By Sharon

 Note: With Skate and Surf right around the corner, each of the writers for this blog are going to post their list of five bands to check out every week leading up to the festival.

1. Fall Out Boy – I have always been a fan of FOB and with their latest album I couldn’t be more excited to see them. Ever time I have seen them live thus far has been a blast and being newly reunited I expect nothing less from Saturdays headliner.

1. Mayday Parade – One of my favorite pop/rock bands, Mayday Parade knows how to put on a show. They’re experience on warped tours and past Bamboozles has made them pros with festival audiences. They’ve released three albums filled with catchy melodies and deep lyrics and are working on a fourth.

1. State Champs – State Champs are a pop/punk band from Albany, New York who are currently on tour with New Found Glory. I discovered SC when they were added to the Skate and Surf lineup and am very interested to see how they are live. They’ve only been around for a few years and have not yet released a full length album, but their EP overslept shows great promise with addictive punk beats.

1. American Authors – While they only have a few songs out they exhibit the knowledge the band obviously has about music. They sound like they have been crafted together through skillful production. I’m interested to hear some more songs and see how they are live.

2. Into It. Over It. - Yet another craftsman, Evan Thomas Weiss has been innovating the music seen and writing, writing, and writing. Into It. Over It. is his newest venture in which he continues to blend music styles. Pop, punk, indie, rock, who knows but they’re good. Definitely someone to check out and keep an eye on in the future.   

Written by @megalinaa

 Note: With Skate and Surf right around the corner, each of the writers for this blog are going to post their list of five bands to check out every week leading up to the festival.

1.       Bayside:  In the last ten years, I have seen Bayside 25 times (that I can remember).  That does not mean I’m not excited to see them play next weekend.  Bayside is band that has paid their dues and lasted hardships to gain the respect of fans and other artists alike.  The boys from Long Island have such a unique stage presence one cannot help but be drawn in. 

2.       Saves the Day:  I hope everyone voted to help make Saves the Day’s set list for Skate and Surf!  Although in my opinion, this band could play any of their songs and their set will be amazing.  Another band that has lasted the test of the music industry, Saves the Day will bring in many fans to sing along with songs that have changed lives.  One other great thing about Saves the Day – they love interacting with their fans and meeting them over the course of the weekend.

3.       Glassjaw: As of right now, this is Glassjaw’s only show of 2013.  That right there is reason enough not to miss their set.  With that said, their music speaks for itself.  This Long Island band are kings of the underground, helping build this music scene for over a decade.  If there is one thing Glassjaw are known for, it is their intense, electrifying performances.

4.       Andrew WK: If anyone thinks they can top the party Andrew WK will throw on Saturday, I would certainly like to see them try.  Like Mike said two weeks ago, there is not much else to say about Andrew except it’s a guaranteed party so make sure you join in!

5.       Transit:  If you like Hot Water Music and Blink 182, Transit is a band for you.  In their early years, this quintet from Boston played mainly pop-punk, but have since evolved into more of an Indie band.  Currently signed to Rise records, Transit’s fan base continues to grow and grow as they put out more solid music.  Young New England came out in April, and I’m eager to hear some of the songs live.  If you haven’t noticed, I enjoy bands that have great stage presence, and Transit is another band that has it.  The mix of fast paced punk songs played back to back with slower, more alternative pieces will be an enjoyable set during the course of the weekend!

Artist of the Week: Streetlight Manifesto

By: MikeYabs

Streetlight Manifesto is a ska/punk bad from New Brunswick, New Jersey. Having been in the game for a little over a decade now, they are no strangers the scene. It appears they’re going into a state of inactivity after the year is through, with word that full time touring for the band is over (but they gave their word that more music and occasional one offs and festival dates would continue to happen), so be sure to catch their set at Skate and Surf on Saturday!

This is where I would normally link to where you can buy a bands album, but Streetlight Manifesto and their label have a very public dispute going on, and out of respect for the band I will not be encouraging purchasing the record from their label. Go find The Hands That Thieve out on the internet. I’m sure you all know where to look.

