Death-pop arrives at Becker

Courtesy of The Burning of Rome

For the misfits, the outsiders or the artistically unconventional, The Burning of Rome will serve a mix of death pop and haunting melodies at the Becker Amphitheater.

To answer the question before it’s asked (or thought in this case), Adam Traub, the founder, frontman and keyboardist of the five-piece band, explained the style of death pop music.

“It was actually a phrase that was coined by our guitar player’s brother when we were trying to figure out what to call that record … (it’s) light and dark,” said Traub. “You have these songs that at their core foundation, they’re all pop songs, but there is a lot of darker content that’s going on there.”

He added that their music and versions of pop songs are “kind of creepy.”

For music fans, a Danny Elfman (Oingo Boingo) track would be a fairly accurate comparison.

It has a similar type of carnival dance but with a darker, more gothic twist.

The Burning of Rome’s appearance will be lead by Traub along with fellow band mates Joe Aguilar (guitar and vocals), Lee Williams (drums), Aimee Jacobs (keyboards and vocals) and Keveen Baudouin (bass).

The five who make up this unique ensemble met by chance—all through acquaintances and friends of friends.

“It’s always been kind of random word of mouth. … ‘You’re weird and this person’s weird, you should go be weird together,’” Traub said.

Five tattoo taboos unveiled

Photo by Rae Romero…. (yes, these are my legs)

The popular body art trend in the form of tattoos is something that has gained acceptance in mainstream media. Once a taboo, the artwork is now seen on everyone from musicians, models and even doctors and lawyers.

Sometimes people like to keep their art under cover for fear of giving off the wrong impression, but their worries of what others will think may soon sink away. The various false impressions and ideas about tattoos are clarified here.

1. In the past, only criminals, bikers and sailors were tattooed

Although tattoos are obviously more common today than they were in the early and mid 20th century, many men and women of that era were in fact tattooed. Tattoos may not have been socially acceptable, nor were they common by any means, but they did in fact exist outside the rungs of sailors, criminals and circus freaks.

2. You’ll regret them when you’re older

This is a parent’s favorite line, and perhaps it will prove true for some, but definitely not for all. Getting a tattoo, the experience as a whole along with your long-term feelings about them, will vary from person to person.

There are many people who have been getting tattooed their entire lives. Now with barely any room left, they continue to find space for new trinkets of art.

In fact, by the time this generation is through their last quarter of life, tattoos will likely be even more common. They will be something that this generation grew up with, and the sight of old people with tattoos will not be strange or even thought about.

In the same breath, it should be said that there are often cases of carpe diem gone wrong. Those spontaneous midnight tattoos that are decided over a case of beer or some encouragement from a friend can be quickly regretted, covered or removed.

Santa Ana crowd boils over Hot Water Music

Photo by Rae Romero

Post-hardcore punk band Hot Water Music journeyed through California last week, and after a sold-out show at Los Angeles’ Echoplex, the quartet headlined yet again at the Santa Ana Observatory Wednesday, Feb. 6.

Benny Garcia, 23, was anxious to see the band of 20-plus years take the stage.

“They are one of my favorite bands,” said Garcia. “ I like their old stuff, like Never Ender and Moonpies for Misfits.”

As a long-time fan, Garcia was excited when he had the chance to meet lead singer Chuck Ragan, something many other fans would envy.

“He was a really cool guy, he was super nice and shook everyone’s hands,” said Garcia.

Despite the countless devoted Hot Water Music fans like Garcia in the crowd, not everyone was there to see the Gainesville, Fla. punk rockers.

Many concert goers were actually there to see the second act of the night, supporting band La Dispute.

When asked why they liked La Dispute, replies generally involved the band’s amazing vocals and lyrics.

Doug Schmidt, 22, was there to see La Dispute with his two friends and fellow La Dispute fans, Aaron Leavitt and Brent Burmeister.

La Dispute puts on a really good performance on top of the amazing lyrics, Schmidt said.

“Musically, instrumentally, everything is all on point,” added Schmidt.

La Dispute can be easily compared to bands like Rise Against or Hollywood Undead for their “half screamed, half rapped” style of music.

