2003 Year End Review

Friends of the Freshmen!

We welcome you to the 2003 YEAR END REVIEW… shall we?

AOF played more shows and was on the road more in 2003 than any year since we've started.

AOF's debut record was released in JAPAN in April where it did better than expected and went top 20 for one week in the city of Sapparo.

So with that awesome turn of events… AOF made their first international trip to JAPAN in August! We played three shows. A radio sponsored show with Good Charlotte and then two dates at The Summersonic Festival where we played to our biggest crowds ever (5,000 in Osaka) and (7,000 in Tokyo). We also got to play with and hang out with some amazing bands over there. Most importantly we got mobbed at a record store which was pretty weird for a group of guys we came back to the States to work at car wash- a video store- a record store- etc… Well what the Japanese don't know won't hurt right? Keep offensive World War 2 jokes to yourselves!

Bottom line- the whole trip was an absolute dream come true and the biggest thing EVER to happen to The Army of Freshmen. With that said… Chris STILL hasn't finished the Japanese Tour Log.

In March (after years of submitting) we finally got to play The SXSW Festival in Austin, TX. We had blast. We partied hard, played a great show and met a lot of cool people.

As for other tours… after some serious string pulling… AOF landed 5 Warped dates- Chicago, Kansas City, Ventura, Phoenix and New Mexico. Despite a violent case of poison ivy that struck Chris the night before the first date- AOF rocked it hard and made a ton of new fans in those cities. We love Warped.

Along with Warped and a 40 date national tour in the spring and summer- we finally got to establish ourselves in Northern California. Thanks to hook ups from great bands up there like Solemite, Locale AM (RIP) and The Matches - we started to play a lot up there including 2 amazing sold out L3 events in Oakland.

After totally being absent in 2002- we got to visit the east coast not once but three times- so Chris' parents got some unlikely house guests.

Our Cinderella tour story happened in October when after meeting Bowling For Soup at the Warped Tour we got a week on their fall tour! Then on the last night of the week- Bowling For Soup did what few bands ever do and they demanded we stay on for the rest of the tour! Suffice it to say it was AMAZING and we couldn't thank them enough nor all the great people we met on that tour. We got play some rooms that we've dreamed of- like St. Andrew's, The Ogden, Bogart's and The Trocadero.

Then in December Army of Freshmen made national headlines when they found Saddam Hussein in a hole… wait a minute- wrong Army. : > )

Most importantly though and looking forward to the future… in September we recorded our second album in Santa Barbara! It's gonna be called BEG, BORROW, STEAL and released in America and Japan the first half of 2004- we are already talking to labels and it looks like a deal to get it out to you is right around the corner.

So to some it up- the state of the AOF UNION is good - very good.

But lastly… we couldn't have done it without YOU. Your emails, message board posts, care packages, letters, ims, etc… mean so much to us. We're certainly not the biggest band, we quite possibly could be the poorest band but we're undoubtedly the happiest band. We're honored to have you all as friends and fans and we can't wait to see what happens in 2004 when the keyboard heavy, power pop underdogs spit in the face of all that is wrong with music and march boldly ahead to display the rock that can't stopped.

sincerely,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, Mike, Kai- THE ARMY OF FRESHMEN

Oh… how could we forget? The best part of any year end review…

MUSIC that came out in 2003 that we listened to too much in the van… they may not be the best records of the year but these are records that kept us going…

ALKALINE TRIO - Good Mourning
BOWLING FOR SOUP- Drunk Enough To Dance
BRAND NEW - Deja Entendu
DAMONE- From The Attic
FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE- Interstate Highway Managers
THE FORMAT- Interventions and Lullabies
THE MATCHES - E. Von Dahl Killed The Locals
RANCID- Indestructible
SOLEMITE- The Reason You Own A Stereo
UNSUNG ZEROS- Moments To Mourning

back

 

December 31, 2003

Thanks for a great 2003! To celebrate we've posted our 2003 Year End Review. Click here to check it out and we'll see you in 2004!

December 15, 2003

Thanks to all who came out to the shows this weekend, including the packed hometown show at The Livery which was one of our best shows of the year!

We gave out X MAS card, and played new material and older singalongs like "Here in the Fan," "Quit That Hellhole," and "Crush." Not to mention a first ever at an AOF show: a girl-on-girl on stage make out session. To top it there was a NHOI member onstage in underwear prank. A night to remember indeed.

It may of been our last show of the year, but stuff happening every day, so check back here for more adventures, including the upcoming 2004 AOF RECAP!

December 12, 2003

Make sure if you live in California that you go to the Oasis tonight or the Livery on Sunday. Or both. In the meantime, read what the Ventura County Reporter has to say about the band here.

And we're very excited to announce that Q93 in Alexandria, Louisiana has added "Get Um Up" to its playlist. If you live in Baton Rouge, listen for it and request it.

 

December 11, 2003

Our last two shows of the year are upon us this weekend and they are gonna rock!

Friday, Dec.12th at the Oasis in San Rafael w/our pals Solemite.

Then the mother of all holiday rock and roll events is Sunday, Dec. 14,when we take over The Livery Theater in our hometown of Ventura, with Never Heard Of It and Over It! It's an early show- doors are at 6:30 and it will be over be 9:30 so no curfew excuses! We'll be pulling out all the stops with giveaways, contests, new songs, old songs and since we're
headlining they'll be no cutting our set short.

The Livery is located on 34. N. Palm in downtown Ventura. Info 805-794-4714.

December 9, 2003

Thanks to all who hit this past weekend's shows, they both went off, including the sold-out show at Chain Reaction in Anaheim! Check the fans section to see the new Fan of the Show feature.

This weekend it only gets better, when we head up north Friday night to rock The Oasis in San Rafael and then come home to Ventura for the big headlining holiday show at The Livery Sunday night.

Sunday nightis one not to miss. More details later this week- start making those road trip plans!

And you can now download "Get Um Up" on Epitaph's website. Click here to check it out, you'll have to search for "Army," and please give us a rating of 5!

December 3, 2003

We return to the stage this weekend with two great shows in Southern and Northern California!

Friday, Dec. 5, we’re at Chain Reaction in Anaheim for the third annual Winter Wonderland Show w/ The Suburban Legends, Solemite and more. For info call (714) 635-6067. Show starts at 7:30, we’re on sometime after 9:00. It’s already close to selling out, so get your tix here or make sure you show up early!

Saturday, we head north to rock the Orange Peal Warehouse in Fremont w/ Dexter Danger, Locale AM and more. Orange Peal is at 45450 Industrial Place, and the show is only $5. It starts at 6:30, expect AOF after 8:00.

November 24, 2003

We played an unannounced, 21+ show Saturday night in Ventura to test some out some new songs. While we were onstage, a drunk guy smashed a bottle right through the back window broke of Kai's new car! The window is destroyed, but the good news is the bottle was unharmed. For you trivia buffs, it was a Miller High Life bottle.

Don't forget to make plans for the upcoming Cali shows in December.

November 19, 2003

We've finally announced the opening acts for our Hometown Holiday show! Fresh back from Europe, it's our homies NEVER HEARD OF IT and fresh back from Japan it'll be our boys, OVER IT. These international travelers will join us for a night of rock not to be missed. Start making those road trip plans and be in Ventura on Dec. 14

"Get Um Up" is available for downloading here. It's rockin' the Power Pop chart, but we want to take it to #1!

November 17, 2003

Still waiting on that Japanese Tour Log? So are we, Chris. While you're waiting (and waiting), check out a handful of new photos from Japan here.

And don't forget that "Get Um Up" is available for downloading here. It made it to #2, but that's not good enough. Let us know what you think of it after you download it. info@armyoffreshmen.com.

November 12, 2003

"Get Um Up," the first single from Beg, Borrow, Steal, is available for downloading here.

Enjoy.

November 10, 2003

Things are progressing well on the new album front. We're picking the artwork now, which isn't an easy thing to do. Yesterday we did a new photoshoot. As soon as we have new pics, we'll put some up here. Speaking of which, we'll also post a few leftover pics from our trip to Japan in the very near-future. Hopefully that will keep you from noticing that Chris is completely slacking on getting the Japanese Tour Log done.

November 7, 2003

What did AOF do for Halloween? Well we played an unannounced 21+ show in Ventura! What were we? Dead guys (actually we looked more goth than dead but what are you gonna do?)! If you wanna take a look at us click here!

Also, check out the interview we did for Subway!

November 3, 2003

The BIG news, as promised! We are happy to announce that our second record is going to be called BEG, BORROW, STEAL.

Here is the final track listing:

1. Beg, Borrow, Steal
2. Uniforms
3. Gang Sign
4. Paradise
5. Get Um Up
6. Song Away From You
7. Road Less Traveled
8. Sing Along
9. Put Me In Photograph
10. Hard To Say
11. No Engine
12. Last Dance
13. On The Night The Boardwalk Died

The Japanese record comes out February 21, 2004 and will have two bonus tracks. Some of the songs will be posted at MP3.com/AOF soon. We’ll let you know when they go up. For more information on the record, check out the message board.

 

October 22, 2003

All the recording, mixing, and mastering of our second record is done! This is by far our best recording and we're very proud of it. Monday, we will announce the title of the record and the track listing right here. Then in November we will release the first single online so you can finally hear something new!

A few Cali shows have been announced for December. Check the tour dates page.

October 22, 2003

Do you like Subway? Yes, the sandwich place. Well, they like us. They interviewed us for their site. If you click here, you can read it.

October 21, 2003

We made it back alive after by far the best tour we've ever been on! We want to thank Bowling For Soup for being about the best guys ever and taking a chance on us. Also we want to say thanks to Lucky Boys Confusion and Never Heard Of It for all the good times. We had so many great adventures over the past month- as soon as I get some sleep I intend to post a log with a lot of good stories. Most importantly though, we want to thank everyone who came out to see us and all the new fans and friends we made. Now it's time to input over 1,000 new names into our mailing list and answer over 500 emails- expect an email next week.

