Apsylon: Dreaming of Yesterday

Finding a unique album is becoming increasingly difficult in today's culture. Most albums seem to rehash the same music over and over again. In the case of Apsylon, that is not the case; their musical influences obviously stem from a mixture of rock, classical, and Celtic folk music, all of which they manage to blend beautifully. On their album, Dreaming of Yesterday, each song pulls you in, wrapping you up in a blanket that is both unfamiliar but comforting. “Serenade” acts as a beautiful introduction to the album, with soothing tones that give you a preview at what to expect as far as the rest of the album goes. “Dreaming of Yesterday,” the title-track of the album is more jazz-driven, sounding like it could be part of a musical score for a James Bond film. Each note is carefully crafted to perfection, while still retaining a rawness that is so greatly valued. The song features sneaky, calculating music with blunt and honest lyrics delivered by powerful vocals. Moving through the album, it seems even more influences seem to show themselves, including an almost-Latin influence on the guitar featured in “Lena,” a song powerfully driven by a narrative that has you imagining a music-video in your head. “All I Think About” is the song I can practically hear on the radio; it's the love song that the Beatles never got the chance to make, the song a lot of modern artists couldn't pull off, and the song that you hope to hear on your Valentine's Day Mix. The vocals are raw and the song is sweet, each note making you bob your head. It's the kind of song that you want to dance around to like a crazy person, singing, “All I think about is you,” while practicing your “signature” rock-star pout. Of course, the album finishes off beautifully, showing it's classical influences on “Prelude.” The whole album is a fantastic display of artistry with a unique sound. Dreaming of Yesterday is well-done and the musicianship of Tedy Madl, Jenny Brooks, Peggy Baldwin, and Marissa Mendenhall is something to celebrate for definite. Mendenhall's vocals are easy to recognize; they are all her own, a true original. If you're looking for an album to change your opinion of the music of today, go and purchase Dreaming of Yesterday. You won't be disappointed. Click here to preview the whole album.

CHECK IT OUT! fun. Album Review!

Hello my lovelies! I will be posting my review for fun.'s album Some Nights, but in an ideal world, you've already seen it right HERE! :) It's been a crazy past month or so. I'm preparing for the summer-articles, which I think you're all going to LOVE! I'll be giving you some great tips on how to make your summer a truly amazing one. Anyway, keep your eyes open! Peace, Music, and Love, Liv xoxo

Heroes and Underdogs

Photo credit to band; That's My Name, Don't Wear It Out! EP cover

by Liv Simister

Electric.
It can describe numerous things--from a type of outlet on the wall to the chemistry between two people. However, "electric" has become the word to describe Heroes and Underdogs, an alternative rock five-piece from Poughkeepsie, NY; it's also the name of the band's new single featuring Tay Jardine from We Are The In Crowd.
On the band's debut EP That's My Name, Don't Wear It Out!, one of the first things sure to capture the attention of listeners is the stunning performance from Kayla Loren, the band's power-house vocalist. However, as the EP begins, one easily notices the brilliance of the rest of the band--from the talented guitarists Ricky Martin (no, not that one!) and Kevin Hayden to the bass playing of Joe Costable; the band's line-up, despite being sans drummer, is poised for excellence.
The EP is a wonderful mix of heart-wrenching and lively songs, typically considered a risky move.
Despite the fact that That's My Name, Don't Wear It Out! is Heroes and Underdogs' first EP, the band proves their seemingly limitless talent, sounding as though they have been recording for years.
The EP is extremely well-done, though not overly perfected via a machine of any description. Each song is crafted to its best, brightest, and catchiest, entrancing listeners from the opening notes.
From bitter anthems like "Eat a Knife," to the bittersweet, melodious tunes like "Dear Sarah, I Wish Sorry Could Cover It," Heroes and Underdogs have brought their A-game.
On the band's single "Electric," Kayla Loren's vocals are perfectly matched with those of Tay Jardine from We Are The In Crowd. Their two voices, both strong and memorable, make the track jump out. The music behind them sets a mood; altogether, the band manages to engage a rapt audience who isn't likely to stop listening anytime soon!
If you haven't had a chance to stream Heroes and Underdogs' debut EP That's My Name, Don't Wear It Out!, check it out on the band's Purevolume and be sure to purchase it on either iTunes or Amazon.com.

