Spotlight: Much The Same – Chicago Punk Rock

Their web site describes Much the Same as “an aggressive, melodic punk rock band from the South side of Chicago.” I think they’ve hit the nail right on the head. The singers voice reminds me a bit of the lead singer from Millencollin. That’s a good thing, by the way.

Gunner, Dan, Franky, and Mook have been together since 1999 and have accomplished quite a bit. They released their first EP, Caught Off Guard, in the summer of 2001. The EP is described as “6 songs of fast aggressive punk that will leave their catchy, yet powerful hooks in your head for days.” They’ve went on tour, and have opened up for such bands as Thrice, Belvedere, Dogwood, Slick Shoes, and have appeared on the Warped Tour several times. It seems that all of their hard work and dedication has paid off, as the well known punk band, Anti-Flag, signed the guys to the A-F Records label. Their debut album, “Quitters Never Win,” is set to be released on April 22, 2003, through A-F Records.

You can hear 2 demo versions of songs from the album at MP3.com/MuchTheSame

The band has several show dates coming up in the Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, and Pennsylvania areas. February 7, they’ll join Anti-Flag in Millvale, PA for the A-F Records 5 year Anniversary special. If you’re in one of these areas, I would highly suggest checking these guys out.

Credit: Much The Same

A-F Records

The Bear Truth 1

It is a new semester and a new year, but I am still your Editor-In-Chief. I know you’re all happy and I can’t blame ya. I take pride in being your editor and being the best journalist this side of the Mississippi. So without further a dui, I’ll let the column begin.

One of the founding fathers of rap, Russell Simmons, is planning a “Hip-Hop Woodstock” which would be held in Atlanta, Georgia over a two-day period. “Just as music played an important role in the changing of our culture after the original Woodstock, we are again at a turning point where music, specifically hip-hop, will have a role in shaping our future. It’s time to take that responsibility seriously,” said Simmons in a press statement about the festival. This is very interesting, because the last time we saw an event like this was Woodstock ’99, and on the final day, after the Red Hot Chili Peppers played their set, there were riots. Stands were burned, bathrooms were knocked over, and a lot of other stuff was destroyed. It was terror. Given those events, it will be interesting to see the plan for this, “Hip Hop Woodstock,” and if it does happen, only one would wonder what will become of it. Of course, if the plan goes through, a lot of major hip-hop acts will be on the bill, and rumors of Ludichris, Eminem, and Nelly are being thrown around.

There are a bunch of bands in the studio right now recording albums. Limp Bizkit is in the midst of putting the finishing touches on their fourth studio album, “Less Is More.” The spot for the guitarist hasn’t been filled, but Rivers Cuomo of Weezer, Brian “Head” Welch of KoRn, Page Hamilton of Helmet, and Al Jourgense of Ministry have been aiding Limp with their project. Fred Durst claims this will be the heaviest Limp Bizkit album of all, and could lead to a new genre of rock. I am simply looking forward to when it comes out in April 1st. I don’t care what anyone says, Limp Bizkit rocks. In other news, Linkin Park will be releasing their sophomore project, “Meteora,” which is due out in stores on March 25th, with the lead off track being, “Somewhere I Belong.” Just like their first effort, “[Hybrid Theory],” this album will have no special guest appearances. Speaking of sophomore albums, Hoobastank has begun work on writing their next album, which so far as no title. Doug Robb, the frontman, says that he would like to start recording in a month, though doesn’t expect the project to hit stores until August.

Looks like R. Kelly has done it again. After claiming he never had sex with an under-age teen, he was arrested for 12 counts of child pornography. Police found a digital camera that belonged to him with 12 shots of a minor on it, and three of which depict him in a sexual act. This really doesn’t look too good for R. Kelly. I’m not saying that he did this … just implying that R. Kelly is getting deeper and deeper into a hole. No, not that hole, you sick perverts.

