400+ Gather to support Original Music

400 + were in attendance to support local music on a Wednesday night. Let me back track a bit. Four bands were chosen to play WBAB's second Homegrown Superstar Contest. Starting in October fans could vote of there favorite band in weekly rounds. And in December the four bands that survived those weekly rounds got to play the Homegrown Superstar show. And at the end of the night. The band bringing the most fans through the door. Would be crowned WBWB's Homegrown Superstar. The winning band would receive a prize package that would help them along there musical journey.

The first to perform was a four piece hard rock unit called Permanent Scar. I've been wanting to catch this band for some time now. This band possesses well crafted thought provoking songs. A bonus of the night was a free full length CD that they were handing out at the show. They played a solid set. And from the crowds reaction it was apparent they left with more fans than they began with.

The second to perform was the alternative/hip hop band Echo Sonic. Fronted by the charismatic Aaron Turner on vocals. Aaron worked the crowd and stage like a seasoned professional. Spiting lyrics and rhymes while backed by his amazing band.

The third to perform was the rock band Revel 9. Opening with the energetic San Jose. They got the crowd going right out of the gate. Rhythm guitarist Matt Dower is very entertaining too watch. He seems to be in his own little word as he plays. A very animated player bringing his playing to another level. Highlight of the set was watching a row of fans playing the leads along with guitarist/singer DJ Pearlman. From a distance all you could see in front of DJ were fingers twiddling about.

The final act and the winner of the night was Oogee Wawa. They brought a party to the stage. I would describe them is a fun loving jam band. Watching them perform and seeing how they interact with the audience. It's no surprise why they have such a loving fan base. Their motto must be Just Have Some Fun.

Most of us are aware of the poor shape the local scene is in. Its not due to the lack of talent out there. Because there is plenty of talent here on Long Island. Many people have many opinions on this subject. And just like politics there is no simple answer to this complex problem. But as long as we continue to ask questions and try different solutions. The music scene may once again thrive.

WBAB is a great supporter of the original music scene. It would be nice to see more effort from other areas of media. There is great potential out there to revive the scene. We just need more like minds to join the mission.

The gathering of a Midnight Mob

I was well aware what was rumbling behind the curtain at Qllie's Point Saturday night. For some they knew as well. While others were about to be de-flowered tonight.

As Midnight Mob was introduced and the curtain opened those standing in the back were drawn to the stage like bugs attracted to a light. Memorized by what they heard and saw. It is amazing too watch a band create an instant buzz within a room.

If there was any band that has the it factor Midnight Mob is number one on the list. They have the look. They have the songs. And they have the rock and roll attitude and energy of bands of yesterday. They have brought back the star back too rock star.

Fronting this band of misfits is Blackey Deathproof. She has the snarl of Sid Vicious. Only better looking and much more talented. Holding down the rhythm section is Carly Quinn on Bass and Mikey Catastrophe on Drums. And guitar duties are divided by Spydyr and Mickey Squeeze.

I ran into David Caggiano from Betamx Artist Development who recorded their four song EP. And he told me he's currently recording them now. I for one will be waiting impatiently for these songs to surface.

Checkout this great band. You can purchase their music on itunes. You can also support them and the scene by attending a show. You will be watching history in the making.

Silverqueen

Flashback Saturday night. I went to review a band but to no avail. I was in no mood to wait for a band that was making no attempt to take the stage at there given show time. Guess they were having too much fun hanging out by the fire pit outside. Instead of entertaining the crowd waiting inside. I waited for a bit then I said screw it and made my way back home. By the way if I wouldn't wait for Axl. I'm sure not gonna wait for you. In hindsight I'm glad they tried my patience. Because on Sunday I stumble upon an artist by pure mistake.

Sunday I attended a show at Mr Beery's. The show was hosted by Mike Ferrari and Radio J. Mike is best known as the publisher of the Aural Fix Magazine. This show was a benefit to end crohn's disease. The show showcased many Long Island bands.

One artist of the night just blew me away. She goes by the name of Silverqueen. She took to the stage with microphone in hand. And open her set singing over some layered vocals that were coming through some top secret pedal. Her voice was memorizing. Sweet and haunting all at the same time.

After her first song Silverqueen strapped on her acoustic guitar and gave a stunning performance. Silverqueen ended her set the way she had begun it. Microphone in hand. Her voice and her nifty machine.

I was so impressed I asked her for a copy of her CD. I popped it in on my ride home and was impressed all over again. Her CD was recored with a full band. Giving her songs a wider palate to enjoy.

Why!

