May 2012
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INTERVIEW: PHOTOGRAPHER LINDSAY GRAY
LINDSAY GRAY IS AN 18 YEAR OLD PHOTOGRAPHER FROM ARLINGTON, TEXAS. WE THINK YOU SHOULD KNOW HER BECAUSE HER DRAMATIC BLEND OF DREAMY AND EDITORIAL STYLE PHOTOGRAPHS LEAVES US WANTING MORE.[[MORE]]
Q: How long have you been taking pictures? I’ve been serious about photography since October of 2011
Q: How did you get into photography? I kind of fell into photography, really. My father is a...
April 2012
6 posts
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Review: Feed A Fish A Man, The Pilots, and Casa...
The BBC is a venue that is only recently picking up steam. This year it has attracted acts like Wiz Khalifa, Blackalicious, and Hellogoodbye. Pretty sweet considering the average ticket price for non-students is five bucks, right? I recently had the good fortune to attend and perform at an event there, which was a benefit for YOSAL- The Youth Orchestra Salinas- hosted by CSU Monterey Bay...
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Up and Coming: Calvin Betancourt
Calvin Betancourt is a 22-year old Connecticut-based singer/songwriter who has been writing and performing music for the past nine years and has self-released two albums to date with another on the way.
Why you should listen: Calvin has a great voice and produces soothing music that has real quality. He has self-recorded all of his music, which makes his songs even more impressive. He’s...
Why the Music Industry is Dying
[[MORE]]The extent to which piracy damages an industry varies wildly, but in the case of the music industry, the damage is severe. As often as it happens, piracy within the music industry shouldn’t be compared to piracy within the video game or film industry, as it doesn’t nearly damage them to the extent to which the music industry is harmed. This disparity occurs for minuscule, yet significant...
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INTERVIEW: PHOTOGRAPHER EMMA DEL REY
EMMA DEL REY IS A 17 YEAR OLD PHOTOGRAPHER FROM MIAMI, FLORIDA.[[MORE]]
We think you should know her because her portraits are stunning, whether film or digital.
Flickr | Website
Q: How long have you been taking pictures? I would say I’ve been taking photos since I was about 13. Q: How did you get into photography? I started using my dad’s Sony point and shoot camera, I developed...
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INTERVIEW: PHOTOGRAPHER DANIEL GRAINDORGE
DANIEL GRAINDORGE IS A VERY SOON TO BE 18 YEAR OLD FROM SEVEN LAKES, NORTH CAROLINA. [[MORE]]
We think you should know him because his photos manage to have an editorial feel while looking beautifully vintage and soft.
Flickr | Website | Tumblr
Q: How long have you been taking pictures? I’ve been shooting for about four years now! Q: How did you get into photography? Ever since I was...
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INTERVIEW: BONFIRE NIGHTS
Bonfire Nights, a moody psych-pop trio from London by way of Brisbane, Australia, started just like many good bands: two friends (Steve Foster - vocals/guitars and Ruth Nitkiewicz - vocals/drums) “just mucking around.” With keyboardist/vocalist Nicole Hoaran, it extended into a trio with actual songs, despite the fact that Ruth hadn’t played drums before. A relatively young band...
March 2012
28 posts
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INTERVIEW: PHOTOGRAPHER ANDREW TALLON
ANDREW TALLON IS A 21 YEAR OLD PHOTOGRAPHER FROM BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA. [[MORE]]
We think you should know him because his landscapes are beautifully breathtaking, showing you moments of nature that you’ve never before imagined.
Website | Flickr
Q: How long have you been taking pictures? I’ve been shooting seriously for just over 3 years. Q: How did you get into photography? I’m a bit of a...
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Pretty American // Cold Fronts
Raw, fun and DIY are the three terms that come to mind when first listening to Cold Fronts. The Philadelphia quartet gives an indication that they’re playing music they love for the right reasons. Therefore, the following statement describing the band from vocalist Craig Almquist seems quite fitting: “[Cold Fronts is] a group of All-American boys who don’t really fit with todays digital era of...
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Question of the Week! →
If you illegally download something and love it, do you purchase it legitimately later?
Please answer using the poll link. Thanks!
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INTERVIEW: PHOTOGRAPHER ANNETTE PEHRSSON
ANNETTE PEHRSSON IS A 23 YEAR OLD PHOTOGRAPHER FROM SWEDEN.[[MORE]] We think you should know her because her images are simple and gorgeous, capturing the world around her on film that leaves us in awe.
Flickr | Facebook | Website
Q: How long have you been taking pictures? It has basically been there ever since I got my first camera as a kid, but I have become more serious about it during the...
