Pictures by Melanie Hemminger
Category Archives: artists
The Disco Biscuits “Planet Anthem”
By Dina Kolman
Have you ever wanted to time travel? Strap your shoes on and just dance upon the decades? Bask in the radiance of the times, and live throughout the history of music; the psychedelic sixties, the groovy seventies, or even immerse in the glamorous groove of dance beats in the 80s. The Disco Biscuits make that dream a reality in their 5th studio album, Planet Anthem.
The album begins with “Loose Change,” a track that effortlessly epitomizes their style and sets the stage for a good listen. Though slightly cliche in lyrics, repeating “money is the root of all evil,” unique cries of techno emerge through the enchanting, echoing melodies. It feels like a spin off an 80s dance mix, mirroring styles of Depeche Mode.
“On Time” proves that one can be upbeat and insightful. The refreshing, metaphoric lyrics upload the listener into a digital world where women are computers, and oh so irresistible. The blending of pop, hip-hop, and dance with electronic undertones is masterfully done. The lyrics are hypnotic and intriguing, in this riveting song.
In their third track, “Widgets,” the Disco Biscuits bravely deviate from their usual “party jam” tempo and wander into a world of passion; the finger-picking of a classical guitar is inviting and foreboding. “I’m on the outside looking in” at a tantalizing track.
The Disco Biscuits have a tremendous way of transitioning between various styles while remaining true to themselves, and sounding natural. “You and I” is a song of heavier rock with a 70s punk influence. In a flash, the song shows hip-hop beats and visions of break dancers dance in my head. Just when you think there aren’t any more changes, they provide us with a trance-like hook. Magical!
“Konkrete” accentuates the Disco Biscuits’ eccentric, artsy side. The cool, jazzy intro captures the listener, while the lyrics and sound effects are eerie and haunting. “Uber Glue” puts a spotlight on their instrumental side. The light drum taps are lively and there are little words, allowing for free interpretation.
“Rain Song” is unique in that it has an Asian sound, of mystery and suspense. The woman’s voice is beautiful and adds to their versatility. In “Fish Out of Water,” the Disco Biscuits share their wildest thoughts. One can see into the their electronic dreams. This track reminds me of a 70s jam. The guitar solo gives one goose-bumps as the piano plays away. “Gonna make a rebel out of me.”
From the Disco Biscuits’ songs, one can hear their passion and creativity. We all knew they had soulful rhymes, but in “Sweatbox,” that there is rapping! This is just another way they are unique. They are the pop art of music; they are refreshing in their mixing of old and new sounds.
The track “The City” is a toe-tapping song with more of a story-telling style. He speaks in rhythm with a rock background, infusing chants and trumpets, with lyrics that capture the listener. It is a song of hopes, “sitting on a mountaintop”, gazing below at the city. It is a song of contemplative matter over nature, people, and of course, the safety and familiarity of “the city.”
In “Big Wrecking Ball,” I can imagine a band like Weezer, rocking out to the upbeat, guitar-heavy rhythms. This song shows their fun, alternative side. In the closing track, “Vacation,” the Disco Biscuits, once again, fuse together differing styles successfully. It is slow, eerie, and distinguished. The lyrics are thoughtful, “don’t wait everyday my love .” The Disco Biscuits cleverly mix upbeat, catchy beats, with passionate, heartfelt lyrics.
The Disco Biscuits are truly unique, passionate, slightly quirky, and random. This seemingly clashing combination works brilliantly for them. With tasteful lyrics and a wide array of sounds, they create a medley of enjoyable tunes. Soaring through the times, they have collected the best music inspiration and have combined all of the styles into an album that showcases their eccentric ways; they have rap, electronic, rock, jazz, pop and more! Providing inspiration for future bands to come, the Disco Biscuits take creativity and uniqueness to an entire new level, even that of another planet!
