Circa Survive on Fallon

Circa Survive brought their intensity to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and lets just say, every jaw hit the floor!

Rising Artist EXCLUSIVE- ASA RANSOM INTV!

Since the dawn of modern music, artists have been flocking to New York City in droves from other parts of the US and the world to gain attention and make it. Over the past 10 years it seems that every musician from every corner of the world has arrived in New York and settled in Brooklyn all to make a name for themselves. Hell at this point, why not! Brooklyn is a hot bed of new music and has the spotlight on it right now. Yet, instead of just wanting to be labeled another "Brooklyn band," the boys in Asa Ransom arrived from Indiana to New York a few years ago and settled right in Queens. Leaving behind a strict upbringing, their working class families and looking into the unknown abyss of the music world. Asa Ransom has no desire to stop and look back to turn around. Since arriving in New York, Asa Ransom has toured constantly, released two EP's and caught the attention of BBC, Brooklyn Vegan, FEARLESS MUSIC, NME and now the Yuppie. The bands style is infectious dance rock with a dramatic blues edge to it. I had the opportunity to speak with Asa Ransom front man Jacob Bills as we discussed the bands music, acclaim and what happens next. Take a look at my interview with Jacob below.

Where does the name of the band come from?

JB: Sounds.

Off the band your style and sound is so unique, who are some of your influences?

JB: Off the top of a mind:
fela kuti, mahmoud ahmed, ganesh, t.s. eliot, darkness is good, kate bush, intimations of the east and future, steve reich, david bowie, noise and silence, invisible cities, al green, esg, sandinista, oskar schlemmer, strobe light honey, brian eno, afrika bambata, angels and demons at play, sanctuary & naima, lee scratch, linval thompson, kraftwerk, howlin' wolf, ida cox, anne sexton, rabindranath tagore, shostakovich, satyagraha, terry riley, re and not re, tony duquette, anna ahkmatova, gitanjali, les fleurs du mal,

You guys met in College in Indiana, what brought you to New York City?

JB: The Indiana thing is misleading. Three of us met there...but we formed in NYC after individually living in New York for sometime. We all moved here in the pursuit of living our lives. Looking to remove social and creative conventions.

Was there ever a “what if this doesn’t work” moment with the band in NYC? Did that never even cross your minds and you just kept plugging along?

JB: There are fears and doubts in all genuine endeavors, but this is our blood. Insecurities are something to reflect on, get through and find greater perspective from.

Each of you have very strict upbringings in Indiana, what kind of liberation did you have coming to New York? Were your minds completely blown as soon as you arrived?

JB: Again, the Indiana thing is misleading. Two of us grew up in Indiana...and even then it was for only part of their lives. Liberation, or that opening up of ones self, has always been our personal goals. Finding ways to fully extend our creative and emotional selves. To be less cautious of joy, sorrow and the unknown. Finding freedom and breathe in compassion. i think moving to New York is one of many ways to challenge your surroundings in order to further challenge yourself. Choosing to live and exist with disorder as opposed to blocking it out as many try to do. It was often overwhelming.

You did a tour last fall that took you across the country and in a month long residency in LA. Did the change of atmosphere from New York to LA have an impact on you?

JB: It certainly did. LA is much less compact. People are much less cautious, though it can be put on. There is less of a weight of history, it is less critical. It is much more open to the new, though that often waters it down. You can walk out side and pick an orange or avocado on your way to meet a friend. In New York you're lucky to find fruit that carries a scent. LA is thick with physical phenomena that it has been adorned with.

After each show your live performances gain you more fans, you have hit BBC, Fox’s FEARLESS music and been blasted all over the radio. How does this make you feel?

JB: Like there is a lot of work to do. We celebrate our successes, but we all carry the knowledge and the charge that the long journey is always ahead of us.

Do you consider yourself a buzz band?

JB: That is a really strange question. we are five people who have devoted our lives to each other in order to pursue creative and personal growth together. We share everything in our lives and really struggle for each other and for what we're pursuing. a word like buzz band is in another world than we are. It’s not relevant to us because we are a real living and breathing thing. We are always growing and pushing.

Are their plans for a full length debut in the works?

JB: Right now we're writing and working on a new recording. It will most likely be a new ep, but we're digging into volumes of material...so we'll see how it shows it face. Music is a way of life, the album is an art form of it's own. There is so much to learn and pursue.

What is next for Asa Ransom?

JB: Nothing short of everything.

Special thanks to Asa Ransom and Leah Marchesano for the interview!

Yuppie Around the World

As mentioned before, Officially A Yuppie owner and Editor in Chief, Salvatore Bono was selected to be featured in Oasis' forthing record, Time Flies. Sal's words and quotes will be in the liner notes on the record, but also in the ad campain for the album.

Take a look at this one sheet, below, featuring Sal's quote "Oasis was the first band my parents hated and I loved," which was featured in the July issue of MoJo magazine. Be on the look out for other ads featuring Sal as the main quote, and be sure to pick up Time Flies when it arrives on June 14/15.

Worlds Collide!

So original, so fun. Adidas + Star Wars + Beckham/ Beckenbaur /Daft Punk /Noel Gallagher/ Ian Brown / Snoop & others= Genuis

Vampire Weekend on Colbert

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Vampire Weekend - Holiday
http://www.colbertnation.com/
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Fox News

Stephen Colbert has really been stepping up his game with musical guests this season. Here are Vampire Weekend playing the fun summer hit "Holiday," from their latest, Contra.

Quick Spins

Janelle Monae – The Archandroid
By Jared Ziedman***
It is very easy to call Monae’s major label debut ambitious, but the truth is that the word ambitious has transformed itself by musical definition to meaning “well it sounds original, but the album still sucks.” The Archandroid is ambitious, but the ambition is a profound success. In the 70 minute, 18 track concept record, Monae sings about what every major R&B singer sings about…A futuristic society of robots that struggles to transcend their robot class system. Despite the nature of many of the songs, the aim of her lyrics sticks on the first listen. Her single is “Tightrope,” which is about keeping a strong balance in life and never getting “too high or too low.” Ironically enough, this album hits every extreme possible. There are slow songs, there are fast songs, and there are even two instrumental overtures that Monae herself composed. In fact, at first listen, it may almost seem like it is too much. But Monae herself seemed prepared for that. In ever y sit down interview she has done, Monae has urged listeners to take in the entire album in one sitting, articulating that this was designed to be a cinematic experience. If you take her advice, you will be completely hooked by the third listen. In a genre where acts wear their influences on their sleeves, Monae does the same, except she does it better. When it’s all said and done, this album may stand as a testament to the 24 year old Monae, who has a great shot at going down as Bad Boy’s most important discovery since the Notorious BIG.
FINAL GRADE: A+

Far – At Night We Live
The last time this band recorded was in 1998. So much has happened in the world in the past 12 years that it would take forever to write about, since the fall of Far, the members of the band have gone on to perform various tasks within the music industry. Most notable, singer Jonah Matranga became one of the most inspirational voices of the post punk movement with his solo act onelinedrawing to his band Gratitude to writing and recording with acts like Thursday, Deftones, Lupe Fiasco, Fort Minor and many others. Guitarist Shaun Lopez became a producer and owner of a recording studio in California. Yet, for years since the disappearance of Far, a cult like fan base emerged and wanted more. In 2008, 10 years after their break up, Far regrouped and after gigging around, they are back and better than ever. Testing things out on the road to see if a record would be worth it, At Night we Live has been delivered. What as record it is! Worth the 12 year wait, Far fires back and better than ever. A record that is part rebuttal to critics and nay-sayers, part hopeful and like most of Jonah’s work vulnerable and inspirational. In many ways, At Night We Live is a tribute to their long time friend, Deftones bassist Chi Chang who has been in coma after suffering a massive car accident in fall of 2008. At Night We Live is Far’s finest hour and as a fan and critic, I hope the clock continues to tick, because records like this are gift.
FINAL GRADE: A-
Deftones – Diamond Eyes
Some say that you must go through something very traumatic as an artist to create your best work. For Deftones, the absence of Chi Chang on bass and having their brother laid up in a hospital has been all the influence they need to create their best album in a decade. Original recordings for a new Deftones record with Chi were put on hold after his accident. The album, which was to be called Eros, was put on hold and the band decided to reemerge and record a new record, Diamond Eyes, now with former Quicksand bassist Sergio Vega. The last time Deftones were this good, rap-metal as massive and the music world was upside down, then they delivered White Pony. White Pony was completely fresh, new and something very different. Diamond Eyes does exactly the same and is the White Pony for a new era and decade of these SoCal legends. Rewriting their own book and breathing new life into the band, Deftones have come back a very strong band in the face of adversary and fear and are looking at it dead in the eye and are unwilling to leave.
FINAL GRADE: B+

Stone Temple Pilots
It has always been a long hard road out of hell for Stone Temple Pilots. Since their conception they were written off as a grunge rip-off; singer Scott Weiland has battle addiction since being in the limelight, famous feuds and fights within the band tore them apart and left them and fans hanging with one of the worst albums ever – 2002’s Shangri La-Di-Da. Eight years after all has been said and done, and much like Far, they regrouped in 2008, road tested themselves to see if a reunion and new record would be fesable. Indeed it has, granted Weiland is still not 100% with his addictions, the singer has kicked hard drugs and has now moved to booze and prescription pills, yet it will not stop STP from flying high. The mark they may have missed at the height of their career is ready to be hit. The band’s latest self-titled release is a throwback to classic rock in sound and style, think David Bowie fronting Bad Company. It is a very solid return and a fresh chapter in this band’s rocky career.
FINAL GRADE: B

