of the Austin music scene, Mr. Fender is best known for his devastating work with Texas hardcore legends Employer, Employee.

And the tour dates:

11/27 Baton Rouge, LA – Spanish Moon
11/28 Birmingham, AL – WorkPlay Theatre
11/29 Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
11/30 Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
12/01 Roanoke, VA – Martin’s Downtown
12/02 Lancaster, PA – Chameleon Club
12/03 Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of the Living Arts
12/04 New York, NY – Webster Hall
12/05 Boston, MA – Royale Boston
12/06 Washington, DC – The 930 Club
12/07 Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Small’s Theatre
12/08 Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
12/09 Huntington, WV – V Club
12/10 Covington, KY – The Mad Hatter
12/11 Detroit, MI – The Shelter
12/12 Chicago, IL – Metro
12/13 St. Louis, MO – The Firebird
12/14 Iowa City, IA – Blue Moose Tap House
12/15 Kansas City, MO – The Record Bar
12/16 Little Rock, AR – Juanita’s

Enjoy!

Motion City Soundtrack release new video

2010-11-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

MCS's latest music video for "A Lifeless Ordinary" from My Dinosaur Life is now live for your viewing pleasure. The concept is from none other than singer/guitarist Justin Pierre. His vision included a one-cut take with

"...the coolness and stupidness of Weezer, the absurdity of the Flaming Lips, and the nonchalance of Pavement, like, 'We Really don't give a shit.' It combines all these things that I like, all these little nuggets of ridiculousness."

He continued:

"Making this video reaffirmed my belief that you should just trust yourself, and do things you like with people you like. Exactly what I had in my mind came out onscreen."

19 takes later, a music video was born. Check it out exclusively on Spin.com. How many pairs of Vans do you see? Hint: Look at Justin.

You can also catch MSC with Saves the Day and Say Anything on tour now:

Nov 3 - Detroit, MI - The Filmore
Nov 4 - Toronto, ON - The Sound Academy
Nov 5 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom
Nov 6 - Providence, RI - Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel
Nov 8 - Boston, MA - House Of Blues
Nov 9 - New York, NY - Best Buy Theatre
Nov 10 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
Nov 12 - Baltimore, MD - Sonar Main Stage
Nov 13 - Charlotte, NC - Amos South End
Nov 14 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
Nov 16 - Fort Lauderdale, FL - Revolution Live
Nov 17 - Orlando, FL - House of Blues
Nov 19 - Dallas, TX - Palladium Showroom
Nov 20 - Houston, TX - Warehouse Live
Nov 21 - Austin, TX- Stubb's BBQ

Wings + Teeth Tour with P.O.S.

2010-11-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

Hip-hop outfit Doomtree has announced a month-long tour featuring all of its seven artists. It will include P.O.S., Dessa, Lazerbeak, Cecil Otter, Paper Tiger, Sims and Mike Mictlan. I can't even imagine what this tour is going to be like. Have you ever seen 7 bands perform one night in venues like these?! I'm expecting some collabs. Lots and lots of collabs.

The tour starts this week! Check out the dates and get your tickets early:

11/4 - Colorado Springs, CO - Black Sheep 
11/5 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theare 
11/6 - Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court (AA)
 11/6 - Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge (21+)
 11/7 - Missoula, MT - The Palace 
11/8 - Seattle, WA - Neumo's
 11/9 - Vancouver, BC - Biltmore Cabaret 
11/10 - Portland, OR - Berbati's Pan 
11/12 - San Francisco, CA - Slim's
 11/13 - Los Angeles, CA - Roxy Theatre
 11/16 - Austin, TX - Red 7 
11/17 - Denton, TX - Hailey's
 11/19 - New Orleans, LA - Tipitina's 
11/20 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade 
11/21 - Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506 
11/22 - Virginia Beach, VA - The Jewish Mother 
11/23 - Washington, DC - DC9
 11/24 - Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's 
11/26 - Brooklyn, NY - Knitting Factory 
11/27 - Cambridge, MA - Middle East 
11/28 - Portland, ME - Space 
11/30 - Montreal, QC - Il Motore 
12/1 - Toronto, ON - Sneaky Dee's
 12/2 - Pontiac, MI - The Pike Room at Crofoot Ballroom 
12/3 - Chicago, IL - The Bottom Lounge 
12/4 - Grinnell, IA - Gardner Lounge (Grinnell)
 12/5 - Madison, WI - High Noon Saloon

Speaking of P.O.S. I thought it would be fun to bring up an interview we did about a year ago!

Happy Halloween from Vans

2010-10-31T00:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween from everyone at Vans!

The Big 4 DVD Preview: Megadeth

2010-10-30T08:55:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you metal buffs remember this summer's post about The Big 4 (Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax) playing together for the first time throughout Europe. And maybe you remember the post about the one-night-only screening of the concert nationwide.

Basically, a string of posts that made you just wish you could have seen it, yeah? So I bring you a blog of hope!

This Tuesday, November 2nd, The Big 4: Live from Sofia will be available on DVD and Blu-ray. Finally! A chance to see it!

The 2-disc set is 345 minutes long- don't get your calculator, that's nearly 6 hours. In addition to the basic release, you can also get a "Super Deluxe" Box Set that not only gets you the footage, but also 5 hours worth of music (the entire live sets), a 24-page booklet, two-sided poster, photo of each band and a Big 4 guitar pick. The box set is limited edition, of course.

Want to see what you can look forward to? Check out Megadeth's full performance of "Symphony of Destruction" below:

The Aquabats new EP "Radio Down"

2010-10-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

While working on their fifth studio album, The Aquabats have announced they will give us a sample of their latest tracks. They'll take the form of a 3-song EP titled Radio Down that you can get starting November 9th.

