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

Waxahatchee (Katie of P.S. Eliot) signs to Don Giovanni, new LP out 1/10/12

Waxahatchee, Katie Crutchfield of P.S. Eliot's lo-fi acoustic project (and the name of a a creek in Shelby, Alabama where the name originates from) is releasing her new album on CD and vinyl through Don Giovanni Records. Crutchfield, a now Brooklyn transplate by-way of Birmingham, Alabama has been involved in many bands including P.S. Eliot and Bad Banana but this might very well be her most stripped down project. The album, American Weekend will be out Jan. 10. Below is a video for "Grass Stain." What do you think of the song?

Directed and shot by Ryan Russell 

Those Mockingbirds (vinyl release, Hoboken Music Awards, Maxwells gig)

Here are four items associated with our new signees Those Mockingbirds.

1. We're releasing Fa Sol La on limited edition color and black vinyl in early 2012. Info on the release here: http://www.starbeatmusic.net/2011/10/star-beat-music-to-release-those.html 

2. Those Mockingbirds have been nominated 2011 Outstanding Band for the Hoboken Music Awards to be held at Maxwell's on Nov. 12th at 8:30pm. http://www.hobokenmusicawards.com/

3. You can also vote for the band in the Peoples Choice category here: http://www.hobokenmusicawards.com/peopleschoice/

4. Speaking of Maxwells and Hoboken, they'll be performing this Friday with Fairmont, The Multi-Purpose Solution, and Theodore Grimm. 8:30pm. Only 8 bux for a night of rock.

New Control album out today

Before I head to work I wanted to let ya'll know about Control's new album. "Obsolete Through Automation" is the Jefferson, New Jersey band's debut full-length with 11-songs. It's available digitally for only $4. "Live Together, Die Alone" was the first song that stood out, though I still need to listen to the rest of this album.

 http://controlisaband.bandcamp.com/album/obsolete-through-automation

La Dispute to release 12'' split w/ Koji, east coast tour in May w/ Defeater, Native

Sometimes it's hard for me to write about my favorite bands. Sometimes I want to detail everything I love about them and dissect every lyric and every feeling the bands brings fourth but then I get stuck. La Dispute is one of the those rare bands that is completely breathtaking in every way. One of those bands that you can can simply go and on and on about because their lyrics and music are that deep. La Dispute is this poetically sensitive, post-hardcore group from Michigan with a knack for creating some powerful and moving music.

So I'm very happy to announce the band is releasing a split 12'' with Koji and will be touring the east coast this May with Native, Former Thieves, and Defeater. In the meanwhile, the band has also been writing new material for their full-length album. The 12'' will feature two songs from each band and come in three color varieties (clear purple, black/purple, or black).

Kevin Devine to release two 7'' singles

From Academy Fight Song Newsletter:

KEVIN DEVINE "LUXEMBOURG" & "PART OF THE WHOLE" 7"/DIGITAL 

VINYL OUT MAY 17TH; PRE-ORDER APRIL 1ST; DIGITAL OUT APRIL 12TH W/ RECORD STORE DAY PRESSING

We will be teaming up with our good friend KEVIN DEVINE to release two brand new 7"s in anticipation of his upcoming full-length, out later this year. Each 7" features one song, "Luxembourg" and "Part Of The Whole", and the b-side of each 7" features a beautiful screen-print based on the 7" artwork.

Each 7" will be limited to 1,000 copies, with 3 different color variations (/100, /250, /650), colors being announced when pre-orders go live on April 1st in the AFS WEBSTORE.

The mighty Long Island-based LOONEY TUNES RECORDS will be the exclusive retailer for the /250 color of both 7"s, being available for purchase on this year's Record Store Day (April 16th). Kevin will also being doing an in-store performance the same day to commemorate the releases, so be sure to mark your calendars!

If vinyl isn't your thing, the two songs will be available together for digital download worldwide through all major digital retailers starting April 12th.

I already have the recent Make the Clocks Work re-issue, Brother's Blood, She Stayed As Steam, and Another Bag of Bones vinyl, so I'm excited to get my hands on these singles!

