Thursday, September 1, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
The Crayon Eaters, Death Letters, Magnuson, & George Orwell Experience @ The Blue Lagoon Monday October 10th
Netherlands
Magnuson
Alternative-Progressive
Los Angeles
Insane prog rock duo that makes as much sound with two people as possible. Blending catchy, dualing vocals with huge guitar tones and fat drum beats, Magnuson forges a sound that will make you sing and dance while leaving you amazed by their instrument-switching antics. Must see live to believe.
George Orwell Experience
Underground Alternative Indie
Santa Cruz
we play music and feel real good about it. maybe we are silly dreamers but we feel we can help heal those who tune in to our vibration. our thing is to play conscious music while retaining the edge of the underground. also our music is danceable and cool.
The Crayon Eaters
Hardcore Punk
Santa Cruz
Hardcore punk band from Santa Cruz, CA. Have been a band now for a couple years and we are really pushing to get as many shows as possible. We are willing to play any time any where.
They're not even allowed in the amazing venues Austin has to offer without supervision, but that didn't keep the Dutch band 'Death Letters' from taking off to Texas when only 18 and 19 years old. They were there for a one sole purpose: recording their second album with one of their favourite producers. This particular producer has worked with bands from the likes of And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, JET, The Datsuns and The Dandy Warhols and rolls by the name of Chris 'Frenchie' Smith.
How they got here? Well, here's the tale of two youngsters chasing their dream in a far-away land.
During the Great Depression of the 30’s, American blues hero Son House wrote and recorded his signature song “Death Letter”. Somewhat 76 years later in 2006, singer/guitarist Jordi “Duende” Ariza Lora (19 yrs old) and drummer Victor Brandt (18 yrs old) borrowed the name for their band, inspired by the song’s characteristic raw emotion and urgent rhythm. Also influenced by groups like The Thermals, Oceansize, Death Cab for Cutie, Cult of Luna and At The Drive-In, Death Letters aren’t even close to their twenties yet, but are already bursting with talent and growing experience.
Hitting it off immediately in their first rehearsal, Jordi and Victor became a tight musical pair and recorded their debut EP “Play it like you mean it” shortly afterwards. The EP was a success receiving excellent reviews.
Things really kicked off when the guys, then aged 15 and 16, entered a band competition and made their first TV appearance. They went for gold and got it; a backstage gig at Holland’s finest summerfestival ‘Pinkpop’. With the media all over them it was time to get serious; that same year they recorded their first full-length album.
Amsterdam based label Cool Buzz soon honed in on the Death Letters powerful sound and dynamic live performances, signed them in a heartbeat and released their debut self titled album in February 2009 throughout The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. The album delivers thirteen solid tracks drenched with rock, blues and a steep dose of punk boiled down to true grittiness written with blood, sweat and the occasional tear.
Gaining more attention with the release of the album, Death Letters began to tour a whole range of venues and festivals including Paradiso, Zwarte Cross and Paaspop, as well as several German stages. The Germans couldn’t get enough of the pair and so Death Letters teamed up with the Stagg-O-Lee Label (partner of the infamous Glitterhouse Records) to release the album in Switzerland, Germany and Austria.
The stage provides Death Letters with a free license to exalt untamed madness through their energetic live sets. Frontman Jordi literally jumps, flies, kicks and dives across the stage never compromising the integral performance of any song. His voice remains sturdy and sharp, his howls perfectly co-ordinating with his skills as a guitarist in spectacular licks. Now add Victor’s loud and incredibly taut drumming and you have a stage performance that impresses contemporaries and creates even more devoted followers.
But you will have to have just a little patience before the band will hit up the stages again. As mentioned Death Letters have just recorded their new album and are currently preparing its release for April 8th 2011. As the band develops, this second album will have a substantially different vibe, drawing more on a complex, psychedelic punk rock sound than the blues rock they started out with.
Watch out for Death Letters – things are only going to get more intense from here..
