Sky Eats Airplane announce new EP "The Sound of Symmetry"

Sky Eats Airplane wil release a 3-song EP, "The Sound of Symmetry", on April 13th. Recorded with up-and-coming producer Taylor Larson at his studio in Bethesda, Maryland. The band intends to let the EP serve as a teaser of a forthcoming full-length, to be recorded this Fall. "The Sound of Symmetry" will be available exclusively on tour, at MerchNow.com, and digitally.

Tracklist:
1. The Contour
2. Sound Of Symmetry
3. Motion Sickness

The band - Bryan Zimmerman (vocals), Lee Duck (guitar), Zack Ordway (guitar), Elliot Coleman (bass), and Travis Orbin (drums) - will perform the new material on an upcoming co-headlining run with Drop Dead Gorgeous, kicking off March 30th in Salt Lake City.

Tour dates listed here:
http://www.indiestar.tv/grafwall/2010/01/drop-dead-gorgeous-new-tour-w-sky-eats.html

Isles and Glaciers "The Hearts Of Lonely People" Album Preview

Preview all songs from Isles and Glaciers' upcoming EP release, The Hearts Of Lonely People, HERE. Equal Vision releases it on March 9th through all digital service providers.

THE FALL OF TROY officially announce break up

Dearest friends from all corners of the world,

I write to inform you that after nearly 9 years, 5 full-lengths, 2 bass players, hundreds of shows, and numerous other achievements and follies, Andrew, Frank, and I have decided to end our career as The Fall of Troy.

This band has been my life, my love, the air I breathe, the food I eat, and what helps me sleep (and sometimes keeps me up) at night. I love and cherish the music we've made, the times we've had, and all the great friends we've met along the way. Andrew, Frank, and of course Tim, will always and forever have a special place in my heart. But it has come time for us to call it a day. After everything's said and done, there is no drama, there is no blow out, it's simply the three members of this band are on three different paths in our lives.

I always hold true to the fact that it's better to go out in style, to ride off into the sunset, than go down in flames. This tour coming up with Envy On The Coast and Twin Atlantic will be our last go round, and we really hope that all of you will come out and celebrate what has been so unreal and unbelievable – let's dance one last time!

We would really like to thank everyone that's ever been involved with the band, managed the band, booked a show for us, let us eat your canned food, sleep on your floor, asked us for a picture, caught me when I've almost been dropped, put out a record for us, driven us through a late night drive thru, or anything else any of you could possibly look back on and enjoy what this band was...Fun.

So make sure you come out to "The Marked-Men of 2010 Tour" as it will be our last hurrah! We love you, and will be giving as much love as you've given to us at these shows. So that's that! We love you with all our hearts, thank you from the very bottom of them, and goodbye comrades.

R.I.P.
TFOT
2002-2010

With A Heavy Heart,
Thomas Joseph Erak

PS. I have no intention to stop making music! Quite the opposite actually - but until then see you at the shows!

Australia's Closure In Moscow booted off Soundwave Festival

Australia's CLOSURE IN MOSCOW have been uninvited to this year's Soundwave Festival; they were scheduled to play on the mainstage at each show.

Here's the band official statement regarding the debacle:

We have been absolutely devastated since being told that we couldn't perform at Soundwave this year. We've heard it's because we acted like "a bunch of rude ungrateful cunts" as AJ articulated ever so warmly in an email to us.

We'd like to take a moment and address briefly the outrageous claims by Mr. Maddah. With only days before the beginning of the festival, we still didn't have any information. They were booking our flights as part of our deal and we still hadn't received any flight details or tour details. We were also under the impression that they'd be paying for our hotels the same that they do for all of the other Soundwave artists. Finding out that we were responsible for that ourselves was perfectly fine. Nobody even challenged it. We simply said okay and moved on. They were also providing ground transportation. Seeing as how we live in Australia and are already in Brisbane rehearsing for the tour, it seems a logical question to want to know if we should meet them somewhere central or if they'd be picking us up where we currently were. We were told they could pick us up and that was the end of that conversation. If they had a problem with any of those things they should have spoken up. We didn't demand or even request anything. We simply asked them questions for things that were still unanswered. Nobody raised their voice or even got upset. Minutes after hanging up what we felt was a normal routine conversation, we get a call from AJ. Keep in mind this is the first time that we are speaking to AJ about ANYTHING. After listening to a mouthful of profanity and being belittled, he ended his sentence with "you're off the festival" and then hung up on us without the slightest opportunity for discussion. You can imagine our shock. It's impossible to entertain the thought that we offended someone so deeply by asking logistical touring questions.

Obviously we were and still are confused over what happened. Had we been in the wrong, we would have promptly apologized. But we are not in the wrong in this matter. Mr. Maddah is clearly in the wrong and we won't beg forgiveness for something we didn't do.

Judging by the behavior so far, I'm certain we'll be painted as some ungrateful punks. The truth is we were very honored to have been included in the festival. We were blown away when we found out we'd be playing Main Stage. We are well aware that AJ was doing a favor to our manager but nobody asked him to put us on the main stage and nobody asked him to offer us as much as he did which he's now complaining about. He's the one that offered us the money. We expected much less and were again very grateful when we got the offer. We demanded nothing through this process and have been thankful each step of the way. He's the one that offered us these great opportunities and then took them all away. Anyone that knows us will tell you that we aren't the type of band this man has suggested we are.

All we ever wanted from day one is to play our music for people. It's truly a shame that our fate on this tour has been decided by the whims of one man's lofty imagination. We aren't about to let this dictate our future though. We will be making plans immediately to play a handful of FREE shows for those that went to Soundwave hoping to see us play. While it isn't our choice not to play, it isn't yours either. We will do everything we can to make this right for those that wanted to see us play. We'll also be making plans to do a full headline tour before leaving for Warped Tour this year.

We're grateful to have so many supportive friends and fans that know how absolutely childish and absurd this is. It's sad that this type of behavior exists and is tolerated in an industry designed to promote positivity, creativity and artistic expression through music. Let's not allow one person's negativity keep us from remembering that music is meant to be a catalyst for good; to uplift and encourage. If there's ever a time to remember that, it's now.

Studio Video: SKY EATS AIRPLANE tracking drums on new EP

SKY EATS AIRPLANE are currently at Taylor Larson Studios in Maryland recording their new EP, The Sound of Symmetry.



www.myspace.com/skyeatsairplane

Portugal. The Man "American Ghetto" tracklist & artwork

Portgual. The Man releases "American Ghetto" digitally on March 2nd.



1. The Dead Dog
2. Break
3. 60 Years
4. All My People
5. 1000 Years
6. Fantastic Pace
7. The Pushers Party
8. Do What We Do
9. Just A Fool
10. Some Men
11. When The War Ends

Portugal. The Man "American Ghetto" releases digitally on 3/2/10

Portugal.The Man will release their new album "American Ghetto" as an exclusively digital release on March 2nd.

Official Band Statement:
As I sit down to get into this topic that is American Ghetto I am realizing that I have put it off for far too long. I for some reason have it in my head that I have told you put it off for far too long. I for some reason have it in my head that I have told you all that I would be posting on this subject nearly every month since it’s completion… Well, I really have no excuse aside from our endless work schedule and our promoting of The Satanic Satanist. Before heading on I cannot help but and our promoting of The Satanic Satanist. Before heading on I cannot help but point out how funny I find it that every time I talk about promoting the Satanist, or talking about the Satanist or doing artwork for the satanist etc. that it is somehow being overheard and taken out of context. It is just a thought, and now, we continue into Ghetto and the whats, hows, whys and whens. point out how funny I find it that every time I talk about promoting the Satanist, or point out how funny I find it that every time I talk about promoting the Satanist, or talking about the Satanist or doing artwork for the satanist etc. that it is somehow being overheard and taken out of context. It is just a thought, and now, we being overheard and taken out of context. It is just a thought, and now, we continue into Ghetto and the whats, hows, whys and whens.