Throughout the course of the night, starting with The Menzingers, then La Dispute and ending with Hot Water Music, several things became apparent about the throng of bodies.

Everyone came to have a good time, support the bands and above all, crowd surf.

‘Flipped Learning’ could be education’s evolution

Long, long ago I was a student with very little drive. It started as a typical case of “senioritis” but continued to deter my career during my first attempt at community college. I would daydream in class, skim on readings and eventually struggle when the time came to face the music (or, as the case was, the test).

I was not alone in this battle, and there are certainly many students from kindergarten through college who still find it difficult to succeed—not because of learning disabilities or lack of motivation, but simply because the traditional classroom setting can be boring if one is not truly enthralled by the subject matter.

To combat this, a new teaching method has developed that could have saved me during these painful years of trying to pay attention and understand all of those pesky math and science requirements.

“Flipped learning” is the process where, as the name suggests, the roles of classroom and homework are flipped. Students watch the lecture portion (what used to take place in the classroom) ahead of time and come to class already having learned the material.

Class time is then devoted to the “homework” part of the equation; students practice problems, take quizzes or work in small groups to further learn and master the skills or the lesson plan.

This method already does several things that appeal to me. It takes those hours that some may spend watching YouTube videos and uses the technology in a productive teaching manner. It then forces everyone to be active and participate during class time, which eliminates any opportunity to daydream or doodle.

Observatory awaits flood with Hot Water Music visit

Courtesy of MCT

Twenty years can be viewed as a very short amount of time, or very long, depending on how you look at it.

Compared to the span of a lifetime, no doubt, it is seen as short. But if the subject in question is the career of a post hard-core punk band, it is suddenly a lifetime.

Gainesville Fla. circa 1993—Four young men move to the music hub and with a shared passion for punk rock music they form Hot Water Music.

The four friends who make up the band are Chris Wollard (singer/guitar), Chuck Ragan (vocals/guitar), Jason Black (bass) and George Rebelo (drums).

“I think we all understood that we were all pretty serious about it,” said Wollard. “Pretty soon after I met all the dudes we took off and moved to Gainesville.”

In the twenty years they’ve been friends and bandmates, the four have taken a few breaks, but despite solo careers and other projects, Hot Water Music couldn’t step away from playing together.

One show led to another, which led to a small tour and it wasn’t long before the four friends decided to once again write new material together after an extended break in 2006.

The band initially released a two-track seven-inch, titled The Fire, The Steel, The Tread.

Following this release the quartet signed with Rise Records.

In January 2012, Hot Water Music made a trip to Ft. Collins, Colo. where they spent 21 days with Bill Stevenson (founder and writer of punk legends, The Descendents) in The Blasting Room studios.

The attitude, demeanor, positive energy and talent of both Stevenson and his partner Jason Livermore are what made the process so amazing according to Wollard.

He described it as “controlled chaos,” and that it was “a no bullshit approach” with no smoke and mirrors with recording.

“The chemistry in that building was awesome,” Wollard said.

Present day: Wednesday, Jan. 27—A warm afternoon in California and a rainy day in Pittsburgh, Pa.  Wollard talked about the band and their current nationwide tour from a Pittsburgh concert hall where they performed later that evening.

Between setting up and sound check he spoke of the band’s evolution (both musically and personally), the tour and their latest album, Exister.

Wollard said that although many people expected a reunion tour and a reunion album, the band collectively didn’t care to do that.

The band wanted to write an album coming from where they were today, what they deal with in their daily lives and they didn’t want to take (the album) for granted.

The band’s 13-track album upholds much of the same sound Hot Water Music fans are familiar with along with the intricate and complex music fronted by the same harsh and gravelly vocals that singers Ragan and Wollard both produce.

The album is more aggressive and direct in it’s presentation, capturing the energy and sound that fans would expect to hear and see in a live performance.

Any progression that long-time fans see should be natural.

The four men who began playing together at a young age are now either married or have children—their priorities and desires have changed, which may reflect in their music.

“This has been half of our lives we’ve been doing this, when we started we were just kids—teenagers,” said Wollard. “When you’re 37 on tour, it’s different than when you’re 17 on tour.”

The band continues to perform Exister with several California dates this week. First playing a sold-out show at the Echoplex in Los Angeles Feb. 5 before heading to the Santa Ana Observatory Feb 6.

