chasing layne press release

 Below is a press release that I wrote for the debut Chasing Layne's new album, Sin & Regret. My first attempt at a real press release, it's nowhere near perfect, but not too bad for being pulled together in about an hour.

Management and booking: nmanning@chasinglayne.com

Phone: 1.866.233.0480

August 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chasing Layne Releases Sophomore Album

The southern Kentucky band is set to release their long-awaited second album, Sin & Regret on August 6. 

It has been four years since the release of Chasing Layne’s debut self-titled album, but the band is certain that fans will find their sophomore effort more than worth the wait. Sin & Regret will be available for purchase for the first time on Saturday, August 6 at their album release show at Tidball’s in Bowling Green. The first single, “On the Way,” is already receiving radio play on 103.7 The Point and has been met with warm reception from listeners. Now with the release of the album, the buzz is only going to grow louder.   

Sin & Regret, recorded and co-produced by David Barrick in his Glasgow studio, showcases the development of the band and their growth into their signature sound that is a fusion of southern and classic rock, with their own modern twist.  “We have really been able to take our time with this record and come together as a band,” says guitarist Justin Myatt. “We meticulously crafted the songs and tried a lot of different things. Our writing has dramatically improved and so has our level of musicality, and the production is top notch.”

The cd release is scheduled to begin at 9pm on Saturday, August 6 with Bowling Green- based New Youth opening the show at Tidball’s. Chasing Layne is in the process of booking additional shows for the summer and fall to support the new album, and will be featured on D93’s Homecookin’ radio show on Sunday, August 21.   

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

• Pictures, interviews and samples are available to support this story.
• The new album’s official release date is August 6.

For further information contact:

·         FMD Management at nmanning@chasinglayne.com or 1.866.233.0480

·         Visit Chasing Layne’s official Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/chasinglayneofficial

·         Also visit their ReverbNation profile, at www.reverbnation.com/chasinglayne

chasing layne biography

Below is the biography that I wrote for Chasing Layne. It's my first attempt at writing a bio, but I'm pretty proud of how it turned out. They were pleased with it; I hope you are, too!


Chasing Layne isn’t a band of boys you’d bring home to your mama, and they definitely aren’t boys you’d want to leave her alone with.

These rock n’ roll renegades have no regard for political correctness or even common courtesy, just like the true rock idols of times past. And like those real rockers, Chasing Layne plays music that’s raw, undeniable and just what you’ve been looking for to fill in what’s missing from today’s radio.

Hailing from Mt. Hermon, Kentucky, Chasing Layne’s roots show through in their music as a blend of southern undertones mixed with a strong reverence for the classics, plus their own modern rock interpretations. It can almost be guaranteed that Chasing Layne doesn’t
sound like any band you’ve heard lately, and that’s just the way they like it. 

“In rock today a lot of people have a problem with just letting the music be music,” says guitarist Justin Myatt. “We don’t worry about a song being radio-friendly or becoming the next single. This is rock n’ roll, and it doesn’t have to be a perfect 3-minute sound bite; it just has to be natural and powerful.”

If the music itself wasn’t enough, seeing Chasing Layne command a venue during their live show is a spectacle not soon forgotten. It is a firestorm of diatribes and offenses hurled from lead singer, the marvelous one himself, Chris Clines, into every direction. He may be
out of control, but couldn’t care less, and neither does the audience. 

This reckless disregard is echoed in the music. Songs about strippers, the devil, a Hoodoo priestess, and filthy minds in general are a staple of their set list, but to show their softer sides and appease the ladies they also throw in a few “panty droppers,” as they have coined them, to which the whole crowd sings and sways along. At any given point in the show, the music will either have the crowd head banging, dancing, or just standing at attention to the honest lyrics of Clines meshed with the rhythmic thumping of the bass by Evan Harper, old school guitar styling’s of Kevin Groce, mesmerizing hair-slinging and guitar picking of Myatt, and thundering groove on drums by Chase Blakely.

With the  release of the aptly titled Sin and Regret, the boys of Chasing Layne feel like they are onto something with this, their second album.

“We have really been able to take our time with this record and come together as a band,” Myatt says. “We meticulously crafted the songs and tried a lot of different things. Our writing has dramatically improved and so has our level of musicality, and the production is top notch.”

This group of loud, aggressive and in your face rock n’ rollers have already had spots on the bill with national acts such as Cold, Nonpoint, Drowning Pool, and Black Stone Cherry. With the completion of Sin and Regret, Chasing Layne plans to hit the road and make a name for
themselves that puts them at the level of those bands, and beyond.

