thatsmystorytv-blog

[thatsmystorytv-blog]

Emo Is Back Tour - Clifton, NJ

Alyssa and I (Neena) got the chance to experience the Emo Is Back Tour (@EmoIsBackTour). This was a show I personally was looking forward to since it was announced and I’m so glad I got to see it. The tour is pretty much a bunch of local bands from different places across the nation. Most of the fans come to each of these shows knowing one band (at the least) but they leave loving all of the bands. What I love about this tour was that it felt more like a meeting place for everyone in this community; finding friends that we didn’t have or didn’t know we needed. It also broadened our music interests and the musicians’ fanbase. I would love to see more tours like this go around in the future. We, unfortunately, did not have the chance to interview any of the bands separately but we did manage to meet up with some members and asked some questions.

What does ‘emo’ mean to you? “Emo to me is not emotional or sad, it’s more like a community. Way back when emo was meant for emotionally sad people, I was on MySpace a lot and anyone who had flippy hair was considered emo but all of us with that hair kind of stuck together. That was the idea of this tour; to bring everyone together like a family and introduce all of the different fans to other bands and new music.”  -Matt Skajem (Best Kept Secret) “Same ^” - Mikey Ptitelli (This Is All Now)

“Being in touch **AND expressive with your emotions” -Louie Malpeli (This Is All Now)

What is your favorite thing about this tour? “My favorite thing? There’s a few, I can’t narrow it down. The people, all the people we’re touring with are amazing. Uhm, the fans, it’s great to see them all enjoying the music and meeting them is really cool. And the places, I love traveling city to city and yeah.” -Luke Bickerstaff (Take A Breath) “The shows have been incredible and all the people on the tour are great to be around and tour with” -Jesse Rossi (Take A Breath) “Jordan AHY” -Mikey Pittelli (This Is All Now)

“Performing” -Louie Malpeli (This Is All Now)

“My favorite thing about this tour is getting to meet new people and hanging out with all of my best friends and hanging out with the different bands. Every band has been awesome on this tour so those are my favorite things.” -Caleb Buttner (This Is All Now)

What do you hope our new age “emo” community will bring? “Honestly, if anything, I think the new--- I’m not going to call it an emo community because the way we grew up everyone called music, “emo music” but it was in this scene. It was the scene music, you know? And the way that it was when we were growing up is not the same as it was now. So the whole idea behind this tour was we kind of want to bring that back because we want to kind of strengthen everything from the local scene up. It seems like these days everyone just gives a fuck about big bands, the 5SOS bands, you know? Back in the day everyone used to see their local bands and support their scene and because that’s not the way it is anymore bands like the ones you’ve seen tonight don’t have a shot to move forward because people are not willing to give them a chance. Uhm, so if I could say something about the “emo” community, I would just hope that through tours like this, through shows like this, through our music we could influence people to support from the bottom up” -Benji Bryan (Best Kept Secret)

“Balls” -Mikey Pittelli (This Is All Now) “A better sense of camaraderie between artist and fan... This Is All Now is trying to transcend that barrier to hopefully take us to a different level of success.” -Louie Malpeli (This Is All Now) ***Exculsively An Honest Year Members(and I guess Mikey from This Is All Now)*** How do you feel about ending? What are your future plans? “To be successful in whatever we choose to do with our futures” -Mikey Pittelli (This Is All Now) “I honestly love touring, it’s really not for everyone though; it’s a lot more work than people think. But it’s my favorite thing in the world and i hope to get out there again with a new project and continue my dream. I thought AHY was gonna be “it” so yeah, straight up, I’m sad this is our last tour, but I’m excited about the future which hopefully entails a new band.” -Jon Pfingsten “More music!!!!!!!” -Greg Pinney

“Very bittersweet but excited for our future endeavors!” -Stephen Morrell

“I feel as if it was time, we all are happy with what AHY turned into, and some of us are continuing music and others are moving on to other things. Regardless we’re all still best friends.” -Matt McKay Check out the bands on tour: Best Kept Secret (@WeAreBKS)             Take A Breath (@TakeABreathband) This Is All Now (@ThisIsAllNowNY)        An Honest Year (@AnHonestYear) We Are Forever  (@WeAreForeverr)        RVLS (@WeAreRVLS) Beneath The Spin Light (@BeneathTSL)  KickBox (@kickboxband)

[thatsmystorytv-blog]

Happy Camper Tour

Last month I (Tanya) went to see Hoodie Allen (@HoodieAllen) on his national “Happy Camper Tour”, and if I’m completely honest it was one of the best concerts I’ve gone to. The energy from start to finish is incredible. His opening acts Bryce Vine (@brycevine),  Gnash (@gnash) and Super Duper Kyle (@SuperDuperKyle ), gave the crowd their all and definitely got us ready for Hoodie. Each one has their own style. Bryce talks the truth in his raps with catchy chorus’ making the crowd sing along, Gnash is chill and his lyrics are the ones to sing while driving into the sunset or if the scenario is a concert, his songs are the ones you turn your flashlight on for while swaying from side to side feeling each word he sings hit you, Super Duper Kyle just like his name is super energetic, he sings, dances and even brings a dancing Pikachu on stage for his performance, which he then ends with a crowd surf, on a surf board. 

(Super Duper Kyle’s dancing Pikachu) Photo Credit: Tanya Perez

Hoodie is known for being down to earth and for his relationship with his fans. Not only did he put his album out and made it completely free claiming “Success isn't solely defined by money or if we get to #1. Success for me is you listening to the album and leaving with a smile on your face”, but he also does everything within his possibilities to meet all of his fans. It started off with him taking pictures everyday with the first fans in line and posting them on social media. After that he took almost two hours of his time before every show to sit at his merch table and talk to all of his fans. Every fan got to experience an intimate conversation with the solo artist for a couple minutes, before receiving a hug and being sent into the crowd to anxiously wait for his performance. 

When the time for his peformance came, he began his set with a song from his new album called Intro to anxiety. After that his set consisted of old and new songs. At one point the lights went out and all of a sudden he appeared in the middle of the crowd, ready to sing his single Cake Boy with a cake in hand, which he then threw into the crowd. He took his time to explain his songs or give a small introduction before starting each one, he then ended each one with a genuine THANK YOU. Just like one of his opening acts, Hoodie ended his set with confetti and a crowd surf, but his is in an inflatable raft. 

But the show didn’t end there, as he’s mentioned before, his shows are parties. So his show ended with everyone dancing and jumping to EDM while he did the same on stage. 

Attending a Hoodie Allen show was an unforgettable experience and I highly recommend going to one if the oppportunity comes. I can assure you, you will have the time of your life. Hoodie is a true artist and he does not disappoint.

Photo credit: Tanya Perez

Be sure to check out Hoodie’s album Happy Camper

iTunes: http://smarturl.it/BuyHappyCamper 

Free: http://hoodieallen.com/splash 

[thatsmystorytv-blog]

The Filharmonic. Get Up and Go Tour.

