BRB, Going to A Show...

After four amazing years supporting the local Boston music scene with the best damn show and record reviews our creative talents can muster, we’re taking a break. Beyond anything else, we’re so incredibly happy to see our friends grow to become featured on prominent music websites, tour nationally and internationally and continue to put out some of the best music our ear holes have ever had the pleasure of rocking out to. Browse the blog for archived favorites and follow us on Instagram at @BishopAndRook for band pics. See you at a show.

Back to School Sale! Save 20% On Your Bishop & Rook Hoodie

"It's like wearing a kitten." Get your Bishop & Rook hoodie now.

For a limited time, save 20% on your Bishop & Rook burgundy zip-up hoodie. As seen in Rebuilder’s ‘Look What You’ve Done’ music video (below). “One of my best purchases of 2015. This is what you want in a sweatshirt. It hugs you. It’s like a kitten on the inside. It’s like wearing a kitten,” Dave Crespo – WEMF Radio.

Available in slim fit style small thru X-large and regular X-large sizes. Screen printed by ACME Band Supply. On sale for $20 (plus shipping).

Want to avoid shipping costs and experience instant gratification? Head to Charlie’s Kitchen (10 Eliot Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge) this Monday, September 14th during Night #3 of The Boston Scene Party Showcase and purchase your hoodie in person.

►► Shop Now.

Vanyaland's V:List Limits Your Excuses - Easier Than Ever To Find Local Show Information

Vanyaland introduces the V:List Interactive Event Guide.

Vanyaland just limited your excuses by making it easier than ever to find local show information. The premiere Boston music blog introduced the V:List, Vanyaland’s Guide To Events Around Town, yesterday with a kickoff giveaway to three choice events. Fort Lean at T.T. The Bear’s Place on July 8; Kingsley Flood’s Rock And Blues Cruise around Boston Harbor on July 12; and Boston Magazine’s BestFest at City Hall on July 21.

"The V:List [is] a sharpened look at what’s going on around Boston, reflective of the sights and sounds we cover here in the digital pages of Vanyaland. Our events guide serves two major purposes: To keep you in the loop on relevant artists playing around town, both touring acts and the best of New England, across a wealth of local venues and stages; and to give you, the artist, promoter, or tastemaker, a forum to hype your own upcoming events.," states the website.

Customizable to your musical tastes and open to public submissions, The V:List is built to organize and promote music events happening in and around the city. Hop on over to Vanyaland now to test it out and for a chance to enter and win tickets.

Boston Scene Party Presents "Off The Record (Store)" - Boston Music Networking Event

Come hang with Bishop & Rook during Boston Scene Party's free music networking event.

Boston music blog network, Boston Scene Party, is hosting another free music mingle and learn event on July 8th at O'Brien's Pub in Allston.

All ages (21+ w/ valid ID to drink)

Free - Please RSVP by 7/5/15 in order to be added to the packet o' contacts provided at the event.

Open to any and all individuals interested in Boston music, these networking events are designed to introduce, integrate and educate.

'Off the Record (Store)' features a panel discussion with record store owners in Greater Boston covering topics including:

• The history of record stores in America and how the resurgence of vinyl and boutique labels has affected stores today.
• Avenues of revenue record stores have turned to in order to keep themselves infused with the community and music industry.
• How musicians can work with local stores to create a mutually beneficial relationship.

Schedule:

• Doors at 6pm
• 6p - 7p - Networking
• 7p - 8p - Featured topic
• 8p - Stick around for live music from Spitting Black, Damien The Cat, A Raven Among Doves and It Destroys And Kills, presented by Grayskull Booking.

'Disorderly Presence' Is Not Far From Insubordination's Role In The Scene

See Insubordination with DCDR, Tenafly Vipers and Outer Stylie 6/18 at O'Brien's Pub.

In a way, the title of Insubordination's new album, 'Disorderly Presence' (Angry Pirate Records), could accurately describe not their place in modern society but in the punk rock community as well.

Stream "The National Bohemian" off of Rebuilder's Upcoming Debut LP

Rebuilder's 'Rock & Roll In America' release show - April 3rd at O'Brien's Pub, Allston

In celebration of their upcoming debut full-length album ‘Rock & Roll In America’, Rebuilder (Panic State Records) is scheduled to play their record release show at O’Brien’s Pub in Allston on Friday, April 3rd. We’re keeping it local and celebrating the immense talent of the Boston music scene by featuring post-hardcore band Choke Up (Black Numbers Records), Somerville indie punk outfit Bundles and kitschy ‘spaceman looping artist’ Sundog, along with special guest DJ Mateo Williams of WMBR 88.1 FM’s Late Risers Club (MIT) who will be spinning vinyl records of the punk variety in-between sets. The event is presented by Bishop & Rook Music Blog, is 21+, $8 and doors are at 8pm. Advanced ticket link available here. Get additional details via the official Facebook event page.

