Concert Review: Dave Matthews Band in Saratoga Springs, NY

Being a huge fan of Dave Matthews Band has had its consequences of not seeing them play live all of this time. Many people have mentioned how great they are to see play live, and what a great venue Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center happens to be.

After a roadtrip from NYC to Saratoga Springs, NY May 31st, it was FINALLY time to see them live. The venue is connected to a well known state park/area. Plenty of green grass and interesting buildings were surrounding the venue. You could feel the excitement of the SOLD OUT concert radiating from the tailgating in the parking areas. It was clear that DMB appeals to many different ages or that this was a weekend of concerts from DMB that everybody wanted to be a part of. No matter the reason for being a fan, joining the many other people in the lawn crowd was exhilarating,

There were the concert essentials of alcohol, and well you guess. There was the excitement of no opening act, and two sets. Set one being acoustic, and set two being electric. Many people in the crowd attended the concert the night before, and had expectations. Yet, you learn quickly that those expectations change as the set list can be completely changed or revised from the previous concert. The social media accounts of Dave Matthews Band, post the set list the next day. You would think this would be a spoiler for future attendees, but you are wrong.

The talent of Dave Matthews Band is just astounding. It's clear when you watch them live, and see their reactions to the crowd, that they truly enjoy being a band who gets jam out every Summer. From singing along with the crowd as well as Dave to every lyric was an out of body experience. The more many classic songs of their anthology were being played, you could tell that the vibe was very...well...electric. Waiting many years to see them, and hoping to see/hear "Crash" played live was accomplished. Being that it is one of my all time favorite songs, you can just imagine the joy I felt while seeing/hearing it live. Many other great songs like "Pig", "Ants Marching",  & "Pay for What You Get" were played.

This type of general surprise for the crowd on what song is next, makes them an amazing band. The atmosphere of the night was amazing! Highly recommend seeing them LIVE in concert!

Concert Review: The Wanted, Midnight Red, & Cassio Monroe

It's that time again to review another concert attending experience. It did not disappoint at all.

After plans to meet my partner in crime for this event very early at the venue, grab lunch, then get ready for our REALLY affordable VIP experience. For those who are unaware of VIP entails, a artist usually sells VIP for you to get either a meet & greet, merchandise, autographs, lanyards, and amazing tickets close to the stage. VIP varies from artist to artist as well as money amounts. Let's just say some artists price their VIP higher than others. 

Our VIP with The Wanted included meet & greet photo op, autographed picture, and lanyard all for the bargain price of $115. Trust me, this is a bargain. Then if others wanted to, they could meet & greet Midnight Red for just $20.   Followed by the doors opening an hour to concert start, gave plenty time to buy merchandise, take pictures with friends, find seats, hydrate, and otherwise get ready. 

Midnight Red went first, which was surprising in the predicted order all of us had. Their performance was filled by great dancing, great vocals, and to be honest surprised me with their talent. I had them seen them open a concert before 3 years ago, but due to where my seats were I couldn't pay as close attention then. All I know with their image, haters are going to hate based on just that. I suggest you look past that, and judge for yourself. 

Next up were Cassio Monroe. Let's be honest, most of us did not know who this duo with talent backing band were before this concert. However, with their great songs, great vocals, rap flow, and sarcastic personalities, I quickly became a fan, probably like the rest of the room. The pure musicianship of everybody involved during their performance shined through. Their passion for the craft was felt by everyone as we all knew were in for an amazing Friday night.  I encourage you to follow Cassio Monroe on social media, and visit their website on information on their debut single!

Last, and most importantly the reason for the concert was The Wanted. This "Word of Mouth" tour has morphed from being world to just UK, Europe, and U.S. legs. So granted the popularity of The Wanted has gained from social media plus word of mouth. Hence, the brilliantly titled album and tour. The set list was everything them and us (TWFanmily) could ever want as the recent announcement of an impending "break" as a group will happen at month's end. After 4 years of grinding, I mean school tours, club tours, appearances, top 10 hits (including World #1), and over 10 million records sold, they are pursuing solo endeavors. Being second row for this concert made everything even better than expected.  Excuse me why I get a little verklempt as I am going to miss these guys!!




Yeah, the last time a band like this said they were taking a break, it was a 15 year break. (NKOTB) So bittersweet.

Oh, but the night wasn't over. The after party featuring Tom from The Wanted's guest DJ set! Yes, being the over 21 crowd of the fan base has it's advantages. After trying to find a parking spot in this busy party area of Old Town Scottsdale to finally end up at Maya Day/Night Club, we made it in right as most of The Wanted, and then ran into Midnight Red in line. Good times. Of course, the bands and their entourage had a VIP table. However, the crowd was not as crowded as I expected. This was great, and as the alcohol and then Tom's DJ rang into the night, the more fun was had. It was really chill to mingle and dance with them. Compared to other after parties I have attended, this was the best one to date.

Bittersweet!

Concert Review: Ellie Goulding

First, let's travel back to the year 2009. I was still in college, exploring music has I have done pretty much my entire life. I discovered Cherrytree Records through the launch of Cherrytree Radio via a radio show offered to a member of beloved band of mine.  I quickly began to see the launch of great talent out there in the music industry, but with an independent feel. Cherrytree Records is a small subsidary of Interscope Records, which gave it that feeling.

This was how I discovered the sultry voice of Ellie Goulding. Not to mention the songs were well written, and different from the "Top 40" that was being overplayed by radio and other avenues. As it happens in the music industry, breaking into the U.S. music market is a tough act to accomplish, and Ellie became more popular over in Europe, UK, and other countries. However, "Starry Eyed" began to gain some steam from radio stations, and other avenues such as mall playlists.