On March 15th, 2016 we got the opportunity to presence a Filharmonic (@TheFilharmonic ) performance at Hudson County Community College. This six piece group were on the competition The Sing-Off and they also starred in the movie Pitch Perfect 2, competing against the Barden Bellas. 

We arrived during soundcheck, where they were rehearsing covers like Treasure by Bruno Mars and Levels by Nick Jonas, giving us just a taste of what was soon to come.

A couple minutes later the show was starting. Their setlist consisted of covers of songs by Nick Jonas, Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, Walk the Moon, Earth Wind and Fire, Maroon 5 (Dedicating their rendition of “Sugar” to chocolate chip cookies); a beatbox competition that was started by Trace then finished by Joe and Niko. They also gave us a sneak peak of their new music by performing their original song “Get Up and Go”. 

These boys are not only known for their amazing vocals but also for their contagious dancing, which there was a lot of. The crowd would go crazy during every body roll and with the way they recreate each song with a groove.

This group is definitely one to keep an eye out for. When you mix their talent with their positive energy, it creates an atmosphere you’ll never want to leave. They make sure to interact with the crowd making it a special experience for everyone. 

(Not present: Barry Fortgang) Photo credit: Neena Yambao

Members:

VJ Rosales, vocalist, 28 (@VROmusic)

Joe Caigoy, vocalist, 26 (@caigoyjo)

Niko Del Rey, beat boxer, 25  (@niko_del_rey)

Jules Cruz, vocal bass, 24 (@julesecruz)

Trace Gaynor, vocalist, 23 (@tracegaynor)

Barry Fortgang, vocalist, 22 (@barryfortgang)

We had the chance to talk to them and ask them a couple question, heres what they said:

-How has tour been so far?

Jules: Tour has been really fun. Very busy, no breaks, no sleep, but performing is the best so I love it.

-What is your favorite part about touring?

Joe: I think my favorite part about touring is being in a different city. Like we go to New York, we go to Chicago… We get to see so much more of the States than we’ve seen before. And I found out that there’s a lot more filipinos in some cities than we thought. 

-What was your favorite part about being on Pitch Perfect?

Trace: It was super surreal. We’re all obviously acapella geeks and Pitch Perfect fans. So my favorite part was being able to meet the cast and get to sing with Anna Kendrick on The Late Late Show, working with Elizabeth Banks and being able to say ���Oh we competed against the Bellas”, just because we’re such acapella geeks. And just being able to be a part of the whole scene was amazing.

-What can we expect in the future?

VJ: More original music. More music, more albums, lots more touring in the Philippines.

-Why did you guys choose acapella?

Niko: We all just have such a strong passion to create music. We’ve done jazz choirs, we’ve done chamber, we’ve done acapella. So when the opportunity arises to pursue our passion, our career through acapella, we didn’t question it, you know? We wanna sing for a living, it’s what we love to do. So when The Sing-Off came by, we were like “That’s what we’re going to do, that’s our shot.”

-If you could tour with anyone, who would it be?

Niko: Pentatonix.

Trace: Yeah Pentatonix would be cool.

VJ: Justin Timberlake; Beyonce.

Trace: Fifth Harmony…Or like other groups that have our same demografic.

-Who are your biggest inspirations?

VJ: Justin Timberlake; Beyonce.

Jules: Fifth Harmony; Pentatonix.

Joe: I grew up listening to Stevie Wonder, so I like to call that an inspiration.

Trace: Boys II Men, Shawn Stockman was a judge on The Sing-Off, it was really cool.

-If you could be a fruit, what would you be?

Joe: A pineapple, that’s my favorite fruit.

VJ: A green apple.

Trace: I’d be a Guava

Jules: Elderberry

Niko: Theres these sprouts that grow over the summer, that have grapes that are flavored like cotton candy, so I love those. I’d be that. Or grapples.

-Who is your celebrity crush? *looks at VJ* Justin Timberlake, Beyonce?

VJ: *Laughs* Yeah Justin Timberlake; Beyonce.

Trace: Lauren from Fifth Harmony.

Niko: Jules *Laughs*…Vanessa Hudgens

-Individually, Whats your story?

Trace: My story is I’m from Chicago, my dad’s a professional musician, didn’t grow up singing, I grew up playing piano and violin. But I was obsessed with acapella. I didn’t get into my high school acapella group. I joined a group in college and then I became everything I did.

VJ: So I started singing at the age of 3 on professional karaoke, because all filipinos sing karaoke. I did marching band and jazz choir in high school and then I studied music. And then I joined the group. That’s my story.

Joe: I started singing in choir since I was in kindergarten, in like the church choirs…Did choir all throughout middle school, high school, college; I also did jazz choir, acapella. I studied opera,i was a  music education and opera performance major and now I sing acapella.

Jules: I started singing in 6th grade because I registered late so everything was too full and I hated it. I joined the choir the next day and I stayed because I realized there were a lot of cute girls in choir, so I stayed and now I´m singing with them (The Filharmonic).

Niko: I sang in middle school, high school, show choir, then I met these guys doing acapella in college and I was gonna stop singing because my younger sister and I used to sing alot but since this opportunity came I said “Oh I’m gonna do it for her” so I decided to sing with them.

If you want to keep up with them, make sure to follow them on all social media.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFilharmonic/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFilharmonic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefilharmonic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmk4aMl9gMNnNz318TfusVA

 And keep up with their website for tour updates (http://www.thefilharmonic.com) 

You can get their album “MotownFillie” here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/motownfillie/id982561543

[thatsmystorytv-blog]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by That's My Story (@thatsmystory_tv)

We got to interview with 5/6 of the @thefilharmonic today! It'll be posted very soon so look out for it! @vromusic @tracegaynor @joegoy18 @niko_del_rey @julesecruz P.S. @barryfortgang we missed you today! (at Jersey City, New Jersey)

[thatsmystorytv-blog]

Emo Is Back Tour

The band Best Kept Secret had started a small trend that had turned into a big family on Facebook. The group is called Emo Is Back and it is a public group for anyone to join, the main topic for discussion is music. We all relate on the same type of music and react to it in the same way. After the rush of excitement of finding people just like us the band happily announced an upcoming tour called the Emo Is Back Tour. It's the perfect bonding experience; basically a one day summer camp for us emos. (Or multiple days depending on how many dates you go to) 

Tickets are now available! Click the links below:

4/23 - BURNSVILLE, MN - The Garage // BUY GA    BUY VIP 4/24 - BERWYN, IL - The Wire // BUY GA   BUY VIP 4/27 - COLUMBUS, OH - Rumba Cafe //  BUY GA   BUY VIP 4/28 - CLEVELAND, OH - HOB Cambridge Room // BUY GA    BUY VIP 4/29 - PHILADELPHIA, PA - Milkboy // BUY GA    BUY VIP 4/30 - WILMINGTON, DE - World Cafe Live // BUY GA    BUY VIP 5/01 - PITTSBURGH, PA - Smiling Moose // BUY GA    BUY VIP 5/02 - NEW YORK, NY - Studio @ Webster Hall //  BUY GA    BUY VIP 5/03 - PROVIDENCE, RI - Fete Music Hall // BUY GA    BUY VIP 5/04 - CLIFTON, NJ - Dingbatz // BUY GA   BUY VIP 5/06 - ORLANDO, FL - Backbooth // BUY GA    BUY VIP 5/07 - JACKSONVILLE, FL - Jack Rabbits // BUY GA    BUY VIP 5/09 - ST. LOUIS, MO - The Firebird // BUY GA    BUY VIP 5/11 - DALLAS, TX - Prophet Bar // BUY GA    BUY VIP 5/13 - PHOENIX, AZ - The Nile Underground // BUY GA    BUY VIP

[thatsmystorytv-blog]

Conundrum Nine

I (Neena) got to check out Conundrum Nine during the House Riot Tour. If I didn’t know any better I would say someone went back to the ‘90′s picked up some random grunge kids and brought them back to form this band. The band originates from Boston, MA and they rock pretty hard. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I saw young kids with hair longer (and more tame) than mine but they blew my mind. It’s amazing to see so much talent in their age (14-18) and gives a good reason why art programs are important to keep in schools. It would be sad to see passion and ambition like that wasted.

Photo Credit: Kelsey Stanger

Conundrum Nine (@ConundrumNine) Dana Goodwin, 16  Keyboard/Vocals Jan Schwartz, 14 Guitar Jacob Schwartz, 18 Bass Cameron Roux, 15 Drums

How do you guys like tour? Jacob: Yes (me too Jacob.) Jan: I love traveling Dana: It’s great! Cameron:It’s awesome, day shows are weird though.

When did you guys start? Dana:Jan and I met at School of Rock, we went to Jan’s house and made our first album Jacob: Cameron wasn’t with us in the beginning. It was actually my girlfriend at the time’s little brother.

Who is your musical inspiration? Jan: What inspired me to start playing guitar was Metallica & Pain of Salvation Jacob: Yeah for me and Jan it was Metallica and then I started liking Buckethead and I worship Buckethead and Jan really likes Pain of Salvation. Dana: I can say I grew up loving Aerosmith until they kind of pulled me out of that and pulled me into stuff like Pain of Salvation, Animals as Leaders and a bunch of other awesome bands that I had no idea existed until I met these guys. Cameron: I kind of grew up with a pop background; I was always listening to the radio when I was younger. When I started to play drums, that’s when I really started listening to music. Foo Fighters by far were my favorite band growing up through elementary and middle school and like modern music--- Animals as Leaders is my favorite band. Matt Garstka is the man. Jacob: Yeah he’s awesome. Truly a wizard on the drums

What generation would you like to live in? Jacob: Honestly, I’d like to live in this generation. I love the music that is being made right now. It would’ve been cool if I would’ve been this age in like 2000 because a lot of cool music came out around then. Cameron: The ‘90′s. I’d like to live in the grunge era like Nirvana. Dana:The ‘90′s, I’m gonna say. Jan: 2020 Jacob:3000, yes. Dana: When we can fly

Is there anywhere you’d like to travel? Jacob: I want to go to Nepal Dana: I want to leave the United States, I’ve been stuck in the U.S. for too long. Jan: I want to go to Sweden and prog out Cameron: I don’t really know I kind of really like New Hampshire.

If you were a fruit, what would you be? Jan: Lemon. Is that a fruit? Yeah. Jacob: Are limes fruit? I don’t know... Jan: Yeah Jacob: I guess I’m a lime then Jan’s  the lemon to my lime. Cameron:I’d be a kiwi. A kiwi? I can see it. Dana: I’d be like... and orange. I don’t know I just named a fruit.

Did you guys watch the new Star Wars? Jacob: Not yet Jan: No Dana:No Cameron: Yes. I’m the only one. It was great. Han Solo dies. Jacob: Snape kills Dumbledore. You just gave away the ending of Star Wars. Yup I did. Ruined it.

What’s your story? Jacob: I guess let’s start with music because before that all I did was play video games. So, I played video games; I was a huge nerd and was not going anywhere in life. I had a Justin Bieber bowl cut, it was awful and then I started playing Guitar Hero at school and I got really good at it. In the adjacent room to the Guitar Hero room (kids play Guitar Hero afterschool) there were guitar lessons with this guy named Sam. I was really good at Guitar Hero but I didn’t want to play it anymore, I wanted to learn real guitar. So, the guy who taught the guitar was like “Yo, do you want to take lessons?” and I’m like “Yes.” I go to class and everyone’s lazing off; nobody’s taking it seriously except for me and maybe like one other kid and I grew a bond with Sam. We finished the program together and I played a Metallica song with him on guitar and he was like “I’m quitting this job; I hate teaching to kids who don’t care but you care. Do you want to do private lessons?” “Yes.” Then this guy ended up being mine and Jan’s mentor for like years and years ‘til he moved to Texas but he’s still our mentor; he’s pretty much a mentor to all of us. He taught all of us something; more or less. After I started with guitar I really got into music, I started playing bass and drums. It’s pretty hazy, most of it was being depressed until pretty recently in my life. It’s just up and down, it’s just part of life---being a teenager. Basically, a lot of bad stuff but now I’m in a really great place in my life and I’m staying here and that’s my story.

Jan: My story starts after Jacob got that teacher, he was my mentor too. He taught us for like four years; he would come over once a week and would teach us from 4-7 hours which was amazing. Then he left and it sucked a lot but then I met Dana and he taught me a lot too and we started writing music together and playing together. Earlier in the School of Rock when I didn’t really know him as well I would record with him cause there was a program there and we ended up recording so we basically both broke off of that together. Then he emailed my dad and we kind of ignored him for a bit because I didn’t really care but then we ended up getting back in touch and then we were just playing tons of music and he basically made me want to play music for the rest of my life so... I also make electronic music that isn’t really released yet. Someday...

Dana: So they basically explained everything that’s happened to me when I met them. I started playing piano 12 years ago when I was 3 or 4 years old. My grandpa plays trombone; he’s a really good jazz musician, he toured with Peter Frampton, he brought me up with music completely and taught me a lot of the things I knew before meeting these guys and going to the School of Rock. Same with my uncle who plays piano, he taught me classical and my grandpa taught me jazz and I grew up with that stuff until I got into rock. Then we started playing music together for several years and that’s it.