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We Are Not Humanity // Hollow Earth
All too often, I find myself enjoying what I think is a hardcore album, only to be disappointed when things come to a disjointed halt to make way for some tacky electronic segment that doesn’t flow at all. These unexplained segments leave me frustrated and confused. If the synth is blended in nicely then that’s all well and good, but that’s beside the point. If you want some modern hardcore...
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Only Way to be Alone // Good Old War
As I previously stated, Only Way to be Alone was one of only three albums I listened to in summer 2008. I bought it in Sacramento after seeing them live for the first time and I loved being able to relive the moments from their live shows every time I listened to a song. Each song was a memory, a moment, a story. Over three years later and each song still takes me back to that summer. While the...
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SXSW INTERVIEW: BUSBY MAROU
Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia’s BUSBY MAROU started as two friends playing cover songs in pubs. Those two friends are Thomas Busby (lead vocals/guitar) and Jeremy Marou (backup vocals/guitar/ukulele), now backed by Mike Cavendish (bass) and DJ Syme (percussion). They were the first signing to Warner Music Australia’s indie imprint Footstomp Records, and their self-titled debut album which...
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SXSW SPECIAL INTERVIEW: THE MOWGLI'S
Southern California septet THE MOWGLI’S has quite an odd origin. Says vocals and guitarist Michael Vincze, “I never thought that shotgunning a beer in a gutter with someone I had never met before could change my life forever. That is, until I met Colin Dieden,” who always plays guitar and sings in the band. Completing the group are Joshua Hagen (vocals/guitar), Katie Jayne Earl...
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SXSW SPECIAL INTERVIEW: THE D.A.
Formed almost five years ago in the stagnant El Paso music scene, THE D.A. is made up of Tyler Dudley (vocals, bass, guitar, synth), Michael Frisbey (trumpet, keys, vocals), Cesar Muniz (Keys, vocals), Stephen Escarzaga (guitar, bass, vocals), and Evan Tremper (drums), who have worked tirelessly to build a fan base in their home state. After two years “of late-night and sometimes sporadic...
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INTERVIEW: PHOTOGRAPHER ALEXANDRA PHILLIPS
ALEXANDRA PHILLIPS IS AN 18 YEAR OLD PHOTOGRAPHER ORIGINALLY FROM SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND NOW LIVING IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. [[MORE]]
We think you should know her because her photos have that characteristic filmy charm, gorgeous colors and an amazing depth of field.
Flickr | Website | Tumblr
Q: How long have you been taking pictures? Consistently, I have been taking pictures for,...
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SXSW SPECIAL INTERVIEW: TIC TIC BOOM!
Los Angeles based TIC TIC BOOM! is singer and keyboardist Leilani Francisco, guitarist and vocalist Mike DeLay, bassist and backing vocalist Matt Gurgol, and drummer Trevor Hunnicutt. Started five years ago by Leilani and Mike when they were both working in a bar as love blossomed between them, they have built a steady and cohesive sound through dedication and hard work, adding members to the band...
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SXSW SPECIAL INTERVIEW: CANNON BROS.
Canadian duo and long time friends, Alannah Walker (vocals and guitar) and Cole Woods (drums and vocals), started CANNON BROS. when they both learned how to play drums well enough to play in a band, loving the idea of a project that would allow the two of them to switch instruments. Rooted in classic rock and old memories, Cannon Bros. leaves quite a big impact and will one day bring their music...
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SXSW SPECIAL INTERVIEW: THE JOHN STEEL SINGERS
Brisbane, Australia quintet THE JOHN STEEL SINGERS is Tim Morrissey and Luke McDonald (both vocals, guitar, keyboard), as well as Scott Bromiley (vocals, guitar, keyboard, trumpet), Pete Bernoth (keyboard, trombone), and Ross Chandler (drums). Aside from musical talent and their blend of 60s style pop, The John Steel Singers are known for their amusing personalities that show through during live...
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Question of the Week! →
What’s your favorite music festival?
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Come Back as Rain // Good Old War
Newly released and hot on the iTunes music charts is Come Back as Rain, Good Old War’s third and most realized release. I believe the direction they have taken on this album is one of confidence and a nostalgic feel for the albums they grew up with.
“Over and Over” immediately shows better production than their previous self-titled effort. Dan Schwartz’s guitar fills the empty spaces in the...
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INTERVIEW: PHOTOGRAPHER LAUREN TREECE
LAUREN TREECE IS A PHOTOGRAPHER FROM MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA.[[MORE]]
We think you should know her because her dreamy images leave us breathless and wondering how she does it with a film camera.
