A Day Out at the Book Fair: The Los Angeles Times Annual Festival of Books, Food, and Music!

Books, Music, Food and fun what more could you possibly ask for when you get a combination like this? I’d say you’ve gotten yourself into some type of festival but one that revolves around books? I can understand music and food and fun but why would a festival want to revolve around books. Well it turns out books are the most important source of fun you could ever imagine because their pages take you to faraway lands and islands and worlds of the unknown all you have to do is imagine it and it will become as real as you make it. That’s what happens when you gather together thousands of various authors both new and upcoming to classic and oldies but goodie authors.



This festival is known only as The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books and is taken place at the UCLA campus and admission is absolutely free just bring along your friends and family members and you get two full days of access! Meet thousands of authors and take the time of chilling out on some great foods and listening in on some of the coolest music around. But that’s not all you get thrown with, when attending this type of festival there are prize giveaways and panel discussions with the authors and various vendors willing to help you find your way. Six different stages (Target Children's Stage, Culinary Stage, Los Angeles Times Stage, Etc. Stage, Poetry Stage, and the Hoy Cultural Stage) were set up that started showcasing various authors and conducting interviews since the beginning of the event at 10 A..M. Lasting long into the nightfall of 4 and 5 P.M. The exhibitor's list contained some of the following sponsors that were dishing out the goodness throughout the day such as Target, TicketMaster, Time Warner Cable, AmazonKindle, ktla5CE, and various radio stations dishing out the smooth jazz mix-ups to the mellowness of the rock and roll beatings. Some authors that plan to outbreak and spread the worth knowledge of the free words found only in books, includes Robert Crais, Michael J. Fox, Tori Spelling, and Larry Wilmore, among the other 450 authors planning on hanging out.

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books should be one event this spring time you should gather everyone for because it indeed does have something for everyone no matter how old they may be. You’ll have a great time hanging around thousands of book lovers, wonderful food, and music atmosphere for the entire UCLA campus surroundings. There is never a dull moment when you attend The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books!

For The Suffering Interview

For The Suffering is an intense metal act that does not want to be messed around with in any type of manner. Their debut "Revolt," takes their place in the music world amazing and grabbing everyone's attention little by little. Fans of Arch Enemy, Otep, Kittie will fall head over heels for these intense metaling masterminds.



1. Please introduce yourself and what you do in For The Suffering and give a brief summary on how the band formed.

My name is Marty and I play drums in For the Suffering

2. Your self-titled debut is out in the open, responses?

So far so good. Most of the responses have been positive and new doors are opening everyday for us.



3. Who did the artwork, title, lyrics?

Destiny Moshier did the album cover art for us. She's very talented and super easy to work with. Check her out at www.eccentricvisions.com

4. Why the name For The Suffering, what does it symbolize?

It's a kind of a reflection of the things we've endured with band members coming and going and having to put up with shitty promoters and other unsavory characters.

Now that we have the right members and things are paying off it seems fitting.

5. Is the tour you're currently on right now in support of your latest release?

We won't be touring until August. Right now we are just doing weekend stints and one off shows.

6. Describe a For The Suffering show for those who have not witnessed one.

Intense.

7. Is your music trying to send out a message fans can relate to and reflect upon?

Absolutely. Kierston touches on a lot of subjects that most people that have been through any sort of hard times or trauma can relate too. And of course there's a hint of political subject matter also.

8. You just signed with Crash Music Inc how has that been going?

Well they put the record out did some promotion..............I can't complain I guess. They have been pretty helpful with us so far.

9. Dustin left the band why the departure?

Dustin has a very sick family member and he felt he needed to dedicate his time to taking care of that person. I admire his selfless decision, not many people would do so.

10. You were once called A Day To Fall, in 2003, why the switch up to For The Suffering?

When we hired Kierston to take over the vocals it only seemed fitting to change up the name. New Music, new sound, new name.

11. "The Revolt," is your new music video what could you explain about that?



We filmed that video in just under 2 hours with absolutely no budget and it came out great! I asked my good friend Marcos Morales (from the band The Dead See) if he would be interested in doing our video. Marcos has done some short films and a few music videos for his band so he was total up for it. THANKS MARCOS!

12. Your music tends to create an Arch Enemy vibe more than the other artists you listed under your influences.

I think people say that because of Kierston. As flattering as that is we really don't sound anything like them. We all have our influences but we create was comes naturally to us. We do what we do and for the most part it's different to whats going on right now in the metal scene.

13. Who are you currently listening to right now?

I'm a huge fan of Devin Townsend so a lot of Strapping Young Lad, also a big fan of Soilwork, Mnemic, Textures, Raunchy etc....

14. What are the upcoming plans for 2009?

We will be touring in August and then in September we will be hitting the studio again with Eddy Razor to do our next record.

15. Anything else you'd like to add?

Yeah, stop downloading and go buy a CD or better yet vinyl!

V for Violence Interview

Leadman Jay talks to me about V for Violence and what they've been up too lately and there upcoming plans and music business they plan to accomplish while on the verge of releasing their album and going out on the road and everything else in between the mix.



1. Give a brief summary on V for Violence for those not familiar with the band.

We're offering a bit different kind of metal music.Some refer us to Slipknot, some to 69 Eyes, some to Marilyn Manson.It would probably be called something like GothCore. Nowadays, in metal and rock music, the bands sound so similar with each others that it's already getting frustrating.V For Violence aims to keep it's music simple but fresh, distinctive yet effective.

2. "Constant Of Death," what can you say about that, its being considered as the first chapter?

It's just a way to tell, that it's the first single release from our debut album.I am into concepts, and conceptual planning. Even if it's sometimes necessary to let go of so called artistic perversions for the financial profit, I want to underline the role of the song, or the release.Think of it as in a book there's chapters that are to divide the whole story in to shorter stories.

3. Who did the artwork, title, and lyrics for album, when you look on the final project, is there anything you wish you could have done differently?

Artwork, title and lyrics are/will be done by me, Jay Tan. We're all satisfied with the result. As boring as it might sound, we can truly say the album to be what we went to do. Naturally, with unlimited time, we would try some different approaches to some songs and whatever. Then the album just wouldn't ever be finished.



4. Why the name V for Violence, what does it symbolize?

It's the Violence that's missing in rock/metal music these days. It's the Violence that makes people entertained and excited. It's the Violence that makes cities burn and people scream. Everyone will have some thoughts about the topic 'Violence' and that's the way it is supposed to be.

5. You guys are based out of Finland, any band recommendations, whats the music scene like there?

80's rock and glam rock bands are popping up everywhere, just to recycle the old things over and over. But yeah, that's how it goes also in fashion. It's the time for big hair and small jeans, I see. Melodic Death/Trash Metal is doing well too, but not really offering anything new. Industrial Metal/Rock is also getting more attention. For anyone into that type of music, I would suggest to check out Black Light Discipline (from the same label as we).And also Vanity Beach, offering some interesting New Wave stuff.

