Girls Rock & Girls Rule: The Blog

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 03:30:00 +0000

Hey again! It's Eva and Harlee the Teen Correspondents back again at Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls. After spending a day at Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls we have some great bands to share with you all. The first is the band of sixteen and seventeen year old rockers, Use the Stairs. The first thing we noticed about these girls was how close they had become after only three days of knowing each other. They were already joking around and completely comfortable around each other, bonding over things that most other friends of theirs could not. "No one here thinks you're weird for liking the things you like, for being you...We can dance around with no judgments." Fronted by a traditionally classical singer with long blonde hair, she couldn’t contain her excitement of how she felt being able to scream and release her inner rocker and they were all quick to hum along to the melody of their own song. They loved that they were able to combine her classical training with the rhythm and beats (and screams) of a real rock and roll song, a song they wrote together. They agreed that they loved making music with each other and that band practice was probably their favorite part of Rock Camp in general. Stay tuned for more coming on other rocking WMRC bands in the future!

Harlee and Eva Ludwig, GRGR Teen Correspondents

Hey Mondays New CD!

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:27:00 +0000

Hey Monday is back with another album, to drop August 17th. The talented Cassadee and partner Mike started Hey Monday in March 2008 when their former band, Blake, split up. Their talent was recognized by Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz, and they were well on their way to rocking after signed to Wentz’s label ‘Decaydance’. Their first album dropped in October 2008. Hey Monday started their career touring with awesome bands like: The Acadamy Is...., We The Kings, The Cab, This Providence, Rocket To The Moon, and Cash Cash. The touring didn’t stop there. Hey Monday headed out again, this time for a world tour with Fall Out Boy.

The Band did a lot of tours with Cassadee leading on vocals and now they are back with a new album titled “ Beneath It All”. This album is going to portray the growth of the band. Hey Monday teamed up with talent such as Katy Perry, Avril Levine, Dave Katz of Cobra Starship, and many more talented musicians, to level up their sound. All the songs were co-written by Cassadee who has promised deep and honest lyrics. “Beneath It All” delves deep into love, her family, her friends and all the important aspects that make up her life.

Before the album drops you can catch Hey Monday touring with the Warped Tour. To get a sneak peak at “Beneath It All” visit www.heymondaymusic.com.

By Daniella Bondar

Girls Rock & Girls Rule Rockin' Summer Showcase!

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:56:00 +0000

GRGR is coming out of their winter hibernation and we have an absolutely KILLER summer showcase coming up on July 15! Mark your calendars now you do not want to miss this fantastic evening of Fierce Femmes Rockin' the House all night long!!

JULY 15, 2010
HANKS SALOON
BROOKLYN, NY

FEATURING: VAMPNESS & THE MAD DOG (WITH MICHELE FROM LOKI THE GRUMP), THE HOOSIER MAMAS, PATTI ROTHBERG, G. (FROM G-SPOT) & FRIENDS, ReWd (formally J-RAD), DOLLY TROLLY & S O L I TO (all the way from NC).

And make sure to keep abreast of all the latest news on all the girls out there rockin' your world at our new website www.girlsrockgirlsrule.com and sign up for the monthly GRGR Rock Hotsheet!

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Fri, 28 May 2010 00:20:00 +0000

Still In Love With Courtney Love

Hey guys! sorry I haven't been writing lately but here is something I couldn't wait to tell you! A few weeks ago I had the chance to buy Hole's new CD, Nobody's Daughter, and got to see a free (if you don't count the price of the CD) show and attend the CD signing after. Not only did her voice both live and on the album shock me but she was so mellow and relaxed the entire time. Although part of me wanted to see her go wild and run around the stage another part of me knew she had really matured and is possibly on her way to becoming an adult. The new album "Nobody's Daughter"went beyond what I could have ever imagined and the songs are better than I think anyone ever could have imagined. My favorite so far has to be "Pacific Coast Highway" which i was lucky enough to have seen her play live. After the concert I was one of the first people to have my CD signed, my mom snagged a picture of the two of us opposite each other right before security yelled that pictures weren't allowed. Actually meeting the woman whose songs have been favorites of mine for years was quite overwhelming and although I planned so much to say all i could murmur was a quiet "Hi" to which she responded and smiled warmly. I recommend this CD to any former Courtney fans and even people who don't consider themselves fans of hers at all for the new sound Hole brings to this album has a perfect balance of distinctive Hole and a whole new experience!

Check out the concert on youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/rewandwho#p/a/u/1/1gdEp9kC7YY
Harlee Ludwig
Teen Correspondant

Give me down to there...Hair!

