Tag Archives: 30 seconds to mars

Oct19

Former 98 Degrees Member, Jeff Timmons Supports Author Sandy Lo on Hard Cover Edition of “The Dream Catchers Series”; Autographed Copies Will Be Available at www.sandy-lo.com

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Former 98 Degrees Member, Jeff Timmons Supports Author Sandy Lo on Hard Cover Edition of “The Dream Catchers Series”; Autographed Copies Will Be Available at www.sandy-lo.com

Original "Dream Catchers" Cover. Special Edition Cover coming soon.

October 19, 2011—Nashville, TN—Author, Journalist & Blogger, Sandy Lo will release her first hard cover book on November 22, 2011.  Lo has decided to package a special edition of THE DREAM CATCHERS SERIES, which will include all three parts of the series: Dream Catchers (2010), Breaking The Moon (2011) and Expressions (2011).  Now fans of the series will be able to get this collector’s edition in time for the holidays.  Sandy Lo will also be selling autographed copies directly from her website along with a copy of “Haley’s Letter”, the original song from Dream Catchers.  Details on pre-ordering the autographed edition will be on www.sandy-lo.com soon.

Jeff Timmons

Sandy Lo has made it known how much music has influenced her characters and plots.  To emphasize that, she is including a list of songs she listened to while writing THE DREAM CATCHERS SERIES, which ranges widely from 30 Seconds To Mars to Miranda Lambert.  To make this collection even more special, singer/producer Jeff Timmons, of 98 Degrees fame, has written the forward.  “Jeff Timmons has been such a big supporter of everything I’ve done over the years, just like I’ve been a huge fan of his,” says Sandy.  “To have him enjoy my novels as much as I enjoy his music blows my mind.  I’m honored to have him write the forward to THE DREAM CATCHERS SERIES.  He’s an amazing person and a gifted entertainer.” (Check out Jeff Timmons’ video message he made for the Dream Catchers book release party: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8yjxOvsnu4)

Currently, Dream Catchers and its sequel, Breaking The Moon are available on Amazon.com & Lulu.com in paperback and Kindle formats while Expressions is only available for Kindle/Ebook.

The series followed up the success of Sandy Lo’s debut novel, LOST IN YOU which she states in the acknowledgments was heavily influenced by her love for Timmons’ group, 98 Degrees and Backstreet Boys.

Lo announced earlier today on Facebook/Twitter that LOST IN YOU is now receiving distribution at barnesandnoble.com, Nook, and the Apple store.  “Being a self-published author is not exactly a straight shot to the New York Times Best Sellers’ List, as you can imagine,” Sandy explains.  “But I’m willing to work my way there, one sale at a time.  I’ve wanted to get my books on Barnes & Noble for a while, and with LOST IN YOU, that’s finally happened.  Hopefully THE DREAM CATCHERS SERIES will follow suit,” she says.  “I’m just thankful for every person willing to give my books a shot.  The support I have from friends, family, fans and some awesome entertainers is amazing and I appreciate every opportunity I’ve been blessed with.”

"Breaking The Moon" Released April 2011.

For more information on Sandy Lo and her books, go to www.sandy-lo.com.

Twitter: www.twitter.com/authorsandylo

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorsandylo

www.facebook.com/dreamcatchersseries

YouTube: www.youtube.com/slo120

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Sandy-Lo/e/B002C76Y6S/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

For more on Jeff Timmons: www.jefftimmons.com

May10

Jared Leto at the "Hurricane" Screening

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Jared Leto at the "Hurricane" Screening

Jared Leto answers Q&A with fans at 30 Seconds to Mars’ NYC screening of “Hurricane” at the Museum of Sex.  Fans crowded the venue inside and outside as well, lining up as early as the day before!

Apr11

Author Sandy Lo Releases Romantic Follow-up Novel BREAKING THE MOON

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Author Sandy Lo Releases Romantic Follow-up Novel BREAKING THE MOON

New York author, Sandy Lo releases BREAKING THE MOON, a follow-up novel to 2010’s rave reviewed DREAM CATCHERS, which spawned the song “Haley’s Letter” penned by Sandy along with musician/actor James Manzello.

