Today is day eight of the Everyone Everywhere MP3 Blog Tour, which means that the 8th song, “Fld Ovr,” from their upcoming, self-titled release is now available for download via Familiarize Yourself! The more I listen to this album,  the more I love it, and if you are at all interested in anything reminiscent of ’90s emo or indie rock/punk…i’m sure you’ll love it too. So, without further ado, here is “Fld Ovr” by Philadelphia, PA’s Everyone Everywhere:

“Fld Ovr” by Everyone Everywhere

Make sure you check out all the other “tour dates” and pick up all the tracks from this awesome album!

Side A:
Monday, April 19th: The Ripple Effect “ Tiny Planet”
Tuesday, April 20th: Can You See The Sunset From The Southside “ Raw Bar OBX 2002″
Wednesday, April 21st: Built On A Weak Spot “œFrom The Beginning To The Tail”
Thursday, April 22nd: Dryvetyme Onlyne “(That’s me!) “ Tiny Town”
Friday, April 23rd: Battle Of The Midwestern Housewives “Tiny Boat”

Side B:
Monday, April 26th:Deckfight “Music Work Paper Work”
Tuesday, April 27th: The Album Project” “Blown Up Grown Up”
Wednesday, April 28th: Familiarize Yourself “Fld Ovr”
Thursday, April 29th: Reviewsic “I Feel Fine”
Friday, April 30th: Clicky Clicky Music “Obama House, Fukui Prefecture”

Next week, Familiarize Yourself will be doing something we’ve never done before. We’re give away an exclusive track from Everyone Everywhere‘s upcoming self-titled LP. If you’re a fan of ’90s emo stuff like The Promise Ring and Braid or comtemporary stuff like Algernon Cadwallader, you’ll LOVE this band and record. We were enlisted by the fine gentlemen who run Tiny Engines to be a part of a tour of independent blogs in an attempt to provide people with a song-by-song introduction to Everyone Everywhere. Ten different blogs will each post a different song from the record, including the opportunity to download that song. This way, by the time of the album’s physical release date, people will have heard each track and will be so impressed by the music than they’ll scurry over to the band and/or label website and order the album. So, make sure to comeback here on Wednesday April 28th and download the 10th track off the album, “Fld Ovr.” We really stoked about being able to give stuff away on here, so please help us, Everyone Everywhere, and all the other blogs by checking out sites and downloading all the tracks.

Make sure you check out all the other “tour dates” and pick up all the tracks from this awesome album!

Side A:
Monday, April 19th: The Ripple Effect “ Tiny Planet”
Tuesday, April 20th:Â Can You See The Sunset From The Southside “ Raw Bar OBX 2002″
Wednesday, April 21st:Â Built On A Weak Spot “œFrom The Beginning To The Tail”
Thursday, April 22nd:Â Dryvetyme Onlyne “(That’s me!) “ Tiny Town”
Friday, April 23rd: Battle Of The Midwestern Housewives “Tiny Boat”

Side B:
Monday, April 26th:Deckfight “Music Work Paper Work”
Tuesday, April 27th: The Album Project” “Blown Up Grown Up”
Wednesday, April 28th: Familiarize Yourself “Fld Ovr”
Thursday, April 29th: Reviewsic “I Feel Fine”
Friday, April 30th: Clicky Clicky Music “Obama House, Fukui Prefecture”

For those music fans who still enjoy a tangible product, your holiday is almost here! The 3rd annual RECORD STORE DAY will be here this Saturday, April 17th! Hopefully you’ve been saving up your cash, or have a credit card with a big limit because Saturday will be an expensive day.

The idea originally came about back in 2007 when creators “Eric Levin, Michael Kurtz, Carrie Colliton, Amy Dorfman, Don Van Cleave and Brian Poehner as a celebration of the unique culture surrounding over 700 independently owned record stores in the USA, and hundreds of similar stores internationally.” As a former record store employee I understand the value that mom & pop record stores have in both the local community, as well as the bigger picture in the recording industry. Big box stores like Walmart and Target may use CDs as their “loss-leaders” (a product they actually LOSE money on to bring people in the store), but those stores also can’t offer the knowledge and atmosphere that your favorite hole-in-the-wall record store can offer.

Check out the local listings for your community if you are outside the Chicagoland area. If you live in Chicago, block off your entire day because there are give-a-ways, live performances, and discounts from early in the morning to late into the night. Not to mention special releases just for Record Store Day!

