Don't drink by yourself, drink with Drinkify!

Imagine this:

It's Saturday night and you're all alone, listening to music.
Suddenly, you get a craving for a drink.

You then realize that you're about to have a sip. Alone. By yourself.

Don't you fear weird just sitting and drinking by yourself?

Fear not, Drinkify is here to save you!

"Never listen to music alone again."

Drinkify is a new music website that asks what you're listening to, then creates a custom drink order that enhances your listening experience.

For example, let's say you're listening to Aqua's smash-hit, Barbie Girl. All you will have to do to enhance your drinking experience is plug in "Aqua" in the search field and viola! You now have the perfect* drink.

Drinkify is completely free and has amazingly an complete database thanks to two application programming interfaces (API)  called 'The Echo Nest' and Last.Fm.

The Echo Nest gives Drinkify the terms to draw songs based on your search criteria.

You can search based on song name or artist with Drinkify and The Echo Nest in conjunction with Drinkify. Then Drinkify will either pull out the particular song, or a popular song from the artist that you searched.

Last.Fm gives Drinkify the ability to supply album art, spelling of names, and provides a list of the most popular tracks from each artist that you search.

These APIs give Drinkify and application builders detailed access to over 3 billion songs, so you'll always get a satisfying result!

Drinkify has a sense of humor too! Some of the artist and drink matches are made to poke fun at the band and it's fans.
Out of all the matches I've seen, this is one made me laugh the most.

Drinking blood does seem popular now-a-days...

Drinkify has attracted the attention of other blogs sites too, like Buzzfeed.com. They spent a booz-filled day with Drinkify and picked out their favorite combinations. To read their blog post called, "The Best of Drinkify" click here!

Now that you know all about Drinkify, why don't you try it out??


Here, let's get started!

*Drinkify does not guarantee that EVERYTHING will taste exactly right. Just most things.

-MR

Glamour Kills: A Harmonious Combination of Music and Fashion

Who knew that a high school kid could have a major impact in the fashion and music industry?

In 2005, Mark Capicotto founded the clothing company Glamour Kills, while living in his parent's basement and just finishing high school. By day, he was a pizza delivery boy, trying to make an honest dollar and by night he used the money he earned to start his very own clothing line.  He knew nothing about the fashion industry, how to print t-shirts, how to design shirts, let alone know how to run a small business. 

Despite his cluelessness about business and a lack of capitol, Mark slowly but surely began to build up his company, started selling his clothing to local stores, and launched his own website.  Today, Glamour Kills is sold in major clothing stores like Zumiez and Tilly’s, and has their own location in Beacon, New York. 

Mark’s biggest inspirations for Glamour Kills was, and still is, rock music and the culture that embraces it.  Bands that have proudly sported the brand are those more associated with the alternative and alternative/punk genres such as All Time Low, Boys Like Girls, A day to Remember, Bayside, and many others.

 Back in 2009, Mark was interviewed by the website, hottostartaclothingline.com and talked about how the main reason for the growth of his company is band sponsorships:

“The exposure gained through sponsoring a band is astronomical. When fans of a certain band can associate your company with the band, they then in return, become fans of your company.  If it wasn’t for the bands that we sponsor, Glamour Kills Clothing wouldn’t be where it is today.”

There is another article on that website written by Ryan Miller of Carraway Clothing that discusses the process and importance of band sponsorship.  To sum it up, the more you give to bands, the more you get back.  Besides the costs of the apparel itself, it is practically free advertisement.  For clothing companies just starting out, this is a vital way to get the name out, especially if the bands participate in major tours, like Bamboozle Road Show, Zumiez Couch Tour, or the granddaddy of them all, Vans Warped Tour.

In 2009, Glamour Kills was asked to be a partner all summer long with the Vans Warped Tour.  This was the dream publicity that Mark had been longing for his company.  The tour was a perfect platform to promote because their audience and demographic was present, the bands were what Glamour Kills tried to target, and the tour traveled across the nation to thousands of kids.

Since Mark created his first template with the infamous winged pig in his parent’s basement, Glamour Kills has drastically grown into a well known label that can be seen in music magazines like Alternative Press, skate shops, malls, music tours and is instantly associated with several bands and their image.  The movement and image that Mark tried to create has become a full-blown success.

-MM

Tour Alert: Rammstein in America

Rammstein are coming to America. It's official: The legendary German industrial metal band will be playing in major US cities (including Baltimore) from April 20 to May 5.

They came to New York City and Los Angeles earlier this year, but it was probably easier to meet the pope than to get an un-scalped ticket. All of their shows sold out in less than five minutes.

Fans know that this is a big deal. Before this year's Made in Germany tour, the band hadn't been to America since 1998, when Massachusetts police arrested two of the members for simulating sodomy onstage. Thanks, Massachusetts. Meanwhile, they've been touring and selling out on every continent but North America (well, and Antarctica, if anyone even really considers that a real continent).

