BLACKTOP MOURNING

...CHECK US AT MTV.COM.....

MTV HAS CHOSEN BLACKTOP MOURNING'S MUSIC TO BE FEATURED ON:

THE HILLS
VIVA LA BAM SPRING BREAK 2
MEET THE BARKERS 2
PIMP MY RIDE
NEXT
PARENTAL CONTROLS
DATE MY MOM
FINAL FU
I WANT TO BE YOU
.......more - MTV

BLACKTOP MOURNING WINS!

- 2006 EP OF THE YEAR
- 2006 BEST CD DESIGN AND PACKAGING - JAPAN - THE SWAY AWARDS

Amplifier Magazine says:
BLACKTOP MOURNING TYRANNOSAURUS (05/15/07)
Blacktop Mourning is one of two inaugural signings on Counting Crow Adam Duritz’ new record label, Tyrannosaurus Records (T-Recs, get it?). Allegedly discovered on MySpace.com, the band has already scored spots on various MTV shows with its accessible brand of hooky pop-punk. Its debut full-length breaks no new ground, following closely in the steps of like-minded bands like New Found Glory, but what it does bring is some of the most insanely catchy songs this side of bubblegum pop. Vocals soar, accented by heavy harmonies, and the guitar work is more melodic than one would expect out of a genre that typically relies on repetitive chugging. The riff in “These Times Call” lodges itself in your frontal lobe and refuses to be shaken free, the harmonies on the super-ballad “Hardly Recognize” (with vocal support from Duritz) could easily bring a weaker man to tears, and the instrumental work on the near seven-minute album closer, “As Time Crawls By,” is positively metal. But the piece de resistance might be “Don’t Defend,” with its shake-and-shimmy electric guitar, chiming acoustic six-string, and plaintive piano intro culminating in an ultra-rocking pop-punk epic for the ages. If Blacktop Mourning can transcend the limitations of the genre to which it’s most closely aligned, the sky will be the limit. –Frank Valish
- AMPLIFIER MAGAZINE

You might think the success of Blacktop Mourning is mind-boggling. Rightfully so; after only two weeks of their music hitting MySpace in late 2005, Blacktop Mourning was signing a deal with MTV. By the six month mark, their songs had been played on 12 MTV shows and the band had been selected as an “MTV Featured Artist.” All of which artists ten, twenty, even thirty years their senior can’t attest to. The mere mention of an artist being summoned by MTV, is cause for bragging. An even bigger thrill might have been when Counting Crows front man (and one of the greatest singer/songwriters of this generation) Adam Duritz asked them to be on his label, Tyrannosaurus Records. Duritz even offers back up vocals on a few songs off their highly acclaimed album, “No Regret” (now available). Blacktop Mourning’s humble and positive outlook on their music has everyone talking about them as the band to watch in 2007...but I’d like to add 2008, 2009, 2010 and well, let’s just say they’ll be the band to watch for a very long time. Humble even when Ahmet Ertegun, co-founder of Atlantic Records, called Max Steger (18) “one of the best guitar players I’ve ever seen.” You can’t help but feel you got a good thing going when that happens.

These guys from Chicago (Max Steger, Joe Levand, Shawn Nystrand, Greg Gerard and Nate Wethy) are barreling through the tunnels of rock like a stolen freight train; with an outcry of punk and pop anthems as they trample city after city with an ingenious sound not found in any band today. Why is this? Blacktop Mourning combines fierce drum-beats with clever, almost surreal vocals and songwriting…just to start. Another reason Blacktop Mourning continues to remain strong, is their youth; which some people may view as a negative. In fact the knowledge of trends, the internet and value of word of mouth, known only by the “MySpace generation”, makes us realize we are dealing with some truly intelligent artists. Many people want to discard the power of the web, but the tens of thousands of kids forwarding along their songs "Halfway to Midnight," "My Only Heart," or “Another Day”, with the subject line reading, “Check this out!” (which someone sent me), is the kind of influence that makes you have listen to Blacktop Mourning. Rarely do we see a band with this much charisma, originality and artistic vision, so early on. If you haven’t been listening, now might be a good time to start. Read their XXQs to find out why… - PENSEYEVIEW.COM

