July 2007 Archives

        - We have removed all clickable links from our archives
            because link upkeep is a tremendous task.

        - The archives house only a selection from each of our
            past issues.

7.31.07 NICHOLAS MEGALIS

Alternative / Pop / Rock

This guy, Nicholas Megalis may just be the next big thing! His style is extremely contagious. We love his new songs, 'The Phrase' and 'The Holder'. Listen to them now: myspace.com/nicholasmegalis! Also, watch the new video for 'The Phrase' by visiting:
youtube.com/watch?v=LE0Q03vV38Q

7.31.07 DRUM KIT STOLEN FROM HYDE PARK (LEEDS) HOME

Drumkit stolen from New York Alcoholic Anxiety Attack...

Official message: "Last night after their Birmingham gig, NYAAA's drumkit was stolen in its entirety from the drummer's house in the Hyde Park area of Leeds. If you see any of the kit listed below, please let us know. I need not add that this is devastating news and that it would seem, given the recent theft from New Model Army's keyboard player who lives in the same area, that ALL musicians should take extra care about security as some tedious thieving scroats have noticed that bands=equipment=cash. Please help if you can, by keeping an eye out for this gear and letting us know where you spot it (also, if you could possibly re-post this message, that would help, too - thank you):

20" Sabian B8 ride
16" Zildjan A Medium Crash
18" Zildjan Custom Medium Crash
18" Paiste 502 Crash
14" Zildjan A Crash
Zildjan Z Custom Crash
Paiste 502 Crash
Zildjan A Rock Hihats
Sonar Double Bass Pedal
Yamaha 14" Floor tom with 'NYAAA' painted on the side.
Pearl Steel 14" Snare (in black soft case - snare has a white Remo skin &
   a faulty snare lever).
Yamaha 10"black Tomtom (in a black softcase).
Pearl 12" black Tom tom (in black soft case).
* All Tomtoms have remo Pinstripe heads (including 14" Tomtom.
Bass pedal tools & case.
Pearl Snare stand.
Pearl Cymbal stands with boom arm + 1 3-way Tomtom clamp with both Pearl & Yamaha attachments.
Pearl straight cymbal stand.
Pearl black stick bag containing 2 pairs of Ahead Black Carbon sticks, 2
   pairs of rods & 1 pair timpani sticks."

CONTACT INFO:
myspace.com/newyorkalcoholicanxietyattack
or
joolz@joolz.net

7.31.07 BOO HISS

Acoustic / Folk Rock / Other

Partial official message: "New Song posted! 'Please' from the new split with Margo May (to be publicly released next week) and available now from me on tour." - Doby (Boo Hiss)
www.myspace.com/boohiss

7.30.07 NEW BURNING CODES VIDEO

Indie / Pop / Other

Partial official message: "You can now check out the incredible, stirring, and beautiful video for 'For All Time' by the phenomenally talented Mr. Allan Gildea:
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=
vids.individual&videoid=14124584

Please let us know (myspace.com/burningcodes) what you think and feel free to spread the word / code. We want to express our very deepest and profound gratitude to Allan for his amazing work!!! Hope you all enjoy folks, yours as ever in the code..." - Burning Codes

7.30.07 THIRTEEN SENSES

Indie / Pop / Alternative

There are moments, when listening to Thirteen Senses, that remind us a little of Keane meets Coldplay...

Official message: "Time again to tell you about our newly added MySpace tracks. This month we've picked one old song, and one new song.

The first track is 'Spirit'. We started recording this song at the same time as the 'Contact' album tracks, and soon became one of our favourite b-sides. Again, the majority of the track was recorded at our Home Studios complex, and features amongst other things a myriad of Will's random reversed vocals. You can find it on the 'All The Love In Your Hands' single.

The second track is 'Control', one of our earliest songs, and found on the 'Do No Wrong' single. This song started life as one of Will's early demos recorded at his house in Cornwall. During 'The Invitation' session we had the chance to add some new bits and remix the song, and turn it into what you hear today."
www.myspace.com/thirteensenses

7.30.07 EMILY ZUZIK

Folk Rock / Powerpop / Rock

Partial official news: "I leave home for nearly a month. This is the longest I've been away and def. the longest separation from the cats. I have a little anxiety, as I always do before I go on a trip. Did I do everything? Yeah, I think so." - Emily Zuzik

She's about to embark on a good-sized tour. Click below to see if she's coming to your town (first UK, then New York...).
myspace.com/emilyzuzik

7.27.07 NEWS FROM AINSLIE HENDERSON

Indie / Acoustic / Other

Official message: "'Coming Up For Air' (from the lost album), and my record 'Growing Flowers by Candlelight' are now available on digital download from iTunes worldwide (they'll be on other download stores soon also).

'Flowers' is also available on CD from ainsliemusic.com (all copies sold through the site are signed and I ship worldwide), all branches of Beanscene, and Edinburgh branches of HMV."
myspace.com/ainsliehenderson

7.27.07 OUR BABBLE

I don't know who dresses me each day lately but I swear to God that I am the biggest mess you've ever seen. Never caring much about fashion sense I should still try to at least be unwrinkled. I'm so ashamed...

You know what? We're sick of MySpace getting continual bad press. That's right, we are. Sure, 29,000 convicted sex offenders were deleted off of the site. But there's over 100 million registered users! Of course there are sickos on MySpace! There are sickos everywhere! They use Yahoo, they eat at McDonalds, they work at BP, they're your neighbors, they take your kid's photos at Walmart, they even work for the Government! Obviously, these are only just examples of other large companies that surely aren't exempt. We do not intend to offend anyone working for the places mentioned. Don't blame MySpace for other people's actions or intentions. For all of those children out there on MySpace, where are the parents (and why is MySpace suppose to replace them in their absence)? MySpace has taken a lot of responsibility but they can't be expected to do it alone.

