band news: Jesse will be playing a solo show at Ocean Java on Friday June 27th. more details can be found on the flyer.
The band has a website again, this time it's mahrock.com since the old domain expired. There's also a website for The Stay Classy USA Tour with Secondhand Serenade, but there's not really any info on it yet: thestayclassyusatour.com. and while we're on the topic of new websites, i started a blog called thebargainlife.com.
6.20.08 - Jesse Solo Show, New Websites
6.7.08 - Congratulations Steven
other: Steven has posted two photos on his myspace of his graduation: here and here. i'm not sure what exactly he graduated from but i assume it is some sort of high school equivalency because he dropped out with the rest of the band and i think only Jesse and Larry got their GEDs. (Dustin did coursework on the road and graduated with the rest of his class). anyways, it's great to see that he's doing positive things with his life. i'm proud of him :)
5.28.08 - More Dates, Happy Birthday
band news: a few more dates have been released for the Stay Classy USA tour:
Monday, July 14, 2008 - Launchpad - Albuquerque, NM
Tuesday, August 12, 2008 - Chameleon Club - Lancaster, PA
Saturday, August 16, 2008 - Metro - Chicago, IL
Thursday, August 21, 2008 - Sokol Underground - Omaha, NE
band news: Larry turns 21 today, Happy Birthday!
5.22.08 - Punk Goes Crunk Contest
band news: Smartpunk is holding a contest for a Punk Goes Crunk prize pack including My American Heart merch. click here to enter.
5.20.08 - Jesse's Photography
new media: Jesse has a new flickr account with some cute pictures of the boys on it: flickr.com/photos/jessebarrera.
also, Jesse's solo EP is available on iTunes now. go buy it!
5.20.08 - Stay Classy Tour
band news: dates have been announced for the Stay Classy USA tour with Secondhand Serenade, PlayRadioPlay, The Graduate, and Rookie Of The Year. there are a few gaps in the dates, so more may be announced later. too bad the line-up kinda sucks :(
7/13/08 - The Rock - Tuscon, AZ
7/16/08 - Brewster Street Ice House - Corpus Christi, TX
7/17/08 - Granada Theatre - Dallas, TX
7/18/08 - Scout Bar - San Antonio, TX
7/19/08 - The Conservatory - Oklahoma City, OK
7/20/08 - Skatepark of Memphis - Cordova, TN
7/22/08 - The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
7/23/08 - Amos' South End - Charlotte, NC
7/25/08 - Culture Room - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
7/26/08 - Jack Rabbits - Jacksonville, FL
7/27/08 - The Social - Orlando, FL
7/29/08 - Headliner's - Columbia, SC
7/31/08 - The Handlebar - Greenville, SC
8/1/08 - The Norva - Norfolk, VA
8/2/08 - The National - Richmond, VA
8/3/08 - The Recher Theatre - Townson, MD
8/5/08 - Trocadero - Philadelphia, PA
8/6/08 - Blender Theater @ Gramercy - Ney York, NY
8/13/08 - Agora Ballroom - Cleveland, OH
8/14/08 - The Intersection - Grand Rapids, MI
8/15/08 - Magic Stick - Detroit, MI
8/20/08 - Station 4 - St. Paul, MN
8/22/08 - The Black Sheep - Colorado Springs, CO
7/16/08 - Brewster Street Ice House - Corpus Christi, TX
7/17/08 - Granada Theatre - Dallas, TX
7/18/08 - Scout Bar - San Antonio, TX
7/19/08 - The Conservatory - Oklahoma City, OK
7/20/08 - Skatepark of Memphis - Cordova, TN
7/22/08 - The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
7/23/08 - Amos' South End - Charlotte, NC
7/25/08 - Culture Room - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
7/26/08 - Jack Rabbits - Jacksonville, FL
7/27/08 - The Social - Orlando, FL
7/29/08 - Headliner's - Columbia, SC
7/31/08 - The Handlebar - Greenville, SC
8/1/08 - The Norva - Norfolk, VA
8/2/08 - The National - Richmond, VA
8/3/08 - The Recher Theatre - Townson, MD
8/5/08 - Trocadero - Philadelphia, PA
8/6/08 - Blender Theater @ Gramercy - Ney York, NY
8/13/08 - Agora Ballroom - Cleveland, OH
8/14/08 - The Intersection - Grand Rapids, MI
8/15/08 - Magic Stick - Detroit, MI
8/20/08 - Station 4 - St. Paul, MN
8/22/08 - The Black Sheep - Colorado Springs, CO
5.1.08 - Bamboozle Set Time Announced
band news: My American Heart will be playing on the Nokia ticket rush stage from 1:30-2:00 pm on Sunday May 4th. click here for the full list of set times and a map of all the stages.