The Grammy Awards CD
by Elena Taytem
The 2010 GRAMMYS are quickly approaching and the 2010 GRAMMY® Nominees CD highlights artists and songs nominated for the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards. This CD includes songs I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas, Poker Face by Lady Gaga, You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift, Fallin For You by Colbie Caillat, You Found Me by the Fray, 21 Guns by Greenday and much more great music.
So make sure to pick up this CD with the greatest hits of 2009-2010 and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the CD will benefit the MusiCares® Foundation and the GRAMMY Foundation®, two charitable organizations established by The Recording Academy. And be sure to watch the Grammy’s Sunday night, January 31st on CBS 8PM ET/PT with performances by Beyoncé, the Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood just to name a few. Also some of the celebirty presenters include pop/R&B singer Justin Bieber, pop sensation the Jonas Brothers, nine-time GRAMMY winner Ringo Starr, actress/singer Jennifer Lopez, pop singer Katy Perry and TV and radio host Ryan Seacrest. Plus Usher in a special 3-D GRAMMY tribute to Michael Jackson and Mary J. Blige and Andrea Bocelli in a special fund-raising segment for Haitian relief.
So be sure to tune in to Music’s Biggest Night!
Orange Avenue band Q&A with Melanie
Ubiquitous artists All American Rejects, Rhianna, Smash Mouth, Hellogoodbye all have one thing in common, they have shared the stage with Daytona Beach, Florida’s Pop/Rock sensation Orange Avenue.
Sounding unique is one of the most onerous thing a musician has to do. For Derek Anderson (vocals), Glenn Sedita (Keyboards/Piano/Percussion), Chris Yetter (Guitar), Sean Sedita (Drums), and Jamie Pohl (Bass), adding their own individual touch is clearly heard through the keyboard and percussion.
Since the release of their first self-titled record (also affectionately called “The Orange Album” by fans) in 2007, the Central Florida based quintet has been pounding the pavement to promote their music on the streets and playing gigs. Following the recent release of their second record, aptly named “Reset,” the band has seen as tremendous amount of success so far by earning recognition by many Central Floridian media publications, selling over an estimated 10,000 copies on their first album, a few singles playing of local Orlando/Daytona radio stations, and were the featured artist of the week on the cable network program MLB Tonight.
Q & A with Orange Avenue
Q: What’s the name of your band? Who came up with name? Have you changed the band’s name before?
A: Orange Avenue (Derek Anderson (Vocals), Glenn Sedita (Keyboard/Percussion), Chris Yetter (Guitar), Sean Sedita (Drums), and Jamie Pohl (Bass)– We came up with the name because we used to practice on a street called Orange Avenue in Daytona Beach. The location of the street was not in the best of neighborhoods. The name gave us inspiration to get out, but it also reminds us where our band started.
Q: Who are your major influences?
A: Our major influences are Radiohead, Coldplay, The Kinks, The Beatles and The Hello People (Our (Sean and Glen), father Bobby Sedita was in The Hello People).
Q: How long have you guys known each other? How did you all meet?
A: We have known each other for about 10 years. However it wasn’t until 6 years of us knowing each other that we formed Orange Avenue (2006). Other than Glen and Sean being brothers we all knew of each other through different bands in the area.
Q: What inspired you to make music together?
A: Everyone had the same goal and we all respected each other’s musicianship.
Q: All musicians have their “go to” instrument. What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty? What attracted you to the instruments you have now?
A: Derek – I like Shure mics. I have been singing all my life.
Glenn – For keyboards/percussion I don’t really have brand loyalty its whatever sounds best.
Chris – I like to feel out which guitar sounds best for the specific song.
Sean – I like playing DW drums because of the quality.
Jamie – Like Glen and Chris I like to just feel out whatever sounds best.
Q: Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Any major touring coming soon?