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 22:11:00 +0000

The Age of Hair

I know its a bit of a diversion from typical GRGR posts, but I really wanted to share this recent musical experience. I recently had the chance to see the Broadway show Hair and boy was it stunning. Being a fan of the original play, I was worried whether the new cast could even hold a candle to how great the original soundtrack recording was. When the lights dimmed and the curtains were raised, with that first note of the song Age of Aquarius, I was hooked. It was mesmerizing as the girl stood there and sang so beautifully. I was so blinded by the voices throughout the play that I didn't even notice when the cast stripped naked before the intermission. When i was brought back to reality I was shocked (and pleasantly surprised) to see the entire cast lined up, naked, singing together as the lights went out. This play is a must see and really speaks for a generation like I never could have imagined. With the song variety it is impossible for someone not to find a song that touches their heart. The song Walking in Space was what I was singing from the second it ended until I learned every single word. The voices in Hair are truly unforgettable and a great way to spend an afternoon or night, just listening to. I would do anything to go again but I fear free tickets won't get thrown my way again.

Harlee Ludwig, Teen correspondant

Allison Iraheta belts it out

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:13:00 +0000

Hello everyone!!! I hope 2010's treating you all well. I was going through some music and came across Allison Iraheta. She's a rockin' belle who's making noise and taking over. And she's only 17. As one of the finalist on American Idol, this young woman has a lot of talent to show her musical muses to the world.

This chica was a music feen from her early days. She's had influence from her parents, MTV and Spanish music. She started a band in high school called "Allison and the Dudes" and later "Allison and the Gurus." Iraheta auditioned for "American Idol" at 16-years-old and made it through continuing on to the top four.

Now, the sounds from her debut album "Just Like You" is belting through my headphones and is surprising my eager ears. Her voice is heavy with a lot of maturity. It's very reminiscent of Pink and Laura Izibor.

Her song "Friday I'll Be Over U" has a very strong pop beat with lyrics that takes me back to high school. Yet, her voice screams and rages over this youthful sound. Her anguish is felt through her catchy tune that brings back regretful memories of douchebag boyfriends. "Scars" is a very heartfelt record that sees through the pain that many of us have. The mellow sound is full of the desire to remember that we all have problems and struggles. It brings me closer to her music as it catches one of the many issues teens deal with. "We all have our scars."

The emotions of this record put me on a path of reminisence of teen years. The jovial yet also dramatic and confusing years flashed through my mind as I listened to Iraheta. Her voice reflects the essence of what many teens go through. Iraheta is a great example for many young girls chasing their dreams of rock glory. If you have the passion and the desire, go for it. Her album is now available in stores.

Also, check out this awesome video called "Friday I'll be Over U"

I hope you guys enjoyed. Let us know what you think. =)

Until next time. Peace.

P.S.

Happy Valentine's Day

Tiffany <3

Liz Lee: My hero

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:47:00 +0000

As much as I hate what MTV has become with their tasteless dating shows and melodramatic reality series about the young, rich, and hopeless, I've managed to find a diamond in the rough with MTV's My Life as Liz.

Liz Lee may not be a world re-known rockstar but for every rocker chick trying to change the world, a little bit of Liz lies sin all of us. On the past two episodes, Liz was eager to win her school talent show and show up the snobby popular cliques that constantly try to bring her down. After watching those past episodes, here's why I think Liz Lee qualifies as a girl that rocks and rules.

-Liz tried to start up a band. Come on now, I think a lot of you GRGR followers have been there. Not the easiest task in the world. You can't help but feel for the girl.

-Liz can sing. She's like the raspy version of Adele. Liz performed an acoustic version of "The Funeral" by Band of Horses. Her performance was intimate, simple yet mindblowing. It's amazing to see what kind of voice comes out of her.

-Liz looks like Hayley Williams of Paramore. Enough said.

-Liz knows how to face adversity. Despite the negativity she faced from the blonde squad, her stage fright and illness, Liz still comes out on top.

To think, Liz is a one of a million other girls out their trying to break social norms. So this ones for all the rocker girls in training. Don't ever change. For me personally, I'm just glad MTV didn't put on another snobby princess complaining about getting a car for her birthday.

Check out My Life as Liz on Monday night or MTV.com

"Love and Rockets",
Ang xoxo

Ode to 2009

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:00:00 +0000

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2010. I hope the year is going well for you guys so far. 2009 is a whole decade ago, but we could never forget what it brought us. Last year was hard on our world for some as it scorched us like a firestorm that left a fierce mark of past troubles. But then for others, it planted a seed of good times, happy memories and hard-learned lessons that will last a lifetime. In all, it was a year that left us stronger and wiser than ever before.

