Feed the Beat

Feed The Beat Exclusive Interview with Owl City

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:53:31 +0000

Feed the Beat recently had the opportunity to chat with Adam Young aka Owl City! He took some time during his very busy schedule to talk about the recording process, Jay & Conan and give some advice to young musicians!

For those of you not in the know, Owl City is an American synthpop musical project by Adam Young. After two independent albums, Owl City gained mainstream popularity from the 2009 major label debut album Ocean Eyes, which spawned the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit single and UK #1 hit single “Fireflies”. We’re thrilled to have Owl City as part of Feed The Beat.

You have a huge selling album and a hit song. You have gone from indie-songwriter to the top of the charts. Were you surprised by how fast this has happened?

I was basically just sitting around at home in my sweatpants when it punched me in the face. The music business really chose me, which is both ironic and certainly a dream come true, since it’s something I’ve been hopelessly dreaming about since I was a crabby baby in diapers.

Your music is very personal and introspective. What does it feel like to have sold out audiences singing the words back to you?

Needless to say it’s pretty surreal for a shy boy from Minnesota. The fact that I recently boarded an airplane and flew 16 hours, literally around the world and showed up at a little venue in Wuhan, China full of kids who knew every word to every song… I’m still coming to grips with how incredible that was. Stuff like that is so far above and beyond anything I’ve ever dreamed or hoped for.

Where did you get the inspiration for the song Fireflies?

I wrote the song in my parent’s basement after I went camping in the middle of nowhere in Iowa last summer. The countryside at dusk was literally crammed full of lightning bugs and that image really stuck in my mind. I have insomnia, and naturally I couldn’t fall asleep that night so I stayed awake until each little light faded into the distance or eventually turned out. It was quite magical.

What artists are you most excited to work with in the future?

I have a few favorite film composers I’d turn handsprings for the chance to work with someday. I am not a self-proclaimed gymnast.

I know you started in your parent’s basement. How supportive are they of your music career today?

They don’t really understand everything that’s going on in every minute detail, but they get the big picture and they couldn’t be more happy or excited for me. I’m incredibly blessed to be their kid.

Were you Team Conan or Team Leno? Thoughts on the recent Conan/Leno situation?

You officially have my permission to point and laugh. I have no idea what the Conan/Leno situation was. I don’t watch TV. I don’t even have a TV. Whenever I’m bored, I get in my car and go to Taco Bell. Haha.

What advice do you have for young musicians that want to make it in the industry?

Write and record the songs you as a listener want to hear. Make an album you would go to Best Buy or Walmart and buy yourself. Make yourself the audience.

Put your dream tour scenario together for us (artists can be living or dead).

Taco Bell presents: an evening with Shaquille O’Neal along with very special guests, Hulk Hogan and the Wrestling Boot Band, Vanilla Ice, and Owl City.

Thanks for being a part of Taco Bell’s Feed The Beat!

Free Tacos at SXSW!

admin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:28:02 +0000

What would the SXSW Music & Media Conference in Austin be without some free food?! When you tire of stuffing your face with barbecue, Taco Bell’s got you covered at the PureVolume House with an abundance of free tacos. For you vegetarians out there, bean burritos. Carnivores, you get steak soft tacos.

There’s more. Take your PV House entry badge to any of the participating Austin Taco Bell locations and get it stamped for a free taco (and maybe more). We love you too. Please don’t be greedy and share the taco love on twitter and facebook!

HotSpur: Snowpocalypse Survival Guide!

admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:15:39 +0000

Hotspur had some tough luck with the big Snowstorms that took over the College Park/DC Area this past week. Their headlining show at the 9:30 club got canceled (Now rescheduled for 2/19).

The guys made a fun video while safely walking to Taco Bell during the “Snowpocalypse”. Well done fellas!

ESPN’s NASCAR Coverage to Rock with Comic Book Heroes

admin — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:44:24 +0000

Comic Book Heroes‘ new single “Move Out of the Way” off their “Take A Seat” EP has been chosen by ESPN as the featured song for the network’s coverage of the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series season.

