Category Archives: Beyond the Valley

Artist Q&A: Jeff Stebbins of 3 Pill Morning

Tonight, Minneapolis-based hard rockers 3 Pill Morning invade the Lehigh Valley to perform at Northampton’s Gin Mill & Grille. Doors open at 5 p.m. for what is sure to be a great night of rock.

Lehigh Valley Underground caught up with Jeff Stebbins, vocalist of 3 Pill Morning, for thoughts on tonight’s show and the band’s upcoming album, “Never Look Back.”

For those in our area who might be unfamiliar, how did 3 Pill Morning originate?
3 Pill Morning got started in Minneapolis with members of several different existing bands joining up and jamming together.  A project was soon formed and have continued to push it into the touring act that we are now.  It’s been a hell of a process, but we are excited to see all that hard work pay off!

You guys deliver high-energy, melodic hard rock. What artists have influenced your sound?
We’ve all got a variety of musical influences ranging from the Chili Peppers and Incubus, to Slipknot and Guns & Roses.

In 2012, you released your debut album, “Black Tie Love Affair,” which garnered attention from the likes of Revolver and Billboard. Looking back, what made that album so successful?
I think with that album we really became better songwriters and really focused on telling the story in a memorable way. We had an idea for the type of album we wanted to create, and we really wanted there to be something for everyone.

Also to your credit, you’ve toured with a who’s who list of modern hard rock, including groups like Shinedown, Sevendust, Buckcherry and, one of my personal favorites, Hollywood Undead. Talk about your touring experience.
It’s been great to hit the road with those bands and learn what it takes to really make it in this business. Some of those bands have really become friends and given us a lot of great advice and feedback to help our career. Plus, who doesn’t love playing in front of killer crowds?!

Tell us a great story from the road!
I think one of the most memorable moments, from a crowd perspective, is the first time we were thousands of miles from home and the entire crowd was singing one of our songs. It was completely unexpected, and to have that moment and see how impactful a great song can be keeps us fueled to do bigger and better things every day.

You’re preparing to release your sophomore album, “Never Look Back.” What can we expect from this record?
This album is definitely more aggressive and has an edge to every song on it. We really captured the emotion of each song, and these songs are real experiences and things that everyone can relate to in this crazy world. We’re really excited for everyone to experience it!

How have you guys evolved in the past four years, from “Black Tie Love Affair” to now?
I think we’ve become a lot more seasoned in the business itself, but have quickly realized the only people that can make things happen are us and our fans. Our new album is exactly what we wanted to write. Our fans are behind us 100% and, because of that, things are really taking off!

Recently, you released the album’s first single, “Electric Chair.” What has the response been so far?
Incredible. We felt like we had a good one with “Electric Chair,” and to get the feedback we have from fans and friends has been everything we’d hoped!

You’re coming to the Lehigh Valley, playing tonight at Northampton’s Gin Mill & Grille. What can we expect from this night of rock?
It’s going to be a party and a high-energy rock show. When we come to town, we want everyone to have a great time and make sure it was worth their while to come out and support the live show. We promise to make it an awesome 3PM experience!

Anything else you’d like to add?
You can preorder our album “Never Look Back” now, and definitely get out to see us on the road.  We’ll be touring nonstop, so don’t be shy!

PHOTOS: Colm Keegan and Laura Durrant at the PPL Public Media Center at PBS39

Working at PBS39 is certainly an enjoyable gig, and nights like this highlight the experience.

Colm Keegan and Laura Durrant, perhaps best known for their work touring with international sensation Celtic Thunder, came to the PPL Public Media Center at PBS39 on Wednesday night for an intimate benefit performance for the public media station. The duo, engaged to be married next month, played folky originals and Celtic traditionals to the delight of the audience for two hours.

Colm and Laura are no strangers to the Lehigh Valley. Not only did they make a similar tour stop at PBS39 last year, but Colm’s grandparents lived in Bethlehem for a short while. The singer-songwriter noted to those in attendance that Christmas City is an important stop for him on every East Coast tour.

It was a pleasure seeing Colm and Laura again — and meeting Colm’s brother Mark, who handled merch duties and joined the pair onstage for their finale. I hope that we’ll cross paths again soon!

