Making a Violent Movie with Davey Havok

These days there are a million different things being funded online. At this point, there is so much out there that a lot of good campaigns are getting lost in the shuffle. We have all become a little jaded when it comes to funding a project or idea online. For instance, I recently found a fundraiser for the World's Largest Jockstrap, a fund to build a Floating Pool in the Middle of a River and a grilled cheese that had the face of Jesus burned into it. There is simply too much out there and a lot of it is bullshit.

When online funding first came into play, it was a little easier to get the word out about what you were doing, but the clutter has made it more difficult. That is why I knew I had to write about an Indiegogo campaign to fund a punk movie set in the '90s that stars Davey Havok from AFI. This seems like an awesome idea and a movie that I would like to see. I think a lot of you out there might be similarly intrigued by the teaser and together we can help them reach their goal.

I had a chance to ask the movie's writer and producer, Clint Carney, a few questions about the project. You might know him from his band SYSTEM SYN. He is a Los Angles based painter, musician, writer, sculptor, and prop maker, and the mind behind a movie called The Violent. Watch the teaser for the film below and check out what he has to say about the project. If you like what you see and hear, throw a couple of bucks their way and lets see a movie that tells a different story about punks and skins in the '90s, one that we know to be a little more true.

The Violent - Promo from Clint Carney on Vimeo.

HID- What inspired you to write this film? Why do you think that this story needs to be told?
Clint Carney- "For one thing, I don’t think there are any high school movies out there that accurately portray what it was like to be a part of a subculture in the mid nineties. At least there aren’t any that I can relate to. I think it was a strange time, not too far before the Columbine school shooting, where perhaps many adults weren’t really paying attention to what was going on with the youth. At high schools nowadays, you have metal detectors, floodlights, uniforms, zero tolerance policies for drugs and violence, etc. It was much different back then, and I think it’s a part of American history worth remembering. Also, Hollywood only ever shows us racist nazi skinheads in movies. You rarely, if ever, see a film with Traditional Skins or SHARPs (Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice) in it, and I thought it would be an interesting subculture to introduce to filmgoers. Punks and Skins are a diverse group, represented by people from many different racial and social backgrounds. I didn't want to make another movie stereotyping or marginalizing this group, but rather, I wanted to give a realistic glimpse into their world."

HID- Why did you decide to use IndieGogo to fund the film?
Clint Carney- "When you don’t have the backing and money of a major studio, it can be extremely difficult to make people aware of your movie. IndieGogo offers a nice user-friendly platform which is helping “The Violent” to get attention from a very large audience. And of course, it also provides a channel for people to chip in to help make this film a reality."

HID- How did Davey Havok become involved?
Clint Carney- "Davey and I are both touring musicians and had run into each other at various shows over the years. He’s one of the nicest, most genuine guys that I've met. I hadn't seen him in while, and then we reconnected backstage at a mutual friend’s show (Trevor Friedrich of The Witch Was Right). I mentioned the project to him, and he expressed interest in reading the script. I was very pleased to hear that he had enjoyed it, and I asked if he’d like to come on board to be a part of the film. Thankfully, he agreed."

HID- What kind of rewards can a person get for contributing to this campaign?
Clint Carney- "We’ve got a lot of great perks; exclusive shirts and posters, autographed copies of Davey’s book, props from the film, invitations to the premiere, even walk-on roles in the movie, and more."

HID- Where will the movie be filmed?
Clint Carney- "We’re shooting it all in Los Angeles County, California, mostly in the suburbs. So many film productions are leaving our state these days, and as a life-long resident, I want to help bring money and jobs to our local economy."

HID- When will it officially be released if it gets made?
Clint Carney- "It will get made for sure. I won’t stop until it does. I’m hopeful that we’ll have a 2015 release date, but the specifics will depend largely on when we complete our funding goals. Aside from the IndieGogo campaign, we’re also actively seeking funding from private investors interested in owning a piece of the film."

HID- Have you ever done anything like this before or is this new territory for you?
Clint Carney- "I've worked in the film industry for a few years now, creating artwork and props for many high profile movies. More recently, I've begun directing and producing music videos. The Violent however, is my first step into the world of producing a feature film."

