Semi Precious Weapons have posted up a video of Justin singing “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” with Stevy on the guitar. Check it out above!

Semi Precious Weapons recently performed two new tracks at their show at The Roxy, “Drink” and “That’s My Friends”. Check them out!

November 19th 8pm – The Roxy – Free – All Ages
RSVP by emailing roxy@semipreciousweapons.com
Concept by Naomi Knights, Video by Stevy Pyne, Music by Semi Precious Weapons. “LIVE” produced by Tricky Stewart

November 19th 8pm – The Roxy – Free – All Ages.
RSVP by emailing roxy@semipreciousweapons.com.
Video by Stevy Pyne, music by Semi Precious Weapons, produced by Tricky Stewart.

Happy Birthday to Stevy Pyne, the genius guitar hero of our favourite band, Semi Precious Weapons! We hope you have a great day, and party like the world is going to end!

By Laura Lyne

Several days ago, I was fortunate enough to receive four new songs from my favourite band, “Semi Precious Weapons”. Since then, I have had them on non-stop repeat. Now that I have had some time to gather my thoughts and give the songs a proper analysis, I have decided that it’s time to give them a detailed review.

I want to state one thing before I begin. These songs are nothing like fans have heard before. The sound is more mainstream than anything they have ever released – but that’s a good thing. They have not lost their signature sound. They have not lost their attitude. They have seasoned it and developed it. These songs scream growth. Danny Garibay (the brother of a certain Fernando that you all know and love) and Tricky Stewart have worked with the guys to create something new, something that will bring in a lot of new fans. It’s a change that they needed.

“Fuck The Dance Floor” is classic Semi Precious Weapons. It makes you want to get drunk, dance until you can no longer move and have the best night of your life. In my opinion, from what I have heard so far, it is a perfect album opener. It would get the listeners hyped for what is to come as they continue to listen. It’s filthy. It has a sound that you can dance to. Lyrics that will make you want to have the best night of your life. This song had a great reception from fans when it was performed during the Monster Ball. It hyped them, it excited them. You can picture Cole, Dan and Stevy banging their head along to it as they play, while Justin sings his heart out on stage. Then, the pace changes. It slows. A church bell rings. And it makes you wonder…what’s coming next? Then, BOOM! The song amps up higher than it ever has, and you just know that these guys seriously want you to enjoy yourself. And it’s hard not to as you listen.

“Free Booze” might have a less than conventional title, but this song shines. The lyrics tell a story, and it’s not a happy one. The beat reminds me of classic 80’s, mixed with techno and the filthy rock style of the band. The lyrics show how talented Justin really is; he is a fantastic writer. While he writes party songs, about getting drunk, getting laid and having a damn good time – he is also writing songs that convey emotion. It is these types of songs that show exactly why the band should be taken seriously…they are musicians. Not because they can play instruments. Not because they can hold a tune. They take their livelihood very seriously, and so should you. They have studied their craft and they want to perform for the rest of their lives. I can picture this song being played on the radio. It’s catchy and very easy to sing along to. Yet, it still has that meaning behind it. I think this song could surprise people.

“Cherries On Ice” is an experiment. Personally, it’s an experiment that I think is very successful. It is no secret that Semi Precious Weapons are fans of hip hop, especially Jay-Z. Anyone who has heard or read an interview, or has seen them perform knows how much they are influenced by the sound. A classic Stevy Pyne guitar riff starts the song…but then the beat comes in. It reminds me of Jay-Z’s “99 Problems” mixed with the Swizz Beatz produced “On To The Next One”. Justin practically raps on the song, but still manages to belt out the verses. There are several vocal sounds that could be considered their own style of beat-boxing. The techno edge that can be heard in other songs also features in “Cherries”, and it works. It was the one song that I was anticipating greatly, and I was not disappointed. Even though I have said previously that “Fuck The Dance Floor” is a perfect album opener; this could be too. It would immediately make seasoned fans hear a brand new sound, and it intrigues you. This is a sexually intense song with an aggressive sound, and the new style we hear in it could become a favourite.

Last, but certainly not least, is the never before heard or performed “Drink”. The main lyric in the song cries, “Wish I had a drink, so I don’t have to think about you”. Out of the four songs, it is the one that sticks in your head. That you find yourself singing as you write down notes in class. The sound is mainstream, but still true to what these guys are all about. Once again, Justin’s song-writing shines. These are serious, emotional lyrics – and this song is the song that could change everything. It’s techno. It’s rock. It’s hip hop. It’s pop. It’s the future. The guitar reminds me of heart strings being shredded apart. Like Justin’s heart is literally being destroyed. I can picture Dan playing the drums like it is the last thing he has to do before it all ends. This song was made for an audience. An arena, filled with fans, jumping and screaming their hearts out as they sing every single word. This song will close any show, and will send any crowd wild. People driving in their cars will want to hear this song on the radio. Clubs-goers will request this song non-stop. “Drink” shows that Semi Precious Weapons want to become global superstars. They want to explode into 2012 with a statement, and they want it to stick. It is the best song out of the four, and it will leave fans wanting more.