Photos are property of PBS39; thus, the absence of the LVU watermark. By nature of what I do, I just thought I’d share them with you all here, as well.

Review: 3 Pill Morning – Electric Chair

Catch 3 Pill Morning at Northampton’s Gin Mill & Grille on Tuesday, June 21. Tickets and more information here.

Artist: 3 Pill Morning
Release: Electric Chair (LISTEN)
Upcoming Album: Never Look Back
Genre: Melodic Hard Rock

3 Pill Morning is preparing to release its new album, the completely crowdfunded “Never Look Back,” in July. If its lead single “Electric Chair” is any indication, the money donated to the band by its fans is turning out to be well-spent.

The Minneapolis-based rockers – who have toured with the likes of Shinedown, Buckcherry, Hollywood Undead, and many more – hit us right away on “Electric Chair” with an urgent guitar riff that leads perfectly into a loud, high-energy track that is sure to keep heads banging.

Vocalist Jeff Stebbins delivers a memorable performance, highlighted by lyrical content about reaching the point of no return. The catchy melody is accompanied by a big sound brought forth by Jon Stephenson on guitar and Ryan “Riplee” Lee on bass.

Rightfully so, we’re excited to hear what the rest of “Never Look Back” has to offer. 3 Pill Morning has created the hype by releasing its opening track, a song as supercharged as its title suggests.

Review: Wetbrain ft. Rone and Russell Kutys – She Bad

Combine a funky groove with slick hip-hop verses and reggae rock undertones, and you have “She Bad,” the new single from Philadelphia’s Wetbrain.

The band draws well from an eclectic blend of influences on “She Bad,” ranging from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, to Kendrick Lamar and Chance the Rapper. This is Wetbrain’s first collaboration, with the band receiving support on the track from local rappers and friends Rone and Russell Kutys. Together, the artists combine with catchy verses and clever lyrics to make “She Bad” a fun and enjoyable track for the summer.

Check it out below, and stay tuned for Wetbrain’s upcoming EP this fall.

Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week: June 6-12

Decisions, decisions…

There are a lot of great shows in the Lehigh Valley (and a bit beyond) this week. While we can’t possibly go wrong no matter what we choose, it has left us with some tough choices as we figure out our own schedule for Thursday and Friday. So, you get to share our (good) problem of having multiple excellent entertainment options. We present you with the…

Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week!

Thurs., June 9 | 7 p.m.
Acoustic singer-songwriter night at The Originals Music Series
Venue: Chicago Restaurant, 1179 Airport Road, Allentown
Admission: FREE
Description: Crossroads Duo and Adam Jacob highlight this stripped-down night at the weekly showcase.

Thurs., June 9 | 9 p.m.
A Night of Improvisation with The Now
Venue: Rivals Sports Bar, 5 Lehns Ct., Easton
Admission: FREE
Description: The Lehigh Valley’s improvised music group receives support from live dancers and a video display for an intriguing evening of performance art.

Fri., June 10 | 7 p.m.
Slingshot Dakota Hometown Album Release Show (w/ Summer Scouts and VoirVoir)
Venue: ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem
Admission: $10 advance; $12 door
Description: The nationally-known, Lehigh Valley-raised duo returns home to celebrate the release of its new album, “Break.”

Fri., June 10 | 8 p.m.
Lauren Marsh (w/ Giada J. and Lullanas)
Venue: Hard Rock Café, 1113-31 Market St., Philadelphia
Admission: $10 advance; $12 door
Description: The Jersey native with Lehigh Valley ties will perform tracks from her red-hot indie pop EP, “Veracity.”

Lauren Marsh Coming to Hard Rock Philly on June 10

You’ve heard Lauren Marsh before on QSLehighValley. On Friday, June 10, you can hear her play live at Philadelphia’s Hard Rock Cafe.

Lauren, whose EP “Veracity” can be best described as “a stirring collection of atmospheric indie pop tunes,” is an artist with Lehigh Valley ties as a previous student of Moravian College. Her music has received nationwide recognition, with “Dear Love,” the new EP’s closing track, having been featured on CBS’ NCIS: New Orleans. The track is also currently #10 on Spotify’s “Broken Heart” playlist.