Tickets are still available for the Orange County show with special guests, La Dispute and The Menzingers.

After the Hot Water Music tour concludes, Wollard plans to do a few shows in support of his side project, Chris Wollard and the Ship Thieves. The latest album, Canyons, was released September 2012.

Meanwhile, singer/guitarist Chuck Ragan will quickly be back on the road himself.

His solo career and the ensemble of various other folk-punk musicians in The Revival Tour will bring him back to Los Angeles and Orange County in April.

He continues to support his last album Covering Ground in this tour.

For now, the band is happy to be back together on the road and will continue to grow and evolve as people and musicians.

Attendees can expect to hear both old and new songs while the band employs everything that they have learned and rediscovered along the way.

“We’re getting better everyday so I think by the time we get out to California we should be kicking some ass,” Wollard said.

For additional info visit the band’s website at http://HotWaterMusic.com or Facebook page at: https://www.Facebook.com/HotWaterMusic?fref=ts.

 

 

 

This article was written for the Daily Titan and was published on 2/4/2013. Link:http://www.dailytitan.com/2013/02/observatory-awaits-flood-with-hot-water-music-visit/

The Kroll Show’s unique blend of classic sketch comedy and reality TV

Courtesy of MCT

Although Nick Kroll may not be a household name like more seasoned comedians like Will Farrell or Steve Carell, his star has only been rising since his days of performing improv in college nearly a decade ago.

With the taste of life on stage, Kroll was hooked and fell in love with the art of comedy.

Since his improv days of hosting low profile events to gain exposure, he has since guest starred on Parks and Recreation, Community and Portlandia among many other shows.

Kroll has also dipped a talented toe in the water of comedic writing as well.

He has written for I Love the ‘30s, a TV series short titled Shutterbugs, and his own array of characters for Comedy Central stand-up specials, such as Fabrice Fabrice and Bobby Bottleservice.

Kroll, along with his college friends, even managed to sell a story to the highly successful Comedy Central show Chappelle Show.

It was a storyline about a white family whose last name was spelled “N-i-g-g-a-r.”

“We sold them that idea, they then turned that into the sort of the Leave it to Beaver ‘50s mold, which was so, so smart,” Kroll said.

Kroll continues his career in comedy as a member of the hit FX show The League, which follows a group of friends obsessing over their fantasy football league, teams and trophy.

As if that isn’t enough, Comedy Central premiered Kroll’s new sketch comedy show Jan. 16 that he created, wrote and stars in.

The Kroll Show gives viewers an honest reflection about current pop culture trends and situations, particularly the reality TV obsession.

Although you can likely guess who inspired some of his bizarre characters, you’ll never hear him name names.

“We wanted to make something that felt relevant and completely current, but without being tied to references to people and things that will not feel important in six months,” Kroll said.

Although it may be hard to imagine that all of Kroll’s unique characters have been drawn from pop culture references, a deeper look will give viewers a huge laugh about the overall message of his show.

One character, Dr. Armond, is a canine plastic surgeon who literally lacks any type of facial movement aside from the occasional flick of his eyebrow.

Kroll said that he likes to think of his show as “a bunch of mini-series” that will have something to appeal to everyone.

Another similarity, other than the one between his characters and our reality TV-based culture, is that between almost all of his characters.

“It seems as though a lot of my characters like to think that they’re very important when they’re not,” said Kroll. “I guess there’s something funny to me about that, people who aren’t self-aware.”

Although a character like Liz may be physically uncomfortable for Kroll to play simply because she’s a woman, there may be other awkward times on set when the jokes about a character or situation become clear.

And although Kroll is not one to shy away from awkward situations, he says that he will never use shock just for shock’s sake.

“Part of it is the joy of sitting in the awkwardness,” Kroll said. “There’s a lot to be learned from those awkward moments, and I tend to enjoy that.”

Regardless of the awkwardness, viewers can expect wit and idiocy in a beautiful combination with all of the characters and situations that are depicted on Kroll Show, as well as a slew of surprise guest appearances.

Kroll says that among the many things he loves about his job and the industry he’s a part of is the collaborations and friendships made along the way.

