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| Los Angeles Band, "Beatnik Jr.", Gets Animated Los Angeles-based experimental rock band, Beatnik Jr., is pleased to announce that they have been signed on to provide music for the soundtrack of anime/manga giant, Tokyopop's, upcoming independent film production, "Van Von Hunter in Maiden Quest". Beatnik Jr.'s title song, "Beatnik Jr.", was chosen for publication in the independent anime documentary, whose worldwide estimated release date is scheduled for late July 2009. Beatnik Jr., an alternative mix of electronic and experimental rock, is furthering their foray into the independent film world with an upcoming live performance at "VIGNETTE" , a bi-annual film festival featuring animation, documentary, experimental and narrative shorts by Los Angeles-based independent filmmakers. The June 17 event will be held at KING KING Hollywood, and Beatnik Jr.'s appearance - the only live band performance of the evening - will serve as the mid-viewing break between film sets. Beatnik Jr. will continue their nod to Hollywood's modern, eclectic entertainment mix, with a July 9 follow-up performance at KING KING, closing out the venue's popular, French-style cabaret show "L'effleur des Sens", now in its fourth season at this location. "The band is thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute their music to such dynamic and creative mediums, " said Simon Yi, Beatnik Jr.'s manager. "Beatnik Jr. has such a unique sound, and we're honored to have been chosen to participate in not one, but three, equally individual, artistic projects." Beatnik Jr. recently completed their participation in Hard Rock's Ambassadors of Rock Battle of the Bands contest, where they were one of only five bands advancing to the final phase of the contest, worldwide online voting. Those five bands had triumphed over the initial 150+ band entries, from all over North America. Beatnik Jr.'s recent live performances include their April 9, April 23 and June 2 shows as part of the Hard Rock's Ambassadors of Rock Battle of the Bands contest, as well as two performances at the legendary Sunset Strip live music venue, The Viper Room. The band also recently played at Fat City, in San Francisco, as well as two dates at the House of Blues Sunset Strip. After their June 17 performance at KING KING Hollywood, the band plays a July 1 show at Cantina Lounge, in Fullerton, CA and a July 3 show at the Troubadour, in West Hollywood, before returning to KING KING on July 9. Los Angeles-based Beatnik Jr. began playing together in late 2007. To date, they have played a multitude of shows in cities and venues all over Southern California, as well as appearances in other locales across the nation. The group, which is known for incorporating elements of electronic rock into their music, has built quite the following in the past year, appealing to a varied demographic - from other emerging local and national acts, artists and musicians, to seasoned music industry veterans who hale Beatnik Jr.'s musical talents, feats and nuances. At the helm of Beatnik Jr., is John Maro. John, a Philadelphia native, has been making music his entire life, which is now devoted to heading up Beatnik Jr. He sings and writes, plays guitar and keyboards. Jordan Vernik, also from Philadelphia, is both lead guitarist and producer, molding and focusing the band's live and recorded sounds. Collin Winner, new to Los Angeles from Connecticut, is the band's bassist. And hailing from Virginia, drummer Drews' unique creativity lays down the Beatnik Jr. rhythm. Fans have referred to Beatnik Jr.'s music as sounding similar to Radiohead, The Faint, The Postal Service, Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, and even The Beatles. write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Jazz News :: home page |