"Call the police, this whole place is gonna burn."

Pierce The Veil, Breathe Carolina, Four Letter Lie, Emarosa, Seven Story Fall
The 7 Venue - Douglasville, Ga
Oct. 30, 2008

So, I got to the venue late and had a mini panic attack cause there was a LOT of people there. All of this was for no reason because after the box office opened, people bought tickets then left. Anyways, Veronica came and got Vic to turn in the guest list (thanks, again!). We went inside, got barricade. There were a lot of people there but no one was pushing/moshing/touching me so it was awesome. Seven Story started almost immediately after we got in and played three new songs! Their new stuff is sooo freaking good. If you haven't seen them lately, what are you waiting for? Anyways, Justin almost killed me with his guitar. They didn't play the "Art of Fiction" which made me a little sad. But whatever, the new songs made up for it. (I recorded one, I'll youtube it later)
Emarosa played next. (surprising? very) Johnny was very clearly wasted but still put on a good performance. His vocals could have been turned up louder but that was the case with most of the bands that night. He collapsed at the end of the set and stumbled off stage. I was worried but apparently this is normal cause his bandmates could have cared less. (The guitarist from this band looks just like the white version of Johnathan from Esme!)
Four Letter Lie performed a lot of new stuff and I think one old song. I was disappointed by this. Apparently Douglasville, does not love them though. Only like ten people seemed to be into them. And some girl was just being a complete bitch to the singer. Their new cabs are so bad ass! They have their faces on them! and the new drum kit has Derek's face on it! I was highly impressed. They're performance was good. I think they were better last time but I guess the crowd was better last time too.
Breathe Carolina... I have such mixed feelings about this band. And I had no idea they were as popular as they are. Most of the people were there for them. It felt more like a rave than a concert. Let's be honest here. That's a lot of synth in one band. There's one guy who plays keytar/synth, another who "DJs", and another keyboard player. No guitars, no bass, no drums... and two vocalists. It's definitely an experience. They're kind of like Metro Station but with screaming instead of whispering. haha. Great use of lasers though.
Pierce the Veil was incredible as always. Some creepy Tales-from-the-Cript-esque guy came out and did this whole pun-filled speech about the rock show we were about to witness. I love puns and Tales from the Cript. So, I was stoked about this guy. They all ran out and Jaime over guessed his landing and ended up falling into the crowd. Pretty hilarious if you ask me. They played a few covers: "Bleeding Love", "Beat It", and "Closer". Johnny came out and they played "She Makes Dirty Words Sound Pretty" and they played their other usual songs. Veronica and I danced our butts off. It was so much fun. Their set was way too short but amazing nonetheless.
After the show I went to talk to the guys, who were all super sweet. They're the one "smaller" band that I still get super nervous around. I talked to Jaime about Patrick from Pensive and he told me cute stories about them in high school. haha.
Anyways, great bands, bad venue. This was like the first week of this tour so if it's coming to your area, check it out.

"Girl you make me feel like I'm walking into danger"

Family Force 5, Danger Radio, Play Radio Play, Ultraviolet Sound
some weird ass theater - Chattanooga, TN
Oct. 29, 2008

The venue was seriously the weirdest place to have a show ever. It was like a symphony orchestra theater at a college. There was about two feet of space between when the stage ended and when the seats began. But you better believe I was in that two feet. haha. The stage was really weird too. The band was set up reallly reallly far back.
Ultraviolet sound was interesting. They tried to have a dance party in a venue that was not set up for one. They were very trance-y. Nico (Danger Radio) came out and drummed for them during one of their songs.
Danger Radio (loves of my life) played second. They had a short set but Andrew worked that huge stage pretty well. He was sick but still sounded great. They have a new bass player (Maaavin left for personal reasons). Everything sounded good. They played opened with "Party Foul" and played mostly new stuff after that. Elan was rocking a slicked back pony tail which was out of character for him. Overall, great performance but not the best DR show I've seen. The venue played a huge part in this though.
Play Radio Play... I don't like them. I'll just leave it at that.
Family Force 5 was great. That freaking wall that Nadaddy plays just facinates me! I want one! I didn't really know their new stuff so much but it all sounded good. Soul Glow kept yelling "choo choo!!" and kept trying to incorporate Chattanooga in all the songs. At the end, during "Earthquake" everyone (not me) got on stage and danced with them. Very entertaining band, again the venue just sucked.
This tour is over so I can't tell you to go check it out but I can tell you to never go to a show at that venue. lol

"I'm falling more in love..."

