Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Vacation Alert!

He everyone!  Just a quick heads up that I will be on vacation for the next little while during the holiday season.  I shall see you all back on January 5th, 2015!


 Be sure to check the archive of AFGM for some great articles you might have missed!  Cheers!

Random Music Quotes: Slash

"I actually love playing… I mean, we're a little loud for some of those really small places, but I love that immediate reaction, that immediate interaction that happens with a crowd that's, like, right up against you. That's always my favorite. The bigger the venue, the harder it is to really relate to the audience, so the energy starts to dissipate the bigger the place is – that immediate energy.

(Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

I probably tend to play…. depending on how well you can read the audience… I definitely play better if I can read the audience better, for sure. 'Cause I thrive on energy. I don't get into a room and it's just me and a band onstage and the crowd is watching — there's an interaction that happens with the audience — and the more I can see that, the more into it I am. I have played a lot of tours where it was just nothing but stadiums, and there's a lot of disconnect that happens when you're doing that." -Slash

Friday, December 19, 2014

Music Video Round Up For December 19th, 2014

Going through my playlist at the end of a work week is like the toast to the weekend; especially when you have been gone away on vacation for the past week with no contact with the outside world.  YouTube playlists and subscriptions coming out my ears so sometimes it's rather hard to follow each upload unless doing a round up such as this.  I hope this will make the starting of your weekend energetic, whether you are going into work or escaping from it.

Apologies in advance for those who loathe my video articles but there are just too many great clips out there to ignore.  So if you do not have the bandwidth to watch this video, then too bad!  Hahaha just kidding.  We have a long list of artists today to focus on so take your time and click on their links for more information on album releases, singles, social media, and touring!

So for the slower connections just load the article, go for a coffee/glass of water, return, play and enjoy!  This will surely be one of my playlists for the end of the work day and hopefully doesn't keep your eyes glued to the screen for too long.  Cheers!



Steve Aoki - Get Me Outta Here (feat. Flux Pavilion):



"Get Me Outta Here" is taken from Steve Aoki's latest album "Neon Future I", which was released on August 12th, 2014 via Ultra Records.


Michael Franti & Spearhead - Same As It Ever Was:



"When we used to have a problem we used to call the police.  but who we gonna call when the police make a problem?  I really wanted to write something that would touch hearts, make people think and be moved to work for change in our country." -Franti


Skrillex - Dirty Vibe (featuring Diplo, CL, & G-Dragon):



"Dirty Vibe" is taken from Skrillex's latest album "Recess", which was released on March 14th, 2014 via OWSLA/Big Beat Records.


U.D.O. - Decadent:



The song is taken from the new album "Decadent", which will be released on January 23rd (EUR) and February 03rd (US), 2015 via AFM Records.


Sonic Syndicate - Catching Fire:



"Catching Fire" is taken from Sonic Syndicate's latest [self-titled] release "Sonic Syndicate", which was released on July 8th, 2014 via Nuclear Blast Records.


The Devil Wears Prada - War:



"War" is taken from TDWP's latest release "8:18", which was released on September 11th, 2013 via Roadrunner Records.


Pelican - Deny the Absolute:



"Deny the Absolute" is taken from their latest album "Forever Becoming", which was released on October 15th, 2013 via Southern Lord Records.


Devil You Know - Embracing The Torture (Album Audio + Live Footage):



"Unofficial video containing live footage from the Devil You Know / Lacuna Coil USA tour 2014. 
The track 'Embracing The Torture' is taken from the Devil You Know album 'The Beauty Of Destruction' out now on Nuclear Blast Entertainment."


Darkest Hour - Anti Axis (Play Through):



"Anti Axis" is taken from DH's latest self-titled album "Darkest Hour", which was released on August 5th, 2014 via Sumerian Records.


The Francesco Artusato Project - Divergence (Play Through):



"Divergence" us featured on TFA's latest album "Our Dying Sun", which was released on October 7th, 2014 via Sumerian Records.


Wednesday 13 - Keep Watching the Skies (Lyric Video):



"Keep Watching the Skies" is taken from W13's upcoming album "Monsters Of The Universe: Come Out & Plague", which will be released on January 12th, 2015 via DevCo/Cargo Records.


Black Star Riders - The Killer Instinct (Lyric Video):



"The Killer Instinct" is the titled track of the upcoming BSR album "Killer Instinct", which will be released on February 24th, 2014 via Nuclear Blast Records.


Devin Townsend Project - March Of The Poozers (Lyric Video):



"March Of The Poozers" is taken from DTP's latest album "Z²", which was released on October 27th, 2014 via HevyDevy Records.


God To Gravity - Dying Light (Lyric Video):



"Dying Light" is taken from God To Gravity's debut album "God To Gravity", which will be released on December 16th, 2014.  Physical orders will be released on December 26th, 2014.


Caliban - nebeL (Lyric Video feat. BastiBasti / Callejon):



"nebeL" is taken from the album "Ghost Empire" which was released on February 4th, 2014 via Century Media Records.

Music News and New Music For December 19th, 2014

So of course, when running your own blog it can be tough to keep up with the s**tload of stuff that comes across our ears over a weekend!  Some good, some bad, some not even worth mentioning.  I guess that's how I use AFGM in general.  These articles that I go through everyday from various sites (Blabbermouth, CBC, National Post, AV Club, Google, Wired, Exclaim, Music News, Rolling Stone, etc.) and sort of "filter" some of the nonsense news such as the latest fashion design, who's got beef with who and who ISN'T doing music...still.

These articles brought forth are for a few different reasons:

1. It is relevant music information that pertains to you as a reader, no matter the level of intent or the genre.

2. They are relevant to the music I would be currently listening to or a genre I have put some attention and focus on.

3. I am rather patriotic about my Canadian music, so that always comes as a first for me.  I enjoy music from all parts of the world respectively, but I still have to promote local if I can.  Canadian music rocks!

4. Because it's humorous and we can always use a good laugh.  Rarely will it be at someone's expense...but then again I am just the guy talking about it.  They're the ones causing the comments.

So in closing, I trust you all will not read EVERY single article posted here.  But I hope you find something of use here and keep the conversation going by forwarding it onto someone else.  Click on each article heading for redirection to the full article.  Cheers!



George Harrison, Bee Gees to Receive Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards:

"George Harrison, the Bee Gees and Buddy Guy are among a number of artists who will be receiving a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award during the festivities surrounding next year's Grammy Awards.

The Recording Academy will also honor country duo the Louvin Brothers, jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter, composer Pierre Boulez and Tejano music accordionist Flaco Jiménez."


Operating Tunes: How Music Helps Surgery:

"The most popular music to listen to while cutting into human flesh, it turns out, is not Erasure, but classical music. And its soothing effects may carry over to the patient—one study found that “relaxing music” was more effective at reducing patients’ pre-operation nervousness than anti-anxiety drugs were."