“We’re coming for you,” said Clines, “In your mouth or for your children. But mostly for your ears. Don’t even try to escape from the Layne.”

i pretend that i'm burning, burning bright

no matter the situation in my life, there is always a similar thread that runs through the way that i relate to it, and that is music. though i lack the talent and ability to play an instrument or sing, i cope by turning to a song. finding lyrics that i feel i can relate to and music that touches me in a such a deep way brings the entire situation down to a manageable size. i can handle anything if i can play the song that sounds the way i feel, and for those three to five minutes, i have it all under control. and if, when the song ends, i'm still not ready to deal, i just hit repeat, and feel it all again. eventually, i'm strong enough to breathe. 

this coping strategy has never been more exemplified than in my dealing with the death of my Grandma Bulah. easily, i can say that her passing was the most difficult thing that i have dealt with in my entire life. when i first learned that she was gone, i had a three hour drive between me and where i needed to be with my family, and there was only one song that i wanted to hear-- no, really needed to hear --to help me keep it together long enough to make it down the interstate. that song was "burning bright," by Shinedown. 

i remember the first time that i made the relation of that song to my life. it was one of my first Shinedown shows, at the state fair many, many years ago. the show was outside,  and before Brent introduced "burning bright" he told a story about his grandmother and what she had once told him about the stars, stars that were amazingly bright that night to have been in the center of louisville.  he said "my grandmother was the wisest person that i have ever known," and i instantly connected the story of his grandma to my Grandma Bulah, who was, and still is,  without doubt the wisest person i have ever known. (i'll let him explain the rest of his story in the video above.) 

it would only make sense that it would a song by my favorite band that would remind me of my favorite person. i loved all of my grandparents dearly, and was so blessed to have them, but with Grandma Bulah the relationship was different. even when i was little, she was my best friend. as my neighbor, she was often delegated the job of "kelli's babysitter" which meant days of gardening and exploring, nights of slumber parties and popcorn made on the stove, and more memories than i could ever type here. even as i got older, and chose to travel down the hill to her house willingly and not because mom said to, we still did those things as long as she was able. as she neared the end of her life, she could do less and less and our time together consisted mainly of talks in her room. but these talks, about anything and everything, meant just as much or more than our times together in the past. 


today marks the one-year anniversary of her death. as soon as i got into my car this morning, i didn't even turn my radio on. instead i flipped open my cd "suitcase" and pulled out Shinedown's Leave a Whisper. i put it in the cd player and skipped straight through the songs until i heard the notes of the guitar that i was searching for. "burning bright" played, and i cried. the catharsis that comes from hearing that song flooded me, and my eyes flooded accordingly. i cried all the way to work. i cried because i missed her, i cried because i missed so much time that i could have spent with her while she was still here and didn't, i cried because i was angry at god for taking away one of the kindest, sweetest, and just best people that had ever lived, and then cried a little more because i know i shouldn't question things like that. i cried because she won't be at my wedding, because my children won't have the chance to grow up with her like i did. mostly, i just cried because there is such a big hole in my heart, and my life, that my best friend used to fill, where her presence is irreplaceable.  

so until night falls and i can take the advice of Brent and go outside to look for answers in the stars, i will listen to "burning bright" and just remember. and cry. and question. and somehow, like i have done everyday for the past year, i will find a way to be ok. in her infinite wisdom, Grandma Bulah taught me how to be a strong, independent, intelligent, and generally good human. though she may not be here in body anymore, her spirit will live through me and all those who's lives she touched forever. i'm so lucky to have had the time with her that i did, but it doesn't make her being gone any easier. until i can handle this day, i'm going to hit repeat one more time...

i love you, and i miss you so much -- <3 kelli ann

     

         

Hinder, Red, Kopek, & Royal Bliss [review]

May 8, 2011
Buster's Billiards and Backroom

Buster's brought the rock to Lexington, Kentucky once again on Sunday, May 8 with a party of a show that featured fresh music from fresh bands Royal Bliss and Kopek, road veterans Red, and the kings of outta control rock show parties, Hinder.



Royal Bliss

Royal Bliss, an up-and-coming band from Salt Lake City, kicked off the night. The venue was still pretty empty at the start of their set, but they played their hearts out to the small die-hard crowd that was there for the long-haul. Their tight set was full of solid rock songs, including a new one about love makin’ called “I Got This”.  The stage show wasn’t wild with tons of jumping and running, but the music was good and the show was entertaining and a great start to the evening.

Kopek

Kopek got their set off to a start with “Fever” and set the tone for what would be an awesome show. Ripping guitars, a beat that kicked with a rockin' slow groove, and the raw but seductive vocals got the crowd ready from the start.
 The band hails from Ireland and have only been in the US a year, singer Daniel Jordan said, but their song “Cocain Chest Pains” has already garnered a good amount of attention and radio play. Jordan was a tiny little Irishman, but had a raw, rough voice and a scream that he used just enough.  Bassist Brad Kinsella never stopped moving, and just helped to raise the level of energy that the band was giving to the crowd and filling the room with.