6. What are the upcoming plans for 2009?

In May, the first Single and also a video for it. On B-side, there's a Turmion Ktilt singer featuring. Somewhere around September, the second single (probably video too).And supposedly, in September, the debut album. We'll see if there's going to be a third single afterward with some nice bonuses.

7. You guys are a part of "The Garage Countdown 2009 Finland" competition, how did that come about.

Well, yeah, we participated that contest with our video 'Boy Called Fucker' already in 2008. It started again in 2009. It's just a way to get some attention. After all, TV is an effective media. We got some good feedback and got picked as the second best video in show host's top 5. That was nice, but the competition itself reaches quite small audience. With the upcoming video, the aims are on a bit higher level, when it comes to TV airplay. We'll see how it goes.

8. Describe a V for Violence show for those who have not seen you perform.

It is intensive. It might get a bit too crazy sometimes, though. The fist gigs we played got a bit out of hands. It's not the most polite thing to do to start breaking the main act's speakers just when our own show begins.... I still owe some money for the stuff I've wrecked on stage. Haha! Sorry. But don't get me wrong, we're just about to be known as a band. The first 'demo' (Promo 2008) came out in summer 2008. Now, by label deal, we're expecting for things to actually start happening.

9. Any weird activity on MySpace lately?

Not really. Though, that is a place for weirdos and all kinds of freaks, they all just fit in nicely. Haha. Of course, every now and then, you get some suggestion from people, but they're all welcome.



10. Have you ever ran into the same questions for an interview twice?

No. Not so many questions asked so far. But it might also be so 'cos we're such a new thing to be found and to be introduced to people. After all, we're just about to get our first official material out. There would be more to answer in that question later when there's more to refer to. If you know what I mean.

11. Do you ever get tired of hearing the same questions from Journalists?

No. Bring it on, lovers and haters!

12. When you look back on when V for Violence first started out until now, what do you think?

After we really decided to take this band thing somewhere, things started to happen amazingly fast. Like I already mentioned, we did our first demo in summer 2008. Few months passed and we got an offer to do our first video and around those times, a label deal was offered. I think the whole band is still kind of overwhelmed about it all. And, of course, glad that we got it rolling on.

13. Are you the main interviewer when it comes to interviews?

Yes, I would say so. Even though, every member has an essential role in V For Violence's work flow, so far, most of the songs are written by me. And, of course, since I'm writing the lyrics, I know best what's that the band is trying to say to the listener.

14. If you had a chance to go back in time, where, what, and why?

I wouldn't. I'd probably just fuck things up more than the first time. Okay, that's boring answer. Let's say, that I'd go at the Crucifiction of Jesus Christ at Golgatha, and later on, the text Pilate wrote on the cross above JC's head, would say nothing about him being the King of Jews, but simply stated VFV WAS HERE. Now that should be good promotion by any standards.

15. Anything else you'd like to add?

Thanks for the interview, It was a pleasure. And for anyone interested in checking out some good and catchy new tunes, visit vforviolence.com Remember to check out the single "Constant Of Death". It's definitely going to break both your heart and face.

Sacred Oath Interview #2

Twenty five years what could possibly be any better than having been in a band doing what you love to do for that long? Sacred Oath is one of those types of bands that absolutely love the thing they do when creating music and first getting together in 1984 in the icy depths of Danbury, Connecticut. Rob Thorne, Kenny Evans, Bill Smith, Scott Waite have formed and succeeded with unleashing upon the masses a powerful but aggressive style of music that all; metalheads will surely enjoy. Front man Rob Thorne took the time to talk to me about the upcoming release of their newest installment the band's first self-titled debut with brand new material engraved all over it. It surely shall not be a disappointment in any way possible. Here's how the interview went down....



1. Introduce yourself, and give a brief summary on Sacred Oath for those not familiar with the band.

Rob: I’m Rob Thorne one of the founding members of Sacred Oath first formed in 1985 when I was in high school and our debut album was released in 87 by Mercenary Records it’s called “A Crystal Vision,” and we’re back together again because that album began to take a life of its own. Especially in Europe and more recently has something going for it in the States and here we are we our fourth studio album out.

2. Your self-titled album should be hitting come next month, thoughts?

Rob: Well actually I need to correct that the third studio album the fourth album was actually a live album. What are my thoughts on the new album coming out? Well I’m super optimistic because the album actually came out last week exclusively on iTunes they have a pre-release on it and it’s been doing very, very, really well, so with the reviews that have come out so far and release of the video on MTV, overall the reputation on it, has been so positive that I’m not nervous I’m excited actually.



3. Who did the artwork, title, and lyrics for it?

Rob: I write most of the lyrics and we decided to self-title the album because it’s in many ways an album that’s a rebirth of the band. It’s the first album in the last couple of years with entirely brand new material. And I think it definitely establishes what Sacred Oath really is. Not only back together and active again but stronger than we ever have been. The cover art, was conceptually and design wise put together by IOANNIS he goes by one name, he’s done a lot of different things he’s done about hundred album covers from Extreme, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Almond Brothers, Fate The Mourning, we started working with him for just this record and he went over our lyrics and he came back to us with this concept of this pilot on a mission for the front of the album. We liked the concept and he came back with the painting and we were just blown away and it seems up the whole mood and lyrically concept of the album really well. We were really happy to pair up with him and it’s been a really cool package deal, and everyone seems to love the cover and we’re really happy on how it defines the album.

4. Why the name Sacred Oath, what does it symbolize?

Rob: Well ya know I think we’ve always been fascinated with spiritual and occult themes in our lyrics and Sacred Oath the name sort of conquers up the spiritual condition but it can be either way we are fascinated between the whole fight sequence between good and evil and we thought that name rather sort of leaning towards any particular direction it sort of I don’t know if you’ve seen any of our logos, where we’ll have the angel on top and the devil on the bottom it seems to work out, it seems to work lyrically and also sounds cool and what our originally bass player thought of while we were washing dishes at the Sycamore Restaurant at the age of 15 and plus we were huge Mercyful Fate fans at the time and still are and “Don’t Break The Oath,” had just come out and anything with the name “oath” is cool by us.

5. What are the upcoming plans for Sacred Oath in 2009?

Rob: Well there’s a lot going on for the band right now, I mean more than there ever has been. So right now we just came through for that pre-release of the album which we had a huge push for of reviews and interviews for the press and internet stuff and right now we’re focusing on the European release on May 22nd and U.S. release on May 12th. I think once the album is release we’re going to go out on tour, and start off in Asia and probably go to Europe and then wind up in the states and then definitely start the states in Los Angeles. We’re looking forward to touring and playing the new material on the album and are totally awesome to see the new generation of metal heads and younger kids coming out to our shows, and making it their own sound and style which is great and who we are, which is good for us. They are the most fun types of people in the audience and just eat it up, I love playing it for those kids over and over again.



