THIS WEEK... NYC INDIE ROCK BAND, SWEET CYANIDE HITS THE ROAD TO HEAD OUT WEST AND ROCK THE GREAT BIG CHIP!

Photo By The Wanna

Sweet Cyanide @ Sturgis Buffalo Chip 2015

With a new album hot off the press and some branded merch in tow, NYC indie rock band, SWEET CYANIDE is packing up to head across country and rock out at the 35th annual Buffalo Chip Music Festival with Buckcherry & Pop Evil. 

It's an annual tradition for Sal and the boys who have made the trip every summer since 2009.  Lead singer and guitarist, Sal Scoca said, "There is nothing like performing live at the Chip.  Most amazing crowd of people and we all have something in common, we still love rock music!"

Scoca told us there is one part of the trip the band isn't looking forward to, "Traveling across country every summer is always an exciting challenge!  With no fail, whether we fly or take a bus from New York to South Dakota, there's always something that comes up," said Sal.  

In 2010, the band made their way out West, performing live, two shows a day for ten days straight.  After their last live performance at the Chip with Def Leppard, they loaded up and headed back east in their RV.  Unfortunately, the band only made it about 200 miles and the RV broke down.  The band and crew were stranded for 3 days with no way to get home.  "It was like that John Candy movie, 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles.'  We had no way to get home.  Our RV was dead."  Eventually, days later, the band was able to hitch rides and fly home safely but Scoca admitted, "No food or bathroom for a few days was harsh."  In 2014, the band thought they learned their lesson and decided to fly across country.  Yet, the day before they were supposed to open at the Chip for Motley Crue and Alice Cooper, their United Airlines flight was delayed and the boys were literally stranded at the Chicago airport overnight.  "We were forced to sleep on the airport floor.  We didn't think we were gonna make it to perform live with Motley.  We actually missed the sound check and literally went from the airport, to the van to the main stage.  That was still a great show."  

This year Sweet Cyanide plans to fly again but, this time Sal says, "We plan to arrive a few days before and travel on Delta.  As long as we land safely, that's key."    

If you can't make it to Sturgis next week to experience Sweet Cyanide live, you can plan a trip to NYC later this year.  "We plan to announce some upcoming performances in NYC and Brooklyn."  

Support INDIE ROCK MUSIC!  Go to iTunes right now and buy Sweet Cyanide's new album, "Songs From The Stardust Road."

Sweet Cyanide's latest music released earlier this month, is a concept album.  Scoca shared, "We hope rock fans will take the time to listen to Stardust Road from start to finish.  It's intended to be a musical experience," says Scoca.  The Wanna's fav tracks on the album include:  "Solitude," "Zero Hour" and "New Illusions."

We wish Sal and the band a safe trip out West and an awesome set of shows this season!  

Ya Know You Wanna!

M.I.A GETS DROPPED FROM AFROPUNK MUSIC FESTIVAL

Entertainment Monthly

Have You Heard Of The Artist M.I.A.?  

No worries, some of us haven’t either… you may recognise her song, "Paper Planes." 

Point is, according to the upcoming AFROPUNK festival, M.I.A. is out!

Yes, the self described “multi-cultural festival,” is dropping M.I.A because the artist was busy running her mouth about Beyoncé, in an interview with Evening Standard Magazine.

M.I.A. Said, "‘It’s interesting that in America the problem you’re allowed to talk about is Black Lives Matter. It’s not a new thing to me — it’s what Lauryn Hill was saying in the 1990s, or Public Enemy in the 1980s. Is Beyoncé or Kendrick Lamar going to say Muslim Lives Matter? Or Syrian Lives Matter? Or this kid in Pakistan matters? That’s a more interesting question. And you cannot ask it on a song that’s on Apple, you cannot ask it on an American TV program, you cannot create that tag on Twitter, Michelle Obama is not going to hump you back.’

Clearly M.I.A.’s statements were going to piss someone off.   Question is who?

Initially her nasty comments to Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar and African American community (#muslimlivesmatter) offended fans and the AFROPUNK Festival came to M.I.A’s rescue by officially stating: “M.I.A will still perform at AFROPUNK London, and there is a huge amount of UK/ global talent still to be announced. We hope that this event also brings to light the experience of black Brits, immigrants and refugees in the UK, who are continuously erased.”

Now, 3 months later AFROPUNK has decided to give her the boot! This Saturday AFROPUNK released a statement on their social media stating; “After discussing the situation with the artist and the community, a decision was agreed upon by all involved that M.I.A will no longer headline AFROPUNK London.”

Twitter @afropunk

Based on M.I.A.’s offensive comments to all lives, cultures and Beyoncé, we suspect she will have to do some major clean up, before she performs on this side of the pond anytime soon...  

AFROPUNK Brooklyn, is August 27-28 and you can buy tickets here.