“The comedy world is an incredibly collaborative world and I think a real model for how artists can create their own material and also participate in other people’s material … the water really rises,” Kroll said.

Regardless of being on two TV shows, one of which is named after him, the comedian does not expect to be a paparazzi target anytime soon.

He jokes that “they’re not really interested in me, I’m not handsome enough.”

But if this is as far as his star is meant to rise, he appears to be satisfied.

“If this is what the career is, then I’d be over the moon about it,” Kroll said.

Viewers can watch the Kroll Show Wednesday nights at 10:30 p.m. after Workaholics on Comedy Central.

 

 

 

This article was written for the Daily Titan and ran on 1/28/2013. Link: http://www.dailytitan.com/2013/01/the-kroll-shows-unique-blend-of-classic-sketch-comedy-and-reality-tv/

The Heavy Guilt to scale down Becker stage

Photo courtesy: Rebecca Joelson

As another semester begins for students at Cal State Fullerton, so does another series of weekly concerts at the Becker Amphitheater.

Every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m., the stage of the outdoor music venue will be taken over by a new band to provide an hour of amplified entertainment for the campus.

The first band to seize control of the amphitheater is The Heavy Guilt, a San Diego-based rock ‘n’ roll band.

From an array of musical backgrounds, this six-man band is approaching the release of its third while continuing to aspire toward the ultimate music haven: a record deal.

Alfred Howard and Josh Rice were former members of the funk band K23. In 2008, when the rise of gas prices and vocal exhaustion made touring more difficult, the band called it quits.

When Howard and Rice were once again ready to pursue music careers, an email brought them exactly who they were looking for, singer Erik Canzona. From there, phone calls were made and friends joined together, thus creating The Heavy Guilt.

Today the band consists of Alfred Howard (writer), Josh Rice (keyboard), Erik Canzona (lead vocals), Jason Littlefield (bass), Sean Martin (guitar) and Jenny Merullo (drums).

With a sound that is part rock ‘n’ roll, indie and Americana, the band will release its self-titled album showcasing their new amped up sound, due sometime in April.

There is no doubt that their sound has evolved from the first two albums. Their first album, Lift Us Up From This, was released in 2009, followed by 2011’s In the Blood.

“Truth be told, playing slow brooding folk songs in loud bars on weekend nights is a challenge that our amps and attitudes rose to,” said Howard. “To eclipse the whiskey warmed conversation of a Friday night dive bar we needed to be louder and more engaging.”

He adds that for now the quiet ballads that shaped much of their early career will be played only “when people are familiar enough to care.”

The upcoming album will only show the evolution and progress made by the band and according to lead singer Canzona, it is the best work they have done yet.

“It combines the simplicity and richness of the first album with the live energy of the second,” said Canzona. “It’s the album I’ve always wanted to be a part of.”

With the new year, The Heavy Guilt has a new agenda and a new album. They plan to hit the road in support of their forthcoming album and gain more exposure outside of their hometown.

For those attending the live show at Becker Amphitheater, you can expect their rustic Americana folk rock sound, only amped up for the enjoyment of a live audience.

“It’s kind of like our albums on steroids,” Canzona said.

The show at the Becker Amphitheatre is free for everyone and takes place between the Titan Student Union and the Pollak Library. For more information on the band, visit their website: TheHeavyGuilt.com.

 

 

This article was written for the Daily Titan and ran on 1/28/2013. Link: http://www.dailytitan.com/2013/01/heavy-guilt-to-scale-down-becker-stage/

Weekly Underrated

As far as rowdy Irish-punk music, we tend to only think of the heavyweights who dominate the category: The Pogues, Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys and maybe just maybe Flatfoot 56.

As far as a band, especially a song, that is way underrated in this particular category, it is none other than “Mad Men” by The Briggs.

The song, to put it simply, is insane. From the second it starts you feel the need to stop your feet and clap your hands. There is none of the waiting around idly for the “good part” when it comes to “Mad Med.” On the recording of the song they even Ken Casey of Dropkick Murphys doing some guest vocals.

With a fast tempo, pounding rhythm and the vocals of Joey and Jason LaRocca (yes, brothers)- the song is everything Irish-punk should be.

