Roundup: Chris Carrabba, Solid Gold, D. Rider

Today’s roundup is all about getting in touch with your favorite bands. Several groups will be kicking off the new year with some touring dates, while others will play more intimate venues. One band in particular went straight to the source and did a Q&A with some of their loyal followers to show how much they care…

• Dashboard Confessional‘s Chris Carrabba was put in the hot seat when he visited New York’s MTV Studios and got grilled by fans. He discussed his inspiration, sports, and even The Twilight Saga New Moon. Check out the video at MTV.com.
• Solid Gold is hitting the streets in support of their new album, the Syncronize EP. It’s scheduled to drop on January 12th (via iTunes), and will feature 2 new Solid Gold tracks, a cover of Kenny Loggin’s “Danger Zone” and a remix of “Synchronize” by Morgan Kibby of M83 fame (aka the White Sea Remix). They’ll hit the road starting January 14th at Chicago’s Lincoln Hall for the Tomorrow Never Knows festival.
• Revolver Magazine is sponsoring the “Dean Guitars 2010 NAMM Jam” at The Grove in Anaheim, California, on January 15th. The show will feature Collective Soul, LA Guns, as well as members of Slayer, Arch Enemy, Testament, and will be hosted by Vinnie Paul. Tickets will be given away at the Winter NAMM to attendees during the annual music conference held at the Anaheim Convention Center.
• Todd Rittman and his new band D. Rider are going on tour. Join Todd and band members Andrea Faught (Cheer-Accident), Noah Tabakin (Mucca Pazza), and Theo Katsounis (Joan of Arc, Locks) as they visit select cities for some of their first shows outside Chicago. For more info on their upcoming performances visit the band’s official MySpace Page.