To find ourselves in the Ghetto we must first deal with The Satanist. The Satanic Satanist came together in such a special way for us. It was a huge learning experience. It was finding some understanding of where our songwriting highs and lows were and trying to expand in either direction. It was an album of focus and at the time and in my mind still, it was the thought of perfecting something we have attempted basically since our bands birth. We love SONGS. Absolutely and in every way. We approached with this thought and to the best of our abilities at the time wrote songs, short and to the point. I mentioned this was a heavy task to take on. Sometimes knowing when to stop and what to cut is more difficult than any jam out or extension of verses, cutting of choruses, noise pollutions…. I said sometimes, but really, most always this is the case. Sorry noise bands, I love what some of you do, love it, but this is mostly true in my mind. We are very happy to have done this and will continue to promote that thought and that album, it is and always will be a huge point in our career and came together in so many ways thanks to Paul Q. Kolderie, Adam Taylor and Anthony Saffery, not to mention the AMAZING people at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and Outside Lands, Southside and Hurricane and any and all Euro festivals as well! and all Euro festivals as well.

For more of the band's statement regarding "American Ghetto", go to www.portugaltheman.com!

Isles & Glaciers "The Hearts Of Lonely People" album tracklist!

Equal Vision Records is pleased to announce the highly anticipated release of Isles & Glaciers' EP, The Hearts Of Lonely People on March 9th. Something of an underground "supergroup," Isles & Glaciers features Craig Owens, Vic and Mike Fuentes (Pierce The Veil), Jonny Craig (Emarosa), Matt Goddard (Chiodos), Brian Southall (The Receiving End Of Sirens, Boys Night Out), and Nick Martin (Underminded). The Hearts Of Lonely People was recorded in just 10 days with Casey Bates (Chiodos, The Fall Of Troy, Portugal. The Man) at his studio in Seattle, WA.
While each member is expectedly busy with their respective bands, Martin asserts that these songs weren't merely throwaways from their other projects. "We got together as friends and just did what was natural to us - we wrote and played music. Eventually it turned into songs that we were all really excited about and just wanted to share."

To date, the group has only performed live once: the 2009 Alternative Press SXSW showcase. "It's not an easy task getting us all together," says Southall, who fills his time tour managing Motion City Soundtrack since his previous bands' splits, "but that doesn't mean we won't do it again."

The Hearts Of Lonely People will be sold exclusively at Hot Topic stores and through all online retailers (iTunes, Rhapsody, MerchNow, ShockHound, etc).

The Hearts Of Lonely People tracklist:
1. Kings and Chandeliers
2. Hills Like White Elephants
3. Clush
4. Empty Sighs and Wine
5. Oceans For Backyards
6. Viola Lion
7. Cemetery Weather

Isles & Glaciers new album title and release date!

Isles & Glaciers will release The Hearts of Lonely People on March 9, 2010 via Equal Vision Records! Pre-order the album, HERE!

CHIODOS new singer unveiled...

California's Yesterdays Rising singer, BRANDON BOLMER, has been leaked online as the new singer for CHIODOS!



Brandon was one of the vocalist who stepped in on this past year's Warped Tour to fill-in for Scary Kids' singer Tyson Stevens.

Here's a short bio on YR:
Yesterdays Rising is post-hardcore band that formed in 2002 and self-released their first EP (Ship of Relations) in 2003. The group signed to Fearless Records in 2004 and released a second EP (When We Speak, We Breathe)and played 30+ dates on Warped Tour. The band's last released album came in 2005, Lightworker. YR played Warped Tour again in 2005, they toured Japan with The Bled in 2006, and parted ways with Fearless in 2007.

CHIODOS enter studio in February; debut new singer in March.

Michigan sextet, Chiodos, are set to record their highly anticipated third album with acclaimed producer, Machine (Lamb Of God, Everytime I Die, Cobra Starship), this month. The group’s breakout second album Bone Palace Ballet - produced by Casey Bates (Gatsby's American Dream, The Fall Of Troy) - debuted at #5 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album Chart and has surpassed sales of over 210,000 copies. Their debut album, All's Well That Ends Well, has surpassed sales of 241,000 copies.

Over the past year, the band has experienced two member changes but hasn't let that get in the way of writing. "We've been putting everything we have to offer into this writing process for the past year and a half," states keyboardist, Bradley Bell. "We're ready to work harder then ever before."

Entering the studio with Bell will be members Jason Hale (guitar), Pat Mcmanaman (guitar), Matt Goddard (bass), and a recently added drummer, Tanner Wayne (ex-Underminded, Scary Kids Scaring Kids). For the time being, the band has opted to keep their frontman selection a mystery until new music is available but feel very confident in their decision. "We haven't been this excited about the future in a long time, and it's a great feeling."

Chiodos' debut performance with the new frontman will be at The Bamboozle festival in Anaheim, CA this March:

3/27 Anaheim, CA @ The Bamboozle

Equal Vision Records signs PLACES AND NUMBERS

Equal Vision Records is pleased to welcome to its' roster Places And Numbers - the electronic-tinged solo outfit of former Gatsby's American Dream guitarist, Bobby Darling.

Using his connections with an airline, Darling was able to send himself, producer/friend Casey Bates (Gatsby's American Dream, Portugal. The Man), his brother Billy, and videographer Jay Schwandt to Italy. The group traveled to Venice, Verona, Bellagio, Cinque Terre, Chianti, Rome and Lake Como, recording and filming along the way, while pulling inspiration from the rejuvenating culture.
"I had my laptop and my MBox (a portable ProTools rig)," Darling explains. "We recorded in hotel rooms, on trains, even on a beach on Lake Como."

The finished product is the forthcoming Waking The Dead EP, to be released next month via Bandcamp's "pay what you want" model, and documentary-style videos to accompany the release of the full-length album, Travels, later this year. The sound, while reminiscent of the Postal Service, pulls musical influences from acts as diverse as Talking Heads, the Strokes, Death Cab For Cutie and Kanye West.

Obviously, Darling is no stranger to the road and will continue his travels this year, including a tour this March alongside We Are The In Crowd and Swimming With Dolphins:

Waking The Dead tracklist:
1. I Had a Dream About a Nuclear Attack
2. Goldfinger
3. I Have Mapped Out The Curves Of Your Body
4. Waking The Dead

w/I Will Never Be The Same, Skybombers
2/25 Los Angeles, CA @ Viper Room

w/Hands On The Stereo, Missiles And Markers
2/27 S. Hackensack, NJ @ School Of Rock

w/We Are The In Crowd, Swimming With Dolphins
3/4 Chicago, IL @ Beat Kitchen
3/5 Dekalb, IL @ The House Cafe
3/6 Terre Haute, IN @ THMV The Venue
3/7 Pittsburgh, PA @ Smiling Moose
3/9 Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Loft
3/10 Phildelphia, PA @ The Barbary
3/11 Lemoyne, PA @ The Chamionship
3/12 Raleigh, NC @ The Brewery
3/13 Douglasville, GA @ The 7 Venue
3/14 Tampa, FL @ Orpheum
3/15 Orlando, FL @ The Social
3/17 Mission, TX @ Las Palmas Race Park
3/18 Austin, TX @ SXSW
3/22 Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
3/24 Phoenix, AZ @ Phix Gallery
3/25 San Diego, CA @ Epicentre
3/26 Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
3/27 Orangevale, CA @ The Boardwalk
3/29 Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
3/30 Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
4/1 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
4/2 Boulder, CO @ Club 156
4/5 Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club
w/Pierce The Veil
4/3 San Diego, CA @ Soma Sidestage

PORTUGAL. THE MAN new music video "The Sun" & tour dates

2/24 - Fargo, ND @ Aquarium
2/25 - Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theatre
2/26 - Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
2/27 - Louis, MO @ The Gargoyle
3/3 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues / Pontiac Garage
3/4 - Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live (Studio)
3/5 - Austin, TX @ The Parish
3/9 - Gainesville, FL @ Common Ground
3/10 - Ybor City, FL @ Crowbar
3/11 - Orlando, FL @ The Social
3/12 - Elkton, FL @ Harvest of Hope Festival
3/13 - Atlanta, GA @ The Ear
3/18 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
3/28 - Aspen, CO @ Belly Up Aspen

The Dear & Departed to release "Chapters" on January 5th

The Dear & Departed will release Chapters, a 5-song digital EP, on January 5th. Produced by New Found Glory guitarist, Chad Gilbert, and engineered by Paul Miner (New Found Glory, H2O, Atreyu), Chapters offers "a fresh twist on a classic 80's English sound we all have a soft spot for," describes Gilbert.