This Providence, House Of Heroes
The Masquerade (Purgatory) - Atlanta, Ga
Oct. 28, 2008

This one's going to be shorter than usual. HOH was good as usual, heavier than I remembered them being. This was the first time I've ever seen This Providence and I was a little disappointed. The crowd was tiny and I had heard the bands make comments about how "this crowd sucks". It didn't feel like they were too into the set. They played maybe eight or nine songs including both versions of "My Beautiful Rescue". They sounded good musically (when their new keyboardist wasn't goofing up the new version). Dan kind of stormed off the stage during the last song and wasn't seen afterwards. David and Gavin were genuinely nice though. Overall, this wasn't what I wanted it to be. It was a good show, I just expected more out of them since I've waited so long to see them.
Check out both bands on the Relient K & Ludo tour.

Thrice!

Almost a week later, I'm finally getting the time to sit down and write about seeing Thrice:

Thrice and The Gaslight Anthem
October 19, 2008
House of Blues - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

On Sunday, October 19, 2008, my friends (Kyle and Sara) and I arrived at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina around 2:30-ish after running a bunch of errands that HAD to be done before we could go enjoy ourselves. Doors weren't until 6, so we hung out outside and caught up on some school work. When 4:00 rolled around, the HOB began serving dinner, and since we were doing the Pass the Line program, we grabbed our food to go (running into Dustin Kensrue in the process! Awkward small talk conversation ensued.) and took it back to the line.

The House of Blues was on the ball that day (mind you, this was the first time I've been there in a year.. And I really hate that venue.). We got in at 6:00 on the dot and ended up on the center of the barricade. The first band that played was The Gaslight Anthem. They were great. They really remind me of my favorite band (Hot Water Music) so I found it hard not to enjoy them. Their set was pretty good, but it was honestly too long just because I was so pumped to see Thrice. Gaslight finished up, and I was getting pretty crazy. Thrice was up next.

Sadly, during their setup, they had technical difficulties, so they had to scrap a few of the songs they had on their setlist. I was pretty bummed, but even with all of that going on, they did not disappoint. I always have very high expectations for Thrice and I'm glad to say that I have not been let down. I grabbed a setlist when they were done and the set consisted of a good mix of songs from Volume I of The Alchemy Index, Vheissu, and The Artist in the Ambulance:

Firebreather
The Melting Point of Wax
Blood Clots and Black Holes
The Sky is Falling
Of Dust and Nations (I LOVE THAT SONG!!!!)
The Messenger
Broken Lungs
Helter Skelter (Beatles cover)
Betrayal as a Symptom
The Earth Will Shake

While the Beatles cover was awesome, I am not a fan of bands doing covers live. Unless the covers were recorded on an album (a la New Found Glory, Between the Buried and Me, Thrice's OTHER Beatles and Frodus covers), I just feel like it takes away time that the band could be playing their own music.. But that's just me, I guess. Other than that, Thrice put on yet another breathtaking show. It was just weird seeing two shows with them headlining in April/May where they played 20/21 songs during their set to watching them be an opening band once again, only getting 30 minutes to play. Although they only had a short amount of time, they still blew me away.

We met with Dustin again after the show, more awkwardness ensued (I can't talk to that man for anything), but he closed the conversation with a clever quote since I kept apologizing to him: "Don't worry, we're all awkward." Genius.

CMJ Hooray!

I'm in NYC this week during CMJ.  Needless to say, after this week is over, I will have a tonnnnn of show reviews to write.  I already saw Scouting For Girls twice, Delays, Chester French, Janelle Monae, Talk To Angels, and I'm seeing Spring Awakening from the side-stage tonight.  I'm going to cry.  Afterwards, I am crashing the Perez Hilton party. :)

Expect some fun fun reviews and such later this week when I get a chance to recover...

The "Sell-Out" tour.

All Time Low, The Maine, Every Avenue, Mayday Parade.

The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA

October 20, 2008

Sold out show! Which is pretty amazing exposure for Every Avenue and The Maine. EA opened up and played their usual set, including "Where were you", "Think of you later", "Chasing The Night", etc.  Kristen and I freaked out during "Freak Out". (Mostly Kristen) They were so tight this time, probably the best I've seen them. (And I've seen them a lot) Dave was sick. He says it's the change in weather from up North to the South. He's always sick in Atlanta. So his voice cracked a little on the high notes but was still really strong.

The Maine played second. Again, this was the best performance I've seen of them. John has gotten less awkward on stage in the last nine months. In fact, they all have. Garrett's acne has cleared up so much! It's crazy! His face is like butter! (inside joke) That's a weird thing to comment on for this but it's true. They played a lot of their newer songs, opening with "Girls Do What The Want", and surprisingly they didn't play their Akon cover. I can't wait to see them or Every Avenue headline. They both deserve it. 