The tribute to all their musical heroes, “Rock is Dead”, came later in the set and featured a wildly fun vibe that got the crowd dancing like crazy. The timing of the song was perfect- Just as the booze was kicking in, the crowd was getting loose and ready to dance and party, and that song just pushed their adrenaline (and buzz) even higher. The band let loose with their closing song, “Cocain Chest Pains”  and it was a killer ending to a killer set from a band that is destined to soon be a big force in rock. 
 

 

RED

If there was ever a band that epitomized the word underrated, it is RED. These Nashville boys have the talent and style that should have led them to be so much bigger than they are now, and it seriously blows my mind RED isn't one of modern rock's biggest entities. They have it all: a high caliber of musicality, an intense stage show, and even the look of straight-up rock stars. 

Their set at Buster's was packed with strong, hard rocking songs, but really came to it's pinnacle with the songs "Breathe Into Me" and "Death of Me." The crowd sand along to every word, and the band was giving back just as much energy as the crowd was feeding to them. 

Singer Michael Barnes spent the show running about the stage, in rock star poses that must have been a photographer's dream to shoot. Guitarist and bassist Anthony and Randy Armstrong and drummer Joe Rickard played steadily with a serious intensity, and together the band formed a maelstrom of Jesus-loving rock.

RED's set was mind-blowing, face-melting, and -insert any other adjective for completely awesome here-. Several unfortunate people may have shown up at the show not knowing who RED was, but it was guaranteed that after the amazing performance that night, no one left without a permanent memory of a truly great band.   

Hinder

By the time that Hinder finally hit the stage, the house was packed and the huge crowd was more than warmed up and ready for Hinder and their All American Nightmare.

  The show started off in the same way the new album does, with the low and slow intro of "2 Sides of Me" that slams into the growl of singer Austin Winkler's vocals, drumming and hair slinging of Cody Hanson, bass by Mike Rodden, and guitars by Mark King and Blower (who, as a side note, i decided that night that i was completely and totally in love with--Blower, i love you. call me). 

The band powered through the majority of All American Nightmare, playing favorites such as "What You Gonna Do" and "Put That Record On". Older hits, like the infamous "Lips of an Angel" also had spots on the set list, taking the audience on a roller coaster ride from the upbeat songs that made everyone dance like crazy to slower jams that brought the mood to a more mellow level. 

Those slower down times never lasted long, though, before Winkler and the boys kicked it through the roof again. The highlight of the show, though, came in the encore. That's when Hinder busted out their most noted-for song, "Get Stoned" as well as a fan favorite from Nightmare, "Bad Mutha F****". During it, the band pulled out the acoustics (even the drummer, who had a Cajon drum box that he sat on and played) and had an intimate sing along with a few hundred of their friends. The song was absolutely hilarious, and a real treat to hear it live. Winkler was noticeably ashamed (as he probably should be) and bewildered at the amount of love that the song got, but he and the rest of the boys seemed to have a blast playing it live.     

As usual, Hinder put on one hell of a show, exactly what you would expect from guys who seem like they are living the rock-n-roll dream, or as they put it, an all American nightmare. 

Seether/ My Darkest Days/ Red Jumpsuit Apparatus [review]

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Buster's Billiards & Backroom

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus  opened the show with a less than stellar performance. Even their most recognizable hit, "Face Down", was a disappointment with singer Ronnie Winter giving disappointing performance vocally.

More interesting than the show was my analysis of wardrobe. The drummer must have know about Lexington's love for 'jorts' because he was rocking a pair. Well, rocking implies that they looked good on him, and they most certainly did not. Let's just say he was attempting to wear them. I understand, drumming gets hot, with all the physical activity and such, but some people just aren't meant to go shirtless on stage. And the way he was licking his drumsticks was uncomfortable, and just unsanitary...and really just freaked me out, to be honest. Overall, the performance was pretty unenjoyable and not something I ever plan to take part of again. 

My Darkest Days

My Darkest Days swept in and saved the show from the downward spiral that RJA had sent the night into. Playing what are sure to be hits from their self-titled album, the band blew the audience away with one of the best live shows I have seen from a new band in a very, very long time. When I initially heard "Porn Star Dancing" on the radio, I admit I was not a fan, especially when I heard about their Chad Kroeger connection. Here's another Nickelback, I assumed, with songs about strippers and general debauchary that seem to be the theme of a majority of Kroeger's lyrics. I listened to their other songs online, though, and realized I was right about the Nickelback similarity, but in a completely different way. MDD has that radio-friendly, catchy-as-hell quality that will likely boost them to a level of popularity close to that of their Canadian brethren.