HID- Where can we look at some of your past work?
Clint Carney- "I recently directed a video for my band, SYSTEM SYN, and you can find that here. The Director of Photography on that video is Kelly Jones, who will be directing The Violent.
You can see some of the other film and television productions that I've been involved with on my IMDB page here."

~S

Family Fun and Free School Supplies

This Saturday, August 2nd Ferry Park in Detroit is hosting an event for the whole family. They are inviting anyone who's interested to come hang out and enjoy free live entertainment, storytelling, free food, face painting and more. They see it as a way to "restore the neighbor back into the "hood"  They will also be giving out FREE backpacks filled with school supplies to families in need, each family is eligible to receive 2 backpacks.

The event runs from 1-7 pm and the park is located at 2243 Ferry Park, Detroit, Michigan 48208.

~S

Beard Balm

Beards, a few years ago I thought they were a trend but it is becoming clear that they are here to stay. It seems that most men and women like a good beard and a good beard starts with how you care for it. Are you conditioning it? Are you shaping it? Are you making sure that it is soft to the touch? These are all questions that you should be asking yourself. If the answer to any of them is no, it is time to get into the habit of taking care of your furry friend.

There is a called Beard Balm that wants to help you get your beard into shape.  Check out what they have to say about beards and pick yourself up some Beard Balm if you plan to grow out that face mane!

HID­- What motivated you to come up with Beard Balm and start selling it?
Beard Balm- "I was looking for an all natural product that I could trust; a product where I knew exactly where all the ingredients came from. I also didn't want a product with all those added filler ingredients that didn't do much except harm my body and the environment. So I originally developed Beard Balm for myself and thought it would be nice to share with other bearded men who were looking for a similar product."

HID­- Why do you think that beards are in style these days?
Beard Balm- "Beards came into style because good product became available. Now beards can look clean and put together; making them more acceptable in places that...have other people present."

HID­- What makes a good beard?
Beard Balm- "It's very simple....don't shave, condition it and wear it with confidence and pride!"

HID- How does using Beard Balm improve the overall quality of your beard?
Beard Balm- "Beard Balm helps to condition your beard and skin beneath it. Our all natural ingredients help to strengthen your beard hairs and restore moisture; lessening breakage and split ends. The nice scent, soft feel and mild hold that Beard Balm offers is a nice added bonus!"

HID­-Do you use Beard Balm everyday? Give us a quick rundown of how beard balm is used, as I personally have never had a beard and would like to know how this works.
Beard Balm- "I use it at least once ­a day, usually after a shower, sometimes throughout the day if my beard is feeling a bit dry. I take a small amount (the amount varies, depending on personal preference and size of beard) and rub it between my fingertips. I usually start inside my beard, to make sure I condition my skin, and work my way to the ends. Then I take my beard in both of my hands and train it... bearded men will know what I'm talking about."

HID­- Do you manufacture the products here in Detroit? If so where?
Beard Balm- "We do! We operate out of PonyRide in Corktown. PonyRide is a really cool co­working space where you can find other Detroit based companies such as Detroit Denim, Empowerment Plant, Smith Shop Detroit and Anthology Coffee... just to name a few."

HID­- How much does a can of Beard Balm cost? How long will that can usually last?
Beard Balm- "$16 and depending on the size of your beard it can last anywhere between 2­-6 months. On average, about 3 months."

HID­- Is it weird to name your beard?
Beard Balm- "No, if you think of your beard as a separate entity with its own personality, then by all means, give your awesome furry friend a name!"

HID­- What types of alternative uses have you found for Beard Balm?
Beard Balm- "I've had lady friends who have said it works awesome on their cuticles, eyebrows and even directly on their hair. I've even used it on my cheeks when I'm biking on colder days to help with the wind burn. Also, works awesome on dry elbows, heels, etc."

HID­- Anything else that you want our readers to know?
Beard Balm- "Beard Balm is awesome for all different types of beards of all different sizes. We have a not so hidden agenda to beard the world!"

~S

See White Shag Unplugged!

Back in the '90s I was obsessed with MTV’s Unplugged. Do you remember watching bands like Nirvana, Hole, The Cure, R.E.M., Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Kiss, Alice and Chains, and Oasis strip down and play their hits as raw as possible? I have been finding those performances online and re-watching them. Unplugged was an innovative idea that was ahead of its time. It gave you a chance to look at the music from a different perspective and to be able to see the artists for the songwriters and performers that they truly were.