Lastly, due to time restraints, I would like to comment on American Idol. The best time to watch American Idol is the tryout period. The episodes have been aired for the past two weeks and I get a kick out of it every time when I see people who can’t either A.) Sing, B.) Have an attitude, or C.) Looks like their mother dressed them. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing to have your mother dress you … well, yea, I probably am, aren’t I? In any event, there’s few talent out there this year, and even though Simon tore some of the contestants a new rear end and even though it was funny, I admire those rejected to keep on following on with their dream. This is one show I will definitely be watching this season.

Looks like all for this issue… I’ll catchy ya on the flipside.
-Bear Frazer

Review: Taproot – Welcome

Taproot hits the mainstream with the release of 2002″s “Welcome” as their hit single “Poem” has grabbed the attention of many, including Mtv. Taproot put Ann Arbor, Michigan on the map back in 2000 when Taproot was first recruited by Limp Bizkit frontman, Fred Durst. After talks fell through, Taproot left Fred Durst and signed with Atlantic. Steve Richards, Mike DeWolf, Phil Lipscomb and Jarrod Montague make up this four piece set. The band first met back in 1997, and started writing stuff that would later appear on their self-released “Pimp Ass Sounds”, “…..Something More Then Nothing”, “Mentobe” and “Upon Us” EPs and LPs. In 2000, Taproot released their first major LP off Atlantic Records. “Gift” put Taproot on the map, with the big hit “Again and Again” and “I”. Taproot”s “Gift” apparently peaked at 160 on the Billboard Chart, but Welcome is n/a.

The first track gives you such little light into what “Welcome” is made of. The first song, entitled “Mine” starts off with a bang. Everything comes together, guitar, bass and drums start this cd off with huge burst of energy, then Steve”s mellower vocals announce that some person or maybe himself are his for the taking. “Poem” is the first and mega hit off “Welcome” so far, many people had heard this song before though. Taproot first debuted this song on Linkin Park”s Street Soldiers tour in 2001, the band also played “Poem 2 Self”(as it was called) on Ozzfest that year. The video was shot in an abandoned house, with the band jamming out while the main character reacts to his girlfriend cheating on him. Trapped in a dark house trying to get out his feelings on paper, he fails, but keeps trying, until he breaks out of the house and into the light.

Most every song was newly written by the band. Throughout all of Taproot”s touring, they had been writing new songs for an upcoming record and that is where “Welcome” began. All songs are unique in their own way, after months of writting material and layering of Steve”s voice(yes that background voice is his) to the multi-layered guitars and bass, their really is a change in every song. From the downright rock “Sumtimes” and “Time” to the most mellow in “Like” and “When”, Taproot stays true to its original self, but the maturity is there. A few years ago, Rolling Stone admitted that Taproot will be “the next contenders for the new-metal crown”, and who can disagree” The song I feel most strongly about is “Like”, I wouldn”t want this song to be released, cause it shows the softer side of Taproot and some people have seen that side with the release of “I” off “Gift. One song I would like to hear on radio would be “Myself”. This song starts off loud and encompasses a part of “Again and Again” which I think is pure genius.

“Welcome” is definitely one of the best albums of 2002, it really shows a maturity and the big, bright and huge future the guys from Ann Arbor have. This cd is a four star rating, all the songs are original, they kept their hard rock and the melody that they had in “Gift”. As of now, Taproot are in Europe, but will be back in the US to help kick off Disturbed”s Music As A Weapon Tour.