Compared to their debut release, Something Quite Peculiar (2007), vocalist Dan Smith says, "recording this time felt more right than it ever has. There was no pressure, just excitement."



1. Matter Of Time
2. Did You Hear A Knock?
3. Tambourine Love
4. It Looks Like Rain
5. There for the Taking

www.myspace.com/thedearanddeparted

Equal Vision band wins film festival awards!

Alabama folk group The Snake The Cross The Crown and filmmaker Nicholas Kleczewski have been honored by the Maverick Movie Awards for their documentary film, On A Carousel of Sound, We Go Round.

The film was awarded Best Picture, Best Editing, and Best Performance of 2009. Now in its sixth year, The Maverick Movie Awards was created by an eclectic group of filmmakers to showcase truly independent/underground cinema regardless of style, genre, or budget.

From now until January 1st, the two-disc DVD/CD version On A Carousel of Sound, We Go Round is on sale for only $14.99. Experience what is being called "the best musical movie of the year!"

Equal Vision Records announce big releases in 2010

Official Press Release:

It has been a wonderful year at Equal Vision Records!  2009 saw fantastic new releases from some established bands - CIV, The Color Fred, The Fall Of Troy, and Portugal. The Man - as well as breakout debuts from Closure In Moscow, Life On Repeat, Therefore I Am, This Time Next Year, and We Came As Romans.  In the summer, the Equal Vision family expanded with the launch of the conscious-music imprint label, Mantralogy Records.

2010 is shaping up to be even better!  Highly anticipated new releases can be expected from Chiodos, Pierce The Veil, Sky Eats Airplane, Isles & Glaciers, and many more, including an Equal Vision Records alumni who will return to release a special album in the Spring.

Equal Vision Records will also turn 20 next year, celebrating the anniversary of it's first release, Shelter's 'No Compromises'. "I believe what has helped keep us thriving is our commitment to bringing fans the best in alternative/hardcore/indie and whatever new genres and sub-genres pop up, without compromising our integrity," comments label owner, Steve Reddy.

The Equal Vision Records family would like to wish you and your family a Happy Holiday!

SKY EATS AIRPLANE announce new vocalists plus new song!

Official Band Statement:

We would like to introduce two new voices for the band: Bryan Zimmerman (Lead Vocals) and Elliot Coleman (Vocals/Bass).

Bryan Zimmerman - Lead Vocals Elliot Coleman - Vocals & Bass

We felt fairly limited vocally on the last record and we are very excited to utilize two singers for the next album, as this will add a new dynamic to our sound. Although Bryan and Elliot both have different voices, we feel that each will add their own style to the new songs -- along with older songs live -- that wasn't possible before.

We are sad to say that Johno is no longer in the band due to creative differences. We felt that it was in everyone's best interest. We still value his friendship highly and wish him the best of luck in the future.

As for new material, expect a brand spankin' new EP to be released in the Spring with all new material! We are still working on a full length, but wanted to be able to get some new songs out to you sooner. Our good buddy, Taylor Larson at Oceanic Recordings, is recording our EP at the beginning of the year.

The clip up on our myspace is a sample of ideas we are currently working on and would like to share with you guys. Keep in mind that these are just very rough demos but we couldn't wait any longer to show you what we've been working on.

www.myspace.com/SkyEatsAirplane

Music Video: WE CAME AS ROMANS

Watch new live performance music video from Equal Vision band, WE CAME AS ROMANS, for the song "Roads That Don't End and Views That Never Cease"!

We Came As Romans 'choose your own price' for new album!

With a spinoff of Christmas tradition, Equal Vision Records' offers the "12 Days of Equal Vision"! This week they are offering WE CAME AS ROMANS' new album To Plant A Seed as a "choose your own price" deal!

Here's the link: http://equalvision.bandcamp.com/album/to-plant-a-seed

Live Video: WE CAME AS ROMANS - "Broken Statues"

BAND WEBSITE: www.myspace.com/wecameasromans

VIDEO SHOT BY: www.myspace.com/ApocoreTV

Music Video: THEREFORE I AM - "I Am Only An Island"

Sky Eats Airplane update from Lee Duck + new shows

Sky Eats Airplane founder and guitarist, Lee Duck, recently posted an update including the band's first shows of 2010 with their new singer.

Jan 15 2010 8:00P	THE PULSE w/ Life on Repeat	BERLIN, Maryland
Jan 22 2010 7:00P	ART AMBUSH	WACO, Texas
Jan 23 2010 2:30P	RIDGLEA THEATRE (Winter Jamboree)	FORT WORTH, Texas

It has been quite a while since we have told you guys what we have been up to. We have gotten many great tryouts for the audition spot of our vocalist, and we appreciate as a community the number of people who have sent stuff to us. This time around looking for a vocalist, we want to make sure it is absolutely the perfect person for us. So despite how much we want to just get back on the road and play more shows (believe me, we are bored out of our minds), we are focusing on writing new material and making the very best choice for the frontman spot. We have a handful of really great singers that we are putting to the test through a makeshift "American Idol" you might say, giving each of them new songs of ours to work on to see their writing and musical ability. The day that we decide upon our singer will be the day that you know as well. We are very excited for the future of the band, and are already booking shows for 2010. If you can get a chance, please check out our merch over at MERCHNOW WEBSTORE and please buy something, as that will directly help us sustain ourselves during this tough transition period for us (no shows, no money!) I am also trying to update the band's myspace as much as possible, as we have been so busy with writing that we have neglected adding up new pictures. Thank you so much for all of your constant support of us and expect the most amazing lineup ever gazed upon by mortal men in the coming months. 再见！- Lee

PIERCE THE VEIL to record new album this Winter

Official Press Release:

Pierce The Veil have been relatively quiet since the conclusion of last winter’s Rockstar Taste Of Chaos but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been making noise. The San Diego quartet – brothers Vic Fuentes (vocals/guitar) and Mike Fuentes (drums), as well as Tony Perry (guitar), and Jaime Preciado (bass) – have been writing and recording demos at a home studio for the follow-up to 2007’s, "A Flair For The Dramatic".

The band also set up a weekly online chat show called “I’d Rather Be Touring” at LiveStream.com where the band caught up with fans and discussed their progress.

“Touring so much over the last couple years, we have grown very close to our fans and this was a great way to keep in touch with them. Their excitement has been very inspiring to us and has given us even more incentive to try and make the best record we can.”

In addition to the inspiration they’ve gained from fans, Vic says another major influence on the songwriting is having played shows for 3 years straight. “We want to make songs that are fun to play live. We’re writing with our fans in mind and with the shows in mind that we’re going to be sharing with them.”

To achieve this goal, Pierce The Veil will enlist Mike Green (Paramore The Matches) for the role of producer and record at his studio in Los Angeles in December and January. "His records sound amazing and he is a very down to earth and passionate person,” Vic explains of their decision. “We wanted to work with someone that has the same love for what they do as we do. We have 100% confidence that we can make a very special album with Mike.”

www.myspace.com/piercetheveil
www.equalvision.com

FEAR BEFORE offer "choose your own price" album download

FEAR BEFORE recently wrapped touring in Australia, during their time in Australia, a good friend and crew member was seriously injured to the point of surgery being necessary. In an effort to rally fans and non-fans alike, FEAR BEFORE is offering their music catalogue featuring all of their albums for download and buyers get to pick their own price.

