Issue #1

HIGHLIGHT

MAGAZINE

anarbor // cassadee pope // dave melillo // you me at six & MORE

silverstein together for 10 years and there is still more to come

INSIDE FEATURES

8 silverstein

Been together forever and still writing music.

Silverstein sat down to chat with Highlight about “Short Songs� and what is in the future for the band.

HIGHLIGHT MAGAZINE

INSIDE FEATURES

5 venue highlight

16 cassadee pope

6 current trends

18 dave melillo

7 about the ink

20 you me at six

Ever wanted to go to the NorVA? Never heard of the Norva? Check our the Venue Highlight to learn a bit more.

Highlight sat down with Samii Ryan to discuss how she became a brand and what’s in store for the future.

Every wanted to know what your favorite band members favaorite tattoo means to them? Highlight chatted with the boys in Anarbor about their favorite tattoos.

14 anarbor

From losing a band member and releasing a new single, Anarbor has had a pretty busy 2012, but we have the down-low for future plans!

A newly solo Cassadee sat down with Highlight to discuss her future touring and recording plans.

24 show recap

If you had to see any artist this winter season, DRUGS and A Day To Remember had to be on that list. Check out Highlight’s review of these legendary shows.

You may see Dave playing guitar with Anarbor, but he is still a solo recording artist Need new music to listen to? who is excited for the future.

Our album reviews should help you make a decision!

Trying to gain fame in America is hard, especially when it is completely different over the pond. You Me At Six fills us in on what it’s like becoming a well-known band in America.

22 dante

Dante is busy running a promotions company and touring as a live DJ, but what else is in store for him? Check in to find out.

26 album reviews THank you

We would like to send out a big thank you to Dave Melillo, EMI Records, Hopeless Records, Samii Ryan, Times 10 Management and Working Group Artist Management as well as all the bands that took time out of their busy schedules to work with us.

Also, thank you to everyone who supported us through this journey and we hope you stick around for many more issues to come.

INSIDE PHOTOGRAPHS page 12-13

the cab you me at six House of Blues, Anaheim, CA, Catherine Khom

Chain Reaction, Anaheim, CA, Nicole Busch

lights dave melillo Le Cercle, Quebec, Canada, Charlie Martel Mojoes, Joliet, IL, Ashley Osborn cassadee pope Beat Kitchen, Chicago, IL, Cara Bahniuk

twin atlantic Chain Reaction, Anaheim, CA, Catherine Khom

anarbor Mojoes, Joliet, IL, Ashley Osborn

hit the lights House of Blues, Chicago, IL, Ashley Osborn

Want to advertise with us?

Contact press@highlightmagazine.net.

HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.NET - 3

HIGHLIGHT MAGAZINE

HIGHLIGHT STAFF Press & Publicity – Head Photographer – Co-Founder Ashley Osborn

Editor - Writer – Co-Founder McKenzie Hughes

Production – Art Director – Layout & Design Cara Bahniuk

Contributing Photographers

Derrick Austinson, Lauren Brown, Nicole Busch, Lori Gutman, Catherine Khom, Erica Livoti, Charlie Martel, Tara Novak, Josh Olson, Heather Phillips and Brittney Tambeau

Contributing writers

Liz Brossard, Heather Houghton, Logan Kant, Jessica Klinner, Sophie McCaul, Jade Middleditch, Kristy Siciliano, Brian Sykes, and Patrick Quiring

Letters from staff

“

Woah! Ashley Osborn here.

Highlight Magazine. Where do I begin? After years of working, writing and shooting bands for a ton of incredible websites and outlets, I finally got the courage to start up my own. It’s been a crazy few months but this issue that you’re reading right now makes it all worth it! I hope that starting now Highlight will be a source for you to connect to bands and artists like you never have before.

Music is great… we all know this. Never be afraid to love all of it at once. Open your mind to everything around you and take it all in. Music has no limits and neither do you. Thank you for giving us a chance and for helping me live out a goal that I’ve had for a very long time. I hope you find that the words and images in this magazine help you connect and expand your mind to something brand new. - Ashley Osborn

”

4 - HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.net

“

A few months ago, Ashley asked me to help out on a webzine project of hers by taking the role of Art and Production Director. I automatically said yes but I never imagined it turning into this first issue you are viewing now. We have put in so much blood, sweat and tears into this first issue, learning how to do everything from scratch by ourselves and staying up till the wee hours of the morning doing so. I hope you all enjoy everything we have put into this issue and will stick around for the many more to come. We wanted to create a magazine that everyone can enjoy and I hope you agree that we are working towards that goal. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing and helping us to do what we love. I owe all of this to you and to everyone who has ever supported me in my crazy endeavors over the past few years.

- Cara Bahniuk

”

“

Our original intent with Highlight Magazine was to share our passions regarding music. Although now, I am aware that it has become much greater than that. All from a friendly dinner at Chili’s, Ashley, Cara, and I made something positive happen through allowing the sparks in our mind to come to life.

