Short Stack: The Story So Far (Preceded By Ramblings Of My Very Own)

Hi guys!! Ok, don't kill me. I know my blogging has absolutely sucked a gazillion gigantically fat Tic Tacs lately, but I have reasons! I'm not making excuses exactly- well, I am, but they're good reasons!

First and foremost, I got back from New Zealand, obviously. I rarely posted while I was over there because obviously, I'm there to meet new people, and pick up an accent as I did. It's not heavy, but apparently I can't say double 'o' properly and my "i" and "e" sounds get mixed up. If you're from anywhere but Australia or New Zealand, you may not be able to hear the difference at first, but trust me, it's there. It's even more obvious if you're talking to someone and you drop the word "thongs" in a sentence and they look at you like you have three heads. For those of you who don't know, Kiwi's call thongs "jandals." It's quite funny; I don't know where the word exactly comes from. So if anyone knows, comment and tell me! I plan on doing a post on Kiwi slang soon, so hopefully if I get myself into gear, it will actually happen!

Secondly, I have a job now, which means my posting will probably be limited, especially over the Christmas holidays. Goodbye, social life; hello money! I'm saving up for a digital piano because I've had the one little, tiny synth keyboard for almost six years now. As much as I love it, it's about time for an upgrade. I've been writing my own songs lately and I love it. Music and writing are the two passions of my life and to bring the two of them together is amazing. It's such an incredible feeling to be able to sing something that you've written and practiced and edited so many times and be happy with it. PJ and are getting serious about the whole band thing now- who knows the song, Yourbiggestfan by Never Shout Never? We can play that together now; her on guitar and me on piano. If you guys are interested, we might post a video on here or on YouTube... we'll see what happens.

So, as per usual, I've just rambled on and on from a tangent. I do actually have a reason for posting. Well, two actually. I wanted to tell you guys about the premiere of Short Stack's movie and a music festival I went to called On The Pulse. On The Pulse I will probably save for later though, as I cannot possibly talk about it properly in this post mixed in with my ramblings and others, and it was a BIG deal for both me and PJ, so it will definitely, DEFINITELY be my next post. No matter what.

Tonight I went to the premiere of Short Stack's self made documentary, which, if you didn't know, was broadcast live via satellite all over Australia. Which meant that it was happening in the same complex as my work. What they broadcast via satellite was:

• The red carpet event, hosted by Maude Garrett and Matt Acton of The Hot30 Countdown
• An acoustic show- they played their newest song, Bang Bang Sexy as well as an old favourite of mine, Sway Sway Baby and the incredible Planets.
• A brief Q&A session with the boys.

I do envy anyone who actually went to the premiere in Sydney, but the Sunshine Coast one was incredible. There were about thirty of us in the cinema, all screaming teenage girls (and a token boy). The atmosphere was just incredible; it was like an extended family. Everyone was cheering and screaming together and it was... I can't even explain it!

The movie itself was really special. I liked how Andy edited it himself; the fact that they did it all themselves without paying someone else to do the hard yards gave it a really personal touch that you don't get from many movies like that. You really get a sense of how much work they've put in to get his far in their musical careers and it makes you respect them just that much more. They gave credit where credit was due to everyone who helped them out along the way, and you basically felt like you were on the journey with them.

Short Stack have had a bit of a bad rap in the music scene from a lot of critics. So many people commented on how focussed they were on their image as opposed to the music, but when you watch the movie you can blatantly tell how wrong those haters were. They changed their image between Stack Is The New Black and This Is Bat Country because they cared about the music and fans more than anything else and they wanted to make that perfectly clear. Anyone who hates on Short Stack for that reason should really see that part of the movie and understand how wrong they are.

There is a part in the movie where Shaun puts on his serious face for once (gasp, shock, horror!) and they talk about how Short Stack nearly called it quits at one point. I found this part really touching because I personally have found so much comfort in them for good I-don't-know-how-many years I have listened to their music. For more than half of my life, especially the past three years, I've endured so much bullying. It put me in a pretty dark place that I couldn't pull myself out of. Then along came Short Stack and I fell in love with their music and their bright personalities straight away. I was already learning piano, but I really threw myself into it completely, heart and soul around the time I started listening to them. I realised that no matter what happened in my life, music was a solid rock that I could cling to; it was a family I would always be a part of. When I broke up with my first boyfriend, I fell back into the rut but music was the footholes that helped me to climb out. I started writing music then because writing was the only way I could show any emotion, and putting it to music, the only thing I really knew about and understood was the only thing that made me feel better, and I owe that release to Short Stack.