Here's the LINK: http://fearbefore.bandcamp.com/

We Came As Romans "To Plant A Seed" Billboard Debut

WE CAME AS ROMANS debut album "To Plant A Seed" makes a big debut on the Billboard charts!

#6 Top Heatseekers chart
#25 Top Independent chart
#175 Top 200 chart

FEAR BEFORE crew member injured in Australia

Dear friends of Trent Jacobi old and new,

As you may or may not have heard, our beloved friend, Trent Jacobi, was involved in a very serious freak accident on the morning October 30th while on tour with us in Australia. Before I go any further, let me assure you that in the long run Trent is going to be OK but until he is well, there are many problems that need to be sorted. I’ll start from the beginning...

Trent has been an absolutely vital element to Fear Before the March of Flames. He has been on nearly every tour with us for over 3 years and is responsible for our light show, good spirits on long tours, belly-up unending laughter, counseling for when we need it most, and most of all—being the greatest guy that works hard and asks for nothing. He believes in us and what we do. He supports us to no limit. Now we need to return the favor.

Trent paid his own way for this trip. He went to great lengths to save every penny of his in able to join us on our first tour in Australia. This was his vacation. We all arrived on the 21st and were greeted with overwhelming hospitality. The first show in Brisbane was absolutely incredible. In the days to follow things only got better. Australia was a dream come true up until the time of the accident.

On the morning of the 30th, after a great show in Melbourne, we were up late with our tour mates in Gatherer. We had not yet stayed up to see the sun rise over Australia and so it only seemed appropriate to go up on the roof to view such an event. Only a few people went up but they came down minus one. As it was described, Trent was in the middle of a sentence when he just “disappeared”. What happened was he stepped on a weak point in the roof and fell 25 feet onto concrete. His fall was barely broken by landing on a bike. We believe this is the only reason he is still alive. All the doctors were amazed that anyone could survive a fall that far without serious spinal damage or head injury.

His injuries are as follows:

-Fractures in his pelvis
-Multiple severe breaks in his left arm
-3 broken ribs
-Punctured lung

These injuries will require very serious surgeries, including metal plates put into his pelvis and restructuring his left arm. Not only are these surgeries serious and very intensive, but also they are going to be unbelievably expensive. Trent does not have medical insurance and is currently in the hospital awaiting his second of several forthcoming surgeries. Due to severe pain and trauma from the fall, he was unable to come with us back to the USA and it looks as though Trent will be there for a very long time. Even when his surgeries are done he will have to undergo physical therapy and will not be able to return home until deemed healthy.

Many people revere him for his remarkable will to always find happiness in what life hands him, and he is doing just that with recovery. He is remaining strong and wants everyone to know that although he may be in pain, he is not wearied. But he needs our help…

His medical bills are well beyond the reach of anything we can cover. With the help of many people and whatever little bit anyone can afford, we can make a large dent in these bills. Anything and everything you can give is appreciated. No donation is too small. Thank you all for supporting Trent and us in this time of need.

Sincerely,

Fear Before and Equal Vision Records

Life On Repeat offer EP for free download

Equal Vision Records' newest signees, LIFE ON REPEAT, offer a free download of their 4-track EP, As I Grew.

Here's the link: lifeonrepeat.bandcamp.com

THIS TIME NEXT YEAR "CHOOSE YOUR OWN PRICE"

As the music industry is adapting to new technologies, it seems as though everyone has forgotten why we're all here: the music. Equal Vision Records & This Time Next Year have introduced a new system to give music to anyone who is willing to listen. Fans can "choose your own price" - from $0 to $1,000,000 it is it up to the fan to decide what to pay for the music. Fans also have options in what types of files to download - mp3, AAC, FLAC, or Apple Lossless - for those who are concerned about the quality, unlike other music download options. Additionally, the file previews aren't limited to :30 like iTunes or Amazon. Listeners can hear the full album in a number of places, including the download website.

Fans still wanting to purchase a physical copy can do so through MerchNow, Amazon, FYE, or Best Buy.

To choose your own price & download: http://www.thistimenextyear.bandcamp.com

Or to just listen to the full album:
AOL - http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/#/11
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/thistimenextyear
PureVolume - http://www.purevolume.com/thistimenextyear

The Snake The Cross The Crown DOCUMENTARY

A documentary film by filmmaker Nicholas Kleczewski about one of America's best unknown bands, The Snake The Cross The Crown.

Available October 13th, exclusively through The Snake The Cross The Crown's webstore at www.snakecrosscrown.com.

CRAIG OWENS kicked out of Chiodos?! Woah.

Chiodos has released a statement regarding the departure of Craig Owens.

"To all of our friends, family, and fans: We would like to let you know that
we have let Craig Owens go as the singer of Chiodos. This decision was a
necessary one. Out of respect for all of the hard work that we have put in
together for all of these years we will not be discussing the specific
reasons that this needed to happen. We wish Craig well. We will absolutely
be continuing on as a band and we will keep you informed as this next
chapter unfolds. Chiodos fans are the best fans in the world and all we can
ask of you, after everything you have already given us, is to share in our
excitement for this next album. We promise you will not be
disappointed."

- Brad, Jason, Pat, and Matt

We Came As Romans "To Plant A Seed" out Nov 3rd!

Michigan’s WE CAME AS ROMANS have set a November 3rd release date for their highly anticipated debut full-length, To Plant A Seed. Recorded with up-and-coming producer Joey Sturgis (The Devil Wears Prada, Emarosa, Attack Attack) at his Foundation Recording Studio, the 10-song follow-up to their breakout EP, Dreams, finds the band expanding their blend of pop-infused metal.

Although recorded with the same producer, there is still an intentional difference between the two albums. We Came As Romans didn’t let the fact that they are only a six-piece hold them back from achieving a more symphonic sound on To Plant A Seed. “I played the trombone from Elementary school until I graduated high school and I always took the sound of a symphonic band or an orchestra with me,” explains Joshua Moore of their decision to add orchestral elements to the album such as the violins, brass, and piano interlaced throughout the album’s dynamic layers.

Not unlike the EP, the lyrics on To Plant A Seed reflect We Came As Romans’ goal of spreading a positive message through their music. The band hopes, “when people hear the album, they might not change the way they think or the way they act right now, but hopefully we've planted that ‘seed’, that thought of love, and it can grow.”

The theme of the album is carried through to the artwork. Painted by acclaimed artist Paul Romano (Mastodon, Chiodos), the album cover depicts a “very innocent looking boy in which the ‘seed’ has been planted in his mind and it grows to his heart, out of his palms and becomes branches,” describes Moore.

The band – Dave Stephens (vocals), Kyle Pavone (vocals/synth), Joshua Moore and Lou Cotton (guitar), Andy Glass (bass), and Eric Choi (drums) – will keep a busy tour schedule for the rest of 2009 that finds them on the road for several months beginning September 26th, including a week in Canada, a three week run with The Chariot, three weeks of headlining, and three weeks with friends, I See Stars.

