Tag Archive for Punk/ska

While some folks might think that the ska revival died with the 1990s, this style of music is still going strong around both the country and world. One of the reasons for its continued success is the genre’s adaptability. While one of the most common, modern-day ska hybrids is ska/punk, many bands incorporate elements of soul & reggae (The Aggrolites, The Pietasters), funk (Fishbone) and latin music (Mento Buru) as well. This week, “Punk On The Rocks” has compiled a playlist of some of the best ska on OurStage, so put on your best two-tone suit and stompin’ boots and get skankin’! Continue Reading Punk On The Rocks: Skankin’ To the Beat!

As the excitement of back to school shopping wears off (and a month of homework headaches pile up), you’ll remember why you looked forward to summer in the first place.  It won’t be long before you feel like you need of a vacation. But where should you go? Forget beaches and amusement parks; plan a trip to one of these fall, punk-oriented festivals.

Get ready for The Fest!

The Fest— Since it’s inception in 2002, thousands of punks from around the country and the world have descended on Gainsville, Florida for a weekend of beer, bands and mayhem. But how much mayhem can really be caused in one weekend? Plenty. In 2006, The Holy Mountain threw pizzas into the pit. In 2007, attendees trashed an entire hotel. The next year, Atom & His Package returned to the stage after a long hiatus. Sponsored by No Idea Records, Alternative Press, Punknews.org, reax music magazine and PBR, this year’s fest might top them all. Less Than Jake, 7 Seconds, Youth Brigade, Strike Anywhere, Dillinger Four and nearly 200 other bands will take the stage at 8 official venues and countless house parties this Halloween weekend. There will even be a flea market where attendees can peruse goods from record labels, non-profits and DIYers. Costumes are encouraged, just make sure it’s something you don’t mind getting beer spilled on. Click here for ticket information.

Riot Fest—To celebrate it’s fifth birthday, Riot Fest will be taking over Chicago’s Congress Theater, Metro, Beat Kitchen, Subterranean and Cobra Lounge from October 7th to October 11th. Chicago is well-represented in the lineup by Naked Raygun, Alkaline Trio, Deals Gone Bad and Shot Baker. Headliners include Screeching Weasel, The Dead Milkmen, NOFX, Butthole Surfers and Cock Sparrer. This year was supposed to be the first year of a California Riot Fest counterpart, Riot Fest West, but the event has been postponed until spring 2010 due to the promoter’s unspecified health concerns. Click here for ticket information.

Fun Fun Fun Fest —Austin, Texas’ Fun Fun Fun Fest showcases the best up-and-comers in punk/hardcore, indie rock, hip hop and comedy. This year’s fourth annual fest will take place November 7th and 8th in Austin’s Waterloo Park. Performers include 7 Seconds, Coalesce, Fucked Up, Face To Face, Danzig, Mika Miko, Cool Kids, GZA/Genious, Shonen Knife and OurStage artists Alaska In Winter and Crystal Antlers. Along with live music, there will be a poster show, booths for local retailers and a skate ramp. Click here for tickets.

Ska is a genre that always seems to fall just short of mainstream. It’s already on its third wave of revival, and there is no shortage of bands that combine the traditional ska sound with a new, punk-influenced sound. The Action! is a band that does this in a raw and energetic way.

Sometimes artists get caught up in their image or popularity and lose sight of their original goals. For The Action! however, it’s been all about the music from day one. After taking a break in 2003, because their schedule didn’t allow them to focus enough on their music, the band got back together in 2006. Since then, they have fused an energetic ska sound that can be pitted against Reel Big Fish or perhaps even The Toasters. With jazzy intros, bluesy verses, and catchy choruses that just won’t leave your head, The Action! certainly deserves your attention.

The Action! is gaining significant credibility particularly in their home community and has been featured in local TV commercials. Gaining more widespread appeal, the group has also been featured on the internationally released ska compilation, How I Punked Out of Skallege (Red Dragon Records). Well known acts such as Reel Big Fish, The Toasters, Gym Class Heroes, and the Planet Smashers have noticed The Action!’s rising potential by offering the opportunity to open at their shows. Currently, the band is editing the footage for their first music video that will be released soon. Join their fanclub and be sure to check our their latest release, Exploding Radio.