ON THE ROAD: The Civil Wars

The Civil Wars are nothing short of a match made in Americana heaven. Joy Williams and John Paul White, both with previous solo careers, have teamed up to form the talented duo after meeing at a song-writing camp. Their unique blend of styles and beautiful, haunting lyrics have grabbed the attention of country superstar Taylor Swift, who called their music "exquisite." The song "Poison & Wine" has been featured on "Grey's Anatomy" and iTunes has recognized them as "Best New Singer-Songwriters." Paste Magazine has also featured them in "Best of What's Next," so it's no surprise that their fan base is quickly growing. I first heard about The Civil Wars when they were the musical guests on Jay Leno. I was blown away. The simplicity of the performance and their tight harmonies left me wanting more. Come to find out, their full-length album, "Barton Hollow," drops tomorrow, February 1st. That's not all. They may also be coming to a city near you!

Check out their video for "Barton Hollow"


2/1 Florence, AL @ Zodiac Theatre
2/2 Nashville, TN @ Belcourt Theatre
2/3 Nashville, TN @ The Basement
2/4 Birmingham, AL @ Workplay Theatre
2/5 Birmingham, AL @ Workplay Theatre
2/7 Athens, GA @ The Melting Point
2/8 Decatur, GA @ Eddie's Attic
2/9 Charlotte, NC @ The Evening Muse
2/10 Raleigh, NC @ The Pour House Music Hall
2/11 Charlottesville, VA @ The Southern
2/12 Vienna, VA @ Jammin' Java
2/13 Charleston, WV @ Mountain Stage- Cultural Center Theater
2/15 New York, NY @ Joe's Pub
2/17 Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live
2/18 New York, NY @ Rockwood Music Hall- Stage 2
2/19 Boston, MA @ The Red Room at Cafe 939
2/22 Knoxville, TN @ The Pilot Light
3/10 Abilene, TX @ Monk's Coffee House
3/11 Dallas, TX @ All Good Cafe
3/12 Dallas, TX @ All Good Cafe
3/13 Denton, TX @ 35 Conferette
3/14 Waco, TX @ Common Grounds
3/15 Austin, TX @ SxSW Festival
3/21 New Orleans, LA @ One Eyed Jacks
3/22 Jackson, MS @ Underground 119
3/30 Louisville, KY @ Headliners Music Hall
3/31 Cincinnati, OH @ The 20th Century Theatre
4/1 Akron, OH @ Musica

www.myspace.com/thecivilwars

SPECIAL: No More Fake Labels release Guided By Voices Tribute Album...

No More Fake Labels is home to some pretty talented artists. Their website nomorefakelabels.com declares "KEEP INDIE ALIVE, BUY INDIE MUSIC and SUPPORT INDIE ARTISTS!"

So it's no surprise that they have put together the most amazing tribute album for one of the most significant indie rock bands ever, Guided By Voices.

The list of artists featured in this compilation is rather impressive and include many bands I love. Cymbals Eat Guitars, Flaming Lips, Western Civ, and Athens' own Mass Solo Revolt just to name a few!!!

Are you excited?!

The album is called Sing For Your Meat and will be released on Record Store Day!!!

That's April 16, 2011!

But wait... THERE'S MORE EXCITING NEWS!!!!

In addition to the main CD, is a free digital EP companion with 5 extra songs! Even better...the tracks from BOTH album and digital EP will be mixed together and printed on a DOUBLE mixed color 12" vinyl LP set!!! Makes releasing it on Record Store Day a really nice touch, don't you think?

So, there you go. It's still a few months away. Plenty of time to make sure you've set some cash aside and have time cleared on your calendar for April 16. It'll be here soon enough, but now that you've got the details...you can rest easy until then.