        Playing songs like "Move Your Body" and "Set It On Fire" led the crowd to do both of those things, in a almost uncontrollably way. People were moving to the beat, swaying hips and nodding heads, and all the friction from the movement and heat radiating off the bodies really made it feel like the room was truly in flames.

MDD had some of the greatest crowd interaction I've seen, ever, and are now on the list of best live bands I've seen, just because of the simple little things they did to draw the audience in. They were there to entertain the people and gain new fans, and it was literally almost impossible not to fall in love with them and their music. It's rare these days to find a band that not only has high-quality musicians who can actually sing and play live, but who also can put on a kick-ass concert that showcases their well written and just all around really good songs. It's hard not to get a little jaded or complacent with the bands out today who all sound similar and play a set that is just another unmemorable 45 minutes of your life. My Darkest Days re-energized me and my love for live shows, reminding me that there actually are new bands out there that are worth getting behind. They gained at least one new fan that night, but I'd say there are a lot more than me that crossed over to the MDD side.      

Seether

Seether has a live show is the antithesis of My Darkest Days. Gone from the stage was the fun, party atmosphere, conversations with the crowd, and leading of chants and those sometimes distracting frills. For Seether, the show was truly all about the music.

 

"Country Song"

They kicked off their set with "Fur Cue", the first song from their latest album, Holding On to Stings Better Left to Fray. Though the song hadn't even been released at the time of the show, it was a perfect start to their set. More familiar songs, like "Needles" and "Fine Again" came next, and the latter song had the walls of Buster's echoing not just with the sound from the band but from almost every member of the audience singing the words. It was one of those moments that gives you chills and makes your heart flutter a little. It took my mind back to what Brent Smith always says at the beginning of a Shinedown show, that while that particular concert is happening, nothing else in the world matters. It's just you, the music, and the other people in the room. That night, everyone in the sold-out crowd was truly connected by the words of the song and the sounds of the instruments. It was a moment that can only happen at a concert, a piece of time when, even if you've come to the concert completely alone, you find that you are still intertwined with a room full of people you don't even know. It's an amazing feeling, and one of the best parts of a live show. Seether is a master at this type of production. 

If you're at a Seether show, then you know you're going to hear the song "Broken". As a way of mixing up what has to be one of the millionth times the boys have played the song, they turned it into 'Uncle Dalington's Story Hour' named after guitarist Dale Stewart, where a table was rolled out, complete with red tablecloth, fine leather-bound books, and lit candles. It was a fun change to hearing the song, and it was obvious that the band was enjoying themselves.

I had heard talk of the illusive Seether cover of Nirvana and just how much Shaun Morgan could sound just like Kurt Cobain. Not until that night at Buster's, though, did i have the privilege of hearing it for myself. When the first notes of "Heart Shaped Box" rang out, the audience came alive like a shock had simultaneously rang through everyone. The similarity in the vocals was uncanny. It's probably the closest to hearing Nirvana live I'll ever get, unless I see the Foo Fighters and they do a cover, but the voice still won't be that similar. It was a serious moment for me, and an awesome one at that.

"Heart Shaped Box" 

Later the band jammed into "Fake It," with an extended intro that had such a strong and fun groove the even Morgan and Stewart couldn't resist having fun with it. They broke into grins that covered their entire faces. It was proof that they absolutely love what they are doing.

Seether isn't a band that's going to talk a lot to the audience and really try to pump them up like My Darkest Days. For Morgan and the boys, it's all about the music and their fans appreciate that. They have mind-blowing musical talent, and even though they aren't leading the crowd to wave their hands in the air or to simultaneously jump up and down, the show is still intense and amazing. They are an unforgettable band to watch play live, and a must- see if you are a rock fan. Buster's was a perfect venue for them, with the smaller size making the audience feel close and a really connected to the band.

 

Aside from the rocky start, it was yet another great evening of rock at the best place to see live music in Lexington. 