6. What are the largest and smallest crowds you've played in front of?

Rob: That’s probably the second time I’ve been asked that question, well everybody has probably had one show in their life where they’ve played for like 10 people, (Laughs) luckily that hasn’t been too recently, I’m trying to think of what show that might have been if our drummer were here he’d be able to give you all the details I have a very poor memory. The largest show we’ve played would either have to be Keep It True Festival in 2007 in Germany where our live album was recorded that was also the opening night of our tour. Or back in the 80’s where we opened for Warlock where they were at the height of their frame, and there were thousands and thousands of people at that show that was a cool experience they were huge at the time.

7. What was the first show you guys played?

Rob: (Laughs) The very first show we played was the Devils Café in Norwalk, Connecticut and I remember that because I was 15 and we played a biker bar and just being in a bar alone was so cool and to top it off and have twenty hardcore bikers in front of us shaking their heads to “Welcome Princess Of Hell,” by Mercyful Fate it was very cool a small dive, but that was fun and that the first show I played with Sacred Oath. The first show I ever played in my life was a 6th grade Valentine’s Day dance that wasn’t Sacred Oath though. (Laughs)

8. You admire Alexi Laiho of Children of Bodom, why him, what’s your favorite Bodom song?

Rob: Well that’s interesting because he’s not my favorite guitar player but one of the current guitar players that I enjoy and I only say that because I went and saw them live, I’m not a huge fan of their discs I have like 2 or 3 of their discs but don’t really listen to them. When I went and saw them open up for Megadeth at the Hammersteam Ballroom he came out because he is a singer/guitar player he came out with such a furious high energy instated both on the guitar and vocally and I know what it takes and he was such a performer and so magnetic and he had that whole room blowing up and that’s what impressed me the most about him. I don’t think I have a favorite Bodom song, mostly because I’m not the biggest Bodom fan but I’m a fan of him and what he’s doing.

9. Have you ever run into the same questions for an interview twice?

Rob: (Laughs) all the time and its funny that the questions you get asked over and over are the ones you hate to answer in the first place and when you end up coming up with an answer to that question and the next thing you know you’re just spitting out that same answer all the time. People are always asking me what are my favorite albums of all time and I keep spitting out the same answers over and over and I start to think last week those were but now I like this set of albums.

10. Do you ever get tired of hearing the same questions from Journalists?

Rob: (Laughs) No not really honestly I think it’s awesome that anyone is still interested in what Sacred Oath is doing and take the time to find out and take the time to write it down and I love to talk.

11. You guys just shot a video for "Counting Zeros," what was that like?

Rob: That was filmed on location in Connecticut in February and I know you haven’t been to Connecticut but in fact I know you haven’t been anywhere, where it gets really cold. It took 14 hours to shoot outside and we had 14 degrees out and we were freezing and our faces were like clenched against the elements and it was a great experience because it had actors kids in it and we had no idea what it was going to be like. It was difficult to be out there that long in the cold, but it was awesome the kid Andrew Burn starred in the video he took direction well and is a student of mine and I was really proud of him and in the end we were really happy on how it turned out When it came out and had it premiere on MTV’s Headbanger’s Blog was like the icing on the cake.

12. "Till Death Do Us Part," was the bands first live album, what was that experience like?



Rob: That was a great experience not only did we have a great night that night but was the first night of our first European tour and it was very respected traditional festival in Germany the metal capital of the world and on top of all that we didn’t have a clue we were recording a live album. So we didn’t have any of that self-consciousness of you know you’re being recorded and that album really truly is a pure live Sacred Oath album and not focused on how we were playing but for the fans and to find out after the show that the engineer had recorded it and had made the tapes available for us was awesome and when we got back the tapes in the states and listened to them in my studio you know what there is a lot of energy on recording that its totally Sacred Oath. So we mixed it and put it out. The funny thing is that people told us to not put it out the people in the industry kept saying to us that live albums don’t sell nobody is interested in live albums and just going to waste time and I didn’t wanna hear it so we went ahead of it on our own and a step away from Sentinel Steel and that’s when things started to take off for the band.

13. Will we be seeing a live DVD on the next tour round-up?

Rob: That’s the second time I’ve been asked that one before too, (Laughs) we you know it’s funny because that is becoming the new thing every time a band tours they make a DVD because I guess the album sales are down and DVD sales are up but we have no plans on doing a DVD during this tour, but you never know we don’t have anything planned if you wanna see the band you gota come to the shows.



14. When you look back on when Sacred Oath first started up until now, what do you think?

Rob: What do I think? I can’t believe that we’re still doing this and that its still so much fun and we played with so many bands in the 90’s it’s a real privilege to be able to come back together and make a good album and do a tour and have a successful live album and then have another album be our best work yet I’m the happiest guy in the world, I’m on top of the world right now.

15. Are you the main interviewer when it comes to interviews?

Rob: Yeah I don’t think anyone else has done any interviews, I got start spreading that out, and I’m losing my voice I won’t be able to sing (Laughs). We do, do radio interviews where we all get together and crash the studio, and tear it apart but generally for this album I’ve done, most of the interviews.

16. If you had a chance to go back in time, where, what, and why?

Rob: Well I really don’t live with many regrets to try not to, the past is the past and I’m really happy with everything I have I don’t have any complaints but if I were to go back I would go back to the very beginning with Sacred Oath when w e were having difficulty with our label and probably handle things differently at that time, but we were punk kids at that time, and the way we reacted we’d just walk away. But if I did have a chance I’d would have handle things a lot differently.

17. What are you doing in L.A. came down for a business trip?

Rob: I have some meetings for distribution the new album nobody knows this but the release date for the new album May 12TH will probably be pushed back a few weeks since the iTunes release was successfully as it was it cracked the top 15 and turned our world upside down. I have some meetings here and how that goes we may have to change it in a few weeks, and doing a few interviews here and enjoying the 100 degree temptations because its 40 degrees in Connecticut.

18. What are you currently listening too right now?

Rob: I like that question I’m a vinyl junkie in fact right after this I have a meeting down by Amoeba I have but I’m going to hit there first, I listen to a lot of music is music I listen to 30 years ago I picked up the reissue of Judas Priest’s “British Steel,” great album listen to Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Motorhead, as for the new releases I listen to a little Trivium, I like Slayer, but don’t listen to them a whole lot. Being a singer I enjoy listening to the metal genre where the singer sings melodically. “Say No Mercy,” and “Hell Awaits,” are my all time favorite Slayer albums. A very melodic feel to it I dig into it.