By popular request we have added a message board / forum. See main page, right column at top. Now that we have it please use it. We have special sections for bands seeking additional members and musicians seeking bands, for buying and selling instruments, and for bands to promote upcoming tours, albums, new merch, etc.

We've also added a search engine to our site. It is located on the main page, right column at top. - Stacy

7.27.07 SEMIOTICS

Rock / Progressive / Experimental

Partial official message: "So the tour is a couple weeks away and everyone is very excited. Check out the dates (myspace.com/semioticsrock) and be sure to drop by if we're playing in your area.

We have a few new songs in the works and when we return from tour we're going to dedicate the whole of our being to working on the next album. We hope to be recording a full-length by the end of this year." - Semiotics

7.26.07 THE LEARYS

Alternative / Garage / Grunge

Partial official description: "We're five pissed off individuals living in a little Industrial town called Widnes in the North West of England. We are like brothers, we have known and knocked about with each other for fucking years. The band was formed in October '05, when Jon, Kenneth and Jack started playing and writing music together in a friend's warehouse during our spare time."

The Learys only have a couple of music clips up right now but we're sold! Make sure to listen to both 'Self Inflicted...' and 'Suzie Side' by visiting:
www.myspace.com/thelearys

7.26.07 NEW MODEL ARMY GEAR STOLEN

Official message: "Below is the local Press release - but if anyone in the Leeds / Bradford etc area hears anything, or locates the machine, just get it & I'll pay you back (because no doubt the thief / thieves are flogging it for drugs or whatever) + a reward when I pick it up.

NEW MODEL ARMY - LAPTOP WITH ALL NMA'S MUSIC SAMPLES & PROMO VIDEO FOOTAGE STOLEN!

On Monday 23rd July a black MITAC 8258D 15" laptop was stolen from the home of New Model Army keyboard genius and computer wizard Dean White, in the Hyde Park area of Leeds. This computer contains all the music samples used by the legendary underground cult band onstage and also, footage shot by White intended for their forthcoming fly-on-the-wall making-of-the-new-album 'High' documentary. The laptop is noticeable for having the firewire port on the front of the machine as it's customised to use onstage.

NMA start a major 70 gig world tour in Brazil on August 7th, moving into the USA & eventually, Europe. In our area, they play Leeds Met on Saturday 17th November. Therefore - WE NEED THIS LAPTOP BACK!!!! A reward will be given for its safe return. To whoever took it: don't freak, just return the machine anonymously, we are only interested in getting it back safely as soon as possible - contact us via joolz@joolz.net, if that's easiest for you.

MEDIA FOLK: PLEASE HELP. If you can run this as a piece, OR KNOW SOMEONE ELSE WHO WILL, please run it or forward it along - this little machine is of no real value to anyone but us - BUT WE REALLY NEED IT! Many thanks." - Joolz (on behalf of NMA)
myspace.com/joolz_denby

7.26.07 UPCOMING BOUNCING SOULS DATES

Indie / Punk / Other

Confirmed Shows:

Aug 16: The Roxy - Boston, MA
Aug 17: The Electric Factory -
  Phildelphia, PA
Aug 18: Sonar in Baltimore, MD
Aug 19: Court Tavern - New
  Brunswick, NJ
Aug 20: Cha Cha's - Coney Island,
  NY
Aug 22: Asbury Lanes - Asbury
  Park, NJ
Sept 2: Bumbershoot @ Ex Hall -
  Seattle, WA
www.bouncingsouls.com

7.25.07 MASSDRIVER

Electro / Pop / Industrial

Norway's Massdriver is currently working on their first release, an EP. We hope their song, 'Don't Even Care' appears on it!

They are asking the public, "what tracks should we include, what's your favorite? Please tell us, we promise to listen!"
myspace.com/massdrivermusic

7.25.07 SPARTA TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT & DATES

Alternative / Rock / Indie

Official message: "Sparta goes on tour with Velvet Revolver...

Yes, your read that right! We are very excited to announce these dates to you and to get back out on the roads of the USA in September. Some of the cities are already on sale..."

Sept 07 - Vancouver, BC - Pacific Coliseum
Sept 08 - George, WA - Gorge Amphitheatre
Sept 09 - Ridgefield, WA - The Amphitheatre @ Clark County
Sept 11 - Santa Barbara, CA - Santa Barbara Bowl
Sept 12 - Fresno, CA - Selland Arena
Sept 14 - Concord, CA - Sleep Train Pavilion @ Concord
Sept 15 - Marysville, CA - Sleep Train Amphitheatre
Sept 16 - Chula Vista, CA - Coors Amphitheatre
Sept 18 - Phoenix, AZ - Cricket Pavilion
Sept 20 - Irvine, CA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Sept 21 - Las Vegas, NV - Mandalay Bay Events Center
Sept 22 - Tucson, AZ - Anselmo Valencia Amphitheatre
Sept 24 - Greenwood Village, CO - Coors Amphitheatre
Sept 25 - Albuquerque, NM - Journal Pavilion
Sept 27 - Dallas, TX - Smirnoff Music Center
Sept 28 - Spring, TX - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Oct 02 - Birmingham, AL - Verizon Wireless Music Center
Oct 03 - Atlanta, GA - HiFi Buys Amphitheatre
Oct 05 - Mobile, AL - Bayfest
Oct 06 - Tampa, FL - Ford Amphitheatre
Oct 07 - West Palm Beach, FL - Sound Advice Amphitheatre
Oct 09 - Southaven, MS - Snowden Grove Park Amphitheatre
www.spartamusic.com

7.25.07 THE WINTER SOUNDS

Indie / Rock

Official news: "Our new album, 'Porcelain Empire', is out now!!"

Partial official band description: "Never content with good enough, pushing ourselves to exhaustion, and doing what we have always dreamed of doing. We are always on tour and we are coming to your town." They are on a major tour as we speak!
www.myspace.com/thewintersounds

7.24.07 SPLEEN VS IDEAL

Experimental / Rock / Other

Official partial message: "Our mini-Lp 'Souvenirs' produced by Billy Anderson is available right now. So, if you want to support our work, you can order (Worldwide) the beast 'Souvenirs' on our site: www.spleenvsideal.com or on the label site here: www.thronerecords.net.