The band has said the new single, "Radio Down," is a "funny direction into dance music" and it features...get ready...Biz Markie. You can stream the whole track on MySpace. The other two tracks are written and produced by Warren Fitzgerald of the Vandals. Sick!

We can expect the full length out in January 2011.

Radio Down is now available for pre-order via iTunes on Fearless Records.

As with any new release, here are the tour dates:
(with Reel Big Fish, Suburban Legends and Koo Koo Kanga Roo)

Nov 9 - Salt Lake City, UT - In The Venue
Nov 10 - Denver, CO - Odgen Theatre
Nov 12 - Kansas City, MO - Beaumont Club
Nov 13 - Omaha, NE - Sokol Auditorium
Nov 14 - St. Louis, MO - The Pageant
Nov 15 - Chicago, IL - House Of Blues
Nov 16 - Cleveland OH - House Of Blues
Nov 17 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza
Nov 18 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom
Nov 19 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head Live!
Nov 20 - Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of Living Arts
Nov 21 - Boson, MA - House Of Blues
Nov 22 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club

The New Bayside Album

2010-10-27T14:20:00.000-07:00

Our buddies Bayside have been working on this new album for quite some time now and I'm excited that we finally have some more info about it!

The album is titled Killing Time and will be the latest release from the band since 2008. You can find it on selves and online starting February 22nd. Check out the tracklist below:

1. Already Gone
2. Sick, Sick, Sick
3. Mona Lisa
4. Its Not A Bad Little War
5. Sinking and Swimming on Long Island
6. Seeing Sound
7. The Wrong Way
8. On Love, On Life
9. The New Flesh
10. Killing Time

Give the first single "Already Gone" a listen:

The album is available for pre-order now for a measly $10- and it includes $5 off towards a limited run 7" with an exclusive track of "Sick, Sick, Sick" (acoustic) and "Already Gone." That makes it half price...and that makes me pretty happy.

Social Distortion West Coast Tour

2010-10-25T13:42:00.000-07:00

Social D have announced a west coast tour for January and February to support their upcoming album Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes, out January 18th. This is the first time the band has hit the west coast this thoroughly since 2005...so get excited.

This is also the first album from the band in over 6 years. Obviously, it's going to be something big. You can download the first single, "Machine Gun Blues," exclusively through iTunes beginning November 16th.

Tickets for the new tour will go on sale this Friday, October 29th, on the band's website. Mark your calendars if you plan on going because these tickets are going to go fast.

Check out the dates below:

JANUARY/FEBRUARY TOUR

1/20 - Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues (w/Lucero and Chuck Ragan)
1/24 - Bakersfield, CA - Kern Fairgrounds Ex Hall #2 (w/Lucero and Chuck Ragan)
1/25 - Ventura, CA - Ventura Theatre (w/Lucero and Chuck Ragan)
1/27 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Palladium (w/The Aggrolites and Chuck Ragan)
1/31 - Modesto, CA - Centre Plaza (w/Lucero and Chuck Ragan)
2/1 - Davis, CA - Davis Freeborn Hall (w/Lucero and Chuck Ragan)
2/3 - San Francisco, CA - The Warfield (w/The Aggrolites and Chuck Ragan)
2/8 - Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom (w/The Aggrolites and Chuck Ragan)
2/12 - Seattle, WA - Showbox SoDo (w/The Aggrolites and Chuck Ragan)
2/15 - Reno, NV - Grand Sierra Theatre (w/Lucero and Chuck Ragan)
2/16 - Fresno, CA - EOC Gym Events Center (w/Lucero and Chuck Ragan)
2/19 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues (w/Lucero and Chuck Ragan)
2/20 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues (w/The Aggrolites and Chuck Ragan)

I know, I know. We all don't live on the west coast, but you can catch the guys on tour right now- if you're lucky and tickets are still available:

10/26 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club (w/Lucera and Frank Turner)
10/28 - Clifton Park, NY - Northern Lights (w/Lucera and Frank Turner)
10/29 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory (w/Lucera and Frank Turner)
10/30 - Atlantic City, NJ - House of Blues (w/Lucera and Frank Turner)
11/01 - Boston, MA - House of Blues (w/Lucera and Frank Turner)
11/02 - Portland, ME - State Theatre (w/Lucera and Frank Turner)
11/04 - New York, NY - Roseland Ballroom (w/Lucera and Frank Turner)
11/05 - Asbury Park, NJ - The Stone Pony (w/Lucera and Frank Turner)
11/06 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head Live! (w/Lucera and Frank Turner)
11/08 - Asheville, NC - The Orange Peel (w/Lucera and Frank Turner)
11/09 - Knoxville, TN - The Valarium (w/Lucera and Frank Turner)
11/10 - Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle (w/Lucera and Frank Turner)
11/12 - St Petersburg, FL - Jannus Live(w/Lucera and Frank Turner)
11/13 - Miami, FL - Fillmore Miami Beach (w/Lucera and Frank Turner)
11/14 - Orlando, FL - House Of Blues (w/Lucera and Frank Turner)
11/16 - New Orleans, LA - House Of Blues (w/Lucera and Frank Turner)
11/18 - Austin, TX - Stubb's (w/Lucera, Frank Turner and Death On Two Words)
11/19 - Houston, TX - House Of Blues(w/Lucera and Frank Turner)
11/20 - Dallas, TX - House Of Blues (w/Lucera and Frank Turner)
11/22 - Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theatre (w/Lucera and Frank Turner)
11/23 - Tempe, AZ - Marquee Theatre (w/Lucera and Frank Turner)
11/24 - Tempe, AZ - Marquee Theatre (w/Lucera and TBA)

Free Bad Religion Tribute Album

2010-10-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

All great bands will have a tribute album. All the others just probably aren't as good at this one.

