Make this two weeks in a row that the boss, Chris Farinas, has sent a North Jersey band my way, and make that two weeks in a row that I featured them! I think this constitutes a “streak!” Anyway, this week, Chris sent me a band from North Plainfield, NJ, called Milan, who seems to be making some waves on the music scene. It turns out, singer/songwriter/guitarist Milan Lazistan co-wrote and performed the theme song with the remaining members of the band Sublime for a new TV show called Body Shots, which was hosted by women in bikinis talking about alcohol. Unfortunately for Milan, he got neither a date with the show’s hosts nor did he get a free drink. He did, however, land a gig a couple of weeks ago on this year’s Warped Tour, which featured bands like Less Than Jake and Bad Religion.
Milan’s music can be labeled as roots rock with a hint of reggae. Lazistan, who’s been working at this music thing since he was 14 years old, says that he’s finally seeing things come together for his band 10 years later. In 2007, Milan released a self-titled CD featuring songs like “Acknowledgement,” “10,000 People,” and “Killin’ Floor,” which can be purchased on CDbaby.com. Last year, Milan released a CD called The Sour Goat Confessions featuring songs like “Liquor Breath” and “Slave Trade,” which can be purchased on MySpace music. Joining Lazistan in his band Milan are David Sloyan on bass and drummer Edwin Estevez, Jr.
Back on Memorial Day weekend, Milan rocked a huge crowd at the Scotch Plains Music Festival in Scotch Plains, NJ. At the beginning of the month, they played a sold out Starland Ballroom opening for The Offspring in Sayreville, NJ. A couple of weeks ago, they played on a stage at The Warped Tour at the Monmouth Racetrack. Coming up in August, Milan will be opening for The Wailers at The Surf Club in Seaside Heights, NJ. My point is, as far as gigs go for Milan, there are plenty! They should be a fun band to watch, so if you want to catch them at an upcoming show, log onto myspace.com/milannj to find out where they’re playing next!
NORTH JERSEY NOTES UPDATES:
Ok, so after writing about the band Knollwood a few of weeks back, I mentioned that guitarist Johnny Knollwood’s playing was reminiscent of local guitar whiz, Steve Bello. Well, that sparked a brand new e-mail from Steve Bello himself! It turns out; Steve had a whole book of news for me! For instance, his song “About To Explode” was recently added to a compilation CD called Shredding Across The World, Volume 3, where he will be one of 18 guitar shredders showcased on the CD. Also, in August, Steve will be heading into the studio to record CD number five with 18-year-old drummer, Eddie Munoz. That’s right! Steve Bello’s retirement from the music scene was a short one, lasting only a few months. In October, we may even see him onstage again! For more info on Steve Bello, log onto myspace.com/stevebello.
Speaking of being back from retirement, a couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that my bros from Lowbuz were back in the studio recording a new CD. Well, as it turns out, two of their brand new songs, “I Swear” and “Problem” will be featured on a DVD called Thunderstruck 8. For more info on these new recordings, log onto myspace.com/lowbuz.
And finally, if you’re down in the Belmar, NJ, area next Wednesday night, Aug. 5, get down to Bar Anticipation to root on either Tasting Grace or Endall as they battle it out for an opening slot on the Monster Energy stage at this year’s Cruefest. Both bands are North Jersey Notes alumni, so I’m kind of torn on who I’m rooting for, but I wish both bands the best of luck! This could be a dream gig for anyone! Check out Tasting Grace and Endall at myspace.com/tastinggrace or myspace.com/endallnj
That’s all for now! And remember, if your band is from North Jersey, and you want some exposure, send your demos and press kits to Arts Weekly, c/o Tim Louie P.O. Box 1140 Little Falls, NJ 07424. No cover bands, please!
Just remember….We’re all in the same boat, so every little bit of exposure counts!
NJN Concert Calendar:
7/29—Steve Brown—The Copper Bottom, Florida, NY
7/30—DJ Cloak Dagger/Marc Rizzo—Fat Baby, NYC
7/30—Steve Brown—The Forge, Ringwood, NJ
7/31—Rahway—The Cup Complex, Linden, NJ
8/1—Echofission—Crash Mansion, NYC
8/1—Charetta—Six Flags Geat Adventure, Jackson, NJ
8/1—With Daggers Drawn—Fontana’s, NYC
8/1—Joey Belladonna/Infernophonic—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
8/1—Anaka—Ace of Clubs, NYC
8/1—Will Killmore—North Brunswick American Legion, North Brunswick, NJ
8/2—Diablo Royale—Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ
8/2—Mean Venus/Ratt/Extreme—Crocodile Rock, Allentown, PA
8/3—Diablo Royale—Arlene’s Grocery, NYC
8/5—Endall/Tasting Grace—Bar A, Lake Como, NJ (WRAT-Fest Battle)
8/6—Twice—The 76 House, Tappan, NY
8/8—With Daggers Drawn—Don Hill’s, NYC
8/8—Charetta—The Point, Bronx, NY
8/8—Diablo Royale—Crash Mansion, NYC
8/8—Mean Venus—Festival at the Lake, Lake Hopatcong, NJ
8/8—Atom Strange—Dewey’s Pub, Seymour, CT
8/8—Downshallow—Nyack Village Theater, Nyack, NY
8/10—Diablo Royale—Arlene’s Grocery, NYC
8/11—Atom Strange/King’s X—The Webster Theater, Hartford, CT
8/12—Echofission—Hackettstown Summer Concert Series, Hackettstown, NJ
8/14—Black Water Rising—The Trash Bar, Brooklyn, NY