Music, as it always does, intertwined our hearts with peace, rebellion and just some awesome times. GRGR has emphasized this greatly. It's had powerful showcases, beautiful characters and women who just know how to rock. These women have a strong magnetic force of energy that pulled me in and turned me from a foot-tappin-music-fanatic to a head-bangin-rock-star (Well, I felt like one anyway.) I had some pretty stellar times with these chicas in 2009.

Girls Rock Girls Rule has etched the rock scene by helping many women in their struggles to make it in the music world. I love what they've done for these rock femmes and hope they'll only progress in the future in a true punk, take no prisoner fashion. They're ready to take 2010 in they're hurricane of rockin' tunes and revel up your insides.

Have an awesome year people and live it up.

Tiffany <3

Exene Cervenka mellows out with "Somewhere Gone"

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:16:00 +0000

Hey everyone! I hope all is well. Do you remember Exene Cervenka, co-lead singer of the punk rock band X? Well she's back again only solo this time with her new album called "Somewhere Gone" (Bloodshot Records).

This record has a very mellow, folky sound to it. It puts me in a very comforting mood. "Somewhere Gone" is like an escape from a stressful reality. It takes you to a place that's almost like home, but only better at times. Yet, the songs are too similar and don't differentiate from each other.

The song "Let Go and Be Sweet" was peaceful. These words spoke a lot to me. People are always so caught up in their own world that they sometimes forget how to be kind to others. Sometimes, we got to just forget our problems and enter a world of cotton candy bliss and just be sweet. "Somewhere Gone" had a more somber sound. It seemed to be about a girl who is either looking for something or is lost. It's like she has no place to call home and is in a state of escaping peril.

This album had a different sound than what I expected from this former punk rocker. The essence of its sound rocked me to sleep and made me forget about my daily problems just for a little while. Cervenka's hardcore sound has softened up a bit over the years, yet I'm sure rockers out there can appreciate the consolatory and lyricism of her majestic music. "Somewhere Gone" is available on itunes. You should check out her Christmas album too.

Happy Holidays!!! Have fun out there.

-Tiffany

Oh Betty!

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:18:00 +0000

well well well another **BETTY* HoLidAy extravanganza..this time at the very chi chi 'HiGhLiNe BallRooM'...BETTY is so kool & chic & they really know how to do a holiday show right..& the certainly wear slick outfits..black leather, rubber, spandex, silver boots, straps, holey tights, SEXY SEXY SEXXXY...the sisters Amy & Elizabeth..& the drop dead knock out Alyson Palmer front the band...their songz are catchy & the harmonies are exquisite...doesn't hurt they have the theme song from 'the L Word'& the audience is theirs...eating out of their handz so to speak..they had a great song called 'cheater' & another called 'linda blair' & they are often playing around with gender bending & breaking the rules in all sorts of relationships...lust is a common thread thru out..It doesn't hurt that Gloria Steinham introduced them & I even had the pleasure of thanking her for paving the way for all of us & she responded "Sure, it was fun!"..I bet she could still be in PLAYBOY..she's gorgeous...'It's my Party" Leslie Gore also sang with the band & my fearless *GRGR* leader Gail & i sat at the "GORE" reserved table...we even ate some yummy vegan burgers & fries...highly recommended at the Highline... classy classy evening & my first candy cane of the season to boot...BETTY is worth seeing any time you can...they put on such a great show & have been doing it for a long time...their chemistry is so natural...& they being the pros they are were stupified by doing an encore of an unrehearsed tune & nailed it...BETTY is like a living cartoon & they definitly have you leaving happy... www.helloBETTY.com

Happy Holidaze!
Rew

Ang loves Chelsea Girls

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:37:00 +0000

Hello Hello!
I know it's been a while but I'm back to share with you a new found love for Chelsea Girls.
Thanks to the help of a little site called YouTube, I typed in "Welcome to the Jungle" and added girls, to see if there were any badass rocker chicks who could pull off GNR. And like magic, I discovered the Chelsea Girls-an amazing all female cover band hailing from the L.A. area.

Chelsea Girls features some incredibly talented rockers, including lead guitarist Allison Robertson of The Donnas. The other members also have impressive resumes as well.

Lead vocalist Tusedae is an operatic soprano, a world renown DJ, and a former Playboy model. Bassist Corey Parks is a member of Nashville Pussy and has designed clothes for Rock royalty such as Steven Tyler and Lenny Kravitz. Drummer Samantha Maloney has played with such bands as Hole and Motley Crue.

Truly a set of girls who can play just as dirty as the guys.

All one can say is :WOW! Check out some of their footage for yourselves.