Summer People release 'Teamwork'

Summer People have a new album called Teamwork out today.

You can download “Teamwork” on…

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hired-liars/id422903765?i=422903962&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Emusic: http://www.emusic.com/album/Summer-People-Teamwork-MP3-Download/12415447.html
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Teamwork/dp/B004PVZPSC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1298997808&sr=8-1-catcorr

AND the entire album is streaming on http://www.lowlightrecords.com/

Profile: I Hate Our Freedom

Band: I Hate Our Freedom
From: Brooklyn, NY
Record Label: Mightier Than Sword
Genre: Post-Hardcore/Indie/Rock

Who: I Hate Our Freedom is a 4-piece Brooklyn band consisting of Joseph Grillo  on vocals and guitar (Garrison, Instruction, God Fires Man, Gay For Johnny Depp),
Justin Scurti on guitar (Milhouse, Runner-Up, Primitive Weapons),
Scott Winegard on bass (Texas Is The Reason, FountainHead, New End Original, House And Parish), and
Tucker Rule on drums (Thursday, Murphy’s Law).

Self described as: “straight-up no frills, 4-white-guys-with-guitars, canbeered and duct-taped rock”

Jukebox the Ghost (spring tour dates)

Jukebox the Ghost is hitting the road again. They play in Brooklyn on May 4th and Manhattan on May 5th.

Jukebox the Ghost Tour Dates: 

3/31 – Toronto, CA – Phoenix Concert Theatre &

4/01 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues &

4/2 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s &

4/4 – Birmingham, AL – WorkPlay Theatre &

4/6 – Houston, TX – House of Blues &

4/7 – Austin, TX – Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater &

4/8 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues &

4/9 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues &

4/15 – Oswego, NY – Sheldon Ballroom at Oswego State University

4/22 – Fredericksburg, VA – Eyeclopes Studios %

4/23 – Washington, DC – The Black Cat %

4/25 – Charlottesville, VA – The Southern %

4/27 – St Louis, MO – The Firebird %

4/28 – Chicago, IL – Schubas %

4/29 – Indianapolis, IN – Earth House %

5/2 – Boston, MA – Middle East (Downstairs) %

5/3 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground %

5/4  - Brooklyn, NY – The Rock Shop #

5/5 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom %

5/6 – Philadelphia, PA – First Unitarian Church %

5/7 – Baltimore, MD – Sonar %

& = w/ Guster

% = w/ Wakey! Wakey! and Pretty & Nice

# = w/ Wakey! Wakey! and Casey Shea

Paul Baribeau announces U.S. winter tour (playing NJ & NY), 25-song album up for $4

Paul Baribeau will be on a U.S. tour this February and March. He performs at Sea Isle City, NJ on Feb. 20 and Flemington, NJ on Feb. 21st. Then he plays a pair of Brooklyn shows--one at Death by Audio on Feb. 23rd and another is a house show on Feb. 24th. More info and full tour dates available here: http://www.paulbaribeau.com/post/2914072696/tour-dates-feb-1st-columbus-oh-villa-villa#notes

Baribeau also has an out of print music collection called "25" featuring songs recorded between 1998 and 2006 from different bands and projects of his. It's up for $4 on bandcamp:

http://paulbaribeau.bandcamp.com/album/25

Hard Nips release 10'', upcoming Brooklyn shows + free download

DOWNLOAD: Hard Nips- Release It

When I write about a new band, I like to make sure it's worth it. Lately not too many bands have impressed me, but a quartet by the name of HARD NIPS have. 

Hard Nips is an all-girl Japanese rock 'n roll band with a fun, highly spirited live show. The band has a 4-song 10'' EP out on Mixpak Records that totally rocks. Their sound has a riffy guitar groove with catchy beats that make for a cool listen. 

The band is playing with the glamous Living Days at a new bowling alley (think more intimate than Brooklyn Bowl), called The Gutter. How rad? They also play behind Williamsburg's tasty tater tot Lovin' Cups music venue, Cameo Gallery! Grab a free download of their first song above!