Ramble On -- June 8

you can't always get what you want-- the rolling stones

 Every since I read Keith Richards' book, I have been slightly obsessed with The Stones. I heard this song on my way to work, and it has been stuck in my head all day. Take a listen for your dose of one of the classics.  

take it on the run-- reo speedwagon

 I also heard this song on my way to work (it was a surprisingly good morning for radio in the G6 this morning). I turned it up real loud, rolled my windows down, and confused all those in hearing range-"why is that young girl listening to that song??" Well, the answer is simple: it's 'cause it's awesome. Don't even try and argue with me. If you've heard it, then you know it is a catchy song that you can't help but like. You may be too embarrassed to admit it, but you love the REO Speedwagon, too!  

ghosts of days gone by-- alter bridge

I have always had major respect for Alter Bridge, ever since Myles Kennedy grabbed the mic and belted out that song in the movie "Rock Star". (Ok, that's actually untrue. I really was a fan of AB long before I even knew that was Myles in the movie, but the other statement sounds much more intense, so I'm gonna go with it.) "Ghosts of Days Gone By" is the latest single off ABIII, and is quite honestly one of Alter Bridge's best songs they have ever put out. It combines all the elements that make the band such a staple of modern rock. The mind-blowing vocal talents of Kennedy are showcased, the amazing and under-rated guitaring (yes, i did in fact make that word up) of Mark Tremonti, and the deep and meaningful lyrics that are to be expected from the band. It's a really great song, and in addition to "Isolation", it has convinced me to go out and buy ABIII.      

 astounded-- tantric

 

On Sunday night Tantric will be playing a show super-close to my hometown, and after they thoroughly impressed me at their show in Lexington a few months back (i blogged about it. if you haven't read it, seriously do. short summary: first tour bus experience, great band, great show. it's an entertaining read to say the least.) Anyway, this is just one song from the really solid Tantric that is also a great buy.

There's something magical about getting a new cd....

If done the right way, it's an experience unlike any other purchasing endeavor. For me, it is a delicate process that's taken years to perfect, with a strict pattern I always follow. Maybe it's a little bit of my obsessive-compulsive side coming out, maybe it's a little crazy. Whatever it is, it's a pattern I follow to a tee, and makes me ridiculously happy each and every time. 

Before I begin my new album buying venture, I have to know what I'm looking for. Wandering around and just getting whatever music looks good just won't work. This is a premeditated act, one planned out, researched and not just done on a whim. It's serious business we're talking here.

Once I know what i'm looking for, whether it be a new cd that just came out or an older piece I want to add to my collection, I hop in the car and head to Best Buy. I am a creature of habit, sometimes even to extreme levels, and the location of my music purchases are no exception. Yes, yes, I know, I should support local record stores and all that. And I would love to. But it's the habit thing, I just can't break it. (Obsessive-compulsive much? Don't say I didn't warn ya.) And hey, at least it's not Wal-Mart. (I won't buy music there anyway because they only sell edited copies. If I'm paying $13 for a product, then I want my $13 worth.  You wouldn't buy a shoe with the strings removed as a way to protect you from tripping on them, would you? No. And I won't buy a cd with words removed to "protect" my ears. I'm a big girl, I can take it. Give me my cd, cussin' and all.) 

So I walk in to Best Buy. I go straight to the cd I want, grab it, and head to the checkout counter. "Yes, I do have a reward zone membership." Swipe debit card, no bag necessary, stuff receipt in pocket, walk toward the doors, and reply to the nice man, "You have wonderful day yourself, Sir." By the time I have walked out the sliding doors, the corner of the cd is in my mouth, trying to rip into that first plastic layer of defense that's keeping from my new music. 

Now this outer casing isn't too much of an obstacle. I just use my little vampire tooth (don't even act like you don't know what I'm talking about- it's the sharp pointy one with a name I don't know because I'm not a dentist) to rip one of those top corners. A little tear begins in the thin plastic, and the claws come out to rip it all off in one piece. But now comes the hard part. I swear, I don't know what kind of glue they use on the sticker that holds the case shut, but it must be a close relative to crazy clue or maybe even that epoxy stuff. All I know is that it makes me insane trying to take it off! There is no easy way to remove the bar code/band name branding; and don't even think that pulling where you are directed to pull really helps. It doesn't. The vampire tooth might come out again, which only scratches the case, so I don't recommend that, but if worse comes to worst, I understand the necessity. Fingernail polish is chipped, teeth as well, and 15 minutes later, the first little piece of the plastic is lifted enough to grab a hold of. Elation fills my head, only to be crushed when the tiny corner piece I'm gripping goes rogue and only a tiny sliver rips off, leaving most of the sticker still stuck. At the point of tears, I try once more, grabbing a bigger piece this time, and gently pull the rest of it off. Thirty minutes have passed since I got into the car, my fingers are bleeding, and my head hurts from concentrating so hard but all the trouble is finally worth it. I pop open the case, breathe deep and fill my nose and my lungs with that new cd smell, put the disc into the player, and crank the volume up. 

