Hey Durbinators: James Durbin Tour Updates

James at The Viper Room

James Durbin Announces New Summer Tour Dates with Buckcherry, Drowning Pool and more

“Higher Than Heaven” scores 600% sales increase

June  2012- Los Angeles, CA – American Idol finalist James Durbin, who hit the road earlier this Spring on his first-ever national tour in support of hisWind-Up Records debut album  Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster, has just announced new Summer dates to run through August with bothBuckcherry and Drowning Pool.

Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster has sold over 100,000 units, while his latest single,  “Love Me Bad,” hit the Top 30 on the Hot AC chart. Over 15 million people tuned in to watch James’ recent performance of fan favorite “Higher Than Heaven” on  American Idol  which resulted in sales of the single jumping over 600% and catapulting the song into the top 5 on iTunes. Click here to watch the incredible live performance:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtGkptzkEtk&feature=share <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtGkptzkEtk&feature=share> 

James and his band have now shared the stage with everyone from Evanescence to Steel Panther to Judas Priest. Durbin's new dates with Buckcherry and Drowning Pool include stops in Canada, several dates across America (including a free outdoor show in Kansas City and a stop at the Ridge Festival in Chicago) and an outdoor show in Los Angeles on August 10th at Universal City Walk. 


Tour dates
6-29-  TACOMA , WA – Hell’s Kitchen- Headline
7-01 - GIBBONS, ALBERTA - BOONSTOCK FESTIVAL 
 7-03 - BRANDON, MANITOBA - Houston’s with Buck Cherry
 7-04 - PRINCE ALBERT, SASK  - Art Hauer Center with Buck Cherry
 7-05 - SASKATOON, SASK  Odeon with Buck Cherry
 7-07 - BOISE, ID - RADIO FESTIVAL  - 
 7/10 - SOUTH BEND, IN  - Club Fever with Drowning Pool
7-12- LANSING, MI -  The Loft - Headline
7-13 - KANSAS CITY, MO  - KC Live Power and Light Dist.  with Buck Cherry
 7-14 - CHESANING, MI – Showboat Rockfest- festival
 7-15 – NEWPORT, KY – Thompson House with Drowning Pool
7-17 - FAYETTEVILLE, AR  - George’s Majestic – with Drowning Pool
 7/18 - TEXARCANA, AR  - Shooter’s – With Drowning Pool
 7-19 - MIAMI, OK  - Buffalo Run – With Drowning Pool
 7-27 - CHICAGO, IL  - RIDGE FESTIVAL
 08/10 - UNIVERSAL WALK – headline

Follow James on Twitter and Facebook here: http://twitter.com/durbinrock, http://facebook.com/durbinrock, http://www.durbinrock.com

Boys Will Be Boys: "Hell Yeah" Midnight Red

MIDNIGHT RED LAUNCH  DEBUT SINGLE, “HELL YEAH”ON JUNE 19

PRODUCER RedOne UNLEASHES THE USA’S BEST KEPT SECRET WITH POP BAND MIDNIGHT RED

The boys are dropping their new single "Hell Yeah" this coming Tuesday be on the lookout for my exclusive interview with band member, Colton Rudloff for the music site www.chorusandverse.com and of course an "Entertain Me" exclusive as well...It must be summertime...! 

 As the massive popularity of acts such as The Jackson 5, New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC can attest, people can’t resist the simple pleasure of talented young guys singing together – and it doesn’t hurt if they’re not bad to look at either. Enter Midnight Red, a new group of exciting performers from across the country who are carrying on that legacy by bringing outstanding harmonies and electrifying dance moves to the pop landscape.

The buzz on Midnight Red was so strong that they were selected as the opening act for the New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys co-headlining tour last Summer based on the strength of their digital EP One Club At A Time on 2101 Records/Kings of L.A. Entertainment/Interscope Records.  After wowing audiences across America while on tour with NKOTBSB, as well as their own club dates, the guys are now gearing up for the national launch of their first single, “Hell Yeah” from their forthcoming full-length CD release.

“Hell Yeah,” produced by acclaimed hit maker RedOne (Lady Gaga, Pitbull, Nicki Minaj) is an up-in-your-face electronic splash of pop with a driving club beat that will get you out on the dance floor. Arjanwrites.comsays "Hell Yeah!" is a hit-savvy tune by a promising new pop act that is, quite frankly, too irresistible to be denied.”   

“Hell Yeah” will be available on iTunes and all other digital outlets on June 19. 

