Dates and Timeslots Announced for Rock N Roll Rumble

The timeslots for all the bands playing this year's Rock N' Roll Rumble were unveiled last night by none other than Angelle Wood of Boston Emissions on WZLX. Here are the times for all the bands and what nights they'll be playing:

Night #1 Sun. April 6

9:00pm - Rebuilder
9:45pm - Tigerman WOAH
10:30pm - Sinnet
11:15pm - Guillermo Sexo

Night #2 Mon. April 7

9:00pm - Doom Lover
9:45pm - When Particles Collide
10:30pm - Goddamn Draculas
11:15pm - Emma Ate The Lion

Night #3 Tue. April 8

9:00pm - Barricades
9:45pm - Airport
10:30pm - ZL
11:15pm - The Life Electric

Night #4 Thur. April 10

9:30pm - Butterknife
10:15pm - Slowdim
11:00pm - Gondoliers
11:45pm - Western Education

Night #5 Fri. April 11

9:30pm - FEINTS
10:15pm - Petty Morals
11:00pm - Summoner
11:45pm - Vary Lumar

Night #6 Sat. April 12

9:30pm - Harris Hawk
10:15pm - Await Rescue
11:00pm - The Color and Sound
11:45pm - Yellabird

Doors for all of the shows open at 8:30 and they're all 18+ as well. Tickets go on sale today at noon via TicketWeb at this link right here. Get ready for one of the most exciting times of the year for the Boston music scene and for our very own edition of March Madness, but taking place in April!

Fierce Bad Rabbit Release Music Video For "Do You Want Me Now?"

Fort Collins, CO based Fierce Bad Rabbit just released their music video last month for the song "Do You Want Me Now?" The clip features dazzling imagery and an interesting storyboard featuring a fox that works so well with the upbeat positivity that is brimming to the surface courtesy of the ambient instrumentation and the lightly toned folk melodies present in the background. This all leads to a full featured and brought out sound that complements each of the individual musicians talents and speaks to mind about the unity and togetherness that is exhibited both in the studio and on stage as well.

For more on Fierce Bad Rabbit, 'Like' them on Facebook here and follow them on Twitter over here.

Artist Spotlight: Who Needs Heroes

Closing out the week with another edition of Artist Spotlight all ready for you! Today, we head across the pond to Southampton, England where we come across the vibrant pop-punk sounds of Who Needs Heroes. The band consists of Calum Stone on guitar and vocals, Chris Stone on bass and backing vocals, George Cooper on guitar and vocals, and Rhys Willis on drums. The band's sound is an intense, ear-piercing collection of tunes reminiscent of blink-182 and Taking Back Sunday with an absolutely impressive set of pipes that translates well onto the shores of American listeners who can clearly identify with the artists from our own country that have had a strong influence on these lovely lads from the U.K. I'm continually impressed each and every day with the breadth of talent coming out from England, and I'll be really anxious to see how these bands will perform when they perform here in the U.S. and see just how much their audience will grow exponentially after that, and these guys definitely fit the bill of a band just waiting in the wings to take advantage of that opportunity to have an impact on America coming up around the bend. Some songs for you to discover include "Traction" and "All That I Said".

To get more info on the mates in Who Needs Heroes, head on over to their Facebook page here and give it a 'Like' to show your support of these guys who truly enjoy what they do for a living. Their latest album is titled "All That I Said, and All That I Did" and is available for streaming and purchase on their Bandcamp site conveniently located right here.

Julian Casablancas + The Voidz To Play SXSW, Release Album

The Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas announced on his Facebook page earlier this morning that he will be performing with his new side project called Julian Casablancas + The Voidz at next week's SXSW music festival in Austin, TX. The news has gotten members of his fanbase really excited and curious as to what the music will sound like in person.

They are scheduled to play at The Fader Fort on Saturday March 15th and you can get in by RSVP only at The Fader's site over here. Admission is 21+ and will be based on capacity and SXSW badge holders will be honored on a first come first serve basis. Julian also released a 2 minute album preview video on his website this morning that I've conveniently featured directly below for your viewing pleasure:

Artist Spotlight: The Defibulators

The newest edition of Artist Spotlight is ready to go with a look at Brooklyn's indie-folk masters The Defibulators. The band consists of Bug Jennings, Erin Brueggemann, Chris Hartway, Michael Ginsberg, Mike Riddleberger, Justin Smitty, and David Dawda. The band's sound is a mixture of indie rock rhythms conjured upon a folk state of mind that is similar to other groups like The Avett Brothers with a strong sense of musical unity and the ability to make the audience feel like they're part of the act, which is the main goal of any musical performance and to also illicit a strong emotional response from them as well that will make them lifelong supporters in the process. I was impressed with these guys when I first discovered them on Audiotree, and they definitely had alot to offer with regards to their musical offerings, and they left me throughly entertained all the way throughout and had an authentic indie-folk sound to them that is all over the musical environment today. An amazing on the rise act that is definitely worthy of your musical time. Some recommended tracks to check out include "Get Yer Papers" and "Cackalacky".