I anticipate great moments in our future as co-workers, friends, and for Highlight as a family. While we are young, we are chasing our dreams, and that is something that I hope each reader takes into consideration for their future.

Graciously, I thank everyone who has been positively influencing our community and has been patient for our growth. I truly believe the ‘wrists of steel’ attitude I possess has come to life, and I thank each person who has been along for the ride during my journey this far in life.

- Mckenzie Hughes

”

venue highlight the norva - norfolk, virginia History:

Why Play Here?

Notable March Shows:

The NorVa originally opened in 1917. It has served as a classical movie theater and eventually an athletic club. In 1998, it was closed for renovations and was then turned into the amazing venue it is now. With a capacity of 1500, this venue can cater to a wide variety of artists.

Psh, why not play here? The NorVa caters to bands by providing catering, a rec room full of games, a dining room, huge TV’s, multiple dressing rooms, a living room, laundry facilities and more! The NorVa is your home away from home.

March 6th – Chevelle/Middle Class Rut

March 7th – Mayday Parade/We The Kings

March 24th – Trivium/Asking Alexandria

March 25th – The Devil Wears Prada

HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.NET - 5

HIGHLIGHT MAGAZINE

TRENDS YOU’LL LOVE

Three years ago in her hometown of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Samii Ryan began playing around with adding feather accents to common accessories. Now, taking the role of owner, creator and designer under the name By Samii Ryan, the company has far exceeded her expectations.

How did By Samii Ryan come about?

I started By Samii Ryan in 2009 after I graduated high school. My mom used to have a hand painted t-shirt business called By Cheryl, so I took her name and made it By Samii Ryan. I started by creating feather fascinator headbands, but then started to make the into hair clips and earrings.

Everything kind of took off from there. I started to send pieces out to celebrities and the feedback I got from them was great. Ke$ha wore my single earring during her the 2011 NYE Show with Ryan Seacrest, that was awesome. By Samii Ryan then traveled to SXSW Style X, Bonnaroo, and Warped Tour. Just getting my name out there was the most important thing. Then Nordstrom cold emailed us and said they think we would be great in their store, so I jumped on the opportunity and have been working with Nordstrom for about a year.

What you feel your brand represents?

By Samii Ryan is a culturally inspired brand that is worn on trendsetters and celebrities alike. I think my pieces are very trendy and in for the boho, hipster, hippie chic look. Feathers are so versatile and can be worn with an everyday outfit. My pieces can really spice up any attire, and bring attention to your accessory.

6 - HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.net

Why did you start By Samii Ryan?

I have always loved design and I am obsessed with accessories, so it all made sense to me.

What are your three favorite designs?

I love the new Tan Beaded Single Earring that I co-designed with Mandy Jiroux of BG5, I think it will be an amazing seller. I also love the Bluebird Earring Chloe Bridges and I co-designed. The new celebrity collaboration pieces are really fun and come out at the end of January. I am really excited about them right now. My new line for By Samii Ryan will be released late Feb, early March!

Why people should check out your brand?

If you are an accessory fan, then definitely check out my line. I create unique and one of a kind pieces that you can tie into any outfit. Just because I use feathers as a main material does not mean they are those cheesy feather extensions. (Those are lame) By Samii Ryan puts a twist on feathers, and mixes them with a trendy and fun vibe. Definitely for the person with style.

HIGHLIGHT MAGAZINE

ABOUT THE INK with

greg

slade

mike

Year: 2011 City: Dallas, Texas Meaning:

Year: 2011 City: Scottsdale, Arizona Meaning:

Year: 2010 City: Anaheim, California Meaning:

Greg’s tattoo is of a grandfather clock showing his exact time of birth. The meaning behind the clock is to show that time is the greatest commodity in life and that everyone should take advantage of all the time they have on the Earth. His time of birth represents the time that he has spent doing what he loves and taking full advantage of everything life has handed him.

Slade’s tattoo adds to his collection of traditional ink on his arm. The skeletal hand holding a lightbulb on a candle stick signifies “brighter days” (as it is inked under the piece.) This piece translates into a stay positive message and represents that nothing in your life gets too bad. No one should ever get too down and hold themselves back from living their life.

Mike’s leg tattoo of Uncle Sam smoking a joint is a representation of the ignorance he feels against America for having marijuana illegal. He believes his ink symbolizes “how silly is it that marijuana is illegal but products like perscription pills, alcohol and tobacco are pushed in the faces of all Americans.”

HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.NET - 7

silverstein

HOME: Burlington, Ontario, Canada NOW jamming: Short Songs [Hopeless Records] CURRENTLY: Preparing for a European tour with We Are The Ocean

HIGHLIGHT MAGAZINE

S

On February 7th Silverstein released their newest full-length creation, Short Songs. The their way into your ears over the past album is packed with eleven original songs decade. Whether you are a fan who knows and eleven cover songs all under 90 seconds them by at least one of their six strong fullor less. They spoke to me about Short Songs length albums, their powerful activism and and pointed out several aspects of the album their incredible live performance, or you’ve just that I never would have thought about from an heard their name mentioned once or twice – outside perspective.

Silverstein has made their mark on music and with the recent release of their sixth full-length “It wasn’t about trying to make a hardcore album, Short Songs, they’ve made it clear that record or a punk rock record, it was just about they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. shorter songs of many different styles,” stated Told. “Some of the record ended up sounding As previously stated, Silverstein has been a hardcore and punk but that wasn’t the vision band for over a decade. What makes this even at all.” Koehler continued on to state, “We like a greater accomplishment – is the fact that short songs. We think it’s exciting when a song they have had the same line-up since 2001. can get it all out in less than 90 seconds. That When I recently sat down with drummer Paul was the inspiration.”

Koehler and vocalist Shane Told, we talked about this very aspect of Silverstein, their “It was challenging too,” continued Told, “Most newest album, activism, and the future. When musicians know that it’s harder to write a shorter asked about their long standing together as song than a longer song because you have to a band, Told, with a solid comfort in his tone, be very specific about what direction you’re had no hesitation explaining how the band has taking and what you’re repeating.” This specific a very mutual understanding of the “entity that idea is what I find most fascinating within Short is Silverstein.”

Songs. There is such a wide variety of taste within one album – it’s simply incredible. One Wanting to know how they feel about the of the cover songs, ‘Short Songs’ (originally by various changing aspects of the music industry Dead Kennedys), features ten different guest over the years, I throw the typical question vocalists in ten different genres of music.“We at them, and get an unexpected response.“I wanted to bring together all of these people think the biggest change is that people listen (Mike Hranica, Tim Mcllrath, Jimmy Stadt, to music on the Internet and on their phones,” Nick Diener), who ended up being our friends, stated Told. “When we first started the band who never even play together, or collaborate and touring, we didn’t even have cell phones. on any other level, to be on the same song,” We didn’t even bring computers on tour with stated Koehler. us. There has been a big shift in how people communicate with music, how people buy “But, people who do understand our vision, music and how people share music. Those who love short songs themselves and who things have all changed so much and that’s grew up with these bands and records. something we’ve always been very on top of People who understand our concept, our idea adapting.” Told went on to explain how the and who were supportive of it,” added Told. band tries to stay ahead of the social media Not only does this well thought out creativity and networking trends online. This is clearly appear in Short Songs, but in all of Silverstein’s something that Silverstein understands and albums, live sets, and artwork. it appears to me to be a large part in how they expand their ever-growing fan base. I’ve found that Silverstein’s ability to think so Silverstein seems to be able to evolve together pure within their music not only futuristically so smoothly. but also back into the past is something that

ilverstein has slowly made

HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.NET - 9

HIGHLIGHT MAGAZINE

seems to be getting so rare to find within the music scene in this decade. Their originality, talent, and ability to think so far out of the box shows so purely in Short Songs, that it has become in my opinion one of the best albums to be released so far this year.

When the conversation moves towards the topic of activism, the atmosphere becomes much more serious. Koehler and Told are incredibly passionate about this topic.“As far back as musicians have performed they have been protesting and making a statement. It’s something that we believe in strongly,” stated Told. “If we can make a difference and we can help any cause we believe in – we’ll do it.”

Koehler joins in, “Last year we did the Take Action tour, which was our second time on the tour and it was benefitting Sex, Etc. In 2006 when we were on the tour it was benefitting the Youth America Hotline. For as long as we have been a band, we’ve always had meaning behind things and it’s nice to be able to relate it to something bigger to help people. It’s great 10 - HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.net

when you can affect people on different levels even beyond the music.”

“Some of it hits home on a personal level too,” stated Told, as he continued to speak about how the band lost a close friend to cancer.

“We started a charity and we started playing concerts called ‘Bro Fest’ a few years back.

That’s something we continue to do (support cancer). Skate4Cancer is another organization we support. We’re big animal rights activists as well, so we support a lot of the stuff that PETA does, also, amnesty and human rights in other Countries. We’re constantly doing anything we can to make even a slight difference.”

It doesn’t end there for Silverstein and promoting activism and awareness. Told and Silverstein guitarist Josh Bradford wrote and recorded a song which they posted on YouTube to raise awareness about the crisis in Japan last year.

“If we can make even a little difference, if spending any of my time to do that made a difference, then it was completely worth it.”

HIGHLIGHT MAGAZINE

This topic was my favorite of the entire interview because it sparked such passion within them as people and artists. Silverstein supports so many causes and it is truly genuine and backed with so much emotion. I sound overthe-top, but just listening to them speaks about this was truly inspiring.