BREAKING THE MOON continues the journey of Haley Foster and Jordan Walsh, who are both at the brink of fulfilling their dreams.  Jordan’s band, Tortured is already a success before the release of their debut album while Haley is set to graduate college and begin her career as a respected photographer.

It’s been moonlight and road trips for the couple so far, but it all stops short when Haley finds out she’s pregnant, and Jordan discovers some secrets from his past.  Haley and Jordan’s love for one another is tested while they are catapulted into adulthood without a net to catch their fall.

Sandy Lo decided to write BREAKING THE MOON out of demand from her fans.  “All I hear from my readers is how they love Haley, Jordan and the band, and how they want to know more about them, so I wanted to give them more,” she says.  Don’t expect the same carefree humor that was seeped into DREAM CATCHERS, though.  Its sequel deals with some tragic issues, but Sandy assures her readers there are many uplifting times throughout the novel as well.

BREAKING THE MOON is in memory of Sierra Williams, the newborn daughter of Lo’s close cousin who passed away during the production of the novel.  Lo will be donating a portion of her book sales to First Candle in Sierra’s name.  For more information on First Candle: www.firstcandle.org.

Since the release of DREAM CATCHERS, Sandy Lo has merged StarShine Magazine into her website: www.sandy-lo.com in order to maximize her efforts as a writer and journalist.  The support received has been amazing.  Former 98 Degrees member, Jeff Timmons and pop star Aaron Carter have both publicly acknowledged Sandy Lo and her books on their Twitter accounts.  Jeff Timmons even sent Sandy a video to be played at the DREAM CATCHERS book release party last year.

Aaron Carter & Sandy Lo with two of her novels.

“It’s such a great feeling knowing I have the support of people I idolized and always promoted in StarShine Magazine.  I’m blessed that they have mutual respect for me and my art,” Sandy explains.

Sandy also interviewed Shannon Leto, founding member of her favorite band 30 Seconds To Mars last spring.  In the interview, Sandy told Shannon about DREAM CATCHERS and how the band inspired Tortured.  “I’m lucky enough to be in this amazing position in life that I get to pick the brains of my favorite music artists, and in turn, I’m inspired to create novels and even songs, like ‘Haley’s Letter’,” Sandy explains gratefully.

BREAKING THE MOON is available in paperback on www.lulu.com and on Kindle.

For updates and more information on Sandy Lo and the stars she interviews, go to: www.sandy-lo.com.  Follow Sandy on Twitter: www.twitter.com/authorsandylo.



Apr6

30 Seconds To Mars Venture Into New Territory with Video for "This Is War"

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30 Seconds To Mars Venture Into New Territory with Video for "This Is War"

THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS VENTURE INTO NEW TERRITORY WITH THE POLITICALLY CHARGED NEW VIDEO FOR “THIS IS WAR” DEBUTING TODAY ON VEVO

MARS THEME NIGHTS ADDED TO “CLOSER TO THE EDGE” TOUR STARTING APRIL 8TH IN SAN JOSE, CA

“Closer To The Edge” Reaches #34 At Top 40 And #23 Hot AC Radio This Week And Climbing

WATCH THE VIDEO RIGHT NOW…

 

(New York, NY – April 6th, 2011) – Thirty Seconds To Mars will premiere their latest highly anticipated video for their single “This Is War” today on Vevo. In the clip, band members Jared Leto, Shannon Leto and Tomo Milicevic portray soldiers at battle.

“This Is War” became the band’s third career #1 alternative radio single and second consecutive #1 from their platinum-selling album This Is War when it reached the top of the chart last July.

The album’s current single “Closer to the Edge” reached the top 10 at alternative radio and has since crossed to Top 40 where it is at #34 and to Hot AC where it is at #24 this week and climbing on both charts. It follows “This Is War” and the album’s lead single “Kings & Queens” which spent 3 weeks at the top of the alternative radio chart and has sold over 650,000 digital downloads. The “Closer To The Edge” video has been added to MTV, MTV2, MTVU, MTV Hits, MTV Tr3s, Fuse, Music Choice and VH1 where it placed #13 on the this week’s Top 20 Countdown show.