Cameron: I didn’t start off playing the drums. I actually played guitar for 3 months but then I gave up, I’m a quitter, no I’m not. My brother got a drum kit for Christmas and I started hitting that for a bit and I thought it was fun. Then I took lessons, from there I started to get more serious about it as I went on and grew older. My first band I was like 11 or so playing in a rock band and after that we broke up and I was in a pop band. It was kind of like a switch of genres which was like big. I was in that band for four years and that’s how I met these guys. My other band played with them and since then I’ve been working with a lot of other musicians and instructors, learning a lot, different genres. Just trying to get as tight as I can get and as good as I get.

Check out their music! http://mtthunderrecords.bandcamp.com/album/suzys-rollercoaster

[thatsmystorytv-blog]

Jingle Ball Pre-Show

This year on December 9th,2015 we had the opportunity to attend the Jingle Ball pre-show at Xfinity Live in Philly. At this pre-show Charlie Puth, Alessia Cara and Shawn Mendes performed. It was our first time seeing all three of these artist.

Up first was Charlie Puth. He was very cute. He opened his set with Marvin Gaye which is his hit single featuring Meghan Trainor. He played one more song after that and ended it with See you again, explaining that he wrote it because of a friend he lost around the same time Paul Walker passed away. His performance was very emotional.

Photo credit: Neena Yambao

The second to perform was the adorable Alessia Cara.  Her set consisted of four songs. One of the songs she performed was I’m yours, making everyone in the crowd sing along and feel the song along with her slow dancing. She performed Scars to your beautiful, personally making me tear up by how sweet this song was. She ended her set with her single Here, explaining the reason behind the lyrics before starting it. She explained she went to a party where she did not feel at all comfortable and all she wanted to do was go home. 

Photo credit: Tanya Perez

Last but not least was Shawn Mendes, the one the crowd had been anxiously waiting for, including myself. He started his set with his song Something Big, making the crowd automatically sing along. Next he played Life of the party and I don’t even know your name. His second to last song was one of my favorites causing me to almost start crying, he played Never be alone. He ended his set with his with his famous single Stitches. 

Photo credit: Tanya Perez

All three of these artist knew how to work the crowd and interact with everyone.

Before leaving Philly we decided to go eat something, after we were done we were walking towards our car and we saw the tour buses, all parked in the regular parking lots with just a couple barricades around them so we decided to go there to see if maybe we could catch a glimpse of someone. To turn this long story short, 3/4 of  yo girls got to meet 5 Seconds Of Summer.

[thatsmystorytv-blog]

Chucky Hugh

At The Weekend Riot show in Stanhope, NJ, one of their opening acts was the great Chucky Hugh. We got the chance to meet him before his performance and talk to him a bit, he was so nice and very funny. During his set, he stood on stage with guitar in hand and performed his original songs that are clearly written from the heart. He sang with so much emotion. He covered “If it means a lot to you by A Day To Remember”, for this he brought a fan up on stage to sing with him. During one of his last songs fans held up signs to show their never ending support and you could tell he was about to cry. It was such a bittersweet moment. 

He was totally down for an interview after his set. Here’s what he said...

Photo credit: Tanya Perez

Chucky Hugh, 19 ( @ChuckyHugh )

-Even though the tour just started, how is it so far?

Its cool. I’m only playing this show though. I’ve played with them (The Weekend Riot) before. So they asked me to play this show and I said “YEAH!” Its just like a bunch of friends coming together. It was one of the coolest shows, especially when they held up signs. I got all choked up, I’ve never had so much support.

-How would you describe your music?

I try to keep it in tune as humanly possible. There’s a lot of music these days but not all of it is genuine. I’d like to say mine is, it’s about everything I’ve gone through.

-Who’s your celebrity crush?

Taylor Swift. No, Brittney Spears...but bald.

-Who’s your inspiration?

Bands like Mayday Parade or Memphis May Fire, I actually got to meet Matty.

-Who would your dream tour be with?

They’re not my style but Green Day, it would be a full arena and people would jam out.

-If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be?

A pickle. -Is it a fruit?- Is it? Umm no, If I were a fruit, I’d be a strawberry because I like strawberry flavored things.

-Whats your story?

Ah, my story. I’m gonna bullet point it. I come from a divorced family. I grew up keeping to myself and always doing my own thing. I didn’t really care much about others opinion. Now I’m 19, making music, paying rent. I learned not to hold on to things that make you upset, you gotta move forward.

Make sure to check out Chucky on youtube ( https://www.youtube.com/user/ChuckyHugh ) and get his new single “On my own” on Itunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/on-my-own-single/id1044295493

[thatsmystorytv-blog]

The Weekend Riot

The Weekend Riot (@TheWeekendRiot) is a pop duo who are currently on their first headlining tour! The band consists of Johnny Costa, 22 Ukulele/Vocals (@sirjohnnycosta) and Bruce Weigner, 26 Guitar/Vocals (@BruceWiegner). These two from Philly started the band about over a year ago and since then it has been nothing but growth. We got a chance to see the first show of the tour and see their first live performance as a full band. The crowd was full of anticipation as they were not sure what to expect but the end result was very pleasing. The full band really came together nicely; it gives a bigger impact on their music like in Dedicated to You when they started off with just the two and built a crescendo into the entire band. They feed off energy, it feeds off of each other and from the crowd and the energy just flows throughout the venue so the whole place starts to roar with excitement. Their music can go from being so happy that you sing every word to being so hard hitting that you’re so entrapped in the emotions and sound that you stand and carefully listen to every note and beat. Overall, their shows seem like a big family reunion because not only do they love their fans but their fans love and support each other as much as they do for The Weekend Riot. Check out our first filmed interview with them! (Also check out our interview with their band Joe & Will below)

Joe Mclaughlin,19 Drums ( @joerwrd )

Will Higgins, 19 Bass (  @Willreward )

Hows is it working with The Weekend Riot? Will: Its funny! They’re great to work with. We’ve been friends with them for a while. Joe: It’s cool because we’re friends and we can be in a friendly environment but also since we’re musicians it’s not awkward. Where did you first meet Johnny? Joe: First time I met Johnny was at a show at a friends house—I was playing bass at the time with a band called The Engine Atlantic and he was wearing a shirt that said “Taylor Porkroll” and I said I liked his shirt. Will: Same. Where did you meet Bruce? Joe: 2011— Will and I were both 14 and Bruce produces music so we worked with him. Have you ever been Cracker Barrel? Both: Yes If you were a fruit what kind of fruit would you be? Joe: Bananas because they’re my favorite but I’d probably be an avacado. Will: Papaya, I don’t know what that is I just know that’s a fruit. What’s your story? Will: I started playing in a pop rock band then I met up with Joe and started a new band and we’ve been playing together for about 5 years now. Joe: 9 years old, American Idiot by Green Day came out and I watched videos. I thought music was cool and wanted to do that and played guitar, originally. Not Will but a mutual friend asked me to play so Will and I first plugged in our guitars and we just clicked and kept going strong.