The season opens at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, Feb. 13, at Noon ET on ESPN2. To kick off their new relationship with ESPN, Comic Book Heroes filmed a video for “Move Out of the Way,” portions of which will be used throughout the season during ESPN’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race telecasts.

A new music video for the rock band’s first single, “Catch Me If You Can,” and six original songs from CBH also will be included in promotions for ESPN’s NASCAR coverage.

“NASCAR racing is a sport with sights, sounds, and speed that lends itself to rock and roll music in a very natural blend. With their fresh look and huge sound, Comic Book Heroes will add an exciting element to our NASCAR coverage in 2010,” said Rich Feinberg, ESPN vice president, motorsports, event and studio production.”

Throughout the 10-month NASCAR Nationwide Series season, CBH’s music, videos and promotions will be featured in 35 races televised on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC

Take Action Tour Set to Take on NYC Tonight

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:14:20 +0000

THE BANDS: We The Kings, Mayday Parade, A Rocket To The Moon, There For Tomorrow, Stereo Skyline, Call The Cops

THE CAUSE: The charity spotlighted for Take Action in 2010 is Driving For Donors, the brainchild of now 14-year-old Patrick Pedraja who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 10. In 2007, at age 11, Patrick and his family started Driving For Donors and traveled around the country in a special “Donormobile” with the mission of signing people up for the National Marrow Registry to help find bone marrow matches for people in need of a transplant. Since then they have added over 22,000 donors to the registry and saved more than 24 people’s lives with matches.

10% of the cost of each ticket sold is donated to further Patrick’s mission making each person attending the Take Action Tour an active participant in making the world a better place. In addition Take Action is offering fans an opportunity to personally help save a life with onsite registration for the National Marrow Registry available at every tour stop. Registration is simple and only requires the donor to be between the ages of 18 and 61, have a desire to help save a life, and have time for a quick cheek swab and simple paperwork. Registering is much easier than most people think and information about the entire process can be found at BeTheMatch.org. Those under 18 will have plenty of ways to support the cause as well, including buying a copy of the compilation, and they can learn more at each show or by visiting drivingfordonors.com.

The show in NYC is at The Highline Ballroom tonight (2/8), be there! Rest of the dates here: http://www.takeactiontour.com

Katie Kerkhover: Nashville Rocks!

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:33:37 +0000

The music of Katie Kerkhover (follow her on twitter!) is a potent combination; infectious, and addictive. Her blistering blend of modern rock and throwback salutes to childhood influences, have caught our ear! Leaving her hometown of Rockwood, Illinois, at the rebellious age of 17, Katie was drawn to the stage lights of Nashville, Tennessee. There she quickly garnered the attention of Music City’s biggest bands. She spent three solid years as a touring musician, playing sold out shows on the nations largest stages. Katie was no usual sideman. Much to the dismay of the artist on tour, she often found herself thrown into the center stage spotlight by a chanting mob of spellbound fans. It was obvious to everyone that Katie’s star glistened well after the stage lights went dark. Now at the youthful age of 23, with eyes wide open, Katie looks to establish her own presence and rabid fan base.

Feed The Beat recently caught up with Katie and had the chance to ask her some questions. You can read the interview after the jump!

So you taught yourself how to play guitar? How did you do that? It’s a very hard instrument to play!

I started playing the violin at the age of 4, so I had a bit of a musical background when I picked up the guitar I got for Christmas. I really had no idea what to do on it, or where to start. So, I went to the store and bought a poster of guitar chords, hung it on the back of my bedroom door, and started to teach myself how to play the chords on the poster. Once I had a few down, I started writing songs and the ball kept rolling from there. J

How much did it mean to you winning best female vocalist at the Buzz awards?

I was completely honored and shocked when they announced my name. I felt honored to even be nominated and didn’t expect to win. I’ve never won anything before and I was completely shocked! I know this may all sound cliché, but to have worked really hard at something, and then to finally have others recognize that effort is an amazing and energizing feeling. As a musician and songwriter, you’re always chasing that carrot of success and when you are recognized for your work, it gives you that little bit of validation your constantly searching for and it fuels the fire even more.