Hip-Hop Hall of Fame Museum to Open in New York:

"New York Daily News reports that there are plans to erect two separate institutions celebrating the hip-hop genre, which will reportedly display memorabilia such as turntables and posters and more. According to museum organizer JT Thompson, a former producer of the BET network's Hip Hop Hall of Fame Awards, artists contributing to the museum include Run-DMC, Salt-N-Pepa, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Outkast, Young Jeezy, Common, Eminem, Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa."


The Who Add Joan Jett, More Dates to Extensive 2015 Tour:

"Having Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, a great American rock band, support us on our North American dates will ensure concertgoers a full night of entertainment." -Daltrey

April 15 - Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena
April 17 - Miami, FL @ AmericanAirlines Arena
April 19 - Jacksonville, FL @ Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
April 21 - Raleigh, NC @ PNC Arena
April 23 - Duluth, GA @ The Arena at Gwinnett Center
April 27 - Austin, TX @ Frank Erwin Center
April 29 - Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
May 2 - Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
May 5 - Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
May 7 - St. Louis, MO @ Scottrade Center
May 9 - Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Arena
May 11 - Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
May 13 - Chicago, IL @ Allstate Arena
May 15 - Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena
May 17 - Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
May 20 - Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
May 22 - Atlantic City, NJ @ Boardwalk Hall
May 24 - Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino - Sun Arena
May 26 - Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center
May 30 - Forest Hills, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium
September 14 - San Diego, CA @ Valley View Casino Center
September 16 - Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center
September 19 - Las Vegas, NV @ Colosseum at Caesars Palace*
September 21 - Los Angeles, CA @ STAPLES Center
September 23 - Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena
September 25 - Portland, OR @ Moda Center
September 27 - Seattle, WA @ KeyArena
September 29 - Vancouver, BC @ Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena 
October 1 - Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome 
October 3 - Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place 
October 6 - Saskatoon, SK @ SaskTel Centre 
October 8 - Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre 
October 10 - Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center
October 13 - Milwaukee, WI @ BMO Harris Bradley Center
October 15 - Chicago, IL @ United Center
October 17 - Detroit, MI @ Joe Louis Arena
October 19 & 21 - Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre 
October 23 - Pittsburgh, PA @ CONSOL Energy Center
October 25 - Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
October 27 - New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
October 29 - Boston, MA @ TD Garden
November 1 - Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
November 4 - Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center

* No Joan Jett & the Blackhearts


Papa Roach Streaming New Song “Broken As Me”:




Apple wins digital music U.S. antitrust trial:

"Apple faced a challenge in the online music market from Real Networks, which developed RealPlayer, its own digital song manager, plaintiffs claimed. It included software which allowed music purchased there playable on iPods as well as competing devices.

Apple eventually introduced a software update that restricted the iPod to music bought on iTunes. Plaintiffs say that step discouraged iPod owners from buying a competing device when it came time to upgrade.

Apple argued the software update was meant to improve the consumer experience and contained many desirable features, including movies and auto-synchronization."


Best Music Books of 2014:

"What's that old saying? "Writing about music is like dancing about architecture"? As in... there's just no way the written word can be as exciting as experiencing the music itself? 

Maybe so, but still, we all love great stories, and if you're a big music fan, chances are you're probably into reading the story behind the music. Going backstage, as it were."


Google Reveals 2014's Most Searched-for Musicians:

1.Iggy Azalea
2.Ariana Grande
3.Taylor Swift
4.Niki Manaj
5.Lorde
6.Daft Punk
7.Weird Al
8.Conchita Wurst
9.A Great Big World
10.Katy Perry


Somebody Found the Vinyl Records That Jack White Hid in Reupholstered Furniture:

"Recently Third Man Records has been made aware of the discovery of two different copies found by two separate individuals of the 2nd single by the Upholsterers. This duo, comprising of actual upholsterers Jack White and Brian Muldoon, pressed 100 copies of this single and proceeded to hide them in furniture being reupholstered by Muldoon in 2004, in celebration of his 25th year in the business. In celebration of these discoveries, Third Man would like to share with everyone the cover art for this single, done by noted Detroit artist Gordon Newton."


Lou Reed, Joan Jett, Green Day Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:

"The class of 2015 includes Green Day, Lou Reed, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Bill Withers and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band."


Babymetal "Live At Budokan: Red Night & Black Night Apocalypse" Released:



"Live At Budokan: Red Night & Black Night Apocalypse" will be released on DVD/Blu-ray on January 7th, 2015.


Electric Wizard Announce 'Time to Die' North American Tour:

03/31 Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer
04/01 Baltimore, MD - Soundstage
04/02 New York, NY - Webster Hall
04/03 Boston, MA - Royale
04/04 Montreal, QC - Corona Theatre 
04/05 Toronto, ON - Lee's Palace 
04/07 Chicago, IL - Metro
04/08 Minneapolis, MN - Mill City Nights
04/10 Denver, CO - Summit Music Hall
04/11 Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge
04/13 Seattle, WA - Neumos
04/14 Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theatre 
04/15 Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theater
04/17 San Francisco, CA - Slims
04/18 Santa Ana, CA - The Observatory
04/19 Los Angeles, CA - The Roxy


Iron Maiden Tease Fans About Being In The Studio?:

"British metal icons Iron Maiden recently sent out their annual Christmas card alluding to the fact that they are in the studio saying: 'Eddie’s got a little Christmas gift for everyone who’s been REALLY BAD! Must not be opened until 2015…'"


Scorpions To Release 'Return To Forever' Album In February:

1. Going Out With A Bang
2. We Built This House
3. Rock My Car
4. House Of Cards
5. All For One
6. Rock 'N' Roll Band
7. Catch Your Luck And Play
8. Rollin' Home
9. Hard Rockin' The Place
10. Eye Of The Storm
11. The Scratch
12. Gypsy Life
13. The World We Used To Know (bonus deluxe edition)
14. Dancing With The Moonlight (bonus deluxe edition)
15. When The Truth Is A Lie (bonus deluxe edition)
16. Who We Are (bonus deluxe edition)
17. Delirious (bonus iTunes)

Formats:

* CD standard: 12 songs, 12 page booklet
* Limited edition: 24 page booklet, 4 bonus songs
* LP limited edition: Double LP (12 songs)
* 50th Birthday box: limited collector's edition with ecobook (16 songs) + 2CD
* Audiobook (interviews track by track), t-shirt exclusive, post-card, EP, USB key, pass backstage


10 pieces by living Canadian composers that you will love:

"There's something about listening to music that's written by somebody whom you could theoretically bump into on the street — music that belongs to the same time and place as you do. To wit, check out the gallery above for 10 pieces of music that are periodically vibrant, contemplative, eccentric, fun and beautiful: all of them written by composers who are alive and living in Canada."