But of course, being Short Stack (as they obviously are), it wasn't all tears and love stories. They're fun; there was a lot of joking around. The highlights for me were definitely the tour pranks on Heroes For Hire and Because They Can, and the clips from old Short Stack TV episodes that I haven't seen in so long. On the weekend, I've decided PJ and I need a Short Stack TV marathon. Or maybe just me lying in my bedroom alone....whichever works! I especially liked the comparison Andy made between their Youtube channel and Jack Ass- "Stack Ass" is the best name for it there could ever be. And when you see Andy standing in his backyard, kicking himself in the head, you understand completely. Our cinema was in tears of laughter.

I honestly give this movie 110/5, for obvious reasons. I've pre-ordered the DVD which comes out on November 4- if you didn't go to the premiere, or even if you did- YOU MUST GET IT!! It is so worth it. However, just a side note- the actual DVD will apparently be rated MA 15+, so it's at your own discretion!

Anyway, I'm going to bed. 'Night, everyone. I hope I didn't bore you all to death for the sake of fangirling, which is what I'm doing right now. When I got home, I was pretty much a death metal panda. My eyeliner had run halfway down my face- not because I cried, but because bouncing up and down in my seat for two hours made me break a sweat!- and from screaming and yelling, my voice actually sounded like I was screaming death metal. Which I was doing during the beginning of the movie. They played Planets over a two minute countdown and because I was so incredibly loud and noisy, something happened to my voice and I was doing the death metal cover. Short Stack gone screamo... interesting.

Sayonara, fellow ninjas!! xoxo

Ninja Ten

Hey guys!

It was my birthday on Thursday and now I'm fifteen. Fifteen, and before long, that will be thirty. Only two years left of high school! Me, out in the real world? It's a scary thought. Just next year, I'll be able to get my learner's licence! Gosh, that's pretty nerve-wracking.

Anyway, I love birthdays. For me, it basically means a crap-load of new music! Right now, I have 947 recently added songs on my iTunes. About 20 of them I bought on iTunes, another 20 were off a CD that I bought, a gazillion of them were songs I got off my host brother and sister, and the rest I salvaged off my old iPod nano! I have one of the little fat ones and it had soo many songs stuck on it- I rescued them after about two years- finally!! 

Today's post is pure music; I thought I'd share with you the best songs of them all.

Love Drunk- Boys Like Girls
For my punk-pop lovelies, this one's for you. I never knew it by name but I have loved it for ages. Boys Like Girls are about the most awesome you can get. Their whole album is just... well, please excuse me while I dance wildly around my room!

The Llama Song- Burton Earny
My best friend bought it on iTunes. It goes for a total of 40 seconds. It is so stupid and pointless that it is actually so awesome. It's for those with a sense of humour and a love for llamas. That would be you, Danisnotonfire. If you don't know him; I'm doing a post tomorrow on YouTubers. Stay tuned, folks!

Loser Like Me- Glee
My absolute anthem, personal theme song... whatever you call it; that's what this song is to me. It's just awesome! It sums me up perfectly, and Glee is just amazing, no matter what my dad will say! I adore Cory Monteith and his voice and Lea Michele's in one track- to die for!!

Tonight Tonight- Hot Chelle Rae
Yep; it's mainstream. You've heard it everywhere, right? I love it so much! It is the first more-than-decent pop song I've heard in so long! I can't resist dancing and/or singing along whenever I hear it. They've set the bar pretty high, and I cannot wait to hear more from them. 

Fall For You- Secondhand Serenade
It just sounds pretty and kinda romantic and sweet, which is pretty much typical of Secondhand Serenade. It's not one to burst your eardrums or have you busting out some kind of breakdance moves in the middle of a flashmob, but it's beautiful. The kind of song that has you lying in your room doodling in your journal, thinking of That Guy. 

On The Brightside- Never Shout Never
I never thought I'd thank school for finding me a cool song, but I am! They played it at assembly one Friday, and it was just so cool! It is the cutest song ever, and Christofer Drew Ingle's voice is just to die for! It's a positive mantra that's catchy and simple, a perfect little pick-me-up on a down day!

Scene Kid- Scream Infamy
I believe I've mentioned the sheer epicness of Scream Infamy and the loveliness of Josh before in The Underground Experience? Well when I got my iTunes credit *cue victory music* this was on the top of the list! If you didn't read it- click here! This is what Josh had to say about the inspiration behind the band's first single:

"Honestly, most of the Sydney music scene. Hardcore/metal kids and 'hipster' scene kids really annoy me a lot. They act like they are better than everyone when in fact, they are just not. The song is about getting rejected by a girl cause she would prefer to date one of these 'scene kids', obviously, and the music is inspired by old school punk rock."