Stream an exclusive first listen of "The National Bohemian" off of Rock & Roll In America after the jump.

Sports., Fall Risk ('Sleeplessness' EP Release Show), Dirt Naps at Charlie’s Kitchen

Hang out with Bishop And Rook at a show. It'll be awesome. We'll high-five each other.

Sorry ma, forgot to take out the trash...because we were too busy making a rock show! Whhaaaatttt?

Head to Charlie's Kitchen (10 Eliot Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge) on Monday, March 2nd for the next Bishop And Rook presents show featuring pop punker duo Fall Risk, supporting their 'Sleeplessness' EP release, emo punks Sports. and garage kids Dirt Naps. Full event details here.

Get there early, eat great food, stay and pay $5 to hear equally great music. Plus, be the very first crowd to purchase brand new, limited run Bishop And Rook merch before it becomes available to purchase on the internets. ◄ Internet shopping is a highly impersonal experience. Absolutely no hugs given. Best to buy in person.

Related Stories:
Boston Underdogs Fall Risk to Release the 'Sleeplessness' EP
Bishop And Rook Returns to Mutiny on the Microphone (for some reason)

Bishop And Rook Returns to Mutiny on the Microphone (for some reason)

Bishop And Rook was this week's guest DJ on New England music podcast Mutiny on the Microphone. Here's 60 minutes of complete nonsense, local music and probably a whole mess of misinformation. For the record, we were invited back. LISTEN NOW. #norules #nogods




On a mobile device? Click here to listen!


Also, go to a show. Next Bishop And Rook shows!!!
March 2nd - Charlies Kitchen - fting Sports., Fall Risk, Dirt Naps
April 3rd - O'Brien's Pub - fting Rebuilder, Choke Up, Bundles, Sundog


February 19th Playlist:

Bundles - B&E
Jetavana Grove - Hope is a Bus (That I Missed This Morning)
Choke Up - Rust
Laika's Orbit - Circumstance
Sports. - Mo Vaughn
Fall Risk - No. 1
Sundog - Superstition
Dirt Naps - Bees Knees
Julius Earthling - 575

Related Stories:
Bishop And Rook Guest DJs the 'Break Out Bands of 2014' Podcast For Mutiny on the Microphone

Show Review - Bishop And Rook Presents The Offseason Stripped Down and Keeping it Classy

The Offseason at Sound Lion 1.30.15 through the eyes of sketch artist Louis Roe.

Third time was the charm for The Offseason as their first two gigs of the week were snowed out by blizzard conditions.

Local Music Scene Hangout - February 18th

Illegally Blind presents 'Local Music Scene Hangout', 10pm, February 18th at ZuZu (474 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge). Per the Facebook event page, the goal for the evening is to get a bunch of local musicians, artists, promoters, writers, etc. to hangout and hopefully help build working relationships within the local music community. Everyone is encouraged to bring albums, business cards, etc. and please get to know one another! There will be a playlist of all local music for the duration of the evening.

Help spread the word.

FREE, 21+.

Influence The Next Hard Times Punk News Story

Have I got a story for you!

Influence the next The Hard Times punk news story with your own observations of ridiculous scene shenanigans.

Arguably one of the most trending music website since the Sinclair Is Not Open Tumblr, and the most entertaining online read next to the Apple Cinemas Yelp reviews, The Hard Times, essentially the Onion for punks, has captivated the internets.

With compelling and eerily familiar headlines such as "Man Acts Like He Is First Person to Hang from Rafters", "Punks Organize Benefit Show to Fund Future Benefit Shows" and our personal favorite "Huge Monday Night Show Draws Almost Every Band Member" (James Tran, the band’s drummer, is still a “Maybe” on the Facebook event.), it's easy to begin thinking of your own breaking news stories.

Put your subpar typing skills to the test and submit 10 headline ideas and a sample article to: Ideas@TheHardTimes.net. From social media, to live shows, word of mouth tales and press releases, we've got at least 20 ideas so far.

Follow The Hard Times on Twitter and Facebook.

Bishop And Rook, The Offseason, Sound Lion, All January Long

Special price, special discount, special in-store. We special yo. (image credit)

Here's some fun, exciting, pop punky news!

Bishop And Rook is part of the local music blog super group collaboration, Boston Scene Party, along with your favs like Allston Pudding and Boston Ska Dot Net.

Each month, a participating blog chooses a band to feature at the Sound Lion audio retail store in Harvard Square. Buy that band's record and get 10% off your entire Sound Lion purchase (no minimum). So like, buy ALL THE HEADPHONES, or just a pair of ear buds, still get 10% off and score new music.

Bishop And Rook kicks off 2015 as the January blog and our pick for new local music, fresh off the O'Brien's stage, your very own, power pop punk quartet, The Offseason!