SING FOR YOUR MEAT (GUIDED BY VOICES TRIBUTE) - NO MORE FAKE LABELS 2011

• Flaming Lips - Smothered in Hugs
• Western Civ - Goldheart Mountain Top Queen Directory and My Valuable Hunting Knife
• Cymbals Eat Guitars - Gleemer
• Sorry About Dresden - Echos Myron
• Jason Isbell and the 400 unit - Everywhere with Helicopter
• Crooked Fingers - Tractor Rape Chain
• Elf Power - man called aerodynamics
• I Was Totally Destroying It - I am produced
• La Sera (Katy Goodman of Vivian Girls  ) - Watch Me Jumpstart
• The Pneurotics -  I am a Tree
• Kelley Deal and Buffalo Killers - scalding creek
• Blitzen Trapper - Hot Freaks
• Superdrag - A Salty Salute
• David Kilgour (of The Clean) - How Loft Am I
• Thurston Moore - Stabbing A Star
• James Husband (Of Montreal) - Buzzards and Dreadful Crows
• Lou Barlow (Dinosaur Jr, Sebadoh) - Game of Pricks

BONUS DIGITAL EP

• Mass Solo Revolt (Athens, GA)- Gold Star for robot boy
• Marie Stella (Portland, ME) - little lines
• Free Electric State (Durham, NC) - Weedking
• Gregg Yeti (Syracuse, NY) - Quality Of Armor
• North Elementary (Chapel Hill, NC) - Ex Supermodel-They're Not Witches

www.nomorefakelabels.com

On Twitter

On FB

ON THE ROAD: Escape The Fate

Escape The Fate, features Craig Mabbitt (singer), Max Green (bassist), Monte Money (guitarist) and Robert Ortiz (drums).

Escape The Fate  is notorious for putting on 'wicked' LIVE performances, that have been described as 'embracing the raucous Sin City lifestyle'.  I gotta admit... they kinda scare me with their rather intimidating images. But I think they are supposed to. Besides, lately, I've been hearing about this band everywhere. In the past week alone, from at least 4 different sources, and one a trusted friend whose musical tastes I always find intriguing.

They just kicked off their headlining “The Dead Masquerade” tour in AZ last week. Opening bands include Alesana, Motionless in White, Get Scared and Drive A.

While I personally, will not be able to make their show, look out for more about it in an upcoming blog. We've got someone covering the ATL show this Friday at none other than... The Masquerade! (Hmm...The Dead Masquerade tour at The Masquerade...)

1/25      San Antonio, TX @White Rabbit

1/26      Houston, TX @Warehouse Live

1/28      Atlanta, GA @Masquerade

1/29      Orlando, FL @Club Firestone

1/30      Ft. Lauderdale, FL @Revolution

2/1        Charlotte, NC @Amos’ Southend

2/2        Norfolk, VA @The Norva

2/3        Baltimore, MD @Ram’s Head Live

2/4        Philadelphia, PA @Trocadero

2/5        Sayreville, NJ @Starland Ballroom

2/8        Lancaster, PA @Chameleon Club

2/9        Allentown PA @Crocodile Rock

2/11      Hartford, CT @Webster Theatre

2/12      Worcester, MA @The Palladium

2/13      Montreal, Quebec @Club Soda

2/14      Toronto, Ontario @Phoenix Theatre

2/16      Buffalo, NY @Town Ballroom

2/17      Royal Oak, MI @Royal Oak Music Theatre

2/18      Grand Rapids, MI @The Orbit Room

2/19      Milwaukee, WI @Rave Ballroom

2/20      Chicago, IL @The Vic Theater

2/21      Sauget, IL @Pop’s

2/23      Minneapolis, MN @The Cabooze

2/25      Denver, CO @The Summit Music Hall

2/26      Salt Lake City, UT @In The Venue

2/27      Boise, ID @Knitting Factory

3/1        Spokane, WA @Knitting Factory

3/2        Portland, OR @Roseland Theater

3/3        Seattle, WA @Showbox at the Market

3/5        San Francisco, CA @Grand Regency Ballroom

3/6        Sacramento, CA @Ace of Spades

3/8        Reno, NV @Knitting Factory

3/9        Fresno, CA @Crest Theatre

3/11      Anaheim, CA @The Grove of Anaheim

3/12      San Diego, CA @Soma

www.escapethefate.com

A CONVERSATION WITH: Pete Harper of HARPER BLYNN

The holidays are over, the Snowpocalypse in GA has melted away, and I'm getting over a horrid cold. Have you missed me? Well, I'm back and with a long overdue conversation to share.