Hard Nips EP:


1. Release It
2. Sun Stroke
3. Picture
4. Alligator 

Hard Nips Live: 

2/11 @ The Gutter, Brooklyn, NY w/ Living Days [info]
2/15 @ Cameo Gallery, Brooklyn, NY w/ Chica Vas and Euro Band [info]

Alyson Greenfield posts new EP for $1, starts Press Play project

Brooklyn based folk, electronic performer Alyson Greenfield has released her new EP Only Silence for a $1 minimum via bandcamp! She says:

Only Silence includes my newer electronic vibe as well as my older acoustic singer/songwriter sounds. It is inspired by Anais Nin's early diaries, Lewis Carroll's ALICE IN WONDERLAND, my time working as part of Madonna's entourage's entourage, and cults! 

All donations will help Alyson finish her new covers album featuring Coolio's Gangsta's Paradise on glockenspiel and also help her begin a new electronic album. 

Alyson has also started the "Press Play" project, where she will release a new song periodically after she's hit play and recorded a song! 

ONLY SILENCE:

(track listing)

1. Cult Spell

2. I Love Only Silence

3. Glitz and Glamour

4. Rabbit Hole 

Only Silence EP: http://alysongreenfield.bandcamp.com/album/only-silence

Press Play single: http://alysongreenfield.bandcamp.com/album/press-play

MEN (f/ Le Tigre's JD Samson) to release debut album Feb. 2011, music video

MEN is a queer political-dance pop band from Brooklyn comprised of Le Tigre's JD Samson, Michael O’Neill (Ladybug Transistor, Princess) and Ginger Brooks Takahashi (LTTR, The Ballet). Together they deliver an irresistible sound. They'll release their debut album, Talk About Body on IAMSOUND Feb. 1, 2011. This is music you let loose to. Music that makes you feel comfortable in your own skin. Kudos to MEN for discussing important issues and having a good beat at the same, too. Excited for this release.

Speaking to issues such as wartime economies, sexual compromise, and the demand for liberties, the band released their first EP, Limited Edition Demo to widespread acclaim, with the New York Times calling it “full of dreamy post-disco.”  They were lauded for their inventive, high energy live show, which saw them open tours for The Gossip and Peaches in America, in addition to doing their own headlining runs in the U.S. and overseas.  Combining politics with dance parties, art with activism, MEN shows have always reached a fever pitch, treating each show as an art project, sometimes asking local artists to paint a backdrop while they perform, or by using DIY cardboard-and-tippex props, including cut-out fists and banners printed with slogans like “SILENCE=DEATH” and “WHO AM I TO FEEL SO FREE”.

Tracklisting below. 

Big Eyes sign to Don Giovanni Records

Big Eyes featuring Kate Eldridge formerly of Cheeky on guitar, Mark Bronzino of Seasick/ANS on bass, and CJ formerly of Hellhole on drums are now apart of the Don Giovanni Records family. They're influenced by bands such as the Muffs and Ramones.

They'll release a 7'' single in December and record an LP for a May 2010 release. For now, you can buy a 4-song 7'' out on PA based label Evil Weevil Records. Grab it here. 

http://www.myspace.com/bigeyesband

Laura Stevenson & the Cans sign to Don Giovanni Records

Brooklyn's Laura Stevenson and the Cans have signed with Don Giovanni Records.

If you don't know them yet, Laura Stevenson got her start as a pick-up player in the Long Island punk rock collective Bomb The Music Industry. During her tenure, Stevenson began privately composing songs on the softer side of indie rock and traditional folk. With the addition of Mike Cambell and Alex Billig began playing out as Laura Stevenson and the Cans. Their first full-length LP A Record  is a available in the pay what you want format from Quote Unquote Records as well as on CD and LP on Asian Man Records. The band has toured the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Western Europe for the better part of the past year. [via Don Giovanni Records]

Check out a review from a show Laura Stevenson and Co. played in New Brunswick earlier this year.