For more information on The Defibulators, give them a 'Like' on Facebook here and see what all the buzz and aura is surrounding them. You can follow them on Twitter as well right here and communicate directly with the band on a personal basis. Locate their official website over here to get a wide ranging plethora of information about them, including links to their music that is available on iTunes and Amazon MP3 among digital music providers.

BREAKING: The Echo Nest Acquired By Spotify

Some exciting news coming in just now. Somerville, MA based company The Echo Nest announced via a press release this morning that they have been acquired by Spotify. The company has been in existence since 2005, and they have been pioneering the way people listen, see, think, and experience music in ways never thought possible. Read more about the acquisition from Echo Nest CEO Jim Lucchese:

“Since founding The Echo Nest, Brian Whitman and Tristan Jehan have created a company completely and beautifully obsessed with understanding the world of music to help fans discover more music, Joining forces with Spotify gives us the opportunity to continue doing so as part of the fastest-growing service in the world; we're thrilled to be part of a team equally as passionate about connecting more people with more music."

I was formerly an intern for The Echo Nest a few years back, and it was an absolutely amazing experience to be around people who were as obsessed with music as I was, and were aiming for a better understanding of how people listen to music and gather as much information as possible about people's listening habits and what artists they enjoyed listening to the most. The company will still continue to operate from its offices in Davis Square in Somerville and via its satellite office in San Francisco as well. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but this gives Spotify a huge advantage over all the other streaming competitors currently out in the market.

Scare Don't Fear Sign To KBB Records

Providence, RI based metalcore act Scare Don't Fear has just signed with KBB Records. The label was founded by Asking Alexandria guitarist Ben Bruce and co-manager Kyle Borman and the band are huge fans of the band and were absolutely thrilled when they were asked if they would like to be on the label. Here is a statement from the band via the official press release:

"Everyone in Scare Don't Fear is extremely proud to be a part of KBB Records. SDF are huge fans of Asking Alexandria, so when Ben and Kyle approached us about teaming up, we were stoked. We have been working at this goal for over five years and it's a very rewarding feeling to not only get signed, but to get signed to a label that has such an amazing team behind it. All of us are looking forward to building towards the future with KBB Records."

Believe it or not, I'm actually a huge Asking Alexandria fan and have been slowly getting into more metalcore music, and I think this venture by Ben Bruce is an awesome idea as it allows him to branch out to different areas and be a more multi faceted person in the process as well. Keep an eye out for Scare Don't Fear's debut album "From The Ground Up" that will be released this summer. For more information on the band, 'Like' them on Facebook right here and follow them on Twitter over here.

Toronto Blue Jays Player Music Listing

Today's MLB Player Music Special takes us north of the border to the only major baseball franchise based in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays featured an entirely overhauled roster last year with the additions of many players from the Miami Marlins that was supposed to complement the already existing lineup, but they fell short once again last year, resulting in another losing season and a great number of despondent Blue Jays fans in the process as well. The team is getting ready to put last season behind them and focus on the future, with the usual suspects including Edwin Encarnacion and Joey Bats otherwise known as Jose Bautista ready to charge ahead of the rest of the pack in the AL East this year. Here is a look at the major players and their walk up song choices:

Adam Lind: Will.I.Am f/ Britney Spears - Scream & Shout

The first baseman and DH has this pop mainstay as his personal walk up song choice. Lind had a solid season last year, plating 23 homers and 67 RBI's and anchoring a solid offensive attack that drove in runs when counted upon. Lind has been with the Blue Jays since 2006, and has constantly been favored for his strong work ethic and offensive presence.

Brandon Morrow: 311 - Creatures (For A While)

This prime starter has some excellent musical taste with this solid 311 track as his entrance song. Known as a strong starter, he has shortened seasons due to a variety of injuries, but he is highly regarded as a hard thrower with a decimating pitch arsenal that can reach low to high 90's at any given time, and is persistent as ever in his quest to finish each game deeply.

Brett Cecil: Five Finger Death Punch - Coming Down

A starter now converted into a reliever, Cecil sports a commendable entrance song with this number here. While he didn't possess the tools needed to be a starter, Brett has turned into a commendable reliever usually pitching in mop up rolls when the team needs to plug in pitching right away to stop the bleeding, and Cecil always keeps his team and focus on the game ahead.

