Zoiks! Online - Music. Stand-up. TV. Film. "Funny Name. Seriously Entertaining.": 6/1/11

Scala Covers the Foo Fighters' Everlong In New Video.

Scala & Kolacny Brothers, the all-female Belgian rock choir led by brothers Steven and Stijn who went from internet sensation to international phenomenon, have debuted their sexy, dreamlike new video for their re-imagining of Foo Fighters' "Everlong." The video was directed by Mark Woollen, who famously featured Scala's "brilliantly haunting" (EW) cover of Radiohead's "Creep" in the trailer for The Social Network.

After the release of their self-titled US debut (ATCO Records) and their maiden US tour this spring that included stops at Coachella, SXSW and Conan, Scala's whirlwind year shows no signs of slowing down. The group is currently in the midst of a major European tour and have secured the prestigious midday Sunday slot at the Latitude Festival in Suffolk England in July, a slot previously held by Thom Yorke and Joanna Newsom. They will also debut a PBS special broadcast in August. For more information about the band and their new record, visit ScalaChoir.com.

Keri Hilson Stops By CeeLo Green’s Talking to Strangers Show.

Keri Hilson stopped by CeeLo Green's new show, Talking to Strangers, last night and the two chatted about how Keri manages to balance her professional and personal lives. Keri later treated the audience to a performance of her hit "Pretty Girl Rock" and CeeLo surprised her on stage.

Keri kicks off her tour with Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Lloyd, and Far East Movement on 7/13 in Hartford, CT. For a full list of tour dates and news, check out Keri's official site, Facebook, and Twitter.

Kevin Hammond Debuts Video for Broken Down, Starring Actress Kat Graham.

Up-and-coming solo pop artist Kevin Hammond debuted his video for single "Broken Down" this week, and thanks to its star, Vampire Diaires actress Kat Graham, has already garnered attention from the Huffington Post to Perez Hilton. "Broken Down" is an anthem for anyone in a not-so-perfect relationship, and is the first single from the New York City-based Hammond's forthcoming debut One of a Kind, due out later this summer.

Those in the New York area have a chance to win tickets to see him perform live at an exclusive concert for Z100 listeners at Planet Hollywood Times Square on July 11th. Visit Z100.com to enter and watch Kevin perform an acoustic version of "Broken Down." The track is available now on iTunes - visit IAmKevinHammond.com for all the latest updates.

Teen Sensation Greyson Chance Debuts New Video for 'Unfriend You.'

Internet sensation and pop/rock prodigy Greyson Chance has announced that he will embark on a North American Tour this summer. The 22 date run will kick-off in Chicago on July 3rd and includes headline dates as well as shows with "iCarly" star Miranda Cosgrove (full dates below). Greyson also just premiered the video for his second single, "Unfriend You," on MTV and MTV Hits. The video for the modern-day heartbreak anthem co-stars Ariana Grande from Nickelodeon's hit show Victorious.

Greyson's debut single "Waiting Outside the Lines" was recently the #1 physical single in the country for four straight weeks. Both "Unfriend You" and "Waiting Outside the Lines" will be featured on Greyson's debut album Hold On 'Til the Night, set for release on August 2nd (eleveneleven/Maverick/Streamline/Geffen). His debut EP is currently available on all digital outlets.

Greyson Chance is scheduled to appear live on QVC on Sunday, July 10 at 10 AM (ET) to unveil his new album. During the show he will not only perform a selection of songs from "Hold On 'Til the Night" but also offer fans the opportunity to pre-order the album - which has been specially-packaged with a bonus DVD featuring never-before-seen footage of Chance - nearly a month before it hits stores. The exclusive package with bonus DVD will be available through QVC starting July 9 at QVC.com or 1.800.345.1515.

Greyson recently wrapped a 28-city North American tour with fellow teen pop star Cody Simpson, earning rave reviews. This summer marks Greyson's third major tour, having completed a run with Miranda Cosgrove in the winter. For more information on Greyson and his new tour visit Greyson-Official.com, Facebook.com/GreysonChance and Twitter.com/GreysonChance.

Neo Geo Kicks off Vans Warped Tour Mid-July. - Interview

The band Neo Geo will kick off the Vans Warped Tour on July 16th. The new self-titled album dropped last week and, with it, the band is looking to make some noise. Rainy, Neo Geo’s front woman, stopped by to talk about the new album and subsequent tour.

Q – The name Neo Geo means New Earth. Describe the orientation of the name and why you decided to name the band this.

A - Neo Geo was something special, different and "groundbreaking" in a literal and abstract sense. We wanted to pick a name that encompassed the different influences we have individually as musicians and the original sound we create as a band. Neo Geo was also a game consul, and that complimented the electronic sound of our music. The meaning of New Earth allowed us to create the opportunity for a new future in music captured by the enticing and futuristic vibe we emulate. Therefore it was the perfect name for us in all aspects.

Q – I’ve heard a couple songs. There’s a nice mix of pop and rock. How would you describe Neo Geo’s sound?

A - An electronic rock infused sound with a hint of hip hop infused with passionate lyrics and eerie undertones.

Q - You're a female fronted band. There has been an influx of female fronted bands like Halestorm, The Pretty Reckless and Paramore. What separates Neo Geo from other female fronted bands?

A - I feel that it is my history in music being brought up as a classical singer that broadens my cultural perspective. There's a deeply rooted passion that is not only expressed on the album but as well on stage that makes us truly unique.

Q – The band’s new self-titled album came out 06/21/11. What can fans expect from this album?

A - There is a variety of different songs on the album, and each has its own sound. The album always keeps you on your toes as of what you’re going to get next with each song; there is no room for the mundane. The lyrics and melodies are full of passion and very captivating, and you'll always believe what you’re hearing without a doubt.

Q – Which are your favorite songs to play live and why?

A - My favorite song to play is “THS.” This song is about my father and how he was never in my life. It's a release when I sing this song and I feel so free.

Q – The band is about to start the Vans Warped Tour. How did you get involved with the tour?

A - We played eight dates last year, and then got asked again to play this year for 16 dates. It's been such a great experience to play this tour because you get to play to so many new faces and see so many great bands. This year's Warped Tour is going to be an amazing one! Our debut record is finally released!

Q – Will there be a separate tour for the new album? (We’re near Chicago and Peoria if you ever put together dates.)

A - Yes, there will be a separate tour for the album and that's all in the works; Chicago is definitely a must. ;-) And watch our debut music video of “Can't Catch Me” at www.youtube.com/neogeomusic.

Q – Thank you again for taking the time. Is there anything you wanted to add?

Pick up our debut album on iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/neo-geo/id43563356.

BYLINE:

Jason Tanamor is the Editor of Zoiks! Online. He is also the author of the novels, "Hello Lesbian!" and "Anonymous." Email Jason at jason@zoiksonline.com.

WULI RECORDS to Release New Single, ‘Fallen’, by Lee DeWyze on July 5th, 2011

WuLi Records is set to release a brand new digital single by Lee DeWyze entitled, ‘Fallen’, on July 5th, 2011. WuLi Records founders Louis Svitek and Ryan McGuire produced and performed on the track, and Billie Howard is featured on the violin. Fans can watch a brand new audio single teaser on YouTube. Within the first 15 minutes of posting, the trailer is already creating a huge buzz on YouTube, so make sure to check it out now!

Lee DeWyze has previously released records available for purchase now through WuLi Records. The notable records, Slumberland and So I’m Told, feature producers Ryan McGuire and famed guitarist Louis Svitek. The collaboration is an evocative, haunting mix of multi-instrumental, multi-faceted songs whose artistry draws comparison to Jack Johnson and Chris Martin.