Thirty Seconds To Mars recently announced that they’re adding theme/party nights at shows during their North American “Closer To The Edge” tour which kicks off Friday night in San Jose, CA. The band will dress up and is encouraging their fans to do so as well. The themes will vary from market to market and includes such nights at the classic White Night, Hurricane Night, This Is War/Military Night, Yuppie/Preppie Night, Doctor/Patient/Medical Night, Sport Night, 80’s Night, Zombie Night, Prom Night, Bloodball Night, Goth/Punk Night, Field & Stream Night, Superhero/Comic Night and Warpaint/Color/Neon Night. The band will play a very special sold-out hometown show at the Gibson Amphitheater in Los Angeles on April 9th and will tour the country as well as Canada through May before the European summer festival season begins. The band also has plans to visit Russia, the Middle East and Southeast Asia before returning to Europe to play the Reading and Leeds Festivals in August. Since the Dec, 2009 release of This Is War, Thirty Seconds To Mars have played to over 2 million people in 100 cities in 30 different countries, selling out arenas around the world.

Thirty Seconds To Mars have continued to reach new heights since releasing This Is War. The band won their second MTV VMA award in November when they picked up the 2010 VMA for Best Rock Video for “Kings & Queens.” They also won their fourth MTV EMA award in 2010 for Best Rock Band and their fourth Kerrang! award as winner of the 2010 Best International Band. This Is War has sold over 1 million albums worldwide and has been certified gold in six different countries.

To get involved in the Thirty Seconds To Mars community dialogue, check out the band’s social media sites:

Facebook –http://www.facebook.com/thirtysecondstomars

MySpace –http://www.myspace.com/thirtysecondstomars

Twitter — http://twitter.com/30Secondstomars

YouTube –http://www.youtube.com/30secondstomars

Thirty Seconds To Mars website: www.thirtysecondstomars.com

Thirty Seconds To Mars tickets and merchandise can be purchased at: http://30secondstomars.shop.musictoday.com

Thirty Seconds To Mars Spring Dates:

April 8             San Jose, CA                       Event Center at San Jose

April 9             Los Angeles, CA                  Gibson Amphitheatre

April 12          Colorado Springs, CO         Colorado Springs City Auditorium

April 14          Chicago, IL                            Aragon Ballroom

April 15          Kenosha, WI                         Carthage College

April 16          Detroit, MI                              The Fillmore

April 17          Champaign, IL                     University of Illinois

April 18          St. Louis, MO                        The Pageant

April 19          Grand Rapids, MI                 The Orbit Room

April 20          Indiana, PA                           Indiana University of Pennsylvania

April 22          Raleigh, NC                          Raleigh Amphitheater

April 23          Orlando, FL                           Universal Studios Florida

April 24          Boca Raton, FL                    Sunset Cove Amphitheater

April 26          Morgantown, WV                 WVU Coliseum

April 27          Washington DC                   Patriot Center

April 29          E. Rutherford, NJ                 Bamboozle – New Meadowlands Stadium

April 30          Camden, NJ                         Susquehanna Bank Center

May 1             Boston, MA                           Agganis

May 3             Montreal, QC                        Metropolis

May 5             Toronto, ON                          Kool Haus

May 6             Montreal, QC                        Metropolis

May 7           Quebec City, QC        Pavilion de la Jeunesse

May 8             Portland, ME                         State Theater

Dec20

Winners Announced: 2010 StarShine Music Awards!

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Winners Announced: 2010 StarShine Music Awards!

2010 STARSHINE MUSIC AWARD WINNERS

Congratulations to all the winners!  We received thousands of votes from around the world, so thanks to everyone who voted!  Be sure to congratulate your favorite stars on Twitter!  Follow @AuthorSandyLo for all StarShine Magazine news & celebrity interviews!

