Hopeless Records and nonprofit organization Sub City have joined forces with music chain F.Y.E. to put on the eighth annual Take Action Tour. To date, the tour has raised more than $550,000 for DoSomething.org, a nonprofit focused not on one particular charity, but rather on providing tools, resources, and motivation to inspire "a generation of doers." This year's lineup continues the tradition of buzz-worthy bands, with a strong showing of emo/punk-pop powerhouses. They include headliners Cute Is What We Aim For, Anarbor, Every Avenue, and Breathe Carolina, which distinguish themselves by delivering what they've aptly labeled "emotronica."
Among the real standouts, though, is Utah-based Meg & Dia. These days, the group comprises five members, not just the two pretty songwriting sisters whose names form the group's handle. In 2006, they released their debut album, Something Real, spawning two singles, "Roses" and "Monster," which saw heavy play both virally and on the radio. But their upcoming second release, Here, Here, and Here, shows them taking a direct approach to their pop-rock hooks and, well, simply maturing.
And in case some added life experience isn't enough, the group has enlisted the help of a few notable names for the production of the record, which drops on Warner Bros. in April. Production comes from Howard Benson, best known for his work with My Chemical Romance and All-American Rejects. Musical guest stars include Plain White T's frontman Tom Higginson, who contributes to the duet "Bored of Your Love." Other tracks to look out for include the darker and harder-rocking "Black Wedding" and "What If," which are already resounding with fans on the Internet.