A: We have performed all up and down the East Coast. Our favorite venue is any venue that we have a possibility of gaining a fan. As far as major touring we just signed a new deal with the indie label Lovelamp Records and Michele & Group, Inc. Talent Agency. Be on the lookout for a big push of our new “RESET” (EP) and the single “Just Refrain” that we just finished shooting a video for. You can check out the video and info at “http://www.orangeavenuemusic.com” www.orangeavenuemusic.com
Q: Do you ever play any cover songs?
A: We like to put some covers in the set list but rearrange the cover songs to our own style.
Q: What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
A: We would say the most common theme in our songs is relationship driven. For instance, our single “Just Refrain” is about a relationship between a girl and a guy and what the guy feels when his girlfriend goes out with her friends. She isn’t picking up her phone so the guy starts to go crazy. The message that is conveyed in the chorus though is to “Just Refrain” from saying what you want to her because in time she will come around just like she did before. It boils down to not letting your emotions and imagination get the best of you.
We write what we are feeling or what we are going through at that point in time in our life, so yes the topics will change over time.
Q: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
A: When you form a band it’s like starting a new family. Even though we knew each other we had never performed together. In the beginning stages it was definitely awkward and things felt a little off, but over time things have really gelled together and now we feel the “RESET” (EP) is some of the best stuff that we have written.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
A: Our biggest challenge is not letting outside influences effect us internally. It is also a struggle being on the road financially wise. What we try to do as a band is to just focus on the music. Since signing the deal with Lovelamp Records and Michele & Group, Inc. Talent Agency we feel that we have a good team around us that will take care of all other aspects and if we do our job musically everything will fall into place.
Q: What’s your ultimate goal as a band?
A: That’s simple we want a Grammy Award and for our fans to enjoy our music.
Q: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Itunes, Demo or CD available at shows?
A: For all our “little oranges” out there. No we are joking. We just saw how Lady Gaga calls her fans “little monsters”. Anyway you can access our music at HYPERLINK “http://www.orangeavenuemusic.com” www.orangeavenuemusic.com where you will find our new video for “Just Refrain”, links to our myspace, facebook, twitter, reverbnation and youtube accounts. We also have links on the website for street team, booking, merch, iTunes, and up-coming tour dates. Keep checking in on the website though because a new one is in the works.
Q: What are some websites future fans can access more information about you?
A: We pretty much summed this question up on our last answer. Saying it twice can’t hurt. HYPERLINK “http://www.orangeavenuemusic.com” www.orangeavenuemusic.com. Come check us out!!! New CD “RESET” (EP) and video for our single “Just Refrain”. Thank you Swept Away Tv and Rock Star Stories for your time.
Motion City Soundtrack is Back!
by Alex Rivera
Four words: MOTION. CITY. IS. BACK. Their first single off of the new album “My Dinosaur Life” is “Disappear,” and upbeat and catchy song that’s fast-paced and will get you ready to dance. The chorus is completely sing-along worthy, the transitions are smooth and clear, and the song will undoubtedly be stuck in your head for days.
The video tells the story of a curious and explorative young boy that lives in the woods and who has an imaginary friend, as shown by a panda mask that he has and wears. One night, as he’s talking to his “friend,” he hears a noise outside, and when he looks out the window, he sees a disfigured faceless man that starts jerking around. I’m not going to lie, it was pretty creepy, and throughout the video he pops up EVERYWHERE. The boy and his family then leave their home and run through the woods trying to escape the horror of this freakishly disturbing, yet random, guy. During their escape, the boy loses his family, thus “disappearing” from their sight.
The director of the video made good use of panning back and forth from the action of the story to the band and its members, also efficiently using effects to highlight the use of guitar and especially the drum cymbals. The effects add to the intensity of the song and the overall feeling of the video.
“Disappear” is an amazing song and Motion City Soundtrack did an amazing job with it. I can’t wait to hear the rest of “My Dinosaur Life,” which is already gaining rave reviews as a whole. If you like “Disappear” then definitely check out the rest of “My Dinosaur Life,” which is in stores now. According to what everyone else is saying, you won’t be disappointed.