Ernie Ball Weekly: The Offspring, 311, State Champs and More

Live Performances

Calpurnia

Calpurnia performed “Greyhound” and City Boy for Jimmy Kimmel Live on July 24th for the Mercedes-Benz Concert Series. Lead singer and “Stranger Things” costar, Finn Wolfhard flashed his diverse talents in the band’s television debut. The four-piece group also played “City Boy” from their EP, Scout, which debuted on June 15th. The group has strong bass lines, catchy guitar riffs, and a rugged, yet Indie voice from Finn Wolfhard to make there mark on the genre.

Ayla Tesler-Mabe, is rocking her Ernie Ball Music Man Valentine. Don’t miss out on her incredible solo in the performance below! She also plays Regular Slinkys. Ayla was featured this week in a She Shreds Magazine in “Issue 15”. Check out the interview to hear what grounded Ayla’s love for the guitar and her Music Man Valentine.

Calpurnia is currently playing shows throughout the United States. Tour dates are available on their website.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eXTPlwfK5Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijhn1gePIDs

New Releases

The Story So Far

The Story So Far have released details for their upcoming album, Proper Dose, along with a new track and pre-order details via their website. The group also premiered a new music video for a new tune,  “Let It Go” on July 18th. The video can be viewed below. The Story So Far is currently on tour with Coheed and Cambria and Taking Back Sunday. Tour dates are also available on their website. The album is set to be released September 21st.

The Story So Far prefer Power Slinkys, Beefy Slinkys, and Bass Hybrid Slinkys. Bassist, Kelen Capener also plays the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special.

Minus The Bear

Minus The Bear released their new song “Fair Enough” on July 17th. The track comes from the group’s upcoming 4-song EP, Fair Enough, which will be available on October 19th. The album represents a bittersweet ending for the immensely popular band, after the announcement that they will be ending their 20+ year career. The band will embark on a farewell tour  this fall, playing shows throughout the United States. Their website has the tour dates they will be playing and a warming farewell letter on the homepage.

Minus The Bear play Regular Slinkys, Bass Regular Slinkys, and Not Even Slinkys.

Night Verses

Night Verses dropped a music video via Loudwire, for their song “Vice Wave” from their new album, From the Gallery of Sleep. You can catch guitarist Nick Depirro’s Music Man JP 15 in the video below. Night Verses is currently on a US tour.

Night Verses play Power Slinkys, Nickel 8 Slinkys, and Bass 5 Regular Slinkys.

Jacob Reese Thornton

Jacob Reese Thornton released his first single, “Bombs Away,” from his debut LP Different Times on July 1st. Different Times was produced by Grammy winner and Ernie Ball players, Bob Kulick and Bobby Ferrari. Other songs from Different Times include “Head First” which was released July 15th. The LP is now available on all major streaming platforms.

Originally discovered through Robert Knight’s Brotherhood of Guitar program, Jacob has made a name for himself in the guitar world, having played alongside the likes of fellow Ernie Ball artists, Buddy Guy and Todd Kerns. The opening cut of the video features Jacob jamming his Music Man Cutlass RS HSS with a mean tone.

Jacob Reese Thornton performs with Regular Slinkys.

Tour Announcements

The Offspring & 311

The Offspring and 311 have kicked off their North American Never Ending Summer Tour. To get fans excited, the bands each covered one of the each other’s songs. The Offspring covered 311’s “Down” and 311 covered The Offspring’s “Self Esteem.”

The Offspring play Regular Slinkys and Power Slinkys and 311 play Paradigm Regulars and RPS 8 Slinkys.

If you haven’t already, make sure to check out the String Theory episode with 311.

State Champs

We’re excited to announce that Ernie Ball artist State Champs will be accompanying Blink-182 for a small tour this Fall! Blink-182 singer, Mark Hoppus, has been a contributing factor for the group by offering creative assistance with a couple songs. The 8-day U.S. Northeast tour kicks off September 12th in Minnesota and closes September 25th in Iowa. State Champs are also currently playing out on Vans Warped Tour. Grab tickets for one of their shows on their website.

State Champs use Skinny Top Heavy Bottom Slinkys, Beefy Slinkys, and Bass Power Slinkys.

Ariel Posen

Internationally renowned guitarist, Ariel Posen is hitting the road for a United States fall tour. The tour features 6 dates and was announced on their Facebook page.  Watch this clip for a sample of his diverse talents as he plays an intricate jazz piece. You can catch one of his shows by visiting his website. Expect a great performance full of slides, licks, and some ridiculous pedalboard work.

Ariel Posen plays Beefy Slinkys and Not Even Slinkys.

Music Man in the Wild

Gemini Syndrome

Check out Alessandro “AP” Paveri and his custom Music Man Sterling in Stealth Black. Gemini Syndrome is currently finishing up their U.S. tour, and you can check out their website to stay updated on their whereabouts.