BEST DANCE SONG
Backstreet Boys – “Straight Through My Heart”

BEST BALLAD
Colbie Caillat – “I Never Told You”

BEST ROCK SONG
30 Seconds To Mars – “Kings and Queens”

BEST POP SONG
Backstreet Boys – “Bigger”

FAVORITE BAND/GROUP
Backstreet Boys

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST
Lady Gaga

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST
Aaron Carter

BEST LIVE SHOW
Backstreet Boys

BEST NEW ARTIST
Justin Bieber

BREAKING ARTIST
Alexandra Amor

BREAKOUT ALBUM
Mandi Leigh – BLVD.

SONG OF THE YEAR
Backstreet Boys – “Straight Through My Heart”

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Backstreet Boys – This Is Us

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Backstreet Boys



Nov18

GET THIS: THIS IS WAR Deluxe Edition – 30 Seconds To Mars

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GET THIS: THIS IS WAR Deluxe Edition – 30 Seconds To Mars

More and more people around the world have been hearing about 30 Seconds To Mars.  FINALLY!  With the attention from MTV and VH1, it’s only a matter of time before the Echelon (3oSTM’s devout fans) will expand even more.  Beware new 30STM fans: As the “Closer To The Edge” video states, “Yes, this is a cult.”  In no way is that a bad thing, either.  I had followed the band’s career here and there over the past 12 years.  “The Kill” and “A Beautiful Lie” had been in my iTunes library for a long time, but it wasn’t until 2009 when I was looking for more rock music to inspire me while writing my novel “Dream Catchers” that I decided to give some of the band’s other songs a listen.  Once I started downloading (legally, of course!), I couldn’t stop!  I bought the first two albums by the band and had to know when the next one would be released!  Their music is insanely infectious and intricately done.  I’ve never seen any artist put so much into everything like these guys do.

Needless to say when their latest album THIS IS WAR was released – I was excited to not only get to review the album, but interview the band’s drummer, Shannon Leto and review 2 of their shows.  If you ever get the chance to see 30 Seconds To Mars live, take it!  You will never be disappointed.

With all of that said, I want to make clear that this post is NOT for the Echelon.  You all know how wonderful this band is already.  I’m not writing this because 30STM’s label, Virgin wants me to – even though I am grateful for them hooking me up time and again!  And I’m not writing this because Jared Leto has incredible blue eyes.  (Even though he really does!)

The reason I am writing this is to tell anyone who’s a fan of music and art to buy the deluxe edition of THIS IS WAR.  With 3 bonus tracks and a DVD, this is the ultimate starter kit to introduce you to this epic band!  The band’s upcoming single “Hurricane”, which is one of my favorite tracks on the album is now included on the album featuring Kanye West.  The video is in post-production now and from the teaser the band sent out, it looks like it’s going to attract a lot of attention!  The DVD included with the deluxe album features music videos for “Closer To The Edge” and “Kings and Queens”, along with insightful footage of the band making the video.

No matter what your musical tastes are–be it rock, pop, R&B, contemporary, classical–there is something remarkable about 30 Seconds To Mars’ sound that crosses boundaries.  If you don’t want to commit to an entire album, try some tracks out on iTunes.  My recommendation is: “Alibi”, “Hurricane”, “Closer To The Edge” and “Night Of The Hunter”.  However, I don’t have a doubt in my mind that once you download one song, you’ll be able to stop there.  You can pick up THIS IS WAR Deluxe Edition at any music retailer!  Just get it and thank me later ;-)

Follow 30 Seconds To Mars on Twitter: www.twitter.com/30secondstomars

Visit their website: www.thirtysecondstomars.com

Oct17

2010 StarShine Magazine Music Award Nominees Diversify from new heartthrob Justin Bieber to old ones like Backstreet Boys along with Lady Gaga, 30 Seconds to Mars and Goo Goo Dolls

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2010 StarShine Magazine Music Award Nominees Diversify from new heartthrob Justin Bieber to old ones like Backstreet Boys along with Lady Gaga, 30 Seconds to Mars and Goo Goo Dolls

The 8th annual StarShine Music Awards (SMAs) nominees has branched out this year to include more rock-based artists like multi-platinum selling acts 30 Seconds To Mars and Goo Goo Dolls, who go head to head for many awards like Album of the Year and Artist of the Year. Also up for the big honors are tween favorite Justin Bieber and party monster Lady Gaga. Bieber grabs the most nominations with 9, setting a new record for most nominations in a year.