We’ve got your day mapped out under the cut Chicago!

Dave’s Records will be offering cupcakes, t-shirts, and good conversation with purchases throughout the day (minimum purchase amount required for all of the above!)

Permanent Records is giving away FREE goodie bags w/free tote (while supplies last) with other surprises in store!

Laurie’s Planet of Sound has live music!
12:00 pm - Algebro plays live!

1:00 pm - VEE DEE plays live!
2:00 pm - Johnny and the Limelites plays live!

3:00 pm – Bill & Lisa of CoCoComa & Trouble in Mind Records DJ!
5:00 pm – Pat & John of The Autumn Defense & Wilco DJ!
6:00 pm – Trevor & Laurent of Pelican DJ!
8:00 pm- DJ Wet Blanket (aka Tim of Laurie’s) DJs!
9:00 pm – DJ Samorama of Laurie’s rounds out the night!

Reckless Records has live in-stores!
BROADWAY Store (3126 N. Broadway)

POISON ARROWS 1pm
GRAVEYARD TRAIN (CREEDENCE COVER BAND) 2pm
HEAD OF SKULLS 3PM
REGRESS 4PM

LOOP store (26 E. Madison)
LOVE OF EVERYTHING 1PM
PLAGUE BRINGER 2PM
SWEET COBRA 3PM

WICKER PARK Store (1532 N. Milwaukee)
PHIL COHRAN 12:30PM
THE ETERNALS 2PM
PNS from MOLEMEN 3PM
LIAM HAYES & PLUSH 4PM
AZITA 5PM
Rock n’ roll caricatures by Steve Krakow aka Plastic Crimewave (12-5)

Reggies/Record Breakers has discounts, live shows, and more!

Is there something we missed? Let us know in the comments!

I remember the first time I heard The Menzingers pretty vividly. It was back in August ’08 on the first day of a tour with Michigan’s Fuckin’ Gnarly that I was doing, and we had a show with a ton of bands at a some tiny house in State College, PA. About 24 hours before the show, I had just had staples removed from stomach from an emergency appendectomy that I had about a week and half before that, and against my better judgment I decided to travel across the eastern seaboard with 5 guys in a cramped van. About 2 hours into some rather mediocre bands playing through a horrible PA, I sat on a moldy couch watching said bands and started to regret my decision to embark on the journey, but then the Menzingers took the stage floor and all regret vanished. Somehow, the foursome was able to sound flawless through the cheap sound system, and after they torn through a cover of The Clash’s “Straight to Hell” I was instantly enthralled with them. It is not often that bands really wow me just off their live performances, but they were just that good.

The Menzingers – “Home Outgrown” (Altpress.com exclusive) by altpress

Ever since, I’ve seen nothing but promise in the band from the handful of times I got to witness them live and from their ’07 debut full-length A Lesson In The Abuse Of Information Technology and  last year’s remarkable Hold On, Dodge EP. Influenced heavily by folk rock and anything related to the Clash, you’re going to hear some obvious similarities to punk legends like Billy Bragg and the aforementioned Londoners as well as their contemporaries like Against Me!, Dead to Me, and The Gaslight Anthem. From their boisterous punk anthems to their acoustic folk numbers, these Pennsylvanians prove that they are meant for more than the basements and small clubs they are used to playing.

Since signing to Chicago label Red Scare Industries a little over year ago, the band is starting to finally get their due as they have landed larger shows and tours, and are now getting some attention from the press.  Named one of Alternative Press’s 100 bands to watch this year, the quartet will be heading out this spring as openers for NOFX and Against Me! in support of their upcoming full length Chamberlain Waits. Their latest effort is currently being streamed on the band’s MySpace page, and after a few listens I can say it is quite the barnburner.

Chicagoans, make sure to check out The Menzingers at the Subterranean May 29^th with Banner Pilot, The Ataris, Cheap Girls, and more.

If there is one thing I hate about going to a lot of shows, it is having to sit through the same shitty local opening band that somehow manages to get on every show I go to. I mean it can get to the point where I know words to songs by these terrible musicians solely because I’ve seen them so many times. However, every now and then a really good band is that local opener, and lately for me that band has been Elgin, IL’s The Brokedowns.

