Almost Famous

While most high school students are enjoying the last days of summer, Douglas Levine of Madison has been working on his life's goal with the help of www.zip06.com

Looking every bit the age of 14, Levine says of his future career plans, "I want to own Rolling Stone."

For now, Levine has settled for the position of editor-in-chief of his high school's music magazine, Vox, as he enters his sophomore year at Daniel Hand High School (DHHS).

Of his ambitious student, DHHS English teacher and Vox student advisor Pierre Sorey says, "Doug makes quite an impression on people. He's a big go-getter."

At the end of this last school year, Levine had approached Sorey and Vox's other student advisor, DHHS English teacher Mia Corvino, and inquired about covering several shows at the Warped Tour 2010 in Oceanport, New Jersey, for Vox.

Even though Sorey was confident that Levine would be responsible in covering the event, school policy wouldn't allow for backing the venture.

That's when the ever-resourceful Levine contacted Zip06, hoping to have his band interviews published. Armed with his press pass allowing him the opportunity to interview several bands as well as take photos in the "pit," Levine headed to the Warped Tour on July 18 (see band photos and read and listen to Doug's interviews to the top, right).

He documented:

"Walking in to Warped Tour 2010 was like a rite of passage for me. Having never been to a music festival before, I was instantly drawn in by the noise and excitement of it all. As I walked down the long approach to the entrance, various bands tried to sell their CDs to me and one person offered me the chance to punch a man dressed as a count for $1. From the minute I passed through the security gates, it was like I was in a whole other world." *(Read the rest of Levine's journal entry below. You can also hear Levine's interviews, read his show reviews, and see many photos from the shows in related links to the right.

Levine, a lover of many genres of music, but specifically ska, was most excited about meeting and interviewing genre veterans Reel Big Fish.

Ska music today is most recognized for its upbeat tempo, big-band ensembles, and fusion of reggae, jazz, blues, rock steady, and swing. Ska's Kingston, Jamaica, roots stretch back into the 1960s with genre legends like Desmond Dekker, The Skatalites, and Eric "Monty" Morris.

Levine says of his interest in Reel Big Fish, "There have been a lot of bands who were ska and they're basically being sell outs and Reel Big Fish has been true to it throughout the years."

Levine interviewed and photographed the Flatliners (punk), After Midnight Project (indie rock), and of course his favorite group, Reel Big Fish (see all interviews to the right or click on the links).

Sharing his love for music with students at DHHS through Vox is something about which Levine is extremely passionate.

Having the chance to cover live shows, he says, "is kind of like showing there are still bands out there playing and touring."

When Sorey heard that Levine had found a way to trek to the Warped Tour 2010 to cover the shows, he was proud of his student, but not surprised.

"He's charming," says Sorey. He has an "ability to chat with people…He's been able to get stuff that other students can't."

Sorey predicts of Levine's future, "I see him doing something creative, something original, something we haven't even thought of yet. He's one of those students I can't wait to see 5 or 10 years from now."

What's on Doug's iPod

Right now Doug Levine is listening to "Clap Your Hands" by The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band.

* Full Journal Entry

"Walking in to Warped Tour 2010 was like a rite of passage for me. Having never been to a music festival before, I was instantly drawn in by the noise and excitement of it all. As I walked down the long approach way to the entrance various bands tried to sell their CDs to me and one person offered me the chance to punch a man dressed as a count for $1. From the minute I passed through the security gates it was like I was in a whole other world. I quickly rushed to the main stage, just in time to see Reel Big Fish. After listening to their set I proceeded into the press area. After about 30 minutes I proceeded to interview the band After Midnight Project. I then interviewed Tommy Simms, lead guitarist of Automatic Loveletter, followed by Chris Cresswell, singer and guitarist of the Flatliners. I then headed out of the press area, just in time to catch the All American Rejects (not interviewed) show. Next I headed over to hear the Mighty Regis (not interviewed), the Flatliners, and The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band (not interviewed). After that I rushed back to the press area to do an interview with Reel Big Fish. This was one of the most exciting moments of the day for me. I then ventured back out into the crowd to see After Midnight Project, and Automatic Loveletter. I even scored a can of super exclusive Monster Tour Water from one of the bands. I finished the day with a little merch shopping."