In honor of Bad Religion's 30th year, Germs of Perfection: A Tribute to Bad Religion has been complied for your enjoyment. I remember the list of artists who were in the mix for this project when it was coming together this past summer and I can say that I'm very impressed by the final cut.

Did I mention that this is a totally free album? Download it now! Right now! For you skeptics, this is a tested, trusted download link so lap it up.

Check out the tracklist below:

01. Switchfoot – Sorrow
02. Guttermouth – Pity
03. Cheap Girls – Kerosene
04. The Weakerthans – Sanity
05. William Elliott Whitmore – Don’t Pray on Me
06. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists – Against the Grain
07. Riverboat Gamblers – Heaven Is Falling
08. New Politics – Generator
09. Cobra Skulls ft. Fat Mike – Give You Nothing
10. Frank Turner – My Poor Friend Me
11. Polar Bear Club – Better Off Dead
12. Tegan and Sara – Suffer

Get some!

Tumbledown Video Premiere

2010-10-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

Tumbledown, Mike Herrera's country/rockabilly band, has released their latest video today. The single is “Arrested In El Paso Blues” from the upcoming album Empty Bottle (available for pre-order).The song was inspired by the band actually getting arrested in El Paso that nearly forced them to miss a show in Dallas. Check it out:

Need to hear another song from the album? Starting Friday, October 22nd, AltPress.com will unveil the title track "Empty Bottle" exclusively.

And don't forget to catch the boys this November on tour:

Oct 30- Bremerton, WA	Winterland
Oct 31- Spokane, WA	The Seaside
Nov 2- Denver, CO	Larimer Lounge
Nov 3- Pueblo, CO	The Red Raven Gallery
Nov 4- El Paso, TX	TBD
Nov 5- San Antonio, TX	Limelight
Nov 6- Frisco, TX	Lochrann's
Nov 7- Dallas, TX	Doublewide
Nov 8- Austin, TX	Red 7
Nov 9- Houston, TX	Rudyard's
Nov 11- Baton Rouge, LA	HTGT Thrift
Nov 12- Shreveport, LA	City Bar
Nov 13- Little Rock, AR	Juanita's
Nov 14- Memphis, TN	Hi-Tone Cafe
Nov 15- St. Louis, MO	Off Broadway
Nov 16- Chicago, IL	Schubas Tavern
Nov 17- Madison, WI	TBD
Nov 18- Minneapolis, MN	Triple Rock Social Club
Nov 19- Sioux Falls, SD	Nutty's North
Nov 20- Bismarck, ND	Basement Party*

Introducing: The House Of Vans

2010-10-19T12:11:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was the fantasmical grand opening of the House Of Vans! Located in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, HOV is a 25,000-square-foot music venue, an indoor skate bowl, outdoor street course, an art gallery, an event space- it's a place where everything Vans is all about can happen.

October 16th marked the official launch party of the venue featuring Cardiel, Gilbere Forte, Tony Alva, Mulaca, Mos Def, Public Enemy and of course, loads of skateboarding. Artist Mike Giant also started and completed a mural during the event. Check out the sweet video recap of the night hosted by Steve Van Doren:

Missed it and want to see who was there? Hop over to the photobooth to see everyone that popped in.

What can you expect out of the place? Loads of awesome, mind blowing stuff to go down. I can't wait to see the place for myself. East coast better get ready to throw down because it's about it get real.

Every Time I Die Fall Tour

2010-09-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

Every Time I Die has announced their nation-wide dates for "S#!t Happens: The Tour." You can catch them on the road with Trap Them and Howl throughout November.

11/1 New Haven, CT @ Toad's Place
11/2 Providence, RI @ The Met
11/3 New York, NY @ Webster Studio
11/4 West Chester, PA @ The Note
11/5 Richmond, VA @ Canal Club
11/6 Columbia, SC @ New Brookland Tavern
11/7 Atlanta, GA @ Club Hell
11/8 Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room
11/9 Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbits
11/11 Dallas, TX @ The Loft
11/12 Lubbock, TX @ Jakes
11/13 Las Cruces, NM @ Mikey's Place
11/14 Albuquerque, NM @ Launch Pad
11/15 Phoenix, AZ @ Nile Downstairs
11/16 Las Vegas, NV @ Area 702 Skatepark
11/17 Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
11/18 Lancaster, CA @ Cedar Center
11/19 Oakland, CA @ Metro Opera House
11/20 Sacramento, CA @ Boardwalk
11/23 Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre
11/24 Omaha, NE @ Sokol Underground
11/25 Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club
11/26 Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
11/27 Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews
11/28 St. Louis, MO @ Fubar
11/29 Louisville, KY @ Skull Alley
11/30 Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls
12/1 S. Hackensack, NJ @ School of Rock
12/2 Cleveland, OH @ Peabody's

Bad Religion Streams New Album + Tour

2010-09-25T13:14:00.000-07:00

If you don't know, Bad Religion have finished recording their 15th studio album. That's right. 15th album. It's titled The Dissent of Man and hits stores, iTunes and all of that jazz this Tuesday, September 28th.

Don't want to wait that long to check it out? Good. Because you don't have to. The entire album is streaming on the band's MySpace. Ooooh technology, you never let us down!