Written by @danimariex 

Note: With Skate and Surf right around the corner, each of the writers for this blog are going to post their list of five bands to check out every week leading up to the festival.

1. Fall Out Boy
   Just this little band from Illinois. Maybe you’ve heard of them? Well if their new cd is anything to go by, their set promises not to disappoint. I am thoroughly looking forward to seeing them perform. 
   
   
2. Cartel
   I think Cartel is one of those bands that everyone has heard of at some point, they may have even seen them at a festival or as an opener on tour, but never took the time to really get into. I have fallen guilty to this as well. In 2006, I loved Cartel and actively followed them, but then new bands came and distracted me. Then I’d remember Cartel here and there and plan to go see them again, but then something always got in the way. They’re a great band, and I am looking forward to finally get a chance to see them again and catch up with their music.
   [Artist of the Week: Cartel (by me)]
   
   
3. Candy Hearts
   Prior to this year’s Skate and Surf line up, I had never heard of this New York/New Jersey band before. It was my researching Candy Hearts for Artist of the Week that brought them to my attention, and I am very glad I found them. Their music is fun and refreshing. I know they have the potential to go very far with their music and have no doubt that their set at Skate and Surf will help them along the way. I hope to see them for the first time on the 18th and see how their live set compares with their amazing music I’ve heard so far.  
   [Artist of the Week: Candy Hearts (by me)]
   
   
4. Bayside
   Bayside has been one of a small number of band that have really stood the test of time, and continued to put out music and tour, despite the ever shifting music scene. They have earned the respect from fans and their fellow bands because of their lyrics and musicianships. It has been a few years since I’ve seen Bayside live, but I am hoping to remedy this later this month and catch their set at Skate and Surf. I have never been disappointed by them in the past, and I do not expect that to change now. 
   [Artist of the Week: Bayside (by Meg)] 
   
   
5. Balance and Composure
   Like Candy Hearts, Balance and Composure is a band, I had not heard of prior to researching them for an Artist of the Week feature. And again, I am glad to have come across them. Their alternative rock sound is a little new school and a little old school giving them a sound that they make their own while finding ways to connect with fans of bands in the same genre. Their music is worth checking out if you haven’t yet, and I’d like to hear their sound live to see what else they have to offer. They seem to be a band to watch, and I hope to get a chance to do so. 
   [Artist of the Week: Balance and Composure (by me)] 

I Call Fives

By: Megalinaa

Since 2006, I Call Fives have been relentlessly working to make a name for themselves in the music industry.  The quintet from Washington Township NJ are hard workers, putting out 3 EPs and a 7” split from 2008-2012.  Their first full length, I Call Fives, was released last year via Pure Noise Records.  The album was #13 on Billboard’s Heat Seekers List.  Along with recording, I Call Fives are known in the industry for their rigorous tour schedule.  Whether its playing a basement show, supporting national acts, or heading overseas, the boys will always find time to play for their fans.  

In a world where everyone claims pop-punk is dead, I Call Fives are proving everyone wrong.  Their lyrics are super catchy, played against music that bursts of energy.  I’m sure their set on Saturday of Skate and Surf will gather a huge crowd, they are only playing an hour away from their hometown.  New listeners will be captivated by the band’s amazing stage presence. Be sure to catch I Call Five’s set and see why they are the next generation of pop-punk!

Written by MikeYabs
Note: With Skate and Surf right around the corner, each of the writers for this blog are going to post their list of five bands to check out every week leading up to the festival.

Yea, we all know that people are excited for Fall Out Boy to be playing the festival. Or maybe you’re excited for A Day to Remember or Macklemore. You’ll have to find somebody to watch throughout the weekend leading up to those acts.

 1. Death Spells

Death Spells is Frank Iero and James Dewees. Their resume’s speak loudly enough, but for those who don’t recognize the names: My Chemical Romance, Leathermouth, The Get Up Kids and Reggie and the Full Effect all sit somewhere between the two of them. This strange dance/hardcore project formed in an apartment in California during after hours of My Chemical Romance’s writing sessions for their follow up to Danger Days (which sadly, we’ll never get to hear). They just recently did a short tour in support of Mindless Self Indulgence, and now that they’ve warmed up I’m excited to see what they bring to the table. See Death Spells on May 18.

2. Hostage Calm

Hostage Calm have a very interesting flavor of punk. There’s a little bit of Springsteen’s signature style of rock infused with melodies you thought were left behind with the Beach Boys. And they’re punk as fuck. That’s important to remember. If there are no bands that you know playing the same time as Hostage Calm, I urge you to go watch Hostage Calm. Seriously. I’ll be hard pressed to find someone that at the least won’t be impressed with the energy they give off during their set. See Hostage Calm May 19

3. Candy Hearts

You like cutsy pop/rock songs? Look no further. Easy on the ears, Candy Hearts writes fun, catchy songs reminiscent of early Paramore and Lisa Loeb. These are the songs you listen to and think of that girl/guy you’re crushing on. This band only has one place to go from here and that’s up. Don’t be surprised if you hear them on the radio one day. They’ve got it. Catch them on May 18th before all the cool kids at school figure out about them (It’s totally gonna happen).

4. Glassjaw

It’s weird to think that Glassjaw is one of the older bands on the lineup. Considering how Glassjaw is only sporadically active these days, I wouldn’t miss an opportunity to see them. They played maybe a dozen shows total last year, and so far this is their only show of the year. If you’re unfamiliar with this band, check out Worship and Tribute. There’s something for everyone. Don’t miss Glassjaw May 19!

5. Andrew WK

WHEN IT’S TIME TO PARTY WE WILL PARTY HARD. Seriously, do I have to say any more about Andrew WK? Go fucking party with him May 18!

A few honorable mentions: This Good Robot, Into It. Over It., Balance and Composure, and Streetlight Manifesto.

Written by: MikeYabs
Note: Sorry in advance for any rants/tangents this post may go on.

Recently, Texas based Eisley launched a kickstarter for them to go on tour in support of their upcoming record, Currents. They have some pretty cool incentives for people who choose to back the kickstarter, such as exclusive merch, handwritten lyric sheets, unreleased demos, etc. There’s just one small problem.

They’re asking for $100,000.

I have no problem with bands using kickstarter. I could rattle on many names of bands that used it successfully. Kevin Devine’s goal was to raise $50,000 to fund two records and to help him tour in support of them. He ended up making over double that amount. James Dewees of Reggie and the Full Effect just successfully ended his campaign to fund one record and to help him tour. He also asked for $50,000. Plenty more have asked for reasonable amounts of money to fund recording/touring. Eisley didn’t.

Eisley want $100,00 just to tour. This isn’t to help fund a new record; their label already did that for them. They want this amount of money so they may purchase a bus large enough to transport the band and their families, as four members have all had children recently and they would like to bring their four infant children on tour with them. I have no issue with bringing children on tour. As parents that is their decision and their decision alone to make. But if you can’t afford to do it, you probably shouldn’t, especially if “can’t afford it”, means you have to ask for $100,000 from your fans. They are funding a tour, but there is no incentive that includes a ticket to a show, besides the hefty $500 pledge that gets you guest-listed for the show [EDIT: This doesn’t even apply to the upcoming tour that they’ve announced. Thanks for pointing that out Victor!]. To fund a band touring, it just seems wrong to not offer a general admission ticket to the show somewhere within the pledges.

Speaking of the rewards for pledges, lets take a closer look at what they’re offering. Some of the rewards I think are well priced, like the online show stream for $1, an exclusive EP for $15, the $25 shirt or $40 cardigan that will be exclusive to backers (both of those come with that EP was well!). Beyond that, some of the rewards are a little out there. $50 gets you a digital download of unreleased demos. I have a feeling there’s a reason those songs remained unreleased, on the cutting room floor. They probably aren’t that good. For $100, you get a signed lyric sheet. That’s cool I guess, but definitely not $100 cool. You don’t even get all those unreleased songs or the kickstarter EP at that price. $500 get you guestlisted for a show, and maybe you can get coffee with them before the show. I’d like to know if I get to have my damn cup of coffee. $1,000 gets you to pick a song for Eisley to cover, just for you. That’s cool, but is it being recorded, and from there, is it being recorded properly, or is it just gonna be a mic held in the middle of a room while they play a cover they learned to play an hour before they hit the record button? That’s a gamble I’d rather not make with a thousand dollars. $4,000 for a house show. Since I don’t know what kind of guarantee Eisley makes per show, I can’t really criticize them too much for this. The $5,000 handmade guitars with hand drawn artwork by the band is really cool (I’m a big fan of Sherri’s artwork), but only serious fans/serious guitar players will bite at that (so far, nobody has pledged for it).

