Backslashes and Bad Ideas Album Review for 'Nothing Left to Give'

Backslashes and Bad Ideas are a pop-punk/post-hardcore band in vein of You're Favorite Weapon Brand New and Tell All Your Friends Taking Back Sunday with a dash of Fall Out Boy and Moving Mountains.

*At various points in time, and sometimes even all at once, they have extraordinary beards of lumberjackian (word?) proportions. 

The band, made up of musicians from different prominent or at once prominent Staten Island bands, found themselves a home together where they can showcase their assorted backgrounds.

The members:
Nick DePalo - vocals/guitar (formerly of Cobalt Sky and numerous side projects)
Josh Cronopulos - Guitar/background vocals (formerly It's Not Over)
Ed Mone - Drums (also bassist in When All Else Fails)
Nick Colella - Bass (also bassist in Heroes)

Now for the nitty gritty...the review.

These guys do a fantastic job of playing their style of music. It's easy to tell who they are inspired by (see above), and they do each one of those bands justice. DePalo's songwriting ability combined with his emotionally driven, distinct and clearly determined voice add a lot of power and passion to these songs. You can almost feel what was going on in his head as the songs play out like short narratives.

The first track, "London," is a Nick DePalo special and a former Cobalt Sky favorite. However, the 2012 updated version sounds much better than any previous recording, and Josh's background vocals add another layer to the song that makes it just right. Probably the most single worthy track of the EP because of its catchy chorus and uptempo pace. The song deals with love leaving, and learning to ultimately let them go.

"Thoughts Became Things," has a slower pace and that narrative feel previously talked about. "You say words can only complicate/I tried harder than you ever could," are repeated at different times during the song and prove to make this an anthem for young adults. While the lyrics are not particularly telling of what the song is about, the vagueness opens the listener up for a number of interpretations and scenarios. There is a lot happening in this song and the best part is it's up to you to find your own meaning. Within the context of the album however, it shows the struggle of lovers trying to work themselves out of the same old pattern of their relationship. Also, the chorus sounds chillingly spot on like Brand New.

The next track, "Nothing Left to Give," is a nice little divider of the album, and invokes its own little emotion in 55 seconds.

"What Would Craig Robinson Do?" doesn't answer this question or tell you of the hilarious things he does in movies, but rather pushes some of the things discussed in the previous song. "Trying harder" and "complicating things" now flips the script as far as who does what, "I tried harder than you ever knew" now becomes, "You try too much." It appears the protagonist is desperately trying to rectify his relationship, "Don't underestimate me." "Nothing Left to Give" is now a perfect space between how the vocalist was feeling and how he is feeling now. Nice transition whether intentional or not.

Rounding out the EP is "Phoenix with an F." The more "ballad" like song for Backslashes has the most going on lyrically and ends the album in a big way. It puts a cap on the unraveling tale of the relationship that developed in the four previous tracks.

New themes are introduced: forgiveness, responsibility, failure, honesty, and mistakes. This "character" seems to open his heart to allow their lover back in as a last ditch effort to salvage what is left, but at the same time agreeing that maybe leaving (to London perhaps?) might be the best thing for both. "And I can't make an honest girl of you/If you're out there living my dreams/And I can't take you on that stage with me /So I won't blame you if at any point you decide/It might be best to leave."

Great ending, and honestly wish there was more. A solid first effort for Backslashes and Bad Ideas who showcased a well recorded project with tight driven drums, catchy guitar riffs and hooks, and tempo throbbing bass. Maybe the review went too deep, maybe it's spot on, maybe everything is dead wrong. Listen for yourself and figure it out, and get a free download before they are gone.



http://www.facebook.com/Backslashes
http://backslashesandbadideas.tumblr.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/Backslashes?feature=watch

Link Drop - Backslashes New Album, Freestyle Fam, Cig, Locals

Backslashes and Bad Ideas
My buddies in Backslashes and Bad Ideas just released their debut EP, Nothing Left to Give. This five song flurry is sure to quench your pop-punk, Brandnewish/FallOutBoyish desires. Check it out below, and be one of the few who get to download it for free!

http://www.facebook.com/Backslashes

Eric D'Alessandro

Check out the always funny Eric from ERIXFLIX's new video parody of "No Lie."

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/ericdalessandro
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ericdalessandromusic
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/EJD11190

DOWNLOAD STILL NOT HEARTLESS FOR FREE HERE- http://hulkshare.com/2thew4snkom2

Freestyle Fam

Needs your help! All you have to do is login and vote for their remix song "I'm Good." 

http://remix.rapzilla.com/imgood/track/234

CiG

New freestyle tracks from CiG.