THE WANNA loves the idea of any multi-cultural event.  Bringing people together from all races and cultures— education is the key to a more peaceful world.  

Treat others as you wish to be treated and remember #alllivesmatter 

"YA KNOW YOU WANNA!" 

MUSIC YOU WANNA HEAR REVEALS THE BEST ROCK ALBUM OF THE YEAR!

SONGS FROM THE STARDUST ROAD HITS ITUNES & APPLE MUSIC TODAY!

www.stardustroad.com

At a time, when Hip-Hop is king, Country is cool, and Pop is a princess, real Rock & Roll might as well be the ugly step-sister.

Those days of stepping out in the East Village, to find a rock band performing live at a legendary venue on every corner, are long gone.  Both the venue and the bands are no where to be found.  Rock and roll institutions have been replaced by international clothing chains and drug store theme parks.

Yet, just when the future of rock appears bleak, one underground band surfaces with a new album, that injects a powerful surge of hope and inspiration into the world of music.

The New York, Bronx born band, SWEET CYANIDE released a new album today, SONGS FROM THE STARDUST ROAD.  Thirteen tracks, written and composed by SWEET CYANIDE’s front man, Sal Scoca.  The album is coming off of their 2012 rock radio hit, "IN MY WORLD" and 2014 rock radio hit, "BETTER AT GOODBYES." 

STARDUST ROAD is an unexpected yet, genius evolution from SWEET CYANIDE’S original aggressive, hard rock sound.  Each track on the new album delivers a distinctive mix of inventive electric modernity, layered between daringly clever lyrics that all culminate into a unique rock experience. 

STARDUST ROAD, has the power to change the way the world emotionally digests a group of songs released together at the same time, by offering fans a few different ways to experience the album.

Each song can stand alone as it’s own distinctive sound and experience.  Yet, if you listen closely to the lyrics from beginning to end, each track seamlessly flows from one scene to the next, ultimately revealing a captivating character and raw storyline.  But, make no mistake, the whole is not greater then the sum of it’s parts.  Just different.

The multi-level experience that STARDUST ROAD delivers fans, is what industry insiders would refer to as a, “concept album.”  The concept may have a thematic unity or artistic cohesiveness.  The group of songs may be unified by a theme, which can be instrumental, compositional, narrative, or lyrical. 

Most rock historians agree, the first concept album was by the Beatles' in 1967;  Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.  Other famous concept albums include:  The Who's Tommy in 1969, Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon in 1973 and the Eagles' Hotel California in 1977. 

Setting out to create a concept album is quite ambitious.  Writing a successful song is hard enough.  Now, imagine trying to create thirteen individual songs that offer double the pleasure?  Seems almost impossible to pull off. 

Seems impossible, but Scoca pulled it off.  STARDUST ROAD is a successful concept album. 

Yet, when we asked Scoca to share the concept, he said, “I don’t want the concept to over power or influence how someone interprets the sound.  The storyline is not up in your face.  It’s suggested.  Abstract enough so the listener still has the room to think and create a personal connection.  I guess when you create a concept that is the risk you take.”

It’s a risk that paid off for Scoca.  Tracks like New Illusions and Zero Hour are epic hits on their own and when you listen to the entire album, they weave an intense thought provoking story, that delivers both musically and lyrically.

Scoca said while he was in the trenches of creating the album he was listening to a lot of music from the late 70’s and early 80’s, “I kept going back and forth listening to Hall and Oates, Peter Gabriel and Bowie.” 

Sal also revealed, “Initially the concept of the album was inspired by Ziggy Stardust.  I always wondered to myself, what ever happened to Ziggy?  What if Ziggy was resurrected now, in the year 2016?  A time where the majority of society is obsessed with celebrities, fame and selfies.  Basically exploring the concept of…Are you chasing the dream or is the dream chasing you?”

You can form your own opinion and download the album which premieres on ITUNES today. 

You can also experience the album live.  SWEET CYANIDE plans to make their annual pilgrimage cross-country from NYC to South Dakota.  The band will be performing live on the main-stage at the 76th annual Sturgis Buffalo Chip Music Festival.  Sturgis is a real tradition for the band.  Past years SWEET CYANDIE has performed live and shared center-stage with Alice Cooper, Def Leppard, Cheap Trick, Five Finger Death Punch, and Motley Crue.  This year, Friday, August 12, 2016, the band will be performing live with Pop Evil and Buckcherry.  You can buy SWEET CYANIDE LIVE @ STURGIS tickets HERE.

Sweet Cyanide live on the mainstage at Sturgis. Until next year... Goto ITunes now and download their latest album out today, SONGS FROM THE STARDUST ROAD! WWW.STARDUSTROAD.COM

SONGS FROM THE STARDUST ROAD is Music You Wanna Hear! 