[thatsmystorytv-blog]

Sounds Like Gibberish Tour

On October 26th we got to attend Max Schneider´s show at the World Live Cafe in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania. The venue was small, but it was filled with people who were excited to see the solo artist. 

Up first was his opening act Karizma ( @callmekarizma ), who blew the crowds mind with his raps about topics people are too scared to talk about and daily struggles. He made the crowd sing, dance and raise their middle fingers up the air with him. He made sure to interact with the crowd in every way possible, he walked from side to side of the stage, joined the crowd, gave mics to a couple of fans to sing along with him and said “I love you” to fans every chance he got. He assured the crowd that it is completely ok to be yourself, even if that means being called a loser. Truly an amazing performance and human being.

Photo credit: Alyssa Riccardi

Next was the lovely Kenzie Nimmo ( @kenzienimmo )who made the crowd fall in love with her by singing her soul out next to her husband (plays guitar for her), exchanging looks every now and then being extremely adorable. The songs she performed were about love and bad break ups, everything a girl needs to get through her day. She covered “Cant feel my face by The Weeknd”, having her husband help her mash it up with “Love my like you do by Ellie Goulding”, the crowd happily sang along. They were so cute and her voice touched your heart with every word she sang. They ended their set by singing their cover of “Cool Kids by Echo Smith” which made them popular on Vine.

Photo credit: Alyssa Riccardi

Finally Max made his way on stage, surprising the crowd when he walked on using crutches. After starting the show with his song “Puppeteer”, he proceeded to tell us that he broke his ankle on stage at a past show and that even though his management told him to cancel the rest of his tour so he could recover, he said NO and continued the tour. And to be honest, being on those crutches did not affect his performance at all. He moved around the stage and danced like there was no tomorrow. During his set he talked about the story behind some of his songs, for example: the heartbreaking story behind his song “You´re not that girl” from his new Ep. He also talked a bit about his good friend Hoodie Allen, who also happens to be one of my favorites. His second to last song was “Gibberish” which features Hoodie Allen as well, making the crowd go absolutely wild. He ended his show with what could basically be called his first single, “Mugshot”. 

Photo credit: Alyssa Riccardi

Overall Max is an incredible performer, he gives his all on stage. Being on crutches definitely did not stop him from having a good time, interacting with the crowd and doing his signature body rolls. Vocally he is amazing, hitting every high note perfectly, making you want to tear up by just listening to him.

Be sure to check out all these incredible people on their social media and YouTube channels.

You can buy Max´Ep Ms. Anonymous here:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ms.-anonymous-ep/id1038939347

[thatsmystorytv-blog]

Restless Road

Now I (Alyssa) was never really into country music, but after seeing Restless Road for the first time I was completely sold. We had gone to the We’re All Alright Tour to see other bands, having no idea the trio was in the lineup. When Restless Road took the stage, just by their smiles, they brighten up the room. Their positive attitude and being so silly made me fall in love with this band. Their music is fantastic and it just makes you want to get up and dance. They energy is always at 110% and you can tell they put their whole heart into performing their music. The venue at Allentown, PA. was pretty sweet. It was divided into two rooms, the stage being in the back room and in the front room there was a bunch of couches where people can just chill.

Photo credit: Alyssa Riccardi

After their performance we got to hang out with the band and had the opportunity to interview them. We actually got to interview them at the local Applebee’s. (spinach dip yas) After our interview, the boys sang karaoke (Zach: Your Man by Josh Tuner; Garrett: Hotline Bling by Drake; Jared: Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran) and they all put on amazing performances. I learned that night that not only are Restless Road great at singing, but their dancing is on point. It was definitely a fun and crazy night.

Photo Credit: Zach Beeken *S/O to the Kruty sisters for hanging out during the interview*

We loved the tour so much that we decided to road trip it to Baltimore, MD to see their next show. We had a blast just like we did at the Allentown show. 

Restless Road ( @RestlessRdMusic )

Jared Keim, 22 Vocals/Guitar ( @JaredKeim )

Zach Beeken, 20 Vocals ( @zachbeeken​ )

Garrett Nichols, 19 Vocals ( @garrettnichols_ )

How is tour so far? Jared: it’s fun, it’s almost over. There’s several people on our bus so we just enjoy being together.

Zach: it’s fun. Every show gets better and better.

 Zach, you were on the Xfactor, what was that like?

Zach: it was fun. I learned a lot about music and TV. I was psyched to work with a lot of people like the producers. I got to meet a lot of people too like One Direction, Fifth Harmony, and Michael Buble, actually sang for Michael.

 What can we expect in the future? What’s coming?

Garrett: there’s an album coming out soon. Still don’t know when but soon. We’re still working on it.

 What’s your dream tour? Who would you like to tour with?

Jared: oh, definitely Florida Georgia Line or T-Swizzle.

 Who do you look up to?

Jared: Again, Florida Georgia Line, and Rascal Flatts, who we’re actually working with right now.

 If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be? (Alyssa’s famous question)

Jared: I’d be a tomato. They’re misunderstood and so am I.

Garrett: I’d be a pear because I like pears.

Zach: I’d be a banana because why the hell not?! *Jared: because he’s full of potassium.*

 What’s your story?

Jared: oh, that’s a very intricate question. Well I grew up on a farm, my dad is a farmer and I’m the only son in my family so it is supposed to be passed down. I’ve always wanted to do music so it was a struggle trying to get my family to support me. So this was kind of my ticket. So I’m like, “Okay I did it now,” and that’s it.

Zach: I grew up in the Midwest. I was self-conscious and never tried singing till my voice changed and I was like, “Woah my voice is really deep.” So I started singing country. *gets up to sing karaoke* Jared: He then tried for Xfactor, got in the group and now he’s here.

Garrett: Growing up I did musicals. I never played an instrument before until my best friend moved to where I live. Then I learned to play guitar. After that I auditioned for American Idol. I also made covers on YouTube.

Definitely keep your eyes out for this band. They are currently writing new music, but as soon as it releases we will post links. Keep updated on their music and daily lives by following them on social media! 

