Rise Records signs Ten After Two

Rise Records has made its newest signing with Sacramento's Ten After Two.

Read their interview with Highwire Daze about their signing. Interview Here

Check out their MYSPACE HERE

Chiodos stream new record "Illuminaudio" on their Myspace

Chiodos finally has their new record coming out soon, first since the post-Craig Owen's era. Their full length album, Illuminaudio, is currently streaming in full on their MYSPACE.

The record hits stores on October 5th.

Fealess Friends Tour to head off in November

This November, Fearless Records will be launching their first tour, The Fearless Friends Tour, run by them featuring five big artists off their label. Starting November 13th in Hartford, CT, Mayday Parade, Every Avenue, Breathe Carolina, Artist vs. Poet and Go Radio will all take to the road for a 30 date tour stretching across the U.S. Also joining them on the haul will be The Victorious Secrets, who you might have seen on a FreeCreditScore.com commercial lately, as they are one of the big sponsors of the tour.

Make sure you pick up your tickets, because you are bound to have a great time seeing all of these bands who bring the energy and know how to keep the crowd active.

 Check out the Fearless Friends Tour trailer right HERE!

Tour Dates:
10.13.10 - Hartford, CT @ Webster Theatre 
10.14.10 - New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre 
10.15.10 - Sayreville, NY @ Starland Ballroom 
10.16.10 - Farmingdale, NY @ Crazy Donkey 
10.17.10 - Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club 
10.19.10 - Williamsville, NY @ Infinity 
10.20.10 - Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts 
10.21.10 - Towson, MD @ Recher Theatre 
10.22.10 - Charlotte, NC @ Amos’ Southend 
10.23.10 - Jacksonville Beach, FL @ Freebird Live 
10.24.10 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade 
10.26.10 - Cincinnati, OH @ Bogarts 
10.27.10 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues 
10.28.10- Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall 
10.29.10 - Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues 
10.30.10 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave 
10.31.10 - Minneapolis, MN @ Cabooze 
11.2.10 - Des Moines, IA @ People’s Court 
11.3.10 - Sauget, IL @ Pop’s 
11.4.10 - Kansas City, MO @ Beaumont Club 
11.5.10 - Omaha, NE @ Sokol Underground 
11.6.10 - Denver, CO @ Gothic Theatre 
11.8.10 - Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory 
11.9.10 - Seattle, WA @ El Corazon 
11.10.10 - Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre 
11.11.10 - Orangevale, CA @ Boardwalk 
11.12.10 - San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom 
11.13.10 - Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues 
11.14.10 - Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues 
11.16.10 - San Diego, CA @ House of Blues 
11.17.10 - Los Angeles, CA @ House of Blues 
11.18.10 - Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theatre 
11.19.10 - Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theatre 
11.20.10 - Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom 
11.21.10 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues 
11.23.10 - San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit 
11.24.10 - Houston, TX @ House of Blues 
11.26.10 - Orlando, FL @ House of Blues 
11.27.10 - Tampa, FL @ State Theatre 
11.28.10 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution

Music Still Exists on Facebook

I made a Music Still Exists Facebook Fan Page that everyone should check out and "like".

Become a fan and I will be able to post updates of thing that is going on right to your facebook account. Cool right?

CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT

Review- The Wonder Years re-release of 'The Upsides'

Today I was fortunate to get my hands on a digital copy of the The Wonder Years re-released album The Upsides featuring all original songs, plus 4 bonus tracks to book, giving this album 16 songs total, many of which were re-recorded. Copies of this album were released in stores TODAY! As someone who has little to no experience with this sextet from Philadelphia , beside my roommates band getting to play with them at a show in San Diego, I figured I would take a crack at this CD to see what this band has got.

This album, as stated in their second song "Logan Circle" reminds me the world's not such a shitty place. What an amazing new sound sound my ears have gotten to behold when I had sat down for an hour to take a listen to this band.

As I go through each song, I can't help but become addicted to the lyrics of each song. Every song sends a message to the listener and have great meaning you can take from each song. With the catchy drums, fun guitar riffs, and solid vocals, each song becomes a must have and a new addition to my iTunes.

