Statelman adds Solfege Radio members

There are rumors of the demise of Solfege Radio (twice featured band on Danny Says!) and this may just be fueling the fire but Statelman seems to have slid their drummer Dan over to guitar and added Solfege Radio drummer Donny and SR guitarist Jon. Whether this is a permanent thing or not we'll have to wait and see, Donny did play drums for them at Get Heard Fest back in June... Check out this video of the new lineup from the Union County Music Fest:

PUNK ROCK 101: Posers

By Skippy Rodman

Standing outside a club in Asbury Park recently, an
individual with a mohawk and a punk rock sense of style
asked me what type of music I preferred. I said I
listened mostly to punk and used some examples of my
favorite bands that included the Bouncing Souls and the
Descendents. Naturally, he knew of the Bouncing Souls.
After all, we were in Asbury and unless you live under
a rock in that area I’m sure you’ve heard of them once
or twice (there is sarcasm in that statement). To my
surprise, though, there was a blank stare as I spoke of
the Descendents being one of my favorite bands. After
having a very unsatisfying conversation with this
individual, I turned to my friend and said, “This guy
had no idea who the Descendents were.” My friend agreed
and I went on one of my rants.
My most current rant… Everyone dresses all punk rock,
but really doesn’t know the music or has any passion for
the scene. Try walking through the mall on a Friday
night. You’ll see a bunch of “I’m so punk rock and
cool” kids walking around. Why aren’t they at a show?
At that age, I was at a show on a Friday night. Then
there’s individuals who go to shows, but don’t actually
watch any bands. They just hang outside. These are the
people that get dressed up in their best “Hot Topic”
clothes, pay to get into a show, and don’t watch any
bands.
It bothers me that so many kids don’t know the roots
to our scene. If you like a band, read about their
influences. It will open a whole new punk rock door to
your life. For instance, if you love Green Day you
should know that they used to be on a little label
called Lookout Records and then you will discover
Operation Ivy. If you are a hardcore fan, do some
research on it’s history and you may just stumble upon
a band called Minor Threat. And finally just for me…
look up the Descendents! They have influenced some of
the biggest pop punk bands of today.

Class 6: The New Movement

Six musicians make up Class 6. They are a hard rock/ hip hop
hybrid that has far more class than any of the rap/rock bands
that surged in the late 90's, infact it's something refreshingly
new. Danny Says sat down with the recently victorious winners of
the Philly Showdown to find out a little more.
DS: Congratulations on winning the Philly Showdown!
Can you tell me what you guys plan on doing with the
$5,000 that you won?
C6: First off, we would like to thank Jersey Shows for the
opportunity to participate in this competition, along with the
countless other events they have involved us in. We plan on using
the $5000 to get back in the studio and record new material. We
also plan on getting some new t-shirts, stickers, and various
other merchandise made up. So be on the lookout!
DS: How long have you guys been playing together for?
C6: Kyle (synth) and Chris (vocals) were previously in a Black Eyed
Peas-esque hip hop group before meeting up with James (guitar)
and Harry (bass/vocals) to take a different musical direction.
This collaboration happened in late 2007, and Dan (drums) was on
board by early 2008. That was the birth of Class 6, but we
weren't complete until Tony (piano) joined us in early 2009.
DS: You guys seem to have a wide reach playing all over NJ, PA,
and DE, what are some of the venues you have played?
C6: We've played at the Trocadero several times, including
Concerts First's Next Big Thing competition in September of 2008,
in which we came in 1st place. We've also played at JC Dobbs,
Starland Ballroom, Alexander's, and countless coffee houses,
churches and fire halls throughout the tri-state area.
DS: I can remember seeing you over a year ago at Starland
Ballroom and you played a song about Michael Jackson less than
about 2 weeks after he died which incorporated an original song
into some Jackson 5/MJ riffs, if I'm right I believe that song
became "Nostalgia" can you tell me about how your wrote that
song so quickly and how developed it into the song it is now?
C6: 'Nostalgia' was actually one of our earlier songs from our
first collection of original music that we decided to revamp.
After the death of Michael Jackson, we wanted to pay tribute in
some way. 'Nostalgia' was the perfect song for the job because
it's all about reminiscing on pop culture and what was "big" in
past years. A few days before Starland, we decided to integrate
some elements of Jackson 5 into our song and it just seemed to
fit.
DS: What is your writing process like in general, do you often
freestyle at practices and develop them into songs?
C6: Each song has a different story behind it. Our earlier songs
were loose interpretations of instrumentals Kyle (synth) had made
himself, with him and Chris writing lyrics. Now, we often start
with original ideas that any one of us will bring to the table,
whether it be entire songs or just lyrics or a rough instrumental.
We'll all listen to it and add our own touch in different areas.
Our new song 'Inertia', for example, was an entire song that James
(guitar) had wrote, with Chris adding a 2nd verse and Harry (bass)
and Dan (drums) tweaking their parts. An inspired idea can come from
any one of us individually or collectively, so we try to be keep as
much diversity in our music as possible by exploring different sounds
and vibes.
DS: What does Class 6 have in store for the future?
C6: We plan on continually writing and recording new material and
broadening our fan base by reaching as many listeners as possible.
Just continuing to grow as overall musicians and performers, while
putting out eclectic music that everyone can enjoy.