When moving on, I brought up the future. As a band that has been together for so long and that has accomplished so much, what could possibly be next? What hasn’t Silverstein done yet? “I think creatively, we’re always pulling ourselves in new directions. There’s always somewhere new to go in the world and new fans to play for,” stated Told.

“There’s always constantly things that are evolving and changing. It keeps it fun and interesting for us,” said Told.

It’s very clear to me that the “entity that is Silverstein” wants to evolve together and stay within the music industry for years to come. It’s hard for me to imagine them going anywhere else after listening to what they had to say.

There is a passion in Silverstein that I’ve found hard to discover in several other bands I’ve interviewed and I find this fascinating.

So where does Silverstein seem themselves in ten years? “It’s hard to imagine that because we didn’t see this ten years ago,” said Told, with a confident tone and slight smirk, “We just kind of take it one step at a time like we always “I never thought we’d ever tour in a place like have and its just… growth. You know? We take China, but now we’re talking about touring in every small step until it grows and grows on China. That’s crazy! It’s opening up to a whole itself and builds. That’s just what we’re going to new world, market, and people which is just continue to do.” fantastic,” Koehler said with much excitement.

“Creatively, things like Short Songs. We want to INTERVIEW, STORY AND PHOTOS: Ashley Osborn do different things beyond a typical album and see what comes of it.”

HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.NET - 11

pop/rock The cab

lights

CASSADEE POPE - 16

anarbor - 14

20 - you me at six

18 - DAVE Melillo

twin atlantic

hit the lights

HIGHLIGHT MAGAZINE

HOME: Phoenix, Arizona NOW jamming: Whiskey In Hell [Hopeless Records] CURRENTLY: Recording a new album in Nashville, Tennessee.

S

ince their emergence in 2003,

Anarbor has slowly but surely made their claim to fame. Being a band for nine years is quite an accomplishment especially in the Warped Tour scene where bands seem to appear one day and be gone the next.

Since their time together, Anarbor has had the privilege of touring internationally including two visits to Japan and playing the main stage on Warped Tour in 2010. The alternative rock band from Phoenix, Arizona has been keeping quiet for the past few months. Fans have been anxious to hear new music and see the band get back on the road. All their worries were put to rest when Anarbor announced they would be joining Mayday Parade, We The Kings, and The Downtown Fiction on the End of the World Tour. To fill the fans’ ache for new music, the band recently released a single called “Whiskey In Hell” which is currently available for download on iTunes. The new release holds a heavier sound than what their fans may be used to, but still remains as catchy as their previous songs. It has been hinted that the song will be featured on their new album. “Whiskey In Hell” will become the anthem for your bad decisions and late night shenanigans.

You may be wondering why Anarbor was off the radar for a few months. Well, the answer is short and simple. They have been hard at work writing for their new album. “We have 40 songs!” says guitarist Mike Kitlas. It seems like the guys are more than ready to get busy recording new music and get the album out to their fans. As far as the new album’s sound goes, no one has to worry! When asked about the direction they were planning on taking the new album, lead singer Slade Echeverria said, “I think we are keeping the rock vibe that we always had.” Later, Kitlas commented that they just want to work on “solidifying their sound.”

After the tour with Mayday Parade and We The Kings, Anarbor plans on heading to Nashville, Tennessee to record with Matt Mahaffey. The band has talked about having guest vocals on the new record, but will not give any final word

yet. They plan to be done recording at the end of March and are pushing to release the album around the end of July/early August.

Anarbor has always been known as a unique and creative band within their genre of music.

This became even truer when the band released a mixtape in March of 2011. The mix was composed of several cover songs including Mike Posner’s “Cooler Than Me” and La Roux’s “Bulletproof” along with remastered versions of their older releases.

The remastered version of their song “Contagious” featured guest vocals from Sierra Kusterbeck of VersaEmerge and Ryan Hunter of Envy on the Coast. The band released the mixtape in hopes they would be able to reach a whole new audience while still holding on to their loyal fans. Over the years, they have had the privilege of sharing the stage with bands such as Breathe Carolina, The Cab, Lydia, Cute Is What We Aim For, and VersaEmerge.

Recently, the band lost guitar player, Adam Juwig. Not to worry, though! There is no bad blood between any of the guys. Juwig simply left to further pursue his education. With this empty spot in the band and an upcoming U.S tour, Anarbor had to quickly find a replacement.

They turned to friend and former Cute Is What We Aim For guitarist, Dave Melillo. The band feels Dave is a great addition to their band. Mike Kitlas says of Melillo’s entrance to the band, “I feel like we have a new reinvented energy that we haven’t had in a while, especially on stage. Everyone is super cohesive and into it, rocking out. We have a whole new vibe and it’s awesome!” Dave will not only be joining Anarbor on tour, but also plans to head into the studio with them to record the upcoming album. Anarbor has a lot to look forward to this year. They want to be on the road as much as they can. This is great news for fans since the band spent several months keeping a low profile and besides their current tour, the last one they were apart of was in the summer of 2011. With a new album in the works and tons of touring, Anarbor will be back in the game and ready to play in 2012.