WuLi Records is a full-service record label, independent recording, merchandising, publishing and promotion company. Owners Louis Svitek and Ryan McGuire are dedicated to artist development and final recorded product distribution. WuLi Records owns and operates two studios in the Chicago area, Sviteknolgy Studios and Studio Ten23, and these self-described studio rats know that a first class recording is imperative to creating quality sounds. WuLi Records is known for kick-starting the career of Lee DeWyze by releasing two of his first independent records. WuLi Records is also the current record label for Reform The Resistance, The Redd and The Waking. Label co-owner Louis Svitek is known for his position as guitarist in the groups M.O.D., Ministry, Mind Funk, and more.

The Black Eyed Peas Experience Video Game Coming Soon.

Today, Ubisoft announced the development of The Black Eyed Peas® Experience video game, the second game in the multi-million selling 'Experience' franchise. The new dance game will feature fun dance moves as well as hit songs from The Black Eyed Peas multi-platinum selling albums (Interscope Records). It will be released on the Kinect™ for Microsoft Xbox 360® entertainment system and Wii™ system by Nintendo.

"The Black Eyed Peas are the perfect artists to headline our next Experience game. Their award-winning music, dance moves and artistic style will be combined into a gaming experience that will excite both fans of the group and those who enjoy playing dance titles," said Yves Guillemot, co-founder and chief executive officer of Ubisoft. "The Black Eyed Peas are a worldwide phenomenon and Ubisoft is the worldwide leader in dance games – together we are going to make The Black Eyed Peas Experience a game that fans around the world will love."

Ubisoft's Experience franchise has sold more than three million copies to date by making an artist's universe accessible to fans in an interactive and immersive game. The Black Eyed Peas Experience takes that concept even further, and features a comprehensive selection of The Black Eyed Peas' hit music tracks as well as dance routines arranged by the group's famed creative director and choreographer, Fatima Robinson.

In the Microsoft Xbox 360 version of the game, which Ubisoft is developing in partnership with renowned music game developers iNiS, players will control their on-screen avatar via the Kinect for Microsoft Xbox 360 entertainment system while following the dance moves of 3D avatars, including each of The Black Eyed Peas: apl.de.ap, Fergie, Taboo and will.i.am. The Wii version of The Black Eyed Peas Experience, being developed by Ubisoft Quebec and Ubisoft Paris, will feature game play comparable to Ubisoft's Just Dance titles, where players hold a Wii Remote and follow the moves of the The Black Eyed Peas' on-screen avatars.

"We are thrilled to be working with Ubisoft to create The Black Eyed Peas Experience video game," shared will.i.am, frontman for The Black Eyed Peas. "Ubisoft has both redefined and dominated the dance category in the video game industry and we can't wait to be part of taking that to the next level by infusing an experience that's 100 percent authentic to
The Black Eyed Peas."

For more information about The Black Eyed Peas Experience, please visit the game Web site at: http://blackeyedpeas-experience.ubi.com/black-eyed-peas/

Ryan Tedder Joins Beverly McClellan on 'The Voice.'

On last night's finale of "The Voice," finalist Beverly McClellen took the stage to perform OneRepublic's hit single "Good Life." The rocker from team Christina put her unique spin on the track alongside OneRepublic's lead singer Ryan Tedder.

"Good Life" appears on OneRepublic's album Waking Up which is on sale at iTunes for $7.99 until 7/4. Fans who have previously purchased singles off of the album can use the "Complete My Album" feature to grab the CD for an even lower price.

STAIND UNVEILS ‘STAIND.’

Atlantic recording group Staind has announced details of their hugely anticipated new album. "STAIND" – which marks the iconic hard rock band's seventh studio album and first full-length release in three years – arrives in stores and at all digital retailers on September 13th.

Produced by Johnny K – known for his work with 3 Doors Down, Disturbed, and Sevendust, not to mention his Grammy Award-nominated collaboration with Staind, 2008's "THE ILLUSION OF PROGRESS" – and mixed by the legendary Chris Lord-Alge, "STAIND" stands as Staind's most intense and powerful work to date. The album is heralded by the new song, "Eyes Wide Open," which premieres today at www.staind.com. "Not Again," the first official single from "STAIND," will then impact multi-format rock radio outlets nationwide in mid-July.

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Aaron Lewis recent described "STAIND" as "the heaviest thing we have recorded in a long time. It's definitely one of the heaviest collections of songs that we have put together."

"It's completely different than the last record," agrees guitarist Mike Mushok. "It's more of a throwback to where we came from. I definitely think it's fresh. It's a modern-sounding version of a heavy Staind record. It's pretty cool."

"STAIND" has already earned advance acclaim from ARTISTDirect, which hailed the album as a "timeless masterpiece," praising Lewis' vocals for "reach(ing) heights that only legends can touch."

In other news, Staind will perform at KROQ's annual rock festival, Epicenter 2011, slated for September 24th at Irvine, California's Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. For up-to-the-minute details, please see www.staind.com/events.

Staind's decade-plus career has seen worldwide album sales in excess of 13 million and five #1 singles spanning three different radio formats. With honest, heartfelt lyrics, resounding guitar chords, and Aaron Lewis' unmistakable voice, the New England-based band leapt to the forefront of American alternative metal with 2001's hugely popular Flip/Elektra third album, "BREAK THE CYCLE." Fueled by the hit singles, "Outside" and "It's Been Awhile," the album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, ultimately going on to five-times RIAA platinum certification and worldwide sales of 7 million.

2003's "14 SHADES OF GRAY" saw Staind continuing to dominate rock radio, spawning the mainstream rock hits, "Price To Play" and "So Far Away" and earning RIAA platinum certification. Released two years later, "CHAPTER V" entered the Billboard 200 at #1 – Staind's third consecutive platinum-certified, chart-topping debut. In 2008, "THE ILLUSION OF PROGRESS" made a top 3 debut on the Billboard 200 driven by the #1 alternative rock song, "Believe."

In addition to his continuing work with Staind, singer Aaron Lewis is a fervent road warrior, performing solo acoustic shows featuring both classic Staind songs like "It's Been Awhile" and "Right Here" and songs from his solo EP "Town Line," which debuted at in the #1 slot on the Billboard country chart, and #7 on the Billboard 200. "Town Line" also earned him two CMT video nominations, one for the lead single "Country Boy," the video for which currently has 10 million views on CMT.com and YouTube alone.

For additional news and information, please visit www.staind.com.

READ MORE - STAIND UNVEILS ‘STAIND.’

GRAMMY-NOMINATED RECORDING ARTISTS MUTEMATH TO RELEASE BRAND NEW ALBUM, ‘ODD SOUL.’

New Orleans' rock innovators MUTEMATH have announced that they will release their third album for Teleprompt/Warner Bros. Records, entitled, Odd Soul, on October 4th, 2011. The album, which was produced by the band, is the follow-up to 2009's Armistice, which debuted at No. 3 on Billboard's Digital Albums and Alternative Albums chart, No. 4 on the Rock chart, and No. 18 on the Top 200 album chart, and was called a "must-have album" by the New York Post.

Odd Soul came together over the course of six months, during which the members of MUTEMATH - Paul Meany (vocals/keyboards), Roy Mitchell-Cardenas (bass/guitar), and Darren King (drums) - locked themselves down at Meany's home studio in New Orleans and didn't emerge until they were ready to play it for others. "The idea of complete isolation was the only thing that appealed to us. No camera guys, no producers, no engineers, no record label people, no management. No one would hear or comment on what we were doing until we were done," Meany says. "We didn't want to make blurry music. We set out to record something that was unapologetically us."

Fans will get a first taste of Odd Soul when MUTEMATH introduce their songs during two very special shows in August. The band will perform at the Troubadour in Los Angeles on August 16th and at the Mercury Lounge in New York City on August 25th. Tickets will be available on a first-come, first served basis beginning July 5th. Stay tuned to MUTEMATH's official website, www.mutemath.com for ticket links and details, and while there check out Darren and Roy on the drums and bass. You can also watch the teaser video here: http://wbr.fm/MMDplusB.

