The Pop Machine loses some members

The Pop Machine just posted a myspace bulletin with this announcement:

We are not broken up.

Derek has relocated to ATL, Spencer Austin, Tx. Everyone else is still in, or back in Seattle after our rough US Tour.

The band will continue, and we're writing our first album now. Which we will get together to record sometime in the next couple months. So sit tight and don't forget about us.

And when they say "rough US Tour," here's a blog they posted from their experience down South:

Q: What is going on with Huntsville, Al Vs. the Pop Machine.

A: We're a gay friendly band. And they said. "Ya'lls look like girls" and "you are faggots" Etc. Boycott Huntsville and watch out for them because they are fucked up yokels. Like in that movie wrong turn.

there is a cool dude named Josh and Travis who live in Huntsville, Al. We don't know why though.

Oh and also. We got video of the whole inncodent along with alot of pictures and proof that we will be posting as soon as we get back to Seattle.

Bands. Do not go to Huntsville. Unless you wanna be ripped off and pissed on and chased by pitchforks

Hornets nest.

I played Huntsville, Alabama once. I was in a punk rock-ish kind of band whose guitar player was African American. We were hired by a fraternity for some event. We got on site and set up. As we waited until our start time, the attendees of this event started showing up.... in full "prom attire." Turns out it was their formal dance. To their credit, they never asked us to leave or anything. One girl did ask if we could turn down, because it was hard for them to talk over us. :)

the Pop Machine is stuck...

The youthful rock dudes and dudettes of The Pop Machine just posted that they've officially run out of gas money on their tour. Of course, they're in Austin, TX, and I can think of worse places for a band to get stuck. So, I imagine it will work out just fine (although it looks like they've only got a few days to make it to Hollywood, Arkansas for a show on the 21st).

While you sit and ponder their tour troubles, you can also view a video of them conquering the famous "Rocky steps" in Philly.

The Pop Machine video

It's a video posting kind of day here at the Seattle Powerpop Blog. This one is by local pop youngsters The Pop Machine

When these guys started their myspace page and started building momentum, I was quite excited to see where they were headed. So far, I love the enthusiasm and energy. I love the influences and the style. I'm less sold on the actual material delivery. Much of their stuff is a little too out of tune for my preferences. I'm sure it'd be a kick live, though.

NW bands @ Radio Heartbeat Fest

In March, Radio Heartbeat out of Brooklyn, NY is having what they call the first ever NYC powerpop festival. Tey say they have finalized the line up, and there are a number of Northwest bands on the bill, including:

The Nice Boys, Portland
The Suspicions, Seattle
The Pop Machine, Seattle

I don't know about this "first ever" declaration, especially since the International Pop Overthrow is held there. A lot of the bands seem more on the garage-pop tip. But, it looks like a pretty cool series of shows.

Congrats to our NW friends for making the bills!

The enigma that is The Pop Machine

Back in September this myspace page popped onto my radar that was intruiging. It was by a band called The Pop Machine. I remember looking at the site, reading the text and thinking "wow, now that's quite a starting point." Indeed, I posted the first comment on their site that said, "I can't wait to hear the music. The lead up certainly has set the bar quite high!"

So, it is with some interest (and some disappointment) that I learned that they are performing their first show *tonight* (12/7) at the Fun House with The Pharmacy and the Clorox Girls (portland). Why disappointment? Because I just found out about it and can't attend.

Of course, I've still yet to hear a single note of their music. So, I have no idea what they really sound like. But, their site says they're a "buncha CA-RAZY young and good looking kids!!!" playing music that sounds "in a nutshell.. A punk rock Shangri-La's/Archies." And who wouldn't like that, I ask you?

Therefore, if you find yourself at the Funhouse tonight, I'd love a report. Heck I'd even take a report from the band themselves. So, let me know how it goes and give me some music, darn it!