the lead
David McWane on beating cancer, his new book and Big D And The Kids Table in 2012
“This is awesome. My parents are going to be very happy. Usually if anything ever happens with things like this, it really bides me time for my mom to go, ‘Look, Davie’s in the paper,’” jokes Big D And The Kids Table vocalist David McWane via telephone from Boston. McWane has a lot to smile […]
Exclusive: Armor For Sleep to reunite at Bamboozle; AP talks to Ben Jorgensen
It's been a quiet few years in the ARMOR FOR SLEEP camp—the band, one many victims of major label exile in the mid-2000s, called it a day in 2008 after the release of their lone album for Sire/Warner, Smile For Them, though an announcment wasn't made until 2009 long after the band had been rendered […]
Jerrod Landon Porter on his design work for Mayday Parade and the origins of "Pentagram Cat"
Whether you've noticed it or not, chances are there’s an album in your library or a t-shirt in your closet with artwork designed by JERROD LANDON PORTER. Porter got his big break working with fellow Tallahassee, Florida mainstays Mayday Parade, which has led to work with Cartel, Never Shout Never, Go Radio, Lemuria and a […]
Hearts Up (and Down): Bands tell us about their best and worst Valentine's Days
Every February, Cupid arrives to hone his archery skills and (hopefully) bring a little love to people. Whether you stick with giving roses and chocolate and everything turned out fine—or you got dumped in front of the whole school only to walk home in blistering hail only to find out your pet hamster died—one thing’s […]
The Lead: Don’t drop the SOPA: Musicians weigh in on the controversial legislation
Have you ever listened to your favorite songs on YouTube? Uploaded a random picture of a cute, fluffy kitten to your Facebook account? Tweeted a link to an MP3 you didn’t write or record? Left a comment with a link to an illegal album download on a forum? If the answer to any of these […]
I Don't Want A Social Life Anymore: How bands gauge success on Facebook and Twitter
It’s a fairly safe assumption that social networking and its trappings dominate our lives, whether we want them to or not. The proliferation of activity on platforms like Facebook and Twitter has helped millions of people gain access to more information than ever before, and similarly, has enabled musicians reach a much larger audience than […]
The Lead: 14 Releases For Your 2011 Holiday Party
Just in case you haven't been around a calendar recently, we're now in the holiday home stretch with Christmas less than two weeks away. Some of your favorite bands have taken the time this year to record music that celebrates everything great about the holiday season—family, giving, thankfulness, etc.—while hopefully prying listeners away from buying […]
Magic Man: Johnny Cupcakes collaborates with Four Year Strong on limited edition tee
If you’re not familiar with Johnny Cupcakes, you’re missing out. No, it’s not some new dessert spot in L.A.—although there is a store on the infamous Melrose Avenue, complete with a wall of smoking ovens. With their signature skull and crossbones cupcake logo, Johnny Cupcakes happens to be one of the cutest-with-an-edge clothing and accessories […]
The Lead: Bands tell us why they're thankful this year
In many ways, the members of your favorite bands are just like you: living, breathing humans with wants and needs, triumphs and disappointments, good days and bad days. Generally, most of them also celebrate Thanksgiving in one way or another, whether it’s at home with their immediate families or on the road with their makeshift […]
Education vs Experience: What's Best If You Want to Break Into The Music Industry?
(Pictured above: Steve Cole) Between the shaky job market and the equally uneasy state of the music industry, it would seem that pursuing a career in the music business isn’t the most lucrative path. Yet thanks to changing technology and a growing awareness of opportunities in the business, more and more students are opting to […]
AP’s Summer School Listening Refresher Course: Ten Summer-Jam Albums Worth Learning About
Warped Tour began last week, signaling the official start of summer. For most of you, this season means time away from classes, homework and (gag) required reading. However, AP once suffered through summer school, so we know that for some of you, the learning hasn’t ended with the final bell. But learning doesn’t have to […]
Alternative Press presents the first annual Krazy-Festies
We here at the AP Skyscraper were so excited about the return of seminal punk and hardcore festival KRAZY FEST that we had no problem plunking down the ol’ corporate credit card to cover our trip down to scenic Louisville, Kentucky. Three days, 50-plus bands, a severe thunderstorm, blistering heat and a whole lot of […]
Around Our Network