You can also catch the band on tour this fall to hear some of the new jams:

10/08/10, Chicago, IL Congress Theater
10/09/10, Milwaukee, WI The Rave Eagles Club
10/11/10, Cincinnati, OH Bogart's
10/12/10, Cleveland, OH House Of Blues
10/14/10, Toronto, ON Kool Haus
10/15/10, Montreal, QC Metropolis
10/16/10, Clifton Park, NY Northern Lights
10/18/10, Boston, MA House Of Blues Boston
10/19/10, Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory
10/20/10, New York, NY Irving Plaza
10/22/10, Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
10/23/10, Atlantic City, NJ House Of Blues
10/24/10, Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live!
10/26/10, New York, NY Irving Plaza
10/27/10, New York, NY Irving Plaza
10/29/10, North Myrtle Beach, SC House Of Blues
10/30/10, Lake Buena Vista, FL House Of Blues
10/31/10, Atlanta, GA The Masquerade
11/05/10, Houston, TX Warehouse Live
11/06/10, Austin, TX Waterloo Park
11/08/10, Tucson, AZ Rialto Theatre
11/09/10, Tempe, AZ The Marquee
11/11/10, Albuquerque, NM Sunshine Theatre
11/12/10, Denver, CO Fillmore Auditorium
11/13/10, Salt Lake City, UT In The Venue
11/15/10, Portland, OR Roseland Theater
11/17/10, Seattle, WA Showbox SoDo
11/18/10, Eugene, OR McDonald Theatre
11/19/10, San Francisco, CA The Regency Ballroom
11/20/10, San Francisco, CA The Regency Ballroom

Suicidal Tendencies Tour

2010-09-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

Next month, legends Suicidal Tendencies will hit the road for a month and a half JOIN THE ARMY tour. Dates are pretty limited, but they are covering lots of ground. If they aren't playing your city, fear not! New dates are still being adding, so keep checking their website.

10/15 Reno, NV @ Knitting Factory
10/16 Portland, OR @ Roseland
10/17 Seattle, WA @ Showbox
10/20 San Francisco, CA @ Fillmore
10/22 Las Vegas, NV @ House Of Blues
10/23 Phoenix, AZ @ Fear Farm
10/26 Colorado Springs, CO @ Black Sheep
10/29 Detroit, MI @ Harpo's
10/30 Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles
10/31 Cleveland, OH @ Peabody's
11/2 St. Louis, MO @ Pops
11/4 Houston, TX @ Meridioen
11/6 Dallas, TX @ Palladium Showroom
11/7 Austin, TX @ Fun Fun Fun Fest
11/9 Tampa, FL @ State Theatre
11/10 Orlando, FL @ Firestone
11/12 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
11/13 Worcester, MA @ Palladium
11/14 New York City, NYC @ Terminal 5
11/17 Chicago, IL @ Metro
11/18 Minneapolis, MN @ Cabooze
11/20 Denver, CO @ Summit
11/21 Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theatre

And when's the last time you picked up some of our Suicidal Tendencies gear?

OFF!'s Latest Video

2010-09-18T22:13:00.000-07:00

Keith Morris...you know...the Keith Morris, has a brand spankin' new music video for his newest project OFF! The song is called "Upside Down" and will be the band's first release appropriately titled First EP.

It's art, skateboarding and punk rock. What more could you ask for in a music video?

Just to jog your memory on exactly why OFF! is such a big deal, it features Steve McDonald from Redd Kross on bass, Dimitri Coats from the Burning Brides on guitar and Mario Rubalcaba of Rocket From The Crypt on drums.

First EP comes out on October 12th only on 7" courtesy of Vice Records and is the first of a four part series. You can pre-game by checking out their music video below:

Bad Brains' Darryl Jenifer Solo Album

2010-09-17T06:48:00.000-07:00

"In Search of Black Judas," the solo album of Darryl Jenifer, will be available on CD and LP beginning October 26th! This debut record for the Bad Brains bassist features a blend of his noted rock vibes with a soul and reggae flare- so basically it will sound amazing. Get pumped.

What else can you expect? Some super heavy bass, of course!

You can give it a listen for yourself below:

<a href="http://darryljenifer.bandcamp.com/album/in-search-of-black-judas">Black Judas by Darryl Jenifer</a>
And if you want to check out Bad Brains, you're also in luck! Enjoy these Halloween shows:

Oct 28	Mohawk	Austin, TX
Oct 29	Granada Theater	Dallas, TX
Oct 30	Ghoulfest	Houston, TX

An Evening with Matt Costa

2010-09-15T05:18:00.000-07:00

Singer/songwriter Matt Costa debuts his newest album titled Mobile Chateau this Tuesday on September 21st!

If you head over to Vans.com/MattCosta, you can check out an exclusive video for "Drive." Warning: It's cute overload. Who doesn't like stop motion bugs!?

As if that wasn't rad enough, we've got special Matt Costa post cards at participating Vans stores that will give you not only a free song, but also a chance to win a pair of custom Vans.

Be sure to watch the video, grab a postcard and get the album on Tuesday!

Black Lips at Wonder Ballroom

2010-09-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

Josh Bis is way cooler than me because he made it to the Black Lips show last weekend at MFNW. Of course, I missed out on the spitting and stage diving. Lame. Here are a couple of photos that he shot for lineout.thestranger.com. Have a look at more of Josh's photos on his site sciencevsromance.net. (You should. He's got good stuff.)

Cheap Girls at Doug Fir - MFNW

2010-09-13T10:19:00.001-07:00

One of the most fun & nostalgic bands that I've seen lately was Cheap Girls. I felt like I was in Reality Bites or something. They played Music Fest Northwest in Portland this past weekend. Like I mentioned previously, I wasn't really sure what to expect from the band. They were a suggestion from a friend of mine. Glad that I listened, because these guys both put on a solid live show and were super cool. Cheap Girls are currently on tour in the US & Canada. Go say hi.

Wiz Khalifa's Custom Vans

2010-09-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

Crazy serendipitous time. As promised, I'm here in Portland for MFNW, but back up to getting off the plane. I see a guy getting off my flight with some black to the floor Authentics that he's cut the back off of as well as giving them a couple of hits of tasteful paint. His name is Reem, his friend is Dre, and they do UTBLifestyle. So anyway, it turns out that in the bag Reem is carrying is a another pair of Vans that he has customized for Wiz Khalifa, who is one of the artists that I am trying to catch tonight at MFNW! What? Too Awesome. You can catch Wiz Khalifa's show tonight and maybe his custom UTBLifestyle Vans at Roseland Theatre at 10pm.