Since releasing their first EP in late 2004, MUTEMATH's inherent nature has challenged limitations and expanded parameters. By the time they released their 2006 self-titled debut, their blending of adverse genres into its own innovative sonically adventurous creation earned them a reputation as one of modern music's most daring young groups. By 2007, they would find themselves nominated for a Grammy (for "Best Short Form Music Video" for their single "Typical") and declared "the #1 band you need to see live before you die" by Alternative Press. Their stellar live show was captured in a 2009 live CD/DVD, entitled Armistice Live, which features explosive concert footage, a "Making of Armistice" documentary, previously unreleased studio vlogs, and bonus copies of MUTEMATH's popular short-form music videos, including the never-released "Control" video.

For info, videos and photos of MUTEMATH, please visit www.mutemath.com.

Fleetwood Mac’s Lindsey Buckingham New Single “Seeds We Sow” Download

Check out the new single of Lindsey Buckingham’s sixth solo album “Seeds We Sow” right here.

About Lindsey Buckingham and the “Seeds We Sow.”
Legendary guitarist, singer/songwriter, Grammy winner, producer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Lindsey Buckingham will release his sixth solo album, Seeds We Sow, on September 6, 2011. This album is Buckingham’s first self-release, in which he took a true DIY approach, not only writing and performing every song on the record but producing and mixing them as well. Buckingham also announced a 31-city North American tour in support of the album which kicks off on September 9 in Nevada and continues through October 25 in Napa, CA (full routing below). Tickets go on sale in select cities beginning June 16, check your local venue for ticket purchase and on-sale info.

Speaking on Seeds We Sow, Buckingham says, “This might be the best work I’ve ever done. I think it’s an excellent representation of what I do. It shows a certain maturity and musicianship and I just feel like I have a lot of tools in my musical vocabulary from which to draw that are again the product of the choices I’ve made. It’s on my own terms. This is very much from the inside out and I hope I never stop doing that.”

From the album’s first single “In Our Own Time,” to the soft melodic pop/rock tinge of “End of Time” and the album’s most rocking track, “One Take,” to the touching “When She Comes Down” and the almost lullaby-esque hushed tones of the gorgeous closing number, “She Smiles Sweetly,” the album showcases Buckingham’s full arsenal of skills. Just as his guitar style on Seeds We Sow is more mature and refined, so too are his lyrics, with one of the standout tracks being the hook-laden “Illumination.” “I think the lyrics over the years have actually gotten better because they’ve gotten a little, I don’t want to say obscure, but more poetic in the way they’re created,” he says, adding, “It’s a mysterious process even to me.”

BYLINE:

Bob Zerull is the Managing Editor of Zoiks! Online. He writes pop culture commentary, does interviews with bands, and reviews music and stand-up concerts. He also administers Zoiks! Online's Facebook page. Follow Bob on twitter at bzerull. Email Bob at bob@zoiksonline.com.

Cali Swag District Unveil Tracklisting For 'The Kickback.'

Inglewood's Cali Swag District have just unveiled the tracklisting for their forthcoming album, The Kickback, which drops online and in-stores on July 12th. The album will be released through Sphinx Music Entertainment and 319 Music Group. The hip-hop trio will also treat fans with a free download of an exclusive track with the purchase of The Kickback at all FYE Stores.

The album's first single "Teach Me How To Dougie" has enjoyed massive success but the emcee's don't plan on stopping there. Group member Smoove states, "Going 2x platinum with the 'Dougie' is of course the highlight of our career thus far and we appreciate all the love from our fans. We're excited to keep the Cali Swag party going with our new single "Burn Out."

For more information visit Caliswagmusic.com and pre-order CSD's new single, "Burn Out (Drive Fast)," now on iTunes!

The tracklisting for The Kickback is as follows:

1. Roof Back 
2. Disgusting 
3. Kickback 
4. Burn Out (Drive Fast) 
5. Me & U (feat Recognition)
6. I'm Freaking You (feat YP Da'Writa)
7. Hip Hop Fiend
8. Rock N Republic 
9. 9th Inning
10. I Don't Need Your Money 
11. Back It Up and Dump It 
12. Run That 
13. Can't Live Without My Music (feat Ashley A) 
14. Teach Me How To Dougie 
15. Go

Chiddy Bang Premieres New Single 'Mind Your Manners' Off Full Length Debut 'Breakfast.'

Genre bending, electro-hip hop duo Chiddy Bang, comprised of rapper Chidera "Chiddy" Anamege and producer Noah "Xaphoon Jones" Bersin, have premiered their new single "Mind Your Manners." "Mind Your Manners," the first single from the group's eagerly anticipated debut album, Breakfast, will be available on iTunes July 17th with the full length album dropping in-stores and online July 19th.

Swiftly becoming one of the most buzzed about duos, Chiddy Bang's music continues to earn positive press and secure several hundred thousand downloads, thanks to a flair for songwriting and creative production and use of unexpected samples, as evidenced with "Mind Your Manners", an infectious party jam, produced by Xaphoon Jones and featuring samples from Swedish indie pop duo Iconapop.

The high energy song was first performed for a live audience after Chiddy Bang broke not one but two Guinness Book of World Records. On April 29th, while live streamed during MTV's Online Music Awards, Chiddy Bang member Chidera "Chiddy" Anamege set the Guinness World Records title for the Longest Freestyle Rap while also simultaneously breaking the Longest Marathon Rapping record. The young MC, utilizing suggested topics tweeted in by fans across the globe, rapped continuously for 9 hours, 18 minutes and 22 seconds, never breaking for more than three seconds, in order to break the previous record held by M-80. The OMA stream during Chiddy's record breaking attempt ultimately became the most watched live stream in MTV.com history, surpassing VMA and MTV Movie Award coverage.

Immediately upon conclusion of the record breaking attempt, while still being streamed live on MTV, Chiddy joined Xaphoon on stage in front of a crowd of several thousand for a blistering performance of "Mind Your Manners", making it not only the first time that fans had ever heard the single, but also the first time in which the single had ever been broadcast live.

Chiddy Bang, who recently performed at Bonnaroo as well as on the main stage of Bamboozle alongside Lil Wayne as well as the rap stage alongside Big Sean and XV, will perform at several international festivals this summer including Wakestock and V Festival before they gear up for a Headline run with Cool Kids in September.

For up to date information on the upcoming album, tours and club appearances visit the group's official Facebook page and website.

The Band of Heathens – “Top Hat Crown & The Clapmaster’s Son” – Review & Video

You’ve gotta love a band that embraces their influences and doesn’t try to be something they aren’t. They play southern rootsy rock music. You could compare them to Tom Petty, The Grateful Dead, Leon Russell, The Eagles and most obviously the Black Crowes. In fact if you’re a fan of any of the artists mentioned above I recommend that you pick up The Band of Heathens latest effort “Top Hat Crown & The Clapmaster’s Son.”

The album kicks off with a slow bluesy rocker called “Medicine Man.” The Band of Heathen’s is a band that takes their time and “Medicine Man” is the perfect example of this. Their playing is relaxed. They are an example of less being more. Sometimes the “less” in that expression can be taken as a lack of talent, but that is not the case here. The boys in the Heathen’s are phenomenal musicians; they’re not forcing anything. If a certain moment in a song doesn’t need a drum fill or a quick guitar lead, they don’t force it they leave it as is.

“Should Have Known Better” is one of the highlights of the album. It’s up beat, great vocals, catchy acoustic guitar and a bass line that really carries the song. If the Band of Heathen’s were playing in some small bar and you were walking by outside and they were playing this song, you’d probably stop in and check them out.

The best thing about The Band of Heathens, is that they play the type of music that just kicks ass live. Have you ever seen The Black Crowes, Gov’t Mule or The Steep Water Band live? If you have, odds are you loved them. I’ve never seen The Band of Heathens live, but just based on their sound I can tell they are a solid live band. If you’re into this style of music I highly recommend “Top Hat Crown & The Clapmaster’s Son.” If you’re not into this style of music, then why are you even reading this?

Check out an acoustic performance of "Should Have Known Better" from The Bonnarro Festival

BYLINE:

Song Premiere from Wallpaper.