Tracklist:
1. To Plant A Seed
2. Broken Statues
3. Intentions (ft. Tyler “Telle” Smith of The Word Alive)
4. Roads That Don't End And Views That Never Cease
5. Dreams
6. We Are The Reasons
7. Beliefs
8. I Will Not Reap Destruction
9. Searching, Seeking, Reaching, Always
10. An Ever-Growing Wonder

w/ Blindwitness
09/26 Rochester, NY @ The Jukebox
09/27 Ottawa, ON @ Mavericks
09/28 Kingston, ON @ Bar None
09/29 Toronto, ON @ The Kathedral
09/30 Hamilton, ON @ The Casbah
10/01 Saint Catherines, ON @ Level 3 Night Club
10/03 Windsor, ON @ Chubby Pickle
10/09 Rochester, PA @ The Blue Violet
10/10 Philadelphia, PA @ Broad Street Ministry

w/ The Chariot
10/12 Crofton, MD @ The Macc
10/13 Altoona, PA @ The Eldolyn Terrace
10/15 Raleigh, NC @ The Brewery
10/16 Montgomery, AL @ The Furnished
10/17 East Ridge, TN @ The Warehouse
10/20 Louisville, KY @ Headliners
10/21 Evansville, IN @ Boney June’s
10/22 Toledo, OH @ Frankies
10/23 Mt. Clemens, MI @ Hayloft
10/24 Indianapolis, IN @ Emerson Theatre
10/25 Orland Park, IL @ Mojoes
10/26 Herrin, IL @ Hitts
10/29 St. Louis, MO @ Pops
10/30 Little Rock, AR @ The Village
10/31 Claremore, OK @ The Tree
11/01 Oklahoma City, OK @ Bricktown Ballroom

Headlining w/ Tides of Man
11/02 Wichita, KS @ The Oz Café
11/03 Cape Girardeau, MO @ 4H
11/05 Metairie, LA @ The High Ground
11/06 Macon, GA @ Central City Skate Park
11/07 Douglasville, GA @ The 7 Venue
11/08 Dayton, OH @ The Attic Club
11/09 Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s
11/10 Pittsburgh, PA @ Diesel
11/11 Erie, PA @ Forward Hall
11/12 Vineland, NJ @ Hangar 84
11/13 Lemoyne, PA @ Champion Ship
11/14 S. Hackensack, NJ @ School Of Rock
11/15 Manchester, NH @ Rocko’s
11/17 Toronto, ON @ The Reverb
11/18 London, ON @ London Music Hall

w/I See Stars
11/25 Mt. Clemens, MI @ Hayloft
11/27 Orland Park, IL @ Mojoe’s
11/28 Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theatre
11/29 Omaha, NE @ Sokol Underground
11/30 Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre
12/01 Salt Lake City, UT @ Avalon Theatre
12/02 Pocatello, ID @ Icon
12/03 Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
12/04 Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
12/05 Orangevale, CA @ Club Retro
12/07 Stockton, CA @ Stockton Empire Theatre
12/08 W. Hollywood, CA @ The Troubadour
12/09 Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
12/10 San Diego, CA @ Epicentre
12/11 Phoenix, AZ @ Modified Arts
12/12 Albuquerque, NM @ Launch Pad
12/13 Lubbock, TX @ Jake’s
12/14 San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit
12/15 Dallas, TX @ The Door
12/17 St. Louis, MO @ Fubar
12/18 Indianapolis, IN @ Emerson Theatre
12/19 Grand Rapids, MI @ The MixTape

Music Video: PORTUGAL. THE MAN - "Do You"

Director: Ryan Rothermel (www.decoy.tv)
Director of Photography: Michael Ragen
2nd Camera: Billy Summers
Gaffer: Billy Summers
AD: Robbie Johnstone
Producer: Rebecca Davis
Key Grip: Matt Levinthal
Editor: Dave Molloy
Production Design: Freedomchild, Ryan Rothermel, Chloé McLennan, Dennis Annotti
Hair and Makeup: Jennifer Popochock
Costume Designer: John Gourley
Grip: Chloé McLennan, Jack Strain, Tyler Michaud, J Baab, Tristan Seniuk

This Time Next Year new album tracklist & release date

This Time Next Year to release "Road Maps & Heart Attacks" Oct 20th

California pop-punk outfit, THIS TIME NEXT YEAR, will release their debut full-length, Road Maps & Heart Attacks, on October 20th via Equal Vision Records. With the help of producer Brian McTernan (Senses Fail, Circa Survive, Hot Water Music), This Time Next Year have made the classic sing-along-at-the-top-of-your-lungs pop-punk of the late 90�s all their own.

Channeling such genre staples as New Found Glory, Saves the Day, and Blink-182; the band Pete Dowdalls (vocals), Brad Wiseman (guitar, vocals), Denis Cohen (guitar), and Tony Allio (bass)have delivered two solid EPs since forming in 2006. Road Maps & Heart Attacks will surely turn heads with its fresh approach to the pop-punk sound.

"I don't care who you are, at some point you listened to Blink-182, New Found Glory or The Movielife," notes Wiseman. "If you listen to any kind of alternative rock today, that was there in your youth." His band of Californians aren't shy about that lineage, putting their own creative spin on what can be a stale genre.

With several full US tours under their belt, the band have shared the stage with many of the scene's current pop-punk heavyweights including Cartel, Set Your Goals, and Four Year Strong. This Time Next Year will also hit the road with Hit The Lights this Fall.

Road Maps & Heart Attacks Tracklist:1. Rise & Fall, Curtain Call
2. New Sensation
3. Alex In Wonderland
4. New Florence
5. Rhyme and Reason
6. No Bed of Broken Glass
7. Calling In Dead
8. Liquid Diet
9. Mischief With No Direction
10. Out On Eastern
11. Cheers To A Late Night

w/Hit The Lights, There For Tomorrow
10/8 Toledo, OH @ Frankies
10/9 Pontiac, MI @ iLounge
10/10 Grand Rapids, MI @ The Mixtape
10/11 Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
10/13 Dekalb, IL @ The House Caf�
10/14 Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club
10/15 Des Moines, IA @ House of Bricks
10/16 Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre
10/17 Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue
10/18 Boise, ID @ The Venue
10/20 Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
10/21 Portland, OR @ Satyricon
10/22 San Francisco, CA @ Bottom Of The Hill (CD Release Show)

Studio Video: LIFE ON REPEAT

Check out a studio video from Equal Vision's newest band, LIFE ON REPEAT.



www.myspace.com/lifeonrepeat

Music Video: CLOSURE IN MOSCOW - "Sweet#hart"

EQUAL VISION RECORDS SIGNS THE DEAR & DEPARTED

Indie/new wave act, The Dear & Departed, have signed to Equal Vision Records. The band recently wrapped up recording with New Found Glory guitarist, Chad Gilbert (H2O, Fireworks), and will release the new material as a digital EP and 7” later this year and tour to support.

“EVR have always supported us and after constant frustration with other labels, we feel it’s a great decision,” expressed vocalist, Dan Smith (aka Dan Under). “That’s all you can really ask for these days, honest support. We have all been fans of EVR bands since we were young and its nice to have that history and nostalgia with a label, even though so much has changed over the years.”

In their short existence as a band, the Orange County transplants – Smith (vocals), Darren Parkinson (guitar), Cortney Miner (guitar), and Jimmy Walsh (drums) – have built a devoted following and boast quite a story. There have been many triumphs for The Dear & Departed, including sharing stages with Saosin, Norma Jean, Tiger Army, AFI and Avenged Sevenfold, as well as patronage from platinum bands (like AFI, who invited Smith to sing on 2007’s Decemberunderground) and mutual respect from cult artists alike.

The Dear & Departed has won an international fanbase and developed even further into a potent outfit that mixes in influences from New Order to Placebo, while always maintaining a sound unique to only them. The band released Something Quite Peculiar in May 2007, produced by Chris Vrenna, whose production resume includes U2 and Smashing Pumpkins in addition to his work as drummer/programmer for Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson and Gnarls Barkley, with additional production from AFI's Jade Puget.
If the previous hasn’t made The Dear & Departed a household name yet, then they surely will be soon. Dan Smith, a tattoo artist for over 7 years, will join the cast of LA Ink - the hit show on TLC starring Kat Von D. Smith will be introduced on the episode airing Thursday, August 13th at 10pm. LA Ink will also visit the band in the studio in a later episode.

www.myspace.com/thedearanddeparted

EQUAL VISION RECORDS signs Life On Repeat

Equal Vision Records have signed Salisbury, MD's Life On Repeat! The band - vocalist Patrick Purves, guitarists Andrew Baylis and Zach King, bassist Devon Voisine, and drummer David Walker - have been active for several years in various forms. Previously known as Amen The Animal, Baylis explained the name change was necessary as the former, "carried a hefty load of history, including old members. It didn't feel right carrying on as Amen The Animal when I was the only original member of the lineup." As Amen The Animal, the quintet garnered buzz with their self-released EP, My Iron Heart.