Brett Lawrie: Nelly - Batter Up

Toronto's third baseman has this appropriately titled Nelly song as his walk up tune. The Canuck has turned in some sizable numbers last year, and has displayed a rugged and athletic sense with his body flailing around attempting to keep balls out of the outfield with spectacular acrobatic catches that are deemed by most to be impossible.

Colby Rasmus: Blake Shelton - Boys 'Round Here

The shaggy haired outfielder has some good old Southern charm with this little nugget from Blake Shelton. The Georgia native has been performing well since he was acquired in a trade from the Cardinals in 2011, and has made some spectacular catches in the outfielder, while going out and making some strong at-bats that drive in runs that can alter the outcome of a game.

Edwin Encarnacion: Nipo - No Tu

The strong hitting first baseman has some native Latin jams to keep him occupied when steps up to the plate. Acquired via a trade with the Reds in 2009, he has been making a strong impact on the club ever since he arrived in Toronto and recently inked a long term contract to stay with the club for the forseeable future.

Jose Bautista: Daddy Yankee - Ven Comingo

Another strong hitting Dominician brings up the rear as Jose Bautista brings some Latin hip-hop into the mix with this jam here. Otherwise known as Joey Bats to his fans, Jose consistently puts up sky high numbers in the home run department and has been a fan favorite with his good looks and charisma doing wonders for the city of Toronto.

Mark Buehrle: Zac Brown Band - The Wind

The once perfect game throwing Buehrle has some Southern fried country to go along with his mound entrance music. The strong throwing starter who is also an avid dog lover, has become Mr. Dependable with his long outings and strong work ethic that has served him well in the past when he pitched for the White Sox.

RA Dickey: Star Wars Soundtrack - Imperial March

The former Met has the Imperial March theme from the Star Wars movie as his entrance music. One of the very few knuckleballers remaining in the game, Dickey sports a strong command of the extremely difficult pitch that constantly gives batters headaches and fits when up at the plate, and leaves them shaking their heads in disgust soon after.

The Blue Jays are still seeking their first playoff appearance since their back-to-back World Series Championships in 1992 and 1993, and have been so close but oh so far with regard to making it to the postseason. The Blue Jays need a couple more pieces to put in place, and then they'll be right there in the conversation in their quest for October.

American Authors - Oh, What A Life

Boston based newcomers American Authors have finally released their much anticipated debut album titled Oh, What A Life. Currently based in Brooklyn right now, the band have been quietly building a buzz with their single, "Best Day of My Life" and the group are hoping to expand on that and add a string of other positive minded tunes that bring about a sense of self-identity and focus that is apparent in all of the members of the group as they take the next path to success.

Things kick off with "Believer", a melodic, upbeat tune that features hints of banjo embedded within the intro and all the way throughout and coupled with the band's extremely well written lyrics give the prospective listener an idea as to how each of the songs from here on out are based and what types of emotions they can illicit from them as well. "Think About It" is a true delight with varying tempos of guitar riffs and the strong lead vocals of Zac Barnett delivering a melodic punch that can't be ignored and is one to be reckoned with and appreciated upon arrival. My favorite track off the album is one that I'm sure you're all familiar with, "Best Day of My Life". The track features stellar guitar riffs and Zac's introspective vocals working their magic throughout the banjo enhanced melodies that add a distinct element of authenticity that can't be replicated anywhere else, a purely fantastic track inside and out. "Trouble" features more noticeable folk elements derived from the prior tracks, and relies on the echoing and soothing vocals and some soft percussion elements that show the diversity that is just exploding out of the group right now. "Hit It" blasts it right out of the park with more intense percussion arrangements and varying tempos of instrumentation that are hard to keep track of at first, but you'll learn to adapt to over time.

The second half features "Love", a more toned down number that showcases the band's diversity and their ability to cater to different emotions and wavelengths that makes them a more diverse and well rounded group in the process. "Heart of Stone" is an intense, old school themed rocker that features a pulsating guitar riff that sets the bar pretty high, and shows the dynamic of the band in full force who are always tuned in literally as to how they want each song to sound and taking a meticulous approach each and every time. The title track closes us all out here with an authentic, down home folk track reminiscent of Mumford & Sons that shows all the influences that have gotten the band to this point, and how their music education has helped them get this far in their careers, and they are poised to get even better with each passing moment. The members all attended school in the Boston area at Berklee College of Music where they mastered the act of music performance and have clearly set their foot forward as to what they want to do for a career and proving that you can make a living off of it as well. I've been told by many that you can't make any money off of music journalism, but that's not why I'm in this business. I'm in it for the artists and not championing behind one particular band that I care about, I write for the music that I feel so passionate about and want people to better understand the music I listen to on a daily basis. American Authors are truly an inspiration for me in that department wholeheartedly.