They've had hits and have been nominated for Grammys and MTV Awards, but their music isn't mainstream. Jam Showbiz once called it "music to invade Poland to." 

The band, which formed in 1995, is still going strong and gaining fans. They've released six albums, most of which are great, and have managed to please fans by keeping their hard roots. They focus on stunning visuals and pyrotechnics, but this isn't KISS. Rammstein aren't a gimmick band.

Other than their stunning performances, Rammstein have attracted publicity through controversial videos (like "P***y") and unfortunate attention when it was revealed that the Columbine shooters liked Rammstein's music. 

Americans who aren't fans might recognize their hits "Du Hast", "Amerika," "Feuer Frei!," "Ohne Dich" or "Links 2-3-4." Rammstein were also in the Vin Diesel action movie "xXx."

The singer, Till Lindemann, has said that he wants to retire within the next two years. This could be the last time they ever tour.

Pre-sales start today on TicketMaster and LiveNation. The opening act is Combichrist. Tickets go for $45-$85, depending on the venue and if you're in a nosebleed seat or close enough to feel the fire. On both sites, the band has the maximum rating (five stars) for performances.

Check out this music video for "Mein Teil," a song about the (real) cannibal case in Germany a few years back.

- Heather Butterworth

James Madison Concerts

When people think music majors, most automatically think of classical music. For many James Madison music students, classical is far from the only genre of music played.

James Madison University boasts one of the most accomplished and comprehensive music programs in the state of Virginia.

Students are immersed Jazz, World, Percussive, and many other types of music.
With a wide variety of studies offered, that means there are copious amounts of concerts to be attended!

The remainder of the music program's month boasts a remarkable amount of concerts.

The headliners are the Arcos Trio. The trio plays music written by women composers and more interestingly, music that crosses classical boundaries and incorporates popular themes.

The Arcos Trio will be performing on November 16 at 8 p.m.

Credit

Also being featured in November is the Guitar ensemble playing traditional American folk and jazz, under the direction of a James Madison University alumnus, Keith Stevens. 

The guitar ensemble is well known in the music community for their well loved and talented guitarists and fantastic concerts.

Credit

December is an exciting month for the music program.
Holidayfest is a James Madison University tradition in it's 43rd year that consists of the best Christmas music in the valley.
This year, Jazzfest and the Jazz Ensembles of James Madison are making an appearance on day one of this three day concert. This year, they are presenting a jazzy twist on Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker suite.
The concert series also features a surprise local celebrity at the Saturday and Sunday performances.
The final and earliest performance features child friendly activities in the grand lobby.

Holidayfest takes place on December 1 and 3 at 8 p.m. and December 4 at 2 p.m.

Many of James Madison University's concert gems aren't advertised very well. Many graduating juniors and seniors provide wonderful full recitals and half recitals only advertised inside the music building.

While most of these concerts are not free, all of the events are great for people who love amazing music.

For the complete James Madison University music performance schedule and ticket prices, click here!

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Check out this amazing music video by Ok Go!

-MR

The Return of Beavis and Butt-head

 MTV’s Beavis and Butt-head are back. Although the beloved ’90s show now makes fun of reality shows like 16 and Pregnant and Jersey Shore, they also make fun of music videos.

That’s right. The channel that legally changed its name from Music Television to MTV has music again.

The show ran from ’93-’97 and gathered a cult following. Since then, channels like Comedy Central have shown re-runs. They released soundtrack CDs. All of the seasons have been released to DVD, and there’s been no shortage of Beavis and Butt-head action figures. The show had a spinoff, “Daria,” which also became popular. Marvel made a Beavis and Butt-head comic book. The show’s movie, “Beavis and Butt-head Do America,” got $60 million at the box office.

A whole new generation will be exposed to music through the (mentally challenged?) teenagers. From fresh dubstep to the bubble gum horrors of Katy Perry, artists will get the opportunity to be made fun of (and get some new fans).

So it’s safe to say that both artists and fans are excited about the show’s return. It’s just as funny (and as lewd) as it ever was.

So far, they’ve shown videos from MGMT, Skrillex, LMFAO, Deadmau5, Cage the Elephant and Benny Banassi.

This could mean the return of the music video. The art of the music video has faded over time. What was big in the ’80s has lost appeal for artists, since most TV channels don’t feature music videos anymore. Sure, there’s YouTube, but many artists don’t want to put a costly video out there without getting paid.

It’s too early to tell now, but since the season premiere on October 27, MTV has been linking the videos on their site. They’re getting a lot of views. That comes as no surprise to all the B&B fans out there. And they’re definitely out there.

Beavis and Butt-head airs on Thursdays at 10 p.m., EST. on MTV. Enjoy.