For more info about the Chelsea Girls go to:myspace.com/chelseagirlsrock

-Ang xoxo

Blameshift...Stay Tuned for More!

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:09:00 +0000

Blameshift has bright future ahead of them and a glittering past behind them.
The native Long Island band released their first album in 2007 and then committed to non-stop touring.
Members Tim Barbaur ( guitar and vocals), Joey Meyer ( bass), James Miller (drums) and rocking lady Jenny Mann (vocals) spent two years non stop touring. Playing eight national tours and six dates on Vans Warped Tour.
They had a little break and then headed back on tour this past summer.
The band recently finished up the Girls vs Boy tour and are now, finally, back home in Long Island and working on their new album.
If their new album is anything like the tracks they have now, then it will rock out loud!
In my opinion, Blameshift kicks ass ! Front girls Jenny can pull her weight with the boys.
My two favorite tracks have to be; Saints & Sinners and War Withing,mix rocking chica Jenny with her awesome band-mate Tim and you have a masterpiece!

You can purchase their album at select Hot Topic and F.Y.E stores.
Want to know more about Blameshift and the band's rocking members? Look out for the Q&A I did with them and check out the Blameshift Myspace page @ www.myspace.com/blameshift to hear some of their hot tunes!
Be sure to look out for their new album!
Till next time!

Peace and Love,
Daniella

RockLove Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:10:00 +0000

I think its inevitable that every woman likes a little jewelry in her life. It really makes the perfect outfit just pop. If you're looking to put a little edge in your wardrobe, you should check out Rocklove jewelry. They have some awesome styles from their Torch Song Collaboration, Victorian Glam, Pin Up Vixen and much more. I personally loved their Pearl Chain Collection. It puts a classy, yet rocker edge to chains to rock out on your neck and wrist. Being a little classy, yet edgy works out well. Check out some of these styles for yourself.

Harlee Recommends The Radiates

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:08:00 +0000

The Radiates. A hip band whose name is almost as striking as their completely distinct sound. Lead singer and guitarist Aidan has a soft but raw voice that is almost mesmerizing. Bassist Max keeps his laid back attitude while plucking swiftly on his bass and drummer Jack has no problem maintaining the differently beated songs. Though they all work together to keep the smooth and relaxing feeling of the music there different sound is mainly do to the striking vocals of their other vocalist and keyboarder Scout. I'm addition to her impeccable style and always perfect hair, Scout belts out the strongest notes I have ever heard. She has no problem helping the band stand out against other teen bands and we all know it. Check out myspace.com/radiates or their facebook page to see when their next shows are and hear their distinctive and alluring music. Don't miss out on your chance to see these guys perform because I guarantee you won't regret it.

Harlee Ludwig, GRGR Teen Correspondent

The best laid plans...Living Colour @ CMJ

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:45:00 +0000

My Friday night CMJ plan so carefully laid out, was completely shattered when I got a text message from my buddy Kelsey, (front man of Pillow Theory...): "Living Colour acoustic show, Angels and Kings, 10 o'clock:) "I'm so there", I texted back. All prior plans were promptly thrown to the curve (Sorry School of Seven Bells).

A little background on my relationship with Living Colour: "Cult of Personality" was one of those songs where I clearly remember where I was the first time I heard it. I was a musical theatre/teen pop geek that hadn't really discovered anything beyond what was fed to me by TV, radio or school. And although just a child, I had sensed that mainstream entertainment went through massive shifts usually based on political/economic climates or a need for a movement to clearly rebel against the one that came before it. So here I was a young pup with a Jordan Knight poster, memorizing my lines for my school production of Bye, Bye Birdie, faithfully listening to my top 40 station B96 in Chicago.

Cult of Personality comes on out of nowhere and kicks my ass. "When a leader speaks, a leader dies" were not lyrics that were typical of mainstream radio. This song actually scared me, shook me, and gave me a glimpse into the forefront of the next wave of music. It was obvious with that one song that the cultural tides were changing. It wasn't until my adulthood, however, that I would become familiar with the bands full catalog until I caught Medicine Stick (fronted by former Living Colour bass player Muzz Skillings).

Medicine Stick had tapped into a similar "stirred up" type of feeling when I caught his band. Once I found out Muzz had been in Living Colour it compelled me to dive deeper into Living Colour's catalog. I grew to love all phases of the band both with Muzz and (current bassist) Doug Wimbish. And Medicine Stick inspired me to start my own band, edibleRed, which has lasted over a decade.

I arrive an hour early, pleasantly surprised that 1) there was plenty of room (as the show was booked last minute) 2) there was a very interesting band playing before hand, Bern and the Brights an acoustic 5 piece with strings. 3) WRXP who has completely revolutionized commercial radio in New York city was running the night.