Traveling down the list from track to track, I stumbled across what easily became my favorite song of the CD, Hey Thanks ft. Rachel Minton and Matt Belanger, which almost didn't make the record according to Dan "Soupy" Cambell. The song is a definite change from the pace of the record as it starts with a ukulele, rather than guitar and slowly builds up to include a trumpet in the second half of the song, and is just a fun song to sit and relax to.

The album opens and closes with the same message: "I'm not sad anymore, I'm just tired of this place". This lyric sums of the overall message of the album to find the upsides and life and try to keep positive. And it is hard not to listening to this great piece of work.

Worthy tracks to check out: My Last Semester, This Party Sucks, Washington Square Park

Rating: 4/5

 You can catch The Wonder Years this fall on a U.S. tour with Four Year Strong. The full tour schedule can be found RIGHT HERE!!!

Tracklisting
1. My Last Semester 
2. Logan Circle  
3. Everything I Own Fits In This Backpack 
4. Dynamite Shovel 
5. New Years With Carl Weathers 
6. It’s Never Sunny In Philadelphia 
7. Hostels & Brothels 
8. Melrose Diner 
9. This Party Sucks 
10. Hey Thanks 
11. Washington Square Park  
12. All My Friends Are In Bar Bands 
13. I Was Scared and I’m Sorry 
14. Dynamite Shovel (Campfire Version) 
15. Logan Circle : A New Hope  
16. We Won’t Bury You

A Day to Remember join Underoath on tour

A Day To Remember has announced they will join forces with Underoath on a North American tour beginning in November to support their upcoming fourth album (currently untitled) with Victory Records.

Underoath looks to support their new album, Ø (Disambiguation), which hits storesNov. 9 on Tooth & Nail/Solid State.

Supporting acts are The Word Alive and Close Your Eyes.

Dates:
11/2/2010 House of Blues Myrtle Beach SC
11/3/2010 Disco Rodeo Raleigh NC
11/4/2010 NORVA Norfolk VA
11/5/2010 Asbury Park Convention Center Asbury Park NJ
11/6/2010 Crocodile Rock Allentown PA
11/8/2010 Northern Lights Clifton Park NY
11/9/2010 Mid Hudson Civic Center Poughkeepsie NY
11/10/2010 Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel Providence RI
11/12/2010 Headliners Toledo OH
11/13/2010 Expo Five Louisville KY
11/14/2010 Orbit Room Grand Rapids MI
11/16/2010 The Rave Milwaukee WI
11/17/2010 Pop’s Sauget IL
11/18/2010 Val Air Ballroom Des Moines IA
11/19/2010 Diamond Ballroom Oklahoma City OK
11/21/2010 Club 101 El Paso TX
11/22/2010 The East Side Drive In Austin TX
11/23/2010 Las Palmas Race Park Mission TX
11/27/2010 Rocketown Nashville TN
11/28/2010 New Daisy Theatre Memphis TN

Travis Barker releases first single off solo album

Today, Travis Barker dropped his first solo track off his upcoming solo album, Give The Drummer Some, which comes out in October. This song, titled "Jump Down", featured the hip hop group, The Cool Kids.

The track features hip-hop drum beats from Barker, and gives an idea in which direction the CD might take.

Barker posted on his website the song for free Download. With the download from the site, you can receive a free pair of 3D glasses in which you can watch the music video with when it drops.

Catering to the Bands- What it is like.

This past weekend I got to do my first catering shift where I cater for a concert (I work for my school catering, this is not something I do all the time). At Viejas Arena on the campus of San Diego State, I was able to cater for Tegan and Sara, New Found Glory, and Paramore who were on the Honda Civic Tour. What a process it is to do catering for a show!

Catering does not begin on the day of the show, it actually begins the day before as we set up the entire suite at the arena in preparation for the next day. I did not realize that trucks and everything arrived at 7:30am on the day of concert, but I found that out when I had to work the early morning shift, running around setting up bagels, coffee, yogurts, donuts, the whole breakfast selection.

