TOP 7 under the radar bands OF 2016 By: Angela Kastrunes
P
unk-rock bands from all over have become musical phenomenons. Bands like Blink 182, Weezer, Panic! At the Disco, and more have had major impacts on the music industry, yet they did not start out on top. Take for example Panic! At The Disco; they started out with a few songs/playing in their garage. Having confidence in their music, they sent their idol (Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy) a message stating why their band was better than his, with a link to songs, and were eventually signed by him. Crazy huh? The point is, your favorite band started somewhere whether it was playing in their high school quad, for weddings, even underage at bars. Alternative Press is sharing their top seven under-the-radar finds of 2016.
3 PM From: Baltimore, MD Formed: 2012 What do you get when you combine the sounds of We the Kings, The Maine, and Mayday Parade? The answer is the latest pop-punk trio straight out of Baltimore better known as 3pm. Formed in 2012, Scott Montgomery, Brennan Stark, and Brandon Millman set off to make music like some of their favorite bands like All Time Low, 5 Seconds of Summer, and State Champs. The group recorded their first album, Change of Plans, in early 2013, and simultaneously released their hit single, Perfect For Me. In mid-2014 the group headed back to the studio to record with well-known producer Paul Leavitt (who produced All Time Low’s earlier albums). 3pm has had the chance to open for their idols All Time Low, perform at Warped Tour, and play at Jack Barakat’s bar The Rockwell. Currently the pop-punk trio is recording a brand new album in LA with well-known producer Matt Squire who has produced breakout albums for One Direction, Boys Like Girls, Ariana Grande, and many more.
UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA From: AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND Formed: 2010 Featuring a Psychedelic-Midwestern sound, it’s only fitting that the band was formed in Portland, Oregon. Members Ruban Nielson, Jacob Portrait, Riley Geare, and Quincy McCrary look up to music legends including Wu Tang Clan, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin. Their music like hit single multi-love will make you wish you were at Woodstock! Their newest album is a must have addition to your road trip playlist!
SWMRS From: Oakland, CA Formed: 2004 If The Beach Boys and Green Day had a baby, it would likely sound like SWMRS. The punk rock band formed in Oakland, California in 2004. Cole Becker, Max Becker, Joey Armstrong, and Seb Mueller. Notice a familiar last name in the mix? Joey Armstrong is son of Green Day front man Billie Joe Armstrong. It’s obvious that talent runs in the family. SWMRS has been lucky enough to have Joey’s legendary father produce a few of their albums. The band has been hard at work producing music and headlining their own US tour. We think these guys have a bright future ahead of themselves, and cannot wait to see what they do next.
COLONY HOUSE From: Franklin, TN Formed: 2009 The three piece indie rock band from Franklin, Tennessee is made up of members Caleb Chapman, Will Chapman, and Scott Mills. With a sound similar to Neon Trees and The Killers, music fans everywhere are sure to fall in love with Colony House. Naming the band after an apartment complex each band member once lived in, they are able to bring a bit of home along with them while touring the world. Currently the indie rockers are on a European tour, and hope to return to the states to make some new music very soon!
THE CHANCE From: Baltimore, MD Formed: 2010 Baltimore, MD is home to so many famous pop-punk bands. Musicians like Good Charlotte, All Time Low, and Ballyhoo! had their start playing in local venues in the metro area. The band has a sound similar to Bowling for Soup, Jimmy Eat World, New Found Glory, and Blink-182. Finishing up their college education, the band is not currently touring, but plays local venues in the DMV area. We’re wishing these guys nothing but luck through their musical journey.
SON LUX From: New York City, NY Formed: 2008
Forming in 2008, Rafiq Bhatia, Ian Chang, and Ryan Lott have grown as a band tremendously since. The rock/jazz/techno infused band seems to be everywhere these days. First, releasing a track on The Fault and Our Stars soundtrack, and their recent Easy collaboration with music sensation Lorde, we cannot seem to get enough of the intricate hipsters! With a strong influence on the UK music scene, the trio will be touring
SUNDIAL KINGS From: Savannah, GA Formed: 2015 Forming just over a year ago, this Savannah, GA based stoner-punk band is grabbing the attention of fans everywhere. David Frey, Devin Moore, Dylan Lukitsch, Jeff Schwoob, and Travis Troutt have written over ten songs together, With musical influences of Led Zeppelin, T-Rex, Black Sabbath, and White Stripes we’re predicting this isn’t the last time we’ll be talking about these guys. Sundial Kings scored a spot in Savannah Stopover Music Festival (the biggest rock festival in the south) and plan to tour throughout the southern states this summer.
THE MOST
ANTICIPATED CONCERTS
WORTH BREAKING THE BANK BY: ANGELA KASTRUNES
W
ith the rise in pirated music, bands and musicians everywhere struggle to make money throughout the industry. Band merchandise and guest appearances are two of the top money makers for performers, but the largest point of sales are concerts. Concerts give fans the chance to not only listen to their favorite musicians perform, but have also become one of the biggest social gatherings in towns all over the world. Concerts aren’t all about the music anymore. Fashion, social media, and weekend getaways have become major factors into the decision making of attending multiple concerts a year.