With somewhat of a fresh start, Life On Repeat are preparing to spread their infectious brand of pop-rock with melodic hooks, dance-able beats and driving guitars in the form of a digital EP to be recorded with producer Brian McTernan (Thrice, Circa Survive, Senses Fail) in August and released later this fall. "He's responsible for so many successful albums that each of us grew up listening to. When we heard that we had the opportunity to record with him, it was a no-brainer," explained Walker.

"Upon leaving the studio, we wish to not see home for months at a time, no matter what it takes," Baylis expressed what could possible be the band's mantra. Striving to perfect their craft not only in the studio, but more importantly live, self-booked tours have kept the band on the road for over two years, including shows with Versa Emerge, Dance Gavin Dance, The Ataris, and more. Just a month ago, Life On Repeat played all 6 dates of Cornerstone Festival 2009. While consistent touring is an essential ingredient for the recipe of any successful band, it was a much bigger requirement for the quintet. "In a nutshell, there is no music scene in Salisbury; the closest venues are about 2 hours away. We rented out halls and churches to hold our own shows," Walker described. "Throughout the past year or so, we've basically established our own local scene through the shows we've set up."

Of the signing to Equal Vision Records, the band says, "Equal Vision has not only launched the careers of many highly respected artists, but they have maintained a work ethic that continues to prove they are here to stay. From day one, we aspired to be involved with a label that is, in every way, able to properly have our music heard. We couldn't be more excited for what the future holds with Life On Repeat and EVR."

www.myspace.com/lifeonrepeat

Studio Video: THE FALL OF TROY

Thomas and Andrew from The Fall of Troy discuss the musical progression of the band on their new album, "In The Unlikely Event", in stores October 6th, 2009 on Equal Vision Records.

Sky Eats Airplane's JERRY ROUSH leaves band

Here's a statement from Sky Eats Airplane founder, Lee Duck, regarding the departure of frontman Jerry Roush.

After touring for the past two years together, SEA and our singer Jerry Roush have decided to part ways. We hate to see him go, but our creative differences make this the best option for everyone. We are still on good terms and wish Jerry good luck with whatever he chooses to do. As for the rest of the band, SEA is pushing on with a ton of new material: Zack and I (Lee) are going to be flying up to Travis’ practice space up in Delaware to write killer riffs and to start jamming on the new stuff in the near future.

We appreciate you, our fans, sticking with us through this. We can’t wait to show you everything we’ve been working on! And as far as the singing spot we have open, if you are interested please contact us at singforSEA@gmail.com. Keep in mind that we are looking for someone who is talented at singing first and foremost. Thanks! - Lee

Free Download: THIS TIME NEXT YEAR

THIS TIME NEXT YEAR are offering a free download of their latest EP, New Sensation. What's the catch? Sign up for This Time Next Year's mailing list.

Here's the link: http://www.thistimenextyearca.com/downloadcard

Tour Video: CHIODOS on Warped Tour

Tour Video: THEREFORE I AM on Warped Tour

Therefore I Am kicking off Warped Tour 2009! Hanging with Scorpions (real ones, not the band), Lights, Versa Emerge, and more! "The Sound of Human Lives" is in stores and online now!

Equal Vision Records Announces Mantralogy Records

Official Press Release:

In a move that returns one of the nation’s most reputable punk and hardcore labels to its roots, Equal Vision Records announced today the creation of its new label division, Mantralogy. The sub-label will showcase kirtan and a variety of other sacred and meaningful musics for both the flourishing underground conscious music scene and an increasingly swelling mainstream audience. In the same progressive spirit, Mantralogy’s debut release, Ten Million Moons, from celebrated modern kirtan/conscious groove band Gaura Vani & As Kindred Spirits, is earning impressive acclaim from a wide variety of audiences, many previously unfamiliar with this music.

While Equal Vision Records is best known today for releasing music from earnest hardcore acts like Coheed and Cambria, Bane, and Chiodos, the Mantralogy wing serves to reconnect the label with its original mission to deliver edgy, Krishna-conscious music, like that of Equal Vision founder Ray Cappo’s early 90s band, Shelter. Kirtan, the main inspiration for extending into Mantralogy, is the 5,000 year-old practice of sacred Hindu chant, where repeated musical mantras enable people to step out of their habitual selves and collectively open up to a powerful, spiritual sensibility. Today, kirtan is enjoying a modern Renaissance, as a new crop of eclectic, cross-cultural chant artists create uplifting music and compelling positivity in arenas far outside the yogi niche.

Mantralogy’s first artist, Gaura Vani, blends western instrumentation, rhythms and harmonies with traditional chants and melodies, citing influences like Beck, Bjork and Peter Gabriel. He and his band, As Kindred Spirits, often perform in traditional venues like yoga studios and temples, as well as more mainstream spaces like NPR, CBS, Lollapalooza, Burning Man, and countless grassroots get-togethers on every continent. The band organized the radical, first ever Chant4Change, a sold-out kirtan festival during the presidential inauguration in January, when thousands gathered in Washington, DC to empower the new Obama administration. Ten Million Moons is presently featured on iTunes’ World Music homepage.

“Everyone deserves to feel how this music makes you feel,” explains Gaura Vani. “Music is so powerful. When it’s dealing with the soul and our inner journey, it’s even more powerful. Our goal is to take this ancient, uplifting culture and give it new roots—to thrive at a time when the world really needs it. Our vision is to build a home for spiritual music, take it from the places we expect to hear it—churches, temples, mosques—and make it the soundtrack to our lives, something that people of all walks of life can relate to.”

Sacred activists and artists Shiva Rae, Jai Uttal and Dave Stringer have dubbed Ten Million Moons “rapturous,” “powerful,” and “thrilling.”

“Everything I learned from punk rock, kirtan makes so much more meaningful,” says Equal Vision owner, Steve Reddy. “The power in this music has helped Equal Vision get to where it is today, it’s only fair to share it with others.”

Mantralogy is positioned to lead the expansion of ‘new school’ kirtan as the style grows into new popular spheres.

For more information, please visit www.Mantralogy.com and www.GauraVani.com.

The Fall of Troy release "In The Unlikely Event" October 6th

Mukilteo, Washington's THE FALL OF TROY, one of the hottest developing bands in the post-hardcore genre, has completed their new album, In The Unlikely Event which is set for release on October 6, 2009 on Equal Vision Records. Recorded in Seattle, Washington with producer Terry Date (Deftones, Slipknot, Smashing Pumpkins), the band's 12-song follow-up to their 2007 breakthrough Manipulator, the Fall Of Troy has expanded their progressive punk sound to craft their most focused and fully realized album to date. In The Unlikely Event is also the band's first album to feature new bassist Frank Ene who now joins guitarist/vocalist Thomas Erak and drummer Andrew Forsman.

"I feel like this album is a new direction for The Fall Of Troy," Erak explains. "We want to keep growing and become something that nobody expected we'd become... even ourselves," he continues, adding that the group has never felt as if they've been a part of any regimented 'scene.' "It's all in the pursuit of experimentation; I think this is us growing up and taking all those early experiments and trying to filter them down to come up with the best possible representation of who we are." The album also shows how much the band has grown by touring with everyone from Deftones to Coheed And Cambria over the past few years.

"Making this record was a great adventure," said producer Date. "These guys are spontaneous, creative, and their ideas never stopped."

As with the band's previous albums, the new music remains unpredictable and notoriously hard to pigeonhole. From jaw-droppingly technical rock anthems like "Battleship Graveyard" and blazing punk tracks like "Straight-Jacket Keelhauled," to mathematical melodic rockers like "A Classic Case Of Transference" and the laid-back love song "Nobody's Perfect," In The Unlikely Event is an album that will satisfy long-time fans of the band—but in typical The Fall Of Troy fashion, continue to challenge them as well.