I like Eisley. I really do. I’m highly anticipating the new record, and wish I was going to see them this summer on their tour supporting Say Anything (unfortunately, touring obligations of my own are preventing me from doing so. [Wait, am I allowed to ask for money from fans to go on tour? Maybe I’ll launch a kickstarter too!]). My big problem here is how much they are asking for, and that some of the rewards don’t really seem to be worth what they are asking for them. I think they’re going the wrong way about trying to tour. Maybe they should take a few years off while the kids are young before they hit the road.

I’m gonna pass on pledging for this one, but I wish them luck. Its only been a couple of days and they’ve passed the $15,000 mark. With 28 days to go, they might make it.

Good afternoon Game Changers!  We have some updates for you from the month of April, just in case you missed anything!

Tickets went up to the 3^rd tier of pricing on Thursday.  All tickets, both weekend and single day, will only have a will call option for pick up.  Also, all VIP passes and packages have officially sold out for the festival.  All tickets can be purchased through the official Skate and Surf Festival website. The Encore Event Center is no longer selling tickets. If the festival does not sell out before the day of, tickets will be available for purchase at the external parking site- the East Freehold Show Grounds.

If you purchased a loyalty pass back in December, you were lucky enough to get a parking pass.  That parking pass will be mailed to you a week before the event.  If you purchased any VIP packages, all perks of that package will be available at will call the weekend of the event.

Are you signed up for Skate and Surf Festival email blasts? Emails contain very valuable information and sometimes have new additions first!  If you haven’t already, click the little envelope button found on the top right corner of the official website.

If you are looking to set up a vending booth at the festival, act fast! Space is becoming very limited as the festival approaches.  Media pass credentials also need to be sent in by May 10^th.  Remember, you may only be granted media clearance if you are working on a piece for a credited source.  You can find all this information on the official website as well.

Have you voted for Saves the Day’s set list yet?  Fans can still vote until May 3^rd.  Head over to http://saves-the-day-poll.skateandsurffest.com to cast your vote!

The aspect of skating being present at the festival has been talked about a lot over the last month.  In his interview with Dan Tracey, John first talked about how they are going to have some of the world’s top skaters at Skate and Surf!  He also tweeted two weeks ago that they were currently adding ramps into the festival site.  Just one more reason why Skate and Surf will be so unique and exciting!

One of the most asked questions of late seem to be about set times.  Set times will not be available until about a week before the festival.  Fans have also found out from John that set times will be available via the Gamechanger “Boardwalk” app that will be released on May 9^th.  A site map will also be featured on this app.

John tweeted recently that GameChanger will be hosting EDM Adventure in August.  Being hosted in Six Flags NJ, the weekend long even will boast some of the best acts in EDM today.  Stay tuned for more details!

Hints, clues, Artist info:

• Due to a scheduling conflict, Air Dubai will no longer be playing the festival.
• Fans of American Authors should know that the band had to switch from playing Saturday to Sunday. Make sure you remember!
• John tweeted that RX Bandits, Saves the Day, and Glassjaw will all be recieving 45 minute sets!  This should make a lot of fans happy!
• Bigger things, Better things, Gamechanger, Encore, and the Aquarian have been thrown out as the stage names.
• John tweeted last week that there are still a lot of surprises left for the festival line up.  Some he will keep till the day of, and some will be released this week.  Key note about these artists, they’re “old friends”.

I don’t know about you Game Changers, but I am getting more and more excited for this festival as it approaches.  Look out this week for some of these surprise guests to be announced!

Till Next Time…