Read the post if you haven't already!

Burn So Bright- The Sundance Kids
Once again, I hail thee, Genius sidebar on iTunes! I knew about The Sundance Kids beforehand, because they were the opening act for Short Stack at a local show that I unfortunately couldn't get tickets to- grr! I didn't end up looking up their music, and I'd sort of half forgotten about them until iTunes stepped in. I heard this song and started crying. Yes, I cry over beautiful songs. If you haven't heard them- think The Fray with a splash of Short Stack.

Secret Valentine- We The Kings
This song is just epic in so many ways. Could it be the fact that We The Kings are just awesome and attractive? Perhaps. But this song is G-R-E-A-T! It pretty much is me, and in my favourite style of music too. Pretty much the greatest thing ever!

Blast The Stereo- The Never Ever
The Never Ever. Enough said. Back in the days before Dylan Nash, there was Colby McQueen (now lead singer of another Sydney pop-punk five piece, Wake The Giants). Despite my lasting loyalty to Dylan, I still adore the fact that Colby was a part of the formation of my favourite unsigned lovelies.

Sayonara, fellow ninjas!! xoxo

The Underground Experience: Lurid Midnight

Hey ninjas!! Sorry, I know my posting has absolutely sucked lately, but I've been SO BUSY! Yeah, I know, no excuse, but I've been switching countries again! Aussies- I'm back, baby!

That's all beside the point. Tonight, in case the title didn't give it all away, I have another installment of The Underground Experience! It's about a little band just starting out that I've known about for a while! They're probably the one all-girl band that I know of that aren't all bubblegum pop. They're inspired by bands that I love- think Short Stack, Forever The Sickest Kids, All Time Low... punk meets pop- but with a touch of girl power!

Meet Kione, Lisa, Sian and Amanda- four average teenage girls from New South Wales, Australia with a passion for music and a quest for awesomeness!

So what instruments do they play? Kione is the drummer, Amanda is the lead singer, Sian is a lead guitarist and Lisa rocks out on the bass! They may not have much in the way of songs out and around on the internet yet, but these up-and-coming ladies won't be far off!

 

Plus, the girls were super-lovely enough to do an interview with me especially for you guys! Which means it's time for...

20 Questions... with the ladies of Lurid Midnight!!

1. Where did you all meet? 

Sian: The others met in primary school or grade 7. I moved down to New South Wales from Central Queensland and just happened to stumble across some of the nicest girls ever who shared all my interests :)

Kione: Lisa went to the same primary school as me, Amanda went to a writing work shop and I just happened to be there. Siân just turned up out of no where.
Lisa: I met them at a strip club in the middle of school.
Amanda: We met at high school at the beginning of grade eight. 

2. How did you decide to become a band? 

Sian: It was just something I'd always wanted to do. I wanted to start a band when I lived in Queensland, but no one liked the idea. It just so happened that I moved down here and met Amanda, who wanted to have a music based career as well. 

Kione: It was all Siân and Amanda’s idea, I just tagged along.
Lisa: I wanted to get closer to Alex Gaskarth.

Amanda: Ever since I was 4. I've always wanted to be a musician, it seems like a fun and exciting job.

3. Where did your name come from?
Sian: My older sister is a novelist and is writing a series of vampire books, the third one being called Lurid Midnight. We had been looking for a name, and had been tossing around two or three for about two weeks when she told me we could use the name of her book as long as we gave her credit for it, and the name has just stuck ever since. If you have Wattpad, Mibba or Inkpop,  you should really check her out :) her username is PawLuvzVampirez.

Kione: Paige's book. She's Sian's sister.

Lisa: Paige's vampire book.

Amanda: Sian's sister Paige wrote a book called 'Lurid Midnight'.

4. What bands inspire you?
Sian: Short Stack and Because They Can definitely. Mayday Parade, The Maine, My Chemical Romance, All Time Low, We Are The In Crowd, Tonight Alive, Boys Like Girls, For Our Hero, This Providence, Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows and VersaEmerge are pretty big influences too.

Kione: Short Stack mainly, but Because They Can, All Time Low, Tonight Alive and pretty much any other band that came from nowhere are big inspirations to me. 

Lisa: Because They Can, All Time Low, Short Stack, The Maine, You Me At Six, We The Kings, etc.