Thank you very much to support Indie Art." - SPLEENvsIDEAL
www.myspace.com/spleenvsideal

7.24.07 CALVIN HARRIS WANTS TO PARTY WITH YOU (UK)

Electro / Indie / Punk

Official message: "Would you like me to come round your house? I will be at your disposal until you chuck me out. I believe I will also be accompanied by Mr. Davey Planecrash and Sir Rikki 'Stixxx' Chandler so I can assure you there will be merrymaking of the highest order...!

So what do you think, is this a good idea?" - Calvin xxx

LET US EXPLAIN:

Partial official description: "What are you doing Saturday 18th August?

Calvin Harris reckons he recreated disco... can you? On Saturday 18th August there will be parties happening all across the UK to celebrate Calvin's album and his latest single 'Merrymaking At My Place', and we want one of them to be at your place! The plan is to create a unique event with more simultaneous house parties happening across the country than ever before, and you're in the right place if you want to get involved.

All you have to do is hold your own Calvin Harris party and tell us about it! Anything goes - big or small - from a neon nu-rave extravaganza to a boozy barbeque to a girls' night in, in honour of Mr. Harris himself... There are prizes for the best Calvin-influenced themes, so get creative."
Read details and rules here:
www.calvinharris.co.uk/
merrymakingatyourplace/

7.24.07 FREEZEPOP

Electro / Indie / Pop

Partial official description: "We make fun electropop. We have two full-length cds and are currently completing another one."

Official news: "The new album... it is called 'Future Future Future Perfect' and is due out officially in mid-September. We will be releasing a special limited edition version with yet-to-be-determined fancy packaging and bonus tracks, which will come out a little sooner than that.

Yes, 'Less Talk More Rokk' will be on this album, as well as some other songs we've been playing live. We are very excited about it." - Freezepop
myspace.com/freezepop

7.23.07 THE STATES

Rock / Indie / Alternative

Official partial message: "We'll be shooting one new video this weekend for 'Be Good Tonight,' and another video in a couple weeks. In honor of the video shoot, we're putting 'Be Good Tonight' up on the Myspace page (myspace.com/thestatesonline). It's one of our favorite songs from the new record. That's it for now." Be good, States

The new album, 'The Path of Least Resistance', will be out on August 14th.

7.23.07 BILLY BRAGG

Folk Rock / Punk / Folk

Official message: "Johnny Clash - Seven inches of punk coming your way...

Q: What would you call someone inspired by Joe Strummer who does gigs in prisons?

A: Johnny Clash. That’s the name that Billy Bragg has adopted for a benefit single aimed at raising funds for his Jail Guitar Doors initiative.

Billy returns to the raw solo style which first made his name, releasing a 7-inch vinyl single of 'Old Clash Fan Fight Song' backed with 'The Big Lie' on 20 August, 2007, available at www.billybragg.co.uk for £1.99 plus p&p.

"The death of Joe Strummer in 2002 brought a lot of us together again to celebrate Joe’s life and we were amazed to find that many of us were involved in activism in one way or another – union organisers, environmental campaigners, documentary film-makers," said Billy.

'Old Clash Fan Fight Song’ is a rallying call to this generation – and those that have followed - to take up the fight once again. £1 from each copy sold will go to benefit Jail Guitar Doors, an initiative set up by Billy to provide guitars for rehabilitation work in British prisons (see story, below).

Every 50 singles sold will buy another guitar.
www.jailguitardoors.org.uk

CLANG! GO THE JAIL GUITAR DOORS... Billy's initiative to provide instruments for rehabilitation work in British prisons took another step forwards last week when he and Mick Jones, the former lead guitarist of the Clash delivered five acoustic guitars to Wormwood Scrubs prison in West London.

Mick, who wrote the song 'Jail Guitar Doors' from which the campaign takes its name, was the first person to make a donation, pledging £500 when Billy launched the campaign at this year's NME Awards ceremony.

Five USA dates confirmed:
Billy will be playing five dates in the eastern United States in October."

17 October - Webster Hall, New York City, NY
18 October - Calvin Theater, Northampton, MA
19 October - Scottish Rite Auditorium, West Collingswood, NJ
20 October - New York Society for Ethical Culture, New York City, NY
22 October - Birchmere, Alexandria, VA
www.billybragg.co.uk/shows

7.23.07 OUR BABBLE

Things are looking up! We have replaced our dead computer!

We will soon be seeking a Milwaukee area college student to fill an intern position here at Babble and Beat. The position's focus will be marketing / advertising. Watch for more information in the near future.

7.20.07 COULTER

Indie / New Wave / Melodramatic Popular Song

Partial official description: "Seattle singer-songwriter Coulter has spent the last decade weaving together songs that beg, borrow and steal from 50's rockabilly, 70's glam, 80's jangle, and 90's Brit pop. With his heart stitched firmly to his sleeve, the diary-like lyrics that find their way into the melodies speak to the outsider in us all, sitting at a bar at closing time, a haze of faces surrounding the empty glass, and the *one* you've spent all night pining over leaving in the arms of another."

His new release, 'Culture' is out now (Hairball 8 Records). Make sure to check out the songs '2000 Miles Away' and 'Senorita'. There's a little Morrissey in the air here!
www.myspace.com/coulter

7.20.07 NEW GOTTERDAMMERUNG

Gothic / New Wave / Post punk

Official message: "New album! Tracklist of Gott's newest CD, 'Of Whore and Culture'. Soon out on Strobelight Records. Pre-order now:
www.strobelight-records.com

Warhorse
First-in-Man
The Prow*
Bleeding Wooer
Whore Mill... A Game of Fear
No Deviation
Vibroboy
At Status
Oblivion
Infiltrate

Some titles have changed ('Pasternak's Kisses' is entitled 'Bleeding Wooer' now) and so did the artwork. Anyway, it rocks like hell... have a nice summer." - Gotterdammerung
myspace.com/gotterdammerungnl

7.20.07 NOT HAVING A GOOD DAY & SCREAMING SONGS OUT - OUR BABBLE

Well, I've just been told that in 13 days I will lose my day job, you know, the one I actually make a living from. They're closing the medical clinic I work for. I can't believe that I not only need a new computer for B&B (after having ours dropped the other day) but I'm going to have no income as well! Crap.