INTERVIEW AND PHOTO: Ashley Osborn STORY: Jessica Klinner HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.NET - 15

CASSADEE POPE HOME: West Palm Beach, Florida CURRENTLY: Writing and recording for a new solo album

PHOTOS: Cara Bahniuk INTERVIEW: Mckenzie Hughes STORY: Heather Houghton

HIGHLIGHT MAGAZINE

At

the young age of 22,

amazing time though. The crowd reaction has been incredible. They’re even singing my new songs that I haven’t released yet!”

Cassadee Pope, the former vocalist of Hey Monday, has toured the world, been signed to major record labels, and created Cassadee Pope doesn’t seem to be slowing music to inspire others. Those achievements, down anytime soon. Seeing as 2012 holds many new plans and experiences for her however, are not enough for Pope. that can possibly including a new album. “I About her future in music, she states, “I still remain very optimistic about releasing an hope to inspire and have my music reach an album before next year. But you never know. even bigger audience. I’m so grateful for the These things take time. They can definitely success I’ve been able to achieve up to this anticipate me releasing some more clips point. But my mind is always racing to the next and teasers just to keep them in loop,” she level in everything I do.” comments. Pope also adds, “I’d love to write In the past, Cassadee Pope’s name was with Bonnie McKee, Michelle Branch, Ryan not commonly found without “Hey Monday” Tedder, and a few others. I also want to keep trailing after it. Recently, however, with having playing shows locally in LA, maybe Hotel Cafe Hey Monday announce an indefinite hiatus, and the Roxy.” her name is more commonly found attached The next year will bring a lot of goals and to her solo act. The hiatus has proved difficult experiences to life for Cassadee Pope, but on Pope and her former bandmates. “It’s she’s also grateful for the opportunities she’s definitely hard to maintain a close relationship had so far. She concludes, “There’s nothing with the guys, just because we’re all so used to more exciting to me than hearing an idea being around each other all the time. Now that come to life. I love writing music, and turning we’re all doing our own things, we aren’t able my thoughts into song hooks. And hearing the to keep in touch as much. With my move to LA song go from just me and my acoustic guitar and my being so busy lately, I’ve had a hard to a full on finished product is so rewarding.” time keeping that closeness with them. But Alex texts me all the time and we’ve remained good friends,” Pope comments.

Her experience in Hey Monday has inspired her current music and career, as well as given her the opportunity to sing with such acts as The Cab, The Academy Is..., Fall Out Boy, We The Kings, and Yellowcard. It was these opportunities that encouraged her to go further in her career. Pope reminisces, “I remember every single time I sang with FOB [Fall Out Boy], I thought how badly I wanted what they had. It was the best experience, because I got to see and be a part of a tour on that level.

It definitely opened my eyes to what I really wanted and that is to be a huge artist!”

Although Cassadee Pope’s days in Hey Monday have come to an end, her solo career is just beginning. She’s currently on an acoustic tour throughout North America, but this tour is a little different to Pope than her past tours.

Pope adds, “It is different because my guys aren’t out with me and it is acoustic. We never did an acoustic tour at actual venues. They would be in malls for Hot Topic. I’m having an HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.NET - 17

INTERVIEW AND PHOTO: Ashley Osborn

dave melillo

HIGHLIGHT MAGAZINE

HOME: Glen Ridge, New Jersey NOW jamming: Talk Is Cheap [Drive Thru Records] CURRENTLY: Touring with Anarbor as lead guitarist Music: www.soundcloud.com/davemelillo

E

very musician has a different

story. Some make it right away, others go through growing pains, and a few just plain quit from all the pressure that comes with the job. The few that do succeed though have to have that driving force, that one mechanism that separates them from the rest. One of those types of musicians would be Dave Melillo of Cute Is What We Aim For, a guy that seems to have seen it all.

because usually he dreads being in bands.

Normally he feels like he “drags a lot of slack.”

The difference this time is that he only has to worry about playing guitar.

Besides playing with Anarbor Dave has recently put out an incredibly diverse mixtape called Thinking Of You. Something that Dave claims as his proudest piece of work that he has accomplished to date. For six months he poured his heart and soul into it, being in charge of every single aspect of it. “No one Sound familiar? Well, you’ve probably heard else helped him write, produce, mix, master, of that name before. He’s been around for the or record on the album.” past ten years. Most notably he’s been the bassist for Cute Is What We Aim For and is When listening to it you will probably be awestruck with how many genres it crosses. It was currently a guitarist for Anarbor. no accident, for Dave wanted to give people His musical story started with “musical theater,” a look at love from every perspective. There but he didn’t really get involved with music until are fast and slow tracks and everything in he moved to Florida. After the relocation he between. started a band and took on the all-consuming task of learning every musical instrument he Lyrically, he wanted to make the album as could get a hold of. This dedication comes sort of a plea for this one person to stay in his partially from his “hate of high school.” Even life. At the same time though, he knew that after learning all these instruments he still person was leaving and made this album as a “personalized goodbye.” Mostly it’s an album considers himself to primarily be a singer. of why he deserves to be loved.

