The Scenestar

Interview: Matt Berninger of The National

BY CHERYL CHENG

New York’s The National is a band not entirely opposed to taking their time. Having been around for several years, it was not until their third album, Alligator, that The National garnered attention in the blogosphere as well as the mainstream press. In fact, many mistakenly thought Alligator was the band’s debut. And after touring throughout the country in small clubs to a handful of people, this current tour has the band performing in larger venues to sold-out crowds. For the band’s fourth album, Boxer, they also took their time, spending two years to craft what singer/songwriter Matt Berninger describes as their “best record.”

The Scenestar recently had the chance to chat with Matt about the new album, touring and why the Germans at first boycotted their shows but then learned to love The National.

Beastie Boys @ Greek Theatre Presale

Is there a record for great presales in a single week?

If you’re still not broke by this time, it’s your chance to catch the return of the Beastie Boys! The Beastie Boys will be playing at the Greek Theatre August 20. The presale begins on Thursday, June 28, at 10am and ends Friday at 10pm while supplies last. The password for the presale is “MIXUP.” Tickets are $49.50 with Ticketmaster service charges and a two ticket limit. If you miss out on the presale, tickets go on sale this Saturday at 10am. Enjoy!

Beastie Boys Presale Link

Free Sonic Youth Gig @ Urban Outfitters

Yes, it’s true! Sonic Youth will close out the Free Yr Radio tour in support of KXLU. Jimmy Tamborello of Dntel (a KXLU alum) will provide attendees with a live DJ set. It all goes down at 7pm on July 21 in Santa Monica at Urban Outfitters. Will you be there? Click here for the e-ticket. You can’t get in without one. Enjoy from your friends at The Scenestar!

Hot Hot Heat Fans Needed For Video!

Attention Hot Hot Heat fans!

Did you got the acting bug after being in the BRMC video last Saturday? Well, here’s another shot at rock video stardom. If you happen to be in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 30, and are 18 years or older, you can be in Hot Hot Heat’s music video for “Let Me In,” which is the new single from their upcoming new album Happiness LTD. Extras spots are limited, so if you fit the criteria, please email Hot Hot Heat at hhheat@gmail.com the following information:
Name
Age (must have valid ID)
Phone
Email
Photo

If chosen, you will be contacted via phone and email with all the details for the video shoot.

Good luck!

Arcade Fire @ Hollywood Bowl Presale

Wow, so many presales this week, and it’s not even Thursday! For those of you not camping out in front of Amoeba to catch Paul McCartney or broke from the previously posted presales, we have one of the most anticipated concerts going on sale tomorrow, The Arcade Fire with LCD Soundsystem at the Hollywood Bowl! The Scenestar has a special presale link for tomorrow, Wednesday, June 27, at 10am (PST)/1pm (EST), so you can buy your tickets before they go on sale to the general public (and avoid Ticketmaster fees)! The Hollywood Bowl show is scheduled for September 20. Tickets are priced $50.50 (garden and terrace) to $41 (super seats and bench).

Like always, it’s on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last. Click on the link below for all your presale needs:

Arcade Fire/LCD Soundsystem Presale

The Verve reunites, records new album

It seems nowadays that band break-ups should be taken with a grain of salt, as there have been more band reunions in the news than we can gather enthusiasm for: Jesus & Mary Chain, Smashing Pumpkins (well, half of them), Rage Against the Machine…

Well, it’s time to add one more band to the list: U.K.’s The Verve. Acording to The Verve’s official Web site, Richard Ashcroft and company are back in the studio recording their follow-up to the critically-acclaimed Urban Hymns. The band broke up in 1999, following the release of Hymns, which featured singles “Bittersweet Symphony,” “Lucky Man” and “The Drugs Don’t Work.”

The band also will tour starting in November, with six U.K. shows already confirmed.

The Verve’s reunion was announced by Jo Whiley on BBC Radio 1 this morning, and in a statement, the band said they were “getting back together for the joy of music.”

No word yet on stateside tour dates, but let’s hope they spread their joy over here too.

Editors Returns To L.A. (Presale Info)

Yes, Editors are returning to L.A.! They’re back with one of the most anticipated sophomore releases of the year, An End Has A Start, which is already released in the UK. Editors will be playing The Wiltern September 24. Tickets go on sale this Saturday, June 30, but as always, The Scenestar knows of a presale for fans of Editors. Tickets for the presale will be available today at 10am. Pricing will be $25 per ticket, unless you choose to buy the album along with your tickets. Remember to register your info before the tickets go on sale. Click below to go to the presale.

Editors @ The Wiltern Presale

For those of you even more anxious to see them, Editors will also have a FREE show July 26 on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, taped at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood. If you’re interested in attending the live performance taping portion of the show, click here to get your FREE tickets: Editors @ Jimmy Kimmel Live!

FREE Paul McCartney Show @ Amoeba

Have you always wanted to see the Beatles legend but could never afford those $1,000 tickets at Staples Center? Now is your chance and at an unthought of venue, Amoeba in Hollywood! Paul McCartney will be playing a FREE show at Amoeba to promote his new album, Memory Almost Full. So if you’re thinking of going, you will probably have to get in line today to get a wristband to see the show tomorrow. Take a pillow, sleeping bag and a friend to run across the street to Jack in the Box to keep you from starving. Wristbands will be handed out at 12:30pm Wednesday, June 27, for the 7:30pm performance. We’re sure Paul McCartney will make it worth the effort. Enjoy!

The Bravery headlines Wiltern (Presale)

After a jaunt through Europe and a summer tour supporting Incubus, The Bravery will be back in September for two very special headlining shows in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The presale starts tomorrow at 10am. Tickets go on sale to the general public this weekend at Ticketmaster.

FREE BRMC Show @ Little Radio!

Guess what BRMC fans! Thought you missed out on the fun because you couldn’t make it to the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club video shoot? Well, the fun continues at Little Radio because the band is playing FREE for all those who want to come down to the video location. The show starts at 9:30pm. Perfect if you’re still at home and wondering what to do tonight. So get dolled up, run to your car and head on down to Downtown Los Angeles to catch a rare FREE performance of one of The Scenestar’s favorite bands, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club! Below is all the info you’ll need. See ya tonight!