Peep the first leak of the infectious track "Shotgun" from Wallpaper's upcoming #STUPiDFACEDD EP, due out July 26th via Boardwalk Records and HYPE MUSIC.

Fans can also check out a new teaser video called "Chocolate Covered Pretzel" where Wallpaper reveals another track from the EP.

The #STUPiDFACEDD EP will feature eight new original songs including the single, and title track, "#STUPiDFACEDD," as well as songs featuring Bay Area rap legend Too Short, and buzzing up-and-comer K. Flay.

For more news and updates on Wallpaper check out his official site, Facebook, and Twitter.

Lara Johnston Lands Summer Tour Opening For The Doobie Bros.

Bay Area native Lara Johnston is clearly on the rise with her powerful voice and fiery, captivating stage presence. Touring tirelessly, Lara Johnston has performed in the United States, Europe and Canada as she has shared the stage with Michael McDonald, Bonnie Raitt, Steve Miller, Neil Patrick Harris, E.G. Daily, Sam Harris and Tisha Campbell-Martin.

She has performed as the opening act for Willie Nelson, KISS, Tower of Power, Heart, Sammy Hagar, Huey Lewis, Pablo Cruise, Journey and Cheap Trick. She also won 3rd place in the prestigious BMI Foundation John Lennon Scholarship Competition. Not many 21 year olds can attract the attention of some of the most powerful names in music as Lara has.

What makes her so captivating, aside from her beauty, is the powerful voice that comes from within her. Lara writes her own songs (sometimes collaborating with her favorite writers from Nashville to Los Angeles) and performs them effortlessly with a range of influences including Pop, Funk, Gospel, Rock, Jazz and Blues. Perhaps her favorite is Soul music. She was inspired at a young age by Aretha Franklin. She has truly achieved her aspiration and inspiration; to channel Aretha’s powerful, emotional and heartfelt story telling, making Lara the extraordinary artist that she has become.

Lara and her band will be performing songs from her upcoming 12 song album scheduled for release later this year. As part of the tour promotion and in an on-going effort to thank her fans for their support, she will be giving away a free download to all concert goers and will be autographing her January 2010 5-song EP at the merchandise table after her performances.

Visit her at http://www.larajohnston.com/.

BYLINE:

Jason Tanamor is the Editor of Zoiks! Online. He is also the author of the novels, "Hello Lesbian!" and "Anonymous." Email Jason at jason@zoiksonline.com.

Radiation City Debut LP “The Hands That Take You” – Download Available

Download First Single "The Color of Industry"

Portland-based dream-pop outfit Radiation City are proud to announce their debut album, The Hands That Take You, set for a September 27th release with Tender Loving Empire (Typhoon, Loch Lomond).

Founding members Cameron Spies and Lizzy Ellison first put their heads together when they founded DIY cassette tape label, Apes Tapes, among a wellspring of other projects. Running a record label put the duo in a position of musical saturation, and after participating in multiple bands and side-projects, they decided to sit down and do it right. The Hands That Take You, first surfaced in February 2011 on Apes Tapes, and after only a few live performances, the band was being lauded as "one of Portland's more polished and promising young acts...(Willamette Week)." Following the local and national attention they've received from these recordings, they've now signed with Tender Loving Empire to release the album nationally on CD and vinyl.

Influenced by 60's bossa nova and Chicago jazz, their version of this classical sound developed dynamically with the addition of irresistible pop vocal hooks and their minimal electronics that implement rhythm but leave plenty of space. Ellison leads both vocally and with the driving warmth of her Wurlitzer. Spies' telecaster and vocal harmonies accompany Ellison's hooks, rounded out by bassist Matt Rafferty and drummer Randy Bemrose. Radiation City is preparing for an extensive national tour starting in August in support of The Hands That Take You. Dates to be announced shortly.

Upcoming Tour Dates

June 30 - Seattle, WA- Hi-Dive
July 14 - Portland, OR- Holocene "Into The Woods Quarterly"
July 24 - Portland, OR- PDX POP NOW!
July 29 - Portland, OR- Doug Fir w/ Tu Fawning
Sept 24 - Portland, OR- Doug Fir (CD Release Show)

The Hands That Take You Track Listing

1. Babies
2. The Color of Industry
3. The Things You Tell Us
4. Summer Is Not An Act 1
5. Wading
6. Salsaness
7. Park
8. Mammals
9. Phantom Lady
10. Construction
11. Summer Is Not An Act 2

Kristen Carney’s Lazy Eye Brought Her Straight Into Stand-up. – Interview

Kristen Carney is a very funny stand-up comic and writer whose blog on social etiquette touches on people’s bad behavior. She’s also one of the wordiest people I know. And that’s why I like her. Hopefully you will too. She recently stopped by to talk about stand-up, her blog and her now corrected lazy eye.

Q – Real quick, how did you get involved in stand-up comedy?

A - I was born with a lazy eye and although I got the eye fixed when I was pretty young, the emotional damage had been done and I had no choice but to pursue comedy. So, you see, my eye has never pointed me in the right direction.

Q – Describe your act for those not hip to Kristen Carney.

A - I'm fascinated with the mundane. But, I'm also a little bit of an asshole. So, combine the two and “Wham!” My comedy.

Q – Back in the day, there were only a few female comedians. It wasn’t until the 80’s that comics like Roseanne, Ellen and Whoopi came onto the scene. Now there are a lot of female comedians. Why do you think more women have entered the comedy scene? Opportunity? Talent? Acceptance?

A - Perhaps there has just been an influx of bad parenting? If that's not it, I'd have to say, it's that expectations on what women should do and what they should be has consistently been receding. I think there is a lot more acceptance and opportunity today but talent has always been there, it just hasn't always been used.

Q – Do you think women have a disadvantage over men in stand-up?

A - If you want to be a woman doing comedy somewhere like Kalamazoo or Des Moines (or just being a woman there in general) you'd be at a disadvantage. But, in larger markets like Los Angeles and New York City, women are accepted. Sometimes, tourists catching a show in LA or NY may take a few extra minutes to understand a female comic (and, just understand in general) but that doesn't affect a woman comic, it can't. For the most part, I think a lot of us women go about doing comedy not as women but as comedians.

Q – Years ago there were only a few outlets for comedy – late night TV shows. Now there’s YouTube, Facebook, cable channels, etc. Do you think stand-up comedy is over saturated?

A - I don't necessarily think stand-up is as over saturated as comedy itself is. There are sketches, comedic webisodes, sardonic newscasts, blooper videos, videos making fun of blooper videos... I could go on... I will admit that I'm glad so many people have the desire to express their sense of humor and I'm happy they have a platform to share it. However, I wouldn't recommend watching all of it. It's important to find online spots you trust to weed through all the clutter to deliver you the best comedy there is out there.

Q – You also write a blog on Social Etiquette at http://www.sweatthesmallstuffwithkristen.com/. How did this idea come about and what qualifies you to be an expert in social etiquette?

A - My blog was originally called, "I'm Kristen Carney and I'm Pissed" but that didn't really go over well at family reunions so I came up with a classier name that also happens to be a better representation of the content. I started the blog because I really enjoy pouring over the mundane minutiae of everyday life. But, most friends I have don't love pontificating as much as I do, so I wanted a place to start a conversation about all the ways people's behavior is ridiculous. Anyone with common sense, courtesy and some insight into society could earn themselves a Master's Degree in Social Etiquette. However, I've earned the Doctorate because I've been passionate about it since I can remember.

Q – A lot of my friends are comedians who have worked the club scene for years. Do touring and working clubs ever get exhausting? What do you do to relieve the wear and tear of the stand-up process?

A - Stand-up is emotionally exhausting so to let it all go, I sit with my cat and watch “48 Hours” re-runs. For some reason, other people's tragedies relax me. I also like to escape to the movies because I find fictional tragedies relax me, as well.

Q – If you weren’t doing stand-up, what would you be doing for a living?

