Wow!

We are sooo excited to be nominated! As you surely know, Friends or Enemies, is Pete Wentz’s artist social networking site. Verity in Stereo is excited and honored to be nominated along with All Time Low, Cobra Starship, Fall Out Boy and many others!

Please help and go vote now! You don’t even need to be a member all you have to do is check the circle next to Verity in Stereo and click vote!

PS…. Please facebook, twitter, myspace, and tell all your friends.

Click here to vote

<3 Unuka Records.

I am pretty excited about this release. Since the first single “Blood On My Hands” was released a few weeks ago and I’ve been listening to it daily. References have been made that this album, the first without John Feldmann producing, would go back to the dirtier, harder roots of “The Used” and “In Love and Death”. Although the final result is decidedly less gritty then the original albums, it does in fact explore some of the original song and even album structures. Simply put, if “Lies for Liars” was a exploration into a different direction for The Used then “Artwork” is a progression of what The Used originally was. From Blood On My Hands to the ballad Kissing You Goodbye, The Used have completed an album that although complex in its musical undertones will appeal to the diverse audience built in their earlier releases.
Preorder now at Amazon or get the Single Blood On My Hands on right now!

Is a fallen empire worth saving? Can the resistance find redemption? Or will these be the last days? When THE VERONICA PROJECT scorched the sky, a permanent dusk fell and tyranny ruled. The resistance, known only as LOCUST, vowed to protect this ruined empire and its remaining population. Outnumbered and out gunned, LOCUST can only attempt to deliver a sense of hope and the possibility of new life through the reconstruction of THE EMPIRE. This will not be an easy task, and many will be lost. THE VERONICA PROJECT shows no fear, only a blank drone gaze that haunts the dreams of its adversaries.

This is the thematically driven landscape for which LAST DAYS OF EMPIRE provide the soundtrack—ethereal, ambient, and urgent post-rock movements that force the listener to confront a vast array of moods. The possibilities of this envisioned world prompt the dramatic duality of fantasy/reality in the highly emotional lyrical themes based on a hero motif of love, camaraderie, glory, and death. LAST DAYS OF EMPIRE hail from Central New Jersey, and are not afraid to take artistic steps through a dying scene.

Combining three layers of guitar work, an explosive yet patient rhythm section, distorted keys and beats, violin bows, a vast array of effects, and a strong vocal section that is equally abrasive as it is soothing, LAST DAYS OF EMPIRE deliver a sight to be seen in a live setting, and provide a fresh take on an emerging sub-genre.

We found out about these guys from Kings of A&R. They showcased in New York City recently at Highline Ballroom opening up for The Roots. If that’s not enough to get you to look then I don’t know what else would be. Enough chatter, go check these kids out at myspace and let us know in the comments what you think.

We’ve been keeping this one under wraps for the last few months as we’ve worked on it but we’re ready to officially announce it. On Friday May 15th, 2009 Unuka Records has booked its first show. We have to thank our good friends at GNYC for allowing us to work with them on this one. We’re really excited because we’re all originally from the Jersey Shore (Oakhurst and Toms River). Needless to say we pulled at all the stops and booked a few of our favorite up and coming local acts. The show is at the Beach Bar on the Funtown Pier side of the boardwalk in Seaside Heights. As mentioned in the title its part of the Seaside Music Festival on Friday May 15th with the show starting at 8. The lineup consists of Philadelphia, PA based the defog, New Palz, NY based Liz Welter (originally from Oakhurst, NJ), Unuka Records own Hip Like [blank], Farmingdale, NJ based Skull Motion, Neptune, NJ based Vanities and headlining, Toms River’s own Flights Kool.
Now that you know who’s playing make sure you grab the flier below. Throw it up on your myspace page, print some out, give em to friends, put em on light posts… Ya know, the normal stuff. Thanks much and see ya there!

You can download the flier below.
Print Version
Black and White Print Version
Web Version
Code to put the web version on your myspace page (or you can download and make your default pic) :
<a href=”http://www.unukarecords.com/2009/04/28/unuka-records-books-its-first-show-at-the-seaside-music-festival”><img src=”http://www.unukarecords.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/fliersmall.jpg”></a>

Also, don’t forget to check out our friends at TheSurfersView.com

Hey everyone, we’re proud to let you know that Hip Like [blank] is featured on TalentTrove.com as the Stage of the Day. TalentTrove.com is a great social media website that is centered around helping you showcase your talents to the world. We’re super happy they chose Hip Like [blank] and would love for you to check out they’re page and the write up.