We get the new record mastered on Friday, so we are another step closer to getting it out to you! Check back here soon for updates!
your finally home homies,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, Mike, Kai

October 13, 2003

Greetings from the road everybody! I don't even know what to say- we've been so busy that this is my first internet access in a week. Getting added to the rest of the Bowling For Soup tour has been amazing. We're making new friends and fans every night, playing on big shows in great rooms and partying! It's SO good to back on the east coast. God bless Wawa. Sorry about all the cancellations, but this has been like a Cinderella story for us. Bowling For Soup, Lucky Boys Confusion and NHOI are three of the nicest bands in the world and we've all become really close friends. When I get home I'll bust out some amazing stories. I gotta roll! Once again thanks to all for your support- check the tour dates for the most updated info.
-Chris

October 5, 2003

The Bowling for Soup tour has been so amazing that they asked us to keep playing with them for the rest of their U.S. tour. Starting tonight!

Here is the new tour:

10/5 Cleveland at the Odeon
10/7 Boston at the Axis
10/8 Philadelphia at the Trocadero
10/9 Old Bridge, NJ at Birch Hill
10/10 Baltimore at the Ottobar
10/12 Raleigh, NC at the Lincoln Theater
10/13 Atlanta at the Cotton Club
10/14 Jacksonville at Jack Rabbit's
10/16 Baton Rouge at Drive In
10/17 Natchitoches at Club Bedrock
on our own:
10/18 Lawrence, KS at U of Kansas/Paradise Cafe
10/19 Oklahoma City at Green Door

We're sorry to have to cancel the other shows, but hope you understand this is an opportunity we couldn't pass up. Thanks for understanding. We will reschedule the canceled dates soon.

October 2, 2003

Grand Rapids was incredible. Thanks to all our new fans. Getting out onstage with Bowling For Soup for "I wanna be sedated" was the best. We'll be back soon!

 

September 30, 2003

Hello from Iowa! The first part of the tour has been amazing. Denver was really rad! We'll be back in Colorado next week!Bowling for Soup, Never Heard of It and Lucky Boys Confusion are all great guys and great bands. We did a couple shows on our own and we meet back up with them starting tomorrow for the rest of the week. It's going to be crazy. Send us emails!

 

September 25, 2003

Greetings from UTAH! We made the 13 hour drive safe and sound. We even pulled over at midnight to
celebrate a birthday in the band. Right now we're at our friend Matt's house enjoying his DVD collection.
The first show is tonight in Provo. We can't wait- we'll let you know how it goes.

 

September 23, 2003

After 12 full days in the studio, hours of pinball, tons of deli sandwiches - finally our second record is done! Look for it sometime early next year, but it'll be worth the wait. We recorded 15 songs. 13 will make the US release and all 15 will make the Japanese release. The title and track listing will be announced soon. The singer for one our favorite bands came in and did a guest vocal - we're not telling who it is yet.

We leave this Wednesday for a month on the road. We're extra excited for the Bowling For Soup shows! Feel free to drop us mail on the road, we check it on our phones at night and it's always a highlight of the day.

 

September 17, 2003

Yesterday, we went down to LA to play a private music conference with Something Corporate and Stacie Orrico. We were the only unsigned band there, so it was really cool. As for recording, we are done! Next up is mixing which we start this today. Most of the tour dates for this fall are up- be sure to check them out. For you local AOF fans, our last SoCal. before tour is this Saturday in Ojai (by Santa Barbara) for Bandemonium an all day fest in the park at a really cool venue. For advance tickets: 805-640-9555. Come spend an afternoon in the park with AOF!

 

September 10, 2003

Greetings from day 8 in the studio! Things are going excellent. We only have couple songs left to do and mixing is next. Chris has eaten a sandwich from the same deli every day and Mike just set the all-time record for pinball.Day Two of the Japanese Tour Log is on its way.

Also, the Fall tour is almost completely booked- new dates in Illinois, Texas and Nebraska. Check out the tour section. See you on the road soon!

 

September 8, 2003

MTV Japan just put up our performance of "Spring Break" on their site. Click here and enjoy.

 

September 5, 2003

A month after Summer Sonic ended, the recap of the Japanese tour begins. Click here and look for the magic words "Japanese Tour Log."

After you finish reading that, check out this new interview with Chris here.

September 3, 2003

After five days in the studio, we got five songs done and they're the best we've ever recorded. We're taking a short break and heading back next week. Our MTV Japan debut aired last weekend, and those of you there can catch the Summer Sonic special on reruns. They're putting up one song from each of the people who played on MTV Japan, and ours should be up shortly. In the meantime, as soon as the webmonkey gets it up, the Japanese Tour Log is ready to go. But it's not all Japan, check the tour dates for the fall tour of America.

August 26, 2003
Greetings from DAY 4 the studio! We're making good progress. All the bass, drums, guitars are done and we're starting on keyboards and vocals. We have also become addicted to the in-house pinball game - PINBOT. Dan is the current champ, but Aaron and Dan show much promise. This past weekend's shows in NOR CAL rocked. It's always a blast playing and partying with our good friends, Solemite. We'll be back up there soon. We've got a bunch of shows for the tour booked, and Bowling For Soup invited us to play two more shows - Grand Rapids and Pittsburgh! Check the tour dates for more info.

August 22, 2003
Chris Jay here in the studio in Santa Barbara, It's the end of DAY 1 and we are exhausted but on a roll. Mike kicked major butt and got the drum tracks done for the entire record- next up tomorrow is Kai. Wish him luck! Don't forget this weekend we return to Northern California to rock San Rafael and Campbell. We won't be up north for a while so if you're anywhere near don't miss these shows! The fall tour keeps adding shows (Illinois- we're back!) so check out tour dates.

August 19, 2003

Lead singer and master slacker Chris Jay still hasn't uploaded the Japanese Tour Log. But he'll have plenty of time starting Thursday, as the band hits the studio for album number two. Keep checking back to read it. Also, Midwest and Southwest tour dates are being booked, so be sure to check those too. And email chris@armyoffreshmen.com to tell Chris he needs to quit slacking.

While you're waiting, check out the photos from Japan here.

 

August 14, 2003

As soon as we finish recording our next album, we're heading back out on the road in the Midwest and Southwest at the end of September. Bowling For Soup has asked to us to do shows in Salt Lake City, Denver, Cincinnati and Detroit. Check the tour dates for more info and keep checking back for dates. If you can help book and all-ages show, email chris@armyoffreshmen.com.

And those of you in Japan should watch for us on the Summer Sonic special airing on Asahi National Broadcasting on Oct. 18 + 25.

August 11, 2003

We had a great time hanging out with Kimberly and Devon at 100.1 The Edge in Lancaster last Friday. They liked us so much that they put up our pictures here. Thanks to everybody who came by the station or called in to talk. We'll be back soon.

August 8, 2003

Photos from Chicago's Warped Tour are now up here. Be sure to keep checking back for more pictures from the road!

August 7, 2003

Konnichiwa! We made it home from an amazing trip to Japan. Hello to all of our new Japanese fans! Starting Monday, we'll recap the trip in the tour log section, one day of the trip each day. So many amazing things happened, from sharing a stage with Good Charlotte to a post-Summer Sonic party with AFI, Alkaline Trio, Sum 41, Mars Volta, Sugarcult, the Strokes, and a ton of others. Coming full circle, we played last Saturday and Sunday with Rocket Summer and we're playing with him this Saturday in Lancaster! Don't forget to listen to the Edge 100.1 Friday morning if you're in the area.

Pictures coming soon too!

July 29, 2003

As you read this, we're most likely on a plane. Did we mention we're going to Japan for a show with Good Charlotte and Summer Sonic 2003? Keep checking back for updates from the Pacific Rim.

July 20, 2003

Thanks to all who came out to the amazing Warped Tour shows in Arizona and New Mexico. They went off. We're back from NorCal and getting ready for the Going Away To Japan Show this Sunday in Ventura. Tickets will only be available at the door, so get there early. Check here or in the tour section for more info.

July 9, 2003

The hometown Warped Tour show was rad! How rad? They asked us to play in Phoenix and Las Cruces, NM next week! It was great to see everybody come out and join the fun so early. Big thanks to our new pals Bowling For Soup, too.

July 8, 2003

We made it home in one piece after hauling it straight back from Maine. Tomorrow is our homecoming show at the Warped Tour.We don't know what time we're on until we show up, so make sure you get there early.

July 2, 2003

Wow, that was quick! "Paradise" is #2 on MP3.com's Power Pop chart! Hope you're digging it. If you haven't, give it a listen here.

June 30, 2003

The Chicago Warped Tour was simply awesome! Completely awesome. So great to see all of the Downer's Grove people, plus all the new fans. Thanks everybody. One more Warped date to go, next week in Ventura. In the meantime, it's Cape May, NJ Wednesday and Eastport, ME on Friday.

We just put a new song up on MP3.com, so make sure you check it out here.

June 25, 2003

Yesterday at the Warped Tour in Kansas City was amazing! Thanks to everybody who checked us out, met us, got stuff signed, or bought something. We will be back soon.

The Warped people loved us so much that they asked us to play a couple more dates, which we're working on scheduling...but we will be on the Ernie Ball stage in Chicago on Sunday! (We're in Chicago tonight at the Fireside Bowl as well.)

June 21, 2003

ATTENTION KANSAS CITY: We will be playing at the Vans Warped Tour this Tuesday, 6/24. Go to the Ernie Ball stage to see us.

June 20, 2003

Another Japanese date has been announced: July 31 in Sapporo at the FM Northwave 10th Anniversary show with Good Charlotte. For more information, click here.

Also, the Ernie Ball Warped Tour Battle of the Bands just started. Please take a minute to go here to vote for us.

June 19, 2003

The first week of the second half of the U.S. of AOF Tour has been a blast. Looking forward to tonight in Minneapolis with the Buzzcocks, tomorrow in Wisconsin, then Iowa, northern Chicago, Chicago...and on and on. Thanks to everyone who's come out and to all of our new fans.

June 12, 2003

We leave today for the second half of the national tour which starts in Utah. Lots of new dates have been posted including (drum roll please) THE WARPED TOUR in VENTURA! The summer is now officially complete. Also check out the latest tour log entry for the band’s Tour Highlights and Lowlights. See ya back on the road!

For detailed news on the comings and goings of the band, check out the band journal.

