Concert Review: Alive Like Me, Dangerkids, Set It Off & Crown The Empire in Stuttgart, Germany

I know I'm late as usual with this, but I've been sick for a week now plus I'm in the middle of exams. Anyway, I went to see a bunch of bands last week and got the chance to talk to Maxx, Austin and Cody from Set It Off.

The interview happened before the show, so first things first: 

When it was finally time to enter the venue, we were the last ones to get in because the guy responsible for the guest lists had disappeared and was nowhere to be found, which was definitely a new for me as well. Luckily, the guys at the entrance were quite chill and let us in nevertheless - by then Alive Like Me were already playing but we only missed their first two songs.  

Unfortunately, there weren't many people there by the time Alive Like Me opened, but that didn't impress the boys much. They kicked the show off with a bang and I really encourage you to check them out, especially if you like Sleeping With Sirens in their beginnings. Alive Like Me didn't have much time, but they used it to heat things up and to convince the audience (me at least). 

Up next were dangerkids, and from their current album I had quite some expectations. I really like how they mix genres and their energy is crazy. Also their drummer is a girl and girls in bands deserve extra support because there aren't enough girls in bands in general. 

After we had met them, I was even more excited to see Set It Off play because they're such genuine, lovely people and I had only heard good things about their performances. They didn't disappoint me either: All five of them played their set like it was the last they'd ever play, Cody was all over the place - at one point he climbed on the bar and performed from there, and their energy was just wild. Set It Off blew the place away and Cody's vocals absolutely amazed me; it's been a while since I saw such a talented band live. 

Last but not least, Crown The Empire took their spots on stage and a few more people were standing in the front of it as well. It was clear that CTE didn't come here to have a relaxed night, but to tear the club apart and that's what they did. Finally the crowd seemed to be awake enough for mosh pits as well, so things became really wild.

All in all, all four bands are definitely worth checking out and seeing live, but I feel like I have to mention Set If Off another ten million times because they're really damn good. Big thanks to them for taking so much time for the interview as well, it was a pleasure to talk to them and I can't wait to see them again!

Alive Like Me

dangerkids

Set It Off

Crown The Empire

Concert Review: letlive., Night Verses & The American Scene in Stuttgart

There are two things I still think about a few days after the concert: 1) Why did Douglas (vocalist in Night Verses) wear a rain coat on stage? (Douglas if you're reading this right now, you can probably give me an answer) and 2) Does Jason Butler count his bruises after a show? 

I arrived at the venue early because I didn't want to be late for the interview with Night Verses but in the end the guys were late because they were looking for a Starbucks - a mission which failed tragically. Anyway, when they came back with coffee, they took me downstairs to a room where the interview took place - on a billiard table.
You definitely have to check out Night Verses because they're the nicest people I ever worked with. They managed to take away all of my nervosity and actually they deserve an award for that because on a scale of 1-10 my nervosity before the interview was at 25. I didn't even worry about my english anymore. 

The venue itself was pretty small, there were no barricades so I stood right in front of the stage. 

The American Scene opened the show with a solid performance. They sound like a mix of Coldplay and Kings Of Leon, I liked how concentrated they were even though their setlist didn't fully convince me. They played a few slower songs which sounded great but I don't think they helped to increase the atmosphere in the crowd. I was hoping for more kick-ass songs.

I was so busy listening to The American Scene while taking notes that I didn't realise that Jason from letlive. stood right next to me during most of their set. However, when I noticed him, I didn't have the guts to ask for a picture or autograph (Yes I can be shy sometimes!)

Night Verses were up next and let me tell you, they tore the place apart. I literally got to shower in Douglas' sweat (why didn't you take that jacket off??), he almost kicked me in the face, things got intense up there and the crowd started to fill the space in front of the stage. The whole band gave their everything and watching them was simply amazing. I definitely have to get their current album Lift Your Existence soon and I'm very excited for new material!

Finally letlive. were on and things got totally mental. The first thing I noticed was Jason's beard, I mean how could you not. I'm not the biggest fan of beards but damn, he can definitely wear it. 

There were around 200 people there what doesn't sound like a huge crowd but nevertheless there was a mosh pit and a circle pit and both almost pushed me on stage while Jason stumbled around on it - I didn't count how many times he fell on the floor but there were moments when I wondered if he was okay or if he hurt himself. I also wondered if it stopped being common sense not to put your empty beer bottles on stage but that's another story.

I had enough time to think about their performance and I came to the conclusion that Jason Butler is an artist through and through. The whole show was a reflection of the dedication and passion and energy he puts into music. It was more than obvious that he breathes and lives music. I dealt with their songs long before I attended the concert, but I wasn't aware of the real intensity of every single track. I only realised how honest and serious they are when I saw Jason perform them. He almost started to cry when he told us how thankful he was for every single person who came out to see them because he thought nobody gave a shit about his stuff. Jason, here's a message just for you: There are people who give a shit about your music, there are people who appreciate and understand your lyrics because they know how you feel, me included. I'm so happy that I got the chance to see letlive. live because they're one of the most special bands I've ever seen. 

If you ever get the chance to see Night Verses or Letlive., go and take that chance, you definitely won't regret it! 

PS: I'm really, deeply sorry for the crappy pics but I can't afford a proper camera (hit me up if you're cool with donating to a poor student). 

Interview: Nobody Takes Vegas

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know that Nobody Takes Vegas belong here like nobody else, that's why I asked them for a little interview. Jack Morrow, one of their guitarists, sat down to answer my questions. SPOILER ALERT: This is the best interview I posted so far, enjoy!

Q: Story behind your band name:

A: It all started with our old drummer and friend Ian. We had just finished writing a song, and he had proposed the name "Nobody Takes Vegas" for it. We asked him his reasoning behind it, to which he replied "when I went to high school, there was a security guard there named Vegas, and he was so tough that nobody could take him." We all liked the name so much along with the story that we decided to name the band that instead. Maybe one day the original NTV namesake song will resurface itself.

Q: What inspired you to start a band?

A: This response would probably be different for every member of the band you ask, but I've personally been playing in "bands" and performing since I was 7 or 8, starting with playing trombone in elementary school all the way up until high school. I picked up guitar when I was thirteen and played in two different rock bands with my best friends in high school, mostly covering songs by Brand New, Manchester Orchestra, even Miley Cyrus. One fateful day, I heard a style of music I had never heard before. Rhythmically it reminded me of pop punk or alt rock, but the chords and timbre of the guitar were so far beyond what I had been hearing at the time and I decided I wanted to make music like that. I had already known Harrison from working together previously, and had met Nick through a mutual friend of ours. From there the two of them pulled some strings and we eventually wound up with Rob and Jimmy in the band, and it worked.

Q: With which band would you like to work one day?

A: We've already opened for He is Legend, one of myself and Harrison’s favorite bands, and even have another show with them coming up on August 10th, so that option's out the window. I guess the only option left would be to raise Kurt Cobain from the dead and tour with Nirvana. Get back to me if you know any necromancers.

Q: How will you survive the zombie apocalypse?

A: This is a tough one, as many would opt for the classic motorcycle/chainsaw combination, but zombies are way too fast nowadays for this to work. Fortunately they're physically weak, so a bunker with plenty of firearms, ammo, and rations would be sufficient for a short while. I haven't seen World War Z yet, so if they've presented a be-all end-all solution to the zombie apocalypse, I'd like to hear their input.

Q: FMK (fuck, marry, kill) with your band members - GO!

A: Fuck: Toss-up between Nick and Jimmy
Marry: Rob
Kill: Harrison (sorry man)

Q: If you were a woman for a day, what would you do?

A: Probably the same things I usually do, except I'd be playing with my hair and boobies quite a bit more.

Q: Would you rather have Nicolas Cage play the lead role in every movie you watch, or Nickelback sing every song you'll ever hear?

A: Nicholas Cage, obviously. I hear he plays a mean Disney Princess.

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Interview: Our Own Invention

It's time for another interview before I have to work until Friday. Our Own Invention are one of the first bands I ever reviewed (check it out here: [x]) and I'm really happy about the fact that I'm still working with them! 

Here are their answers to my questions: 

Q: Story behind your band name:

A: Our Ex bassist who has worked with us sometime in our sophomore/Junior year came up with the name after he saw a dream. He thought it was a cool name and gave me a phone call. Although we have parted ways with him, it's all under good terms. His name is Alex Ybarra and he's now playing in another band called Ridgeway.

Q: Who's your bigger inspiration?

A: There are so many people who inspire us to keep making music. Many come from our favorite bands, family, close friends, and our awesome fans who are always there to support. Thank you all for sticking around with us this far!

Q: Name 3 bands you want to work with!

A: As a band, we have so many wonderful artists we would love to work with. We really can't narrow it down to 3 bands but we've worked with Ian Berg of In Her Own Words back in February of last year when we recorded our record, Nose Goes EP (music available for free downloads over at ourowninvention.bandcamp.com). We have future plans to work with him again to record our LP and work with Bert of Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! for Mixing/Mastering though we can't say anything for sure as its only a part of our future plans.

Q: What are your plans for the future? Are there new songs coming soon?

A: We are moving out to Colorado as a band to start school. We will be busy getting everything together and getting used to the new life though we plan to keep the band going. We can't say we will be putting any new music out, though you could expect our first full length album sometime in the future!

Q: What's something you can't live without?

A: Something WE can't live without personally would be music. That goes for listening to, creating, discovering, ect. It's affected our lives in so many different ways, it's become an everyday routine to be involved with music.

Q: If you could be part of any music video, which one would it be and why?

A: I would love to have been in the video for Traveller (The Fool) by In Hearts Wake. The nature in that video is just gnarly. We'd be so down to play in Australia!! 

Q: Message to your fans:

A: For anyone who has been supporting OOI from the beginning as well as the many new recent followers and fans, we are so happy to have you all. We would be nothing without your help and support. Whether you buy our music or download our music for free, to know that people actually care is such an amazing feeling. So thank you guys for being the best, friendly, and extremely supportive fans. We are always striving to thank our peeps. We love you all so much. Keep your eyes and ears open for new material in the future! Stay Gooey For OOI \m/ 

Y'all should definitely go and check them out, you won't regret it!

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Interview: The God We Create

I worked with Ben before what you can read here: [x] 
He's making music on his own, so if you're looking for a band you could play in, hit him up!

Here are his answers to my questions: 


Q: Story behind your band name:

A: I feel people create and put things ahead of what really matters and the name comes from that idea. 

Q: How long have you been making music? 

A: Several years

Q: Who's your biggest inspiration? 

A: That is a tough one. I'd say life, as cliche as it sounds. As far as music, I listen to just about everything but I am a punk, hardcore, and metal fan for life.

Q: What's your biggest dream concerning your career? 

A: Hard to say since it is just getting started. It is currently just myself (Ben Thomason) writing, producing, etc.. So hopefully a band and extensive touring. 

Q: What are your plans for the future? Is there new music coming soon? 

A: Again, touring. I also just finished Pre- pro for the EP. I can't promise a date, but I'd say before the end of the year.

Q: If your house was burning, what would you take outside with you? 

A: My cats. 

Q: Would you rather do a world tour with Justin Bieber or listen to nothing but Taylor Swift for the rest of your life? 

A: Tour with Justin! Im not a huge fan of his music but I have a lot respect for him for living the dream!

Q: Message for your fans: 

A: If you have supported me in any way, THANK YOU! If you have never heard of me check it out! I love you all and appreciate the support! Keep an eye out for the EP. It will be available on all digital outlets once released. Again thank you and hit me up on twitter @thegodwecreate

Go follow Ben on twitter, give him a like on Facebook and check out his music here: [x]

Interview: Liar, Liar

Good morning guys! In order to keep this blog a bit more interesting, I've been trying to get e-mail interviews with some bands. I already worked with most of them so it was easier to get in touch. However, I also sent out requests to some "bigger" bands but we'll talk about it again if I get a reply from their press contacts. 

The first interview was with Liar, Liar from the UK. I introduced them here: [x]

Enjoy!

Q: What's the story behind your band name?

A: Joe was looking through his DVD collection for some inspiration for band names and the only two that stood out were Legally Blonde and Liar Liar. 

Q: What inspired you to make music in the first place?

A: listen to bands such as Blink 182, New Found Glory and Sum 41 growing up.

Q: If you could play in any music video, which one would it be and why?

A: Hmm, tough question. It would have to be the First Date video from Blink 182, wearing wigs and fake moustaches would be a treat.

 Q: With which band would you like to work in the future?

A: bands such as The Story So Far and The Wonder Years, those guys are going to take over the world.

Q: Who's your guilty pleasure?

A: Music-wise? As a band I think our guilty pleasure would be the Bee Gees. Those guys are legends.

Q: If your house was burning, which three items would you take outside with you?

A(Liam):  My bass, my dog and any bags or Doritos or tubes of Pringles that are stashed away in the cupboard.

Q: Would you rather play a world tour with Justin Bieber or listen to nothing but Taylor Swift for the rest of your life?

A: Play a world tour with the Bieb!! Playing in front of 30,000 people every day would be more than amazing. Even if they are Beliebers.

Q: Message to your fans:

A: We have a new single coming out at the end of the summer! Keep your eyes peeled! It's quite possibly our best music yet. Peace!

Go follow them on twitter and like them on Facebook !

Interview: Parachutes

Before their show in Stuttgart on May 30th, I sat down with Carsten and David, the two guitarists of Parachutes, and had a little chat. This was my first interview ever, so I'm very grateful for actually getting a chance at all. Since the guys are german, too, we did it in german and for my english-speaking readers I translated everything. Just check the read more!