5.1.08 - More About Steven's Departure
band news: i got and email from Steven Oira a few days ago explaining in detail why/how he left. i wasn't sure whether or not to post it b/c i'd rather this stay a mutually peaceful departure and not become another Jeremy Mendez situation, but there are two sides to every story and i think both deserve to be heard. i can't verify all the details, but his story does line up with what i've heard from Jesse: Steven was asked to leave because the band felt he was giving them a bad reputation and holding them back. here is the email:
dear Linda,
i know i haven't been very public about my views and feelings about my "departure" but it's just been a pretty hard thing to cope with. I read what Jesse had to say about my reasons for leaving on the MAH BLOGS. but its seems they have left a huge chunk out of my reasons. so i just thought i would fill you in personally on my side of my "departure"
after starting this year with the blackout in Europe then going straight into the US aiden tour. and having done warped tour last summer and other significant tours before that. i was feeling pretty exhausted by the time SOUNDWAVE AUSTRALIA came around. i was getting a bit cranky and homesick. which is totally normal for a touring musician.
anyways..
a few nights into sound wave. Jesse, Larry, Dustin, kyle (tour manager) and I had a band meeting which turned into a huge argument about my past touring experiences, MY drinking habits, and my "bad impressions" on the music INDUSTRY(bands,labels,agents). they pretty much pointed the finger at me and told me that i was the reason that MAH wasn't getting slots on the "BIG TOURS" (fallout boy,para more,panic!etc). and the reasons we were getting signed to a major label.
(i have done my fair share of partying. and i have made a fool of myself a butt load of times. and I'm sure Ive made some bad first impressions when i was drinking... but its not like the other guys were saints. Larry, Dustin, Jesse, and kyle would get just as fucked up. id say they were just as bad as me maybe even worse at times)
anyways/
after being told i was the butt of all the blames it ended up with me getting depressed. growing more distant from my so called "real friends". in result to constantly talking to my family at home about how unhappy i was.
on the 2nd to last night of sound wave. after madina lakes prank shenanigans (they put poop in front of our hotel room door. hilarious!) Jesse, Larry, and i got into another argument about personal issues (girls, friends, true feelings) there inner feelings about me came to the surface and it wasn't pretty. and out of frustration i stated "I QUIT!" and went to bed.
the next day. we had another band meeting. i already knew what i said the night before wasn't how i really felt so i let them all know that " what i said about quitting last night.. was me overreacting. i don't want to quit my American heart" . we all came to and UNDERSTANDING and came to a conclusion that i should take a "BREAK" from the touring life for now. they told me they already found a "FILL-IN" to finish the rest of the US AIDEN TOUR. i let them know it was cool. under the impression that i was still a permanent member. and was only gonna sit this one tour out..
so i go home and a week passes and i call the guys to see what the status is on the upcoming tours. they inform that they had to let me go. that they have changed there minds about me and that Jake Kalb is gonna be a permanent replacement for me.
i haven't talked to the guys since.
I'm going to see them may 28th at soma to pick up my drum kit and $1550 that they owe me. (my dad bought the trailer)
i hope this answers your unanswered questions about the situation.
if you have any other questions feel free to write back.
I'm willing to answer anything with all honesty.
thanks for reading.
au revoir!