Incubus Debut New Song “Trust Fall”, Sign With Island Records:



“We didn’t have any plans to make this record. Just having no horizon to look at was important for us. We needed that. We’re planning on releasing two installments that will total an album, two EPs. We’re hoping to put out the first one in February or March, then the summer.” -Einziger


The Contortionist, Revocation, Fallujah & Toothgrinder Announce North American Tour:

02/07 Indianapolis, IN – Emerson Theater
02/08 Joliet, IL – Mojoes
02/10 Nashville, TN – The End
02/11 Knoxville, TN – The Concourse
02/13 Jacksonville, FL – 1904 Music Hall
02/14 Tampa, FL – The Orpheum
02/15 Orlando, FL – Backbooth
02/17 Greensboro, NC – Greene Street Club
02/18 West Springfield, VA – Empire
02/19 Amityville, NY – Revolution Bar & Music
02/20 Hartford, CT – Webster Underground
02/21 Brighton, MA – Brighton Music Hall
02/22 Montreal, QC – Le Petit Campus
02/23 Quebec City, QC – Le Cercle
02/25 Ottawa, ON – Mavericks
02/26 Toronto, ON – Tattoo Rock Parlour
02/27 Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection
02/28 Newport, KY – Thompson House


'School of Rock' Taking Enrollments on Broadway:

"It is a joy for me to return to my Jesus Christ Superstar roots.  When Deep Purple's Ian Gillan was recording Jesus for Tim Rice and me at London's Olympic Studios, Led Zeppelin was recording next door and a glimpse of a Stone or two was routine! School of Rock is hugely about how music can empower kids." -Lloyd Webber


The first-ever oral history of Christmas in the Stars: Star Wars Christmas Album:

"On the surface, it’s a novelty record ripe for ridicule, for which it’s been on the receiving end plenty over the years. But it also boasts an undeniable pedigree and is full of enough curious and notable moments that it’s impossible to dismiss. After all, Christmas in the Stars marks John Bongiovi’s first professional recording, four years before he became Jon Bon Jovi. Maury Yeston penned many of the original tunes and went on to become a Tony Award-winning Broadway composer. C-3PO sings throughout and George Lucas gave it the thumbs up. And, most unbelievably, "What Can You Get A Wookiee For Christmas (When He Already Has a Comb)" is a real song."


New Veil of Maya?:



"1.1.15"


In Flames, All That Remains & Wovenwar North American Tour:

02/20 Agoura Hills, CA – The Canyon
02/21 Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre
02/22 Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues
02/23 San Diego, CA – House of Blues
02/25 Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
02/27 Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst
02/28 Chico, CA – Senator Theatre
03/01 Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
03/03 Missoula, MT – The Wilma Theatre
03/04 Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory Concert House
03/05 Boise, ID – Knitting Factory Concert House
03/06 Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
03/07 Seattle, WA – Showbox SODO
03/09 Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theater
03/10 Kelowna, BC – Level Nightclub
03/12 Edmonton, AB – Encore
03/13 Calgary, AB – Flames Central
03/14 Saskatoon, SK – O’Brians Event Centre
03/15 Winnipeg, MB – The Garrick Centre
03/16 Bismarck, ND – Bismarck Civic Center
03/18 Milwaukee, WI – The Rave


Forget Vinyl: You Can DJ Like a Pro With This New Mac App:

"Assuming your libraries are in order, the app’s interface and automated features make blending those millions of songs into a seamless jam session super simple. The app opens up to a pair of onscreen turntables which you can drag and drop songs to play on. It then uses beat and key matching to keep the flow of each song continuing as it shifts from one tune to the next; you can also have the app auto suggest songs if you’re not sure what should come next."


THE RESISTANCE Featuring THE HAUNTED, Ex-IN FLAMES Members: 'Torture Tactics' Mini-Album Due In February:

1. For War *
2. Dead *
3. Cowards *
4. Deception *
5. The Burning *
6. Dying Words *
7. Slugger
8. Expand To Expire
9. Face To Face
10. I Bend You Break

* Brand new songs

"30 minutes of a good old slap in the face. It jumps at you with its pure aggression, speedy and heavy guitars, the obvious heavy distortion and the extreme beats. Topped with the distinctive angry growling vocals of Marco Aro [also of THE HAUNTED] — who is literally screaming his lungs out — the brand new six songs are a boisterous statement." -The Resistance


Enter Shikari, Stray From The Path, Marmozets, Hundredth, Etc. Tour:

With Hundredth:
03/23 Houston, TX – Fitzgeralds
03/24 New Orleans, LA – House Of Blues
03/26 Orlando, FL – The Social
03/27 St. Petersburg, FL – State Theatre
03/28 Jacksonville, FL – Underbelly
03/30 Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
03/31 Greensboro, NC – CDEC

With A Lot Like Birds:
04/01 Baltimore, MD – Ottobar
04/03 New York, NY – Gramercy
04/04 Philadelphia, PA – TLA
04/06 Boston, MA – Paradise
04/07 Montreal, QC – Club Soda
04/08 Toronto, ON – Mod Club
04/09 Pontiac, MI – Crofoot Ballroom
04/10 St. Louis, MO – Fubar
04/11 Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge
04/12 Lawrence, KS – Granada
04/14 Denver, CO – Marquis
04/16 Salt Lake City, UT – Murray Theatre
04/17 Boise, ID – Knitting Factory
04/18 Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
04/19 Seattle, WA – El Corazon
04/21 Sacramento, CA – Ace Of Spades
04/23 Los Angeles, CA – House of Blues
04/24 San Diego, CA – Soma
04/25 Mesa, AZ – Nile Basement
04/26 Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad (no Stray From The Path)
04/28 San Antonio, TX – Korova (no Stray From The Path)


THE BLOODLINE REVEALS DEBUT ALBUM DETAILS:



"It's very groove heavy with huge melodies and epic hooks.  The listener can nod their heads and really lock in.  This has been a long growing process.  Everything fell into place. Nothing was forced.  I hope people get addicted to the album. I want them to crave it. They can be a part of this with us forever." -Glass


REED MULLIN's Star-Studded TEENAGE TIME KILLER Projects Inks Deal With RISE RECORDS:

* Randy Blythe (LAMB OF GOD)
* Dave Grohl (FOO FIGHTERS)
* Corey Taylor (SLIPKNOT, STONE SOUR)
* Neil Fallon (CLUTCH)
* Jello Biafra (DEAD KENNEDYS)
* Lee Ving (FEAR)
* Tommy Victor (PRONG)
* Nick Oliveri (MONDO GENERATOR, ex-QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, KYUSS)
* Aaron Beam (RED FANG)
* Pete Stahl (SCREAM, GOATSNAKE)
* Greg Anderson (SUNN O)))), GOATSNAKE)
* Karl Agell (ex-CORROSION OF CONFORMITY)
* Tairrie B. Murphy (MY RUIN)
* Mick Murphy (MY RUIN)
* Vic Bondi (ARTICLES OF FAITH)
* Clifford Dinsmore (BL'AST!)
* Pat Hoed (BRUJERIA)
* Tony Foresta (MUNICIPAL WASTE, IRON REAGAN)
* Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein (MISFITS)
* Keith Morris (BLACK FLAG)
* Phil Rind (SACRED REICH)


Crazy Town Streaming New Single “Megatron”:



“The Brimstone Sluggers” will be released in spring of 2015.