19. What guitars do you own and is there one that you want to own?

Rob: I love the guitars I have right now every guitar I have is a nice guitar. I have a 71 Gibson Les Paul which is my main studio recording guitar. I have a 1984 Gibson Flying-V another main studio guitar and ones I use when playing live. I have a 1981 B.C. Custom guitar and the only one I use because of the whammy bar which I use a lot. A 1978 navigator ES copy which is a great sounding guitar but I used it which is metal, what guitar would I like to own? There are a lot I’d like to own. Oh man, uh no because I can walk into any store right now and be like, “that one,” and then go into another store and then “no this one.” I love playing my Flying-V it’s easy to use and not too heavy on my shoulders. I’ll probably be looking around while here in L.A.

20. Thanks for doing the interview, anything else you'd like to add?

Rob: As always I’d like to give a special thanks to the Oathbangers what we call our fans the ones on the West Coast, we defiantly plan on going on tour this year and not only see the Oathbangers but see other fans that have joined the ranks of the metal world. Thank you for coming out and doing this; nice of you to do so.

Shakra Interview

Shakra a well known heavy metal rock and roll act that is hitting the world by storm getting their music heard everywhere possible. Breaking out the tunes and busting out the music left and right. Their guitarist Thomas took the time to talk to me about Shakra's upcoming plans and touring info and what the band is currently been up too within the last couple of months....



1. What’s new with you guys? What’s going on in Switzerland lately? You've been playing a handful of shows.

Thomas: I would say Everest is new! It will be released on April 17. Well, we played the last shows in summer 2008 in Europe. Then we right entered the studio working on the new album. It took us about 5 months until until everything, the mixing and mastering was done.

2. "Everest," is your newest installment from the albums you've released, what can you tell me is different from this album compared to your older material?

Thomas: I think the main difference is the production. Everest has a better sound than any other album before. It sounds much warmer though it’s still heavy! And the songs, well, what can I say; it sounds like SHAKRA and I like all of them! Maybe everything is a bit more mature this time, it sounds perfect in a way. We created the perfect SHAKRA-style on Everest.



3. Who came up with the title, artwork, lyrics, for this album?

Thomas: Well, we came back from a show in Germany last summer when Mark was talking with our sound engineer about the album title. They both said the title should sound just big! Big as the Mount Everest! And we all go: EVEREST, that’s it, just EVEREST! Hehe, that really sounds big! I think for most the people EVEREST means giant, huge, great, things like that. For me it means constant, unshakable, resistant, indestructible, because we went through good times but also very bad times in the past. But nonetheless we were able to release a new album every two years. That’s what I call constant! It was also Mark who came up with the album artwork. Ok, it was my idea to have a white cover with a symbol in the middle, but Mark worked it up until we were satisfied. He also wrote all the lyrics.

4. How do you still manage to write original material without repeating yourself?

Thomas: Hmm, I don’t know…. There are some periods when I work almost every day on new material. So in the end we can choose from about 30 song ideas and we put those on the album we think they are good enough and a bit different compared to the former releases.

5. What does the name Shakra mean and symbolize?

Thomas: It comes from the indian mythology and describes the seven energy spots in the human body. Thom’s wife came up with that name back in 1995. I know it sounds a bit esoteric, but who cares, it has to do something with energy and it just sounds good!

6. How are things with the label AFM? They seem to be really psyched!

Thomas: I don’t know… hey, they did a great job in the past and I hope they will also do a good job with Everest! Well, I think just everyone in this business is a little bit, psyched this day.

7. What have you been your favorite bands to play with?

Thomas: If you talk about bands that have been supported by us, well, then I would say Dream Theater! It was just fantastic to watch them warming up in the backstage. I also have good thoughts about our shows with Nightwish a few years ago. That was a completely different audience for us, but since then we got a lot of new fans here in switzerland.

8. Where does the band draw influence from?

Thomas: Hmm… I just compose… and it happens! Or not. Usually it doesn’t matter if I’m in a good mood or not. It doesn’t matter if there’s another financial crisis or if the global warming goes on. It doesn’t has any influence to me. I just write song, sometimes I write good ones and sometimens not. It just happens.
I guess for Mark it’s a bit different. He writes all the lyrics and for him it really matters if things go well or not. It’s all about Love&Pain.

9. What bands have Shakra been compared too?

Thomas: Well, because were a swiss band some people said that we’re the new Gotthard or Krokus in our early days. That’s ok, every band is being compared with other bands in the beginning. But in the meantime we’re mainly SHAKRA, a band with their own, strong trademarks.

10. What separates you from other bands of this genre?

Thomas: There’s no other band with an album called "Everest."

11. What is the band's favorite Shakra’s song?

Thomas: Concerning the new album Thom and me have the same opinion: The Journey!! We love this song because it’s everything in there that SHAKRA stands for! Driving guitar riffs, strong vocal lines and outstanding guitar solos! Though it’s actually not a typical SHAKRA song because it’s almost 8 minutes long.



12. Do you think its more important to play music for enjoyment or for a purpose?

Thomas: When you start making music as a young kid I think you do it just for fun. Later when you get more and more successful it’s just like a job. But a job you really love to do!!!! That’s a perfect combination!

13. What are the plans for 2009?

Thomas: What do you think? We go on tour now. After such a long time in the studio we’re hungry for the stage. First we’ll do this tour now through Germany, Holland, Belgium and Italy. Then we’ll play a big show in Zurich/Switzerland followed by some summer festivals. A second part of european shows is planned for September/October. And maybe at the end of the year we’ll release a best of album. Our swiss record label Sony Music is interested in that. We’ll see.

14. What is the music scene like in Switzerland any bands you'd recommend?

Thomas: Yes, SHAKRA! You know, I’m not watching the scene around that much. Well, what can I say? There are 2 swiss bands I really like: Pure Inc. and Lunatica. Check them out!

15. Do you have any announcements or last words you'd like to say?

Thomas: See you all on tour this year! Cheers!!!!

White Pulp Interview

Leadman Sonny talked to me about the band's tributing act to Marilyn Manson and his newest release and upcoming touring plans among other music related business. This retro electric rock and roll heavy metal sensation is an act that plans to hit it big wherever they go and will not stop until their music is heard loud and clear!



1. Why the name White Pulp, what does it symbolize and mean?

It doesn't mean anything. It just sounded good and I really liked it.

2. Is White Pulp anything like Posthuman?

No. First of all Posthuman is a tribute band so I can't compare nothing about that between the two bands. Then it's a complete different attitude and way to be onstage.

3. What was it like tributing to Marilyn Manson?

It was pretty cool, it was the "first big experience" and it gave us the chance to go all around Europe performing in legendary clubs and makes the skill on stage.