*Update - Wiz Khalifa did wear the shoes on stage. Thanks to Reem for the photo.

Let's Go! Music Fest NW - Portland

2010-09-09T13:30:00.000-07:00

I will be trucking it on up to Portland tomorrow for MFNW 2010. The plan for the weekend is to go see dozens of bands and drink gallons of Stumptown. The set up is a little like CMJ and a little like SXSW in that you walk from venue to venue. It's not all in one spot. There are official shows and non-official ones happening throughout the city. About 100 of the best bands currently touring will be there. Here are a few friends that will be there.

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

Frank Turner 11pm-11.45pm at Berbati's Pan SW 3rd and SW Ankeny - This guy kills it. Everyone in the UK knows about him. Take a hint. He's heading out on a tour back home shortly & will be on the road with Social Distortion for a full US tour this fall, too. Watch his newest video, The Road, on youtube & follow Frank Turner on Twitter.

Friday, September 10th, 2010

Death by Stereo 10-10.45pm at Satyricon 125 NW 6th Ave

Trash Talk 11pm-12.30am at Satyricon 125 NW 6th Ave - Follow them @trash_talk.

Man Man 11pm-12.30am at Hawthorne Theatre 3862 SE Hawthorne Blvd - I just saw the guys play at FYF Fest in LA last weekend. They are too good live; weird and freaking out wearing warpaint as always. Fortunately, singer Honus Honus didn't break his leg. Follow them @wearemanman.

Saturday, September 11th, 2010

Cheap Girls - 9-9.45m Doug Fir 830 East Burnside St. - They are not girls so that means they are either hilarious, or they prefer inexpensive dates. Pick your poison. I just heard about them today from a trustworthy source. I'm in. They're playing with Japandroids & Jeff The Brotherhood. Follow them @cheap_girls.

Suckers - 11-11.45pm Berbati's Pan SW 3rd and SW Ankeny - After listening to Cheap Girls kill it, hopefully I'll be able to catch a bit of Suckers' set. They are a good time. Black Sheep is the jam. So is that tight lion blanket. Follow them @sssuckersss.

People Under the Stairs 11pm-12.30am at Hawthorne Theatre 3862 SE Hawthorne Blvd

Sunday, September 12th, 2010

The big closer is The National from 7.30-9pm at Pioneer Courthouse Square SW Broadway and SW Yamhill

Full schedule for the festival is on MusicfestNW: Full Event List.

FYF Fest This Saturday

2010-08-31T17:27:00.000-07:00

FYF Fest is this Saturday, September 4th in a rad LA park. Man Man & Off! are playing, plus nine million other awesome bands. I'm soooooo there. You should be, too. Tickets are a mere $25. You have that. Come on.

Aaaaand we're back!

2010-08-29T09:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a very, much too long break between the last blog entry and this one right now! Some of you may or may not know, but I was on the Vans Warped Tour all summer long doing photos and videos for two months of the entire two-month stretch. Needless to say, it's a job that takes all of my day out on the road so the little music blog that could was forced to take a break. However! Thanks to the lovely Nikki Scoggz you got the latest music news anyway.

I thought it would be fun to pull some of my images from Warped that show off our most excellent footwear. Enjoy!

Dillinger Escape Plan on Light and Noise

2010-08-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

Light and Noise TV posted this interview with Billy & Greg from Dillinger - few cool moments with the band.

Part two of the Dillinger interview is on RaRaRa's Vimeo.

Bad Brains West Coast Tour

2010-08-18T14:54:00.001-07:00

That about says it. Their tour starts tomorrow 8/19/10 in Ventura, CA. Pick up tickets for the upcoming shows BadBrains.com.

We did a Bad Brains show in Phoenix earlier this year for PHX AM, and it still looks like this video from 1982. We are banned from having events at that venue ever again. Awesome. Check out photos from that show on Vans Flickr.

Matt Costa's Witchcraft Single on iTunes

2010-08-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

In anticipation of his new album Mobile Chateau, hitting stores on September 21st, Matt Costa has released the first single entitled Witchcraft, available on iTunes now. Matt's big North American tour begins in New Jersey on 9/18/10 and continues through November. See all the dates and buy your tickets at mattcosta.com/tour.

The video for the single isn't out yet, but here's a fan video of a live performance of Witchcraft in Union Station in Los Angeles back in May.

Trash Talk & Cancer Bats - New Tour Dates

2010-08-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

The UK is totally going to get lucky in October & November. Trash Talk & Cancer Bats are touring together. Trash Talk has been keeping busy in the meantime. The band isn't farting around doing nothing. They keep a good blog with nice photos of everywhere they've been touring. Have a look. Trash Talk just played some crazy festival on a cliff. Look at that photo, America. No guard rails. That's how they thin the herd over there.

I'm starting a rumor via their twitter, too. Look who they've been hanging out with. Trash Talk <3's Surfer Blood. Awww.

Forever The Sickest Kids & African Water Wells

2010-08-13T14:08:00.000-07:00

Those two subjects actually do have much to do with one another. In case you're not aware, FTSK are good hearted dudes who keep a donations jar at their merch booth for a charity they have a soft spot for. The proceeds from this little jar have added up to seven wells either being dug or repaired in small villages in the Central African Republic. You will never guess where that country is.

Here's a photo of the seventh well and the villagers who will now get clean and safe water thanks to FTSK fans. For the whole story, read the post on FTSK's blog.

