Yearly Archives: 2011

artists, cast members, music

The Script Interview-In Concert Fillmore Miami Oct.7th

Leave a comment
By Ben Pawliger, Alex Goldstein, Jake Wasserman, and Jeremy Freiman
Over the past few years, there hasn’t been a day where we haven’t heard Ireland’s The Script continually repeating songs like “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved”, “Breakeven”, and “For the First Time.”  We talked to members of this world renowned band and asked them a few questions about what it was like to be in their shoes and some information about the band.
These include where the name, The Script came from. Script guitarist Mark Sheehan said that the name The Script was a common used phrase used by the band while they were forming. Also he said that the name describes the stories and themes about their music. When asked their favorite song that they said that they had no favorite because every song was “their baby.” The band members described touring as a great experience. Some of their favorite places to perform were New York, Los Angeles, Australia and Asia. When asked about their fan’s reaction to their new album, “Science and Faith”, the band said they were surprised by the reaction of their fans and how positive it was.
The Script’s process of writing music is unordinary, creating the beat before the lyrics. Another unordinary trait about the band is their random game that they play, Inappropriate Frisbee. The In this game, the band members randomly throw a Frisbee at each other in inappropriate places, such as libraries, elevators, and more. A final different thing that The Script does than others is their pre-concert ritual. Before every concert the band members  shake hands and look in each other’s eyes for 30 second and say, “Have a great show,” and say “Can’t Break the Chain.”

Writing their Own Script

By keeping their music honest, Irish band The Script rises in fame and popularity

by Moira Fennell Suncoast High School

When The Script’s Glen Powers met Mark Sheehan, who then introduced him to Danny O’Donoghue, the three men never thought that they would one day become a band.

“We just had a jam and then the band just kind of formed around us before we could even see it coming,” Glen said.

But even after they officially formed the band, they never imagined that they would become as popular as they have in recent months.

Now that they have traveled the world to play for millions of fans, they feel like it’s accurate to attribute their success to their honesty in their music. The men of The Script bare their emotions through their music, which, Mark and Glen agree, is what keeps their music “real” and gives it “depth”, setting their music apart from that of other bands and artists.

“Honesty involves wearing your heart on your sleeve, and we had to make that decision to expose ourselves which, especially as guys, was very difficult,” Mark said.

Once they made that decision though, there was no turning back. But without that decision, their music wouldn’t be the “healing process” that it is for them.

“We try not to think about anyone else when we’re writing music,” Mark said.

Instead, they let their emotions flow through them and allow their songs to start from whatever instrument it was meant to be born from. Using their bodies as “human barometers”, they test for a hair-raising moment the first time they play each new song. In this way, The Script is able to take control of their music so that they can use it to tell their stories. And by doing this, they are dominating the music industry.

cast members, lifestyle, youth media

PREVIEW: Best of Backpack and Messenger Gear

Leave a comment

And the winners are..………

After close scrutiny and durability testing by a team of experts, and yes 10 years of school carrying stuff makes you an expert,  we have declared some winners in each category.

As different schools and different  dudes have different requirements, there is not a “one size fits all” solution to what to buy and what to carry.  Commuters need one thing and on campus housing might need another.  Still,  we were about to narrow down the field to just a select chosen few.

BEST COMMUTER BACKPACK  (Lighter weight division)

“The Smart Alec” by Tom Bihn-Seattle .

This bag is light weight but sturdy .

The Smart Alec has two long pockets on either side of the bag that zip open and close with splash-proof zipper. One of the side pockets has an expanding water bottle pocket .The other side pocket has two pen slots and a wallet/PDA sized pocket, and can also fit other items such as a paperback book, notebook, scarf, or other smaller accessories.

The comfortable shoulder straps on the Smart Alec are made from 3/8″ padding that offers serious comfort without bulk.  This worked great for Ben who is 6’5″ tall.

 

MOST AWESOME LARGER SIZE ( longer) BACKPACK

“The Babylon Backpack” by  Wheelmen & Co.

 

 

One of the greatest features of this backpack is that it sits a little narrower and longer than the traditional size backpack.  We found this bag doesn’t interfere with standing  in line at airports as it doesn’t sit “out” as far on the sides .  The quality is amazing with leather trim and a waxed cotton outside shell.     This bag was Max’s choice for the perfect backpack.

 

BEST ACCESSORIES TOM BIHN-SEATTLE

Vertical Sleeve for papers and folders

Vertical Freudian SlipThe Freudian Slip slides inside the Smart Alec and features four slots of files and folders on one side, and organizer pockets for cables, small electronics, business cards, pens, and more on the other side. Best of all, you can pull the Freudian Slip out of the Smart Alec and hang it nearby your desk, giving yourself easy access to your accessories while keeping them organized.

Organizer Pouches:these simple pouches will add an extra pocket of organization to any bag. The clear window allows you to know what’s inside.  We found that these were especially good for jump drives and SD cards along with cables.

 

FAVORITE MESSENGER BAG-SKOOBA Ipad/Netbook Messenger

Just perfect for our new Macbook Air, the SKOOBA messenger bag is a great size for Ipads,  netbooks, kindles, nooks and smaller size electronics. Compact and light, yet packed with  pockets.

• Holds iPad or other tablet or netbook(up to 10.5″ x 8.5″ x 1.5″), plus power cord and accessories, with room to spare for books or papers and more.

• Over a dozen pockets and compartments in all, hold cords and adapters, compact gadgets and accessories.

If you are able to go without carrying books or large notebooks, this bag is awesome.   It was definitely  our favorite messenger bag of all the ones tested.

 

BEST BIKE COMMUTER BAG-NORTH STREET BACKPACK PANNIERS

 

This small, durable backpack organizes everything you need for the day.  A quick-release flap and pockets inside and out keep everything organized and accessible at a moment’s notice.  Each bag is made from durable water resistant fabric which works well in the unpredictable South Florida weather.  They are made in Portland Oregon where it rains a lot too.  The only downside to this bag is the metal connectors where it attaches to the bike frame.  You wouldn’t want to bang into anyone with them cause they are quite rough on the edges.  Other than that, this bag is a perfect commuter backpack for bike riders.   Check out all the great bags this company makes for bike riders!

 

 

That’s all for the award winners.  Check back in late August for our video feature.

The Crew

music

Indie-Music.com celebrates 15 years on the web!

Leave a comment

Indie-Music.com Celebrates 15 Years on the Web

The “go-to” resource where musicians and key business professionals

survive and thrive in a highly tumultuous industry
Columbus, IN– Music websites have come and gone and only a few remain in such a volatile industry. Now with 15 years going strong, Indie-Music.com is not only a pioneer of Internet music forums, but it has evolved into the most important resource site on the web for musicians and those in the Independent music industry.

 

Since 1996, Indie-Music.com has created a wide variety of options for Independent musicians, industry members and music lovers. Now, in 2011, they have become the top worldwide resource for various music genres, the latest music and music-related news, articles, industry buzz and much more. There are now thousands of subscribers to the twice-monthlyIndie-Music.com Indie News e-newsletter, and by following their key philosophy of understanding the basic needs of each and every visitor, the company has grown into a successful and booming resource in the music industry.

Suzanne Glass, Founder and Editor, started Indie-Music.com as a hobby in 1996. She brought the site to where it is today by maintaining a strong vision, authoring hundreds of articles, and being called upon to serve as a key spokesperson at numerous music industry events such as the Millennium Music Conference and Atlantis. Paul Bultman, Vice President and Audio Director, co-founded the company. Aside from a decade of working in recording studios, he oversees song placement and contributes to the massive day-to-day operations of the site. With years of ambition and dedication, together they are a force to be reckoned with. Indie-Music.com is clearly proof of that.

With a growing number of pages, from only 5 at the very start, Indie-Music.com is on the leading edge of how people surf the Internet. Loading up their ever-expanding database with a collection of everything from Independent bands to up-to-date venue information, it’s never been easier to navigate with only the click of a mouse. They have also begun to compile the first original Independent music industry directory, featuring thousands of artists with streaming audio, prestigious monthly and annual awards, reviews, news, and much more. In addition, the site has recently added CD reviews and artist promotional packages as part of their many options for musicians. The new offerings were based on the demand of Independent artists and their representatives, who know that Indie-Music.com receives an enormous amount of traffic each day.

Continuing to hit all the right chords with artists, media and more, Indie-Music.com is not just a destination on the Internet, but a place where “serious musicians surf.”  Be sure to check them out.

 

artists, cast members, music, youth media

Miami’s Own Cris Cab

Leave a comment

Cris Cab Interview by Rachel Barrick


Cris Cab, a 17 year old singer/musician from Miami, Florida is on the verge of becoming one of the next big artists in the music world. He is an extremely talented young musician with a positive, “it’s all good” attitude toward life and his music. Cris’ inspiration came to him at a very young age, as music always just came naturally to him. Since he was young, he was always surrounded with music, and it became a natural tendency of his to have music play a major role in his life. Music has always been a passion of his, and performing and producing it is all he has ever wanted to do

. Cris’ major influences in music include artists such as Bob Marley and John Mayer, along with more modern, hip-hop artists Jay-Z and Drake. His favorite genre of music is reggae, which can be heard in much of his own original music. Cris’ music is incredibly meaningful, portraying his immense talents and positive ideals, and is the type of music that can most definitely be enjoyed by everyone. Cris writes and produces his own original music, along with recording a few cover albums in order to draw in listeners and expose them to his music. His musical talents, however, are not limited to singing, playing guitar, and producing. Cris, as he put it, plays a “smorgasbord of instruments” as well. Cris’ ultimate goal as an artist is mainly to expose people to good music, and to show them what has given him his love of music and formed his passion for it. In reaching this goal, he hopes that being a musician and performing his music will be a part of his life forever. Cris begins his East Coast tour on June 7th, 2011; the same day on which his debut album, “Foreword” will be released.

Some of Cris’ songs on this album include “Good Girls” and “No Hatred”. Fans can get his music on iTunes, and can listen to it on blogs, and Facebook. Everyone can check out Cris and his music on his website CrisCab.com, his Facebook page, Cris Cab Music, or on Twitter at Cris Cab Music as well.

lifestyle, youth media

Medieval Metal-Cool Hair Accessories that you’ve never seen before

Leave a comment

Rachel got to try out some cool hair accessories from Medieval Metal and we were enthralled by the original designs that this company features. Their metal hair twisters are unlike any hair accessory that you have ever owned. The hair twister wraps around a pony tail or section of hair giving it a sleek finished look. They also makePonytail Wraps, Mini HairTwisters, Hair Hooks, and Charms. We thought they’d be great after the pool or anytime your hair is wet. It totally dresses the ponytail up.