Click here to listen to "Hell Yeah" on Buzznet:  

While it seems everyone is talking about the recent British Invasion - take note of the recent popularity of One Direction and The Wanted - RedOne unleashes the USA's best kept secret with Midnight Red's "Hell Yeah." The group also stands out by bringing a surplus of solid dance tracks to their live shows.  No matter where they perform, it's always their goal to make people want to get up and feel the beat, as evidenced by the amazing reception the group received at Universal City Walk last month.

Click here to view the footage of the guys performing “Hell Yeah” at Universal City Walk:

  

Midnight Red is:

Joey Diggs Jr., 22, from Los Angeles, CA, who says his father, a singer who is best known as the voice behind Coca-Cola’s “Always” campaign jingle, taught him everything he knows. Says Joey; “I’m ready to show the world what it means to chase a dream and work hard to make that dream become reality.”

Thomas Augusto, 21, from Arlington, TX, was called the “little entertainer” because “my parents could never shut me up,” he says. A fan of Beyonce, Radiohead, and No Doubt, Thomas has spent years dreaming about being on a huge stage doing what he loves to do. “There were always pyrotechnics in my daydreams, so I know I am on the right track!” he says.

Eric Secharia, 20, from Burbank, CA, describes himself as a “hipster” whom you’ll never catch not smiling. Eric, who has been singing since age 6, and dancing since age 12, plays guitar and cites Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson as his main musical influences. “They are two people who truly stood out as performers that mastered their craft and used it to change the world,” he says.

Colton Rudloff, 23, from Buffalo, NY, was selected as Midnight Red’s fifth member after being discovered through videos he had posted on YouTube. A huge fan of American Idol, Colton credits the show for exposing him to many different genres of music. “I lean toward artists who have a passion for pure singing,” he says. “There’s no need for all the smoke and mirrors if you have a great voice.”

Anthony Ladao, 20, from Seattle, WA, is the “baby” of the group, and has been dancing since the age of 6 and singing since the age of 12. Seeing Usher perform at the MTV Video Music Awards first sparked his interest in dance and “from there it became my passion,” he says.

Midnight Red was formed in 2009 through the efforts of veteran A&R executive, and Kings of LA label founder, Pete Farmer and super producer RedOne, who brought the group to Interscope Records.

# # #

www.midnightred.com

Twitter: @itsMidnightRed

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ItsMidnightRed

For Immediate Release: Swans

It's time to duck your head under water and bring it back up....the Swans are back...!

Industrial legends SWANS release a new double CD studio album The Seer 

August 28, 2012

Recorded at Studio P4 and Andere Baustelle in Berlin, by Kevin McMahon and
at Marcata Studio, Gardiner, NY, by Kevin McMahon. Additional recording at
Trout Recording, Brooklyn, NY, engineer: Bryce Goggin. Mixed by Kevin
McMahon at Marcata. Produced by Michael Gira.

SWANS: Michael Gira - voice, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, harmonica,
casio, sounds; Norman Westberg – electric guitar, voice; Christoph Hahn –
lap steel guitars; electric guitar, voice; Phil Puleo – drums, percussion,
hammer dulcimer, voice; Thor Harris – drums, percussion, orchestral bells,
hammer dulcimer, handmade violin thing, vibraphone, piano, clarinet,
voice; Christopher Pravdica – bass guitar, voice, incredible handshake.
Honorary Swan: Bill Rieflin – piano, organ, electric guitar, acoustic
guitar, drums, percussion, casio, synthesizer, bass guitar, voice, bird
idea….

SPECIAL GUESTS INCLUDE : Al and Mimi of Low - (co-vocals with MG on
Lunacy); Karen O – (lead vocal on Song for a Warrior); Jarboe –
(background vocals on Piece of the Sky and The Seer Returns); Akron/Family
– (background vocals on Piece of the Sky)… (many more guests)

NOTE FROM MICHAEL GIRA:
“The Seer took 30 years to make. It’s the culmination of every previous
Swans album as well as any other music I’ve ever made, been involved in or
imagined. But it’s unfinished, like the songs themselves. It’s one frame
in a reel. The frames blur, blend and will eventually fade.

The songs began on an acoustic guitar, then were fleshed out with
(invaluable) help from my friends, then were further tortured and seduced
in rehearsals, live and in the studio, and now they await further
cannibalism and force-feeding as we prepare to perform some of them live,
at which point they’ll mutate further, endlessly, or perhaps be discarded
for a while.