His big break came at 16 when he signed to Drive-Thru Records. At this time though, “it The musical side of the album comes from didn’t really hit him.” He was “too young to his new inspiration from artists like Frank understand the world he was coming into or Ocean, and The Weeknd. Trying to marry what he needed to be successful.” Dave felt his old acoustic sound with his new R&Bthat he was “frustrated all the time and entitled ish inspiration has made him feel like he has to having success.” He wasn’t “even sure if he developed this completely new sound. Dave had it in him to stay with music.” Good thing he claims that he is planning on continuing to didn’t quit because the next step in his journey work on this sound from here on out. was joining Cute Is What We Aim For, and then Even though he just released Thinking Of You starting Nocturnal Me. his plans for the future aren’t quiet. He plans These were the growing years for Dave Mellilo, to keep on touring with Anarbor, and releasing which gave him a great taste of success, but another mixtape before summer. If he can keep also a sense of discomfort with the music up with this much energy and enthusiasm he business. Fortunately, Dave says that he now has been having then fans should be expecting appreciated the business and respects every to see him for quite some time. For the story of Dave Melillo is just beginning. opportunity that comes his way.

Taking a break from Nocturnal Me, he decided STORY: Patrick Quiring to take up guitar duties with his friends Anarbor. This is something Dave’s loved doing HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.NET - 19

HIGHLIGHT MAGAZINE

YOU ME AT SIX HOME: Surrey, England NOW jamming: Sinners Never Sleep [Virgin Records] CURRENTLY: Touring the United Kingdom

20 - HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.net

HIGHLIGHT MAGAZINE

A

mericans tend to forget

that so many of the best musicians have come from across the pond. It is hard to forget, though, when we have so many musicians, writers and bands amazing us from the United Kingdom. Since 2004 the guys from You Me At Six have been showing the UK that they can rock, and they are now emerging with a large fan base here in the United States. YMAS have now released three full-length albums and are becoming a force to be reckoned with in the rock-pop scene.

With the start of their spring tour in the UK this month and Warped tour this summer in the U.S., You Me At Six are excited about the fan base they have been developing in the U.S. over the past few years. Max Helyer, guitarist and vocalist, Chris Miller, lead guitarist, and Dan Flint, drummer for YMAS, believe that there are many differences between being a band in the UK and the U.S.

According to Flint, the idea came from a fan.

The fan had edited a photo of the five-member band into a mug-shot-like photograph. From there, the album took shape and Sinners Never Sleep was born.

The band has made it big, but they still love going back to their roots and playing small venues. According to Flint, they like playing the smaller venues because they can have a conversation with their fans as opposed to fans screaming and grabbing at them at their larger venues in the UK. They have started selling out shows in the US and it is only their fifth time touring in the States.

“Some of our friends in American bands haven’t even headlined their own country yet and we are doing it,” Miller said.

Their emergence and popularity in the United States was a shock for YMAS initially. They started by only playing the AP tour and Warped Tour, which was when no one really knew who “It is a lot harder to get noticed in the states, they were. Now, YMAS is selling out shows in because obviously there are so many bands, New York City. Due to this, they want to keep so many states, so many places. In the UK we coming back to the U.S. can tour in the UK in like a week and a half; “For us, we always enjoy being in America. over here you need a good nine weeks for a Playing the shows here are great, and the vibe tour;” Flint said. here in general,” Heyler said. Although YMAS YMAS has been touring and producing albums since 2008, but their music has changed dramatically over the course of those four years, taking influence from their favorite bands like Blink 182 and growing and becoming more mature and complex. Now bands are taking influence from YMAS and covering their music.

enjoys performing in the States, they do not feel the same pressure to make it here as they do in the UK. “I think that we just do it as a laugh and if we get someone we do it, but if we don’t, whatever.

It’s a big place to break,” Miller said. They do; however, believe that it shows that they are moving in the right direction as a band.

“ It’s weird, but it’s a compliment,” Helyer said. “Now we are coming back and selling out “That is like the highest compliment you can venues a couple of years later, it’s just really get, I think,” reiterated Flint. exciting to see. That’s why we keep wanting to YMAS’s most recent album, Sinners Never come back,” Flint said.

Sleep, was released October of 2011 and has been well received here in the United States, INTERVIEW AND PHOTO: Ashley Osborn and in the UK. The interesting thing about this STORY: Elizabeth Brossard album was how the artwork and promotional photos came to be.

HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.NET - 21

HOME: Chicago, Illinois NOW jamming: www.soundcloud.com/dantethedon [Independent] CURRENTLY: Touring on the Blackout Tour

INTERVIEW AND STORY: Mckenzie Hughes PHOTO: Scott Regan

dante

HIGHLIGHT MAGAZINE

B

eing able to showcase our

Although as of this moment, Dante states that these past 18 months have been the “most surreal ever.” Seeing as he has had the opportunity to be touring with Sam Adams, perform at Red Rocks, Lollapalooza, Bamboozle, and Terminal 5; Dante claims, “This is fake life stuff. It’s honestly just been one opportunity opening doors to others. I have taken a lot of big risks with my career, most have paid off (again, I am lucky) and some not so much but I don’t regret anything. I have learned that just because something doesn’t work out, doesn’t mean it was a failure.” While Dante understands that jobs come and go, and not being able to DJ forever; the connections he has made will be a proper tool to enable him to continue to grow and choose what he wants in the future.

talents is something that many people strive to accomplish in their respective industry. This is not something that Dante Deiana, Dante The Don lacks by any means.

Relentlessly, Dante states that ‘luck’ is a major aspect that resembles him and his passions.

Outside of DJing, Dante is more than just his career has led fans to believe. “Success isn’t what society and others have groomed us to believe, true success is true happiness,” Dante states over his prior passion and goal to attend Law School. While learning quickly to follow his passions, he is the man he is now by following his gut. “Your reach should always exceed your grasp. I always set incredible and outlandish goals for myself because if I come up short, I am still beating out people who are With being three months into 2012, Dante is shooting for average or mediocre.” still expecting great things to occur within the Currently being the DJ for the Blackout Tour remainder of the year. While waiting to see presented by BarstoolU, Dante has proudly where the Blackout Tour takes him, Dante claimed, “Without a doubt one of the best anticipates great expansion with Premier things that has ever happened to me.” Being Chicago, being added to Kiss 103.5mix show able to work closely with Dave Portnoy, Paul team, expanding with the Chicago Bulls music, Gulcynzski, and Tom Zollo this has led the tour starting another new business venture with a from originating from frat house basements couple friends, and hoping to help his friends and backyards to selling out consecutive follow their dreams. “Jumping into something nights at legendary music venues throughout with a blind fold on isn’t for the faint hearted, the country. Claiming that having kids tweeting but no guts, no glory.” him to thank them for showing them the best night of their lives is unreal, Dante can only Remembering his favorite highlighting moment show excitement for what is to come down the of his career, Dante remarks that his past set road throughout the tour. With adding in, “full with Sam Adams at Lollapalooza (2011) was fledged foam parties and hitting major arenas similar to what he believes Woodstock would across the country,” “foam plus incredible simulate with the rain storm and hearing the lights, lasers, smoke cannons, mascots, etc. crowd roar and applause. “It was incredible, it’s going to be wild,” it makes the creators of as long as I live I will never forget that day or how lucky I am.” each event never settle for anything less.

Dante is also running a marketing and promotions company in Chicago, Premier Chicago; along with a music production group with Bobby Lite, Windy City Syndicate; and being apart of The Music Trust, his DJ label that was founded by DJ White Shadow. In his past venture with Outfit Events, he learned everything he needed to know to positively work Premier Chicago, “ Fast-forward 5 years and now I have Premier Chicago, new company, same basic game plan.” In each of his current positions, Dante is anticipating great moments in the works for 2012.

HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.NET - 27

DRUGS

WHERE: House of Blues, Chicago, Il PHOTO and recap BY: Ashley Osborn

I wasn’t surprised that Craig Owens captivated the audience the second he stepped onstage. As soon as D.R.U.G.S. started to play “The Only Thing You Talk About” the audience was left stunned. It took them a few seconds to recover from the shock and awe effect that D.R.U.G.S. brings to the table every time they roll into a new city on tour. They’ve simply mastered their stage presence and I don’t see it going anywhere but up in 2012.

A DAY TO REMEMBER WHERE: UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Il PHOTO and recap BY: Ashley Osborn

“ There are 9,000 people

here. This is the biggest indoor show we’ve ever played and a dream come true. We’re truly honored to share it with you.”

It was a 40 degree day in Chicago, the sun was shining and I was feeling great. Words couldn’t explain how much I was looking forward to gracing the presence of 9,000 other Rise Against fans in their hometown on this beautiful night.

The show was at UIC Pavilion and it had sold out incredibly fast. I knew I was in for a treat. To top it all off, the incredible A Day to Remember was opening the show!