4. Is the tour your on now in support of your latest release?

Yes, we promoted the album for almost one year and we are currently performing "Ashamed of Yourself".



5. Who did the artwork, title, and lyrics for it?

Alex Arroyo from NY, we made a contest and lot of people replied back sending photos, painting etc…he did that and it matched perfectly the idea of the record and we really liked what he did so..

6. When will we be seeing White Pulp in the U.S.?

I hope really soon we are trying to get us over there, probably with the next record cause at the moment if you are in US and you want our album you gotta go on iTunes, Napster, Amazon etc….Or order it in some stores. I think we need more and especially more promotion so as soon that we can make a deal we will come. I love L.A.

7. What are the future plans for the rest of 2009?

Actually we are gonna perform a few more shows and then we'll be back in the studio to keep working on the new record. We have an acoustic set too kind of strange for a band like us but it seems people really like it so we are gonna play some shows. It's gonna be really different from what we usually do.

8. What was it like playing at the Whisky in Hollywood, CA back on February 9th 2006?

I know that for an American band it's like: so what!? We are Italians and for us go in L.A. and have a mini tour performing in a club like the whisky where basically performed most of the band we grew up with. It was amazing.

9. What have been the smallest and largest crowds you've played in front of?

I started to play long years ago and i think the first time I performed it was in front of 10 persons. The largest crowd was like 1500 in Hungary. It was great.

10. What was the first show Posthuman played and first show White Pulp played?

Posthuman like 4 years ago, white Pulp almost 2 but I was playing with other members.

11. What is the music scene like in Italy, any bands you'd recommend?

Music scene in Italy sucks and I really mean it. Nobody gives a chance you have to go to promoters with numbers and show them that you are basically famous enough (like if you need them if you were famous) to be someone.
There is no music culture, and that's why we don't really care to stay here we have fans around but we are a lot more fans outside of Italy. A band like us doesn’t have a big point or goal here.



12. What is one song you cannot live without?

One of my favorite song is "And all that could have been" from N.I.N. There is lot of songs i could not live without but I love this one.

13. What were you like as a kid and going through high school?

I hated going to school, i think is one of the most boring thing ever. I know is important (for something) but at the same time I did just because i had to other wise i would avoid it 100%. As a kid i was always in trouble but I wasn't bad you know. I was just bored and curious so i had to invent something exciting everyday and apparently people, teachers etc….didn't like it.

14. If you could back in time, where, what, and why?

I don't like to think about what it was or come back to the past. I want something new and better than before. I think I did what I could in my past and i took almost every time the right decision especially about music but I’m honestly looking in front of myself and I’m trying to figure out the best way to keep being excited about what i do. This is the most important thing for me.

15. Anything else you'd like to add?

Thanks for your interest in WP and I hope to see you all soon in US.

Pistol Day Parade Interview

Pistol Day Parade shall we all take out our weapons and just fire away at anything and everything that gets in our way? I think so because you get that way after listening to these rockstars breaking through the rock and roll music scene little by little getting their music put together and touring around as much as possible. Pistol Day Parade sets the scene right and this is what they had to say....

1. Do you feel like your past plays a part in motivating your efforts?

Well in most of our pasts we've all had life & relationship problems, but we've actually found other ways of motivating our efforts. Fuller plans on buying a Nintendo 64 when we get signed, so he's been seriously motivated lately!

2. Do you feel your music and your efforts coincide with one another?

Yes, our music deals a lot with inner struggle and we've been working hard at getting our name out there for people to notice what we're doing, so they definitely coincide with one another.

3. Is there a message you carry within your music that you want to express to your listeners?

Buy our CD! Honestly, we just want people to worship us, nothing BIG!

4. What is Pistol Day Parade doing differently on the new album "High," to warrant the attention of some of the younger kids who are just getting into heavy music now? Do you feel you're a logical progression for kids to get into the way most people get into metal and hard – through the more popular bands?

Is that an SAT question? Well we generally grab the attention of older listeners whose kids just happen to hear the songs, because their parents make them listen to us as punishment, poor little kiddos!

5. If you were interviewing yourself, what question would you ask yourself? And what would the answer be?

I would ask... "Who in the band is most likely to start and fund his own free medical clinic?" answer- Rob Banks

6. Time for a little word game. What are the first thoughts that come to your mind when hearing the names....?

- Alcohol: Guido
- Idols: American
- Heavy Metal: Moms basement
- Sports: Thumb wrestling
- Food: Yum
- Love: Stinks
- Success: PDP's a household name
- Magazines: Swank
- Punkrock: Is dead

7. How would you compare "She Wants More," to "High,"?



"She Wants More" is 5 of our favorite songs. They all have powerful riffs and meaningful messages... We don’t like to get "High," but I'm sure you do!

8. How did such an odd name come to be?

Those are just three of our favorite things, so it seemed fitting.

9. Your lyrics are obviously quite interesting. How do you feel when that seems to be lost with some listeners whom only seem to hear the aggressive side of the music being played?

I'm sure we would feel, hurt, distraught, shamed, guilty, fearful and like writing a hip-hop album.

10. What do you think is the most harmful thing happening to the underground music scene right now, and what do you think could curb that?

What’s with all the hard questions?

11. Tell me, do you believe in life after death?

Umm, haven't you ever seen "GHOST" Whoopie Goldberg believes.

12. What does the immediate future hold for Pistol Day Parade?

One word.... The Betty Ford Clinic, oh wait that's actually 4 words!

13. What is the one thing that you would still like to accomplish with Pistol Day Parade that you haven't yet done?

Take over the world, or at least parts of New Jersey.



14. Was there any song that sticks out as one where you knew "High," was going to be the album that it became?

Yeah, we have always been partial to "Better" that song speaks to us (que the cheesy inspirational music).

15. Thanks for the time and such a great record.

Your welcome. - Randy.

Wolf Interview

Wolf formed in 2005 and unleashed 5 albums and have toured all over with a handful of various acts and performers. Aside from performing being their passion their goals are to tour all over and with as many BIG name acts as possible. Making music is the only thing they can combined to create and develop. I had a chance to conducted an interview with Wolf's guitarist Johanne's Axeman talks to me about their latest accomplishments and upcoming plans for the 2009 year!



1. Why the name Wolf, what does it symbolize?

It's a cool name for a Metal band and we needed something easy. Not a "three random words" name that seem to be so popular these days. It symbolizes the creature of the night's that we are.

2. Is there a story behind the title "Ravenous"?

Not really. It's a great name for an album and we wrote a song called Ravenous so we went for that.



3. Who did the artwork, title, lyrics?

Artwork by the great Thomas Holm that we've worked with before on 2 previous albums and he's done great stuff for Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, Nifelheim and many more. I came up with the title for the album and the lyrics are done by Niklas except "Curse you Salem" that's written by me.