Amanda: The Amity Affliction, Jack's Mannequin, Death Cab For Cutie, VersaEmerge, The Maine, All Time Low, Brand New, Forever The Sickest Kids and more. 

5. How would you describe your sound?
Sian: For vocals I'd say we sound a bit like Tonight Alive, and for the music, probably Because They Can or For Our Hero. Possibly throw Jack's Mannequin into the mix too. All in all it's a pretty awesome sound, which you'll all be hearing soon :)

Kione: Amanda's voice is like Jen from Tonight Alive and Hayley Williams put together. 

Lisa: We sound like sh*t bags. 

Amanda: Tonight Alive meets Paramore and VersaEmerge.

6. What do you like doing better; covering songs or writing your own music?
Sian: Covering songs is fun; playing songs that everyone knows and loves, and knowing no matter what people will scream the lyrics back to you is a great feeling, but first you have to figure out how to play the songs, and have to adjust them to fit Amanda's voice. With writing songs, they'll always be in Amanda's range because she's the one writing them and we can add our own music as long as its all in the same key. And it means a whole lot more when people scream the lyrics of a song you helped create, than someone else's song. 

Kione: Covering music would be so much fun, but writing our own is better because we are letting you know what's going on in our life.

Lisa: Covering songs because then I have a reason to scream more about Alex Gaskarth's voice. 

Amanda: I like both. Covering songs is great, but its always nice to write and perform something of our own. 

7. Who does most of your song writing?

Sian: Amanda does, because if anyone else did it, it would be difficult because the song might not be in her range.

Kione: Sian and Amanda because Lisa and I are too lazy.

Lisa: Manda and Sian because me and Kione are lazy sh*ts.

Amanda: I do. I've been writing songs for a few years now. 

8. What inspires your lyrics?

Sian: Basically everything going on in our lives. Our group of friends is almost constantly arguing, and there's always the issue of boys, and sometimes deaths in the family, etc.

Kione: I would guess family, friends and crushes.

Lisa: sh*t.

Amanda: Having crushes on boys (sigh), and anything that just comes to my mind, like friends, cities I want to visit, etc. 

9. How long have you guys been playing your instruments?
Sian: I started learning guitar in March this year when we started. My Dad used to be in a band and he teaches me from home, which is good because it's free, and music lesson prices are tremendous at the moment. 

Kione: I started learning the keyboard at the beginning of this year but I gave up and I'm buying drums soon. 

Lisa: I started learning the electric but gave up because I'm lazy. I've probably been learning bass for about 2 months now.

Amanda: I've had my voice my whole life ;)

10. What are your favourite subjects at school?

Sian: Music and lunch :D
Kione: Music, Tech and Science.

Lisa: Sorry, school's crap so I can't answer that question. The only good thing is how I met my friends at the school strip club. 

Amanda: I like Music, lunch break, and English :)

11. What do you get up to on the weekends?
Sian: Most of the time I just stay at home on my computer all day unless we go out shopping or something. I have my guitar lessons with my Dad for about 3 or 4 hours every Saturday though. 

Kione: In winter I play netball on Saturday mornings, the afternoon I either go shopping or just stay home. Sundays are normally free. 

Lisa: Um, mostly spend time on the computer and I play sports every Saturday.

Amanda: I travel around the state. I go to a new town every weekend. 

12. What other hidden talents do you have?
Sian: I can play the Clarinet. I used to be in the school band in primary school and was 1st Clarinet. If you went through my parents' computer, you'd find about 977365783426858736485 videos of me playing it with the band. I also like writing stories like my sister, and people say I'm a pretty good singer :S

Kione: I'm a great netball player and a pretty good writer as well.

Lisa: You'll have to find out in bed ;)

Amanda: I'm a professional blogger ;) oh, and I'm good at playing pokemon. Do those count as hidden talents? 

13. How long have you all been playing together?
Sian: We've been a band since March 24, 2011. Is it sad that I remember the date? :S

Kione: We haven't officially had a band practise but should have one by Christmas at least.

Lisa: About 5 months now? I don't know!

Amanda: Around April this year. 

14. Where can we hear your music?
Sian: No where yet, we're still learning our instruments and stuff, but we should have a cover of Remembering Sunday by All Time Low up on our YouTube soon so keep a look out :)

Kione: No where yet, but hoping to start doing some covers. We are learning Remembering Sunday by All Time Low.

Lisa: Listen to All Time Low. Alex Gaskarth stole some of my lyrics ;)

Amanda: the internet!!!!!

15. What is your favourite song ever?
Sian: Um, either 17 by Short Stack, Blood & Ice Cream by For Our Hero, You & I (Tonight) by Because They Can, or Where The City Meets The Sea by The Getaway Plan. I can't chose. Its impossible.

Kione: SWEET DECEMBER!! By Short Stack. 

Lisa: Um, I don't know. Probably We'll All Be... by The Maine.

Amanda: I hate Hartley by The Amity Affliction :3

16. What’s your nerdiest habit?
Sian: I've read the whole Harry Potter series at least 5 times each. I've probably read The Deathly Hallows about 8 times to be honest. And I hate when my books get bent. When I moved down from Queensland, and opened the box my books we packed in, I cried for hours. The removalists had packed my books with the spines facing the top of the box, and there was about 3 levels of books in the box, and every one of them got bent in some sort of fashion. They broke the spine of my copy of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It was horrible. 

And I got 100% in my maths test on the Pythagorean Theorem. Pretty stoked about it. 

Kione: I always have to fit my maths note on one page. I hate having two pages of notes!

Lisa: Stressing over tests.

Amanda: I love reading.

17. What’s the craziest thing you guys have done?
Sian: I've done a tone of crazy stuff in my 14 year lifetime, and there's definitely more to come. I think the craziest thing I've done is playing tin can soccer with my friends in Queensland on concrete floor, while it was chucking it down with rain, and I slipped over like 3 times, and we got in trouble with the deputy. Or becoming friends with Kione. That was definitely a crazy idea. 

Kione: Well, whenever someone from our table goes to the toilet at school in the lunch break, we yell their name out when they're walking back. And because we go to a small school, basically the whole school turns around and stares at them.

Lisa: Um, a guy pulled off my bikini top and I turned around and slapped him in the face while I was still topless :S

Amanda: One time I was camping with friends and we wanted phone reception and it was like midnight, so we walked up a cliff right next to water with sparklers just to get on facebook. We risked our lives for the internet. 

18. What’s your biggest ambition musically?
Sian: I don't care about getting big, and touring with huge bands like All Time Low or anything. I'm happy as long as we have a group of faithful fans, no matter how big or small, that will stand up to haters, come to every show, and scream our lyrics back to us at the top of their lungs as if it was the last thing they would say in their life. That would be amazing. Even though touring with All Time Low would be awesome, I like to appreciate the littler things. Sometimes they're more important. 

Kione: To get signed, put out an album and even do a tour. 

Lisa: To become well known, but not famous as such. It would be too much stress.

Amanda: To be able to save people through the lyrics I wrote. I want to make people happy, I want them to be able to make it through tough times. I want to make them feel like life is worth living every day.

19. How would you describe your sense of style?
Sian: In winter, all I wear is skinny jeans, band shirts and leather jackets. I love my leather jacket :3 in summer I don't wear singlets, I just wear t-shirts. Mostly band shirts, hahaha, and shorts. Especially the high waisted ones. Even though I'm skinny I feel uncomfortable wearing singlets. I don't know why. And I wear converse all the time, whether it's summer or winter. The only time I don't wear them is if I'm going to the beach. 

Kione: I love skinny jeans, hoodies and band tees! They are the best, but in summer I tend to wear shorts and singlets. Connies are the BEST!! Haha

Lisa: Different but a little bit of the trends. 

Amanda: I'm not even sure!

20. Any messages to people of general cyber space?

Sian: You're always worth it. Don't bring yourself down. You're absolutely amazing, no matter what anyone says. Self-harm should never be an option, and nothing is worth taking your life over. Be yourself. Don't change for anyone else. If someone picks on you, they don't have a life, and desperately need to get one because they're pathetic. Follow your dreams. If someone tries to stop you they're not worth your time. If you're one of our fans, then thank you. Those two words will never do justice, no matter how many times I say them. I love you all for giving us a chance at this. And if you're one of the people participating in our competition, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. We would not be where we are right now without you guys posting our facebook link everywhere and telling your friends about us. 
Oh, and wherever Lisa mentions Alex Gaskarth or the school strip club, she's joking. Actually, she's joking practically all the way through this interview. 
Kione: Hello, please check us out, we have a competition running RIGHT NOW!! Follow the link >>> http://www.facebook.com/notes/lurid-midnight/our-little-competition/149373428479049 
Lisa: Hi I'm Lisa and I'm single :P

Amanda: Never ever give up on your dreams. You can do whatever you want to do, don't let anything or anyone get in the way of that. I believe in you, you deserve good things. 