Avenged Sevenfold Releases Nightmare

2010-08-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

After the tragic passing of Avenged Sevenfold drummer Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan in late 2009 the band didn't know if they could continue. They'd already been writing their new album and were nearing completion when they got the news. 'We were going to see if we could write another song or two,' says Shadows of the days following the Rev's death. 'And we couldn't. We weren't in the mood for it. Sitting there trying to figure out chord progressions and guitar parts felt ridiculous.' However, the band decided that the best way to honor their friend was to record the album that they'd all worked so hard on together. With re-written lyrics and the help of drummer drummer Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), what they've ended up with is the new album 'Nightmare' - a dark and beautiful exploration of the band members' struggle to deal with the loss. Produced by Mike Elizondo (Dr. Dre, Eminem, Regina Spektor), Nightmare promises to put it all out there for the world. Why'd they choose him to produce? You gotta spice it up. The band says they have many influences. You have to keep evolving.

As for what the future hold for the band, they can't tell.
'That's an unknown,' says Christ. 'I can't tell you what I'm going to feel like tomorrow. We want to get this out and tour, and then we'll try our very best to push on and do what we do and continue the legacy. The goal from day one, when we said we were going to do this album, was that we weren't going to half-ass it. It is Jimmy's record and the fans will love it. And we want everyone to understand what was going on in the process.'

'Nightmare' is available everywhere now. www.avengedsevenfold.com

Vote Gilbere Forte on mtvU The Freshmen

2010-08-02T18:20:00.000-07:00

Each week mtvU lets you vote for up & comers to add into the rotation on the network. This week Gilbere Forte & his video "All Black Chukkas" has a great chance to win a spot. Its going to be a tight race for the Philly kid so take a second and help him out. I'm sure he'd give each & every one of you a cheesesteak if he could - unless you're a vegetarian. In that case, a slab of tempeh bacon would substitute. VOTE For GILBERE.

More good news for Gilbere...he's featured on MTV's Buzzworthy Blog.

The Death Set at Jelly NYC's Pool Parties

2010-07-29T17:50:00.000-07:00

The Death Set played Jelly NYC's Pool Parties at East River Park last Sunday July 25th in Brooklyn. Dan, Johnny, and Jahphet aka Roofeeo, of course, were batsh*t crazy. Our friend Colin Devin Moore shot a bunch of photos of their set. Then, he ran them down for the most uninformative interview in the history of man.

At some point shortly after this interview the crowd went over to Brooklyn Bowl where Johnny threw a bowling ball at Japhet.

So what the hell is going on with them? Here's a state of The Death Set email Johnny Sierra sent out this week:

"The big news is that we have finished our new album! Its called "Michel Poiccard". Some may recognize that name as the bad ass lead character from the French New Wave movie "Breathless". Dedicated to the rough and tumble dude he is.   The record was mixed and executively produced by XXXChange, producer for Spankrock, The Kills and remixer of a gazillion from Thom Yorke to Kylie Minogue. We are super psyched on it! Includes a collaboration with Diplo on a track and Spankrock on another.  Expect a mixtape in October, singles with videos from November and the record to drop in January. Coming out on Counter records. The rock sibling of Ninja Tune."

The Death Set will be playing The Mad Decent Block Party tomorrow in Philly with buds, Ninjasonik. Shortly after, they're getting all fancy & going to France to break a bunch of really old, historical stuff after drinking a lot of beer. The France tour dates are listed on The Death Set's site so have yourself a look.

Catching up with Ninjasonik

2010-07-29T17:29:00.000-07:00

The Ninjas were running the roads in CA doing some shows in the bay area & in LA a couple of weeks ago while also doing a bit of recording in the studio. Fortunately, their rad gal manager Felice packed them all in a car to the Vans office before they had to head back to Brooklyn. While she passed out on this bench-looking thing for a much needed nap, I chatted with Telli "Bathroomsexx" Gramz, Ben Robey and Roofeo from the infamous baller black ikea couch.

By the way, they got a fresh new site: Ninjasonik.com.

See them with The Death Set, Diplo & a buncha cool people for FREE at the Mad Decent Block Parties. The first one is in Philly on this Saturday July 31.

School of Rock: Live Aid Remade

2010-07-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

If you don't know about it, School of Rock is just what it sounds like. Their mission is to inspire kids to rock the eff out.

"With more than a decade of successful experience teaching music, School of Rock is the national leader in music education for kids from age 7 to 18. Students learn from professional musicians in an interactive environment combining weekly private lessons and structured group rehearsals with the ultimate goal of performing live in front of real crowds."

I could totally do this. I bet I can pass for 10-ish, right? Kids have grey hair sometimes. Back to the matter at hand, The School of Rock's Live Aid Remade! Tonight at the Whisky and also on July 30th in Pamona at the Glass House Vans is proud to be sponsoring the School of Rock All Stars as they perform a tribute to the 1985 Live Aid concert. The School of Rock kids are doing this to benefit Music For Relief. If you're not in SoCal for these events, check out their tour page for a date near you.

Here's the kind of serious musicianship you can expect at the show.

Matt Costa Free New Track Download

2010-07-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

Like the headline says, our buddy Matt Costa is offering up free track "The Season" from his new album Mobile Chateau on Matt Costa dot com. The new album, due out on 9/21/10 on Brushfire Records, will accompany a big, long tour that will most certainly come to a city near you. The dates are up & some are already for sale.

Here's a snippet of what you can expect from Mobile Chateau via OC Weekly, "Costa promises a "distinct departure" from his previous work in Mobile Chateau, leaning towards what the press release calls "'60s psychedelic superheroes," before name-checking Donovan, 13th Floor Elevators, the Zombies and the Electric Prunes." Congrats, Matt!