4. Is "Ravenous," in anyway similar to your older material "The Black Flame," "Evil Star," "Black Wings," or "S/T"?

Yes of course. We don't change or try to break new ground. We are heavy metal and we'll stay that way. Of course there small thing here and there but i can't really put my finger on it. Journalists like to do that so i'll leave that up to them.



5. What's it like being signed with Century Media Records and Prosthetic Records?

We're now on Century Media worldwide and we love it. They really dig Wolf and what we represent so we go along nicely. And they pay us a lotta money to play heavy metal. I mean, whats better than that?

6. Who did you work with when creating the music video for "Voodoo?"

We did the video up in Umeå/Sweden with Owe Lingwall from Village Road production. He did our video for I will Kill again so we wanted to work with him again. He's not only a great video maker, he's also the drummer in Nocturnal Rites and we know him well. WE shot the video in 2 days and had a great time.

7. I noticed some vocal similarities to that of Iron Maiden's style are they your mega influence when creating music?

Iron Maiden equals Heavy Metal, Wolf equals Heavy metal. There you go.

8. Going through line-up changes can be difficult but are you satisfied with the line-up you have right now?

Of course. You know, being in a band is like a marriage. Everyone has to make it work and when one don't wanna you have to let 'em go. We had members in the band that didn't want to be in a band so they left. Now we're 4 people working for the same goal united as one. Wolf is stronger than ever and we can now focus 666% on playing metal.



9. Which song off "Ravenous," has the most meaning?

They all do since Ravenous represents 2;5 years of our life. Every song has a special meaning since we we're there when they were born. It's a great feeling seeing them come to life. But i guess, to me, the song Curse you Salem really stands out for me since it's simply such a kick-ass song.

10. Could you briefly summarize how the band formed for those not familiar with you guys.

Formed in 95 after 666 pints of lager. First album in 2000. Been bashing heavy metal ever since. There's a biography on our website www.wolf.nu

11. Are you a big fan of the internet or does MySpace drive you insane.

Internet is good for any band. And particularly Myspace. You can directly go and check out a band. Not only how good looking they are but you got music, videos and other stuff there for you to build an opinion upon.

12. What are your plans for 2009 year?

Playing live til we puke!!!!

13. If you had a chance to tour with any band, who, where, why?



Judas Priest, Testament or King Diamond. The world of course. Not only do i get to play Dean Flying V's every fucking night, i can go off stage, have a beer and then go and enjoy my favorite bands afterward. Now THAT, my friends, is a we metal dream coming true.

14. When someone asks you what type of music Wolf plays what do you tell them?

Heavy metal.

15. Anything else you'd like to add?

Support your local headbangers and be sure to check out Wolf since we are probably you favorite band.

Anime Expo 2009

Papa Roach Interview:the Roaches That Didn't Get Squashed

Once upon a time there a series of bugs and insects that lived together some worked and some stayed at home with their families while others wanted to fulfill their lives with the joy of music. Many of the talented music bugs/insects were unsuccessful except some a set of four roaches that were just determined to not want to give up; Jacob Shaddix (Vocals), Jerry Horton (Guitar, Vocals), Tobin Esperance (Bass, Guitar, Vocals) and Tony Palermo (Drums). Thus the form of alternative rock band known only as Papa Roach was born in 1993 from the warm depths of the California sunlight.

The heat and brightness of the hot misty air shined down above the hundreds who lived in California and the four members of Papa Roach knew how to keep everyone all nice and cool. By playing some rock music? The band broke into the music scene unleashing upon the masses "Old Friends from Young Years," (1997) and soon after “Infest,” (2000) that lead towards three more accomplishments; "Lovehatetragedy," (2002) "Getting Away with Murder," (2004), and "The Paramour Sessions," (2006) but then the tragedy and disappearance of the band was in the air and we hadn’t heard or seen Papa Roach for some time…

Until the arrival of the year known as 2009 the arrival of “NEW” and this time everyone is back up on their feet creating what they love to do most in the music world which is music and by all means may I present to you Papa Roach’s sixth and foremost newest addition to their rockiest collection yet "Metamorphosis.” Originally being named “Days of War, Nights of Love,” the band decided to switch it up a notch with something more edgy and catchy that draws you in wanting to know the meaning behind the name.

Vocalist and front man Jacob spoke to me about the band’s current touring schedule and upcoming plans for the next couple of months and what to expect to see them come the summer and fall terms. Jacob also went into discussing about how their newest record “Metamorphosis,” came into effect and how is currently being reacting to the media and fan base.



1. How is the current tour going? You guys recently did a set of dates right here in Los Angeles having celebrated what was the occasion?

Jacob: The tour is going great everything is going good we’ve been out with Buckcherry and Avenged Sevenfold for the last 8 months and we’ve played in front of a million people by now and is a record for us and that’s great; and the shows out in Los Angeles did one in Los Angeles and one in New York small, small club dates and those were for the 10 Anniversary shows, and we did one at the Troubadour and that’s where we got our start in Los Angeles and that’s actually the club we got signed out of it was great to play back there and just throw down.

2. What are your upcoming plans for the 2009 year?

Jacob: We’re gonna be touring our asses off we’re finishing this tour on the 11th and then the 12th going to Europe for 2 and half weeks and kicked the shit out of Europe for a couple of weeks and looks like all the dates are sold out which is great; and then after that and then come back to the states playing a few shows and then this summer go out with Nickleback and just working our asses off touring, touring, touring we have a great time.

3. Could you briefly summarize the time spent in the recording studio and the how the ending result of "Metamorphosis," came about?



Jacob: For us we went back to the Paramour in Los Angeles in the process of that we have a new drummer and a huge change for us. We had a blast writing this record we didn’t have any issues with each other just four men in the studio jamming having a good time. Since this is for the fans of Papa Roach and have a statement and really say something we were paying attention to the world around us and the song “Lifeline,” was inspired on what’s going on right now in the United States and in particular my hometown Sacramento and the leading places homes for home foreclosure and a lot of desperation people losing their homes is a tragedy and for me I the first year of my life; my family was homeless I can identify and being poor and growing up and stuff like that and “Lifeline,” is a song that relates to the desperate times we live in and the war in IRAQ and everything that’s going on over there. We’re centered in on that and wrote a song called “Had Enough,” and how violence is penetrating our lives and every aspect of our lives and we’ve had enough of it and we’re basically making a record about the world around us than just a record that’s totally personal.

4. How were you guys chosen to play the Guitar Center Drum Off event, I was there by the way, tried setting up an interview with you guys then but didn't know who to contact.