Bishop And Rook's Local Picks of 2014

It's Bishop And Rook's Local Picks of 2014! Ta-da!

Oh man, 2014. We went to all the shows! We drank all the beer! But most importantly, it was another year of meeting extraordinarily passionate and talented music folks in Boston. Here's to the record release shows, the new singles, the networking, the collaborations, the venues, the local radio stations, the fans, and all the bands that submitted music to Bishop And Rook. These are some of our favorite local tracks of 2014. Let's do it all again next year.

Bishop And Rook Joins Boston Scene Party

Join the party at www.bostonsceneparty.com

Ermahgerd you guys! We’re making friends and making history! Bishop And Rook is proud to announce our involvement in Boston Scene Party, a community group of local bloggers brought together by a shared commitment, enthusiasm and genuine love for the Boston music scene.

The Best Part of Oklahoma was in Boston Last Night

I'm just saying. Monday night is alright for punk rock. Beers and cheers and rock and roll. (image credit)

Boston Ska (dot) net Presents 'Get It Together, a Ska and Punk Night'

A night of local ska and punk September 22nd in Allston.

Wagering they have a better alternative to your typical Monday night, Boston Ska (dot) net is presenting Get It Together!, a ska and punk night at O’Brien’s Pub (Allston) on Monday, September 22nd.

“Here at Boston Ska (dot) net, we think a lot about community: communities of musicians, communities of show-goers, the larger Boston music scene and our smaller ska scene. We set out to help build that community by promoting bands, telling stories, and keeping folks informed about shows in the area. We like to think we’re doing an okay job of that but we know we can do more.”

The line up for your better than average Monday evening includes:

The Pomps
The Srew-Ups (RI)
Meracula

And more TBA, MCed by Boston Ska’s Jacob Wake Up! (8p/21+/$5). Horns and righteousness and good vibes to be had. Details surrounding Get It Together! can be found on the official event Facebook page. Follow Boston Ska for additional shows and local ska music news.

Getting Personal with Promotions: A Boston Music Media Event

Join us for our next Boston Music Media Networking Event

We're excited to announce the second installment of Boston Music Media Networking with "Getting Personal with Promotions" on September 23rd at Middlesex Lounge, Central Square, Cambridge.

Discover how promotional organizations from the Boston area help bands grow in popularity by public relations, brand management, and distribution.

A panel of guest contributors from Midriff Records, Pirate! and Last Dance Productions will discuss the importance of business ethics, maintaining an artist/client balance, and how media outlets (like us) play an important role in growing/maintaining a band's audience as well as reputation and character. We'll open the floor to questions and have some networking time so you can meet other like-minded people in the industry! Don't forget your business cards.

This FREE event is open to all music media folks including but not limited to bloggers, podcasters, journalists, promoters and label/PR managers.

My Heart Belongs to the Boston Music Scene

We support local music. Follow Bishop And Rook on Instagram for more pictures.

Shoe string guitar straps, punks playing violin, $4 Coors Lights and impromptu sing-alongs. Kids, this is what I live for. The Clear Channels and the big box stores can have their corporate recommended listens and curated compilations; I’ll take my music genuine.

The streets they’re singing about? You’ve walked on them. The bars you frequent? They’re drinking there with you. This show tonight? This show is happening for you.

Every day you support local music, you grow closer to a community, its people, its quirks and inside jokes. Its struggles. Its inspiration. The humble camaraderie. And the savvy ambition of a person who never gives up. By a steady amount or observation you begin to realize everyone around you is drunk off of passion, respect and gratitude. This is the scene. You can go to any no name place in any town, buy a drink and have no purpose. These venues have purpose, you have purpose. If you just show up.

Everything is better in person. Just go to a show.
Submit your music to Bishop And Rook.

FREE Boston Scene Support Networking Event

Do you like American music? I like American music. Swing by The Middlesex Lounge at 315 Mass Ave. in Cambridge on Tuesday, July 29th between 7p-9p to put a face with the name of our local scene supporters. A FREE meet and greet networking event for local scene supporters, bloggers, podcasters, journalists and promoters. It's about time.

7p-8p networking

8p-9p discuss collaborating opportunities, organizing a network and ways to grow your organization and the scene

If tickets sell out, add your name to the waitlist - additional spots will be released closer to the event date.

During the event, if you're having a too good to be true time, please remember to tag our gracious venue host @middlesexlounge on Twitter. This meet and greet is brought to you by Adam of Mutiny on the Microphone and Kristin of Bishop And Rook.

We're Nominated for The Boston A-List Best Local Blog - Vote for Us!

Oh hey hey now. We managed get ourselves nominated for the 2014 Boston A-List Best Local Blog. We're honored that late nights, cheap beer, and an endless supply of earplugs could result in such recognition. What can we say, we do it for the scene.

Show us your love and vote for Bishop And Rook - Best Local Blog. Because...music and kittens. Hurry, voting ends August 1st.