Despite what you might have heard or presumed, my quest is to spread light
and joy through the world. My friends in Swans are all stellar men.
Without them I’m a kitten, an infant. Our goal is the same: ecstasy! “

http://younggodrecords.com

TV Watch: "They're Back" Pretty Little Liars

Bring your "A" game b!tches! "PLL" is back...can I get a "Hey now"? This show rocks and continues to do so season after season.

OK - when we left off with the "Psycho" inspired finale from last season, Mona was revealed as "A" - well as we know now (uh, or at least you should) there is a whole conspiracy surrounding our "Liars".

I still believe Alison DiLaurentis is alive and well and giving the girls Hell. Maybe I am wrong, but there is obviously other enigma's involved in the grand scheme of things.

Yeah, OK, I am sorry to see Emily has now gone alcoholic - I always thought her to be so strong, and WTF with Spencer is she in on the "A" game...that would account for a lot if one of the "liars" was working to bring down the others.

Hanna is, well Hanna - I like her and I would be wanting to know why Mona hated me too. Aria (love her) continues to fascinate me as a very young woman, with an old soul, kudos to Holly Marie Combs for her wise portrayal of her mother (hey not all Mom's are that savvy).

 Also a shout out to some of the smartest writing and one of the best casts ever. Can't wait for episode deux, so glad it's back...just in time for summer!

"Summertime and the livin' is easy"........

abcfamily.go.com/

TV Watch: Lindsay Lohan Takes On Taylor

Lindsay Lohan & Grant Bowler as Taylor & Burton

Alright people, it's time I chimed in on this, everyone seems to be down on Lindsay Lohan's casting as icon Elizabeth Taylor.

First off we have not seen her actual performance, so STFU until you do, then judge. That being said Lohan has proven herself a credible actress, of course I could site one of my fave movies of all time "Mean Girls" and as a matter of fact I just did....but let's go to this place "Prairie Home Companion" anyone? Where she played Meryl Streeps daughter and held her own against the amazing Meryl, thank you very much.

Now let's address those who think Lindsay is not "classy" enough to play Elizabeth Taylor. Like Taylor, Lindsay is human and has made many mistakes along the way, what Elizabeth Taylor does not walk on water?!

Uh, no actually, she was human too just like Linds, which is why I think Lindsay is going to bring it on in her portrayal.

The real Taylor & Burton

They were both child actresses, no easy path, from other examples we have seen in the media, besides Ms. Lohan.

Elizabeth Taylor was a pariah during her time too for her adulteress affair with then married Richard Burton.

Dear Elizabeth also abused alcohol and prescription pills, most likely even up to her later years, anyone remember her loopy presentation on the Golden Globes to "Gladiator" for Best Picture?

I am certainly not one to live in a glass house and throw stones like most people, nor do I have a selective memory, like the masses, I do remember all of these things about Ms. Taylor that everyone else seems to be choosing to ignore in favor of America's favorite pastime, Lindsay bashing.

That being stated, I think Elizabeth Taylor was a great broad and her kindness and humanitarian efforts will be her legacy. We are all human and flawed and Lindsay is no exception, I hope she nails the role of a Lifetime (yes, pun intended) and gets herself back on track.

Elizabeth's legend will continue to shine, why not give Ms. Lohan the same chance to re-invent her life?

http://www.mylifetime.com/

10 Stupid Questions: Marv Blauvelt

Former competition bodybuilder, Marv Blauvelt did what most "formers" do re-invent himself. Marv took his love of the horror genre and made it his reality.

With fright films such as "Beef...You Are What You Eat" and "Sculpture"under his belt, Marv is back to make you scream with "Psycho Street" - the founder of his own production company "Muscle Wolf" has agreed to go from scary to "stupid" - OK Marv, let's go..!


MS: Can you tell me how to get to “Psycho Street”?

MB: Take a multitude of hallucinogenic drugs....then watch David Cronenberg's early work ('Shivers", "Rabid" "The Brood" etc.) along with Stuart Gordon's "From Beyond" and a couple of episodes of "Desperate Housewives",..after viewing, proceed to take all of your clothes off, cover yourself in goat blood, grab an ax, and begin to walk down any street...doesn't really matter where you are,after all of that, you will really be on "PSYCHO STREET"!!!

MS: Is it “Seame Street” adjacent?

MB: Only if you are a murderous, mentally deranged, incestuous, Satanic pedophile...

MS: Have you ever seen a “Green Monster”?

MB: I have never SEEN a "Green Monster" but I am told I become a huge, raging one when I am angry....don't make me angry...you wouldn't like me when I am angry....

