Here's to 2009

published in Shinbone Magazine, January 2009, http://www.shinbone.net/

After the calendar switches over to 2009 and there has been ample time for some to have gotten over their New Year's Eve hangover, many of us will reflect on the past year and the year ahead.

Quit smoking, lose weight, stop drinking (or drink more?) and finding your soul mate are all common and infamous New Year's resolutions that usually never come to fruition.

Like most of us, bands across Pa. are also reflecting on the past year and declaring resolutions and plans for the New Year: get that big break, earn some cash, bang out new music, improve promotion and of course, TOUR THE WORLD!

2008 – Year in Review
A majority of bands accomplished their New Year's resolutions that they set 365 days ago at the beginning of 2008. "A resolution is a mindset. If you don't follow through, then you honestly never really wanted to do it in the first place," said John Phillips, vocalist for Scranton based OurAfter.

One of the most important 2008 resolutions for local bands was to release new music to the public. OurAfter planned to release their new EP this year, which they did on November 11. The EP, "Tabula Rasa," has been a local success and has received much critical praise.

Stasis, out of Bangor, wanted to "finally get [their] album out," according to guitarist Aaron Hallett. Stasis did accomplish this and have received "positive responses" and are "on the right track," said Julia Glenn, vocalist.

Hierosonic, of Harrisburg, resolved to finally release their album "Kymatica," which will hit the streets on January 31 at their CD release show at the Dragonfly in Harrisburg.

As for unconventional resolutions, Ajar, of Bethlehem, decided to create a comfortable environment for their touring. "We finished transforming a giant school bus into an upscale live-in tour bus that comfortably sleeps nine people," explained Andres Paz, vocals.

With much success during 2008, Pa. bands have set new and superior goals for 2009.

2009 – The Resolutions and Plans
Setting their sites and expectations higher, many bands have resolved to expand their fan base via touring, releasing new music and making a little cash in 2009.

Stasis plans to "book lots of college shows in Pa., NJ, and NY." to bring in "new fans and get some cash to boot," said Hallett. Lead vocalist Glenn said Stasis also plans to "jump on some larger tours and maybe get the chance to play Warped Tour again."

As for new music, Stasis is also planning to record and release two new songs. "We write like crazy and have lots of new music coming your way in the New Year," said Glenn.

TheSilenTreatment, from Wilkes-Barre, have built upon their release of "Sinful Acts of Audio" and plan to further their success in 2009. They plan on releasing an EP in the spring and another full-length album at the end of the year.

TST also hopes "to be making more of an impact nationally as our band, our music, and our name grows in the public consciousness," said Sam Chiarelli, lead guitarist.

In addition to releasing their album in January, Hierosonic has set a goal to be on tour in March or April at the very latest. They also plan to receive national radio air play. "We are going to have a very busy year and we can't wait for it," said Mike Stang, bassist.

Central Pa. band Kinsey is determined to "get [their] van and any other debt paid off so we do not have to rely on 'cover' gigs" which will "allow them to focus on original shows and progress in that area," explained John Springer, lead guitarist.

OurAfter has experienced a lot more attention in 2008 than in previous years, but vocalist Phillips explains that "in this day and age, being an original band means more than making your own music" and it also depends on "connections and hard work."

As for new music, OurAfter is planning on releasing a new album by July or August. Taking things in a different direction, Phillips said that "this CD is going to be a little different than what you would expect… it is something we thought would be a cool head turner."

Ajar may get to use their school bus turned tour bus extensively in 2009. According to Paz, they would like to "spend the majority of the year on the road."

Joining forces with other local heavy hitters, Paz explains that Ajar is "conspiring with other regional acts such as Hierosonic, OurAfter, BOB, and others for a possible US tour in April."

Ashfall, from Scranton, only has one New Years resolution: "to rock more." They, like most regional bands, are planning a small east coast tour and may even "venture out to L.A. again," said Billy Barrett, guitarist.

One Pa. band is planning on going international in 2009. The Underwater, from York, will be touring Indonesia and Asia for several months. They will also be recording a new EP in Los Angeles and working with band members of Daughtry.

The Poptart Monkeys, a staple in the Central and NE Pa. music scenes, will be undergoing a drastic change in 2009. After playing and celebrating New Years Eve at the Cell Block in Williamsport, they will be relocating to Florida.

PTM has had "interest from Hollywood Records and manager Mike Reagan" and are "excited for the next avenue on a higher plateau than PTM has ever known," said Chris Kurtz, guitarist.

The band also plans to be more involved with charitable organizations in the New Year. They will be supporting Bubbles for Kids(www.bubblesforkids.com) foundation, which was founded by Kurtz and his wife to improve the lives of children in need.

Gravity Hill, from Selinsgrove, has recently resurfaced and is "pulling out all the stops" for their new EP which is being recorded at A Street Studios in Northumberland.

Brandon Longacre, bassist, says the band's New Years resolutions are to "pursue a more professional release strategy with our recordings and to build stronger relationships with venues, promoters, retailers and other industry professionals."

Whatever their resolutions and goals may be, 2009 is sure to be an exciting year for local bands and music fans alike. There is much to look forward to: lots of new music and new shows.