ALL MUSIC GUIDE
Blacktop Mourning “NO REGRET”
Tyrannosaurus Records 2007

This is the inaugural release from a new label founded by Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz, and it features a band that he discovered on MySpace. Blacktop Mourning is led by guitarist and songwriter Max Steger, who is something of a guitar prodigy and started his career playing in Chicago blues clubs at age twelve and was eighteen when this album was released. Interestingly, you'll hear precious little blues influence on “No Regret”; instead, Blacktop Mourning have managed to harness the noisiness of post-hardcore emo and wrestled it into a pure pop sound that features plenty of tight, razor-edged guitars and chugging metal riffs but always seems to have its heart in soaring melodies and multi-layered harmonies. Imagine if the Rocket Summer had been raised on Spitalfield and Promise Ring, and you'll have some idea what to expect. The album's opening track,"6 AM", is also its most perfect, a three-minute anthem that could be used as liturgical music in the Church of Power Pop. "Don't Defend" features both a solid wall of buzz-saw guitars and handclaps on the chorus, and unless I'm very much mistaken I think there may actually be a string section on "Your First Crime". And "Hardly Recognize" is a ballad that is simply drenched in sumptuous harmony. This is one of the most exciting debut albums by a rock band in years.
- ALL MUSIC GUIDE 2007

VOXONLINE.COM

Blacktop Mourning, No Regret Tyrannosaurus Records

Max Steger, guitarist for Blacktop Mourning is a monster. Let's get that out of the way now, because it is a fact. The key to No Regret is that it isn't just a showcase for Steger's virtuosity (though it gets a good share of air time); the interplay between Steger and the rest of the group, especially rhythm guitarist Shawn Nystrand, is most impressive. Frontman Joe Levend doesn't get lost in the fray, and establishes that all the work going on around him is really in support of his impressive vocal talents. Starting with album opener "6AM," the guys push the limits and unapologetically reach for the stars. "Hardly Recognize" and "Don't Defend" provide high points on a record filled with pulsing rhythms and incredible guitar solos. Without giving way to trying to be flavor of the moment, Blacktop Mourning show they're looking to leave a mark on the rock landscape.
- VOXONLINE.COM

Written by CALE SAUTER
Tuesday, 15 August 2006

Set to embark on the next phase of their music careers, the members of Chicago’s Blacktop Mourning are the proverbial kids in a candy store.

More specifically, they are the kids with a bevy of label offers, MTV exposure and a dedicated following that would make any aspiring cult-leader jealous.


Chew carefully: The members of Blacktop Mourning like to slip a thumbtack of Hendrix or some Clapton-ish gravel into their catchy bubblegum tunes. (Courtesy of Blacktop Mourning)


Led by Max Steger, a 17-year-old guitar prodigy turned punk-pop-idol-to-be, Blacktop Mourning has harnessed a sound that it should be able to ride all the way into the hard-candy pantheon of modern pop music.


“We all love rock and pop punk, so it works well,” says Steger, who got his start playing blues guitar in Chicago bars at the precocious age of 11. “If the songs aren’t catchy and memorable, they still need work.”


Many bands have harvested the sticky sweet crop that seems to be a key ingredient in modern radio-friendly pop-punk. Blacktop Mourning hopes to separate itself from its peers with professional-grade chops. Steger’s blues background and classic rock influences, coupled with rhythm section Jon Meredith and Joe Levand’s technical precision (and chemistry honed in award-winning high school bands), spike Blacktop Mourning’s bubble gum. “I love the classic guitar players like Hendrix and Clapton,” says Steger.


While taking its music quite seriously, Blacktop Mourning also believes that being in right place at the right time is a key element to a band’s success.


“We put up our band site on www.Myspace.com and literally, two weeks later, we got a letter from MTV asking if I would license music to them for Meet the Barkers 2,” Steger recalls. Though the band thought the request was a joke, they still obliged the request.


“We still didn’t think that it was for real and weren’t watching when it ran the first time,” remembers Steger. “Now, six months later, our music has been played on 11 MTV shows, with every song on the CD being played in both instrumental and vocal versions.”


The band’s future plans and goals seem to mirror its status as a working band. “We want to make music a career,” says Steger who unabashedly refers to playing and practicing as “work” and “job.” “We just want to be heard,” he notes, avoiding the naiveté some young bands fall prey to in the quest for the almighty “contract.”


“Getting signed is less important to us than getting the music distributed around the world and touring with bands we respect and can learn from,” Steger said.


Recently the band added two members for the long-haul. Keyboardist/bassist Sammy Kordys and rhythm guitarist Shawn Nystrand fill out the line-up and offer the band a bit a more freedom on its upcoming string of shows.


“Sammy came to help out with the bass role because we think it’s more enjoyable to have Joe, as singer, moving more freely and interacting with the fans when he’s not stuck behind his bass and microphone during the show.” Steger adds, “Shawn just brought a lot of energy and excitement to the live shows so we knew we had to keep him.”