Pete Harper, J. Blynn, Sarab Singh and Whynot (yes, that's his name!) are the four dynamic guys that make-up Harper Blynn. For those of you who have been following this blog, you'll know I first heard of them back in November 2010. I haven't stopped listening or posting things about them since! Featuring them in blogs, tweets, and FB statuses. I was an instant fan, and one need only to listen to their music to discover why.

Harper Blynn (2010)

Just before the holidays really started to get crazy, I had the unbelievable, über-fortunate opportunity to talk to Pete Harper. I know, right?! I couldn' believe it when I found out I my request for an interview had been granted! I gotta be honest...I was so ridiculously giddy when I called him. I wanted to be as professional as possible for the blog, but I'm such a fan that I couldn't help feeling a bit nervous. We got to talk for a bit, and I supposed it could've been longer. But seriously, between my excitement, trying to take notes, and pinching myself to check if this was really happening...somewhere around 15 min. was about all I could last. Jen the writer was totally being overwhelmed by Jen the fan! But then...that's what this blog is about right? Sharing stories, music, artists, that we are passionate about and love?!

Regardless, Pete was awesome. Patient and kind and really down to earth.
Talking with him didn't seem much different from listening to one of Harper Blynn's songs. Both in the music and in talking with Pete, I could feel the honesty and passion for the magic they create. And after our talk, just like after listening to their latest self-titled EP, I am left feeling good and grinning from ear to ear.

Harper Blynn by Su Byazit
L-R: J.Blynn, Pete Harper, Whynot, Sarab Singh

But if you're still not convinced, maybe a little more insight will win you over.
So without further delay...
Pete's responses in blue italics.
What's the creative process like for you guys? Do all four of you write together? 
J and I write the songs. Then we bring in the band and everyone contributes something. We write the songs that we can write, and everyone brings in the influences to make it part of their own.
Any comments on the Beyonce "Halo" cover? It's the first song I heard from Harper Blynn, and after that I was hooked.
We want to make music that we want to make. Then, somehow getting people's attention with it. So, it's nice to have those things like "Halo" that bring people to the band.
I LOVE the energy, the emotion, and the incredible vibe/charisma you guys have!  Though the band started with just two of you, it's obvious you have a strong collaborative vibe. What do you think makes you all work so well together in creating such awesome music?
Well, we've known each other a long tme. 10 years. We all just genuinely love and enjoy each other. We do what we do, the way we want to do it. Touring helps, of course... we all learn more about each other, etc.
I am a huge fan of singer/songwriters. Who would you say are the artists that influence you and/the bands music?
Wow...So all over the map... J and I grew up listening to classic rock, Stevie Wonder, Harry Chapin, James Taylor, Paul Simon... Those are just a few. But then there are more modern bands that we are inspired by too. Like, My Morning Jacket and The Killers.
I really love "Start All Over". The imagery in the lyrics, the soulfulness in the music, the intimacy of the vocals. I think right now it's my favorite of them all. Though I really enjoy the whole album so much, that it could be a different song next week. Last week, I would've said "Every Impulse" What is your favorite song on your self-titled EP? 
"Bound to Break"" is my favorite. Generally, I'm a bigger fan of the songs that I'm not singing. It feels the most distinct of all the songs, The drum part and the electronic part, especially. Of all the songs on the EP that I think really captures Harper Blynn, it would be this one.
Can you share a memorable moment of creating this EP?
We played this show in Philly and played right before the Walkmen. They were awesome. They blew our minds. They covered a Harry Nilsson record, and it was great.
So, in the middle of our tour, on our day off, we recorded Nilsson's "Everybody's Talkin'". We went to Ben Folds studio in Nashville. A month later, we came back and finished the rest of the album. It's the last track on the EP.
After the residency in NYC, will there be touring to support the new EP? I really hope you guys include Athens or ATL in it. I am dying to see you guys LIVE!
After those shows, we are back in studio and then another EP in February. All new songs. We'll do some touring some time after that. Yeah, we'd like to play shows in Georgia. Get in touch, when we're down there...come to the show, we'll hang out.
At this point, I am bursting at the seams, and I thank Pete so much for taking the time to talk with me. Hopefully sometime this year, they will play that show in Georgia, and they'll see for themselves the giddy fan that I am. Although, I guarantee that I won't be the only one... ;-)

VIDEO: She & Him - Don't Look Back

I love, love, love She & Him. Mainly because I love, love, love Zooey Deschanel and her lovely voice.

Check out this video for Don't Look Back, from Volume 2, and enjoy Zooey and M. Ward's latest creation!

www.sheandhim.com

ON THE ROAD: Linkin Park

In 2000, Linkin Park started off the decade by taking radio airwaves by storm, with their award-wining breakthrough album, Hybrid Theory. An album that made a significant impact on me, and one I still listen to.
Now, it's 2011 and with their fourth album, A Thousand Suns, they still know how to bring it! The tour kicks-off in a couple days... Are you ready? Because they are...
Check out the preview below, and then head to one of their shows and REALLy experience it!

with Pendulum and Does It Offend You ,Yeah?

• Jan 20 Sunrise, FL @ Bank Atlantic Center
• Jan 22 Tampa, FL @ St Pete Times Forum
• Jan 23 Atlanta, GA @ Phillips Arena
• Jan 25 Detroit, MI @ Joe Louis Arena
• Jan 26 Chicago, IL @ United Center
• Jan 28 Minneapolis, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
• Jan 29 Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
• Jan 31 Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
• Feb 1 Boston, MA @ TD Garden
• Feb 4 New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
• Feb 7 Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
• Feb 8 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
• Feb 10 Washington DC @ Verizon Center
• Feb 11 Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun
• Feb 13 Cincinnati, OH @ U.S. Bank Arena

with The Prodigy:

• Feb 15 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
• Feb 17 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
• Feb 19 Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand – Garden Arena
• Feb 20 San Diego @ Viejas Arena 
• Feb 22 San Jose, CA @ HP Pavillion
• Feb 23 Los Angeles, CA @ Staples Center
• Feb 25 Salt Lake City, UT @ Energy Solutions Arena
• Feb 26 Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center

Opener TBD

• Feb 28 Phoenix, AZ @US Airways Center

www.linkinpark.com

SPECIAL: The Avett Brothers return to Athens with a Purpose

Less than one year after the Avett Brothers last performed in Athens, the legendary Georgia Theatre burned to a pile of ashes. The Georgia Theatre was a special place for musicians and concert goers for years. I sometimes feel that I "grew up" in that building during my college years. Memories of my days in Athens are filled with 32oz beers being poured on either side of the dimly lit room, concerts of national touring bands sometimes 4 nights a week, and seeing the signature marquis lit up with a different band name every night. The Theatre always seemed to have something that other venues its size did not. It seemed to always bring an intimate connection between the listener and the performer, creating an active listening experience, no matter what show it was.

In 2005, only a year after the Avett Brothers played their first show in Athens, they found themselves headlining the famous room. The Georgia Theatre became their Athens home, a place where they could bring their unique harmonies and "punkgrass" stylings to both old and new fans. Over the course of the next three years, the Avetts played eight shows at the Theatre.

For the first time in over two years, the Avett Brothers are coming back to town for a special show to help raise money to resurrect the Georgia Theatre from its ashes. On March 29, the Avetts will play the Classic Center with a portion of the proceeds going to the rebuilding of the legendary listening room.

This concert will prove to be a unique experience. The concert is being made possible by UGA’s Terry College of Business Music Business Program. Students will have the opportunity to work to make this the best possible event for all parties involved. According to David Barbe, Interim Director of the program, "it is an opportunity to show what we can accomplish when we pull together the various sectors of the Athens music community."

The show promises to be a great night of music for a great cause. I put this show at the top of my "do not miss" list for 2011.

If you can't make it out to Athens, the Avett Brothers will be on tour throughout the winter and spring. Get out and see some music!!!

1/27 - Kalamazoo, MI - State Theatre
1/28 - Ann Arbor, MI - Ann Arbor Folk Festival
1/29 - South Bend, IN - Morris Performing Arts Center
2/18 - Washington D.C. - DAR Constitution Hall
2/19 - Wilkes Barre, PA - F.M. Kirby Center
2/20 - Geneva, NY - Smith Opera House
3/25 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall
3/26 - Live Oak, FL - Suwannee Springfest
3/27 - Augusta, GA - Bell Auditorium
3/29 - Athens, GA - Classic Center
4/8 - Wilmington, NC - Azalea Festival
4/14 - Houston, TX - Verizon Wireless Theater
4/15 - Austin, TX - Old Settler's Music Festival
4/16 - Dallas, TX - Palladium Ballroom
5/29 - Chillicothe, IL - Summer Camp 2011
6/4 - Hunter, NY - Mountain Jam
6/22 - London, UK - Shepherd's Bush Empire

www.theavettbrothers.com

ON THE ROAD: Bright Eyes on Tour and Releasing New Album

For the first time in over three years, Conor Oberst is making his long awaited return to the stage as Bright Eyes. After releasing two great albums under the name Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band, Bright Eyes will be going on a twenty-two date tour and releasing a highly anticipated new album, The People's Key. The album will be released on February 15, just a couple of weeks before the American tour begins in Miami on March 3. The guys over at Saddle Creek records have given us a free download of the first single, Shell Games.

The new single seems to pick up right where Bright Eyes left off. Shell Games is full of indie-pop sensibility and the unmistakable voice that only Oberst can bring. I hope to make it to the Atlanta show on March 4th at the Tabernacle and bring a full review of what promises to be a great show.

3/2 - Miami, FL Fillmore Miami Beach At Jackie Gleason Theater *
3/3 - Lake Buena Vista, FL House of Blues *
3/4 - Atlanta, GA The Tabernacle *
3/5 - Asheville, NC Thomas Wolfe Auditorium *
3/6 - Richmond, VA The National *
3/8 - New York, NY Radio City Music Hall ^
3/9 - New York, NY Radio City Music Hall ^ SOLD OUT
3/10 - Boston, MA House Of Blues * SOLD OUT
3/11 - Portland, ME State Theatre#
3/13 - Toronto, ON Sound Academy#
3/14 - Royal Oak, MI Royal Oak Music Theatre #
3/15 - Chicago, IL Riviera Theatre # SOLD OUT
3/16 - Champaign, IL Foellinger Auditorium #
3/17 - Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium #
3/19 - Austin, TX SXSW Ground Control Touring Showcase Auditorium Shores**
4/3 - Milwaukee, WI The Riverside Theater
4/3 - Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
4/5 - Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
4/8 - Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballrom
4/9 - Portland, OR Crystal Ballroom
4/12 - Oakland, CA Fox Theater
4/13 - Pomona, CA Fox Theater

* w/ Cursive
^ w/ Superchunk and WILD FLAG
# w/ Mynabirds
**w/ The Felice Brothers, Middle Brother and Man Man

www.thisisbrighteyes.com
www.conoroberst.com

THOUGHTS: Cold Mornings and Warm Vinyl

There is not much in life better than waking up on a cold morning, pouring a cup of coffee and cuing up the turn table. Something about the cold in the air mixed with the crisp warm tone of analog sound. My selection this morning was Iron and Wine’s 2005 EP, Woman King, a six song collection of Sam Beam’s lyrical poetry and soft voice mixed with intricate guitar work and a range of sound that I will argue rivals most albums produced in the last several years.

My topic today, however, is not my man crush on Sam Beam, but my love of the sound that only vinyl can bring. I am not a hipster audiophile who pays thousands of dollars for a turntable or fifteen bucks a foot for speaker wire, but I am someone who takes the sound of music seriously. To me, listening to an actual record goes beyond the convenience of an mp3 to what I believe is a superior and irreplaceable sound.

