The Underground Experience: The Electro Kid!

Hey ninja-minions! That last post wasn't a trick of the light; I really am back- though probably with less free time…

So in case I hadn't gushed enough to you about On The Pulse, here's what it was: a bunch of up-and-coming bands of the pop-punk genre all playing in Brisbane on one night for the enjoyment of the general public. I'd talked about it to PJ for months on end and it was the best news ever when we found out we were going! Put our excitement this way: PJ got banned from talking about it at all starting the week before we actually went and my friends stopped talking to me. But it was totally worth it!!

I was keen for the whole show in general, but there were a few bands on the line-up that really stood out to me straight away. For starters, obviously Tonight Alive, as the headlining act, in bold print, caught my eye first. Then, reading down, I saw The Never Ever and The Monster Goes Rawrr! By this time, I was fangirling so tragically I couldn't concentrate on anything else. And the fact that I was doing this down the hall from my host sister who already thought I was crazy didn't exactly warm her heart. But besides those obvious three who I never shut up about, there was another band I was excited for.

A one man band now with all the trimmings- a drummer, a guitarist and a bassist.

A band with a catchy, unique and fun sound that immediately had me listening (and dancing, though that was probably better left unsaid).

A band very close to home.

An epic little band called The Electro Kid!

I found out about them when Giles (the lead singer) followed me on Twitter. This is one of the reasons I adore Twitter- just because that's pretty much why I've filled up more than three-quarters of my iPod with music alone! Anyway, I followed all the links and adored what I heard! I'd barely looked at the line-up properly at this stage, so when I saw a tweet about On The Pulse, I double checked the line-up and got really excited!!

At the concert, I was not disappointed! There are four guys in the band- Giles Higginson (vocals), Luke Iles (guitar), Aden Bignell (bass) and Tristan Higginson (drums). The show was awesome- the songs were just as good live, they got the audience into it and they were just generally fun to watch and sing along to!

PJ and I met up with them a bit later and got our shirts signed and Giles took a photo with us. (Unfortunately, said photo was rather unflattering for PJ and me because she had an interesting facial expression and I looked like an oompa loompa made of melting plastic. Nice.) But the horridness of that photo is beside the point- what's awesome is that Giles, the lead singer did an interview with me just for your entertainment!

20 Questions with… Giles Higginson (The Electro Kid)

1. How’d you all meet?
Giles: We all met each other at our high school, and me (Giles) and Tristan are brothers.

2. How’d you go from a solo project to the whole band?
Giles: Well it started off as a solo project in early 2010. As I started to get a little bit better and released my debut single, I decided I wanted to start playing some shows. This then lead to getting a live band and then that went to the full band thing. It's great because it gives us so much more diversity and depth.

3. How long have you been playing your instruments?
Giles: I literally started playing the day I started TEK, so about a year and a half; I'm not very good though.

4. Where did your name come from?
Giles: There's no huge, super deep meaning behind the name. I basically just wanted to have the word electric or electro in the name, and at the time I was listening to heaps of electro pop, lots of those MySpace bands from back in the day, so I decided on The Electro Kid because it was the type of music I wanted to make and the type of music I was listening to.

5. Who would you name as your biggest inspirations?
Giles: For me personally it would be The Ready Set; my excitement was unbearable when I found out he was coming to Australia.

6. What’s the best part of playing a gig?
Giles: The two best things for me would be seeing what the people who are watching react like, it's great to see people enjoying something that you have created. Also, just being able to have fun and get into the music on stage is a great thing.

7. What was the first gig you ever played?
Giles: We opened for a Sydney band called The Never Ever in Brisbane on May 21st 2011. It was crazy because I had listened to TNE for a while and really looked up to them.

(Yep; told you TNE were amazing!!)

8. How do you replicate the electronic sounds live?
Giles: We have a backing track with some synths and beats. Also, I have played a midi trigger pad with some samples and synths on it before, and looking to incorporate some live synth in future shows.

