We all love new music right?? This blog is dedicated solely to the purpose of giving you just that. Check to learn all about a band you've probably never heard of and sample their tunes. And If you have heard of them, just enjoy the replay.
Does It Offend You, Yeah? is a British band out of Reading, Berkshire. Formed in 2006 by James Rushent and Dan Coop, This band is revered as the band who has "busted the dance-punk world wide open". Their first album "You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into" was a breakout hit and helped them climb to the top of the charts. In 2008, they were nominated the Breaking Artist for the Rolling Stone. In 2011, their second album "Don't Say We Didn't Warn You" was released after Chloe Duveaux and Matty Derham joined the band. Most have seen them on the Jimmy Kimmel Live! show and The Last Call with Carson Daly show as well. Does It Offend You, Yeah? has recieved many more awards and recognitions including: ninth most listened to band in 2008, and Best alternative music list of Itunes in 2008. There is no real way to pin point these guys' genre of music. They are so dynamic that they have been compared to band such as: Daft Punk as well as Rage Against the Machine. One of the coolest aspects of this band is the fact that their name comes from an episode of the popular TV show, The Office.
According to an article from Wikipedia, the band says, "Everybody thinks the name is some kind of statement but it's a quote from David Brent in an episode of The Office. "When me and James Rushent first started writing music together we decided to put it up on MySpace We needed a name to put as our profile name so just put what was the first thing that was said on TV, we switched it on and Ricky Gervais said "My Drinking - Does it offend you, yeah?" so we just went with that. No thought went into it whatsoever."—synth player Dan Coop, NME.com interview
The band is:
James Rushent: Lead vocals, bass guitar, synthesi Rob Bloomfield: Drums, backing vocals Dan Coop: Synthesizer Matty Durham: Guitar, backing vocals Chloe Dureaux: Bass guitar, backing vocals
"Epic Last Song": Music Video Sample:
Pictures retrieved from Google. Quote from Wikipedia.
Explosions In The Sky are originally from Texas and is a post rock band which gained its popularity for their guitar work specifically and along with that, their great shows. Chris Hrasky, from Rockford Illinois. The name actually comes from a comment that Chris made on the same night they played their first set and debuted their first single, "Remember Me as the Time of Day". In 2010, their first debut album was released. It was named, "How Strange Innocence." According to the members, they don't consider themselves post-rock. nstead, they consider themselves rock. The bands popularity really came from the movie "Friday Night Lights". The band pretty much did the entire soundtrack for the film. The band consists of :
The Script have been around for a while and by no means are "new". However, It's my personal belief that many do not know much about them or listen to them as much as they should. They are one of the best bands out there. Just to give you an idea, if you like The Fray, or One Republic, you will love The Script.
Originally from Ireland, but based in London after signing to Sony Label Group. In 2008, they released their debut eponymous album. The band was started by Danny O'Donogue and Mark Sheehan. They met in a club in Dublin and began to work together making demos for other bands. However, when they met Glen Power who would soon be their drummer, everything changed. One of the greatest thing about the band is that during the early years of the band's uprising, Mark's mother fell terminally ill and that is where he gets most of his lyrics. During that time, the lyrics just kept coming to him to create powerful heart felt song after another. The Script is mostly known for their second single which was released in 2008, "The Man Who Can't Be Moved." In 2009, their first disc, "The Script" went multi-platinum. Their third single, "Breakeven" also helped in a great way to make the album reach the top. In 2010, the band released their next album, "Science and Faith". According to the band, "Science and Faith" is about hope and optimism. Check these guys out. "Science and Faith" is one of the only albums that I know of, from any artist of any genre, that each and every song is a good one. But, you'll have to be the judge of that for yourself.
Based out of Los Angeles, CA and formed in 2002, Silversun Pickups is a group that will have you tapping the desk, nodding your head and enjoying the sick rhythm they put out. In 2005, they released their debut EP album, Pikul. Originally named: A Couple of Couples, Silversun Pickups get their new name from a liquor store across from the Silverlake lounge near their house on Sunset and Silverlake blvds in L.A. The band also says their name mostly is "A State of Mind". In 2006, they released their album, Carnavas. Their hit single "Lazy Eye" became the most popular and climbed the charts. Silversun Pickups have opened for band such as: Wolfmother, Snow Patrol and even rock sensations, The Foo Foo Fighters. In 2009, the band released their second album, Swoon. The first single of the album, "Panic Switch" aired on MTV and Fuse. In addition, they were actually nominated as "Best New Artist" in the 52nd Grammy Awards.
Silversun Pickups IS-->
Brian Aubert- Guitar, lead vocals Nikki Monninger- Bass, backing vocals Chris Guanlao-Drums Joe Lester- Keyboards, samples, sound manipulation
Sleigh Bells is a NEW SOUND. I am confident that this band is unlike anything you've heard before.