A - I'd probably be in an office somewhere, watching stand-up comedy from my desk while weeping with a doughnut in one hand and a mechanical pencil in the other yelling at the computer, "I've thought of that joke before her!" Wait, not too different from what I'm doing now.

Visit Kristen at: http://www.sweatthesmallstuffwithkristen.com/. Follow her on Twitter at: Twitter.com/KristenCarney.

BYLINE:

Jason Tanamor is the Editor of Zoiks! Online. He is also the author of the novels, "Hello Lesbian!" and "Anonymous." Email Jason at jason@zoiksonline.com.

UNIVERSAL REPUBLIC ANNOUNCES DELUXE EDITION RELEASE OF VOLBEAT’S “BEYOND HELL / ABOVE HEAVEN” JULY 26TH

Universal Republic Records has announced a July 26 street date for the deluxe edition release of Volbeat’s Beyond Hell / Above Heaven. The title will feature the original album, with a new DVD titled Return To Tilburg. Songs captured from the performance on February 24, 2010 include “A Warrior’s Call,” “Mary Ann’s Place,” “Sad Man’s Tongue,” Hallelujah Goat,” “Angelfuck,” “Another Day, Another Way,” and the fan favorite “Still Counting.” The title alludes to a prior performance in Tilburg, Holland at the 013 venue on November 29, 2009 that was rescheduled following singer Michael Poulsen passing out on stage roughly thirty minutes in to Volbeat’s set from illness.

Volbeat will return to North America for a Summer tour that takes the band coast to coast, and in to Canada for multiple dates. Following a near sold-out run in March and April of this year, the Danish metal band continues to sell-out larger venues with each tour of North America. For all U.S. dates, Cold will be on the run as direct support. Singer Michael Poulsen shared, “Cold has been making music we've enjoyed for years. Volbeat is glad they were available to join us for this tour of the U.S.” Cold’s singer Scooter Ward echoed these sentiments offering, “Volbeat is a great band with great fans, and Cold is really looking forward to the upcoming tour".

The quartet’s recent release BEYOND HELL / ABOVE HEAVEN has now sold in excess of 300,000 copies worldwide. Overseas, the album debuted at number one on the sales charts in Denmark, Finland and Sweden, and Top 10 in a half dozen additional countries. For the first time in the U.S., Volbeat is currently riding a national hit at commercial radio. The song “Fallen” is now Top 10 on the Active Rock Chart, and 15 at Mainstream Rock. Volbeat is Michael Poulsen (Vocals / Guitar), Anders Kjølholm (Bass), Jon Larsen (Drums) and Thomas Bredahl (Guitar).

Jacksonville, FL rock powerhouse Cold is set to release their new album Superfiction on July 19 on Eleven Seven Music. Combining vivid, vibrant storytelling with elegantly heavy hard rock, on Superfiction Cold preserve the alluring darkness that made them a rock mainstay, while honing their approach into an intricate, introspective, and inspirational style. “Wicked World,” the first radio single from the upcoming album, is currently climbing up the Active Rock radio chart.

The tour will begin in Toronto, Ontario on July 24th at the Heavy T.O. Festival 2011, and conclude with a two-night stand on September 3 & 4 at the House of Blues Anaheim. Cold will be direct support on all U.S. dates, but not in Canada. The itinerary includes appearances in:

7/24 Toronto, Ontario Metal TO
7/25 Buffalo, NY Town Ballroom
7/26 Cincinnati, OH Bogarts
7/28 Ft. Wayne, IN Piere’s
7/29 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
7/30 Madison, WI WJJO Bandcamp
7/31 St. Louis, MO The Pagent
8/02 Austin, TX Emo’s
8/03 New Orleans, LA House of Blues
8/05 Miami, FL The Fillmore
8/06 Lake Buena Vista, FL House of Blues
8/07 Charlotte, NC The Fillmore
8/10 Washington D.C. 9:30 Club
8/11 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
8/12 Allentown, PA Crocodile Rock
8/13 Wallingford, CT The Dome at Oakdale
8/15 Flint, MI Machine Shop
8/16 Grand Rapids, MI Orbit Room
8/17 Chicago, IL House of Blues
8/19 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
8/20 Winnipeg, Manitoba Rock On The Range Canada
8/22 Edmonton, Alberta Edmonton Event Center
8/23 Calgary, Alberta McEwen Hall
8/25 Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom
8/26 Spokane, WA Rock Hard @ The Park
8/28 Boise, ID Knitting Factory
9/02 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
9/03 Anaheim, CA House of Blues
9/04 Anaheim, CA House of Blues

Additional performances will be announced shortly. For details check www.ticketmaster.com.

Jane's Addiction Release Behind The Scenes Footage.

JANE'S ADDICTION have just released behind-the-scenes footage from their "End To The Lies" video shoot. The Alex Bulkley ("Robot Chicken") directed video was shot in Hollywood, CA at Studio 905 where the band members were filmed giving a live performance in front of a white backdrop so they could later be superimposed onto women's' bodies. Watch the clip to find out more about the concept of the video from the director and learn how it mirrors what the band is all about from guitarist Dave Navarro. "The band hails from Los Angeles, CA," explains Navarro. "We come from the street and so I think that the combination of the angst in the song, and the street element, the artistic element and then of course the love of sexuality and sensuality fused together, is pretty much what this band has been about since day one." Fans can watch the official video in its entirety now.

For more information on Jane's Addiction as well as updates from the band, make sure to check out their official website, JanesAddiction.com, as well as their Facebook and Twitter pages. "End To The Lies" appears on their forthcoming album, The Great Escape Artist, due out later this summer on Capitol Records.

Fubar launch Battle of the Bands competition.

Social party platform FUBAR have started to accept entries for their new Battle of the Bands competition that features cash prizes of $10,000 for each monthly winner, and daily prizes for winning bands. FUBAR will be posting songs from entrants every day to compete in a head to head battle voted on by fans and FUBAR users. Daily winners will be chosen based on the amount of votes your song receives and awarded $100 for the victory. The winner of each daily contest will be entered for a chance to compete for the grand prize of $10,000! To request a band profile on FUBAR you can enter your band's information here.

Once you have created and pimped your band profile, make sure to spread to word and tell all your friends and fans to vote!

AUSTRALIA ROCKS THE PIER FREE SUMMER CONCERT JULY 21ST

Australia Rocks The Pier returns on Thursday, July 21st @7-10pm for a night of all-Australian music featuring Missy Higgins, Kim Churchill and Andy Clockwise. The concert, sponsored by the Australian Consulate-General, Cotton On, Tourism New South Wales (NSW), and V Australia is part of the Santa Monica Pier’s Twilight Dance Series of free Thursday night concerts throughout the summer.

Missy Higgins has enjoyed phenomenal success with her irresistible melodies and heartfelt lyrics. The Los Angeles Times raves, “Missy Higgins has that radiance performers exude just as their stars begin to ascend” and Variety gushes that Missy writes “quality songs with cultural resonance – a true rarity in modern music." After touring the globe with her unforgettable live performances, Missy's highly acclaimed albums The Sound Of White featuring hit singles “Scar” and “Ten Days” and On A Clear Night featuring hits “Where I Stood” and “Steer” have sold over two million copies, landing Missy on the cover of Australian Rolling Stone magazine twice before she turned 25. Missy is currently recording a new album scheduled for release in early 2012 with Nashville-based producer Brad Jones (Ron Sexsmith, Jill Sobule) and co-producer Australian musician Butterfly Boucher.

Kim Churchill’s soulful voice and beautiful harmonica melodies are indicative of his explosive style. With his trademark intricate fingerpicking and percussive beats on the body of the guitar combined with two-handed tapping intertwined with an earthy stomp box, he is a musical powerhouse. His songwriting reflects his coastal lifestyle with the surf at his front door and his nomadic life on the road.

