Gotta Be Startin' Somethin'

Krysta Cameron was, without a doubt, the world’s most celebrated frontwoman in metal until this past July when she resigned from the Vans Warped Tour due to her pregnancy.

None of the members of Iwrestledabearonce missed a beat and quickly selected friend and fellow frontwoman, Courtney LaPlante (formerly of the band Unicorn) to take Krysta’s place.

However, this leaves fans of the genre-warping group pondering what the hell is going to happen next?

Courtney has already proved her skill on tour. But what does this mean for the future of IWABO? 

It’s been whispered (not really, the guys in IWABO are pretty damn loud and blunt) about Krysta not returning. 

But does that mean that Courtney’s place is solidified or will another singer pop up out of the wood work?

 

I actually still haven’t decided whether or not I like Courtney’s addition. Heavy Blog Is Heavy described Unicorn as “basically a more unrefined version of IWABO but the beauty of IWABO was--and still is--their knack for making technical skill sound like a beautiful accident.

Courtney’s growl is nearly identical to Krysta’s, give or take one of them feeling more angry at the time of recording for a deeper sound. 

But once the clean vocals begin, Courtney and Krysta comparisons diminish completely. 

Krysta is a low-range soprano where as Courtney is a mid-range alto. 

Meaning that Krysta can hit higher vocal notes. Even though they’re both girls, this is still a big difference in the matter of having a vocalist.

New IWABO frontwoman, Courtney LaPlante

So if IWABO do record their follow up to Ruining It For Everybody with Courtney, IWABO fans will have to get used to the idea of lower tempos for her to sing over but the same furious aural assault when it comes to the metal aspects of IWABO’s sound.

So no one will be sacrificing their cranium-fracturing moshpit experiences at any upcoming shows for this girl, which is all anyone really cares about. 

But just in case you do care about actually seeing a performance while at a concert, make sure to keep your eyes on the guys. 

As cute as Courtney is, she is not an interesting stage presence in the slightest.

 

We wish Krysta and the band much success.

In the meantime, keep up with coverage about IWABO and their continent-hopping by following the band on Twitter, Facebook and their official Webpage.

 

Now Playing: It Is "Bro," Isn't It? | Ruining It For Everybody

--J

Shows Ahoy!: The VC Guide to Outdoor Summer Music Festivals.

It's summer so the only thing on your mind besides the latest blockbuster smashing through the movie box offices is what concerts you're going to.

Of course, with the humidity doing that horrible thing it does, the last thing you also want to be doing is going to shows outside.

But traditionally, this is the time that the best concerts and festivals take place and where else would they be but allowing bands to soak up the sun? That's why we're providing you with a 5-point plan to beat the murderous temperatures and enjoy all the bands you love on tour this summer.

1. Sunblock Is Your New Best Friend

You need to know that sun cancer is a real threat if you're spendinng upwards of 6-8 hours in the sun. So the best way to protect your largest and most sensitive organ is with a very powrful sun shield. I prefer any sunblock with an SPF above 50. Coppertone Ultraguard is what I nearly drowned in last summer. Same rules for "sport" sunblocks--which work in aerosol form for quicker application, dry with a less greasy feeling than traditional sunblock and don't ruin your clothes. 

2. There Is No Such Thing As Drinking Too Much Water

Hydration. Hydration. Hydration. Unless you want to wake up in the Warped Tour Medical Emergency Tent sweating nearly to death, you will drink water periodically throughout the day--like while you're rushing between each stage. The best way is to bring a reusable water bottle because lo and behold, most summer shows in outdoor venues allow them now! It only took them half a century but at least it happened at all.

3. Eat A Large Breakfast and An Even Larger Dinner

You wouldn't believe how many people pass out from dehydration at summer shows. Moshpits are the worst place on earth if your body isn't  fully rested, and fully prepped for the onslaught of all those 250-plus dudes throwing their full body weight at you. So do yourself a favor and eat a breakfast high in energy building nutrients.

Cereal, pancakes, waffles.

Anything grains goes.

And at night, replenish with vegetables and protein. You gotta get home still, right?

Besides, the prices for food at venues is astronomical and the food tastes like crap. Save money, and your tastebuds in one move!

4. Go With At Least 2 Friends

Safety in numbers is a really stupid phrase. But in a show, it totally applies. It's impossible to find one person in a crowd, especially if their phone dies, or they don't hear it or it breaks/gets lost in the pit. That third person could be the difference between you being stranded and making it home with a rad story to tell. 

Always have a meet-up point.

It should be somewhere you all know how to get to just in case anyone gets lost. Plan specific time to meet there and most importantly, DON'T MOVE FROM THAT SPOT.

No matter how many friends you bring, that is the key to not panicking. No one wants to watch their favorite band alone. It's no fun.

5. Take Breaks: Your Knees Will Thank You

Most venues are on their A-game in the summer and have special areas where you can sit shaded from the blinding sunlight. Find these places and sit there when there is absolutely nothing else going on you want to do. Fifteen minutes of sitting every two hours could be the difference between getting kicked in the face and making it out of the pit alive and with all your teeth.

You body can't handle all the things you want it to all the time. But this is the way to make sure you don't miss anything and don't get hurt trying to have the time of your life.

--J

10 Songs That Will Get You Through This Summer.

Forget the Billboard charts. Here are 10 songs that you absolutely should burn onto a CD (old-school music fans rejoice!) or throw onto your iPod's newest playlist.

1. Synthetica - Metric : "I'll keep the life that I've got..." How many times do you find yourself content with life? This song actually makes you want to like your life. Great for those days when you're peddling off to that summer job you hate.

2. Dig A Hole - William Beckett : Find a better guitar-wuilding crooner this side of the Mississippi River? Doubtful. Unless you consider Justin Nozuka. Either way, this song is perfect for those late night trips to Wawa or a trek through the park.

3. Money (Let It Go) - TakingBackSunday : And just when you think summer's all about being happy-go-lucky and making memories, you have a completely shit day and are ready to do nothing but scream at the top of your lungs. This is your anthem.



Bloc Party will release their fourth studio
album, 4, later this month.



4. Day Four - Bloc Party : Tranquil and melodic, this is the perfect jam to wake up and start your day to. Just in time for the countdown to the fall, and the band's upcoming album, Four (Aug. 21).

5. Constant Conversations - Passion Pit : Talk about mood music, this is perfect for those nights where you're up all night, thinking and just wishing your brain would turn off.

6. Sharp Practice - Circa Survive : Cigarette breaks, coffe breaks, breaks of all kinds. This track has just enough momentum to free your mind from the task at hand while preparing you for going back to it.

7. Slave to Substance - Suicide Silence : Permission to take out all your pent up aggression in the form of an impromptu moshpit in your living room? Granted.

8. Youth Knows No Pain - Lykke Li : This song is perfect for a walking on the beach, no worries and slightly bored kind of day.

9. Thinkin' Bout You - Frank Ocean : Thought we'd let you off the hook with no love songs? Come on. It's the time of hookups, flings and budding romances. This is for all you romantics out there, to play in the background while you lip-lock your summer crush.

10. How They Want Me To Be - Best Coast: When your day (or night) is done, slip into your pj's, bust out your favorite snack and relax with this little ditty.

Now Playing: Various Artists on The Best Summer of Your Life Music Mix As Given to you above.

--J