REVIEW: DAYDREAM by The Endless Summer

Daydream is a beautiful example of well-worked EP. Each track showcases the talents of the band wonderfully. The EP is quite obviously produced by Andrew Goldstein (The Friday Night Boys/Hot Chelle Rae/ Selena Gomez), but when is that ever a bad thing? The Endless Summer definitely went in the right direction when choosing to work with him, especially when you take into consideration the magnificent brain-child that Daydream is.
From the opening title track, listeners will be absorbed in the up-tempo sound contrasting with the bitter-sweet lyrics. Each song begs to be sang along to, and it's easy to find yourself doing so, even when the music stops. Along with being incredibly catchy, each song is ambiguous enough that every listener can find something to connect with.
"We are really hoping that the listener can interpret the songs on an individual basis. It is amazing to see that even for me different songs have taken on new meaning because of new experiences," expresses Nick Bacon, the band's vocalist.
The track that has been classed as the most "stand-out" is "Satellites," which has earned radio-play as far as Japan. The Endless Summer recently released a music-video for "Satellites," which will be played nation-wide in Journey's stores beginning in April.
While each song is ear-catching in its own right, one track that sounds poised for summer-time is "Fly With Me," a track that easily belongs on a Road-Trip Mix.
Along with that, if you're seeking a "break-up anthem" of sorts, one song to pay attention to is "If You Wanted."
Daydream is a perfect follow-up to The Endless Summer's previous EP Fairweather. While there is a noticeable change of pace, fans will not feel jarred in any way. If you haven't already listened or bought the EP, you can do so at The Endless Summer's official webpage.

The Endless Summer

The Endless Summer is a five-piece alternative pop/rock band comprised of Nick Bacon (box), Tyler Long (guitar/vox), Shay Johnson (guitar, box), Tommy Oerding (drums), and Adam Cross (bass). This group of long-time friends formed the band Highland Fall in 2008; however, by 2011, the band revamped everything, changing their name to The Endless Summer and even changing their style.
"The suggestion came down from management, whenever they initially decided to take us on as clients. They recognized something they liked, but realized it needed a new direction," Nick says. "At the same time, we were all feeling somewhat idle as well and subconsciously knew it was time for a change. When someone finally suggested it, we all jumped at the decision."
Of course, like with any change, there is a risk involved, but in the case of The Endless Summer, the change payed off. "Once something starts to feel dull and complacent, you really have to take a step back and re-evaluate things. [For us] a complete overhaul was needed, so we had to change everything."
One thing the band didn't change was the commitment they give their work. The Endless Summer tours consistently and has played shows with artists from all sorts of genres, making their name well-known throughout "the scene." "The 'scene' is really very ambiguous. It's impossible to navigate," Nick claims. "We have been fortunate enough to gain a following that is extremely diverse and very energized."
Like any other band, The Endless Summer has to keep their audience's attention by making themselves available and touring frequently, something the band takes great care in preparing for. "We usually like to take at least a week or so to practice the set. Usually the first practice will consist of about 45 minutes of actually sitting around the sectional couch and figuring out the set first. From there it’s all about just getting into the mindset of tour. It’s an absolute blast to be on the road but sometimes you have to remember that it’s not all fun and games. You’re out there for a purpose," Nick stresses.
The purpose stems from the seemingly effortless way the talented musicians behind The Endless Summer express themselves. "The music is the expression of Tyler and Shay, while the lyrics and melodies are the collaboration of myself and Shay's experiences," Nick claims. "To be an artist, you really have to draw on your own faults, your own memories, and your own fortunes. This is how we express ourselves, through the poetry and through the melody."
The band's new EP Daydream is no exception; each song radiates honesty to a catchy beat. Overall, the EP is up-tempo, though the band claim not to have avoided slow songs for any reason. "We wanted to hold people's attention and we had all this energy as a band that we really needed to get out. We have always wanted to slow things down a bit, though, and it's definitely something to look forward to."
The band worked on Daydream with Andrew Goldstein (The Friday Night Boys/Hot Chelle Raw/Selena Gomez), an experience they describe as "amazing." "Andrew is a really cool guy and he knows what he is doing. He brought a fresh perspective into the writing."
The track that has attracted most attention is "Satellites," which the band recently released a music video for. Recently, the song has become a hit in Japan, something the band seem at a loss for words to describe. "If you would have told me a year ago that the song would have garnered this much attention, especially overseas, I would have [probably] laughed in your face," says Nick. "It is amazing that so many people are connecting with it and that people like it. We are really proud."
And rightly so. The Endless Summer is hard-working, talented, and above all, humble. "I want to thank all of our current fans that really are the 'early adopters' of the TES movement. Without all of our fans we would be absolutely nowhere and there would be no hope of growth.  That being said we hope to get out on the road a lot more this summer but it takes support from sales money to do that, so if you haven’t picked up our EP or you don’t have a nice TES shirt to wear out then we would encourage everyone to think about doing so.  Everything we make at this point goes right back into coming to play for each one of your beautiful faces!"

