Epitaph Records Recent News

The Weakerthans announce more summer dates, video, and European release single!

Thu, 08 May 2008 00:05:00 -0700

As previously reported, The Weakerthans head across the pond at the end of May. Check the concerts page for dates in the UK, Germany, The Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. On various dates they'll be joined by pals Dawn Landes, Christine Fellows, and Felix Gebhard.

Then it's back to North America for a full slate of festivals all summer long. They'll hit the stages at the Ottawa Bluesfest, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Vancouver Island MusicFest, Lollapalooza, Osheaga Music and Arts Festival, Regina Folk Festival, and Toronto V Fest, with more festival appearances announced throughout May. Check the concerts section regularly to find out when they'll be hitting a stage near you.

In other news, we're getting excited for the June release of The Weakerthans' Tournament of Hearts video and a European single (including a live version of Relative Surplus Value).

Concerts Listings:

May
30 Fri: Neustrelitz, DE - Immergut Festival
31 Sat: Nijmegen, NL - Doornroosje

June
01 Sun: Birmingham , UK - Barfly
02 Mon: London, UK - Scala
03 Tue: Manchester , UK - Academy 3
04 Wed: Bristol, UK - Carling Academy 2
06 Fri: Utrecht, NL - Tivoli de Helling
07 Sat: DÃ¼sseldorf , DE - Zakk
08 Sun: Paris, F - Batofar
09 Mon: Frankfurt, DE - Batschkapp
10 Tue: SaarbrÃ¼cken , DE - Roxy
11 Wed: NÃ¼rnberg, DE - Hirsch
13 Fri: Freiburg , DE - Jazzhaus
14 Sat: Interlaken, CH - Greenfield
15 Sun: Wien, A - Novarock
17 Tue: Stockholm, SE - KÃ¤gelbanan
18 Wed: Copenhagen , DK - Loppen
19 Thu: Osla, NO - Garage
20 Fri: Dresden , DE - Scheune
21 Sat: ScheeÃ�el , DE - Hurricane
22 Sun: Neuhaus Ob Eck, DE - Southside

July
06 Sun: Ottawa, ON - Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest
10 Thu: Winnipeg, MB - Winnipeg Folk Festival
12 Sat: Courtenay, BC - Vancouver Island MusicFest

August
03 Sun: Chicago, IL - Lollapalooza
04 Mon: Montreal, QC - Osheaga Music and Arts Festival
05 Tue: Burnaby, BC, Deer Lake Park - opening for Feist
08 Fri: Regina, SK - Regina Folk Festival

The Weakerthans announce more summer dates and video!

Thu, 08 May 2008 00:05:00 -0700

As previously reported, The Weakerthans head across the pond at the end of May. Check the concerts page for dates in the UK, Germany, The Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. On various dates they'll be joined by pals Dawn Landes, Christine Fellows, and Felix Gebhard.

Then it's back to North America for a full slate of festivals all summer long. They'll hit the stages at the Ottawa Bluesfest, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Vancouver Island MusicFest, Lollapalooza, Osheaga Music and Arts Festival, Regina Folk Festival, and Toronto V Fest, with more festival appearances announced throughout May. Check the concerts section regularly to find out when they'll be hitting a stage near you.

Concerts Listings:

May
30 Fri: Neustrelitz, DE - Immergut Festival
31 Sat: Nijmegen, NL - Doornroosje

June
01 Sun: Birmingham , UK - Barfly
02 Mon: London, UK - Scala
03 Tue: Manchester , UK - Academy 3
04 Wed: Bristol, UK - Carling Academy 2
06 Fri: Utrecht, NL - Tivoli de Helling
07 Sat: DÃ¼sseldorf , DE - Zakk
08 Sun: Paris, F - Batofar
09 Mon: Frankfurt, DE - Batschkapp
10 Tue: SaarbrÃ¼cken , DE - Roxy
11 Wed: NÃ¼rnberg, DE - Hirsch
13 Fri: Freiburg , DE - Jazzhaus
14 Sat: Interlaken, CH - Greenfield
15 Sun: Wien, A - Novarock
17 Tue: Stockholm, SE - Kagelbanan
18 Wed: Copenhagen , DK - Loppen
19 Thu: Osla, NO - Garage
20 Fri: Dresden , DE - Scheune
21 Sat: Scheel , DE - Hurricane
22 Sun: Neuhaus Ob Eck, DE - Southside

July
06 Sun: Ottawa, ON - Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest
10 Thu: Winnipeg, MB - Winnipeg Folk Festival
12 Sat: Courtenay, BC - Vancouver Island MusicFest

August
03 Sun: Chicago, IL - Lollapalooza
04 Mon: Montreal, QC - Osheaga Music and Arts Festival
05 Tue: Burnaby, BC, Deer Lake Park - opening for Feist
08 Fri: Regina, SK - Regina Folk Festival

Sing It Loud "Come Around" Acoustic

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:05:00 -0700

A few weeks ago Sing It Loud were here visiting the office, and while they were hanging out, someone captured an amazing performance of Pat Brown singing “Come Around” with just an acoustic guitar. Check it out at Buzznet, just click here.