I went outside before Mayday came on. It was so hot in the Masq. Sold out shows are pretty much miserable in there. Anyways, I went out and talked to Josh (EA). He's one of the sweetest guys ever. Derek (MP) awkwardly came up while we were talking and asked what door to go in. That whole band is so awkward! Brooks walked by too and for those of you who haven't seen him lately, all his hair is gone. He's rocking the old Sisky Dead Ferret. 

I went back in when Mayday Parade started and danced in the back with Veronica. They put on such a good show. Derek played "Miserable At Best" on his little keyboard and at the end, the whole band came in and finished it. EPIC. They were all dressed all snazzy in their silk button-ups and ties. Kristen can probably tell you a better account of this set, she was up front, and way more into them than me. 

I ventured outside again after Mayday and talked to John Ohh for a while. He's a sweetheart. This was The Maine's first time playing in Atlanta and John talked like he was pretty impressed with it.  I ended up staying outside during most of All Time Low's set but went back inside right when Alex started "Remembering Sunday". Perfect timing. This is probably my favorite ATL song. So I was happy to see them play it. As much as I hate their crowds, they put on a damn good show. They're so entertaining (and immature), you can't help but laugh and have a good time. But yeah, definitely go check out this tour if it comes near you. It was a blast. =)

Zac Efron.

I understand this is not a live music show, and frankly...I don't care.

Today, October 22nd, 2008, I was ushered into the ABC Good Morning America studios, with one of my best friends, miss Cassie Petrey.  We waited an hour or so...then it happened.

I met mr. Zac freakin Efron.  ABSOLUTELY the nicest celeb I think I've ever met.  I only spoke with him briefly, but watching the way he interacted with his fans was phenom.  Some big-name actors and musicians need to take notes from this guy.  His interview on the show was classy, and he handled everything with some awesome grace.  I am excited and proud to have been in attendance at the show today - Dreams DO come true!!!! :)

The end.

You're not alone.

Saosin, The Devil Wears Prada, POS, Underoath

October 17, 2008

The Masquerade - Atlanta, Ga

This show was crazy crowded. It was sold out before we got there and I think they let like 300 more people in when doors opened. PLUS all the people who snuck upstairs from hell. I've never seen Heaven so packed. You couldn't move there were so many people there. And this was the second show they played in ATL. I can't imagine how bad it was Thursday night. 

POS opened and I felt bad for the guy. He's a rapper and this was not a rap-loving crowd. Not to mention, he wasn't even a good rapper. I caught him with Gym Class Heroes in the spring and wasn't impressed with him then either. 

The Devil Wears Prada was way more entertaining than I expected. They're a little too hardcore for me but I was really impressed with them live. They performed their "Still Fly" cover, which was the only song I actually knew. haha. They did cute little choreography like lifting their guitars at the same time and all that jazz. 

Saosin, the band I went for, was incredible. Cove has dreads now. They played "You're Not Alone" and "Seven Years" along with several other old songs and two (I think) new songs! However, they did NOT play "Bury Your Head". What's that all about, guys? Cove's stage presence is so good. Kristen and I decided that he reminds us of Brandon Boyd and Ryan from Envy On The Coast when he performs. 

After all that goodness, I ran downstairs to see Joy In Tomorrow in Hell. I freaking love that band. For any other JIT fans, they're going to Cali to record their new CD and won't be back until January. I'm excited for them. =) I only caught the second half of their set but they played a new song and it was really good. 

I hung out with Veronica in Hell for most of Underoath. Hell is so scary when there's a show in Heaven! I swear the ceiling was about to collapse. The disco ball and pipes were all shaking. Scary stuff. I went up for the last few songs. I was expecting them to play "Reinventing Your Exit" but they didn't. Therefore I was sad. That's the only UO song I know. haha. The couple of songs I saw, were good. They're a lot better live than recorded. 

We chatted with Cove a while after the show. He's super awesome and nice. Kristen got him to write out "you're not alone" for her future tattoo and he called her weird. lol.

I talked to Aaron for a split second before the security guards make us leave. He shook my hand! Dude I was amazed, I hear he's a huge germaphobe and won't touch fans. I guess he got over it. 

Overall, good show. 