Man Man in the Studio

2010-07-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

Writing songs in both LA & Philly, Man Man thought it best to record their album somewhere in the middle. They picked Omaha. Hints the band is posting online makes this sound somewhere between a fight and a party with kids and a torture chamber & a symphony, "Took much longer than we thought to create the overdub the sound of the sound of a man being electrocuted. 15 minute break then onto the sound of a crazy bodega thug," and "big, little girl" trapped inside Honus' throat pipes." Here's a vid of Stella, the producer's little girl as guest vocalist.

Anti Records hasn't said when the album might be released, but status updates from front man Honus Honus say, "mixing, mixing, mixing." Man Man has few tour dates where I'm sure you can get a preview of the new material at the beginning of September.

Hopeless Romantics & True Believers

2010-07-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

Many bands have a few serious fans, but few bands have the army that The Bouncing Souls have amassed over the years. Check out a few of these tattoos and view the rest on The Bouncing Souls facebook. They're on tour now so check them out this summer. I'm backing the all black solid one. Keeping it classic.

Set Your Goals Gets Political

2010-07-13T15:04:00.000-07:00

With Set Your Goals' new video for the song "Gaia Bleeds" the guys are being pretty clear about how they feel we're doing with taking care of environmental business. Not that rad. So besides asking you to be more conscientious of your own impact, SYG are asking their fans to donate to Operation Gulf Rescue via SeaShepherd.org. Here are a couple of shots, but view the video on Myspace Music. Catch the guys on Warped Tour all summer.

Mastodon + Jonah Hex EP

2010-06-19T06:35:00.001-07:00

This excites us. Because we like comics, we like movies, and we like metal. If you wondered why the music in the Jonah Hex trailer was so badass, it's because it was written by Mastodon...

In light of the release of latest DC comic book movie Jonah Hex yesterday, Mastodon have announced they will release a 6-song EP of the movie scores- despite the struggling process the band endured while working on the project. The album will be released on June 29th.

Here's a snippet of how the band approached writing the music for the film:

For their first venture into the realm of film, Mastodon would record the tracks spontaneously while viewing the movie footage, proving to be a daring and daunting way of creating music together over a short period of time. The resulting sessions yielded incredibly exciting results produced in a completely different way than they normally would approach writing and recording for a Mastodon album.

Just for kicks and to hear how the guys approached the movie, check out the trailer:

The Death Set's "Far Weathered Friends" Video

2010-06-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

We are excited to have the official music video for The Death Set's "Far Weathered Friends," a reworking of Daedelus' "Fair Weathered Friends." The video is directed by LAZLO, illustrated by J. Penry and animated by Wealthy Pictures.

On top of the video, we can (luckily) be expecting more stuff from The Death Set this year- including a documentary, a mix tape of the band's favorite tracks and unreleased material....and all before a new fall album. Score.

After the unexpected death of founding member Beau Velasco in late '09, I applaud the band for their choice to continue their writing, touring and general badassery. No doubt that 2010 will wrap up to be a solid year, so here's to many more awesome musical endeavors by TDS!

As details unfold about the year's planned releases, you know where to look.

Interview: Dilinger Escape Plan

2010-06-15T12:06:00.000-07:00

Liam from Dillinger Escape Plan was cool enough to sit down and answer some questions from the Warped Tour Pit Reporter...who also happens to be me! He tells us who he's liked working with, what it's like getting this far on the band's 10th year, new releases he likes and more- not to mention a prank the band pulled on The Bronx a few years ago on Warped.

If you haven't already picked up the band's latest album Option Paralysis, be sure to give it a good listen.

The Big Four Live

2010-06-13T15:30:00.001-07:00

A while ago, I was super stoked to announce that the big four (Metallica, Anthrax, Slayer, Megadeth) were finally playing together this summer...for only 7 days in Europe. Of course it's crazy to think we can all afford tickets, flights and accommodations to witness history in the making, but fear not. You can experience the whole thing in a theater near you.

"The Big Four Live" is going to be a live, streaming feed from Sonisphere, the festival all 4 bands will be playing together, so you can catch each of the bands' performances. It will be a one-time-only showing, so I'm suggesting to get your tickets stat.

The screening will be June 22 at 7:30pm your local time. Tickets are up right now. Check out the trailer for all of this to make more sense...and melt your face off due to awesomeness:

New Rise Against video

2010-06-10T04:55:00.000-07:00

Rise Against have made a slideshow of photos from their world-wide adventures last year to their track "From Heads Unworthy." It features photos from their crew, other photographers and even fans. Check it out and see if they grabbed any of your images!

Rise Against Slideshow

Rise Against | MySpace Music Videos

What else is going on with the band? Bonaroo and some other festivals. We'll be sure to let you know as soon as we hear about any upcoming US tours!

Vans Warped Tour Vans

2010-06-08T04:00:00.000-07:00

This year, we are proud to introduce a run of 2010 Vans Warped Tour Vans! These shoes will be highly limited with a few pairs available at each tour stop. Once they are gone at the show, they are gone. Want them? You better get there early! You won't be able to get them anywhere else- not online and not in stores.

The Pixies perform Doolittle...again!

2010-06-04T03:22:00.000-07:00

The Pixies just announced they will be heading back out for an extended run of the 2009 Doolittle reunion tour. Last year, the band toured nation-wide in celebration of the album's 20th anniversary- and it seems like fans have asked for more.

The tour will hit 11 cities throughout September and will offer something the previous tour did not. At the end of each performance, you can get a CD copy of the show at the merch booth. I'd like to see the CD burner they have to tour with that can pop them out that quickly. It must be crazy! I digress...

The show will still feature all of the songs from Doolittle as well as the B-sides associated with the album. As of now, there is no information when tickets will be available.

And let's say you want to know what the band sounds like now after all these years? Then download a free copy of band's live EP.

