MAYDAY MAYDAY MAY DAY!

Hello again comrades,

May is wrapping up as this text is posted so we're here to give you some brief last minute intel.

Our newest pals, Off Camber, have self released a 4-song demo tape that we urge you to check out ASAP.   Yes, we actually mean tape, as in the cassette variety.  You can obtain one of these craftily packaged hand-drilled, hand-numbered, hand-assembled tapes easily at one of their shows (check the SHOWS page people!) or for those that don't have either a time machine or a tape-deck, the demo is also available via digital download for your listening/purchasing convenience.  Please check it out.  The music will speak for itself.

In a much sadder note, Insouciant, one of the longest running NotRock affiliates, one which we are most proud to have worked with, has officially declared that they are on indefinite hiatus.  They will continue to finish their latest record, which we assure you is nothing short of epic, and ultimately release it on NotRock as planned.  Until then we'll keep you up to date on the status of this magnificent recording.

In closing, we'd like to shift focus from musical notes to the written word.   Now granted, the header on this page says NotRock Records not NotRock Books so although this may seem out place, bear with us and act more like the open minded individuals we expect you to be.  Local author Patrick Roesle has tapped into the nostalgia of growing up during the heyday of the local N.J. music scene in his self-published gem of a novel  The Zeros.  If you grew up in a time when there was still an arcade (a good one) in the Rockaway mall and when every weekend it seemed like an awesome show was going on a mere stones throw away from your hometown then you'll want to check out this book.  In fact, you'll want to even if that isn't the case.  Roesle  takes the reader on a nostalgic journey through a decade  full of compelling characters that you'll swear are people you knew.  It's an incredible, brutally honest portrayal of real life and all the baggage that comes with growing up.  It is a story about dreams and the death of them.  It's a book that is worth your time.  So please skip the 50 shades of bullshit this summer and take a chance on a book that doesn't have the backing of a major publisher.  Not just because you should support independent artists but more importantly because this book is just well... really good.


That's all for this month kiddies.  See yah next month!

J.T.F.

p.s. Go outside and take a walk or ride a bike or something.   The earth is a pretty sweet place.

APRIL SHOWERS BRING NOTROCK ACTIVITY

Hello kiddies,

Once again the spring season is upon us and we are doing some cleaning, growing and creating.

CLEANING:

You may have noticed the NotRock website has continued to refine itself in hopes become a more streamlined interface, making navigability easier and more efficient.  The catalog page has been reworked for the better and will become more in depth for each specific release as time goes on (one step at a time here people, sheesh).  In addition to the catalog overhaul there is now a SHOWS page that will keep constant listing of booked shows for all active bands on the NotRock roster.  It is updated frequently so be sure to check it multiples time a day.  Also recently constructed is the BANDS page which serves as a directory for all NotRock bands/affiliates past and present, linking directly to each individual band's profile page subsequently steering the user toward whatever content they wish to find about said band.  Give it a whirl.  We paid top dollar for all this new design so check it out.

Aforementioned in the previous month's post, digging around the NotRock archives  has yielded a "new" old release to the NotRock catalog.  Faithful NotRock followers/enthusiasts rejoice and welcome NR-033 Feu de Joie: Love Song to the ranks of the ever growing NR releases.  A mere single tune Love Song is very much a lost treasure and we deemed it worthy of it's own catalog number.  As for now it is available in the digital format accompanied by a spanking new illustration by John T. Fisher.  A very limited run on  CD is being developed with some snazzy packaging (the likes of which only F.D.J. would dare attempt) and will include four bonus F.D.J. demos.  Stay tuned for updates on that front.







GROWING:

It seams that amongst all the usual commotion in these parts, out of practically nowhere a new band has germinated past seed and broke ground into the NotRock garden.  If you've been to the band page directory you may have already noticed an unfamiliar and possibly controversially named band listed.  We at NotRock would like to take this opportunity to formally welcome to the team and introduce to you: COURTNEY STODDEN AGE SIXTEEN.  Comprised of Joe DeGroot, Brian Foy, and Kyle Wilkerson C.S.A.S. delivers a blast of gloom rock ambience that hasn't existed since the best days of UNWOUND.  We are thrilled with the songs they are playing at their live shows and are equally thrilled that they will be releasing their full-length debut on NotRock in the coming months.  Expect many developments as we follow this new band and the release of:
NR-034 Courtney Stodden Age Sixteen: In Labored Lockstep.


CREATING:

In a brief overview of other active NotRock projects we'd like to update y'all on the following:

Insouciant moves forward with their forthcoming LP by COMPLETING tracking guitars!  All major instrument tracking is now done leaving the band with the task of recording vocals.  If all goes well that will wrap up in the month of May.  Who knows, you may see this release this summer.

Please Exist also continues progress on their full length.  Instrument tracking is done.  A vigorous mixing session is underway and as soon as some vocals are laid down, the general public may actually get to hear it.  Cross you fingers people.  You are a little bit closer to having this record explode your stereo.

As you know Khantra's beloved Self-Titled album is getting a special 10th anniversary rerelease.  The track assembly is complete and details are being worked out on the packaging presentation.  It may be another treat to drop this summer.