"Give me something to believe in"

Jack's Mannequin
October 14, 2008
The Loft - Atlanta, Ga
w/ Eric Hutchenson & Treaty of Paris

Neely and I got to the loft around 1pm and there were only like 10 people there. (Shocking! Jack's usually (from what I hear) has huge crowds really early) We waited for a long ass time and dealt with some annoying people but met a few cool people as well. (Almost everyone there was from UGA. Crazyness) I was appreciative of the fact that this is an older crowd (more college than high school) but that lead to having a more pretentious crowd. The younger kids that did show up were mostly in home-made JM tees. (makes me giggle) Anyways, we were on the far right of the barricade and Treaty of Paris treated us to an full band acoustic set. That's right, acoustic bass and "drums". It was pretty cool. I saw them electric with Spill Canvas and I think I appreciate them more after the acoustic set. It takes balls to get up there and play an entire set acoustic. (Especially since last night was the second time they've EVER done it.) Eric Hutchenson was a bit egotistical but funny nonetheless. He sounds like Paolo Nutini, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, a blues guy, and Sarah Bareilles had a baby and named him Eric. Mr. Hutchenson's set was about 15 minutes too long, by the way. He just wouldn't stop playing! After that, the moment we've all been waiting for, JACK'S MANNEQUIN! (Oh em gee Andrew McMahon was like 8 feet away from me. haha) seeing him in that small of a club was like a dream come true for me, especially that close. They opened with "Crashing", then proceeded with "Spinning", "Swim", and "American Love". They played a few old songs but mostly new stuff. The rumors were false. They don't play the Glass Passenger all the way through. But they did play almost every song off of it, leaving out "What Gets You Off" and "Drop Out". They also played a few covers. Some song by MGMT being one of them and the other was "Cavanaugh Park", which got the whole crowd super excited. Towards the end, Bobby (I think that's his name) started having electrical problems and Andrew played "Dear Jack" acoustic while they fixed it. He said that was the first time any fans had heard it. All in all, this was one of the best shows I've been too. Andrew is so cute live! Afterwards we stalked and ended up meeting him and talking to a couple of the guys from Treaty of Paris. Everyone was super sweet and yes, my life is now complete. I finally met Andrew McMahon. haha.

The Wellingtons and Atomic Tom at the Rutledge

I went to see fellow TheOneLove.org bloggers, The Wellingtons and Atomic Tom last night at The Rutledge in Nashville.

The Rutledge is one of my faaaavorite venues.  It's unfortunate that all but one show I have gone to there has been almost empty.  I swear the sound and lighting there is better than almost anywhere else in Nashville.  They bring in some great powerpop bands too - which is a plus for me.  I've seen country acts, rap acts, R&B, funk, and acoustic singer-songwriters in this venue.

Last night was no different!

We walked in right before The Wellingtons took the stage.  We talked with Luke and Eric for a little bit, then rolled into the stage-room.

The Wellingtons were AMAZING!  I fell in love from the first song.  They sound like The Wonders from That Thing You Do, and The Crash Moderns had a baby and raised it in Australia.  They are a band of two girls, and three guys (although, I only remember there being two guys?).  Certainly check them out if you get a chance.

I've heard a lot of a lot about Atomic Tom in the past year or so.  They're pretty good friends with the guys in The Click Five.  It's no secret that I live in that world :)  Anywho, so Atomic Tom was another fun power-pop band.  They reminded me of The Killers, meets Big City Rock.

It was a nice refreshing show, after almost a week of nothing but country music.  Some country music is okay...but overload makes me want to rip my ears off :)

The bands ended up needing a place to sleep for the night, so Cathy and I did a speed-clean of our little apartment, and somehow fit 9 extra people into our home (comfortably, I might add!).  When I woke up for work, they were gone...and the only evidence left behind were two Wellingtons CDs on my bookshelf.  I listened to it today, and it's just as amazing as their live set was!

So if you need some good powerpop in your life, check out The Wellingtons and Atomic Tom!

"This whole world needs an anthem"

Phantom Planet:
October 7, 2008
Masquerade - Atlanta, Ga
ft. The Rocket Summer, The Secret Handshake, The Morning Light, and The Media Says (Lots of 'The' bands...)

