Album Review: DJ Self-Help "Bubblegum Bangers" EP

Bubblegum Bangers, his latest five-song EP release, is like a fun-size Snickers candy bar. After taking a bite (or in this case, a listen), I savored every note of flavor, texture and transition. But after my 17 minutes of sheer gusto, I wanted more than just one taste.

Before the thumping bass and looping "get on" vocal sample in the first track "Dreammore," a robotic whisper of "DJ Self Help" is the ignition to the listening party. Familiar remnants of The Cranberries' "Dream" slip under Trick Daddy's "Sugar," and the odd dichotomy of songs tango through as if they are meant for each other. But this isn't the only instance of opposites converging.

Click here to read the rest of the review. This article was published in ACRN.com on March 6, 2010.

SXSW 2010: Fergus and Geronimo

In January of 2009, Fergus and Geronimo was born out of the musical interests of two boys in the Denton, Texas DIY scene. One is a member of Denton's staple Teenage Cool Kids, the other is a former member of Wax Museum and producer of Teenage Cool Kid's full-length 'Foreign Lands.' Although 2009 left the duo with only three 7" releases under three different labels, 2010 will bring a full-length, some tours, and three SXSW showcases. Spinner recently spoke to Andrew Savage about the two-piece and his crush on a 'Honey, I Shrunk the Kids' star.

Click here to read the the interview. This article was posted in Spinner.com on March 8, 2010.

ACRN SCENE AND HEARD: What rock competition? High schoolers just want to have fun!

The last time I stepped foot in my high school was my 2007 graduation. Since then, it hasn't even crossed my mind to go back - except to pick up my senior yearbook and say my gratitudes toward teachers who really meant a lot to me. Because 3/4 of my siblings currently attend the school, I thought it'd be fun to return and check out this year's battle of the bands. It greatly exceeded my expectations and past AHS battle of the band experiences. I write about it here:

On the contrary, I don't see anything wrong with it, because this was the most spirit-filled, enthusiastic Battle of the Bands I have ever seen. Seriously, where DID all this enthusiasm come from?! Each band, regardless of how good they were, managed to cover the floor with spectators. In return, the spectators flailed their arms, shamelessly sang along and pushed to the front to touch their classmate's hand and warm their hands in guitar solos. During the second half of the show, I grimaced every time a wave of bras catapulted their way on stage. I didn't want to know from WHO they came from, but I was in panic when one made its way towards me. There are two cops in patrol. I am an adult. I'd rather not deal with them at a high school event.

Click here to read the rest of the entry. This article was published in ACRN's Scene and Heard on March 8, 2010.

SXSW 2010: Shelley Short

Part two of the Spinner.com contribution bonanza. I'm literally cranking out (efficiently, of course) artists Q&a/biographies for Spinner's SXSW project, in which the website will profile all 2,000 bands/artists performing at this year's Austin fest. In the next week, I'll be working on ten profiles. It's not a matter of doing them, but hoping that my emails get responded by my interviewees.

Portland, Ore.'s Shelley Short has been paving a way to musical success since performing her first solo act at a friend's second annual "Holiday Hot Dog Rodeo" event. The whimsical singer-songwriter's music catalog consists of four releases, and Paste Magazine raved that Short's latest, 'A Cave, A Canoo,' "sounds more at home wafting through barn rafters than through iPod earbuds." Short has opened for acts like M. Ward and Loudon Wainwright III, and this year, she'll be playing two showcases at Austin's SXSW. Before the festival, Spinner chatted with the singer about her tour experiences and inspirations.

Click here to read the interview. This was published in Spinner.com on March 3, 2010.

Concert Preview / Noise vs. Hardcore / February 19, 2010 / Brown Town

Somewhere within the pockets of Athens' West side, an array of bands and solo acts are set to destroy the sound barrier this Friday.

While the Union will offer Dance or Die to those itching to bust out their dancing shoes, Brown Town is equipped with a collection of lacerating acts under the show name "Noise vs. Hardcore," which is set to start around 6 p.m.

One of the acts, Athens' own Vivi C. Diem, is a solo project of Ohio University student Jared Rubinstein-Towler, who trekked from an upper-middle class suburb outside of Cincinnati, which he openly detested, to Athens. What he didn't expect upon arrival was a thriving underground scene amidst "the bar rock and acoustic acts."

Click here to read the rest of the preview. This article was published in ACRN.com on February 18, 2010.

Interview: Seeking Heart With Mayday Parade's Derek Sanders

Pop-rock Floridians Mayday Parade have spent the past four years touring endlessly and connecting with their growing fan base, who falls numb to the heart-drenched lyrics. Since late January, Mayday Parade has teamed up with Take Action Tour, with supporting acts that include We the Kings and A Rocket to the Moon, to convert a collection of upcoming shows into a philanthropic effort -- not just by the band, but also the fans who attend.

ACRN caught up with frontman Derek Sanders in the midst of this annual tour, of which the proceeds go to Driving for Donors. Discussions include the tour, their Twitter contest, and connecting dots between Mayday Parade and Queen.

Click here to read the interview. This article was published in ACRN.com on February 7, 2010.

Image credit: Atlantic Records

SXSW 2010 Q&A: Allo Darlin'

This was my first - rather simple - freelance assignment with a major publication. Spinner posted a wanted entry on its website declaring online search for writers who would be interested in covering one of the 2,000 bands scheduled to play SXSW 2010. So I signed up, did the interview, published it, and voila! Note: this was a contributing assignment as a freelance writer, I am not employed under Spinner or AOL.

Since the UK-based band formed at Christmas in 2008, Allo Darlin' has garnered media buzz with just three EPs under their belt. The Guardian called Allo Darlin's single 'Henry Rollins Don't Dance' "the best indiepop song for years." All their hard work and notability has earned the quartet a trip to the States to perform at SXSW this March, around the release date of the band's first full-length under Fortuna POP! Spinner recently corresponded with vocalist/songwriter Elizabeth Morris about the band and tour antics.

Click hereto read the Q&A section. This article was published in Spinner.com on February 5, 2010.