In closing we'd like to talk about some dear friends of ours.  Chances are if you're reading this you already know about these crazy kids called Melissa & Paul.  I dare say more people know about them than the entire NotRock operation and not without good reason.  Since you already know this, there's no reason for us to tell you how awesome they are or how fun and energetic their live show is or how much their music well... rocks.  However in the slightest teeny weeny chance you don't know about this already you absolutely need to.   On friday April 13th Melissa & Paul released a 10" record entitled  "LIVE HARD".  If you don't have it already GET IT.  We could go on ad nauseam as to why this record rules but just trust us and pick up a copy.  Keep doing what you're doing M&P.  We are proud to call you friends and thrilled you're making this music.




Well that's all the news fit to print this month.  See you in May kiddies!  (yes we realize that's a day away. sorry this months post was delayed)
- J.T.F.

P.S. Who would win in a fight Mr. Fantastic of Stretch Armstrong?

LOUSY SMARCH WEATHER.

Hello everyone,
There's actually nothing lousy about March at all, in fact even the weather is quite nice (although we are really hoping for at least one snowstorm this winter).  Since we last left you many a thing have transpired or began to germinate in this little (but rapidly multiplying) music community.  This month we say goodbye to our pals the Young American Artists (whose last show was nothing short of amazing).  But while some creative forces leave this world behind other new ones emerge and even some relics of the past break surface this month and start to bloom.  Lots to talk about so away we go!

First off if you were not at the last Young American Artists show you missed out.  They went out with a blaze of scorching guitars, thunderous drums,  and a room full of nuclear vociferations.  Luckily for us (as well as those who missed this awesome show) an amazing live recording was made of their entire set and is already available for free download (as well as the rest of their discography) via youngamericanartists.bandcamp.com We implore you to check it out!






Okay now that we've explored misty-eyed territory lets move onto something HUGE!  SO HUGE that we can't tell you much about it (mainly because well, frankly we don't know much).
Here's what we do know(or think we know):
There is a new band on the scene called Off Camber.
There seems to be four people in it whose names appear to be Megan, Adam, James, and Ned.
A demo has surfaced and it sounds like this: http://soundcloud.com/getoffcamber/group-ride
They have several shows scheduled the first of which occurs Friday March 9th the second March 31st.
We have a strong hunch this is something you don't want to miss.

WOW!  We really didn't see this coming.  Just when you couldn't be more annoyed with how long it's taking Please Exist to finish and put out their record they've dropped a live E.P. to hold you over.  This was recorded by Kevin Carafa on July 2nd 2011 during the Paul's Church Retreat weekend extravaganza.  This as said is "live" so it is presented as it was played, mistakes and all.  Because of that and the ferocity of this recording there is a level of charm  that could rival the sterility of many studio records.  It can be streamed from here.  Please check it out!  A download will be available soon from the main church retreat web page which we're told will be up and running in the very near future.  Also of note: there is a plethora of new Please Exist shows booked so check out there bandpage for the deets.

Insouciant continues work on their forthcoming full length.  Adam tracked most of his guitar parts last weekend and we must say the whole thing is coming out splendidly.  With just a few more guitar parts to track leaving only the vocals to be done, this thing will be off to the presses in no time! There are a bunch of short (several very funny) videos up on Insouciant's Youtube channel for you to check out.  In the meantime here's a fun one of Adam ripping:



 Next up: Feu de Joie!  There's a name we haven't tossed around in quite some time but don't get too excited, they aren't playing any reunion shows anytime soon.  However something excellent is happening concerning everyones favorite noir-pop band.  It seems that way back when Feu de Joie recorded their masterpiece Protostar they also tracked a tune that was not fodder for their planets album.  "Love Song" is the name of it and the recording was intended to be used on what would have been the third NotRock Sampler had it come out back in 2006-2007.  Obviously that did not happen and "Love Song" sat around the NotRock archives waiting to be heard on the Tenth Anniversary NotRock CD (which is still happening it's just been a bit delayed) yet still it sits.  The fact of the matter is that this song was a fan favorite at shows and a favorite in general with the band and quite frankly the recording of it deserves to be heard.  So what are we getting at?  We dug the recording up and as remembered, it is awesome so we are releasing it to public ears later this month.  Rumor has it there may even be a super limited run on CD.  More to report on that soon.

Work on Khantra's Self-Titled 10th Anniversary rerelease continues.  It was quite the task hunting down the original elements used to put that album together but thankfully, just recently, some missing pieces (that were not properly archived)  have been located.  All the puzzle pieces are now in the right hands and the project is going forth as planned.  We'll keep you updated as this most exciting release nears completion.  Predictions are slating it for an early summer release date.

Last but not least is John's Super Awesome Fun Birthday Show!  It seems that guy who is always yacking about NotRock this and NotRock that is turning a very old age this very month.  What better way to celebrate than to have a show featuring many a NotRock friend and family?  It takes place March 16th in Byram N.J. and it will feature Please Exist, Disseriph, Lucas Brode, Melissa & Paul, Annoying Customer, & Insouciant.  Info is HERE.

Well I reckon that's all the news fit to print for this post.  Have a super swell March!
Hope to see you at one of the upcoming shows.

- J.T.F.