Jacob: That’s the case of us every records we put out either a new record company or new president of the company. But the drum-off was great man, and seeing we got a new drummer and showcasing him and showing him as a kick-ass drummer and it was a great show and the drummer of Iron Maiden was there and the guy from Shadows Fall was in the house and it was a really fun show, it was a great night.

5. How does it feel to have some of your songs being playable for the Rockband video game, are you fan of it?

Jacob: Oh yeah I think it’s great and really gotten the kids heads into rock and roll and for us to be involved in that is great. It helps us really make our band name an out- sold name because that game is a fucking hotcake and really helps get our music out to the people.



6. You guys played last year’s Crufest, and also was a guest on Motley Crue's "Saints of Los Angeles tune, how was that experience?

Jacob: For us, we were sitting at the Paramour, and our manager called and asked us would you wanna go out with Motley Crue this summer? We didn’t even have to think we were like “FUCK YES” and then they asked me to sing for the song and I was like I’d love to they’re one of my favorite bands. After that being in the video and going out on tour and singing “Saints of Los Angeles,” every night, it was off the chain and it was a blast that will be a summer I will always remember.

7. Are there any 2009 plans you want fans to know about or do you want to be secretive?

Jacob: For us really is about touring for this record and supporting it and we’re trying to get involved for some charity work and do some stuff for our community and anybody out there that needs help or wants to help people go volunteer at a soup kitchen or a shelter ya know and give back to the less fortunate in our communities because people really need right now.

8. What are the largest and smallest crowds you've played in front of?

Jacob: The smallest crowd like back in the day when we first started was those back yard parties and garage parties and shit like that and the biggest crowd we played in front was Rock-n Rio with Guns-n-Roses and Oasis in 2001-2002 and that just blew me away I was tripped out.



9. Do you remember the first show Papa Roach ever played?

Jacob: The first show we ever played was the high school talent show in 1993 and we thought we were the coolest thing since slice bread but we fucking sucked. We were having fun so that’s what it was all about.

10. Why the name change from "Days of War, Nights of Love," to this title.

Jacob: “Metamorphosis,” just more fitting and what we’ve gone through firing management and getting a new booking agent and also with the sound of the band; really progressing and pushing ourselves in a new direction and I think where we’re at as a band, the evolution and progression is what keeps this band pushing us forward and our goal as a rock and roll band and take our fans on a new ride and take them to new places I think it’s our reasonability.

11. Is there going to be a new DVD in the works?

Jacob: I’m sure over the cycle of this record we are definitely going to do another live DVD and when we get on stage and throw done that is the best element of our band. Also recently we went into the studio in Nashville and cut a couple of acoustic songs “Lifeline,” “Carry Me,” and “Had Enough,” three songs off the new record, and had a good time doing that so look out for those somewhere, somehow, somewhere.

12. As I mentioned before I had seen you guys perform back in January of this year, and noticed you have a lot of tattoos spread around you, is there one that has a special meaning?

Jacob: I would say the tattoo of a microphone on my forearm and my X-Drummer drew it up for me and that was back in the mid-90’s and I had a day-job and I was like “FUCK IT” and I was committed this is my life and my passion and went and got it tattooed and where everybody can see it and that was the moment where I was like this is my life and I want to play music and what I want to do.



13. You obviously have toured all over since the beginning of your career, but has there been a spot that Papa Roach hasn't been too?

Jacob: We’ve never been to Antarctica and I would like to go to Alaska and going to Russia for our first time in June and probably go play North Korea sometime. *Laughs*There are a lot of places we have yet to go.

14. Do you ever get tired of hearing the same questions from Journalists?

Jacob: Ya know for us it’s our opportunity to get our message out and comes with the job and try to make the best of any situation.

15. You just released your latest video "Lifeline," did you work with the same people that did "Hollywood Whore"?

Jacob: No we worked with a different guy, Chris Sims and we wanted to express the reality of the world around us in that video and I think we wanted to make a video with a message and I think we did a great job on that video I’m really proud of it. We’re going to go work again who directed and produced “Hollywood Whore,” and going over to the U.K. and stopping in with him and shooting videos for “Days Of War,” and “Change Or Die,” we really like working with him it’s going to be combat, rock and roll death cult it’s gonna be awesome.

16. Can you take a guess as to how many interviews you've done in the past 24 hours?

Jacob: 4.

17. Are we going to be seeing you guys perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live anytime soon?

Jacob: We would love to do that show I’m sure over the course of this record and we did Jay Leno over a month ago and we did “Lifeline,” and I think for us that was our best television performance to date. It just sounded right and felt right and we went back and watched it and we like “We did it.” T.V. is hard to do sometimes because you’re under the microscope, but we nailed it this last time.



18. I’m curious to know what does the name “roach” in Papa Roach refer too, does it refer to the insect or something else?

Jacob: Papa Roach it came from my great grandfather last name and we called it Papa Roach and once we became the band we grabbed the cockroach as our motto and mascot and the thing I love about the cockroach when everything is done and over with the cockroach can survive anything.

19. Anything else you'd like to add?

Jacob: For us we feel blessed and humble to still being doing this for so many years now, and get an impact on people’s lives and getting support from our fans and we are nowhere near from ending this we have so much more to say and so much more to say and write about. So bewared!

The Number 12 Looks Like You Interview

The Number 12 Looks Like You talks to me about their latest albums and their upcoming touring plans and what we can expect to see and hear from this talented musicians just wanting to get their name out into the open for everyone to witness....

1. Tell me a brief summary on how the band got together and what you do in The Number 12 Looks Like You for those not familiar with the band.

We got together on accident about 8 years ago, we were trying to start a whole other band playing different instruments then we play now. I am the vocalist of the band, that means I sing.

2. What are you currently up too right now; saw some tour dates on your MySpace.

Right now right now? I am sitting in my underwear cause I just for out of the shower and doing this interview. And yes, more touring to come with Protest and Misery.

3. Your last two releases in the last two years was a DVD "Here At The End Of All Things," and then your last LP "Worse Than Hell," how did those project your music style since you first started. How did it feel to release your first DVD?



Worse than Hell? that's a pretty good name, I wish we thought of that one instead of what its called now, Worse Than Alone :) It shows our ages from when we first started, more matured and grown up, there's a zillion other bands out there right now who are doing what we use to do, so why should we keep doing it? It felt good to release HATEOALT...whoa...first time I abbreviated that phrase and look how cool that word is, man all these good ideas come NOW.

4. Ah, you win some you lose some...We just got the CD for review a week ago :), do we get points for being close? I heard you got your name from a Twilight Zone episode, which episode, are you a big fan of that series? I particular enjoy the one about "Maple Street."

You heard that? that's weird...we made that name about 60 years ago and THEN the twilight zone took it from us, of course they took the credit. Luckily I'm a huge fan of the show and let em have it.