In closing, a well recorded and implemented effort from American Authors, a band who are taking the high road to the promised land, with the fruits of their labor being immediately realized upon impact and are only going to get better as the days pass by.

                                                                                                                            Album Score: 4/5

Track Listing:

1. Believer
2. Think About It
3. Best Day Of My Life
4. Luck
5. Trouble
6. Hit It
7. Home
8. Love
9. Heart of Stone
10. Ghost
11. Oh, What A Life   

Bearstronaut Release Music Video For "Black Bells"

Boston's pride and joy Bearstronaut have just released their brand spanking new video for "Black Bells" this morning. The new song is a taste off their upcoming album and they hope to debut this song to thousands of music lovers on their journey to SXSW next week so if you plan on heading down to Austin, definitely stop by and check out one of Boston's fastest rising acts that have been on a roll lately.

'Like' Bearstronaut on Facebook here and follow them on Twitter right here.

Artist Spotlight: Danny Malone

Starting off the first full week of March with a brand new installment of Artist Spotlight! Today, we head down to Austin, TX the capital and home to the upcoming SXSW festival next week to uncover the sounds of singer-songwriter Danny Malone. Danny has an extremely delicate and passionate voice that echoes softly throughout the melodic mainframes of his music and instills a melancholy yet comforting sound that works its way through immediately upon impact the moment you first hear it. I was amazed with how meticulous Danny was with regard to his ability to focus wholeheartedly on performing his music, and nothing else. It's a skill that musicians have difficulty adapting to at first, but it becomes second nature to them almost immediately after that. Danny's skills and passion are evident in his music, and his sound is something to be cherished and appreciated and has a certain unheralded beauty to it that you can't find anywhere else. Some amazing tracks to check out from him include "Spiderlegs" and "Baby Bleu".

For more information on Danny Malone, click on his Facebook page here and 'Like' it so that you can stay in the constant stream of news going on in his musical environment. You may follow him on Twitter as well from over here and see when he may be stopping by the Boston area sometime soon for a concert performance. Visit his official website right here for more wide ranging info pertaining to him, and links to purchase his music in both physical and digital form.

Baltimore Orioles Ballpark Music

The next team on my ongoing MLB Player Music Overview is the team that currently occupies Camden Yards, the Baltimore Orioles! The team enjoyed their second winning season in a row, going 85-77 but failing to make the playoffs unlike the year prior where they went to the postseason for the first time since 1997. The team is locked and loaded this year, with many of the same players returning including the strong outfielding skills of Adam Jones and the supercharged bat of Chris Davis ready to cause some ruckus in the AL East and get the team back to the promised land. Here is a look at some of the players and their personalized walk up song choices:

Adam Jones: Juicy J f/ Big Sean and Young Jeezy - Show Out

The San Diego native has chosen this blazing hip-hop track as his entrance music. With exceptional fielding skills and a hot bat to boot, this outfielder is highly coveted by the Orioles staff and fans most importantly and marvel at his ability to catch balls falling rapidly all while blowing a bubble with his chewing gum at the same time, making him even more multi faceted in the process.

Brian Matusz: Loose Cannon Trio - Secrets

This song from the local Baltimore band is the choice of this strong pitcher. With incredible reflexes and his ability to pitch deep into ballgames, Matusz has been depended upon to deliver long outings and a sports a commendable pitch arsenal that gives him lots of options to figure out a plan of attack when facing dangerous hitters in the opposing teams' lineup.

Chris Davis: Thousand Foot Krutch - I Get Wicked

This track from the Christian rock mainstays is the walk up song of first baseman a.k.a. Crush. This beast hit a career high 53 homers and 138 RBI's last year, becoming an instant highlight reel night after night on SportsCenter with his unique ability to murder balls at the plate, and disposing of them properly in ballparks night after night. His massive pythons and instant charm are his strong suit.

Chris Tillman: Brantley Gilbert - Kick It In The Sticks

The strong arm of Chris Tillman has this country tinged tune as his entrance walk-up song. Tillman has been a part of the Orioles organization for a few years now, and his arm has proved worthy among the other guys in the pitching stage with some devastating pitches and long outings featured in his arsenal, he is definitely a component that the O's rely upon best.