Local artist Audra Kubat has started inviting bands to come into Union Street and play unplugged versions of their music. She has already had Eddie Baranek of The Sights and Troy Gregory in to perform. This week she has invited rockers White Shag to come on in and perform. Jorge and Laura will be playing an acoustic versions of their songs and some select covers. This will give fans a chance to see the band in a whole new light.

The show starts at 9 p.m. this Tuesday, July 29th. The show goes through midnight and it is FREE to attend the performance. The bar will also be featuring $2 Michigan pints on tap. Union Street is located at 4145 Woodward in Detroit. Very cool idea, we look forward to seeing who else Audra brings in!

~S

The Best Party in Town is Tonight at Small's!

Tonight, head out to Small's to celebrate the birth of everyone's favorite bar owner, Mike Mouyianis. They are throwing a big bash featuring a great lineup of bands. Local favorites Golden Torso and RawDogs will be hitting the stage, but more importantly tonight is the return of Skeemin' No Goods! It has been years since the guys in Skeemin' No Goods have hit the stage here and fans are pretty stoked! To top it off, there will even be a special set from Feisty Cadavers. So whether your an old school Detroit rocker or you're part of the new generation, there is something for everyone at this show. By far the best excuse to party in Detroit tonight!

Doors to Small's open at 8 p.m. and RawDogs hit the stage first at 9:45 p.m. Make sure you head out early to check those guys out, they have been working on new tunes, they have a new guitarist playing with them, and they always bring the party. Cover is $10 at the door.

Make sure you wish Mike a Happy Birthday as well as his pals Dan Kelly and Chuck Burns! Happy Birthday guys! We hope it's a blast!!!

~C

Win Tickets to See Disclosure with ShoolBoy Q and More!

It's finally Friday which means that we want to give our readers some FREE stuff. This week we have a set of tickets to giveaway to see Disclosure at Freedom Hill alongside ScHoolboyQ, Kevin Saunderson, Ryan Hemsworth, Tom Trago, and hometown hero Erno the Inferno.

This event is being called Wild Life and it is traveling across the U.S. with dates in Los Angeles, Berkeley, and Chicago. They will be making their stop in Michigan on August 2nd.

Disclosure has been recently recognized for their latest album Settle which features the single "Latch". Check out the music video for that song below.

Tickets for this event are $34 in advance and will be $40 the night of the show. You can purchase tickets in advance here. We also have one set of tickets to giveaway to one lucky reader courtesy of AEG Live. To win those tickets, you must add us on twitter (@hipindetroit) and tweet us with the hash tag #IWANTOGOWILDATTHEWILDLIFETOUR. We will tweet one lucky winner a few days before the show and make sure that they are on the guest list +1. We have a feeling that tickets are going to sell out, so you may want to purchase you ticket in advance and guarantee that you can get through the door and into the party.

Freedom Hill is the prefect place to enjoy the music and dance the night away. Think of it as a smaller, nicer, version of DTE. Freedom Hill is located at 14900 Metro Parkway in Sterling Heights. Doors open at 4 p.m.  and the music goes 'til 11 p.m. 

~S

BFF Fest - July 26: Seraphine Collective Shifts the Scene’s Status Quo

Inclusivity; the idea of it, the beauty of it, the need for it, and, more so, the absence of more initiative to foster it… That inspired BFF Fest–

“Women are grossly underrepresented in this scene,” said Erin Norris (guitarist/singer of Casual Sweetheart). “I get bummed out when I hear people say: ‘Well, I don’t know any good female musicians or bands…”

Best Fest Forever has been organized by the Seraphine Collective, an online-born co-op working towards establishing a safe, active and supportive community for female musicians in Southwest Detroit. That, (inclusivity) along with underlining that this “isn’t just some Women Who Rock fest,” says co-organizer and singer/songwriter/guitarist/pianist Jen David (of Illy Mack and Mama Roux).