As shown on our website in the past, we have been able to capture the hottest trends through tours, music festivals, and intimate acoustic shows. Focusing on old and new trends, it gives you all the chance to narrow down your outfit choice for the hottest music events of the year. Through social media, concerts not only document their experience watching the show, but the lucky few that are able to snap a selfie with their favorite artists give their followers major fomo. Years ago, people would sulk around if their favorite artist didn’t announce a tour date in their local city. However, now people travel countless hours to see a
concert, and think nothing of making a weekend trip out of it. This gives fans the chance to attend their dream concert AND escape reality for a day or two. We’re bringing you all an exclusive look into some of the hotte st tours of the year.
TWENTY ONE PILOTS Popular Tour Cities: Chicago, Cleveland, Orlando, Austin,Portland,San Diego
The guys from Twenty One Pilots have been busy at work, promoting their chart-topping hits. Currently, they are touring in South America, but will be back to touring in the states all summer long/the beginning of fall.
MAYDAY PARADE AND THE MAINE Popular Tour Cities: Memphis, Louisville, Baltimore, Providence, Grand Rapids, Omaha
Mayday Parade has been touring for almost a year long. Teaming up with The Maine, they’re bringing new music, a different fan-base, as well as a great time. Be sure to check out their spring/ summer tour.
BRAND NEW / MODEST MOUSE Popular Tour Cities: Miami, Birmingham, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Berkeley, Seattle
What a throwback! Almost everyone can say they jammed out to “float on” at some point in their life. This summer tour sold thousands of tickets within their first day. We cannot wait to see the fan’s reactions all over social media for this show!
BRING ME THE HORIZON Popular Tour Cities: Nashville, Atlanta, Jacksonville, DC, Indianapolis, St. Louis
BMTH has been touring for over a year, and they don’t plan on taking a break anytime soon. This past year, they spent time in South America and Europe, and will be touring the states all summer long!
5 SECONDS OF SUMMER Popular Tour Cities: Syracuse, New York City, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Tulsa, Denver
The Australian rock band made up of Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, Calum Hood, and Ashton Irwinhave been touring internationally for almost a year, but are spending their summer months performing all over the US. Since tickets have been sold out for over 6 months for most summer dates, it may be hard to get your hand on a pair, but that’s what stubhub is for, right?
WEEZER / PANIC! AT THE DISCO Popular Tour Cities: Charleston, New Orleans, Raleigh, Virginia Beach, Pittsburgh, Dallas
Almost selling out during presale, the Weezer/PATD! Tour is sure to be one of the hottest this summer. Two bands with different fan-bases is sure to create an interesting dynamic within the audience. We cannot wait to see how this turns out!
READING LEADS Location: Reeding, UK Like we said, people will go almost ANYWHERE for a good concert/ festival…..So we think UK isn’t out of the question. Especially with the headlining bands, Fall out Boy, The 1975, Twenty One Pilots, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and more are sure to draw in a large international base. Consider this one of your bucket list shows, and head to the UK as a perfect end-of-summer show.
FIREFLY MUSIC FESTIVAL Location: The Woodlands, DE The highly-anticipated east-coast festival is back, bringing you some of the hottest artists. Pack your bags, and get ready to camp in the woodlands of Delaware for one of the most talked about weekends this summer. Prepare to hear artists like Mumford and Sons, Kings of Leon, The 1975, Death Cab for Cutie, and most importantly the reunion we’ve all been waiting for BLINK 182!
