Loren

There are a lot of misconceptions about the life of a musician. The old rock star image of bright lights, fast living and traveling with an entourage is almost patently false. Most musicians have day jobs –- and not just to pay the bills. Jobs provide new challenges, personal fulfillment and, yes, some rent or gas money. And usually when … Read more

The Mimes is a Cincinnati three-piece consisting of Maura Weaver, Megan Schroer, and John Hoffman, formed in isolation and making the most of a unique situation where the three long-time friends and musicians formed a Covid bubble to make something new while stepping outside of the boundaries of their other bands (which include Vacation, Ogikubo Station, and Homeless Gospel Choir). … Read more

There are a lot of misconceptions about the life of a musician. The old rock star image of bright lights, fast living and traveling with an entourage is almost patently false. Most musicians have day jobs –- and not just to pay the bills. Jobs provide new challenges, personal fulfillment and, yes, some rent or gas money. And usually when … Read more

In 2020 I spent a lot of time online -- we all did. I also spent a lot of time emailing with Shellshag, which we eventually decided to turn into a full-on interview. Part one, already published, takes a deep look at the digital streaming model and proposes that band’s take back what is theirs. Part two keeps a finger … Read more

Welcome to Search/Play/Repeat, a playlist blog here at SPB. Aaron normally posts these, but he’s working on some other fun stuff so I figured I’d take a stab at it. I feel old quite a bit these days. It’s probably a mix of a disproportionately gray beard and not ever … Read more

Dillinger Four 25th anniversary show @ First Avenue Dillinger Four, Pegboy, The Brokedowns, Partial Traces First Avenue Minneapolis, MN December 14, 2019 I would never call Dillinger Four a soft-spoken band, but they are also very modest one. This was one full display again last night for their 25th anniversary … Read more

SurlyFest 2018 The Hold Steady, Bad Bad Hats, Mixed Blood Majority, Static Panic, Rachel Kurtz, DJ Shannon Blowtorch Festival Field (Surly Brewing Company) Minneapolis, MN October 13, 2018   SurlyFest is an annual tradition hailed by the brewery as a metaphor for their overall approach to beer. Much like Dogfish … Read more

Angerot, God Came From Space, Off With Their Heads, Khemmis, Murder City Devils, Carcass Somerset Amphitheater Somerset, WI September 29, 2018   Photo gallery below Read more

There is no single way to make music, or to release it for that matter. At Scene Point Blank we feature a new record (nearly) each month, but some are full-lengths of new material, some are EPs, some collect old material, and some are compilations. There are so many ways … Read more

French label Howlin' Banana recently shared its 8th annual summer sampler, a free collection of singles, b-sides, and previously unreleased tracks and demos from the label's roster. The name-your-price download includes songs by Johnny Mafia, Pop Crimes, Tapeworms, Eggs, Gloria, and more.    Read more full track listing: 1. Johnny … Read more

Following the July 16 release of their fourth full-length, Axiomatic Alarm Clock, The Tin Can Collective ha scheduled a "Live In The Living Room" recorded concert for streaming via their YouTube channel. The Long Island, NY-based band is known for their relatable and down-to-earth approach and playing from the confines … Read more

As of Friday July 23, an expanded edition of Conor Oberst’s Ruminations is now available on all formats via Nonesuch Records. The record, originally released in 2016 as Oberst's first solo album, now includes five bonus tracks and an etching on side D of the double LP. It was initially released … Read more