5. Why the change up from being known as "And Ever," to now being The Number 12 Looks Like You?

hahahaha, wow how did you know? I don't know why, i wish we kept And Ever, it gets all the ladies.

6. What can fans expect from "Worse Than Alone", which came out a 2 weeks ago? More of the same, crazy musical change from "Mongrel"?

They can expect a little bit more put together Mongrel.

7. How is it like being apart of Eyeball Records, getting along with the other bands on the label, have you toured with them all or not yet?

Its rad.

8. What can we expect to see from The Number 12 Looks Like You show for those who haven't seen you play?

Peace sign rainbow flags waving in the air leading a congo line, body slamming, ears bleeding from megaphones, the pussy sword, sparklers, face fucking...and yes, I'm not exaggerating at all.



9. If you had a chance to go back in time where, what, why?

I would go back to when my pops was having sex with my mom on the beach in California and give him a pat on the back and say "You did a good job duder".

10. Have any plans for Easter or not too fond of the bunny making you hunt for eggs.

Nope, Easter sucks!

11. You shared the stage with a lot of amazing bands, but whom would you really love to play with that you haven’t had the opportunity yet?

Saves the Day!

12. Out of the variety of cover tunes you've done which one is your favorite to play live?

hmmmmmm....probably "Grandfather" by INXS.

13. What's next on the list for The Number 12 Looks Like You, assuming touring your asses off?

Indeed indeed.

14. You guys are going on tour with Misery Signals, Protest the Hero, and Fall From Grace, in April what can we expect from that line-up?

That it will be full of horny hard cock dudes at the end of tour.

15. How do all your tours get set up? Do you tell your manager "Hey we want to tour with these guys" Or just get told what to do.

All different, it depends.

16. Have you ever met an over obsessed fan?

hahah, oh yes.

17. What is currently playing on your iPod or CD Player?

Bad Rabbits.

18. Would you like to add any final words to those reading this?

Stand tall, fly straight, U-S-A all the way!

Flatfoot 56 Interview

Flatfoot 56 is an act unlike any other who loves the work they do and talks about their latest release in comparison to their older material and what they plan to do within the upcoming months while out on the road among other activities.

1. Why the name Flatfoot 56? What does it symbolize?

Flatfoot 56 is an old name that we used to call our bass player when we were kids. He played baseball when he was a kid and his baseball number was 56. He also had very flat feet and we would tell him that he ran like a duck. We would chant the name at his games to poke fun at him.

2. What's the difference between "Jungle of the Midwest Sea," and "Knuckles Up"?



About three years and a lot of growing up. Hahaha. I think “Jungle” is just a bit more mature and instrumentally more grown up. I also think that “Jungle of the Midwest Sea” is a bit more of a diverse sounding record. There are more folk-sounding songs and it does a good job at delivering the harder hitting songs as well. “Knuckles Up” was our debut that got all of the rowdy kids interested.

3. Noticed on your MySpace you mentioned in your bio "wall of death," is that your band's specialty?

Over the years it has become a favorite of our fans along with some other crowd movement variations. We also have one called the meat grinder which is a three layered circle pit.

4. Why did you pick Punk / Celtic / Hardcore as your genre of music to play?

We didn't pick it, we just kind of fell into it. We loved punk and over the years it just got harder and more Celtic. As we were exposed to many different styles of music, we start to find our way to what we sound like now.



5. Who writes the lyrics, what are they about? Is there any concept in them? Are the lyrics an important aspect of the band or are they just there to guide the music?

The lyrics are the key because they help to mold the band's vibe. Every band has a message in one way or another and Flatfoot 56 lyrics do really help to shape the way we try to encourage our fans. We always want to challenge people and make them think, but do it in a way that offers hope. Many of our lyrics are story-like or are taken from experiences that we have had. We also try to challenge people to push for a positive change to their world.

6. How do you think the recession is affecting musicians like yourself? Is it at all?

It has become a bit tough for many touring bands. I think its impacted turn-outs in some areas, but not as bad as one might think. The gas prices of last spring hit us much harder than the recession has seemed to. People have still been coming out and supporting though. We have lowered our prices for shirts to try and help people out a little, but they are quite resilient and keep coming out. It’s awesome to see people holding strong.

7. How many magazines have you been interviewed or featured in and do you ever get tired of hearing the same questions from Journalists?

I can’t even begin to count the number of interviews we have done or articles we have been featured in. Its’ been a few. It gets frustrating sometimes to hear the same questions over and over again but I am never going to complain about people wanting to know about the band. It’s an honor to be asked!



8. Tell some of your experiences playing live.

We have had so many crazy times during live shows it’s hard to write them all. We have had everything from kids jumping off 15ft balconies onto the crowd, to 15 guy pool cue fights busting out in the back of the room over some crew drama. We have had entire crowds bust out in mock sword fights during a song of ours only to end the song and find the entire room laying on the floor with one kid standing like he was the sole winner of the fight. Our crowds are a crazy group and we love them for it.

9. What are your expectations for Flatfoot 56 in the future?

We hope to grow and really be a band that people can bring their kids out to see when they grow up. I guess our dream is to be a band that kids can identify with and remember as a band that had a part in defining their memories while growing up. We have always been close to our fans and really want to build a great fan base that knows how to have fun and keep the drama to a minimum. We also want to keep putting out great music for our fans and for new fans alike.

10. What do you guys do when you're not out on the road? Do you guys work or go to school?

On the very rare occasion that we are home we spend time with family and try to pick up odd jobs just to help make ends meet. Times at home are usually very short but always full of a ton of hanging out with close friends and family.

11. Are there any cool touring/recording experiences or other bizarre stories you would like to share with us?

One time when we were on tour with Street Dogs we were playing at the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA and right before the doors opened the stage curtain caught on fire and we all had to evacuate. It got put out right away but not until all of the stage equipment was covered with fire extinguisher dust. It was a mess but makes for a great tour story.

12. Any plans for 2009 after your current headlining tour?

We are touring this May with The Business for about a month and then after that we will be hitting up some Summer festivals. Later in the summer we are heading to Europe for about a week or two.

We’re also prepping a new album release for later this year. The album is going to destroy all that touch it. You will wake up after listening to it in a pool of your own sweat due to the awesome intensity that it puts out. Haha! Seriously, I think everyone is going to love it. It’s the next step up for us and defines Flatfoot 56 and who we are and where we’re heading. It’s tough, thoughtful, and intelligent, with some new sounds for us thrown in there for flavor.



13. What musicians have you recorded with?

Johnny Rioux (Street Dogs) is producing our new record. Ethan Luck (Supertones and Relient K) produced Jungle Of The Midwest Sea. And there are a few more.

14. What is one television show you cannot miss or just have to record?

The Office.

15. Anything else you'd like to add?

Stay away from pickpockets and mean women.