9. What’s the best show you’ve ever played?
Giles: The best show we have ever played was On The Pulse Festival in Brisbane, we had a good crowd for the first band on the smaller stage and every band playing were really awesome.

(Yayy!!)

10. Who writes most of your music?
Giles: I write all of the lyrics and the basic synth and other keys, then the other members build around that with their respective instruments.

11. How would you describe your music?
Giles: I would probably say electro power-pop or electro pop-rock something like that.

12. What inspired ‘For Yourself’?
Giles: 'For Yourself' was inspired by situations i see a lot where good people are brought down by bad friends, when people try and change themselves to be someone they're not and fit in with the wrong crowd.

13. What’s the best song you’ve written?
Giles: My favourite song I've ever written would be 'Actress', but I do like the lyrics for 'For Yourself' because they have a relatable message.

14. How and when did you start to get heard?
Giles: MySpace is where this all started; Twitter is where i have reached out to a lot of people. The first time people really started to hear us was when we started playing shows.

15. What’s the biggest ambition you have for the band?
Giles: For this to be what we do in life.

16. What’s the best song ever?
Giles: My personal favourite song is The Ready Set - Unender

17. What’s on the agenda for 2012?
Giles: Hopefully play lots more shows, tour, get bigger, release a new EP and/or single and to make a music video.

18. What can we expect from your next release?
Giles: The new EP is called Stargazing; it will be out before the end of 2011. You can expect similar stuff, but with more powerful hooks and more guitar.

19. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Giles: Follow your dreams.

20. Any messages for the people of general cyber-space?
Giles: Thank you so much for all the support so far! Expect to be hearing more from us. You can like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/theelectrokid

I honestly can't recommend these guys highly enough. I don't know whether it's the fact that they're locals, that they're completely lovely or that fact that their music is- oh, I don't know- AWESOME!! (The fact that they opened for TNE is cold, hard proof of that!) but you have got to check them out! And there's no excuse- there's Twitter, Facebook, Triple J: Unearthed and PureVolume just waiting for you to log on!

Sayonara, fellow ninjas!! xoxo

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

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

Entertainment of Epic Awesomeness

I haven't done reviews and stuff in a while, so I thought I might give you an idea of some stuff that I am loving right this moment!

Bookwise, I'm reading True Spirit by Jessica Watson. In 2010, 16-year-old (at the time) Jessica Watson of the Sunshine Coast sailed her yacht Ella's Pink Lady into Sydney with the title of being the youngest person to do a solo circumnavigation of the world. She is an absolutely inspirational young lady who followed her dreams despite all the criticism she and her family received. She wrote a book about her experiences which has been on the shelves for a while now. On what we thought would be my last day at home, mum presented me with an oddly shaped package. I unwrapped it to find True Spirit and a notebook for recording my own adventures. I'm not quite finished it yet- I'm about three-quarters of the way through- but it's a really, really good read. Not only for people interesting in sailing- I'm in no way a sailor, believe me!- but for everyone. All the sailing terms are explained as they're used, there's lots of pretty pictures and heaps more. I highly recommend it- to anyone and everyone!

In terms of music, I'm listening to everything at the moment. However, there's this one little band that really stands out to me at the moment. They aren't signed and they're not well known; they don't have any albums out or songs on iTunes, but they're really sticking to their dreams like Jessica did and deserve to be heard! They go by the name of Lurid Midnight and you can check out their Facebook, YouTube channel, home page and/or Twitter. You really should have a look at them, especially their demo to the intro of Short Stack's "17". Support Amanda, Sian, Lisa and Kione, guys!! They're cool (and they cover Short Stack. Can you possibly get any cooler?)!!

Anyways, I'm off to eat chocolate and watch my host family play Guitar Hero- another thing I'm really loving. Well, I'm loving chocolate and Guitar Hero, actually. I'm on my last row of choccie at the moment, and I'm dreading throwing away the wrapper!!

Sayonara, fellow ninjas!! xoxo