Very proud to contribute the feature to Las Vegas Weekly’s coverage of emerging artist within the city’s local music scene.

JILL & JULIA

Caesars Palace headliners and NFR week aside, Las Vegas has never been famous as a country-music stronghold, so sister duo Jill & Julia’s decision to move here instead of Nashville when relocating from Indiana seems … odd. “People are always asking us why,” 23-year-old Julia says, “but the truth is, Las Vegas is very kind to country music, and there’s a big market here.”

The pair draws frequent comparisons to such favorite female artists as Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves. And like Musgraves, the sisters write and perform their own songs, most of them acoustically driven ballads with strong lyrics and catchy melodies.

Location doesn’t seem to have impeded Jill & Julia’s rapid ascent over the past year and a half, which has seen them sign with Lamon Records, release a self-titled EP, perform at Vegas’ Route 91 Harvest Festival and complete a successful radio tour promoting single “Wildfire.” The duo is poised to release first full-length album Cursedin February, describing the project as darker than previous work, lyrically and melodically. “I don’t think we used any major chords on it,” 18-year-old Jill says.

The sisters insist that for them, success simply means the chance to play music full-time. Judging by their sound and momentum, a more exciting future isn’t a stretch.jillandjulia.com —Chris Bitonti

Web link: http://lasvegasweekly.com/ae/music/2015/jan/22/next-wave-vegas-music-10-acts-local-band-hear-year/

Fri, Jun 13, 2014

Less than a week after gracing the cover of the Las Vegas Weekly Music Issue and scorching through a spirited set at our Brooklyn Bowl Showcase, Brendan Scholz of Mercy Music has some big news to share: The local power-trio, considered to be perpetually on the verge of a breakthrough, took another step in the right direction this week, signing a licensing deal with Vegas-based punk label SquidHat Records.

“Hopefully, the future is bright,” said Scholz. “Allan [Carter] and them, they don’t want to rape the artist, which is great. So, them allowing me to keep my situation in-house while still being stoked enough on the project to want to distribute it is f*cking great and I couldn’t be happier about it.”

Scholz co-engineered and produced the band’s upcoming record, When I Die I’m Taking You With Me, alongside Dave Holdredge (Incubus, Falling In Reverse, Alter Bridge). SquidHat will distribute the album, due out in September, which is “95 percent complete” according to Scholz, who has ambitious plans for the rest of the year. “Tour starts in September and we’ll probably be headed out again before the holidays, and I’ll probably start the next record sometime between October and November.”

If you missed Mercy Music at Brooklyn Bowl last week, you can see them for free at the Gold Spike this Friday at 10 p.m.

Web Link: http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/ae/music/2014/jun/13/mercy-music-signs-licensing-deal-squidhat-records/

Thu, Jun 5, 2014 

Las Vegas has always celebrated the comp, and music fans on a budget are still in the right city to see quality acts without charge.

The casino lounge once inspired images of cheesy cover bands, but the Lounge at the Palms and Chandelier Bar at the Cosmopolitan have stomped that stereotype by offering groups like Franky Perez, Lovesick Radio and the Jennifer Keith Quintet.

Beyond the lounge, Vinyl at the Hard Rock Hotel frequently hosts cover-free nights and aftershows with the likes of Guns N’ Roses guitarist Bumblefoot. Brooklyn Bowl has started no-cover shows sprinkled into its all-star lineup— punk and jam acts like Brown Sabbath ( June 6, midnight), Greyhounds (June 12, 10 p.m.) and The Stooges Brass Band (July 12, 8 p.m.).

Downtown, you can see monster acts like Three Doors Down and Deep Purple gratis at the Fremont Street Experience (June 14, 9 p.m.). A bit more under the radar, Velveteen Rabbit has started to put together some great Thursday-night shows pairing local favorites with emerging regional and national acts. Artifice offers late-night performances that span the spectrum from goth to jazz. And finally, the Griffin’s back room offers close-range rock and never charges.

Web Link: http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/ae/music/2014/jun/05/short-cash-you-can-still-hear-ton-music-town/

Thu, Jun 5, 2014

Marion Write began rapping as a teenager, sneaking into open mics through the back door. Since then he’s opened for Ghostface Killah and Kendrick Lamar. While his local incubation chamber, Flo Deep Music Group, disbanded last year, the soul-influenced MC is still pushing forward, with album Black Gold due in July.

LeRoyCHOPS has been creating a buzz with his minimal beats, chilled-out vibes and slick spit—all present on February EP Ruff Draft of a Shining Donut. His style is less gangster and more stoner, with a nod to the West Coast MCs of the ’90s.

Late for Dinner, aka Jay Dubbler, is a born-and-bred Las Vegan who’s come up through Macro-Fi and the Campfire Crew with an eye toward uniting all corners of the hip-hop scene. He constructs provocative rap narratives laid over heavy, rock-infused beats, and he’s dropped four albums since ’09—with another one underway.

