January Update

I should really post here more often...there's so much music news and new music, it's overwhelming to write about..

But first, I want to give a big congrats to Those Mockingbirds who sold out Maxwell's this past Friday for their vinyl release of 'FA SOL LA.' Shafyer James, Birdhand, and the sun the moon the stars were awesome, too! I'm proud to have them on the Star Beat Music roster. You can still get pre-order packages of the 12'' at www.starbeatmusic.bigcartel.com. We're running low on mediums and XL t-shirts in the ultimate package, so hurry. I'm pleased with these packages and think you will enjoy them. I will be throwing in some random goodies for those who pre-order. The offical release date is January 31st. We get our stickers and t-shirts this week and then I'll be shipping orders by Saturday.

There's also been some news...
SOPA. The Sleeping and Thursday disbanded. At the Drive-In and Refused are reuniting. Don Giovanni Records signed Hilly Eye, will put on their annual showcase at Music Hall of Williamsburg with Screaming Females, For Science, Shellshag, Laura Stevenson, and Black Wine, released the new Waxahatchee record, and are releasing a NOUN 7'' and LP, plus a Screaming Females 7'' and new LP. This is only what I can remember off the top of my head but there's a ton of cool stuff happening.

On the sadder side. I've gotten word that The Court Tavern in New Brunswick and The Irish in Kearny will no longer be doing shows. I'll offer my thoughts at a later time. But this is a huge blow to the scene. The Irish was only a 15 minute bike ride away and I saw Screaming Females, Trophy Wife and Bern & the Brights there. It's sad that there are getting to be fewer spots in NJ to put on shows.

But in Brooklyn things are still happening. My group, Permanent Wave, has been putting on several shows. I'm excited for the MEN show this Thursday in Brooklyn and Traveling (Ginger of Good Luck's new band) and Allison Weiss on Feb. 5th! Check out this BK based feminist group here: http://thepermanentwave.wordpress.com/

I'll have some news on a new release coming in the next few weeks and will let you know a record store to pick up Those Mockingbirds 12''. Hopefully come February, we'll be in full action as a label, blog, and consulting service.

Thanks for all the support so far.

-Star

Invisible Lines, Their Planes & The Micks @ Hells Kitchen, Newark 1/28/12

My first booked show at Hells Kitchen for "Voodoo Rock Saturdays." Come rock out and have a good time.

12AM- INVISIBLE LINES (Killing Horse Records)
Invisible Lines is a melodic rock band from Kearny, NJ that re-creates the intensely dynamic and danceable rhythms of post-punk.

WEBSITE: www.invisiblelinesmusic.com/

11pm- THEIR PLANES WILL BLOCK OUT THE SUN
Their Planes Will Block Out the Sun combine elements of rock and jazz with dark and uplifting rhythms thrown together with danceable beats to produce their sound. Based out of Clifton, New Jersey, the line up is John Falcone, (Drums) Victor Fernandes, (Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards) Wayne Green, (Bass, glockenspiel) Craig Monaco, (Guitar), Paul Falcone (Keyboard and Percussion)

WEBSITE: www.theirplanes.com

10pm- THE MICKS
The MiCKS are a 3-piece rock band most recently operating out of Jersey City, NJ. Founded by brothers Matthus and Sammy J. McMickle and finally joined by the multi-talented Hank Prol, the MiCKS have just finished mixing their first official EP. Once pressed and packaged this album will save your rock 'n' roll lifestyle! The band name might change but the music will remain. Look out for the MiCKS or whichever band with Matt, Sam and Hank in it.

WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/themicks

$5 COVER

Facebook Invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/230373373704508/

Best of 2011 Music

Top 10 Overall Release of 2011

Big Eyes - Hard Life
Foo Fighters - Wasting Light
Hunx and His Punx - Too Young To Be In Love
The Shondes - Searchlights
La Dispute - Wildlife
Little Victory - Little Victory 7'' EP
Bodega Girls - Et Tu Booyay? 10'' EP
RVIVR - Dirty Water 12'' EP
Touche Amore - Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me
Very Okay - Small Loud Tape

Top 8 LP's of 2011:

Big Eyes "Hard Life" - Good r'n'r influenced by The Ramones and The Muffs
Foo Fighters "Wasting Light" - Hard rock at its finest after 17 years.
Hunx and His Punx "Too Young To Be in Love" - Like Ramones meets The Shirelles but queer.
La Dispute "Wildlife" - Mind blowingly emotive post-hardcore with heart on your sleeve lyrics.
Paper Thick Walls "A Thousand Novels" - Folk from Chicago with dual female/male vocals.
RVIVR "Joester Sessions" - A pop-punk collection of the bands three EPs.
The Shondes "Searchlights" - My definition of catchy indie rock.
Touche Amore "Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me" - Hard and emotive.