Now, let's fast forward to the success of songs such as "Lights", "I Need Your Love" with Calvin Harris, and the big hit currently "Burn". Yes, you have probably heard one of these songs by now whether or not you are a fan.  Needless to say, after all of this, it was beyond time to see Ellie in concert.

Last night (April 9th, 2014) at Marquee Theater in Tempe, Arizona, was finally the chance. After a late start by her opening act Conway, it was time for Ellie Goulding. By surveying the crowd, her fan base spans from the very young, to way older. ;-) Men & Women thoroughly enjoyed the well known hits as well as great songs off of her album "Halcyon Days".  Ellie's voice was on point, her performance quality was awesome, her back up singers were entertaining, and her band were obviously accomplished musicians. The constant touring Ellie has endured has certainly paid off to produces such a great concert for all ages.
Highly recommend seeing Ellie in concert if you ever have the chance!

Music For Relief

Wondering how to get involved in a music related cause? Did you know there is great work being done for areas suffering natural disasters?

Well, then I suggest you getting involved with Music For Relief. They are "artists, music industry professionals, and fans working together to create a positive change." Their mission "is to support disaster relief and reduce global warming."



Can't directly get involved? Then consider donating! 

Support New Artists: Burn The Gallows

Burn The Gallows was formed when brothers David Cardenas and Andres Cardenas starting playing music together with Andres originally playing drums. They soon found a bass player, Dee Jarvis but were lacking a singer. After finding out the talent that Andres had as a singer, David and Dee convinced Andres to move his talents to the front man position. They soon found Lars Kocherhans to play rhythm guitar and Aaron Cordes to play drums and the line up was complete. For the past year BTG has spent almost every weekend, (and sometimes full weeks) traveling and playing high energy shows all while spending weeknights writing and recording. Burn the Gallows just released the new full length album "Promises, Promises" with producer "Bucket" Stetson Whitworth (Chelsea Grin, Hearts and Hands, The Used) you can find this album online on iTunes, Amazon and CDbaby or you can stream it on Spotify and Youtube.

Website: www.burnthegallows.com

online merch store: www.burnthegallows.storenvy.com

More Talent from the UK... Trips Inc.

"They have created a nail biter, that so diversely tells a story via party anthems and beautiful songs alike, that could so easily be a Hollywood blockbuster, yet alone a best selling album.
They are unlike anything you will ever see, or hear."

James Evans - Clear Cut Pictures.

Combine the hard-hitting, slickly polished and continental beats of producer Chuck Creese, with the haunting melodies, smooth tone and unique story-telling abilities of Christian Grace, and you get Trips Inc. 
Hailing from the UK, a distinct vintage, and almost Spanish undertone to their work has already caught the attention of production and mastering heavyweight Colin Leonard (Justin Bieber, Leona Lewis, Madcon, Kelly Rowland), and the result is Trips Inc.'s debut single 'Do You Want To Dance?'.
Set for big things, the single is now available to download on iTunes, with the duo's eagerly awaited debut album set to follow early Summer 2014.

Trips Inc.'s debut single 'Do You Want To Dance?' available to download on iTunes and Amazon:

iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/trips-inc./id678308743

Or from:-

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Do-You-Want-to-Dance/dp/B00E4YZMGU

ON ANOTHER NOTE:-
We have just been approached to submit an entry towards, and drum roll please.........Glastonbury's very own EMERGING TALENT COMPETITION!

We were asked to record a live video to help with our attempts to play the biggest music festival in the UK!!!

Below is a link to the video that has been submitted for our new song 'Diablo' to give you a little insight into more of the album, and what we are like as the original Trippers, with a 100% live vocal recording!


And to get a glimpse of our newest track, 'Diablo', have a look at our SoundCloud:-
www.soundcloud.com/tripsinc

www.facebook.com/tripsinc
www.twitter.com/trips_inc

And always remember Trippers.... thoughts become things.




*Side note: Take a listen and watch their videos. You may be surprised to find you have a new music love. This blog is about The Love of Music. Enjoy! 

Does Music Genre(s) Determine Music Longevity?

One of the question sure to get you thinking, if not for what exactly is the question referring to, the answer itself. Perhaps a few examples should be given.  Exclude one hit wonders from this topic for now.

 Let's travel back to the years 1988-1994. A popular "boyband" that was once considered to earn more than Michael Jackson and Madonna ran it's course in the world music scene. Yes, the band was New Kids on the Block. Yes, a lot of what earned them a spot on Forbes' list, was the merchandising and endorsements as well as the music that was produced at the time. However, their break into the music scene was not met with open arms, and if it wasn't for a radio station DJ playing one of their records on a different demographic than they originally intended, they might have never happened. 

Let's fast forward to present day. The years 2009-2014. Another popular "boyband" recently announced that they are going to take a break after their what was originally called a "World Tour", but reduced after dates were cancelled. All members stating they have solo projects, and life goals they want to accomplish just like the band mentioned above. Yes, the band is The Wanted. Some maybe celebrating and rejoicing just as many did back in the day, but fans are seemingly devastated.  Of course, as history has taught, life does go on, and perhaps that band can make a comeback someday.

As you can see from the years listed, their longevity was really short in the grand scheme of things. Today (January 28, 2014), Motley Crue held a "press conference" on their website announcing their upcoming tour is going to be their last. Those who consider themselves a realist might claim this as a way to sell more records and tour tickets. Time will tell. Yet, when comparing this rock band to the bands mentioned above they have had a much longer career in the music business. Could it be that they took "breaks" without formally announcing them? Could it be that the genre of music they represent can withstand the chaos and demand?  All valid questions, but all have loyal fans as well as maybe some of the same fans.  Loyalty can only do so much as these examples have proven. 

In terms of genre vs. longevity originally tested, it seems what is popular isn't always in the "pop" genre. Feel free to add your thoughts on the subject in the comments!