Semi Precious Weapons are moving onward and upward. This is no “You Love You”. That is not to detract from that album, but it was their first release on a major label. Several of the songs on that album were re-recordings of previously released tracks, and for their hard-core fans, it was re-mastered music rather than new music. Personally, I felt that that album was more of a teaser. That album, while I felt did not get the recognition it deserved, it failed to show what these new songs showcase – that they can literally work with any type of genre. There are no limitations for these guys. Just when they thought they had found their sound, they discovered that there was so much more to what they could do. Artists that make a difference in the music industry, they learn to adapt, to change and to grow with each album. Semi Precious Weapons are doing just that. They are striving to be noticed by the general public, and they have every right to stand on their own stage in front of thousands of people chanting their names.

2012 is Semi Precious Weapons’ year.

She wants Free Booze, no rules…and you.

Semi Precious Weapons have just released a song called “God Bless Suicide” on their tumblr page. The personal unreleased song (which was originally going to be a bonus track on “We Love You”) was penned after a very good friend of Justin’s sadly committed suicide three weeks before her graduation. Justin’s class was very small (40 pupils) so it affected everyone.

The message of the song is “to find the beauty and glamour in everything even when it’s dark.” Be sure to give it a listen because its very powerful and beautiful

Listen here 

We here at SemiPreciousNews were fortunate enough to interview the legendary Justin Tranter this weekend. Check out the interview below to see Justin discuss a wide variety of topics such as the new music, Lady GaGa and the future of Semi Precious Weapons;

The band has been in L.A this past year working on the new album, how has that process been?

The process is amazing. We are writing “as a band” more than ever before. At least 2 songs a week. Obvs NYC is still important to us, but being in LA just writing and recording everyday is magic. AND working with Tricky Stewart is a dream come true.

Is the album nearly complete?

The album could be done tomorrow, but we won’t know until we know. When we feel like we have all the right songs we need to make this next step, then it will be complete.

Dianna Salvatore asked: Do you have any dates set yet for the release of the new music?

No dates yet. Stay tuned:)

How would you say the new direction and music is different from your previous album?

Anyone who has read our interviews in the past knows that we love all sorts of music, especially club music and hip hop. (and I’m a HUGE alt-country fan…shhh) So we are trying to use elements of hiphop and dance in this album…which obviously is very different than the last. BUT our rockNroll roots will never die. We can’t stop being filthy, Stevy can’t stop playing guitar…simple facts. Ha!

What we can we expect from the new album and how would you describe the sound?

Just know that we are working harder on this than anything we’ve done in the past. We want it to be the best songs humanly possible. We want the visual aspects to blow peoples minds. BUT we are using our straight up rockNroll past and experimenting with new sounds. Also adding the one and only Tricky Stewart to the equation adds an element of futuristic cool that we are sooo happy with.

Your song “Fuck The Dancefloor” has received an amazing response from weapons all over the world with many highly anticipating the release of the single. What is in the inspiration behind the song?

The “I’ll wear the rocks, if you make it roll..” part came to me while covered in jewelry drunk in a club. Hahaha! And then the DJ kept playing ENDLESS songs about Dance Floors…and the idea hit me…”Fuck The Dance Floor…meet me in the bathroom…”, why is everyone so obsessed with the dance floor…we can do much filthier things in the bathroom. BOOM!

You have toured all over the world, has this inspired and enhanced the songwriting process?

HUGE! Going to clubs, bars, and shows all over the world has really influenced all these new songs. Hearing and seeing what makes people dance in Milan, Osaka, Manchester, Texas, New ZeZe, and so on, has changed us forever.

What is your favourite place and memory whilst touring?

Too many.

A lot of weapons have asked us to ask will you ever collaborate with Lady GaGa on a track?

We have talked about it MANY times…I’m sure one day it will just happen.

Joey Fawn Marchitto: What and/or who inspires you in life and in music?

Beautiful and tragic girls, our friends, great songwriters, and each other.

Joey Fawn Marchitto: What phrase or motto do you live by?

“I hope you all get laid.”

Mortimer X GelGel: If 2010 was the color of Nude, and 2011 is all about Navy, what can we expect for 2012′s color?

Navy may go into 2012 because I really want it in the visuals for the new album.

Krystle Bailey: What SPW has planned for touring in 2012? are they going to rejoin Gaga on the road or venture on their own?

Only time will tell. But we will for sure be on the road for ALL of 2012.

Lorainne Rosales: When will more SPW clothes be out? I Loved the tights, & scarves that are already bring sold.

More jewelry for sure.

What is your favourite song off the new album?

It changes everyday…but Free Booze is fucking magic.

Jodie Carrington: What is your favourite song of “Born This Way” and why?

Heavy Metal Lover…it has good memories of GaGa being so fucking happy about it when she wrote it…and cus its the best.

Last question – What can we expect from Semi Precious Weapons over the next few months?

Lots more amazing mini-vids that have bits of new music in them, a new single released, a new full video that puts all the old ones to shame and hopefully LOTS of news about the new album and tours.