You are on tour now, sometimes performing in front of thousands. How do you handle that considering you grew up in a small town of less than one hundred?

I started performing at a very young age so it feels like I’ve always been in front of some sort of audience. It’s an adrenalin rush every time regardless of the crowd size. It’s just that now, I don’t recognize as many faces in the audience as I did when I played around my hometown.

What other artists are you currently listening too?

I listen to so many different artists all the time. Most recently I’ve been checking out Lady Gaga, Hinder, Savior, Jay-Z, Britney Spears, P!nk, and Michael Jackson.

I read a quote that says that you are following in the footsteps of the greatest women in rock. Do you think that you can handle the pressure of this?

Yes, very gracefully. It is a lot of pressure when I think about the women who have come before me, and the amazing talent and success they have had. Female fronted rock acts have always had a tough road to travel and to become a household name is no easy task! I hope to humbly follow in their paths and to, one day, be lucky enough to achieve their level of success. Those are some pretty big shoes!

What do you do for fun when you are not making music?

I’m pretty laid back. I go shopping, play X-box or just hang with friends. I am totally addicted to True Blood, and can’t stop reading the Sookie Stackhouse novels.

Your music is a mixture of a bunch of different sounds. Do you think you are making your own genre?

You know, I’m not trying to make my own genre, it just that I’m inspired by a lot of styles of music. I think they each make their way to the surface at times when I’m writing. I’m just being me and if it sounds like a new genre, great!

When are you getting back in the studio for your next album?

Actually, I’m in the studio this week mixing a new song. I’m constantly writing and recording with my producer, trying out new songs and ideas, seeing what works and what doesn’t. I’m not really sure when the next album will be released since I just released my latest record “Blister”. We’ll see how it all plays out!

Aspen Prepares to Feed The Beat at Winter X Games

admin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:29:21 +0000

If you are watching The X-Games on ESPN this weekend and think you might be hearing some Feed The Beat bands, you probably are!

Taco Bell is a proud supporter of Winter X and has been working with ESPN to expose some of the great bands in our program. We’ve gotten confirmation that songs from Forever The Sickest Kids, Comic Book Heroes, Runner Runner and Owl City will be played during the telecasts and highlight packages.

As if seeing Shawn White, Kelly Clark and the rest of the amazing athletes isn’t cool enough, you also get to hear some cool tunes while watching at home on the couch.

When you hear the songs, Tweet about it – @FeedTheBeat.

For a full lineup for X Games events click here: www.xgames.com

Exclusive interview with The Chariot

admin — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:29:24 +0000

We were lucky enough to interrogate The Chariot before they break loose on tour this year with Greeley Estates, Inhale Exhale, Memphis Mayfire and The Color Morale (The Tours and Rumors of Tours). Check out the interview and a list of their US tour dates below!

You guys are about to embark on a huge US Tour. Do you have any pre-tour rituals or preparations you like to make before you hit the road?
Yeah we usually plan about 2 maybe 3 days of practice before we ever leave for a tour, then what actually happens is we hang out for like 2 days and practice once late at night before we leave. Then we go to Waffle House and have a last supper before tour with any friends and family.

Sonically, The Chariot cross a bunch of genres. If you were to make up your own genre to classify The Chariots’ music what would it be?
Rock and Roll, Punk, Fun Jam. That is one genre.

Do you feel like there’s less of a stigma about Christian metal bands than when the Chariot started out?
I guess so. I think it used to be a big deal, as if your beliefs had any relevance on what you sounded like or something. Now, hopefully, people just judge the music by actually listening to the music and deducing if they like it or not.

In addition to The Chariot, Mastodon, Kylesa and Baroness have come out of Georgia in the last few years. Do you feel like there’s any sort of Metal renaissance happening in the state?
I think it is our water. So I try to drink it nonstop.

You’ve played every kind of festival and large tour, from extreme metal tours to alternative events like Warped Tour and Bamboozle. Which is more fun?
I like the Warped Tours and the Bamboozles but then again we are not really a metal band.