I rolled up late, unlike my usual 9am. Luckily I have amazing friends (Alexis & Kelly) who let me stand with them. We ended up on the right side of the barricade. We had to stand through The Media Says (the unexpected baby band of the night). They were poppy but Ray Garrison is the cheesiest performer I have ever seen in my life. (Yes, cheesier than Metro Station.) After the cheese ended, The Morning Light came on. I've seen them before and they were better this time. Maybe it was the acoustics of the Masquerade. Or maybe it's just the mere fact that its not Sector 7G. Anyways, they were dancy and happy and Hanson-y. Their new stuff sounds really good. Kelly calls them the "ohmygods", because in every song they say "Oh my God". Next up, The Secret Handshake. Okay, I get it. You know how to use Garage Band really well. I've seen this guy 3 or 4 times and he plays the exact same set every time. I think I'm just so tired of Garage Band synth bands. The trend has passed. Now everyone and their mom has one. I'm over it. But! He did play that Cher song "Do you believe in live after love...", and I did sing to that one. Who doesn't love a little Cher in their life?
After all those not so amazing bands, Phantom Planet started playing and my night took a turn for the better. I've been looking forward to this show for months! They were incredible as always, playing all our favorites. (Except "Anthem". Thanks, Alexis) They opened up with "Do the Panic", played "Leader" (fucking love that song) , and of course "California". During the last song, Alex attempted to climb the ceiling of the Masq. Which resulted in him just hanging there for a little bit. (This made my night cause I love it when he climbs shit). After their set, Courtney and I headed downstairs to see who was playing in Hell. A punk band! Yes! Complete with mohawks and rancid patches on their denim jackets. They were actually really good/entertaining. I don't remember what they were called... something "Kats". There was a mosh pit of about 7 people. Amazing.
After all the punk goodness, we ventured outside and caught up with Darren and Alex to beg for an acoustic set. They complied and played "Anthem", "The Local Red & Black", a few covers (Beatles, Aerosmith, etc), "The Guest", and a several others. Then we moved to the van where Alex wrapped up the set by playing "Knowitall" (If I remember correctly) on this tiny keyboard. So cute! We stayed a little longer to talk to Alex and Darren. I introduced myself and told them about how much their music means to me and all that good stuff and Alex remembered me then gave me an inspirational speech. (I swear this was the best night of my life) Then Darren gave me one of his guitar picks, I'm not sure why. But I took it. haha. All in all, this was an incredible night and if you haven't seen Phantom Planet live, shame on you! They're apparently headlining a tour in Feb/Mar '09. So, check that out.

Pour Some Sugar on the Teardrops on My Guitar

Today I went to Roy Acuff Theatre at Opryland in Nashville, TN for a musical event sure to recieve some sort of award at next year's CMT awards.

Taylor Swift and Def Leppard performed together for 2-3 hours for a taping of the epic series Crossroads.  I've always liked this show, but never been to a taping of it.

For those of you that are unfamiliar, Crossroads is a show that puts a country artist up onstage with an artist from a completely different genre.  Most of the time, they try to pair up artists that have something in common, or something going on in the media together (John Mayer and Brad Paisley - both guitar heroes; Kelly Clarkson and Reba - Reba was recording stuff for her duets album; etc etc!).  Taylor Swift has always listed a Def Leppard album on her list of favorite albums of all time, and CMT took note.

I went into the show thinking...this is going to be awkward.  And it was.  But I also went into it thinking...this is going to suck.  And it didn't.

I was pleasantly surprised.

I first saw Taylor Swift right as "Tim McGraw" was running up the country charts.  To put it lightly...she was TERRIBLE.  I mean, I don't particularly love country music in the least...but I dabble, and I work with it on a daily basis, so I like to think I have an ear for it at least a little bit.  And this little high school girl was like a talent show gone wrong.

My only impressions of Def Leppard were from CDs and VH1 Classic....and Joey Fatone's rendition of "Pour Some Sugar On Me" in On the Line...

Tonight though, Taylor Swift sounded good, looked amazing, and still just holds the guitar...instead of playing it.  Def Leppard sounded like old British men, and actually sounded GREAT.

I was beyond impressed.  Taylor and Def Leppard sounded REALLY good together.

I'm not gonna lie - it looked REALLY awkward.  and it was VERY odd hearing the lead singer form Def Leppard singing the words to "Shoulda Said No", and "Picture To Burn"...but somehow it worked.

It was VERY cool seeing the gaps in generations fold together for a fun night of music, both onstage and in the audience.

Taylor Swift may be only like 17 or 18 or whatever, and she may suck at playing any instruments...but she is a class act, and I'm glad I got to see her again.  She works hard, and she appreciates what she's got.  I wish every artist could be like that.

The Def Leppard guys were having a blast onstage too.  It just looked like a bunch of old friends hanging out onstage, laughing, and playing the music they loved.  Country, classic rock....whatever.  If two artists are passionate enough about their art, and they get together onstage, it'll work.  and it did!

Look for it on CMT soon.  Extra points if you can spot me in the audience :)