September 7	Tower Theatre	Philadelphia, PA
September 10	Ryman Auditorium	Nashville, TN
September 13	Fox Theatre	Atlanta, GA
September 17	Uptown Theatre	Kansas City, MO
September 18	Brady Theatre	Tulsa, OK
September 19	Verizon Theatre	Dallas, TX
September 20	Verizon Wireless Theatre	Houston, TX
September 22	Austin Music Hall	Austin, TX
September 24	Mesa Amphitheatre	Mesa, AZ
September 25	The Joint	Las Vegas, NV
September 26	RIMAC Arena	San Diego, CA

Bad Religion Writing New Album

2010-06-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

This week marks the official announcement that Bad Religion is recording a new album.

So much is happening for the band on their 30th year anniversary. We're talking full tours, a live album and now they are working on the next. Do these guys take a break!?

Epitaph Records founder, and Bad Religion member, Brett Gurewitz comments:

While we're celebrating our 30th anniversary as a band this year it's also a time when Greg and I have embarked on new creative pursuits which have informed our songwriting process. I'm a new parent again and Greg a new author having just completed his first book Anarchy Evolution. So the songs are a distillation of where we've been and who we are now...a natural evolution of creativity. Being a new parent has colored my whole world. As a result I've written songs that at least for me, are somewhat less angsty and more introspective and vulnerable. The experience has emboldened me to take some creative risks as a songwriter that I've not allowed myself to take before.

Greg also commented on working on the new album:

We wouldn't embark on this new creative endeavor, Brett wouldn't have embarked on parenthood, I wouldn't have embarked on writing a book, if we hadn't reached a place in our lives where we felt the confidence that we had something to offer and that's what these songs represent. They represent a new found confidence that things are starting to make sense to us.

If you want the entire free live album, you can still get it for free by signing up for their mailing list...for free. Get it! Get it!!!

Tribute to Slipknot's Paul Gray

2010-05-31T10:08:00.000-07:00

As everyone who follows any alternative music must already know, last week the world lost 38-year-old Slipknot bassist Paul Gray at a hotel in Urbandale, Iowa. The cause of death remains unconfirmed.

Though Slipknot is currently on hiatus, the death came as a shock to all. Gray's other project Hail! will continue a planned tour after recruiting Megadeth's former bassist, James Lomenzo.

The video below was just released as a tribute to Gray and his life, both personally and with the band. It shows his family, performance footage, his interviews and more:

New Cerebral Ballzy stuff everywhere!

2010-05-29T04:57:00.000-07:00

We just caught word of a new music video from Cerebral Ballzy for their track Insufficient Fare. We love this video. Lots of Vans and lots of skateboarding. Don't forget these guys are also going to be hitting up the Vans Warped Tour this year at a couple stops!

You can also grab the band's very first EP, You're Idle, out now! It's a griptape 7in!!!

Not at one of their 3 tour stops at Warped? Then check them out at one of their upcoming shows:

Jun 7 2010

Legion of Doom

Columbus, OH

Jun 9 2010

Now Thats Class

Cleveland, OH

Jun 10 2010

Greeks Pizza

Bloomington, IN

Jun 11 2010

The Rockbox

Chicago, IL

Jun 12 2010

Cactus Club

Milwaukee, WI

Jun 16 2010

The B S M T

Missoula, MT

Jun 17 2010

TBA

Spokane, WA

Jun 18 2010

VIADUCT

Tacoma, WA

Jun 20 2010

East End w/ The Mean Jeans

Portland, OR

Jun 21 2010

Cafe Flo

Chico, CA

Jun 24 2010

The Smell

Los Angeles, CA

Jun 25 2010

Che Cafe

San Diego, CA

Jul 8 2010

The Max

Amarillo, TX

Jul 10 2010

Schiller House

Little Rock, AR

PARAMORE! Win tickets and Ask Questions

2010-05-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty excited to let you guys know about a new band we're working with...

Starting on June 15th, Vans will be giving away 30 pairs of tickets (that's 30 chances to win!) to a date near you to the upcoming Honda Civic Tour Featuring PARAMORE. Trust me- you'll see more details on that coming up.

Now on top of that, Paramore is going to be taking questions from YOU, the Vans fans, for an interview that will be right here! All you have to do is leave a comment on anything you want to know and we'll take it from there.

New Killswitch Engage Video

2010-05-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

After posting a teaser last week, Killswitch Engage has premiered their brand new music video for "Save Me" today.

Before you check out the video, see what guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz had to say about it:

This was my favorite video shoot EVER! It took like 1/2 an hour, and we were turned into clay. And who doesn't like claymation and space aliens? They didn't like my suggestion of turning me into a blood-thirsty pterodactyl with laser eyes at the end of the vid, but it's cool. Thanks to all who worked wicked hard on this video...it looks sweet.

Yes. It's a video with Killswitch in space getting hijacked by aliens. In claymation. What!? It even features a claymation performance, too. Just....watch:

Late Night Metal: Slayer

2010-05-21T15:15:00.000-07:00

It's not too often you get real metal on television, but I guess Jimmy Kimmel is trying to regain his street cred. I didn't even know his show was still on. Do people still think it's funny? I digress...

Behold! Slayer melts faces on last night's episode with "Hate Worldwide" and "World Painted Blood." This is also the band's first appearance since Tom's back surgery. I think he's doing just fine!

The Damned Things Studio Updates

2010-05-19T15:34:00.000-07:00

Super-group The Damned Things have set up shop at MetroSonic Studio in Brooklyn to record the band's debut album. The studio has given the world some insight to the band's progress on the highly anticipated fall release. Check out some eye candy and lust over the gear on the studio's post.

Keith Buckley recording vocals

A crazy amount of guitars

Hey Rob Caggiano!

[see more photos of the guys and the gear]

What else is happening for the band? They have just been signed to Mercury Records, a now imprint of Island Def Jam. Congrats, guys!

Don't forget, they have their first show booked for June 1st in New York!