Check them out at myspace.com/class6live

Solfege Radio: Tell Your Mom

By Lauren-Olivia “Liv” Simister
Many people dream of being traveling the country, especially when they’re fresh out of high school. For the guys of Solfege Radio, a band from Florham, New Jersey, that dream came true.
Starting out in January 2008, the band was comprised of long-time friends Marco Torriani (vocals) and brothers Jon (guitar) and Matt (drums) Stolpe. In July of 2008, Joey Nester (guitar/vocals), another childhood-friend, joined the trio. A year later, in August 2009, Donny Saraceno (bass) became the bass player for the band.
Though they hadn’t been together long, Solfege Radio won the preliminary rounds of the 9th Annual Jersey Shows Battle of the Bands, and began touring the east-coast non-stop for two years.
Still early on in their career, Solfege Radio has played shows like the Get Heard Fest in 2009, and the Monmouth Park Racetrack date of Warped Tour 2010. “Headlining the past year’s Get Heard Fest was pretty incredible. Not being from Central Jersey but more towards the North, we had an incredibly welcoming and responsive crowd. It made us remember why we love what we do. Playing this year’s Warped Tour was also an amazing experience. It's one of those things you dream about from the first time you walk on to one of those parking lots.”
When asked how they’re music has evolved since their formation, Jon Stolpe says, “Our music has definitely matured a lot since then, including our song writing and stage performance. With the help of John Collura and Paul Carabello (producers of our "Tell My Mom I'll Be Okay EP"), we've learned a lot about the art of "song writing" as well as the business.”
It’s hard to imagine there was a lot to teach the guys of Solfege Radio, especially considering they can’t remember not playing an instrument! “It’s hard to remember exactly when we all started playing. We all got into music at a very young age and have been with it ever since,” Jon claims.
High school, however, was a different story. “High school was lame,” Jon says. “The only thing I thought about was when our next show was. I gained absolutely nothing from high school except disgust for public education.”
Solfege Radio has stolen the hearts of fans all over, though it was no easy task. They’re known for working non-stop on promotion, making sure their shows are nothing short of spectacular (either go see them live, or look up a live performance via Youtube), and making sure they get to know their fans.
The songs on their recently released first EP, “Tell My Mom I’ll Be Okay,” are filled with the punk-pop energy the quintet are known for, as well as the catchy beats that will have concert-goers jumping like they’re at Warped all over again.
The EP’s title took on significant meaning to Solfege Radio, used almost as a declaration of self-confidence. “Sometimes it's really hard for parents to see through the insanity of what we're trying to do here. The amount of money, time, and effort that it takes doesn't seem quite worth it to a lot of people. ‘Tell My Mom I'll Be Okay,’ is homage to that pretty much. Not that our parents are unsupportive but maybe this will help keep them off our backs,” they laugh. “The name goes along with the idea that this is what we want to do no matter how crazy it might seem, and we won’t stop, ever.”
When listening to Tell My Mom I’ll Be Okay EP, Solfege Radio want you to come away with one thing: a smile.
Tell My Mom I’ll Be Okay EP is available now. Head to myspace.com/SolfegeRadio to order your copy now!

What's your basicneed?

Punk rock will never die. As a sub-genre of rock and roll, which obviously has the elixir of life, it’s offspring (not the band) punk rock has the same standing the test of time strength. Proof is in the pudding with the likes of Princeton, NJ based band Basicneed who is caring on the almighty punk rock torch.

DS: You guys are really solid for your young age, how old are you guys and what’s your schedule like as a band?
BN: Mike and Pat just turned 15, our drummer Sam is still 13 and going into high school this year. This passed school year we played every weekend we could, which was rough on the parental units, but we managed to sell tickets and get a ride every time. It was tough focusing on school work when all we wanted to do was play bigger shows, sell more tickets and write better songs. This school year we played about 20 shows.

DS: How old were you when you first started playing your instruments and how did you learn them?
BN: Mike had easy access to his dad's equipment since he played guitar. Once Sam and Mike decided to start a band, Sam threw some drums together and we got his cousin Pat to buy a bass. So there, all youngins, about 12 years old, taught each other everything, and here we are. We started basicneed before we knew how many strings were on a guitar.

DS: How did you get into punk rock and what is it about punk that drew you in?
BN: The 80's hardcore movement is really what drew us in to playing punk rock. Bands like Minor Threat and Bad Brains were all about DIY, do it yourself; find shows, record, put out albums and merch, and promote everything yourself. With the help from Jersey Shows and our friends, we've been able to do all of this and we are very grateful for it. Punk is the most true and real type of music out there. Plus there are so many places to go with punk rock, we never feel limited to playing one type of music.