[thatsmystorytv-blog]

Dave Days

We got to see Dave Days on his tour, the We’re All Alright Tour, at Allentown, PA and Baltimore, MD. This tour had a great lineup, the main acts being The House on Cliff, Restless Road, Future Sunsets, Alex Preston, and of course Dave Days. This show personally (Neena), was nostalgic because Dave was a big part of my life in the beginning of my High School years.  There’s something about his aesthetic that warms your heart and is sure to put a smile on your face. This performance was pretty sweet, if you’re into pop/rockpunk/rock music; oh and his hair looked pretty good too. He introduced different songs from his new EP, Pizza Ship, and some old music which included his Last Song for Miley Cyrus. I even got the chance to sing with him during his performance of Olive You, originally sung with Kimmi Smiles. Ending a show with a song that has gang vocals is always great because I’d imagine it’d be quite exciting for the performer because I feel like it’s kind of an intimate moment and there’s some sort of connection between the crowd and the artist. Also, for those who aren’t familiar with the music they can just join in during the show with everyone. Dave is definitely a nice guy and deserves more credit than he has. His type of music is the type you would probably- definitely enjoy anywhere, like literally anywhere. You could listen to it live, in the car, at home, in the shower, in your dreams, in zero gravity, while falling in love, or falling apart and the list goes on. His music is worth buying so yeah check him out! :)

Dave Days, 24 (@davedays)

How has tour been? Good. It’s been exciting; I like traveling to different cities, that’s my favorite part and meeting people. I love meeting people, it’s so cool; it’s my favorite. That and traveling. What was it like working with such a wide variety of artists? (The House on Cliff being classic rock and Restless Road being country.) Weird but cool because we each have different rock elements so you can still sit and enjoy their music without it being like wtf How did being on So Random! change your career? It opened me up to a Disney audience and helped boost song sales Is there anyone you plan on collaborating with soon? Me. It’s me. Haha, yeah I was thinking maybe this girl Neena, she might come on stage tonight, I don’t know. But seriously, probably Blink 182. Mark, Tom, Travis—I just read Travis Barker’s new book and it’s so good. It’s very real, very cool. I’d love to get him on drums. Craziest tour experience? One tour, we were in New Orleans around Mardi Gras and we stayed out late, we were on our way to the bus around 4 am and one of the band members got lost so we were searching for him throughout the area and a pimp, like a straight up pimp, had brought him back to the bus. #Wellington How did the Miley Cyrus obsession start? I was on a field trip to Disney World with my chorus and I got sick so I had to stay in the hotel room. All they had playing was Disney music and so Radio Disney came on and I heard this really catchy song, Start All Over and then it was See You Again and I was like ‘Woah, this is really cool for a Disney song’ Then I just start doing my research while stuck in the hotel, looked up Hannah Montana and I thought she was cute but I’m a music person before anything and I found her through music. I thought it would be funny to doing a bit where I had a huge crush on her, I ordered a cardboard cutout, I created the parody and all my friends thought I was weird but it lead on to be this big thing. What’s your story? Music and musicians are the center of everything so create shit and everything will follow. It’s not too late to catch him on the rest of the We’re All Alright Tour! 11/01/15 Orlandao, FL 11/03/15 Dallas, TX 11/05/15 Houston, TX 11/13/15 San Diego, CA 11/15/15 Anaheim, CA Buy his album here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/pizza-ship-ep/id1043307293 But since he’s so nice you can get his album for free here: http://www.davedays.com/

[thatsmystorytv-blog]

ROWYSO Camden, New Jersey.

Photo Credit: Neena Yambao

On September 4th 2015, we got the chance to go to the Rock Out With Your Socks Out Tour in Camden, New Jersey at the Susquehanna Bank Arts Center.

It was an exciting day for me(Neena) since it was my 21st birthday. Yeah, some kids throw ranging parties, others go to bars---me? I go to a 5 Seconds of Summer concert. I was very hopeful for them to call me on stage and I made a pretty sweet poster.

Photo Credit: Amy Bottemley

We got there just in time; even though there were several long lines but that didn’t even matter because by the time we got there everyone was rushing so fast to get in that it didn’t feel like there was a line.

We bought our merch and it was off to our seats. We all sat away from each other because if Tanya wasn’t on Calum’s side I think she would’ve climbed across people to get to his side. And of course I found Michael’s side perfectly okay.

Hey Violet came out with a lot of energy. Their songs are so fun to rock out to especially when they’re just running around looking like they’re having the time of their lives. Not going to lie, Nia headbanging is probably the epitome of all the energy on earth (although it’s hard to get a good picture of her).

It was a nice calm before the storm, you know? It was fun and everyone was happy but you just know as soon as 5SOS comes on a wave of emotions will take over your body and soon you’ll be quoting Nick Jonas like “I came out to have a good time and I honestly feel so attacked right now.”

Suddenly the countdown began and you just hear the crowd roar with excitement. Once the timer hit zero and the venue was completely blank the screams got even louder; I’m pretty sure everyone’s hearts sank to the bottom of their stomachs because no matter how prepared YOU THOUGHT you were... you really weren’t.

There was about 30 seconds of darkness (a nerve-wracking 30 seconds) until a light flashed and you saw a glimpse of Ashton with a loud beat of a bass drum. Slowly the stage he was on starts to rise and then he was shown on the screens playing and easing the crowd in with the 3 second intervals of darkness. As soon as the stage stopped he was surrounded with a purple light that faded into white and then the other lights started going crazy as the other three run onto the stage.

They started the show with End Up Here and it was already emotional; do I cry because they’re here and are REAL? Do I scream out of excitement? Do I dance, do I sing, or do I just bask it all in?

They released their single Jet Black Heart right before the Holmdel show and since they didn’t perform it that day we were hardly expecting them to play it this day (even though they sang it the night before). Needless to say they did perform it and it was breathtaking and the lighting matched the mood perfectly

This show in whole was an experience. Shout out to their crew for setting this all up. The lighting synced well with their songs and it’s amazing that the sound was able to reach the volume it did without blowing out a speaker or sounding too loud and scratchy in the front. The boys were so wonderful too; they make sure everyone felt seen and appreciated. 

Although, I was disappointed I was not picked to go on stage during Rejects even though 3 girls were called on stage (still bitter) I had a good time..I mean, after I bummed out the people around me by being sad. In my defense, right after they sang Heartbreak On The Big Screen (which it was a heartache), Wrapped Around Your Finger, Beside You, Amnesia, and Everything I Didn’t Say. I mean that just isn’t fair.

This band has been on a long and quite successful journey, and they have so much more to go. I could not be more proud and I can’t wait to see what is in store for them.

xNeena

Photo Credit: Neena Yambao

Don’t forget to buy Hey Violet’s EP, I Can Feel It and pre-order 5SOS’s album Sounds Good Feels Good on iTunes. I Can Feel It - EP: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-can-feel-it-ep/id1018136322

Sounds Good Feels Good: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sounds-good-feels-good/id1029977969 

[thatsmystorytv-blog]

ROWYSO Holmdel, New Jersey.

Photo credit: KFM Photography

We got the opportunity to attend the ROWYSO show in Holmdel, New Jersey at the PNC Banks Arts Center.

We got there a bit earlier than we were supposed to because we believed that if we got there early, maybe we´d be able to at least see the boys while they were running around or even exploring the venue. So when we got there only the people who had sound check were there. Which lead to us just kind of hanging out in our cars, escaping from the heat. 

Before anyone was let in (other than the people with sound check who were let in at 3pm) the band Hey Violet came out and did a small acoustic show. After that they began letting people into the venue. 