The band has had a number of lineup changes since its inception. Is there a Spinal Tap type scenario happening?
Well the only similarity that I know of that we share with Spinal Tap is our drummers always spontaneously exploding. That always just creates a mess but so far it has not leaked into the media or the FBI or anything.

Thanks so much for being part of Feed The Beat!
Thank you.

The Chariot will be on tour in the US from January 27 through March 13

DATE CITY VENUE
1/27                W Palm Beach, FL               Ground Control
1/28                Orlando, FL                            The Social
1/29                Jacksonville, FL                    Jack Rabbit’s
1/30                Tallahassee, FL                    Big Daddy’s
2/1                   Columbia, SC                        New Brookland Tavern
2/2                   East Ridge, TN                      The Warehouse
2/3                   Columbus, MS                       Princess Theater
2/4                   Whitehouse, TX                     The Warehouse
2/5                   Dallas, TX                              The Door
2/6                   Houston, TX                           Meridian
2/7                   Austin, TX                              Emo’s Jr
2/8                   McAllen, TX                           The Incubator
2/9                   San Antonio, TX                    White Rabbit
2/11                Albuquerque, NM                  Launchpad
2/12                Flagstaff, AZ                          Green Room
2/13                Tempe, AZ                             The Clubhouse
2/16                Victorville, CA                        Karma
2/17                Anaheim, CA                         Chain Reaction
2/18                Palmdale, CA                        The Crossing
2/19                Goleta, CA                             Hard To Find Showspace
2/20                Orangevale, CA                    The Boardwalk
2/22                Portland, OR                          Hawthorne Theater
2/23                Seattle, WA                           El Corazon
2/24                Boise, ID                                The Venue
2/25                Salt Lake City, UT                 In The Venue
2/26                Casper, WY                           Hall Of Champions
2/27                Denver, CO                            Marquis Theater
2/28                Colorado Springs, CO         The Black Sheep
3/2                   Minneapolis, MN                   Triple Rock Social Club
3/3                   Chicago, IL                            Reggie’s Rock Club
3/4                   Indianapolis, IN                      Emerson Theater
3/5                   Detroit, MI                              Magic Stick
3/6                   Charleroi, PA                         Club Octane
3/7                   Syracuse, NY             Westcott Theater
3/8                   Vineland, NJ                          Hangar 84
3/9                   Crofton, MD                           Macc
3/10                Richmond, VA                       Canal Club
3/11                Raleigh, NC                           The Brewery
3/12                Atlanta, GA                            The Masquerade
3/13                Macon, GA                             The Refuge

Musicians Join Forces for Haiti Relief

admin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 23:26:09 +0000

Haitian-born musician Wyclef Jean, member of The Fugees, is leading a relief effort through his grassroots charity organization Yéle Haiti, which he created in 2005. The organization restores hope in the Haitian people through the creation of scholarships, support for the arts, food distribution and emergency relief.

“The objective of Yéle Haiti is to restore pride and a reason to hope, and for the whole country to regain the deep spirit and force that is part of our heritage.”

The recent 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Haiti has forced the nation to ask for help and thousands of people, including musicians, are responding. Within two hours of Tuesday’s earthquake, Jean and Yéle mobilized on social networking sites to raise funds for disaster relief. Jean is encouraging people to text “Yéle” to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yéle Haiti Earthquake Fund, or to visit http://www.yele.org/.

Other musicians have also been using their high profiles to urge people to donate. Jean’s former band mate Pras Michel, as well as guitarist Slash and Coldplay’s Chris Martin, among others, have been vocal in their online communities.

Drop it like it’s HOTSPUR

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:13:15 +0000

Hotspur is one of the hottest bands coming out of the Maryland music scene right now. You might have seen their video for “Chandelier” on MTVU after it was voted to victory by their rabid fans. They’ve got a huge show coming up in Washington, DC at the legendary 9:30 club on February 5th. They’ll be filming a video at that show, so don’t miss it. In the meantime, they’re on tour, so check out the band’s dates on their myspace page.

You can hear the band’s first single “Chandelier” in the Feed The Beat Music Player and watch the official video below!