the site is finally back online after way too much downtime. the gallery is still down, as are all of the mp3 and video files. if you would like a file uploaded, please leave a note in the shoutbox and i will upload it for you.
Site Status
5.11.10 - Two More Songs Released
new media: Jesse has posted two more unreleased My American Heart songs on his blog. "Heart Attack" is about getting screwed over by the industry, you can read the lyrics here. Jesse didn't offer any explanation for "Shine Your Light" other than that it's one of the last songs they ever wrote, but you can read the lyrics here and interpret it yourself.
download mp3s:
Heart Attack
Shine Your Light
download mp3s:
Heart Attack
Shine Your Light
11.11.09 - The Final Demos
new media: sorry I delayed in putting these up. I figured everyone would just get them off of Jesse's blog, but it seems that some people have been having problems so here you go:
click to download all 4 songs
download individually: Unravel
Lost Inside Of You
Pain
Circa
download individually: Unravel
Lost Inside Of You
Pain
Circa
8.12.09 - Gallery Back Online
site news: the gallery is finally back! and i've already added over 700 photos.
http://mahfans.com/gallery/
http://mahfans.com/gallery/
7.12.09 - This Is The End
This site has been pretty dead lately because the band has been pretty dead. I finally have news to report and it's bad news. Really, really bad news. Jesse is leaving the band, and it sounds like the whole band is breaking up.
here's Jesse's explanation:
Yesterday I announced my departure from My American Heart and many of you have been questioning why I left. First off, I just want to say that it was nothing personal. I love all the guys in the band. They are and will always be my brothers. I hope nothing but the best for them in the future and all of their endeavors.
I've spent over 6 years of my life dedicated to this group. Have played probably close to 1000 shows and have seen the world. We started out as just a group of guys who wanted to make music and fit in socially at school. But it sparked into something bigger than I could have ever imagined and am so thankful for the blessing of playing with such talented musicians through the years and being able to see places many people don't get a chance to see in their entire lifetime.
We signed to a record label called Warcon records which was, in the beginning, owned by Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman. We were all about sixteen years old, naive and really excited when we signed. I was just excited over the fact that I could have a record in stores and not do school for a couple years. The years went on and we put out a couple records that weren't promoted as much as I would like. Both records only sold a combined estimate of probably 60,000 copies... Sadly.
Eventually, Kevin had lost interest and a bunch of new positions at the label were being filled by other people who we didn't even know or had even heard of. Kevin then resigned from working there and supporting it. Which left me to believe that we weren't going to get what we signed on for.
Recently the label had spent more money than they initially wanted to and weren't making enough to keep going. So they decided to fold and it left us in the most horrible predicament you possibly think of. We were signed to a label that didn't even exist. This had happened at the end of last year and led to the insane amount of time at home. We were hoping to get bought out somehow but the owner of the label wanted an insane amount of money. We even got an offer from another label that was basically... Laughed at.
During all the downtime, I spent most of this time writing songs for myself because it's basically what I do. Songwriting has always been my passion. It's what I live for and what I want to do for the rest of my life. It's what I'll continue to be doing from here on out as well as starting to produce and finding a new project to play for.
The past few months I had so much time to think of the industry and how much it has changed. How much talent, sometimes, can only get you so far ... That the saying, Òbeing in the right place at the right timeÓ is so true. That labels and managers can make or break your career, no matter how good you are and no matter how much you believe in yourself and the group you play in. That iPod samplers can make a bigger impact on kids than a 5 piece rock band. It is beyond depressing and has taken a huge toll on me and my outlook on music.
I am leaving because I feel like my future is out of my control. I have always felt that I couldn't do anymore than write songs and hope that the person I hand it to could make something happen with it. It's always been a gamble. That's how this industry works. You never know what hand you're going to be dealt.
For those of you who followed me on the journey Ð Thank you from the bottom of my heart. To everyone who has let us stay in their homes and sleep on their living room floors. Thanks to the people who cooked breakfast for us before a 6 hour drive. To the people who drove 10 hours just to see us play and wait 5 hours in the sun because they couldn't drive and had their parents drop them off at the venue. Thanks to everyone who screamed our lyrics back into my face. To everyone who waited in line to see us. To everyone who burned a copy of our CD and gave it to a friend. Thank you. It is all of you who kept me going and I am forever grateful for your support and friendship.