Once in the venue and at our seats, the anxiety and the butterflies in our stomach got worse and worse as time passed by. 

Hey Violet came out, this time with all their rockier instruments, and worked up the crowd, getting people to sing and dance along when they amazingly covered “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift.

After their performance, all that was left was for the boys to come on stage and rock the crowd who so anxiously had been waiting for them.

Their intro video with a countdown began playing and the crowd started to go crazy. The lights went out after the intro was done. Then a purple light from the back of the stage started to glow and the beginning of the song was all that you could hear other than the intense screaming of the fans.

Ashton was the first to be seen as he appeared on the rising stage in the back, making sure to bang those drums with a perfect timing to the song that was about to start. Finally, the other three rushed on stage, with their arms up waving to the crowd, with their guitars and bass hanging from their torso already, ready to start the show. Their first song was End Up Here, which made the crowd sing and dance along.

The rest of the concert is kind of a blur. My body was trying to process too many emotions at the same time, while trying to sing, dance, take pictures, videos and enjoy the show. 

During our show, the VMAS were also going on, so when the boys won the award for Best Fan Army, they were hyped and thanked the crowd millions of times for being incredible. They were super smiley after that.

There was a point where the cameras were focusing on showing all the dads in the crowd on the screens and (if any of you have read our past posts you know that we interviewed the band Take A Breath) Jesse Rossi from Take A Breath was on the screens for like 2 seconds, causing everyone to scream louder because of the handsome “Harry Styles/James Bay/Johnny Depp lovechild” that had just appeared on screen.

During their song Rejects, they read signs that fans have brought and choose their favorite to have the person come on stage. At this show, the holder of their favorite sign was a guy and when he was brought on stage he impressed them by actually knowing all the cords to the tune.

Its a struggle to choose what my favorite part of the show was but I think for this one its definitely the part during Shes Kinda Hot where Luke was singing the second verse while Calum and Michael were dancing on Michael's side. And by dancing I mean just kicking from side to side.

To summarize, 5 Seconds Of Summer and their crew put on a great show. The light color choices represent every song perfectly, their sound system is worked in a way to make sure the show can be heard even from outside the venue due to the fact that the fans screaming is so loud that their sound tech John Delf has to increase it to levels above the decibel level limit for the venues. The four boys on stage make sure that every single one of the fans are having a great time, whether they´re in front row, in the middle or in the last row of lawn seating. They interact with as many fans as they can. Their energy on stage is impressive, if they had to, I´d swear these boys could put on a show of four hours and they´d still have energy. 

What I noticed during the whole show is that the smile on all four of their faces while playing never faded. These boys look out at the crowd in complete disbelief when the fans sing the lyrics of their songs back to them. The twinkle in their eyes let you know how obviously grateful they are with this opportunity that we have given them. They love what they do, they love being on stage, they love playing for us, they love the experience as a whole. The amount of times they thank the crowd at the beginning, in between songs and at the end before the final song is proof of that.

It´s true that this band is just starting and I could not be more excited to see what the future holds for them. 

-Tanya 

Photo credits: KFM Photography

Remember to support these boys and pre-order their album Sounds Good Feels Good on Itunes, if you haven't already.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sounds-good-feels-good/id1029977969

[thatsmystorytv-blog]

Six Stories Told

We saw the band Six Stories Told from Orange County, NY with Hollywood Ending at iPlay America, Freehold, NJ on August 15th. I’ve (Neena) seen them before and knew that they would put on a great performance. The lights went out for a quick second and anticipation settled in as you heard little bursts of screams and by anticipation I mean they must have flipped a switch on accident because there was a good 15 mins (this probably isn’t accurate) between that and their performance. A wave of energy shot through the air as they jumped on stage. They’re all free spirits and you can tell that they really enjoy performing and each other...oh, and of course, their storytellers. When I asked for this interview Joanna said “Of course, I love supporting those who want to chase their dreams.” They dropped a brand new track (brand new for the US, at least) called Endlessly and it was a smash;the single should be coming out fairly soon. One of the biggest crowd-pleasers was their cover of Burnin’ Up by The Jonas Brothers because who doesn’t like boybands circa 2008? The best way I could describe their music is the type that you’d listen to in your “wish you could afford” convertible with the top down, wind in your hair, singing along and just feeling it. It was really great talking with them and getting their story.

Photo credit: Tanya Perez

Six Stories Told  (@sixstoriestold)

Joanna Derosa, 22 Lead singer (@joannaderosasst) 

Jesse Sheppard,19 Guitarist/vocals (@JesseSST)

Tyler McDermott,20 Drummer (@TylerSST ​)

Adam Peters,20 Bassist/Back up Vocals (@_adampeters)

*explicit content*

Did you like being on the Never Ending Summer Tour?

Jesse: Yes, to say the least. Its just a surreal feeling to know that they´re coming to an end. Joanna: We’ve been with them on the past two tour and its just nostalgic and we feel honored to have been chosen to play at their last show. It has definitely been a lot of work, but its worth it.

Do you look forward to the remaining dates of the Stand up Tour?

Jesse: Yes! its just a couple dates. We’ve missed America man, so coming back is great.

Whats the difference between performing in the UK and the US?

Jesse: The UK dances more, they concentrate on just having a great time.  Joanna: Here its a different feel, you look at the crowd and everyone is concentrated on taking it all in, you´ll see them with their phones out recording it all. Whereas to the UK they party hard.

How would you describe your music?

Tyler: Absolute shit...Just kidding...I feel like its a weird cross between Katy Perry, One Direction and some pop rock. Jesse is influenced by country so he tries to give us that sound too. Adam: It’s good...I like it.

What is your favorite song off your EP? Jesse: O.M.G. Tyler: I like listening to O.M.G. but Foreplay is my favorite to perform. Joanna: It’s kind of a weird one because we hardly ever perform it live but I love Walk Away. Adam: Collide. It’s a smash.

How is the new music you’re working on?

Jesse: Well you guys heard Endlessly tonight, and we kind of tested it out in the UK first Tyler: Yeah so if it didn’t get good results, we were going to let it die there and never bring it back. Joanna: But they liked it and I definitely think it’s one of those songs that you just want to jam out to.

What’s your story?

Joanna: I’m a female trying to make it in a male dominated music industry and hoping that my quirkiness will be accepted and embraced and I just want to be on stage for the rest of my life. *Mic drop.*

Jesse: “I’m a bitch.” I’m a guy looking to write music that make people want to come to our shows and jam out live to. I live off of that. When my songs go from my head to their mouths; that’s the real deal.

Adam: I like to play...and I want to do it right. Music is a dome and people live with in this dome but I look at it from the top and I get it. And I finally met some people who get it too. “Hey that’s me” Tyler says. And I just like to play.