The Fall of Troy's Erak has already attracted the attention of guitar magazines on at least two continents. Guitar World singled out his guitar-playing abilities as "one of the most unique and inventive in recent memory," while the UK's Guitarist wrote, "one of the most striking aspects [is] Erak's frankly bewildering breakneck guitar playing."

Live, The Fall of Troy has become known for their blazing and relentless, full-on interactive sets; one major Southern California daily called one of their shows "the best performance I've ever seen at this venue." In support of In The Unlikely Event, The Fall Of Troy will hit the road this summer, details will be announced shortly.

www.myspace.com/thefalloftroy

Studio Video: WE CAME AS ROMANS

WE CAME AS ROMANS are currently in the studio with Joey Sturgis recording their debut full-length to be released this Fall via Equal Vision Records!



www.myspace.com/wecameasromans

Music Video: The Sound of Animals Fighting

Official video for The Sound of Animals Fighting's "Another Leather Lung" from the album, The Ocean and The Sun. This video was created and animated by Eric Stodolnik.

PORTUGAL. THE MAN release statement about album leak

The Satanic Satanist album leak

I am not going to start into this with my (now yearly) standard of proclaiming my support for downloading. I have done it too many times and it has typically become simply the preface to the message. The message that seems to get lost by the point the reader reaches the end of the sentence “We fully support downloading…”. There is more. If you are interested in the point of this piece then please read on. I know it is scary to read through something that will begin with “This is in no way an attack on you, the downloader” but, that is just how it starts…

Remember When?

This is in no way an attack on you, the downloader, but it is a note that I have taken and I wish to share. I realized something in the past few weeks. It took the festivals Bonnaroo and Hurricane and Southside to come to the point of this writing that begins at the point. I realized something about myself and my friends in this band as we looked through the lists of bands playing these festivals. I know relatively all the names of all the artists on the bill. I literally have or have had ALL of them on my ipod. Every “buzz” or “hype” band and most of them I don’t even remember how I got them but, somehow, I have them. One thing I can’t tell you about them is what album “that one song is on” or even for that matter the title of “that one song”. Honestly I can’t tell you if they even play “that one song”. Well, there were a handful of these artists that I do know, which I will list here: The Beastie Boys, Tool, Nine Inch Nails, The Pixies, and Faith No More… I will also include in here Moby for simple fact that I walked past his stage multiple times and each time I thought to myself “Oh hey, I know this!” I mention these bands (and will mention a few more current) because they are bands whose albums I owned, albums I waited for and albums I WORE OUT. Really, played them to extinction. They are groups that I was a part of. Do you remember the anticipation building as release date neared? Do you remember tearing open the package and putting that album on? Do you remember the fact that that album did not leave the stereo, the car, the walkman, the discman etc… until you had listened through from start to finish (often multiple times). Do you remember showing up at your record store late for the initial rush and finding that your album was sold out!? (maybe only in Alaska) Do you also remember checking in daily on the hope that a truck had been delayed in the days before and somehow your record would arrive randomly throughout the following days, completely bypassing the system of release and shipments? I do. I remember these bands. I remember being a part of something bigger. I remember how these things felt. I did it for bands I didn’t know, bands who I had not heard before but only read an advance review of. And sometimes, sometimes it was completely random, just for the sake of getting new music. As I watched Jason run out into the dark, the cold and the pouring rain towards the Faith No More set happening two stages away I thought about this. What is drawing him out into this mess? The only answer I could find was “The Album”. It was the memories that came along with the album. It was the endless plays it got throughout his high school years. It was the work that went into the purchase of this album. He was a part of this and despite all of us wanting to get out of the rain and start our 4 hour drive we could not deny him this. We all knew how he felt and we all knew that there was no stopping it. Where else would he get a chance to see this with our tour schedule and lack of stability that a home and a job holds. We would not stop him and we would deal with the end of festival traffic and the cold and wet would eventually dry away. There is a reason bands like Blur and Faith No More and Moby are playing to the massive audiences they are and the bands of now are playing to half interested crowds of people who know they are supposed to be here but aren’t quite sure why they are here and they kinda know some of the words to some of the songs and who shortly need to move on to the next show that they hear they are supposed to be into. I watched this and felt a teensy bit sad inside.

Downloading.

I hope this is not a tough read and I apologize if it is but there is a message to all of it… My favorite bands today are album bands. Bands whose records, had I downloaded prior or not, I purchased. The albums that became a part of me through my becoming a part of the album. Bands like Grizzly Bear, Santi(o)gold, Lykke Li, The Knife, Fever Ray, Menomena, The Builders and the Butchers and so on and so on (sorry if I forgot some good ones but I am in the middle of finishing a thought that even this little side note is interrupting these are great bands though. Please buy these albums!)… Here is something to think about. Grizzly Bear just put out a new record with the backing of A Radiohead tour a Feist Tour, a TV On The Radio tour, all the buzz and hype you could throw at one group without it’s implosion resulting, and more TV performances than I have ever seen one band take on (and own! Good work guys!). Number 8 on the charts and 33k sold. Imagine what that could have been had we all lived up to the release date and the saving? If we had all been a part of it. It should have been number 1, or at least top 5. You would have Grizzly Bear, a band who we played with at the birth of our band, a band that has been working towards this goal and taking all the right steps, at the top of every radio playlist. You would be opening up the door to relevant new music. You would be pumping new life into something you believe in. Music. In doing this we would all be a part of it. We would be a part of a movement. The times of the “evil” music Industry are over and the people behind it are all hiding out, losing their hold. You are no longer keeping money from their hands but of the artists behind your favorite songs and albums. The Labels no longer have the power of weighted deals, they bend in our favor now, or better yet (in our place) completely fair. Less people buying records equals less money behind promotion, equals less money behind its release, equals less money behind the tour, equals less opportunities to see your favorite bands. This is coming as a music fan mind you. I am not begging not pleading, simply stating the facts. It is hard for bands like us to do this without help. That is why it is so important to buy music. It doesn’t matter how you get it, from the label, from us on tour, from Amazon, or Itunes. We have put a lot of work into this and want to share it with you. Lets be a part of something again. Example: Our manager just went to the Wilco show last night on a free ticket handed to him by a friend. He and his wife bought seventy dollars in merchandise from their favorite… favorite? God I am so jealous right now…. band. It all comes around. I always need to be fair as I find the end of these points and state this: I download music early. It is a great advance to the purchase. It is an early taste. It is an amazing treat for the fan. BUT. If you like these albums and these bands please buy the record. It means so much more…. AND if we or any other band makes the mistake of making a record that you absolutely hate. Well, don’t buy it. Don’t waste your money…. ANNNNNNNNNND that being said. My favorite albums have been growers. Just have a bit of patience with all of us artists. Its not always the easy listen right away.

The Band.

This is not meant to be depressing (wow, another killer way to start a paragraph) but there are some things you need to know about this band. This I am sure is not only relatable to ours but to other over your favorite bands as well. This is relevant to anyone who does what they love. This is for your understanding in what that local corner store, local shops, local construction builders… Here is a quick nod from my childhood. We built hotels throughout Alaska for a major tourism company. When we would go into small towns they would try to push young foreign and out of state labor into the building to save money and my dad fought every bit of it to spend local and hire local while he was working. He understood what he went through in starting his business and he understood what community is about. This is a community as is the tupperware group your mom goes to. As is the sandwich shop that we eat at between work. I am only writing this so you can understand the amount of work that goes into living for your love. Those of you with parents who run their own business and those of you who have their own will understand that I speak for you as well. It is something that gets lost and I feel it is time that you know these things. It is not about money but about what we do for what we love. If we all just worked together and pitched in a little bit then we could do something bigger than all this.

