The Grumpy Interview

The Grumpy has achieved numerous recognitions for their musical abilities both in playing and composing their music. Frontman vocalist/songwriter/guitarist Cameron Carbrey took his skills into his own hands and thus created The Grumpy and has never looked back. When he created and play the original music score for "Van Gogh: How Can We Make Our Pictures Speak," (Doniel Soto) a modern take with the impression of the painter's life and wound up going off Broadway with the project. After work shopping the show at California's University to which he was still in high school. But that's not all he had accomplished he also knew how to play several instruments at the time being a mastermind at hand. Since then Cameron has played in a handful of bands including The Outlaw Josie Wales Band, hip-hop group Hurchu among many others. Leading him down a musical career lane he can cherish until the end of time. He has grasped a hold of all of The Grumpy's performances taken place over the North and South terrains of California and been featured upon the most popular publications in the reading world. In close The Grumpy has done it all and doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon.



1. How, when, and why did you form?

Well, JW and I have been lifelong friends and played in a ton of bands together from death metal to country. I knew he had the desire to play music without binding himself to genre. I had written some material around 1999 and asked JW to play drums and he jumped right on in. Several years later, when we finally found our bassist Justin and we heard for the first time something we'd wanted since the beginning: a unifying voice. Our next release is going to bring more of our diversity to the table from this utopian marriage of soul and chops. It's exciting to hear how we're really coming into ourselves with this line-up.

2. Who do you consider your major influences?

I try to listen to an ever changing stream of music. The ones that stay anchored by me are artists like Pink Floyd and Bela Fleck. I have quite a sweet tooth for some Sepultura now and then, coupled with a profound love of Motown. I listen to a lot of hiphop and try to bring what I can from it, but it's a delicate line I want to tastefully walk. Rza is a pretty big influence from that genre. World music and instruments are fascinating to me, too.

3. How would you describe your sound?

Honestly, that seems to be the hardest question to answer. We don't set boundaries in our writing. We have so many songs from so many genres. We write anything that strikes us, no matter if it is death metal or country. We generally stay in the middle on rock, but we have some punk, folk, reggae, pop ballads, jazz and blues in our original catalog. Rather than limit ourselves to genre, we just limit ourselves to being tasteful in whatever we decide to play. I guess I'd describe it as diverse and honest.

4. What are a majority of your songs about? Is there an underlying theme?

I usually write about things that I have gone through, or things close friends have gone through. Things that happen to all of us or things that are happening to all of us. There are a lot of things to write about in today's world climate, but I like to write in retrospect, if possible. Ultimately, I try to make sure there's a positive message behind it or a solution to the problem. Many of the songs deal with triumph over challenges. There's a spirituality I'm hoping to pass on to the listener in a very subtle way. I don't want to tell anyone how to think, I just want to encourage them to think for themselves. You'll seldom see or hear cursing in the lyrics. I believe that if words have value, they don't need "enhancements." Some songs are just random snapshots of time or places that have touched me in some way. The origin of each song is unique in its inception. Throes of Contemplation is largely about righting internal moral wrongs and taking a stand for yourself. Loving yourself and getting to better places by intentional effort. With the exception of the closing track, which is a cautionary tale about the other side of the same coin. I aim to tell both sides of any story whenever possible.

5. What are your immediate music career goals?

Our immediate goals are to get our music published and reach as many people as possible. Each time someone tells me how a song has touched them, it makes me want to get the music out and bring other people that kind of peace. As many people as possible. We are currently getting situated with a company based out of L.A. to secure some publishing for our latest recording, but it's still in infancy. The last couple years have been heavy trench work for us. It was time to pay dues.



6. What are your long-term music goals?

I plan on continuing to write, record and perform until my fingers won't wiggle. I am constantly reinventing the writing style I use to stumble on new ideas and perspectives. I hope to have had a prolific career that is diverse, unique and artistic by the time I close the guitar case for the last time. I hope to have changed lives, even if only a few.

7. What kinds of instruments do you guys prefer?

I play over a dozen different instruments, but I primarily stick to guitar and piano. As a guitarist, I use mostly Minarik guitars. I do pull out the occasional Gibson SG or Fender Tele, but you'll almost always see me playing Minarik through my Mesa/Boogie. JW has been on a Tama drum set since he was a kid. He's always been a Zildjian guy as far as cymbals go. Justin has the strangest bass rig known to man. He's playing a Schecter bass at the moment, through a Hammond amp that he pulled out of an organ that's powering my 1972 2x15 Fender Bassman cabinet. It's got a great tone, but it looks very Frankenstein to me. It's a good thing ears don't have eyes.