Tyler: I am a young man educating myself in biochemistry forensics who had found a positive outlet in music and can never imagine a life without both. “Fuck what ya heard.”

If you have the chance, check them out on one of these dates:

8/19/15 -  Revolution Music Hall, Amityville, NY

8/20/15 - World Cafe Live DE, Wilmington, DE

8/21/15 - iPlay America's Event Center, Freehold, NJ

8/22/15 - Middle East Downstairs, Cambridge, MA **matinee**

8/23/15 - Gramercy Theatre, New York, NY

8/25/15 - Santos Party House, New York, NY with The Stolen

8/30/15 - Bethel Woods, Bethel, NY @ 1:15 PM

9/13/15 - Animal Rescue Event - Algonquin Park, Newburgh, NY @ 12:00 PM

Download their music here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/six-stories-told/id439203078

[thatsmystorytv-blog]

States // Capitals

On August 15th, we got a chance to see States//Capitals play for the first time, with Hollywood Ending at iPlay America, Freehold, NJ. This band is from Wyckoff, NJ literally down the street from the Jonas Brothers. They kind of had a pop-punk/alternative-pop feel. They’re a new band but honestly, you wouldn’t think that because everything felt so naturally in their performance. Ending their set with Chocolate by The 1975 was perfect because the whole crowd was really diggin’ the vibe. Their music is the kind you listen to when you’re in your room and you’re having a totally embarrassing jam session -like hairbrush microphone, jumping on the bed, looking in the mirror, Taylor Swift in the You Belong With Me music video jam session- This band is worth checking out and we were lucky enough to get to know their story.

Photo Credit: Tanya Perez

States//Capitals ( @States_Capitals)

Richie Arthur, 18 Singer/Guitarist ( @richiearthur)

James Byrne, 19 Bassist ( @bamesj)

Zach Russack, 23 Guitarist ( @ZRussack)

Jeff Maurer, 21 Drummer ( @jeffmaurerdrums)

When was the band formed? Richie: The band process started last summer but it was official in April.

What would you describe your sound as? James: Jazz Fusion Zach: Death Metal Richie: Alternative Pop 

Are you planning on releasing an album anytime soon? Richie: We just put out two EPs, one in April and the other in July so we´re still pretty much in writing process for the album. But we will probably have it ready by the beginning of next year.

What are your musical influences? Richie: The 1975, Boys Like Girls, Michael Jackson, John Mayer James: Jazz music, Miles Davis, John Mayer Zach: Elliot Smith, Fleet Foxes, The Beatles, Led Zepplin Jeff: Foo Fighters

So whats your story? Richie: I finished school, was home schooled for some time. Since then its just been band work. There has not been a dull moment ever since.

Jeff:I started playing when I was 10 years old. Then I met this kid *points at Richie* and now we´re here, in this band together.

Zach: I was 15 years old when I started. I'm only part time in the band. I graduated in Music and Sound Recording Live Engineering. But I'm really considering doing this as a full time thing, I'm really enjoying it. I also sing and write songs on the side.

James: I started playing the guitar when I was 8 years old. I got my first guitar for Christmas. I've been in different bands. But I joined States//Capitals at the beginning of the summer when my cousin *points at Richie* told me their band was needing a bassist so I said “Why not?”, it was the first time I played the bass too. Other than that I go to school in Pennsylvania where I go for Jazz performance.

Be sure to check them out in the next couple of days at their performances:

08/19/15 Trocadero Theatre, Philadelphia, PA

09/06/15 The Radiant, Nutley, NJ with The Big Time

09/17/15 Leftfield, New York, NY

Download their EPs here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/states-capitals/id276882270

[thatsmystorytv-blog]

Take A Breath

At the last Hollywood Ending show on August 15th at iPlay America, Freehold, NJ we saw the band Take A Breath for the first time. This band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania had a pop-punk/pop-rock kind of feel. They were the first band and started at roughly 12:15. It was a little too early to feel the concert hype but man, what a way to start a show.They really hit those harmonies in Over Again hard and when they covered old school Taylor Swift, the crowd jammed hard. Their whole vibe was energetic and it’s that type of music where you can just rock out to wherever you are; they put on such a great performance. If you like early All Time Low, Simple Plan, and 25 lbs of bananas from Ethiopia then you would like this band. We got the chance to talk to these great boys and get their story.

Photo Credit: Kylie Matera

Take A Breath ( @TakeABreathBand)

Jesse Rossi, 19 Vocals/ Guitarist ( @Jesse_TAB )

Ryan Bentley, 17 Vocals/Guitarist ( @RyanWBentley )

Luke Bickerstaff (Answers to Ashton Irwin), 20 Vocals/Bassist ( @LukeBickerstaff )

Michael O’Malley, 19 Vocals/Drummer (@Mikey_TAB)

*Note, Jesse was not able to attend this interview.

When did the band form? Mike: 2 years ago

How did Jesse like performing with The Big Time? Luke:He loved it, he loved being on the road and on the move. He doesn’t really like sitting around at home.

What’s your favorite song from the EP? Luke: Venomous Mike: Anatomy. It was the kind of song that wrote itself, and I like that. Ryan: Venomous

What’s your favorite song overall? Luke: Can I say a couple? Well, Walk On by U2 since it’s tattooed on me. Purple Rain by Prince, and Round Here by Counting Crows. Mike: Anything One Direction, If You Want It by Relient K and Uninspired by Cartel Ryan: I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead by Set It Off

What are your favorite bands? Luke: One Direction and U2 Mike: One Direction and State Champs, I also like bands that have their own sound; I like all of these other bands but then they all start sounding the same and even having the same meaning. Ryan:I can say the cliche answer and say Green Day but I also like Carbon Leaf

How do you feel about Zayn leaving One Direction? Mike: It’s different, they put on a better performance Luke: Harry Styles is a unicorn

What’s your story? Mike: My family has always been musical, every song I’ve ever heard and instrument I’ve ever picked up just came naturally. I never really enjoyed it but I felt so grounded and it just felt right. My parents told me not to choose this career but I did it to prove them wrong.

Luke: My dad is a musician so I kind of wanted to follow his footsteps. Playing, performing and listening to music just makes me feel at home. I could read a book or watch a movie but nothing will ever hit me as hard as a song would. Music is the reason why I’m here; I was never happy in school,it wasn’t really fulfilling. Doing what I do now, it’s the only time I feel good.

Ryan: Very scary question. It’s also a very undecided question. I’m still learning and I could tell you everything from my life before this moment but that does not affect who I am now. 

Don´t forget to catch this band on tour this week: 08/21/15 Keynote Cafe,Pittsburgh,PA 08/22/15 Voltage Lounge, Philadelphia, PA 08/23/15 Amityville Music Hall, Long Island, NY

Make sure to get their new EP as well:

The Anatomy of a Rose:  itun.es/us/FZJl7