Peanut butter and jelly. Movies and popcorn. Pummeling metal and praying for world peace. Some things just go together perfectly.
Welcome to the spectacle that is episode 49 of Issue Oriented. First, your fearless host talks to Burnt By The Sun vocalist (and Issue Oriented contributor) Michael Olender about good and evil, the perils of personal creativity, his band's new release Heart of Darkness and much, much more. It's a thought-provoking piece and we know you'll love it.
Then hear film maker Jonathan Kalafer discuss his new award-winning documentary, We Love You. This film documents an annual event called the Rainbow Gathering, which takes place at a different National Park each year. With up to 50,000 people in attendance, Rainbow Gatherings culminate with a prayer for peace taking place each 4th of July – even if Federal Agents shoot pepper spray at kids on July 3. Which Kalafer captured on film. We Love You recently won Best Documentary at the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival. Check out this interview – you'll be glad you did.
Is your iPod full of music from bands with swoopy hair and toothy publicity photos? Then you're probably not punk enough to handle The Kominas.
Based in Boston and NYC, this (cautiously) self-defined Punjabi punk band have become accidental media darlings thanks to their re-configuration of two seemingly incompatible cultural forms – punk rock and Islam. Muslim punk rockers? Well, sort of. And yes, it's as uncommon as it sounds.
In fact, the very first Islam-influenced punk bands existed only in a work of fiction – a novel called The Taqwacores by Michael Muhammed Knight. The Taqwacores may have been about an imaginary Muslim punk scene, but it rippled out into the real world, inspiring real-world kids to form real-world bands. The Kominas have been covered by CNN, MTV, Rolling Stone and various other mainstream outlets, but their story is often over-simplified, or botched all together.
Which is why, of course, you tune in to Issue Oriented. In one of the most compelling interviews we've ever featured, The Kominas and I talked about extremism, racism, Islam, punk, the media and so much more. Kominas members Shahjehan Khan and Basim Usmani, joined by Omar Waqar of Sarmust, lay it all out with a level of clarity that would certainly make most casual music fans at least a teensy bit uncomfortable. They also wonder aloud about when the day will come when people will be more interested in their music than their unusual story. Of course, those two things are inextricably linked, so it's complicated.
This episode of Issue Oriented is not to be missed! (more…)
Your good friend Issue Oriented just ordered you a double. Enjoy:
John Nolan (Straylight Run, ex-Taking Back Sunday) stopped by to talk and play. We discuss everything from Christian death metal to Long Island to food. Of course, we also talked about his new solo release Height (due this October) and all sorts of artsy stuff, too. And hey, remember that world premiere we gave you a few days ago, of John Playing "I Don't Believe You"? Well this episode includes the entire performance – an Issue Oriented exclusive.
Then you'll hear my interview with Billy Hamilton of Silverstein. We talked about navigating shifts in pop culture, the unshakable influence of one's home-town scene, stupid hair, the band's recent release A Shipwreck In the Sand, and much more. (more…)
Faster than you can say "neon shutter shades," Issue Oriented is back with a brand new invention. This time it's episode 46, featuring Cobra Skulls. With their music having been compared to everything from classic bands like The Ramones and The Misfits, to modern acts like Against Me!, there is more to this Reno band than initially meets the eye.
Learn how Cobra Skulls' tongue-in-cheek approach to catchy punk rock means serious business: like Iraq War vet who got a DUI on purpose, so he could get discharged; a controversial chapter in the evolution of Los Angeles; the end of free water, and what it means to you. All of this from an infectious punk band called Cobra Skulls.
After you listen, call (201) ISSUE-99 and let us know what you think!
With all kinds of craziness in the air, Issue Oriented is kicking off an avalanche of content from now through October. To start things off with a bang, we're stoked to present episode 45, featuring Frank Turner. Frank stopped by as he passed through while on tour with The Offspring, and we talked about a number of things – from the constant connectivity of Twitter and Facebook, to playing 24 shows in 24 hours for the filming of a music video; and lots more. Great stuff.
Then Frank played three songs in the Issue Oriented studio – two come from his September 2009 release Poetry of the Deed; the third, "Pass It Along", is previously unrecorded and unreleased – originally intended for the new album, it didn't make the final track listing. Don't worry, though – your boy Issue Oriented has you covered. Click the player above, or just hit us up in iTunes.
Don't forget to check out videos of this episode's performances on YouTube.
PLUS: We're happy to announce the return of the Issue Oriented Hotline! Call our brand new number – (201) ISSUE-99 – with comments, requests, and whatever is on your mind. You might even wind up on the next episode of the show! That number again is (201) ISSUE-99.
Friends, as summer beams down on you from above, beat the heat – get something cool. Something refreshing. Get Episode 44 of Issue Oriented (the podcast).