I will continue writing music for all of you. We will also be playing a couple final shows in California. Larry and I are planning to continue writing together and will probably form a new music outlet that will sound a little different in the future. Thanks for everything. I love you guys.
I've spent over 6 years of my life dedicated to this group. Have played probably close to 1000 shows and have seen the world. We started out as just a group of guys who wanted to make music and fit in socially at school. But it sparked into something bigger than I could have ever imagined and am so thankful for the blessing of playing with such talented musicians through the years and being able to see places many people don't get a chance to see in their entire lifetime.
We signed to a record label called Warcon records which was, in the beginning, owned by Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman. We were all about sixteen years old, naive and really excited when we signed. I was just excited over the fact that I could have a record in stores and not do school for a couple years. The years went on and we put out a couple records that weren't promoted as much as I would like. Both records only sold a combined estimate of probably 60,000 copies... Sadly.
Eventually, Kevin had lost interest and a bunch of new positions at the label were being filled by other people who we didn't even know or had even heard of. Kevin then resigned from working there and supporting it. Which left me to believe that we weren't going to get what we signed on for.
Recently the label had spent more money than they initially wanted to and weren't making enough to keep going. So they decided to fold and it left us in the most horrible predicament you possibly think of. We were signed to a label that didn't even exist. This had happened at the end of last year and led to the insane amount of time at home. We were hoping to get bought out somehow but the owner of the label wanted an insane amount of money. We even got an offer from another label that was basically... Laughed at.
During all the downtime, I spent most of this time writing songs for myself because it's basically what I do. Songwriting has always been my passion. It's what I live for and what I want to do for the rest of my life. It's what I'll continue to be doing from here on out as well as starting to produce and finding a new project to play for.
The past few months I had so much time to think of the industry and how much it has changed. How much talent, sometimes, can only get you so far ... That the saying, Òbeing in the right place at the right timeÓ is so true. That labels and managers can make or break your career, no matter how good you are and no matter how much you believe in yourself and the group you play in. That iPod samplers can make a bigger impact on kids than a 5 piece rock band. It is beyond depressing and has taken a huge toll on me and my outlook on music.
I am leaving because I feel like my future is out of my control. I have always felt that I couldn't do anymore than write songs and hope that the person I hand it to could make something happen with it. It's always been a gamble. That's how this industry works. You never know what hand you're going to be dealt.
For those of you who followed me on the journey Ð Thank you from the bottom of my heart. To everyone who has let us stay in their homes and sleep on their living room floors. Thanks to the people who cooked breakfast for us before a 6 hour drive. To the people who drove 10 hours just to see us play and wait 5 hours in the sun because they couldn't drive and had their parents drop them off at the venue. Thanks to everyone who screamed our lyrics back into my face. To everyone who waited in line to see us. To everyone who burned a copy of our CD and gave it to a friend. Thank you. It is all of you who kept me going and I am forever grateful for your support and friendship.
I will continue writing music for all of you. We will also be playing a couple final shows in California. Larry and I are planning to continue writing together and will probably form a new music outlet that will sound a little different in the future. Thanks for everything. I love you guys.
living in New Hampshire I really don't think there's going to be any way for me to see those final shows, but I would really love to just to have some closure. It's so odd for a band that's been such a huge part of my life for the past 3+ years to just fade away like they have. I haven't seen them in well over a year, haven't been listening to them as much as I used to, and now they're just gone.
5.15.09 - 2 New Songs
new media: Pain and Lost Inside of You are finally up on myspace. apparently Pain is the song which they've been playing live for a while now (which I had titled Inside My Mind). download links below:
Pain (featuring Daniel from Lorene Drive)
Lost Inside Of You
4.27.09 - New Song Cips!
new media: clips of 2 new songs have been posted on My American Heart's myspace. download links below:
Lost Inside Of You [clip]
Unravel [clip]
I also uploaded California Love by request, and a few of Jesse's songs.
4.3.09 - 2 More Studio Videos
new media: 2 more videos have been posted on the MAH youtube account:
Building A Vocal Booth
Nick Logan Tracks Guitars for an New Song
3.28.09 - More Speculation about the Dustin Situation
band news: on March 18, MAH announced on twitter that they were recording bass, 4 hours later they said they were having a slumber party in the studio with Ryan Kienle, who plays bass in Matchbook Romance. did he record the bass guitars? keep in mind that Jesse also used to play bass (and recorded both bass and guitar on The Meaning in Makeup) so they wouldn't actually need to bring in an outsider.