-steven perez oira
sorry for all the typos and bad grammar, that's his fault.
i know i haven't been very public about my views and feelings about my "departure" but it's just been a pretty hard thing to cope with. I read what Jesse had to say about my reasons for leaving on the MAH BLOGS. but its seems they have left a huge chunk out of my reasons. so i just thought i would fill you in personally on my side of my "departure"
after starting this year with the blackout in Europe then going straight into the US aiden tour. and having done warped tour last summer and other significant tours before that. i was feeling pretty exhausted by the time SOUNDWAVE AUSTRALIA came around. i was getting a bit cranky and homesick. which is totally normal for a touring musician.
anyways..
a few nights into sound wave. Jesse, Larry, Dustin, kyle (tour manager) and I had a band meeting which turned into a huge argument about my past touring experiences, MY drinking habits, and my "bad impressions" on the music INDUSTRY(bands,labels,agents). they pretty much pointed the finger at me and told me that i was the reason that MAH wasn't getting slots on the "BIG TOURS" (fallout boy,para more,panic!etc). and the reasons we were getting signed to a major label.
(i have done my fair share of partying. and i have made a fool of myself a butt load of times. and I'm sure Ive made some bad first impressions when i was drinking... but its not like the other guys were saints. Larry, Dustin, Jesse, and kyle would get just as fucked up. id say they were just as bad as me maybe even worse at times)
anyways/
after being told i was the butt of all the blames it ended up with me getting depressed. growing more distant from my so called "real friends". in result to constantly talking to my family at home about how unhappy i was.
on the 2nd to last night of sound wave. after madina lakes prank shenanigans (they put poop in front of our hotel room door. hilarious!) Jesse, Larry, and i got into another argument about personal issues (girls, friends, true feelings) there inner feelings about me came to the surface and it wasn't pretty. and out of frustration i stated "I QUIT!" and went to bed.
the next day. we had another band meeting. i already knew what i said the night before wasn't how i really felt so i let them all know that " what i said about quitting last night.. was me overreacting. i don't want to quit my American heart" . we all came to and UNDERSTANDING and came to a conclusion that i should take a "BREAK" from the touring life for now. they told me they already found a "FILL-IN" to finish the rest of the US AIDEN TOUR. i let them know it was cool. under the impression that i was still a permanent member. and was only gonna sit this one tour out..
so i go home and a week passes and i call the guys to see what the status is on the upcoming tours. they inform that they had to let me go. that they have changed there minds about me and that Jake Kalb is gonna be a permanent replacement for me.
i haven't talked to the guys since.
I'm going to see them may 28th at soma to pick up my drum kit and $1550 that they owe me. (my dad bought the trailer)
i hope this answers your unanswered questions about the situation.
if you have any other questions feel free to write back.
I'm willing to answer anything with all honesty.
thanks for reading.
au revoir!
-steven perez oira
4.22.08 - Jesse Solo News
band news: Jesse's solo EP will be on iTunes on May 16. He has 3 banners on his myspace page that you can use to promote it, and i'll be making some animated ones soon. Also on the myspace page is a downloadable sampler of the EP and a few videos of him playing acoustically. Here's the video of him playing "Try" with Larry. since when does Larry wear glasses?
band news: MAH will be playing 91x's X-Fest in San Diego on May 16 with The Offspring, Pennywise, Jimmy Eat World, and others. of course they are opening, but they'll be on the main stage, so that's sweet. Weatherbox (ex-guitarst Brian Warren's band) will be playing on the side stage. click here for the flyer. you can also request "The Shake" on 91x by calling (619) 570-1919, or request it one your local alternative rock station.
4.20.08 - Free Tour Poster
band news: if you head over to www.theexplosionsinyourpantstour.com and send the e-card to 5 of your friends you can get a free tour poster in the mail. you just have to click the "send" tab on the e-card and type in 5 of your friends emails plus your name and address.
4.18.08 - MAH Goes Through Members Too Fast
site news: I just updated the band members page. It's now up to date and tells how each member joined and left the band. There are links to all of the other bands that the current and former members have played for. If I'm missing any fill-ins from other bands let me know. I can't believe that they had two substitutions during one tour (Curses Tour) and none at any other time.