Check out Skrillex’s “First of the Year” video they featured. Spoiler alert: a little girl kicks a child molester’s @$$.

-Heather Butterworth

Four Years Strong Produces Weakest Album

In Some Way, Shape or Form

from  Four Years Strong

 Released: November 8, 2011

 

Rocks like: Story of the Year's The Black Swan,

Recommended Tracks: "The Infected", "Fairweather Fan"

Overall Rating: Two and a half stars

There is a sad, recurring tale within the music industry.  Once upon a time, a rock band formulated for the love of music and to find unique ways to express themselves. Years go by, band members change, and so does their unique sound.  The band falls prey to maturity and Four Year Strong’s newest album, In Some Way, Shape, or Form, is a perfect example of this fairy tale. 

Sadly, this album is the quintessential story of reckless, loud punk/alternative rock bands maturing and beginning to stray from their roots.  The lyrics have grown up and their unique, fast paced music accompanied by the ever-preset sounds of keyboards and synthesizers is obsolete, and the quirky, random song titles have too died down and have become just run of the mill.

The biggest change for this album and the band itself is the departure of keyboardist Josh Lyford, who added a recognizable resonance to the band by playing the synthesizer, which most rock bands feel is “too uncool” to use anymore.

Now my initial comments may scare off readers and those who have been listening to Four Years Strong for quite some time, but I feel that is only right to play Devil’s advocate and talk about the pros to the album too.  In Some Way, Shape or Form at its core is still pure Four Year Strong.  Each song still has the classic vocal trade offs of Alan Day and Dan O’Connor, and the guitar riffs remain snappy and quick. 

“Fairweather Fan” is a classic example of how Four Year Strong still stays true to themselves, from the brash lyrics, to the fast paced drums and heavy focus on swift guitar playing.  “Fairweather Fan” is a guaranteed crowd pleaser for those who have been following the band since their tremendous 2005-breakout album, Rise or Die Trying (listen to the lyrics, there is a tribute to that album hidden within the bridge).

The album kicks off with “The Infected,” which sets the tone for the reminder of the album: mature, new, and experimental.  Unfortunately, a majority of the tracks blend in together and do not offer any individual flavors.  Songs like “Unbreakable” offer those oh-so happy lyrics that try to empower their listeners and make them feel good about themselves.  The songs themselves can borderline embody the typical rock radio, singsong, catchy energy, which is very different for Four Years Strong.

Overall, give the album a listen and a chance.  To the die-hard Four Years Strong fans, this is not their best work and is a turn for the worst, however there are worse albums out there that you can listen to.  For those who do not know much about them, the album is catchy, the songs can really strike a cord within you, and has some real stand out singles that are perfect workout/driving music.

Mr. Red and White

Imagine 11 men prancing around in their swimsuits in the winter and you get Mr. Red and White.

Today, many members of James Madison University's music community gathered for an interesting event offered by the women's music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota: Mr. Red and White, a men's beauty pageant.

Mr. Red and White is a gathering of men from James Madison University, who pit against each over for the chance of becoming Sigma Alpha Iota's sweetheart for the year.

There were five sections: Group dance, swimwear, talent, and question and answer.

First, all the men gathered and performed a dance choreographed by a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, set to a customized mix of popular songs.

Then the men all lined up back stage and showed off their bikini bodies in an effort to impress the judges.
The judges consisted of influential members of the music community like Scott Rikkers, Marching Royal Dukes director.
Many laughs were shared by the crowd as the contestants flexed and strutted across the stage.

The next section was talent, where each of the men did a unique routine.
While many of the contestants played piano and sang there were a few unique entires.
Will N did a beat poetry rendition of Lil' Jon's Get Low accompanied by I-pad.
Another notable performance consisted of several member's of the Marching Royal Dukes poking fun at traditional warm-ups played by the band.

The question and answer portion of the event was littered with witty answers and laughs.
Each contestant was given a random question and asked why they believed they would be a great selection for Mr. Red and White.

Many contestants had very convincing answers:

"I can be anything you want!"

"It's like, you know, macaroni, pick me!"

"... Because the Ladies of [SAI] are the most beautiful."


After the final portion, the judges left to decide oh who will become the 2011 Mr. Red and White.

While waiting, the audience watched a video depicting the men getting ready by practicing their dances and posing by the kissing rock on the quad.

The air was thick as the contestants stepped out and awaited the verdict.

Mr. Congeniality was awarded, which was voted on by the contestants themselves.
After awarding first and second runner-ups, Will N. was crowned Mr. Red and White 2011.

Afterwards, the ladies of Sigma Alpha Iota gathered and thanked the audience of about 100 people for coming out. The proceeds from the ticket and baked goods sales will be going towards the chapter and a to be determined philanthropy.

-MR