DS: Where are some of the places you have played at?
BN: The first thing we did as a band was the Jersey Showdown in 2009. Total scrubs...but we managed to advance to the semi finals at the Starland Ballroom, which was our 3rd show ever. Since then we've played all over Jersey; Trenton, Princeton, New Brunswick, Hanover, Waretown, Freehold, Hasbrouck Heights, South Brunswick, Sayerville, East Windsor (yes, we have a list). Two shows out of Jersey, in Yardley and Philly at the Trocadero.

DS: Who are some bands that you have played with that you enjoy?
BN: We love all local bands (pretty much...) and we love the fact that people are doing it. We'd have to say our top five favorite bands we've played with are (not in any order) The Waffle Stompers, Madcats & Beehives, ASBPK, and Liberal Media Bias... and Statelman...and the O>Matics. Okay we love everybody.

DS: Do you have any favorite memories from the shows you have played at?
BN: One of our best memories is definitely when we couldn't find the venue we were supposed to play at in Trenton. We ended up breaking into an apartment, almost getting slaughtered by a pissed off Trentonian, and not even getting a good show in return when we actually found the venue. We played the show and were then shuffled off to a corner in the venue that was surrounded by strip show posters and bullet proof glass. Another good time was in Philly, playing the Trocadero when we were walking around chinatown with our buddies from Statelman, going to the hello kitty store and looking at mystical antiques and whatnot.

DS: What are some of your goals as a band, do you see yourselves playing together still in 5 years or beyond?
BN: Our main priority is world domination...but right now we're just focused on getting our name out to Jersey and surrounding states. We're planning on releasing an album before 2011. Right now we're preparing for the finals of the Jersey Shows battle of the bands, which is a very important event for us. Who knows where we'll be in 5 years, but we're going to try to take basicneed as far as it can go.

Check them out at: myspace.com/basicneed

Ted Leo hints at retiring

New Jersey Native Ted Leo of Ted Leo and The Pharmacists says he's having a hard time keeping music his full time job in this economy and with the fall of album sales. See that, all you music pirates are bringing down the middle of the road indie artists! Don't fear Ted Leo fans, as he says music will be more of a part time job for him. Read more here

The Waffle Stompers!

Post-ska band The Waffle Stompers have a busy summer ahead of them. Just this month they’re playing with Catch 22, a ska fest at the Garwood VFW, The Trocadero Theatre mainstage, and at the Oceanport, NJ stop at Warped Tour. We sat down with guitarist Ted Moore to find out a little more.

DS: New tour dates were posted on your myspace recently, What are you looking forward to most about this new tour?
Ted: We're really looking forward to getting back to places we've played before. It's cool to see the same friends again in other states each time we go out.

DS: I saw that you guys are playing with Catch 22, can you give us some information on that show?
Ted: Sure! It's at the School of Rock East in Hackensack, NJ. Sexy Heroes are also on the bill so it's sure to be a killer show. We're excited to play with another childhood idol... it's actually hard to believe. Also, we're on at 7 sharp so don't be late!

DS: How does it feel to see your band on the Warped Tour line-up this year?
Ted: It's absolutely incredible. Warped Tour has been a fantasy and a staple growing up-- the punk rock summer camp out. So many bands get launched from a stint on warped because there's so many listeners open to so much different music. This year our goal is to make a good enough impression to be invited to take our flying circus out of state on Warped in 2011.

DS: Who are you most excited to see on the Warped tour this year?
Ted: For me, it's Bring Me the Horizon. Bet you didn't see that coming, haha. Those dudes seriously make the most brutal music I've ever heard and their live show is completely nuts. I'm going to take bets on how many kids get carried out on stretchers during their set.

DS: Recently, you stopped performing the “Serious dance” as seen your music video at live shows, is there any chance you guys will incorporate it back into your set?
Ted: There's always a chance! We've even done it on request a few times. We love putting on a show and we love dancing but we're not looking to be a schtick band so we can't do it every time. If we do it, we do it, if not there's always next time ;-).

DS: Are there any new songs or recordings that fans can look forward to this summer or in the fall?
Ted: Hopefully! We're working tirelessly behind the scenes right now talking and negotiating. We're going to do a release soon, but it's too early to know when just yet. It's coming though.

DS: What is your advice for other ska bands who are trying to make it out into the scene?
Ted: Practice, practice, practice. Ska bands always have twice as many members as other bands, so it's SO important to be tight with one another. Then go on tour to get your recordings out to as many fans as you can in as many states as you can. Also, Pilots sell the best coffee anywhere on the highway.

DS: Is there anything you want to say to your fans?
Ted: Keep coming out to shows and supporting touring bands! It means the world to all of us band dudes. We'll have new music for you soon, and THAT'S A PROMISE. Love you guys.

Check them out at myspace.com/thewafflestompers