Blacktop Mourning’s youthful exuberance extends beyond its music to its love for the Great Lakes State. “Can we add that we love Michigan friends and fans?” asks Steger. “The people are generous and supportive, and we just couldn’t be happier to be back at the Temple Club.”



City Pulse. 2001 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48912.
Phone: (517)371-5600. Fax: (517)371-5800. E-mail: citypulse@lansingcitypulse.com Cover









- City Pulse. 2001 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48912.

Counting Crows Frontman Duritz Starts New Record Label
Published: 3/27/07 at 12:54 PM ET
Written By: Sarah Millar

Today's Headlines
» Counting Crows Frontman Duritz Starts New Record Label

(andPOP) - Adam Duritz wasn't planning on starting another record label.

The Counting Crows frontman had been down that road before – in 1997, he founded the label E. Pluribus Unum, which was bought by Geffen Records in 2000. Even after discovering two great acts on MySpace, Duritz was still hesitant to start a label to sign the musicians and get them started.

It wasn't just the stress of starting a new independent label from scratch; it was also the time commitment that such an endeavor requires, something Duritz didn't know if he had.

But as he continued to listen to the music of Blacktop Mourning and Notar, and seeing Blacktop Mourning perform live, Duritz realized he wanted to help these acts more than he thought and he wanted to be a part of their evolution as artists.

"The talent of Notar and Blacktop Mourning just blew me away and I wanted to be a part of their evolution," he said.

So Duritz started Tyrannosaurus Records (T-Recs), which will be based out of New York City and distributed by Megaforce Records.

Blacktop Mourning will be the first release of T-Recs, and their debut disc is set to drop on May 15. It wasn't just Durtiz that gave the Chicago band a career booster; MTV discovered them in 2005 and began to play their songs on their shows.

Blacktop Mourning is a punk-pop band, which Duritz compared to the likes of Green Day. He also contrasted Blacktop Mourning's guitarist and songwriter, Max Steger, with the songwriting abilities of Billy Joe, Green Day's frontman.

Duritz said the comparison between the two comes before Green Day's breakout smash album, Dookie. While it was a great record, Duritz said that Joe had always been writing songs in a tone that was beyond his years. Steger is the same, and is only 18-years-old.

Nonetheless, Duritz said that even though he ended up starting a label for the two acts, he realizes his responsibilities with the band do not end with that.

"I know that when you start a label you're responsible for the hopes and dreams of the artists you sign and that's a big deal to me," he said, adding T-Recs will be signing a limited number of artists so that each artists on the label gets the attention they deserve.

Besides starting a new label to help them out, Duritz also performed vocally on four of the disc's tracks, and Counting Crows guitarist, David Immergluck, also plays on the album.

Notar, a rapper from Brooklyn, New York, also caught Duritz's eye. At only 26, Notar not only excels in songwriting capabilities, Duritz said, but he also plays the trumpet and attended the University of Dayton on a music scholarship.

By discovering the acts online, it illustrates the change that has occurred in the music business beyond just being able to download music. The fact that new artists can be discovered on places like MySpace open up more opportunities for more musicians than what existed as early as five or 10 years ago.

Duritz said that while he has some problems with people downloading music, it is also a great way for artists – both new and established – to get their music out, get new fans and a way to interact with the old ones.

The Counting Crows have their own MySpace page, as does Duritz. He also does a blog on his page, which keeps fans up to date. He said the web can be a great way for artists to reach out and branch out. He plans to link both Blacktop Mourning and Notar from his personal MySpace page and the Counting Crows site.

"I hope people listen to my bands," he said.

Duritz, who toured this past summer on a double bill with the Counting Crows and Goo Goo Dolls, explained how important it is for musicians to be able to put on a good live show that their fans will want to come to over and over again. He used his band as an example.

"We haven't put out a record in five years, and we had a sell-out summer tour (this past year),” he said, adding that he has seen Blacktop Mourning perform live and they put on a great live show.

Blacktop Mourning's debut disc, "No Regret,” is set to drop May 15, while Notar's debut will be hitting stores later in the fall.
Options: Digg This | Post to del.icio.us | Reddit | Email Article | Print Article - AND POP by Sarah Miller 3/27/07

4 OF 5 STARS!!

Blacktop Mourning - No Regret
Saturday, March 31, 2007 -

Artist: Blacktop Mourning
Album: No Regret
Record Label: Tyrannosaurus Records
Genre: Pop/Punk/Rock
Recommended if you like: Plain White T's, June, Counting Crows

Here is the first release of Counting Crows front man Adam Duritz’s new record label. Not only does he sign the band to his label, he lends some vocals throughout the album (four tracks to be precise). The band practically took over MTV by appearing on a slew of reality shows and is ready to hit the big time. The album is completely amazing. “Halfway To Midnight” is filled with crazy guitar work, slamming drums and outstanding vocals to present the edgy lyrics. Taking on a heavy undertone with deep bass and chaotic guitar riffs upon the opening of “My Only Heart”, it quickly lightens up, the tempo changes drastically and the lyrical delivery is on key throughout the changes in tempo. The music might come across dark and mysterious in the beginning but it blossoms into one really well rounded song. “Another Day” uses some awesome drum and percussion work tied to rigorous bass and racy guitars. The melodic sounding lyrics coincide superbly with the music. This album is fantastic and riddled with spectacular talent and passion, well worthy of spinning in your CD player for hours on end.

Review by -Geoff Dellinger - entertainment world usa

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Counting Crows Lead Singer, Adam Duritz, Launches Tyrannosaurus Records



Indie Label Signs Chicago-based Band, Blacktop Mourning and New York MC,
Notar

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Counting Crows lead singer and
Oscar-nominated songwriter, Adam Duritz, ventures into the label side of
the music business with the launch of Tyrannosaurus Records (T-Recs).
Starting a new label was not on Duritz's to-do list, especially while he
was busy writing new material and laying tracks for Counting Crows upcoming
record (being recorded in NYC as we speak). But a trip to MySpace.com
changed all that when he discovered two exceptional artists, Notar and
Blacktop Mourning.
According to Duritz, "The talent of Notar and Blacktop Mourning just
blew me away and I wanted to be a part of their evolution. But I know that
when you start a label you're responsible for the hopes and dreams of the
artists you sign and that's a big deal to me. We're here to create a
partnership with our artists, help them make great music and navigate the
treacherous waters of the music business. Simple as that."
"My vision for T-Recs is an intimate boutique label," continues Duritz.
"We're in the studio with the bands, talking to them constantly about their
careers and their music. We handle everything in-house and we're taking on
a very limited number of artists so that each band gets personal
attention."
The day-to-day operations of T-Recs will be run out of their New York
offices by former Counting Crows manager, Nicole Pierce. The label will be
distributed exclusively in North America by Megaforce Records via Sony/RED.
The primary objective of T-Recs is to get good music heard while
offering the artists guidance, management, creative freedom and industry
expertise. T-Recs will eventually evolve into a full service music
entertainment company that handles artist development and management,
record production, touring, merchandising and artist promotion.
This is Duritz's second foray into the business of music. Back in 1997,
he started another record label, E Pluribus Unum. The label signed Joe 90,
Gigolo Aunts, and Neilson Hubbard -- all of whom Duritz took on the road to
open for Counting Crows. E Pluribus Unum was purchased by Geffen Records in
2000.
About Blacktop Mourning
Blacktop Mourning is a Chicago-based Rock/Pop Punk band whose music hit
MySpace.com in late 2005 and within two weeks, the band had inked a deal
with MTV. By the six month mark, their songs had been played on 11 MTV
shows and the band had been selected an "MTV Featured Artist." The band is
led by songwriter Max Steger, an 18-year-old guitar prodigy, who Ahmet
Ertegun, co-founder of Atlantic Records, called "one of the best guitar
players I've ever seen."
Blacktop Mourning's upcoming CD, "No Regret" will be available on May
15, 2007 with Duritz contributing vocals on four tracks. The band will also
appear at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas in March 2007. Tour dates for
"No Regret" are currently being booked.
About Notar
Notar defies the standard categories imposed by the music industry. The
26 year-old New Yorker is an accomplished MC with rich lyrical ability and
a commanding stage presence as well as a formally trained jazz trumpeter.
Notar has a dedicated following from his collaboration with The Formula
Project and the resulting tracks "The Choice" and "White Line Fever" that
were licensed by ESPN2 for use during NHRA drag racing broadcasts.
Notar's debut album will be ready for release in Fall '07 on T-Recs.
For more information including photos, video and music samples please
visit http://www.TyrannosaurusRecords.net.
Contact: Kathleen Flaherty
k21 Communications
(310) 490-9118
kflaherty@k21.com


SOURCE Tyrannosaurus Records

Related links:
# http://www.TyrannosaurusRecords.net

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