Tuned Magazine

So there I am, standing around at the Astoria a couple of months ago, waiting for Paramore to come onstage at the first of two consecutive London shows. I’ve seen Paramore a couple of times before - at Give It A Name in 2006, and then at this year’s Download and Reading festivals - but never before had I seen a crowd go as hysterically crazy in their honour as I did on this night at the Astoria. I don’t think the band could believe it either - they looked as though their minds had been blown for pretty much their whole set. It was at this moment, observing the band’s gleeful smiles and open mouthed amazement at their mammoth UK response that it occurred to me: Tuned should do a cover feature, because there’s a side to Paramore’s story that hasn’t yet been told.Most ‘music’ magazines have fixated on the fact that Hayley Williams is, y’know, a girl and that, and have sunk as low as publishing sensationalist, tabloid worthy gossip. But, Tuned aint most magazines. We’re much more interested in - first and foremost - a band’s music, and what the bands really want to say about their art, not what they might be tricked into saying via loaded questions. Yes it’s true, Paramore are a young band, fronted by a girl, but they’ve also blown up internationally this year, since the release of a remarkably accomplished second album. The weight and intensity of ascending to the status of ‘celebrity’ must be a truly surreal experience, especially when people start making shit up about you. And further, what impact will this new found status have on Paramore’s music? These are the questions worth asking, and Hayley Williams certainly had a lot to say.We also headed over to New York City last month to hook up with our friends in Cardboard City, who were kind enough to show us around their home turf of Long Island to create an exclusive, behind the scenes look into their off the road lifestyles. We made a bunch of new friends out there too, and fell in love with a couple of bands destined to be on everyone’s lips in 2008: Four Year Strong and Band Of Horses. This issue we bring you the first ever UK feature on the Four Year Strong boys as well as a full review of their stunning debut album, and look out for some Band Of Horses coverage in the coming months – right here in the pages of Tuned.Finally, alongside all the other, seam busting content that this ninth issue has to offer, you might notice that Tuned has a bit of a new look this month. This redesign comes thanks to our newest family member Jon Barmby. We’re sure you’ll agree that his work is awesome, and we’re delighted to welcome him into the team.But, enough from me for now; enjoy the issue and we’ll see you next month.Adios,Leander GloversmithEditorFOR A FULL LIST OF TUNED STOCKISTS, TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN REVIEWS AND RANTS, TO ORDER BACK ISSUES, TO CHAT ON OUR FORUM OR FOR ADVERTISING RATES VISIT WWW.TUNEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK TODAY!