It is my belief that the car is the best place to listen to music. For the first listen, you gotta leave the windows rolled up. (After this first listen, it is more than acceptable to roll the windows down, turn the music up even louder, and cause older pedestrians and more cautious drivers to shake their heads in disdain and scrutiny of your ear damaging level of decibels--Ignore them, they're just old. Hence the old saying, "If it's too loud...".) In the car, every little sound is trapped and bounced right back at you. If you are capable of sitting still with your eyes closed for long periods of time (not while the car is in motion, of course) then this would make the experience much better. If you're like me, though, and the only time you can sit still with the eyes closed is when you're sleeping, then just put the car into drive, and take off.
And don't get crazy and start skipping around through the songs the first time. They were carefully chosen to be in that order, and that's the way it's meant to be heard!

One of the main reasons that I choose to buy the actual cd instead of an online version is the book that comes inside the case. I have to open it up, look at the pictures, and then: read the the band's thank you's. I love seeing who they credit with their success, who they thank and who they love. It makes me so happy see how real these people I idolize are, and makes me feel pretty good about giving my money to a group of guys who I feel pretty close to at this point. I read the lyrics as I hear the words, some for the first time, but most definitely not for the last time.   

This may all sound a little more than crazy to you. But when you take music as seriously as I do, then buying new albums becomes serious business. There is little room to stray when there are so many opportunities to ruin the experience. Whether you take it to the level of ocd that I have reached, or simply download an album from itunes, just be sure to buy music. Life is short. You never know how many more moments you have to experience something as pure, deep, and emotionally stirring as listening to new music. Find a new artist or album and fall in love with it, and create your own listening traditions. Hopefully they will become as important to you as they are to me <3        

     

ramble on: March 30

Hinder-- All America Nightmare

If you're looking  for an artsy, deep, soul-touching album that's going to change your life, then Hinder's latest "All American Nightmare" ain't it. If you are looking for something fun that's going to put a grin on your face and become the soundtrack to your next party or night out, then you are most definitely in luck. From start to stop, Hinder's most recent release will have you tapping your feet to the beat, smiling and thinking how awesome it would be to live life a like a rockstar.

There is seriously not a bad song on this album. That signature raspy but beautiful voice that is Austin Winkler, kicks it off with "2 Sides of Me," a rocking song that sets the mood for the rest of the cd. Its heavy, powerful, and so melodic that it ties all those things together. 

The two singles that have already been released from the album follow. First, the title track "All American Nightmare" gives you a "one way ticket to the darker side." It's typical Hinder in the best possible way. Dirty and scandalous, this first released single proves all the reasons that not one boy in this band is the one you're gonna bring to church with you on Sunday, but you're gonna have one hell of a good time until then.


"What Ya Gonna Do," the current single, brings things down a bit, showing that maybe the badass lifestyle has consequence and the wild ride might not last forever. It brings a bit of a softer side to the boys, and is the perfect precursor to the next song, "Hey Ho."

One of my favorite songs from "All American Nightmare," "Hey Ho" is about the end of a relationship that probably never should have been to begin with. (And boys of Hinder, just so you know, I like all the songs you write, and I do me some love Nirvana ;) Just sayin'... )  

Another notable from the album is "Put That Record On." In the most amazing way, this song tells of how a song is associated with a moment in your life, and eternally every time you hear it, it takes you right back there. It says, "the song remains the same as life goes on," -such true words, so perfectly captured in this song. Watch this video below, and listen to the way that Winkler introduces it. If you have ever really loved a song and all those things you probably shouldn't have been doing when you heard it the first time, you'll love this one too. The sound is a little weird in the video, but it's live recorded on a little camera and that's just how it goes. [Side note: This live video makes me so freakin' excited for Hinder to come to LEXINGTON! And Rock on the Range. Hinder has an amazing live show, I've seen them a ton of times before, and I can't wait to see them again. I recommend you do the same.] 

 

I decided to go with the deluxe edition of the album for one reason: the song "Bad Mutha F**ka." Not included on the regular edition, this song makes you feel like you're chillin' in the living room surrounded by the guys of Hinder, with an acoustic guitar and whatever else may be making its way around the room. The feeling is so relaxed, with guys yelling random obscenities in the background and cracking up uncontrollably at the hilarious lyrics, and even Winkler can't keep it together at times. The lyrics are just so fun, terribly inappropriate and at times just plain wrong, but delivered in such a familiar way that you can't help but love it. And ladies, I dare you to listen to Winkler just speak in his regular voice and not melt. Go ahead, I'll wait.   

I have been a Hinder fan from way back, and this album only solidifies how much I love this band. Great lyrics, great music, and just a great album that will continue to blow up on the radio as more singles are released. I have no doubt of this. Take some advice from me: Go buy this album, and spring for the deluxe edition. It's gonna become your new soundtrack. And maybe I lied in the beginning when I said this album wouldn't change your life. It just might make you live a little more on the rockstar side of life, and after you listen to all these songs, you'll know it's gonna be one wild ride :) 

i'm on the way to you.