Staten Island Locals

Check out the new SI Show's page to stay local on all of the musical going on's of the island.

http://www.facebook.com/si.shows

Also, be sure to check out Nicole Gioradano Photography!

http://www.facebook.com/PhotographyByNicoleGiordano

Broken Records Magazine

My magazine recently had the pleasure of joining Chester Bennington of Linkin Park and Brandon Boyd of Incubus on a conference call. Here's what they TALKED ABOUT.

InDisguise on Late Night with Johnny P

InDisguise is a mixture of sounds ranging from Volbeat, Godsmack, Stone Temple Pilots, and Black Label Society. They are currently taking New Jersey by storm and were recently on the Johnny P show performing and being interviewed. Check it out around the 44 minute mark.

Late Night With Johnny P / Episode #65 from Johnny Potenza on Vimeo.


InDisguise is currently in full rotation on the Metal Mayhem Radio Show by Matt O'Shaughnessy on WVOX 1460am. Metal Mayhem will also be world premiering their album Ashes Divide when the album is finished.

August 25th InDisguise will be performing with Pool of Thorns at Dingbatz.

Freestyle Fam Making Moves, Cig Dropping Bars, Joe Josh Laying Beats

FREESTYLE FAM

Freestyle Fam are some the illest and most talented rappers you'll ever hear period. Their latest project, called, First & 15th, will see The Fam releasing a new song for FREE download every 1st and 15th of the month. Check out their first release below.

Freestyle Fam also released a new single on iTunes today, "Here We Go." Check it out and DOWNLOAD IT HERE.

Keep up with Freestyle Fam at their newly updated website - http://www.freestylefam.com/

CIG

CiG is in the studio cooking up a new album, but along the way is sneaking out tidbits of what's to come. 

Watch him kill it in this freestyle.

JOE JOSH

Check out what Joe Josh is doing over in his studio. Cranking out almost a beat a week, contact him if you need a producer.

BROKEN RECORDS COLLECTIVE

Dropping soon, the "No Mercy Remix" by CiG, SiK Boi, Vinny Jett, and Anthony M.

BROKEN RECORDS MAGAZINE

Broken Records just released the issue in almost a year. It is a relaunch and Internet transition for the publication. View it and DOWNLOAD IT FREE.

Skype Interview with Indie Rapper Playdough

TheSIBandGuy has a chat with indie rapper Playdough, over Skype. This is his second interview with him, read the first one below.
http://thesibandguy.blogspot.com/2011/04/interview-with-rapper-playdough-and.html




Check out some of his music videos below!

Interview with Acoustic Rocker Joe Taylor by Paul Marino

Where did you get your start in the music industry?

Well, I got my start in Toronto where I attended Humber College to study vocal jazz. This helped launch my career in Canada. My music career didn't really start to kick into full gear until I made the move to NYC a few years later.

Did you plan on being a solo act from the beginning?

I actually started out in a band, the James Band, and was with them for about nine years. We were touring all over the Greater Toronto Area in Southern Ontario. I realized that to get to the next level, I had to do music on my own. It was a very difficult decision at the time to break from the band.

Where did your ideas and inspirations come from for the recording of 'Anything's Possible?'

My ideas come from life experiences. From day one it has been a struggle for me in the business. I started thinking about if a guy from the western suburbs of Toronto can move to NYC to pursue his music career, play in every dive in the U.S. and end up working with a Grammy winning producer in Los Angeles, then anything is possible.

Has your single "Around the World" fared as well as you hoped?

The song has done very well in helping me reach a new audience, however, until it's the top selling single in the world it has not reached my expectations. 

Any plans for your music after the summer?

Yes, I'm always writing new music. I am looking forward to going on tour to promote and support our current CD, Anything's Possible.

You've been dubbed the "Subway Idol" by the New York Times, what was your reaction to this title ?
I was very surprised to be called the Subway Idol by the Times! Of course, I was happy about it, however, my main goal is to make great music that I enjoy so whatever successful titles come from this is a bonus.

Do you prefer sitting down and recording in a studio or do you enjoy the experience of a live performance?

Honestly, I love both, but there is nothing more fun than performing in front of a live audience! The energy you get and the rush is amazing! On cloud nine! 

I have always been a big Beatles fan and it's the work that they did that gives me the direction in the studio. John Lennon always loved the raw, stripped-down live sound which you would get in front of a live audience - dry separation of sounds and lots of space. Paul McCartney on the other hand loved lots of production in the studio with lots of instrumentation and heavy mixing.

I love performing live and studio work equally.

If you were able to write a soundtrack for any movie, whether it's been released or not, which movie would you choose?

The next James Bond movie. Love James Bond...classic.

The quiet country life or the fast paced living of the city?

I love the country however NYC is my home. I need the hustle and the bustle. Make me feel alive and the energy of the city inspires my passions.

Any relation to the famous Taylors, like Zachary or Elizabeth?

Well when I was much younger I did have a crush on the 1960's version of Elizabeth Taylor but no relation to any famous Taylors.

http://www.joetaylorofficial.com/fr_home.cfm

http://www.reverbnation.com/joetaylor

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/save-me-ep/id306112962

InDisguise Album Update and Contest

InDisguise's debut album, Ashes Divide is coming along great according to vocalist Dave Incognito. 

InDisguise begins vocal tracking after their July 28th show in Scranton, Pennsylvania. 


The show is a benefit concert called, "Sounds for Scoliosis 4." Also in development is the band's TV appearance on "Late Night with Johnny P," which airs this month on Fios and Cablevision, July 26th.

Lastly the band is asking you to vote for them as they have currently entered the top 10 in a contest they are in. Help them get to the top three  in order to perform August 8th at the NJ State Fair as finalists to win. 


Dave says, "You can vote for us once per day until July 30th. Thanks to everyone for all the support."
Please vote below
http://www.wnnj.com/cc-common/contests/index.html?id=193022 

Interview with Art Off Paper Artist Chris Malfi

When did you know you wanted to be an artist, and what goals did you set for yourself while getting into it?

It's something I've wanted for as long as I can remember. I have a lot of goals I'd like to accomplish but the first one I set was to hold a successful art show and make whoever came leave with a reason to come to the next ARTOFFPAPER event. 

What type of art do you specialize in? What are your strengths, and what do you feel are some of your weaknesses? 

I wouldn't say I specialize in any type, I just run with my emotions and experiences in each piece; my art is an extension of me.  My weaknesses are stick figures and kryptonite.

What is Art Off Paper? Explain what you do and who the other members are.

ARTOFFPAPER is about recognizing that art does not have to be defined by a brush stroke or pencil line, we all have our own ARTOFFPAPER. Art is about personal expression, from canvas to the street, fashion, music, dance, literature, to the rhythm of your speech.

Society has a way of influencing people to believe that if something is exclusive it adds an undefined feeling of value to our lives. ARTOFFPAPER was formed to create a philosophy that can connect everyone. There are no outsiders; we all have our own ARTOFFPAPER because what makes us different is what makes us the same.

ARTOFFPAPER was started by Brendan Munday, Jared Long and myself; in our eyes everyone is a member. 

What makes your art so different as a crew, and what do you all bring to the table?

We are complimenting opposites with an indefinable chemistry. We all have our own unique styles and abilities that are strong enough to stand-alone but together we form like Voltron. Because of this we are able to accomplish any creative task at hand. We do illustration, graphic design, jewelry/accessories/fashion design, murals, interior design, commissioned artwork, as well creative consulting.

How important are expression and inspiration to you? Is it possible to make something from nothing?

Expression and inspiration is an essential part of any creative process, inspiration can come from anywhere, anyone, and anything.  Yes it's possible to make something from nothing, because it's just an interpretation of what nothing and something is, what one person views as nothing maybe something to the next.

What events/shows have you displayed or done work for?

I've been fortunate to be apart of a few but my top 5 so far;

Special Sauce- Huntington Long Island

Rare - Tribeca, NY

The End Recording Studios - Green Point Brooklyn 

Research Fundraiser at Nicotra Ballroom - Staten Island 

The Leaky Life Boat- Seaford NY 

Each show has its own special meanings to me as well as personal accomplishments. 

Have you been commissioned to do any really big projects, or is most stuff local and/or private?

The first check I ever received from designing jewelry was from Maurice Galli, a French designer who has designed for royalty as well as Tiffany & CO., when I met him he was the head designer at Harry Winston but most importantly, he was my teacher. Needless to say it was a big deal to me when he approached me willing to pay for my creativity.

I have also been commissioned by Dr. Sherrill Antonio who is the Associate Dean for Film, Television, and New Media in the Kanbar Institute of Film & Television and the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. I was asked to do the book cover for Dr. Antonio's book on Spike Lee, a truly rewarding experience which became even more of a dream come true when I heard Spike Lee has been to my website and loved the portrait I did of him.

Another great moment for me was when ARTOFFPAPER was asked to be part of the grand opening of The End Recording Studios. We got to paint a large scale mural on their building's rooftop in front of hundreds of people while watching the sun set over Manhattan. 

What project are you most proud of?

I'm proud of every project I am a part of but the one that sticks out the most to me is when we were asked to donate our art for a cancer research fundraiser. I knew I wasn't born with the mind for science or medicine, but I still wanted to be a part of the fight for a cure. 

I'll always be proud to know my graffiti inspired art raised money for the fight against cancer.

What are your plans for the future and are you currently making a living off of "Art Off Paper?"

I have many plans for the future but things don't always happen according to plan so I'm just going to continue my journey and try to enjoy my life the best way I can. Yes, I currently make a living off of my art. 

What is the most rewarding thing about being an artist?

The most rewarding thing about being an artist is doing what I love to do every day.

What would you tell someone who wants to get into a specific type of art, but may feel they aren't creative enough?

I would tell them Creativity and confidence kind of go hand in hand, if you don't believe your an artist no one will. 

Anything else to add?

Shout out to Rawthentix, Rare Salon, Richmond Hood, DeadLine, The End Recording Studios, Stefan Barone, Tre Giovani, Untouchable Cutz, FSP, Eargasms, The Voices of the Summer, and The leaky life boat. Thank you to everyone who has supported my art and ARTOFFPAPER. 

A.O.P will be painting live July 21st at Van Duzer days in Staten Island.

http://www.artoffpaper.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/ART-OFF-PAPER/160113224052048

Merissa Xhelili Lends Her Artistic Services to Bands, Movie Projects, and More

Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Merissa Xhelili, and I am an artist who also creates custom-made jewelry.

When did you first begin experimenting with art, and was it a natural talent of yours?

I began experimenting with art for as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawing and painting since I was a child. I would say it is a natural talent of mine; the art of drawing seems to run in my family.

What is your preferred style of art, and what are your strengths and weaknesses?
I love colorful abstracts; according to the organic curves and structured lines, the image paints a different picture to what each person sees, pun intended. However, my favorite method of art is sketching in black and white. It makes the viewer focus on the importance of how dramatic shading and lighting can make a picture appear. My strength is in bringing portraits to life, I have a fascination with faces. One thing I would like to learn more about is photography. I’ve taken pictures as a hobby, but would like to have more professional experience in this.

How important is expression and inspiration to you? Is it possible to make something from nothing?
Art is where you can express yourself through your own take on reality or a dream you see in your own mind to share with others. I get inspired by the everyday things in life in even the most mundane objects, focusing on the way natural curves and lines are shaped through man-made objects and in nature.

Have you ever had your art displayed at a gallery or event?
I’ve had my drawings and paintings displayed in the College of Staten Island’s gallery, as well as in Snug Harbor’s gallery.

Do you get commissioned for projects or are you working on your own stuff?
I do get commissioned by people coming to me for various art projects. I also work on my own for enjoyment and to keep adding to my portfolio.

Tell us a little bit about your jewelry work and start up.
About a year ago, I made a unique necklace I had in mind but could not find in stores. I received many compliments on it and people asked me if I could make other pieces as well, and it began a snowball effect from there. For both women and men, I make pieces that have an artistic flair to them which makes it different from what you would find it stores.

You are currently storyboarding a project, tell us a little about that.

I am currently working on a storyboard and concept art design for an independent film project which is currently still a work in progress.

Do you think there are any similarities in being an artist and a musician? Why or why not?
I think there are definitely similarities between art and music; I feel they go hand in hand. Both are created by people expressing themselves through an art form. I know that music is an extremely important part of my life, and it inspires me totally. I can’t create art without listening to music that speaks to my soul, just as musicians see the beauty in art and become inspired to put that inspiration into song.

What is the most rewarding thing about being an artist?
Being an artist, you do not feel chained to your work. You have the ultimate freedom to create and sometimes even a mistake can become a happy accident, becoming the most interesting part of the piece.

What are your future plans as an artist and where do you see yourself in a few years?
I am currently a freelance artist and hopefully will become more successful with my jewelry line. Within the next few years, I would love to design album covers for bands, combining two of my favorite passions together.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Contact me if you need an artist for a project or want to purchase custom-made jewelry. And to the bands out there, if you are interested in me designing an album cover or accessories for your band merch!


CONTACTS AND LINKS

http://merissax.wix.com/xessories

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Xessories-Art-You-Can-Wear/126654267427179

http://merissaxhelili.deviantart.com/

https://www.facebook.com/mxartdesigns

Link Drop - Affiliation Red, POF, Fairday Skyline, Cig and More

Affiliation Red
(This song features a cameo by me on the third verse!)


Check out their new single as well!

Breaking Even
New lyrics video from this local punk band. Be sure to learn the words!


Fairday Skyline
Check out this track and free download from Fairday Skyline's upcoming release!

Process of Fusion
Vote for POF on WSIA as most popular band.
http://crazyradiowsia.weebly.com/online-poll.html

Be sure to read Backstage Interview's talk with Justin.
http://www.backstageinterviews.ca/2012/06/26/process-of-fusion-written-interview/

Check out Chris Taranto, JD, Radioactive Material, Affiliation Red, Four Nights Gone, Process of Fusion, and It's Not Over at the Full Cup July 27th!
http://www.facebook.com/events/349890268417622/

Kritikal and Anthony M.
This song received airplay on "Franklin & Bash"



CiG
This S.I. emcee is finally back in the studio recording some bangers. Here's a sample of what he's done so far...




J.D.
Be on the look out for this young R&B, Pop- rapper as he works on his first studio release!