Bern and the Brights had an earthy,down home,genre-bending yet folksy feel. Ethereal, introspective and full of quick surprises... a reggae groove here, a ska beat there.... If No Doubt and Jack Johnson were college buddies sharing a bong hit at student housing and jamming...
that would be them....

As Living Colour set up, the only resemblence to an acoustic show was the brushes and scaled down kit donned by Will Calhoun. Corey Glover was fiddliing with the jukebox, Vernon Reid was somewhat under the radar back in the corner and Doug Wimbish was just hanging out and being awesome as usual.

"They said if we play too loud, they're gonna call the cops...obviously they don't know us too well!" exclaimed Big Man Glover (as written on his T-shirt). That would be the first of many zingy one liners... Sonically my favorite thing was the vocal blend between Corey, Vernon and Doug. Vernon's guitars were way down in the mix, yet the "bar band sound" contributed an air of charm. They played the hits, but seemed to be slightly tuned into each other on the newer stuff, namely "Behind the Sun".

Jokingly, Vernon teased the crowd with the "Cult of Personality" riff which inspired screams of "DO IT!!" Glover’s eye rolling and beating the microphone on his head in exasperation greatly contradicted the sheer thrill of the 50 or so people in attendance. It's hard to know what goes through the mind of a frontman of a band that has superb catalog, yet it commonly identified with one song. I briefly felt slighted as a fan. I wished Corey could just roll with it a little more. He then made a joke about being on Youtube saying "Who’s that cover band playing that Living Colour shit". I feel like Glover missed the memo that platinum artists who play in small bars are awesome.

They seriously redeemed things during "Asshole" which was perfect for the bar band version of Living Colour and really brought it home during "Out of my mind" which was unfortunately the last song of the evening. "Don't tell anyone we did this", exclaimed Corey. NO Corey, I am telling EVERYONE... And now I know you were using reverse pychology on me because I saw the "Angels and Kings" links on all of the Living Colour twitter pages. Nicely done, Big Man Glover.

Collette McLafferty, Guest Blogger

Antics and Buzz on Fierce Femmes at CMJ!

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:49:00 +0000

Yep folks... it is that time of year again! This year, CMJ kind of snuck up on me like Christmas sometimes does...Glad to see that the festival is becoming more diverse and is no longer just a skinny white boys rock club (although I do love my skinny white boys...holla!). So many rock chicks...so little time. So after catching some cool panels (All Hail Andrew WK!), getting some free haircuts,massages, beer and swag and meeting the Marco, the official visual artist of CMJ this year, it was time to get my rock diva on...

First, Remi Lane at The Delancey... I kind of like to call her "mini-me" because she is a fellow dangerous redhead who can rock a red sparkly red dress and hang from ceiling pipes like nobody's business. Lane has been working with Linda Perry, but is humble enough to talk about trying to get friends to come out and support in the New York Clubs... keep it real girl. She kind of reminds me of Beth Orton meets The Strokes meets U2, Meets Garbage... just commercial enough to get into the hearts and minds of the mainstream, yet just indie enough to keep her cred while doing it....she's got hooks galore coupled with intelligent lyrics.

Next was Mieka Paulie at The Gallery Bar who was playing at indie queen Rachael Sage's MPRESS Records soiree. That night, Mieka's lineup was a "cross between a solo project and a band" as we was rocking the acoustic guitar in a 3 piece. Mieka and I are both on the "Next Paradigm" compilation where she covers "Angels from Montgomery". Stunning husky vocals that leave me scratching my head for comparison. Meika has been working it for a minute... I see her name everywhere...a true inspiration for indie artists living the dream...

Then, off to the Artists Lounge for some more free beer, vodka and pomegranate soda..hmmmm. I saw a super cool boy fronted band with a hot chick guitarist/vocalist. This band was one of my highlights of CMJ. They clearly had the room (folded arms and all, everyone was loving it on the inside) and I felt compelled to make my way up to the front and DANCE... we need to bring that back people!