In the morning it runs virtually slow as truck drivers trickle in followed by a few crew members and friends of the bands that come off the tour buses early. I didn't even get a glimpse of any of the bands until way after noon, where they finally leave the bus and come for lunch (which we set up quickly after having to take down the set up for breakfast).

The hard part about this tour was that many of the members were vegan, so lets just say they were a little picky about what was being served, so after a few special requests, we finally made the bands all happy as they ate.

It was a very cool experience overall, not just serving the bands, but seeing the preparation and the steps involved to having a concert set up. Every day they roll into an empty arena with no stage and they begin the set up from scratch. Once they build the stage, they roll the truck back with all the stage setup: lights, fog machines, stands, speakers, the whole bit. After they roll out all of the equipment, instruments begin to come out of the truck. Seeing everything is kind of crazy because every band has their own guitar rack and drum set and having an entire tunnel filled with top of the line music equipment will make any music fan get somewhat giddy, and being equipment of some big name bands, hard not to get somewhat star stuck.

The whole experience will continue once again as I get to cater this week for Muse at Viejas Arena and then for Gym Class Heroes as they roll into Open Air Theater. I hope this week in music has a lot in store for me.

A Different Spin with Mark Hoppus

Congrats to Mark Hoppus for his first episode of his new television show "A Different Spin" that debuted today on Fuse TV.

Interviews included special guest star, John Mayer and Neon Trees.

I hope this show lives up to the hype they are putting on it. Big fan of Hoppus. Make sure you tune in every Thursday at 7pm EST.

New My Chemical Romance record title and cover?

Since their last record, which was released in October 2006, fans have been waiting patiently for the newMy Chemical Romance album, which they have been publicly talking about for months to be the best work they have ever made. Slowly, they have been releasing possible new songs for the record, one being rumored to be call "Death By Disco". I personally am a fan and am  very stoked to hear they have a new CD coming out in the next few months (November 22, 2010 U.K. Release Date).

The cover and album title have been unrevealed so far until a U.K. retail site has the new record listed as Danger Days: True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys.  The store also includes a picture that could also be a possible cover for the new album.

Guitarist Frank Iero wrote, "We have a plan, and we are sticking to it. But look alive, keep your ears to the ground and your eyes bloodshot and open...there are signs everywhere and it will all make sense to you soon. Keep checking back for the shit to hit the fan."

Check out the bands website for any additional information to come up in the near future.

All Time Low to head out on "My Small Package Tour"

All Time Low is soon to be on their way another for another tour, with this one being almost completely sold out over a month before the tour begins!

As tickets went on sale September 4, many dates were sold out in the first hour of being put online. With guests A Rocket to the Moon and City (Comma) State, the tour heads out on their country wide tour beginning October 18th in Philadelphia and winding down November 17th in Orlando.

Guitarist Jack Barakat claims, “We’ll be playing some smaller venues that we played when we first started touring. You can expect some hot, sweaty packed rooms that are going to take us back to the early days...."


Tour Dates:
10-18: Philadelphia, PA – North Star Bar – SOLD OUT
10-19: Boston, MA – Middle East Downstairs – SOLD OUT
10-20: Hartford, CT – Webster Theater – SOLD OUT
10-22:New York, NY – Irving Plaza – SOLD OUT
10-23: Towson, MD – Recher Theatre – SOLD OUT
10-24: Detroit, MI – Shelter – SOLD OUT
10-25: Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop – SOLD OUT
10-27: Minneapolis, MN – Triple Rock – SOLD OUT
10-29: Milwaukee, WI – The Rave II (Downstairs) – SOLD OUT
10-30: Iowa City, IA – The Blue Moose Tap
11-01: St. Louis, MO – The Firebird – SOLD OUT
11-03: Denver, CO – Marquis Theatre
11-04: Salt Lake City, UT – Avalon Theater
11-06: Seattle, WA – El Corazon
11-07: Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
11-08: Orangevale, CA – The Boardwalk
11-09: San Francisco, CA – Bottom of the Hill – SOLD OUT
11-10: Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour – SOLD OUT
11-12: Anaheim, California – Chain Reaction – SOLD OUT
11-13: Tucson, AZ – The Rock
11-15: Dallas, TX – House of Blues- Cambridge Room – SOLD OUT
11-17: Orlando, FL – The Social – SOLD OUT