Log onto SWEETCYANIDE.com for live updates from the band and special CD and merch giveaways.

“Ya Know Ya Wanna!” 

STEVEN TYLER TALKS AEROSMITH FAREWELL TOUR, AND DENIES BAND BREAK UP RUMORS.

Zach Whitford Photography

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler recently phoned in to Howard Stern’s radio show to promote his new solo album.  The album is titled, “We’re All Somebody From Somewhere.”  The album features singles, “Love Is Your Name,” and “Red White and You.”  Tyler’s album is set for release on July 15th.

Stern got Tyler talking about recent Aerosmith break-up rumors.  Eventually, Tyler revealed to Stern, “We’re doing a farewell tour, but only because it’s time.”  Tyler’s remark was met with audible gasps from Stern and crew.

Although it’s been in the headlines all week, Tyler never actually stated that the farewell tour meant the band is splitting up.  In fact, Tyler only had good things to say about his band mates.  Tyler told Stern, “I love this band, I really do.  I want to squash every thought that anybody might have about this, that the band’s over.”  When asked how long the farewell tour could last, Tyler responded, “Probably forever.”

You can listen to Tyler's radio interview with Howard Stern here.

THE WANNA Show recently interviewed Steven Tyler about his charity, Janie's Fund.  Be sure to check out the video here.

Ya Know You Wanna!

AEROSMITH FRONTMAN, STEVEN TYLER IS THE ULTIMATE FATHER FIGURE, THIS FATHER'S DAY!

ROCK ICON, SON, FATHER AND GRANDPA, STEVEN TYLER IS ALSO A FATHER FIGURE TO THOUSANDS THIS FATHERS DAY!  

Steven Tyler, Janie's Fund

Aerosmith front man, Steven Tyler has a lot to celebrate this Father’s Day!  He is a proud Grandpa twice over to Milo and Sailor.  A Dad to four children.  Son Taj.  Daughter’s Mia, Chelsea and Liv who is pregnant with her third child and due to give birth later this summer.  Yet, this Father’s Day is even more special for Tyler.  He is also a proud father figure to thousands of young girls! 

Tyler is the founder of a successful philanthropic initiative, Janie’s Fund.  The fund benefits Youth Villages, which is a national organization that provides services to help young girls overcome serious neglect and abuse.  Tyler gives a lot more to Janie’s Fund then just his name.

Recently, Janie’s Fund chose several young girls, who are current members of the Youth Villages organization from Tennessee, to go on a special trip to NYC!   These lucky ladies attended an exclusive event at Lavo restaurant and nightclub on E. 58th street, in midtown Manhattan.  The event honored Tyler and Janie’s Fund.  The evening was generously hosted by Dujour Magazine and CEO, Jason Binn.

Tyler made a grand entrance into the event. The rocker arrived in his beloved car, a Hennessy Venom GT.  Tyler stopped traffic when hundreds of photographers and fans gathered around him to catch a glimpse.  Tyler officially announced his “baby” is up for auction and all the proceeds will benefit Janie’s Fund.  You can bid on Tyler's car by clicking on this link HERE! 

THE WANNA host, Gina Glickman Giordan, had the opportunity to interview Tyler one on one at the recent event.  The Hall of Fame inductee talked to THE WANNA about giving back and revealed how he honors his own father, Victor Tallarico, on Father's Day.

Watch THE WANNA episode below, starring; Steven Tyler!  

This episode of THE WANNA is dedicated in loving memory to, Steven Tyler’s father, Victor Tallarico. 

To find out more information or how to donate to Janie’s Fund click HERE!

THE WANNA wishes you and your family, a Happy Father’s Day!

LADY GAGA HONORS THE VICTIMS OF THE TRAGIC SHOOTING IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA!

Monday evening, pop star and longtime LGBT activist, Lady Gaga joined thousands of mourners in Los Angeles at City Hall, honoring the victims of the Pulse nightclub tragedy. 

Lady Gaga at L.A. Vigil. Twitter @ladygaga                   Photo by:  David McNew/Getty Images 

This past Monday evening, pop star and longtime LGBT activist, Lady Gaga joined thousands of mourners in Los Angeles at City Hall, honoring the victims of the Pulse nightclub tragedy. 

The iconic and outspoken performer gave an emotional speech and read off each of the names of the victims, while she fought back tears.  Gaga directed her words at the entire LGBT community and said, “I hope you know that myself and so many are your allies. Not only me, but everyone here. We represent the compassion and the loyalty of millions of people around the world that believe in you. You are not alone, you are not alone.” 

Lady Gaga at L.A. Vigil. Twitter @ladygaga  - Photo by:  David McNew/Getty Images 

In addition to Gaga's heartfelt speech at Monday’s vigil, she also posted on Instagram the photo below: 

Instagram @ladygaga

It’s no surprise to Gaga fans that she came out to support.  She’s been a long-standing advocate for the LGBT community for years.