4.14.08 - Mayday Parade Tour
band news: the Glamour Kills sponsored "Explosions In Your Pants Tour" with Mayday Parade and The Graduate is now underway. Does anyone else hate this tour name? I went to the show in Augusta, GA on Saturday (I was the girl with pink hair if you saw me). The setlist was: Guns, Speak Low, The Process, Tired & Uninspired, There Are More Frightening Things, Hiding Inside The Horrible Weather, & The Shake; but I'm not 100% sure about the order. I'll have photos from the show up soon.
Although the band said that they would be remaining a four-piece after Matt left, they have a temporary guitarist for this tour. His name is Nick Logan and he's from from New Haven, CT. He will be with MAH for 2 months since the drummer of his band The Smyrk broke his hand. As previously announced, MAH's new drummer is Jake Kalb of The Fold, and as far as I know he is permanent.
3.29.08 - The Shake Video Download
new media: click here to download the new video for The Shake. you can also watch it online at altpress.com or youtube.
3.29.08 - Hello & Goodbye
site news: the site was down forever due to bandwidth problems, but we're finally back :) so that's the good news, but we have some serious bad news too.
band news: Steven has left My American Heart. he is being replaced by Jake who has played in New Atlantic and The Fold. here is Jesse's message regarding the departure:
So there's been alot of speculation on why steven left the band and it's time to finally clear up some of that smoke.
Steve and us have been together in bands since we were 15. Went to high-school together and were the best of friends. As you start to tour things change.. You're around the same people constantly and fuses wear thin. Sometimes the "tour" atmosphere is not the best for certain people to be in.
When we were in Australia, Steve and us decided that'd it'd be best for him to go home and discontinue playing with the band. It was a mutual decision. We still love him and support him through all his future endeavors. You can check it out here - www.myspace.com/theaireventsgroup
Our good friend Jake Kalb formerly from New Atlantic and The Fold is playing drums for us now, so make sure to come up and say hi at these upcoming shows! He rules!
But seriously, we ALL want to thank you so much for supporting us through thick and thin for all these years - and STILL supporting us til this day. Just remember that we love each and every one of you as fans and foremost, friends. We wouldn't be here without you. HOPE TO SEE YOU AT OUR UPCOMING SHOWS!!
Peace and lovvve!
-Jesse
Steve and us have been together in bands since we were 15. Went to high-school together and were the best of friends. As you start to tour things change.. You're around the same people constantly and fuses wear thin. Sometimes the "tour" atmosphere is not the best for certain people to be in.
When we were in Australia, Steve and us decided that'd it'd be best for him to go home and discontinue playing with the band. It was a mutual decision. We still love him and support him through all his future endeavors. You can check it out here - www.myspace.com/theaireventsgroup
Our good friend Jake Kalb formerly from New Atlantic and The Fold is playing drums for us now, so make sure to come up and say hi at these upcoming shows! He rules!
But seriously, we ALL want to thank you so much for supporting us through thick and thin for all these years - and STILL supporting us til this day. Just remember that we love each and every one of you as fans and foremost, friends. We wouldn't be here without you. HOPE TO SEE YOU AT OUR UPCOMING SHOWS!!
Peace and lovvve!
-Jesse
this one came as a huge shock to me. it's easy for someone who hasn't ben with the band that long to want to leave, but Steven's been there from the start, and this is cutting into the core of the band. goodbye Steven. i want to say something like "you will be missed," but that makes it sound like he's dead. so i guess i'll just say that i support you in all your future endeavors and leave it at that, because i honestly don't know what to say.
2.28.08 - More Tour Dates
band news: dates have been announced for Cinematic Sunrise's headlining which My American Heart and Daphne Loves Derby are opening. Cinematic Sunrise is the side project of Chiodos singer Craig Owens.