“Sean Spencer” by The Brokedowns

This foursome has been playing shows in and around the Chicagoland area on a seemingly daily pace recently, while putting out releases just as quickly as they’ve released split EPs with The Copyrights, The Arrivals, and Turkish Techno within the last year. In addition, their 2007 full-length New Brains For Everyone was re-released on vinyl just last week via Traffic Street Records. These guys are the definition of workhorses.

“Pro-Gear, Pro-Attitudes, Pro-Results” by The Brokedowns

Musically, The Brokedowns play an abrasive, loud punk style that is reminiscent of Dillinger Four and Off With Their Heads that should draw the ear of any fan of the sound coming of the Midwest punk scene lately. Like many of their peers, their music is quick and straightforward as  there are no elaborate guitar solos or whimsical instrumental tracks to be found in their work; it’s all pretty blunt and to the point. Regardless, the band will keep your interest with their steadfast music and witty, oft-political lyrical content. One of the things I enjoy most about the group is actually their stage banter, and if you ever see them you’ll understand it. It like being treated to mini stand up routines between songs. All in all, it is quite refreshing to hear a local band ripping up the stage instead of my eardrums.

Make sure you do yourself a favor and give their full-length New Brains For Everyone here right now!

We are putting a lot of blood, sweat, and tears (well maybe not so much blood), into this project. Check back for video updates, concert updates, and love. We need you now, help us spread the word!

FamiliarizeYourself.com has big things ahead.

The Castevet
2 parts 90’s Emo (Cap’n Jazz, American Football)
1 part Beardcore vocals (Small Brown Bike, Hot Water Music)

Shake well. Served best in a crowded basement or art space.

Despite the simple ingredients, the four piece’s sound is complex as Summer Fences is quite instrumental based and all but one song exceeds the 5-minute mark. Their sonic dynamic was enough for Deckfight.com to called them “the balliest band in punk rock”.

All the while, Castevet holds a distinct Midwestern feel, and they reminded me a lot of fellow Chicagoans, Colossal. With that said, the band brings to the table a sound that is very welcoming that could be easily accepted by a wide range of music listeners, and they are already drawing a lot of critical praise from both indie rock and punk critics. Because of their unique sound, the band was recently signed to UK-based Big Scary Monsters (Kevin Devine, Anathallo), and their upcoming record The Echo & The Light will be the label’s first US release. After just completing a short Midwest and East Coast tour, Castevet will be holding a record release show for this forthcoming album January 30th at the Subterranean with Into it. Over it., Native, and Bob Nanna & Lauren Lo. Keep a look for this band because I have a feeling that are going to be getting a lot of press following the release of The Echo & The Light.

Listen to two tracks off their forthcoming album, The Echo & The Light here.

exclusive

No, not the animal!  While browsing in staff picks at the listening station at the Lakeview Reckless Records, I came across Fruit Bats’ newest album, Ruminent Band.  My reaction: “Fantastic! This sounds like a lighter version of The Shins with a brighter outlook!” Turns out, my ears haven’t betrayed me because Fruit Bats started out originally as a side project for many of the members of The Shins.  They are signed to Sub Pop and Ruminent Band is their fourth album released through the label.  The album it self was recorded with Graeme Gibson at Clava in Chicago and makes a great addition to your indie Autumn playlist!

Is it the long, dark winters I’ve heard rumors of that make Danish bands so prone to such weighted and heart longingly filled music? I always feel like the sounds that come out of this region are intensely perfect for certain moods, like in January when you’re looking for a body to cling to for warmth. There’s a unique loneliness and  fulfillment they bring me that I’ve rarely found in bands outside of this region, and I love them more than others for this emotional duality.

Danish quartet Chimes & Bells create music that suggests they’re going to strip you down and bring you into their mesmerizing world, and it doesn’t sound at all bad there. From the beginning of  Into Peices of Wood (U.S. debut on Chicago indie label Minty Fresh) I am swept up and lost in their sound. The EP opens with Stand Still, a heavy and emotionally exhausting track. I’m most attracted to this song on the EP for a couple of reasons. To start, there’s the elegant instrumentals and soothing vocals, which are breathtaking and momentous. Also, there is one line that strikes a particular chord with me, “I still have your jacket and you still have my heart, my heart, my heart…” It sounds so familiar and still it’s never comfortable. And at some inevitable point we all tend to find ourselves there- thinking and feeling that same quote while damning that jacket.