MS: What about a plaid one?

MB: I think if something presents itself in all "Plaid", it probably is not a "Monster" , but something possessed by the" Demon of "BAD FASHION SENSE"....unfortunately, this "Demon" is VERY powerful...particularly here in the Mid-west!!

MS: Machete or knife?

MB: Depends, Machete if I am in the woods, wearing my casual Hockey mask and "crashing" a camp full of teenagers... Knife when I am wearing my White William Shatner mask "crashing" a house full of babysitters.....AHHH there is a weapon and mask for every occasion!!

Marv & His Trusty Chainsaw

MS: What’s a “Muscle Wolf”?

MB: A "Muscle Wolf" is a close cousin to the "LYCAN'....but much more developed in their bodies muscularity....and way more vicious and unpredictable in there temperament...even though they are in the same species...MUSCLE WOLVES can come from different backgrounds, like the adult entertainment industry, the Indie horror genre, or even from a top reality show....and they can also look very different...they can appear massive, with flowing dark mane....or more of a "Compact muscularity" , with a "Blondish coat".....there is even reports of HUGE "Identical twin" Muscle Wolves being spotted at conventions and festivals...so as you see, the species is quite diverse, but every indication shows that it is growing in number, power and popularity...and some say, will rise very quickly in popularity and success!!! 

MS: How often do you have to feed one?

MB: The main part of the MUSCLE WOLF's diet is protein...lots and lots of protein....the MUSCLE WOLF must consume MASSIVE amounts of protein daily (every 2-3 ours in fact) to maintain the "tight" appearance in it's clothing, especially in the chest, arms, upper legs and ass area...with-out this "appearance" the MUSCLE WOLF would just be your average, everyday run-of-the-mill wolf...and that would cut it's "Uniqueness" and "recognition" way down considerably!!

MS: If you were a “Sculpture“, what kind of sculpture would you be?

MB: Well....I would NOT be a Sculpture who uses the flesh of my Gym rat friends to create my "Masterpiece"!! (Like in the movie!!)!...I actually think I would Sculpt in Play-do...I LOVED that stuff as a kid...and the neon colors are AWESOME...a fun day of Play-do sculpting...it would be just like being 8 again...YES!!! 

MS: Do you eat “Beef”?

MB: Yes, I do eat "BEEF" on occasion...some days I prefer Beef, some days I prefer chicken or seafood....just depends on my particular "taste" at the time!

MS: Naked or clothed?


MB: Definitely Naked!! 


Get Naked With Marv At: http://www.facebook.com/bodyblauvelt

10 Seconds With: Vassy

Australian native, Vassy Karaglorgos wants you to have a “Beautiful Day” with her new album.

“Beautiful Day” is a pop parade of giddy proportions, from a singer/songwriter who has melodies constantly on her brain.

So, pull up a chair, it’s time to get Vassy!

MS: Looking over your materials I was really impressed you had a song in “Cabin in the Woods” by the way.

Vassy: Oh, Thank You.

MS: I’m a horror movie freak, are you into that?

Vassy: Ya know, I’m not a big horror fan, but it was really cool that they wanted my song.

MS: “Desire” was a naughty little song. What makes you want to do fizzy dance pop?

Vassy: Well I’m versatile, “Beautiful Day” has that vibe about it.

MS: OK, but I want to know why. I looked at the video for your acoustic song “Fallen” which is so great and different than the vibe of your album, what drew you to this?

Vassy: Being an artist that’s kind of what I do. Sometimes I feel like doing this, and sometimes I feel like doing that. Ya know there’s no rules, we eat different food everyday, when you’re an artist you just create.

MS:  I wasn’t trying to put you on the spot, after hearing some of your edgier material I was curious what propelled you to this type of music.

Vassy: Oh no, it’s cool, you’re not putting me on the spot, I’m just not sure how to answer that question. (laughs)

MS: Your choir teacher in High School told you, you couldn’t sing, uh, OK, tell me about that.

Vassy: Well, I was in the High School choir and was told I couldn’t sing, then years later that teacher heard me singing on a national radio station and ended up writing an apology letter which is kind of funny.

MS: Too funny that you were written an apology.

Vassy: Uh huh, I was kicked out of High School Choir and was told I couldn’t sing and when you’re a kid that’s very disheartening. But I just took it and went: “OK, cool” instinctively I knew I was a leader and not a follower.

Kiss yourself some Vassy at: www.kissmyvassy.com