MISSING YOU: A look at All Time Low’s Past, Present, and Future BY: ANGELA KASTRUNES
R
ewind to ten years ago: PunkRock is in its prime (even considered mainstream), Switchfoot, AFI, and Brand New had just released amazing albums, and most importantly, All Time Low was making their way onto the music scene. Alex, Jack, Rian, and Zack formed their band in 2003, while attending high school in Towson, MD. At this point, they were playing shows at a local venue called The Recher. In order for smaller bands like All Time Low (at the time) to be able to perform, they were required to sell a set amount of tickets to fill the place. The guys would sell to classmates, random mall patrons, and people waiting in line for
other concerts at local venues. The punk-rock industry was filled with so many talented bands at this time, making it almost impossible to stand out, but that wasn’t the case for All Time Low. Was it their good looks, amazing personalities, or the ability to make every show feel like a “Project X” type of party which made them favorable of among teens/young adults everywhere? ATL concerts got fans everywhere talking. After completing a summer tour before the end of their high school careers, something HUGE happened. The band was signed to Hopeless Records. They released their first EP titled Put Up or Shut Up in 2006 which includes some
of the band’s most notable tracks. Five albums later, and 10 years of basically non-stop touring, the guys of ATL have come a long way since their days of playing in church basements, and their yearly Baltimore Holiday show. MTV appearances, making it onto the Now That’s What I Call Music CDs,
“I thought it was awesome to see my best friends host, as well as Rian and I winning our awards”
and an ABC Family movie deal are only a few of the great accomplishments the band has received over the past decade. But one of ATL’s most memorable accomplishments was hosting/ opening the Alternative Press Music Awards last summer. “We couldn’t believe Alt Pres asked Jack and me to host the award show” Alex Gaskarth, the lead singer of ATL said while swishing his drink around in his glass. Rian, ATL’s drummer intervened saying, “I’m pretty sure they were backups. I mean, who wants to hear them talk that long?” I thought it was awesome to see my best friends host, as well as Rian and I winning our awards, Zack, the bassist said with a shy grin, while sitting on the edge of a black leather couch. Though being a musician seems to have its perks, there are obviously some disadvantages. One in particular being their intense schedule. As stated above, All Time Low has essentially been touring/recording new music non-stop for a decade. This
“Jason was such a great musician. He actually play all of the piano and strings for our acoustic version of Cinderblock Garden. We’re so thankful to have had him create such beautiful music with us”
can come with some complications. In November 2015, the guys were wrapping up part two of their U.S. Future Hearts Tour. During the last few shows, Jason Gaviati (also known as Gavi), best friend/collaborator to the band passes away after battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Though heartbroken over the news, the guys knew they couldn’t let down their fans. “We know he would have wanted us to continue with the tour, and that’s exactly what we did” Alex said while gripping his acoustic guitar. He continued, “Jason was such a great musician. He actually play all of the piano and strings for our acoustic version of Cinderblock Garden. We’re so thankful to have had him create such beautiful music with us.” The day after Gavi’s death, the boys had a special show planned in Sayreville, NJ which not only included the regular tunes of the
tour, but also their entirety of their first record. Jack Barakat, lead guitarist said, “It was one of the best shows we’ve played in such a long time, and it was definitely needed after the recent tragedy.” With such an intense 10 year schedule, you would think the band would be going on hiatus for a bit. However, it seems to be the total opposite, Alex Gaskarth will be marrying
his high school sweetheart, and when asked about the possibility of a new album, the guys looked at one another, and responded, “You’ll have to stay tuned for that one, or follow Jack on twitter. He spoils all of our surprises on social media.
HOW TO DRESS
like your favo WRITTEN AND STYLED BY:ANGELA KASTRUNES PHOTOGRAPHY BY: KATIE FREZZA
orite rockstar EVERY DAY
P
unk-rock celebrities have a distinctive style. While some stick to the “black on black” color pallet, others have a killer fashion sense. Though Alternative Press isn’t a fashion magazine, we believe fashion has become such an important aspect of the music industry. We’ve featured the top five fashion icons of the punk industry, and how to incorporate their style within your everyday attire.
Hayley Williams
H
ayley is the queen of punk-rock. With her killer vocals and amazing sense of style, she is sure to be a fashion inspiration to many teens/ young adults. Her top-knot mohawk is an easy alternative to the traditional mohawk, without having to drastically change your hair. Throw on a simple crop top and midi-skirt, and you’re set to channeling your inner punk-rock princess.
ANDY BLACK
A
ndy Biersack (also known as Andy Black) is the lead singer of the band Black Veil Brides. Andy is a major heartthrob in the punk music industry. His fashion sense is so diverse from his fellow band members and friends. Even though Andy’s clothing usually consists of black-on-black, he styles himself more as a model, and less as a typical hardcore rocker. Andy’s style is favorited by so many, he has actually been featured in Italian Vogue. To emulate his sleek style, pair a black turtleneck with some slacks, and throw on a statement leather jacket to complete the look.
JULIET SIMMS
A
s the runner up on season two of The Voice, it is no surprise that Juliet would break out onto the professional music scene. Juliet was known as the sexy rocker chick on the hit reality show, and has continued to keep up that images as the lead singer of her band Automatic Loveletter. With a clean Cortney Love-like style, Juliet is considered a sex symbol of the punk-rock industry. Rocking a LBD (little black dress) tights, and pastel hair you are sure to look edgy, yet girlie at the same time.
RIVERS CUOMO
R
ivers and his band Weezer have been a part of the music scene for almost 30 years. Through those three decades, Rivers has always kept a consistent style of nerdy-chic. Imitating his style is quite simple. Throwing on a pair of jeans, t-shirt, and a flannel or sweater vest on tip to stay comfortable, yet cute.
TYLER JOSEPH
T
he quirky persona of Tyler Joseph (lead singer of twenty one pilots) definitely shines throughout his attire. Tyler is always known for his wacky button-downs, usage of bright colors, and outlandish pairings. To wear a toned down version of Tyler’s look, opt for an eccentric button-down, neutral bottoms, and most importantly great hair.