Changing the subject completely, we can't believe how many shows we attend where someone thinks it's funny, or pehaps just acceptable, to shout out "Free Bird" or "Magic Bus." It's not OK and it's not funny. Call us uptight but we think it's rude (unless the appropriate bands are playing). - Stacy

7.19.07 PEOPLE PRESS PLAY

Electronica / Pop / Indie

People Press Play's new CD, also called 'People Press Play' (label: Morr Music), is now available! Visit http://tonevendor.com for more information.

We especially love their new songs, 'Hanging On' and 'These Days'. Listen to them now by visiting:
myspace.com/peoplepressplay

7.19.07 MUSIC TO CHECK OUT

Inga Liljestrom
Alternative / Experimental / Other
Hails from Australia
Most recent U.S. release:
'Elk'
www.myspace.com/ingaingaliljestrom

The Changes
Pop (Glorious!)
Hails from Chicago, Illinois
You should know who these guys
are by now! If not, make sure
to listen to 'Her You and I' and
'When I Wake' at the very least.
www.myspace.com/thechanges

The Greenhornes
Rock / Garage / Soul
Hails from Cincinnati, Ohio
Recommended tracks:
'Stay Away Girl' and 'Pattern Skies'
www.myspace.com/thegreenhornes

7.19.07 RILO KILEY NEWS

Indie / Rock / Alternative

Official message: "Rilo Kiley is pleased to announce their upcoming North American tour in support of their highly anticipated new album, 'Under The Blacklight'. The new album is in stores August 21st, 2007!

A limited number of tickets for each show have been held for Rilo Kiley fans and will be available through a presale that begins Wednesday, July 18th at 12pm local time. By buying tickets through our special presale, you'll be able to get your tickets before anyone else AND save some money on service charges.

Click here to buy tickets: rilokiley.ducatking.com.

Tour Dates:
Sep 6: San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
Sep 7: Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
(part of Musicfest NW Festival)
Sep 8: Seattle, WA @ Showbox
Sep 10: Orem, UT @ McKay Events Center
(Supporting Modest Mouse)
Sep 11: Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
Sep 12: Columbia, MO @ Jesse Auditorium /
Univ. of Missouri
Sep 13: Omaha, NE @ Sokol Auditorium
Sep 14: Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
Sep 15: Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
Sep 17: Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
Sep 18: Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Theatre
Sep 19: Montreal, QC @ Cabaret La Tulipe
Sep 21: Boston, MA @ Avalon
Sep 22: New York, NY @ Webster Hall
Sep 23: New York, NY @ Webster Hall
Sep 25: Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero Theatre
Sep 26: Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
Sep 27: Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
Sep 28: Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
Sep 29: Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse

Oct 1: Ft Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
Oct 2: Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
Oct 4: New Orleans, LA @ The Republic
Oct 5: Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
Oct 6: Dallas, TX @ Palladium Ballroom
Oct 7: Austin, TX @ Stubbs
Oct 9: Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
Oct 10: Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
Oct 12: San Diego, CA @ SOMA
Oct 13: Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel
Oct 15: Santa Monica, CA @ Santa Monica Civic Aud.

For the latest Rilo Kiley news, check out www.rilokiley.com.

Click here to see other shows available through Ducat King Ticketing: www.ducatking.com."

7.18.07 MUSICIAN'S IDENTITY GETS STOLEN & UNAUTHORIZED SOULS GET INTO HELL

Oh, come on. Don't send us your religiously-charged emails. We couldn't resist. Read on, you'll see.

The black metal / death metal band Ancient released the following message today:

"Kaiaphas' official Statement... Apparently, there's an imposter in Virginia (U.S.A) who claims to be the Lord Kaiaphas. He has been pretending to be me for the past 4 years or more.

This imposter even convinced his wife, Rhiannon, that he is the Lord Kaiaphas. So much so, that she had pictures of me in her MySpace profile as if I were her husband. I've been informed, that this imposter is not a musician and is of Dutch origin.

Incredibly, this imposter even has a small following of believers here in America. He has also been making posts as the Lord Kaiaphas in some yahoo 360 group / mail list called "new_satanic_age" for quite a while.

My friends from Ancient (myspace.com/ancientband) and I are taking care of this situation. Hopefully, it will soon be resolved, otherwise we will have to take legal action, since this false information and the impression this couple was giving to people is harming the band Ancient, as well as my personal life and reputation.

Below is the link to this fake Lord Kaiaphas and his wife, who has already removed my pictures from her profile:

Fake site 1:
http://360.yahoo.com/profile-
s8Jj1No9dLTDvnRtzgSroWIBRweN4u5z

Fake site 2:
http://profiles.yahoo.com/lord_kaiaphas666

The only official links of the Lord Kaiaphas (a.k.a. Zhyin) and my projects are:

www.kaiaphas.de
myspace.com/kaiaphas
thokkianvortex.com
myspace.com/thokkianvortex
minimal-criminal.com
myspace.com/minimalcriminal
myspace.com/zhyin
wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaiaphas
ladyomega.com

Any other links you find on the web might not contain the right and updated info. Please spread these news so that no one else is fooled by these people."

7.18.07 FEKTION FEKLER CALLS IT QUITS

Electronic / Industrial / Pop

Partial official message: "Hello to all, after seven albums and over 30 compilation appearances I have decided to end Fektion Fekler. For our true fans I would like to thank you for all the years of support you have shown us. It meant a lot to me so many of you wrote letters proclaiming your love of what my brother and I produced. Words cannot say how proud we are to have such a loyal fan base and the years of encouragement you have shown us. Thank you.