David Moore (ex-Chamberlain/Split Lip) stops by to talk about his new release My Lover, My Stranger, his approach toward song writing, post-emo and much more. He is joined by fellow Chamberlain alum Adam Rubenstein, who also accompanies Moore on two songs played live in the Issue Oriented studio. It's a stirring performance to say the least, and we're proud to have it. (You can see a video of one of the songs here.)
Then Justin Brannan (Most Precious Blood, Howard Stern, Bear Stearns) dishes on New York City, options paralysis, comfort zones, folk music, stock brokering, and a million other things. An energetic exchange with host Ronen Kauffman, to say the least.
PLUS! Hear the world premiere of new music from Most Precious Blood's upcoming full length, Do Not Resuscitate, due later this year.
PLUS! The debut of a new segment – Influence Oriented, with correspondent Zack Shapiro. This installment features New Jersey's Let Me Run.
Tune in and get your awesome on. It's Issue Oriented episode 44.
Mayhem Fest starts this weekend (we've already begun giving out free tickets) and we figured we would do a public service and get everybody psyched for this killer show with a Pre-Game edition of our video podcast, the FiX. We play videos from all the bands on the tour: SLAYER, MARILYN MANSON, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, CANNIBAL CORPSE, BEHEMOTH, BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, TRIVIUM, WHITECHAPEL and GOD FORBID. Also, Rob shares some tips for getting through the day.
Watch the episode right now or if you'd like to download the hi-res version of the podcast, click here, or if you would like to subscribe to our podcast, you can do so via iTunes or RSS
Check out old Episode Forty-Three of ISSUE ORIENTED. Thinks he's a big shot.
First, there's Chris Wollard (Hot Water Music, The Draft) talking about his new release, & The Ship Thieves. Ronen and Chris talked about the revelation of organic creativity, making music with friends, and the future of his efforts. Not to be missed.
Then Pulin Modi from PETA2 stops by to talk about veganism and vegetarianism, the environment, and to make a compelling case against bacon. PETA2 loves metal, from The Dillinger Escape Plan to Geezer Butler. Check out the interview.
Update your feeds or just click the snappy player – the choice is yours.
The big four-two is now available for your listening pleasure. It features a great interview with (and performance from) Fake Problems of Naples, FL. Chris Farren and Derek Perry stopped in to talk about a whole smorgasboard of stuff, ranging from artistic integrity in pop music to the incest of the music industry, plus everything in between. Chris also performed "Heart BPM" (from the band's new full-length, It's Great To Be Alive) and "Mr. Rock and Roll Role" (unreleased).
Philly's Good Old War then came by to deliver one of the most memorable and compelling performances we've hosted to date. Do NOT miss this one. Good Old War are currently supporting Only Way to Be Alone.
And Mansions sat in to offer an intimate performance of two selections from his distinctive catalog. His most recent release is called New Best Friends. (more…)
Spring is here, and so is the new episode of Issue Oriented!
Ronen talks to Propagandhi's Chris Hannah and Todd Kowalski about using sarcasm to promote social justice, the humanity of personal compromise, the power of community and much more. Propagandhi are currently supporting the release of their new full-length, Supporting Caste.
Then Ronen talks to Mike Hale (In The Red, Gunmoll, solo artist) about personal tribulation, following dreams, and his current musical efforts. Mike is currently supporting a number of recent releases including In The Red's Volume 2 and his solo release Lives Like Mine.
PLUS A NEW ON-AIR SEGMENT! We’re also excited to announce the addition of Justin Brannan to the the Issue Oriented bullpen. You might know Justin from bands like Most Precious Blood orIndecision, but he is a man of many talents, one of which includes radio. Justin has worked for The Howard Stern Show, WNEW 102.7 FM in NYC, Fuse TV and more. We’re stoked to welcome him to the show and know you’ll love what he brings to the table. Justin’s new segment, A Person Familiar With The Matter, debuts this episode. Jon Stewart = Jim Cramer? Hear for yourself.
Alone this Valentine's Day? Spend some time with host Ronen Kauffman and the new episode of Issue Oriented!
Ronen talks to The Gaslight Anthem drummer Benny Horowitz about the band's meteoric rise, managing decisions at a super-fast pace, the perils of success and much more. Awesome!
Then Ronen talks to Blackened’s Jay Reason (The Distance), Chris Beattie (Hatebreed)and Chris Legg (Fastbreak) about their angry new debut release, playing for the fun of it, and growing up. Check out a song from the new record – totally brutal!
Ronen also talks to Joe Steinhardt of Don Giovanni Records about the outlook for indie labels, his unique bands, and much more! You'll hear the awesome band known as Screaming Females – a current fave over at Issue Oriented HQ.
Short feature recorded on December 28, 2008 at the last of three Bouncing Souls "Home for the Holidays" shows at The Arcade at Convention Hall in Asbury Park, NJ. This show also featured The Gaslight Anthem, Gimmie Drugs and Let Me Run. Meet some friendly faces and enjoy the Souls playing "Quick Check Girl", recorded directly from the sound board live at the show.