The Devil Wears Prada, Born of Osiris, The Word Alive, and Secrets Announce North American Tour:

Mar. 15 - Nashville, TN - Rocketown
Mar. 17 - Denver, CO - Summit Music Hall
Mar. 18 - Salt Lake City, UT - Murray Theater
Mar. 20 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
Mar. 21 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre
Mar. 22 - Sacramento, CA - Ace of Spades
Mar. 24 - Las Vegas, NV - Hard Rock Live
Mar. 25 - Phoenix, AZ - Nile Theater
Mar. 27 - Dallas, TX - The Door
Mar. 28 - San Antonio, TX - The Aztec Theatre
Mar. 29 - Houston, TX - Warehouse Live
Mar. 31 - St. Petersburg, FL - State Theatre
Apr. 01 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Revolution Live
Apr. 03 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade
Apr. 04 - Raleigh, NC - Lincoln Theater
Apr. 06 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage
Apr. 07 - Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of Living Arts
Apr. 08 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom
Apr. 09 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza
Apr. 10 - Worcester, MA - The Palladium
Apr. 11 - Montreal, QC - Corona Theatre
Apr. 13 - Toronto, ON - Danforth Music Hall
Apr. 14 - Rochester, NY - Anthology
Apr. 15 - Pittsburgh, PA - Mr. Smalls
Apr. 16 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues


Crossfaith Sign With Razor & Tie:

“We are thrilled to announce that we’re signed with Razor & Tie. We think they are the most exciting and challenging label in the western music industry nowadays. The fact that we’re going to work with this label partner allows us to showcase our infinite creativity to the music scene. Plus, we’re playing at the Van’s Warped Tour all next summer, which is insanely great news for us and our fans! We’re simply ready for “our” future!”

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Random Music Quotes: Stanley

"When I saw 'Phantom Of The Opera' in London in 1988, I watched it and I went, 'I can do that.' And I had no background in that. Ten years later I got a call at CAA, my talent agents, and they said, 'How do you feel about trying to do a musical?' And I said, 'Well, what is it?' And they said, 'Phantom Of The Opera'. You'd have to go do a full-on audition in New York.' And I said, 'I'm in.' So I went to New York, got the role and they flew me up to Toronto, where the show had run for ten years, and I took over, doing eight shows a week there. 

(Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

And I suddenly realized that, in many ways, the phantom was me. It was a story of a scarred, deformed musician who hid behind a mask. Wow! I didn't even see that. And was looking for love and couldn't give it back, even though he wanted it. So it was a turning point for me. It was eye opening, and it also, perhaps, coincided with a change in my life — ending a marriage that really, perhaps, was never meant to be, but I got a wonderful son out of it." -Stanley

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

12 Amazing Things Scientists Discovered This Year About People Who Listen to Music

So for the most part the general public know that music has some medicinal benefits both physically and mentally to your well being.  It can provide focus, clarity, memory, cognitive functions, and more!  That's why I have always been an avid promoter of music in all forms.  It can bring all sort of emotions to your body depending on what song comes through your headphones/speakers.

So while going through my daily feeds, I saw an article from Mic.com discussing the top 12 discoveries that science has made regarding music and humans.  While I am not here to copy and paste a well constructed article, I wanted to highlight the findings they made.  If you click on the full article HERE, you will see a breakdown of each point; diving into specifics of each discovery.  Try and see how many you already knew about.  You just might surprise yourself!


1. Learning an instrument at a young age can provide improved executive function.

2. Rhythmic ability has been linked to language learning.

3. Music training can help close the achievement gap.

4. It can combat ADHD.

5. It can provide benefits to long-term memory.

6. It can actually cure tinnitus.

7. Listening to music about alcohol makes people more likely to drink.

8. Science discovered why talented musicians are so damn sexy.

9. Music can enhance running performance.

10. Sound quality has a huge impact on musical enjoyment.

11. Some people cannot enjoy music.

12. Musical ability is directly linked to the sensitivity of your inner ear.

"And these findings could not have come at a more perfect moment in time: School systems continue to slash arts and music budgets around the country and the war over how much we pay for music is fundamentally a question of how much we value music. In this crucial year, scientists delivered infallible reminders of what any music lover already knew: Music is more than just entertainment." -Mic.com

AFGM's Most Anticipated Albums of 2015

So I have seen quite the amount of "top lists" rolling out as 2014 comes to a close.  I'm sure that if you are like me an follow a fair amount of music websites, you will see a stunning collections of "Best albums/artists/songs/videos of 2014" as well as most anticipated releases for 2015.  While that's all fine and dandy, I think everyone (including AFGM) has a different POV when regarding their "favourites".

So that being said, I feel equally inclined to share what I will be looking forward to hearing in the new year.  Some of these will likely not be on the top lists of major sites such as iTunes, Amazon, HMV, Rolling Stone, etc.  Some of these I have been eagerly waiting like the metal fanboy I am, while others are going to be staples in morning commutes and/or long distance travelling.  Here are the top albums AFGM will be on the lookout for:


2Cellos - Celloverse
(Due out on January 27th, 2015)

"A visually dynamic act, 2CELLOS will create a music video for every song on the album. The deluxe edition of Celloverse features seven of their most popular videos including two live performances from sold out arena shows in their native Croatia.

2CELLOS playing style has broken down the boundaries between different genres of music, from classical and film music to pop and rock. They have no limits when it comes to performing live and are equally as impressive when playing Bach and Vivaldi as they are when rocking out." -2Cellos


10 Years - From Birth To Burial
(Due out in spring, 2015)

"This time around, it felt like we were an unsigned artist again and we were able to do whatever the hell we wanted to do.  Complete freedom, complete control — there's not a track on this record that we're not just super-proud of. It was such a pleasant experience this time, we really had fun." -Lewis Cosby


36 Crazyfists - Time & Trauma
(Due out on February 17th, 2015)

"Hi friends! Time and Trauma is available to pre-order today!

The album is unleashing February 16th and February 17th in the US.

Pre-order bundles can be found here: http://36crazyfists.net/" -36CF



All That Remains - The Order of Things
(Due out on February 24th, 2015)

"Personally, I think we have a lot of songs that are better. We've got 12 songs and there’s probably four or five that are beginning-to-end singing. There's some screaming worked into two or three." -Labonte



Cancer Bats - Searching For Zero
(Due out on March 10th, 2015)

"What Is Up World! Welcome to the new Mutha Fuckin Cancer Bats Site! We are way too excited to get this shit going and start playing OUR NEW RECORD for everyone!