June 6, 2003

Welcome to the new Army of Freshmen website! Hope you enjoy the bright new colors and design. There are still some kinks and things to be worked out, so if you spot an error, please drop a line to info@armyoffreshmen.com.

The second leg of the Army of Freshmen is under way, so check the tour dates to see if we're playing near you. Want to help promote? Print out these fliers!

 

NEWS - 6/18/2003

The second half of the U.S. of AOF Tour is chugging along. This week we're in Missouri, Minneapolis, Wisconsin, back in Iowa, and into Chicago as we make our way to the East Coast for the second time this summer.

NEWS - 6/13/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

Greetings I write to you just minutes before we hop into the van to officially start the second half of our summer tour. It’s been nice over the past week to rock some amazing Cali shows including a massive sold out show in Oakland with our homies - Solemite, The Matches and Locale AM.

There’s been a bunch of new dates added (check um out below) and we’re extra stoked to announce our homecoming show July 9th in Ventura, CA. when AOF rocks THE WARPED TOUR!!! Yes… the summer is complete. AOF will play their hometown WARPED for the 4th year in a row. Considering it’s one of my favorite things in life - we are really excited. As for the famed AOF Warped Tour punk rock haircuts - you’ll just have to show up to see if we’re doing it this year!

How bout Japan? For all the new friends of the freshmen - you if you don’t know Army of Freshmen is headed to Japan in August for a massive festival called SUMMERSONIC. For details on the show check out WWW.SUMMERSONIC.COM - you’ll be impressed - trust us.
: > )

Thanks to all for your support - if you have any questions or just want to say hi drop us a line @ info@armyoffreshmen.com
We answer all mail.

Your boys about to embark on round two of the rock,

CHRIS, AARON, OWEN, DAN, MIKE, KAI

Ok - the second half of the summer tour - here ya go…

6/14/03 PROVO, UT. @ MUSE MUSIC
6/15/03 SALT LAKE CITY, UT. @ KILBY COURT
6/17/03 WITCHITA, KS. @ THE BLUE ROOM
6/18/03 ROGERSVILLE, MO. @ BILLIARDS OF SPRINGFIELD
6/19/03 MINNEAPOLIS, MN. @ THE QUEST w/ The Buzzcocks
6/20/03 LA CROSSE, WI. @ THE WAREHOUSE
6/21/03 CLINTON, IA. @ THE PIGPEN w/ The Gadjits
6/22/03 ROUND LAKE, IL. @ ROUND LAKE MEN’S CLUB
6/25/03 CHICAGO, IL. @ FIRESIDE BOWL
6/26/03 BLOOMINGTON, IN. @ RHINO’S
6/27/03 MUSKEGON, MI. @ ROCK HAROBR CAFÉ
6/28/03 CLEVELAND, OH. @ THE GROG SHOP w/ Brandston
7/2/03 CAPE MAY, NJ. @ CABANAS w/ Black N Tan
7/4/03 EAST PORT, ME. @ SHEAD AUDITORIUM 4th of July Fest!
7/9/03 WARPED TOUR ! ! ! VENTURA, CA.
7/18/03 LA, CA. @ THE KNITTING FACTORY w/ Say Anything
7/19/03 PALO ALTO, CA. @ MITCHELL PARK w/ Solemite
7/20/03 STOCKTON, CA. @ CAFFEINE DEN w/ Solemite
7/21/03 RENO, NV. @ ARK-K-IK
7/27/03 VENTURA, CA. @ THE LIVERY THEATRE Going Away Japan Show!
8/2/03 OSAKA, JAPAN @ SUMMERSONIC FESTIVAL
w/ Blink 182, Good Charlotte, New Found Glory, Radiohead, Alkaline Trio, AFI, Sum 41, AFI, Alkaline Trio and more!
8/3/03 TOKYO, JAPAN @ SUMMERSONIC FESTIVAL
w/ Blink 182, Good Charlotte, New Found Glory, Radiohead, Alkaline Trio, AFI, Sum 41, ALkaline Trio and more!

 

NEWS - 5/24/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

Greetings from Texas - the tour rages on! Just wanted to let you know a bunch of new dates are up for later this summer - states like Utah, Washington, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey - get ready for the rock! See if your area is up over at the TOUR DATES section.

Word has it a new site is in the works - pass it on!

Cali - get ready to rock next week!

your Texas rockers,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, Kai, Mike

 

NEWS - 5/24/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

Greetings from Texas - the tour rages on! Just wanted to let you know a bunch of new dates are up for later this summer - states like Utah, Washington, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey - get ready for the rock! See if your area is up over at the TOUR DATES section.

Word has it a new site is in the works - pass it on!

Cali - get ready to rock next week!

your Texas rockers,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, Kai, Mike

NEWS - 5/17/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

Greetings from Florida! The US of AOF Tour is close to the end of month one and it’s going great! Right now we’re speeding down a highway in Florida and there’s been a lot of show additions and changes so we wanted to drop you the most updated show list… here ya go!

SUMMER 2003 “US OF AOF” TOUR

5/15/03 JACKSONVILLE, FL. @ JACK RABBITS
5/16/03 ATLANTA, GA. @ SWAYZE’S
5/17/03 TALLAHASSE, FL. @ BETA BAR w/Unsung Zeros
5/18/03 ANNISTON, AL. @ ROCK SHOWS
5/19/03 NASHVILLE, TN. @ THE MUSE w/ Unsung Zeros
5/20/03 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. @ THE GREEN DOOR
5/21/03 LONGVIEW, TX. @ LUCKYS
5/24/03 EL PASO, TX. @ EMPIRE CLUB
5/25/03 SAN ANTONIO, TX. @ SIN 13 w/ The Start
5/26/03 AUSTIN, TX. @ EMO’S w/ The Start
5/27/03 TEMPE, AZ. @ THE BIG FISH PUB
5/28/03 ANAHEIM, CA. @ CHAIN REACTION
5/30/03 LA, CA. @ PRIVATE PARTY
6/5/03 LA, CA. @ THE TROUBADOUR w/ Over It and Divit
6/6/03 BAKERSFIELD, CA. @ JERRY’S PIZZA
6/7/03 OAKLAND, CA. @ I MUSIC CAST w/ Solemite, Locale AM
6/11/03 SEATTLE, WA. @ STUDIO 7 w/ Counterfeit
6/19/03 MINNEAPOLIS, MN. @ THE QUEST w/ The Buzzcocks
6/20/03 LA CROSSE, WI. @ THE WHAREHOUSE
6/21/03 CLINTON, IA. @ THE PIGPEN w/ The Gadgits
7/4/03 EASPORT, ME. @ SHEAD AUDITORIUM
7/18/03 SAN RAFEAL, CA. @ THE OASIS w/ Solemite
7/19/03 PALO ALTO, CA. @ MITCHELL PARK w/ Solemite
7/20/03 STOCKTON, CA. @ CAFFEINE DEN w/ Charmless
7/21/03 RENO, NV. @ ARK-K-IK w/ Charmless
7/27/03 VENTURA, CA. @ THE LIVERY THEATRE Going Away Japan Show!
8/2/03 OSAKA, JAPAN @ SUMMERSONIC FESTIVAL w/ Blink 182, Good Charlotte, New Found Glory, The Strokes, Radiohead, AFI, Sum 41, Alkaline Trio and more!
8/3/03 TOKYO, JAPAN @ SUMMERSONIC FESTIVAL w/ Blink 182, Good Charlotte, New Found Glory, The Strokes, Radiohea, AFI, Sum 41, Alkaline Trio and more!

For more info on all these shows check WWW.ARMYOFFRESHMEN.COM More dates are being added daily so keep checking the tour dates on the site!

In other news…

During our short break at home for a few days in June we are playing at The Troubadour and we need your help. LA is always an important show and we need you AOF Southern Cali heads in the house. It’s a Thursday Night and we’ll be playing with our friends Over It and Divit. Make plans now and be there!

If you’re not aware of it our front man Chris Jay is keeping a really detailed log of the tour over @ WWW.ARMYOFFRESHMEN.COM and it’s a great read. You’d be surprised at the adventures including the already infamous “Man Lights His Penis On Fire” story. Don’t miss an update visit the site daily!

The AOF Street Team (The A Team) is hard at work spreading the good word on AOF. Join now over at the site and drop our captain, Becca a line @ streetteam@armyoffreshmen.com on how you can help. If we’re coming to your town - we need you - so get in touch.

Also if you’d like to book AOF this summer – do it! Please send serious inquiries to chris@armyoffreshmen.com

Feel free to send up email while we’re on the road (we write back) and we love hearing from you info@armyoffreshmen.com or drop individuals members a line @

chris@armyoffreshmen.com
aaron@armyoffreshmen.com
owen@armyoffreshmen.com
dan@armyoffreshmen.com
mike@armyoffreshmen.com
kai@armyoffreshmen.com

your homies on the road,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, Mike, Kai

PS. Thanks to all who brought goodies to the shows and especially the going away show - they’ve kept us alive.

 

NEWS - 5/15/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

We just found out that during our short break back home we'll be playing the Troubadour in LA! It'll be Thur. June 5th and we need to pack the place so PLEASE if you can make it out - be there!

other than that - expect a new tour log any day now - tonight we rock Florida!

drop us a line @ info@armyoffreshmen.com

your smelly and tired pop rockers,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, Mike, Kai

NEWS - 5/10/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

The tour rages on and the shows have been going great (minus Akron, Ohio - God I hate playing bars!).

New shows have been announced in Arizona, Florida, Texas, Iowa, Cali and more! Just it out!

As always feel free to drop us a line @ info@armyoffreshmen.com -
it's great to hear from you!

Special thanks to all who have showed up with goodies at the shows - the bottled water and beef jerkey supply is keeping us alive!

your homies down South,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, Mike, Kai

 

NEWS - 4/24/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!
Greetings - I write this email from a van speeding towards our show tonight in Cincinnati. The tour so far has been absolutely amazing. Nebraska, Illinois, Oklahoma and Iowa have all caught a heavy dose of the rock. For detailed accounts of the shows - check out the US OF AOF TOUR LOG. We’ve been keeping a detailed account of all the adventures - we think you’ll dig it.

