Star Beat Music

January Update

2012-01-24T12:49:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-19T12:25:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-17T09:36:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-04T08:30:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-04T08:16:00.004-05:00

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:

Vinyl Release: PDF
Vinyl Pre-Order Ad: JPEG
Maxwell's Flyer: JPEG / PDF
Website Link with EP stream: http://soundcloud.com/thosemockingbirds/sets/fa-sol-la
Fa Sol La Pre-Order Store: www.starbeatmusic.bigcartel.com
Facebook Link for Record Release Show: http://www.facebook.com/events/295838167122053/
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

2012-01-01T17:47:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-01T17:30:00.001-05:00

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

2011-12-20T10:00:00.004-05:00

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.

Those Mockingbirds - Fa Sol La 12'' Pre-Orders Available 1/1/2012

2011-12-12T06:00:00.007-05:00

Adam Bird of Those Mockingbirds
approves the test pressing

Last week we approved the gold vinyl test pressing for Those Mockingbird's EP Fa Sol La. The album will be released as a one-sided 12'' record, limited to 300 copies. Preorders will go up on our bigcartel page on January 1, 2012.

Two deluxe pre-order packages will be available. The first package will consist of a black record with a white screenprinted skull on the b-side plus an autographed poster, sticker, and a beer bottle cap keychain (made by Those Mockingbirds own Tory Daines). The second package will feature everything in package one plus an exclusive, limited edition t-shirt. Both packages will be limited to 25. A third item will be a limited edition gold vinyl. All record inserts will be hand-numbered by the band. Pre-orders will be up at http://starbeatmusic.bigcartel.com

You can listen to a stream of the EP at the band’s official website http://www.thosemockingbirds.com

A limited amount of records will be available at Those Mockingbirds vinyl release show on January 20, 2012 at Maxwell's in Hoboken, NJ with Shayfer James and Birdhand.

25 Days of Christmas: Day 2

2011-12-02T22:49:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite releases this year is from the queer, punk band LITTLE VICTORY. They released an awesome 7'' vinyl with four danceable songs that really loosen me up - much like Bodega Girl's music does. Lead singer Zan sounds like Greg Graffin of Bad Religion, and the sound is a sexy, hyper, danceable '80s influenced punk song that hits in all the right places.

Here is a video of for their song "Tigers."

Check out their sweet tunes at littlevictory.bandcamp.com

25 Days of Christmas: Day 1

2011-12-01T18:51:00.000-05:00

I'll post a little something everyday until Christmas.

I've seen Screaming Females almost 20 times in the 3 years I've been a fan. I love seeing them live. But after you've heard them play one of the best shows (Siren Fest) and heard them play their whole discography in a basement in New Brunswick, how can they possibly top that? How can you see another show? They're constantly touring and I'm proud to see how far they've gone.

They'll be back on Feb. 11, 2012 at Music Hall of Williamsburg for the Don Giovanni Showcase. It'll feature Laura Stevenson and the Cans, Shellshag, For Science, and Black Wine. More info here.

Here's an interview I did with Marissa of Screaming Females in 2009. Enjoy!

24 years ago a star was born

2011-11-30T11:11:00.000-05:00

It's my birthday today. I'll be enjoying a sweet cake with chocolate pudding filling, dinner with my best buddies, and a Permanent Wave hosted benefit show for Project Envision of Williamsburg at Death By Audio. The show features my local Brooklyn sweethearts, Aye Nako, along with Claire's Diary, Haybaby, and Puppies. I'm pumped to spend time with some fellow feminist, pop-punk loving friends for a good cause. Now to reflect on this blog.

When I started Star Beat Music in 2008 it was to promote the bands I love. Today Star Beat Music has evolved into a multipurpose music website that serves now as an indie label based in Newark, NJ, a music blog, and consulting service. I'm proud of where we're going and am excited to offer my help to bands whether it's a new release, a publicity campaign, booking a local show, or recommending companies for bands to work with.

The biggest challenge I've discovered so far is trying to remain professional, fair, and still D.I.Y. Maintaining good business ethics while still keeping things do-it-yourself is hard to balance. But I think the key is to understand the project well. Depending on the format of the release, the scoop of the project, and the band, things are different. Each investment requires a certain eye for detail and special attention. Each band has their own needs and it's important for me to figure out what a band wants to get ofeach project. All I ask for is some respect, credit, and thanks. I put my all into this and it's discomforting to know you're not appreciated.