5/15/08 - Mojo's Rock House - Tinley Park, Illinois
5/16/08 - St. Andrews Hall - Detroit, Michigan
5/17/08 - Grog Shop - Cleveland Heights, Ohio
5/18/08 - School of Rock - S. Hackensack, New Jersey
5/19/08 - World Cafe Live - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
5/20/08 - Revolution Hall - Troy, New York
5/21/08 - Blender Theatre at Gramercy - New York, New York
5/23/08 - White Rabbit - San Antonio, Texas
5/24/08 - The Door - Dallas, Texas
5/26/08 - Launchpad - Albuquerque, New Mexico
5/27/08 - The Clubhouse - Tempe, Arizona
5/28/08 - Soma Sidestage - San Diego, California
5/29/08 - Chain Reaction - Anaheim, California
5/31/08 - The Troubadour - West Hollywood, California
presale tickets can purchased here. the username is "cinematic" and the password is "sunrise"
5/16/08 - St. Andrews Hall - Detroit, Michigan
5/17/08 - Grog Shop - Cleveland Heights, Ohio
5/18/08 - School of Rock - S. Hackensack, New Jersey
5/19/08 - World Cafe Live - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
5/20/08 - Revolution Hall - Troy, New York
5/21/08 - Blender Theatre at Gramercy - New York, New York
5/23/08 - White Rabbit - San Antonio, Texas
5/24/08 - The Door - Dallas, Texas
5/26/08 - Launchpad - Albuquerque, New Mexico
5/27/08 - The Clubhouse - Tempe, Arizona
5/28/08 - Soma Sidestage - San Diego, California
5/29/08 - Chain Reaction - Anaheim, California
5/31/08 - The Troubadour - West Hollywood, California
2.22.08 - Tour Dates
band news: absolutepunk has posted the dates for MAH's tour with Mayday Parade and The Graduate:
4/10/08 - Common Grounds - Gainesville, Florida
4/11/08 - The Beta Bar - Tallahassee, Florida
4/12/08 - Club Hollywood - Augusta, Georgia
4/15/08 - House Of Blues Parish - New Orleans, Louisiana
4/16/08 - Warehouse Live - Houston, Texas
4/17/08 - Fat Daddy's Sound Shack - Lewisville, Texas
4/19/08 - Bricktown Ballroom - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
4/20/08 - Crush Lounge - Tulsa, Oklahoma
4/22/08 - House Of Bricks - Des Moines, Iowa
4/24/08 - Warehouse Nightclub - La Crosse, Wisconsin
4/25/08 - Forest Hills Lodge - Rockford, Illinois
4/28/08 - The Basement - Columbus, Ohio
4/29/08 - Diesel - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
4/30/08 - The Chameleon - Lancaster, Pennsylvania
5/1/08 - Revolution Hall - Troy, New York
4/11/08 - The Beta Bar - Tallahassee, Florida
4/12/08 - Club Hollywood - Augusta, Georgia
4/15/08 - House Of Blues Parish - New Orleans, Louisiana
4/16/08 - Warehouse Live - Houston, Texas
4/17/08 - Fat Daddy's Sound Shack - Lewisville, Texas
4/19/08 - Bricktown Ballroom - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
4/20/08 - Crush Lounge - Tulsa, Oklahoma
4/22/08 - House Of Bricks - Des Moines, Iowa
4/24/08 - Warehouse Nightclub - La Crosse, Wisconsin
4/25/08 - Forest Hills Lodge - Rockford, Illinois
4/28/08 - The Basement - Columbus, Ohio
4/29/08 - Diesel - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
4/30/08 - The Chameleon - Lancaster, Pennsylvania
5/1/08 - Revolution Hall - Troy, New York
MAH is also playing a Glamour Kills show at The Chance in Poughkeepsie, NY on May 2nd. The line-up is: Just Surrender, The Audition, Valencia, Mayday Parade, Hit The Lights, My American Heart, We The Kings, Four Year Strong, Faster Than Fashion, The Maine, Farewell, Danger Radio, Every Avenue, Automatic Loveletter & Rocket To The Moon. check out the flyer here.
MAH isn't listed at all on the Warped Tour website. They could still be added, but it looks like they might not be doing Warped this year.
2.13.08 - New Photoshoot, Tour Plans
new media: check out some new photos of the boys in Europe taken by Denise Gabriel in the gallery.
band news: MAH has announced that they will be touring with Mayday Parade in the spring. no information has been released about dates or locations.