Flickr | Website
Q: How did you get into photography? I studied painting in school and was always really passionate about visual art. I was fascinated by photography even though it was completely...
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Good Old War // Good Old War
2010 saw the follow up to Good Old War’s highly successful debut album, Only Way to Be Alone, which happened to be one of the only three albums I listened to during the summer of 2008. I will admit, Good Old War is much softer than anything I would deem “my cup of tea”, but their live performances immediately had me in love with Only Way to Be Alone. However, when Good Old War came out, I took a...
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SXSW SPECIAL INTERVIEW: LES JUPES
Newcomers LES JUPES are a Canadian-rooted band with a French title who started to carve out a name for themselves with a debut album and a series of festival shows across the US and Canada in 2011. Now, in 2012, bassist David Schellenberg, keyboardist/vocalist Kelly Beaton, drummer Adam Klassen, and guitarist/vocalist Michael P Falk are expanding even further with a new single released and an...
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Interview: The Hush Now
THE HUSH NOW is a five piece from Boston, Massachusetts, formed in 2006 by singer/guitarist Noel Kelly. After Noel moved from the west coast to the east coast, he teamed up with drummer Barry Marino, keyboard player Kurt Schneider, and former bassist Mike Dimino. In 2008 their first full length, The Hush Now, was released and in 2010 their followup, Constellations, was released. Their most...
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Interview: Photographer Lizbeth Foster
LIZBETH FOSTER IS A 19 YEAR OLD PHOTOGRAPHER FROM HOUSTON, TX.[[MORE]]
We think you should know her because her style manages to be dreamy while incorporating a documentary feel.
Flickr | Facebook | Tumblr
Q: How long have you been taking pictures? Since the age of 13, so about 6 and a half years now. Q: How did you get into photography? My father was a portrait photographer in his spare...
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Through the Rough // Merriment
I have been an Eisley fan since I heard “I Wasn’t Prepared” on the radio while I was in the car one day, many years ago. I am not a die-hard fan, but the DuPrees have some of the most undeniably beautiful voices I have ever heard. Interestingly, it was not because of Eisley that I heard about Christie DuPree, who had me thinking, “Wow, she really sounds like the girls from Eisley.” Needless to...
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Who is Your Favourite Band That has Unfortunately... →
Question of the Week! Let us know… your answers will help us plan some new features! If you’re on our website, the banner across the top left will take you to this same survey.
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Interview: Photographer Nicholas Strobelt
NICHOLAS STROBELT IS A 19 YEAR OLD PHOTOGRAPHER FROM SEATTLE, WASHINGTON.[[MORE]]
We think you should know him because his unique images seem to take you right into gorgeous moments in time.
Flickr | Facebook | website
Q: How long have you been taking pictures? I have been shooting seriously for about four years now, but I’d been fascinated by the concept of photography and the mechanics...
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Someone That's Not You // I Call Fives
New Jersey appears to be the capital of pop punk as of late with a plethora of thriving young groups, most noticeably led by the genre “defenders” Man Overboard. Not to be forgotten however, is five piece I Call Fives. After several solid releases and international tours, the polished group are well and truly in the NJ pop-punk clan. Their newest contribution out this month, Someone...
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Spring 2012 Letter from the Staff
Hey everyone, We’re back! Spring is on its way so we’ve been doing some spring cleaning. We have decided that a new year means a new Positivexposure. We are making a few small changes that will make a big difference in the quality and quantity of the works we publish. We’re just minimizing our mediums to maximize our output, discontinuing the magazine to focus on the website in order to publish a...
February 2012
9 posts
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Split // Half Hearted Hero & Deadhorse
This 10 minute split shows contrast at its best. The first half gives a burst of hard hitting, intelligently structured pop-punk courtesy of Half Hearted Hero, while the second comes from instrumental post-rock outfit, Deadhorse. An interesting collaboration but a wise decision in order to open the eyes of a whole new audience.
Despite Half Hearted Hero contributing 2 tracks and Deadhorse applying...
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The top 10 songs I discovered in 2011
Ever feel like you’re always playing catch-up? So do I. But the great thing about music is that it’s timeless. While these songs may not be new in 2011, they’re new to my ears, and maybe to yours, too!
#10 “Into the Shadows of My Embrace” - Eskimo Snow // WHY?
#9 “Distraction #74” - Four Thieves Gone // The Avett Brothers
...
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Downtown EP // Erin Passmore
Too often I tend to find myself blending female vocalists together—surely, the supreme voices of people like Florence Welch, Adele Adkins, and Hayley Williams are exceptionally different from one another; but it often seems that the listener can end up drowning in vocal vociferations and unforgiving crescendos. To their credit, this unbridled talent is what makes these female vocalists so...