My goal for Winter 2012 is to have three releases out in three different formats (vinyl, cassette tape, and CD). Originally I only wanted to put out one release for fun but this has evolved into something bigger and I'm running with it while I'm head over heads in love with these bands. My first release is a one-sided 12'' EP for Those Mockingbirds “Fa Sol La” out on January 31, 2012.

I'm putting my everything into this venture as an indie label. I'm happy to have Jeff Lambert working with me on the first release. I'm handling pressing, publicity, and mail order, and he's handling marketing and distribution.

Thank you for all the kind words and support. More news and updates to come.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T12:51:00.001-05:00

Thanks to everyone who reads this blog and continues to believe in us.
Also, thanks to Jeff Lambert for stepping in and helping start Star
Beat Music as a label. I couldn't have done it alone. Thanks to
everyone who has listened to Those Mockingbirds, who we're releasing a
12" vinyl for on January 31, 2012. Have a safe, healthy and happy day.

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

2011-11-07T17:35:00.002-05:00

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)

2011-11-03T15:28:00.000-04:00

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.

Star Beat Music to release Those Mockingbirds 12'' on 1/31/12

2011-10-31T13:00:00.013-04:00

Happy Halloween, my fellow readers. It's release announcement day! I am pleased to announce that Star Beat Music's first release will be Montclair, NJ's Those Mockingbirds latest EP Fa Sol La on 12'' vinyl out Jan. 31, 2012.

What's nice about Those Mockingbirds sound is that they keep their music exciting. Out splashes a hardrock song that's covered in so much melody you don't even realize how hard the song really is like on "Coast to Coast." The dual vocals of Adam Bird and Tory Daines match perfectly together, the melodies and guitar riffs soar, and the keyboard and violin adds a nice touch to the songs. They manage to craft together a classical melodic rock sound. I can listen to Fa Sol La all day and not get tired of it.

Vinyl seemed like the appropriate format to release Fa Sol La, given that three members collect vinyl and Star Beat Music loves vinyl. It's both our first time releasing vinyl, so it's a nice match.

“Vinyl is romantic for lack of another word,” Adam 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.”

It's been an amazing experience thus far preparing for this release, from learning about how vinyl is made, researching pressing plants, putting together financial plans, coordinating with the band, coordinating with Jeff Lambert (who has been a great help in pushing this release forward), and getting me back into the spirit of writing about music. The entire effort really highlights my love for music, this band, vinyl. Five months ago I didn't think would actually happen because of my incredibly time consuming work schedule and also, because I felt unprepared for what I was getting myself into. But what I learned is that when you want to do something, you find a way to go through with it. Two months ago my buddy Jeff, who used to play guitar for Exit She Calls contacted me about being interested in starting a label. We touched base, I sent him Those Mockingbirds EP, and he was on board. Next thing you know we're releasing a vinyl!

The 12’’ will be pressed as a one-sided, limited edition of 300 vinyl records on color and black vinyl with a white b-sided screenprint. All records will be hand numbered. You can listen to a stream for the album at the band’s official website and receive a free download of the EP, including a cover of “Break the Chain” by Fleetwood Mac.”

Download: www.thosemockingbirds.com
Stream: http://soundcloud.com/thosemockingbirds/sets/fa-sol-la

Label release details coming

2011-10-21T14:15:00.002-04:00

Good things take time to develop. I know that I teased you about an official announcement for Wednesday but I had to postpone those details. Thankfully I can relax a little knowing that the bulk of the leg work is done already. Planning a vinyl release is nowhere near as easy as planning a cd release. But I'm happy to be involved in the process. I'm doing what I can to make it official but still do-it-yourself without having to tend to many business related matters. I just want the band because they deserve to be heard. I believe in them but they need to believe 1000% in themselves, too. This is about the 1000% heart I'm investing and not the 1000 I'm investing. I want to work with bands I love truly. Bands I can hang with. Bands I'm friends with. Bands I feel comfortable around. Bands that trust me. Bands that understand that it takes both parties to do this. Bands that interact with fans, leave takeaways, give a memorable show and love what they do. Play with bands outside their genre and not always with their friends bands. Bands that friendly. And I'm inching close to that.

The One & Nines: sultry soul to sooth a lovesick heart

2011-10-21T13:43:00.002-04:00

"Do you remember what you did last night? / How you held me tight and shut off your phone, you shook me up, dear, like a grizzly bear / Like you didn't care."