For those of you who didn’t know, the reason we’ve been gone for so long was to craft our 5th full length! We worked our asses off making a serious banger that we could all party the fuck out of! We even went down to Venice Beach to record with Ross Robinson so it would sound extra dope…..which it does! If you don’t know him, google Ross cus his CV will blow your mind (as it did ours.) He also has a great dog named Carl." -Cancer Bats



Bob Dylan - Shadows in the Night
(Due out on February 3rd, 2015)

“It was a real privilege to make this album. I've wanted to do something like this for a long time but was never brave enough to approach 30-piece complicated arrangements and refine them down for a 5-piece band. That's the key to all these performances. We knew these songs extremely well. It was all done live. Maybe one or two takes. No overdubbing. No vocal booths. No headphones. No separate tracking, and, for the most part, mixed as it was recorded. I don't see myself as covering these songs in any way. They've been covered enough. Buried, as a matter a fact. What me and my band are basically doing is uncovering them. Lifting them out of the grave and bringing them into the light of day.” -Dylan



Danko Jones - Fire Music
(Due out on February 10th, 2015)

"We’re extremely excited to announce the release of our new album “Fire Music” out February 6-11th 2015. Equally excited to be able to share a track, “Gonna Be A Fight Tonight”, from the album with you this early. Below is a teaser clip with footage from the 2014 Motörhead Motörboat cruise, our show at Gröna Lund in Stockholm in May this year and the recording of the new album. Enjoy!" -dankojones.com



Periphery - Juggernaut (Alpha)
(Due out on January 27th, 2015)

"'Juggernaut' is a story that is told through our music, and we want our audience to fully digest the whole experience.

Because 'Juggernaut' is very detailed and dense in terms of character development, peaks and valleys, climaxes and resolutions we've divided the story and music in two, in the form of two separate albums." -Matt Halpern

AFGM: Periphery - Juggernaut


Periphery - Juggernaut (Omega)
(Due out on January 27th, 2015)

"'Juggernaut: Alpha', the first part of the story, focuses on the back story and character development, while part two/album two, 'Juggernaut: Omega', focuses on some pretty serious and gut-wrenching events, taking you for a thrill ride along the main character's complex journey.

Although the albums are split in two physically, the story is only complete when the albums are digested consecutively, allowing the listener to recognize and hear the lyrical and musical overlapping themes, foreshadowing, and connected ideas." -Halpern



Stone Sour - Meanwhile in Burbank
(Due out in early 2015)

"We've been talking about [recording a collection of covers] forever. I mean, this is something that we've been talking about since the first album came out, with STONE SOUR. We've always wanted to do this. Even as people have come, people have gone, this is still something we've always come back to, and we just never had the opportunity to do it. And we just kind of said, 'Well, screw it.'


Roy's been slowly but surely kind of building his house studio. So we just started doing it like that — fucking low dough, and it sounds killer. There's no fucking pressure. You're just having fun. You're going back to these songs that you just love to listen to, not only just sing. And that's why it's called 'Meanwhile In Burbank', because, without giving too much away, that's where Roy lives — he lives in the Valley — so that's why we call it that. Because it's, like, that's what we're doing right now." -Taylor


***

Is there anything you are looking forward to hearing in 2015?

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Music Releases For December 16th, 2014

Good morning folks.  I hate to be the bearer of bad news but it has come to that time in the year where labels, distribution, and bands have taken a break for the Christmas holidays.

So I am assuming there will be no major releases between now and 2015.  If anything comes up then I'll be sure to share.  Cheers!

Monday, December 15, 2014

Music News and New Music For December 15th, 2014

So of course, when running your own blog it can be tough to keep up with the s**tload of stuff that comes across our ears over a weekend!  Some good, some bad, some not even worth mentioning.  I guess that's how I use AFGM in general.  These articles that I go through everyday from various sites (Blabbermouth, CBC, National Post, AV Club, Google, Wired, Exclaim, Music News, Rolling Stone, etc.) and sort of "filter" some of the nonsense news such as the latest fashion design, who's got beef with who and who ISN'T doing music...still.

These articles brought forth are for a few different reasons:

1. It is relevant music information that pertains to you as a reader, no matter the level of intent or the genre.

2. They are relevant to the music I would be currently listening to or a genre I have put some attention and focus on.

3. I am rather patriotic about my Canadian music, so that always comes as a first for me.  I enjoy music from all parts of the world respectively, but I still have to promote local if I can.  Canadian music rocks!

4. Because it's humorous and we can always use a good laugh.  Rarely will it be at someone's expense...but then again I am just the guy talking about it.  They're the ones causing the comments.

So in closing, I trust you all will not read EVERY single article posted here.  But I hope you find something of use here and keep the conversation going by forwarding it onto someone else.  Click on each article heading for redirection to the full article.  Cheers!



Canada's Only Vinyl Pressing Plant RIP-V to Close:

"This news doesn't come as a complete surprise, since rumours have recently been swirling that the company would be selling its equipment to a U.S. company. Exclaim! reached out to RIP-V for a comment last week, but we received no comment on the matter. Now, the bad news has been confirmed."


Why we love hating the music we hate as much as we love loving the music we love:

"It’s all gone now, of course. Not just the magazines themselves, but the legendary bile and high-handedness of old-school rock criticism have been swept from the map. Such magazines as survive are ‘fearful of alienating the readers and advertisers they still have, whereas music magazines of the pre-internet age could alienate their readers and advertisers all they liked, secure in the knowledge that there was nowhere else for their readers and advertisers to go. But it’s a logic that denies a fundamental truth of the relationship that the sort of people who buy music magazines have with music: they love hating the music they hate nearly as much as they love loving the music they love.’"


R.I.P. Island Records Co-Founder and Pioneering Reggae Engineer Graeme Goodall:

"Goodall was born in Australia and later moved to England. In the '50s, he went to Kingston, Jamaica, to set up a commercial FM radio network. He later took a job at the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation and engineered some classic early reggae recordings. His credits include Bob Marley & the Wailers, Toots & the Maytals, the Skatalites, Jimmy Cliff, Derrick Morgan, Prince Buster, Millie, Desmond Dekker and many more."


The Internet, Not the Labels, Hurt the Music Industry:

"But maybe this music shouldn’t be heard. The Internet has enabled anyone with a computer, a kazoo and an untuned guitar to flood the market, no matter how horrible or simply unready the music is. This devalues the great music that is truly worthy of being heard, promoted and sold. And it is much more than just an endless supply of choices. The Internet has become a forum for all, regardless of talent. Anyone can be a writer. Anyone with GarageBand can make a record."


Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith Answers Your Twitter Questions:

"I would love to do some more Chickenfoot, but it takes four people to be in the same place at the same time. Sam [Hagar] does other things and, of course, I'm busy with my band. Joe [Satriani] has his solo career. Mike [Anthony], I think, is pretty open; he's kind of hanging. But it was a really fun thing to do. I haven't been very available. They had to get a different drummer, Kenny Aronoff, to tour the last record. I wouldn't be able to do any extensive touring with them, but I would love to make another record. I love the creative process, and I hope that we can do that in the future. But right now there's no plans for any new Chickenfoot stuff." -Smith


Fall Out Boy Detail 'American Beauty/American Psycho' LP, Share New Single:


1. Irresistible
2. American Beauty/American Psycho
3. Centuries
4. The Kids Aren't Alright
5. Uma Thurman
6. Jet Pack Blues
7. Novocaine
8. Fourth of July
9. Favorite Record
10. Immortals
11. Twin Skeleton's (Hotel In NYC)

"this photo was meant to capture the threshold between the american beauty and the american psycho… what rages on the inside- how we what we all feel is permanent and impermanent all at once. we can change but do we really want to? activate yourself, protect your dreaminess. or break it- 'because without the cracks the light couldnt get out.'

Rock and roll doesn't necessarily mean a band. It doesn't mean a singer and it doesn't mean a lyric, really. It's that question of trying to be immortal." -Malcom McLaren




Pirate Bay Has Been Raided and Taken Down: Here’s What We Know:

"But just last month, Neij was arrested at the Thailand-Laos border on the 2009 conviction.

And last week a French court ordered ISPs in that country to block access to Pirate Bay, as well as any of its mirror sites, from within French territory.

Then days ago Google removed and banned a number of third-party Pirate Bay file-sharing apps from the Google Play store. The apps help users circumvent blocks instated by ISPs to prevent users from accessing Pirate Bay."


'Each time police shut Pirate Bay, we’ll multiply other servers':

“It was already shut down in 2005, and the result was the creation of a party called Pirate Party coming with all the ideas of sharing of information, of knowledge and culture on the internet. And freedom on the internet.

So they came up with this: basically, each time you shut the Pirate Bay down, we will multiply." -Kramm


Apple Pulls White-Power Music From iTunes:

"An Apple spokesperson confirmed to Rolling Stone that music was removed. The company was not involved in the creation of SPLC's report, but took some of the music down as a result of the publication. A SPLC spokesperson tells Rolling Stone that he compiled the list from monitoring 15 to 20 white-power websites, combing through the catalogs of defunct white-power label Resistance Records and cross-checking to see if they were hateful."


Christmas music in stores: Lifting spirits or boosting sales?:

"But that affinity for Deck the Halls in the shopping malls varies amongst age groups and the sexes. While older shoppers said they enjoyed Christmas music at the mall, younger people said they preferred more variety to their holiday tunes. And men, more than women, would pass on the Christmas melodies as they wander the malls, said the report.

Some shoppers --29 per cent --said they stayed in a store longer because they enjoyed the Christmas music, while 36 per cent left because of it.

The new poll may be interesting for stores that choose to skip Christmas music altogether."


Audiam Raises Additional $1 Million From Music Biz Investors:

"Some of those investors already contributed to the $2 million the company had previously raised since its launching in the first quarter of 2013. Audiam initially targeted the opportunities created by user-generated videos on YouTube, whereby its automated system seem to only catch and identify about 50% of the videos that use music. But Audiam has since diversified into the broad music publishing administration sector. Its clients include Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Trent Reznor, Steve Miller Band, the Four Seasons, Victory Records, Epitaph Records, as well as publishers like Imagem, House of Hassle Publishing."


Microsoft's giving 100 more insanely great music albums away for free:

"The terms of the deal are the same as before. You’ll need access to Microsoft’s Music Deals app to see the freebies, which then bumps you over to the Xbox Music app when you select a free album—meaning you’ll need Windows 8 or Windows Phone 8. You’ll also need a Microsoft Account to snag the songs. The last giveaway was a U.S-only deal, and it's very likely this one is as well, though I've yet to confirm that."


Chris Martin: David Bowie Rejected Coldplay Collaboration:

"Martin made the revelation at the inaugural BBC Music Awards on December 11th during a video tribute to Bowie, a nominee for the British Artist of the Year award. "One time I sent him a song to ask him to sing on it. He called me and said, 'It's not one of your best,'" Martin admitted (via NME). "He's got very high standards and I appreciate that. It inspires the rest of us to keep our standards high." Martin didn't elaborate which Coldplay song Bowie had turned down."


Standing At The Intersection Of Music And Tech:

"By virtue of the aggravating competition, it’s my estimation that a TuneLaunch commercial will stick out against the din of car insurance plugs and campaign advertising—for a TuneLaunch spot features something mainstream radio supposedly champions (unadorned music, front and center) and something it palpably doesn’t (independent music you haven’t heard before)."


Awesome Lego Album Covers:

(Photo courtesy of legoalbums.tumblr.com)

Click on title for more albums.


Nearly half of Canadian web users now streaming music, most using mobile:

"According to a telephone poll conducted late last year by the Media Technology Monitor, Google's YouTube was far and away the most popular source for streaming music online.

Half of the anglophone Canadians who told MTM that they listened to music online said they used YouTube for streaming, while only about 20 per cent said they used a specialized music streaming service."


Former Apple engineer tells court that tech giant DID block rival music on iTunes - but insists it was just a security measure:

"Apple is accused of abusing its monopoly position in the digital music player market, and only earlier this month lawyers claimed the firm deliberately deleted rivals' song from iPods.

The case went to trial in California last month, after being filed a decade ago.

Plaintiffs are claiming Apple's restrictive software froze out competitors and allowed it to sell iPods at inflated prices.

They are seeking $350 million (£224m) in damages, which could be tripled if the jury finds Apple broke federal anti-trust law."


It's Too Hard to Manage Music Now:

"If I'm out and about and listening to music via headphones, those songs get interrupted by text message notifications and email dings all the time. I'm so used to it, but when I think about it for a second, I realize how crazy that is (and yes, I know I can turn my phone sounds off, but sometimes I have to be alerted to things quickly). Apologies if I sound like Andy Rooney, but the truth is I’m not railing against newfangled tech or yearning for a distant past—I’m frustrated to have to abandon a recent solution. It wasn’t long ago that I’d get annoyed when music skipped on Discman as I walked to school. The iPod was the answer. That's when we fixed all these problems."


Sirius XM: Its Free Music Counterparts Less Of A Threat:

"In addition to music, Sirius XM offers a variety of other content such as talk shows, news, sports shows etc., the full range of which is a disincentive to switch to a streaming-only alternative. The satellite radio provider’s business is much more sustainable than free music services, which indicates that while Sirius XM is well equipped for the long run, the future of free streaming services is somewhat uncertain. To this end, the most recent example is the proposed rise in royalty rates for Pandora, that has put a question mark on its future profitability. In addition, Sirius XM still has substantial room for growth in form of the used car market, which should ensure that its subscriber growth is not be affected by what free music providers are doing."


