Today, I turn 27 years of age. Congratulations to me on persevering this far, and thanks be to God, who breathes new life when the old one is almost entirely choked out. And thanks to one and all who wished me happy birthday in person, on the phone, via text-message, via email, calling me at work, or via my Myspace.
Modern Life Is War have signed a record deal with the venerable Equal Vision Records(Bane, Action Reaction et al), who will release their next album. Frontman Jeffrey Eaton was rather accusatory in a comment he made concerning the reasons the band signed with Equal V: "...because the label is driven by music and not trends, images and marketing schemes like so many other prominent record labels." Hmm. Makes me wonder what their previous label home was like. I always figured Deathwish Inc. would be a great place to record. [theprp]
Oh man, I'm jealous. August Burns Red and Chasing Victory are touring through Ottawa March 21st at Maverick's(221 Rideau downtown, c'mon out and we'll hang), but after that tour wraps up, they're both hooking up with From A Second Story Window and the masterful Life In Your Way for a big long tour of the United States. Envy envy rage malice. That's me in four words right now.
I did an interview with The End a couple weeks back - look for that whenever I find time to transcribe stuff - and I meant to ask what happened to founding vocalist Tyler's band Mare, who in their heyday opened for Isis and The Dillinger Escape Plan, among others. I forgot to ask, but they look to have officially disbanded. More info on that can be found over here.
Every Time I Die are rumoured to be going into the studio in April to work on their followup to 2005's Gutter Phenomenon. I am stoked.
Someone has decided to put together a book - a compendium, if you will - of poetry written by some of the luminaries of today's burgeoning indie/punk/metal/hardcore scene; called Revolution On Canvas, Volume 2: Poetry From The Indie Music Scene, the epistle features the writings of members of Deftones, Atreyu, He Is Legend, Fear Before The March Of Flames and many more. "When," you're asking yourselves, "will this fine piece of writing be available in stores?" May 9th, 2007. Save your shekels.
New music from Haste the Day's upcoming third album can be heard over here.
Old news by now, but what the hell - OzzFest will apparently be free this year. For more info on that - what more info do you really need besides "the damn thing's free"? - check out the official website. Word is that not only would the performing acts not be paid(no one will sign up for that - not a single one), but fans will have to go to the websites of designated corporate sponsors. Sounds to this hack writer like they should just charge the thirty bucks and be on with things.
Those who saw Prince rock the halftime show at Super Bowl XVI last weekend in Miami saw that it was pouring rain the entire time(purple rain, maybe...hello?...anybody?...geez!), but did you know he had a bum hip that almost kept him from performing? That's ballsy. The man himself worked in covers of Foo Fighters and Hendrix during his fifteen-minute set, and I personally thought it was awesome. [Paste]
I'd read something about this, but only that Ted Turner and his little corporation had to apologize to the city of Boston - now it turns out the funniest thing on TV, Adult Swim's monopoly on humour, was involved. The entire awesome story is over here.
Toronto's Tokyo Police Club, aside from being really good, well-mannered kids, are also a killer live band, as witnessed by myself and the significant other this past Wednesday at the Observatory, the campus bar at our alma mater. They've secured a spot at the uber-prestigious Coachella festival(Rage Against the Machine reunion!), and they'll be back in Ottawa in April or thereabouts. Maybe March. Don't know. Either way, check these kids out now so you can be the cool one when they blow up huge.
Posted by mike at February 9, 2007 10:39 PM