Big Whup - B.O.N.I.Z.H.E.A.R.T.

I'm a huge fan of melodic pop especially the kind that doesn't take themselves to seriously. I like bands that don't take themselves to seriously in general. Which is why I like Big Whup so much probably. Big Whup takes the kind of pop that Belle and Sebastian is famous for and makes it their own. Here's the music video for their song B.O.N.I.Z.H.E.A.R.T. Enjoy!

And go see them tonight at Pehrspace!

Kevin Greenspon Tells It LIke It Is

Kevin Greenspon is truly one of my personal heroes. He writes really good songs that span across many different styles of music from folk to noise and he runs one of the best labels around. His label is one of the best not only because of his excellent taste and consistency but because of his personal ethics. He isn't shy about speaking his mind about things. For instance his stance on the current "music dynamic":

"The day I give in to a “promo guy” is the day this label is OVER. I’m kind of venting because I’m really tired of people who don’t know what this label is about, hitting me up like they are huge supporters and have the whole catalog blah blah but really just trying to make money off of MY FRIENDS - aka the artists I release. Not happening. This is a personal label- I do everything myself and everyone who’s ever supported me knows this firsthand. Guys in Beverly Hills with management companies obviously don’t know this.

In other news, my split CD with Cloud Nothings and re-issues of 4 sold out releases are going to be available in a few days. I’m really excited about all of them, they’ll be out just before I leave for tour and you can get all 5 of them shipped straight to your house for only $22 because I don’t have to kick back stupid fees to promoters or booking agents or managers or anyone in “the music biz.” Cheaper at the shows.

Thanks to everyone who has ever ordered a CD/tape, came to a show and said hi, emailed me saying you liked the music, or helped make me feel like I should keep doing this my own way instead of just throwing stupid money to a bunch of guys who don’t care about the music my friends and I make, who say “we can do the work for you” to every independent label they can google.

To the guys who took the bait: have fun selling $9 7”s."

For more on Kevin and his label Bridgetown, check out his Tumblr

Vice Cooler Wants Your Help!

Vice Cooler. He's a punk screamer and a rapper. He's a lover and a fighter. Right now he's fighting to raise money for the Survivor's Fund, which helps women who were orphaned by the Rwandan Genocide. How is he doing this? He's putting together a Kickstarter fund to raise money for the pressing of the benefit LP, NFJM 030. This LP will feature SoCal notables such as Gossip, XBXRX, and No Age along with other great bands like Deerhoof and Dan Deacon. There are different levels of rewards too for those who help out and I have to say they're pretty badass. Go to the Kickstarter fund page to get more info.

NFJM030 from Vice Cooler on Vimeo.

This Monday at Pehrspace...

This Monday at Pehrspace, Sean Carnage presents a very special show introducing a brand new band called Physical Forms. It's their first show and they're headlining it. How can a band playing their first show ever deserve a headlining slot, albeit at a small venue like Pehrspace, you may ask. It's because this band features members of Mae Shi, Division Day, Hiking, Bad Dudes, and featuring Busdriver! I predict that this one will sell out so get there early.

More info at Seancarnage.com

Halloween Swim Team - Pitch Black

Here's the new video for Halloween Swim Team's song "Pitch Black" which comes off the first of their series of three EPs entitled ANTENNAAA. Very sci-fi but also pretty trippy stuff. What I've always appreciated about these guys is their ability to utilize the little resources, make the best of them, and still come out with an awesome video.

Halloween Swim Team - Pitch Black from Halloween Swim Team on Vimeo.

Man's Assassination, Man - Cavedad

Here's a really cool new video from Man's Assassination, Man, a band that includes members of Signals.

Dan Plaza - Community Pop

"You remember when school made you draw pictures of a kid of every race/ethnicity holding hands around the world? I mean, that's stupid but obviously it would be amazing if we could actually pull that off. That's exactly what the future attitude is. You've got to stand for something, even if it makes you look like a lameo. And you can't pull sarcasm excuses anymore. No more. Senses of humor are good though. It's all about being lighthearted while believing in something. I'm serious about this." - Dan Plaza

I was first introduced to Dan Plaza's music by my friend Wilton, of Not the Government, via a video post on facebook. It was a song from his performance on KXLU's Demolisten. I was instantly hooked by his positive energy and his uplifting lyrics. I a world of cynics, downers, and people who are just plain angry with something, it's refreshing to hear music that gives you a sense of hope and gives you something to believe in. Check out his site and download some his album.

Dan Plaza's official site