"Do you know who this band is?" I asked about 5 people before learning it was "The Nervous Wreckords" (NOT Nervous Records, the house music label...) featuring Brian Karscig/Anthony Saffery w/Mark Maigaard, Ray Suen, Mark Stoermer, Steve Smith. Andy Ridley, Shaun Cornell and Lindsay Matheson. Beyond their dance infectious grooves, hypnotic bass lines, killer harmonies, hooks and good looks, I think my FAVORITE thing about this band is their song titles. "I Don't Feel Tardy".... if you don't immediately know the reference, shame on you! I freaked out an when I learned that they were from San Diego, since my favorite radio station X1FM is there. I immediately accosted lead singer Anthony Saffery... all in the name of hopefully seeing them featured on "The Open Door" sessions one day and learned that Anthony is formerly of "Louis X1V", which has been covered by X1FM. Anthony is very nice to his accosters btw. Lindsey also made it a point to come say hi, as she saw us dancing in the front and giving her the unspoken "oh hell yeah hot rock chick work it girl" vibes.... we both agreed that New York and San Diego need to return to the days of dancing... big cities sometimes has a the-church-town-in-Footloose-before-Kevin Bacon-takes-over kind of vibe. Anyway, look for this band to blow up, like yesterday. They have 12 shows under their belt, most of them being on tour with The Killers.

Then last but not least, we walked over to Santos Party House, we were to exhausted to actually catch any bands, but I wanted GRGR founder Gail Silverman to experience the awesomeness of Santos Party House,even if only for a second... I ran into the folks from Panzie, who are starting to get a lot of love in the press. Tonight is a
new night, so I think we may return to there tonight...

Peace out folks!
Collette McLafferty, Guest Correspondent

Hangin Out @ CMJ - music and messages from Andrew W.K.

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:33:00 +0000

Its that time of year again, the leaves are falling and NYC is hosting the annual CMJ Music Marathon. I didn't even think I would be attending this year, as GRGR did not have a showcase, but the universe via a wonderful and generous spirit dropped the opportunity in my lap and who am I say no when such a thing happens! A shout out and thanks to my friend Davida! So what's my experience so far, like most music conferences you go to lots of panels, get some good tidbits of information, make some new connections, get some free goodies and then there are those occasional surprises. Sometimes you have an unexpected experience that doesn't even have anything to do with the core purpose of being where you are at! So rather then reporting on the regular tips & tidbits I'd love to tell you about my surprise experience of attending a presentation with Andrew W.K. Now keep on mind I had no idea who this person was (OK maybe I live under a rock?), but he was a featured speaker and my friend and co-correspondent the lovely Collette McLafferty (GRGR alum, lead singer of Edible Red and MTV video super star) was encouraging me to check him out. Now Andrew was described to me as a quirky artist musician who sang songs mostly about partying (even managed a whole album of it), a kooky guest star on reality TV shows among other such things...what a surprise to get an hour and 15 minute interaction with a charming, funny character who had an uplifting, inspiring and spiritual message. So although its not directly related to music, it is about life and my spiritual Kundalini yoga teacher persona wants to share it. So here is some of the wisdom from Andrew:
Do what you love and do it with all your intensity!(in response to a guy talking about how he really loves to party)
Take responsibility for all that happens to you - don't blame it on outside forces.
Even nothing is something. - (an explanation about Andrews tattoo that was meant to mean nothing)
Its good to be outside your comfort zone, when in a place of doubt just have the experience, you can learn the most going through those things that you don't understand.
He has made a point of making himself the project instead of having to pick only one thing to focus on and do! (Amen!)
Maintain a belief that the world is good & perfect even when it doesn't make sense in its imperfections.
Following ones own will is the only way to be successful.
Keep being vulnerable and crushing your ego!
Do the most riskiest most crazy things the ones that are the least reasonable or safe.
Look at your life like a movie you are the main character and creating the the script the more outlandish the better. (makes for a more interesting movie!)
Don't think of anything as failing think everything that happens as meant to be.
We are not here to doubt others just be on your own path.

And finally how wierd was this he and I had the same vocal coach Melissa Cross - the universe is so cool!

OK after all that wisdom, CMJ is after all a Music Festival and finally we did go see some bands last night! Our pick of the day was an awesome duo Buke & Gass from right here in Brooklyn -- this girl and guy had it going on -- sounding like a full band with two guitars, a whole bunch of pedals, bells on there feet and kick drum with a tamborine! Genre was difficult to pinpoint kind of an eclectic ambient pscyhedelic rock, with cool odd time signatures alternatively melodic and dissonant. Check them out! http://www.myspace.com/bukeandgass

Till tomorrow, when Miss Collette reports on musical highlights and other nonsense from tonight!
Gail Silverman
GRGR Founder/CEO

GRGR Alum Edible Red Hits It Big on MTV.com!

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:05:00 +0000

Outkast’s famous single “Hey Ya” was released in 2003 and made its way to the top of the charts shortly after. The popularity of the song is still around and lyrics like “Shake it like a Polaroid picture” are still sung over and over by the fans of today’s generation. Well what we know of “Hey Ya” has been forever changed. One of GRGR’s own alumni, edibleRed has made their way onto MTV’s Buzzworthy Blog with their remake of the “Hey Ya”. The Band re-vamped the 1964 Ed Sullivan Show inspired video and broke it down to show the sadness that the original video was missing. edibleRed did an amazing job in capturing the real essence of what the writers, Big Boi and Andre 3000,were talking about.

