No Apologies For Fangirling...

Hey everyone!!

So I'm super excited about a new album- nothing new, I guess? But seriously, I've been waiting patiently for probably more than a month for this one to come out...

Who's heard of Heroes For Hire? If not, I highly suggest you get on it right now. After the very recent news of drummer Lee McGarrity moving on to become a fulltime dad, the band consists of three Sydney pop-punk dudes Brad Smith (lead vocals), Duane Hazell (guitar/vocals) and Chris "Potter" Moretti (bass). As you've probably guessed by now, Sydney trios are kinda my scene. 

One of the things I adore about this band, besides their edgy, upbeat and genuinely amazing style, is the fact that they're genuinely nice guys. Despite their partying ways- but come on, what band of twenty-something year old guys wouldn't?!- they actually take time out to come visit and play for their fans in areas like around here- not something that can be said for a lot of bands, to be honest! I went to a local show on their Just Shoe It! tour back in July, and had the pleasure of having a really nice, down-to-earth conversation with lead singer Brad. It's nice to be reassured that not all bands are strictly around for the fame these days!

Of course, if you're in a band, you're bound to be judged on your musical talent, and these guys definitely do not disappoint! If you're a die-hard Stackette or into the grungy kind of punk-pop that Sydney is worshipped for (or maybe that's just me), mix just a little bit of Ke$ha in and you get Heroes For Hire. Pure genius. Known best for their previous two albums Life of the Party (definitely not so far from the truth!) and Take One For The Team which contain the sexy sounds of 'Bright Lights In Paradise' and 'Secrets, Lies and Sins' and even a cover of 'Kiss and Tell' which instantly transforms Ke$ha's lyrics into anthem material. Also check out the Short Stack documentary for the hilarity and genius of Duane reading off his hand- my personal highlight of the entire film.

On top of that, the guys have a pretty impressive track record (pun not intended). They've braved the crowds to play Soundwave 2012, become regulars along the east coast, and even supported well-known US legends Yellowcard just this month; all the while writing and recording their much anticipated third album, No Apologies. It's been in the works for what seems like the better part of this year, and has got to be the next best thing since sliced bread, I swear. From the tracklist to the guest vocals (Roger Lima of Less Than Jake on 'Face Without A Name' as well as Jeff Todd of I Call Fives on 'Lords of Blacktown'), this album has got to be their best yet. 

Plus, if former prime minister K-Rudd's opinion is anything to go by, it's got to be worth a listen! 

For those of you who've lived a shameful past six years and never heard of them- click away on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The album comes out TOMORROW- September 28. If you can't possibly wait that long, you can stream it online now by clicking here. Happy listening!

Also, just a note from Duane himself that I couldn't bear to leave out- Duane's signature is the best. Just thought it was a necessity of life that you know that. 

Sayonara, fellow ninjas!! xoxo

My New Love

Hello internet!

Recently I've discovered something awesome that both PJ and I have come to adore- the wonderful world of K-Pop. If you've never heard of it, grab some popcorn or a bag of chips, maybe a can or two of softdrink and listen in because I'm going to explain the sheer awesomeness of it all.

Basically, K-Pop is the Korean pop music, hence the name. It consists of synth and boy bands much like western pop music, but in my opinion, is way cooler. Think bright colours and eccentric costumes. Or two words: Gangnam Style.

Maybe you already know what I'm talking about given the number of memes like this one:

Or the parodies like this one:

There's no exaggeration when you say that this video has gone viral. PSY (the artist) has even released a second version featuring Hyuna (his girlfriend in the original clip):

I would probably describe the song as the brighter, crazier Korean Pitbull. There's just some little parallels between them!

And how did this love of mine only just come to be? Well, it's a pretty basic story. 

PJ and I were at her place one afternoon, bored out of our minds. We were flicking through the TV guide and discovered that on SBS (don't judge, okay?!) was a half hour show called Pop Asia. We watched in amazement as we saw a whole variety of Korean music videos. Here's a list of some of our favourites (other than Gangnam Style, of course!):

Love Style - Boyfriend

I Love You - 2NE1

Pandora - Kara

Solo - C-Clown

Ring Ding Dong - SHINee

Sayonara, fellow ninjas!! xoxo