So I'm thinking future female Short Stack? Who knows what's in store for these girls! Let's hope they stick to their dreams and become AWESOME!!!

Sayonara, fellow ninjas!! xoxo

P.S.: I'll try and post more often, I promise!

The Underground Experience: Scream Infamy

It's finally the moment we've all- well, I know I have, anyway!!- been waiting for... the first review of The Underground Experience!! I'm really excited about it!! And away we go!!

First up, we have a great little band from Sydney called Scream Infamy!! They are absolutely amazing!! Think catchy, pop-punk guitar riffs and tons of energy. Yet another one of my unsigned lovelies; the music these guys make is pop-punk magic!! If you hear their single, Scene Kid (which you should all go and buy on iTunes right now!!), you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. For those of you too lazy to look it up, watch it now!!

Scene Kid- Scream Infamy



Bet you understand me now, huh?!

Another reason I adore these guys is how lovely they are. The lovely Josh was sweet enough to play twenty questions with me especially for you guys!! My first time interviewing anyone, so hope you love it as much as I do!!

20 Questions With... Scream Infamy!!

1. Where did you all meet?

Mutual friends and me (Josh) and James have been cousins since birth! 

2. How did you decide to become a band?

Me and James have been jamming since we started playing our instruments (really badly!) and we eventually decided to start a real band!

3. Where did your name come from?

I just put two words together, Scream and Infamy, and it fit and holds a really important meaning. Most of our lyrics are pointing out people that are in the wrong, or are 'infamous', so the name is pretty fitting to our music.

4. What bands inspire you?
Say Anything are personally my favourite band; we're seriously influenced by anything from Parkway Drive to Lady Gaga to Blink-182, as well as local/obscure bands.

5. How would you describe your sound?

Pop punk with a touch of indie, emo, alternative rock. We like to think we sound a bit like Fall Out Boy, All Time Low and Good Charlotte, so if you like those bands you need to check us out.

6. What do you like doing better; covering songs or writing your own music?

Covering songs is always fun, but people singing along to your lyrics, rather than a Blink-182 cover is an amazing feeling too. The best singalongs we get are to Scene Kid and Cool Story Bro!, hopefully our new material is 150% catchier so we can get more singalongs!

7. Who does most of your song writing?

I (Josh) write all of the lyrics and most of the music; the other boys usually come in and change parts to how they please. I'm pretty much the evil dictator when it comes to songs though; my kids are like my babies!

8. What inspires your single, Scene Kid?

Honestly, most of the Sydney music scene. Hardcore/metal kids and 'hipster' scene kids really annoy me a lot. They act like they are better than everyone when in fact, they are just not. The song is about getting rejected by a girl cause she would prefer to date one of these 'scene kids', obviously, and the music is inspired by old school punk rock.

9. How long have you guys been playing your instruments?

Throughout high school we've been learning and perfecting our musicianship. I've personally been playing for 4 years.

10. What are your favourite subjects at school?

Music class is always fun! I love multimedia too, great way to let out my other creative streaks.

11. What do you get up to on the weekends?

Playing shows, or just going to local shows trying to support the scene!

12. What other hidden talents do you have?

Haha I don't think I have any talent at all! Awkward!

13. How long have you all been playing together?

November 2009, nearly two years!

14. Where can we hear your music?

Screaminfamy.com is your best bet, but if you like us on Facebook you automatically get a puppy (Facebook.com/Screaminfamy). 

15. What is your favourite song ever?

Definitely. Friday - Rebecca Black. Either that or something by Adele, what a babe.

16. What’s one thing you look for in a girl?

Awesome personality! And if she likes the same kind of music as me, I wouldn't complain either.

17. What’s the craziest thing you guys have done?

Probably some of our shows have had some crazy stuff happen, like jumping into the crowd, swearing at people to mosh or dance. One time we got paid a lot of money for a show we literally brought two people to, haha.

18. What’s your biggest ambition musically?

To get signed and tour the world! And also to learn how to sing, hahaha.

19. Your debut release is set for early next year… what can we expect?

Expect something as pop punk as pop punk can be in 2011, catchy hooks, fun rhythms, intense breakdowns, techno beats to pump up the bass for, bass drops to destroy subwoofers, I could go on forever...Oh yeah, sexy guitar solos and a s**tload of autotune.

20. Any messages to people of general cyber space and your fans?

THANK YOU x infinity for supporting us and keep on supporting us because you ARE Scream Infamy! Without y'all, we have nothing. Except our boyish charm and stunning good looks. [You got that right!! :P] But in all seriousness, we love each and everyone of you, y'all are beautiful xoxoxoxxo <3

So, who else can't wait for the next release?? If Scene Kid and Cool Story Bro! are just  the beginning, just wait until what comes next!! Exciting?? I think so!!