Web link: http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/ae/music/2014/jun/05/three-local-hip-hop-names-know-music-issue/

Wed, May 21, 2014

1. Arrive early. There are benefits to punctuality beyond avoiding long entry lines. This year’s midlevel/emerging main-stage lineup looks better than ever, with quality bands like Devil’s Brigade, Masked Intruder, Cerebral Ballzy and Good Riddance all scheduled before 6 p.m.

2. Support the locals. Some of Las Vegas’ best punks will represent throughout the weekend, including Illicitor (Friday, 10:45 p.m., Beauty Bar), The Gashers (Saturday, 3:30 p.m., outdoor stage), The Objex, (Sunday, 3:30 p.m., outdoor stage), The Lucky Cheats (Sunday, 11 p.m., Fremont Country Club) and The People’s Whiskey (Sunday, 11 p.m., Beauty Bar).

3. There’s more than music. Poker tournaments, film screenings, live comedy and even punk-rock pool parties round out PRB’s festivities. Most of that stuff’s entirely free, and it’s a way to see bands like The Queers and one-off supergroup The Pool Boys (both playing poolside at the Plaza) without a festival ticket.

4. Don’t delay. Long lines flank the bars of Fremont east as the outdoor festival flows toward the late-night club shows. Avoid the herd by grabbing grub and drinks before the closing main-stage set, then beeline for prime placement at the aftershows.

5. Embrace punk culture. PRB weekend comes but once a year, so this is the time to pull out the extra studs, spike your hawk a little higher and wear clothes that would shame your mother—or your kids.

Punk Rock Bowling May 23-26, sold out. Streets & clubs of Downtown,punkrockbowling.com.

Web Link: http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/ae/music/2014/may/21/five-tips-getting-most-out-years-punk-rock-bowling/

May 23, 2012, Las Vegas Weekly, Noise

Rancid

The Bay Area vets have come a long way since their early days on Gilman Street, releasing seven studio albums, going platinum with one and achieving mainstream success and attention from major labels (they stuck with Epitaph and Hellcat). Tim Armstrong, Matt Freeman, Lars Frederiksen and Branden Steineckert headline the main stage Sunday night.

7 Seconds

The Reno natives have had more than 30 years to hone their brand of hardcore. Kevin Seconds and “The Crew” head south Monday to back up their claim that they’ll be young ’til they die.

Holding Onto Sound

Local favorites Holding Onto Sound represent the 702 on the main stage on Saturday, and it’s no fluke. Get Downtown early to see HOTS prove punk can thrive outside the borders of California.

Old Man Markley

Many terms have been used to describe the LA outfit’s style of bluegrass-infused punk: cowpunk, punky-tonk, shootenany, even thrash-grass. I call them proof that punk is more attitude than genre. Catch ’em on Sunday.

Matt Skiba

The Alkaline Trio frontman has gathered his own band of miscreants— think of it like a scene from Ocean’s Eleven, but more punk rock—for a Saturday night club show. Be at Beauty Bar to see who’s by his side.

March 7, 2012, Las Vegas Weekly, Noise

Every Avenue These pop-punkers’ angst-driven hooks will make you feel like a teenager again. Don’t worry, puberty is easier the second time around. March 8, Hard Rock Cafe (Strip).

Andrew W.K. The original party-rocker brings his electronic-metal anthems to the Hard Rock Hotel. Destroy build destroy! March 9, Body English.

Thee Oh Sees & White Fence Both hail from San Francisco, and both could be described as a psychedelic rock journey through a lo-fi acid trip. Beauty Bar, March 9.

Diplo The Philly producer/DJ returns to his home away from home where he’ll spin a set spanning dubstep, hip hop and more. March 9, Surrender Nightclub.

Breathe Carolina An electronic pop duo from Denver—and one of the few bands that can pull off a nightclub and the Warped Tour in the same year. March 10, Pure Nightclub.

Chasing Kings Self-described “nice guys” from LA, trying to make an honest living playing mid-tempo rock. March 10, Beauty Bar.

Set Your Goals These Bay Area punk-rockers can cross another goal off their list when they reach Austin later this month. March 12, Hard Rock Cafe (Strip).

Web Link: http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2012/mar/07/cant-make-it-sxsw-wait/

Febuary 8, 2012, Las Vegas Weekly, Noise

Some of the best places to showcase your talents are nestled in our local neighborhoods.

The Beat

Human Experience Mondays (7-11 p.m.)

The classic coffeehouse open mic with an urban twist. Hosted by Human Experience, this forum welcomes spoken-word and musical performances, along with painters and other artists of all types. Local favorite Miss Joy spins live DJ sets between performers and during breaks. Sip lattes, swig beer or nosh on tasty coffee-shop fixings while community residents premiere their original talents.