Much more than that, as elaborated by co-organizers Dina Bankole (singer/guitarist, Secret Twins and Swimsuit) as well as Norris, BFF Fest is about shifting this scene’s stagnant status quo and toppling the typical politics/inner-workings and perceptions idly clung-to around here when it comes to live music event; particularly, the lack of diversity amid the artists performing said-events.

BFF Fest subverts “the stereotype,” said David, “that women with guitars are a rare breed.”

Bankole said the original impetus for BFF Fest was also acknowledging “the lack of fun, summertime music festivals with diverse line ups. It’s the same-ol’-same-ol’ around here.”

Shelley Salant, an proven avid supporter/promoter and contributor to local music for years, based out of the Ann Arbor/Ypsi scene (Rebel Kind, Shells) initially joined with Bankole a year ago for the planning of this event. Bankole admits that, at first, she resisted that apparent need to emphasize the ‘female, POC, LBGTQ’-centric nature of the festival’s line-up of performers. “Not necessarily because of backlash or stigma,” said Bankole, “but…just to see if anyone noticed.”

“Music is sexless,” says Norris. “(Musical) notes are sexless. Instruments are sexless. Events should probably be sexless, too.”

For about 12 hours on July 26, BFF Fest will take over Trinosophes (concert venue/coffee café / generally cool Eastern Market hang-out). This diverse line up of which we speak features:

Rebel Kind, Kelly Jean Caldwell, Isles of ESP, Loretta Lucas, 

Blizzard Babies, Mexican Knives, Little Animal, Marx Marston, 

Mama Roux, Bárbara Eugênia, Sros Lords, Junk Food Junkies, 

Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, Diskette, Double Winter, Drinkard Sisters, 

Sex Police, Van Houten and Deadbeat Beat. 

Norris is excited and inspired, having never seen a line-up with this many female musicians before.

The line-up also features Norris playing guitar in Casual Sweetheart, which includes Bankole on drums and bassist/singer Lauren Rossi Harroun. Harroun founded and facilitated the blog (Seraphine Collective) that would go on to play a key role in inspiring this Fest and its overall mission statement.

That mission includes highlighting, celebrating and promoting the talents of Michigan’s diverse community of musicians and artists, while prioritizing the participation of women, POC and LGBTQ performers to elucidate the need for, along with balance and diversity, an overall stronger and more supportive music scene in Detroit, in Michigan. The hope is to expand that supportive atmosphere out as far as it goes; in the Midwest and in North America., and, eventually, the world, the universe, the galaxy and all else beyond.

“(It) started out as (Harroun)’s blog that featured individual profiles of female musicians currently making music in Detroit,” said Norris. “It was also (Harroun)’s idea to start a collective with hopes of creating a safe, active and supportive community for female musicians.”

Formal planning meetings were held and continue throughout this year, to strategize towards attaining a space, be it through grants, fundraising or otherwise. The hope is to repurpose a vacant building into a type of community center, a gathering place, a resource library; able to facilitate festivals, educational programming, a space for rehearsals, a recording studio and office-space for an aspiring label.

“I came in to the Collective,” said Bankole, “to helm the record label and festival parts of the project. I’ve wanted to start a record label for a long time. There are so many great bands in Michigan that should have records out and get substantial support from a label, especially female fronted, or female-membered bands that just aren’t getting the attention they deserve.”

Bankole admitted that it is frustrating that “…BFF had to happen intentionally.” The conversations BFF Fest (and Seraphine Collective) hope to start include considering the need for shaking up the “same-ol’-same-ol,’” as Bankole put it, with most shows and festivals’ lineups (between Ann Arbor and Detroit), disappointingly dotted by the same bands getting the same headlining spots, or, other times, slotted as “supporting” acts for “big” shows.

Throughout the curation of BFF, Bankole “met so many cool new bands” that she doesn’t mind putting together an “intentionally” diverse festival, for now; at least until the day when “…Michigan’s music scene catches up to reality and modernity.”

The keyword may not just be inclusivity, no; it might actually be more about “balance.”

“We focused on showcasing celebrated and up-and-coming female musicians,” Bankole said, “regardless of their band’s makeup. The goal was a good mix in ratio opposite of the average show (which are largely male-dominated). So, (BFF Fest) is kind of like: ‘Hey…here’s a diverse, inclusive line-up you don’t see often, but should.”