Once again, here's where to find them:

Facebook.com/Screaminfamy

Screaminfamy.com

Twitter.com/Screaminfamy

Screaminfamy.bandcamp.com <-- FREE ACOUSTIC EP FOR DOWNLOAD!!

Yes, you read right. Free music, people!! Get on it!! And support them and their awesome epicness by buying Scene Kid on iTunes!

Sayonara, fellow ninjas!! xoxo

The Underground Experience

Pop-punk lovelies of the universe; WHO LOVES NEW MUSIC?!?! Pretty sure that's all of us! Well, your wishes are being granted!! I've decided that I want to do a series of reviews called "The Underground Experience" on some of the most hottest talent around who don't get nearly enough credit for their sound!!

For as long as they keep coming to me, I'm going to have a post a week- or as often as I can post- dedicated to a great little band I just so happen to have the sheer luck to come across.

I already have one lovely band already organised for the first review; very excited!! They've even agreed to do an interview, so I'm really pumped!! This will be coming very, very soon, so sit tight and get ready to be cramming your iPods full of some fresh tunes!!

Sayonara, fellow ninjas!! xoxo

Day Thirty: My Favourite Song At This Time Last Year

So, it's taken one heck of a long time to get to day thirty, but I made it; we're here! We're finally at the end!!

The thirtieth and final post of the challenge is a song that was my favourite at this time last year. Like I always say, I don't ever really have just one favourite song. It's extremely difficult to only love one amazing piece of music more than all the rest at one point in time. I usually have about a top five.

It's now early August. What music did I like in August 2010? Hmm. I don't remember. August is usually a pretty quiet month for me. I only know one person who has a birthday in August- my host sister. I don't really do very much in August generally. Makes it hard to remember what I loved so much then. However, I do remember one particular song that I loved.

Last year seems so long ago! It seems like several years ago I pre-ordered Short Stack's This Is Bat Country album and downloaded it as soon as my eyes were open! That would be one of the fastest wake-up times I've ever had. Usually, when I wake up, it takes at least five minutes for me to get my personality back. I don't ever remember actually waking up in the morning- like who woke me up, turning my alarm off, etc- but that morning my eyes were wide awake the second my static-ky radio turned on and I leapt out of bed across to my laptop. I downloaded the songs and listened to them, happy as a pig in mud while I got dressed for school.

This time last year, I would have absolutely adored a song I believe I have given credit to before. A band I have posted several times before on this blog, and have appeared much, MUCH earlier in the thirty day song challenge. Remember me raving about a brilliant little band called Amy Meredith? They're back, baby. Their song, Lying, was my crazy-amazing song that I played on repeat all August.

Lying- Amy Meredith

And that does it! That ends the challenge!! I took my sweet time to do it, that's for sure!! Now it's over, I get to blog about lots of random stuff. I definitely have an idea in mind for my next few blog posts!! Stay tuned for some hot new bands coming your way soon on Ninja!!

(God, that would be amazing to say on live radio!!)

Sayonara, fellow ninjas!! xoxo

Day Twenty-Nine: A Song From My Childhood

A song from my childhood- there's plenty of those. Music has always been a big part of my life and, as I said, has always been a thing I shared with my dear, darling daddy. We have a lot of songs that are special to us.

There was the first CD I ever owned- Sweet Like Chocolate by Shanks and Bigfoot, which I believe I've already posted. There was the second one- another song that I adored and thought was funny- Shalala (Lala) by Vengaboys. The song that I want played at my wedding when I dance with my daddy- Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle. The song dad and I used to dance around the room to- and still do, whenever we hear it- when I was really little: Miss Otis Regrets by Bette Midler. A bit of an odd choice for a little kid, but it was upbeat and cheerful, and that was all that mattered.

You don't really hear much of either of those songs anymore. But there were- are!- two songs that you still hear on the radio sometimes. Not on your pop radio stations; it's nowhere near Top 40... anymore, anyway, and those are the ones I want to post.

The first actually wasn't one I shared with dad- it was one that was special to mum and my sisters and I. You may have heard "Man! I Feel Like A Woman" by Shania Twain. Mum had her CD with this song on it and when we were little, she played it all the time. Whenever that track came on, she'd crank up the volume and her three little blonde Barbie brigaders (that was the nickname we used to get all the time- blonde hair, blue eyes and dressed in pink) used to get up and dance with her. As mum said, it was our theme song. That was good fun.