GRGR is very proud of edibleRed’s success with “Hey Ya” and would like to congratulate them on all their hard work. It really paid off and they deserved it especially the awesomely talented and hard working lead singer Collette McLafferty! Make sure to check out the video at http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/tag/outkast/.

Peace and Love,

Daniella

Props to Jasmine Solano

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:32:00 +0000

I hope all is well with you guys. School is going for me, but now I'm ready for some GRGR action.

Girls Rock Girls Rule is known for giving mucho props to women in rock & roll. These women deserve full respect for their contribution to music. Yet, today we're going to step out of this awesome genre for just a second and give kudos to hip hip DJ Jasmine Solano.

Just like many of our rockers, this chick keeps it real. Her song "That's Not it" is pleasure to the ears. Solano vibes about the pleasure that she's not getting from a guy and about the wack game that he's trying to pull on her. The beat is real slow, but is perfect to just chill to when strolling around the city with friends.

"Coco Puff" has a slow beat to it too but has a more energizing feel. Her seductive voice flows well with the steady beat. Her lyrics demand for attention. "It's electric punanny to you." Her sound is more relaxed than loud, but the listener would know what she wants. The passion doesn't echo through the ears; it can be felt.

Solano is opening for the Clipse on Oct. 22 with Myspace Music in NYC. This upcoming artist does well with getting her message out as many of our rockers do. She has truly made a name for herself in the hip hop game and is kicking ass for women in music. Keep doing your thing Solano. Until next time rockers =). Peace.

-Tiffany

Paramore-Brand New Eyes

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:49:00 +0000

Hello Hello!

Miss me? I'll tell you what I missed, a new album from Paramore. Luckily the Hailey Williams and the boys just currently released their newest album, Brand New Eyes.

"Ignorance" is the recent single off the album and it's already making some noise. Despite rumors of the group breaking up, Paramore continues to put in their hard work and raw talent towards their third album.

With strong instrumentals and vocals, each track showcases that the punk pop band isn't any where close of peaking. Williams' spunky voice and strong lyrics shines through all the songs, including the last track power ballad, "All I Wanted".

My personal favorite tracks include "Brick By Boring Brick", "Turn It Off" and "Playing God".
"Misguided Ghosts" is an acoustic melodic track featuring the softer side of the band. There are no other words to describe it better than beautifully simple and delicate.

To hear other tracks off of Brand New Eyes go to Paramore.net. Be sure to grab their CD in stores!

-Ang xo

Spread The Rumor: Native Staten Island Band

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:30:00 +0000

Hilary, Sabrina, KT, Val and Pete of Spread The Rumor are giving the “Forgotten Borough” a reason to be remembered. The girls (and boy) are taking Staten Island by storm. They are young but they know how to rock.
Thankfully I was able to have a chat with them.

How did “Spread The Rumor” start?

Val: STR started my freshman year in high school. Hilary and I were walking across the street and she almost got hit by a school bus. That got us talking about band names and eventually led to the fact that I played bass and Hilary played keyboard. We decided to start a band.

KT: Hilary and Val found me at our friend's house, then Val found Pete on the bus, and we kidnapped Sabrina. We have been a full band for a year in October.

Well that is a pretty interesting start. So once all members were acquired how did you come up with the name “Spread The Rumor”?

Sabrina: Before we were called “Spread the Rumor”, we were the “Flashlight Refugees”. We all thought we needed to upgrade our name. One of Valerie's favorite bands, Socratic's, CD was called "Spread the Rumors" We thought it was pretty cool.

What is the deal with an album? Is there a Spread The Rumor album on the horizon?

KT: Yes, we're working on our first demo now, and we're writing new songs all the time so we will have a sufficient amount of material when the time for an album comes.

Can’t wait to hear it! Who would you say are your biggest influences?

Val: Blink 182, Ben Folds Five, Green Day, and Motion City Soundtrack.

Sabrina: My biggest influence is Green Day. They're the ones who inspired me to be motivated in learning guitar.

KT: The Beatles, Evanescence

Wow! You have some great motivating you through this. All the artists that you girls listed are amazing performers. What is your favorite part of performing?

Sabrina: When I'm performing in front of people, I just get this feeling, it just feels like I'm doing the right thing in my life; like I'm headed in the right direction for my future. It just feels right. It's an indescribable feeling.