Magnuson
Alternative-Progressive
Los Angeles
Insane prog rock duo that makes as much sound with two people as possible. Blending catchy, dualing vocals with huge guitar tones and fat drum beats, Magnuson forges a sound that will make you sing and dance while leaving you amazed by their instrument-switching antics. Must see live to believe.
George Orwell Experience
Underground Alternative Indie
Santa Cruz
we play music and feel real good about it. maybe we are silly dreamers but we feel we can help heal those who tune in to our vibration. our thing is to play conscious music while retaining the edge of the underground. also our music is danceable and cool.
The Crayon Eaters
Hardcore Punk
Santa Cruz
Hardcore punk band from Santa Cruz, CA. Have been a band now for a couple years and we are really pushing to get as many shows as possible. We are willing to play any time any where.
Two Headed Spy, Vulture King, & Space Labor Union @ The Blue Lagoon Monday September 26th
Rock
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, CA
We can't figure out if we rock super hard or just have too many friends who don't like to stay home to drink.
We are three guys playing 90s rock in the 2010s trying to balance the absurd with the heavy as f-ing balls. We're playing around San Francisco and the Bay Area AND we're available for bar mitzvahs!
Vulture King
Low - Heavy - Rock
Monterey, CA
We are three guys playing 90s rock in the 2010s trying to balance the absurd with the heavy as f-ing balls. We're playing around San Francisco and the Bay Area AND we're available for bar mitzvahs!
Vulture King
Low - Heavy - Rock
Monterey, CA
Dark and heavy riffage on the cthonically low B, like a vapor of Scandinavian sorrow and garage-flavored rock'n'roll pushing its way into your soul...
VULTURE KING is a low heavy rock band from Monterey, California, driving a sound that mixes hard rock, metal, garage, and gothic, with the slow, low, Rock and Roll pulse of classic foundation bands like Black Sabbath and Witchfinder General. VULTURE KING is fronted by Danny Frank, a passionate baritone. Backing him up is Patrick Golden, pumping out soul-crushing low riffs on a seven-stringed axe and leading with soulful highs. And deep in the rhythm section are the heartbeating thunder of Daniel McCormick on bass and the percussive assault of Steve Lenard on drums.
Space Labor Union
Telepathic NeurojellySpace Labor Union
Santa Cruz, CA
NEIGHBORS CONJOINED, JAMMED, NOW PLAY SHOWS
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
River Whyless, The Ghost Of Wrights, The Getaway Girl, & Redoaks @ The Blue Lagoon Wednesday September 28th
Watch on YouTube: River Whyless @ The Blue Lagoon 9-28-11 part 1/5
Watch on YouTube: The Ghost Of Wrights @ The Blue Lagoon 9-28-11 part 1/2
Watch on YouTube: The Getaway Girl @ The Blue Lagoon 9-28-11 part 1/4
Watch on YouTube: Redoaks @ The Blue Lagoon 9-28-11
Watch on YouTube: The Ghost Of Wrights @ The Blue Lagoon 9-28-11 part 1/2
Watch on YouTube: The Getaway Girl @ The Blue Lagoon 9-28-11 part 1/4
Watch on YouTube: Redoaks @ The Blue Lagoon 9-28-11
Wednesday September 28th 2011
Indie Folk Rock
Boone, North Carolina
"The Self-Made Band" Good Times Article
The Ghost Of Wrights
Folk Rock Experimental
Santa Cruz
"The Self-Made Band" Good Times Article
River Whyless lugs backroads Americana, DIY savvy, and open minds cross-country
The members of River Whyless may be as nervous as they are excited about their forthcoming—and first—nationwide tour, at least according to drummer Alex McWalters. Fortunately, the quartet from Asheville, N.C. hasn’t had much time to fret. "It's all us,” McWalters explains. “We're doing literally everything this time around.”