3.27.09 - Studio Videos
new media: MAH has posted 4 videos from the studio on their youtube:
Nick tracking guitar on "Pain"
Daniel from Lorene Drive doing guest vocals on "Pain"
Jake tracking drums on an untitled song
Jesse tracking guitars on "Pain"
3.25.09 - 2 Shows with Lorene Drive
tour dates: MAH will be playing 2 shows in May with Lorene Drive. click here for the flyer to the Chain Reaction show
5/1/09: Chain Reaction - Anahiem, CA
w/ Lorene Drive, The Dares, Jesse Barrera
5/2/09: The Venue - Los Gatos, CA
w/ Lorene Drive, The Dares
2.12.09 - Where's Dustin?
band news: Dustin wasn't at the 91x radio appearance, nor was he at the show at UCSD on Tuesday, but the band still hasn't made any announcement about him leaving. Is he just home with his family or is he gone for good? I'm hoping he's still in the band, but I'm starting to get suspicious.
2.10.09 - 91x Loudspeaker SD
new media: MAH was on 91x's Loudspeaker SD on Sunday night where they played a brand new song "I Don't Know Me" acoustically. there's also an interview and an acoustic version of Tired & Uninspired.
click to download
the show tonight at UCSD is in fact open to the public, but it's 18 and up.
2.9.09 - New Jesse Solo Song
new media: Jesse has posted a new demo called "Colors" on his myspace page. download it here.
2.7.09 - New Live Song
new media: here is a live mp3 of the new song that was played during the headlining tour in December: download here.
2.7.09 - Free Show on Tuesday
tour dates: on Tuesday, February 10th, MAH is headlining a free show at UCSD in La Jolla, CA supported by Eye Alaska and Jesse Barrera solo. i am not sure if the show is open to the public or if it's for students only. details
12.27.08 - An Update From The Band
band news: MAH has updated their myspace with the following update:
Hello everyone!
First and foremost, we would like to thank EVERYONE who came out on our last westcoast headlining run. It was seriously the most fun we've had in a long time. We also wanna give a quick shout to the bands (Danger Radio, The Morning Of, and Artist vs Poet) for being amazing friends and people.
Now, we're all home for the holidays. Nick, Dustin and Jake are back east (probably freezing their asses off) and Larry and I are home in San Diego (it's cold enough). We're off for quite awhile now to enjoy the holidays and of course the turning of the new year.
We're spending lots of this down time preparing and writing for what will become our third full length album. We already have written close to 8 new songs including one that we've already been playing live. We've grown so much this past year and have obviously been through many ups and downs, gains and losses that we can look at and smile about. We're very excited about what is to come in the next chapter for My American Heart.
The past two years have shown us so much and have brought so many new fans and opportunities. We've traveled to so many places we never thought we'd ever see (Australia, The United Kingdom, Europe) - it's amazing to look back on. We just want to thank each and everyone of you for all the support and love you've given us through the years and hope you'll continue on for this next one. We want to wish you a very happy, merry, jolly, funfilled (AND SAFE!) holiday. We'll see you guys in 2009. We're going to do it up big time.
SO SO SO MUCH PEACE AND LOVE.
-Jesse, Larry, Jake, Nick and Dustin
12.15.08 - Jesse Tour, New Promo
tour dates: Jesse has announced the following tour dates with Just Surrender:
Jan 17 2009 - Crocodile Rock Cafe - Allentown, Pennsylvania
Jan 18 2009 - Games N - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Jan 22 2009 - Reggie's Rock Club - Chicago, Illinois
Jan 25 2009 - SOZO - State College, Pennsylvania
given the gaps in the dates, there will probably be more dates announced, but i'm guessing it's just in the northeast and/or east coast.
new photos: i've updated the 2008 album with the most recent photos from the Atticus promo shoot.
band news:the West coast tour in now over and MAH are working on writing a new record. i can't wait to hear the new stuff!
11.2.08 - More Jesse Mp3s
new media: here are mp3s of the new songs on Jesse's myspace:
The Feeling
I Never Said It Was Easy
I Never Said It Was Easy [Remix]
The Distance
Over The Moon
& youtube:
Taxi Driver (Charlie Gore Cover)
I Will Follow You Into The Dark (Death Cab For Cutie Cover)
Jesse will be a guest on 91x's Loudspeaker today, so tune in if you live in the Sand Diego area!