What’s surprising is the Backstreet Boys being acknowledged for 7 categories with their latest, slightly under the radar release, This Is Us. “We choose nominees based on their presence on www.starshinemag.com,” explains founding editor, Sandy Lo. “The Backstreet Boys were at the foundation of StarShine when we began in 2001. It’s great to see now that we have popular, fresh acts like Gaga and Bieber that we still have readers that want BSB and Aaron Carter. We’re lucky to have such loyal readers, and these artists are even luckier to have such loyal fans who want to still see them in our magazine.”
Speaking of Aaron Carter, the now 22-year-old’s recent interview with StarShine, which received the most hits on the site this summer nabbed him 2 nominations for his recent efforts with two new songs available for purchase.

Breakout bands like Semi Precious Weapons and Neon Trees don’t go unnoticed with quite a few nominations split between them. Both bands appeared in StarShine earlier this year leading up to their recent radio and touring success. Other nominees include Landon Pigg, British sensation JLS, YouTube star Alexandra Amor and new Jive Recording artist, Matisse.

Voting will take place beginning November 15th at 12am (12am EST) on www.starshinemag.com, now located as a division of the all new www.sandy-lo.com . Polls will remain open until December 12th (11:59pm EST). Instructions to vote will be posted on the homepage. Winners will be announced in late December.

For a complete list of nominees, see below.
Visit StarShine Magazine: www.StarShineMag.com
For more information on StarShine and the SMAs: sandy@starshinemag.com

2010 STARSHINE MUSIC AWARD NOMINEES

BEST DANCE SONG
Aaron Carter feat. Flo Rida – “Dance With Me”
Alexandra Amor – “Superstar”
Backstreet Boys – “Straight Through My Heart”
Justin Bieber – “Baby”
Lady Gaga – “Bad Romance”
BEST BALLAD
Colbie Caillat – “I Never Told You”
Jeff Timmons – “Always Ends The Same”
Justin Bieber – “U Smile”
Landon Pigg – “Falling In Love At A Coffee Shop”
Tortured – “Haley’s Letter”

BEST ROCK SONG

30 Seconds To Mars – “Kings and Queens”
Goo Goo Dolls – “Home”
Neon Trees – “Animal”
Semi Precious Weapons – “Semi Precious Weapons”
Tortured – “Haley’s Letter”

BEST POP SONG

Alexandra Amor – “Superstar”
Backstreet Boys – “Bigger”
JLS – “Everybody In Love”
Justin Bieber – “Baby”
Lady Gaga feat. Beyonce – “Telephone”

FAVORITE BAND/GROUP

30 Seconds To Mars
Backstreet Boys
Goo Goo Dolls
LMFAO
Semi Precious Weapons

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST

Colbie Caillat
Erin McCarley
Lady Gaga
Mandi Leigh
Matisse

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST

Aaron Carter
Jeff Timmons
Justin Bieber
Landon Pigg
Tyler Hilton

BEST LIVE SHOW

30 Seconds To Mars
Backstreet Boys
Justin Bieber
Lady Gaga
Semi Precious Weapons

BEST NEW ARTIST

Ashlyne Huff
JLS
Justin Bieber
Neon Trees
Semi Precious Weapons
BREAKING ARTIST
Alex Roots
Alexandra Amor
Harlem Witness
Matisse
Push Play

BREAKOUT ALBUM

Jeff Timmons – Jeff Timmons (Free Album)
JLS – JLS
Mandi Leigh – BLVD.
Neon Trees – Habits
Semi Precious Weapons – You Love You

SONG OF THE YEAR

30 Seconds To Mars – “Kings and Queens”
Backstreet Boys – “Straight Through My Heart”
Goo Goo Dolls – “Home”
Justin Bieber – “Baby”
Lady Gaga – “Bad Romance”

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

30 Seconds To Mars – This Is War
Backstreet Boys – This Is Us
Goo Goo Dolls – Something For The Rest Of Us
Justin Bieber – My World 2.0
Lady Gaga – The Fame Monster

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

30 Seconds To Mars
Backstreet Boys
Goo Goo Dolls
Justin Bieber
Lady Gaga

Sep29

30 Seconds To Mars: "Into The Wild" Tour Photos!

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30 Seconds To Mars: "Into The Wild" Tour Photos!

