(Photo taken by Alexa Selca)

A month ago, the band set out on an adventure to downtown Dallas, Texas, to perform live at Club Dada. 

ToyMachine! headlined for 45 minutes alongside two opening acts, Jourdan Blue and Mildy Brown, rounding out the entire two-and-a-half-hour experience. All three brought passion in front of a respectable crowd. 

“After all the times we’ve traveled as a band, certain things become second nature: we’re all gonna meet up beforehand, talk shit, laugh for an hour straight, and try to get out all the anxious energy before boarding. Usually, we’re on the 5-6 am flights out wherever we go, but this last time to Dallas, we had a late afternoon/early evening joint, which was NOT the vibe. After being drained from a long day, getting on a plane to fly across the country is awful! Early morning flights all day!” stated Greg Alders (Drummer).

The band also performed new songs off their long-awaited NEW ALBUM, set to release on June 14th, and performed already released singles. Merch such as tee shirts and hats were also sold after the show.

With this show came ToyMachine! performing in front of important individuals, such as Dallas talent agencies looking to see what the band had to offer and multiple talent buyers and agencies from across the country. 

The band has also signed to ATRX, a talent agency that helps creators build their TikTok live presence. 

ATRX is based out of ToyMahcine!’s home state of New Jersey, which is how the band made the connection. 

ATRX is owned by Bill Herndon, a renowned TV director, writer, and producer with over twenty years of experience in the entertainment industry. 

Herndon has worked as the executive producer and producer on TV series such as 7 Hills, Which Way, Parda, and more. 

"After seeing us at a show, We were approached by Bill Herndon the head of the ATRX TikTok agency, he told us he loved our music. We flew out to Dallas to do an intensive TikTok live workshop, thanks to Bill helping grow our online presence. You will definitely see us more on TikTok now!" Ray Bentley (Vocalist) emphasized. 

Ryan Lamon (Guitarist) gave Herndon a tour of the Film Factory in September of 2023 to view the space for ATRX’s content week there. Ever since ToyMachine! has been working hand in hand with the agency owner.

This is a huge stepping stone for the band as they continue their streak of TikTok lives showing ToyMachine! playing live at venues. This gives fans another outlet to consume their music and to see their aesthetic. ToyMachine! plans to go live more often in the future.

The Dallas show also pinned the growing map the band traveled on. The band plans to perform in more college towns and cities around the country, including Athens, Georgia, at the University of Georgia, Austin, Texas, and Nashville, Tennessee, the music capital. 

“As cliche or self-aggrandizing as it may be, you can spot someone from NJ/NYC from a mile away, and ToyMachine! being based out of that area, when we go somewhere like Austin, LA, Guadalajara, or Mexico, it’s usually the first thing we get asked: ‘Are you guys from New York!?’ The way we talk and interact gives our roots away within seconds. But honestly, I’m not mad at it. I love where we’re from, and if it’s that characteristic that different types of people can spot so quickly, that means something. I’ll take it!” mentioned Greg, speaking on the significance of performing in different markets. 

While bunking at the Hilton hotel in downtown Dallas for over a week, the band also had several meetings with ATRX, discussing marketing strategies and where to perform live next. With ToyMachine! already having success in New Jersey and Texas, the band is seeking to have their music be heard in multiple rock and metal markets throughout the country. 

“Playing on the road is always such an experience. You really have to roll with the punches and be okay with things not going your way. Prepare to forget something,” stated Greg about performing on the road. 

With the success of this recent show, ToyMachine!, along with help from Bill Herndon, is planning to format new shows with two opening acts and longer show times. 

STAY SLUDGY!!!

(Article by Steven Wease)