This is from the one and nines new single "Tell Me b/w Make it Easy." "Tell me" is about enjoying the time you have with the one you love. It's about letting you know to tell them you love them when you have the chance. The song is romantic but in a fun way with dual vocals and a sharp sax. It reminds me of the '50s oldies soul I heard on the radio when I was nine.

"Make it Easy" is just as good. It's a sexy number, too. Whereas Tell Me is sung from a guys perspective this one is sung from a woman's perspective. My favorite line is: "If you want it, baby, we can make life so simple / or simply make love...so much harder to give / I know what you want baby and you know what I want, too. so make it easy for me, baby."

Ain't that sweet? If I had a sweetheart I'd play this 45 for them and make a fool out of myself mouthing the lyrics. If that's not one of the cutest things one could do then what's love? One thing I can say is that one and nines get better with each single. I could say like a fine wine but instead I'll say this is a lovely record to enjoy while sipping wine. Have your love flip over the record.

They play at Maxwell's in Hoboken tomorrow with Old Wives. 9pm.

CMJ 2011

2011-10-19T11:05:00.001-04:00

Off to CMJ 2011. http://www.schedule.cmj.com

New direction, big announcement soon

2011-10-17T18:00:00.016-04:00

I'm pleased to announce that after months of planning and a brief hiatus, Star Beat Music is re-launching as a dual music label and blog. When I started this blog it was to write about the bands that I loved. As time went on this changed to writing about bands I received pitches for. Many of them I liked, but my heart wasn’t in it many times and that reflected in my writing. I felt like I was working and it wasn't fun anymore. I didn’t want to let Star Beat Music go, so I took a break and re-evaluate what I wanted to do.

Since I started collecting records two years ago, I had thoughts about releasing a vinyl record. When the necessary tools became available to me the dream seemed more of a reality. So, I decided it was time to get moving. Since April I’ve been thinking of a releasing a vinyl. I simply love music and being able to put my public relations degree and marketing and promotional experience to use makes me really happy.

There was one person that was the most consistent and actually cared enough to follow-up but just enough where it wasn't annoying. They wanted to put out their first vinyl and I wanted to put out my first vinyl. - it was the right fit. As the process continued, I felt overwhelmed. At times, I just want to 86 the whole project or postpone it. In September I received an e-mail from Jeff Lambert, ex-guitarist for Exit She Calls, who expressed interest in starting a label. I was a good fan and friends with Exit She Calls, so I was interested in hearing what he wanted to do. I told him I was talking to a band about a vinyl release and he was immediately intrigued. Since then we’ve teamed up to work on our first release together. I'm excited to be working with someone with a degree in music industry and record label and band experience.

Jeff and I are working hard on a very special vinyl release. Details to come on Wednesday! Also, expect more blog posts coming your way! Thanks for still caring about what I have to say. I'm working on getting back to inquires. Happy CMJ week.

A reflection on this blog

2011-08-30T16:41:00.000-04:00

"Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self."
--Cyril Connolly, English intellectual, literary critic, and writer (1903-1974)

When I first started this blog in March of 2008 I wrote about the bands I enjoyed, the bands I saw, and the music that I listened to. I was writing for myself. I wasn't getting press inquires from band's firms, venues, and labels. I didn't have a Twitter or a Facebook page to plug when I made a new post. I wasn't influenced by what was popular. I went to shows and wrote about my experience. I wrote reviews and said what I thought. I posted news and tour dates. I posted photos of myself with bands. I plugged all the WSOU events, interviews, or happenings I felt like plugging. There was no pressure to write for anyone or impress anyone. I wasn't scared to call something boring, though it did hurt when bands would get offended. I was excited to write about my experiences and thoughts, mostly about bands I liked. The words would come pretty easily to me, too. It was my outlet to take my music fandom to another level. It was fun to me and I was so dedicated.

But today, I receive emails from bands, labels, and publicity firms asking me to review their music, see them at a show, post a video, or whatever. Today, I have music Twitter and Facebook pages to plug my posts. Today I am overwhelmed by all the press inquiries and email I receive as a result. Today I feel like I have
to impress everyone. I feel pressured if I don't write about a band or that I'm ignoring a band if I don't get back to someone. Now, when I write I feel trite, boring (yes, I call myself boring, too), and often can't think of much more to say than "awesome." It's difficult writing when you're asked to cover so much music. The reason I started this blog was because I wanted to promote the music I liked--the bands I discovered on my own through mixtapes, concerts, magazines, online articles, recommendations by friends, etc, not overly verbose, unfocused press pitches and releases that are impersonal, filled with press quotes that mean nothing to me, and lack sophistication. It's just too much. So I've taken a break. I know my lack of posts and plugging has cost me readers, but at the point at which this feels like a job, it's time for a break. I need to re-focus.