Val: I love positive crowd reaction and making the performance as enjoyable for everyone there as I can. It's a lot of fun.

KT: The whole experience of playing on a stage for a whole bunch of people you may or may not know.

This has been a great little Q&A. Any last words? Anything you want the readers to know?

Sabrina: Hmm. Not really sure. But one thing I do know is that if you ever have doubts in anything you want to pursue, keep thinking positive. I know corny lol.

Val: Ha ha. Never be in a band, it eats all of your time and money. Ha ha ha ha.

Take a trip to Staten Island and check them out!!!

Peace and Love,
Daniella

Kittie's Intense Prowl

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 16:15:00 +0000

Hey GRGR rockers,

I've been gone, but only to pursue my studies upstate at school. I could never forget about the girls at GRGR. While up here, I heard about this metal band called Kittie who'll be playing at the Northern Lights arena in Clifton Park, NY on Oct. 29. I was very pleased to hear that the North Country does embrace women in rock. I just had to check their sound out for myself.

They just had an album come out called "In the Blade" which was released on Sept. 15. Their song "My Plague" evoked a feeling of war. Hell could be felt rumbling under me as I felt the strong bass of the guitar. Their screams were heard like a battle cry as the music battled against their inner demons. It was like they were battling against a plague within themselves. Their song "Cut Throat" was very hardcore. My head was having a seizure with the amount of times I rocked my head to this tune. Rage and desperation could be felt through the intensity of their drums. Their music had me ready and energized for a fight. Too bad I have nothing to fight but a pile of homework waiting for me. Homework, you're going down.

Hopefully, the north country will have more rockin femmes in the near future. Bands like Kittie needs to be heard more often. This awesome music needs to claw its way to all parts of New York. Maybe even the United States. Maybe even the world. Until next time. Peace out.

-Tiffany

Lessons I Learned at Willie Mae Rock Camp

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:53:00 +0000

Hey it's Harlee the teen correspondant again sharing some more of my experience at Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls! In addition to lots of music time WMRC also offers the campers lots of great workshops that run the gamut from songwriting to non musical topics to build self esteem and confidence. One such workshop that I participated in was "Self Care Skill Share". It was about boosting self confidence and some cool tools to do so. First we were told to write down in the third person what we thought a stranger would think and see when they look at us. Next the girls wrote "their story" -- which could be anything from when they were born to the previous days breakfast-- but this time in second person from an objective point of view referring to themselves as "you" because as we learned that day, it's easier to talk about yourself in second person. After we all compared the two lists, finding what was most different and most similar they were told about something called a Crisis List. A Crisis List is where on one side there is numerous feelings and things that put you in a bad place and on the other side is filled with good things to improve your mood. They were told that there are no ends to the lists and more can be added every day and to use the lists when feeling down about self appearance, friendships, or anything. This particular workshop shows how the camp is not only about music but about empowerment and strength as well. More on my WMRC experience in the October issue of the GRGR RockHotsheet! If you haven't already sign up this month and be entered to win a Daisy Rock Guitar!

Renown Rocker Chicks to Grace the Stage at VH1's Divas

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:27:00 +0000

Hey Rockers and Rockettes!
It's been a while. I'm back at school finishing up my SENIOR year. It's been hectic, but I wouldn't turn my back from GRGR even if you paid me.

It seems some of our favorite rockers chicks will be honored at VH1's Divas Live. The star studded night will include appearences from Cyndi Lauper, Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow and Kelly Clarkson. While this is Lauper's third time to Divas, the rest of the ladies are first timers. This year's performance will aired live on September 17 and will be the first one since the Divas 2004 show.

Are there any rock queens you'd like to see in the future? Share your predicitions.

-Ang xoxo

Blame the Patient

noreply@blogger.com (GRGR Editor) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:41:00 +0000

I recently discovered, Blame the Patient a popular new band in New York City. Almost everything about this fresh new band is unmistakably their own including their three choices for T-shirts that have a Casino Gnome drawn by the talented lead singer Sofie Kapur herself. The band consists of brother and sister bassist and singer Anders and Sofie Kapur from New Jersey, drummer Annie Stabenau and guitarists Hunter Lombard and Andrew Leopold from all over the city. Their retro sound is catchier every time you listen to their songs and Sofie’s raw but clear voice is unmistakably distinctive. Not only do they play their own songs like “Subway Song” and “The Wind” but they do an awesome cover of the Pixies cult classic “Where is My Mind.” Recently opening for ACAMP, Blame the Patient is easily on their way to being one of the few good “rock” bands out there. Check out Blame the Patient now at myspace.com/blamethepatient or even become a fan on their Facebook page!

Harlee, GRGR Teen Correspondent