3oh!3 head out on tour

After dropping their latest album, Streets of Gold, 3oh!3 is hitting the road with their tour for their third recorded album. After such radio hits as "Don't Trust Me" and "Starstrukk", the band has kept their energy level up on the songs on the new CD, even getting everyone to sing the chorus of "My First Kiss" ft. Ke$ha.

I cannot deny that this last CD was a little bit of a disappointment for me, considering I have been listening to their stuff since before the 2008 Warped Tour stint, but for someone who has seen the six times, I also cannot deny that their live show is something that can get anyone up dancing. The band is able to keep up the high energy and choreographed dance moves through all of their shows and is a fun experience for anyone to attend.

For anyone looking to check them out on their latest tour I would recommend it. After the first few dates in the UK, 3oh!3 head to the Los Angeles County Fair to play with OK Go and later on tour they meet up with Hellogoodbye, The Secret Handshake, and Down with Webster.

Check out their tour dates HERE

Punk Goes Pop Vol. 3 11-2-10

So, Fearless Records is at it once again with their 10th edition of Punk Goes... series ft. various bands of Fearless Records. Their latest version will be Punk Goes Pop Vol. 3 which drops Nov. 2, 2010, which they are touting to be the most exciting of the series to date.

Looking down the tracklisting, there are definitely a few songs that would be interesting to see with a punk/pop band type of twist to them, but seeing how some of the bands are screamo and yellers, it may make for a not-so-interesting type of listen for the average fan of pop music (even though I am a big fan of The Devil Wears Prada's version of "Still Fly" off Punk Goes Crunk).

Today, Fearless released the first song off the album, Breathe Carolina's version of "Down", originally recorded by Jay Sean ft. Lil Wayne, and I have to say, for the average listener, it does not sound bad at at all. The song keeps the very catch beat and rhythm of the song, and yes they do add a scream portion in the last verse, I feel the song flows quite smoothly, and it this is what to be expected, this album very well could meet the expectations made by Fearless.

Don't believe me on it, go check out "Down" by Breathe Carolina and get yourself excited for this new record as well. Hopefully 3rd time is a charm.


Tracklisting:
1. Breathe Carolina - "Down" (originally recorded by Jay Sean ft. Lil Wayne)
2. Woe, Is Me - "Hot 'N Cold" (originally recorded by Katy Perry)
3. Artist Vs Poet - "Bad Romance" (originally recorded by Lady GaGa)
4. Mayday Parade - "In My Head" (originally recorded by Jason Derülo)
5. Asking Alexandria - "Right Now (Na Na Na)" (originally recorded by Akon)
6. This Century - "Paper Planes" (originally recorded by M.I.A.)
7. The Word Alive - "Heartless" (originally recorded by Kanye West)
8. Family Force 5 - "Bulletproof" (originally recorded by La Roux)
9. Of Mice & Men - "Blame It" (originally recorded by Jamie Foxx ft. T-Pain)
10. Miss May I - "Run This Town" (originally recorded by Jay-Z ft. Kanye West and Rihanna)
11. The Ready Set - "Airplanes" (originally recorded by B.o.B ft. Hayley Williams)
12. Cute Is What We Aim For - "Dead And Gone" (originally recorded by T.I. ft. Justin Timberlake)
13. Sparks The Rescue - "Need You Now" (originally recorded by Lady Antebellum)
14. We Came As Romans - "My Love" (originally recorded by Justin Timberlake ft. T.I.)

San Diego Music Awards

The San Diego Music Awards took place this last weekend on September 12, 2010.