Top 6 EP's of 2011:

Bodega Girls - Et Tu Bootay?
How Do We Jump This High? - Funny/Not Funny 7''
Little Victory - Little Victory 7''
Melissa and Paul - Distractions 7''
RVIVR - Dirty Water 12''
Very Okay - Small Loud Cassette Tape

Top 6 Split Vinyl Releases of 2011:

Cheap Girls/ Lemuria 7''
Into It. Over It./Such Gold 7''
La Dispute/KOJI 12''
The Saddest Landscape/We Were Skeletons 7''
River City Extension/Kevin Devine 7''
Tigers Jaw/The Sidekicks 7''

Top 7 Mostly 7'' Singles of 2011:

Bern & the Brights -Starchild
Ben Franklin - Urgency
Bodega Girls - Live Free or Die Trying (cassette tape)
Miniboone - The Other Summer
One and Nines - Just Your Fool
Owen - O'Evelyn
Wild Flag - Glass Tambourine

Most Listened to Vinyl of 2011:

Shorebirds 7''

Coolest Album Packaging:

CD: OTEP "Atavist" - CD/DVD, die-cut o-card, digipack with exclusive artwork, decipher wheel, fold out poster, 104-page book featuring a short story by OTEP, in-studio photos, expanded artwork, lyrics and fan submissions. Creative and beautiful.

7'': Rise Against "Join the Ranks" Picture Disc - Lyrics and artwork right on the vinyl in red!

12'': Run for Cover "Mixed Signals" Compilation, Make Do and Mend "Part and Parcel" B-side Clock Screen Print, Touche Amore "Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me" Deluxe LP

Secret Country, No Pasaran play Killing Horse Records show in Hoboken 1/6

Join Killing Horse Records this Friday for their two-year anniversary show at Maxwell's in Hoboken featuring Secret Country, No Pasaran!, Invisible Lines, The Nico Blues and Cicada Radio. I'm sure you'll get sweaty and have fun. $10 / All Ages. FB Invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/255184807879221/
Read this Star-Ledger article to find out more about the label.

Contest: Win Those Mockingbirds 'Fa Sol La" 12'' Vinyl + Tickets

Do you want a free copy of Fa Sol La on vinyl? Well, then you're in luck. We want you to show your support of Fa Sol La by promoting the release any way you can using Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, message boards, blogs, YouTube, street team promotion, anything creative. The person who shows the most support wins.

Running Time: January 3 - January 19, 2012

Tools to Use for Contest: 

1. Vinyl Release: PDF 
2. Vinyl Pre-Order Ad: JPEG
3. Maxwell's Flyer: JPEG / PDF 
4. Website Link with EP stream: http://soundcloud.com/thosemockingbirds/sets/fa-sol-la
5. Fa Sol La Pre-Order Store: www.starbeatmusic.bigcartel.com 
6. Facebook Link for Record Release Show: http://www.facebook.com/events/295838167122053/
7. Record Release Commercial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT2eAwJDT2E&feature=share

How to Enter:

Using the tools above promote the vinyl pre-order and release date 1/31 or Maxwell's record release show 1/20.

Then take a photo, screenshot, video, or submit a link(s) to any posts you made promoting it.

E-mail contests@starbeatmusic.net with the subject “Those Mockingbirds Vinyl” with what you did to promote and proof.

Each effort will get tallied up with points and the winner with the most points wins.

Points:

Use social media to promote (tweet, tumbl, post a status, invite your friends to record release show, post EP stream link, post the commercial video, etc) – 1 Point

Write a blog or post on a message board using links to the band and label or just the big cartel store etc. – 2 points. 

Take a photo of you posting a flyer somewhere or with someone - 3 points (bonus points if it's with a celebrity)

Post a video of you talking about release, promoting the release, etc. - 5 points

DON'T LET THIS LIMIT YOU, GET CREATIVE....anything awesome will be given its own merit of points.

Prizes:

Grand Prize Winner: (1) Black Vinyl with White Skull Screen Printed B-Side, Autographed Poster, Sticker + (1) pair of tickets to the Maxwell's Record Release Show on January 20th. 

A number of participants will receive an autographed poster and sticker.

Those Mockingbirds 'Fa Sol La' VInyl Pre-Orders Available Now

We are excited to announce that pre-orders for our first vinyl release with Those Mockingbirds 'Fa Sol La' 12 Vinyl have launched. The EP is available on black [/200] and gold [/100] vinyl at the SBM Webstore here: www.starbeatmusic.bigcartel.com with limited packages available. All orders receive a digital download of the EP with an unreleased song. Pre-orders will be available worldwide for mailorder, but currently they are for U.S. customers. If you are outside the U.S. and want to pre-order, please contact us here.