The other song that really means something to me from my pre-double-digit days is She's So High by Tal Bachman. I don't know of any other songs by him besides what's on the She's So High single. Dad and I used to really love this song, for as long as I can remember, really, and we still do.

Just last year, I was going through the CD cabinet of all mum and dad's old CDs, and I happened to pull out the single that I never even knew Dad had. I took it into dad's office and we had a listen and then he gave it to me. Now it sits with the two other singles that I've always loved, and they're on my iPod so I can listen to them whenever I feel a bit homesick.

Here's the songs; I hope you love them as much as I do:

Man! I Feel Like A Woman- Shania Twain

She's So High- Tal Bachman

Tomorrow- or maybe not tomorrow... will be the last post of the much-longer-than-30 Day Song Challenge, which will be a song that was my favourite at this time last year. And then I can post random stuff and more reviews!! I definitely have some bands in mind!!

Sayonara, fellow ninjas!! xoxo

Day Twenty-Eight: A Song That Makes Me Feel Guilty

Hey guys,

Sorta been putting this post off for a while, plus I've been busy making friends like every teenage girl likes to do. You will be pleased to know that I have been successful in making friends, and my two weeks of holidays, New Zealand time, have been awesome. I have met some really awesome people here in New Zealand- despite the cold and my craving for sunshine as opposed to frost, I'm really going to miss it when I get back to Australia. I know I'll be coming back as much as I can to visit all my amazing new friends!

Look at me, I'm still putting it off. Well, actually, I don't really have a song that makes me feel guilty. Well, I don't really have one that makes me feel guilty as such. However, upon going through my iPod library I found a song that could work in that situation. It's by one of the world's most amazing bands- Paramore!

Feeling Sorry- Paramore

I guess this song doesn't make me feel guilty as such, but it makes me think about questionable decisions I've made in my life and whether or not they were the right choices. I'm happy to admit that not all of them were sensible and there are many that I regret, but I don't feel guilty. You need to make mistakes in order to learn from them. I'm proud to say that I've never made the same mistake twice, and that's because I realised they were a mistake in the first place.

I'm going to head off now. I won't be posting tomorrow as I have school, and in the afternoon I shall hopefully be hanging out with the best friend that I've made in New Zealand. But when I do post- most likely Thursday- I shall post a song from my childhood. I already know what song I'm using. And that will be my second last post of the thirty day (that lasted a very, very long thirty days) song challenge!

Sayonara, fellow ninjas!! xoxo

Day Twenty-Seven: A Song I Wish I Could Play

Sorry about no posting! I just been being (been being?) a good ninja and keeping up to date with my Australian schoolwork!

Today, however, I am posting, and it will be a song that I wish I could play. Hmm. No shortage of those! That's the reason why I have about two-and-a-half A4 display books full of sheet music. Right now, though, there's a song I started to work out myself. One of those times where I accidentally knocked a key on the keyboard and think to myself, "now, hang on a minute..." and end up extremely proud of myself. It's nowhere near done, because it's a fuller sounding bit, but I got a basic idea. Very basic, actually. But I'm slowly getting there. Bit by bit, it will come together.

The song is one that I really really loved just before I came to New Zealand. Though of course, I still love it. Why else would I bother trying to teach it to myself? Why would I even bother thinking about learning it? No reason. Exactly. It's a little song by P!nk from her album Funhouse. Unless you actually have that album, you probably wouldn't know about it at all. It's one of those songs shunted to the back that no one really gives much credit. Everyone pays attention to the singles that shoot straight to the top of the charts, and the poor later tracks sit unnoticed at the end of the CD. I love the underdogs, and I really love this song- Glitter In The Air. Obviously, it doesn't have a flashy music video, but I don't think it really needs one. Just listen to it; that's all it really needs.

Glitter In The Air- P!nk

Next post- whether that will be tomorrow or some other time this week, I don't really know, but it will be up before I die. That next post is a song that makes me guilty. Hmm. Interesting concept.

Right now, I'm itching to update my Wattpad. It's something I hate to admit to not having done in a while. I've been giving Death By Chainmail a bit of tender love and care, and I have a fresh idea to add to the story. I hope it'll breathe some new life into the story! (If you read the next few updates, you'll pick up on the flaw in that metaphor! Fingers crossed some of you will read and enjoy! Be warned though, it's a pretty dark storyline, so read the description before you start the story to know whether you're really up to it!

Sayonara, fellow ninjas!! xoxo