McWalters and his band mates are so preoccupied with doing everything a record label and a public relations representative would do for a group—conducting interviews, booking gigs, burning CDs, making T-shirts, designing stickers, and redesigning their website—that they haven’t had much time to stress about the cross-country trek, which will make a stop at Streetlight Records and The Blue Lagoon on Wednesday, Sept. 28.
The band decided to drop its record label after the release of its first album, which was recorded under the moniker Do it to Julia. "It was a really frustrating experience all around,” says McWalters, of their former representation. So, they struck out on their own, and so far things have been going well, thanks to the division of labor.
Though most at home behind the drum kit, McWalters has been handling all press matters; Ryan O'Keef—the band's singer and songwriter—is the band's sound engineer, mixing their sophomore record; bassist Matt Rossino is the booking agent; and the group's violinist, Halli Anderson, is working on their website and designing T-shirts and album covers.
The DIY attitude is particularly fitting for River Whyless—the group's homespun folk-rock conjures visions of a hand-stitched quilt, woven with strains of hill-folk fiddle and insulated with wavering gospel organ or smooth slide guitar.
The result is a patchwork of Americana, which is at once reflective of old Appalachian traditions, the folk movement of the ’60s, contemporary alt-country groups, such as the Avett Brothers, and even gives a nod to electronic music.
On tracks like "Implosion" and "Pigeon Feathers," the band breaks into what McWalters calls "a human drum machine"—each member plays his or her own rhythmic portion of a larger beat by clicking sticks or banging on a closet door or trash can. The product is a fragmented, yet cohesive beat, which appears to be produced by a machine, even as the individual sounds are unmistakably organic.
"Percussion is something that we all liked," McWalters says. "We're just trying to keep it fresh insofar as thinking of different ways to express a beat."
The story behind River Whyless' tour also fits into the narrative of a self-made band. After a serendipitous meeting at a bluegrass showcase in Manhattan, a promoter from San Francisco's Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival asked the group to play this year.
McWalters says that the entire tour sprung up from the chance encounter. Rossino started booking shows—a line of more than 30 gigs from their home near the Blue Ridge Mountains, all the way to the foggy polo grounds of Golden Gate Park, and back.
"I'm still trying to wrap my head around it a little bit," McWalters says of the tour. "I don't really know how it happened to us."
He and his band mates are just thankful to have the opportunity. Even if they don't see a return on their investment, McWalters says, that was never the point.
"We're going to have a few songs to give out, meet some cool people, and play some shows," he says. "We're keeping our minds open, and we're excited to see what the rest of the country looks like."
Maybe they'll find a new home, he muses, sounding like a rambling musician. "It's not something we've talked about at length, but there's nothing stopping us from making a move."
River Whyless performs at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28 at Streetlight Records, 939 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. No Cover. The band also plays at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28 at The Blue Lagoon, 923 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. Tickets are $5. 423-7117.
The Ghost Of Wrights
Folk Rock Experimental
Santa Cruz
The Getaway Girl
Pop and ambient theatric sounds
Pop and ambient theatric sounds
923 PACIFIC AVE
SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060
DOORS 8:00
SHOW 9:00
Vanishing Breed, Strelka, Mon Pubis, & Down Dirty Shake @ The Blue Lagoon Wednesday September 21st
Watch on YouTube: Vanishing Breed @ The Blue Lagoon 9-21-11
Watch on YouTube: Strelka @ The Blue Lagoon 9-21-11
Watch on YouTube: Mon Pubis @ The Blue Lagoon 9-21-11
Watch on YouTube: Down Dirty Shake @ The Blue Lagoon 9-21-11 part 1/2
Watch on YouTube: Strelka @ The Blue Lagoon 9-21-11
Watch on YouTube: Mon Pubis @ The Blue Lagoon 9-21-11
Watch on YouTube: Down Dirty Shake @ The Blue Lagoon 9-21-11 part 1/2
Wednesday September 21st 2011
Soul
Merced/San Francisco/Rohnert Park
Old Arc, Hawk Jones, B L Z R S, & The Terrible @ The Blue Lagoon Wednesday October 5th
Wednesday October 5th 2011
Psych Funk Trip Hop Visual
Santa Cruz, CA
Rock
San Jose, CA
Post-Punk Hip Hop Nu-Metal
Santa Cruz, CA
Urban Distress
Santa Cruz, CA
INFAMOUS BAND, MLY CREW, SCO, ROSS ROCK, RUBBA TUNG, & LP @ The Blue Lagoon Friday, September 16th
Friday September 16th 2011
SCO
ROSS ROCK
LP
923 PACIFIC AVE
SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060
DOORS 8:00
SHOW 9:00
Eviscerate, Fiends At Feast, Entragian, Giant Of The Mountain, & Gods In Graves @ The Blue Lagoon Wednesday September 14th
Death Metal
Santa Cruz, CA
We are a santa cruz death metal band that has been at it for a while now, we are always looking to play shows, and more you love us the faster we play.