I sleep on a hard wood floor in the house of people I did not know before Ryan’s joining of this band. I sleep on this floor with Ryan and Ian, our tour manager. Our tour manager sleeps on this floor with us because he will not let us pay him when we cannot pay ourselves. Jason sleeps in the basement of The Builders and The Butchers for random rent payments while he is home and Zach stays in the guest room at his ex-girlfriends and her new boyfriends place for 75 dollars a month. Our manager has worked endless hours for the past four years with little to no payment. Really, we call him on weekends. He is working right now and was working until late last night, I know… I talked to him. Austin Sellers is in my opinion one of the best artists in Portland and has done posters from Berbatis to The Doug Fir to Holocene and AMAZING ones at that. He and I have spent countless hours together and apart on this album artwork present and past for little to no pay. Ryan Rothermal and Mike Ragen and Robbie Johnston worked for two days straight on our music video not to mention days of post work and editing and went out of their own pocket to make a music video that we could all be happy with as artists… OK, this is getting overly “artsy” but it is the only word I gots without sounding like a douche. Nothing worse than a douchey artist.. We play music because we love it and nothing will change that ever. We tour because we love it and not because of money. If I wanted money I would have stayed in Alaska and worked construction rather than starve for this. Rather than fight through three dollar meals and countless nights sleeping in the van. The point we are at now is so far from where we have come and yet still so far from a standard of living. Remember that “homeless” story from “Waiter: You Vultures”. An odd choice of talking points. All of us do it. All of us who believe in it. All of us are still living it.

The Leak.

I had mixed feelings when I hear the album had leaked. On one hand it was exciting to think that people were actually searching so hard in advance (We have never had an album leak more than two weeks in advance of release date). On the other hand I was somewhat frustrated, not in an angry way. Just looking back at our history of touring and shows gradually getting bigger and bigger but still watching sales drop from our low thousands to the lower thousands. It was more frustrating to hear how it leaked seeing as how all the links we had sent out were private and coded. There is a certain level of professionalism that has been lost along with the idea that is the album. To hear about these things happening from the people that should understand music as much as any musician is just heartbreaking. I am happy vinyl is coming back, it needs to. We need to have albums and music. I need to.

We love being a part of this. We need to believe in something again. Thank you for everything

Love,

John

Studio Video: PORTUGAL. THE MAN

Here's the final studio video from PORTUGAL. THE MAN. The new record will be released on July 21st, 2009 via Equal Vision Records. www.portugaltheman.net

THEREFORE I AM album track list

Boston hardcore punk band, THEREFORE I AM, will release their Equal Vision Records debut "The Sound of Human Lives" on June 23rd! The album was produced by Michael Poorman (Piebald, Tsunami Bomb, Paulson). Look out for THEREFORE I AM all summer on Warped Tour! Check out the album track list.

"The Sound of Human Lives" Track List:
1. Death by Fire
2. Eleven, Seventeen
3. Splinters
4. My Father, the Fatalist
5. For the Sake of Skin
6. It's No Wonder Why
7. The Sound of Human Lives
8. I am Only an Island
9. Big Blue
10. A Face in the Clouds
11. No Face in the Crowd
12. The Art of Transparency
13. You Leave

BAND MYSPACE: www.myspace.com/thereforeiam

Tour Video: THEREFORE I AM

Therefore I Am were on tour with Confide, Oceana, and To Speak of Wolves (4/2 - 5/10). The new album "The Sound of Human Lives" comes out June 23rd on Equal Vision Records!



Band Myspace: Myspace.com/thereforeiam

DAMIERA leaves Equal Vision Records

BAND STATEMENT:

"After nearly four years and two releases together, Damiera and Equal Vision Records have decided to part ways. We are going to spend much of this summer working on our next album, with a planned release in 2010."

-- Damiera

WE CAME AS ROMANS signs to Equal Vision Records!

Detroit, Michigan hardcore sextet, WE CAME AS ROMANS, have officially announced their signing to Equal Vision Records! This formerly Unsigned Buzz band has now been lifted from our list and boy boy did we know it was coming in 2009! I may of wrongly guessed that Rise Records would pick them up but these Detroit youngsters are now signed. Check out the band's newly designed Myspace layout & 4-track EP "Dreams" streaming, Myspace.com/wecameasromans. ALSO see them on tour with A PLEA FOR PURGING and BROADCAST THE NIGHTMARE. In June the band will head into the recording studio with Joey Sturgis to begin tracking their debut full-length album!

Studio Video: KING

New Equal Vision Records hardcore band, KING, began recording on their debut record a couple months ago. Here's a studio video from the band. And in case you wondering, yep, guitarist Jason Hale from Chiodos is still playing in this band too, despite Chiodos' world tour in February.

Studio Update: THIS TIME NEXT YEAR

THIS TIME NEXT YEAR is currently in the studio with Brian McTernan in Baltimore, Maryland @ Salad Days Studios recording our full length set to be released in the summer. The newly signed Equal Vision band (11/08) also has a slate of tour dates at the end of March, probably playing new songs off the new record. See the dates below the video.



With FIREWORKS
March 22nd - Chicago, IL @ Beat Kitchen
March 21st - Kent, OH @ The Vineyard
March 20th - Southgate, MI @ Modern Exchange
March 19th - East Lansing, MI @ Snyder-Phillips Hall
March 18th - Toronto, ON @ Adrift Clubhouse
March 17th - Buffalo, NY @ The Attic
Marcy 16th - Latham, NY @ The Landing Zone
March 15th - Syracuse, NY @ Funk N Waffles

With FIREWORKS / A LOSS FOR WORDS / TITLE FIGHT
March 14th - Manchester, NH @ Rocko’s
March 13th - Allston, MA @ ICC
March 12th - Wallingford, CT @ American Legion
March 11th - Doylestown, PA @ Moose Lodge
March 10th - Baltimore, MD @ Charm City Arts

News: Equal Vision Records signs KING featuring Chiodos' Jason Hale

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Equal Vision Records is proud to welcome KING to its roster. The band - which features Chiodos' Jason Hale in a familiar role on guitar - is currently recording with Mark Michalik at Detroit's 37 Studios before their winter tour that kicks off December 13th in Toledo, OH. Regarding the tour, Hale promises "good music, good people, and good times."

Even after the success he's had with Chiodos, Hale explains that "KING is the lemon-lime Gatorade to my unquenchable thirst for metal." Hale has been playing metal since he was 16, so it seemed only natural to start a band when he met David Swan (vocals), Andrew Beal (guitar), Eugene Gill (bass), and Andrew Workman (drums). Although Chiodos' 2008 rigorous tour schedule hasn't permitted much time for Hale to devote to KING, the metal quintet will be releasing a full length in 2009.

(Courtesy of Equal Vision Records)

News: Equal Vision adds Boston band to roster

Equal Vision Records is proud to announce the latest addition to their roster: Boston, MA's THEREFORE I AM. The five-piece is set to record their debut full length later this year at Strangeways Recording studio in Providence, RI with producer and ex-Hot Rod Circuit drummer Michael Poorman (Piebald, Tsunami Bomb, Paulson) for a Spring 2009 release. Poorman also produced the band's 2007 EP, Escape.

Since THEREFORE I AM's formation in 2004, they've self-released 3 EP's and toured the U.S. many times over with the likes of Vanna, Endwell, The Dear Hunter, and The Receiving End Of Sirens. The band - Alex Correia (Vocals), Brian Marquis (Guitar/Vocals), Travis Alexander (Guitar), James Creighton (Bass), and Chris Fernandes (Drums) - plan to get back on the road once they are finished recording, tentatively in February '09.

About their decision to sign with Equal Vision, Marquis explains, "EVR's past and current roster boasts bands that have fought the same battles that we face today being thrown between many different genres. Growing up with many of those bands and seeing their success, and more importantly their impact, in underground and popular music is what gives us the reassurance that we're working with the right team."