Meanwhile the tour rages on - here’s the upcoming shows - for info including time, bands, contact numbers check the tour dates.

More show being announced daily so if you don’t see your state yet - don’t worry - just keep checking! Here ya go - can’t wait to see everybody!

4/23/03 CINCINNATI, OH. @ THE VOID w/ Fallout Boy
4/24/03 COLUMBUS, OH. @ MIDGARD COMICS
4/25/03 EVANSVILLE, IN. @ SOUTHERN INDIANA UNIVERSITY
4/26/03 CARLISLE, PA. @ DICKINSON COLLEGE
4/27/03 ASBURY PARK, NJ.@ SKATE AND SURF FEST
(AOF will not be playing but will have a booth - come say hi!)
4/30/03 CAPE MAY, NJ. @ LCMR HIGH SCHOOL
5/1/03 ATLANTA, GA. @ SWAYZE’S w/ River City High
5/3/03 FITCHBURG, MA. @ FITCHBURG COLLEGE w/ River City High
5/4/03 HARTFORD, CT. @ WEBSTER THEATER w/ River City High
5/5/03 BUFFALO, NY. @ Cruise Inn w/ River City High
5/6/03 POUGHKEEPSIE, NY. @ Crannell St. Cafe w/ River City High
5/9/03 EDINBORO, PA. @ THE HANG OUT
5/10/03 RICHMOND, VA. @ ALLEY CATZ w/ River City High
5/13/03 MELBOURNE, FL. @ SUNNY DAY STUDIOS
5/17/03 TALLAHASSE, FL. @ BETA BAR w/Unsung Zeros,Don’t Look Down
5/18/03 ANNISTON, AL. @ ROCK SHOWS
5/20/03 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. @ THE GREEN DOOR
5/21/03 LONGVIEW, TX. @ LUCKYS
5/24/03 EL PASO, TX. @ EMPIRE CLUB
5/28/03 ANAHEIM, CA. @ CHAIN REACTION
5/30/03 LA, CA. @ PRIVATE PARTY
6/6/03 BAKERSFIELD, CA. @ JERRY’S PIZZA
6/7/03 OAKLAND, CA. @ I MUSIC CAST w/ Solemite, Locale AM
6/11/03 SEATTLE, WA. @ STUDIO 7 w/ Counterfeit
7/4/03 EASPORT, ME. @ SHEAD AUDITORIUM
7/18/03 SAN RAFEAL, CA. @ THE OASIS w/ Solemite
7/19/03 PALO ALTO, CA. @ MITCHELL PARK w/ Solemite
7/27/03 VENTURA, CA. @ THE LIVERY THEATRE Going Away Japan Show!
8/2/03 TOKYO, JAPAN @ SUMMERSONIC FESTIVAL w/ Blink 182, Good Charlotte, New Found Glory, The Strokes, Radiohead and more!
8/3/03 OSAKA, JAPAN @ SUMMERSONIC FESTIVAL w/ Blink 182, Good Charlotte, New Found Glory, The Strokes, Radiohead and more!

Looks to be quite the summer – don’t you think? If you want to book us for an all ages show contact chris@armyoffreshmen.com and we’ll see what we can do. Same goes for lodging and shower assistance. : > )

If you want to help promote any of the above shows contact our street team captain Becca @ streetteam@armyoffreshmen.com or join up on the site!

Things going great - we check our mail constantly while on the road so please feel free to email us with any comments, questions contact info@armyofffreshmen.com or check our individual emails on the site.

Your homies on the road,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, Mike, Kai

NEWS - 4/22/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

We're on the road right now. The first three shows have been sick! Check the tour dates for announced shows - new shows are posted in Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas, Washington and more - check it out and for all the adventures hit the tour log. Right now we have 5 River City High dates - a few more maybe on the way - also a kick ass show with Unsung Zeros and Don't Look Down is announced in Florida!

We'll put show updates and what not here in the news!

Drop us an email - it's great to hear from you all on the road!

your homies,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, Mike, Kai

NEWS - 4/15/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

Can you say sold out? Can you say water dripping from the ceiling? Can you say the floor almost caved in?!?

Well if you can, you were probably at the Going Away Show this past Saturday. An insane sold out crowd witnessed our video premiere, got the chance to buy a one night only 3 song demo and almost fell through the roof. That’s right. Skate Street is upstairs and half way through the show the floor was literally moving up and down and parts of the ceiling were falling downstairs. The promoter had to come upstairs and ask us to tell the crowd to stop jumping. It was rad and we want to send a big thanks to everybody who came out. Extra special thanks to the amazing care packages and presents we got - we just got back from inspecting the booty and we’ll be leaving with over 100 black sharpies, 100 waters, gum for the next year, enough beef jerky to make a man cry tears of joy and great stuff like t shirts, boxer shorts, socks, wrist bands. For those who took the time and effort to put those together - thank you so much. It’s such a big help. For everybody we’re about to meet - there’s a list of goodies we can always use on the site.

Well… we’re almost off! This Thursday we’ll be leaving for our national tour “The US of AOF 2003 SUMMER TOUR” that will be taking us all over the country. The first date is this Friday, April 18th in Lincoln, Nebraska and then the following night we’ll be in Downer’s Grove, Illinois - two of our fav places to play in the midwest! We’re also VERY excited to announce we scored a week with RIVER CITY HIGH on the east coast! More dates are being added as we go so keep checking those tour dates!

He’s a list of the summer fun so far!

4/18/03 LINCOLN, NE @ KNICKERBOCKERS
4/19/03 DOWNER’S GROVE @ 1st CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
4/20/03 OFF HAPPY EASTER!
4/21/03 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK @ THE GREEN DOOR
4/2203 CLINTON, IA @ THE PIGPEN
4/23/03 CINCINNATI, OH @ THE VOID
4/24/03 COLUMBUS, OH @ MIDGARD COMICS
4/25/03 EVANSVILLE, IN @ UNIVERSITY OF S. INDIANA
4/26/03 CARLISLE, PA @ DICKINSON COLLEGE
4/27/03 ASBURY PARK, NJ @ SKATE AND SURF FEST
(AOF is not playing but we have a table)
4/28/03 OFF
4/29/03 OFF
4/30/03 CAPE MAY, NJ @ LCMR HIGH SCHOOL
5/1/03 ATLANTA, GA @ SWAYZES
5/2/03 TBA DC AREA
5/3/02 FITCHBURG, MA @ FITCHBURG STATE COLLEGE
5/4/03 HARTFORD, CT @ WEBSTER THEATER
5/5/03 TBA
5/6/03 POUGHKIPSIE, NY @ CLUB CARRNELL
5/7/03 TBA NY AREA
5/8/03 TBA PHILLY AREA
5/9/03 TBA NJ AREA
5/10/03 RICHMOND, VR

Don’t see your state - don’t worry - more shows on the way. For info like times, bands and numbers for the above shows visit WWW.ARMYOFFRESHMEN.COM and hit the tour dates page. If you want to help promote the shows head to WWW.ARMYOFFRESHMEN.COM for a flyer to print out.

Now with a huge tour on the way - this poses the questions - ARMY OF FRESHMEN… WILL THERE BE ANOTHER TOUR LOG?

The answer kids is yes - there will. Your man in the field Chris Jay will attempt to document all the strange adventures of 5 ½ CRAZY WHITE BOYS as they attempt to rock the country while crammed into a 6 passenger mini van. The parties, the truck stop food, the coloring books, the smelly feet, the outbreak of SARS - whatever we run into – you can read about as much as Chris can remember or has time to type.

Before we embark - once again a thanks to all of you who support us. We’re not low budget - we’re no budget and the fact people take the time to come see us, buy a shirt, send an email, im us-it just means a whole lot - we’re very honored.

As always - you got questions - we got answers email info@armyoffreshmen.com Need further show info email info@armyoffreshmen.com Want to join the street team email streetteam@armyoffreshmen.com

days away from the start of our summer,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, Mike, Kai

PS. With all this excitement - how could we forget - OUR RECORD COMES OUT THIS WEDNESDAY IN JAPAN! Too cool! For something even cooler - take a look at the updated line up for WWW.SUMMERSONIC.COM Can you believe AOF is playing with Blink 182, Good Charlotte, The Strokes, Radiohead and more?

 

NEWS - 4/15/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

Can you say sold out? Can you say water dripping from the ceiling? Can you say the floor almost caved in?!?

Well if you can, you were probably at the Going Away Show this past Saturday. An insane sold out crowd witnessed our video premiere, got the chance to buy a one night only 3 song demo and almost fell through the roof. That’s right. Skate Street is upstairs and half way through the show the floor was literally moving up and down and parts of the ceiling were falling downstairs. The promoter had to come upstairs and ask us to tell the crowd to stop jumping. It was rad and we want to send a big thanks to everybody who came out. Extra special thanks to the amazing care packages and presents we got - we just got back from inspecting the booty and we’ll be leaving with over 100 black sharpies, 100 waters, gum for the next year, enough beef jerky to make a man cry tears of joy and great stuff like t shirts, boxer shorts, socks, wrist bands. For those who took the time and effort to put those together - thank you so much. It’s such a big help. For everybody we’re about to meet - there’s a list of goodies we can always use on the site.

Well… we’re almost off! This Thursday we’ll be leaving for our national tour “The US of AOF 2003 SUMMER TOUR” that will be taking us all over the country. The first date is this Friday, April 18th in Lincoln, Nebraska and then the following night we’ll be in Downer’s Grove, Illinois - two of our fav places to play in the midwest! We’re also VERY excited to announce we scored a week with RIVER CITY HIGH on the east coast! More dates are being added as we go so keep checking those tour dates!

He’s a list of the summer fun so far!

