Twenty One Pilots have a new song out. The track, "Heathens," is featured on the soundtrack for the highly anticipated film, "Suicide Squad." This song is, in my opinion, the perfect follow up to "Blurryface." It delves into the catchy melodies and witty lyrics that they had on songs like "Lane Boy," and "Message Man." However, it does move more into a creepy element, which is to be considered when you think of the soundtrack of which this is a part. I'm not going to sit here and tell you what the song is about - only Josh or Tyler can do that. I've taken it as a song for the clique. All members of the clique - new and old from "Regional At Best" to "Blurryface," should pay some attention. 

"We don't deal with outsiders very well. They say newcomers have a certain smell. Yeah, I trust issues, not to mention they say they can smell your intentions."

I would like to start this off by saying that I know they are kind of popular but not nearly as popular as they should be. (IMO) These guys have a special place in my heart because their close enough that I consider them hometown boys. David Alexander, Carmen Carangi, Will Barovick, and Danny Wilkins have gathered a steady stream of fans from their own personal shows and sharing the stage with big-name artists on the Vans' Warped Tour. They remind me of if A Day To Remember joined forces with old-school New Found Glory. I hope that makes sense. If not, take a listen and see for yourself. They are strong, personable, and passionate people who are going to make it big time. Mark my words. 

I'm not sure what I can say about this band to make you understand how captivating they were. I stayed for almost all of their set. The only reason I had to leave was because I was Stage Managing the other stage. They were incredible and the songs were performed with so much... gusto. (Yes, I just said gusto.) The group is made up of Eric Zirlinger, Dan DelVecchio, Joey Dammacco and Randy Palumbo, and they are definitely making their mark. They have this "You have to see them," reputation which is great. Add that to the fact that they are on the road a big chunk of the year and they're setting themselves up for success. 

Pop punk. So much pop punk. I love it. If you look at their "Influences," on Facebook... it says, "The Tony Hawk Pro Skater Soundtrack." And then you listen to them and you're like, "Oh, okay. I get it now." They were one of the most pop punk-y bands I've heard the entire Launch weekend. They were energetic and excited which is what you want for a band opening the stage on the first night of a three-night conference. I guarantee you in less than 2 years, Matt LaPerche, Mike Held, Dan Sheehan, and Matt Bliss will be right up there next to Derek Discanio, Ryan Scott Graham, and Tyler Szalkowski (State Champs)
 

This Philly-based alternative group is killing the scene right now. They're like Twenty One Pilots mixed with Linkin Park and I'm so into it. The haunting melodies mixed with powerful vocals and quick raps make this misunderstood kid anthem, really. Their songs make you feel something. You feel strong. You feel represented. You feel understood. That's something that people in this scene really need right now. Go listen to their song "Follow Me," off of "Who Rescued Who." I dare you not to feel something. 

According to their facebook page, The Stonewall Vessels are an "Independent psychedelic folk rock quintet." Honestly? Couldn't have said it better myself! These guys were one of the last on the stage at LMCF and blew me away! They had the entire croud buzzing and you coudldn't help but get excited watching them. Made up of members  Darrion Washington, Josh McNamee, Luke Krizner, Josh Perry, and Jake Salinger, their variety of influences in their sound opens them up to so many fans all across the board. You can listen to them all you want but their live show is unparalleled. Completely unique. 

This New York - based rock band made up of: Logan Carpenter, Brandon John, John Albund, Brian Nellis, and Aaron Uline are in a category all their own. When listening to the lyrics, you can tell that the music is sincere and heartfelt but it's hard to put into words the passion they have when on stage. They pour their heart and soul into those songs for the audience - whether there are 20 people there or 200. They care about their music. They care about their fans. That's going to get them a long way. 

Sojourne is Baltimore's "slice of progressive soul." Trina Coleman and her husband Zac, Steve McGrath and Tim Long join forces to bring Baltimore a sound like we haven't heard in a long time. The songs they sing get the audience swaying and singing along. 

This group flawlessly blends classic rock with punk, blues, and soul. From when they started back in 2009 and members Blackey, Mickey Squeeze, Carly Quinn, Beatz continue to pave their own way in this industry. Their facebook says it best: “We play what we dig and people seem to dig what we play. We get the punk crowd, the metal crowd, the classic rock crowd - even people who aren’t really into hard rock relate to us on some level.” Based on the reaction of the crowd as well as the energy the band was giving off, I hope they never stray from that!