Hip Like [blank] will be doing 2 sets tonight at Joey’s Cafe in Washingtonville, NY. The address is 19 E Main St. Washingtonville, NY. We’re pretty excited for them to venture in new grounds and build on their already strong NJ/NY fan base. If you’re in the area be sure to come over and hang out. Also, Liz Welter, a long time friend of Kiirstin’s will be opening the show. She’s a solid acoustic act. The show starts at 9:30 so its late enough for all us 9-5ers.

See ya there.

Tim Towner, owner of The Daily Chorus, who a few months ago was brought on as General Manager and Partner of SmartPunk.com has stepped down as of today. He doesn’t go into much detail except to say that he has “big disagreements with people that call the shots now” and he “can’t work with people who he doesn’t believe in.” This is an interesting turn of events as Tim had been strongly integrating The Daily Chorus and Smartpunk with cross promotional efforts in blogs as well as refining and updating the business practice’s of SmartPunk. The future remains to be seen but you can be sure that with Tim out of the picture you won’t see any Unuka Records releases on SmartPunk.

I twittered this earlier and just decided to post it here as well. For those who don’t know “Mean Everything to Nothing” is Manchester Orchestra’s second full length and first from Canvasback(annuals and others). This is a fantastic album. It refines the sound they fostered on their debut “I’m Like a Virgin Losing a Child”. It’s darker, edgier, generally better defined and hints at a more specific alternative rock. They’ve managed to maneuver the process of maturity (that’s not to say “virgin” was immature) without losing the passion and overall impact of both the music and front man Andy Hull’s distinctive tenor. Take a listen, you’re sure to enjoy it.
Myspace

After countless hours of preparation the day is finally here. Hip Like [Blank] hits the stage at the School of Rock in South Hackensack, NJ with MAE to release their debut EP. Kiirstin and Mikal are welcoming Zack Passman on bass and Craig Williams on drums to fill out the sound and rock all of you tonight.

We’re stoked to have over 100 of our closest fans there to enjoy everything with us. Thanks for all your continued support whether you are coming or not. Look for the EP on iTunes and other digital outlets soon.

For those who don’t know him 8thW1 is a young MC out of Browns Mills (yea i said it) NJ by way of Brooklyn.  His sophomore album, love money and music, dropped last year and has seen some serious buzz in the underground hip hop scene.  Hooking up with the A OK collective has been a boon for him as he’s been playing shows regularly at places like the knitting factory and the cutting room.

Get on over to his myspace.  Check out the new (and old) blogs.  Watch the Vimby.  Comment the pics.  Comment the page.  I tell you, its worth it.  This cats got substance.  When you finish that, cop the LP and play it for all your friends.

Hardcore act Eli is filming their next music video on October 18th and has asked their fans to help them out. According to their blog “a crowd will be needed for the entire time … a themed dress code may be required”. Seems like a sweet time. If only we lived near Chicago.

Let us know how it went if you decide to go!

Top Unsigned Artist Mi Apollo has posted a bulletin on myspace hinting at some big news. Their gearing up to release an EP and head out on tour soon. I’ve been following these guys for a few months and they’ve grown on me. Their current songs are unpolished but with some production they’ll be turning heads sooner rather then later. “Fighting Bulls” has a great progression that stylistically straddles the boundary of post-hardcore and alternative rock. Check these guys out and keep them in mind over the next few weeks. Don’t forget to come back and let us know what you think about them.

Racing Kites has thrown a bunch of new stuff out this past week.  Starting with a new myspace with all kinds of cool features like twitter updates, media, sponsers and the whats been up section.  In addition they’ve announced they’ll be heading out on a short tour with TV/TV and Artist Vs. Poet.  Be sure to head over to their myspace to check if they’ll be in a city near you.

The Hoodies, who have just launched a new myspace layout, have announced a showcase at Blender Theatre in NYC.  The show is free, if you get one of the 100 tickets they are giving out.  All you have to do is head over to their myspace and message them.  Do it.  And tell them unukarecords.com sent you.

We’ll see you there!