4/18/03 LINCOLN, NE @ KNICKERBOCKERS
4/19/03 DOWNER’S GROVE @ 1st CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
4/20/03 OFF HAPPY EASTER!
4/21/03 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK @ THE GREEN DOOR
4/2203 CLINTON, IA @ THE PIGPEN
4/23/03 CINCINNATI, OH @ THE VOID
4/24/03 COLUMBUS, OH @ MIDGARD COMICS
4/25/03 EVANSVILLE, IN @ UNIVERSITY OF S. INDIANA
4/26/03 CARLISLE, PA @ DICKINSON COLLEGE
4/27/03 ASBURY PARK, NJ @ SKATE AND SURF FEST
(AOF is not playing but we have a table)
4/28/03 OFF
4/29/03 OFF
4/30/03 CAPE MAY, NJ @ LCMR HIGH SCHOOL
5/1/03 ATLANTA, GA @ SWAYZES
5/2/03 TBA DC AREA
5/3/02 FITCHBURG, MA @ FITCHBURG STATE COLLEGE
5/4/03 HARTFORD, CT @ WEBSTER THEATER
5/5/03 TBA
5/6/03 POUGHKIPSIE, NY @ CLUB CARRNELL
5/7/03 TBA NY AREA
5/8/03 TBA PHILLY AREA
5/9/03 TBA NJ AREA
5/10/03 RICHMOND, VR

Don’t see your state - don’t worry - more shows on the way. For info like times, bands and numbers for the above shows visit WWW.ARMYOFFRESHMEN.COM and hit the tour dates page. If you want to help promote the shows head to WWW.ARMYOFFRESHMEN.COM for a flyer to print out.

Now with a huge tour on the way - this poses the questions - ARMY OF FRESHMEN… WILL THERE BE ANOTHER TOUR LOG?

The answer kids is yes - there will. Your man in the field Chris Jay will attempt to document all the strange adventures of 5 ½ CRAZY WHITE BOYS as they attempt to rock the country while crammed into a 6 passenger mini van. The parties, the truck stop food, the coloring books, the smelly feet, the outbreak of SARS - whatever we run into – you can read about as much as Chris can remember or has time to type.

Before we embark - once again a thanks to all of you who support us. We’re not low budget - we’re no budget and the fact people take the time to come see us, buy a shirt, send an email, im us-it just means a whole lot - we’re very honored.

As always - you got questions - we got answers email info@armyoffreshmen.com Need further show info email info@armyoffreshmen.com Want to join the street team email streetteam@armyoffreshmen.com

days away from the start of our summer,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, Mike, Kai

PS. With all this excitement - how could we forget - OUR RECORD COMES OUT THIS WEDNESDAY IN JAPAN! Too cool! For something even cooler - take a look at the updated line up for WWW.SUMMERSONIC.COM Can you believe AOF is playing with Blink 182, Good Charlotte, The Strokes, Radiohead and more?

 

NEWS - 4/9/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

The time is upon… this weekend is the long awaited GOING ON TOUR SHOW! We’ve got so much planned we figured we’d tell you all about but first the important stuff…

This Saturday, April 12th @ Skate Street (The Loft) in Ventura
Army of Freshmen’s Going Away On Tour Show!
w/ special guests Mind Driver, Locale AM and Refute
7pm All Ages address - 1954 Goodyear Ave. # - (805) 644-0804
site - www.theloftventura.com

We’ve got so much great stuff planned - we’re gonna tell you all about in this expected to be very long news update!

I know all this is on the site on the special page but for fear people don't see it - here it is again!

Going Away Show Activities....

JAPANESE VIDEO PREMIERE!
That’s right… before we play we will be breaking out a screen and showing our new made for Japan video of "Spring Break" directed by The Manning Brothers. There’s a lot of footage shot live at The Livery – so look close you may see yourself. This is the first time we’ve ever showed any video to the public so it should be wild!

ONE NIGHT ONLY GAS FUND THREE SONG SAMPLER!
As a special treat to our loyal fans and friends in the Ventura area for one night only we are making and will be selling a BRAND NEW 3 SONG sampler. We are making 100 of these babies and only selling them the night of the show. After that - no more - no online - no nothing. They are 3 demos for our next record and they are totally unreleased. The money made off the samplers is a total donation to our gas tank. All proceeds will go right to helping get us around the country. They’ll only be 5 bucks - buy two buy three - buy one for mom - whatever help us get gas and get yourself three NEW AOF songs.

OK. THE SALVATION ARMY WE ARE NOT BUT... DONATIONS!
No we are not begging for money (we thought about it though) but we are asking from the kindness of your heart to donate any of the following items to The Army of Freshmen to help us survive on the road. You can drop them off at the merch booth or better yet give them to someone in the band. Take a gander and start your AOF care package today...
Beef Jerky, Gum/Mints, Black Sharpie Markers, Duct Tape, AA Batteries, 9 Volt Batteries, Mix CDs, Demos, Postage Stamps, Quarters (Tolls, Laundry, etc...), Bottled Water, Gatorades, any non perishable food and anything you can think of really!

BRING A STAMP... GET A POSTCARD!
Yes it’s true. Here’s one you kids can play even if you’re not coming to the show. Send your address and a postage stamp to I WANT A POSTCARD FOOL! PO BOX 302, VENTURA, CA. 93002 before April 16th and we will send one from deep in the heartland of America. Not too shabby. Let’s see Good Charlotte pull that one off! So of course if you’re coming to the show - bring a stamp - give us your address and look forward to a card of love from AOF!

I WANT TO HEAR THIS SONG!
We’re taking requests. That’s right. Right now we want you to send 1 (only 1 please) request to chris@armyoffreshmen.com as to what AOF song you want to hear at the show - put SONG REQUEST in the title of the email. We promise to play the 3 most popular requests. Don’t vote for Spring Break, Paradise or MTV though - you know we’re gonna play them - we always do! : > ) We’ll be doing a full headlining set - so expect a bunch of songs - old and new! Maybe what you vote for will be on the list!

NEW MERCH NEW MERCH NEW MERCH!
We know damn well you’re sick of the same damn AOF Tees at every show - that’s why on the 12th, we’ll have NEW T Shirt Designs, Sweatshirts, Hats, Panties, Patches and we’ll be stocked with CDs (don’t forget those GAS FUND SAMPLERS). So point is - bring some money and buy some merch - it keeps us alive.

EVEN MORE!
Ok. That’s what we got planned - what we’re trying to tell you is this night will kick ASS, ASS and more ASS. Really - if you like AOF you don’t want to miss this show. Make the road trip - we’re giving away an AWESOME PRIZE to the person or persons who travel the farthest. There of course is a lot more planned (you won’t believe make out Armageddon) but you’ll have to be there to see it. There are no advance tickets - they are first come first serve at the door. So get there early - this will sell out.
It’s gonna be a night to remember!

We can't wait for this show - now for that national tour that starts next weekend - more shows are being announced daily head over to tour dates to check - we should have a bunch more coming in in the next few days - so keep checking.

got questions, we got answers email info@armyoffreshmen.com We answer all email.

ready to go away in style,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, Mike, Kai

NEWS - 4/2/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

Greetings… Lots going on… let’s get down to business…

This Sunday, April 6th is the BIG Troubadour show!

Sunday, April 6 @ The Troubadour in LA
Army of Freshmen w/ Slick Shoes, Bullets N Octane and Gameface
7pm doors - AOF on @ 8pm – 9081 Santa Monica Blvd. 310-276-6168

Ok - we know it’s a Sunday but we’re on early and we need your support - you know how LA is… : > ) Keep in mind this is your second to last chance to catch AOF in Cali before we leave for our national tour - we won’t be back till June and not in LA/Ventura till July - so don’t miss it!

As for that other show… the GOING AWAY ON TOUR show is next weekend, Saturday, April 12th @ Skate Street in Ventura. How cool will this night be? We had to invent a special page on our site to tell you all about it – that’s how cool. Here’s a quick rundown… We’ve got our Japanese Video Premiering that night! A special one night only three song AOF CD available! Donation Begging! New Merch (ready for AOF - the hat)! Your chance to get a postcard from the road! Contests! Make Out Armageddon (don’t even ask) and last but not least an online for vote for what songs you want to hear that night… Head over to WWW.ARMYOFFRESHMEN.COM to read all about what’s planned for that night and start making plans for a road trip - they will be talking about this one for a while.

In other news - tour is fast approaching - early dates are up and more are on the way - speaking of shows - we need your help - to all Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio fans - we need a show on Thursday, April 24 - if you can find an all ages show (or at your school) we can get on - we want to hear from you - email chris@armyoffreshmen.com with the details.

Ok… THE A TEAM. Our laying in wait street team is about to be kicked into full gear! We got a lot of promoting we need help with since the tour is fast approaching - with that said we want to introduce a new member to TEAM AOF and our new A TEAM CAPTAIN - our friend BECCA FROM BAKO… take it away Becca…

Hey Friends of the Freshmen! My name is Becca and I am going to be helping AOF with their street team. Why you might ask….lets just say I lost a bet with the guys and now I have to be in charge of the street team. Actually, the real reason is the guys are really busy and asked me to help them out. I have been an AOF fan for the past year and a half have attended over 20 shows. I have some great ideas for new missions to promote the band and look forward to having all your help and ideas too - if you’re not on THE A TEAM head over to the site and join. If you are - we’ll be in touch soon!

Ahh… wasn’t that nice? Now head over to the site and sign up or Becca will have her feelings hurt and we’ll have to pay for the counseling. : > ) JK.

Sweet - so we’ll see you in LA on Sunday and then we’ll see you at Skate Street next week. Then we’ll see EVERYBODY starting April 17th!

As always - we answer all email sent to info@armyoffreshmen.com got a question, comment, problem - hit us up!

Thanks for your continued support – last week was the biggest week in the history of our site! We’re just proud of little WWW.ARMYOFFRESHMEN.COM

Ready to bring LA a case of the rock,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, Mike, Kai

 

 

NEWS - 3/25/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

Thanks to all who came out to Chain Reaction last week. Despite a short set we managed to have a good time and issue a healthy dose of the rock to Anaheim.

Here’s all the details on this weekend’s show…

this Friday, Mar. 28th @ The Calabasas Teen Center in Calabasas, CA.
w/ Over It, Halifax, Fallen Idle
time - 8pm info - 818-880-2993 address - 27040 Malibu Hills Rd.

This is our first time ever playing in Incubus’s backyard a great show to hit for all of you stuck in between LA and VENTURA. Now for everyone else - we only have two Cali shows left before we start our national tour and we want to see EVERYBODY in the house! Here’s the early details on those…

Sunday, April 6th @ The Troubadour in LA w/ Slick Shoes
Saturday, April 12th @ Skate Street in Ventura (Hometown Going Away Show!)

Mark your calendars cause these shows will go off!

Now for the rest of the world… the long wait to see AOF is fin ally coming to an end. We have the tentative dates for our tour up on our site along with a list of confirmed show. More confirmed dates should start pouring in over the next few weeks - so keep checking back.

Also for those of you who are keeping track of our good fortunes Japan - here’s an update - our record will be released there April 7th on The Sonic Label. Head over to www.soniclabel.com to see our ugly mugs with a bunch Japanese writing.

If that’s not cool enough - we have been confirmed to perform at The Summer Sonic Festival in Japan this August. They are starting to announce the bands performing there at www.summersonic.com in a hang man style game. So far announced (make sure you’re sitting down for this) BLINK 182, NEW FOUND GLORY and RADIOHEAD. That’s just to name a few - yes we are collectively crapping on our pants. : > ) It’s all very awesome but right now still hard to believe - we will keep you posted on developments!

So all is AOF land is heating up - A TEAM heads on on your first mission of the year…

Got questions… ask us… info@armyoffreshmen.com We respond to all emails excluding forwards about guardian angels, Bill Gates and those damn questionnaires!!!

peace in rock and beyond,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, Mike, Kai

 

NEWS - 3/18/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

Well we made it back safe from Texas! Our sincere apologies for the lack of tour log updates - two in one week is pretty pathetic but… we pretty much spent 4 of the 7 days in a van with no internet whatsoever - we did have a makeshift Playstation 2 hooked up so that got us through the rough nights.

As for the South By South West Festival it was a total blast and it looks like a lot of good will becoming from it - we will keep you posted as news is available.

When we got back to Cali we played a fun show in Bakersfield that we barely made it to and then we played an INSANE show in Lancaster. It was one of the crazier shows we’ve ever done. The place was packed and the crowd was wild - thanks to all our friends in Lancaster for making the night so amazing. If you were there - you know. Not ever day Chris gets floated from one end of the club to the other while singing.

Ok - this Friday we head back to Orange County! Here’s the details…

Friday, Mar. 21 @ Chain Reaction in Anaheim
Doors 7pm AOF 8pm, all ages, info 714-635-6067 or www.allages.com
w/ Mind Driver, Lefty, Music Box Serenade

We’re stoked to back at Chain so soon let alone with our friends, Mind Driver. This is our third time at Chain with Mind Driver and we expect it to kick ass - get there early and get um up!

in other AOF news….

A brand new AOF demo “NO ENGINE” is up at WWW.MP3.COM/AOF Finally some new music is available! Head over there today download the bad boy and let us know what you think. The song will be on our next record. Please feel free to pass it on and send others to the site.

Some confirmed national tour dates have been posted and the tour itinerary is up over at tour dates - take look to see if we plan to be in your area. Speaking of shows - can you help book a show April 22 or 24 in Illinois, Indiana or Ohio? Email chris@armyoffreshmen.com and let’s do it.

Our new press photo is up! Head to our site’s main page and check it out. Also head to our bio section to see our new personal photos and South Park characters - very cool - thanks Matt!

that’s all for now - news it breaking all the time - keep checking back!

As always - you write the Freshmen – we write back - info@armyoffreshmen.com Go ahead - try it - we dare ya!
make rock not war,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, Mike, Kai

 

 

 

 

NEWS - 3/15/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

This just in - the Fresno show this Sunday has been canceled due to the fire marshall shutting down the venue! We're so sorry and hope to make it up to guys in Fresno soon. SXSW rocked - read the tour log for info!

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, Mike, Kai

NEWS - 3/10/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

Thanks to all who attended our two Northern California shows this weekend! We can’t wait to get back up there - the crowds rule! Thanks to the following… Locale AM, Dexter Danger, The Muck Ruckers, Solemite and Eric Finali for all their help while we were in town. Always a pleasure to work with any of the above…

Let’s cut to the chase…

As you read this The Army of Freshmen are off to play The South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas this Wed. Mar. 12th. In honor of this massive journey to play only one show we’ll be doing a TOUR LOG! Yes… that’s right… the “DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS TOUR LOG” is now up and running. Head over to the main page to read all about the adventures of 6 dudes in a shitty (I mean Chevy) Astro Van! It’s gonna be a serious adventure and with the dawn of our new duct taped down tv and video game system well let’s just say we’re all in for an interesting time.

Since we’ll be on the road all week we need to tell you now about the 3 great shows we’ll be playing when we get back to California. After our show in Texas we’ll be heading right back to rock the following…

3/14/03 JERRY’S PIZZA, BAKERSFIELD
8pm, 1817 Chester Ave., 661-635-8175
w/ Audio Karate, Rudiger, Stereotactic
3/15/03 SANDS BOWL, LANCASTER
8pm, 43233 Sierra Hwy., 661-948-2651
w/ Never Heard Of It, Unsung Zeros
3/16/03 PIZZALAND, FRESNO
7pm, 4029 N. Marks, 559-224-1800
w/ Never Heard Of It, Unsung Zeros

Good towns, good bands equal good times. We can’t wait to see our friends and make new ones in all those towns so please come on out and spread the word! We hear the Lancaster show is at a bowling alley - so that should be WAY interesting. I intend to bowl if anyone’s interested. : > )

So that’s the deal - throughout the week check out the log and we’ll see you in Texas or in Bako, Lancaster and Fresno… if of course we survive… : > )

We’ll update the news as things happen… while we’re on the road - drop us a line at info@armyoffreshmen.com or any of our personal emails - it’s always a pleasure to hear from you when we’re out there!

ready to rock Texas,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, Mike, Kai

 

NEWS - 3/5/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

This weekend we make our triumphant return to the bay area… the details…

FRIDAY, MARCH 7th @ THE OASIS in SAN RAFEAL, CA.
w/ LOCALE AM and DEXTER DANGER
address - 1115 3rd St. info - (415) 453-8645
all ages, show starts at 7pm, be there early!

This is our second time in the bay area after last month’s way kick ass show with Solemite in Oakland… so we hope to see all you new folks at the show. We’re also stoked to finally play with our friends, Locale AM! It’s gonna go off!

After that… AOF heads home for a day and then we’re off to play at South By West in Austin, TX. SXSW ( WWW.SXSW.COM ) is a massive music conference/festival and AOF will be playing Wednesday, March 12th @ The Privilege Patio. If you’re attending SXSW - please come out and see us - we’ll be on at 11pm. We are so excited to hop back into the van for a week - should be a good warm up for the intense touring we’ll be doing this summer.

Now for those who won’t be attending SXSW - fear not… for we intend to post our adventures from the road on our site! That’s right fans of the DECEMBER TOUR LOG - rejoice - THE ARMY OF FRESHMEN SXSW LIVE JOURNAL will be up and running on the site come Sunday Night - so drop by all week and tune into the daily adventures of 6 men in a small van as they attempt to journey into the dangerous heartland of Texas and come back alive.

As soon as we get back we’ll be doing an inland triple threat…

4/14/03 JERRY’S PIZZA in BAKERSFEILD, CA.
w/ Audio Karate, Rudiger
4/15/03 SANDS BOWL in LANCASTER, CA.
w/ Unsung Zeros, Never Heard Of It
4/16/03 PIZZALAND in FRESNO, CA.
w/ Unsung Zeros, Never Heard Of It

so be on the look out for that…

More stuff? Why not…

Head over to tour dates and find a BIG surprise… our tentative tour dates for this spring and summer!!! Relax… though these are all the dates and places we’re trying to hit - they are not booked solid yet - when they get confirmed they’ll be added to our tour dates - but check it out though cause some are already posted! Ain’t that right - Nebraska, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Jersey! : > )

AOF mania is once again upon us - Got questions? Want to say hi? Email info@armyoffreshmen.com and someone in the band will hit you back! That’s a promise!

here we come Nor Cal,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, Mike, Kai

Last but not least if you haven’t seen them yet - head over to our bio page and check out the South Park versions of AOF! Thanks to our friend and talented graphics man - Matt - The Sublime One!

 

NEWS - 2/27/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

Last week was the single biggest week in our site's history - thanks to everybody for stopping by - hopefully we can break the record again!

Lots of new Cali shows posted before we leave - check tour dates-San Rafeal, Bakersfeild, Lancaster, Fresno, Calabasas and Ventura to name a few!

Looks like any day now we'll start posting the tentative USA tour dates for April, May, June, July. As shows are confirmed we will add them to the tour list. If you book all ages shows and want to book us - contact chris@armyoffreshmen.com

The tour will be another balls to the walls AOF on their own but it will be going all over the country (over 50 dates) and we have the good folks at FATA BOOKING helping us - so no matter where you are (sorry Alaska/Hawaii) you should be close enough to drive to at least one show (may take you a day or two but hey what are road trips for?)

We are looking forward - you got questions - we got answers - info@armyoffreshmen.com

We are also in the works of getting the A TEAM ready to help promo the tour - so be on the look out. : > )

your before long back on the road homies,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, Mike, Kai

NEWS - 2/25/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

It's official.

The Army of Freshmen are touring the United States in April, May, June and July and... TOURING IN JAPAN in AUGUST.

STOKED,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, Mike, Kai

NEWS - 2/21/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

(We have some BIG happenings in AOF land that we need to share with you so I will turn over the NEWS section to the one, the only ONE’ NIELSEN…)

Friends of the Freshmen!

Hey guys this is One’. I need to address the rumors
that I am leaving the band. The Livery show was my
last time on stage with the boys; I am indeed leaving
the band. I wanted to thank everyone again for making
it one of the best shows ever! I started with this
band, not to get famous, or to get rich, or even for
the music (believe it or not), but to hang out with my
5 best friends and have a lot of adventures. These past years
have given me some of the best times and fun,
memories I will always treasure.

Lately though I have been battling with what makes me
happy, really HAPPY, and though I love performing and
meeting so many new people the lifestyle of the road
is breaking my heart. I am really happy at home, with
my family, and really sad and lonely driving I-40
Eastbound at 3 in the morning. Everyone else in the
band is longing for the road when we are home, while I
am longing for home when I am on the road. I know
that our success is starting to snowball, which is
going to require us to be away from home so much more,
more than I can bear.