2.13.08 - Europe Video
new media: MAH has posted a new video montage from their current European tour:
2.6.08 - An Official Announcement
band news: the following message from Dustin was posted on absolutepunk.net. it doesn't really tell us anything we didn't already know, but at least it's official this time.
A few weeks ago while we were in the Netherlands, Matthew decided to leave My American Heart to pursue other interests. We had an incredible experience over the last 18 months with you Matt. Thanks for everything man. I think it goes without saying that you will be missed. We wish you felt differently but understand that you have to do what you have to do.
Currently, We're in Europe on an killer tour with our good friends, The Blackout. We've played the last 20 shows here as a four-piece and we feel comfortable finishing out the tour like this. We're not sure if we're going to pursue finding a new guitarist just yet but when we figure more out, we'll be sure to keep everyone posted. Thanks for the love,support, emails and everything else. You guys are too nice. We're really looking forward to touring the states again next month.
-Dustin MAH
Currently, We're in Europe on an killer tour with our good friends, The Blackout. We've played the last 20 shows here as a four-piece and we feel comfortable finishing out the tour like this. We're not sure if we're going to pursue finding a new guitarist just yet but when we figure more out, we'll be sure to keep everyone posted. Thanks for the love,support, emails and everything else. You guys are too nice. We're really looking forward to touring the states again next month.
-Dustin MAH
2.6.08 - Don't Believe Everything You Read
band news: absolutepunk.net has posted about Matt leaving the band:
Guitarist Leaves My American Heart; Starts New Project
Matt VanGasbeck (guitar) has left My American Heart, and he is starting a new project called Sketchbook. You can download 11 rough demos on his myspace for free.
Matt VanGasbeck (guitar) has left My American Heart, and he is starting a new project called Sketchbook. You can download 11 rough demos on his myspace for free.
They do not cite any sources, and i just want to remind you that neither Matt or the band have formally announced why he left. i seriously doubt that he left to pursue his solo work, especially since he's had that page up for a long time, and absolutepunk makes it seem like it's brand new.
1.31.08 - Street Team
band news: My American Heart has finally launched an official street team. go join! myamericanheart.fancorps.com
1.30.08 - UK Contest
band news: Rock Sound is running a contest for My American Heart's current UK tour with The Blackout. At each show, one winner and a friend will get free tickets, MAH's new album, an Atticus t-shirt and cap, and a special meet-and-greet before the show. click here for all the details and to enter.
1.27.08 - What Happened To Matt?
band news: Matt hasn't been playing with My American Heart for a few weeks now, and word on the street is that he's gone for good. MAH sill hasn't said anything about it, and no one knows why he left, though it seems to be amicable. right now MAH is playing as a four piece for the rest of their European tour.
1.16.08 - MAH Confirmed for Give It A Name 2008
band news:
Paramore and 30 Seconds To Mars are to headline Give It A Name 08 - the largest indoor rock event in the UK. The annual event is now in its fourth year and will be held at both London Earls Court (Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th May) and Sheffield Arena (Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th May).
Tickets go on sale Friday 18th January at 9am, priced at £33.50 per day or £60 for a weekend ticket.
The bands are divided into 2 groups who swap locations for the two days. My American Heart will be playing London Earls Court on Saturday 10th May and Sheffield Arena on Sunday 11th May alongside Paramore, Finch, Set Your Goals, Strike Anywhere, All Time Low, Mayday Parade, Meg and Dia & more bands TBA.
The line-up for Sheffield Arena on Saturday 10th May and London Earls Court on Sunday 11th May is: 30 Seconds to Mars, Billy Talent, Glassjaw, Silverstein, Anti Flag, You Me At Six, The Color Fred, Four Year Strong & more bands TBA.
1.15.08 - Jesse mp3s
new media: i'm finally up to date with all of Jesse's solo songs. head over to the audio page for the mp3s.
1.15.08 - Chain Reaction Videos
new media: T1D has posted a few of their videos from the Chain Reaction show on Youtube. these are really good videos with soundboard recordings (aka without the girl next to you singing), so definitely check them out.
Hiding Inside The Horrible Weather
Tired And Uninspired
There Are More Frightening Things
This Won't Stop [encore]
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