San Diego Music Awards Website

THE 2010 WINNERS ARE:

Best Tribute Band - 40 Oz. to Freedom Best Club DJ - Gabe Vega Best Acoustic - Josh Damigo Best Electronic - Drew Andrews Best Jazz - Jaime Valle Best Jazz Album - Steph Johnson:  Mysterious Feminine Best Blues - Tomcat Courtney Best Blues Album - Sue Palmer: After Hours Best World Music - The Devastators Best World Music Album – Skelpin: A Trip to Skye Best Americana - Eve Selis Best Americana Album - John Meeks: Old Blood Best Hip Hop - Deep Rooted Best Hip Hop Album - Vokab Kompany: The New Kong Best Pop - Dynamite Walls Congrats to all the winners this year!

Best Pop Album - The Silent Comedy: Common Faults Best Alternative - Cuckoo Chaos Best Alternative Album – Rafter: Animal Feelings Best Rock – The Burning of Rome Best Rock Album – Transfer: Future Selves Best Hard Rock - Lord Howler Best Hard Rock Album - All Leather: When I Grow Up… Best Local Recording - White Apple Tree: Velvet Mustache Best New Artist - Little Hurricane Song of the Year –Crocodiles: Sleep Forever Album of the Year - Switchfoot: Hello Hurricane Artist of the Year - Slightly Stoopid Lifetime Achievement Award – Iron Butterfly

Weezer 'Hurley' album review

So Rivers is at it once again in what seems like Weezer's 50th album, and first since last years "Raditude". Many criticized the band for becoming more pop and corny throughout the record and saying it simply just did not have the "Weezer sound".

Hearing that, it made me think, when did Weezer really have a specific sound? They have been a group of guys singing about nerdy things in a fun way, so I decided to take a look at "Hurley" to see what it had.

From their myspace (www.myspace.com/weezer) it had their whole new album streaming for fans just days before the album dropped in stores.

Through the first two songs, I have been impressed so far. The first, radio single "Memories" comes with a fun sound and catchy chorus that gets anybody singing to it. Most likely will be one of two songs remembered from this album. (Check out the music video featuring Johnny Knoxville and the guys from Jackass "Memories" Music Video)

When I get to the song "Trainwreck", I immediately got the feeling of Hash Pipe with the opening guitars and an old school type of feeling to the song, but nothing I would stoked on to see live at their concerts.

Once I reach the middle of the album I hit my favorite song thus far "Where's my Sex?" Apparently, Rivers got the idea for the song when his daughter came and asked him where her "sex" were, referring to socks and he ran with the idea. With several clever lines, the song will make anyone laugh a little when they hear the band singing about looking for sex.

The remainder of the album comes with a few solid songs that will get your head bobbing to the music, but nothing that I would say has a super attention grabber to them.  They all relatively have the same type of sound and with cheesy choruses (see: "Smart Girls") and repetitive guitars.

Overall, I would have to say this album is much slower than "Raditude" was with much less of the poppy sound and more songs that go back to the roots of early Weezer. If you listen and feel that this is not as good as Weezer has offered before, I am right there with you. From their constant touring and last album only being released about a year ago, I feel the album may have been rushed. Don't get me wrong, this album was definitely worth the listen with a few hits sprinkled in. Buy it, download it, Limewire, whatever, get in the car and give it a full listen through.

Rating: 3/5

Interviews from Warped Tour- The Summer Set and Dropkick Murphys

I know I am posting very late, but I can partially blame my friend, Andy, who had the footage, but I finally uploaded two more of my interviews from Warped Tour in San Diego on August 10, 2010. I was able to secure press passes for the day and got to interview six of the bands (check out the other videos on my YouTube account).

Check these out:
Dropkick Murphys Interview

The Summer Set interview


All others are at www.youtube.com/musicstillexists

Review of Green Day concert

HOLY CRAP! I only paid $15 for that show?

I would have to give a cyber applause to Green Day after the performance they put on last night. It was truly amazing from start to finish. The first thing that got me hooked on the show was the amazing background set, which showed a city scape of their Bay Area hometown San Francisco where they went into new hits off their 8th album "21st Century Breakdown" and "Know your Enemy".