I am excited about my decision, though it also makes
me very sad. I can’t wait to be a fan again and not
feel silly about it (cause I AM IN THE BAND). I can appreciate
my favorite songwriters (Aaron and Owen), and love
Chris’s lyrics, and not look like an egomaniac in love
with my own band. And most importantly I can watch
this beautiful thing that we created together become
incredibly successful and be joyous for my friends,
knowing that their dreams are coming true, as mine
have!

Lastly I can be the one to introduce our new
bass player, one of our best friends, Kai Dodson! We
have known each other for years and worked hard
together to nurture the Ventura music scene. I feel
good that he is the one replacing me; he is worthy of
your friendship and fan support. I can’t wait till you
meet him at a show! Welcome him to
our family, okay!

I know that this has been a shock for a lot of you. I
know you may not understand, may have questions. Email
me moso@armyoffreshmen.com and we will talk. This isn’t a
bad break up. It isn’t filled with contempt. You will
see me at shows. It won’t be weird. Come say hi. I
started this with my 5 best friends and I leave with
all of them and all of you still my friends! Thank you from the bottom
of my heart, for every moment we shared!

Until I see you next!
Your friend,

One’

(Ok. Let me be the first to say it. That was an incredible letter. We’re going to miss One’ immensely as he is like family to us. I can remember it like yesterday when we gave One’ a bass and told him was going to learn how to play it! A week later he was on stage trying to figure out what the hell to do! : > ) Imagine that - he started from scratch while he was already in the band. It takes a lot of heart to do something like that and if anybody has a big heart it’s One’. We will miss our brother and we wish him the absolute best in all he’ll do. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on him and I’m sure you’ll see him at shows - I mean he’s a huge AOF fan. : > )

Of course now… you’re wondering who the hell is this Kai guy and how will he take over for the beloved One’??? Good questions. To answer that why don’t we give the floor over to Kai himself. I mean if anybody knows about him - it’s him right? : > )

So without further introduction meet our friend and new bass player - KAI DODSON!)

HI!

First off, let me say "hello" to those of you I know and "nice to meet you" to those I don't yet know. Next let me say how very honored and excited I am to be a part of the Army of Freshmen. They have been friends of mine for years and this really couldn't be any greater. I know what a great person Oné is (we wrestled together in High School---fun fact for those who care) and I know I have big shoes to fill. He has told me how glad he is that I am the one taking over, which means a lot to me. As for my credentials, I've been playing in bands for years and my first "real" band, 19th Hole, actually came up in the local music scene with AOF. Anyway, I'll keep it short by saying (once again) hello to you and thank you to Chris, Owen, Aaron, Mike, Dan, and Oné. Please feel free to email me anytime with any comments or questions skarupin@aol.com (soon to be kai@armyoffreshmen.com) and PLEASE come say hi at our shows. Look forward to meeting everyone and can’t wait to start rocking!

may the force be with you,
KAI

(Wow. That’s damn good too. Listen… we know this is an overload of info for you so we’ll leave you with all that to digest. As always THANK you for your support - it means so much. We’re really looking forward to our first show tonight with Kai and many more to come - feel free to send any all questions to info@armyoffreshmen.com We write back.)

missing the Mos and welcoming the Kai,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, Mike, Kai

 

NEWS - 2/18/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

HOLY CRAP. That’s about all we can say in regards to our SOLD OUT hometown show this past Sunday at The Livery Theater in Ventura. It was by far one of our favorite shows in Ventura EVER. A perfect night if you will. If you missed it - here’s a quick recap - There was stage dives, happy birthdays, sing alongs, huge pogos, Braveheart pits, a fat guy dressed up as a woman running around the stage, a kid taking a marshmallow fired from a sling shot to the face, old songs, new songs, AOF fans meeting and making friends, great sets from our homeboys Solemite, Stole Your Woman and Off By One, an encore (!), and last but not least several fans rushing the stage to sing along to Spring Break. It prompted one first timer to ask, “Is this heaven?” No friend - just another Army of Freshmen show. (Guess what movie we stole that from and win a prize.)

So to all who were in person and to our friends out of town who were there in spirit - THANK YOU. You guys helped make it one hell of a night.

But… the rock MUST NOT BE STOPPED. The Army ventures south this weekend when they return to Anaheim to play with THE STEREO - read on for all the juicy details…

This Friday, February 21st @ Chain Reaction in Anaheim, CA.
w/ THE STEREO, FACE THE FACT and more!
1652 W. Lincoln Ave., 714-635-6067, 7:00pm

Heads up - AOF is on first so be there early! Can’t wait to see our OC friends in the house!

Here’s some random AOF NEWS to quench the thirst…

As you should by now The Army of Freshmen’s debut cd is going to be released in Japan on April 17 by Sonic Records and a tour is in the works! Just let that sink for a second.
: > )

The Army of Freshmen have been invited to play at South By Southwest! (the biggest music conference) in the United States. It takes place in Austin, Texas and is a serious honor to perform at. The Army will rock March 12th. There will be tons of club with hundreds of bands over a full week and amongst a host of famous people like Willie Nelson and Kelly Osbourne friends of ours like Off By One, The Waking Hours, Nerf Herder and The Rosenbergs will be there too. So we are stoked to go - considering we’ve been turned down for the past four years it’s nice to finally get accepted. I (Chris) promise if I see Kelly Osbourne walking down the street to give her an Army of Freshmen sticker and tell her - “You’ve been warned.” More info on SXSW soon. Visit www.sxsw.com to check out the festival.

The A Team. Ok we’ve been getting a lot of emails asking when the hell The A Team is getting a new mission - be patient Teamers - many are in the works. Be on the look out next week.

Touring. We’ve been getting even more emails saying… “Ok Freshmen. I was not lucky enough to be born in California and be able to see you all the time - what about me?” Worry not friends around the country - The Army of Freshmen are busy formulating a national tour this spring and summer. We are coming - stay tuned for all the details. : > )

Interviews. There’s a new interview up at www.tricountiespunk.com Check it out. For even more interviews visit our links page. Wanna interview the band for your zine, school paper, site? Drop us line and we’ll hook it up.

Ok. That’s all for now. As always write us and you get a response. Drop a line to info@armyoffreshmen.com and we will get back to you!

still reeling from the Livery show,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, One’, Mike

 

NEWS - 2/10/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

Army of Freshmen’s first hometown show of the new year is taking place this Sunday at The Livery Theater in Ventura. Here’s the juicy details…

The Livery Theater, Ventura, CA. Sunday, Feb. 16th
w/ Off By One, Stole Your Woman, Solemite
7pm, all ages, 805-794-4714, 34 N. Palm St. (downtown Ventura)

Tix are on sale in advance at www.blackbirdworldempire.com for only 5 bucks! They will also be on sale at the door for 7 bucks if you don’t want to get them online.

For your info if you haven’t been to a Livery show it’s a small intimate venue that GOES OFF. If you haven’t seen AOF there - you haven’t seen AOF. Make the necessary road trip - this show will rule. They’ll be give ways and more at the show so don’t miss it! It’s gonna be an awesome night!

Now before you start whining about the show being on a Sunday - relax… the good news is there is no school the next day due to the celebration of our founding fathers. So be sure to fire a off a patriotic speech to your parents as to why you should be able to attend the show. God bless Japan - I mean America… : > )

Japan? What the hell is he talking about? I’m talking about this baby…

HUGE news is upon us. The Army of Freshmen are overwhelmed with joy to announce our debut record is going to be released in JAPAN! That’s right. The international invasion has begun. AOF’s disc, complete with Japanese artwork and 2 bonus tracks (Paradise and MTV), will be released April 17th, 2003 on The Sonic Label. To top it off negotiations are underway for AOF to tour Japan later this year! Don’t let the tears of joy fry your computer. The Japanese deal has been in the works for months now but we weren’t allowed to say anything as management and contract issues were worked out. It’s been frustrating but officially as of today - it’s all good and the deal is signed. We will keep you posted on the developments as the release gets closer and AOF mania takes on a new continent. Talk about a great way to kick off the new year. Our record in Japan - can you believe it? Strange that it will be easier to find our record in a foreign country than in our own.

That’s all for now – we’ll bother you again later this week about the Livery but for now we want to hear from you - suggestions, questions and hellos are welcome at info@armyoffreshmen.com As always someone in the band will answer you back. Try getting that attention from Good Charlotte. Hell we won’t even ask you to call TRL. : > )

your ready to rock the Livery/soon to have their record put out in Japan homies,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, One’, Mike

 

NEWS - 2/6/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

Greetings and thanks to anyone who came to the AMAZING shows this past weekend. It was the perfect way to kick off our first shows of the year and we met up with and made friends with so many great bands. The shows were off the hook (can you say over 500 people in Thousand Oaks, a stirring game of pit football in Lancaster, an amazing response to our first Bay area show and last but not least an out of control party at Castle Solemite deep in the Oaktown ghetto. It was truly was a weekend to remember.

A big shout out to the following bands for their help and friendship over the weekend - check all of them out when you get a chance… Yellowcard, Park, Stole Your Woman, Solemite, The Matches, The KGB and Cheap Date. All great people and bands - remember a friend of the Freshmen is a friend indeed… : > )

Ok… HUGE news is upon us. The Army of Freshmen are overwhelmed with joy to announce our debut record is going to be released in JAPAN! That’s right. The international invasion has begun. AOF’s disc, complete with Japanese artwork and 2 bonus tracks (Paradise and MTV), will be released April 17th, 2003 on The Sonic Label. To top it off negotiations are underway for AOF to tour Japan later this year! Don’t let the tears of joy fry your computer. The Japanese deal has been in the works for months now but we weren’t allowed to say anything as management and contract issues were worked out. It’s been frustrating but officially as of today - it’s all good and the deal is signed. We will keep you posted on the developments as the release gets closer and AOF mania takes on a new continent. Talk about a great way to kick off the new year. Our record in Japan - can you believe it? Strange that it will be easier to find our record in a foreign country than in our own.