Opening for Lauren on June 10 will be Giada J., an Italian-born singer-songwriter whose latest work, “Songs to Deliver,” was released in November 2015, and Lullanas, a Philly-based twin singer-songwriter duo.

This all ages night of music begins at 8:30 p.m., with doors at 8. Tickets are $10 advance, and $12 on the day of the show. Click here for tickets and more information.

 

When I’m Gone, Leave the Light On…

With the return season of The Quinn Spinn in the books, we want to encourage you all to follow and check in regularly with the show’s official blog (yes, a separate blog from LVU) for exclusive updates as we re-focus and get ready for a new season in the fall.

I took some time out this afternoon to share my thoughts about and gratitude for this great season, and I look forward to many more as we continue #BuildingBetter together.

https://thequinnspinn.tumblr.com/post/145017545418/when-im-gone-leave-the-light-on

The Quinn Spinn: May 23, 2016

We’ve come to the end of our worldwide season, and we head into the summer on a strong note! We highlight artists from Factory Fast Records, the world of electronica, and a few friends who played last weekend’s Jersey Shore Festival in Seaside Heights.

Track listing:
REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become (Opening theme)
Slumlord Radio – Tycoon
Rock’n Herby – Brave Love
Bronson Burner – Solace
Those Delta Wolves – Whispers
Lemonade Kid – I Used to Fall In Love
In This Mode ft. Meter Bridge – The Squad
Wet Dentist – A Rare Earth Element
Rofo Audio – Maisie
Autoerotica – Alone
REVEL 9 – The Good Fight
Audra McLaughlin – Tennessee Cowboy

Review: Dissension Rising – Retribution

Dissension Rising joins Site Unknown, Autoerotica, and Alpha Zero Three at The Originals Music Series this Thursday at 7 p.m., only at Chicago Restaurant’s Club Gravity in Allentown.

Artist: Dissension Rising
Album: Retribution (EP)
Released: 2015
Genre: Hard Rock

Dissension Rising’s EP “Retribution” has everything you could want in a hard rock record. It’s fast, it’s high-energy, and contains more face-melting guitar riffs and solos than any mortal band would be able to fit into a four-track EP. Yet, the Irish quartet does all of that and more so effortlessly, leaving their listeners pumped up and ready to take on the world.

Singer Danni Carroll makes a statement on “Retribution” as one of hard rock’s emerging female stars, possessing a soulful voice and vocal presence that puts her among the genre’s best. She’s supported by driving, head-banging drum beats from Kian Johnston and masterful guitar work by the duo of Keith Garrett and Romulo Albuquerque.

The thing about critiquing this EP is that it’s tough to pick out highlights, only because every track could be considered one. From the beginning of opening track “From the Inside,” the band lets you know that they aren’t playing around. Then, we keep the high energy going with “Heaven Knows She Tried,” a big-sounding track destined for rock radio that features a standout performance from Carroll. “Left Behind” is another fun performance, which seems like a great early-set fit to get the crowd moving.

The apex of “Retribution,” however, is the closing track, “Shame.” Johnston’s drum work in particular Is downright impressive, and it makes this the type of track you turn up to 11 while driving with your windows down on the highway – the faster, the better!

Track listing:
1) From the Inside
2) Heaven Knows She’s Tried
3) Left Behind
4) Shame

The Quinn Spinn: May 16, 2016

On today’s episode, The Quinn Spinn gives you music from across the pond and right here at home. From Quinn Spinn veterans, to talented first-timers. From bands playing their debut show, to those getting ready to rock the stage in front of thousands. This is a vast, always-growing indie music community of ours, and we show it off on today’s show! #BuildingBetter
 
Track listing:
REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become (Opening theme)
Royzy Rothschild – Eminem Effect
Rod McCoy Music ft. Ron Shirley – My Queen & My Mistress
GC – Wannabe
Ayoinmotion ft. Edson Sean – She’s Leaving
Verde – Power
Snake – Dark Place
Stereo Treason – Open Range
Hell Beings – Leopard
Redleg Husky – My Old Heart
Red Zephyr – Darkened Days
Alpha Zero Three – My Signal
Midnight Mob – Ghosts
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