Andy Clockwise is a Los Angeles-based Australian indie-rock import whose electric and raucous live shows have become a staple on the indie-rock scene. Clockwise's U.S. debut album The Socialite, released in April, has received critical acclaim. Clearly influenced by the likes of Nick Cave, Bob Dylan, Prince and Tom Waits, Clockwise blends rock, pop, synth and punk into self-described "schizo pop." His local success came after achieving national triumphs Down Under, including steady radio play and tours with bands like INXS and The Strokes' Julian Casablancas.

Australia Rocks the Pier is an exciting sampling of Australian contemporary music that will appeal, intrigue and broaden perspectives of Australia’s diversity, talent and culture. Last year beloved cult singer-songwriter Ben Lee headlined a memorable night of Australian music along with rising star Ry Cuming and celtic didgeridoo fusion band Brother for a crowd of over 10,000.

Known for its stunning beauty and an enviable laid-back lifestyle, Australia is a dream destination for those seeking a beautiful escape from the every day. Attendees at Australia Rocks the Pier will have the opportunity to win a fabulous 5-night vacation to Sydney, including a cruise on Sydney Harbour and a tour of the famed Sydney Opera House, courtesy of V Australia and Tourism NSW.

Chris De Cure, the Australian Consul-General in Los Angeles explains, “The Santa Monica Pier is a wonderful, iconic location and we received such an overwhelmingly positive response from audience and industry alike last year that we were very keen to help celebrate Australian artists again this year. The Twilight Dance Series is a great opportunity to share Australian music talent and cultural diversity with the people of Santa Monica and the wider LA community.”

Cotton On’s Elissa Holloway, Marketing and Public Relations Manager says, "Cotton On is very proud of its Aussie heritage, and we are thrilled to be a part of Australia Rocks the Pier for 2011."

‘Weeds’ Actress Meital Dohan Drops New Single, ‘Yummy Boyz.’ – Interview

Musicians often turn to acting at some stage in their career. So when an actress turns to music, it should be just as natural. For Meital Dohan, who is best known for her role as Yael Hoffman on “Weeds,” turning to music was something she’s always had within. I recently caught up with the multi-talented artist to talk music, entertainment and whether or not she’d go to the prom with me.

Q – Thank you, Meital, for doing this.

A – Thank YOU guys for doing this.

Q –You’re mostly known for your role as Yael Hoffman on “Weeds” and “Monogamy” with Rashida Jones. How did you get involved in acting?

A – Well, ever since I can remember I’ve been an actress so it’s hard to think about how it all happened exactly. It wasn’t some kind of plotted out career move – it was just what I loved and what I did. It was very natural for me to act and I didn’t have to think about whether or not I wanted to do it. I think when something feels that organic it’s more about just not fighting your instincts and impulses.

Q – Having a solid career in TV and films, you’re now turning to music with your debut album, “I’m In Hate With Love” coming out later this year. Was music something you’ve always been in? How did your interest turn to music?

A – I’ve always had a deep love for music and I had done a big performance with Israeli singer Ivri Lider. When I met my producer Che Pop, who has worked with Dr. Dre, Eminem and Lauryn Hill, he was so talented and so dope that I jumped into working with him. And music is so much fun. It’s magic.

Q – The lead single is “Yummy Boyz.” It’s kind of a mix between Kylie Minogue and Katy Perry, with a lot more sex appeal and humor. How would you describe your music?

A – I like your comparison because I like Katy Perry and Kylie Minogue, but if I must, it’s a little bit of an ice cream with a little bit of satire with a little bit of dance-your-pants-off sprinkled on top. I’m making my music because I’d love my audience to have fun and feel some liberation. I think we all need a spoonful or two of the musical sundae I’m cooking. Maybe even a pint if things go as planned.

Q – You’re originally from Israel. How’s the entertainment landscape in Israel different than that of the states?

A – To start with, in Israel, if you don’t know, we speak Hebrew - which has a lot of guttural “ka” and “va.” More so, of course, the size differences are tremendous. After all I think the population of LA is bigger than all of Israel so because of that you can understand how different the industry is.

Q – Will you be touring with the new album?

A – Sure. Get ready!

Q – You’ve also written a book called “Love and Other Bad Habits.” Of all the mediums (acting, writing, singing, etc.) which do you enjoy doing the most and why?

A – I don’t see them as separate mediums so much as different ways of expressing the self. When I act, write and sing I am equally engaged and focused, but they all tap into a different part of my creativity.

Q – Will you go to the prom with me? No, I’m just kidding. Thanks again for doing this. Is there anything you wanted to add?

A – I’d love to go to the prom with you.

For more information on Meital Dohan, visit her at: http://www.meitalmusic.com/.

BYLINE:

Jason Tanamor is the Editor of Zoiks! Online. He is also the author of the novels, "Hello Lesbian!" and "Anonymous." Email Jason at jason@zoiksonline.com.

Tracy Morgan – When it Rains it Pours

A few weeks ago while Tracy Morgan was doing his stand up routine, he went into a shocking bit about killing his kid if he turned out to be gay and how being gay isn’t a choice because God doesn’t make mistakes or something like that. Is what he said bad? Of course, but he was on stage trying to be funny. Didn’t it cross the line? It probably depends on where your line is at, I’m sure many comedians work without a line. Tracy went out on an apology tour more or less saying that the bit not only wasn’t funny, but crossed the line. Initially Chris Rock and Louis C.K. came to his defense, but Rock later backed off.

I think Morgan was forgiven because people realized it was just a bit that fell short and because it fell short seemed like a homophobic rant, when in reality Morgan wasn’t trying to be hurtful, he was just trying to be funny. Morgan then hit the stage again, but this time he made fun of handicapped people and now their support group is pissed off. I’m torn. In one way I’m irritated that nobody has a sense of humor. Even if Morgan’s homophobic bit wasn’t funny, he was still clearly trying to be funny, not trying to be hurtful.

In another way it’s irritating that the media seems to be spending more time blasting Morgan over the homophobic stuff and not the handicapped stuff. My dad works with people with disabilities for a living and my wife is a special education teacher. When I was a kid the r word just left my vocabulary. I don’t say it just like I don’t say the n word. The f word (homosexual slur) didn’t leave my vocabulary until a few years ago, which has me disappointed in myself.

That all said, I love shows like “South Park” and the shocking comedians like Morgan, Rock, Sarah Silverman, Lisa Lampanelli etc etc. I’m not offended by these shows and I’m not offended when they use those words. As far as I’m concerned the r word and the f word should be disassociated from people with disabilities and homosexuals. Most of the people that use those words aren’t thinking about the people these labels have been assigned to, they’re just trying to be insult their friends (or enemies).

When someone calls you the f word, they’re really just calling you a dick head, asshole etc. When they call you the r word they’re just referring to you as a dumbass. I think it was Lenny Bruce the said something like the more we say these words, the less effect they have. My wife and I jokingly call each other dick, bitch, c word etc. When we get mad at each other for real and I really am being a dick or she really is being a bitch, these words mean nothing, so we don’t use them and if we do use them it doesn’t escalate the fight like it normally would. I think that’s where we need to get as a society, but it’ll never happen.

BYLINE:

PROVOGUE RECORDS ANNOUNCES AUGUST 30th RELEASE DATE FOR ERIC SARDINAS’ STICKS & STONES

Provogue Records has announced an August 30th street date for Eric Sardinas’ upcoming album Sticks & Stones. The guitarist and singer-songwriter’s distinct style pushes the boundaries of rock and blues, and this 11-song powerhouse of his trademark slide playing could very well be the vehicle to drive his inspiration from the roadhouse in to mainstream music.

Sardinas’ unique hybrid encompasses the past, present and future of what music is meant to be, and with Sticks & Stones, producer Matt Gruber returned to work with the guitarist and his band Big Motor. Gruber, whose credit range from Ricky Martin and Carrie Underwood to the Scorpions and Lit, delivered Sardinas’ vision in capturing the full range of his playing and the energy and excitement of the trio’s ‘Big Motor’ sound. Whether acoustic or electric, they stayed true to their live sound, recording with no rules. Levell Price (bass) and Chris Frazier (drums), joined Sardinas in delivering a kaleidoscope that melds all the shades and hues of the band’s intensity. The guitarist reflects, “As always, every note is meaningful and has something to say from each player.” On lyricism, he shares, “I like writing about universal themes. The trick is to find my own unique way of expressing myself within those themes. Every breathing moment if you walk with your eyes open, there is a song there.”