"You're too sweet for rock and roll," - Penny Lane
"Sweet? Where do you get off? Where do you get sweet? I am dark and mysterious, and pissed off! And I could be very dangerous to all of you! You should know that about me... I am the enemy!" - William

--Almost Famous

i sit here in the library, amidst the sounds of calamity coming from the hoards of hoodlums who apparently never learned the correlation between 'library' and 'quiet.' yet their noise isn't the loudest thing that i hear. that sound would be coming from the turned up loud music i am playing to help me block out all the other people's nonsensical ramblings. but still there is something more that keeps me from concentrating on the project that brought me to the library in the first place (which, just in case you're curious, is a very, very evil thing called a lit review, that may just be the death of me). that thing is my desire, my passion, my unrelenting urge for my life to be headed in a different direction, down a road toward music, someway, somehow.

i admit that i am clueless as to what i want to do 'when i grow up.' all i know for sure is that it must involve music. i must have a job where my main responsibilities involve listening to/going to see/writing about music. it can't be like now where it is just a side project that i keep to myself, or a tiny little blog that no one really reads. i will give myself the credit that those few people who do read my blog say it's really good and that they think i should do that for a living (and I am so thankful to all those people who have given me words of encouragement!). i just wish they were willing to pay me or point me in the direction of who will do so. 

i have developed such a fear, though, that was only intensified by that dang movie "almost famous." (just to clarify, "almost famous" might actually be my favorite movie ever, but i have to be angry with it right now to prove my point.) you see, writing about music is the one thing that i have really, really wanted, with all my being, to do for so long. i never told anyone about it, or came anywhere near attempting it because it terrifies me. yeah, yeah, i know, i have written for newspapers before (oh yes, i am published journalist. you may have heard of me, i'm kind of a big deal. but i must digress). it is immensely different for me to write about an issue that i do not care about, i.e. student government elections or the firefighter toy drive. i have no fear of offending those s.g. jokers. i would prefer not to offend the firefighters, as they could potentially save my life and all, but basically writing a pr piece about their community service event isn't likely to offend. when it comes to music, though, i get involved with the songs i hear and the people in the band (not involved like that, silly!) but involved in a friend kinda way. band guys are generally really cool people who i relate to better than any others because of a shared love for the music. 

my dilemma, much like sweet little william in 'almost famous,' is that i don't know that i want to offend a band that i may love by writing negative things about their music. i mean, what am i supposed to do if i go to see a band play that i have loved in the past and it turns out their new album sucks big ones? yeah, they may not even read what i write about them. but what if they do? and i lose that friendship with them? yes, i do realize how ludicrous this sounds as i write it. i probably will not have to worry about any rockstar friendships because i write the truth. and my journalistic integrity should elevate me above the petty little worries that i have illustrated. but still, it could happen! i don't want to be the enemy :( 

i know that writing is not the only job that goes along with the music industry, but quite honestly, its the only one that i know anything about. i didn't have the prescience to think to major in pr or marketing. i thought i was on a different path (obviously, with a major like freakin' agricultural communications). so i don't have the qualifications to be a publicist, a manager, or anyone else not on the wrong side of enemy lines. then i think , i'd like to be a booking agent, or promoter or something like that, until i quickly realize that i actually haven't got a damn clue what those people actually do. so then, i get to the point to where i will settle for even being the merch girl. and that could seriously have some positives related to it- example: brent smith's girlfriend was/is shinedown's merch girl. sell a few cds and shirts, pack up the boxes, make out with brent smith- i'm gonna go out on a limb and say that ain't a bad day. then, i realize, i can't count money in my head without going into panic attacks. que sad music in the background. 

so unless some rockstar struts his tight pants, long hair, and tattooed butt (well, they don't have to be on his butt, actually) into the library right now and whisks me off my laptop, i have to figure something out about my future. (pauses for just a few moments, looking around to make sure said rockstar didn't actually walk into the library but go to the wrong table. disappointedly turns back and resumes typing.) i must come up with a plan, and stick to it if i ever want to be happy. the thought of waking up 10 years from now and realizing that i never tried, never went after it, and just settled for normal, boring, and easy, makes my chest hurt and my breathing speed up. i will not let that happen. i wont be that girl. so this girl is writing out the steps to prevent that.

1. finish what i've started. 

as much as i would love to say screw it to my lease, job, and search for thesisdom, i know that i can't. so i will finish this semester (lord willing). i'll do the remaining work for these horrible classes, i will submit my proposal to my committee, they will unanimously approve (they better!) and i will be done with that part. i will take my summer class, and then be done with classes. i will do my interviews for my project this summer. this fall, i will write my thesis in lex while i finish my job. i will defend my thesis. my committee will approve my thesis. in december, i will graduate and walk that line proudly. and all that i've began will be done.