In 2009, Gaga appeared on the cover of Out magazine and she used the cover interview as an opportunity to discuss her stance on LGBT culture.  Gaga revealed, “I very much want to inject gay culture into the mainstream.  It's not an underground tool for me. It's my whole life. So, I always sort of joke the real motivation is to just turn the world gay.”

In 2012, she created a video message and addressed Maine, Minnesota, Washington, and Maryland about the vote for marriage equality.  She says in the clip, “I just wanted to remind those of you who live in Maine, Minnesota, Washington, or Maryland that you can actually vote for marriage equality on the ballot this year,” using her fame as a popular musician to get the word out.  Check out the video here:

When the U.S. Supreme Court passed marriage equality in 2012, Gaga took to Twitter with a photo and captioned it, “#Lovewins over prejudice.”

Photo from Twitter @ladygaga

Gaga's Grammy nominated song, “Born This Way,” sends clear messages of acceptance and appreciation for the LGBT community.  “Born This Way” was the first top hit on Billboard charts to include the word “transgenders” in the lyrics.  

In March 2011, the pop star made a deal with Target stores in which she would only allow them an exclusive release of the Born This Way album if they ended dealings with anti-gay groups, and contributed to LGBT charities.  She stated, "Part of my deal with Target is that they have to start affiliating themselves with LGBT charity groups and begin to reform and make amends for the mistakes they've made in the past ... our relationship is hinged upon their reform in the company to support the gay community and to redeem the mistakes they've made supporting those [antigay] groups."

THE WANNA wants to hear from you!

Has Lady Gaga inspired you in the past?

SHARE your reaction to the tragedy in Orlando?

THE BOSS, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN CANCELS HIS NORTH CAROLINA CONCERT IN SUPPORT OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY!

MUSIC YOU WON'T HEAR...

Bruce Springsteen cancels North Carolina concert over 'bathroom law'

Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised the news that Bruce Springsteen is cancelling a concert this weekend in North Carolina due to the state’s radical and extreme new anti-LGBT law – HB 2 – that was rammed through the legislature on March 23rd.

“Bruce Springsteen is a hero and an icon because he gives voice, both through his music and his advocacy, to those who struggle against injustice and equality,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “It means so much that he has spoken out against this hateful bill on behalf of thousands of citizens whose rights and fundamental dignity are being trampled by the leadership of North Carolina.”

In announcing the decision, Springsteen said: “As you, my fans, know I’m scheduled to play in Greensboro, North Carolina this Sunday. As we also know, North Carolina has just passed HB2, which the media are referring to as the “bathroom” law.  HB2 — known officially as the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act — dictates which bathrooms transgender people are permitted to use. Just as important, the law also attacks the rights of LGBT citizens to sue when their human rights are violated in the workplace. No other group of North Carolinians faces such a burden. To my mind, it’s an attempt by people who cannot stand the progress our country has made in recognizing the human rights of all of our citizens to overturn that progress. Right now, there are many groups, businesses, and individuals in North Carolina working to oppose and overcome these negative developments. Taking all of this into account, I feel that this is a time for me and the band to show solidarity for those freedom fighters. As a result, and with deepest apologies to our dedicated fans in Greensboro, we have canceled our show scheduled for Sunday, April 10th. Some things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and bigotry — which is happening as I write — is one of them. It is the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards.”

H.B. 2 has eliminated existing municipal non-discrimination protections for LGBT people and prevents such protections from being passed by cities in the future. The legislation also forces transgender students in public schools to use restrooms and other facilities inconsistent with their gender identity, putting 4.5 billion dollars in federal funding under Title IX at risk. It also compels the same type of discrimination against transgender people to take place in state buildings, including in public universities. Lawmakers passed the legislation in a hurried, single-day session, and Governor McCrory quickly signed it into law in the dead of night.

North Carolina is the first state in the country to enact a law attacking transgender students, even after similar proposals were rejected across the country this year -- including a high-profile veto by the Republican Governor Dennis Daugaard of South Dakota.

North Carolina school districts that comply with the law will now be in direct violation of Title IX, subjecting the school districts to massive liability and putting an estimated $4.5 billion of federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education, as well as funding received by schools from other federal agencies, at risk.

This section of House Bill 2 offers costly supposed solutions to non-existent problems, and it forces schools to choose between complying with federal law -- plus doing the right thing for their students -- or complying with a state law that violates students’ civil rights. Read more about how this bill puts federal funding at risk here.

As a result of North Carolina’s HB2 law, which puts thousands of youth, citizens, employees, and visitors to the state at risk, more than 130 business leaders are calling for a repeal effort during the upcoming legislative session and a number of businesses have begun to remove investments from the state.

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