Happy New Year! Your first resolution? Consume more Issue Oriented!
Billy Idol by Theresa Kereakes; Metropolis Gallery (Lancaster, PA) through 1/31
Start things off right with this brand new episode. Ronen talks to Adam and Rusty from H2O about all kinds of stuff – their motivation, smiling, Chinese Democracy, "boy bands with guitars" and much more!
Then you'll hear Ronen's interview with photographer Theresa Kereakes on the opening night of her show entitled Unguarded Moments – Backstage and Beyond (Metropolis Gallery, Lancaster, PA through 1/31). Theresa never imagined that the candid photos she loved taking of her friends would eventually captivate countless people from all over the world. Then again, Theresa never imagined that her friends – Joan Jett, Billy Idol, Stiv Bators and many more – would ultimately emerge as musical and cultural icons.
We also listen back to selected moments from The Fest 7, as captured by members of Tiltwheel, The Degenerics and Vultures United. For three days this fall, Gainesville, FL was overtaken by over 250 bands and 6,000 music lovers from all over the country and the world. Can we report on that meaningfully in five minutes or so? Listen and find out!
In the spirit of the holiday season, we're pleased to give you the gift of a brandy-new episode of Issue Oriented (the podcast)!
We've got an interview and an awesome performance from Tom Gabel of Against Me!, an in-depth conversation with Freddy Cricien of Madball, and a sweet performance from Let Me Run.
Check out the video below, which features Tom's performance of "Anna Is a Stool Pigeon" as well as a few minutes of the interview! (Please note that the audio from the performances is far superior in the podcast, as opposed to the YouTube version below.)
As the official podcast of The Fest 7, Issue Oriented had some trusted correspondents on the ground in Gainesville to gather all the crucial dirt. There's some killer content coming your way, and here's the first installment – a video Field Report from Orange County, CA's Vultures United. Enjoy!
Check out this exclusive video feature on Sons of Nero's first-ever art exhibition.
With their work having represented the likes of Every Time I Die, Unearth, Paramore and many more, this design collective unveiled its very first public exhibition at Lancaster, PA's Metropolis Gallery. (Metropolis is a great modern art/modern furniture gallery that also carries lots of tasty toys and books – we'll be featuring more on them soon.)
Peanut butter and jelly. Movies and popcorn. Pummeling metal and praying for world peace. Some things just go together perfectly.
1 horns up
Is your iPod full of music from bands with swoopy hair and toothy publicity photos? Then you're probably not punk enough to handle The Kominas.
Your good friend Issue Oriented just ordered you a double. Enjoy:
Faster than you can say "neon shutter shades," Issue Oriented is back with a brand new invention. This time it's episode 46, featuring Cobra Skulls. With their music having been compared to everything from classic bands like The Ramones and The Misfits, to modern acts like Against Me!, there is more to this Reno band than initially meets the eye.
With all kinds of craziness in the air, Issue Oriented is kicking off an avalanche of content from now through October. To start things off with a bang, we're stoked to present episode 45, featuring Frank Turner. Frank stopped by as he passed through while on tour with The Offspring, and we talked about a number of things – from the constant connectivity of Twitter and Facebook, to playing 24 shows in 24 hours for the filming of a music video; and lots more. Great stuff.
Friends, as summer beams down on you from above, beat the heat – get something cool. Something refreshing. Get Episode 44 of Issue Oriented (the podcast).
Check out old Episode Forty-Three of ISSUE ORIENTED. Thinks he's a big shot.
The big four-two is now available for your listening pleasure. It features a great interview with (and performance from) Fake Problems of Naples, FL. Chris Farren and Derek Perry stopped in to talk about a whole smorgasboard of stuff, ranging from artistic integrity in pop music to the incest of the music industry, plus everything in between. Chris also performed "Heart BPM" (from the band's new full-length, It's Great To Be Alive) and "Mr. Rock and Roll Role" (unreleased).
Raise Your Horns
CANNIBAL CORPSE Lounge Cover
SALOME Live Excerpt
Valient Thorr "Tomorrow Police"
BARONESS A Horse Called Golgotha Live
BURNT BY THE SUN Live 1/4 - There Will Be Blood
Instructional Video on how to be like Alexi Laiho
Alexi Laiho video contest (Gabby)
Alexi Laiho Impersonation By Cinthix
Documentary solo by Alex
We're not gonna Fall Cover (COMPLETE)
giant alexi
Are You DeAD Yeeeettttttttt!?
downfall esp contest crisinflames
DETHKLOK Interview with creator Brendon Small
Children of Bodom TV
PSYCROPTIC Initiation DVD Teaser
SUFFOCATION Cataclysmic Purification video
Dead By Wednesday - "Pawns"
Exclusive SOULFLY Studio Report Fall 2009 Part 1