Hello everyone. Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving.
Well after searching for a show to attend this week. I came up empty. So I decided to stay in and ask you a question. Why are you performing for an audience? Really analyze your answer. Yes I know you love writing music. I know you love to perform.
I ask this question because there was a show I was thinking about going to this weekend. And after my initial search it put a sour taste in my mouth. The bands were selling advance tickets for $10 per ticket. The day of the show tickets would be $15 at the door. And none of that money going to the band. The old pay to play scenario. Bands please run from these events. Your being taken advantage of. Most of the time these events happen at the more pristine clubs(or so we think). There is no club worth playing if you have to pay to play it. Do your research and find other clubs to play. Your making these bottom feeder promoters (and that's being nice) money and your taking money out of pocket to play this better club (so you think). Why? Again I ask you why?
I think alot of musicians are blinded by their own delusion. Paying to play a better room (so called) is not going to impress anyone but yourselves. I've seen it time and time again. Bands bragging on their web site what venues they have played. Or better yet what has- been band they have opened up for (usually another pay to play scenario). Bands need to think smarter. Pave your own path. Don't try and ride on another's coat tails.
What's funny is I do alot of research. This show I am speaking of is one of many I see all the time. I checked the web sites for this venue and not a single mention of this show on it. Now there are many layers that go into a show. From the bands, the promoter of the show and to the venue itself. But bands should be researching everyone involved in these shows. They are asking you to do alot of work. Have you asked them what they are doing? Bands you are in control. Take your power back. There is no mystery in putting a show together. Just a bit of elbow grease.
By the way the definition of a Promoter is: a person or thing that promotes something, in particular/a person or company that finances or organizes a sporting event or theatrical production. Hum? so you are paying some smuck to do nothing more than put some bands together and make them pay to play this wonderful event. Seems to me the bands are the ones promoting the show and selling tickets (while the promoter hands you the tickets to sell)(what exactly is the promoter doing?)
Again I ask you why. If you answer me be prepare for a rebuttal.

Aunt Hildegard the relative you were warned about.

The dynamic duo Johnny Stupid and Crock LaRock of Aunt Hildegard assaulted the crowd at LuLu's this Friday night.With an original mix of rock, punk and doom. A sonic bliss created by one guitar and one drum set. Sorry bass players obviously no room for you in this mix.

Johnny Stupid took to the stage with his white semi-hollow Hagstrom guitar in hand. One might have expected some spontaneous jazz riffs from this elegant instrument with its sleek lines and double f holes. Instead they got an in your face barrage guitar assault. All the while his partner Crock LaRock took center stage playing his drums. Sounding/looking much like a solider on a turret holding down the fort.

Aunt Hildegard played selections off their upcoming CD. Produced by none other than Joey Z (Life of Agony/Steromud). "Check Please" was one of the songs that has stuck in my head from the night. That song alone should give Aunt Hildegard plenty of life too forge ahead while the AH army grows.

I guess I can brag that I was one of the first to see these songs performed live. And I'm now enlisted in the first division of the ever growing AH army.

If you like your music raw and too the point. Give Aunt Hildegard a test drive on your ipod or CD player. Be warned their tunes can be highly contagious.

There was no mercy this Saturday night.

This week I briefly attended a show put on by No Mercy Metal at LuLu's in Port Jefferson. I had to retire my metal horns early this night. I had a prior commitment that required me to rise in the early am. That being said I was able too see the first two bands of the night.

Awaken started the night. I have covered this band in an earlier blog. Check it out for more details on this band. Let me say they get better every time I see them. I got to speak with Glenn during the night and got to know more history of the band. He tells me there will be more music from them in the future. And I look forward to hearing it. But let them ride out their current CD for now. And from the positive response of the crowd tonight. They should milk every last drop from the current release. Then replenish supplies when all is done. Leave the fans wanting more I say. Then open the flood gates for them to bathe in.

The second band of the night was Fear The Dawn. This band marked there territory with their brand of metalcore. Aside from their music. I was entertained by the antics of frontman Sean Patrick. I can only imagine that he would be a fun person too hang out with. I won't go into detail of his mannerisms I observed. All I will say is that I was chuckling too myself. And a word to drummer Christopher Scott. Thank you for make photographing a band so much fun. You definitely played it up for the camera. Your personality came across big time. Its so cool when you can project to a room full of people that your having a great time. And it wouldn't be complete not to mention Guitar player Tom Mong and Bass player Greg Zahra. Fear The Dawn kicked some major ass tonight.

A big heads up to No Mercy Metal for putting together these showcases for the metal scene. This show was well attended. And that can only mean on thing. Metal is alive and well!

Im sure the rest of the night was spectacular. Like I mentioned before I had to retire my metal horns early. But I'm sure there were many horns saluting the rest of the band's into the wee hours of the morning.

A Midnight Mob infestation.

This is a public emergency notification. Be on the lookout for a Midnight Mob infecting the nation with there contagious brand of rock and roll.

Welcome everyone to In a Crowds first CD review courtesy of NY's own Midnight Mob. The first of many reviews too come.

I got my copy of Midnight Mobs self titled CD at a show I was photographing. Midnight Mob was a complete surprise too me. I can't even remember the band I was there to photograph?

If you haven't hear of them yet. Then you should get yourself acquainted with them right now!

Midnight Mob has labeled their sound as swag "n" roll. They do have a swagger about them. Their four song CD oozes swagger and attitude. These songs are not only heard but felt by the listeners. Once a band can make you feel a song. Then you know you are listening too something special. From the opening sound of the cowbell of the Perfect Crime to the ending frenzy of Overdrive. Your like a drug addict looking too score again. Only it's more music your trying too score.

Fronting the band is Blackey Deathproof. She could be considered the female version of Johnny Rotten and Nikki Sixx. And thats a compliment. They are two of my favorite rockers know for their swagger and no bared attitude.

Midnight Mob has the goods to go all the way. With songs already placed on MTV, Fox Sports and E. This is just the beginning too a long and fruitful career.

So do you consider yourself a rock fan? I would beg to differ if the Midnight Mob isn't in your CD or ipod collection. Get your copy now and don't be left behind.