To Write Love On Her Arms

“You were created to love and be loved. You were meant to live life in relationship with other people, to know and be known. You need to know that your story is important and that you're part of a bigger story. You need to know that your life matters.”
These words are in the opening of the Vision To Write Love On Her Arms has on their website.
In March of 2006, TWLOHA was founded by Jamie Tworkowski, inspired by the heart-breaking story of Renee Yohe (then nineteen). The foundation proved to be ground-breaking. Musicians like Anberlin and Switchfoot started wearing t-shirts in support and people all over the country, and even the world, found themselves inspired; inspired to change.
Many people who were once too nervous to reveal their personal problems to even their closest friends or relatives suddenly had an outlet that gave no judgment. “At TWLOHA we believe that stories are important and valuable, but we also understand how difficult it can be to share our stories with others sometimes,” says Savannah Jaye Thomas, one of the six interns at the TWLOHA headquarters (now located in Melbourne). “[W]henever someone chooses to share their stories with us, we're honored that TWLOHA can create a space where they feel safe and encouraged to do so.”
The foundation garnered such a following that “To Write Love On Her Arms Week” and TWLOHA Day (Nov. 13) suddenly appeared on Facebook pages, proof that it is more than just a foundation. “All of the TWLOHA days/weeks have been organized and advertised completely by our supporters through social media, so we definitely feel honored. The passion they have for our cause is overwhelming and humbling, and we're so grateful for it.”
In 2009, TWLOHA partnered with the Kristen Brooks Hope Center to develop IMAlive, an online crisis center operating via instant messenger, just another way TWLOHA have made themselves more accessible to their supporters and the people that need their support in return.
TWLOHA has had a booth every year for the last five years, a move Thomas says, “[H]as provided us with opportunities to promote ourselves, meet supporters, and network with bands that support us.”
A sensation in the music world, TWLOHA has had the support of musicians from the beginning. “Jon Foreman, the lead singer of Switchfoot, was there when Jamie opened the first box of shirts and asked if he could wear one on stage that night. From there, other friends who were also musicians just believed in the story and wanted to support it, such as Anberlin and Underoath. We were also invited to be a part of Vans Warped Tour, opening up more opportunities to be involved with musicians and share our message with their fans. We are honored to have people with such powerful voices and committed fans be a part of our story.”
These voices are often a huge part of Heavy and Light, a TWLOHA gathering held in Orlando. “[Heavy and Light] began in 2007 as a way to create a conversation and night of hope in honor of our friend Casey Calvert, who died a month before. The name came from a blog Jamie wrote in response to Casey's death. It was such a great night of hope and honesty and conversation, and we decided to carry it on,” states Thomas. “We believe that music has the power to encourage people and remind them that they are alive, and we really enjoy being able to take our conversation and combine it with great music. A good song leaves us feeling like it is okay to be honest and to feel things. We believe that there is a lot of freedom in that. Heavy and Light is an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ kind of event, involving all parts of our staff, from our communication team to our merch and music teams--everyone plays an important role.”
At the 2012 Heavy and Light, a short film plays at the beginning, setting the mood for the entire evening. “Welcome to Midnight,” the words say, bright against the dark background. The tone of the evening is hopeful, to say the least; believing that change is a possibility for both the company and its followers. “We have some really incredible stuff in the works that we'll be announcing later this year that have been part of our dream for a while, but we're excited that 2012 is the year that we're going to be able to make a lot of those dreams a reality for us, including our hope to take Heavy and Light on the road.
“We absolutely believe that everyone gets a fresh start, but we don't believe that that fresh start is confined to resolutions on New Year's Eve. We believe that that fresh start can begin at any moment, but that it begins with a choice to make a fresh start, to ask for help, to change the course of things. Maybe the best way to describe it is that we believe people get to choose a fresh start for themselves at any time. Since there are many people who spend the last week of the year preparing for the clean slate of a New Year at midnight on New Year's Eve, we decided to join them in celebrating that idea.”
This year featured performances by Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional, David Bazan, Noah Gunderson, Mariah McManus, spoken word poet Anis Mojgani, and even a guest appearance by actress Sophia Bush. Fans also got a sneak peak at the movie “Renee,” based on Renee Yohe’s story and the formation of To Write Love On Her Arms. The film, despite not having yet been released, has already received support from the foundation’s many followers. “We are excited about the film, for sure. We did not write the script or produce it, but we are glad to be a part of it. Our hope is that the movie will connect and move people,” Thomas expresses. “Maybe it's someone learning about and understanding self-injury better than they did before. Or it could be someone feeling inspired to live a more honest story or reach out for help after seeing the film. We hope it creates change.”
TWLOHA has fourteen staff members and six interns, a relatively small amount in comparison to other foundations and companies, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in passion, determination, and pure character, a community of wonderful people. “One of the most important tasks that our interns do is responding to e-mails from supporters on a daily basis, so it's imperative that our interns are good communicators. Also, something we really stress in our internship program is the idea of community, and every community looks different. The application process helps our Intern Program Director invite interns who are not only a good fit for the organization but also a good fit for the community they will form when they arrive.”
It only takes one person to change the world, but imagine if a group of awe-inspiring people work together to bring on that change, what wonderful things could be done and created. TWLOHA seems to understand that, one of the many reasons they won the $1,000,000 grant from NBC’s Giving Awards.
TWLOHA is a cause that brings awareness and love in all that it does. Please go to TWLOHA.com to show your support.