Photo Courtesy of EMI.

Back in April, StarShine brought you a bunch of 30 Seconds To Mars tour coverage including a review of their Philly show with photos and an interview with Shannon Leto.  We know you love this band, so we decided to throw in some new photos from their Atlantic City House of Blues show on September 4, 2010.

With their tour still trucking on, an MTV VMA win for “Best Rock Video” and a bunch of MTV Europe Music Award nominations, 30 Seconds To Mars is at the top of their game.  Their third studio album This Is War has released 3 hit singles and the band will release a deluxe version of the album on November 9th.

Front man Jared Leto performing "Night Of A Hunter".

Shannon Leto performs his composition "L490".

Jared pulls fans on stage to help him perform "Kings and Queens" at the end of the show.

Sep29

Australian Rockers Violent Soho Talk America, Jared Leto's Health & "Muscle Junkie"

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Australian Rockers Violent Soho Talk America, Jared Leto's Health & "Muscle Junkie"

L-R: Michael Richards, Luke Boerdem, James Tidswell, Luke Henery.

Violent Soho is a rock band not from New York or London, but Brisbane, Australia. The band name has nothing to do with their location, but rather a Rancid song called “Ruby Soho”. Though America is just now getting to know the band via various rock shows along with their recent run on 30 Seconds To Mars’ “Into The Wild” tour, Violent Soho have been playing together since 2004.  When StarShine sat down with the band backstage at Atlantic City’s House of Blues, we were able to get an inside glimpse at the struggles of making it as a band from another country.

“It’s near impossible for most bands from Australia to come over to the U.S.,” drummer Michael Richards told us, stating that’s mostly due to Visa complications. “That’s something we always wanted to be able to do. We were lucky enough to get picked up by a label and booking agent over [in America].”  The band’s debut album made their dreams come true by being released worldwide in March 2010. Not only did they get to tour the U.S., but famed producer Gil Norton made the record with them.

Lead singer Luke Boerdem tells us the themes of their self-titled debut album are their shared frustrations about religion and growing up in their town, and their love for the same music.  Violent Soho’s first single, “Jesus Stole My Girlfriend” reached #21 on the U.S. Alternative charts. With their second single “Muscle Junkie”, the band is hoping the video will take off. “We wanted to give the opportunity to put people in a video who normally don’t get asked to be in videos,” explains guitarist James Tidswell. “Instead of Britney look-a-likes having no clothes on, we wanted to have normal people and celebrate being normal and hating on people who strive for perfection in the looks department just to be in some sh*tty music video.”

The band feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to tour with 30 Seconds To Mars, who is one of the big names in rock music right now. StarShine wondered if Violent

Violent Soho performing live at the House of Blues in Atlantic City on September 4, 2010.

Soho received any good advice from Jared and the boys. “To preserve your looks,” James began. “Eat really good food and ride your bicycle after a show,” he laughed as the band discussed how Jared Leto stays in such great shape. “And don’t drink,” Boerdem added.

“Jared does an hour and a half show every night and then rides his bike an hour a day,” Michael says. “We do a half hour show and then we’re f*cked,” James then laughed.

Aside from Jared Leto’s healthy lifestyle, Violent Soho explained how it was just inspiring to see how far 30 Seconds To Mars has come. “They explained to us how they’ve been together since 1997. It’s good for us to see how long it takes to get where they are. In Australia, it happens a lot quicker or it’s not going to happen. It just goes to show you that you can do it,” James said positively.