He's also playing at Misdelphia's EP release show at Soma in San Diego on November 7th.
11.2.08 - UK Tour Contest
band news: MAH is holding a contest for their UK tour this month. here's the bulletin they sent out:
We are heading back to the UK in November, and Rocksound and Atticus are giving away a pair of VIP tickets! The winner will get a pair of tickets to the show of their choice as well as a meet & greet and some sweet new Atticus gear. There's more information on the site, so click the link below and get yourself entered!
10.26.08 - December Tour Dates
band news: dates have been posted for My American Heart's west coast headlining tour in December with Danger Radio, The Graduate & Artist vs Poet. they've also posted a poll on their myspace where you can vote for what old songs you want them to play. right now The Process is winning. i love that song, but they play it live all the time. go vote for Certainty Kills!
w/ The Graduate & Artist vs Poet:
Dec 2 2008 - Modified - Phoenix, Arizona
Dec 3 2008 - The Rock - Tucson, Arizona
Dec 4 2008 - Launchpad - Albuquerque, New Mexico
w/ Danger Radio, The Graduate & Artist vs Poet:
Dec 5 2008 - Marquis Theatre - Denver, Colorado
Dec 6 2008 - Avalon Theater - Salt Lake City, Utah
Dec 7 2008 - Icon - Pocatello, Idaho
Dec 9 2008 - The Boardwalk - Orangeville, California
Dec 10 2008 - San Jose Skate - San Jose, California
Dec 11 2008 - Knitting Factory - Hollywood, California
Dec 12 2008 - Chain Reaction - Anaheim, California
Dec 13 2008 - Soma - San Diego, California
edit: The Morning Of has been added to all dates
10.18.08 - Jesse mp3s
new media: i've ripped mp3s from all of Jesse's YouTube videos:
Home Sessions #1:
Aching
In The End
Over The Moon
Try w/ Larry
Home Sessions #2:
Come To My Door
Sweet Time
Comfortable (John Mayer Cover)
I Used To Be A Devil (Newer Version)
Pretty Girl (Cover)
Grow Old With You (The Wedding Singer Cover)
Late Night Sessions w/ Alan Ladan:
The Distance
The Feeling
Weak
Duet w/ Tin Cagayat:
Sleepless
I also ripped the demo of Come To My Door from his myspace:
Come To My Door
10.11.08 - Video Update
band news: check out a new video update, from the whole band this time. they're writing for a new record!
9.12.08 - Interview Archive
site news: the "Interviews and Articles" page (located in the "band" section) hadn't been updated in over 2 years! Since then, the majority of the sites that wrote the articles have shut down. Luckily I'm I total archivist, and I had all the web pages saved to my computed. I've only added 3 new interview to the section, but all of the old ones are available once again, this time hosted here. I think it's really neat to read the super-old interviews so go check out the new press section.
9.11.08 - MAH was on the Radio !?
band news: how did i not know this until now? My American Heart did an interview for 91x's local music show Loudspeaker SD which was recorded on July 12th and aired on July 13th. check out photos from the interview here and click here to download the mp3. I've cut it down to just the interview (in 2 parts) because the show is 2 hours long.
9.10.08 - Hot Topic T-shirt
band news: MAH has a new t-shirt available exclusively at Hot Topic for the fabulous Hot Topic price of $20. I don't know if it will be in stores or online only. click here to buy it online.
9.10.08 - Jesse's Recording an Album
band news: Jesse will be going to Chicago in October to record a full length album. He's also recorded a duet with Tin Cagayat called "Sleepless" and a new demo called "The Distance." both songs are streaming on his music myspace.
8.28.08 - Backlogged News
site news: obviously it's been a long time since i've updated the site. i ended up going home to New Hampshire for a month and a half and was trying not to be entirely antisocial from my family. and for the 2 weeks i've been back i've been focused on cleaning my house from top to bottom because my cats got fleas! but the fleas are gone now, and with classes starting i'm finally back to being in some sort of rhythm, so there should be regular updates from now on. maybe not every day, but at least once a week. and now for the news i've missed:
6.20.08 - Jesse Solo Show, New Websites
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.
6.7.08 - 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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