“The vision is the possibility that your best days are ahead.

The vision is the possibility that we're more loved than we'll ever know.

The vision is hope, and hope is real.


You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story.”

*Also be sure to check out the weekly feature on the TWLOHA Behind-the-Scenes Tumblr called "Song of the Week." You can also listen to this playlist on Spotify.

SEE MORE AT PLANET STEREO

Self-Fulflling Prophecy: Jay Adelberg

In 1988, the first Hot Topic store was opened, giving birth to an outlet for a culture barely at its beginning. Since then, the company has expanded, now with 630 stores total.
From the moment one enters a Hot Topic at their local mall, they almost can't help letting their eyes bulge out of their sockets, though who could when you first see the walls covered in shirts with bands and logos across them? With jewelry for piercings they didn't even know existed? And music that they believed to only be on their iPod, seeing as the bands didn't get the deserved radio-play, blasting from all different directions?
This is the experience anyone will recieve when they step into a Hot Topic, along with being greeted by a typically cheergul and helpful employee.
The store has not only found commercial success, but has also become part of a culture, often part of a stereotype (emo/goth).
Of course, there has to be someone behind the many trends the stores see within a month; someone has to choose what merchandise consumers have to choose from. That person is Jay Adelberg, Hot Topic's Head Buyer of Music and Music Accessories; in other words, the man who picks out the accessories you wear and the music in your CD player (if you still have one, that is).
"I am responsible for choosing what merchandise and what music releases we will carry in our stores, when we will carry them, and how many units of each we will buy," Adelberg explains. "With accessories, I decide what level of support to give the item and figure out how to buy from there. For music releases, it basically is worthy of running in our listening booth program or it only goes in the 100 or so stores that carry additional music titles. All 639 stores carry a forty-title listening booth, but only 100 or so stores carry additional music titles like smaller new releases or catalog titles."
At just 38 years of age, it's almost astounding at how much power Adelberg truly has over the Hot Topic consumer. He has acquired the ability ever parent and adult in the world has craved since the children around them hit puberty--he can control what they choose to buy and what they choose to wear (though indirectly).
Adelberg began working for Hot Topic fifteen years ago (this September). After working in record stores in addition to being a university student and musician (Adelberg has been playing the drums for twenty years), he was a Hot Topic manager for three years. "The old music buyer took a shine to me because I was taking advantage of Hot Topic's open communication policies. The HQ encouraged those of us working in the field to communicate with them about new bands or trends we saw in our hometowns. I was a punk-rock show promoter, so I was emailing about these brand new bands I was booking and that people were responding to. I lived in Connecticut at the time (where I grew up) and was the first person to book shows in Connecticut for bands such as Saves the Day, Thursday, Boysetfire, New Found Glory, and the like and could see these bands had lots of potential to get big. I was right about that frequently, so it got me noticed at the Hot Topic headquarters."
