Happy 2012 to every staffer, user, industry folk, band and reader alike. We just came off quite a year for music. I'm still going over some "end of the year" lists from friends and networks and am discovering what I missed. In particular, five things really stuck out to me this past year. You can check out what I have to say here, and don't forget to scan over our EOTY lists one last time before we start rocking out into what I expect to...[read more]

Bored on a Tuesday night? Come listen to some tunes and discuss music in the AP.net Turntable room.

We're spinning some sick tracks over at the AP.net Turntable.fm room. Come join the party.

Staffer Thomas Nassiff recently laid out his top ten Pop-Punk Records of All Time. You can check out his picks here and hash it out with him and the rest of the AP.net community in the replies.

This year's SXSW was quite an experience for me. Through that experience, I had some of the best conversations with bands, managers, label owners and fans alike about where things are heading. Head here to read my thoughts on the whole week and where I see the music scene shifting in the next few years. In the words of Chris Conley, "This is what it is." Hit the replies and let's talk about it.

Some AbsolutePunk members have compiled a list of albums that they think you should check out. Make sure you head here to read the list and join in the discussions. You can also check out volume one here.

Head here to see the selections for 2010's user photog. Thanks to all that submitted.

Just a reminder that I'll be taking submissions for this year's Absolute Photog feature through the week. Deadline is this Sunday at midnight. Guidelines are simple: Send up to three pictures you've taken at shows this year along with who is in the photo, your name and your user name (if you have one) and the venue/date it was shot to absolutepunk.photos@gmail.com. I'll be shuffling through them next week and getting the chosen ones out the last week of the year. I've gotten double the submissions this year so far, and some amazing...[read more]

I will be putting together our second annual AbsolutePhotog this year. Real simple: Send me your best live photos taken anytime this year to absolutepunk.photos@gmail.com. Remember: I need the name of the band/band member, date it was shot and the venue/state for each photo submitted. Limit to three entries. I will be accepting entries up until the 23rd. Please include your name and user name (if you have one).

Well, this is it. We've come to the end of the month and I hope you guys look as awesome as I do right now. Combined, we've raised $314 for the cause. Since it is the last day, you can still donate here if you would like. Other than that, hit the replies and show off your staches. Thanks to everyone and anyone who participated with us this month.

This past Sunday, I sat down with Max Bemis (Say Anything), Kenny Vasoli (The Starting Line/Person L) and Chris Conley (Saves the Day) to discuss the current state of the music industry and life after being a part of a major label. Head here to read the hour long discussion, and hit the replies with your thoughts. Where do we stand? What do bands have to do to succeed? Is this all forcing creativity and weeding out bad personal investments in bands that will just break-up...[read more]

How is it growing in guys? We're up to $202 raised, and my handlebars are coming in quite nice. We're into week three here, and some of you must be looking quite Studio 54 by now. Hit the replies with your 'stache and let's see how everyone is doing so far.

How are those staches growing in guys? We're in week two of the charity event, and we've already raised $192. Hit the replies with how your progress is coming in the first week. Also, if you're signed up as a member of our group, we're asking you to link your personal Movember profile below your picture for any friends to help you out with raising funds. Until next week - grow on!

Did you shave last night? You should have. Today marks the first day of the site's participation in "Movember." If you haven't already signed up, you can do so here. We now have 35 team members and have already raised $27. Hit the replies with your before photo this week, and we'll all check in next Monday to see how things are going. Bands, publicists, managers, merch guys - we encourage you all to participate with us. Handlebars or bust!

Here we are at the end of this month's feature. Here's a few more labels worth checking out. It's been a great year of music, and we shouldn't forget the work put in by the labels and communities that support those audible files and get them out there to us. Who did we miss? What labels do we need to pay more attention to? Hit the replies and let us and the community know. We hope you found some new homes and tunes this month.

Just a reminder, if you wish to participate in our charity event next month, you can sign up here. We already have 28 members and raised $2 before the month has started. We encourage you to participate and help raise funds even if you're not "officially" signed up to our group. We'll have a forum up on Monday to post your before pictures, and then every Monday until the end of the month to keep seeing your progress. Thanks in advance for your participation and help. Happy mowing and then growing.

Dear friends, colleagues, bands and users of AbsolutePunk. For the month of November, we will be participating in the charity event "Movember" and are asking for all of you to join us. Instead of plastic ribbons, we will shave on the first and then grow our 'staches proudly for the full month. (I'm personally thinking about some sweet handlebars.) If you wish to join our team, you can head here to do so. Even if you don't wish to sign up via the site and still wish to...[read more]

We've got three more labels we think you should be putting your ear to. Hit the replies and show some love, but also let us know what labels we should be looking at that we may have overlooked.

Be sure to check out the second batch of labels we think you should be paying attention to at the moment. Head here and let us know what you think and what labels you're digging lately.

This month, the staff has compiled a list of "fresher" record labels we wished to showcase to the world. Head here to see the first three, and be sure to check back every week this month to gain some insight and hear some great music from our choices. Let us know what you think and what labels you're really excited about at the moment.

Want to keep up with all the video exclusives we post? Subscribe to our ABSOLUTExclusive Youtube Channel. We're always posting new live performances, music videos, and behind the scenes clips - don't miss a beat.

We're proud to announce that MusicSkins has teamed up with AP.net to release a line of AbsolutePunk.net skins. Want to rock out extra hard on Guitar Hero with AP.net's logo slapped on your guitar? Done, and you'll look cooler than Hoppus. Want something on your iPhone that'll make you think of Jason Tate every time you call someone? We have you covered. Check them out here...[read more]

Today, we are starting a new campaign. We, like all others around the world, were startled when Panic at the Disco removed their trademark exclamation point from their name without even consulting us, the fans. Thus, we have taken it upon ourselves to be a harbinger of change. We will now be known as Absolute!Punk.net and will be taking all other band names hostage until Panic(!) at the Disco restore their name to its former glory.

The Black Out Band may be the hottest thing the Internet has going for it now, but AbsolutePunk.net is probably a close second. Help spread the word about AP today to share the musical goodness!

Head on over to Absolutepunk's Buzznet page to check out more of our Warped Tour updates. Pictures from Chicago and Milwaukee's dates featuring The Graduate, Boys Like Girls, The Matches, and many more have been added to our gallery.

Our very own Jon Lally has posted photos on our buzznet page from his adventures at Lollapalooza this past weekend, including several pictures of him with the ladies (Regina Spektor counting as one of them).

Tay Zonday may be the hottest thing the Internet has going for it now, but AbsolutePunk.net is probably a close second. Invite your friends to AP today to share the musical goodness!

Watch AP.net's footage of the Calgary stop of Warped Tour in the replies, including an interview with Circa Survive.

Perez Hilton features Absolutepunk.net on his website. Sort of.

Congratulations to our very own Jason Tate for being named one of Blender Magazine's "Top 25 Most Influential People in Online Music." You can see a picture of the article in the replies, and you can pick up the issue (with Kelly Clarkson on the cover) in stores now.