Our official last album will be a 'Best of Fektion Fekler' (title pending). We are going to jam pack the CD with as much music as we can. The artwork will be done by the talented Daryl Litts who has worked with us for many years and is by far one of the most talented guys around. The album will contain linear notes about each track; when it was written, why it was written, how it was written and some little interesting fact about the song. Yes, all of our songs have some weird story behind them. The album will be the best parts of Fektion Fekler. We know you will love it.

On one final note. John and I will still work on music, but separately. I will probably engineer most of his music for his band The Boy Who Saved Yesterday. Thanks to all." - Robert
www.fektionfekler.net

7.18.07 OUR BABBLE ON MERCH TABLES

So often when I go to shows I can't even locate the merch table. They too often tend to blend in with the environment or/and are unmanned. This is a problem, obviously, because merch sales can make a big difference in how "successful" your shows are... thus, people need to be able to easily locate your merch table and there should be someone there to make the sale. A good manager or accompanying squeeze should be willing to help when he / she can. If the table needs to be unattended at certain times leave a sign that states when you'll return.

Although space is limited on the road we still suggest bringing something that will quickly draw people to your merch table. Making a foldable display that you can place on a table is an idea. We recently saw one that had an unusual shape and it was adorned with blinking Christmas lights. It certainly got our attention!

How about bringing 2 or 3 fabric backdrops? You don't want to bring just one because the walls of the venues you are playing will change from town to town. Perhaps bring a white, a black, and a colorful one. Then, display the one that has the most contrast on each show night.

Prices should be displayed and available sizes should be listed. This will also make things a lot easier on the person who is manning the table! Make sure you have plenty of ones, fives, tens, and possibly even twenties, for making change. Someone may have to make a bank run on each show day to get the proper dollars needed for change.

A trend that we're enjoying is how much easier it's becoming to get autographed merchandise. We attended a Melvins concert last year that offered signed and numbered tour posters. At Howard Jones, autographed CDs were offered for $5 more. At a 2006 Gene Loves Jezebel show Michael Aston was at the merch booth meeting fans (with a genuine smile on his face) and offering personalized-autographed merchandise. Just some ideas. - Stacy

7.17.07 STRAWBERRY BLONDES

Punk

Official news: "We’ve got some good news for everyone in America who has been asking us where they can buy our debut album ‘Rise Up’ from. The album is now being stocked by Interpunk.com.
www.interpunk.com

They sold out of the first stocking pretty quick but it's now back in stock. It means you guys can pick up the album at an affordable price without being hit by exchange rates and international shipping costs. Go and buy it now!!" - Mickie (Strawberry Blondes)
myspace.com/strawberryblondes

7.17.07 DARK SUNS

Metal / Progressive

Partial official message: "...Some news about the recording process:

Drums are done, guitars are done (just a few self-serving solo parts ;-) ), bass is currently out of Germany in well-known Swedish / Dutch hands and we are busy now with keys and arranging the string parts... of course, everything sounds really, really nice!!!

Nevertheless, we are in a hurry to be ready for starting to mix the album in August, relaunch our homepage completely and preparing for the stages at the end of the year!! So... I'll end here with huge greetings to all of you over the globe!!! Cheers!" - Maik / Dark Suns
www.myspace.com/dunklesonnen

7.17.07 THE OFFICERS

Electro / Alternative / Rock

Partial official description: "Recently described as making music that's so dirty you may think you have stumbled on My Bloody Valentine and Trent Reznor in a red light district together... but still maintains the very essence of cool."

Have a listen to their songs, 'Afraid of Your Love' and 'Soul Saviour'... they are sure to end up on your iPod. The Officers are currently recording new material:
myspace.com/theofficers

7.16.07 OUR BABBLE - OUR COMPUTER DIED FROM BEATING

Went to see The Gravetones in Kenosha on Friday night for Hearseapalooza (or something like that). They were fantastic, as expected! Watch for our interview with them from that night sometime soon...

We're fucked. There's really no other way of saying it. On Saturday we burned out the power supply on our computer BUT replaced it quite easily. THEN someone dropped the tower and, well, now we need a new computer (repairs will be about the same). We're sure that it will be more difficult over the next couple of weeks to get news, reviews, and our interviews up in a timely matter. So, please bare with us as we struggle over the next couple of weeks until we can come up with the cash to replace it. Thanks, Stacy

7.16.07 GIRLSCHOOL'S TRAGIC LOSS OF KELLY

Rock / Metal / Punk

Official message: "R.I.P 20-6-58 to 15-7-07. It is with extreme sadness to tell you that Kelly Johnson, original member of Girlschool and our best friend has passed away on Sunday the 15th of July 2007 after fighting a 6 year battle with cancer of the spine."
www.girlschool.co.uk
myspace.com/kellyjohnsontributepage

7.13.07 THE MAIN DRAG

Indie / Electro / Experimental

Official partial message: "We're releasing a new LP titled 'Yours as Fast as Mine' on July 19th. This record has been two long years in the making and is entirely self-produced and (for the moment) self-released. We funded the bulk of the process by winning Salon.com's first ever "Best Unsigned Artist" contest in December, hosted by Thomas Bartlett's Audiofile blog." - John (The Main Drag)

We checked out their music clips (myspace.com/themaindrag) and especially enjoyed 'Even Seconds', 'Love During Wartime' and 'Goodnight Technologist'!

7.13.07 HOW NOT TO REPRESENT SOMEONE - MUSICIANS READ

I'm not going to correct or alter this MySpace bulletin below that I read today. It was NOT directed towards us but when I saw it under the general MySpace bulletins it irritated me. Note, I bolded a key sentence here, not them. There's a different way to say things and still get your point across, you know? - Stacy

Official Bulletin:

Rodney on the Roq's MySpace blog from Jul 13, 2007 4:43 PM. Subject: Quit with the self promotion crap.

