» Unsigned Bands

Steve Salazar New Project – Young

Jenn Aguinaldo — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 20:27:55 +0000

With Mitch Johnson singing lead vocals and rhythm guitar, he and Steve Salazar (lead guitar, vocals) have premiered their newest project titled Young. Although the two originated from opposite sides of Minnesota, this pop rock collaboration is now making its residency in St. Paul. The two met in their dorm while still studying as freshmen at the University of St. Thomas. Salazar arrived at the decision to team up upon listening to the previous demos of Johnson. Until the pair is established and ready, they will remain acoustic but being that they have goals of someday playing electric, they will soon progress into a full band. The above song is their first released track titled, “Payday“. Be on the look out for the upcoming debut EP which is nearing its finish.

Hello. Creation

Jenn Aguinaldo — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:23:06 +0000

1) What do you think of music labels sometimes signing contracts with seemingly untalented musicians, and good bands staying underground?
I think it’s a pretty good example of how music is becoming more of a business, and less of an privilege. I know people that make music, because they just want to be in bands. Usually labels sign these kinds of artists, because of the 12-14 year old fan base, that doesn’t have much musical knowledge. And as for the underground part, I think it’s kind of cool, but I really wish some artists I knew got the attention they deserve.

2) What are some things you wish fans would stop doing? Are there any things you’d like them to start?
I can honestly say, I wish our fans would stop being so damn awesome, it makes me realize how un-rad I am. But in all seriousness, nothing really, I wouldn’t change a thing, they have been really supportive and hands on, and we appreciate it.

3) Do you enjoy playing the shows in people’s basements with only 11 people in attendance?
Those are the best shows to play, I used to play at the internet cafe in Red Bank, New Jersey, and seriously maybe 7 people would show up. Best shows ever, very loose, relaxed, and just fun.

4) What bands have you made plans to do shows with in 2010?
Well, while Jeremy is in college shows have kind of been put on the back burner, which is a blessing in disguise, because now we can record and release a bunch of music for you. But bands around here we would love to play with would be The Call Out, We Own Egypt, and Like The Stars. All bands with really good guys in them, and we really respect them.

5) What is your milk to cereal ratio?
Oh lord, I use way to much milk, I’m thinking the contents of the bowl, 2/3 is milk, and 1/3 is actual cereal.

Breathe Electric

Jenn Aguinaldo — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 06:55:52 +0000

This band has practically exploded over the year. Now with over two million plays, they’re tracing about the entire continental U.S. adding on to their seemingly endless and devoted fanbase. It’s a wonder to everyone how they aren’t yet under a major label and dominating the cover of Alternative Press. But for now they’re going to play a few major dates of this summer’s Warped in the middle of their tour with Stephen Jerzak, Chase Coy, & Romance on a Rocketship. Their essential album, which no SmartPunk user is complete without, titled Honestly, is now being followed by sophomore EP, Emotion, available August 18th. Released from that EP tomorrow is “What Would You Say”, featuring Chicago dweller Tom Higgenson who will never be forgotten as the genius who brought you Hey There Delilah. Breathe Electric’s Grant Harris, Jeff, Carter, Jake, and a man who is frequently mentioned on this page, Vince Pierri, are all headed to your town any day now, but will never stray too far away from their home residing in cornfield covered Lake County. Just recently, I ran into Jeff Geisser (synth player of Breathe Electric) at a small show for Goodbye Gravity (formerly War Against Reality). He was wondering why I never uploaded the video we took almost a year ago. The last time I saw this man it was almost eleven months ago, he had no shirt on, was sporting a full-on beard, and we were in a church. For the longest time, no one has bothered to inform me that although I uploaded their interview, my computer is the only one that showed it. Despite the fact that this is completely overdue and next to nothing quality, here is that missing interview that apparently only two people have ever seen. I took down that invisible post realizing that it didn’t do justice to show how amazing this band really is and rewrote it entirely into this piece that you’re reading right now. Amazingly, they agreed to do a second interview this summer so keep your eyes out for it sometime in August.

Click here for the official Breathe Electric site.

TV OFF

Jenn Aguinaldo — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:41:52 +0000

One For The Angels

Jenn Aguinaldo — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 23:46:29 +0000

“With our faith in God and your faith in us, I believe this band has a bright future.”
–Bradley Vaughn

For every mainstream band that has clogged the airwaves and covered the glossy pages of Alternative Press, there are thousands of new bands that sign up for a music page on Myspace and post an incessant amount of bulletins to get themselves heard. I’m sure as you read this, you know exactly what I’m talking about. One For The Angels is different. With former Virginia resident Bradley Vaughn fronting the stage, this five pieced untiring band is hoping to not only impress people with their songs and live shows, but to also do whatever it takes to spread Jesus Christ’s and God’s word. They are motivated by their fans, and with hopes of a tour starting sometime this summer, they believe that their Christian Hardcore band will bring them even closer to them through music. By keeping their name, songs, and any indication as to their band’s progress a secret for months on end, hundreds of fans have been anxiously waiting for OFTA’s arrival. Finally coming out of hiding in late January, they admit that since they’re still young, they’ve done things in their pasts that they all regret. Not letting that plague them, they hope to be taken seriously, but will always plan on being their energetic lively selves. With over 4000 plays within the first day, Guitarists Cody and Billy, bassist Derek, and drummer Matt plan on hitting the studio again in a few months so keep your eyes (and Myspace inbox) open.