For more info check outTaprootmusic.com

Review: Snoop Dogg – "Paid Tha Cost To Be Da Bo$$"

(By Guest Author Josh McFly)
He’s given up weed, weapons, and his overall distaste for white people. He’s a husband, and a father of two. He’s an owner of his own label, and recently put out his own clothing line. The beats on his album are now done himself (for the most part); our little Snoop Dogg is all grown up.
So who thinks it’s about time he comes out with an album that expresses his growth as an artist as well as a human being (much like pop peers christina aguilera and britney timberlake.. smells like sarcasm)? I don’t.
“right now the way you lookin bitch you fly as fuck
I don’t even know if I done had too much
You play too much, I had to fuck
Cuddled you up and put my hands on your butt
Rubbin your stuff and now your pants full of nut”
-track 6, ‘Lollipop’
Although Snoop’s undying love for the bitches is clearly displayed on this record, he doesn’t ignore the fact that he indeed has a wife. ‘Beautiful’ and ‘I Believe in You’ are some of the songs where Snoop shows his softside for his significant other, a side not often showed on his past efforts. You can also expect to hear other rappers like, Ludacris, Jay-Z, Nate Dogg, Redman, as well as everyones favorite tone deaf cameo, Pharrell (member of the extremely overrated Neptunes).
Overall, this album is much of what you could expect from Snoop. It’s got a beat, and you can dance to it. Unless you can’t dance; then just relax and listen how to mack it to the white bitches. Maybe you’ll learn something, bitch.

Rating – 3/5 Stars

Review: System of a Down – "Steal This Album!"

On November 26th, 2002, California-based metal outfit System of a Down released their third album, “Steal This Album!”. Their newest release combines the sounds of their previous albums, “System Of A Down” and “Toxicity”, as well as adding a bit of new flavour. Many of the songs on “Steal This Album!” were originally recorded for “Toxicity”, but were left out because they didn’t flow well with the continuity of the album, according to SOAD’s lead singer, Serj Tankian. Tankian also states that they are in no way B sides, and are as good if not better than the songs that made it onto “Toxicity”. That in mind, let’s delve into some of the songs themselves, shall we?

The album starts off with “Chic ‘n’ Stu”, which is interesting to say the least. The focus of the song is directed toward the scrutiny of unscrupulous advertisers who force useless products down the throats of the masses. This is overtop of a hard and fast metal sound that System fans know and love. Now, even though I know the song is about advertising, I’m still confused by the bulk of the lines, which are about a pizza. My confusion aside, a good way to start the album off and get people thinking.

The album’s first(and at the time of writing, only) single is up next, and is titled “Innervision”. “I need your guidance/I need to seek my innervision” is the chorus, and pretty much explains where the song is going. I like this song, it’s hard and Serj uses his voice well, but I think the main reason that it became a single instead of some of the other tracks is due to the fact that it’s focus isn’t slamming the government. Too bad, really. If the guys in office heard some of this stuff maybe they’d realize what they’ve become. Probably not, but we could hope.

Moving on, we’ve got a trio of politically charged tracks in “Bubbles”, “Boom!”, and “NuGuns”. “Bubbles” is about the people of America(and a load of other places) being “left with no arms in the power struggle”. This track shares it’s sound with the previous pair, but things get a little different when “Boom!” starts up. The subject of the tune is very anti-large corporation. One line in particular struck me as very powerful: “Four thousand hungry children leave us every hour from starvation while billions are spent on bombs, creating death showers”. The style of this song differs from the previous tracks in that the verses are Serj speaking over a bassline, and the music changes partway through the song, then reverts back just before the end. The title of “NuGuns” more or less explains it’s meaning, and it completes this trio of political tunes.

A pair of darker sounding and powerful songs are up next in “American Dream Denial”(shortened to “A.D.D.” on the track listing), and “Mr. Jack”. “Mr. Jack” is my favourite song on the album. It is a semi-ballad about a serial killer(I’m pretty sure), with a dark sound that fits it’s dark content very well. If it was fleshed out a bit more this song could be made into a book or a movie. Seriously.