In the future, Violent Soho would love to tour with some of their favorite bands like Against Me!, Blink-182, Paramore and The Melvins—who the quiet drummer Luke Henery added to the mix. “He’s the punk one,” James teased before he joked that they’d like to tour with Justin Bieber.

We ended our interview with the band by asking our signature question: what song would they dedicate to their fans? Their answer: “Rise Above” by Black Flag. “It’s what we want to inspire in people. Taking what’s given to you and rising above,” explains James.

StarShine was with the band up until they hit the House of Blues stage to a sold-out crowd. Our impression: Violent Soho knows how to mix professionalism, art and a whole lot of fun. They’re fairly mellow before the show and then hit the stage like a thrashing hurricane that’s reminiscent of the ‘90s grunge era. If you like true rock-alternative music without all of the fluff that’s being produced nowadays, go to iTunes and download this Aussie import!

Connect with Violent Soho
Website: www.violentsoho.com
MySpace: www.myspace.com/violentsoho
Facebook: www.facebook.com/violentsoho
Twitter: www.twitter.com/violentsoho
YouTube: www.youtube.com/violentsoho

Apr27

Author Sandy Lo Interviews 30 Seconds To Mars, Her Inspiration Behind Latest Book Dream Catchers!

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Author Sandy Lo Interviews 30 Seconds To Mars, Her Inspiration Behind Latest Book Dream Catchers!

April 27, 2010—New York, NY—Author and journalist SANDY LO had the opportunity to speak with the musical inspiration behind her latest novel, DREAM CATCHERS earlier this month. In an interview for StarShine Magazine, Lo spoke with Shannon Leto, founding member of the popular rock band, 30 SECONDS TO MARS. Upon discussing his latest tour, she was able to inform Leto of the impact his music has had on inspiring TORTURED, Lo’s band in the novel. Leto was grateful and thought it was “very cool”.

“I am so fortunate to be in the position I am in to speak with my musical muse for Dream Catchers”, explains Lo. “30 Seconds to Mars are really amazing.” Mars’ front man and actor, Jared Leto even inspired the main character, Jordan Walsh, a bit. “As a teenager, I was a fan of ‘My So-Called Life’ and fell in love with Jared’s character, Jordan Catalano, which is why I named my main character Jordan,” Lo shares.

Following her interview with Shannon Leto, Lo saw the band live for the first time on their “Into The Wild” tour to support their latest album This Is War. “I felt like my character, Haley, seeing Tortured perform for the first time,” she says with a smile. “30 Seconds to Mars really know how to put on a show.”

To read Sandy Lo’s interview with Shannon Leto and to see her review of the 30 Seconds to Mars show, go to: www.StarShineMag.com.

DREAM CATCHERS is available now through LuLu Press and is coming soon to other online retailers. Lo’s coming of age story of sheltered college student, Haley Foster, running off to New York City with the carefree musician, Jordan Walsh, has been receiving rave reviews from Amazon readers.

“I truly appreciate this realistic work of fiction that tells a personal story in an engaging way. Dream Catchers leaves you wanting more, well after you’ve read the last page!” gushes one reviewer.

Another reader commends SANDY LO on her characters: “Dream Catchers is told from the main character’s perspective, therefore allowing you to truly understand what she, Haley Foster, is thinking and feeling throughout the varied situations she is faced with. Many of the other characters are also fleshed out rather well, including Jordan Walsh, paragon of bad boy good looks and lead singer of the band Tortured. It appears that the author, Sandy Lo, wanted to tell a love story which was able to indulge the reader, while not coming across as overly predictable.”

To read an excerpt from DREAM CATCHERS and to order a copy, go to: www.sandy-lo.com or http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/dream-catchers/6137629.

Also, “Haley’s Letter”, the song written by SANDY LO for DREAM CATCHERS is now available on iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/haleys-letter/id356084511! The song was also written, produced and performed by JAMES MANZELLO and co-produced by FRANS MERNICK.

For more on Sandy Lo: www.sandy-lo.com
Follow Sandy on Twitter: www.twitter.com/authorsandylo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorsandylo