MAX DOUD WILLING TO LOSE To make his dreams comes true By Stephanie Stevens
At just 18 years old MAX DOUD has this old soul spirit in him that illuminates his story telling and lyrical content. Bringing a real life experience with emotion, captivating melodies and artistic depth that most people don’t see in their whole career.
This singer/songwriter just released his newest single and video for the single called WILLING TO LOSE. A song that tells the story of putting everything on the line to achieve the dream you have. A true life story as he started at the young tender age of 11 knowing music was his purpose and by 13 was playing live venues and performing for crowds. As you might be already thinking that is insane to be that young and be gaining experience already he had a moment with the vocalist of The Goo Goo Dolls John Rzeznik, singing with him onstage. Once that moment happened DOUD knew his life was performing in front of people. From their he has opened for bands like Hinder and has been able to create and capture his essence as a songwriter in the studio.
WILLING TO LOSE is already a huge growth in this young man as he creates a unique vocal ability throughout the song and the free flowing melodic soundscape is just a gorgeous backdrop for this young man’s vocal prowess.
Along with his love for music he has a huge passion for Karate as a black belt in Isshin-ryu and also will be attending Belmont University as he continues to make music and give the world the gift of artistry.
I had the pleasure of getting to know MAX little better has he gave me incite on his time at Elvio Fernandes Rock Star Academy. How Jelly Roll inspires him and where he sees himself in 5 years.
Q: Hey Max, nice to meet you first off let's chat about at age 11 most people have no idea what they want out of life and your love for music was prominent at that age. What inspired you at such a young age and where did your love for creating come into play as a child? A: Music was always a part of my every day in my house…from singing along to the radio both at home and on my way to school in the car every day with my mom. Q: At a young age you got to sing with John Rezeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls who is just a rad person. How was that experience and how did that at a young age help your confidence aspect in performing for people? A: That experience was life changing for me. Before that, I wasn’t sure music was what I wanted to do. Singing in front of a crowd with someone as iconic as Johnny Rzeznik, made me realize on stage is where I wanted to be. It was my first real experience being in front of people singing and I just loved it so much that I knew right then I wanted to continue doing it.
Q: Your new single WILLING TO LOSE is about putting everything on the line to achieve your dreams in life. A song and story that a lot of people can relate to but some people get stopped in their track due to fear or failure. For you, how do you get over the hump of being rejected or getting not told to you and how does that make you a stronger artist in the end? What would you tell people about letting fear win?
A: For me, it isn’t much different from karate. Karate is brutal…it’s a one-person sport. You go up there, do your thing and then you have a panel of sensei’s who score and judge your every move. You have to think about the littlest details while you perform. And you have to be able to take severe criticism and use it to make you better. The same goes with music. Someone may not have the same vision I do, but even someone says “no”, there is something for me to learn from that experience. Fear really only affects you when you let it. Q: Who are your biggest influences and if you could take two things from those influences to be a guide for you through your career what would you take from them?
A: Personally, one of my biggest influences has been Elvio Fernandes from Daughtry. Through his program and his friendship, he has given me my first real experiences as a musician. And he doesn’t hold back…his advice is always honest and comes from a place where he only wants to succeed. He’s introduced me to what it’s like to be a performing musician. Despite his professional success, he has never forgotten where he came from and continually gives back to his community. Musically, Jelly Roll’s story has had the most profound impact on me. Here is a guy who had nothing, and was just having a really hard time in life…he took a shot and never gave up his dream. And now look where he is. He was really a bit of an inspiration for my song Willing to Lose. The guy never let failure stop him. Q: If you could collaborate with anyone that is currently in the scene, who would you work with and what kind of song do you feel would come out of it?
A: Absolutely Jelly Roll. He crosses so many genres and I feel my music does the same. Q: Your vocals sound so mature for your tender age of 18, almost like you have an old soul in you. Growing up did you have a parent or older adult that guided you in your way of looking at life and how do you feel that has given you the grasp of bringing out that old soul in your music?
A: Throughout my entire life people have told me I am an old soul because of my taste in music. It comes from my parents and the music they listened to. From 2nd grade on, I had a long car ride to school every morning with my mom and we would listen to 80’s-90’s…the alternative/rock stuff. I sang along to these songs for years and it has really influenced the way I sing. Q: Other than this new single you have released a few other songs, have you been working on a full length and if so how do you view the process of a full record vs single after single? A: I have a few more in the process that we are working on currently. I’m not sure how the process of a full album would be, but I wanted to give people a taste of what I can do to build up an audience that I can release and album to.
Q: You're a former student of Elvio Fernandes Rock Star Academy. Can you tell people what you learnt in this academy and any one special experience that helped you grow as an artist? A: The time in the academy was an incredible time. Being put in a band with kids my age was an experience I will never forget. We played in front of huge festivals and on some of the most sought after stages in Rochester. It was hard work. It taught me how to work with a group of people who may not have the same vision. We had amazing moments and some that were less amazing. I am pretty passive person…the academy taught me to have a voice and not be afraid to speak up when I needed to. I remember this one time in front of a large crowd where I completely forgot the next lyric. I always thought that would be the end of the world. But one thing Elvio taught us is mistakes happen and you just keep going. So I mumbled some words and no one the audience even knew that I forgot what they were.
Q: Your next step is attending Belmont University, is that still a go and what do you want to major in while attending this school and how will your school impact your music career?
A: Yes! I am so excited to be starting at Belmont. Not only is the location exactly where I want to be but Belmont has an amazing music business and songwriting program. Working with executives on music row is one of the things that drew me to Belmont. And just being in Nashville is a dream for me. Q: Since age 13 you have been playing venues being young. How hard is it to get into venues and how did you get through that?
A: At first, I starting playing other musicians breaks. I’d have around 15 minutes to do my thing. And I went to A LOT of open mics. My dad would call around asking for venues to just give me a chance. The Rochester community is so amazing and supportive. I had to build a reputation, as well as a set list! After about a year I started getting my own 1 hour gigs before another musician. And it just took off from there. Q: As an older version of yourself now, if there was a fan that wanted to start a career in music like you did at a young age would you ever think about being a mentor and guiding them?
A: Absolutely. All of the more seasoned Roc Academy student’s kind of do that now. We are always talking and giving each other advice about what works and what doesn’t. Q: Other than music I see you also have a black belt in Isshin-ryu karate. What is that all about and how much does being active and healthy relate to your overall life and how does it help in your music life if any?
A: Karate has taught me dedication, respect and discipline. Learning to take criticism and put that to use has been an extremely valuable life lesson for me. Q: As a rising star, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
A: Hopefully on a tour bus about to hit the stage in a state I’ve never been to before! Q: Anything else you want to hit upon that we didn’t get to chat about in this interview and can you let people know where they can follow you in the social media world?
A: I am on TikTok (Max_Doud), IG, FB, YouTube (all under maxdoudmusic), I have a website and of course all the music streaming services!
A LIGHT DIVIDED AUTHENTIC, RAW AND RELATABLE WELCOME TO THE NEW SINGLE RAIN BY STEPHANIE STEVENS
I’ll be honest with you, music has always moved me and I am the biggest lyric lover ever! Give me a line or two that really carves out emotion and my heart starts to dance. A LIGHT DIVIDED came across my palette a few years ago when I heard a song that was making some serious headway in the rock world, that song was called SCARS OF YOU, some of the lyrics took me to places of heartbreak in my life but made me feel a comfort. Fast forward to 2023 and getting reunited with this same band and able to chat with them about their music I went back to the archive and played this same song and let me tell you in just a few years these lyrics have an even more emotional connection to me than it did in the past. Lyrics that say “Scars of you collect inside this room” or “If I tell you what hurts I’ll be out on my own”; just hit me in a new emotional way and in a way tells my story in a way I couldn’t get out in words! It reminds me of a quote I read before that says I use music to speak when words fail me. To this song I give praise because these are words that I couldn’t put together to feel and now I have a song that showcases that!
A LIGHT DIVIDED blend rock and metal with a pop sensibility that will get an array of music fans getting a solid vibe to this female fronted band. The band is made up of vocalist Jaycee Clark, drummer Adam Smith, Doug Weichbrodt and Scott Vallina on guitars. The band has achieved over 2.8 million Spotify streams, in my opinion because their music is relatable and authentic! They won the best rock video award at the Carolina music awards for the epic song SCARS OF YOU and now the band is promoting another killer single in the song entitled RAIN. This song is another powerful and infectious track that has a hi energy and melody driven tone to it! The stand out additive to the track is those solid lyrics yet again. About silent suffering, battling depressive episodes while being ok to the outside world. A topic that is sad but true for so many people in this day and age. Jaycee and the rest of the crew put a lot of time and effort to make this song vibrant in the message and the crisp effect of vocals for this track, make it a very powerful and defining song lyrically all the way down to musicality. This band I feel has been on the scene for a bit but with this new single RAIN is going to take them into new territories in the scene and I feel good vibes and futures for this talented bunch of artists. I was able to take a few moments to ask singer Jaycee some questions about the new single RAIN, being a female in the rock world and the future of the A LIGHT DIVIDED ******** Q: What inspired A LIGHT DIVIDED to become a band and how your goal for this project change since the inception of the band
A; Jaycee (vocals): I started this band when I was a teenager just looking for an outlet to be heard and express myself and over the years it’s been amazing to turn it into more of a business and a way of life
Q: Tell me a few fun facts about your band members and what each of you play and what each of you bring to the table when it comes to music and the business side?
A: I’m Jaycee, I sing and I’m really the heart and creative force behind the entire operation. Adam plays drums and handles most of the business side of things. Doug plays guitar and is the go to guy when it comes to sound/lights/gear involving our live show. Scott is our newest member on guitar and he’s sort of a Swiss Army knife jumping in wherever we need him to.
Q: Being a female in a rock band what and how does it feel being able to empower other women and also having a platform to get your personal message out to the masses?
A: It’s been amazing seeing an increase in women and young girls at rock shows over the last few years. I feel very grateful to be at a position in my career where it’s still very easy for me to be accessible at shows and to be able to share my experiences in person and give advice to anyone who asks. I remember growing up, all the women I admired were huge rock stars I had no chance of ever meeting. I never had any idols I could ask for advice and I kind of just had to figure it out and learn the hard lessons on my own. So it definitely feels good to give back and be the kind of figure I never had
Q: Let’s jump into the new single RAIN, I love the emphasis on vocals and the storyline. You guys had a reworking series when the song first was written how completely different was it?
A: Thank you! The original version was written back in 2021, but it never felt quite right. It was darker, more production/synth heavy. But it lacked a sense of vulnerability that I felt the song really needed. So we ditched all the music and just rewrote it all from scratch around the vocals in a way that was much more stripped down so all the emphasis stayed on the lyrics and the message.
Q: Now having the song as it is, what are you most impressed with about the finish product and what do you feel is the most meaningful lyric in this song?
A: I’m really proud of how honest the song is. I feel like it’s the rawest and most vulnerable track we’ve ever released and I’m really proud for trusting my gut, taking a risk and creating a song that I personally wanted to make, instead of just something I thought people wanted from us. The most meaningful lyric for me, is the hook line “rain comes but never goes.” I think it paints an accurate picture of what it feels like when you’re in the midst of battling a depressive episode.
Q: I asked you about a meaningful lyric in RAIN but overall the song digs into silent suffering and in this day and age it’s probably something a large majority suffer with, how does it feel when fans come to you and tell you stories about what the song means to them and how do you handle that?
A: It makes me feel like I’ve done my job. I’m always sorry that anyone has to relate to this song. But at the same time, I think it’s something we need to normalize. One of the hardest parts of depression is how isolating it can feel, so I love taking a moment for the entire room to realize they aren’t alone and share in the power of healing through song together.
Q: You guys are still an up n coming band but have charted on the billboard charts with a song called INHALE/EXHALE when your work gets the recognition like this charting at #9, do you ever question why one song can skyrocket and other songs do good but not as good and does that formulate how you write in the future?
A: That’s just the nature of being in this industry. Some songs are always going to do better or worse than others. I never go into the writing process from the mindset of trying to chase the success of other songs. I just create music that I love, and as long as I’m proud of the end product, that’s all that matters.
Q: 2018 you guys gave the world CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE, how was it releasing a full record as you started out and do you feel the first full length disc has no pressure to get out or is that just a myth?
A: Of course when you’re releasing an album you want people to love it as much as you do. CYOA in particular was a big moment for me because it strayed so far from everything the band had ever done before. I felt like everything we had written and released up until that point were the ramblings of an angry teenager and CYOA was reintroducing myself to our audience as an adult.
Q: One song on that album I fell in love with was the track SCARS OF YOU, what does that song mean to you and how do you look at it now that years have gone by?
A: “Scars of you” was written about feeling isolation in your relationship and wondering if the love is fading away. Then not sharing those feelings, because you don’t know if the other person would understand or even care. Years later, it pains me to remember the version of myself that was so scared to let go of the things that clearly weren’t working. It’s still one of my favorite songs from that album and one that people seemed to connect to the most so…I’m glad something beautiful came out of all that hurt
Q: You guys also won an award for SCARS OF YOU for best rock video at the 2019 Carolina music awards, what do you love about putting a visual to a song you created and do you feel that is a major asset when you’re a rock band?
A: I’m a very visual person, so I love being able to add an additional layer of storytelling to the music. Even if they aren’t necessary for bands to do anymore, I still enjoy getting to use a different side of my creativity to bring the song to life.
Q: What does it take to be a touring band and what have been the pros and cons for you guys as you progress through the years of your career?
A: The pros are being able to travel, connecting with the people that support you and being able to do what you love night after night. It’s super healing for me. I literally call our shows “group therapy” The cons being anytime there are vehicle issues, plus the strain it can put on your finances and relationships
Q: Are you guys out now and who are your tour buddies with and how has it been this far?
A: We just got home from the MAKE IT RAIN tour with our friends in Rise Among Rivals. It was roughly 2 weeks long, spanning the east coast and it was a blast! Felt good to stand on stage, working through a bunch of emotions and reconnect in person with our fan while talking about the new single.
Q: Do you see another album coming out for you guys in the future and tell us anything else you are working on for the rest of 2023?
A: We have a bunch of songs that eventually will be released together as a full album, but for now we’re focused on dropping them as singles. We’ve had a lot of fun getting to deep dive each track. When you release an album all at once, it’s easy for certain songs to get lost in the shuffle. I really want each one to have its own moment because I’m so incredibly proud.
Q: What do you hope A LIGHT DIVIDEDs legacy will be?
A: I hope we can be a source of light and empowerment. I try really hard to build a sense of family within our community, taking the time to make each and every person who reaches out to us feel seen and heard because I know what it’s like to feel invisible.
Q: Drop your socials so everyone can keep in touch and support the band
A: You can follow A Light Divided on all social platforms @alightdivided …super straightforward and easy to find! Thanks for taking the time to check us out and for talking to me!
PISTOLS AT DAWN Giving killer vibes with new single FLY BY STEPHANIE STEVENS
Igniting a fresh and invigorating rock sound all their own, the Atlanta based band PISTOLS AT DAWN are coming in with a solid grasp on the rock scene with new single FLY (Radio edit). Gaining radio plays, charting on notable rock radio stations and delivering the authentic version of the bands heart n soul, these guys are ready to take the rock community on one hell of a ride.
Working with Grammy nominated producer and engineer Sylvia Massy the group delivered 8 anthems on their 2022 full length album, ASCENSION. The album delivers a hard rock vibe combined with progressive lyrics. As this album delivers the light at the end of the tunnel, the band’s music can easily sprinkle that rock dark haunting moments as the band brings you into the dark unknown with the incredible EP, NOCTURNAL YOUTH.
All and all this band has had its journey as musicians, a band and have gained so much experience to show the world the growth and perseverance these talented artists have. I got the chance to chat with the band about the new single FLY, the bands hiatus and how that made them the band they are today and what to look forward to as PISTOLS AT DAWN get ready to shatter more charts in 2024 with new music and much more.
Q: Bring us into the world of PISTOLS AT DAWN, how you became a band, what each member brings to the table and what and why you chose the name you did for this project?
A: The band formed with several significant players from the Atlanta rock scene in 2015. Each current member brings the following: Adam - MONSTER in the pocket drumming, Will - WORLD CLASS over the top shredding and song writing, Jon - INSANE vocals, gorgeous looks and badass rhythm guitar and writing, Gabriel - POUNDING bass lines. The band name was inspired by the old duels people would have when their honor and dignity were called into question. I was inspired by "The Count of Monte Cristo" which I had seen recently when naming the band.
Q: I'm interested to know what happened to you guys because I read in 2019 you got back to the original formation of the band, did you guys take a hiatus or was there just some member changes then back to the original?
A: In 2015 after we recorded the first two singles, Cold and Gauntlet, we experienced some internal band drama over the next steps. Ultimately we took a break from PAD and not too long after that one of the former members was diagnosed with cancer. The band remained on hiatus until 2019 at which time the lead guitarist contacted Adam after the funeral with the request that they continue on. The band ultimately went full time pro in January 2020 with the new lineup.
Q: Everything happens for a reason and to continue with the question above, do you think with you guys going through that, brought you to where you are now giving you the strength to be where you are at now?
A: Yes, all elite pro bands at this level generally must go through lineup changes in order to achieve greatness. We are on our 4th lineup and only now do we feel our strongest.
Q: Back tracking on your discography in 2021 you released a darker EP called NOCTURNAL YOUTH which gave the world the single VOICES. Working through emotions that are in that deeper dark atmosphere what kind of different emotions is it when trying to capture a storyline and not get too deep into the abyss of those types of emotions?
A: We were going through the worst part of the pandemic when we wrote and recorded voices and to be honest the entire process was both therapeutic and cathartic during that incredibly horrible time in the world.
Q: On another single entitled THE TRUTH you bring to light lyrical some hard emotions. I feel like when you're a musician or an artist the hard knocks of mental illness or those types of emotions always bring out the most creative and usually thought provoking type of music that people resonate with. In your opinion do you have a reason why such sometimes dark crazy emotions bring out the best in people?
A: Music is all about connecting, and when you write music from the deepest darkest depths of your soul that resonates with people and that is when true connection can happen.
Q: Let's get into the current single FLY, bring us into the world of that song and how you guys got inspired to bring this song to life and how you feel it is doing with your fan base and critics?
A: We knew we had something special when we wrote Fly, it was one of those perfect rock songs that came together in 15 minutes. Our producer Sylvia Massy loved it, we loved it, and so we couldn't wait for our supporters and for the world to hear it. We created a radio edit, which is climbing the charts now with no end in sight. Every night we finish our set with it now and it provides such a powerful ending.
Q: Sylvia Massy collaborated with you guys on the new album ASCENSION, this became a partnership because Massy was intrigued by your sound and band. How does that feel knowing someone who has worked with some iconic artists loved what you were creating and how was the time in the studio for this?
A: When Sylvia signed off on working with us it was one of the most wonderful and validating days of our career. She is a legend and working with her as a team was one of our most special experiences to date. She never imposed herself on our music, but instead put the glimmer that you dream of as a radio rock musician.
Q: ASCENSION is always grasping at new emotions as you are bringing light to your music, but still incorporating the darker moments. With this new insight on emotions do you think it was just a normal transition or do you feel you grew in ways to be able to put a new twist n spin to your sound?
A: Our music evolved significantly from our first singles to our EP and from our EP to Ascension. We absolutely grew as musicians and people and this growth definitely had an effect each time we wrote new music. We are very excited about our 2024 album that we are writing now, as it will be our most mature and diverse album to date while still representing the original feel of the band.
Q: As a band you also independently have had over 6 million streams for your music!! That's amazing!! Hard work is the first thing I think about when reading that but as the people who made it happen, what is the top 3 advice and information you can give people that can help them achieve that kind of growth to their fan base?
A: Number one you have to be all in with your commitment and you can never stop. Two, you have to work every single day and be relentless about achieving the outcome. Three you need to assemble a team of proven and legitimate professionals who can help you get to the streaming outcome you desire. FOUR, you must maintain additional employment to have funds to pay for the services you absolutely will need.
Q: Other than music and a great live show what do you hope that PISTOLS AT DAWN will be known for and always remembered for?
A: For being authentic and true to ourselves and to our supporters. We are old school rockers with a modern sound, and we don't use tracks. We pride ourselves on showing our true selves at all times through our music.
Q: Do you guys have an extensive touring schedule happening and if so anything you can let us know about for the rest of the year?
A: We just finished 40 shows coast to coast with Alter Bridge, Mammoth WVH, Fozzy and Ugly Kid Joe. We are planning a headlining tour for this fall which will be announced shortly and we just announced a 10 city, 3 country UK tour with Fozzy for February 2024.
Q: Anything you want to let us know about that I didn’t hit upon while chatting with you and also anything you want to let your fans and new fans know?
A: We are grateful for the interview and are happy to come back anytime to continue the conversation. We truly appreciate all the support and truly love our fans.
COLDWARDS Giving fans a glimpse into new EP with new single BAD NEWS BY Stephanie Stevens
Impacting radio with another nu-rock single, BAD NEWS! COLDWARDS brings to life a unique and signature sound and are gaining massive attention in the rock n roll community! Paul Crosby (drummer) formulated this amazing lineup up with his sons Sean (vocals/guitar) and Zac (vocals/electronics) plus Richie Hey on bass and newest addition Michael Friese (guitar) With Crosby being best known for his backbone drumming to the very impactful rock band Saliva, he is taking all his knowledge from those years and bringing to life a very creative and inspiring tone in COLDWARDS. I had a chance to catch up with Crosby has he updates me on the bands life and the future of the band as they get ready to unleash a forthcoming EP as BAD NEWS displays a sneak peek into the new music
Q: When we last spoke you guys were getting your feet wet with music and introducing the band to the world. Now it seems like you are really bringing the attention to the band and it must be great. You released the band's debut album BLOODWORK. Let's talk about how this album had differed from say the years you had before with your old band (Saliva) and releasing music. What stood out for you the most on this project vs those albums?
A: The main difference is I got to write these songs with my sons Sean and Zac, which is amazing by itself. But also, with Saliva there would usually be a producer hired by the record label or a label rep involved that you had to get final approval from and they would try to mold you into something that you may not be comfortable with. With COLDWARDS, we have complete creative control of every aspect. Our label WakeUp Music Rocks is amazing and they do offer suggestions but at the end of the day they trust us to steer the ship.
Q: Having your album out now and then getting together as a band to create new music, do you have any pressure on how to one up what you have done previously or do you feel this band is just creating music that inspires each of you individually so when that is met you know you can just release and feel good with it?
A: I think that we have a way of naturally one upping ourselves because each new song we work on seems to organically evolve to be better than the last and the fact that we don't set any preconceived parameters when we write songs helps that process. We just write whatever flows out naturally.
Q: How has your family unit gotten even tighter now having your sons so close to you in the passion you have for music and since the start of this band where have you seen both of them grow the most?
A: have gotten tighter due to the fact that now we communicate more since we are always writing together and get to spend more time together when we are traveling for shows, shooting videos, etc. My boys have always been really talented musicians/writers but I have definitely seen them grow to become way tighter in their craft and learn better structure when writing songs and how to perform in videos to bring out the most impact and how to work as a team.
Q: I might be wrong but did you add a new guitar player to the mix, and if so can you introduce him, why you added him and what he brings to the table to elevate the COLDWARDS sound?
A: Yes, we added Michael Friese to the lineup as our main guitarist. All of the songs are written with 2 guitarists in mind, so when we started getting offers to play live shows we knew we needed to add a second guitarist. Since Sean sings on most of the songs we added Michael in as our lead player so Sean can focus more on his vocal parts. Michael is a beast guitar player and having him rounded out the band very nicely!
Q: Jumping back into the music, new single BAD NEWS just came out, can you describe the vibe of this song musically and have you tried some new elements you guys haven't experimented with on other tunes?
A: The musical vibe of the song is intentionally meant to be a mix of heavy and melodic guitar riffs that are easily digestible for listeners regardless of their musical palette. The meaning of the song lyrically is about losing touch with someone you care about when they've become surrounded by people that change them for the worse and become blinded by loyalty to people that will never reciprocate it.
Q: BAD NEWS is also the platform song for a forthcoming EP, can you speak a little bit about how many tracks you're looking at for the EP and how, if any, the songs vary sound wise to this new single?
A: The new EP is also called "Bad News" and there will be 5 songs on it. We are going to release 4 singles first and then merge them into the EP upon releasing the 5th song. The songs on the EP all vary a little in style but are all still similar enough to paint the picture of what our vision for it is.
Q: One last note with BAD NEWS, where did you film the video and what do you guys love about the process of bringing a song to a visual for your fans?
A: We shot the video here in our hometown of Houston Texas with video director Wade Concienne. We all enjoy the process of putting our songs into a video concept, we enjoy every aspect of it from coming up with a concept to picking out wardrobe and especially the performance scenes.
Q: Your sound has that very radio friendly vibe, how has that been for you guys and how do you feel radio has changed from when you first started out?
A: Coming from my background with my former band Saliva, I just have a natural instinct to lean towards a radio friendly sound. I want our sound to appeal to as many people as possible and not conform to just one genre. Radio is pretty much the same concept now except you have the majority of people using satellite radio so it's a lot tougher to get your music on there than terrestrial radio.
Q: Are you guys looking at booking tours for the rest of 2023 and if you can kind of go into detail about how a band that is up n coming can get tour packages and appearances even on festival dates etc?
A: Right now we are working on some sporadic shows for the remainder of 2023 and really focusing on trying to get on festivals for 2024. We do have a few opportunities to be a part of some national tours but nothing is set in stone yet.
Q: What does being a musician mean to you?
A: Being a musician/artist is not what I do, it’s who I am. and that is the same for every member of Coldwards.
Q: What do you hope you as a drummer leave as a legacy?
A: A Lot of drummers aren't also songwriters and I am fortunate that I have that skill as well. I would like to be known as a rock solid, groove drummer that also contributed to some pretty big radio hits as a co-songwriter and also for being a pretty good artist manager.
Q: Anything else you want to add we didn't hit upon during this interview? and any words to your fans?
A: Follow Coldwards on all social media platforms but what helps us out the most right now would be to go subscribed to our YouTube channel.
Q: Drop your socials so people can support and follow you
Dave Anthony - Lead Vocals, Harmonica Scott Lano - Guitars, Backing Vocals Christian Realmuto - Guitars Paul "Sugar" Kane - Drums, Backing Vocals Kenny Madden - Bass Guitar
American Rock n Roll band Ten Ton Mojo released their new EP Rebel Heart Gypsy Soul via Curtain Call Records. Connected, motivated and driven from the streets, to the stages and in the studios of New York City. The band creates shattering rhythms and street wise guitars blend to create memorable hard rock anthems. The band is ready to create a musical energy that is unlike anything we are hearing in this day n age of rock n roll! I had a great time asking Scott Lano the guitarist and backing vocalist of the band about musical styles and writing, being from NYC and creating rock music, advice on career paths in music and what he describes as being road dogs in the rock community!
Q: When you hear the words Rock n Roll, what does it mean to you and what emotions rise up in your heart n soul?
A: Rock n roll gets you high and sets you free. Music, not just rock n roll is the universal language of love and freedom.
Q: TEN TON MOJO was raised on the rock n roll scene of NYC. How did that impact your style of writing and also your stage performance from the beginning?
A: Well NYC has an energy to it that is undeniable. Once you’re in town you can’t help but feel it. That's the spiritual influence. The practical part is all the talented people we have been fortunate enough to meet, collaborate and work with. From the songwriting to the production to the artwork. Also playing in front of NYC audiences is great and has pushed us to be the best we can be when we hit the stage. All the inspiration we could ever ask for has been present here in our hometown. We are fortunate to be a NYC band. I feel the energy and grit of the city is ingrained in the Ten Ton Mojo sound.
Q: As we talk about the style of music you guys write. I read a statement that you as a band are creating musical energy not yet being experienced in the 21st century. Can you elaborate on that and why you think its lacking as of late?
A: We are influenced by "classic rock" and "southern rock". But it’s through the filter of shared recent musical experiences and influences. The result is what we consider "The new classic rock". all killer no filler! We hope to be the band that brings the greatness of classic rock vibes into the next century. Music needs passion to get the message across. I feel some stuff today is little to "manufactured." The language of the blues, the soul of Rock makes you feel. Ten Ton Mojo wants you to feel not just hear our music.
Q: Mojo means Magical power, if you could have any power in the world that would enhance your bands legacy what would it be and why?
A: The power to get our music to everyone everywhere. the power to teleport instantly to any stage any time and deliver the Ten Ton mojo sound.
Q: You're getting ready to release a new EP called REBEL HEART GYPSY SOUL. I love the title, what made you settle on the name and how has these new songs enhanced the overall vibe you guys are known for?
A: Rebel Heart Gypsy Soul is a lyrical idea Dave came up with. We instantly were drawn to it because it reflects the "outlaw" spirit of a traveling group of musicians who are determined to do it OUR WAY. we just want to turn on and turn up and rock the world!!
Q: One song title I saw that I wanted to see if you wanted to tell the story of how the song came about is BROKE SOME HEARTS IN MEMPHIS. Is this a true story and you know you got to be careful with hearts that get attached to rock stars!!
A: BROKE SOME HEARTS IN MEMPHIS is the story of love on the run. The adventure of a love affair. Passionate intense and very real. We’ve all been there.
Q: It doesn't look like you have released a single yet to promote the EP any reason why and if you are on the verge of doing so which track are you letting the world get a taste of?
A: We are waiting for the release (June 30) Then we will release EASY COME EASY GO as the first single off the EP. The EP is on CURTAIN CALL RECORDS. We will be releasing a vinyl 7" single later in the year of EASY COME EASY GO but of course the single is available anywhere you stream/buy music. Check it out staring June 30!!!
Q: I love the fact your singer breaks out the Harmonica was that a nonnegotiable when starting the band that you knew that would be a part of the band forever? (if you ever want to add a triangle, I can play the shit out of that!!)
A: The harmonica parts go back to our love of those classic rock tracks. Aerosmith, Zeppelin, Blackfoot all had great harmonica stuff that really turns us on. We love having that element and Dave can blow some harp!!! It was completely natural for us.
Q: Other than the band and spending a majority of the time doing that, do you guys have any other side hustles that intertwine in the band life (producing, management etc ) that you have been able to learn about as another passion you had?
A: Both guitarists are Broadway Stagehands and are involved in many Broadway productions. Bass player is a recording engineer. drummer plays on/in multiple bands/recordings. Singer is..... well he’s the singer so just use your imagination!!! :)
Q: For anyone in the music world we all know it's one tough career to make a living! What would you advise is a good amount of years to put into a band to see some sort of pay back and would you ever tell someone if they asked for advice after those so many years would you tell them to maybe think of it as a hobby?
A: I would say if you have a passion to be creative just do it. I know we are COMPELLED to do this. Shouldn’t be based on success. It should be based on a need to create music. Painters and writers are almost never asked this. Would you ask them to put a time limit on their creativity?? Probably not .....yet musicians I feel are often confronted w/ "the success" question. There is no right answer. Follow your passion. Be creative. Be an artist.
Q: In this day and age in the music industry, what do you think people look for now in a band or in a songwriting capacity that would cause a lot of eyes and ears to be intrigued by it? Do you feel people fall short in acting on this advice?
A: I think most seek out the genres and styles they dig. From there they try to connect through lyrics. Then it’s the live connection. kind of 3 stages of fandom that we all do with the stuff we like. Hell I do it. We are all fans!!!
Q: You guys seem to love to get out and tour and play shows. Would you say you take that over the studio or writing or is it like the cherry on top when you get to go out and promote?
A: Yes, we love to get out on the road and bring the music to new and existing fans who might not have seen us yet. the writing is really built in. Basically we are always writing. Can’t say I love one more than the other. I just LOVE the whole damn thing of being in a band.
Q: What does it take to be a road dog?
A: To be a road dog you must be open to new experiences on very little sleep :)
Q: Drop your socials so people can follow and connect with you
TOUR DATES: Sunday, July 30th, Renegades Saloon, Newfoundland, PA Friday, August 4th, Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ Saturday, August 26th, The Garage at Lucy's, Pleasantville, NY Friday, September 15th, Quinnz Pinz, Middletown, NY
GET TO KNOW CHURCH BURGLARS BY STEPHANIE STEVENS
The Church Burglars have an eclectic musical taste. From classic rock, country, and jazz to pop, R&B, Church Burglars is the sonic experience you have to hear to believe! The Church Burglars initially formed at the Berklee College of Music in 2018, but after the COVID pandemic things were put on hold until 2021 when the band relocated to Los Angeles, CA. I was able to catch up with the members of the band to ask them a ton of questions about entrepreneurship, building a solid foundation as an artist, what the music and songs mean to them and the viewpoint of hitting different stages at different places.
Q: So your band name has a different ring to it but I see that some of the band members grow up playing in the church. Does this have any juicy stories about being a young kid and doing some dumb stuff? If not, what does the band name mean to you? A: The band name, Church Burglars, comes from Michael’s time in High School. His regular gig was playing drums every Sunday at his local church and so he had access to all the church’s equipment. Part of the church’s youth program was putting on musicals every winter like Fiddler on the Roof, Godspell, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, those kinds of things. Michael got tired from hauling his drums back and forth to rehearsals every week and asked to “borrow” some of the gear from the church. But after borrowing a drum set… he took some extra microphones… and then some mic stands… and eventually enough equipment to host the next Woodstock! The plan was to borrow everything when the church wasn’t doing the musicals and then put everything back when they needed it, but then by some divine intervention the church stopped doing the musicals and so Michael kept all of the gear! That… and “Church Borrowers” doesn’t sound as rock and roll!
Q: Attending Berklee in Boston is where you found the band members to form this band, prior to being at the school had you got your feet wet in other bands and if you did what was different about this band and the members?
A: We have all been, and still continue to play in different bands. At Berklee Michael was playing drums with some local touring acts like Tokyo Tramps and Erin Harpe and the Delta Swingers, and after moving to Los Angeles in 2021 joined Strange Chameleons on drums where he met our bass player Bobbie Weiss, who also makes guest appearances with other bands like The Natural Supernatural, Danny Henry, and The Sea Tease. Our lead guitar player Alec Gruel plays in Audrey and the Sound Gallery and Deep Yogurt, both of which are based in San Diego. Our drummer Chris Dee joined Pink Palace while still a student at Berklee and continues to play with them today. And our most recent addition on keys, Zyanna Melada, is not only releasing her own record, Soul Angel, June 30th, but is also the bandleader for The Swing of Thingz!
Q: In 2020 during the Covid fiasco you dropped out of Berklee, was this something you regret and if not what do you feel you learnt from this prestigious facility?
A: So far, Michael doesn’t have any regrets from dropping out of Berklee. Once everything went online during the covid pandemic, the “prestigious facility” he had started in became a very expensive YouTube University. Was there more to learn? Probably. But staying in school would just delay the inevitable move to Los Angeles where he would have to figure things out anyway. But by dropping out in 2020, he was able to move to Los Angeles in 2021 and begin establishing the presence of the band before venues began to open up.
Q: Tell me when did you get the idea to set out and record your debut album, being you are multi-talented in many instruments, how was it creating the music and why didn’t the rest of the band contribute to the writing?
A: The first album, Subconsciously Conscious, was all primarily written when Michael was still in High School. The earliest demos of the songs (pre-church burgling) were made with just a single microphone and some free software on his laptop. By the time Michael had gotten to Berklee, the album was already conceptualized and he wanted to record the album just to get it done and get HIS music out there. It’s one thing to play an open mic, or even a gig, but to see your own art out in the world is something truly rewarding.
Q: You relocated to Los Angeles was this before the album was written and why did you make the decision to move to the west coast and do you feel you have a better networking community their vs the east coast New England area?
A: Michael has a lot of love for the New England area, but after playing with a few different bands in the area, and being in such an accredited music school, the area just didn’t quite have the same appeal as a place like Los Angeles. The most difficult part is finding a high volume of capable musicians, which a lot of areas have, but not quite like Los Angeles.
Q: Your musical taste is very eclectic, does it make it hard to write a sound and impactful album with so many genres of music that move you and how do you tailor the sound when making an album?
A: We like to think of ourselves as just a VERY loud jazz band. We never try to eliminate any idea that’s a good one. The first album sounds very much as if Guns n Roses wrote “Dark Side of the Moon,” and the new album we’re working on sounds completely different from that. Our eclectic taste allows us to make whatever we find interesting without being tied down to “a sound.”
Q: If you could take one song from your debut album and it would tell the tale of who CHURCH BURGLARS are from the sound flow to the lyrical content in the year 2032 which song would you pick and why?
A: We would have to say the two-part title track, Subconsciously Conscious. The theme of the album is about taking back control of your life, whether it's a job you hate, a toxic relationship, or just no purpose or vision for yourself. Our instagram, @churchburglars, has what we call “song cards” for every song on the album and the idea behind that came from our love of vinyl records and CDs. You don’t get liner notes on streaming services! My favorite records all have some sort of cool message, description, poster, or even a mail in t-shirt ad from Aerosmith’s “Draw the Line” record! Our album should be approached the way you would approach a tarot reading or a prayer. If you need to ask something, ask away and put on our music! If you don’t know what you need to ask, then put the record on and you’ll certainly figure it out!
Q: It has been said you guys consider yourselves entrepreneurs. Do you label yourself that from being a DIY band or have you as a band started a business to co-exist with the band and if you have can you tell us about that?
A: Part of the struggle of any band, but especially bands in Los Angeles is getting gigs! It’s baffling how few venues actually want to book REAL bands to play and not just something miming along to a backing track! So what we do is we are a band and promotional team in one. We found it’s nearly impossible to book just one spot for a band on a bill, so what we do is we book out entire venues for the night and then find bands we love to fill up the show with us! It’s a lot more work, but we try to keep in mind how important it is to separate the “music” from the “business.”
Q: What does a band need to do to be showcased on your hosting site for music and are there a few elements you look for in bands almost like a mission statement they have to jive with?
A: We love any band that’s trying to make it and actually putting in the work. The illusion of being “discovered” doesn’t exist. So when we find bands like Amonarchy, Dina Dove, Bluto, and Victoria DaSilva, not only are we eager to play with these bands we are HUGE fans of, but it inspires us to work harder too! We make REAL music for REAL people, and anyone trying to do that is welcome!
Q: What in your eyes makes a solid and successful entrepreneur?
A: Accepting failure. Failure doesn’t mean you’ve lost; failure means you just haven’t won yet. No one has ever achieved anything great in the first try, but everyone who’s given up has closed their book. The number of chapters is up to you! If you don’t like the ending, then just keep writing!
Q: A lot of people think of “art” and have a viewpoint of what that is for them. When you think of the word art, what do you envision and see as artistry?
A: Art is expressing anything we don’t have the capacity to say. This is our problem with most modern music. If all your expressing is something that you can just tell someone, you’re missing the point.
Q: Tell me the story about your song TWO ROADS and what the song means to you?
A: The best lyric that sums up “Two Roads” would have to be, “caught between a dead end and a battle,” because that’s exactly where you end up when you’re trying to take back control of your life and not live subconsciously. Yes, it’s going to be easier to go to school, get good grades, get a decent paying job, and work until you retire. But to me, that sounds like a bit of a dead end road. On the other hand, you can make something for yourself: start a business, a career, whatever you want, but it isn’t going to be easy. You’re going to be battling the whole way.
Q: With BREATHE that song has a groovy kind of vibe to it. What inspired that track?
A: Breathe is the only song on the album we can’t tell you what it’s about. We believe that the interpretation of art doesn’t belong to the artist after a work is released, so the song cards on our Instagram are only an introduction into interpreting our work, but Breathe in particular we can’t even give you an introduction into. The best way we can prepare you to begin interpreting the song is by listening to the whole album straight through from top to bottom.
Q: Then you take a track like LIGHT MY FIRE that has a more powerful harder edge twist, seems like that would have been a fun song to track?
A: It was fun to track indeed and is now one of our favorites to play live! We all would get pretty bored if we just played the songs straight through like on the record when we play live shows so almost every song is extended quite a bit when we play live! “Light My Fire Up” for example, is only a bit over 3 minutes on the record, but when we play it live it’s closer to 5 or 6 minutes!
Q: This year you guys released an EP, UNPLUGGED AND UNHINGED strip down versions of some of your songs. As an artist how does it feel to bring a full song down to its bare bones and what kind of emotion does it give you?
A: Firstly, recording that EP was super fun! We set up in our drummer, Chris Dee’s, house and just took a weekend just to fuck around a find out! We didn’t have any real plan going in and just wanted to do something fun with the songs we already have while we’re working on a new album! It’s also nice to have such a raw and funrecording to accompany what we call our, “pretentious art rock album,” LOL
Q: Tell me about the history of your live shows and what do you value about hitting the stages in different places?
A: Our very first gig was actually at the Whisky a Go Go! We were slotted to only play a 30 minute set, but the band before us only played 20 minutes so we took advantage of that extra time! That was a great experience because we never really “practice” we just jam around on the songs we know and usually a few days before a gig say, “aye maybe we should come up with a set list?” Part of the fun for us, and what makes every show different, is we really don’t know what we’re doing when we hit the stage! We’ll end up getting into a big open jam in the middle of a song like "Bruises in My Mind" or “Fairy Tale Ending” and then end up looking at each other in the middle of a jam thinking, “well I guess now we gotta figure out how to end the song!”
Q: Anything else you want to share that you will be working on or promoting that we didn’t hit upon during this chat?
A: We just launched some new merch! The best way to stay up to date on all of our merch drops, shows, and special give-aways is to follow us on instagram, twitter, and YouTube @churchburglars and subscribe to our mailing list on our website https://churchburglars.com/ If you like the music and want to collaborate, sample, or play a show with us just send us an instagram DM or email us at [email protected]
Giving Rock N Roll a good name BY STEPHANIE STEVENS
Hailing from Boston, MA the rock n roll giants that are BAD MARRIAGE are fired up to start promotion of their newest EP ARTIFICIAL MIND. This isn’t just another Massachusetts band, these guys are bringing back the element of pure raw and authentic rock n roll from the style, the fashion and the soundscape they send out in all their musical creations as of yet! BAD MARRIAGE is putting themselves on the forefront to be that band of the rock ages that will definitely leave a lasting impression.
The band have made a great friendship with the talented musicians of the band Tesla! From touring together to having singer Jeff Keith on this new EP plus Brian Wheat taking the producer hat on the band’s music; and if that wasn’t enough the former member of Tesla Tommy Skeoch will be taking the stage with them this summer. So if following in footsteps to grow mature and learn as a band is a rule of thumb then this rock n roll Boston band is being guided by one of the best as the Tesla Camp takes them under their wing.
I had the chance to catch up with Mike Fitz of the band to see how BAD MARRIAGE became a band, growing up in the Boston scene and how being surrounded by the talents of the guys in Tesla and the onslaught of musicians they have and will tour with and how that has helped in the growth and the learning of the music industry.
Q: Boston, MA is where this band started and has grown through the years in your music. What do you think you would have missed in making the band how it is if you didn’t have the atmosphere and soundscape of the Boston music scene around you?
A: First off, Hey Stephanie!! Long time and thanks for having me! I’ve definitely cut my teeth in and around the Boston music scene for my entire career and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Having said that, I’m not sure I would have found the right band members with the right attitudes and experience for what is needed for Bad Marriage to keep climbing in the right direction. To thrive in the Boston rock and roll scene requires a ton of hard work and a super dedicated “Do-it-yourself” sort of attitude and mentality. Promoters and club owners and music lovers really pick up on that and appreciate the bands that stick around for the long haul.
Q: Tell the people how and when BAD MARRIAGE came to be and have you guys kept the formation of band members in tacked since the inception?
A: Bad Marriage formed around 2015 as I wanted to start another Rock and Roll band. I wanted to take everything I’d learned - both on and off stage - and try it one more time. This time I handpicked the band members myself, choosing musicians and ultimately friends that I thought had what it took to collectively get to the next level as a team. We’ve pretty much stayed the same lineup since the inception. Todd (Bass Player) was the last piece of the puzzle and was the only member I hadn’t known for years prior.
Q: Let's talk about this new EP ARTIFICIAL MIND, for one let me ask you why did you decide on a EP instead of a full length and what does the EP title and the song of the same name mean to you and what will your fans appreciate about this track and the EP?
A: The new EP ARTIFICIAL MIND was a different approach for us because I had recorded and produced everything we’ve done up until this point. While supporting Tesla on tour we became friendly with Brian Wheat (Tesla bassist) and agreed to let him produce a new Bad Marriage EP. I think we chose an EP over a full length album just because of time constraints. Brians studio was in Sacramento at the time and we are still based in Boston. It was also a trial period for both BM and Brian…to see if we worked and wrote well together as a team with a new producer and songwriter. I think we are all happy with the results and hopefully we will work together some more in the near future! I think the fans will definitely enjoy the EP! It’s still very much Bad Marriage but with a few different flavor twists and sonic turns via Brian at the helm.
Q: Getting to write music that is raw and real rock n roll with swag and almost a bluesy tone but still giving off the rambunctious sounds of fearless rock. What excitement does it give to you to be able to write something like this in a world that seems to be so trendy these days?
A: To write, play and share loud, heavy and unforgiving rock is the ultimate satisfaction for me and always has been. Again, I grew up on some kick ass local metal and rock bands in the Boston / Worcester scene and they were all very real and very raw. I definitely think that still resonates with me today.
Q: You guys seem to have bonded with a lot of the guys in Tesla. Can you talk about the introduction and friendship that happened between you guys and how they have advised or helped in the growth of BAD MARRIAGE?
A: We got asked to open 3 shows with Tesla back in 2018 around the New England area. (HOB Boston, Aura in Portland, ME and the Casino Ballroom in Hampton Beach, NH.) The shows were absolutely amazing and our relationship with the Tesla camp started to blossom there. They took us on a few different tours over the next couple years and really taught us a lot about being on the road and how the music business functions outside of the local scene we were so accustomed to. Huge thanks for the Tesla camp as they are a well-oiled machine and very genuine people.
Q: Having Jeff Keith on 3 of the songs on the new EP, how was it having his voice on songs that you guys wrote and how do you describe him as a musician?
A: We are definitely blessed to have him on board our new EP. Jeff is just an all-around amazing human being. He’s is just a natural at what he does. One of those dudes that just comes in the studio, full of smiles and compliments to everyone, nails his singing parts and wants to hang out with the boys. I love him to death.
Q: Production wise Brian Wheat took the steering wheel to guide you guys. as a band that has been around a while the studio is no new thing to you. But talk to me about having him at the forefront and what you learnt about his style and ideas that woke you up to new ideas?
A: I continue to learn stuff from Brian. He’s another one who’s just naturally good at what he does. I’m always picking his brain on studio stuff. He produces a lot of bands so he’ll write with them, record and mix their songs. He’s really good at that. He sends me most of his final mixes of new projects as I’m a Mastering Engineer. I think we make a good team and I’m thankful for the work.
Q: You mastered The Ep was that the first time you took the command on that and any learning experience if it was your first time and how do you feel the presentation differs from your older albums?
A: That’s me! As I mentioned earlier I have recorded / mixed / mastered all the Bad Marriage material prior to this new EP. I stayed on board for the mastering on the Artificial Mind EP which was cool.
Q: You guys are taking out guitarist Tommy Skeoch formerly of Tesla, is he a new addition to the band or is this just a road thing and what are you looking forward to as he takes the stage with you guys and presents his style to your show and songs?
A: Tommy is joining for our July tour but hopefully stays with us after that! He’s such a cool dude who really brings a different sonic depth to the table for us. It almost makes our sound 3D when Tommy adds his magical flavor to the mix. I’m very much looking forward to that on stage!
Q: I love how you guys also get to play and fit in so well with the bands we grew up with in the 80s. This tour for the summer is with ENuff Z Nuff. What are you looking forward to for this tour and anything you're excited to sit with the guys in the band to talk about as musicians or business minded people?
A: I can’t wait to get on the road! Tour is always exciting…hard work but exciting! The potential to meet and gain new, lifelong fans in different parts of the world is the best drug on the planet. The Enuff Znuff camp are great people and it’s always good to associate yourself with good people. Chip runs a great operation and I think we are all going to have a blast!
Q: You guys have worked your ass off for many years building the success to where you are now. To anyone thinking it was quick success, give them a reality check of how making it in this business is a 1000% commitment and dedication to your craft and what 3 pieces of advice to not skip on if you want to make it?
A: You nailed it with the 1000%. The music business is no tiger to be tamed. It’s an extremely difficult business to be successful in…even if YOU ARE DOING ALL THE RIGHT THINGS! So if you’re not doing those things you don’t really stand a chance. We are currently a self-run entity as we don’t have a record label, professional management or booming agent. That being said, the constant networking, promoting, writing, merch designing, booking, managing social media pages, recording, fund-raising etc is insanely taxing and tough to navigate on a consistent basis. Staying relevant on people’s radar with new and refreshing content is not easy.
1. Get out to shows and Network! I know it’s tough to be out all the time but going to shows and seeing and supporting what other bands are doing is important. Talk to other bands that are doing well and pick their brains. I’ve learned a ton this way and have met a ton of helpful people along the way.
2. Study why bands in your genre are successful today. What kind of content they are posting and how often they are doing that stuff? Content is key. Don’t go stale. If Bad Marriage didn’t release a new song, or lyric video, or new tee shirt design, or music video, or photo shoot pictures every so often…we’d quickly be forgotten about and it’d be like starting over! Keeping people’s attention these days is key.
3. Be available! We take pride in how active we are with our family of fans. Constantly interact with anyone and everyone that shows a positive response to the music you’re creating.
Q: Anything else you want to add to this interview you might be working on in the near future or we didn’t hit upon in this chat?
A: Thanks again for this and thanks to anyone who reads this and checks out Bad Marriage! We look forward to hearing from you and hopefully meeting you at a show!
SCOTT MARTIN AN ARTIST WHO HAS ETERNAL PRESENCE IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY BY STEPHANIE STEVENS
Singer, songwriter, guitarist and a artist who captures you emotionally with his remarkable stage presence; that is who SCOTT MARTIN is. A man that started with an interest in guitars and now ignites songs with the diverse genre of sounds from them. A man who has a voice that was made for radio and a rock pop style that tells a story that will enrapture you to the fullest. This is all who SCOTT MARTIN is! A man who started as a musician with others, as he took the guitar spot in the band Bulletproof Messenger (a modern electronic rock group) he then became a session guitarist and then transcended into his own solo mastermind and has been making music that not only pulls on his emotional heartstrings but on the strings of others as his fan base rises on the daily.
Just recently Scott released a full length album titled Scott Martin & The Grand Disaster via Spectra Music Group."I think the entire concept of 'The Grand Disaster' is like a metaphor for life, you know? It's messy, but damn, it can be beautiful. It’s the title of an old song from the band I cut my teeth in (Bulletproof Messenger) and I wanted to pay homage — not to mention that in a quirky and fantastic turn of events, the drummer from that band, Joseph Rubino, wound up playing drums on this record. Not to mention the fact that life (and pretty much the world) over the last few years that we were working on the album has been a very wild and strange roller coaster of ups and downs…yeah. Scott Martin & The Grand Disaster…it fit so well that it pretty much named itself," says Scott Martin.
This man has made me a true fan in his multiple styles of music and I was honored to be able to ask him about some songs off the disc, his love for guitar and what he hopes his legacy will be.
Q: I think your story is so much fun but seems like you worked your ass off for everything. Can we dive into when you were younger and had an interest in guitars; your willingness to learn about the instrument, how old were you? And emotional how did that teach you about the hard work you had to do to build your success?
A: Sure - I was about 14, and my cousin had lent me an R.E.M. record - and suddenly, I was obsessed with learning how songs were made. My Dad had his old guitar lying around the house, and I picked it up and started attempting to play it, no lessons, no anything, just me and an old acoustic and a bunch of my parents’ records. The internet was in its infancy at the time, and I was lucky enough to find a website called “The R.E.M. Chord Archive” – which is how I learned every single song of theirs. I kind of just kept pushing myself; some days I’d wake up and be able to play what I couldn’t play the night before, and sometimes it took months, like learning how to properly and cleanly make a barre “F” chord or a “B minor”. But I learned that repetition is what it takes - and also, that the secret to a lot of guitar is in the littlest of details.
Q: Having a diversity in guitars what is your favorite to play and why? And which one do you love creating and songwriting with?
A: I’m definitely a telecaster guy. I have about ten of them - all different configurations. At its most basic, the tele is just a plank with a neck - it has a volume, a tone, and two pickups - and no moving parts. This makes for a very stable guitar in a live setting, and I tend to play very long, active sets - they hold up, every time. It’s a simple guitar, one of the first mass produced electric guitars ever made *(invented in 1950, more or less) and just has exactly the kind of tone that I associate with rock n’ roll.
Q: When did singing and being a vocalist interest you and did you dive into learning this craft and learning about self-care as focused as wanting to learn guitar?
A: Well, I always sang - whether in the car, or in church with my mother, or singing along to musicals as a kid (Rogers and Hammerstein, Disney, etc). Singing was huge. But I’m not trained - I just always liked to sing and eventually, found out that I had a pretty decent voice. I went to a band rehearsal in high school - as the new guitarist, but the singer didn’t show up - so I sang that day in rehearsal to kind of keep things going. The band called me a few days later; “do you want to be our new frontman?”
Q: What is the most surprising thing you learnt about being a vocalist and front man?
A: I think honestly, that I could actually even do it. I can be a little reserved about putting myself out there, but with music you’ve written and you believe in, you really want to share it with people - I want to sing WITH people, and not AT them, you know? That’s a pretty special feeling, and it’s pretty effective at helping take the nerves away, too.
Q: Your older band Bulletproof Messenger was more of an electronic rock group, in that band looking back where do you feel you grew the most with this type of genre of music and the individuals you worked with?
A: I definitely moved into a position as a lead guitarist in that band, which was a whole new chapter for me. Previously, I’d been mostly rhythm guitar, but when I joined Bulletproof, the other guitar player left for a while, and I was pretty much thrust into the position of playing both rhythm and lead, so it really grew my technical ability. I also think a big thing with that was just learning how to be in an effective, professional, touring band, and how to take on the tasks that are a part of that, whether it’s stuff that happens on show day or more behind-the-scenes things.
Q: You moved onto a solo career how did that decision impact your life and what if any did change vs being in a full band with other people?
A: Well, I think mostly, it allowed me to be the gatekeeper for my music - I was the only one in charge of what would make the cut and what wouldn’t. Also, it really allowed me to focus on my strengths as a writer and musician - I didn’t have to fit a preconceived mold or sound, or have an idea approved by a bunch of other guys. Being in a band is the greatest thing in the world, and many minds often make for very good, very interesting music, but on the flip side, sometimes it can stifle your creativity and your drive.
Q: Your song BRINGING HOLLYWOOD BACK TO LIFE (also on new album out now) got you a contract with Spectra music group. That song not only is one of my favorites but it tells a tale. What do you feel has been the biggest hiccup in Hollywood and why did you feel the need to get your voice out about this?
A: I think one of the things that was really going through my head at the time I wrote “Hollywood” was the way we collectively seemed to be putting out a lot of saccharine, dull releases - in film, in music, etc. I was definitely in a headspace that “everything is just a race for cheap, disposable, content” – at least a lot of the big budget stuff. I mean, sure, this is the never-ending, cork-sniffing “what is art?” battle I suppose, and I guess it may make me a little judgmental and critical, too. But you know, “Hollywood” also can be a metaphor for anything - I think we all have a little pull of nostalgia, and reminisce on “how much better” things were back at some distant point in our lives. Sometimes we lose sight, or faith, in the things we used to dream about. So, whatever your own personal Hollywood is – that’s honestly what the song is REALLY about.
Q: Another song in 2019 was released titled HEAD OVER HEELS (which is also on your new album? was this song right before the pandemic and what did you get out of the whole pandemic as a musician did you grow and put a positive twist to something that could have really sabotaged you?
A: It was slightly before, but yes - that would have been considered the original version of it - on the album, we did some things with it that were slightly different - it’s definitely better. As far as the pandemic, well, when it started, I decided that since I couldn’t perform live, nor go record in a studio, that I’d have to learn to do it myself. So I spent hours, countless hours, learning the ins and outs of recording and how to utilize Logic Pro. Honestly, I’m glad I did - it’s given me a tool that I can use for the rest of my life, and also made it easy to just take an idea and begin laying it down at home. Quite of few of the songs on this record took their final form or were finished up here - and without the down time the pandemic offered me, that wouldn’t have been the case - honestly, this record may not have happened.
Q: Through your life you have been a session guitar player, for some new musicians this might be a kick ass thing to do can you give us the pros and cons of being a session person and how did working with different artists help in your growth as a person and artist?
A: Oh man, it’s been a great gig, honestly - I don’t know if there are any cons, other than the anxiety you might feel hoping another artist is happy with what you’re doing. But it’s truly fantastic - you get to lend your sound, your skillset, your ideas even, to another creator, and it feels pretty awesome when they go “Yes! That’s what I heard in my head!” Also, you know, I’m a huge lover of music - of pretty much all genres, and to be able to make music outside the box that I inhabit as an artist is really just very fulfilling…variety is the spice of life and as a session guy, you wind up getting quite a lot of variety!
Q: Getting into the current day and age you just released an album entitled SCOTT MARTIN &THE GRAND DISASTER. The first song I heard was the track SLO and it totally has a more country eque vibe. Diversity is key in evolving how did this impact your career and learning process in writing and recording
A: Oh, yeah - SLO is definitely the outlier. Interestingly enough, country music is some of my favorite stuff, and SLO was definitely influenced by that. It started out as a simple acoustic guitar and vocal recording that I did at home during December 2020 - I remember finishing the last vocal take at about 5:30AM, right before I went to the airport to spend the rest of the winter in the Caribbean, playing at the Club Med (which is an entirely different story for another time). But yeah, SLO stayed that way for a while, and then I think I was probably listening to Chris Isaak or something similar, and I heard this particular drum part, and I realized it definitely could be a song that benefitted from full production (it was beautiful naked, but I started hearing the layers and really wanted to see what we could do). So, I went over to my friend Seth Ondracek’s studio, and we had our friend Oskar Haagdahl come in and play drums on it. From there, Seth laid down bass, and I did a little slide bit, some chucka-chucka lines, and some big chords. Our friend Cam Mitchell added pedal steel later. Seth’s a big country music guy, too, and we approached it with that in mind - it has that real lonesome country cowboy thing going on, and I don’t think it could have come out any better than it did - SLO might be my favorite track on the record, honestly.
Q: OLD NEW YORK is this a song about paying homage to your hometown of NYC (Brookyln) and if you can look back on those younger years what do you appreciate about the younger Scott Martin and if you could tell that younger self something now with what you know now what would it be?
A: Well, “Old New York” is funny because it’s another one of those songs that can be about a few things. While writing it, I definitely thought about my younger years here, and the experiences and people that I can’t get back – but the truth is, I wrote it during November of 2020, and it’s pretty much a lament about what the pandemic did to my town. All the venues were closing, sometimes for good, and it had me pretty upset. I think this was around the time that “Save Our Stages” started being a big thing, and I had just gotten a text from a friend who had worked at The Standard, a jazz joint in midtown. They were closing doors for good and she was moving home. And I just kind of was worn down by then with pandemic fatigue, a lot of friends had left town, maybe for good, and I was feeling pretty lost, lonely, and upset about the whole thing. So I started to write “Old New York”.
Q: Emotionally integrity in songs is that a vital asset you look into before actually going into the studio with a song and how do you know this has the value of emotion for yourself and what advice would you give to younger people looking to start songwriting?
A: Well, I think if I’ve finished a song, it’s already got that integrity - I write stuff that comes from real experiences in my life, and sometimes if I think it’s a little too on the nose, or too like, close-targeted, I’ll back it off a bit and change something to make it a little more accessible to everyone - not as in so that a wider audience will like it, but so that the theme can be a little broader to the listener and that they are given the room to interpret the song for themselves. I like when a song can mean many different things to make different people, and the subject of it is something you attach to something very specifically from your own life. I think this is pretty powerful stuff, and for example, is most definitely why I love Tom Petty - every one of his songs feels like it was written just for you, and I’d say it’s because he’s an absolute master at making you feel like you are part of that song. I’d wager he instinctively knew how to do what I’m talking about, and probably better than anyone.
Q: What do you hope SCOTT MARTINS legacy will be?
A: Oh, man. This is a tough thing to sus out. But, I’d say that perhaps rather than “he wrote good songs and played a mean guitar,” I’d like it to be of a “he spoke to me, and when I hear his music it’s like a friend giving me a gift” sort of thing. Because you know, I’ve played music my whole adult life, and started out doing it for me, of course - it was my way of dealing with a lot of circumstances that frankly I don’t know if I’d have made it through without. But eventually it hits you that it’s great to make music for you, but it’s so much more beautiful to make music for people, for humanity - I think I really get something out of that idea, and I hope that’s what I can be remembered for, if anything. I might be playing it, I might be writing about things that are personal to me, but all these songs, all this music – it’s for you guys.
Q: Anything you want to add that we didn’t hit upon during this interview that you are getting ready to promote or do for the rest of 2023?
A: Well, we’re going to be focusing heavily on a new single every couple months - the first one was “Head Over Heels” and hot on the heels of that will be “Rock N’ Roll Heart” (we’re shooting the video this week) so keep your eyes out for that, and hopefully we’ll see you guys on the road and in some pretty sweet venues soon enough!
Q: Drop your socials so people can follow and connect with you!
1 Nation, 1 World, 1 Kingdom Welcome to the world of AMONARCHY BY STEPHANIE STEVENS
AMONARCHY draws their music inspiration from the pioneers of metal like Metallica Iron Maiden, Queen and Rage Against the Machine to name a few, but their sense of urgency on speaking the raw truth on today’s World issues is making this band stand out like an emotional power source.
Lyrically hoping their fans gets the story they are telling and the listeners get a chance for a better world in their lifetime.
The band has just released their self-titled album AMONARCHY and have been getting rave reviews on the sound, the story and the power within the soundscape of this album! The guys have been playing regularly at local clubs in the Los Angeles area and are gaining ground in the rock music scene.
I had a chance to speak with Kyle Purwin the guitarist/vocalist and songwriter of AMONARCHY. We dive into his schooling at Berklee in Boston, MA. Getting his talented band members, toxic relationships and the importance of stage presence at a live show.
Q: Your band name is already making a statement as it means 1 nation, 1 world, 1 kingdom so tell me what your music and this bands mission statement is that you want people to get behind?
A: We want people to realize that no matter what happens, no matter what disagreements that we may have regarding politics, religion, that we are all one people, regardless of what you look like, or what you believe in etc. This world is so divided right now, due to disagreements, that they are not focusing on the similarities. If people focused more on the positives in life, a.k.a. what we agree on, this world would be a much better place to live in, so that's what we're trying to tell people.
Q: You are a graduating student from Berklee, where in this industry a lot of people learn on their own and wing it. What did being at a school like Berklee mean to you and did you go to that school to learn just your craft or have a bigger view of the music industry as a whole?
A: So you can learn a lot of Berklee, not just about your craft, but about networking, and I honestly didn't realize that until I was out of school, I learned so much about becoming a better guitarist, and mastering my craft. I didn't even start singing, until after Berklee. When I got there, I realized it's a lot more than just knowing your instrument, it’s also about all the people you meet and the connections you make so that's probably one of the biggest things I've learned while attending.
Q: After school you went out to the west coast and you ended up finding likeminded musicians to work with. How was that process weeding out potential talented musicians but just didn’t fit the personality you wanted to make a brotherhood and band with the same ethics and goals!
A: So I’m originally from LA and after Berklee I moved back home. I met my bassist Sam in Boston but we didn’t start playing Music together until he moved to LA, which was about a few months after I moved back home. When this band was first starting, we had a drummer who I also met in Boston that moved to LA for a little bit, but he had to move back to Boston in the beginning of covid. So before we played our first gig in December 2019 at the Whisky a Gogo,I I posted an ad on a Facebook group for a bass player, and Sam was one of the first people to respond to it. I have a very personal relationship with him, and we learned that we have amazing chemistry on stage which I think is a really big part of putting on a great show because people know how you feel about your bandmates by the way you interact with them on stage. So, with our current drummer Tony, the way I made sure we were on the same path, I responded to an Ad he posted, met up with him to grab lunch before anything happened, to make sure our personalities meshed. After that happened, we all jammed together and I could tell right away that we were on the same path with the same goals.
Q: Now with a solid set of band mates can you introduce the world to them and let us know what they bring to the table musically and mindset wise that will bring growth for the future with AMONARCHY?
A: So our drummer is Tony Gallo and he’s from Italy, and Sam Apotheker is our bassist and we met in Boston before the band was formed. We all come from different musical backgrounds. I come from bands like Metallica, Iron Maiden, Queen, just the whole classic rock and metal genre but I also love new bands bands like Muse and Rage Against The Machine. Tony’s favorite band is the Red Hot Chili Peppers and also likes bands like blink 182. Sam’s has a very diverse taste, loving bands like Nine inch Nails and Linkin Park to bands such as the Grateful Dead. I wrote the whole first album but for the next studio album, we’re all planning on contributing to the writing process. Our goal is to have that ready by next year. Sam is also amazing at getting the crowd hyped up, we both run around on stage and I go over to his microphone on his side of the stage frequently to sing. During the breaks out of burning season, I make the crowd get down to jump up, Sam goes into the crowd, and jumps with them, so I think that's really cool. Tony is just an amazing drummer, he's always so in the pocket. A lot of times, he adds a new fills, or a new beat to the song that you can only hear live. He is literally the steering wheel in the heartbeat of this band and we’ve already started writing together.
Q: Your self-titled album is coming out next month, can you go into detail on the musical vibe of the album and how was putting together your first full length as a band?
A: I think the overall vibe is definitely a hard rock and a metal vibe but with songs like Among Reason I would say that one is more theatrical with subjects like suicide on that one and Unknown Reckoning definitely has a heavy Black Sabbath kind of vibe to it. Putting this album together was great because the way it was done was a record of the scratch track at home then program to drum track on superior drummer, then Tony learned that and recorded the drums on a real kit. There were endless hours spent in the studio and we went through a lot of changes during the pandemic, like the loss of our first drummer. We recorded the album in two separate studios for one, I played bass on some songs because Sam took a temporary leave. Menace, Unknown Reckoning, Among Reason, and Edge of time were recorded before Tony joined the band. He joined in October of 2021, which was about a month before we played our first show with him.
Q: You draw off of bands like Queen, Rage, Metallica and Iron Maiden when you look back on that era of music. What do you think we lost in the current day and age that that era was so proud and proficient with? And do you hope to bring that back into 2023 with your music?
A: Great question, so I think the thing we lost and I think this has a lot to do with cancel culture is speaking true to yourself, people are just writing what they think is culturally appropriate and they totally lose sight of what they really want to do. The most meaningful way that all the bands we listen to get their name out there was writing what they wanted to write, and not caring what anybody else thought. That's the kind of example that we're trying to show.
Q: Lyrically you have a focused attention on speaking truths on what you think about politics and humanity in general! In this time of the world do you feel like you had a battle about being honest and true and that you might be canceled for having your truths come out with these songs?
A: I honestly fear that every day that cancel culture will come and get us one day. I feel like being genuine to yourself, though, is a lot more powerful and I feel like people will recognize that. We don't pick political sides, we just want to play music and strive to live in a better united world, and if people would want to try and cancel us for that, I would tell them to bring it on.
Q: One other topic I see you might be displaying through some songs is the mighty topic on toxic relationships. A subject a lot of people can relate to and have been through. When writing something so relatable, how do you approach fans and people coming to tell you how a song helped them or opened their mind to see a new point of view?
A: So we try to have different topics throughout the album, and we will be trying the same thing on future albums as well. The main songs about toxic relationships are Far Desperation and Among Reason. I agree that everybody struggles with that at least at one point in their life, so one point that I try to make with that is that a lot of times people are very depressed, so with these songs that’s just me trying to be there for them since there is a big struggle within themselves, so if they can improve that, that may be some progress in the relationship, but it could totally be visa versa as well. I had one person who approached me about this, and what I told him was that the best thing you can do is try to see both sides of the coin and try to improve together, but if it still doesn’t work then it may be time to end it.
Q: If your fans and the new music listeners getting to know you could and would do one thing to make the world a better place what would you give as advice to push them towards making it better?
A: Don't focus on the differences, focus on the similarities, for example, they're listening to our music, so that should be the first thing that we vibe on. We live in a world that's been taken over by judgment, so I would say, Rock out play the new album, and just have a good time, and cancel out all the differences.
Q: When you first thought about starting a band did the stage presence and overall show come to mind when you were writing the music or did how you were going to present it on a live level come to mind after having the music to work with?
A: Absolutely. I've been going to concerts ever since I was a kid, and one of the biggest things that stuck out and still does is how they perform and interact with the crowd. We try to get the crowd involved as much as possible, during Burning Season I make everyone get down on the ground and they all jump when I tell them to. Sam and I also love to switch microphones and sides of the stage, and I love to look at a lot of the audience members in the eyes because I feel like if you do that there is a brief connection. I try not to use to much of my energy the day of the show, we have group huddles right before we go on stage and then we warm up by jumping around to make sure were in a good state before a gig so we can feel the songs because is everything.
Q: Will you guys be touring anytime soon and have you ever done any extensive touring and how does being road dogs feel for you all?
A: So we've been playing in LA, we haven't really toured with this band yet, but we really want to get out there and start showing the rest of the world, our music and start playing places outside of Southern California. As far as extensive touring, I went to Berklee college of Music in Boston and I wasn’t in that many bands but I was a guitarist for one and we a few shows throughout New England other than Boston like Hartford Connecticut and Providence Rhode Island and it’s definitely given me a taste of what touring is like but I love to travel so when it happens I would enjoy myself very much.
BLACKLIST UNION PURE ROCK N ROLL AUTHENCITY BY STEPHANIE STEVENS
BLACKLIST UNION the sound/style of this band reminds me of the memories I have of NYC in the 80s. gritty, graffiti artistry with personality and a raw and authentic ambiance about it. Tony West, a musician who is who he is, a man raised in the Bronx and grew up with the sounds of The Ramones, Bad Brains, NYHC and the passion and adoration for Mother Love Bone. West has made his music career into a creative, empowered genuine and bona fide true artist/musician! As you cruise his resume, take notes cause this guy is the real deal.
The music that comes from this group is pure power, has attention to detail when it comes to guitar parts, high energized melody with a sprinkle of sexual appeal, and choruses driven to become addicting! Take raw passion combine it with fiery rock n roll and you have just the surface of BLACKLIST UNION.
Releasing a new single is always fun and this time LETTERS FROM THE PSYCHWARD, is the start of what will build into the newest disc entitled the same, coming in Sept of 2023
I had a chance to check in with the one and only Tony West to find out who he is, how his bond with Saliva has empowered his career and we get a little insight on the album LETTERS FROM THE PSYCH WARD. Plus, his work with Jon E. Love and his love for Mother Love Bone
Q: Tell me who Tony West is and what his dream was as a kid growing up?
A: I’m a 6’4” heavily tattooed punk rock, rock n’ roll motherfucker. My dream has always been to play music and to be a bonified rock star touring the world, selling records, and making my living doing that.
Q: BLACKLIST UNION is your baby it seems as you talked it into existence back in 2006. But before that you had become friends with the drummer Paul Crosby of Saliva and Coldwards. Did you have a vision about the band then or was that more for the management purposes that you collab on with him?
A: Paul has been my friend for 25 years. The first Blacklist Union record came out in 2006. I was friends with Paul and Saliva during that time. It just so happens that Paul is our manager now. He knows I’ve been paying my dues for years. He believes in the music, and he believes in me. I’m glad I have a trustworthy true friend on my team who knows what he’s doing because we certainly had some managers that did not.
Q: Growing up in The Bronx then moving to the west coast and then Memphis you got a taste of so many different tones and inspiration of musicianship living in these very sought out communities. Where do you think your real true style of music comes from and do you feel it grew you even more being able to surround yourself with so many communities?
A: I’m heavily influenced by punk rock like the Ramones, GBH, The Exploited… Old school British punk rock… The Sex Pistols. I loved up-tempo hard rock shit when I was a kid… Warrior Soul, Junkyard… Sea Hags are another band I really loved, from San Francisco, and of course Mother Love Bone. Having a diverse taste in music makes you create your own sound because those influences come into play.
Q: Let’s get into the new single and the name of the next album you're releasing, LETTERS FROM THE PSYCH WARD? Where did we head lyrically and storyline on this album and how do you create your topics and lyrical content when you're getting ready to write new music?
A: We lost Todd Youth, you know, who I wrote the last record with. I’ve lost several friends over the last few years. All our songs are about real-life events. Everything from birth to death, joy to anger, loss, mourning… Lyrically this album is deeply spiritual. It’s about healing, and losing your mind, and then coming back again. Every song is a real event in my life. There is nothing made up to sound cool.
Q: Looking at your albums from the beginning you do have some dark ambiance of album titles, which is cool, but can you give people a little break into what brings you to a darker mindset when it comes to songwriting?
A: The first three records were very, very dark. I mean, I don’t even remember writing or recording the third one. Let’s just leave it at that. ‘Back to Momo’ got back to the rock and the light. ‘Letters from the Psych Ward’ is about getting back into the light and the positive. It’s about healing and getting out of the darkness. Just like everybody else in life, we all go through darkness, but we have to go through the darkness to get to the light.
Q: Growing up with the hardcore scene and the likes of the Ramones Bad Brains, how do you view the music industry and how they like to give a formula for a band to be "successful", like write a certain way, look this way etc. Have you always been turned off by that or how do you view the music industry as a whole?
A: I’m big on letting the artist be the artist. No one should be telling an artist how to write, how to dress, how to act, or anything like that. I don’t like that aspect. Is there even a music industry anymore in the U.S.? I think rock music is primarily in Europe and South America. I mean, there are bands who do great in the States. Saliva does well still. Shinedown does well.
Q: How do you like video making and how was capturing this song in a visual appearance?
A: I love making music videos. I love working with Thomas Crane. I’ve also worked with Matt Zane. I really like working with Matt, he’s a great guy. I’m a very visual person. I consider myself a performing artist and a recording artist before I consider myself a musician. I mean, I don’t really play any instruments. I sing, I write lyrics…
Q: When are you looking to release this new album and where can we see musically you experimenting if any on this new album versus the older discs you put out?
A: It’s coming out in September. As an artist you should always be evolving musically. Blacklist Union has the same core of being as a band. Kickass rock n’ roll… That’s kind of our motto. We have a signature sound. I don’t know if there is anything different.
Q: Since the disc isn't coming out till a few months, how do you guys view touring and setting up more promotion for the album and as an artist how does it feel to have to wait on music to come out?
A: The whole process is so long. You have to have so much set up and so much goes into it, but I’m looking forward to touring again. I want to go out doing direct support hopefully; I’d like to do that for Buckcherry. I keep dropping their name in everything because I’ve been friends with them for years. I think we would be great for each other. I’m looking forward to going to Europe finally.
Q: Christopher Johnson produced and helped you write this new track. Having someone in the band working on the studio production does that make it easier for you to get through the process of getting it finished or do you tend to pick everything apart?
A: Chris Johnson is our producer. He’s produced all five records. He’s not in the band, although he’s played on a few of the records. I wrote it with him because Todd died and I needed someone to write with that understood the concept of composition and writing a song, which is like trying to find a spouse. That is really hard to find. One thing I loved about Todd was I didn’t have to tell him to check out this band or that band. He already knew them. I wrote the record with Chris Johnson because he knows my voice, and he knows my style better than anyone.
Q: Going back a little to the first single THE QUEEN OF EVERYTHING. Was this written for a particular person and where in the writing or recording process did you realize this would be a killer track as a single?
A: I don’t really write songs for single purposes. If they come out that way, great. It’s about writing a hook. I think every song counts. There’s no filler, only killer. “The Queen of Everything” is about my wife. We have a crazy up and down rollercoaster story. I’m sure that men who love their woman can relate to that.
Q: I read back in the day you worked with Jon E Love from LOVE/HATE, I loved that band back in the day. What was the experience from that and if you did record stuff with him where can we check it out?
A: Jon E Love has been my friend since I was 19. He’s like the older uncle guy for me. I have a lot of respect for him. I love him. We just played a gig together the other night at the Viper Room. He played with us on the ‘Til Death Do Us Part’ record. I had Paul, Dave, and Wayne from Saliva do the tracks, rhythm guitar, bass, and drums. Jon E Love played lead guitar on all the songs on ‘Til Death Do Us Part.’ Jon E has filled in on guitar for me many times. He’s a good friend.
Q: Once a record is done do you put to rest for a little bit the creativeness and songwriting or do you feel like you are always jotting down scenarios or vibes every day in case?
A: I have a backlog of songs. I’m always writing lyrics. I don’t think the creative process comes and goes. It’s a continuous thing pretty much. There’s no putting creativity on a back burner for a while and then pulling it out when you need it. It comes when it comes.
Q: Your music has been compared to the band Mother Love Bone, another unique band in its day. What's your opinion on that contrast between that band and yours and do you agree?
A: The ultimate honor is for my name to be associated with Mother Love Bone and Andrew Wood. He’s my muse, my biggest hero, my musical influence… I sang in Malfunkshun with Andy’s brother Kevin. On this record we really dialed in on the Mother Love Bone influences with “Dirty Halo,” “The Queen of Everything,” “Dancing with the Angels,” and “Mia,” which is an Aerosmith cover… But it has that vibe. I’m honored to be thrown in the mix with Mother Love Bone and Andy Wood.
Q: What do you want your music in BLACKLIST UNION to do for the fans out there in the long run and what do you hope your legacy will be as an artist and musician?
A: I want the music ideally to inspire people and heal people. I’ve gotten many emails over the years from people who have told me that our song has helped them get through pain, if that’s what it is, or joy. That’s what it’s all about. Just by touching one person and inspiring one person I’ve done my job. I wanna do that on a grand scale. I’d like to be remembered as someone who stuck to their guns, no matter what the trends were, and as someone that consistently put out kickass music.
Q: Anything we didn’t hit upon you want to let the world know you guys are doing before we end this chat?
A: We’re playing Cruefest July 29th at The Whisky and we are having a record release show sometime in September. It may be at the Viper Room. If it’s not at the Viper Room, it will be at the Troubadour or the Roxy.
OPUS Christian F. Lawrence Releases a REVAMPED version of 80’s new wave music BY STEPHANIE STEVENS
Christian F. Lawrence ('Opus') has been a name in the scene for quite some time. I had the pleasure of friending him back in the day with his band Gargantua Soul (G-Soul) and I have watched him morph into a rock n roll star as the years progressed. A hard working soul not just in the music world but as now a writer and a business man; making sure the connections in the artist world is kept solid and authentic.
As a musician he has been a product of many great bands, but the latest and greatest DEAD BY WEDNESDAY is breaking limits since the release of the bands newest album CAPITAL CONSPIRACY. Along with drumming and working his own band he has had time to do some side stuff like the album that is coming out in July 2023 entitled REVAMPED (which has guitar shredder Joey Concepcion helping out), a release which give the 80’s new wave sounds a blast of heaviness and metal homage. The first single Richard Marx very own SHOULD’VE KNOWN BETTER, has fans loving it and the original owner praising the new look of the song.
As a business man he has his own company Mindsnap Music which is like a sister company to Salt Of the Earth Records. As he gains new artists I am sure he is able to mentor and guide them through the industry; as he has a very grand resume in the ins and outs of this magical world. This life he has made can be also read in a book he just released BREAK WHEN I’M DEAD. A raw and authentic look into the life of this very talented man, from the touring aspect, to recording to writing and to the trials and tribulations he has faced as a musician. Plus, it brings you closer into who OPUS the man really is.
There is so much to ask this one Individual that it was hard just breaking down this interview into a few questions but please read on and find out a little bit more about this drummer, father, musical artist and overall all kick ass human being.
Q: So Opus, I have known you for quite some time now so I feel like I can label you the Rock royalty of New England!! IF that is cool? I have seen you have been busy with so much stuff other than your band Dead By Wednesday. So I’m going to jump right into the first thing that has been out for some time but we never spoke about the BOOK, BREAK WHEN I'M DEAD. What inspired you to write a book and how did you focus and break down the stories you wanted to be prominent in the book?
A: Rock royalty, hahaha… Thanks! What inspired me was when I worked with David Ellefson formerly of Megadeth, he wrote a couple of books and I saw how he did it & marketed his books & I found that intriguing but that’s not why I wrote it, I wrote it for my son, Orion. I wanted him to understand who I am and why I did what I did; and to leave that legacy! That story for him & to the, forever in ink regardless if I’m here and when I’m gone. I also wanted to give some insight on the music industry… the good, the bad, the ugly… and maybe help other up-n-coming younger aspiring musicians learn about this industry & maybe not make some of the same mistakes I did.
Q: I have always wanted to possibly write a book one day but know its hard work. What was the biggest surprise that it brought you when you got full-fledged into the nitty gritty of the "business" of booking writing?
A: The biggest surprise was trying to actually recall and remember the real situations correctly because even though you might remember something one way, sometimes the mind plays tricks with you & other people clarify & tell you exactly how and what the situations were; because they are different then you remembered. But also the whole proofreading process of reading it over and over again to make sure things were correct was definitely pretty grooling. In the end very fulfilling though. I give a lot of credit to my ghostwriter Doug Esper. I had the stories and ideas, but he put it into words, on paper and gave me a voice. Most of the hard work was on him. He killed it!!!
Q: Had you kept a journal from the time you first got into bands and stuff or was this written from all memories you remembered?
A: No journal, just real life stories from past memories and time lines. Everyone thinks their life is so interesting. I never did until it was on paper. This was not an ego driven book just about myself, there’s juicy stories about my fucked up family as well as the fucked up music industry and much more.
Q: Now that it’s been out a bit, how do you feel that the world has your life (in a way) at their fingertips?
A: I love it. I think it’s important for people to really understand me and who I am. A lot of people have pre-conceived notions about me and who I am or where I come from. This sort of clears that up and sets things straight. I give my fans and friends a new perspective and the real deal view on my opinions, my life, my goals, my family, thoughts & ideas, accolades, etc.
Q: Do you plan on writing another one?
A: No plans on another one. I'm not sure I’m going to ever make another. Everyone keeps asking me that though. I probably do have material to do so… but if I do, it’ll be later in life when I’m a lot older. I'd love to reflect on the second half of my career and life in a sense. It’s a lot of time and work and right now, I’m focusing on other stuff… that last book ate up a few years of my life, on an off give or take.
Q: Now let's get into the current new project you are releasing this July. REVAMPED an 80s new wave cover disc turned metal. I love the choices you made, especially the songs SEND ME AN ANGEL, ELECTRIC AVENUE and ILL BE LOVIN YOU! How did you choose the tracks you did "revamp" and what were a few of the most fun moments in the studio or the creation stage that you will always remember with these classic songs?
A: Well, all the moments in the studio are fun!! My favorite part of music is the recording and creative process. Of course, live is cool too, but there’s nothing like recording something in the studio and then listening to it back completed or maybe even eventually on the radio too. I chose the tracks that I liked and stood out to me that would sound cool as a heavy track and then started messing with the ideas. If it worked I kept it, if it didn’t, I did not. A couple were suggestions by different close people to me that I trusted like send me an Angel was from my Jessica Spinelli, paint it black was suggested by Jeffrey Nothing, The Metro by Berlin from my cousin Ceschi Ramos, Words by Missing Persons by the executive producer Gerald E. Pawlik, etc. but I just chose the songs that I thought would be dope re-recorded heavy and taken from the best era of movies and music, the 80’s!
Q: Joey Concepcion (the shred master) was at your side stirring up the re-creations of these songs too, what is it like working with Joey and how does he as an artist motivate you as a musician?
A: Well Joey C. was basically hired to record the tracks for me, but even though I can play guitar as well, since he is an amazing guitarist and willing to help, I also hired him to just play on the record as well as engineer it. We’ve worked together before. He was in my band Dead By Wednesday for years and toured with us as well, so we already have a past working relationship. He and I wrote and worked on most of the very unique guest vocalist album “Darkest of Angels” by Dead By Wednesday on the defunct EMP Label Group.
Q: On the guest vocal album entitled Darkest Of Angels back in the day, how was it being able to see the work of other vocalists in this project and how does this help you in creating community in the music industry? Do you feel it enhances that mutual respect or you think it's always been there?
A: I think whenever you work with multiple people who are industry players for real, and things go well, you always gain a certain amount of respect along the way. I feel like just now it’s finally starting to come around, haha… I’m an overnight two-decade long success! Haha… Although it was a huge undertaking, I loved organizing and working with all the different people and vocalist for that project, it was challenging but fun all at the same time.
Q: Your first single from REVAMPED is a Richard Marx cover of his song SHOULD'VE KNOWN BETTER. He had great words to say about it, did you have to go and get approval from all the bands you revamped and what's the emotion if and when you have to send your version to them?
A: Yes, I had to require the musical property mechanical rights and licenses for each song to be able to release it officially and sell it. It wasn’t cheap but I think it’s worth doing for sure. Richard Marx ruled! I saw him recently live in concert and it was literally one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. His voice even at his age still holds up and he puts on a great show. Never thought I would say that but it’s true. He’s kind of me and my girl's secret guilty pleasure.
Q: I also loved seeing Gargantua Soul song on the disc, an archived blast from the past for people who might know who was that band and what did that band mean to you? (Think that is how I met you back in the young days)
A: Yup!! G-Soul was special and a huge part of what is still keeping my career alive to this day. It was a very important band all around for many reasons. It never got its fair due but it’s ok. Everything happens for a reason. A lot of that discussion is actually in my book, ha…. But when doing this, I decided I wanted to do a cover of basically the best song we ever wrote together but I wanted to give it the heavier, tighter, better production the song deserved so that’s what I did, that song was done with my original G-Soul singer, Kris Keyes who is also on my indie label now Mindsnap music with his new band E.S.P.!
Q: Salt of the Earth records has a really prominent stand in the music world in the New England community and you guys are on that roster. How does it feel knowing this organization has such a good reputation and gives the bands they support the freedom to be themselves and do you feel the music industry is missing that piece in the puzzle these days?
A: Well Scott Harrington and his wife at S.O.T.E.R. are awesome. They work hard and are like partners to me. We both help each other with all our artists and music so Mindsnap Music is like a sister company to them and vice versa. We work together unlike a lot of people in the industry who are only out for themselves. That’s why it’s so powerful. I put out bands and they help with hard copies. If he puts out bands, I help out with promotion or anything else. We both work with a lot of great talent. It’s like one lil happy fucked up family!
Q: I'm also wondering about your cover of BETH by Kiss, will that ever make any record? if it hasn't already and what does that song mean to you?
A: Well as most people who know me know (and it’s also in the book, haha) KISS was a huge influence on me growing up and why I play music for a living. A while ago during Covid, I recorded a solo acoustic cover album myself with GarageBand and made videos for most of them on iMovie to keep myself busy at home. When it was time to pick some songs, I chose to remake Beth into an acoustic song, but be creative and change the name Beth to Jess, which is the name of the girl I’m with. So it’s an artsy approach on a classic. I didn’t expect it to do as well as it did. I entered it into a big dog writing contest through Atlantic Records and although I didn’t win, I received an honorable mention as well as being promoted in their top favorite picks of the cover song submission which were over 3k. Pretty cool and unexpected. Anyway, the solo acoustic album is called “The Corona Covers” & as of now, it’s only available on the Opus the Dopest page on Bandcamp.com.
Q: One more question before I let you go. How is Death By Wednesday doing? I saw you guys went overseas to tour a little and have been playing a lot of shows and the new album is doing well. Give us an update on the future happening with these guys if you can?
A: Man, for real, DBW has been killing it lately! Must be the right formula of people in the band or something because there’s some sort of weird resurgence happening and we can’t be happier about it. Lots of great stuff and offers on the horizon happening for us throughout the end of 2023 and even into 2024 already. Perseverance, consistency & quality pays off.
Q: Anything else you want to mention in case I missed it in this chat and any words to your fans and music friends out there?
A: Just that the release date for the REVAMPED full album is July 8th! Everywhere! Thank You for all the love and support throughout the years! Also, keep an eye out for a love DBW show near you!!!
Q: Drop your socials so people can stay connected!
TAPROOT Giving the world a new “gift” With new albums BEST OF BESIDES & SS/SSRS In 2023 BY Stephanie Stevens
It’s the year 2000, the East Coast Romper is going strong, we are living out dreams of talking to musicians we never thought we would. We are getting into contact with up n coming bands that back then we didn’t know the future of but let me just tell you in this era of music some bad ass amazing artists came out.
One band that stopped me in my tracks was the band TAPROOT. I remember being asked to review the debut album GIFT. This band changed my life, and when I say this I mean they did it with one song and one lyrical sentiment, which was the song “I”, and the lyric “I need support behind my back to help me spit it out, I’m going to win, I can’t afford to blow this one.” “I hate myself sometimes, I love myself, I need this way of life, because it holds me.”
These few words gave me the motivation to step out of my fear and be the most authentic version of me giving me the ability to get out of my shell and do what I believe is my true passion. So I want to give a hug thank you to The Taproot gentlemen for making this song a reality because I am sure your music has impacted so many other than me.
Once I got through this life changing song I was able to really get deep into this debut disc and well let’s just get serious this is an iconic record. From the aggressive power punch of “SMILE” to the electronic flair and hard hitting ambiance of “AGAIN & AGAIN” these guys had something unique and intriguing about them and the world caught on and gave these gentlemen the support they needed.
Through the years I had a chance to see them live on various stages (highlight was the Linkin Park headline tour called “The Street Soldiers Tour” in 2001, fun times). Not only does TAPROOT destroy your speakers they leave everything on those stages every night.
Through the years they came out with other amazing records like WELCOME, PLEAD THEFIFTH and THE EPISODES. Then the light went dark and TAPROOT was Mia!
Its 2023 and the news came pummeling over the internet that the guys in TAPROOT was back and releasing new music. First off the THE BEST OF BESIDES has been released and on Sept 29th 2023 the guys are giving the world another “gift” in the new album SC/SSRS. Musical brainchild Stephen Richards is ready for the world to hear the most personal album he has put together and the band is ready to start destroying the stages throughout the rest of 2023. Get a sneak peak of the newest single VIP (V/CT/M/PLAY) on all music platforms and pre order the new album as soon as you can.
I had the pleasure of re connecting with Richards and we speak about the road ahead, the two new discs and what he hopes the TAPROOT legacy will be
Q: First off, I am so stoked you guys are back!! We have missed you. Before we dive into the new release coming out this year I want to chat about the upcoming other release entitled BEST OF BESIDES. Were these songs or rare goodies you found over the last few years of creating the new music and what can people look forward to finding on it and some of your fondest moments of finding these tracks?
A: Awesome, thank you! The Besides were just a compilation of old demos & unreleased tracks that Jarrod came across and thought our fans/friends would enjoy. My joke is to put out awful sounding stuff so SC\SSRS (new record) sounds amazing Haha!!
Q: Since 2012 It seems you have been through a lot personally and just trying to re root into music again. I am Sorry about hearing the loss of your mother ( I can relate and my prayers are with you) Through the time you had, what did you learn about yourself and what has having music done for you as an artist?
A: Sucks you can relate, sorry! I've had a long road (some health issues/ divorce/Mom etc,) but right now I'm pretty damn good (minus financially hahaha). I've got a new amazing family, awesome wife & 2 beautiful daughters. Honestly haven't learned much more than just continuing 1 day at a time. Music (& hockey) have been my entire life blessed by my Ma. She always supported & encouraged me to enjoy what I do, not push me towards a desired outcome, especially the odds of succeeding (somewhat lol) in the music industry. She got me a drum kit at 4years old & guitar at 12years old, which I taught myself and she loved my abilities & encouraged them (even when skipping school haha).
Q: The new studio album coming out Sept 29th is called SC/SSRS. Is this the most personal album you have done and if so what kind of therapy was it like putting it together?
A: It is the most personal record in the way that people will kind of hear and understand that I'm not just the annoying singer, but the main composer/sound of TR and did this on my own. Honestly, all of my lyrics have always been completely personal which I think is why our fans are so appreciative and can relate to most of these songs I wrote a decade ago; before other issues arose. So I guess it's kind of cool to interpret where I was mentally (never thought about it like that!) The new stuff is therapeutic though, for sure; one for Ma & one venting like a bitch Haha.
Q: Do you have a platform single you're looking to release to start promoting the album and if so can you give us the name and why you chose that particular track?
A: We released a song digitally titled "V\P" already, as the boom/welcome back/live opener type of song. Closer to the release date we plan on heavily promoting a song titled "Favourite Song" which potentially could gain some commercial traction, hopefully. Catchy/relatable lyrics, melodic yet heavy & a guest vocal appearance.
Q: You're pretty much the brainchild songwriting wise but also produced the album, had you done this in the past on the records and how does it feel producing something you created?
A: I don't necessarily consider this producing proper, just basically re-tracked material with better hardware & mic's than my quick demos ha. Been a part of the production alongside the actual producers tho! Lol
Q: Music wise how has the Taproot sound changed or grew through the years and will that be heard thoroughly through the new record?
A: Obviously started as knuckle heads basically (similar to this one) rerecording existing material (some on Besides) for GIFT. WELCOME was the first album we wrote from scratch, & with a producers (Toby Wright) input which was amazing to see where we were, definitely more mature than the songs written 5 years earlier. We basically got a little more experimental/variable over the years, making sure we still stayed true to our natural heaviness, but also try new things & appeal to more. Similar on this one overall I suppose, probably 2 of the heaviest songs yet, as well an acoustic song (with guitar solos ..& a female guest), to the normal combo songs with grit and melodies/ harmonies.
Q: You started writing this for the next Taproot album then thought about a solo endeavor, what decided the idea about getting TAPROOT out of the hiatus and adding this to the discography?
A: Bandmates brought to my attention this was written to be the next TR record, not a just throw a bone to some grateful supporters solo thing, & not just throw away the name/ legacy of what we've worked for.. meant a lot, didn't think of it that way myself initially
Q: I read that your original drummer Jarrod Montague is back for some shows but did he put his drumming technique into the album and helped you write parts?
A: He is & it's awesome, can't wait! Yes & no.. for the most part originally demo wise I'd track the ideas and he would make them his own, but this is just back to me being an idiot lol.
Q: Keeping on the drumming path you also have had Dave Coughlin (SPonge) drummer with you for a while now. How has his way of playing music enhanced the way you look at playing music?
A: Dave's just an example of how important drums can be & needed to bring things together. He's a pro and makes it fun when it might not be as much at times.
Q: You also have a new guitar player Taylor Roberts in the family now, how did you find him and what does he bring into the TAPROOT sound that has re-energized you guys?
A: Taylor has opened for us in bands, helped as a tech and is amazing & now lives right here. His personal band Riding w/ Killers is amazing! He's joining a shit show Haha, but he'll be bringing consistent reliability, modern expertise, and probably some missed harmonies that we have been missing for a long time.
Q: Lastly with the band members Phil (bass) is still by your side and has been an encouragement factor with this new album to get the TAPROOT family back into the music scene. Personally and Professionally what does having someone like that mean to you?
A: Everything, I don't think I've remotely expressed that enough. He's been the standup business guy, even when the band wasn’t doing much and although our lives have settled down to family etc. He is still on point with opinions & care. He's the rock (kind of looks like him too hahaha), but he's a smart fucking dude & only thrives on making things work and better.
Q: Looks like you're going to be back in the touring trenches too. How does that feel knowing you will get to reconnect with fans and probably make a slew of new ones?
A: Trenches yes ("weekend warriors"), but means everything. Our fans are the only thing that matter. We've always been close, in touch, and grateful for support since day one. Without them why even do it? So many people have related and shared stories in common with me personally. I do actually have friends in them! They're amazing and why we're doing this. I'm pretty much quitting my job for some gigs with no known paycheck. It’s scary with a family which needs consistency, but I actually have their support even though it’s a new scenario for us/them. Fingers crossed I can still contribute financially, but again selfishly the supporters are ideally what I’m looking forward to.
Q: The Machine Shop is the home for your record release. An iconic place, what is your memory of when TAPROOT first started and that place and what are you looking forward to too?
A: The Machine Shop is pretty much the best place in the world to play (unless hockey arenas, (me being a hockey kid) with the Deftones every night Haha! The venue is one of a kind. The owner Kevin is one is the sweetest & caring dudes (although looks like a bouncer at a biker bar.. in a great way!) I've ever met. I'm glad I got us banned from our hometown venue Haha! The Machine Shop has been home forever now, it's more a pleasure for us honestly. If you haven't been/seen & have the chance to, it's one of a kind, every band loves it.
Q: Your show at Blue Ridge Fest in Sept will also be close to the release date, will you guys be doing the oldies since it's like a "reunion" show or will you be doing the newest stuff to promote?
A: Not sure set length yet, the known songs are most important for reminiscence & existing fans, but there's at least 2 new songs that are making the cut.
Q: 2023 is the year for TAPROOT it seems, so happy again to see you guys back as I said earlier. Looking back on the career so far, what does it mean to you and when all is said and done what do you want the legacy of this band to be?
A: Hope so! Ha, likewise and thank you! This new/ ancient (we're old haha) run is going to be fun and shared with the people. At no point did I ever want nor expect to be the biggest band ever (how w/ my voice lol), but honestly the connections with supporters & fun is the goal, always will be. Connecting with people and feeling a part of something is amazing. Legacy wise, I just hope people remember us as cool dudes that had fun and got to do what we love and inspire them to as well. Meeting new people with similar yet so different experiences in life is how you learn, not being taught.
Q: Anything else you want people to know we didn’t hit on or any words to the fans who have followed you from the beginning and new ones coming your way in 2023?
A: I suppose just the fact that I love laughing and smiling even though it's not always. It's positive and contagious! There's so much negativity which is natural & okay, but just try to remember that everyone deserves some sort of enjoyment and hate doesn't do anything proactive, it's reactive. Smile!!
SUPPORT AND CONNECT WITH THE BAND
FACEBOOK: @TAPROOTMUSIC INSTAGRAM: @FOLLOWTAPROOT
SEPTEMBER MOURNING EMILY LAZAR and RICH JUZWICK live interview at the Vault In New Bedford, MA 5.28.2023 By Stephanie Stevens
KIRRA is making FIERY NOISE with new single FROM THE GARDEN By Stephanie Stevens
Oklahoma City’s KIRRA has persevered through great loss to bring you a grittier, laser focused and harder version of the band; making a splash back in 2013 with their metal sound with bluesy contours splashed in to make the band a standout in the community. After losing their singer right before a national tour, the band took a little hiatus to reexamine the future and realized the goal at hand was to make more music because they had a love for music, their brother in heaven would want it and they had something special to share with the world. Enter new singer Gabe, an extremely different sound approach vocally for the band with a deeper grittier and passionate tone to bring KIRRA into the next level of musicianship. The guys released a new single entitled FROM THE GARDEN where you can really feel the harder punch and heavier angles they are guiding their sound to. Another track that takes your ears to a new dimension is the catchy yet hard rocker FLESH GIVES WAY that they released in 2022. This outfit is putting together a very stellar resume and we here at the Romper can’t wait to hear what is coming next. The band still has that rock flavor they just grew into a heavier more powerful version. I was able to catch up with the guys to find out what they have been up to since I saw them pre Gabe as they opened for Saving Abel and Soil a few years back. They updated me on all things KIRRA and also let me into their views on sharing stages with Sevendust, working with different producers and writing music.
Q: Update the world if people have been living under a rock what you guys in KIRRA have been up to since 2020? A: We’ve been up to a lot! We released our first full length record with our new singer Gabriel entitled Redefine in 2020. Caving In (the first single) recently crossed 100,000 streams and we were super pumped about that! We then released our single Crutch while on tour with Sevendust in 2021, then in 2022 we released Flesh Gives Way and debuted what we believe is the best Fan Club in the music business! The Kirra Fan Club might be one of our biggest accomplishments from a business standpoint. Q: Even though he has been your front man for a bit, introducing the world to your new vocalist and what he brings to the table that you guys have been missing as a band? A: Gabe has been a great asset to the band as he is a multi-instrumentalist. He was a drummer and a bass player before joining Kirra as lead vocalist. Gabe has always had an ability to learn new things and improve his skill set. As a result, we’ve been able to pull off certain sounds we had never had access to previously. Q: FROM THE GARDEN your new release, love the grit to the vocals and your sound has evolved a bit but has stayed true to your KIRRA sound, where do you guys feel like you surpassed from your old songwriting sessions to now? A: We are constantly writing, and out of those sessions anything can happen! We have been commenting to each other that we feel like our songwriting is getting more exciting as we start to explore new sounds and concepts. Q: Can you chat about the loss of your singer if we can, the trauma from that for not just you guys individually but as a brotherhood and taking into consideration you had a world of fans. Emotionally what did you really go through and how did you push through?
A: That was definitely one of the toughest moments of our career. We were in a spot where we didn’t know whether or not we should continue. After a meeting after the funeral we decided that Jesse would have wanted us to keep going, so we went on the hunt for the next vocalist for Kirra. Gabe came in April of 2018, and ever sense we’ve been able to explore and take our sound to new heights. It was a moment in life that is tough to go through but ultimately makes you stronger when you make it out the other side. Q: Let's talk about your sound, a bluesy metal niche, what is your background of inspiration to music and how did that influence you as an artist and a person in general?
A: There are definitely some blues inspirations to a few of our songs, but the sound can kind of vary all over the place. We’ll write a blues rock anthem like Crutch and then write a metal song like Flesh Gives Way. We kind of take pride in giving our fans a diverse pallet of sounds to enjoy from us. We’re inspired by so much it’s hard to keep those influences in one direction.
On the blues sound specifically, we were taking in a lot of inspiration from everything from Son House to Sam Cooke to Hozier. It’s a sound we just love and considering it has roots in American history, it just makes it even more special to connect with those roots. Q: Going back to 2021 with your single CRUTCH the story and lyrics on that one is special for me to say the least. When you break a toxic persona it's groundbreaking. What did you hope to get through to people when the storyline for the song came up and do you feel that the fans and critics got your underlying point of view on this song? A: We hoped that the song would either be a cathartic song for people who have dealt with toxic people in their life but also a wakeup call to anyone who chooses to blame the world around them instead of taking accountability for themselves. I think people get where we were coming from. Q: Speaking of point of views in songwriting, when something you're writing about is that close to your heart, how do you try to sum it up in a 3 to 4-minute song and keep it as a short story when you have so much to say? A: It can be tough. The biggest thing for us is making sure we don’t overload our listeners with too much to chew on lyrically. We want to tell a story about a specific moment in time, but we want to tell it in a way that can be applicable to other situations in people’s lives. As an artist it can be tempting to use big words and try and sound deep instead of just being direct and connecting with your fans. Q: 2021 brought you to the stage again with Sevendust. I'm assuming this is after all the BS of covid was uplifted. Looking back on being back out on the road did you feel different being road dogs and being with the Sevendust crew they make everyone feel like family so can you talk about the camaraderie with you guys and them throughout that touring season? A: We love the Sevendust camp. It’s full of such cool and genuine people, band included. We’ve been on some tours where you feel like the outsider and we’ve been on some that make us feel like we’re on the road with a huge family. The Sevendust crew is always like the latter. Lajon and Vinnie would come chat with us for a while many days on the road. It’s cool to share the road with people who were where you are and share that wisdom with you. Q: FLESH GIVES WAY came out after that tour and you worked with Daxton Page on the track. What did he bring out in your musicianship that you never knew you had in you and do you learn every time you guys hit the studio? A: Daxton has produced Redefine, Crutch, and Flesh Gives Way for us. We could tell at first we were trying something new and was a little rough around the edges. But then it got locked in and I think it’s been nice. Being the Dax is our guitarist, there’s no pressure whenever we go into the studio. It doesn’t have that feel of “oh no, we can’t waste a single second because we’re only going to be here for 3 days”. We can take our time and experiment with new things in a low-stress environment. It really helps us paint the picture we want. Q: Going back to the current day and new single FROM THE GARDEN you had another producer take the reins, Shawn Dealey. When bands choose new producers frequently is it because you guys want a new version of your signature sound to be enhanced or is it because once the song is written you know the said producer's background and know he is the right fit A: Honestly, it’s just a part of our natural progression. As the sound grows, we want certain people who can do the job better than we could. And when you feel you have something special with songs like From the Garden, you want to make sure it’s done as best as it possible can be. Q: Oklahoma City what's the vibe like for a musician and where do you feel genre wise the up and coming bands are geared more too these days? A: I feel like OKC is nice because it’s very chill compared to most metropolitan areas. Genre wise I feel a lot of acts that we follow are either going to a metal core/post-grunge blend or a southern rock/grunge blend. Q: With the new single out do you guys want to head out on the road this summer and if so any ideas or talks about opening for any bands? A: We’ve got plans to hit the road in August and September, but we may get some weekend gigs in June/July. We definitely want to share the new music with people. We’ve already got 5-7 new songs that are ready to go, it’s just a matter of testing them live and then going into the studio. Q: Anything we didn’t hit upon through these questions you want to let fans know about or any words you want to tell the fans overall?
A: Just to check out our new single From the Garden on your favorite streaming platform, and if you enjoy it go to KirraMusic.com and join our email list so we can notify you when we come to your area! Q: Drop your socials so people can follow and support you?
9 LEFT DEAD Captivating hearts with emotion on new single ONE LAST DAY BY STEPHANIE STEVENS
A struggle with the evil disease of Leukemia is what made the music come to life for Travis Jones the singer and founder of the Oklahoma based band 9 LEFT DEAD. Writing stories became his way of escape and taught him more about himself and how to engage in the power and strength to fight and win anything that comes his way. The band who now is a few years into their inception has not only won battle of the bands to be able to work with multi-talented and efficient producer Cody Hanson (from Hinder) and now they are getting help from the magical Malcolm Springer, with the bands newest Ep coming out July 2023 called LOVE AFTER DEATH. With the newest platform single out ONE LAST DAY the band gets more in depth with their personal emotion in this song and are captivating new fans daily! I had the chance to chat with vocalist Travis Jones about the new music, what he is learning working with so many rad and influential people and what being a musician means to him.
Q: 9 LEFT DEAD has a really positive story as your founding member Travis Jones pretty much made this band a reality due to his bout with Leukemia. While some people may have been thinking about other things you put your mind to work on storytelling. Were you writing stories about the past or your fantasies and how do you feel that helped you work through a very tough situation?
A: I love that question. At first it was for an escape from reality particularly from the feeling of being secluded from people, feeling alone in a sense. Then as writing stories became a way of expressing myself and a coping mechanism, lots of the stories became about either my past experiences or ways of me to express hope through feeling darkness or brokenness.
Q: When you found Steven was this a past friend or someone you just connected with and what was the conversation like about taking this project to a new level and what you hoped the future would be?
A: Steven is an actually my cousin and the conversation took place with our mothers deciding we needed to start a band ha-ha. My mom said here call Steven he plays music and I said mom he is so weird I’m not calling him. Obviously I did and we became best of friends and our writing is what connected us because we had both been fighting life diseases, me cancer and him diabetes. Our goal was to change the world and give hope to people and we always felt like we were brought together to do that on a massive level.
Q: Putting music together in the beginning was those stories you wrote a main focal point to what would become songs and being a duo in the beginning how did you write music?
A: Yes, for sure. The stories always were like in poem form mostly or by lines and I would typically take those lines use the ones that felt most impactful and use them as song. Steven wrote a lot in the beginning because he was more experienced at it. And musically also Steven played 4 instruments and I only knew the guitar at that time. We didn’t have money so we used cheap recording gear which is why we started out on a 4 track cassette player. Either he or I would bring in an idea which was either words with a guitar chord pattern or if being a riff in. He only knew three chords at the time so I’d write most of the guitar parts haha.
Q: The path of 9 LEFT DEAD led you to the life of Cody Hanson (from Hinder) getting to record your 1st major album with him. How did that process go, what was his opinion on how to make you guys an even stronger and tighter band?
A: So we won a battle of the bands to get that opportunity. We wrote music with him because his writing skills were far more advanced than ours. But his biggest take was he changed how I sung songs which would become to involve less screaming and he wanted me to learn to be a front man and lose the guitar so I could learn the art of entertaining. And he taught us as a band how to make parts fit the music specifically allowing the song to call for what parts it’s needing and not over play parts.
Q: Looking back on the record THE WRONG THINGS, what are the top 3 right things you did for the record to bring you growth to your craft for the future?
A: One we wrote songs that were extremely relatable for every person in the audience. Secondly we made the performance involved with playing that record something that fans or people that would become fans would not forget and walk away from feeling like we left it all on the stage. The third thing I’d say we showed our diversity to give the fans different types of stories all rolled up into one album.
Q: You decided on the cover of The Doors People Are Strange, whose idea was that and what does it feel like deciding on doing an iconic song like that in your own way?
A: That song was actually Cody’s idea because he was also managing us at the time. It was extremely amazing honor to play that song because that band was one of my personal inspirations. It was also one of our favorite songs to see the level of crowd participation we received every night from it especially as we kicked in and the entire crowd would be jumping up and down like nothing else mattered but that moment.
Q: When THE WRONG THINGS were written did you already gather your other bandmates and if so who are they and what did they bring to the band to enhance it?
A: At that time, we had gone through member changes because some people just weren’t ready for that level of commitment. The guys we added at that time brought a lot of enthusiasm to the stage. Our stage show was on another level and even new bands we’d tour with watch it causes of stories they had heard.
Q: Now in 2023 you just released a new single entitled ONE LAST DAY, a hard rock love story. Tell me what this song means to you and what you hope fans get out of the story you're telling in this track?
A: The song means a lot to me. It’s the first step in getting back in touch with our sound that made us feel the most like us. The story is extremely personal to me as it’s about dealing with my own insecurities and feelings of self-worth. The biggest thing I hope fans get out of it is that they are not alone and there is hope.
A: You are also releasing in July a new EP entitled LOVE AFTER DEATH. Is this a personal record and what did you name it that title and what do those words wake up emotionally for you since we have all as adults dealt with death in some shape and form?
A: It’s extremely personal to me. I remember leaving the studio some nights in tears after singing the vocal parts and hear how perfectly produced Malcolm Springer gotten these songs that are pieces of my soul. The title wakes up a lot for me personally because it doesn’t just represent a physical death for us but also how you lose pieces of you through life by relationships going bad or losing touch with close friends. For me personally it means there is hope to feel love again even after your heart has been broken into pieces or felt dead. Just as there is hope to feel love again after a great lose if that is death as well.
Q: You took the help of a new producer in Malcolm Springer. What about his work made you feel this EP was a need for his ear and what surprisingly do you feel he brought out of you as musicians?
A: He was involved with platinum albums from two bands who have a song each that have been songs that will live forever. So that was exactly what I wanted for him to help us create a body of music that would stand the test of time. He brought out the thing we needed most as musicians which was confidence. He specifically believed in my song writing and that was a game changer for me. And beyond that he will be a lifelong friend as well because he is one of the most amazing souls on this planet. His passion for music and actual love for story telling is why he is our producer.
Q: Being in Nashville how was that and do you feel that is the heart n soul of where songwriting was born and will never leave?
A: Nashville is completely a euphoric experience. I do believe as a musician you have to be careful going there because you will not want to leave ha-ha. I believe it definitely has music energy in the air and that will hopefully always be there because we plan on going back to finish the full album with Malcolm there.
Q: What does it mean to be a musician?
A: Being a musician I think is something that people who love music but don’t write or play music should approach with a deeper empathy because it’s baring pieces of your heart and soul. And sometimes that takes you to a hurt and pain that you put on paper so you didn’t have to feel that loss again. But you do it night after night just so maybe someone out there who needs it hears your song and feels not as alone. That being said it’s one of the greatest feelings on the planet when something you wrote helps someone’s heart.
Q: Tour plans for the band throughout 2023?
A: 2023 we are still getting all our ducks in a row and writing but playing some shows more regionally then anything. We are going make a few runs soon and hopefully keep that momentum into 2024.
Q: Anything else you want to let your fans know we might have not hit upon during this chat?
We would love to just say thank you to the ones who got us to this point and helped us spread the word about Nine Left Dead. And to just keep at it because we appreciate and love each and every one of you.
Q: Drop your social media links so people can stay in contact with you?
EARSHOT BLAZING A FIERY TRAIL IN THE ROCK WORLD WITH NEW SINGLE UNRAVELING BY STEPHANIE STEVENS
EARSHOT is blazing a fiery trail in the music world with new single UNRAVELING. This new track encompasses the signature sound the band gave the rock world back in 1999 when they emerged with a cutting edge sound and a band full of artists who were transcending the barriers of genres while still bringing the trademark sound they were known for.
Captivating listeners for over 20 years’ now founding member Wil Martin (vocalist) has partnered with renowned guitarist- Aaron Fink (Breaking Benjamin) and John Novak-bass (Down To Six) plus Mike Sylvia- drums and Andy Stafford- guitar, to break down more barriers and go outside the lines to create rock music for the future and beyond.
If UNRAVELING wet your whistle you need to go back to the 2022 single YOU+I, this chorus is just melodically sensational. The guys haven’t lost any steam in their way of songwriting and creating a story; but now it has a new sense of refreshment and excitement. A 2.0 version of a band that already was pretty god damn amazing!! (But honestly if anything about these songs attracted, and you haven’t backtracked to the beginning music of this band you need to and then repent for not doing it sooner)
I had the pleasure of getting to chat with Wil Martin about the new additions to the lineup, the music, his consulting business and what he hopes the bands legacy will be.
Q: I know you guys have been back on the circuit for a bit but I just found out so I wanted to say welcome back to the rock n roll world. I remember you guys back in the starting days of you guys and I am pretty sure the Romper did some interviews with you. How has it been being back into being in the limelight of the rock community and what did you miss most about the fans and being able to play in front of them?
A: Well, we've really missed being out there and connecting with our fans the most. We’ve missed it a lot actually.
Q: Before we talk about your newest single and I wanted to rewind to your last track YOU + I, dude the chorus on that one is amazing it totally reeled me in. What came first for you the music or the lyrical content?
A: Thank you! The music came first. The music usually comes first. For me, the music conjures up what I write about. So, it’s important to me that music is interesting in some way that inspires or triggers a feeling or a thought. If it doesn’t, it goes into the abyss of my hard drive.
Q: Now let’s chat about UNRAVELING. I feel like this song is bringing me back to the old EARSHOT days, what were your intentions with the song when you first started honing what would be the finished product and was the track something you had to rewrite or change up a lot?
A: Back when we were recording ‘Letting Go’ David Kahne (producer) had a really cool way of taking a great song and making it interesting using lots of interesting sounds, stops and breaks, and instrumentation that would just suddenly change. It’s what I think really made us and our record standout among the other bands out there at the time and so I wanted to go back to that. I’ve REALLY always loved what David brought to our songs on “Letting Go’ and so with “Unraveling” I was just using all the wisdom and know how that I learned working with David and I think it really did this song justice.
Q: You're able to work with Aaron from Breaking Benjamin success and John from Down To Six. Having them as members now and seeing their creative way of doing things, what have you changed about the way you approach writing if any?
A: Well, with Aaron, he brings experience and a veteran presence to the band which is helpful to me with not feeling like the entire weight of everything is on me creatively. We work writing together; We produce songs together. It’s a nice and very collaborative situation for the both of us. Not to mention that before we teamed up together, we were already both fans of each other’s work. With John, who’s the youngest in the band, he brings a fresh and youthful perspective to our ideas. It all really works well together.
Q: What was the initial conversation with your new members when you were thinking about revamping the band?
A: It all happened really organically. So, there wasn’t much of a conversation about it. We just kind of all randomly connected and decided to do something using the platform that already existed with Earshot and here we are.
Q: So AFTERMATH is on the verge of being released and on this EP you guys re-recorded some old stuff, going back to the older stuff, what prompted you to rework the songs you chose and emotional how did it feel going deep into those songs again?
A: I love breaking a song down to it barest form. To me, it speaks to how good a song really is when you don’t have a bunch of loud and heavy guitars and drums and it’s just a vocal and acoustic guitar. I think it also gives a song a whole new feel and perspective when its broken down like that. For an example of what I’m talking about, check out Ryan Adams acoustic version of “Wasted Years” by Iron Maiden on YouTube. It’ll blow your mind.
Q: So to further talk about acoustic music, what do you get out of stripping stuff down and being one with your words you write and do you feel any and all artists should experiment with this type of sound once in their careers?
A: 100000000%. But also, some songs aren’t meant to stripped down, and that’s ok too. But there’s something about 1 voice and an acoustic guitar that’s just so vulnerable and visceral.
Q: Having music that has pretty much transcended the barrier of genres, how do you feel being the artist to make an impact on the music world and do you feel like your band made a huge change to music looking back and foreseeing the future?
A: I’d like to think we’ve inspired and or contributed to music that’s being made today. We hear from bands from time to time about how our music has inspired them.
Q: When you were on hiatus it seemed you kept busy as a tour manager for not only Peter Murphy but also UFO and The Misfits. Being a musician what could you bring to the table to help these bands out and also what did they bring to you to grow you as an artist and person in general?
A: I think what I brought to the table that really helped was the fact that I was an artist just like them. So, I understood their anxieties, their worries, and their frustrations. I knew, as an artist myself, what I liked, what I didn’t like, and what I expected…these are things that really only an artist that’s been in their shoes before could know.
Q: You also have your own business Encore Coaching & Consulting, I read your mom did coaching so did this type of work come easy for you and what do you get out of helping your clients and if people are interested how Can they submit more information about your coaching plans?
A: It’s funny because, my dad was the musician always in studios and on the road and my mom was the personal development coach. Both have come pretty easy for me probably just because it’s what I grew up around so I had a really good understanding of them both. I really get a lot out of educating myself, examining myself, my life, and choices I’ve made…. those are the things that help me to help others. Being able to be honest with myself and then doing what I call the work. But I think it’s my genuine curiosity in other people that really makes it work for me. I love helping people to succeed, win, and overcome. I’ve always had people in my life that did that for me over the years, so I know that it works if you happen to find someone who’s really good at it, and finding someone who's really good at it is really hard to find. For anyone reading this that wants to learn and know and learn more about coaching is welcome to visit my website. However, there’s not much on there that tells you a whole lot about it because you can’t. It’s something that you have to experience to understand what it is and what it can do. So, the only way to do that is by having a 1 on 1 interaction either in person or on the phone to experience what it’s like.
Q: Back in the early days I heard you were consumed with the bands Quicksand and Live. What about these musicians and music made you want to be your own iconic version of them?
A: I’m still consumed by them! I love both of those bands so much. They still influence me very much. I listen to them often still today. Both amazing bands. I love the raw aggression of Quicksand and the primal-ness of Walter’s voice but I also love the musicality of LIVE and the feel and tone in Ed’s voice. They’re both just so great in my opinion.
Q: What do you hope EARSHOT’s legacy will be?
A: Thats an interesting question. I think that will be up to people to decide. I just focus on doing my best.
Q: Anything else we didn’t hit upon that you want to let fans know that is coming up?
A: Not that I can think of at the moment! Great questions!
Q: Drop your socials for people to stay in touch.
A: We’ve made it SUPER easy! Our socials are all /EARSHOTBAND or @earshotband Our Website is
GROVE STREET Sends the world a message with LESSONS OF THE PAST BY STEPHANIE STEVENS
GROVE STREET is a family of friends who started this band as just something fun to do to spend time with each other and now they have landed a signing to UNFD, a fan base that is succeeding up with ladder of followers online and some solid music that mixes the hardcore/thrash elements that we grew to love in the late 80s and early 90s.
The band’s latest release LESSONS OF THE PAST, the newest single is a song that emphasis the abuse of power, systemic oppression and racism to name a few. They are slugging and chugging with head banging beauty with this onslaught of newness; beaming with command through the real and raw wordplay throughout the song. Not for the weak at heart.
I had the pleasure of speaking with the guys about the new signing they just had with UNFD, the bands formation, the new LP coming out and what other unique crafts each of the band members have.
Q: You guys started as friends hanging out, can you bring us back to the moment the whole “let’s start a band “came about? And had you guys had any background in your instruments or was it learn as we go? A: At the time all of the og members lived in the same uni house and played in different bands around the area. Me and Sully were playing GTA one night and just thought it would be a funny idea to do a hc concept band where the gang (Grove Street Families) and the characters essentially is/are the band, we wrote one song and put it online and it got a pretty good reception and that was all we were going to do with the idea. Then, a few months later down the line, a uni project came up, (we were both studying music production) where we had to record and mix a three track EP and the band we had lined up to record bailed on us the night before, and that, basically, was the reason the first EP came about, so that we had something to record the next day… -(sandy)
Q: The band name GROVE STREET is there a story about it and is it a real street and a history to it?
A: As above it, it was originally Grove Street Families but we shortened it when we decided to move on a more serious level, once the gimmick & joke had kinda ran its course, because, we wanted to keep doing what we love and what we do best which is playing shows and seeing the world with our mates. - (sandy)
Q: Your sound relates back to that old school days of hardcore/thrash raw and authentic music who inspired you as musicians and was that genre and scene of music big in Southampton? A: We’re massively influenced by Municipal Waste in terms of riffs and rhythms, in particular the way they break out of a fast D-Beat section and go into a two step with a motorik beat is something we love, it’s the perfect blend of thrash and hardcore! Other bands that we take a lot of influence from are Leeway, Cro-Mags, Biohazard, Suicidal Tendencies and Madball
Southampton had a really great hardcore scene when we initially started out because of the work that a load of the local heads, known as the UYC (Unchained Youth Collective), put in to build it up and put on regular shows over a couple years, as well as Ricky at Joiners. It dipped for a fair while but we’ve got a new crew in town doing their bit to bring it back. -(Sandy)
Q: Your latest news is you signed with UNFD, and you guys made a video announcement about it, which was very cool and let your fans knows a bit more about you. In this day and age with the music industry how important is it to show the struggles and success of your band, so people can see its all not just cool things happening all the time?
A: I think it’s pretty important to show both the struggles and successes of the band now, with so many people on social media you get to humanize yourselves instead of always being a band that just shows all the cool stuff you’re doing. We’re people on the same level as everyone else is and I think for us to show the struggles shows whoever’s looking that we aren’t rock stars or anything like that. -(sully)
Q: UNFD wants to help nurture your band and help you grow, which can be a rare thing in this day and age. How does that motivate and enhance you as a creator/artist, do you feel more pressure to produce or do you think it will be business as usual? A: It’s business as usual for us, but having UNFD has already started opening doors for us that we couldn’t do by ourselves. UNFD have welcomed us into their family and we’re so grateful to be a part of their roster. One of the best things for us now though is that we get to bring a lot of ideas we’ve had in the past into fruition. -(sully)
Q: As you begin this new journey with the label you also just let the fans get a peek into a new single called LESSONS OF THE PAST. With your style of music, I feel lyrics and stories are so important and this song does have a defined and clear message about people taking a stand against racism, abuse of power and more. As the message giver what would be your three clear points about this subject you hope people start understanding and working on?
A: Fuck the police Fuck the racists Fuck anyone who thinks they’re better than you, -(sully)
Q: A debut LP is coming from you guys soon do you have an eta when that will be and how was the writing process on this disc for you and where do you find your biggest growth as a band was in the creative process?
A: We’re still waiting on an exact ETA but we’re honestly counting down the nano seconds until people get to hear it. It was a long drawn out writing process because we wanted to be 100% that this was the best quality it possibly could be rather than just rushing something half arsed out to feed the machine and keep the algorithms happy. The way we were so particular with every little detail and judging our own songs as listeners and lovers of the music we make, rather than just as players enabled us to grow our writing abilities exponentially. - (Sandy)
Q: Sandy is an audio producer and mixer has he done most work on the GROVE STREET sound and how does that help out having someone in the band that has that knowledge? A: Sandy’s knowledge from the beginning of the band to today has done wonders for us. From the start he’s recorded and mixed us and always got it spot on. We’ve worked with other people in the past and it has been a great help but Sandy is the one I always have the most confidence in. Being able to have him send a mix over and to then add a few changes and have an updated mix within the same day is a great thing to have. -(sully)
Q: With the other members of the band what side projects or other passions if any do that have that also helps in the success of GROVE STREET?
A: Andy is a tour driver and has his own van which comes in super handy for obvious reasons! Sully is a talented graphic designer & works as a merchandiser for Jerks. He’s got a real eye for knowing what looks good and designs all our merch which is a blessing because I can barely work Microsoft paint…. I think it’s sick that the band allows us to showcase our individual talents and creativity in other aspects other than our main roles in the band. -(Sandy)
Q: Through your lifespan as a band you have played with Agnostic Front and Sick Of It All as iconic bands what was it like to share the stage and while you did play those shows with them were you able to chat with any of the members and was there any great advice either of the bands gave you? A: It felt amazing being able to play with bands that were and still are on the forefront of what hardcore is. Not straight advice from them but to hear stories from their past years has helped to shape us more because we know what to look out for more. To play and hang out with bands that I listened to when I first discovered hardcore was an amazing feeling, even to have JC from Dog Eat Dog following us on our Instagram and liking our stuff was a real hell yeah moment. -(sully)
Q: You have played festivals and clubs with your intensity as a live band what do you prefer and the pros and cons for you as a band on both? A: We love being able to do both. Playing festivals is always fun as you get a bigger stage to run around and have fun on but a lot of the time having a barrier takes away some of the intensity because we love having the interaction with the audience. Playing clubs and smaller venues will always be our favorite, there’s nothing better than playing a smaller room filled with people flying over each other, grabbing the mic and having fun. -(sully)
Q: If you could do a stateside tour what band would you love to open for and what two locations in the states would be a need to see event for the band? A: Municipal Waste New York, the birthplace of hc and hip hop! Noah’s Ark Waterpark, (we love a day off at waterparks) and apparently that’s your biggest one so…(Sandy)
Q: Anything we didn’t hit on in the chat that you guys are doing that you want fans or new listeners to know and what words do you have for the fans who have supported you since the beginning?
A: Keep em peeled! Appreciate the love, hope to be stateside soon!
Q: Drop your socials so people can follow and support!
SKIPPING STONE is from Louisville, KY and formed back in 2020. They have a solid sound that brings back the twists of the 80s, hard rock notions for the modern times and the intertwinement of melody driven attributes with heavy hard ass soundscapes, making them a special breed in the metal and hard rock community for this day and age. They just recently released their video and single for the song MONSTER II and I was able to catch up with the band to speak to them making music, their inspirations in the music world and a look a little deeper into each band member.
Q: SKIPPING STONE came together in 2020 how was dealing with a new formation of a band with how the world was going in that year and if life as we know it was different in 2020 do you feel this band would be together?
A: Honestly it was pretty weird. We were trying to play any and every show we could get. Trying to put on shows in a safe way during a pandemic was a challenge. But it really allowed us to grow and get ready for things to go "back to normal"
Q: Your music has been described as metal core, hard rock and hints of classic 80s an array of different genres where do you find you guys tend to write from genre wise when you first start creating a new song?
A: We typically start from just a basic Guitar riff. That might inspire a vocal melody and then music just kind of falls into place. We may focus on a particular goal or story for each song. Monster II was meant to invoke the same imagery and sound as part 1, while expanding on it further. We do write with a goal in mind to stay somewhere between rock and metal. Our goal is to make music that anyone would enjoy.
Q: As individual musicians what inspired you to pick up your instruments and who was the person or thing that made you hook to make this a career?
A: Jordan was inspired to pick up guitar at 12 yrs old after listening to Nuno Bettencourt. Coming from a family of musicians it was really natural.
Tom grew up loving bands like kiss and Aerosmith. His dad really got him into heavier bands from that Era.
Pat was gifted ACDC 74 Jailbreak EP froma. Friend. From there ge feel in love with music from Metallica to Slayer!
Kelly was inspired by his dad's original music at an early age. You can hear the inspiration in the way he plays.
Dan's parents met in marching band and that created a whole musical family! His favorite band is Candiria
Q: You’re from KY how is local scene in your area and what is the most important thing that your local community and most local communities can do to help the local music scene in your opinion?
A: The scene here can be really great. Some local bands are drawing hundreds of kids to come and enjoy a new wave of original music. There are so many great original bands from the area. I wouldn't be surprised if a few of them really hit it big.
Q: You have been Loudwire magazine and other great magazine platforms as a creator of music how is it discussing your art and passion and how different is making a song about your experience and then actually talking about your experiences to strangers or do you feel it’s the same in some way?
A: The main goal is to get our music out there. Technology has allowed us to reach audiences never before possible. Social media has really been a huge factor. Touring is a goal but we've been focusing on reaching a wide audience online.
Q: It has also been mentioned that you guys have won awards can you go into detail on that and how does it feel being a newer band and already getting recognition like that for music you made?
A: 2022 was a huge year for us. We released our first EP "Monsters of Men" which made a huge splash. It was voted best album of 2023, "Trust Me" taking best song in the Louisville LEO readers’ choice awards. It was definitely a high point in our career.
Q: Your new song MONSTER II was just released as a lyric video for one how did this song come to life and also doing a lyrical video vs a live or concept video to show off the song what do you prefer and who did this video for you?
A: Monster II was a suggestion from a friend/fan. The original song "Monster" from the "Monsters of Men" EP was a favorite of his and he asked us about making a part 2. We loved the idea and immediately took to the challenge. The guitar parts just came naturally and it feels like prefect continuation to the story. We would love to shoot more music videos but they are extremely expensive. So far we set a goal for each ep/album to have 1 music video. The song we have in mind for the next video is in the process now. In the meantime, Jordan makes the Lyric videos himself. He has also done some for other bands. It's a great way to keep content coming when you cant afford to make a full music video.
Q: In 2022 you guys released two Eps MONSTERS OF MEN and HURRICANES & HAND GRENADES. Two Eps in a year is ambitious why did you cut them into Eps and not a full length?
A: Initially we had only planned on the one. Recording is expensive and time consuming. We worked with a great recording engineer and got into a good flow. When M.o.M. came out we sold out almost instantly. We placed another order and really only have 1 or 2 copies left. We took to money the first ep raised and went right back to the studio. We are always writing so we recorded the newer material we had since the first release and decided not to wait. We just want to keep writing and releasing new music.
Q: MONSTERS OF MEN sounds like the record would be something about mental health am I close and why the chosen name?
A: A lot of the songs are inspired by mental health for sure. There's songs about the passing of a friend, losing family members to cancer, dealing with anxiety and depression and a lot more. We write what's true to us and hope that our songs can resonate with others.
Q: What do you love about making music and seeing a small idea become something giant like a full song?
A: We love the writing process. It isn't easy. So many ideas that get thrown out. But then there's one and everyone's eyes light up. I remember hearing the riff to Sink or Swim for the first time. Kelly presented it as a joke and we all went crazy loving the intensity of it. Next thing you know we have a song. That's a big part of what keeps us going.
Q: Jordan one of your band members is almost completely deaf, I am so interested in how that connects with writing music and I love the idea of even though that would stop people he keeps going?
A: Jordan here, it's a struggle dealing with the hearing loss for sure. I use hearing aids to assist with every day communication. They don't always work and often times I can't make out conversations. Thank God for text messages and emails. We have our in ear monitors starting to do a lot of the work for us now too. I have my channel dialed into the audogram I have from my doctor so I can hear myself sing and play and balance those frequencies the same way my hearing aids do. This disease I have, will likely take away my hearing entirely one day, so I just got to use it while I can.
Q: The rest of the band can you give a little detail of where they came from and what they bring to the band to make you guys gel so well?
A: Everyone has a different background for sure. Kelly and Tom originally started the project and went through a few lineup changes along the way as any band does. Tom brings in the screams and the more modern metal vocal styling and plays rhythm guitar. He previously played in a country/southern rock band that saw some success. Kelly brings a lot of the prog and heavy influence. He really is a master on guitar and always brings something different. Our newest members Pat and Dan fill in the bass and drums. Pat was a stand in bass player for us at first and took the position full time shortly after the release of M.o.M. Pat and Dan both played in a cover group together and had great chemistry. When we came to needing a drummer Dan was the natural guy for the job. He has some great influence and ideas to really bring our songs to life. Without each and everyone's dedication this project wouldn't work.
Q: Being in a band is like a brotherhood what is the biggest advice to people looking to start a band that you would say is an important conversation to have before committing to being in a band with others?
A: Set goals both long and short. Come up with a plan to accomplish them. No one is just going to discover you. Get out there and make them listen. Whatever way you can.
Q: Throughout the rest of 2023 do you guys have any big plans lined up and if so can you share them with the readers?
A: Absolutely. We are trying to travel more. Bigger opportunities are coming our way. May 6th we are playing with our friends in SLEEP SIGNALS on their headlining tour. On May 13th we compete in a huge battle of the bands in Beaver Dam KY for a cash prize and more studio time. May 26th we are direct support for BUCK CHERRY in Jeffesonville IN. Then we hit the road to Western IN, Northern IL, and Eastern KY. Lots in store! Follow us on social media to keep up with us!
Q: What would be the most epic legacy you would want SKIPPING STONE to leave behind when all is said and done?
A: I'm not certain just yet. I feel like we're just getting started. It's been an absolute blast and all the friends we have made along the way so far are amazing. We just hope to keep the ride going.
Q: Drop your socials so people can follow and stay up to date with you guys!
FAILURE BY PROXY HITS HARD WITH NEW SINGLE DEVIL'S GOT A NEW FRIEND BY STEPHANIE STEVENS
American Rock band FAILURE BY PROXY has just released new single DEVIL'S GOT ANEW FRIEND, via Daeth Records/TLG/INgrooves. The single was produced by Nick Miller and written by Failure by Proxy and Nick Miller. A solid blend of harder rock vibes with melody driven choruses that just intertwine each other seamlessly.
The band has been known for a very high energy stage presence but I feel in their writing sessions and studio sessions that same high intensity is given as the results are in songs like THE BROKEN ONES, TRUST and this new single DEVIL'S GOT A NEW FRIEND.
As with a lot of bands, the band and its members have a background story of ups n downs and this brotherhood of musicians have had some life changing events happen to them. But their love and passion for this craft keeps them pushing on and I am delighted to be able to help get my readers acquainted with the guys in FAILURE BY PROXY.
I had a chance to talk to them about the new music they have been putting out in the last few years, the loss of their singer and how a band gets through that process of loss and being on the radio when that was your dream starting out.
So sit back and get to know FAILURE BY PROXY and check out the bands new single DEVIL'S GOT A NEW FRIEND
Q: Please introduce the world to FAILURE BY PROXY and describe your sound to the world?
A: Well, honestly we feel like we are a mixture of several genres ranging from Rock, NU Metal, and some prog.
Q: FAILURE BY PROXY as a whole band has been through a lot, would you or could you speak about losing a brother in your band and how you guys coped with it and did you take a lot of time off to process everything?
A: Losing our vocalist was very traumatic for us. We are a family, regardless of how long we each have known each other. We all deal with trauma in different ways and Rob’s passing was really gut wrenching and we thought about disbanding but after heartfelt conversations with his family and each other we decided to press on. The best coping method for us was to actually get back to practice and focus on our music as a whole and not individually.
Q: Your new single DEVIL'S GOT A NEW FRIEND what inspired this track and I assume this song has your new vocalist Big Elk on it. How do you feel your music has moved or altered with his presence as your front man now?
A: I think the inspiration came from our inner struggles, and deciding which path to choose. Similar to the Angel and Devil over your shoulders. Elk is a great vocalist, and writes lyrics with passion. I think the music wasn’t altered (instrument section), but for sure the vocal style, having Elk allows for more us to be more free with vocal harmonies
Q: Nick Miller helped helped write and produce the track do you think of him as an additional member of the band and how does he enhance or motivate your songwriting patterns as a band?
A: Hahahaha, that’s funny, Nick is so amazing. He sometimes feels like the sixth member, I mean, technically he is like our shadow member, because he writes our backing accompaniment tracks. Nick pushes us to think outside the box, we may have a whole song written (prepro) and when go to record the song it will change every time FOR SURE, but for the better.
Q: Are you guys writing a full length album and if so how does the other songs mirror or spawn off your latest release DEVIL'S GOT A NEW FRIEND?
A: We are still tossing that back and forth. Everyone seems to be on the algorithm mindset, so do we release singles 6-8 weeks apart, or build up the momentum for the Album/EP release. That is still up in the air, and the only way to hear our new songs are to catch us live. Sometimes we will do teasers in our FB/IG video clips.
Q: I personally adore the track THE BROKEN ONES the high energy and impact the song gives right from the get go. How easy is it to intertwine the heavy with melody for you guys and do you seem to write more of one way when you first start creating?
A: The Broken Ones is from the heart, I mean all of our songs are, but The Broken Ones hits differently. That was our last release with Rob, and the message behind that song is so powerful. The video was designed to follow the emotion of the lyrics. We feel we really connected with our fans on that song, and received a lot of messages from our fans about what that song means to them. That’s why our fan base is our Broken Ones. Everyone has had something bad happen to them at one time or another, and that song is our homage to our fans. Heavy and Melody intertwining actually comes pretty easy for us since we all have some capabilities of writing music.
Q: I love nicknames and you guys have some so let’s get right to it and tell me the stories about each name and do you feel these will be linked to you for life?
A: SpAz – That is easy, he bounces off the walls nonstop. Gotta love ADHD… He will be deep in thought about something and next thing you know he is talking about something else, and if you don’t pay attention you will get lost in his conversation.
Cash - Picked up Cash as a nickname while playing basketball in high school, when wanting to use a moniker in music it was a no-brainer to just go on with Cash.
Gemini - My nickname is pretty simple. I am a Gemini and I have always been into the zodiac. I blame my sister for that.
Elk – We have 2 members named Chris, and Elkins is his last name. He also fronts another band called Big Elk, so why not just keep it short and simple. Elk
Ant Man – Well that is an abbreviation of his first name Anthony.
Q: You guys are from Galt, CA where the hell is that and how was it growing up in the area and what are you proudest of being from that area?
A: We are from Galt, because that is where SpAz resides. He owns and operates a non-profit organization (recording studio) for disabled veterans, and that is where all the magic of the band comes from, that studio. In all actuality we are Sacramento County, and Elk is in Pismo Beach. The thing about Galt is everyone is so nice, for the most part, and if you are driving on the 99 and you blink you will miss it. It is roughly 20 minutes south of Sacramento. In between Elk Grove and Lodi.
Q: You are known for a massive high energy presence on stage how do you calculate a live show performance and visual impact, if that is something your conscious of or is it just raw passion for your art?
A: We try to bring as much energy and passion to the stage as possible. The live performance is 110% a conscious effort. We don’t want people to watch statues, we want them to enjoy the visual show as well as the audible. With regard to the art portion, SpAz goes all in, he loves wearing masks and makeup when he plays and has been doing it since 1998.
Q: When you first started out as a band who in a live sense impacted you to be the best performers ever if and when you would get into a band?
A: For SpAz – it would have to be David Silveria (Korn/BIAS), Morgan Rose (Sevendust), Shannon Larkin (Godsmack). You can totally see their influence on his life performance.
Our band comes from a very diverse musical background. Our influences are all over the place, be it bands or individual musicians.
Q: You have been added to rotation on some radio stations how is it hearing your music on the radio for the first time and do you remember what you were doing when it all happened?
A: Honestly, it is breath taking, almost like a dream. It really does solidify that hard work pays off. If you would have asked our younger selves if we ever thought we would be on the radio, The answer would be NO. Even though each one of us wanted that dream.
Q: What is the most important factor as a songwriter in a rock band?
A: Most important factor to songwriting in a band is staying true to who you are (being authentic) if you don’t believe and feel what you’re writing, no one else will either. Writing music that fans as well as your band mates can get behind
Q: If you could write one song in another genre (country, pop etc) what genre would you pick and who would you want to perform it?
A: Gemini – writing a song for other genre - rock country. Growing up in a small town like I did, that was the feel. For me after rock music is country. Jason Aldean would be my choice to perform it..
Q: What do you want the legacy of FAILURE BY PROXY be?
A: We want our legacy to be that we never gave up, even when the outlook was bleak, we kept forging ahead. It is extremely humbling knowing our music has impacted many people
and even sometimes given them the strength to continue in this life even when the outlook seems dark. “We carry the burden of our Broken Ones”
Q: Anything you want to add we didn't hit upon during this chat?
A: We are just stoked to have you request this information from us, and we hope to keep doing this until we cannot physically do it anymore!
Q: Drop your socials so people can follow you and see your next moves
CAVO BUILDING MOMENTUM IN 2023 WITH NEW SINGLE THE SHAKES BY STEPHANIE STEVENS
CAVO began back in 2000 when a bunch of guys from St. Louis who loved music wanted to connect and write songs and just have fun. By 2001 they found a killer singer and began writing and releasing music. As they created and wrote song after song they came upon a song that at the time they didn’t know would change their lives! That song was called CHAMPAGNE when that song got put out to the masses a local radio station put it in a rotation and long story short the band that is CAVO was able to open up for Stone Temple Pilots and as the story goes a Warner/Reprise rep was in the audience and well that’s when the band members’ dreams would start to come true. A small band looking to just connect have fun and make music got the dream!!
This band makes music, solid rock n roll with melody, drive, energy, passion and emotion. As I write this I have to say it’s an honor to be able to have them on the East Coast Romper. I watched them as their success soared so I am so excited to promote and support them and hopefully introduce them to some of you that have been living under a rock and don’t know about this stellar band.
They are currently back in full force with a new song entitled THE SHAKES, within 20 seconds I was in love with this new song. Its light airy, impactful and has beautiful melodic tone to it. The vocals are so in your face without being in your face, which may sound odd but they are so graceful and comforting that it glides you through the song and the emotion of the track. The song is about struggling and loss and trying to get over those feelings and remembering the good times.
CAVO is currently releasing singles off upcoming full length EP's THE SHAKES and a covers EP called COVERS.
I had the pleasure of chatting with vocalist Casey Walker about how CAVO keeps it together as band, the new single THE SHAKES, teaming up with the Label Group and the success of CHAMPAGNE
Q: So first off HELLO!!! Vocals and the vibe on your new song THE SHAKES, I fell in love in like 25 seconds. Did this really have a reggae flow when first written?
A: Actually, that chorus was written many years ago, but we couldn’t find a verse that made sense or complimented the chorus. Chris created the verse feel at his house and sent it to me. The first time I heard the melody the words just fell out. I mean we tried every style, but what Chris sent was perfect!
Q: You had your hands in the production of this song. when it comes to studio time how does that process enhance your feelings towards the song and your emotional level as the creator of the track?
A: It really helps to be involved in every aspect of the creation. The initial idea usually comes w/ an entire feel for the song. So having your hands in every part of the creation gets the entire idea across. But it definitely also helps to be open to great ideas.
Q: Lyrically this new track is so relatable, especially to me as I just had a family member passed this year, as a songwriter what is your top advice to get the message out in a 3 or 4 min song but also breathe the emotion and relatability into those words you're choosing?
A: Always write from the heart. It really is as simple as that. When you come from a place of honesty sometimes it can be a bit scary cause you don’t want to say too much, but I find it really important to not censor what I’m trying to say. Usually the songs that mean the most to us really resonates w/ the fans as well.
Q: Rumor has it you're also looking into releasing new music this year for a new full length, in the past you guys seem to be a band that writes a ton and have a lot of tracks to choose from. For you guys, is it hard to cut it down to the songs you totally dig or are you pros at knowing what's going to work now when putting together a new disc?
A: We definitely have a lot of music coming out, but it gets really hard to agree on old ideas that all 4 of us think is worth the revisit. We actually have a very good relationship with each other so we can have open and honest conversations about them. When someone in the band isn’t 100% on board w/ a song, I feel like we step up the pre-pro process to get the song to the place that everyone is happy with.
Q: What keeps you guys together as a band, and have you all ever gone on different paths for a bit in other projects? If so, how has that helped enhance your bond or your creativity within the band?
A: Friendship and respect is the basis of our band absolutely. We have plenty of arguments and disagreements, but no one ever takes it too far. We’ve always agreed to be equals in every aspect of our career and that has definitely helped us get through some rough spots. Everyone in the band has different things outside of CAVO, it’s what helps us get out all of our creativity. I do think that when the 4 of us come together in the studio that we make each other better. For me personally, the best things I’ve ever accomplished in music is with my brothers in CAVO.
Q: Since 2019 you have self-released a lot of work, having that freedom, how does that make you guys better musicians and business people and also is there a downside to being that open to freedom?
A: We really just got tired of people who were looking at a bottom line having so much sway in what we created or recorded. It started with Bridges. We recorded that record with Matt Noveskey at his studio in Austin TX, and that was the first time we really felt a partnership. Matt became the 5th member of CAVO. He had so many good ideas and was really open to hearing ours as well. I think that kind of spoiled us to never want to go backwards.
Q: You have teamed up with The Label Group. I'm sure that they have gotten you into bigger audiences you couldn't just do alone, even with social media. How has their partnership opened doors for you and what is your goal with them in the next few years?
A: The Label Group has been amazing! Honestly, I wouldn’t be doing this interview if not for them. We feel that they have a great model to become a partner w/ bands and really have the reach to get CAVO in front of a lot more people than we could alone. We definitely plan to team with them for everything we do moving forward.
Q: CHAMPAGNE was the song I think that gave you an edge and I must admit it's a go to song for me in the gym. When that song hit the masses, can you go back and remember the feelings you had knowing you created something that people totally dug and was into; How does that feel not just as an artist but as a human being?
A: When we wrote that song we all had a feeling that we wrote something special! Then when it came out and people started reacting to it in such a positive way, it really changed everything for us. Without that song, I really don’t think CAVO would have been fortunate enough to have the career we have. But what means the most is when the fans starting telling us how much they love that song, or they started singing along at our concerts. There really is no better feeling!
Q: After that song stepped you up the ladder did you feel an urgency or pressure when you guys wrote new songs and if so can you give advice to people who one day may have this happen and what not to do or what to do so they don’t fail for the future?
A: Honestly yes! After the success of that song and the first record, we felt like we were under a lot of pressure to repeat that success. Our label had just restructured and fired most of the people that championed us and the new regime was looking for “Hits”. As a band we love THICK AS THIEVES, but we wrote almost all of the first album by ourselves because we had the time and space. The pressure came at crunch time; we were set into. I’d say the best advice is to take a breath, stop, and make sure you’re going down a road that you’re comfortable with. The worst part is getting to far down that road to turn around!
Q: As musicians what is your biggest inspiration other than other musicians or music and how do you feel it inspires you that much?
A: Other than music, it definitely is my family. Everyone goes through love, loss, highs, and lows in a family. I always write my melody and lyrics from a place of honesty about my life. When something is bothering me I love to pick up an acoustic and get it out as soon as possible so it doesn’t get watered down.
Q: Let your fans and us at the Romper know if we missed anything through this interview that you guys are in the process of working on or releasing and any words you have for your fans?
A: Nothing was missed I’d say, but we want to let each and every fan know how much they mean to us. I know every band says that and they mean it, but we have always had a great connection with our fans. A lot of them are lifelong friends. We seriously look at ourselves as just normal guys who got lucky and lived some magic for a moment in time.
Q: What do you want the CAVO legacy to be?
A: That’s a really hard thing to answer! We just love the fact that we have many songs and records out there that people discover all the time. We feel like that’s one of the best things we can leave behind. It’s funny, my kids have friends in school who are just now learning about CAVO. It’s a great feeling!
ATRIUM Talks about this new project and new single ABOVE WATER By Stephanie Stevens
Rock band ATRIUM released their latest single "ABOVE WATER" recently to all major platforms and is showcasing the band's hard rock qualities with hard hitting verses and a purely melody driven choruses; but what intrigued me the most and stood out is the unique soundscape for a vocal tone! I can't really express in words how it feels to hear but it strives with melodic moments but with this impressive soft twang in a rock capacity (which is merely my opinion and feeling I get when I hear it). Overall having this unique vocal tone creates a signature and standout that any new band strives to have.
The single was written and recorded by Bryant August, Chad Szeliga, and Johnny K at Johnny K Productions. It was produced, mixed, and mastered by Johnny K. ATRIUM is just getting started in the music community with this new music endeavor, but as “ABOVE WATER” climbs the charts and embraces social media platforms it won't be long till the music world will be talking about these bunch of musicians.
For now, I had a chance to chat with the Bryant August about the band, the single and what we can look forward to in the near future
Q: Introduce the world to ATRIUM. How did you guys get together?
A: Thank you for this interview Stephanie: Atrium is a music project that represents human life. I started writing a few heavy songs that questions what is happening in the world today. That is what brought us together as friends to create a new brand and new music.
Q: Who is in the band and what past experiences may we know each member from?
A: The first single was written by Bryant August, Chad Szeliga, and Johnny K. (The studio team) Bryant August is part of another band called MMP, Chad Szeliga is a platinum record selling drummer that played in Breaking Benjamin, Black Label Society, and is currently active with a band called Turning The Tide. Johnnny K is a grammy nominated Producer that worked with (and still works with) Staind, Disturbed, Megadeth, Machinehead, Sevendust, Nonpoint, Pop Evil, and more... Our live band (guys in the photo and video) consist of different members at the moment, and they are all amazing musicians. We don't have enough original music, so we don't have much of a response in regards to live music yet.
Q: What do you hope your music will do for fans worldwide and in your opinion what makes a good rock band in this day and age?
A: We hope our music will create a universal place in time for any listener to enjoy our sound.
Q: You just released your debut single out entitled ABOVE WATER and a video to assist with the song which shows some horrific damage. What is the song about and where and how did you get the footage for the video? A: Hurricanes have been part of the happening in the summer season of Florida; particularly Hurricane Ian making landfall on September 28th, 2022 in Lee County; Fort Myers, FL. IAN's 150 mph winds and heavy rains knocked out power for 2.6M residents and caused $12.6B in losses. Many people we knew were at loss. Family members, friends, and friends of friends.
The song is about questioning technology and weather modification. The existence of this technology is no secret, but it needs to be questioned on how it is being controlled and why. This is our question in the chorus of the single. We are focused on the vocals & screams representing voices of people that did not live, have suffered loss, and still suffer from loss as a direct result. Our Director Thomas Crane from KillDevil Films took care of obtaining footage from Hurricane Ian.
Q: You seem to be just starting on social media and promoting your band, what do you want the platforms on the internet to do to help you get closer to your fans and let them know about you guys a little more? and also with that being said do you feel the boundaries can be pushed on social media at times with people trying to get to know you more than you want?
A: We are just starting with a new brand. We are keeping things short and simple right now. Just taking it as it comes. We want the music, visuals, and lyric content to be the focus. We want true fans that support, and understand our music. I think our boundaries are set. We want what is best for our brand and best for our music. We are not focused on the popularity contest, or the stress that comes with that at this time. We are slowly growing with true supporters.
Q: As musicians what inspired you to pick up your instruments and/or start singing and do you still go back to that first inspiration to motivate you at times?
A: I owe the music introduction to my Uncle Bill. He handed me an electric guitar he made when I was 13, then taught me how to play a power chord. I rarely ever go back to 90's grunge, but I never forget where I came from. I think my favorite from that era was Alice In Chains. I think there is some influence there.
Q: Are you guys working on a full length and how do you like the process of creating a collaborative bunch of songs for one solid album?
A: We are talking about some studio dates, but nothing locked in. Spoiler Alert: We have another single recorded and mastered with a music video. Subscribe & Follow us to catch that official announcement.
Q: Are you guys studio people and love that process or would you rather just songwrite and play live and leave the studio to the professionals?
A: We are studio people, and love that process.
Q: What one studio and producer would you love to work with and why?
A: Johnny K and we just recorded with him. Why? Johnny has so much experience with very successful bands.
Q: Are you the type of band that wants to step out of the box with your music if something arose that was out of your element for the band that might change the style of your music a bit?
A: We would step out of the box if it was the right sound for the song. We are developing a sound that we really like right now.
Q: Any words of wisdom for up-and-coming bands out there trying to make it in the music industry? A: Just keep building. As people say; Rome wasn't built in a day. Q: Do you guys have any tour plans for this coming summer 2023 or rest of the year?
A: We know that some small tours may be in the future, but we are focused on writing, recording, and music videos for the next round of songs in order to have a nice set of songs to perform live.
Q: Anything you want to let people know about you guys we didnt hit on during this chat?
A: Please subscribe, follow, and share if you like what we do. The true music industry is an old school word of mouth energy connection that must be shared from one musical feeling to another. It is so important. At the same time, let's not focus on the popularity contest, because we will lose the value of what our message is and what we represent.
Q: Drop your socials so people can keep up to date with what's going on with you
KING FALCON True Groove with new single CADILLAC BY STEPHANIE STEVENS
Sassy, flirty rock allure comes out on new single CADILLAC by the NY rock based band KING FALCON. The band has this indie, melody driven back too basic rock n roll drive and passion. The music gives you that happy feeling along with some moveable melodies to get you up and dancing especially when this new singles chorus pops into the speakers. I was introduced to KING FALCON back in 2020 when they released their other single SHAKE! SHAKE!SHAKE! A groove laden classic rock swag, pop rock sensational track with drive and allure. If these two songs don't have you intrigued and addicted then spin WHEN THE PARTY IS OVER, this has a soulful little rock groove with a sexy melody and a sunset emotional feel to it, its a true end of the day have a glass of wine and unwind feeling track. What I love about the band is the unforgettable hooks and catches through each song and the unique and flavorful vocal capability. I was able to chat with Mike Rubin, Lead Guitar and Vocals about his love for cars, the story behind new single CADILLAC, studio life, the addition of band members and their residency at the Bowery Electric in NYC
Q: KING FALCON has a very upbeat catchy driving style of writing in your music, growing up in the NY area how did that inspire your love and passion for music? A: I was born and raised in NYC so I think that the fabric of who I am is deeply interwoven with the fabric of New York City. If you’ve ever been to New York, you’ll know that there is just a certain speed that people operate at here and I think you’ll find that reflected in King Falcon. New York is no nonsense and our music is the same way. It’s also very cool to be one of the bands who is bringing rock and roll back to the city. NYC has become known mostly for its Hip Hop and Rap scene, but it seems like many people forgot how many awesome alternative rock bands actually came out of this city as well.
Q: When first beginning KING FALCON what was the biggest drive for you to get this band off the ground and do you feel like you have accomplished some goals you set out to do in the time you been around? A: I think the most important thing for King Falcon right off the bat was to find our sound and to find our identity. KF started at the end of 2019 and originally, we had our very first gig slated for April 1, 2020… You can imagine that one got canceled due to COVID. At first, we thought it was the end of the world but it actually ended up giving us an opportunity to take two years to focus on songwriting and making an incredible album. When we did finally end up having that first gig, it was so much better than it would have been in April of 2020. Since then, we’ve signed a deal with Mascot records, recorded a full-length LP, and bought a tour van to hit the road in.
Q: Your newest track CADILLAC is catchy as hell and has that unforgettable hook to it. When you guys write what is the most important aspect you focus on when structuring a song in the beginning? A: Lyrically, the song came together very quickly. The song is about my best friend’s Cadillac that he’s had in his garage for about a decade (it is actually the one in the video!). One day I decided to bring over some starter fluid and jumper cables and try to get the thing running. Eventually we did. As I drove these 19 feet long, bright red Cadillac around town with no license plates or registration of any kind, I started to fall in love with the idea of the car and how Rock and Roll it made me feel. The song is about my fantasy where I steal the car and then go on a long and elaborate car chase. Maybe I played too much Grand Theft Auto… I dont know Musically every song is different obviously, but Cadillac was built entirely around the bass part. I played the original bass part on a cheesy little synthesizer and recorded it into garage-band. I think I sat at my desk for about 8 straight days with that bass part on loop just imagining how the song should sound around it. The real breakthrough came when I sort of accidentally sang the high part in the chorus. I didn’t think it was in my range but I just went for it and it was there. I am pretty sure that note is the highest that I have to sing in any King Falcon song actually!
Q: Did this new track, or even older songs you have done - go through any major transformations or re-writes and how does that stir you on an emotional level trying to get a song just right? A: Actually, I did have a completely different chorus section for this song at one point. However, every time I listened to it, it felt like two completely different songs to me as it switched from part to part. I ended up completely trashing that chorus and just writing a chorus over the verse progression. It seemed so simple. I thought “They can’t sound like two different parts if they are literally the same exact part…” So, I made them the same part. Our most emotional song on the record is called “On Your Soul”. It’s not released yet, but it might just be my personal favorite. That one went through a number of edits to really get it to hurt just right. You’ll hear that one when it’s time though!!
Q: The storyline for the new track I would assume your into cars. If so - is this type of Cadillac your “go-to”, or do you like other classic cars as well? A: Ever since I was a kid I was hugely into cars. I had a collection of about 1500 Hot Wheels cars and little models and things. I was the kind of kid where “Playing with my toys” meant organizing them by manufacturer and then cleaning them off with a dust cloth… Yea weird I know. I drive a 1999 Ford Mustang GT. Not as exciting as the Cadillac in the video for sure, but it was my dad’s car and it’s been in the family for my whole life so I have a pretty sentimental attachment to it. Plus, that is the car that got me into cars in the first place. If money was no object, I would have to have a two-car garage with a Shelby 289 Cobra and the 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Zagato.
Q: The video for CADILLAC must have been fun to visually put together, where did you film it and what were the top 3 notable memories you took away from the shoot? A: Being a car guy, this was hands down my favorite video to shoot. We filmed it at this incredible mansion in Greenwich Connecticut and the property was absolutely breathtaking. There was a private lake, a private movie theater… even a sauna (which we did not have time to use) It was awesome! I think my most notable memory was when the car decided to stop running. I left the car running at the end of the driveway to run back to our starting position and then we heard it shut off by itself. It took us 45 minutes to get it started back up again, but before that happened, we had to push all 6000 pounds of that car uphill on a gravel driveway. I tripped naturally and now I have a chronic hip injury which always reminds me of the video! Actually, driving the car was incredible too. Before we filmed the King Falcon boys got to take a little bit of time to joyride in the Cadillac. Imagine the three of us and a few members of the film crew just cruising down the block with these huge fins behind us. It was great.
Q: You have worked with some major heavy hitters in the studio space - how does it feel working with people who have worked with Fleetwood Mac, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and so on? A: Very cool! You don’t really think about it while you’re doing the work, but afterwards when you have time to reflect it’s cool to know that some of the same hands that worked on songs I heard as a kid are working on something that I wrote now.
Q: As a musician going into the studio environment, is it more like a classroom that you learn more each time you’re in the space? Or is it more nerve wracking and pressure-filled for you as an artist? A: The studio is a very comfortable space for us. Truthfully, the three of us have probably spent as much time in studios as guys who are 40 or 50 years old. It’s like second nature at this point. It’s a place where all of your wildest dreams can come true if you know how to work with it. With a little bit of thought and ingenuity, you can create any sound you can think of. The learning definitely comes when you have to problem solve, but that’s where James shines as a recording engineer. I have yet to see him encounter a problem he can’t figure a way out of. We grew up playing in live bands and recording everything live so we are used to having to do things in only one or two takes. We tracked the entire King Falcon record in 6 days.
Q: I read that James your bassist is a recording Engineer. How does he play a factor when you guys are setting the final touches to go into the studio and how does that work - knowing a member of the band has a clear understanding of the studio aspects of recording? A: Actually, I would even go so far as to say that James is more of a recording engineer than he is a bass player. We rely on him very heavily in the studio. He completely engineered our record himself. He’s essential to the King Falcon sound. I’d say that while I am probably the driving force creatively, James’ role is essential in the way the final product actually sounds. He’s the guy that’s actually capturing what we sound like as a band. James is also responsible for our live sound. Our whole live rig is his creation, he even made the light show that we gig with.
Q: You guys have always been a guitar and drums duo and now just welcomed Tom into the fold as your new drummer. Can you tell us about that and how it has changed the dynamic of KING FALCON? A: It has been awesome. Firstly, James actually really appreciated the move to bass. It has allowed him to do more of what he really loves which is work on the sound. Like I said, he is an engineer first so playing bass has allowed him the ability to be mobile on stage and adjust things while he is playing. Tom is an incredible musician. His ear is unmatched and his innate sense of time is impeccable. That and he’s probably about the nicest guy you’ll ever meet. Way nicer than either James or me! Tom also bridges the gap between James and me. Tom has some experience in recording and engineering/producing, but Tom is also more creative like me. The three of us together work really well I think
Q: Do you have a goal about releasing a full length anytime soon and how do you view the state of albums and EP vs just single releases? A: Yes! The album is recorded, mixed, and mastered. We have single releases planned throughout the rest of this year. Hopefully the album will come out in September if all else goes according to plan
Q: Being a musician in this day and age what are the biggest obstacles you see in getting your name out there and just surviving in the industry? A: It’s tough to stand out through all the noise. Everybody is being absolutely bombarded through every social media outlet by all of this other stuff people do for attention… It’s tough not to fall into the trap of doing something stupid on the internet for likes.
Q: I read that you guys are doing a twice monthly residency at the Bowery Electric in NYC. How are those going and how stoked you will be will be playing locally at such an iconic venue? A: The Bowery Electric is such a great venue. That was actually supposed to be the setting of our very first King Falcon show back in April of 2020! The shows so far have been great. It’s been good to see a lot of new faces as well as some of the NYC locals that we know and love. Our next gig there will be on May 2nd
Q: Do you have any other touring plans in the works, and if so what are you looking forward to with that? A: As I write this - I’m actually packing up to leave for Las Vegas! We have a show out there which we are super excited about! We’re driving 36 hours there and then another 36 back… After we get back, we have a bunch of NYC shows but we are working on booking some in Philly and in some other Northeastern spots.
Q: What do you hope to leave as a legacy once KING FALCON is all said and done?
A: That’s a heavy question. Truthfully, if we could affect just one person with our music then I will have considered that a success, but if it were something huge then I’d like for King Falcon to be part of the movement to bring Rock and Roll back into the mainstream. It’s been some time since we’ve seen a proper rock band, I think…
Q: On a personal level - how has music changed – or even saved your life? And who do you have to thank for getting you into music and creating? A: It depends on the day that you ask me. There are days where I will tell you that music helped me to find my sense of purpose, but there are also plenty of days where I will tell you that I wish I had a normal job instead. Being a musician is hard. It’s not for the faint of heart. You do a lot of stuff without getting paid, you carry a lot of heavy gear, and it’s a long while before you actually start to get any respect in the industry. That being said, anybody who has really committed their life to this will tell you that it’s not a choice. Music is something that you’re called to do and ignoring it becomes impossible. My entire identity as a person is tied to playing the guitar and writing music. If I didn’t embrace it then I think I would always have it burning inside of me. My dad was the one who was really responsible for my music taste, but my grandpa was the first one to buy me an electric guitar.
Q: Anything we haven’t hit on you want to tell your fans before we end this? A: I think this was a pretty comprehensive interview! If the fans want to connect with us, here’s our links to follow: TikTok / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Youtube Thanks for having me!
OMEN ASTRA Interview with Dave Buschemeyer About debut LP THE END OF EVERYTHING BY STEPHANIE STEVENS
OMEN ASTRA has let me into the world that is known as THE END OF EVERYTHING, the debut LP by this Canadian trio which will be released in May of 2023 and let me just tell you this is a captivating record! The aura of beauty that exhales from the dark and guttural moments to the slower and more penetrating soundscapes this album indulges you in a sonically appealing chaotic masterpiece.
The bands newest single THIS IS THE END OF EVERYTHING tells the story of the dark depths of human existence, “a desperate conversation between two lovers, filled with little hope and the ultimate willingness to sacrifice for permanent change." Musically its slow dark and sinister in its approach to get the full feeling of emotion and just tugs a ton of feelings out of your soul.
Then we get to indulge in the captivating and alluring manic assault of the track THE CITY THAT BURNS, with a melody driven vocal in the beginning that sends you spiraling into the disturbing depths of chaotic recklessness. A good mix of melodic darkness wrapped into heavier allure of panic and turmoil; but in a good and alluring way.
The album, still has an additional 4 tracks of magnificent music to indulge your senses into, so please get your ears and hearts ready for a record that I feel has class A musicianship, larger than life lyrical storytelling and creative nature written all over it.
I am over the moon with this project that these gentleman, multi-instrumentalist Dave Buschemeyer, vocalist Christopher Gray, and guitarist Trevor Dykstra put together.
I was fortunate enough to get a chat with Dave about the band and new LP, his other avenues of creativity with this project and the legacy he hopes to leave with OMEN ASTRA.
Q: I see that this trio is in other bands like The Black Maria, New Day Rising to name a few. So, does this band reflect just a side project and do you feel the other bands you’re in you have brought inspiration to this band or is this furthering your experimenting as an artist?
A: When you have a family and a career, or in my case, you’re back in university full time, all bands are relegated to side project status. Ha ha. But generally, I like to think of the music I write more in terms of an extension of an artistic portion that cannot get expressed in any other way. And in that way, Omen Astra takes up a large part of my life. It is a culmination of taking a break from music for many years, then coming back full force and writing the most compelling thing I could at the time.
Q: What and how did OMEN ASTRA come together and what is the ultimate goal for this band?
A: Omen Astra came together during the Covid lockdowns. I was finding myself needing to create much more, perhaps due to having more time alone. This corresponds directly with my printmaking practice as an artist. Both of those things exploded during that time. Because Omen Astra is a part-time phenomenon for all of us, our goals are relatively simple. We don’t put any pressure on ourselves to tour because we probably won’t. Due to that lack of pressure, we feel free to write new music and record at our own pace, and to play shows in our geographic area. We are lucky enough to have been a part of an amazing scene (with our past bands) where finding record labels to release our music on vinyl has been, all things considered, relatively easy.
Q: Having genres tagged to your music like being a progressive post-metal band I know is necessary for fans to kind of get the feeling of your sound and what and if they will like you, but having labels put on your music as a creator has does that help you or does it hinder your flexibility when creating?
A: Great question. That label didn’t really come from us. In fact, I’ve seen several terms out there about us and none of that originated with us. In a sense, we’re divorced from that categorization entirely, so it doesn’t affect the music at all. If I had to give an approximation, I’d say the music comes from 2 sources. 1- We want to explore a vibe. When you listen to the album, I think it becomes pretty clear what that vibe is. 2- We wanted to be as unique as we know to be. Our influences really range from Neurosis to Britpop. And within that range, there’s much room for experimentation. No one in this band cares to stay embedded within one genre. That’s just how we are. Our past bands all had the same quality to them. I can say this though… the music, in the end, must have some heavy element to it. So, while we value blurring the lines between genres, we have a foot firmly planted in being crushing.
Q: The newest single THIS IS THE END OF EVERYTHING, is pretty dark and has a piercing story when sitting down to write this song and the album that it will be on did you set out as a concept album or did it just fall into place when you started having ideas?
A: When I first started writing and sketching out ideas for the band, the band name and the album, I was working with another singer that wanted to write a concept album. As things progressed, and different players came along, and we finally, and thankfully, landed with Chris on vocals there was no real discussion about ideas contained. We let him write what he wanted to write lyric-wise. We had no idea that he had an underlying theme for the whole record until he was done recording his vocals. Ha ha. The dude doesn’t say much, to be truthful, but when he does, he really brings the passion and energy. So, in some sense, The End Of Everything is a concept record in that the lyrical themes in each song relate to each other. He cares deeply for storytelling and wanted to create a narrative that reflected his feelings of frustration about having freedoms curtailed. Looking back on it, I think we were all doing that to the best of our abilities at the time.
Q: From what I read about the “concept” it seems your hitting reality a bit what are you most afraid or worried about as the future of the human race goes on?
A: From my perspective, I was dealing with some heavy depression when we wrote this album. So, I think that the choice-making for the music most likely has a darker aesthetic as a result. But we also put a lot of thought into that kind of thing from the perspective of the whole record. So, the fear of a bleak future in the lyrics gets amplified when the aesthetic and the music match its intensity. So, yeah there is a lot of worry in the record. But there’s also a lot of beauty as well. A sort of subtle balance being struck between hope and despair.
Q: The one song I truly fell in love with was the track THE CITY THAT BURNS, this song musically is like you captured my head and mind on a daily basis just full of confusion and chaos. And It really hit a spot with me. How musically did this song start and how much trial and error did you have on it?
A: That song started with that beginning rolling riff. We stuck with that for a while and contemplated having that riff be the verse, but eventually, we settled on having it be an opening salvo with a pause that leads into a more frenetic verse riff. This song did take a while to write because it truly is something perhaps I never would have written in the past. I mean the chorus is one open note repeated. The simplicity of that really appeals to me now, but when we wrote it we didn’t know it would work until we heard Chris put his magic on top of it. And, the whole song doesn’t quite follow a traditional structure, so piecing it all together took a lot of experimentation. At this point though, I’m really happy with the results.
Q: You seem to be a band that is really in tune with the attention to detail especially since your songs are in some sorts lengthy. Is there a cut off to how long a song would be for you in the future and how do you tailor it down if it does get overly lengthy? Also have you ever had a long song that you cut up into two full songs?
A: Yes! You hit the nail on the head. We are very interested in the details of our art. When we were younger (3 of us in this band were in other bands together) we didn’t have the kind of foresight to craft an album in this way. Every aspect was considered to some degree and to some extent with how it fit in with the others. My art training has essentially taught me that if you’re going to choose a color, then there should be some reasoning behind that color. It’s fine to say you choose it because you “like it”. I would never dismiss that as a valid reason, but for us, there had to be more meaning behind the choice-making than just our own individual aesthetic sense. So, when you see for example this circular motif in our work it’s there because we are pointing to a sense of focus, a sense of self-control, a sense of coming back to the one thing that can create stability when we’re going through tough times, which is a nuanced aesthetic restating of the maxim, “To thine own self be true”. That’s just one example. There are many. As for song length, I am really inspired in my own musical journey by Pink Floyd. When I lived in Philadelphia, I was in a wonderful space rock band The Formless Form. It was in this band that I learned the value of letting an idea unfold in an unhurried kind of way. We wrote 10-minute songs. They were weird and also epic. There’s something one can say musically and artistically in a longer song that just can't be done in a 3-minute pop structure. And of course, the opposite is true as well. As for cannibalizing songs… yes, this happens all the time… split up a song and use parts in other unfinished songs. That’s the nature of the beast… we play musical chairs with riffs.
Q: The release of the album, THE END OF EVERYTHING comes out in May 2023. You have a lot of distribution for it through your own Canada, US and Europe, which seems would be amazing to have and a lot of bands would love to be able to say that. What is the work ethic you need to be able to get into a situation like this and also are you guys still very much in the fold of marketing and networking your music?
A: Having been in multiple hardcore bands that have put out many records, over the years, we have developed a lot of friendships, contacts, and labels in the underground music scenes. These labels have been so kind and gracious to help release past material as well as new material for us. To say we are lucky is an understatement. It’s hard for a new band to break through. Even for us, we had to prove ourselves. But admittedly it's easier when you can rely somewhat on the we’re “ex-members of….” thing. In some sense, I suppose it’s because we’re proven so taking a risk on us may seem worth it? I don’t really know. But yeah… the distribution between the US, Canada, and Europe is a cool strategy because it splits costs between everyone involved and it has the benefit of opening us up to other markets. As for being involved, yes…. I am super involved with how the band is represented. I create all of the promo material for the band, or at the very least I provide the art direction and raw materials for the labels. I make the ads, I create the videos, I did the layout for that album, I recorded and mixed the album. Yeah, I'm as involved as one can be given how much I’m immersed in creative projects in my life.
Q: Where do you find your music resonates more in Canada, US or Europe?
A: Interestingly enough, our past bands have had a pretty solid foothold in Europe. I assume that may end up being similar with Omen Astra.
Q: Dave, not to point you out, but I have to in some light because not only are you a multi-instrumentalist you wear so many hats so let’s dig into themFor one how many instruments can you play and which ones are your most prized possessions?
A: I play guitar, bass, and drums. And while bass is the instrument I excel on the most, in that I feel the most creative when I’m playing one, when I write metal music I write on guitar.
Honestly, my favorite guitar I’ve ever played is a relatively cheap ($700) Schecter Diamond Series guitar with EMG pickups that I turned into a defacto baritone guitar by filing down the nut and bridge to fit baritone strings. Omen Astra tunes to A standard, which is pretty low for a regular guitar, but the Schecter holds that tuning like a dream. It’s one of those instruments that I’ll most likely never get rid of. Also, there’s something about the pickups in this guitar that really captures well for fat metal tones.
Q: You seem to do all the photography and artwork for OMEN ASTRA did this sense of creativity come before music or did you feel like you had it in you and could save money if you designed and photo your own stuff? Also, do you do videography?
A: Yes. I’m certainly at the head of the aesthetic direction for Omen Astra. I’m a printmaker and have been an artist most of my life. To answer your question… I never once considered having anyone else do the creative work on this album. It’s just not something I would ever do. I prefer to put my art onto records and my design onto albums as much as I can. There’s a personal sense of accomplishment I gain when I can do as much of that work myself as I can. I'm not a graphic designer. I work within the limits of my knowledge, and I give full credit to trained designers and professionals. But, I take on creative challenges like that with a passion. I hope that can be seen in the album result.
It is the same with video. I have some skills with video, and I do as much as I can, but I’m definitely nowhere close to a knowledgeable pro.
Q: You also engineered and mixed the album, being so close to the music when creating do you have to switch mindsets when you get into studio mode and how does that work?
A: Oh yes… I have to overlook the creative aspect and concentrate on tone. Once I entered into the mix stage, I had to think about overall tone, compression, eq, etc. I mean…. I spent so long getting those guitars as thick as they could be without sounding like overblown messes. Haha. There were thankfully only a few spots where I wish I could have redone a part, but I tried not to think of that too much when I was mixing. I also tried to avoid perfectionism. So, while I put my heart and soul into the mix of the album, and I did sweat the small stuff to some degree, I knew that going down the rabbit hole of fixing every little inconsistency was never going to work for me or the end product. At some point, you just have to let the music not only be what it is, but you also have to let it breathe in a way. The goal was to have the album be halfway between a regular recording and something overproduced. LOL. If I’m being honest, I am proud of the effort I put into this mix. But, the real magic is in the mastering job that Greg Dawson did. He took a big-sounding recording and turned it into a behemoth.
Q: Now we know a bit about you can you tell us a few cool things about your other members Chris and Trevor?
A: Trevor is the most unassuming guy you’d ever meet. A total family man that takes his kids to hockey practice on weekends and a vice principal of a grade school. One of the most reliable people I know and he’s truly one of my best friends. We’ve been at this a long time together and I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather be making this kind of music with. We played together in New Day Rising and Spread The Disease. We often joke about how we’re like guitar brothers. Our styles seem to mesh so well together. And he’s a riff machine. He’s that guy who will write an entire song by himself if you mention an idea for a song. He’s incredible.
Chris (ex-Black Maria) is one of the most talented vocalists I have ever met. His range is reminiscent of Mike Patton. Can sing beautifully. Has commanding high and low screams. Can put his voice in the middle of those extreme ranges. And on top of all of that, I have never once had to suggest to him that he’s doing anything less than perfect or amazing. To say that he was born to do this is an understatement. We were both in New Day Rising and The China White and always seem to have magic when we write music together. It’s been amazing really.
Q: Influences are great to have and you guys have listed some heavy hitters but I’m more intrigued as how David Bowie got there and what do you feel he did for music overall?
A: Yeah, I would say that Bowie, and more specifically Britpop like Suede is an influence in the vocal department. And while there aren’t a lot of sung vocals on this album, when it happens it has a distinctly British feel. Chris is known for that. It is one of the reasons we get along musically. As a huge lover of Britpop myself, I welcome that angle in this music. And yes, I’m aware that the combo sung/heavy vocals have been done to death and done so terribly, especially in the 2000s, but I don’t see what we’re doing as anything remotely close to the singy/screamy metalcore thing.
Q: Having been in bands in the past and having a solid career in the music world for a bit now I’m sure you have had your fair share of touring. What do you feel most bands take for granted about touring?
A: Well, it’s been a while since any of us really toured, but I will say that if you’re aware of it, and if you’re as present as you can be, you can end up becoming connected with the people you share those musical experiences with in a way that I don’t think many other scenarios can offer.
Q: On a personal note, what do you hope your legacy will be?
I would love for the Omen Astra legacy to be viewed as one of uncompromising quality control, commitment to craft and artistic viewpoint. But in the end, I would love to think people are either moved or somehow impelled to listen more. No one writes music in a void. We all want a certain level of appreciation for our artistic efforts.
On a personal note… we are very much creating a legacy between ourselves considering we’ve been in several bands with each other. I mean, it’s amazing to see how many different styles of music we’re able to be successful at writing together.
Q: Anything else you want to add that we didn’t speak about in this chat?
A: I would just like to add that, for me, Omen Astra is really a nice touchstone point into a creative life I have tried to live and contribute to the world. If you’re interested in seeing more of that I’ll just leave a list of my other bands, our socials, and my website. Hopefully, that gives more context for this interview. Thank you.
Metal Masters RISE to FALL are back with new single INTRUDER By Stephanie Stevens
RISE TO FALL has established themselves in the metal scene in the last 17 years with their ever growing sound and the devastating live shows. Formed in 2006 in Bilbao (Basque County) Northern Spain these guys have risen from local frontiers to pinnacle icons in the metal scene. June 2023 the band is releasing the 5th full length album in their catalog entitled THE FIFTH DIMENSION The leadoff single INTRUDER blesses us with intricate detailing, slaughtering riffs, melody driven moments and impacts of energy driven stamina to not only intrigue you for more but shows the growth and evolution of the band’s sound. The highlight is the epic guest vocals from Bjorn Strid of the mighty band Soilwork, a partnership that was in the making long before they had a chance to tour Japan with Bjorn and the band. Sensational and Epic are two words I use whenever I listen to a RISE TO FALL track and I am fully prepared to be given more music to be awed and inspired by when my ears gets a listen to THE FIFTH DIMENSION (Noble Demon Records) For now, as we wait I had the pleasure of chatting with guitarist, Hugo Markaida about the making of new single INTRUDER, the collaboration with Bjorn and the inspiration Soilwork has on him and the band. The past 17 years of making music and much more
Q: RISE TO FALL have been conquering the metal scene for the past 17 years, looking back at your discography how do you feel about the music you have made and what is your proudest moment of it all? A: The truth is that we feel proud of everything we have done, from the beginnings when we were very young and you could tell we wanted to eat the world to the new album, seeing the great musical evolution we have had during so many years. If anything, Rise To Fall has always made the best music we could, so I would say that every time we release new music it's the best we've ever made.
Q: You guys just released a new video and single for the song INTRUDER, a song that has a guest appearance by Bjorn of Soilwork. How was it working with him and did he lyrically create for the song or was it just more of his signature sound you wanted? A: Björn is a big influence for us, both him and his band Soilwork have always been a reference for us. Working with him was very easy, we sent him the idea and the lyrics and he did his part, he gave it his vibe and the result was spectacular. Björn is a great professional and we are delighted to have been able to work with him.
Q: This song, INTRUDER was the first song written for the new record, and also has Dann participating on composition for the first time. How was that new element in the creative process for you guys and the rest of the album did he also contribute to? A: Yes, Dann even though he came in, in 2018 the previous album was already recorded and mixed, he didn't get a chance to contribute musically to the album but he did contribute live. With the new album, when we came back from our tour in Japan at the end of 2019 we decided to start composing new music, so by the beginning of 2020 we had already created music together. Dann is an incredible guitarist who knows a lot about music, he was cum laude at Berklee college of music and he knew how to give his touch to take us a step further. The creative process was very good although we were caught in the middle of the pandemic and we had to compose and record some of the album at home.
Q: On the new also, Pedro helped out on a guitar solo for the song. how did that all come to play? and I feel like this was the "baby" song that you guys experimented and put a lot of love to. Was that the case or did you feel like everything you added to the song just needed to be for the song to really stand out? A: Pedro is our producer since 2015 we recorded with him, END VS BEGINNING, and he is the best music producer we could have, he has always been very involved in the band's music, and for this album we saw the opportunity to do a double collaboration on the song "INTRUDER" with Pedro J Monge on guitar solo, as he is another great guitar player. RISE TO FALL always has a collaboration on every album, in fact, Dann collaborated with a guitar solo on the album "END VS BEGINNING" in 2015 when he was not yet part of the band hehe. Also INTRUDER was the first song we created and recorded in the studio (in fact we recorded it before recording the full album) so yes, we were able to experiment a bit with it before recording the full album.
Q: Writing songs and creating new music when you have been a band for so long, what inspires and motivates you to take risks and challenge yourself when it comes to new music? A: We like to make the music we would like to hear, we always do what we really like and what fulfills us, we are not in any rush or pressure to release new music and we have always created new music when we felt like it. We love what we do and we love being able to tour and see the world, it's something that always fills us with excitement, that's why we've been going non-stop since 2006!
Q: When you guys got off tour in Japan with Soilwork in 2019 you had your mind set to start writing a new record, Having Bjorn a part of this new song was something you thought about watching him each night and how has that band (Soilwork) influenced your band? A: Yes, we had already decided that when we came back from Japan we would start writing new music calmly, because even though the previous album came out in 2018 that stuff was already written before, it always happens to us, by the time we record the album until it comes out it's been a while. The idea of having Björn as a guest was a long time ago, being our favorite singer within the style we always wanted to have him in some song, after having toured with them it already had a special meaning, so it was the right time. Soilwork is possibly the band I have seen live the most (Hugo), being my favorite band it has influenced my way of composing, they are an important band for me. Being able to see them every night on the Japan tour, from the stage or from the audience was great, it wasn't the first time we played a gig with them, but it was the most special tour.
Q: It's been a while since it seems the record was created and we all know the world stopped in 2020, how does it feel to finally be able to put a date on a release and with the new record THE FIFTH DIMENSION how do you feel having the time to write and record this album and that you guys have grown as a band, how do you feel the music has elevated in sound and lyrical content? A: We had already decided to stop playing in early 2020 to focus on writing the album, so the confinement thing didn't break our plans, we had time to try things out and write quietly. It's true that it's not the same composing in the rehearsal room all together than each one at home, but it wasn't a bad thing. We took it easy composing and then we decided to record with our producer Pedro J Monge, but also to mix and master the album with him, since the 2 previous albums we did produce and record with him but Jacob Hansen mixed them at Hansen Studios. This time as we had more time, we could dedicate more time to the mixing and we think we have achieved a fantastic result, Pedro is a crack, he is also a big fan of Jacob like me, so we spent a lot of time trying things to get a quality product.
Q: One other song on the disc I'm curious about is the track INFINITE CROSSROAD, what inspired that song and what do you hope people get out of it once they hear it? A: It's funny, this song is a song that is in a different tuning that we don't usually play, it's a song that we changed in the studio from the basic idea that I had. It's a song that starts with a solo by Dann, our songs don't usually start with a guitar solo but this song does, let's say that this song is going to be the 4th single of the album, we want to release a video of how we recorded the song in the studio and images of us playing it. It's a very RISE TO FALL song but with a new feel to it, I think people are going to like it a lot.
Q: To go back a few years RESTORE THE BALANCE is one of my fav. records if you look back at that full length album how do you feel about it now and would you ever revamp anything about it now if you could? A: I would always change something from everything we put out in the past haha, right now I would change things from the album that hasn't come out yet, but then I would never stop and I wouldn't be able to put anything out haha. We are very proud of RESTORE THE BALANCE, but you can see that we didn't have the technique or the maturity that we have now, it's a more raw album, very direct and we are proud of it, it took us a lot of work to release it, it was the first time we recorded in a professional studio, with Carlos Creator and we mastered the album with Jacob Hansen, it's the album with which Coroner Records signed us and with which we did our first tour in Japan when we were very young.
I wouldn't change anything, because the album came out the way we wanted it to at that time, it's true that if I were to compose something in the style of that album now I wouldn't be able to, because in these 15 years I have changed my playing a lot, but I'm proud of that album, many people keep telling me that it's their favorite album.
Q: What's the music scene been like lately in your hometown and as a band that has made a name for yourselves what do you do to give back to the place that you started from? A: Our musical style is not the most listened music style in our country, it's not easy to make the music we do being from here, we always have a lot more listeners and fans outside our lands, but we play as much as we can and we always give our best in every show, no matter if there are 50 or 500 people.
Q: How has it been being on Noble Demon, and in your opinion what is the benefit of being on a label like this one instead of trying to do it on your own? A: Our previous album was self-released and it worked well, but we have always felt that we lacked the promotion and the professional part that a label gives you. We give the maximum in making music, and we believe that a quality label like Noble Demon can take us to the next level. Patrick is a professional in the industry with a lot of experience, I believe that together we can do a great job.
Q: Another notable factor to your band is your artwork for all your music is pretty badass. Is that something you guys have a huge input in and do you work with just one artist or variety of people? A: Since we released our first album, Josu Torrealday has been the author of all our covers, album design and photos. He is a super talented photographer and designer that we are very happy to work with, we think the artwork he does is of the highest quality and is always something that fans and press praise. Q: Anything you guys are doing in the next few months I didn’t hit upon you want the world to know and any words for your fans? A: Stay tuned to our social networks, because we will be releasing singles before the release of the album, we would like to visit all our fans who ask us to see us live, we hope that this new stage will be fruitful and we can play many concerts.
thank you very much to all of you for your support!
CULTUS BLACK URGES YOU TO WAKE UP; FIGHT BACK BY STEPHANIE STEVENS
The masked metal band CULTUS BLACK is taking over the fans on the Rise Of The Machine tour as they open up for this multi-talented tour package. CULTUS BLACK features former members of Motograter and have just released their debut self-titled album. Identifying itself as a cult that is bringing the metal flair with mesmerizing melodies to this unique and beautiful album.
From the gut wrenching and powerful sound of VENOM, to the hard rock hi energy display of melody driven sound on the track LORELEI. To one of my favorites tracks KILLING THE BEAUTIFUL, this song just has a dark aura with a penetrating vocal display of aggression guttural barks to the beauty in melody driven singing moments. BURN (SICK SOCIETY) is raw, real and a heavy driven power track. CELLS is the honor song to take back, be different and wake up and fight back. Love the message and the overall impact the music gives the words is just enchanting. Each and every song on this debut has a hint of power and aggression but displays a haunting dark and beautiful melody driven soundscape. Lyrically, a true sense of authenticity that many can relate to and will fall in love with this new leader of metal poetry! His heart is on the table and will hit you emotionally on every level. I had to chance to ask band messenger, L , a few questions about being unapologetic in his music, how the tour is going, what he wants the legacy of CULTUS BLACK to be and their visual look.
Q: You are creating a cult that is bringing an evolution to Nu metal to the forefront of music again. What is the mission of CULTUS BLACK and when and where did you guys form?
- Our mission is just to make music and art that we believe in. If that connects with other people... and it seems like it has in many cases, then that is all the better. When did we form? the band has been around for about 4 years technically, but we our growth was slowed greatly by the whole quarantine nightmare that happened right as we attempted to launch.
Q: I love the fact your band is not afraid to be different and think out of the box, in this day and age how do you see people embracing "different" and do you feel some are still afraid of the whole aspect to embrace their uniqueness in any passion they have?
- it's a different world now than it was 10 years ago. it seems like most people are more open minded than they used to be, but there will always be people who hate or fear what they don't understand. TBH my own family still doesn't understand what I am doing, but that’s a story for another time.
Q: Your debut self-titled album is addicting, in my opinion bringing out layers of diversity in each song but keeping a dark and heavy vibe to it. As an artist what is your proudest moment of the record and also what has been a surprising factor about reviews or fan comments that you have gotten if any?
- I am just happy we were finally able to release the thing! it feels like it took us forever, so many things went wrong. covid, a hurricane, I lost my voice, money issues. to finally see that album, reach our fans... it’s a big deal. I am surprised by how many people really like the track "the sadist" I was really worried about that one in particular. we really didn't want to have a single weak track on the album, but I felt like maybe that one fell a bit short... low and behold, it seems to be a fan favorite.
Q: KILLING THE BEAUTIFUl is my absolute favorite song at the moment as a creator. What inspired you to write this and do you feel all your music is therapeutic to yourself?
- KTB is a really steing track, and one of the first singles we released.. I actually thought it should have been the very first single, but management thought otherwise, so we released NEVERMINE first. this one I wanted to be heavy but still have a nice vocal hook, I wanted to kind of show of the range we have as a band. For me KTB is a good example of what the band is. some songs are heavier some are not as heavy, some have programing some don't... this one has a little bit of everything.
Q: Some of the tracks on the album were singles in the past, did you guys revamp or change anything when you headed in the studio to put together the full finished piece and how old are some of the tracks?
- it's a mixed bag, You make me sick got rerecorded because the original release we did with it was a demo. NEVERMINE and WITCH HUNT, are products of the quarantine and did not make the album. KTB and NEVERMINE are album quality from the start. those singles are the same as what you hear on the album.
Q: In one review I read about your band they describe your music as unapologetic, I feel like any artist should live by that word. How proud are you to be able to stand alongside that meaning and advice to other artists out there that still fear doing so?
- I think that fits us, I mean look at us. if we were worried about what people thought of us or trying to fit some preconceived notion of what we are supposed to be, we wouldn't do 90 percent of the things we do. I just really feel like, as an artist. you have to create from the soul. If you are not making something you believe in, the audience can see that shit. my advice to any artist is always to just do what feels right for you. once you start to worry about pleasing everyone else, you end up pleasing no one, not yourself, not your fans. no one.
Q: Days before this debut album came out you guys jumped onto the Rise Of The Machine tour which you are out on now. How has this experience been so far and what have you been able to gain from the bands that you're out with for this tour?
- the Rise of the machine tour has been fantastic. It really is difficult to put into words what this means to us. to be out with legends like Static-X, Fear Factory, Dope, Mushroomhead, Twiztid. playing sold out shows every night. we couldn't ask for anything better.
Q: I want to ask who inspired you growing up as you got into music (I get the vibe of Slipknot, Deftones and even a little Manson) but I also feel like you have had other motivation outside of music, if so what or who from and why?
- You are right on all accounts there, I am also personally influenced by Nine inch nails a lot, but also things outside of music, horror movies, video games, everyday life.
Q: Your visual look can give us a little insight on the details and the presence of what your cult is about?
- How do our visuals give inside to what we are about? I feel like art is subjective, as is music. the person viewing or listening to the art/music will assign their own meaning. I think that is for sure reflected in the faceless masks. me as a front man, I am basically a canvas... one covered in paint apparently haha.
Q: Speaking of visuals, video making for songs do you feel takes away the openness of the message of your songs or do you feel the visuals are needed to get your message out?
- I'm not sure visuals are NEEDED, but it is another avenue for expression, and another way to create interesting interpretation and connections with the faithful.
Q: What is the biggest power music has given you thus far in your life?
- When I was young, as a weird kid that didn't fit in anywhere, music was a safe haven for me... which ultimately ended up giving me a strength I never had before... or I guess it allowed me to uncover my own strength.
Q: What will CULTUS BLACKs legacy be?
- As we travel across the country, I sometimes hear people say to me, "your music helped me through some really dark times." that is very touching to me. I hope that will be our legacy, if nothing else. We were able to help a few people along the road, in the same way music helped me.
Q: Anything you want to add that you guys are getting ready to do we didnt hit on or any words for your Cult?
- We are releasing a new Music video for Lorelei on April 21st!
AMBERGRIS Newest band to the New England music scene By Stephanie Stevens
New England music scene is back on the Romper with the newest band getting ready to re-introduce the world to the deep dark sounds of “Sonic Sludge”. Blending their influences of Hard rock, Prog-rock, Doom and Stoner metal the guys in AMBERGRIS are the newest band from Southern New England. With a 2 song EP out right now the guys bring tons of deep and moody riffs combined with bottom heavy bass lines as you hear in SPOON COOKER and grooves that are slow and steady as you can hear on LOST TO THE GYRE. I had a chance to catch up with the band and get to know them a little more for all you, music fans. So check out the interview and go give them a like on social media and support local music and artists.
ECR: The band came together when the world was shut down, had you guys known each other prior and what was the conversation like back in 2020 when you were thinking about this new project?
ROB: Joe (guitar) and Josh (bass) had known each other prior to the formation of the band. Joe and I met through Joe's better half and we set up a meeting at my studio [The Trash Palace], because the three of us were in musical purgatory at the time looking to jam with likeminded individuals. We had an entire year plus to work on about 10-11 songs while the earth was shut down. So when we started playing out and recording the group was a somewhat well-oiled machine.
ECR: Had you guys been in bands in the past and how do you feel the New England scene had influenced you guys as musicians?
ROB: I have played drums in a bunch of local RI metal/punk bands over the years. Wreak, Gut Bucket, Rhythmafia, The Usual Suspects, ect. It's given me the opportunity to open for some really awesome bands and do a few small tours in the US. Joe worked on some cool experimental projects back in the day but was inactive as far as bands go for a hot minute and Josh was doing some really interesting electronic ambient solo stuff at the time. I can't say that we are influenced musically by anything locally. We're kind of on the outside of everything that's going on currently. You know, Through The Looking Glass.
ECR: If you could define a characteristic about each one of your band members what would it be and why would you choose that characteristic?
ROB: Hhhhhmmmmm, now you put me on the spot. Let's see... Josh I'd say is the Unassuming Assassin. A very modest, even tempered cat. Until he straps on that Bass and drops the fucking thunder on your ass. It's like the first time you see Bruce Lee and you're like, "Awww what's this guy gonna do". Then he jumps in the air 20 feet and spin kicks your chest into the shadow realm. Joe is the foundation of this entire operation. The RIFF curmudgeon with the spirit of Iommi in his digits. We build around his architecture. I guess I'd say I'm the complicated caveman of this trio. I don't really know what that means, but It sounded cool in my head.
ECR: The band name AMBERGRIS, takes on a meaning of the intestines of the sperm whale. Why did you choose this band name and how hard is it coming up with a name for a band?
ROB: It's gross. A disgusting byproduct that becomes something useful somehow. It's puked or shat out. Kind of a kidney stone / kind of a turd. Our sound is gross and disgusting, like we shit inside your ears. So here we are. Hahahaha
ECR: The genre you want your music to adapt to is what? and How did you guys get into this type of soundscape?
ROB: Well, if you want to get specific, Instrumental Doom Rock/Stoner Metal... or "Sonic Sludge". Off the rip we knew we wanted to do something slow and heavy. Black Sabbath on steroids. Separately, we have different influences, but we all dig stuff like Mastodon, Russian Circles, shit like that. There was a ton of common ground to fuck with.
ECR: I feel like your sound is more of an underground type of fanbase, why do you think doom rock or stoner metal never made it to the forefront like other genres of music have?
ROB: I'm not really sure. The mainstream machine lost its way after the 90's I suppose. Stopped trying to find, develop and get behind new groups. Rock Radio became its own worst enemy. When corporate puppets like Talor Swift or Billy Eyelash are pushed upon the masses... Your ability to dictate what's popular to me is null and void.
ECR: What is your main focus when starting to create a song and does every member in the band have a voice in the writing process?
ROB: We usually build around riffs that Joe has. There is a basic skeleton of the song and we construct it off of that.
ERC: What is the goal of the band as far as putting out music, will you stick to singles or you guys looking into full length albums or Ep at this point? ROB: Right now we're just looking to put out a few EPs. Don't want to give 'em too much. Just the tip. We'll see what kind of buzz we can generate and go from there. The band just dropped our debut EP and are most likely going to start the process of recording another later this summer or fall.
ECR: Growing up who inspired you as a band and what did they do to make you take notice and be influenced?
ROB: The short answer is Black Sabbath. The long answer is... Anything we've ever liked and got us bopping our heads and tapping those toes. Between the three of us we listen to a wide variety of stuff.
ECR: What does being a musician mean to you and how has music impacted your life so far?
ROB: Obviously music is an extremely important part of our lives. It's all the grimy emotions and experiences flowing through your extremities. Primal notes washing over a crowd as we all move lockstep to the groove. It's Audio Witchcraft!
ECR: How are your live shows going? I know you are looking to book around the New England area, do you feel it's hard getting shows or venues these days since the lock down or do you feel life is back to normal?
ROB: Everyone at the shows we've played has dug our vibe. Ambergris is a fairly new band and everything we've done up to this point has been completely DIY. Booking, artwork and screen printing our own tee shirts. Getting shows is a bit of a pain in the ass, but we just put out our first EP a few weeks ago. So, the exposure to our tunes should help. We should probably get a manager at some point hahaha.
ECR: As a band what is most important about a live show setting for you and what do you hear about your shows after music fans have seen you?
ROB: We're kind of loose with it at shows. The band doesn't take itself too seriously. You know, crack some jokes or whatever in between songs. Which is a bit off putting because the music is so damn heavy. When you see a bunch of people bobbing their heads to your shit, it's like electricity.
ECR: Anything else you want to add or let us know that I missed out on talking to you about?
ROB: First off, we'd like to thank you for this interview as well as your interest in the band. And all I can say to anybody reading this is check us out.
ECR: How can people stay in touch with you? Drop your socials!
ROB:AMBERGRIS is on all the usual suspects. Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Pandora, etc. But you can download our debut self-titled EP on Bandcamp
ANOTHER DAY DAWNS Energizing the hell out of the Rock scene with new single BITTER By Stephanie Stevens
The melody and high octane drive of new single BITTER by the hard rock band ANOTHER DAY DAWNS will make any music fan fall in love with the presence of this band. Dakota Sean-vocals, Tyler Ritter-guitarist, Jerome Betz-bassist and Nick Mcgeehan-drums are breathing new life and love into the rock scene and the excitement for this band is rising day by day.
Starting in 2010 the band has been in full work mode honing their skills and making their sound as powerful, remember able and overall relatable!
Releasing Indie Eps along with singles through the last few years they got into the sights of Century Media Records who signed them and will be releasing the bands full length album. BITTER is the platform single; and like I said, so impressive and addicting to the sound senses. I’m on edge waiting to hear what else these guys have in store.
2023 is gearing up to be a hell of a year for them as they get ready to hit the road with rock n roll icons Bush and Breaking Benjamin in the spring and then also jumping on supporting dates with Filter.
All I have to say is, it’s the days like this when I run into a band like ANOTHER DAY DAWNS that makes me remember why I started this little online magazine and how even though I’m a small part I get to help bring these guys into the eyes and ears of new listeners. That right there makes me so damn happy!!
I had a chance to speak with Dakota and Tyler about the start of the band, the struggles of a new band, working at Dark Horse Studios, sharing the stage with the icons this summer and so much more. Give these guys a listen and if they are in your area this spring/summer get to the show early to catch the set. You won’t be disappointed
Q: I love the bands story about getting together in 2010 and jamming out, starting as a cover band then forging your way to originals and through it all successfully accomplishing things in the world we call Music. It hasn't been easy, you guys worked hard, so for people seeing just the "success" give us a few tastes of the struggles that any new band face when trying to make it?
ADD: There’s really no conventional way to make it, so without a clear path you’re always bound to face struggles. Financial struggles are something everyone starting will face and they’re only getting worse, so starting up can be the hardest part, which is why we were fortunate to start as a cover band in that way.
Q: When Dakota got into the band it seemed you went the route of Originals, how was it writing your first song and did that song ever make it out onto a Ep or something that helped you guys climb the ladder to where you are now?
ADD: It’s really hard to remember what our actual very first original was, but I remember our first EP and a lot of my friends calling it das rock lol. While none of our early songs seem like much of anything, they’re part of the gradual climb you have to take.
Q: You independently released your first EP in 2018 called A DIFFERENT LIFE and some of the singles off that EP made it to chart on billboard. What does that feel like as a creator of a song and also once you started getting that attention did it cause more tension for you when it came to writing?
ADD: There’s never really been much tension writing until we started having to work with deadlines, it’s always awesome to see anything you make reach a milestone
Q: You also recorded this EP at Dark Horse Studios in Tennessee, being a band just starting in the scene, how does it feel working in a place that is known like this place and working with people in the industry for a while?
ADD: It was definitely overwhelming at first, but the majority of people we’ve had opportunities with have been extremely helpful and easy to work with, no one’s really made us feel like the little guys
Q: I read also, that writing comes easy for you guys. Are you a band that everyone is involved and what do you hope in the next year you want to get stronger in, in the songwriting factor?
ADD: we definitely love trying all different kinds of writing, and everyone definitely contributes.
Q: Your new single which is dope as shit, is getting so much exposure since the release. BITTER seems to have already shown the growth in the band, tell me how musically it came about?
ADD: Thank you!! I always end up tuning down a bit lower each writing cycle and it always turns up heavier riffs, so originally this song was just a lot of slamming riffs that I didn’t even expect to work for us. But we stripped it back and worked out a really cool instrumental, then most of everything else came together great in the studio.
Q: You just released a very cool video for the song also and it seems you are a band that loves giving a visual to your songs. What does music videos mean to you and how much fun do you have with them?
ADD: I’ve always loved videos that focus more on visualizing sounds rather than just straight up telling the story. Our friends Max Portnoy and Thomas Cucé did this video and we’re so happy with what they brought us. It’s always fun performing for them, but music video shoots for me are mostly waiting around while things get set up.
Q: Your also putting finishing touches on your first full length album what is the biggest difference writing for a full album vs. EP and have you taken a heavier approach for this new record?
ADD: It’s really felt like the same approach we’ve always had for writing, we’re always growing but it didn’t feel different than preparing for an EP. Ever since the pandemic we wrote so much that it sort of gave us an identity crisis, we started going in all sorts of directions and trying different things. But it all ultimately pushed us to the sound we reached on this album, and it’s definitely a bit heavier.
Q: Being on Century media is pretty amazing also, how did that partnership happen and what do you love about being part of this family?
ADD: We put ourselves on their radar a few years ago and they kept their eyes on us until they knew we were ready. They’ve been so welcoming and supportive which has felt amazing as we’re all new to being signed. Hearing how most bands have horror stories with labels, it’s so nice to have a team that shows genuine care for us.
Q: 2023 will be a busy year for you guys which is great. Touring legs re activated as you go out with Bush/ Breaking Benjamin and also some dates with Filter. How does it feel you get to watch these guys do their thing every day and what do you hope to learn from anyone of them while out? ADD: It’s overwhelming to have the opportunity with these names, and especially bands that we all personally look up to and love. It’ll be a challenge for sure, we’ve never toured in arenas, but being close with some of the Breaking Ben crew I really hope to learn all about what will be different and what we’ll need to know now.
Q: This is also your first Arena tour; you have played in venues from 400 to 1200 capacity but now we are talking much more. How does your stage presence level up now and what are you most excited about showcasing this summer on these tours?
ADD: For performing I’m just really, really excited to have more space, even if 1200-2000 cap venues we’ve usually still had pretty limited space.
Q: What do you want to tell your hometown supporters from PA and how has that community given more even more confidence to become who you guys are growing into?
ADD: We spent a lot of years in our hometown playing and growing, we’re on a pretty personal level with most of the fans that have been with us since those days and they’ll always feel like family at shows. We have so much gratitude for them
Q: What do you want the ANOTHER DAY DAWNS legacy to be?
ADD: I just want to be able to keep doing what comes to us next and have more and more people keep coming in and enjoying it. I kind of like not fully knowing where this is going, I like the way we keep growing and changing and I don’t think there’s a concrete path for us.
PROMOTES NEW RECORD NO TIME TO WASTE BY Stephanie Stevens
Write music that you truly love and comes from your heart, write with passion and grit. Experiment with sound and don’t follow the trends. Create your own path and you will last in a world that has people fading out left and right so quick these days. Since 1985 AFTERMATH has been creating, experimenting and bringing the attitude and lyrical content of raw and real passion into the music world.
The band has just released the newest record NO TIME TO WASTE to complete the trilogy in the bands newest catalog of music. This album was written in the darkest period in modern history and has a heavy and energized feel to it; with a message of hope to everyone globally. This Chicago based band believes that we can forge ahead and we can do this together but we have No Time To Waste.
I had a chance to chat with the band about the newest album, being a band since the 80s, the music scene, John Lennon, Dr. Dre and so much more
Q: AFTERMATH has been a band since 1985, that's a hefty amount of years and seeing a lot of changes in the music scene. A few questions about that.When you started, what was the ultimate mission or dream for you about the band?
A: We started at a time when thrash metal was totally underground in its infancy really. We didn’t do this to become rock stars, we weren’t playing commercial music. We just wanted to play music and make it the fastest music ever recorded. It was that simple. We were basically a crossover/speed metal band before the terms even existed.
Q: What has been the best thing about the changes in the music scene and also what has been the worst in your opinion?
A: The cost to record music without a major studio is the greatest thing that has happened to the music scene. The ability to record and instantly get it out there on your own today is technically easy but there are so many more bands as well The competition for the listeners’’ attention is insane today. So the simplicity of releasing your own music is great for so many bands.
The worst thing about it today is that it seems that we live in a world of singles. So many bands release singles and not entire albums. I also don’t think labels are into artist development anymore and that sucks. So many bands in the past made It because the labels and others in the industry stuck with them on several albums. Today its instant gratification. It’s becoming like the movie business in that sense.
But, the worst thing in my opinion is that many bands today have lost that rebellion that made rock and metal great. They are very few anti-establishment bands today. Too many bands that are afraid to speak out. Raging with the machine as opposed to against it.
Q: How do you feel your band has grown in over 30 years of being a creative outlet?
A: We have constantly changed from one recording to the next. In 1987 we released a demo called Killing the Future – it was called Too Damn Fast by Don Kaye at Kerrang at that time. It became known as the fastest metal back then and established an underground following. Two years later we released a demo called Words that EchoFear and it was way slower all the speed metal elements were gone. It was right at the forefront of technical progressive thrash. A 180 in musical direction between two recordings. That demo led to several label offers. The debut album Eyes of Tomorrow was pretty technical and progressive it was finally released in 1994. Then we broke up in 1996. We reunited in 2015 and released our comeback album in 2019 called There is Something Wrong a concept album that mixes both our previous styles along with some interludes to tie it all together. This new album is different probably more accessible. We never write to please a label or radio station so we are fear to write what makes us happy.
Q: You guys just released your brand new album on St Patrick’s day of 2023, after so many releases do you feel pressure or anxiety if you ever did about how people will view your artistry and if you do how do you calm that down?
A: We feel no pressure. We aren’t a Shinedown type band that needs to keep writing hits. Our management and label place no restrictions on the music – that makes it so much easier.
Q: What advice can you give people if they do?
A: Don’t sign a record deal. Because the label will create pressure. You need to write songs you love and that makes it easy to calm your nerves. If you truly love your music and it doesn’t sell at least you did it on your own terms.
Q: This album NO TIME TO WASTE is the third installment to the trilogy you have worked on the past few years, this album delves into a heavier and energized sound for you also compared to your last album. Why the change in the less dark ambiance and who comes up with the majority of your music?
A: Not sure it’s more heavy or it just may seem that way. The interludes and length of most of the songs on the last album made it more challenging for some listeners. This time around it’s not a concept album. The songs are shorter and the interludes aren’t there since it isn’t a concept album. It is more accessible too many because of it. The last album was about identifying what’s wrong in the world from all different aspects and this album is about working together to fix it. If we all wake up in time that is. So the music needed to be as urgent and energized as the message.
Q: Now let's indulge into the lyrical and songwriting aspect, this album you're bringing hope and a message to the world and it is the truest statement as you named the album NO TIME TO WASTE. In your opinion what do you want to get across to the American population about this album and what you're trying to bring forth?
A: As I was saying this album is about humanity working together to defeat the enemy that we identified in the last album. We have never been as divided as we are now in our lifetime. Not just in the USA but globally. The elite keep getting wealthier and more powerful by the minute and their plans for a global economic reset doesn’t just end with money it ends with their total control. lockdowns were a dry run. The message for this album is wake up let’s stop this madness but we can only do that together. Don’t believe for a minute that they have your best interest at heart – they don’t. People believe in red v blue; white v black; on and on when in reality it’s the 0.01 percent against the rest of us. Politics is theater to keeps us distracted and divided. Our lyrics challenge the listener to wake up and get together because if we are united then they can’t win.
Q: The trilogy you have released has been written in probably one of the darkest and most fucked up times in American history. For a songwriter this isn't a problem, something that inspires you because traumatic experiences bring out brilliant artistry. How emotional and what kind of intensity did this bring on to your mental state, these last few years?
A: The lockdowns made me angry and the music and lyrics are a reflection of that. But, we have always been ones to challenge authority. As far back as the beginning we always wrote songs that were focused on understanding why the world seemed fucked up. I was too young to figure it all out in the 1980s. By the 1990s it seemed the world was heading in the right direction and then 9/11 happened, the fake war in Iraq, and all the great feelings of the 1990s were gone. If you can’t get inspired to write music that is energized and angry today, then I guess you aren’t human.
Q; Will you be touring for this record and do you have any feelings towards the life of touring now that things in life have changed so drastically or do you feel life is getting slowly back to normal everyday life on the road for musicians?
A: We are doing select shows at this time. We will be playing the Milwaukee Metal Fest. Its back after a long break, this is our 4th time playing it. It’s one of the best fests out there. We are going to play a show in Chicago with TYRANT some young thrashers on May 8th in Chicago. We will be doing more shows as well. Doing long tours today seems nearly impossible financially for most bands especially overseas which sucks. Playing live is what it’s all about for most bands and their fans and it is harder today. It seems like it’s getting better but with all the craziness who knows what the next several months will bring.
Q: Back in 2020 you guys did a rendition of the John Lennon song GIVE PEACE A CHANCE, for many reasons I assume I know why at this time you re did this but can you give me a little insight on what that song means to you guys?
A: We wanted to record that song as a bridge to the next album. That’s why we actually included it on this new album as the last song on the record. It’s a song of hope and a perfect message on so many levels, the original came out during the 1960s in a time of turmoil and today makes that time look like a party really. When I was working on the lyrics of the last album it all started with a simple question in my mind; why has there never been a time of peace on earth. I started to look for a time with no wars and I couldn’t find one. Why are we as humans always at war? Why can’t we have peace. What a better song to cover than Give Peace a Chance.
Q: Another oldie but goodie "memory" your band is known for is the conflict you had with the rapper Dr. Dre over your band name. Which I read that people study this case to this day. What was the biggest learning curve you got from this whole situation?
A: The legal system is rigged against the little guy. We had a US Trademark issue by the Patent and Trademark office – the experts on what is trademark worthy and some old retarded judge didn’t give a shit. Not many bands had trademarks back then but we did thinking it was a good idea to protect the rights to the name. Professors in law schools totally disagree with the judge’s opinion. People think we lost the right to use the name in reality we sued Dre to prevent him from naming his label Aftermath – the judge ruled against our motion for an injunction and he said we could just appeal his decision and have full blown trial in front of him and post a bond. How fucked up was that? We decided it wasn’t worth it, but we retained our trademark regardless.
Q: What do you want to tell to longtime fans of your band and new ones just getting to know you guys?
A: Listen to the music for the intensity and hopefully the lyrics will resonate with you as well. Spread the word. Metal for life.
Q: Also, anything else you are working on in the next few months you want to give a little heads up on so we can watch out for it??
A: We may be doing another video. Thanks for the interview, and for anyone that took time to get to the bottom of this drop us a line and we may mail you a cd.
ALL SINNERS-ALL SINNERS (EP) PURCHASE STREET RECORDS BY STEPHANIE STEVENS
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE BAND Facebook @AllSinnersBand Instagram: @ALL_SINNERS_BAND
I grew up in Massachusetts and lived here for most of my life. I’ve been checking out local acts in the scene since I was around 16 years old. I have seen some friends go on to make successful stories in the world of music, and lets all be honest that’s a very hard thing to do. One other thing that I was always around was really good rock bands, let’s face it Boston has Aerosmith, The Cars and Boston to name a few. So when you hear talent that gleams from the pure passion and the love for creating music, you know that something wicked and extravagant is going to be heard. Earlier this year I ran into an old friend, Roger Chouinard and he brought to my attention he had a new project happening called ALL SINNERS. Now, a little back story with Roger; He grew up in the same area as me and we have been in the same circle for years. With that I have seen him create and put together and play in numerous genres of bands, but this time I have to admit there is something extra special about ALL SINNERS. The band released a EP entitled ALL SINNERS back in 2022 and if you grew up in the era of MTV, Headbangers Ball and when the Metal Zone was the go too on your weekends, then you guys will appreciate the sound and epic capacity of nostalgia that this Eps sound is creating for you. 4 tracks of solid showmanship, creativity and diversity. Like I said it gives that nostalgic flair but bleeds with a hint of modern times too. They are not trying to create a façade with effects or a crazy visual aspect to them. They are bringing the power of knowing their instruments and showcasing the craft they have built within the years of being artists. They are writing songs that are uplifting, energy enhanced with lyrics that embrace the everyday persons drive and emotions. Within doing those simple things it creates a love, admiration and a connection between them and the listener, and that is what makes a rock band unique and standout. The EP opens with THE HUNTED a song that took me back to that 80s hard rock sound. The chorus sticks with you it’s a melody driven power force and reigns you in with those great guitar solo attacks that will have you air guitar-ing in your car. Next up is BURIED ALIVE a little darker rooted in rock style drama, a slower ambience that emotionally drags you in with that alluring curious intrigue. Vocally for me I love the tone and vibrancy of Mike Golarz voice in this one. Putting a fine line of aggression when needed but keeping it with that sentimental allure, pulls you into the lyrical storyline, like a good rock vocalist should do. BELIEVER has an uplifting feel, a positive light. Its Vibrant with a happy appeal; a feel good song. To be honest when I’m having a shitty day or not feeling confident this song is my go to track lately to pull me out and get me back to being the bad ass bitch I am! I feel like this song is the “get the crowd going” live show song. I see the chorus being the big audience participation time where people are raising their drinks and dancing around. This song also showcases the diversity of songwriting as they approach a lighter feel rather than the harder or darker moments from the songs prior. The EP ends with the track RISE UP and let me tell you something the vocals “rose up” holy hell dude you got a range. Speed up to 3 minutes’ n 55 seconds and just put those headphones on and let it just engulf your soul. Along with the killer intense vocal soundscape this song wraps a little bit of each kind of sound the tracks on this EP bring to you. It has that melodic driving power, guitars that are blazing, a Rhythm section that is breathing energy into the song. It plays with the darker harder edges too, to give it depth. It conquers the full spectrum of a solid thought out rock n roll track. It encompasses the start of what ALL SINNERS has now and what I think will be a bright future for them heading into the rest of this year and a beyond.
DED-SCHOOL OF THOUGHT SURETONE RECORDS OCT 15TH 2021 DIGITAL RELEASE NOV 19, 2021 PHYSICAL RELEASE BY STEPHANIE STEVENS
Let me set the record straight! When I was asked to review the new DED album, I decided to put my love for this band aside and really look at this new album, SCHOOLOFTHOUGHT, on an unbiased playing field. What I realized with this band is that they create and manufacture songs that just speak to me from a lyrical and musical standpoint. The band always intertwines the heavier side of rock that I love with these beautiful melodies that just make my heart go a flutter. I tried hating stuff or finding fault with songs on this sophomore disc, but after about 10 listens, I could not find any. It is just that good!
When DED hit the scene with MIS-AN-THROPE, they did it with pure fire. Every song on that debut album was fresh, alluring, and just got you amped up to either kick ass or fist pump. The media went wild, the rockers were ecstatic, and the band just poured their hearts into everything to make the album even bigger and badder than it already was. Now it is 2021, we have lived through a “pandemic” that gave the music industry and its artists some time to write, rehash, and improve their craft, which DED did on all levels. SCHOOL OF THOUGHT brings out more of an approachable melodic singing pattern to the music world, yet still fires with intensities and darkness. There is less “rapping” and more embracement of the true talent Mr. Joe Cotela has vocally with his melodic tones.
The band gave us a huge sneak peek earlier in the year when they released tracks like “A MANNEQUIN IDOL,” “EYES SEWN SHUT,” and “PARASITE.” Songs like that were all so rare and diverse from each other. It was just a small hint into the growth and creative zone the band was heading in. An overall feel of how they can intertwine the sweetness of melody and hard-hitting impact of the harder edge soundscapes that the band is known for. Then, just a small amount of time before the sophomore album came out, the band released the melodic “KILL BEAUTIFUL THINGS,” which for me puts the band on the next level to opening the minds of music lovers who might have not known or fully embraced the group on the debut album. Truly, a driving, passionate song that breathes life into the rock scene. So with all these tracks being released from the band through 2021, I did not know if they could fuel the fire further to impress my heart, then “SCHOOL OF THOUGHT” came out, along with “PERSONA” that hit my eardrums and it was over. This song is probably my favorite track from the band ever!! From the singing patterns to the high musical energy, this song just affects the soul on a completely new level. The lyrics get real, becoming an anthem for the world in 2021 for sure. “HALF ALIVE” is another standout track, a dark essence with music intensity. The overall aura of the song is worth keeping in my book. “MY BLOOD (MY FAMILY)” is going to be a DED nation favorite. For me, the band is just saying thank you for the support and love from the fans around the world. The boys of Tempe are just the most humble humans that are like family members in all our hearts, and this song is going to be a killer sing-a-long track in future live shows. “GHOST” is the opening track, and it just prepares you for the adventure and impression this sophomore album is going to have on you. “10 MINUTES UNDERWATER” is one of the harder tracks on the album with a surreal lyrical content. Lastly, the couple of the rock age one Mr. Joe Cotela and his rock queen Maria Brink do an excellent eerie, dark cover of The Cure’s “LOVE SONG” that sits a few songs into this marvelous album.
Overall, DED stepped up and diversified their sound this time around, proving to the world they can change it up put in different patterns to their style without losing the signature sound that will have the DED NATION embraced more than ever. They pushed the limits without selling themselves short, encompassed lyrical themes of self-empowerment, darkness/mental health, false idols and being the change you want to see amongst others! They ventured out and made a solid sophomore album. I am proud to be a DED Nation fan!
Daze Of June - Tainted Blood (2.19.21) Prime Collective By Stephanie Stevens
2021 is coming in extra hard and special for me with the newest addition to my listening arsenal, the Danish Metalcore band Daze Of June. They have taken over my playlist from the gym to my everyday life with the singles they have been dropping from their sophomore release “Tainted Blood” coming to you on 19th February!
The aggressive tones and heavy parts that interact with the melody driven and dynamically clever hooks in the bands new arsenal of songs lays out the most beautiful musical landscape that I have heard in quite some time.
So, like I said, Daze Of June have been dropping some stellar new tracks from the upcoming album and I was introduced to them with the track ‘Hypnos’ which features guest vocals from Courtney LaPlante. ‘Hypnos’ is about having dreams/nightmares that something bad is coming and the song title is actually the name of the Greek god of sleep. The way that Benjamin and Courtney blend the vocal segments is like a conversation that lays out frustration, worry and fear with positive pushes trying to figure out if the thoughts are real or a dream. Musically it surges with heavier attacks and soaring melody driven moments that showcases both the tender and harder attitude the band possesses. Courtney’s female element brings the depth and dimension of the song to the next level and creates one hell of an introduction to the new album.
But just when you thought that was a favourite track, the guys push out newest single ‘Four Knives’, and when the chorus hits…well it takes my breathe away, such impressive melodic tone and yet, within an instant, the guys turn it into this aggressive hard hitter in each verse (check out the riff at 3mins 52 seconds in and you will ultimately get pumped up) that just really mould together the two sides of this talented band. Music that can appeal to the rock fans and the hard ‘n’ heavy music fans.
‘Son’ blesses us with a pretty piano intro and some haunting rock atmosphere. Vocals that take a step up in levels! Another reason why this band is a keeper in my book are the vocals which showcase all avenues in Benjamin’s range and make the album fresh and surprising, waiting to see how he captures each new track. But, even with the slight diversity vocally, it still bleeds, ties and circles you back to bring that signature Daze Of June sound, that makes this breathtaking and unbeatable.
‘Birth Of Memories’ is a track not yet released but it ends the album. It begins with a subtler rock element, not a ballad, but it’s a mix of melodic elements with faster, aggressive attitude throughout. The soaring vocals, harmonies and the overall interlacing sound just ends “Tainted Blood” on a massive level. ‘Hiroshima’ (featuring Keisuke) just hits you with a harsh, heavy and penetrating musical push and delivers vocally with harsh yet melodic vibes, it’s like the connection of thunder and lightning in a rainstorm!
I could go down the line giving props and love to all 9 songs on this album but what truly matters is, Daze Of June are writing music that is like a musical journey with harsh reality and softer areas of melodic truth, enhancing both elements they made popular on their debut album “Heart Of Silver” in 2018. Although this is a review of the band’s new material, I need to insert a small prop to the band’s debut and the songs ‘Shade’ (which has been on constant ration on my playlist), ‘It Stays’ and ‘The Current’, three powerful and diverse tracks from that album.
I am over the moon being informed about Daze Of June and I hope to see them perform and kill these new songs on a live stage very soon. “Tainted Blood” is out on Feb 19th, 2021. For a sneak peek check out all listening platforms for the band’s music, you will not be disappointed. Thank you, guys, for giving us such a diverse record for the present and in the past!!!
GREG PUCIATO—CHILD SOLDIER: CREATOR OF GOD FEDERAL PRISONER RECORDS RELEASE: OCT 9TH, 2020 BY: STEPHANIE STEVENS
GREG PUCIATO has made exceptional music from his hay day in Dillinger Escape Plan to his other projects Black Queen and Killer be Killed, but on this first solo escapade CHILD SOLDIER: CREATOR OF GOD he just created a masterpiece. This album sucked me in emotionally! I feel like this is him as an artist and creator releasing his full truth and admiration for the growth and the visions he has accumulated through all his years. The album is so experimentally free that you cannot pin point it into the rabbit hole of genre labeling. I love that about it. Each song is a new representation but guiding you into the same emotional senses throughout the disc; from haunting dark and somber elements, to the light and airy electronic pop sensations to the more aggressive, grinding and demanding jolts of noise and debauchery. The softness that starts out SEPTEMBER CITY, the vocal whispers and rich guitars laid out a calm sense of ending with beauty, but then transcends and twists with more energy, fighting spirit with more demanding vocals and captured me and made me realize how much true talent can come from one artist; a song that sold me on this whole album. Completely and utterly perfection. HEAVEN OF STONE the short intro track introduces you to the light and beauty of voice and guitar and sends you into the voyage of light industrial electro soundscapes with CREATOR OF GOD. A track that brought to light the influence of Nine Inch Nails and to me that is always a plus. DEEP SET is another favorite of mine reminding me of Manson and PUCIATO’s vocals are just alluring and softly demented with the sex appeal and manic attributes. FIRE FOR WATER is one of the Industrial ragers allowing the aggressive tones to freely come out. TEMPORARY OBJECT and A PAIR OF QUESTIONS glaze your emotions with more of that soft electro pop sound and it just blends into the aurora of the record so seamless and perfect. I never realized what a great vocal capability PUCIATO had, so it was great to hear it added to his artistry. DO YOU NEED ME TO REMIND YOU sets the pace of beauty and rage and probably another solid track not to miss on the record. ROACH HISS this one bleeds with anger, hostility chaos and metal implications. I could go on forever but this record is just a must listen to if you are ready to be taken away to a place of beauty, rage and no boundaries. So I ask you, do you enjoy music that delivers no obligations no style and no restrictions? Do you feel Music should have you feeling and making you feel like you don’t have to fake anything? Do you love going on journeys and adventures? Then this release CHILD SOLDIER: CREATOR OF GOD by the diverse and talented GREG PUCIATO is a must have in your collection. CONNECT WITH GREG: https://gregpuciato.bandcamp.com/album/child-soldier-creator-of-god www.federalprisoner.com
CURRENTS—THE WAY IT ENDS SHARPTONE RECORDS (JUNE 5TH, 2020) BY: STEPHANIE STEVENS ............. The cross between brutally aggressive to melodically emotional soundscapes is what makes the Connecticut based band CURRENTS standout in the music community. With the bands second full-length release “THE WAY IT ENDS” out on June 5th the band has enhanced and grown leaps and bounds with the abrasive moments of killer blast beats and a dynamic onslaught of riffs as your ears embrace “POVERTY OF SELF”. “MONSTERS” and “SECOND SKIN” comes in like a punch to the face, allowing moments of intensely aggressive moments but also infuses the quaint more melodic vocal tones that gives the songs that journey and adventure of what is to come next as you voyage through each track.
Within the destruction of epic aggressive moments, the guys have simply blended the raw and emotional ambient moments in “HOW I FALL APART”, a masterpiece of a song that includes the delicate moments, with enthralling guitar tones and the hardening blasts that the band is known for. “BETTER DAYS” bleeds with tortured lyrics, jarring soundscapes of haunting ambient and heavy alluring moments, leaving you astounded by the emotional rapport this song signifies. The one thing about this band is, although the brutal moments have made this band a gem in the music community you cannot deny that vocalist Brian Wille has an unforgettable and alluring singing voice. “SPLIT” showcases this amazing vocal pattern and is just a huge highlight in the track and makes the heavier vocal patterns even more in your face, but for me that melody driven beautiful singing voice made this track a playthrough many times over.
The newest addition of sounds from this band come in the form electronic moments where keys and synths bleed out in the right moments to add depth and overall a great layer of refreshing moments in the bands already massive arsenal of musical vibes and tones. Take the standout track “KILL THE ACHE”, where these new moments intertwine with solid melody driven vocals and hard-hitting haunting tones of musical strength, or on “ORIGIN” where electro surges with high energy brutality. “A FLAG TO WAVE”, the bands single and video represents the introduction of what this newest album is all about, intertwining what fans of this band have come to love but it is just the tip of the iceberg. “THE WAY IT ENDS” truly cements the growth, strength of the band members and overall showcases CURRENTS as the band to watch out for in 2020.
REPENTANCE--GOD FOR A DAY BY: Stephanie Stevens
REPENTANCE a band that was formed by a former front man/rapper in Stuck Mojo Robby Fonts and a veteran and well known guitar player in the music world Shaun Glass. Glass who always had that hidden potential to go full fledge metal on us has finally done it with this new band. Along with these noted musicians I mentioned above REPENTANCE is rounded out by the artistry of Kanky Lora on drums, Mike Sylvester on bass and Markus Johansson on guitar. This debut album GOD FOR A DAY is a metal fans dream come true and I reckon I have found the album of the year of 2020! The band didn't just make songs they made a metal story tale (like a fairytale but not so cutesy; because this is fuckin metal people!)
But on a serious note I literally was blown away on first listen to this album and was a bit nervous to write a review because how do you write about brilliance. The album will assault your ear holes with all metal genres from the straight forward devil horns up Metal, to the black metal darkness, to the grit of Thrash metal its all perfectly incorporated without being over emphasized in any one genre. This American band brought the no hold bars attitude of the European music community, which is write what you love and fuck the rest!. The outcome is an impactful and solid album that will be a classic over time. The raging assault in ONLY THE DAMNED DIE YOUNG is seriously infectious. The vocal patterns rage with a low end brutality to high octane screams that make an impactful statement in this song and throughout. ENTER THE GALLOWS waves the metal flag high and proud; its grueling, driving and headbanging to the core. BORN TO CHOOSE and DELIVERANCE reminded me of what got me into metal in the first place and that was way back in the day when the band Sanctuary came out and I was hooked. These two songs brought me back to those day and gave me a reminder that artists can still make real metal in this day and age. the track GOD FOR A DAY has some of the best guitar slaying ever. But the show stopper and all out must hear on this album is track three, the song CLARITY! It defines and possesses the talent in each and ever band member that gave his blood sweat n tears to make this debut. The energy, the driving elements and the power of this song just hands down gave me chills and made me love what music was meant to do for people, make them feel emotion!
GOD FOR A DAY gives you the metal you have been lacking for many years. REPENTANCE is a band made up of such talented musicians and the creativity to me is so organic and natural from track to track that everyone involved on this album should be so proud of this finished product!! METAL is back in full swing guys and if you sleep on this album you are missing out