Copies will also be available at the band's record release show at Maxwell's in Hoboken, NJ on January 20th.

Guitarist and vocalist Adam Bird said the following about doing a vinyl release:

Vinyl is romantic for lack of another word,” he says. “When music exists on vinyl, it’s more real than any other state. I’ve had Smashing Pumpkins Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness on vinyl since I was 14-years-old. I want the whole experience. It’s a collector type thing. It’s the ultimate form because it’s more than just the music.

BLACK / 200 / WHITE SKULL B-SIDE SCREEN PRINT

GOLD / 100

Happy New Year and Thank You

Happy New Year, everyone!
2011 was a slow year for the music blog but thankfull we became a music label offering pressing and consulting services for bands. It's been a great experience and I'm excited for two upcoming releases in the next few months. First is Those Mockingbirds 'Fa Sol La' on 12'' Vinyl out January 31st. Pre-orders with two different packages just launched here: www.starbeatmusic.bigcartel.com The second release is a cassette tape release, which I'll announce later this month.

I'd like to thank the following people for their help, encouragement, inspiration or kind words about Star Beat Music: my label buddy Jeff; Adam, Tory, Kevin, Rob, Jon of Those Mockingbirds; Greg and Kyle at Merovingian Music; Jayme and R.J. at Mightier Than Sword and everyone who's read Star Beat Music and supported us!

- Star

Aye Nako: smile inducing pop-punk

Joe, Angie, Marilyn - Aye Nako

Band: Aye Nako

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Website: www.ayenako.com

Recommended If You Like: The Weakerthans, Discount, Cheap Girls

Demo Download Link: http://ayenako.org/wp-content/music/Aye_Nako-Demo_2010.zip

 

 

Good pop-punk doesn't get boring. Brooklyn-based 3-piece Aye Nako achieve this goodness with all of their songs - that's no small feat. Aye Nako is a smile inducing, boppy, poppy-punk band that makes my heart feel good. At their shows you can find me dancing, singing along, air drumming, two-stepping, and some other sort of dorky, improvised movement. How can I not smile when this band reminds me of Cheap Girls and Element 101?

Like Krista Ciminera of Zombie Dogs said in her review of Aye Nako, the bands lyrics are sad, serious, and sweet, all at the same time. In this respect, it's easy to solely think the band is sweet just because the music sounds that way. It's easy to get distracted by the feel good vibe of their music. The band has been playing a few new songs live at their recent shows at Death By Audio, which seem pretty serious. Singer Marilyn has introduced some of the songs as being about growing up queer, growing up with an abusive brother, and dreaming about being a gay man.  Deep subjects to bring up. It makes me excited to hear their new songs live now, so I can pay better attention to the lyrics.

The band's signature song is “Molasses," from their demo tape. Every time I hear it I can't help but sing along. It's a cute little love song that's super catchy. It's always fun hearing “Molasses” live when the line, “slow like molasses slow,” comes up and a group of us sing along with all the enthusiasm we have, grin on our faces, with our arms huddled around each others shoulders.

Then, there's the standout one-minute long hardcore song called “Good Grief,” with its angry lyrical tone. It seems like a random song for a pop-punk band but it works. The aggressively fast punk styled hardcore tune matches perfectly.

The third song I enjoy from them is an older song called "Curb Appeal," that the band released under the name Fleabag without drummer Angie. I can whistle along to this song, I can dance to this song, and darn it, this is just a good song to put on a mix for a crush. The demo this song is on is worth listening to.

When I saw Aye Nako at the Queers, Beers, and Reers party at Public Assembly in September, the song moved me so much that I started two-stepping. I didn't care if I was the only one doing so (in my work clothes) -  those around me gave me dance room. See, I used to care what people thought when I danced but Aye Nako is one of the few bands I can honestly say makes me feel good when I see them live and takes away any hint of embarrassment I might otherwise have had. It's fun music and it's music that I'll move to in any which way I want. No one can tell me how I can dance and I don't feel like I can't when I see them. In the past people have told me not to headbang to Kimya Dawson or jump during Modern Life is War and I got totally bummed. But no one can tell me how I can express myself at a show and if there's one thing I can say about Aye Nako, it's that their shows are generally filled with folks just like myself who simply love the band and want to have a good time. That's my kind of show and that's partly what has me coming back to their shows. Another reason is because Aye Nako plays with good bands, usually ones I know but also some I don't, which is a good balanced show in my book.

This year I've seen Aye Nako seven times – a number I'm fortunate enough to have made. I've seen them play with Dead Dog, Hot Mess, Songs for Moms, Dead Ringer, Sleepies, Worriers, RVIVR, Claire's Diary and most recently P.S. Eliot and The Two Funerals. It's been fun following the band around in their hometown of Brooklyn.