Vinyl simply forces you to become intimate with what you are listening to. There is no passiveness when it comes the listening experience. Waking up and thumbing through the plastic sleeves on the shelf, deciding which album fits the mood at that moment. Watching the large scale album art flip by, waiting on the moment at which you realize, yes that’s it! Pulling the cover out of its plastic sleeve and then sliding the record out, flipping it over, blowing it free of dust and placing it on the turntable. The arm of the table slowing coming down to produce that familiar warm crackle that always sounds the same no matter the album. Then finally you are able to sit back and enjoy your morning selection. From selecting what you want to listen to, to flipping to side B (b-sides have been lost in our modern digital world which is a real shame: more on that in another blog), to eventually putting that record back in its perfect spot on the shelf, records force you to become an active participant in the listening process. You become, for just a few minutes, intertwined with the experience, temporarily lost and consumed by the moment sonic bliss.

A WORD FROM: Will Avery

I love when I discover in others, the same zest and passion for music that I possess. Will Avery is just that person. A friend I have come to know over the past few months, he and I both enjoy a lot of similar music. While our tastes do vary some, the desire to share what we discover in music is the same, along with many of our favorites being rooted in the singer/songwriter genre.

Recently, Will expressed interest in contributing to A Million Watts of Sound. This worked out perfectly, as I was already noticing how our discussions on music leave me inspired and that his thoughts would make a great addition to the blog.

Since sharing with others is the essence of this blog, I would like to do that now and introduce you to Will Avery. I hope you will enjoy what he shares with you in his contributions as much as I enjoy the conversations we have.

In his own words...

I live for the musical experience.  I am a graduate student in history and write and research the music written by early 20th century folk musicians in textile mills and coal mines around the south.  I have a deep love for music rooted in the American experience; Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Bruce Springsteen, among others.  Protest music carries so much emotion with it, and tapping into these emotions is a way for me to connect with those that experienced the world differently from me.  I also delve into the more modern indie folk movement that runs through bands such as Iron and Wine, Brights Eyes, and the Avett Brothers.  Live music is one of my passions.  Not the experience where a concert will sound just like the album you just bought, but shows in which artists aren't afraid to try a song they have never played or just go out on a limb.  I look forward to sharing my opinions and experiences with anyone who cares to listen to my ramblings. 

You can contact Will at millionwattsofwill@gmail.com.

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

A CONVERSATION WITH: Tom Goss on his latest video, "Lover"

Just before the holidays, I called my friend and musician, Tom Goss to talk about his latest video Lover. We met last March, at the Human Rights Campaign rally in DC to Repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell. For those of you not aware, this policy kept soldiers from being openly gay while serving our country. Thankfully, after a long hard fight, President Obama signed it's repeal into law just before Christmas.
The video features Tom as the bereaved partner of an army solider killed while on duty in Afghanistan. Loss of a loved one killed in battle is not a new story, but when those involved are gay servicemembers and their partners, it's one that is rarely ever told.

(Tom's responses appear in blue italics.)
On how it all began.
The song is actually from 2009. It originally appeared on the album, Back to Love. In my mind this song has always demanded a video, and I've kinda kicked around ideas but none of them really fit. Then I was talking to a friend in Pennsylvania, and we talked about a screenplay he was writing about 2 soldiers separated by war.
He kept quoting lyrics from "Lover" and during the conversation something just clicked. I've always felt that "Lover" demanded a video. This story has always needed to be told, and it's one that no one was telling. I really wanted to do it, but it had to be done right. 
I hashed out ideas with the directors of the video (Aram Vartian and Michael Key), as to what it would look like. Dylan Comstock was brought on as director of photography. Calls were made to David Hall, Mike Almy and Danny Hernandez about being part of this video. All of whom were former servicemembers that were discharged under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. So glad that everyone was on board! 
On making the video.
The most fun moment was shooting the war scenes. We were doing something different than had been done before. It was a big project! We had a blood guy on the set...fun stuff going on... In the end, it was great to see months of preparation come to fruition.
Ben Horen, who played my lover is amazing! I'm not an actor. I'm a musician. The role I played in the video was a challenge for me. The scene where I'm walking through the house only lasts for about a minute, and I worried how to do it. But watching Ben made it easier. It was just amazing to work with everybody, actually.
On Tom's husband, Michael Briggs, for who the song "Lover" was originally written.
Michael was amazing through the entire process. I took one of his most favorite love songs that was made for him, and then changed it into something different. The scenes where I walk through the house, is actually where I live. I had to remove pictures and remnants of us, in order to shoot the video. I was in the doghouse for a little while, but it was worth it.
On the importance of the video.