During the three hour set, yes you read that right, the trio kept the energy at a pinnacle throughout the entire set, led by front man Billie Joe Armstrong. I do not think I have seen a more energetic, fun, crazy front man than Armstrong. From running around stage, to pulling numerous kids out of the crowd, to busting out into random covers, and making sure San Diego had the time of their lives at Cricket Wireless Amphitheater.

Of the 38 total songs they played (according to SetList.fm), my favorite would have to be "Longview". Armstrong picked two fans out of the pit and had one sing the song and one play it on his guitar while he laid down by the drum set next to drummer, Trey Cool. After the song completed, Armstrong then presented the guitar to the fan to a great ovation by the crowd.

There was just too much good stuff packed into the concert last night to even describe and easily became one of my favorite concerts I ever attended. I hope I get to see Green Day another time real soon.

Setlist: (Thank you Setlist.fm)

• 1. Song of the Century Play Video
  2. 21st Century Breakdown Play Video
  3. Know Your Enemy Play Video
  4. East Jesus Nowhere Play Video
  5. Holiday Play Video
  6. Nice Guys Finish Last Play Video
  7. Platypus (I Hate You) Play Video
  8. Give Me Novacaine Play Video
  9. Letterbomb Play Video
  10. Are We the Waiting Play Video
  11. St. Jimmy Play Video
  12. Boulevard of Broken Dreams Play Video
  13. Cigarettes And Valentines Play Video
  14. Geek Stink Breath Play Video
  15. Going To Pasalacqua Play Video
  16. The Judge's Daughter Play Video
  17. Paper Lanterns Play Video
  18. 2000 Light Years Away Play Video
  19. Hitchin' a Ride Play Video
  20. Dominated Love Slave Play Video
  21. Hitchin' A RideReprise Play Video
  22. When I Come Around Play Video
  23. Iron Man / Master of Puppets/ Rock 'N Roll / Baba O'Riley / Highway to Hell Play Video
  24. Brain Stew Play Video
  25. Jaded Play Video
  26. Longview Play Video
  27. Basket Case Play Video
  28. She Play Video
  29. King for a Day Play Video
  30. Shout (The Isley Brothers cover) Play Video
  31. All The Small Things / Shout / Hey Jude Play Video
  32. 21 Guns Play Video
  33. American Eulogy Play Video
  34. Encore:
  34. American Idiot Play Video
  35. Jesus of Suburbia Play Video
  36. Encore 2:
  36. When It's Time Play Video
  37. Wake Me Up When September Ends Play Video
  38. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) Play Video  

Green Day/AFI Concert

Tonight I am going to the Green Day/AFI concert in Chula Vista at Cricket Wireless. Although I have been upset with the last two Green Day CD's, I am still anxious to go see them since it will be my first time checking them out. Hoping they play a lot of their old hits while mixing in some new ones or the show may be a bust overall for me.

Although I have seen AFI once before, I am willing to give them a 2nd chance. I don't know much of their songs but for $15 for the show to see these two big names, it should be well worth it. I'll post my opinion and pictures later.

Welcome to my blog

I know there will not be many people reading this or who ever will read it, but I hope I can change that over the course of the next few months. Hello, my name is Bret Price and I am here to give any readers that are willing to listen my taste and spin on music.

Since I joined my school radio station (KCR Radio at San Diego State Univiersity), I have become increasingly interested in joining the music industry in some form. I will never be a rock star, I will never headline a show, I probably will never own a record label, but I love music.

I am here to follow more bands, become more exposed to different types of genres and music, and hopefully make some friends through this journey. I hope you are willing to hop along for the ride as I try to interview bands, go to shows, check out new venues, and just let people know what this San Diegon loves about music.

Thanks for following along and reading, and if interested, check me out on other means as well:
YouTube: MusicStillExists
Twitter: @MusicStillExist and also my school radio account @KCRRadio

Hoping to soon have a real website up and get the ball rolling. Have a great day music fans, and remember, Music Still Exists.