Las Vegas Country Saloon

Hip-Hop Roots (Tuesdays, 10 p.m.)

Las Vegas’ longest-running hip-hop open mic features local artists and regional touring acts. Performers are welcome to bring their own beats on CD, tap the house DJ for some flow, freestyle solo or employ the human beatbox. And though the venue’s name may suggest otherwise, there’s no need to worry about hip-hop remixes of Rascal Flatts.

The Den at The Royal

Sunday Sermon (Last Sunday of each month, 9 p.m.)

The west end of the Royal’s lobby transforms from chic bar to place of musical worship with help from local musicians Ryan Pardey and Bryan Todd. The Sermon’s co-organizers dress the part, donning robes to pay reverence to the performers. Musicians (solo or full bands), comedians, magicians and even filmmakers are invited to display their original art. Adding to the Sunday school vibe: coffee and doughnuts.

Bikini Bar

Open Mic Night hosted by Smokin’ Joe Foresman (Tuesdays, 9 p.m.)

If you’re easing your way into live performance, test the waters at Bikini Bar. The low-key venue harbors a crowd of beer-seeking, bikini-admiring clientele rather than music experts–a perfect cure for stage fright. Live musical performances are streamed on the bar’s website for open-mic homebodies.

Money Plays

Open Mic Night (Thursdays, 9 p.m.)

“Las Vegas’ friendliest bar” hosts an original music-only open mic night in its welcoming, down-home pub atmosphere. Every set is professionally recorded by a sound engineer and at night’s end, CD copies are sold for $5 to interested performers and attendees.

A couple of other notables:

The Cellar Reggae Open Mic Night, Tuesdays, 10 p.m. Mad Libs and Pub Trivia are played during performance breaks.

Brentwood Cafe & Tavern Open Mic Fridays, 9 p.m. Featuring a multi-instrument backline for full bands.

Web Link: http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2012/feb/08/local-open-mics-musicians-writers-visual-artists-a/

January 11, 2012, Las Vegas Weekly, Entertainment

“Keep your focus, and keep sober.” That is the key to beer pong glory, at least, according to Ross “the Boss” Hampton. And he should know, having been one half of Seek ’N Destroy, this year’s World Series of Beer Pong champions and the event’s 2012 MVP.

Yes, it was binge-drinking season again last week, when 450 of the world’s finest competitive beer pong duos descended upon Las Vegas to compete in the seventh annual World Series at the Flamingo Las Vegas. Teams comprising bros and dudes filled the room, all vying to take that victory stumble around the hallowed arena, collect the $50,000 grand prize—and a place in sports immortality.

It’s hard to describe the atmosphere at the World Series of Beer Pong to someone who has never experienced it, but I’ll give it a shot. You know that guy in college who always took beer pong a little too seriously? That guy who disputed every cup and over-celebrated every shot? That guy who’d get so heated after losing that no one else could have a good time? Yeah, that guy. Well, if you gathered almost a thousand of them in a convention room, set up a three-day tournament and put their egos on steroids, you would have the World Series of Beer Pong.

This year’s tournament was fraught with rule disputes, fights, damage to Flamingo property, flipped tables and even a few tears. But that shouldn’t take away from Seek ’N Destroy’s impressive tournament run. The champs made it to the final table with a 21-0 record and “the Boss” shooting 9-for-9 in the last game of the best-of-three finals. Even if they had to take a couple of breaks during the match to partake in a screaming duel with a heckling fan and take a bathroom break.

Don’t get me wrong, I love beer pong. I think it is one of, if not, the greatest drinking games ever invented. And the World Series of Beer Pong is harmless. If nothing else, it gives aged frat boys a chance to reclaim freshman year and maybe go a little overboard. Which also means it has found the perfect home here in Las Vegas.

Web Link: http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2012/jan/11/beer-pong-champions-test-their-stamina—-and-sobr/

January 7, 2012 Las Vegas Weekly, Entertainment

Thoughts from Wednesday’s championship at the Flamingo.

1. Forget eHarmony, this is where you come to find a classy ladyfriend.

2. Not everyone could win, but at least everyone was a good sport. No one flipped tables, started fights, punched a hole in the wall or cried after losing.

3. And former mayor Oscar Goodman said we needed to build a new stadium to attract championship level games.

4. Champion Matthew “White Boy” White’s breaks during the final table to partake in a yelling match with a heckling fan and to use the bathroom were actually deeply calculated psychological attacks on the opposing team, not a by-product of playing beer pong for three days straight.

5. Their mothers must be so proud.

Web Link: http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2012/jan/07/5-things-i-didnt-write-my-notebook-world-series-be/