New Music: Bite Me – Avril Lavigne

Photo Credit: Bite Me Cover Art on Spotify

The queen of pop-punk is back and Avril is not messing around.

Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne is back with new music and we’re pumped. She released her new single “Bite Me” which in the music video features Travis Barker on the drums.

The track was co-produced with Barker, John Feldmann, and Mod Sun after the singer announced she has signed with Barker’s label DTA Records.

Photo Credit: Ryan McFadden

She first announced new music on the way following a performance on Barker House of Horrors live-stream and said “Should I drop my first single next week?”

Then teased a snippet of the song on her TikTok where it had over 10 million views in only a few days.

Lavigne is happy with her new label as you can see in the video she is showing off a DTA Records sticker on the guitar. 

Avril shared when she first worked with the Blink 182 drummer, “The first time we worked together was 15 years ago on my new album ‘The Best Damn Thing,’ and I have really enjoyed watching him develop into the producer that he is today. We spent a lot of time writing songs and working on this record together, and signing to this record label DTA gelt like the perfect home for me and my new music. Travis understands my vision as a musician, my creative  process as an artist, and my goals at this stage in my career.”

You can stream the banger “Bite Me” on Spotify and Apple Music now and be sure to check out the music video for this track. I can’t wait to see what Avril releases next.

Written By: Mike Stark | @MikeStarkCA

Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 Reveals He’s Cancer-Free

Cover Photo Photo Credit: Greg Doherty

Good news for bassist and co-lead singer Mark Hoppus of Blink-182. He is officially cancer-free.

The artist shared the news on his Twitter and Instagram stating “Just saw my oncologist and I’m cancer free!! Thank You God and universe and friends and family and everyone who sent support and kindness and love. Still have to get scanned every six months and it’ll take me until the end of the year to get back to normal but today is an amazing day and I feel so blessed. Can I get a W in the chat?”


Photo Credit: Screenshot of Tweet from @MarkHoppus on Twitter

Well, Mark, you can get a million “W’s” from us because this sure is amazing news!

The musician first announced his cancer diagnosis on June 23 sharing “Hopeful and Positive for a cancer-free future while still going through the next few months of treatment.” Hoppus disclosed he underwent chemotherapy for three months prior to his first announcement. 

Hoppus is scheduled to appear at bandmate Travis Barker’s House of Horrors later this month. 

Written By: Mike Stark | @MikeStarkCA

Travis Barker Announces Virtual Halloween Event with Special Guests

(Cover Photo) Photo Credit: @TravisBarker on Instagram

Travis Barker of Blink-182 will be hosting the ultimate Halloween event this year, complete with a powerhouse of guests.

Barker’s House of Horrors Halloween is an event hosted by blink-182 drummer Travis Barker. The event this year will be virtual. The online event will see guest appearances from Machine Gun Kelly, Avril Lavigne, Blink-182 bandmate Mark Hoppus, Blackbear, Iann Dior, and Jxdn.

Allison Hagendorf and Danger Ehren from The Dingo will host the exclusive event which is broadcasting from a haunted private estate via the platform NoCap on October 28, 2021, at 10 PM E.T. / 7 P.M. PT.

Photo Credit: NoCap

In a release from Barker, he shared “This is the concert we all WISH we could go to.” NoCap is both a platform and promoter of premium live stream concerts and innovative experiences providing fans globally access to memorable performances.

The platform hopes to present live shows virtually by top talent in historic venues like The Roxy Theatre and other locations with incredible concert-quality sound and visuals. The company also offers premiere content, merchandise, VIP, and Meet-and-Greet upgrades.

NoCap worked with artists like Jimmy Buffet, Foo Fighters, G-Eazy, Kehlani, and more. Tickets for Barker’s House of Horror start at $25 and are on sale at the event site VIP tickets are $35 which allow fans to sign on 30 minutes early for performer arrivals, interviews, and get exclusive access to the afterparty. 

Written By: Mike Stark | @MikeStarkCA 

Surf Curse at The Observatory North Park

Surf rock has become largely oversaturated in Southern California, but bands like Surf Curse have created a refreshing sound that is unique to Socal’s music scene.

I had the opportunity to see Surf Curse at The Observatory in North Park on Wednesday, October 16. While waiting to enter the venue, I witnessed a security guard’s interaction with a group of young girls (who were intoxicated and attempted to bring alcohol into the show). Seeing this altercation, I knew what type of concert this was going to be, and I mean that in the most positive way possible.

The whole experience felt like a scene from a teen-indie film.

The band’s production was minimal, and their show intimate. Each musician had something distinctive about them. Nick Rattigan sang lead vocals and played drums simultaneously, which I found extremely impressive. Jacob Rubeck largely kept to himself as he played his mahogany and black Stratocaster. His business-like demeanor and crisp technique were fascinating to watch.

Although Rattigan and Rubeck are the “main” members of the band, their touring musicians more than carried their weight. The guitarist and bassist had great chemistry and played passionately. In fact, the guitarist played so passionately that he broke two strings throughout the show. Additionally, their synth player’s nonchalant body language led my girlfriend to ask me, “Is she even playing anything?” I laughed. You know you’re doing something right when you play your instrument so well that people can’t even tell you’re playing it. 

Most of their set came from their latest record, Heaven Surrounds You, but they did not neglect to include hits such as “Freaks” and “Forever Dumb” in their encore. Although I did not know every song, each track gave me a similar visceral feeling of nostalgia, which was completely exhilarating.

All in all, Surf Curse gave a great performance. People moshed, crowd surfed, and will certainly remember the night.

Check out Surf Curse’s music here.

Written by: Grant Jordan
Photos by: Grant Jordan