Alexis Krauss and Derek Miller make up the band, Sleigh Bells. Derek, a songwriter and producer, met Alexis while waiting tables in Brooklyn, New York. He actually met her through her mother. He had been speaking of wanting to start a project when her mother volunteered her. After getting together and playing they almost immediately began recording in the studio. In 2008, they released their self-titled EP. In 2010, they began recording their first debut album, treats. Their first single, "Tell em'" was released in 2010 and most of their "hype" has come from the trailer for the new movie featuring Taylor Lautner, Abduction. While they are definitely an acquired taste for some, they hit hard. Give em' a go.
Sam Adams, also known as Boston's boy, is a 23 year old rising Hip Hop artist. He first began to record songs in his dorm room in college in 2008. In 2010, he made is push into the industry with his single, "I Hate College (Remix)" Which was actually a remix of Asher Roth's hit, "I Love College". Also in 2010, he launched his EP "Boston's Boy" with the help of 1st Round Records. Sam's music is FRESH. He has a style that hits home for those of you that like that "Old School Hip Hop" and he HITS HARD when it comes to songs you need at those parties that just BUMP. Rhymes are dope, Style is unique. Check him out peeps. More to come from this artist. Stay tuned.
"Driving Me Crazy" Music Sample:
Other Singles you might like: (Get clean versions)
Hoodie Allen, 23, is the stage name for Steve Markowitz originating from his nick name growing up, "Hoodie". He was born in New York City, New York and started writing lyrics and doing little performances here and there from the time he was a kid. Hoodie's first to albums, Bagels and Beats and Making Waves, were produced and released after leaving his job at Google. In 2010, Hoodie released his first hit, "You Are Not a Robot". This hit #1 in many areas and had more hits in his blog than most around. After seeing this success, he worked on his next debut album Pep Rally where "You Are Not a Robot" was featured along with singles like, "Swimming With Sharks". Hoodie is a CHILL LAID BACK smooth Hip Hop sound. Play him in your car and enjoy. Play him at your parties and watch the reactions. He'll get the job done.
"You Are Not a Robot" Music Video Sample:
Disclaimer: "F-bomb" at 52 seconds. (He does not usually swear much. In fact, it's like the only one on his album. I would have posted another song, but this is his most popular.)
Hoodie! Check him out guys. You'll DIG IT. No worries.
"The Afters", formally knows as "Blisse" were formed by Joshua Havens and Matt Fuqua. They are a christian rock band out of Mesquite, Texas. Joshua and Matt formed the band while they worked together at a Starbucks Coffee shop. The inspiration came from their love of playing for customers. Brad Wigg and Marc Dodd were later added who had actually worked at the same Starbucks as well. The single, "Never Going Back To OK" released in 2008, was their most popular song and became the most played christian rock single on the radio. In 2010, their most current album Light Up The Sky was released and has been a sensation in the world of Christian Rock world.
The Afters IS-->
Joshua Havens- Vocals, keys, guitar Matt Fuqua- Vocals, guitar Jordan Mohilowski- Drums Dan Ostebo- Bass
Brand New is an American rock band who have broken the norm and in the opinions of many, revolutionized the industry. They are originally from Long Island, New York and were officially formed in 2000. Your Favorite Weapon, their first debut album was released in 2001. Later, their second album Deja Entendu, was released in 2003. This album was by far their most unique and brought about a new sound for the band. The most famous single, "The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows" aired on TV and marked a great milestone for Brand New. After signing with Interscope Records, they released their next album (Which would be revered by their fans as their best yet.) The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me. "Jesus" was their most well known single and became their most popular single. In 2008, Brand New formed their own record label, Procrastinate! Music Traitors. In 2009, their fourth album, Daisy was released and made it's mark as the most unique since Deja. The greatest quality that Brand New possesses is that they have never "sold out". Their sound and style has been kept unique and there are no bands currently who match that specific style. Some fans like to say the reason for their name is that each album is a "brand new sound".
Brand New is my personal favorite band of all time. To me, they are amazing because it's a changing sound that never dissatisfies. I could listen to them all the time. They'll always leave you wanting more and wondering what's next.
Brand New IS-->
Jesse Lacey: Lead vocals, rhythm guitar Vincent Accardi: Lead Guitar and backing vocals Garrett Tierney: Bass guitar Derrick Sherman: Keyboards, backing vocals and guitar Brian Lane: Drums
"The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows" Music video sample:
“Music is whatever you want it to be. That is the brilliant part about it. It evokes whatever the listener wants it to evoke. It changes your soul when you hear it. It has that power and its so important and that’s why I do it.”
-Preston Pugmire.
Preston Pugmire, an accomplished musician has been playing music from the time he was just 15 years old. Now at age 30, He has gone from small time local performer to nationwide pop sensation. Playing in over 25 states, with as much as 140 shows a year, and his new self-titled album “Preston Pugmire”, he has surpassed every goal he set in the early years of his career. His story is one of high hopes and dreams made into reality.
It was a cold Saturday morning when Preston got up out of bed and made his way down to the living room. The cool floor against his bare feet woke him up faster than he wanted. As he reached the living room, he plopped himself down on the couch, grabbed the remote and flipped through the channels.
After a few minutes of pointless channel changing without any success of finding anything worthwhile, he popped in a VHS he had purchased a few days ago. The VHS is still clear in his mind. It read “Hot Hits of November 1995”. In a time where seeking out music and all forms of media was very difficult, Preston would still find his passion.
As the tape played, a specific video by the title of “Just” performed by the English rock band: Radiohead began to play. This one single moment in Preston’s life would change everything.
Preston recounts his experience. “I remember every moment; where I was siting, and even how the room was positioned. It absolutely re-wired my brain in that instant. The synapsis connected in a different way. It was such a specific experiential moment that I can just remember it so clearly. The effects of that are still around today because that’s what I’m doing. I just thought to myself, are you kidding me? This kind of music is real? It opened up my world to what music was available. I immediately went and bought Radiohead’s entire album: The Bens along with the guitar chords. I taught myself and learned every song from that album. I knew right then that I didn’t want to do anything but music.”
There were a couple different people that he feels have played a big part in his life as a musician as well. His father was a good guitar player and played often. “I just thought dad was the coolest, you know? I mean dad is the coolest for every kid. Eventually, I became better and began to teach him things.”
The single most important person and inspiration for a lot of Preston’s music however, is his wife, Corine. Preston and Corine were good friends for some time. With time, he fell for her. “It’s crazy…but I knew that I was going to marry Corine. As weird as it sounds… I just knew it. I just didn’t know how I was going to tell her I loved her and that I was in fact going to marry her.” Said Preston.
Soon after, Preston wrote a song. In this song, he included one specific line that he knew only she would understand the meaning of. To explain how and why he did this, he said, “I didn’t want to write an entire song and have it be this big deal where I have her come up on stage or whatever. I just wanted her to understand where no one else could. There were probably 300 or more people there that night. But to them, it just sounded like a normal love song.”
Music filled the air and the crowd sang along enthusiastically. Finally the moment had come and he began to sing the song he wrote for her. As he reached the line intended for Corine, their eyes met and she knew, just as he wanted her to know, that it was for her. She knew he loved her. Only several days after, he proposed. “But I’m going on a mission” she replied. “Oh that’s fine. We’ll get to it after.” Said Preston. For a year and a half, Preston did not date any one else. His heart was locked and he was committed. When Corine returned, they were married.
Speaking of Preston’s love for music, Corine said, “his love for music is unique. He notices every little detail of every song. He could listen to the same song over and over for days just because of little sounds and parts that you or I would never even notice.”
In his own words, Preston explained: “When I listen to music, I listen to it in layers. It comes up piece by piece in my mind and it’s almost a visual experience for me. I hear every layer separately and then it comes together. Everything is separated before me but then I hear it as a single unit. It’s an incredible thing.”
Preston is confident in saying that he has achieved every goal he set for himself. “My biggest goal was to be able to support Corine and myself with my music and I have now greatly surpassed that goal. Corine no longer needs to work and can even accompany me on tour.” He does however have new goals as well. His main focus now is radio play and to get his music into TV shows, Commercials and other forms of media.
When asked where his favorite place to perform out of all others, his answer was immediate. “Rexburg is my favorite by far. Its not just because I’m from here. The Rexburg crowds are amazing. The people that come to the shows are immediately ready to engage and they’re sober. In a way that isn’t present, the energy of the people when they arrive is unique. There’s a readiness to leave their egos at the door and not feel like they have to impress anybody.” He continues to visit and play in Rexburg frequently.
In response to those who aspire to become what he has become, there was only one reply. “Do it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. The #1 person that you can’t let tell you that you can’t is yourself. No body holds you back. The only person who can hold you back is you.”
A little INFO!
Preston and His wife, Corine currently reside in Rexburg, Idaho. She continues to support him as he pursues his career and works hard to achieve his goals.
Prestons influences or "roots" as he refers to them consist of but are not limited to: Smashing Pumpkins, Everclear, Foo Fighters and Nirvana. His favorite band by far is Radiohead.
With the help of his kick starter community, Preston's first album has been released and is available on itunes NOW!
Samples of his music and some additional information and bio are available on his website: Prestonpugmire.com. Visit and check it out!
If you haven't yet, step into the world of dubstep and sample some of the best in the business. Skrillex, the professional name for Sonny Moore, is an electronic music producer out of Los Angeles. Many are not aware of this, but Sonny was actually a frontman for the band From First to Last. In 2007, Sonny started his first solo tour which was named The Team Sleep Tour. Sonny's most popular single and album is the EP: Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites. In addition to this, popular singles are, "Weekends", "First of The Year (Equinox)" and "Reptile". Skrillex is also widely known for their covers of popular songs as well as mashups such as, "Set Fire to Everybody", a mashup with Adele.
"Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" Sample Music:
"Skrillex vs. Adele Mashup, Set Fire To Everybody" Sample:
