TUNED UP Special: How Count Your Lucky Stars Records is shaking the indie label paradigm
Our contributor Ray Cobra weighs in on what Count Your Lucky Stars Records means to him and concludes with a few mini-reviews: Every once in a while a record label comes along that changes the scope of music. Right now that label is Count Your Lucky Stars. The tiny label is based in Michigan and...
TUNED UP Special: Belated Rock on the Range 2013 picks
So, since this festival is already underway this might be more of a retrospective pick thing, but anyway here are some picks from our contributors of standout performers at this year’s Rock on the Range Festival, held at Crew Stadium in Columbus, OH. Marco Castro: Brian “Head” Welch: Yes, I want to see him play...
TUNED UP Special: August Burns Red interview, album announcement
Today’s a good day. You know why? Because Dustin Davidson from powerhouse August Burns Red took some valuable time after touring in Europe and wrapping up recording of the band’s forthcoming album Rescue & Restore, out June 25th to answer some questions straight from I Am Tuned Up. You can view the album art and...
TUNED UP Special: Introducing History’s History (exclusive interview)
So, on a Wednesday evening I (Ray Cobra) met with Griffen Holt on Facebook to discuss his band History’s History and their new album. The conversation quickly became one of two people discussing their love of certain bands and the influence they had on them. Ray Cobra: What is your name and what do you do in...
Exclusive Amative interview
Up and comers Amative of Columbus recently opened for the acclaimed Memphis May Fire at their much talked about show at Skully’s Music Diner. Our own Jamarr Stokes sat down with the guys for an impromptu short interview. Watch and get a taste of why this show (review forthcoming as of this post) was so...
Preview: I AM TUNED UP presents Tiger Waves, Last of the Wildmen, Far Away Strays
Soon, I AM TUNED UP will proudly be presenting shows regularly in Columbus, Ohio as a co-sponsor. The first one will take place February 7th at Ohio State University adjacent Scarlet and Grey Cafe. It will feature the following three artists that have been featured a number of times on here: Tiger Waves: The vocalist...
Year End Lists: Top tracks of 2012 (from the founder)
Straight from the IATU founder – here’s the list of top tracks that debuted this year: Anberlin – “Self Starter” Twenty One Pilots – “Holding On To You” Come Wind – “Rend Your Heart” Civil Twilight – “Holy Weather” The Overseer – “Amend” SONS – “Doubt” Paper Route – “Love Letters” Purity Ring – “Obedear”...
TUNED UP Special – Bands to watch in 2013
Atlas Genius – This alternative band from abroad has the potential to become 2013′s Foster the People. Their song “Trojans” is really starting to gain some big time traction on the big alternative radio stations in the US. Radio DJs are calling it now – the band will be a household name soon. Beartooth -...
Year End Lists: Marco Castro’s top albums of 2012
Our year end series continues, with contributor Marco Castro’s 10 favorite releases of 2012, plus some runner-ups. Top 10 releases P.O.D. – Murdered Love / The boys from the southtown delivered again. From beginning to end, it’s an ode to old and new fans alike. Thrice - Anthology / A nostalgic compilation that goes all the...
I AM TUNED UP underground / obscure picks of 2012
Ryan Getz here. There’s an overall countdown of top albums. But what about discoveries? Some bands are so under the radar even a lot of seasoned music supergeeks don’t know who they are. This list is dedicated to those artists – any method of discovery is applicable. Album, sound bite, live show – no matter....
Year End Lists: Ryan Getz’s top albums/shows of 2012
Honorable Mentions: Thousand Foot Krutch - The End is Where We Begin; Paper Tongues - Crowdsurfing EP; Matt and Toby - Matt and Toby; Public - Red EP; David Crowder Band - Give Us Rest; Derek Webb - Ctrl; The Lumineers - The Lumineers; mewithoutYou - Ten Stories; The Overseer - We Search, We Dig; Mount Eerie - Clear Moon 10. Civil Twilight - Holy Weather The South African trio is back with their sophomore record, a fuzzy...
TUNED UP Special: Dave Elkins (formerly of Mae, current Schematic founder) interview
Dave Elkins is perhaps best known for being the long time frontman of Mae, a successful alternative/emo influenced rock band that had stints on both Tooth and Nail and Capitol Records. The band headlined a number of successful tours and has opened for the likes of The Fray and Motion City Soundtrack. Now, Dave is...