The remaining three tracks are just as intense and charged yet they too remain poised and as crisp as autumn evenings. I have been listening to the four songs on repeat for nearly two weeks now without tire. I’ve often found that I eagerly wait months (sometimes years) and count the days for ordered imports or U.S. release dates and American tours from my beloved foreign bands. I can only anticipate a spectacular full length, as suggested by this promising start. With that said, Chimes and Bells will not be the exception to this as I try to maintain my patience despite my want for more Now.

Enjoy.

We have a lot of love at FYW for Dangerbird Records. Not only does Dangerbird release some amazing music, but Matt Solodky – general manager of Dangerbird Records was nice enough to kick-off our interview section at FamiliarizeYourself and answer questions about his college life, the current music industry, and offer some advice to future music industry entrepreneurs.

(FYW)What were your former occupations before entering into the music industry through Dangerbird Records?
(MS)I was born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and believe it or not, it is home to an amazing local music scene. I was lucky enough to be involved in many facets at a young age. I worked at a local guitar shop, recording studio, independent record label and nightclub. During college I street repped for Mercury and Virgin Records, then moved to Los Angeles to work in music at the William Morris Agency.

(FYW)Did you attend college? Which college and what was your degree?
(MS)I attended the University of Pittsburgh. We had the option to create our own majors – which I did. It was a hybrid of business and communications.

(FYW)What is your role/title at Dangerbird?
(MS)I’ve been at Dangerbird for nearly five years. I was the first full time employee – a general assistant / jack of all trades. As the company expanded, my role grew and become more focused simultaneously. I took a product manager position, which lead to head of marketing and I am now the general manager. The best part about working at a small, tight knit label is that roles are never totally defined. I am able to have a hand in nearly everything – from pre-production, to recording, to manufacturing, marketing, sales, licensing, touring, radio, etc…I am constantly learning new things because of this.

(FYW)Is this where you thought you’d be when you were younger?
(MS)Yes. I feel very fortunate to say so. I played in a band in high school and was the one booking shows, studio time and coordinating photos / artwork. At the time, I had a partial idea of what a label and manager did and I knew I wanted to be involved in both somehow.

(FYW) How was Dangerbird Records started?
(MS) Over a meal of Vietnamese food – by partners Jeff Castelaz and Peter Walker!

(FYW) Has the label been effected by the current economy?
(MS) With the decline of overall album sales, all labels are looking towards new ways to monetize their music online and offline – revenue generating ads thru streaming music and video, streaming radio royalties, etc. Because of this new music business models will continue to emerge and the industry will shift until a new level ground is found. As for the state of the overall world economy, like everyone, we’ve become more creative and careful with our budgets. For example, when setting up a new band – we’d much rather implement impactful viral marketing campaigns than spend on advertising, with little quantified return.

(FYW) What has Dangerbird Records done to compete with a generation filled with illegal downloaders?
(MS) I’m not sure that you can compete with illegal downloaders or those who choose to leak a record. I actually like to see our younger bands ranking on the file sharing sites – it means that people are interested in the band, talking about them and sharing the music. And, in this day and age it’s a question of how long you can keep an album from leaking before street date, because it most likely will. With Silversun Pickups – the album leaked about 3 weeks before street date and it actually worked to our advantage, reviews and fan feedback were very positive.

Also, we work closely with all of our artists and take pride in the album package, digital content and bonus materials. I hope the true fans who illegally download will still want to support the artist / pick up a copy of the album legally –  for the attention to artwork, aesthetic and overall experience.

(FYW) Who is/are your favorite artist(s) on the label’s roster?
(MS) I can honestly say that I love them all. Everyone takes a unique approach to their music, constantly push themselves and evolve…

(FYW) Recently Dangerbird Records became the third independent record label ever to have an artist reach #1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Singles, how did that feel as an employee and how did you celebrate? (Congrats by the way!)
(MS) It is a great feeling, as so many people contributed and worked together to make this happen (most importantly, the band for writing an incredible album)! There was not much celebration, we just put our heads down and focused on the follow week’s chart.

(FYW) Do you have any advice to new, emerging labels and music business students looking to make it in this industry?
(MS) Internships. They provide an invaluable education and hands on experience. I encourage students to get involved in as many as possible, do not limit yourself to one or two areas. Reach beyond your main interests and learn as much as you can. The more experience and knowledge of the industry as a whole, the better off you’ll be.

-AB