8. Explain your ideas of an ideal show?

I'd say our show at the Viper Room in Hollywood last July was pretty ideal. There were times during the set that the crowd was singing along to our originals so loud, I couldn't hear my own voice through the monitors. When you finish a song and the sonic boom of the crowd hits you so hard that your ears flatline on you, that's a good show.

9. Out of all the shows you have played, is there one that stands out as a favorite? Is so, please explain.

That is a tough one. Favorite because of the laughs we have now or the laughs we had then? [laughs] The one that sticks with me is one we laugh about now. We played a double birthday party at a private rest home. One birthday boy was turning 30 and the other was turning 80, so you could say it was a mixed crowd. It was about 110 degrees outside and we set up next to the pool under an awning that covered us for the first 20 minutes. The part that is so memorable is how many people from different backgrounds, ages and music tastes really enjoyed and respected our work. It was worth every gallon of sweat to see so many happy faces.

10. Who are some of your favorite bands to share the stage with? Can you name some of the bigger bands that you've played with if any?

We've played with a few bigger bands, but haven't really found a niche we fit best with yet. We did a show with Stephen Pearcy (RATT) that went really well in San Juan Capistrano and played with White Lion up here in Sacramento. I think my favorite guy I've played with was probably when I did an acoustic performance of one of my songs with Tesla's guitarist Frank Hannon backing me on lead. That was such a great time, because I knew Frank loved that tune and he decided to join me about a quarter of the way through the song. He was so very tasteful, it was quite memorable.

11. Briefly describe your music making process.

Since I teach music privately, I am constantly studying new voicings, progressions, scales and rhythms. I will tend to get a melody or a series of progressions stuck in my head until I write them down. Once I get them recorded or written, they stop plaguing my head and make way for a new song. It's a blessing and a curse, in some ways.

12. What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Were you able to overcome it?

Our biggest challenges have been finding the right third guy, and figuring out what kind of music we play. We found the third guy, but we still have no idea what to call the breadth of our music.



13. What advice do you have for fans who want to start their own bands?

Soul and passion is not a substitute for practice and study. It's a complimentary component. Never second guess yourself or your listener. Be open-minded. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, but learn from each and every one. Be yourself, because it's you that people are listening to.

14. Why should people know about you? What sets you apart?

I think we bring something to the table that's been missing in the mainstream for a great deal of time. We have passion, a positive message, insight, clarity, and depth. We're not your run-of-the-mill drop C band. We're not even a drop C band. When people listen to us, they open their mind. What's better than people with open minds? I don't think anything is. I like to think of our music as good for your soul.


15. Whats next for you guys? Any upcoming tours, releases, anything of that nature?

We are hard at works on our next album. We've got about 16 tunes on the block right now and several more on the way. Once I get it all written and cut down to about 12-13 of our favorites, I think we're going to have quite a ground-breaking album that could maybe even change the way people file and fall into genre-based thinking. When people ask me what kind of music I prefer, I always reply, "Good music." I still stand by that. What defines good? Art, message, soul, skill or any combination of those things that reaches past your ears and into your heart.

Bone Gnawer's Feastful Interview

Bone Gnawer is an extreme act to follow when it comes to their absolute specialty of death metal music. Indeed this music genre has been around for some time now and over a dozen bands have gone through making the style all their own and this time its Bone Gnawer's turn. They combine horror, gore, blood, sex, minus the usual rock n' roll formula and dish out a combination so amazing you won't believe your ears. "Feast Of Flesh," is their debut LP that has been sweeping the death metal scene around the world grasping a hold of anything and everything it’s in path. Vocalist Kam Lee spoke to me about how the band formed, their debut efforts and what is to become of the band within the next year. Catch up on all the gossip within this intense interview session....



1. The name of the band Bone Gnawer, is interesting to say the least and sounds as if there is a story behind it. Where did the name come from and what is the story?

Kam: The name BONE GNAWER actually came from a song title I had. While I was in another band {DENIAL FIEND} I was working on lyrics and a "new direction" for what the next album was going to be for that band. I already had the idea and theme going more into a 'cannibal/gore/horror' direction for DF. DF's theme on the debut -"THEY RISE" was a very zombie themed direction, and I wanted to take the band's lyrics into a more 'gore' influenced direction yet keep a campy tongue-n-cheek style to them. The idea is from my own 'strange & bizarre' view of the world, I view all humanity as being cannibalistic in some way or another. We all seem to devour ourselves in one way or another... maybe not literally - but figuratively speaking we consume - chew - and gnaw ourselves to the bone in one way or another. Thus the name BONE GNAWER was born from that idea.