"I have had it up to here with people who don't follow the rules. Rodney's page isn't here to help you get laid or get fans... get over it. i will block any person who posts a self promotion from now on. I just don't care about your bands .. sorry.

If you are a band that Rodney likes and plays on his show.. feel free to self promote all you like.

If you email me to tell me how great you are and Rodney should listen, then hey buddy you obviously cant read. BECAUSE I state on the main page that RODNEY hates the internet and will not listen you on myspace.. get over it.. learn to write and use the mail. the real mail.. you know the little guy in the blue shorts that walks up to the box on your house and leave bills in it. It's been around forever. give it a spin see how you like it.

And bottom line. Rodney has enough new music to play. He isn't gonna find a magic band on myspace himself because he doesn't use his own myspace. And i'm just not that nice. send him a cd. the address is on the main page where you should have read before self promoting your band that will now be deleted." XXXX gidge

7.13.07 OUR BABBLE - ROBBERS IN ICE CREAM TRUCK HIGH ON STREET

Wanna know what wakes you up during a routine drive to pick up some lunch? When a friggin' ice cream truck comes barreling out of the dense woods and crosses in front of your vehicle and others on a major road. That's what. What the f?

Went to see Robbers on High Street and The Redwalls at the Miramar (Milwaukee, WI) last night. Best $9 I ever spent. No kidding. No kidding about what you say? Yes, it was only $9 (or so) and the performances were amazing too! Will have a concert review (with pictures) up after the weekend - maybe as late as Wednesday as I have to first locate and then purchase the correct gizmo to allow me to transfer images from my cell phone to my computer.

7.12.07 PRINCE TAKES A STAND

Taken from the official website: "A spokesman said, "Prince feels that charts are just music industry constructions and have little or no relevance to fans or even artists today. Prince's only aim is to get music direct to those that want to hear it."

Ummm... he's right. Read the whole article, Prince Continues To Redefine The Modern Music Age Speaking Directly To Fans to find out what he's doing about it visit www.3121.com.
* Once there, scroll down a bit to locate article.

7.12.07 THE NORMANS

Indie / Pop / Ambient

Official message: "We're playing our final formal cd-release party at Emo's Austin this Saturday 7/14. We take the stage at 11:30pm, and will be joined by The Alice Rose, The Rite Flyers and The Sad Accordions."

'Stereo Savant', the new release by The Normans, can be purchased through CD Baby and iTunes. Also, you can listen to some music clips by clicking below:
myspace.com/thenormans

7.12.07 SABREPULSE NEWS

Techno / Electro / Breakcore

Official message: "There are 3 records in the works:

Xinon VS. Sabrepulse - 'Realization' (8bitpeoples) - This is a straight 4 track-a-piece Gameboy techno/trance danceathon. Will be released early August.

Sabrepulse - 'Gabba Moon' (Label TBA) - This is the new album. It focuses on a purer chiptune sound. No release date but I'm hoping September in time for the tours.

Anamanaguchi / Sabrepulse - Untitled. Split (Label TBA) - No details right now.
myspace.com/sabrepulse

7.11.07 A MESSAGE FROM MURDER IN MEMPHIS

Punk / Hardcore

Official message: "PLEASE HELP...

Hey Everyone, we just got word that our label Falcom is having some problems, and might be closing down. Everyone at Falcom has been so cool to us, so we can't stand by and not help them out. So please visit their myspace (myspace.com/falcomrecords) and buy some cd's or whatever and give them some love.

Also, we are going to try and put together a benefit show for them, so keep posted and we will get the updates as soon as we can. Also, we are going to be selling some of the Falcom cds to try and help raise some money for them. So if you are one of our upcoming shows please swing by and pick up a cd at our merch table.

Thanks, and please help us help Falcom!!" - MIM (Murder in Memphis)
myspace.com/murderinmemphis

7.11.07 THE ALRIGHTS

Indie / Rock / Other

Official message: "Hey everyone. We leave today for a small two week club hopper around the midwest. If you're in an area that we're playing come out and hang with us. If you're not in the area, today is a good day to hitch a ride, take a bus, hop a train or board a plane and get to the closest show. Our schedule is below."
- The Alrights

7/12 9pm Bogarts Apple Valley,
  MN
7/13 10pm Nutty's North Sioux
  Falls, SD
7/14 3pm Great Pigout Festival
  Aberdeen, SD
7/15 8pm Lux Martini Bar Arnolds
  Park, IA
7/16 8pm Jackpot Music Hall
  Lawrence, KS
7/19 6:30pm Private Party-1210
  Buchanan St., Rockford, IL
7/20 8pm The Kinetic Playground
  Chicago, IL
7/22 4pm Terry Peak Music
  Festival Rapid City, SD

Haven't heard The Alrights yet? Check out their music clips! We especially recommend listening to 'All I Know Is Rock...', 'Jump For Joy' and 'City Underground'.
myspace.com/thealrights

7.11.07 NEW BIRTHDAY MASSACRE OUT SEPT. 10TH

Alternative / Electronica / Industrial

Partial official message: "With their newest album, 'Walking With Strangers' Toronto-Based The Birthday Massacre once again exceed the expectations of their ever-growing and devoted fan base.

Produced by the legendary Dave "Rave" Ogilvie, TBM remain true to the sound that gained them the praise of fans and music critics alike, while further refining and expanding upon their signature sound.

...The Birthday Massacre manage to blend gothic, rock and electronic music into a sound that is all their own, and brilliantly original." - Metropolis
myspace.com/thebirthdaymassacre

7.10.07 CHECK OUT THE DARK ROOM NOTES

Alternative / Electronica

Official message: "The (Dark Room Notes') EP will be coming out in October 2007 - 2 tracks have already been recorded and another two will be recorded this weekend coming. There will be an all-Ireland tour starting in late September to coincide with the release with dates in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Dundalk, Kilkenny, Belfast and Derry. Dates in the UK will follow in early 2008.