There aren’t any huge standouts between “Mr. Jack” and the next song I’m going to mention, but that’s not to say that the songs in between are bad. They’re up to par with anything else on the album, they just don’t stand out quite as much. From the opening guitar squeals, “Fuck The System” keeps your attention. A lot of the song is nonsensical without the aid of a lyrics sheet, but the title is really all you need to be able to see what where System is going with it. This song has some really unique sounds to it, the bulk of which are the ways that Serj manages to contort his voice, which is versatile, to say the least.

The last song I’m going to comment on wasn’t released as a single, although it has previously appeared on the Scorpion King movie soundtrack. “Streamline” is one of the songs that incorporates a new sound, and it does so with style. The main chord is a solid up-and-down sounding piece of work that I absolutely love. It leads into a quieter period during which Serj spouts out the verses, then picks up again. A very unique sound, more so than “Fuck The System”, and fantastic way to end the album.

“Steal This Album!” uses elements from SOAD’s previous two albums, but also shows a progression in the band’s sound that, to me, is a very good sign for the future. With that said, I’m sure you want to hear the verdict.

“Steal This Album!” by System of a Down has snagged itself a 4/5 on the Walrus scale, which, oddly enough, is very similar to other scales rated out of five.

And folks, I know it’s called “Steal This Album!”, but let’s support the guys in System of a Down and pay for album, eh?

Review: Good Charlotte – "The Young & the Hopeless"

Sellouts? Fake punks? Prefabricated? I’ve heard it all. Whatever you call Good Charlotte, it doesn’t matter. What does matter is the fact that these 4 guys hit us with what was, in my opinion, one of the best albums of 2002? Of course, we all know what they say about opinions, don’t we? Good Charlotte released their self-titled, major label debut album in 2000. It did quite well, selling Gold with little to no mainstream attention. They had a song, The Click, which was used for an MTV cartoon, The Undergrads. They were also featured on the Not Another Teen Movie soundtrack, as well as the movie itself.

When their sophomore album, The Young and the Hopeless, things were quite different for the guys. Benji and Joel were now hosting an MTV show, called All Things Rock. Thanks to Benji and Joel, people now knew who Good Charlotte was. They even got MTV to play a couple of their old videos(The Little Things, Motivation Proclamation) on the show. Since their first album, the guys lost a member. Their drummer, Aaron, left the band to pursue other options. So they enlisted Josh Freese(Vandals) to play drums on The Young and the Hopeless. The album has since gone Platinum.

The first single, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, made its debut on TRL. 50 weeks later, after rocking the TRL countdown, the video was retired. The song talks about people who have celebrity status, money, nice houses and cars, but still complain about how hard life is. Basically they say to these whiny bastards, Hey, life could be worse. You could be homeless, living on the streets, and have nothing. I’ll gladly take your lifestyle over that any day. The video featured cameos by Chris Kirkpatrick of Nsync, KG of Tenacious D, and Mike Watt. The song is pretty upbeat and carries a very catchy tune.

The albums leadoff song, A New Beginning, is actually an instrumental introduction. It’s the fastest “song” on the album, as well as the shortest, clocking it at a mere 1:49. It reminds me of MXPX’s style, very fast. This leads us to The Anthem, which was recently released as the albums second single and video. Currently, it’s rocking the TRL countdown, and has taken the number 1 spot the past 5 days in a row. The song is about growing up, and pressure from parents to be somebody, namely to grow up like they did. Do the normal stuff that’s expected of kids, like go to college and get a good job. It’s about being yourself.

My personal favorites on the album would have to be My Bloody Valentine and Emotionless. My Bloody Valentine deals with being in love with a girl who already has someone. He kills her boyfriend then makes plans for the future. “I’ll wash my bloody hands, and we’ll start a new life,” Joel sings as he gives out details of the deed he’s done.

Emotionless is a very sad, almost tear jerking song. “It’s been a long hard road without you by my side. Where were you at all those nights that we cried? You broke my mothers heart you broke your children for life. It’s not okay, but we’re alright. I remember the days you were a hero in my eyes, but those are just a long lost memory of mine. I spent so many years learning how to survive, now I’m writing just to let you know I’m still alive.” The words they write, and the way they get their feelings across, you can’t help but sympathize with the guys for what they’ve been through. Even more so if you’ve been in the situation they’re singing about.