ESCAPE THE FATE RECORDING NEW ALBUM

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:05:00 -0700

Las Vegas Rockers Enter The Studio To Record With New Singer

With an uncanny ability to always land on their feet, notorious Vegas rock group Escape the Fate have begun writing and recording with a spectacular new singer and a superstar producer. With John Feldmann (the Used, Story of the Year) lending his talents as both producer and songwriter, and with the addition of singer Craig Mabbit, formerly of Bless the Fall, Escape the Fate are on track to make an even more amazing record than their stellar 2006 debut.

Following the departure of singer Ronnie Radke in early 2008, the band performed a handful of shows with Mabbit, and the personal and creative connection was immediate. A fan of both ETF and Mabbit, Feldmann was the natural choice to produce, and in April, Escape the Fate began recording the follow-up to 2006's Dying Is Your Latest Fashion, which featured the massive hit song "Situations." "People are going to be blown away and definitely surprised when they hear Craig's vocals mixed with Escape's diverse sound," explains bassist Max Green. "This is the next generation of rock." The yet-untitled record is tentatively scheduled for a fall release.

"I'm excited to have the opportunity to continue making music with a group of amazing people," says Mabbit. "I'm loving what's coming out of us in the studio right now and things couldn't be going better. Escape the Fate is taking over the world, so buckle your seatbelts ‘cause we're here to stay."

After Radke's dramatic departure, wild speculation spread across the internet regarding the future of Escape the Fate and direction the band would take if they were to continue on. However, fans can breathe a sigh of relief: the turmoil has left the band even more determined and fired up. "We've been through a lot of shit this last year, and we took all that anger, frustration and sadness and molded it into an album with huge rock choruses, in your face riffs and melodies, and drums that will give your parents a heart attack," explains Green. "This new album isn't going to be a hardcore metal album and it's not going to be a soft melodic album, we are who we are, we are Escape the Fate."

Motion City Soundtrack Release Acoustic EP Today!

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:05:00 -0700

Motion City Soundtrack have released their first ever acoustic EP featuring acoustic versions of five tracks off of their latest release Even If It Kills Me. The EP is out now exclusively on iTunes. Click here to buy it.

Catch them on the 2008 Honda Civic Tour supporting Panic At The Disco. More info can be found at www.hondacivictour.com

BAD RELIGION CHARTS NEW TERRITORY ON DELUXE VERSION OF NEW MAPS OF HELL

Mon, 05 May 2008 00:05:00 -0700

Punk Veteran's First-Ever Deluxe Release Hits Stores July 8th

The revered punk band Bad Religion is set to reissue last year's acclaimed New Maps of Hell with expanded features and bonus material on July 8th. Lifelong dissenters and noted critics of the current administration (2004's The Empire Strikes First was a direct critique of Bush's pre-emptive policy), the band's 15th release ironically, but coincidentally, comes out just days after the 4th of July.

The deluxe version of New Maps of Hell includes the original 16 song CD, along with seven new acoustic tracks recorded by principal songwriters Greg Graffin (vocals) and Brett Gurewitz (guitars). Three of the acoustic songs are new, written specifically for this release; the other four tracks are new acoustic versions of Bad Religion classics such as 2004's hit song "Sorrow" and the perennial favorite "Skyscraper." Graffin and Gurewitz formed the idea of recording the EP to illustrate how they write songs: generally writing a song on just an acoustic guitar or piano, and then crafting it into the electrified scorchers they ultimately become later with the band.

Additionally, the release includes a DVD with an hour-long live performance that has never been seen before, along with music videos for NMOH's two singles "Honest Goodbye" and "New Dark Ages," behind-the-scenes footage of Brett and Greg during the recording of the acoustic EP and more.

The all-new packaging pays homage to the band's hometown of Los Angeles, but unmasks the city with a gritty reality not usually associated with Tinseltown. Shot in the striking format of high dynamic range photography by local fine arts photographer Dave Bollock, the deluxe release also features a booklet of Bollock's work entitled "New Maps of Hell - City of Angels" and classic Bad Religion posters.

Voted THE "Old School Band who Still Rock" by Alternative Press readers, Bad Religion are giving back to the fans who have supported them in their over two-decade long career with New Maps of Hell deluxe edition.

Stream MCS' acoustic "Fell In Love Without You" at Spin.com now!

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:04:00 -0700

Head to Spin.com right now for an exclusive stream of "Fell In Love Without You" off of Motion City Soundtrack's upcoming acoustic EP. Don't forget the EP comes out next Tuesday, May 6th on iTunes!

I SET MY FRIENDS ON FIRE SIGN TO EPITAPH RECORDS

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:04:00 -0700

Experimental Electro-Grind Duo Sign To Epitaph Records And Plan Fall Debut

Ironic and completely original, I Set My Friends On Fire have signed to Epitaph Records with plans to release their debut album in the fall.

Consisting of Matt (Vocals) and Nabil (Instruments/Programming/Vocals), ISMFOF defy conventional genres by cross-breeding electronica with elements of grind and hardcore for one of the freshest sounds around. Formed in late 2007, the duo became an overnight hit with their incredible rock/screamo cover of Soulja Boy's "Crank Dat," which attracted over 50,000 plays per day and the attention of Epitaph owner Brett Gurewitz. In March of 2008 the band signed to Epitaph Records and began writing music for their first album due out this fall.

ISMFOF's unique music, hot merch and hilarious self-made videos have helped the group build massive underground buzz and a legion of fans via the group's Myspace page. With over 6 million page views and eighty nine thousand friends, ISMFOF are the face of DIY in the digital age.

"The album will have every genre you ever heard of mixed into one big bowl," explains Matt. "It's going to be crazy! Not your usual listen." "Fans should brace themselves for something that is very different and unique, but also very familiar at the same time," continues Nabil. "We pride ourselves on thinking outside the box as well as not having any limitations musically or creatively-speaking."

Fans can get a rare glimpse of ISMFOF performing live at Bamboozle on Saturday May 2nd @ 9:30 PM on the Nokia Ticket Rush Stage.

For More Information:
www.myspace.com/isetmyfriendsonfire
www.isetmyfriendsonfire.com

CONVERGE ON RYAN'S ROCK SHOW THIS WEEK!

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:04:00 -0700

Monday, April 28, 2008 - "People, as open minded as they claim to be about music usually aren't. They project what they want you to be... and if you deviate from that you're a sellout," exclaims CONVERGE bassist Nate Newton.

Newton of CONVERGE comes on RYAN'S ROCK SHOW this week to discuss the past decade of the band, the changes in the music industry, and dealing with closed-minded fans.

RYAN'S ROCK SHOW'S program featuring CONVERGE is available for stream and download at www.ryansrockshow.com.

RYAN'S ROCK SHOW is a weekly radio program featuring the cream of the crop of innovative bands and artists. As an alternative to mainstream corporate radio, RYAN'S ROCK SHOW provides listeners with interviews of today's pioneers, as well as showcases new music that pushes the envelope of the music industry.

Greg Graffin to Be Honored for Lifetime Achievement in Atheism, Punk Rock, and Science

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:04:00 -0700

Bad Religion's Greg Graffin to Be Honored for Lifetime Achievement in Atheism, Punk Rock, and Science

"Cultural Humanism" Awardee is Seminal Punk Singer, Earned Ivy-League PhD in Evolution

CAMBRIDGE, MA - Harvard University's prominent community of atheists and agnostics is poised to honor a rock star and scientist whom they argue is an ideal role model for the nation's millions of non-religious youth.

The Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard has gained considerable national attention in the past year for its unique approach to building a culture and community for the non-religious, and this April 26 it will give its highest honor, the "Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Cultural Humanism," to a unique figure: Dr. Greg Graffin, frontman of the influential punk rock band Bad Religion. Graffin, whose "day job" since 1980 has been recording and extensive worldwide touring with a band boasting such hits as "How Could Hell be Any Worse" and "American Jesus," earned his PhD in Zoology at Cornell and is a member of the UCLA's Faculty in Biology, teaching Life Sciences courses covering Darwin and natural selection. Graffin will give an acoustic performance after accepting the award.

"I always put education high on my list of priorities because I thought, Wouldn't it be neat if you can have a singer of your favorite band who also has something more to offer than looking cool - which I don't - or dressing cool - which I don't;" Graffin said. "Those are the things that I try to inspire young people to do, whether it is in the lecture hall or on stage on the Warped Tour."

But Bad Religion, considered among the most influential modern punk bands, has been known for inspiring young people towards a particular set of ideas: those of atheism and Humanism. Graffin's lyrics make plain his passionate disbelief in God. Yet the Harvard Humanists cite his faith in the ability of music and science to improve the world as making the singer unique.

"Graffin is proof positive that atheists can be great ethical role models: young people idolize rock stars, and what more could you want from one than his lifelong dedication to science, education, and Humanism?" said Greg Epstein, Humanist Chaplain of Harvard University.

The award, intended to honor a Humanist or atheist having made a lasting impact on US culture, was presented last year to renowned novelist Sir Salman Rushdie before a sold-out audience of 1100 that Rushdie likened to a celebration of "Atheistmas," and will once again be conferred at Harvard's Memorial Church, the official University Chapel. Graffin was selected for this year's award by the Harvard Secular Society, an undergraduate student group affiliated with the Humanist Chaplaincy. The event is co-sponsored by Newbury Comics, Harvard Book Store, & the Cambridge Forum.

For information about Greg Graffin and Bad Religion, visit:
http://www.badreligion.com

For information about the Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard, visit:
http://harvardhumanist.org.