His instrument of choice is his signature electrified resonator guitar, a modernized version of an instrument that was a staple of traditional blues artists. By deftly controlling the guitar’s volume, Sardinas has become legendary for his keen ability to emote the moods he is feeling so seamlessly. His always recognizable sound is primarily a product of his signature slide, which the Dunlop company is now reproducing for market. The ‘preaching pipe’ has travelled a million miles with the guitarist, who reveals, “The original pipe has irreplaceable mojo from years of worldwide touring, and being by my side through every beer soaked bar and venue the road has to offer, that it is now only used for the studio. It is irreplaceable, and if Dunlop offered me a million bucks for it, I’d have to turn it down.”

Since the late 90’s Sardinas has performed hundreds of shows annually and has become a major attraction across the globe. He shares, “Playing with intensity all over the world non-stop and loving every minute of it has been my inspiration. That’s why I get up in the morning and what I live for. Making music keeps me in the moment, allowing my heart to speak to people.” This year is no different, with Sardinas already scheduled for full runs across the U.S. and Europe. Dates in the books include:

7/01 VILNIUS, LITHUANIA BLIUZO NAKTYS
7/07 LAS VEGAS, NV BOULDER STATION
7/08 HERMOSA BEACH, CA CAFÉ BOOGALOO
7/19 SAN FRANCISCO, CA BISCUITS & BLUES
7/20 CRYSTAL BAY, NV CRYSTAL BAY CLUB AND CASINO
7/31 SEASIDE, CA SUNDAY BLUES AT SEASIDE – LAGUMA GRANDE PARK
8/13 ARCADIA, CA ARCADIA BLUES CLUB
8/17 ST. LOUIS, MO BBS JAZZ BLUES AND SOUP
8/18 KANSAS CITY, MO KNUCKLEHEAD SALOON
8/19 SPRINGFIELD, MO BLUES DOWN UNDER SERIES @ CARTOONS
8/20 CLIVE, IA BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB
8/21 MOLINE, IL RASCALS
8/23 WAPAKONETA, OH ROUTE 33 RHYTHM & BREWS
8/25 ETOBICOKE, ONT HOLLYWOOD ON THE QUEENS WAY
8/26 AUBURN HILLS, MI CALLAHANS MUSIC HALLL
8/27 EAST TAWAS, MI BLUES ON THE BAY
10/13 EUROPE (THROUGH 11/19)

In reflecting on the past, present and future, Sardinas offers, “In blending my influences, I found my own sound. I feel very fulfilled being able to make this music my life for more than 20 years now. And my goal is to keep growing and improving, and to respect this music and stick by the way it has supported and inspired me.”

Check Out Cobra Stasrship’s New Music Video For ‘You Make Me Feel… (Feat. Sabi).’

Cobra Starship’s music video for “You Make Me Feel… (Feat. Sabi)” made its world premiere today on MTV. The song is available now on iTunes and is currently charting in the Top 40 at Pop Radio outlets nationwide . “You Make Me Feel… (Feat. Sabi)” is the first single off of Cobra Starship’s upcoming album, Night Shades which will be available later this summer on Decaydance / Fueled By Ramen.

For this latest video, Cobra Starship paired up once again with director Kai Regan who also directed the band’s music videos for the RIAA platinum certified single, “Good Girls Go Bad” and the RIAA gold certified single, “Hot Mess.” Both of which helped Cobra Starship to garner a pair of nominations at the 2009 MTV VMA’s for “Best Pop Video” and “Best Direction” and a nomination for “Favorite Collaboration” at the 2010 Peoples Choice Awards.

Cobra Starship - Music - More Music Videos

For more information please visit http://www.cobrastarship.com/.

BYLINE:

Jason Tanamor is the Editor of Zoiks! Online. He is also the author of the novels, "Hello Lesbian!" and "Anonymous." Email Jason at jason@zoiksonline.com.

Dark of the Moon is the Best Transformers Movie Yet!

To say that "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" is the best of the "Transformers" movies is indeed damning with faint praise. The first two "Transformers" films were brutal exercises in filmic excess. Michael Bay banged his metal toys together inches from our ears and eyes and somehow expected us to enjoy it.

For "Dark of the Moon" however, the slamming and banging is rather welcome; especially when it interrupts Bay's abysmal attempts at comedy. The special effects of "Dark of the Moon" have greatly improved from the first two films. The effects editing of "Dark of the Moon" is better, this time we can actually see some of the robot action that before was a blur of whizbang, MTV style, quick cuts.

Sure, the story of "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" remains an incomprehensible bunch of whooey but at least I can make out which robot is Optimus Prime.

Man on the Moon

"Dark of the Moon" picks up with a trip back in time to the original space race. An alien ship has crash landed on the moon and President Kennedy authorizes NASA to go find out what it can about this alien vessel. Eight years later, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin arrive on the moon and discover the very first Autobot.

Cut to modern day and to our human hero, Sam Witwicky (Shia LeBeouf). Despite having helped save the world twice Sam can't find a job. He longs to work with his pals Bumblebee and Optimus Prime but for now has to settle for a job in the mail room of a defense contractor; John Malkovich plays the company's wacky CEO.

Full review at Associated Content

Sean Patrick Kernan is a film critic. Check him out at: http://www.myspace.com/number1ramjamfan Email Sean at sean@zoiksonline.com.

Catch Jim Gaffigan live at Summerstage this week.

This week at Comedy Central Park at Summerstage (http://www.summerstage.org/), Jim Gaffigan will make a special appearance with special guest John Pinette on Wednesday, June 29th.

Jim Gaffigan has proven himself a major talent to a wide range of audiences, achieving accolades and awards for his stand-up comedy, acting, and writing. His clever, quiet style has made him one of the top five most successful touring comedians in the country today with his CDs and DVDs achieving platinum status.

Famous also for his numerous appearances on late night’s Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night with Conan O’Brien, also just recently made his Broadway debut, appearing in That Championship Season with Brian Cox, Keifer Sutherland, and Chris Noth.

BYLINE:

Jason Tanamor is the Editor of Zoiks! Online. He is also the author of the novels, "Hello Lesbian!" and "Anonymous." Email Jason at jason@zoiksonline.com.

Pith-rock artist, Rachel Taylor Brown prepares national release of World So Sweet.

Look up "pithy" and "pith." The thesaurus reads: "succinct, concise, compact, to the point, epigrammatic, crisp, significant, meaningful, expressive, telling." "Pith" means "essence, fundamentals, heart, substance, core, crux, gist, meat, kernel, marrow, weight, depth, force." "Pith-rock" is a weird and awkward moniker for Portland, Oregon-based Rachel Taylor Brown's music, and maybe a little too close to "piss" said with a lisp. But, it fits, especially when you put on her seventh full-length, World So Sweet (Penury Pop), which will be released nationally on September 20, 2011.

"I can never come up with anything pithy when someone asks me that. I hate when people ask me that," grumbles Taylor Brown, when asked to describe her music. "As a joke, I sometimes say pith-rock; sharp 'n' pointy! Or spongy and permeable! Or maybe pith 'n' vinegar rock! No, wait: there's that horrible thing they do to frogs in a lab, that's pithing. Maybe igneous-rock is better."

Talk to those who know her music, though, and other descriptions come up. "Unsettling but addictive." "Good stories." "Unpredictable." "Arresting." "Dark, funny, sweeping, panoramic, pretty, ugly, complex, moving." And, "You can dance to it."

But to fully grasp and understand World So Sweet and Rachel Taylor Brown, you have only to listen to the record.