The idea is to channel any frustration with a scene’s stagnation into something positive; David declares that she was tired of being the only female musician playing a gig. “I’m tired of line-ups that reduce women to only being fans, not performers. I’m tired of gender roles in general.”

David said she wants BFF to be an enlightening experience for the music community, particularly for any booking agents or fellow musicians in attendance that happen to have it seep in that an awesome band of women is awesome not just “because they’re all chicks” with guitars, but, truly, because they are purely, undeniably, elementally, altogether “…awesome.”

And Seraphine is driven by a similar sharing of encouragement, one member inspiring the other and the next member inspiring yet another – one band being awesome and spurring the next band to reach higher toward their very own next-levels.

“I find it kind of amazing that we could make a festival like BFF Fest happen,” admits Bankole. “We couldn’t do something like this in any other major city without some serious cash. Trinosophes is letting us use their space for free and our friends have pitched in to help.”

Portions of the cover charge go to benefit the Ruth Ellis Center, a nonprofit organization working to provide safe haven to homeless and at-risk youth. Bankole noted that Ruth Ellis Center was an ideal partner because of their particular outreach extending to LBGTQ youth, (up to 40% of homeless youths are LGBTQ), but also because the organization is also fundraising, this summer, with the Ally Coalition to build a new Community Health Center to provide services to 25% more youths currently under their care.

Says Bankole: “I would strongly encourage other bands/festivals to donate to the Ruth Ellis Center as well. The total development costs for the new health center are expected to reach $250,000. Start planning a fest right now!”

BFF Fest’s bands run the gamut – categorically defiant by genre and blending everything from neo-soul and trip-hop revivalism to paisley psychedelia and hardcore punk; scuzzy garage and spaced-out experimentalism to throwback AM radio vocal-pop.

And BFF Fest intends to come back next year, bigger and better—according to the organizers. But, beyond the music, this year, there will also be a clothing swap. Attendees are encouraged to bring clean, wearable clothing items, with seasonal items to be donated to the Ruth Ellis Center.

When you arrive, seek out the merch table where you’ll not only find recordings and swag for individual BFF-featured bands, but also the new BFF ZINE and MIXTAPE.

Visual artists Molly Soda and Dan DeMaggio will augment the ambience during the latter half of the festival with live art projections, tripping-out the Trinosophes milieu.

Saturday, July 26 – 3pm – 2am @ Trinosophes (1464 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI) $8 all day, all ages (3:00P - 2:00A)

\/\/\/ VALLEY STAGE \/\/\/
3:00P- Drinkard Sisters

3:50P- Sex Police

4:40P- Van Houten

5:40P- Deadly Viper Assassination Squad

6:50P- Junk Food Junkies

8:00P- Casual Sweetheart

9:10P- Sros Lords

10:20P- Blizzard Babies

11:30P- Isles of ESP

12:40A- Rebel Kind

/\/\/\ MOUNTAIN STAGE /\/\/\
3:25P- Double Winter

4:15P- Diskette

5:05P- Deadbeat Beat

6:15P- Little Animal

7:25P- Marx Marston

8:35P- Mama Roux

9:45P- Bárbara Eugênia

10:55P- Mexican Knives

12:05A- Loretta Lucas

1:10A- Kelly Jean Caldwell

$1 of every ticket will be donated to Detroit's Ruth Ellis Center in partnership with The Ally Coalition.

~Jeff Milo

Getting SILI with Tart to Celebrate the Release of The Hard Lessons Newest Album (WIN TICKETS)

This Saturday The Hard Lessons are returning to Ferndale to play The Magic Bag. They are celebrating the release of their latest album Start What You Finished which can be streamed in full here. They have invited a few great bands to open the show, this includes Silent Lions, Tart and Bermuda Mohawk. This is a solid lineup and a great way to celebrate the release of some new music.

Photo Credit Renee Granados

The Hard Lessons are not only releasing a new LP, they are also releasing an album of live music that will be called Down Off The Ceiling Vol. 2: Live at Small's. They have given us a track called "That Other Girl" to preview today. You can download it for FREE here.They are hoping that this will be the first of many live albums that they intend to release.



Tart also got into the spirit of releasing new music and sent us a song called "Lobbyist" which is the first song off of Knots their debut EP. You can hear that song here.