A Day to Remember’s set was flawless and strong. It was my 8th time seeing them and they honestly get better every single time. The second the band walked out onstage, the crowd was quiet with anticipation. As soon as the intro to ‘Downfall of Us All’ kicked in, the entire crowd was chanting along. I would try to type the chant out in words but I’m unable. It was an eerie echo but it brought a smile to my face. A Day to Remember has this incredible ability to own a crowd a millisecond after they step onto any stage you give them. Vocalist Jeremy

Mckinnon’s emotion in his screaming and chanting captures you instantaneously and the show just gets better from the start.

The HIGHLIGHT of A Day to Remember’s set was when Mckinnon took center stage to state how this had been the band’s biggest indoor show.

He stated that it was ‘a dream come true and I can honestly say I have never seen anything so genuine shared with so many people. The room was dead silent as he spoke and his sincerity clearly touched the audience. Shortly after, Mckinnon entered the infamous clear ball and ‘Homesick’ kicked in. Guitarists Kevin Skaff and Neil Westfall, bassist Josh Woodard and drummer Alex Shelnutt held the stage down with grace as Mckinnon ventured throughout the audience. Overall, the band’s performance was incredible. They played 12 songs and did a great job mixing old and new. It was amazing to see them again and I look forward to my next A Day to Remember encounter as always.

review: Brian Sykes

artist:

fun.

album:

Some Nights rating: sounds like: Queen Queen II

Mika Life in Cartoon Motion Bishop Allen Grrr....

recommended tracks: “Some Nights” “We Are Young” “All Alright” tracklisting:

Some Nights (Intro) 2 Some Nights 3 We Are Young 1

(featuring Janelle Monáe)

Carry On 5 It Gets Better 6 Why Am I the One 7 All Alone 8 All AlrightOne Foot 9 Stars 10 Out on the Town 4

(Bonus Track)

release date: February 21

website:

ournameisfun.com

30 - HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.net

If there’s one thing to know about fun. it’s that they absolutely stay true to their band name. Seriously, when you listen to this album you actually have a lot of fun. They are absolutely one of those bands that’s puts everything they have into their music; they write what THEY want to write and forget everyone else. Now, upon listening to first couple of tracks on this album, I immediately knew that I would enjoy it, and boy did I ever. One of the main things you will notice is how this album really stays true to the sound of Fun. They really keep that vibe they are known for; heavy piano chords, layers upon layers of vocal harmonies, tasteful drumbeats, and old school (almost tribal) vocal melodies. These guys really stayed true to their sound. On top of all that though, they still brought a nice element of freshness to the whole thing. As far as sophomore albums go, this is a really solid release, which I believe will propel them into some really great things.

Artist: Sleigh

Bells Album: Reign Of Terror

HIGHLIGHT MAGAZINE

Sleigh Bells new album Reign of Terror is an evolution for the Noise Pop duo. For one, guitarist Derek Miller has tapped into the power of 80’s arena metal. You can tell with how much bigger and more epic their music is now. Secondly, accompanying this new direction are tons of new spacey sounds. It’s as if they dipped their pens into the Dream Pop genre more than before. This new breed of heavymetal atmospheric sound is certainly something that works for them, especially with lead singer Alexis Krauss‘ breathy vocals. The only problem that they seem to be facing is that many parts of their songs get repetitive and thus makes me feel trapped in a vortex of repeated melodies.

recommended tracks: “End of the Line” and “Demons” review: Patrick Quiring Artist: Veil

of Maya Album: Eclipse Chicago’s Veil of Maya have recently released their fourth-full length album, Eclipse. The album opens with “20/200”, an instrumental introduction that opens the band to new fans who dislike the screaming in metal songs. The following track, “Divide Paths,” and most of the album, are tailored to existing technical death metal enthusiasts, and would scare off the fans they gained from the opening track. In true Veil of Maya fashion, the only guitarist does the work of two guitarists to achieve the full, off time rhythm found in their songs. Many of the songs share similar tone and tempo, with fast guitar riffs and drums, with alternating low growls and high but heavy screams. Eclipse is more structured and melodic than their older albums, yet each track still gets your heart racing with technical instrumentation and impressive vocals.

recommended tracks: “Eclipse” and “Punisher” review: Heather Houghton Artist: You

Me At Six Album: Sinners Never Sleep You Me At Six’s third debut album, Sinners Never Sleep, will go down as their “growing up” record. You can tell by listening that the band is trying to leave their pop punk roots behind and join the big dogs in the rock world. This album is a great step in that direction. They are able to maintain the sound their fans love while still adding just enough heavy rock to show they are evolving. This new sound is evident in the track Bite My Tongue featuring Oli Sykes from Bring Me The Horizon. Fans will be happy to hear the same YMAS sound on the album’s opener, Loverboy. If you are a fan of the bands earlier work, you may dislike this record, but I challenge you to have an open mind while listening. Putting out this album is a risky move for You Me At Six. Although they must see something special in it or else they never would have produced it.

recommended tracks: “Loverboy” and “Bite My Tongue” review: Jessica Klinner

HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.NET - 31