The repealing of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" really played a central role in my personal life as well as my musical life. Especially in 2010. 

I think stuff like this is relevant. Mainstream media hasn't picked it up. That's why we made it.  

This is what happens. This is the truth. Until people start seeing it in the same vein as a straight relationship... they aren't gonna understand it. 

It's our responsibility to educate people, and to communicate with people. To have these conversations whether they are difficult or not, so that they can see things for what they are and through the lens of the bias that they have.

This is such a beautiful song and moving video, in its content, production, and especially in its concept. I hope that people see it and realize that gay or straight, we all experience the same emotions of love and loss. 

Check out the behind the scenes gallery courtesy of Dylan Comstock!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Thanks to everyone involved in creating this video.
Thanks to Dylan for the permission to publish his behind the scenes photo stills.
Thanks to everyone who advocates for equal rights.
Thanks to all our soldiers, gay or straight, who serve our country.
Special thanks to Tom, for using his amazing talent to shed light on such an important matter.
Thank YOU for checking out this article and blog.
Now spread the love and share it with others! :)

www.tomgossmusic.net

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

TUNE IN: Local Natives on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Tomorrow Night 01.04!!!

HEADS UP! Local Natives will be on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon tomorrow night, 01/04. Check your local channel listings for exact time. Also, the special remix compilation album from the contest we mentioned HERE, is coming out soon! We'll let you know when it does!! Meanwhile, go check out Gorilla Manor, out now on Frenchkiss Records!

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

MARK IT: Damon Moon and the Whispering Drifters - 01.28.11

So, it's the second day of the new year, but this is an entry with a lot of firsts! My friend, Paul told me about this band, Damon Moon and the Whispering Drifters. I have been intrigued since I FIRST took a listen to their recent EP, The Holy Noise. (Go get it HERE.) The FIRST track, Further On, is short, but easily caught my attention. Restless Roads End followed immediately and is my favorite. I quickly found myself drawn in to the rest of the album. I am so excited for them to be my FIRST show of 2011!!!

The Jan. 28 show at The Monkey Barrel in Gainesville is the FIRST of a weekend of local shows at the end of the month. Damon Moon and the Whispering Drifters are about to kick off their 5th U.S. tour (lasting 9 weeks) and I'm thrilled to learn that this show starts it all off! Most shows I go to are in Athens and Atlanta. So, it's awesome that these guys are not only from right here in Gainesville, but performing here too! I know it shouldn't sound surprising for musicians to play their hometown, except that in their 2+ years of performing live, this will be their FIRST HOMETOWN SHOW! I'm SO THERE and YOU SHOULD BE TOO!!

To RSVP to this event on FB, click HERE.

Go HERE for a list of current upcoming tour dates. Visit often, as this list is still continually being updated. For more on this intriguing band, check out their official website, www.lungsdirtanddreams.com and follow them on Facebook, HERE.

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

VIDEO: Simon Fagan - "Damn Honey"

Damn, Honey...
I'll tell you who's got it goin' on tonight...Simon Fagan! What a great song! According to the latest on his website, simonfagan.net, Damn Honey will be one of three singles from the album, Outside Looking In to be promoted on major UK radio.

I am really enjoying his music, currently listening to Outside Looking In while I write this. Pretty damn awesome. Go get it at music.simonfagan.net. You can also pick up his latest EP as a free download, HERE.
Damn, Simon! ;-)
http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com