The Hard lessons even gave us a set of tickets to giveaway to one lucky fan! If you are interested in winning a set of tickets to the show simply send your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com. We will draw one lucky winner the morning of the show and email them with details on how to claim their prize.

Silent Lions teamed up with Tart to answer some of the silliest questions that we have ever asked any band. Check out the silly answers that we received and get taste of the electric personalities that will be taking the stage this Saturday.

Zee and Adam
Photo Credit Sara J. Winston

HID- What's your worst/best memory of high school and why?
Zee & Adam- "My worst memory of high school was when my school won a competition to have Ne-Yo play a private concert for us, and then they cancelled it because they thought his lyrics were inappropriate. In response, the student body took to the cafeteria with “Free Ne-Yo” signs and chants. Alas, democracy didn't win that day."
Dean Tartaglia- "Best memory is battle of the bands my junior year. Came in second place w/ my band Mind Riot (yep, that's a Soundgarden reference), but everyone in the crowd knew we should've won (the band that did win was mostly made up of jocks and they had more friends than us... guess that's just how the world works?). Played four Nirvana covers, smashed our guitars, and it was the first time I ever crowd surfed while playing a show. It all took place in the gym so it felt just like the "Smells Like Teen Spirit" video. Later that night I was kicked out for starting too many mosh pits, and one of the teachers threatened to call the cops. Apparently I was "inciting riots".

Worst memory is also music related unfortunately. I was asked to put together a band for the homecoming pep rally, so me and my four favorite musicians at school spent weeks working on a rendition of C&C Music Factory’s "Everybody Dance Now". The entire performance was a disaster. Our singer was off key and well ahead of the beat, our guitarist's strap fell off, and in my attempt to keep the crowd interested I tried a Pete Wentz 360 jump and my wireless guitar input flew out and got stuck under the bleachers... It was such a nightmare they had to cut us off in the middle of the song... I don't even remember going to homecoming that night, I think I just stayed in my room and cried."

HID- If you knew today was your last day on Earth, how would you spend it and why?
Zee & Adam- "Blaring all the shitty music I had to listen to in secret all these years from my car windows while I drive down Woodward naked and chain smoking."
Matt Klein- "I'd certainly want to cram all the emotions and experiences I could, assuming it's merely MY last day and not a day full of apocalyptic mayhem. I'd eat an amazing breakfast listening to whatever all-time favorite record fits that moment. Turn my phone off and watch a great film. Write and record a song to feel that purge of inspiration and moment of release. Speaking of release: sex. Finally, have the opportunity to play the drums to the point of blissful exhaustion in front of a crowd unknowingly witnessing my final performance. And then have an incredible after party with good friends until I faded to nothingness like from a Polaroid if my parents had never fallen in love."

HID- If you had the chance to go back in time for 24 hours, where and when would you go?
Zee & Adam- "2001, before Apple released the iPod, to cash in all my savings and buy some serious stock."
Matt Klein- "Segue accomplished. I would Doc Brown it back to 1984 and be a fly on a wall in Prince's studio during the non-stop session writing and recording 'When Doves Cry'. I want to be there for the moment he decided to take the bassline out. Then we would dance."

HID- If you were on death row, what would your last meal be?
Zee & Adam- "A coney from Lafayette Coney Island, Rock n' Rye, cornbread and wing dings. Extra hot. Blue cheese on the side. Hold the celery. But gimme dem carrots."
Matt Klein- "Natural Jiff Peanut Butter. Just bring me the jar and a spoon."

HID- How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll pop?
Zee & Adam- "1, 2, crunch... right? I feel like we learned this in school."
Dean Tartaglia- "372? 376? I did it/counted once, tho I think Tootsie Roll pops are gross..."