Lemuria post new song, new 7'' out 11/23

Buffalo, NY's Lemuria posted the new song, Chautauqua County, on their MySpace! This track is available on the synonymous forthcoming 7inch EP, which will officially be available November 23rd from Bridge Nine. The Chautauqua County EP also features the unreleased b-side "They Are Who I Say They Are".[via Bridge Nine]

The new 7'' along with some t-shirts are available for order here: http://www.b9store.com/lemuria The full-length, Pebble, is out on Jan. 11, 2010.

The Matt Kurz One playing Brooklyn w/ BTMI & Cheap Girls, plus in NJ

Have you ever seen someone playing 5 instruments at once? Well, Athens, GA's Matt Kurz One is a one man band that shows you that you don't need a full band sometimes. His music has soul. He plays a  great brand of folk-garage rock. For those unfamiliar, he's on Jeff Rosenstock of Bomb the Music Industry's Quote Unquote Records. He'll be playing one of two shows with the band. First, he'll be at Europa in Greenpoint with B.T.M.I, Laura Stevenson and the Cans, Cheap Girls, Carpenter, and Chotto Ghetto. Tickets are only $8 here. Later he'll be at The Shop in Williamsburg. On Oct. 24 he'll be at Mill House Basement in Trenton, NJ.

Check out a video of him in action below.

New venue to open in Lyndhurst, NJ

 A new venue called Cafe Incite, 262 Ridge Road in Lyndhurst, NJ will open on Friday, Oct. 22. It's locatd in North Jersey between Rutheford and North Arlington, NJ. Co-owner Nicolas Hernandez will bring live bands and musicians, art shows, open mic nights, and poetry nights to the cafe. Three events are on the schedule: 

10/22 Opening Nights with Joe Wilson & The Loose Ends, Those Mockingbirds, and I Am Fighting
11/5 The Tonight Life
11/6 Control

More info here.

Rubblebucket releasing new EP, announce Triangular Tour (NYC 11/5)

DOWNLOAD: Rubblebucket- Triangular Daisies 

Rubblebucket, Brooklyn's 8-piece band, will release the Triangular Daisies EP on Oct. 19th. New York and Burlington fans will get to experience the band differently. They'll team up with Hack Interactive "to create an interactive, mulimedia stage design experience." They'll be in NYC on Nov. 5 with The Pimps of Joytime. Tickets are just $10. More info here. 

Since the band formed in 2007, pinning down their sound has remained a difficult task.  At times, the band sounds like Brooklyn’s answer to Fela Kuti, with frenetic afrobeat rhythms rubbing elbows with infectious indie-pop hooks and catchy synths.  Frontwoman/saxophonist Kalmia Travers explains, "We're children of this noisy age, with access to so much music from across time and space. We soak up all the sounds. What comes out can be unpredictable, but it will be uniquely ours."  Uniquely their own, indeed.

See below for tour dates.  

The Saddest Landscape join Panic Records, Upcoming Shows (NY, NJ, CT)

Screamo stalwarts The Saddest Landscape have signed with Panic Records, a label who is home to Another Breath, Hostage Calm, The Effort and more. The label said the following:

The Saddest Landscape are the newest addition to the Panic family and I am really happy to have them. It's not a huge departure of what Panic has put out in the past because The Saddest Landscape are a part of the punk/hardcore scene that is my home. I was drawn to The Saddest Landscapes sound as it's a throwback to the early-mid 90's emo that bands like Indian Summer, Ordination and Lincoln were rockin at the time. A sound that I am thankful has made a resurgence and made relevant again by a new pack of bands like La Dispute, Touche Amore, Pianos Become Teeth and of course The Saddest Landscape.

The official release date for the band's new LP, "You Will Not Survive" is September 28th, but the band will have them on this weekend record release shows. This is the band' first full-length in 7 years. Panic Records has some pre-orders up, including packages with your choice of a CD or LP, a t-shirt or hoodie, and exclusive live 7''. Check it out here.

See below for info on the band's shows this weekend!