Now for the stateside news… Army of Freshmen’s first hometown show of the new year is taking place next week at The Livery Theater in Ventura. Here’s the juicy details…

The Livery Theater, Ventura, CA. Sunday, Feb. 16th
w/ Off By One, Stole Your Woman, Solemite
7pm, all ages, 805-794-4714

Tix are on sale in advance at www.blackbirdworldempire.com for only 5 bucks! They will also be on sale at the door for 7 bucks if you don’t want to get them online.

Now before you start whining about the show being on a Sunday - relax… the good news is there is no school the next day due to the celebration of our founding fathers. So be sure to fire a off a patriotic speech to your parents as to why you should be able to attend the show. God bless Japan - I mean America… : > )

For your info if you haven’t been to a Livery show it’s a small intimate venue that GOES OFF. If you haven’t seen AOF there - you haven’t seen AOF. Make the necessary road trip - this show will rule. They’ll be give ways and more at the show so don’t miss it! It’s gonna be an awesome night!

That’s all for now - we want to hear from you - suggestions, questions and hellos are welcome at info@armyoffreshmen.com As always someone in the band will answer you back. Try getting that attention from Good Charlotte. Hell we won’t even ask you to call TRL. : > )

your soon to have their record put out in Japan homies,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, One’, Mike

PS. Again thanks to EVERYONE who came out to shows last week - the response was so overwhelming and really meant a lot to us. Can’t wait to see you all again. For you new schoolers - welcome to the rock.

PPS. The AOF Message board is on the way to breaking 200 members - you been there yet?

NEWS - 1/28/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

We take the stage this weekend for their first shows of the new year. Rejoice! The Rock is back. Here’s all the juicy details!

1/30/03 CLUB L RUE in LANCASTER, CA. w/ YELLOWCARD, PARK, S.Y.W.
44950 Valley Central Way, 7pm, 805-987-2026
1/31/03 TO TEEN CENTER, THOUSAND OAKS, CA. w/ YELLOWCARD, PARK
1375 E. Janss Rd., 7pm, 805-494-5156
2/1/03 I MUSIC CAST, OAKLAND, CA. w/ SOLEMITE, KGB, THE MATCHES
5429 Telegraph Ave., 6pm, 510-601-1029
live on the net @ www.imusicast.com
2/2/03 SLO BREW, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA. w/ YELLOWCARD, PARK
1119 Garden St., 7pm, 805-543-1843

These shows will be packed so make sure to get there on time! Tix are available in advance @ ticketweb.com for the Lancaster and San Luis shows. Tickets will be available at the door for all 4 shows so don’t worry if you can’t get them ahead of time.

What can we say? We’re stoked to back out there. Not to mention to play with our friends, Yellowcard and see some familiar faces in SLO, TO and LANCASTER (home of some of the sickest pits we’ve had). To top if off we make our Nor Cal invasion on Saturday in Oakland, let’s just hope those overzealous Raiders fans don’t tip over our van!

Special heads up on Saturday’s show because it will be broadcast live over the internet @ www.imusicast.com With a decent computer supposedly the broadcast looks great meaning no matter where you live in the world Sat. Night you can see an Army of Freshmen show. AOF is scheduled to go own around 7pm. That’s 10 for you east coasters and 9 for you mid westers - plan accordingly and give yourself time to connect.

We’ll give you a full report on Monday on all the details of the shows here in the news section.

Don’t forget about our other upcoming shows…
2/16/03 LIVERY THEATER, VENTURA, CA. w/ OFF BY ONE, SOLEMITE
2/21/03 CHAIN REACTION, ANAHEIM, CA. w/ THE STEREO

See this weekend - we can’t wait!

News happening all the time - keep checking here and as always - if you have any comments, questions, ideas - we would love to hear from you. Write info@armyoffreshmen.com and someone in the band will get back to you. Feel free to contact band members individually too - our AIMs and EMAIL are on the contact page.

Counting the hours till the rock,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, One’, Mike

PS. Thanks to all who joined the message board and are posting there. If you haven’t checked it out yet - do it! It’s about to break 150 members and it’s only been up for two weeks or so.

 

NEWS - 1/22/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

First things first - The Army of Freshmen Message Board is going off - if you haven’t checked it out yet head over there, join and start posting. It’s about to break 100 members and it’s only been up for a week or so. We are really stoked so many people are stopping by, posting and getting to know each other.

As for shows there’s been some new additions and one or two changes so take a look...

1/30/03 CUE L RUE, LANCASTER, CA. w/ YELLOWCARD, PARK, S.Y.W.
1/31/03 TO TEEN CENTER, THOUSAND OAKS, CA. w/ YELLOWCARD, PARK
2/1/03 I MUSIC CAST, OAKLAND, CA. w/ SOLEMITE, KGB, THE MATCHES
2/2/03 SLO BREW, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA. w/ YELLOWCARD, PARK
2/16/03 LIVERY THEATER, VENTURA, CA. w/ OFF BY ONE, SOLEMITE
2/21/03 CHAIN REACTION, ANAHEIM, CA. w/ THE STEREO, FTF

As promised we are coming back to Orange County with a bad ass show when we open up for (one of our favorite bands) THE STEREO on Feb. 21. Also we will NOT be on the Arcadia show on the 31st cause #1 it’s 18 and over and #2 we’ve been added to another date with Yellowcard! We’ll be on the T.O. TEEN CENTER date in Thousand Oaks on the 31st. This is looking to be a HUGE show and is definitely worth the drive. For info on advance tix for any of the Yellowcard dates visit www.numbskullshows.com

Speaking of tickets - they are NOW on sale for The Livery show in Ventura on the 16th. For those who haven’t been to a Livery Show - it’s like our home base and we ALWAYS have the craziest shows there. It’s worth the drive on Sunday (no school the next day either!). Tickets are avail. in advance for only 5 bucks (keeping it cheap) at www.blackbirdworldempire.com

While you’re here - check out our article in Mean Street which is linked on our home page. It’s still out in and around record stores in Southern California so grab it while you can.

News happening all the time - keep checking back here and as always - if you have any comments, questions, ideas - we would love to hear from you. Write info@armyoffreshmen.com and someone in the band will get back to you. Feel free to contact band members individually too - our AIMs and EMAIL are on the contact page.

your ready to hit the stage again homeboys,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, One’, Mike

PS. Thanks to our friends Sugarcult who recently plugged us in their national email. Hi to all who are visiting because of the recommendation!

PPS. Let’s have a round of applause for the site! This week it broke 100,000 (those are real hits too). Way to go site - he’s looking forward to the next 100,000. : > )

 

NEWS - 1/9/2003

Friends of the Freshmen!

Greetings and welcome to 2003. If ever there was a year to kick massive ass may it be this one. Before we get to the rock we’d like to welcome all our new friends who found out about us on the December FOBO Tour. We’re happy to have you on board and we look forward to many wonderful adventures together.

Now on to the rock…

Well the December Mid West Tour was a total success and a great time. We didn’t freeze to death nor did we break down nor did we run out of gas. In fact we met a ton of cool people and played some killer shows (with a few exceptions). To read the full tour log of all our great adventures and near brushes with death - head over to our main page.

Ok. First things first and that is NEW shows! We’re taking the first few weeks of the year off to work on some new songs (they sound great!) but we’ll be back in action for the following displays of the rock…

1/30/03 CUE L RUE, LANCASTER, CA. w/ YELLOWCARD, PARK
1/31/03 CLUB 101, ARCADIA, CA. w/ OFF BY ONE, NEVER HEARD OF IT
2/1/03 I MUSIC CAST, OAKLAND, CA. w/ SOLEMITE, KGB
2/2/03 SLO BREW, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA. w/ YELLOWCARD, PARK
2/16/03 LIVERY THEATER, VENTURA, CA. w/ OFF BY ONE, SOLEMITE

For full details on the above shows head over to TOUR DATES.

Shows are being booked as we speak so keep checking the site. Look for us in Bakersfield, Fresno, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Diego and Anaheim soon! We can’t wait to get back to all those great towns.

Now for you out of staters who could care less about what’s happening in California - worry not. As you may of heard The Army of Freshmen are going on National Tour in April and May. It won’t start getting booked till February and we will need your help when it comes but we wanted to let you know in advance THE ARMY IS COMING.
Till then heads up on the February 1st show which will be broadcast LIVE over the internet - we’ll have details soon.

Now in other news… this month The Army of Freshmen have invaded the world of print with articles in not one but two killer indie magazines. The December issue of Skratch Magazine which is still out has a great two page interview with The Army and a too good to be true review in the cd section. Skratch can be found for FREE all over Cali at record stores and in a few other states. But for those of you who can’t find it - we’ve posted the review and interview on the site. Head to the main page or the links section.

As if that’s not good enough - we’re REALLY happy to announce there’s an article on The Army of Freshmen in the January issue of Mean Street which for our money is the coolest magazine in Cali. It’s out now so head to your local record store (in Cali) and ask for it. We’ll get it typed up for you on the site ASAP. Not enough AOF reading for you? Two new online interviews that did on tour are up – go to the main page or links to see um!

So we know that’s a hell of a lot of news for one update but we’re still not done! By popular demand we’re happy to announce The Official Army of Freshmen Message Board is up and running! Head over there - sign up and let the posting frenzy begin. We’re really hoping this can be an outlet for people to talk AOF info and more importantly make some new friends. Band members of course will be posting there too - so check it out!

Don’t forget about WWW.MP3.COM/AOF for free music either! We’ll be posting some new demos there soon - so be on the look out!

As always - if you have any comments, questions, ideas - we would love to hear from you. Write info@armyoffreshmen.com and someone in the band will get back to you. Feel free to contact band members individually too - our AIMs and EMAIL are on the contact page.

Thank you so much for your support last year. It means more than we can express in a dumb news update. We’ll be in touch soon - look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at the shows - as always spread the word and feel free to forward this mail.

your keyboard heavy pop rock punk something friends in Ventura,

Chris, Aaron, Owen, Dan, One’, Mike

PS. This year is gonna kick ass. Look out!

PPS. Anybody get the Drive Thru Records DVD? Head over to the credits section and among the gazillion people they thank - we’re listed in the BANDS sections - not too shabby. Check it out!