We'll be shooting a video in August and will be doing a casting call for extras then.

The band will also be playing at the 'Home Made Jam' Festival in Armagh on 18 August, and tomorrow (11/07/07) in Crawdaddy, Dublin."
myspace.com/darkroomnotesireland

7.10.07 BRANDEN DANIEL & EVERYBODY GETS LAID

Rock

Partial official description: "The Pacific NorthWest is a long way from Mississippi, the place where the influential sound of Delta Blues was born. But proving you don’t need to be born east of the Mason-Dixon to produce blues-inspired rock n’roll is Portland singer Branden Daniel and his band Everybody Gets Laid."

They released the 'Back Down' EP this year. Highlight tracks are 'All or Nothing Back Down' and 'Lay Low'. Click below to listen to them and for more information:
cdbaby.com/cd/brandendaniel

We also recommend listening to the song 'Two Shakes' from the 2005 'Love It' EP. You can hear the track here:
myspace.com/brandendaniel

7.10.07 SO AND SO'S

Alternative / Indie / Blues

Partial official message: "Good news is... Our bass player (Rev) and his Girlfriend are having a baby. The bad news is that he will not be able to commit to the band as much as he (and we) would have wanted to. As we have gigs booked and want to carry on the works in which we have started, we have got in a new bass player (Ash Pascao - 21). He's a cool kid and we are looking forward to working with him. He enjoys our songs and I think he will fit right in.

Would just like to say we all would like to thank Rev for the last year and him being in our band was fun. Top marks fella, all the best and good luck." xx - So and So's
www.myspace.com/soandsoinet

7.9.07 OUR BABBLE - HUMMUS & MISC.

I don't know what I did to my husband to deserve such a thing...

I was starving and he came home from the store and made me a "lovely" plate of hummus on crackers. It smelled like a man's armpits after an intense game of racket ball. I gave it a fair chance, eating 2 loaded crackers. Barf, never again. Dave (my husband) has reminded me that I recently stated I wanted to try the stuff.

So, I finally got around to watching The Notebook. I know, it's been out a long time. I was determined not to allow it to get to me (I only knew that it was a love story). Well, I haven't had a cry like that in a long time and I can't tell you how much my face hurts 9 hours later.

Excited to hear that The B-52s are finishing up on a new album... their music is always fun. - Stacy

7.9.07 THE PINKER TONES

Electronica / Lounge / Alternative

Official message: "The Pinker Tones kick off the latest leg of their 'Revolution Now' tour in New York on 13 July with an exclusive live show at The Apple Store at 2pm. This event is FREE but entry is on a first come first served basis to the first 200 people through the door."
myspace.com/thepinkertones

7.9.07 CROWDED HOUSE

Partial official message: "Dear all, thought you might be interested to know we have new songs. Let us know what you think. Hope all that went to or watched the Live Earth Australia on telly enjoyed it, we thought it was great...
www.myspace.com/crowdedhouse

As you will probably know our new album (Time On Earth) is out in the shops and can also be brought via the internet. Hope to see you all soon!" - Crowded House

7.6.07 THE WEDDING PRESENT

Indie / Alternative / Other

Official message: "Band writing new material in Hollywood...

Last month The Wedding Present were spotted out and about in Los Angeles as the band convened to work on new songs. As well as taking in a Dodger's baseball game and visiting the set of The Tonight Show, the band spent several days in a top Hollywood rehearsal studio working on new material and rubbing shoulders with the likes of Courtney Love." - Scopitones
www.scopitones.co.uk

7.6.07 OUR BABBLE - DRYER SHEETS AND "LOOK AT ME!"

Well, I've succeeded in spending all morning with a dryer sheet attached to me. Every month or so one will work its way out of a sleeve or pant leg and I'm reminded how rushed my life is.

Weird... When we've interviewed someone we put one or two bulletins out to our MySpace friends...

BUT we don't go to Spin Magazine, Paste, NME, etc. and locate a specific contact person's email and send one stating, "Hey, Laura (in advertising), we just interviewed band name here." Why is this happening to us by 3 different magazines (NOT the ones mentioned!)? Are we now competing with one another? No thanks. No time and definitely no interest. Anyway, we're NOT the stars here!!!! -Stacy

7.6.07 COPH NIA

Ambient / Industrial / Gothic

You don't need drugs to feel like you're on drugs... under supervision have a listen to 'Fire'!
myspace.com/cophnia

Official message: "Coph Nia's 'The Dark Illuminati':

The Thelemic Warlord is back; and after years of silence and solitude Aldenon once again presents us with a true masterpiece - 'The Dark Illuminati - A Celestial Tragedy in two acts'.

This is an epic saga of eight illuminating pieces trying to penetrate the core of the Darkest Light. Aldenon's characteristic growling coupled with Linus's bombastic drums and Karin's serene voice come together in a tapestry of ritualistic, penetrating and sinister ambiance.

Included are three timeless classics in new and improved formats... Choirs, strings and intricate orchestrations bring about an unforgettable tale that won't leave any listener untouched; possibly giving rise to more questions, than it poses answers." - Cold Meat Ind.
www.cophnia.com

7.5.07 DIE SEKTOR

Industrial / Electro / Gothic

Official message: "Die Sektor has completed a remix of the song 'Remnants' which will appear on the upcoming Grendel release 'Harsh Generation'. Enjoy sadistic gratification with some of our most brutal work yet!"
www.myspace.com/diesektor

7.5.07 ACTION NANO

Electro / Electronica / J-POP

Official partial description: "Action Nano is the electronica project from Stefano aka Ortax, an anglo-Italian artist / producer / designer based in Paris, France.