2. begin again. 

come january, i will move to nashville. i will find a job, doing whatever at first, if necessary. (i can secretary like nobody's business, let me just tell ya.) i will find a job writing if i can. or, i will find another job, preferably my currently undiscovered dream job. i will then be living the dream, going out to listen to bands, writing about music, and not hating every second i'm forced to do other crap (aka thesis!) that i am forced to do now. 

3. optional third step: star on season 5 of married to rock. 

who am i kidding, the only optional part of this one is being on the tv show. i am not made to be with a boy who isn't in a band. im not made for one city, one home, one boring yawn that's gonna drag on for the rest of my one life. i want to see the world. i want to watch a rock show at a different arena every night. yes, i know that this is not as glamorous of a life as one might imagine. i have twitter, i follow rockstar wives/girlfriends. i know it is hard when you have to be apart, and having a family is even harder. but it can be done, and i want to do it. i want music to be my life. it already is now, in a lot of ways. i want more, though, and i really, honestly, truly, madly, deeply (savage garden reference, anybody?) believe that it's gonna happen. but i guess we will just have to wait and see. will you follow me as i see what's at the end of this road?            

Ramble On - March 9

I've been a little absent from here lately (being an over-committed over-achiever can have that effect on you) but some huge musical things have been happening that I felt I must comment on. So here's to hoping that my absence has only made your heart grow fonder and your ears opener, or something like that :)

  Alice in Chains- Nutshell-- Most everyone has heard the news this week of the tragic passing of former Alice in Chains bassist, Mike Starr. So as my little homage to him and the entire band that was so influential to the music of the nineties (and still today in their new reincarnation) I give you my favorite AIC song, and quite possibly my most favorite song of all time, "Nutshell." (And before you get your panties in a wad, I do know that Starr is not playing bass in this video as he had already left the band at this point. But I feel like the words and the emotion of the song can relate really well to the situation.) This is seriously such a painfully beautiful song, and I adore everything about it, from the guitars to that undeniably beautiful and unmistakable voice of Layne Staley. Also, if you like this song, there are some really great covers of it, including one by Staind and, my favorite, by Brent Smith of Shinedown and Shaun Morgan of Seether. I'll plug that video in for you, too, because it is seriously glorious. Oh yes, it's that good. But, back to the point: RIP, Mike Starr, and Layne, too, while we're on the subject. You both did amazing things for music, and now can serve as lessons for young musicians of the path not to follow. Drugs are bad, m'kay?
 
   

 Foo Fighters- Rope-- It has been a while since the Foo Fighters have put out a new album (Four years, actually, not counting their 2009 greatest hits album). With the release of "Rope," the first single off the new record "Wasting Light" that is due out April 12, Dave Grohl and the boys have stirred up quite a bit of interest from fans old and new alike. The song is very reminiscent of old school Foo, while still being different and fresh. Really interestingly, the band recorded "Wasting Light" in Grohl's garage without using digital recording equipment. Maybe that's part of the reason it has that vintage vibe. No matter, this "atomic beast of a single," as so aptly Rolling Stone calls it, has that awesome Foo Fighters sound that you've been craving. (Also, as a side note, if you love that classic Foo-style video where the boys are dressing up and acting a fool (go watch "Learn to Fly RIGHT NOW if you haven't seen it), check out "White Limo." It's got some great cameos and is seriously funny. Oh, and the song's n0t bad either! Also, Taylor, if you're reading this, I love you and think you're beautiful and you play drums real pretty and we should get married. That is all.) Official site: http://www.foofighters.com/us     

Seether- Country Song--  Don't panic y'all, Seether hasn't pulled a Hootie or an Aaron Lewis and gone country. The title of the first single from "Holding on to Strings Better Left to Fray" definitely has a country groove to it, but is still very much rocking (and the lyrics don't even say a word about losing a wife or dog or a preferred color of transportation while plowing a field). Shaun Morgan, the man with the voice, says, "It's basically a feel good song, musically, with a lyrical contrast dealing with the realization that a relationship has reached it's conclusion." And, as for the southern-fried-flavor of it, he accredits that to the city I  (and it sounds like he) loves so much: "It's definitely not country, but we recorded the album in Nashville, and felt like it was a small homage to such a wonderful city. The release of this first single and their upcoming tour dates in a city near you (Who's gonna be at Busters?!) makes me and the hoards of other enthusiastic Seether fans very excited about what's to come from Seether. The new album is set to drop in May. It's gonna be a long couple of months waiting for this one.  Official site: http://www.seether.com/