AMP Musicians Blog

We'll be interviewing @thiscentury tonight in Nashville! Does anyone have any questions they want answered? #thiscentury #artoftour #biographyofheartbreak #joelkanitz #seansilverman #ryangose (at Rocketown)

Just did an interview with Steve from Kodaline! Look for it on the site soon! (at Exit/In)

We just posted an interview we did with Fair Oaks. Click on the link on our profile to go to the site to check it out!

Photos by Sam Polonsky

If you think you’d be able to contribute to the AMP team as either a photographer, a writer (album reviews, news, etc.), or both please send us an email with the subject “Team AMP” to [email protected]. In the email please include a link to some of your past work, your resume, and why you’d like to work for AMP.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Then, Now, Always is an apparel company that specializes in hand made rings and necklaces. We ran into them on this summers Vans Warped Tour and were impressed by their dedication. There aren't many jewelry companies out on the road with a major tour and the fact that they're there, stands out to many people. If you're into unique designs that are handcarved out of wood, then head over to Then, Now, Always's Facebook page or website and let them know what you think and maybe buy a necklace to go with the rest of your Warped Tour purchases! 

"Inhale love, exhale gratitude". 

@colleencassarly

website | twitter | facebook

It's no secret that we all love music, and probably a little more than the average guy snoring next to you on your late night flight. For many of us, music isn't simply something we listen to, it's a passion, a way of life. Despite our vast love for this age old entertainment form, many of us still struggle with making the best out of our days of summer vacation. In the not so wise words of Phineas and Ferb "there's 104 of summer vacation and school comes along just to end it, but the annual problem with our generation is finding a good way to spend it." I've got a great way for you to spend it - enjoying a summer full of music.  Find out what music festivals are taking place in your area. Sure, we all know about Warped Tour (and I'm not saying it isn't fun, because it definitely is), but what about local music festivals? Lots of cities put on their own versions of Warped! Poke around on Google for a while and I'm certain you'll find an all day music event that's sure to rock your socks off (maybe even literally if this summer is as hot as last summer...) Road trip to a show. This summer there are a lot of great tours taking place, but maybe they aren't coming to your area. Sure, it's a bummer, but it's an easy fix! Find some friends and get out on that open road. If you get a group of people together road trips can be relatively inexpensive. Especially if you check out sites and apps like Expedia and Groupon when looking for hotels. If you can't take your own car, make it a train trip instead! Amtrak has some great rates and train rides can be a great bonding experience.  Set a concert goal. Set a number of shows you want to attend this summer and make it happen. If there aren't a lot of big market tours coming to you, spend a lot of time getting to know your local music scene. The more shows you go to, the more music you learn about and the more friends you make! Attend a listening party. With so many great albums dropping this summer there's definitely an abundance of listening parties happening. Check out places like Hot Topic and FYE to find out about when listening parties are happening in your area. These are a great way to meet some new friends who share the same musical interests as you!  Go to a record store. Many cities have their very own record stores and many of these sell new and gently used CDs, records, and sometimes even cassette tapes. Spend a day looking around the shop with your friends and pick up some new music. You never know what you might find! There are so many ways you can fill summer 2013 with music and these are just a few of the ways to kickstart what is sure to be your best summer yet.  -@alexaaestelle

It's no secret that I'm a bit of a people watcher. Anytime I go anywhere with my friends they're constantly asking me "what are you looking at?" And the answer is always "oh, nothing, just seeing what's going on." One of my favorite places to people watch is when I'm waiting in line for shows. For some reason I really enjoy listening to where everyone came from and why they love the bands that are performing. There's one question or general statement that I find myself hearing more than any other topic - "I wish I knew how to get involved in the local scene." And honestly, I'll let you in on a little secret, it's easy. Here's a list of a few ways to kickstart your love of local music! 1. Check out the upcoming line-ups for the smaller venues in your area. This can be a little tricky if you're not familiar with all of the venues in your area, but thankfully Google can probably help you out with that. Make a list of the dates you have free for the month and see what shows are coming up. If a band sounds interesting to you, go check them out! Don't waste your time focusing on how their Facebook looks, just go see the show. Local shows are usually relatively cheap and they're a great way to explore your city, too! 2. Ask musicians you know. Chances are there's someone in one of your classes or clubs that plays an instrument. And chances are, they're in some kind of band. Local musicians always have the best knowledge of what's happening in your local scene and can point you in the right direction.  3. Pay attention to what's happening outside when you leave big tours. I don't know if you've noticed, but almost every time you leave a big show, like All Time Low, Fall Out Boy, or The Summer Set, there's a group of kids standing outside with flyers and CDs. Take a minute and walk over to them, don't be afraid to grab their flyer or CD. Ask them questions and get to know a little about their band. Make sure to find out when their next show is so you can go see them live! Chances are they aren't playing alone and you can find out about some other local bands as well.  4. Be spontaneous. If you're at home with your friends and you're looking for something to do, find out what venues are having shows that night and head out. Don't fret over what to wear, who's playing, or who else is going. Just go, have a good time, and let loose for a while. Who knows, you may even make some new friends! 5. Call a local record store. Do a little research and see if you have a music store that's specific to your city. In St. Louis, we have this awesome place called Vintage Vinyl and they put a lot of heart into promoting the local scene. They're always advertising shows and sometimes they even have signings. Places like that are a great way to reach out and find out what's happening with the music scene in your area.  -@alexaaestelle

For more photos visit the AMPMusicians site!

- AMP Owners, Sam & Kristen