There is so much I want to write about and eventually will. Like, Big Eyes recently released a killer LP called "Hard Life" that apparently is selling like crazy and currently sold out for a little bit while Don Giovanni Records gets more in. There's news on the amazing La Dispute's sophomore album, sure not to be a sophomore slump if their single is any indication. What got me into La Dispute was the rawness and vulnerable lyrics. I could write an essay of their first album if I just sat down and focused. The way they touch on fear and love intermixed with their post-hardcore / spoken word style is breathtaking. Then there's Circle Takes the Square upcoming release and new EP. And this is just the beginning. There's also the new awesome new The Shondes LP on Exotic Fever Records, Run For Covers compilation vinyl, RVIVR's upcoming EP on Yo-Yo Records and much more. It's an exciting time. There's so much good new music out or coming out that I'd love to write about, but when I'm ready. It could be tomorrow, it could be next week or longer. I'm not sure. Just be patient. I appreciate everyone that has read this so post so far and who follow my blog. It means a lot.

I have plenty of time on my hands now since I'm not working so often. Hooray for having an events based job. But in the meanwhile I've been researching press plants for a potential upcoming vinyl release, working on a photo zine of my best live band shots, thinking of starting a short punk rock comic stripe (if only I can draw better), and other music and non-music related projects. I want to take more control of what I want to cover. I don't want to completely say that I don't want press inquiries, but at the same time, please understand if I don't write back or aren't interested. I try to make time for everything but sometimes you just have to weed out the crap and focus on what drives you.

Take care everyone.
-Star

8/26 Brick + Mortar, Circada Radio, Those Mockingbirds in Kearny, NJ

2011-08-23T15:19:00.000-04:00

Another show is coming through The Irish in Kearny this Friday. Performing are Brick + Mortar (reggae-rock duo), Circada Radio, Those Mockingbirds, Jaguar Shark, and Bearin' Place. All Ages. 8pm Show. $8. There's free parking and it's easily accesible by bus and PATH Train. FB Invite here. The Irish, 95 Kearny Ave, Kearny, NJ.

Summer Shows

2011-08-22T15:57:00.000-04:00

Sometimes the words just don't come to me or my words sound boring. Maintaining this blog this year has been a struggle, but the last thing I want to do is end this. So here goes something. Big Eyes was supposed to play in Newark yesterday, but the show got cancelled, which was a bummer. Their new album rips. So good. But the day before Yula and eXtended Family played at Hell's Kitchen. It was quite good and I had no problem being the only person dancing in the audience. I'm excited for the Brick City Sound Riot next month, too. Anyway, here's a list of some cool shows I've been to this summer:

KOJI @ Death By Audio
Hundred in the Hands @ Le Poisson Rogue
Good Luck @ Club Europa
RVIVR & Big Eyes @ Silent Barn
La Dispute & Defeater @ The Studio at Webster Hall
God Is An Astronaut @ Bowery Ballroom
Sonic Youth & Wild Flag @ Prospect Park

See Yula and the eXtended Family and Big Eyes this weekend in Newark

2011-08-18T18:54:00.000-04:00

I'm pleased to announce two shows happening in Newark this weekend. It's about time some good rock music comes to Brick City.

Saturday, Aug. 20 is VooDooRock at Hell's Kitchen featuring Brooklyn's multi-instrumental ensemble, Yula and the eXtended family and Shayfer James. $5. 9pm.

Sunday, Aug. 21, a new place called The Bricks Loft is hosting Surf's Up Nebraska, Big Eyes (new release on Don Giovanni called Hard Life), Hermano Stereo, and Boy Things. Party at 7pm, show starts at 8pm, and the it's only $3. More info here.

The Jim Jones Revue's single "High Horse" will get you on your toes

2011-08-10T13:47:00.001-04:00

The Jim Jones Revue brings it back to a time when artists couldn't move their hips. They conjure up the sounds of Elvis and Little Richard for an intense rock'n'roll blast from the past with some wicked fast piano. Their single "High Horse" is an intense rock song you can dance to that's so driving and awesome you can headbag, shake your hips, move your shoulders, clap your hands and as the video indicates, even ballet too. The single will be released on 7'' vinyl on Aug. 23rd and the full-length, Burn Your House Down, is out Sept. 6th on 12" and CD on the aptly named label Punk Rock Blues Records.