Innocent Words Relaucnhes

One of the music mags I write for (and serve as Features Editor on), Innocent Words, has just relaunched online with their latest issue. The layout is amazing!

It has always been a stellar publication with a greater focus on independent musicians, and the new site will help solidify the IW brand.

Here's the press release:

INNOCENT WORDS MAGAZINE LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE WITH ISSUE #32

Innocent Words Magazine, an independent entertainment publication, is very pleased to announce the launch of it’s new Web site http://www.innocentwords.com/ along with their #32 February/March issue.

The print-to-Web transition marks an exciting step in the seven-year history of Innocent Words. The new website enables Innocent Words to accommodate more musicians, help publicize additional new albums, and assist bands and artists in receiving the recognition they deserve. Fans will also benefit by having more information to read.

The #32 February/March 2009 issue of Innocent Words Magazine includes the following:
Cover Story: Rise Against frontman Tim McIlrath talks about the new album, the tour, politics and their hometown of Chicago; Also in this issue we have interviews with Cheap Trick - 30 years after Budokan; The punk rock band Dead To Me; eccentric folk singer Larkin Grimm; Thrice frontman Dustin Kensrue on his solo projects; and the legendary Ska-rockers Reel Big Fish. Plus reviews of CDs and books.

About Innocent Words Magazine:
Innocent Words Magazine has covered indie music from around the U.S. and the world since 2001. Each issue features exclusive interviews, CD reviews, and other assorted content such as DVD and book reviews. Before it became a Web-only publication in 2009, a print version was distributed to 100 locations in 19 states. Artists who have appeared in Innocent Words include Ani DiFranco, Pearl Jam, King’s X, Tegan and Sara, The Shins, Our Lady Peace, Mudhoney, Flogging Molly, and many, many others. More information is available at www.innocentwords.com.

Rise Against - Behind the Scenes

I was a bit slow to catch on to Rise Against. It wasn't until the release of "Siren Song of the Counter Culture" about three years ago that I finally decided to pay attention to the Chicago band. I've heard the new record, "Appeal to Reason" (due out on Oct. 7) and think the group has just turned in their best record. It's still filled with plenty of political diatribes and the guitars still ring, but there is strong eveolution in the band's sound that can't be ignored. I'll have a review up in about a week or two.

Doing a Nov. story on the band for MeanStreet magazine, so should have plenty more info to post about Rise Against soon. In the meantime, here's some behind the scenes footage of the group making a video for their first single off the record ("Re-Education").