My favorite songs from these guy are Little Things and East Coast Anthem from their first album. While those are still my favorites, I still think The Young and the Hopeless is a better album overall. I’m sure all of the “punk as fuck” purists out there will overlook these guys and their talent. That’s okay, because you’re the one’s who are missing out. But let me ask you a questoin. How can you call yourself punk if all you are worried about is your image and credibility?

I give this album 4 stars.

Spotlight: Wulfgang: Hottest Metal Outfit in Charlotte!

     When I asked bassist, James Johnson how he described his band, Wulfgang, he replied with them sounding like, “Motley Crue with Joan Jett, with a Kiss pyro show.”
     Wulfgang, the hottest metal band in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, began in 1988 as a band with a bunch of friends, however, once they started getting popular, the band started getting serious in 1991. Along with being serious came changes in the group. The latest lineup consists of Joanna Brooks (Lead Singer), Vee Patrick (Guitarist), James Johnson (Bassist), and Stephen Stixx (Drummer). Speaking of the band, some of the members are influenced by other artists. Such an example is Vee Patrick, who is influenced by Saliva, Soundgarden, and Jimi Hendrix. James Johnson, for one, has been influenced by Kiss, Motley Crue, and John Mellencamp.
     Since 1991, they put out five albums, and are on the verge of releasing their third studio album, “Unleash the Beast,” a follow-up to their 2000 release, “Love Ain’t Easy,” which sold all 1,000 copies in it’s first week.
     “Unleash the Beast” is still in the process of being finished. Some of the tracks include titles, such as, “Forever,” and Vee Patrick’s favorites, “Breeze,” and “Selfish Needs.” When I asked Vee why these were his favorite songs on the album, he said, “They’re good metal songs to bang your head to. They have a great groove to it.”
     The best suggestion to any Wulfgang fan out there is to buy, “Unleash the Beast,” once it comes out, which is slated for March 1rst. Only 1,500 copies will be produced, so reserve your order today. The album will be available at FYE, Amazon.com, Yahoo.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and CDBaby.com. And if that isn’t enough, the band will be releasing a DVD, entitled, “Unleash the Best,” which will comprise of Wulfgang‘s best performances.
     I highly recommend anyone in the area of Charlotte to check out their live shows. Wulfgang thrives on live shows because they love putting on shows that people would love to see. And seriously, it’s not everyday you get to see a guitarist set himself on fire. And if that’s not enough, they purchased a pyro system that Kiss used once before. There is a lot of excitement at the shows, that’s for sure. Vee Patrick commented that, “If somebody went to our show and hated it, I’d give them back five bucks.”
     Wulfgang will be supporting their new album by playing some shows. The only shows that are confirmed are at Amos’ on February 20th, a venue in Charlotte that Saliva and Coldplay has performed. Also, Bogey’s Bistro will have the band there on March 1st. The group has traveled as far as Texas, so it is more than likely that you will have multiple opportunities to see them live. The band is just having fun, and if you wanna have fun too, check out Wulfgang.
     For more information on Wulfgang, check out their website: Wulfgang.com or call their hotline at 704-723-WULF
I’d just like to say, when I interviewed and hung out with these individuals, they were very polite, very cool, and very real. So I ask everyone here at BaloolaPalooza.com to check out Wulfgang.com and show some respect to the group who welcomed me with open arms. Pics of the band shall be up in a few days. Thank you. – Bear Frazer.

Tales From the Bishop

Word. This is Bryan Bishop, AKA Hawiian Bryan, AKA …er … some other stuff. A lot of you know me already. That’s good! I’m a good person to get to know. What else should you know about me … hmm …

Well, for starters, I’m a college student, majoring in ending up a down-and-out freelance writer. But hey, don’t hold that against me. Somebody has to be a down-and-out freelance writer. I should probably shut up and get to my column before Bear starts yelling at me again. He’s always so abusive when he’s drunk.

Allright, column time. Here we go.

The De-Evolution of Rap as a Cultural Art Form

Don’t be nervous by the big words, this is a rather simple observation. With the exception of a few artists such as Mos Def, Outkast, and Common, rap is slowly turning away from it’s origins as a way of expression of many things (anything from bad food in ‘Rapper’s Delight’ by Sugarhill Gang to Arizona’s decision not to celebrate Martin Luther King day in Public Enemy’s ‘By the Time I get to Arizona’) to a manner of self-glorification. Perhaps the only reason Eminem did not come across as a new incantation of Vanilla Ice was by not coming out draped in platinum and gold. And for such a revolutionary figure, what does he rap about ceaselessly?

Eminem.

It gets annoying after a while, doesn’t it? Turn on your radio. Go to any top fourty station. Listen for the rap or hip-hop in there (avoiding such calamities as Justin Timberlake and ‘Jenny from the Block’). What do you hear? What is being said? Let’s take some choice lyrics out of the collaboration of Ludicris and Mystikal, ‘Move Bitch’.

‘I’m doin’ a hundred on the highway
So if you do the speed limit, get the F*CK outta my way
I’m D.U.I., hardly ever caught sober
and you about to get ran the F*CK over!’

and, a wee bit later, Mystical adds his humble presence to the song.

Young and successful – a sex symbol
The b*tches want me to f*ck – true true
Hold up wait up, shorty
“Oh wazzzupp, get my d*ck sucked, what are yoouu doin’?”
Isn’t that magical?

OLD SCHOOL – I hate that phrase, ‘old school’. But it doesn’t really have any negative connotations, does it? I have yet to see something that totally sucked being described as ‘old school’. Maybe old shit, but not old school. And being old school doesn’t mean your done. Check out ‘The Art of Storytelling’ by Slick Rick and Outkast. Old School meets the best of New School.

When I listen to rap (and even though I’m a southern white guy, I do listen to it) I listen to old school, mostly. Why? Because it’s better, in my opinion. Next time you’re out and about, give some Project Pat a listen. See if your IQ doesn’t drop. Then pop in some Public Enemy. Not only did they sound good, but they had a point. Give NWA’s ‘Express Yourself’ a little listen sometime. I know what you’re thinking. ‘This idiot got all his songs from Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4.’ And to that I say… well, yeah.

Dammit. Now I look stupid, and it’s only my first column.

A Vain Attempt to Regain My Dignity

Okay, so I don’t know anything about rap or hip-hop. So sue me. You know what I do know about? Eighties music. Not the underground stuff that never made it to the top, or the famous powerballads. Nope. I know about the baby-blue Micheal Mann bubblegum sound. I know that ‘Bizarre Love Triangle’ has a whiny girl version done by a whiny girl band called ‘Frente’. And you probably know that too.

Dammit, I’m still looking stupid. Okay.

All I’m saying is I have a passion for those long-lost days when Reagan was president (although I am a staunch independent somewhere left of the Democratic platform), when big hair and sneaker-stealing was in style. I also miss Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird. Was there a better rivalry in the history of the NBA? Although Yao Ming and Shaq looks promising….

I’m off the subject again. Dammit, Bear’s gonna take me to the woodshed.

Allright. So, music. Okay.

I’m from Arkansas. Country ain’t as big as you’d think here. We have shoes. We even have some nice lookin’ broads. We almost never wear straw hats and marry our cousins.

Almost. (sigh)

Well, I think I’ve embarassed myself enough for one column. Next time I’ll go into how ‘Dead or Alive’ re-invented the eyepatch, and I’ll also investigate hidden meanings in songs such as Madonnas ‘Like a Virgin’, Oingo Boingo’s (?) ‘Turning Japanese’, and many others.