Shazam Overhauls Its App to Take on iTunes and Pandora:

"On Wednesday, Shazam launched an update to both its app and its website. Until now, people have primarily used the app to identify songs and keep lists of songs they’ve previously identified. But the new app emphasizes finding new music—not just identifying what you’ve already found—with charts that show which tracks are trending in the app, when, and where. It also includes an Amazon-style recommendation engine to help users discover new music. Through an integration with Spotify, it will now let you actually play those tracks within Shazam itself (if you’re a Spotify member). And the company is launching its own music Hall of Fame for songs that have been Shazamed at least 5 million times."


Shazam update brings Spotify integration, real-time music data, & better song discovery:

“People don’t tag songs they already know and love, so that presented us with some interesting challenges.  Shazam won’t give you the top 100 hottest tracks, but what we’re hoping to do is give you the next 100 songs that people are listening to." -Daniel Danker


Jack White Releases 3D Virtual Reality App:



"The app has rather specific compatibility requirements to use properly, since an announcement notes that it works only with recent Android phones (five-inch or six-inch) using a Google Cardboard virtual reality headset. Without the headset, it works in regular 2D, or it's possible to make your own Cardboard-style headset. Meanwhile, iOS users are out of luck."


CIA Torture Songs - How Music Was Used To Create A 'Sense Of Hopelessness':

"A cable described Abu Zubaydah's cell as white with no natural lighting or windows, but with four halogen lights pointed into the cell. An air conditioner was also in the room. A white curtain separated the interrogation room from the cell. The interrogation cell had three padlocks. Abu Zubaydah was also provided with one of two chairs that were rotated based on his level of cooperation (one described as more comfortable than the other). Security officers wore all black uniforms, including boots, gloves, balaclavas and goggles to keep Abu Zubaydah from identifying the officers, as well as to prevent Abu Zubaydah "from seeing the security guards as individuals who he may attempt to establish a relationship or dialogue with.” The security officers communicated by hand signals when they were with Abu Zubaydah and used handcuffs and leg shackles to maintain control. In addition, either loud rock music was played or noise generators were used to enhance Abu Zubaydah's "sense of hopelessness." Abu Zubaydah was typically kept naked and sleep deprived."


Copyright Law Is Being Rewritten Right Now, and You Can Help:

"Copyright isn’t just about pirating music or downloading DVDs anymore. Like a creature alive, copyright is evolving and expanding. Traditional “dumb” products are being replaced by an internet of things — and copyright is hitching along for the ride. Its DNA is being woven through the programming that powers your car, the firmware in your phone, the code in your kid’s talking teddy bear, and the software that calibrates your hearing aid."


Musx overhauls its streaming music app, raises $500K:

"Today the startup is rolling out a major overhaul for the app, which features a new home screen with a “Play Stream” button to get you listening to music aggregated by friends faster. You’ll also be able to favorite songs as they play so you can return to them later, navigate to other users’ playlists, find music more easily with an improved search tool, and more."


Coal Chamber To Tour North America With Filter, Combichrist, American Head Charge:

Mar. 06 - Tempe, AZ @ Marquee
Mar. 07 - Los Angeles, CA @ House of Blues
Mar. 08 - San Francisco, CA @ Regency Grand
Mar. 09 - Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
Mar. 11 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox at the Market
Mar. 12 - Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
Mar. 13 - Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory
Mar. 14 - Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
Mar. 16 - Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
Mar. 17 - Wichita, KS @ The Cottillion
Mar. 18 - Tulsa, OK @ Cains Ballroom
Mar. 20 - Milwaukee, WI @ Rave
Mar. 21 - Detroit, MI @ Harpos
Mar. 22 - Joliet, IL @ Mojoes
Mar. 23 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue*
Mar. 25 - Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
Mar. 26 - Toronto, ON @ Opera House
Mar. 27 - Niagara Falls, NY @ Rapids Theater
Mar. 28 - Worcester, MA @ Palladium
Mar. 29 - New York, NY @ Webster Hall
Mar. 31 - Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live
Apr. 01 - Hartford, CT @ The Webster
Apr. 02 - Patchogue, NY @ The Emporium
Apr. 03 - Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
Apr. 04 - Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
Apr. 06 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls
Apr. 07 - Norfolk, VA @ The Norva
Apr. 08 - Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore Charlotte
Apr. 09 - Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
Apr. 10 - Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall
Apr. 11 - Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
Apr. 12 - Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Live

Tickets are on sale now!


Alrosa Villa rampage a decade ago has left scars, bonds among 3 men:

"The three men, who didn’t know one another before that night, refer to themselves not just as friends but as family. Halk and Niggemeyer are in the same fantasy football league and played together in an adult baseball league. Both occasionally attend concerts at Alrosa Villa to support and reconnect with Cautela.

The friendships are among the reasons that Halk focuses on the positive when he speaks about the events that occurred 10 years ago today at the nightclub on Sinclair Road."


YouTube For Android Gets Offline Playback… But In India, Indonesia And Philippines Only:

“Asia has proven itself to be a mobile-first world in terms of smartphone adoption, but access to high-speed, affordable data remains a big challenge. In response, we’ve been working on ways to lessen the demands of speed and data for people using our products in places where there are challenges to access." -Google


Spotify Now Converts What Friends Listen To Into A “Top Tracks In Your Network” Playlist:

"To make it easier to find people to Follow on Spotify, the music streaming service now shows the faces of friends who listen to the artists and playlists you play. You can quickly click or tap through to Follow them and start getting their listening habits in your “Top Tracks In Your Network” playlist. It looks at the past week of what the people you follow listened to, and tries to pull out tracks played by many people you follow, or that one person listened to over and over. You’ll find the playlist if you go into the Browse feature in the navigation menu, then click the Top Tracks button."


Warner Music Says It Loves Streaming Music — As Long as Listeners Are Paying for It:

"In our view, right now, enabling meaningful global growth in the number of paying subscribers is the best option for artists, for songwriters, for copyright owners and for the services themselves. Subscription streaming is not only a fantastic offering for music fans, it will propel the long-term health of the music industry. We look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners to turbo-charge the adoption rate for subscription streaming.

We were pleased that two of the biggest streaming services in the world have taken meaningful steps to convert segments of their massive customer bases into paying subscribers." -Stephen Cooper


Century Media Records Release Burning Church Snow Globe For The Holidays:

"Keeping it warm since ’88, celebrate the holiday season with this black metal themed snowglobe. Limited to 500 pieces, all of which are hand numbered. Shake it up to see the fire and ash circle around this burning church surrounded by black fencing and tombstones.. A 3” diameter glass + 1 ½ inch base/poly resin globe that will be housed inside a box with a polybag and Styrofoam (2014)."