As my other project OTX deals more with dark tones, I really wished to create an original project that would give me the chance to work on much more electronical and technological tracks, and yet balanced by nostalgic and gentle (sweet) melodies, tunes."
www.myspace.com/actionnano

Action Nano has just signed on with the M - Tronic label.
www.m-tronic.com

7.5.07 WE NEVER LIKED HIP HOP... THEN WE HEARD DALEK

Hip Hop / Rap / Experimental

Partial official description: "Public Enemy meets My Bloody Valentine? Mobb Deep meets Glenn Branca? The bizarre and eclectic comparisons can go on and on.

Dälek have proven that there is music being created out in this world that can draw on the best of the past and be completely 10 years ahead of its time. Sure, a lot of you haters out there will say it's too weird and you too-cool indie rockers will say it's too hip-hop. Luckily for those that get it, Dälek doesn't give a fuck what you think."

We're diggin' it... we love the tracks, 'Paragraphs Relentless' and 'Isolated Stare' off of their 2007 album, 'Abandoned Language' (Ipecac Recordings). We can't wait to hear the rest of the CD!

Official Dälek message: "What's good my peoples? Just letting y'all know that the 'Deadverse Massive Vol. 1' CD is available for preorder from Hydrahead Records. Also, they are offering a limited edition T-shirt, hoody, and long sleeve if you order now! Just go here (www.bluecollardistro.com). It will ship on July 24th!!!"
www.myspace.com/dalek

7.4.07 THEO AND THE SKYSCRAPERS

Experimental / Electro / Other

Partial official message: "Well the album is done! 'So Many Ways To Die', 12 blood curdling tracks to make you monsters mash! We've been working long and hard on this for all you ghoulies!!! We're soooo excited for you all to hear...

Starting July 7th... Full U.S. Tour! Dates on our page! Spread the word!" Happy 4th, - TATS (Theo and the Skyscrapers)
www.myspace.com/theo

7.4.07 OUR BABBLE - OUR BIRTHDAY & PRESS KITS

Hoping everyone has a fun and safe 4th of July. Just wishing all of our soldiers were home.

We launched this magazine 1 year ago this month! I honestly didn't think we'd see this much growth and success this soon. So, Happy Birthday to us... and thanks a ton for your readership!

We've gotten some unique extras in press kits... I'm sure I turned beet-red when I found a pubic hair that was placed into a tiny plastic slide envelope in a certain band's press kit. I didn't appreciate the fake cockroach that was loose in a padded envelope that held a CD for review... although I really appreciate the fact that it was fake.

Recently we received a pair of fangs in a kit. That was cool! Another musician sent a chocolate See's Candy sucker along with her CD. A smart extra that was enclosed with another press kit was a post-it pad that has the band's info printed on every page. Kits that include handwritten notes, signed photos or CD covers get framed and placed on our office walls.

We appreciate all of the creativity and thoughtfulness used in sending us your music. It's not a requirement, we're just thrilled you send us your music! Thank you!

7.4.07 GOVERNMENT ISSUE

Punk

Per www.myspace.com/governmentissue1 website: "Stabb is in control of your radio...

Fuck, not again. OH YES! Happy July 4th G I fans. As a special treat, we've got John Stabb of Government Issue fame coming up to WMUC FM on July 7th (Saturday) at 9pm to chat on air with Rob of The Chumps, 1 of those DC punkish bands that preceeded the advent of DC Hardcore, Dischord & all that. The Chumps are the band that gave Bad Brains a slot on their first public performance amongst other contributions to the late 70s DC alternative music scene... all of which we hope to cover on air.

Tune in at WMUCRADIO.COM, or download the show as an mp3 for 5 days after the fact OR should you be driving around Maryland... 88.1 FM in College Park, Hyattsville, Silver Spring, Wheaton, Riverdale, Takoma Park and your pinto."
www.myspace.com/governmentissue1

7.3.07 ART OF EMPATHY - BEAUTIFUL!!!

Ambient / Acoustic / Down-tempo

Official description: "Art of Empathy is a one man project of me, Jef Janssen...

AOE is all about creating beautiful, dreamy music. With certain spheres and stimuli I try to convince the listener to reflect about things.

Because wondering can open doors. It can put things in a different light and break through conventions. It can recall that wonderful, innocent curiosity. It makes people think twice about senseless TV-messages, political evolutions, ecological disasters and absurd commercials.

In the end I just hope that my tracks can be enjoyed by many. That AOE can be music to relax to..."

AOE's album, 'Evening Sessions' (Ekleipsi Netlabel) is now available! What we've heard is really, really cool!
myspace.com/artofempathy
www.ekleipsi.com

7.3.07 OUR BABBLE

Some very exciting news... Steven Severin (Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Glove, ...) has granted Babble and Beat an interview!

We can't believe how fast our readership is growing. We've spent zero dollars on advertising so it's all been word of mouth and MySpace so far. Yet, last month alone our readership grew 68%!

Stacy has been asked to be on a panel of judges for an upcoming indie short film / music video project. It's a big (and fun!) deal, and will give our magazine A LOT of exposure. We can't believe we were chosen to be the only magazine on the panel... many extremely popular magazines were passed up! The official press release isn't out yet so we'll give you more information soon.

So, we're all back from a mini vacation now. Laura went to Las Vegas and won $350! Stacy went to her family cabin in Manitowish Waters, WI. She did lots of Kayaking, boating and swimming on a chain of lakes up there. Scott slept most of the time 'cept for a couple of poker nights with buddies.

7.3.07 THE VICIOUS MARTINIS

Rock / Emo / Glam

Partial official message: "We've got some more exciting news and it rhymes with blind a mccord compact. Yep, we signed a record contract! With Gotham Records.

We are very excited about the opportunities that this new partnership opens up for us and are looking forward to sharing this new chapter in our musical journey with all of you." - Glenn, Bryan, Brian and John (The Vicious Martinis)
www.myspace.com/theviciousmartinis

"Once again Behemoth rise above everything they've done before and set a new high for technical and extreme metal! 'The Apostasy' proves that Behemoth stand at the very pinnacle of the metal scene - and that they are there to stay!" -PHD
plastichead.com