Foals – Total Life Forever
This five piece English band has been gaining much attention across the pond and is more than ready to make a big splash here in the US. Foals bring a fun funky dance vibe to indie rock and will not stop at making your ass shake across the floor. Total Life Forever is just pure fun and enjoyment and a record that is a must to listen to.
FINAL GRADE: B

The Twees – Lessons to Connect EP
This New York band is ready for you to listen. Heavly influenced by The Strokes and creating sounds in the legendary New York bands backyard, The Twees are pure fun. Their EP Lessions to Connect was released last summer and is now being re-released as a free download with two new songs “Unfair Lession,” and “Hepburn Shades.” This EP and band are ready to make the sounds of your summer.
FINAL GRADE: B-


Peggy Sue- Fossils and Other Phantoms
Cheeky folk rock in the vein of acts like Dresden Dolls and The Pierces, the English duo Peggy Sue brings their charisma on their debut. Fossils and Other Phantoms is a pleasant record that fits in after a long day and someone that needs to unwind. As the band begins to steam roll across the US on a massive tour, Peggy Sue are hoping to grab your attention, Fossils and Other Phantoms is their ticket.
FINAL GRADE: B-

Dead Weather – Sea of Cowards
Call it Horehound part two. Jack White and Co. return after a blitzkrieg recording session this past December. Bringing back the same antics and noise that was on their debut. Nothing too new, other than that Jack White sings a bit more on lead vocals and front woman Alison Mosshart takes a bit of a step back. Sea of Cowards is dirty rock, but nothing groundbreaking.
FINAL GRADE: C+

Sage Francis – Li(f)e
The socially conscious rapper from Providence returns, but not as triumphant as fans would hope. Li(f)e which boats cover art from Shepard Fairly, the street artist who famously made Obama’s “Hope” posters during the Presidents historic campaign, does not resonate as colorful as it should. Sage, who still has much to talk about, falls a bit flat on this one.
FINAL GRADE: C

Keane – Night Train
Here is my advice to Keane – PICK A DAMN SOUND! The English band which emerged in 2004 as a trio with the breathtaking debut, Hopes and Fears, have mananged to change styles on every record and still cannot find anything that sticks. On their sophomore record, Under the Iron Sea, the Coldplay inspired band went on to sound like Achtung Baby era U2. Their third album Perfect Symitry had them sounding like Duran Duran and now Night Train. The band now tries to blend hip-hop and electronica and fails. Keane, I know you are talented lads, I loved your first record, I am not saying to keep making that over and over, but please, find something that fits. None of this is working for you.
FINAL GRADE: D


***Review was written by contributing writer Jared Ziedman. Jared is the Owner and Editor in Chief of sports website, www.takeoverthegame. A site that Officially A Yuppie owner/Editor in Chief Sal Bono contributes to.

Stone Temple Pilots on Letterman

Stone Temple Pilots made their TV return to Letterman at the end of last month to perform "Between the Lines," off their latest self-titled release. Take a look at the boys back in action!

Underrated Classic -Pink Floyd "Piper at the Gates of Dawn"

In many ways I wish I was around when this record arrived in 1967. I question whether I would have enjoyed it as much as I do now, yet, it would be a known fact that after listening to it back then, the whole music world was set to change...forever. The debut of Pink Floyd came with Piper at the Gates of Dawn, the only record which boasted the late Syd Barrett as the leader of the band. Though, Syd may have gone AWOL after the release of Piper, his impact and influence remained through the duration of the band. One of the first psychedelic rock records, unlike most Floyd records that play out like a story, this unfolds as a cosmic trip about outer space, gnomes, forests and fairytales. A drug fueled trip to the unknown, Piper at the Gates of Dawn was an instant classic upon its release and brought Pink Floyd right to the center of the psychedelic movement of the late 1960's. After its release, Barrett departed from the band, which resulted in David Gilmore and Roger Waters in a power struggle for leadership of the band till the very end. Piper at the Gates of Dawn may not be one of the most recognizable records in the Floyd catalogue, but truly one of their finest efforts, a record that was released 40 years ago and light years ahead of its time.

United Nations of Sound

Since the fall of The Verve, Richard Ashcroft has been working very hard at laying his grooves on thick. He has come together with United Nations of Sound and are set to release their debut next week in Europe, though the record will not be available in North America until later in the year, take a look at a taste of what Ashcroft has been making.

Movie of the Month - Death at a Funeral

Leave it up to the Brits to create one of the most hilarious comedies of the last 10 years. The Frank Oz directed Death at a Funeral, not to be confused with this year's Chris Rock American adaptation, arrived with very little fan fair and for those that saw it, needless to say laughed their asses off. When the Patriarch of a upper middle class British family dies, his dysfunctional family and a few surprise guests come together to celebrate his life, his loves and discover a few skeletons in his closet. As far fetched as things may get at this particular funeral it never looses the pace of humor and story. A very funny film that features a slew of great British actors such as Matthew Macfadyen, Ewen Bremner, Keeley Hawes, Andy Nyman and others. Death at a Funeral is a must see for any mood you are in.