Darren O'Day: The Black Keys - Thickfreakness

Another part of the O's pitching staff has a wise song choice with O'Day choosing this awesome track from The Black Keys. Darren is one of the more unique pitchers in baseball with his ability to throw submarine style pitches that are used sparingly in clutch shut-down situations. A unique pitcher that can be a game changer when he is depended on by his teammates.

JJ Hardy: Moby - Flower

The slick fielding shortstop has this standout track from the electronic pioneer Moby. With indelible fielding skills and a solid offensive mindset at the plate, he is the embodiment of a model player and is consistently mentioned as one of the most skilled shortstops in baseball right now. A standout player that is omnipresent on the O's lineup card.

Matt Wieters: Jake Owen - Barefoot Blue Jean

This highly touted O's backstop has this solid country tune as his walk up music. Wieters is known for having a calm and cool demeanor at the plate that keeps him and his team level headed in times of joy and in times of agony as well. With an amazing ability to dictate pitch selections to his pitcher, he has strong presence of mind to throw out would be base stealers waiting in the wings.

Nick Markakis: Bubba Sparxxx - Deliverance

This fan favorite has this solid hip-hop tune as his entrance song. As a right fielder, Markakis has an amazing ability to size up balls traveling in his general direction and make an outstanding catch in the process. His offensive skills dwindled a little bit last year, but he is always looking to improve his plate discipline and his outlook when his turn comes up at the plate.

Ryan Flaherty: Dropkick Murphys - Wild Rover

The Portland, ME native has this irish-rock tune from his New England homeland as his entrance walk-up tune. This DH always comes through in clutch situations and is quickly developing each and every time he comes up to bat. An unheralded player who doesn't get enough credit, Flaherty consistently does everything he can to lead his team to victory and gives 110%.

The Orioles have a little help in their pitching arsenal this year with the acquisition of Ubaldo Jimenez, so they are definitely a team to be feared this year and have a strong chance of making it back to the postseason this year if they play all their cards right. Great vibes and high hopes are abound in the city of Baltimore with the O's heading into this year.

Vacationer To Tour With Hellogoodbye This Spring

Philly bred act Vacationer is heading out on tour with perennial mainstays Hellogoodbye for a tour that will last throughout the duration of April and into the better part of May. The tour is expected to feature some new music from Vacationer, who have spent the better part of last year working on a brand new studio album that recently just finished recording and is currently in the final mixing stages. No release date or title has been firmed up as of yet, but as soon as it becomes available we will let you know here on the site.

The band will be stopping by the Boston area at Brighton Music Hall on April 20th and tickets are available to purchase on their website right here. Below is the full itinerary for all the dates on the tour:

4/15 - Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall 
4/16 - Pontiac, MI @ Pike Room 
4/17 - Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace 
4/18 - Buffalo, NY @ Waiting Room 
4/19 - Harrisburg, PA @ Fed Live 
4/20 - Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall 
4/22 - Hamden, CT @ The Space
4/23 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
4/24 - Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts
4/25 - Baltimore, MD @ The Ottobar 
4/28 - Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl 
4/29 - Nashville, TN @ 12th & Porter 
4/30 - Cincinnati, OH @ 20th Century Theatre 
5/2 - Columbus, OH @ Skully’s Music Diner 
5/4 - Akron, OH @ Musica 
5/6 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave 
5/7 - Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater 
5/8 - Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s 
5/9 - Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room
5/10 - St Louis, MO @ The Firebird 
5/12 - Kansas City, MO @ The Riot Room 
5/13 - Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre 
5/14 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge 
5/16 - Seattle, WA @ Crocodile Cafe 
5/17 - Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater
5/19 - Reno, NV @ Knitting Factory 
5/20 - Sacramento, CA @ Assembly 
5/21 - San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall 
5/22 - West Hollywood, CA @ The Troubadour 
5/23 - Pomona, CA @ The Glasshouse

2014 Rock N Roll Rumble Participants Announced

The bands for this year's Rock n Roll Rumble were unveiled last night by Angelle Wood on her radio show Boston Emissions, heard every Sunday night on 100.7 WZLX. The bands that will be taking part in this year's annual extravaganza include:

- The Color and Sound
- Await Rescue
- Barricades
- Feints
- Doom Lover
- Butterknife
- Emma Ate The Lion
- Airport
- Petty Morals
- Rebuilder
- Goddamn Draculas
- Gondoliers
- The Life Electric
- When Particles Collide
- Guillermo Sexo
- Harris Hawk
- Sinnet
- Tigerman WOAH
- Vary Lumar
- Slowdim
- Western Education
- Summoner
- Yellabird
- Z*L

The 35th annual Rumble will kick off on April 6th. Info on tickets and showtimes will be announced at a later date and posted here on the site as soon as it becomes available.