"I realized in retrospect how dark these songs may come off. I wish I could explain better how they make me feel hopeful," explains Taylor Brown. "I always feel better when dark things are out in the open instead of hidden away. Looking at the scary stuff makes me more appreciative of the beauty in the world, makes me feel like my feet are on the ground." She continues, "I think it helps that you can dance around to many of them. I can see someone getting down to one of these songs and never knowing what the hell I'm singing about. I like that the songs can be enjoyed on that level--it makes me feel sneaky. Lyrics are very important to me but I know a lot of people don't listen to them, especially now. It's interesting to see who notices the words and who doesn't."

It's that love of life, humor, curiosity, basic compassion, and a healthy dose of skepticism that fuels Taylor Brown. It's heavily reflected in everything she does, including the thirteen tracks found on World So Sweet.

"I love the people I love, and the beautiful world," she continues. "I'm fortunate. There was a time I didn't want to be around. Now that I do, it's sweet, every day; even when it's horrible. There are birds. The world is sweet, even though it's awful. That prayer I had to say when I was a kid: 'Thank you for the world so sweet, thank you for the food we eat, thank you for the birds that sing, thank you, God, for everything.' I've always loved that prayer, even though I don't believe in the God part anymore. I love anything that reflects even some little awareness that we're living with a whole lot of other creatures and that we're just one bit of the whole thing."

Rachel Taylor Brown might best be described as a dubious but hopeful observer who watches the world and the people of the world destroy and create beauty daily, just one witness who can tell a story through song.

"These songs are about the usual mundane things that seem to preoccupy me; how great and how awful people are and how beautiful and ugly the world is," she says. "There's huge scope in that. I know I have a comfort level with some of the things I write about that others may not have, due in large part to my own history. I'm not thinking of how it may hit anyone else when I'm writing. I'm usually surprised when my husband or some other listener points out that it's maybe hard to hear. I really believe in letting a song be what it wants, though. And I guess some (ok, a lot) of my songs want to be peppy tunes about the worst of human nature. I have to say, though, I find that contradiction very satisfying."

It all starts to make sense when you push play. From the opening of "Intro/Sweetness on Earth," Taylor Brown will stop you in your tracks and make you think about what it is your hearing. Never one to play to convention, she's made an intro that some friends and colleagues urged her against but that she went ahead with anyway.

Resulting from a last minute call, fifty-eight people showed up at a downtown Sherman Clay piano showroom to simultaneously play fifty plus pianos, which engineer/co-producer Jeff Stuart Saltzman (with whom she's recorded her last five albums) recorded. The group turned out to be a great pick-up choir as well.

What you hear is tension as fifty pianos sound off, building and building until you feel it's going to end, then continuing on, always tugging at you, as you restlessly and anxiously await to see where it's all leading.

"I was told by some people that I should consider shortening the intro. But I tried chopping it and it didn't work," she says. "The thing I like about it at the length it is is that, if you let it, it can put you in a kind of trance state. I think each unique brain will make something different of what it picks out and hears in all that sound. I hear little bits of melody pop out but I'm guessing someone else will hear something different according to their own personal library in their noggin. I like to imagine it's different for everybody and (potentially) different every time you listen, just because of your own magical brain! I'm also aware some people will just hate it and think I'm being self-indulgent. Which I am, but now I've told you why."

That mindset, that unwavering, uncompromising dedication to her music, making sure it translates as well on tape as it does in her head, is what makes Rachel Taylor Brown and thus World So Sweet such an interesting experience. It's the type of record where, if you only casually spin it, it will leave you missing out on nuances, intricacies and rewards that can only come with closer acquaintanceship.

For all the hurt and pain in the world, like all of us Rachel Taylor Brown goes on. Creating music that is equally pretty and haunting, sometimes simple but sometimes epic, the perfect strange cocktail of darkening doubt, lightening hope and "it's got a good beat, you can dance to it." Music that's meaningful but catchy, a paradox of everything the world has to offer. With World So Sweet she brings to the surface good and evil, creating an album that is as rich as it is sparse, dense as it is airy.

Natalia Kills Returns with Killer Summer Single Free Featuring will.i.am.

Natalia Kills is unleashing her brand new single 'FREE' today, featuring none other than will.i.am, who joins her on this unmistakable hit of the summer that tells the tongue-in-cheek tale of being broke but feeling fabulous.

"Wanna be like Midas, but my bank account is minus"

Hailed for paving the Dark Pop path since 2010, Ms. Kills has had quite the year since entering our radars with her debut hit single Mirrors. Since then, Natalia has sold thousands of singles, received millions of hits on youtube, performed for the former president of the United States at Austria's prestigious Life Ball, collaborated with FrankMusik, LMFAO, Far East Movement and will.i.am, has performed at some of the worlds most respected venues from Radio City Hall to the Stade de France as well as completing her debut album 'Perfectionist' in the studio which boasts collaborations with Kid Cudi, "The Godfather of Chicago hip-hop" Dion Wilson aka No I.D and Akon.

In just under a year Natalia Kills has gone from being an underground buzz artist on the internet, after releasing a series of short films titled Love, Kills written and directed by the cinemaphile herself which led attention to her first unofficial video and single named Zombie, also produced by Jeff Baskher better known for producing Kanye's last 2 full-lengths and directed by Kills herself.

'Perfectionist' includes an A-list of who's who in the pop-music production world, with collaborations and productions by the notoriously talented hit-makers Jeff Bhasker (Kanye West: 808 & Heartbreak and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy), Theron Feemster (Micheal Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Busta Rhymes), Martin "Cherry Cherry Boom Boom" Kierszenbaum (Lady Gaga, t.A.T.u), and Fernando Garibay (Britney Spears).

Natalia Kills was recently featured on LMFAO's 'Champagne Showers' single and video, the follow-up to the record breaking, world-wide number 1 smash hit 'Party Rock Anthem', and will also be hitting the road in Europe this summer with The Black Eyed Peas, Bruno Mars and LMFAO before returning for a North American club tour and dates with Ke$ha this summer soon to be announced.

Perfectionist will be released via will.i.am/Cherrytree/Interscope Records on
August, 16th 2011.

Limp Bizkit release Gold Cobra, unleash video for single.

Limp Bizkit have just released the video for their current single "Gold Cobra" which features dancing "cobrettes", a gold Lamborghini, and the band rocking out on a rooftop in LA. "Gold Cobra" is the title track off the band's long awaited 5th studio album, which is available everywhere today.

Gold Cobra comes in several configurations. The standard release features 13 new songs while the deluxe edition (available digitally only) features 16 new songs. Additionally, fans can purchase a physical CD that has 17 original songs exclusively at Best Buy, and that same release of 17 songs will be available digitally at Napster.com.

To stay up-to-date with all the latest news 'LIKE' Limp Bizkit on Facebook and check out their Official Site.

DRIVE A CONFIRMED FOR ROCK ALLEGIANCE TOUR.

LA rockers DRIVE A, fresh off an opening slot on Hollywood Undead's Revolt Tour 2011 are now lined up to perform on the Rock Allegiance Tour with BUCKCHERRY, PAPA ROACH, PUDDLE OF MUD, P.O.D., RED and CROSSFADE

The tour gets underway August 24^th in Grand Prarie, TX and runs through September 25^th. The band will be direct support for The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus July 8-13^th.

Drive A has also been tapped to perform at THE 2011 Epicenter Festival in Irvine, CA on September 24^th with LIMP BIZKIT,

STAIND, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, PAPA ROACH, BUCKCHERRY, P.O.D. AND MORE.

Check out Drive A's latest music video "Let's Have A Wreck (Trainwreck)" on MTV.com: http://www.mtv.com/videos/drive-a/630040/lets-have-a-wreck-trainwreck.jhtml.

Drive A's The World In Shambles will be released physically on August 9^th via the band's own imprint Dead Conflict Records (distributed by EMI.)

For more information visit:

www.DriveARock.com

http://rockallegiance.com