After years of practice, Adelberg got very quick at identifying the quality of a band. "It's weird, I have been doing this so long, sometimes I just know the goods when I see and hear the goods. [I]t's like a weird sicth sense. I'm not always right too, so it's not the most reliable sixth sense," he laughs. "I can often telly by the packaging of their demo and press kit. Beginner stuff just shows through very easily."
Of course, if you'd like to avoid the same fate, Adelberg suggests not "spamming the Hot Topic Facebook or leaving multiple, rambling messages." "I get many, many emails and phone calls from bands convinced that they will be the next big thing, if only I will put their music release in our stores. The odds are not with any of these bands; if I had a nickel for every one of those bands who never amounted to a hill of beans, I could retire on my giant pile of nickels, you know? I am hard-pressed to believe that it's because of me that they failed too.
"The best advice I can give is to always make sure there is someone in your band who could at a moment's notice take over the duties of your manager or agent. If you don't have such a person in your band, that means there are people out there working on behalf of your band and you have no idea what they are up to. Very dangerous. Also, at the same time, don't get a manager or agent until you absolutely need one."
However, despite such experience, when asked if he allows his personal music taste affect what he buys for the stores, Adelberg responds with good humor and a laugh. "Absolutely not. I know that I am not the Hot Topic target consumer at 38 years old. I make sure I understand all the bands we sell, but personally, I don't listen to a great number of them. Similarly, I know that if I really, really like a band, it probably means it's not good for us to carry it!"
While Adelberg believes originality will get a band quite far in terms of success and sales, he admits that looks do come into the "very, very political music industry." "It's sad but true that what a band looks like often makes a difference on how people will react to them. Often, the younger the demographic a band appeals to, the more important their look is. Take a band like Black Veil Brides, for example; their look is an integral part of what they do. Same with bands like Blood on the Dance Floor. For a band like Foster the People, who have an older audience, you can see much less effort put into having an extreme look. These bands know their target audience, and dress accordingly."
For every person desperate to be in the spotlight as a musician, there is a person who craves the behind-the-scenes action of jobs such as Adelberg's. "Find a good company whose product you believe in and start working on the retail level so you know the product well," he recommends. "[For example,] if you like sports or sneakers, go work at a sports shoe store for a bit. If you like fashion, work at H&M or Urban Outfitters. Find out who the people at the company HQ are and reach out to them, start a relationship by discussing the business and such. This will put you on their radar. It worked for me. You don't need to have an agenda at first, don't force it. Just try to build a relationship casually and organically."
Overall, Adelberg has proven that hard-work and confidence (NOT cockiness) make a winning combination that can open numerous doors.
"My parents always gave me this piece of advice growing up, and it's worked wonders for me: 'Find something that you absolutely love to do, and find someone to pay you to do that. You'll never be unhappy.' Also, and this is advice from me, remember that life is a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you think you are going to fail, you will. Don't rely on luck or good fortune, if you want something in your life, you go out there and make it happen for yourself. It's the only way."
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