Anti-Flag Add Canadian Leg to 'Terror State' Anniversary Tour:

01/02 San Francisco, CA - Slim's *
01/03 Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour *
01/04 Mesa, AZ - The Nile Theater *
01/06 Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theatre ^
01/08 Austin, TX - Mohawk ^
01/09 Dallas, TX - Gas Monkey ^
01/10 Houston, TX - Fitzgerald's ^
01/11 New Orleans, LA - Tipitina's Uptown ^
01/13 Jacksonville, FL - Free Bird Live ^
01/15 Fort Pierce, FL - The Inlet ^
01/16 Tampa, FL - The Cuban Club ^
01/17 Orlando, FL - Plaza Live ^
01/18 Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade ^
01/19 Charlotte, NC - Visulite Theatre *
01/29 Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop *
01/30 Indianapolis, IN - Emerson Theater *
01/31 Chicago, IL - Reggie's Rock Club *
02/4 Asbury Park, NJ - Asbury Lanes *
02/5 New York, NY - The Gramercy Theatre *
02/12 Toronto, ON - The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern *
02/13 Montreal, QC - Les Foufounes Electriques *
02/14 Peterborough, ON - The Red Dog *
02/15 Hamilton, ON - Club Absinthe *
02/17 London, ON - Call The Office *
02/18 St. Catharines, ON - L3 Nightclub *
05/29-31 Nürburgring, Germany - DER RING - Grüne Hölle Rock
05/29-31 MĂĽnchen, Germany - Rockavaria (Olympiapark)
08/06-09 Blackpool, UK - Rebellion Festival

* The Terror State show
^ with Pennywise, A Wilhelm Scream


THE EXPLOITED To Release New Studio Album Next Summer:

"It was very important for us that Wattie cures completely. Now he's recovered and we can go on working with new power.

We're totally hooked to enter the studio to record new songs, and, of course, we're thrilled to play the upcoming live shows.

Watch out / get ready, THE EXPLOITED is back — better than ever!"


Bose is staffing up to launch new music streaming service:

"Audio manufacturer Bose is hiring staff and moving 'quickly' to build and launch its own 'next generation streaming music platform'. While Bose could integrate their music service within their own audio products, the company still faces very steep competition. And this new move is likely to displease Apple, who recently pulled and then reinstated Bose products from its Apple stores. 

Bose is currently advertising for a Senior User Experience Designer of Cloud Music Services. According to the ad, the company is 'seeking an expert Experience Designer to lead design and prototyping of our next generation streaming music platform and ecosystem of products.'"

Friday, December 12, 2014

Music Video Round Up For December 12th, 2014

Going through my playlist at the end of a work week is like the toast to the weekend; especially when you have been gone away on vacation for the past week with no contact with the outside world.  YouTube playlists and subscriptions coming out my ears so sometimes it's rather hard to follow each upload unless doing a round up such as this.  I hope this will make the starting of your weekend energetic, whether you are going into work or escaping from it.

Apologies in advance for those who loathe my video articles but there are just too many great clips out there to ignore.  So if you do not have the bandwidth to watch this video, then too bad!  Hahaha just kidding.  We have a long list of artists today to focus on so take your time and click on their links for more information on album releases, singles, social media, and touring!

So for the slower connections just load the article, go for a coffee/glass of water, return, play and enjoy!  This will surely be one of my playlists for the end of the work day and hopefully doesn't keep your eyes glued to the screen for too long.  Cheers!


*NOTE: There are hyperlinks in each title in case you want to stream directly from YouTube*


2CELLOS - Shape Of My Heart:



Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser playing their arrangement of Shape Of My Heart by Sting.


New Found Glory - Snow:



"Snow" is a holiday track released by New Found Glory on December 9th, 2014 via Hopeless Records.


ThePianoGuys - Angels We Have Heard on High:



"A HUGE thanks to all of you who volunteered your time and expertise. In just 4 weeks over 1300 people donated over 10,000+ hours to bring this project to life!" -TPG


Wu-Tang Clan - A Better Tomorrow:



"A Better Tomorrow" is the titled track from the Wu-Tang Clan's latest album "A Better Tomorrow", which was released on December 2nd, 2014 via Warner Bros Records.


Eminem - Guts Over Fear (ft. Sia):



"Guts Over Fear" is taken from Eminem's compilation album "Shady XV", which was released on November 24th, 2014 via Shady/Interscope Records.


Paul McCartney - Hope For The Future:



"Hope For The Future" is taken from first-person shooting game "Destiny", which Paul composed the soundtrack for.  It was released on September 11th, 2014.


Paramore - Hate To See Your Heart Break (ft. Joy Williams ):



"Hate to See Your Heart Break" is taken from Paramore's latest [self-titled] album "Paramore", which was released on November 5th, 2013 via Fueled By Ramen/Warner Bros Records.


Anberlin – We Are Destroyer:



Anberlin's final album "Lowborn" was released on July 22nd, 2014 via Tooth & Nail Records.


OFF! - Over Our Heads:



"Over Our Heads" is taken from the latest record from Off!  "Wasted Years" was released on April 8th, 2014 via Vice Records.


Stick To Your Guns - What Choice Did You Give Us?:



Stick To Your Guns will release their new album "Disobedient" on February 10th, 2015 via Sumerian Records.


Tear Out The Heart - Feel Real:



"Feel Real" is taken from Tear Out The Heart's upcoming album, "Dead, Everywhere", which will be released in stores January 27th, 2015 via Victory Records.


Mouth Of The South - Hollow Veins:



"Hollow Veins" is taken from MOTS's full length album "Struggle Well", which was released on August 5th, 2014 via Facedown Records.


Malefice - Heroes:



"Heroes" is taken from Malefice's new EP Gravitas, which was released on November 3rd, 2014 via Transcend Music.


Battlecross - My Vaccine:



"My Vaccine" is taken from Battlecross' latest album "War of Will" which was released on July 5th, 2013 via Metal Blade Records.


Fleshgod Apocalypse - Epilogue:



"Epilogue" is taken from Fleshgod Apocalypse's latest album "Labyrinth", which was released on August 16th, 2013 via Nuclear Blast Records.


Crown The Empire - Initiation (Live Music Video):



"Initiation" is taken from Crown The Empire's latest album "The Resistance: Rise of The Runaways", which was released on July 22nd, 2014 via Rise Records.


Linkin Park - Final Masquerade (Live on Guitar Center Sessions):




Linkin Park - Until It’s Gone (Live on Guitar Center Sessions):




In This Moment - Closer (Live NIN Cover):



In This Moment performing a cover of Nine Inch Nails‘s "Closer" during their November 19th, 2014 show at Webster Hall in New York City.


Palisades - Player Haters' Ball (Lyric Video):



"Player Haters' Ball" is the new single from Palisades and their upcoming album "Mind Games", which will be released on January 13th, 2015 via Rise Records.