The Sounds of VTech

Last night was one of those nights. Choices had to be made. You could have A) waited in line with a bunch of tweens who stayed up past their bedtime to watch the new Twilight movie, New Moon or  B) waited in line with a bunch of electro funk music loving fans and watch the energetic duo from Austin rock out SPIN on Sunset at the Key Club. Dilemma right? I opted for B. And though I had a moment of uncertainty when I was being crushed by the crowd who were desperately vying for front row viewing, the moment Aaron Behrens and Thomas Turner aka Ghostland Observatory took the stage, any doubt was wiped away. 

When Turner came out on stage in his Count Chocula cape, and Behrens grabbed the mic to perform their first song, it was the best of both worlds. The packed crowd went wild. Guys dressed in capes, one dressed as a banana, the blinding flashes of dozens of cameras, you could tell it was going to be one of those nights. And the energy in the audience continued to rise as Behrens gyrated for the crowd, strutting up and down the stage to their cheers. 

You had to be there. But if you weren’t, here’s a quick photo recap and next time, keep it here on the Sounds of VTech and don’t miss out. 

There are too many music festivals on the national circuit to count, but few had the charm and talent of this year’s Voodoo Music Experience. Acts like KISS, Eminem, Jane’s Addiction, Flaming Lips and more played to over 100,000 people over Halloween weekend in beautiful New Orleans. And not even the wet weather could keep the crowds away. 

The Big Easy was the perfect backdrop for this event and before each artist/band made their way to the stage, they found their way to our gifting area in the artist lounge and walked away with a VTech IS9181 WiFi Internet Radio and Cordless phone. Here’s a quick look at who dropped by. 

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The Sounds of VTech / Backstage with the Meat Puppets

From our friends over at D+T Magazine is a behind the scenes interview with Noah and the Whale at the Mercury Lounge during their U.S. Tour. They talk about their new record, the growth of the band after their “break-up,” and more.

Noah and the Whale, the British indie folk group, with punk rock and folk influences, from Twickenham, London, England has been compared to Neutral Milk, Hotel, Bonnie Prince Billy and Belle & Sebastian. Their debut album,  Peaceful, the World Lays me Down, was released on August 11th, 2008 and made it to the number 5 spot on the Official UK Album Chart. Since then, they released their second full length LP in August 2009, entitled The First Days of Spring. Band member Charlie Fink also made a film that runs the entire length of the album called…? The First Days of Spring!

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The Sounds of VTech / Noah and the Whale

Tomorrow night, November 19th, join SPIN on Sunset and VTech as we present an evening with Ghostland Observatory for an exclusive performance. 

SPIN on Sunset is a signature series of SPIN Magazine in Los Angeles at the Key Club in Los Angeles. The SPIN on Sunset series has seen groups such as Chromeo, Fratellis, Gym Class Heroes, and more.

Now it’s time for the Austin duo, Ghostland Observatory, who’s electro/rock/funk music has been garnering attention and praise since their debut full-length album in 2005 with delete.delete.i.eat.meat. Ghostland, now working on album #4, continues to rock out at festivals and shows.

Have you bought your tickets yet?

Click here to buy tickets: Ghostland Observatory Tickets!

An Evening with Public Enemy

This Thursday, November 18th at the George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium, come and defeat Public Enemy #1, Youth Homelessness in one unforgettable night with ticket proceeds benefiting Sasha Bruce House. 

This November is the three year anniversary of National Homeless Youth Awareness Month designated by Congress through the efforts of the RE*Generation ,Virgin Mobile’s charity arm.  And this Thursday is your chance to help. Purchase your ticket to Virgin Mobile’s charity concert featuring Public Enemy in Washington, D.C. with proceeds benefiting homeless youth, and let’s get into the spirit of giving back and help the homeless stay warm this winter. 

Purchase tickets for $25 at DC’s 9:30 Club prior to the show or online a www.aneveningwithpublicenemy.com. 

For those who buy tickets, VIP seat upgrading is available. Just bring a new or lightly used coat on the day of the show to will call and instantly receive an upgrade. (subject to availability)

“Don’t believe the hype. Just because everyone says the economy’s coming back doesn’t mean that homeless kids don’t need a place to sleep and keep warm.”  Flavor Flav of Public Enemy

 Special Documentary Screening

Kyocera’s ALL Access gave youth across America the opportunity to go behind the scenes at the 2009 Virgin Mobile FreeFest and create a rock documentary about the unique music festival, featuring candid moments and exclusive interviews with Weezer, Franz Ferdinand, Public Enemy, Taking Back Sunday, Blink-182 and more.  The fourteen young filmmakers, who were selected from thousands of applicants, captured the incredible energy at the event, with a special eye toward the bands’ excitement about helping young Americans.  The Independent Film Channel (IFC) will debut vignettes of the film this November, to be followed soon after by a public release and a Kyocera world-premiere event.

Sasha Bruce House            

A young person who needs a place to stay – for any reason – can find a home at the Sasha Bruce House. The staff at Bruce House also providing counseling and classes that can lead a young person back to a more stable and supportive family situation, or on a path to true independence and self-sufficiency. DC’s only short-term shelter for young people, the Bruce House is open 24 hours a day, serving roughly 200 – 300 youth, ages 11-17, each year.

The Proton Drive continues! Don’t sleep, you still have one more week to call and donate to keeping dublab alive and well on the airwaves. Don’t forget that your donations are tax deductible. 

VTech IS9181 WiFi Internet Radios are currently being given away in a weekly drawing during the drive, so don’t miss your chance to win one. So far, we’ve had two very excited winner and with two more drawings in the near future: Friday, November 20th 7pm and Tuesday, November 24th 10am (PST). So be sure to donate prior to these dates to become eligible. Anyone who has given a Proton Grant will be entered into the random drawings. 

Right click to download: Matthew David: Dublab Decade Mix

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