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This Is Our Concern Dude // Banquets
When it comes to modern day blue collar punk rock, Banquets are steadily rising to lead the pack. The four piece appear to take influence from fellow New Jersey locals, the more experienced The Gaslight Anthem, and are putting their own spin on the genre and its distinct city influenced culture.[[MORE]]
This Is Our Concern Dude launches with “Lyndon B. Magic Johnson”. The track is guitar driven,...
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Top Button, Bottom Shelf // Banquets
How annoying are incredibly overrated records? There is nothing worse than hearing an album which you know for sure is nothing special and then jumping online to see an avalanche of hype, right? Wrong. Spare a thought for those bands missing out. While overrated records are certainly annoying, nothing frustrates me more than falling in love with a record that gets not nearly enough attention and...
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Thurrock International Film Festival 2012
From 24 -30 June 2012 the Thurrock International Film Festival will take place at Thameside Theatre in Grays, Essex. It is the exciting new venture of Natalie Williams and Benjamin Scarsbrook, two film studies graduates interested in bringing their area’s filmmaking related history to the forefront, as well as allowing a wonderful opportunity for amateur and professional filmmakers alike to have...
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Singles EP // Ghost Robot Ninja Bear
Ghost Robot Ninja Bear is Oscar Albis Rodriguez and friends - in the live spectrum that is. Recorded, Rodriguez can be dubbed a one man band. The Singles EP is a little sample of the variety and depth he is capable of.
This four track release begins with a hard hitting guitar riff setting the trend for many to come, both intricate and catchy, which follow in the next 12 and a half minutes. At...
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All That We Know // Larry and His Flask
It’s a common misconception that stability and reliability are the safest and most rewarding qualities that we should strive for in our lives. The promise of an inviting bed and a hot meal at the end of the day are comforting ideals, things all people deserve. But to really feel something, to endure the surprise and adrenaline of the unexpected keeps us on our toes. In this way, Larry and His...
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By Way Of Introduction // The American Scene
Sick of The Dangerous Summer and their high school drama? Listen to The American Scene. They’re frequently compared, but unlike their peers, The American Scene haven’t incorporated all of that alcohol induced, internet fuelled garbage; Instead they have focused on their comforting blend of indie rock/ pop punk. This is what we call “music” - the important stuff which believe it or not...
January 2012
4 posts
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Hot Lights EP // Viper Creek Club
Hot Lights opens with a jarring and somehow symphonic bang. It is complete with an entire strings section and horns, a deep, grimy back beat, and a sky-scraping voice anxiously vociferating lyrics to its listener. The new EP starts off with “Because I Know”, a song that lets the audience know what Viper Creek Club is all about.
Though the group is heavily influenced by hip-hop, it...
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Hope is for People // Mixtapes
Cincinnati’s Mixtapes provides snippets of adolescence and angst in the form of compressed guitar riffs, direct lyrics, and modest dual vocals. The simplicity of their eleven minute EP Hope is for People is like a snapshot of youth, with the title track acting as its anthem, chanting, “Let’s cut the bullshit and get to living.” This theme continues through the rest of the EP’s six song...
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Split // Balance and Composure & Tigers Jaw
Picking favourites, whether it’s picking your preferred pet, sibling or Spicegirl (how good was Sporty Spice?), it’s something we all do but deep down tend to feel a bit remorseful about. When it comes to split releases I usually sway towards one side with a wave of guilt. This split is no different, but thankfully Balance and Composure and Tigers Jaw have weighed in almost equally, so I don’t...
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Compact Disc // SWTHRT
“Doubt and thou shalt be corrected.”
That’s perhaps not the greatest philosophy to believe in when you’re a person who outwardly advocates positivity, but you’d be surprised at how often these words have crossed my mind these days. I’ve found myself in chance situations where something that is seemingly doubtful works out for the better and the discovery of...
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Our Future Selves // Shuteye Unison
Shuteye Unison open like The Stooges would.
The opening of Our Future Selves is brash and bratty and sets one up for something they are ultimately not expecting - whether that’s a good or a bad thing is still a mystery to me. First off, I liked it. The second time around, I liked it even more. “Be Kimball” would be that Stooges-esque opener. It sounds and feels like a punchy...
December 2011
5 posts
SARGENT HOUSE: FREE Contract Advice. No More... →
sargenthouse:
I am setting up a FREE advice email for any bands out there that have been sent a written contract to sign by a label, booking agent, marketing firm, label scout, manager - whatever. I’m begging all bands to NEVER just sign without first getting some real advice and understanding of what it…
Any bands about to sign a contract should check this out. It’s an incredibly...