Balckened Death Metal
Santa Cruz, CA
Striking a luciferian bargain between black and death metal, Fiends at Feast sound like the hellish, gruesome aftermath of a street fight between Deicide and Marduk. The commanding, vicious vocals are a hateful diatribe against the feeble Nazarene, while the razor-wire guitars slash at his wrists and the rhythm section smashes his skull to smithereens. This is not the monotonous, over-produced faux-extreme metal that gets shoved down our throats on a daily basis. This is the real shit, the shit that makes you remember what you liked about black/death metal in the first place. It’s rough and hungry and reeks of a band putting their blood, sweat and even more blood into mastering their craft.
Death Metal
Santa Cruz, CA
In the summer of 1998, ENTRAGIAN (pronounced En-tray-jen) founding members, guitarists Matt Kotila, Phil Hoey, drummer Logan Kroeber and bassist Nate Kotila comprised a catalog of brutally raw, technically exhausting instrumentals, refining their skills performing for dives and local house parties. With the addition Max Eicholz on vocals, ENTRAGIAN would draw first blood at the Aptos Club October 13th, 2001. In 2003 unleashing the ROBES EP, recorded and co-produced by Zach Ohren, and a never-released/completed full-length album. ENTRAGIAN would go on to play countless shows in the bay area sharing the stage with the likes of Avenged Sevenfold, Cattle Decapitation, Animosity and Origin, taking third place at the 2002 104.3 KMBY(the X) sponsored Battle of the Bands. Nate and Kroeber's departure in 2003 would slience ENTRAGIAN for almost 2 years, before an unannounced reunion on the same blood-stained stage where it all began. With drum-phenom Jimmy Giovacchini respectfully replacing Kroeber and Reuben Case completing the line-up, prepare for the UPCOMING NEW RELEASE
Blackened Progressive Sludge Metal
Plano, TX
Like the beast of seven heads emerging from the darkest depths of the ocean, Giant of the Mountain has ascended upon mankind with its Crushing delivery of Blackened Progressive Sludge metal
Black Metal Doom Metal Death Metal
Salinas, CA
Gods in Graves formed in late 2007 under the name Skin Canvas. Since then they have been putting on shows in the Monterey County area and in the Santa Cruz area. Debut album is in the works.
Skinny Ricky & The Casual Encounters, Done Beginner, & Hermit Convention @ The Blue Lagoon Wednesday September 7th
Soul R&B
Santa Cruz, CA
Acoustic Experimental Rock
Santa Cruz, CA
lo-fi indie anti-folk pop punk
Santa Cruz, CA
The Elected Officials, Hate For State, The Blank Manuscript, & Hierosonic @ The Blue Lagoon Monday September 12th
Monday September 12th 2011
Punk Rock
Santa Fe, NM
Oldschool political punkrock from New Mexico. We rant about corporate corruption in governments all over the world, not mutually exclusive of our home country, the USA. We live in Santa Fe, New Mexico. A state plagued with nepotism, corruption, corporate irresponsibility, home of the A-Bomb and plenty of other social dilemas. See our lyrical content to see what we really think..
Punk Hard Rock
Salinas, CA
Born at the turn of the millenium, HFS began playing shows before all members were old enough to be in the bars. Recording their first demo in their studio in the summer of '99. HFS has since recorded 2 more demos titled "Moving On" and "Padded Room" and 1 full length titled " Just Begun" released in 2007. HFS has toured the western US including CA, NV, OR, AR, NM and TX and has been featured on AMP TV, 103.9fm Santa Cruz X, and has played festivals including: Monterey Rock and Art Festival mainstage 4 years in a row, Salinas Growers Berry Bash 2010, The End '05 movie premiere and has placed top 10 in Your Music Magazines Battle of the Bands and Music Olympics events. Currently working on their 2nd full length album (not yet titled) set to release early 2011.
The Blank Manuscript
Progressive / Experimental
Progressive / Experimental
San Jose, CA
The Blank Manuscript is a band that has total disregard for the typical music structure of intro, verse, chorus, and outro. The Blank Manuscript incorporates a mix of rhythms from jazz, blues, metal, indie, cumbias, and more into their music. The songs address a combination of the band member’s philosophies about life, perspectives on social issues, and each individual’s personal experiences, as well as random thoughts. The Blank Manuscript started in the summer of 2005 with members José Leyva (guitar and vocals), Christian Montiel (drums), Matt Gonzales (keyboards), and Eduardo Daniel Montelongo (bass). Check out the The Blank Manuscript LIVE!!! Their shows are energetic, psychedelic, and powerful.
Hierosonic
Alternative / Rock / Industrial / Electro-Pop / Experimental
Harrisburg, PA
"All your leaders fail to lead you when your lovers fail to love" -- says Hierosonic on their latest album, with no shortage of thought-provoking messages, dirty bass lines, and pop hooks. Originally conceived in 2002 out of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the band's steady career has spanned more than 9 years and several hundred performances, solidifying the band as a staple within the realm of underground rock music.
The Blank Manuscript is a band that has total disregard for the typical music structure of intro, verse, chorus, and outro. The Blank Manuscript incorporates a mix of rhythms from jazz, blues, metal, indie, cumbias, and more into their music. The songs address a combination of the band member’s philosophies about life, perspectives on social issues, and each individual’s personal experiences, as well as random thoughts. The Blank Manuscript started in the summer of 2005 with members José Leyva (guitar and vocals), Christian Montiel (drums), Matt Gonzales (keyboards), and Eduardo Daniel Montelongo (bass). Check out the The Blank Manuscript LIVE!!! Their shows are energetic, psychedelic, and powerful.
Hierosonic
Alternative / Rock / Industrial / Electro-Pop / Experimental
Harrisburg, PA
"All your leaders fail to lead you when your lovers fail to love" -- says Hierosonic on their latest album, with no shortage of thought-provoking messages, dirty bass lines, and pop hooks. Originally conceived in 2002 out of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the band's steady career has spanned more than 9 years and several hundred performances, solidifying the band as a staple within the realm of underground rock music.
923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Doors 8:00
Show 9:00
Monday, August 22, 2011
Stash Brownstone, Steven Griswold And The California Convoy, John Miller, & Gabriel Miller Phillips @ The Blue Lagoon Friday, September 2nd
Friday September 2nd 2011
Santa Cruz
Folk / Rock
Santa Cruz
Folk / Rock
Santa Cruz
Folk / Acoustic
Brooklyn, NY
Indie Dream Folk
923 PACIFIC AVE
SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060
DOORS 8:00
SHOW 9:00
Saturday, August 13, 2011
BEERIJUANA, BOARHUNTER, & A THOUSAND SHALL FALL @ The Blank Club Friday, August 19th 2011
Friday August 19th 2011
SAN JOSE
STONER METAL
SAN JOSE
PUNK
SANTA CRUZ
METAL
44 South Almaden Avenue
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 292-5265
Saturday, August 6, 2011
In Times Of Triage III - Urgence Médico-Psychologique: THE BACK UP RAZOR NEW ALBUM OUT AUGUST 15th 2011 on ITCHY METAL ENTERTAINMENT
Rock / Punk
Santa Cruz / San Francisco
IME’s NorCal Punkers “THE BACKUP RAZOR” prepare for their much awaited full album release entitled “IN TIMES OF TRIAGE” due out August 15th. Available at all digital retailers world-wide and on the official IME Merch Store. Check ‘em out today!
As the latest Punk addition to Itchy Metal, rebel quartet "The Backup Razor" is an established entity on the Santa Cruz music scene, both as a member of the artist community and driver of the scene...
With many groups including The Avengers, The Nuns, Mutants, The Offs, and the Dead Kennedys having built thriving careers out of northern California, the Bay Area is no stranger to Punk Rock. Abundant in arts and culture, it makes sense that local geography continues to birth an unstoppable, underground movement abundant in Punk.
Included in the mix is Santa Cruz’s “The Backup Razor”, an eclectic group fueled by a love for “what they do” and propelled by a mission to keep the local music scene alive. Front-man Jesse Williams is the voice behind the band, supported by Nick Hardesty on guitar, David Montanari on drums and Jeff Badagliacca on bass.
Driven by a genuine passion for expression, TBR has a resume that would put some of the most tenured bands to shame. Sharing stage with literally hundreds of artists and myriads of venues, the rebel quartet has become an established entity across the region as a member and driver on the local scene.
“If you’re trying to make an impact, it’s not enough to make music and hope that something is going to happen,” states Ed Fassio, founder and President of Itchy Metal Entertainment – a Los Angeles-based indie music label who knows a thing or two about staying active. “Live performance is one part of it, but equally important are your community affairs and industry associations. The Backup Razor is a prime example of true involvement. IME is as much concerned with finding great music as we are at finding great people that perpetuate the movement. In TBR, we’re very fortunate to have found both.”
Fassio was introduced to The Backup Razor through Gruesom Grimp, a fellow Bay Area musician and manager of Itchy Metal Artist, A Band of Orcs. Always keeping an eye out for great additions to the growing label’s artist and partner community, Grimp spoke highly of the band’s showmanship and contributions on the local scene. Shortly after, he provided links to their material which sparked both interest and curiosity.
Fassio was introduced to The Backup Razor through Gruesom Grimp, a fellow Bay Area musician and manager of Itchy Metal Artist, A Band of Orcs. Always keeping an eye out for great additions to the growing label’s artist and partner community, Grimp spoke highly of the band’s showmanship and contributions on the local scene. Shortly after, he provided links to their material which sparked both interest and curiosity.
Regarding TBR’s vocalist (Jesse Williams), Grimp adds, “I always call him one of the hardest working guys in Santa Cruz. [As a partner in music] he’s one of the best we’ve had.”
Itchy Metal’s rapid expansion is due in-part to a strong community of artists bonded by a love for music, appreciation of art and dedication to make a difference. It was natural that both IME and TBR culture would be instantly compatible. “There is a perfect combination of elements at work here,” adds Fassio. “Along with great music, we’ve found a very strong music activist and keen business group. That’s a great foundation for future success.”
The Backup Razor plans multiple projects with Itchy Metal which include some well strategized release plans, promotion and performance opportunities. Fans can expect great, original things from this new combination.
Itchy Metal Entertainment is a Las Vegas, NV - based music production company, specializing in artist dev, talent scouting, music recording, producing and distribution as well as internet marketing campaigns and strategies. Visit www.itchymetal.comPurchase On Amazon.com
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