Crush, the Everlasting

Jenn Aguinaldo — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 21:29:56 +0000

You know when you hear the first line and you just get that feeling of like…I’m not sure what it is? It’s just, when you know you’re on to talent. You can just hear a song, barely even through a verse yet, and can tell that this is going to be huge. I had it a year ago with nevershoutnever!, The Morning Light, The Maine, and I had it just now. There is this band, and I don’t know what it is, maybe it’s the similarity to the sound of John O’Callaghan, or just the fact that they had the ability to play My Mrs. Claus and through the first three words I added it to my own page. I heard this Buffalo residing five-piece ensemble and I just had to post something about them here. The part that surprised me the most is that they’re still unsigned. So kids, expect to see Pat, Steven, Julian, Guillermo (really? That’s such a cool name…), and Derek in the Unsigned Bands of The Month section of AP pretty soon. And please, dudes, if you ever do end up reading this, get your faces over here to Chicago. We’ll interview and hang out. Go to their page, pee yourself, and thank goodness you heard about them.

Dropout Year Contest

Jenn Aguinaldo — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 02:41:24 +0000

Three of you super lucky fans can win a signed the Dropout Year album Best Friends For Never with a DY sticker included (yes, I have three). The contest rules are simple: have ”Dropout Year” (or something associated with the band or their music) written somewhere on yourself (i.e. arm, forehead, hand, etc.) then take a cute picture of it. The only rule is that it has to be creative, and stand out from the rest. The deadline date is still to be decided. Winners will be chosen by…we’ll vote er something, C:
Send HTML pics to: myspace.com/stationstaticmusic

CREATIVE PEOPLE ARE LOVED.

Interview With Dropout Year!

Jenn Aguinaldo — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:17:52 +0000

”Because if looks could kill,
I’d die happy knowing it was you.” –Tire Swing Romance

Maryland was the home to famous bands such as All Time Low, Good Charlotte, Count Your Blessings, and it was also the breeding ground for the unsigned Dropout Year. They were 4 high schoolers playing covers in their basement and doing shows at churches just like any other band. What makes them special is their ability to communicate and relate to us fans. A really great band won’t care if their fans are creepy or are screaming their lungs out at their show. A superfabulousamazing band can still rock the van instead of the bus, and can get their exercise fix by walking from the van to the door at Taco Bell.

[1] Who’d you write ”Confetti” about?
That song is actually a fictional story. I mean, we all know people who live and die by their reputations, and this song was thought up along those lines. It’s about a girl who tries and tries to stay true to herself, but one night of mistakes has pretty much ruined her life as she knows it. Her friends, her pride, her esteem have all turned on her because of bad judgment and a moment of weakness.

[2] Do you think you gained a lot of fame strictly from networking on myspace?
I wouldn’t say we’re famous in any way, but networking sites like MySpace have been crucial to the level of awareness Dropout Year at this point for sure. We wouldn’t be able to reach the people we have or spread our music as much as we have without these sort of sites.

[3] What was the worst thing you have ever done on stage?
Common mistakes like bumping in to one another or wacking each other in the head with the guitar once in a while.

[4] Before the first show you guys ever played, what was running through your head?
I can’t believe people are here. Granted, they were all our families and friends, but still.

[5] Someday you want to go on tour with what bands?
New Founds Glory, Starting Line (RIP), Yellowcard (RIP), Anberlin, Mayday Parade, All Time Low, All American Rejects, Butch Walker

[6] Where do you see the band in 20 years?
Probably old men playing cover songs at Bingo Halls or VFW Steak Nights.

[7] Who was by far, the creepiest, most outrageous fan you’ve ever encountered?
Thankfully, we haven’t had any run ins with creepy fans. We have some pretty passionate fans though, but they’re incredible and welcome to keep it up!

[8] What do you think it takes other basement bands to get signed?
Passion, Persistence, and Networking

[9] The soundtrack of this summer for you was?
Vans Warped Tour

[10] You were in AP’s ad last month with Hotspur. How was that?
An honor and pleasure. Love those dudes. Such a great band, and even better people. It was fun being a part of that photo shoot, it was a blast.

Fill in the blank:
-Sometimes when we’re on tour, we forget: pillows and blankets
-We like when our fans bring us: drinks (Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Juices)
-When we used a tour van instead of a bus, the worst thing was when: We still rock the van.
-The greatest venue we’ve ever played was: Rams Head Live in Baltimore, MD
-The Dark Knight: THE f@#$ing shit! Seen it multiple times.
-When we’re on tour, we get our exercise fix by: Walking from the van to the Taco Bell front door.
-Stationstatic.com: Nothin’ but love baby!