Well, that’s it. Bye!

Review: Bad Astronaut – "Houston, We Have A Drinking Problem"

(By Guest Author Josh McFly)
members of lagwagon, ataris, sugarcult
Honest Don’s

4 tamales out of 5 tamales

Houston We Have a Drinking problem, the third effort (2001 – Acrophobe, 2001 – War of the Worlds/Armchair Martian split) from the Santa Barbara born Bad Astronaut, mixes the flawless precision of Lagwagon, the pop appeal of Sugarcult, and the emotionally driven pace of the Ataris together perfectly (the band includes members of all three); thanks to the unblemished production run by the well respected Angus Cooke. Because of the success of 2001’s Acrophobe, this 14 track record was long awaited, being put off for months at a time.

The album starts with a short buildup, introducing Joey Cape’s (lagwagon) hook laden, but suprisingly dismal vocals, “Houston we don’t understand.. the rescues launched are incomplete..”, setting the overall musical and lyrical tone for the rest of the 13 tracks ahead. The second track ‘Clear Cutting’ clears the dark clouds left from the powerful 4 minutes of the first track (these days), than moving along to the third track’s (Single) upbeat synth-driven pop, with the noticeable influence of the members’ punk rock pasts. Each song on the record moves along in relation to the others while still keeping their own unique sound, put together creating a tasty, tasty treat.

Overall, it’s everything an album should be. For those who aren’t tickled pretty by clean, digitally recorded and produced music, this may not be the album for you (in all respect), but for others, its undeniably good produced and written music, inside and out.

Why BP.com is so Damn Special

There are just a few things I want to say, but first, I would like to give thanks. Ever since BaloolaPalooza opened up, we have gotten a ton of traffic. A lot of people are checkin’ us out, more users on the message board, and above all, it is you, the people who want to be apart of this that have made the first few days of our opening nothing but a success, so all the BP-Heads out there, I just want to say thank you for supporting us all.
I tell all of y’all what though. Since we opened up, somebody asked me, “Hey Bear … let me ask you something. What makes BP.com so different from other sites? What makes BaloolaPalooza so damn special?” Well, I will tell you.
There is something about this site that makes us separate from all other entertainment websites, and that is anyone is welcome to write for the website. Let’s think about it … there aren’t many sites out there that allow individuals to write a story, a review, a column, whatever. Bottom line is that a lot of sites don’t let the people who want to write for their respective sites to join staff. It’s like a lot of sites think they’re too good for people like you and me to write for them, and that severely pisses me off. Ever since day one, I said anyone who wants to be apart of BP.com in any way, shape, or form can join us and have his or her voice heard. That is why BaloolaPalooza is so special because unlike other music web sites, we let anyone who has a passion for this music to be heard.
Not a lot of sites want their fans or users to join their staff. Well, like I said … we ain’t any other site. We’re very special, very different, and very giving. I feel this is a family, no joke. See, it doesn’t matter if you are the best writer in the world, or the worst writer on the planet. If you want to write, I will let you. I want my users to write if they have a desire and I won’t deny anyone that right. I’ll let anyone tryout and if they are good, they are on board, in my eyes. Think about it, there are tons of teenagers, people like you and I, who want to be noticed, appreciated, and have a chance to write for a music entertainment site. I love music and I have no regrets doing BP.com as a matter of fact, my only regret would be not opening this place sooner, because frankly, I always wanted to be a reporter who got to talk about one of the few passions I have, and that’s music.
So everyone, please do me a favor. If you are reading this now and a friend asks why you you’re reading the information on this site or why BaloolaPalooza is so special, then link them to this editorial and open their eyes. In closing, I’m not anyone I’m just an average individual who has the drive and ambition to run a site fan based and fan created.
I’ll end it with Primer 55 … “I ain’t got nothing but love for this crew.”