I suggest you take a listen to this amazing song by an amazing band. I only wish they did more shows in Southern California because they seem like they would be so fun to see live!

A new year means a new start

Although my absence and lack of dedication to the upkeep of my beloved blog was unintentional, it did, nonetheless happen. In an effort to reboot this bad boy, I am trying to stick to what I should have been doing all along, writing on a schedule.

I will start my new semester on Monday, Jan. 28th, and therefore, I have decided that the easiest choice was to dedicate every Friday morning from here on out to strictly blog-writing- unless my attention is absolutely required somewhere else.

I’ve missed the world of WordPress, the random chats that would spark out of a comment or a mutual interest with fellow bloggers. I’m happy to be re-focused and back with some serious determination to write.

My Weekly Underrated series will continue, even if it kills me (which it won’t because I absolutely love talking and writing about music).

Tomorrow is the kick-off, come check out what my first pick of 2013 will be!

 

~Sima

2012’s good, bad and unwelcome

 

Courtesy of MCT

People and Things that wouldn’t be missed in 2013:

Every year, sometimes every season, people find themselves trying new styles, exploring new avenues, revisiting old ones and often following the trends of popular culture.

Sometimes these trends end up being staples to a new era in technology, fashion or social media. But admit it, sometimes you just want to punch the next person who starts dancing “Gangnam Style.”

Some of the things that most people wouldn’t mind saying goodbye to for 2013 include: Yes, we already gave it away, “Gangnam Style.” Both the song and the dance from K-Pop sensation Psy have had their fair share of attention.

The song is borderline “Macarena” with how repetitive and trendy it was, but it’s just time that he either releases a new hit or people stop playing it.

Staying on the music scene, a few of the tween heartthrobs that most wouldn’t mind seeing go (into either an insane asylum or a desolate island in the middle of nowhere with no bottle to send messages in) would be Taylor Swift, known to all KROQ listeners as Taydolf Switler, and Justin Bieber.

The reasons for leaving these two gems in 2012 should be obvious, so the long list isn’t even going to be bothered with.

Another couple of Hollywood gems that shouldn’t be allowed to make the pop-culture trend shift into 2013 are Lindsay Lohan and Amanda Bynes.

In fact, all young child stars that have been arrested more than once should probably just give up.

Although there may be many more people and things that could be mentioned on the list of things that should stay in 2012, there are a variety of new trends that many can’t get enough of, and for good reason!

People and Things that we can’t wait to see next year: 

Give the world more Instagram! Although Facebook owns the smartphone application, many users have actually started using it more than the parent company.

With the ability to share photos instead of trying to think of funny or smart status updates, Instagram is definitely something that will stick around.

Who doesn’t love seeing the hashtag pages dedicated to puppies, sloths and purple hair?

Speaking of purple hair, some beauty trends that should stick around in the new year include “ombre” hair and accented fingernails.

The “ombre” style is best described as a darker shade from root to about 70 percent of the hair length with a lighter color (usually blonde) for the remaining 30 percent of the hair length.

Accent nails, although many take them to a ridiculous level with 3-D images and such, are most easily described as having one different colored nail, which is called the “accent nail.”

Going back to the digital online media, another thing that has saved many people from boredom or creative stunts, thanks should be given to Pinterest.

A site dedicated to helping people everywhere cook, decorate and bring out all kinds of creative juices.

As far as the celebrities that haven’t been voted off the island, so to speak, it’s fairly easy to assume that most people (both men and women) can’t get enough of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Mila Kunis. Talented, funny and extremely easy on the eyes, these two are welcome in 2013 with open arms.

Another welcome trend is the food truck. Although they have been around for years, the hype that took over the world of the food truck business is not something to be overlooked.

With pit stops that make lunch easy and accessible, coming to you instead of wasting your own gas and delicious food for reasonable prices, food trucks are only getting bigger.

So even though not everyone is on Instagram or Pinterest, and not everyone is a Mila Kunis or Joseph Gordon-Levitt fan, these various trends and people have proven to be something to pay attention to for the future.

 

 

This article was written for and ran in The Daily Titan. Link: http://www.dailytitan.com/2012/12/2012s-good-bad-and-unwelcomed/