HID- Rank the colors of the rainbow from best to worst and state why?
Zee & Adam- "Roy G. Biv organized them so nicely, it's hard to argue with that kind of logic. Except everyone knows that most yellows suck."
Dean Tartaglia- "From best to worst:
1. Indigo. It's SiLi's spirit color, and has always been strangely spiritual/soothing for me.
2. Red. Was my favorite color as a child, brings back all my favorite memories from growing up. Also, a predominantly large number of t-shirts I own are some variation of red.
3. Blue. Ocean. Sky. Color of my eyes. Connectivity. Life force. Dig?
4. Green. Forest. Grass. Leaves... I really love climbing trees. Green has made an unprecedented revival in my life, I'm just feeling it right now.
5. Orange. I like sunsets, cantaloupe, and Frank Ocean's album... Can't think of anything else though... Orange often makes me angry...
6. Yellow. Idk man... just no love for yellow right now...
7. Violet. Don't even get me started... the evil twin of Indigo, black sheep of the rainbow family..."

Dean and Matt

HID- If you could get rid of all the songs from a particular singer, whose would you delete and why?
Zee & Adam- "This is tricky.. Probably Hanson. Too much mmm, not enough bop."
Matt Klein- "I generally disregard and ignore music I dislike, rather than hate on it. But, I'll choose: Taylor Swift... she seems like an entity of evil hidden inside a bland human shell. If horror movies have taught me anything, her guitar is where she stores the souls of her ex-lovers and rivals."

The show takes place at The Magic Bag this Saturday July 26th, doors are at 8 pm. You can secure your ticket to the show by purchasing them in advance here.

~S

Passalacqua Takes Detroit to Church

Photo Credit:  J. Townsley

A couple of weeks ago I was invited to a beautiful house in Hamtramck to preview a few tracks from Passalacqua’s upcoming album Church. This album is the combined work of Detroit hip-hop duo Passalacqua and the real life family duo SYBLYNG a.k.a. Seth and Jax Anderson (of Flint Eastwood). They have been collaborating on this album for over two years and wanted to have an official get together to discuss the music and answer any questions that attendees might have.

The listening party and subsequent album release party, which will take place this Saturday, July 26th, were the brainchild of Assemble Detroit, “a movement that organizes young people in Detroit to continually re-imagine the way the city could be rebuilt.” The party will be the first event held at Eight & Sand, home of The Detroit Bus Company. Opening for Passalacqua will be Tunde Olaniran and Open Mike Eagle. Dante Lasalle, Charles Trees, and Nothing Elegant will also perform.
The album is one of the best pieces of music that I have heard to date. The beats are enticing and the lyrics are thought provoking. It was an honor to hear Brent, Brian, Seth, and Jax talk about the process of writing and recording this album. It was also mind blowing to watch the preview of the first video that will be released for the song "Baptism". It was filmed by The Right Brothers and you can see the trailer for the video below.

Passalacqua 'THE BAPTISM' featuring Flint Eastwood [Trailer] from The Right Brothers on Vimeo.

Tickets for this event are available for $10 presale here. The warehouse is located at 3901 Christopher in Hamtramck. The party is officially called Revival. We promise, you're going to love this album, this lineup, and this event. DO NOT MISS THIS ONE DETROIT!

~S

Catch Olivia Millerschin at Campus Martius and On NBC All in One Day!

Photo Credit: JR Magat Photography

Earlier this year we told you about Olivia Millerschin, a female singer/songwriter from the Rochester Hills area. Well, things were already going great for this young lady, but over the last few months they have gotten even better! Back in April she was in the running for 2 Detroit Music Awards and performed at the big event at The Fillmore. She has appeared on local TV networks a few times and was a guest on Mitch Albom's show. She played the Ann Arbor Art Fair. She even put out a new EP called Over the Weather, which you can check out here. She has been one busy lady, to say the least!

Well, Olivia doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon. Earlier this year, she formed a new group called Livy, Matt, & Sammy and they auditioned for NBC's hit show America's Got Talent. They performed in front of Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howard Stern and they made it all the way to Judgement Week on the show, which is a pretty huge deal! You can tune in on Wednesday, July 23rd at 8 p.m. to see if they make it to the next round. In support of Olivia's trip to AGT, WDIV Local 4 also did a feature on her that aired on Tuesday. You can check that out below.

We love that voice and her ukulele too! We wish Olivia the best of luck and can't wait to see what she does next. 

If you would like to see Olivia Millerschin perform live, head down to Campus Martius at lunch time today. She will be playing in the park from Noon 'til 2 p.m. with Bryan Reilly. To hear more from Olivia and to see what she does next, make sure to like her on Facebook here.

~C