2. Can you briefly summarize how the band formed and what you do in Bone Gnawer?

Kam: Well, I am Kam Lee {formerly of MASSACRE, ex-DENIAL FIEND, formerly of MANTAS/DEATH '83-'85}-the vocalist and main lyric writer for the band BG. I was first in contacted back in early 2008 by Rogga Johansson {Paganizer/Ribspreader/Demiurg}-(bassist and music writer for BONE GNAWER) about working on a recording project together called REVOLTING. Yet soon after starting work on that project some things with the record label that organized that fell thru. So Rogga and I then decided to just keep working together on a new band, and we decided together to create - BONE GNAWER from that. Shortly after we added Ronnie Bjornstrom {Hate Ammo/Ribspreader}-(guitarist for BG) and Morgan Lie {Nagflar/Hate Ammo}-(drums for BG). BONE GNAWER then became more of a "real band" after that.

3. Your lyrics are infused with heavy detail and raw emotion. What is it that normally gives you inspiration when writing lyrics and is there a concept behind the music you create?

Kam: Well the concept and main theme would have to be 'cannibalism' and based on 'modern anthropophagus', but also I take influences from horror movies that have those themes and concepts, as well as my own misanthropy! I view most humanity as pigs - and worthless swine that should be slaughtered! Haha! LOL;) I'm also a huge 'horror movie' fan and just a fiend for horror! I know a lot of bands have maybe used these themes loosely in their image and song lyrics, but I don't know of many bands that truly grasp these theme and concepts as their "main theme" as we do in BONE GNAWER! I mean the cannibal theme - the whole concept of the band being based on cannibalism that is! BONE GNAWER's overall theme and concept is totally based on cannibalism, torture, serial murder, and gore! Even bands like Cannibal Corpse- don't have a 100% cannibalistic theme. Yet - I wanted to make BONE GNAWER a band that totally embraces the cannibal theme and make it a total gore influenced band. I find that a majority of "gore and horror themed bands" get a bad reputation in the music industry... the media and even jaded fans look down at any band that would have a gore base theme.

Alot of "gore bands" are looked at as being 'untalented' and even looked at as being a joke. I wanted to have a band that would not only take the concepts of gore and horror serious - but also wanted to have the music approach be done and taken seriously as well. Even though most of my lyrics have a campy tongue-n-cheek approach to them, I still find the underlining theme behind them as being very serious.

In my own beliefs - I don't really fear an imaginary demonic force taking over, or some kind of 're-animated corpse' coming back to life to eat my brains. But to me real horror comes in the disguise of "normal". You know, like those next door neighbors that look normal - but really desire to roast you up on a spit and eat your flesh. Those guys that are the sexual pedophile deviants living in your neighborhood, that always seem nice and waves to all the school buses filled with children as it drives on by. Those guys are the "real horror and terrors in life"! The Albert Fish, and Jeffery Dahmers of society are real "boogeyman" and are more frightening to me then an imaginary make believe "devil" or "demons" or "zombies".

4. Your new album "Feast Of Flesh," is coming out how has the reactions been thus far? What can fans expect when they listen to your music?

Kam: So far the reaction has been great - it seems that the fans that find us - find a 'real old school death metal feeling' to our approach in our music, and that is the main thing we went for in creating BONE GNAWER. We put the "hooks" back into death metal!! We are highly influenced from the late 80's - early 90's style death metal bands that first formed this genre of music, and BONE GNAWER takes that feel and style and we work with-in those parameters. It's like 'classic coke' - we keep to the original formula! Fans can expect to hear pure aggressive 90's buzz saw Swedish style death metal music - with the catchy lyrical approach of early 90's FL based Death Metal bands.



5. How do you think you will affect the music scene you are part of?
What are your thoughts on the growing popularity in it as well?

Kam: Well... I would hope that fans that hear BONE GNAWER will recognize the style and feel of our music as being'traditional real death metal', and not the hyper/ultra/slam gravity blast frog-cricket vocals type death metal that seems
to be all the rave at this moment. We are not modern black metal influenced, and we are not pretending to be something we are not, and we are not trying to imitate the "trends".

Like I mentioned above - we keep to the original formula of early
death metal bands - that is our style. We are proud Generation X death metallers - not Millinuimal death metallers. We preserve the style, sounds, and feeling of the type of death metal that guys like myself first created back in the late 80's and early 90's. What I think is popular in the scene is very derivative, very cookie cutter, and even un-original. We aren't a young band trying to sound retro - we are all veteran musicians still doing and playing the type of music we help create.

6. Any plans for a music video?

Kam: Budget restraints, and the lack of the band being close together (I live in the US as the other guys live in Sweden) has made it hard to do this. We've had some ideas and plans to do a video, but we will have to see what we can do as far as
finances are concerned. Our label doesn't give us any backing for this or for touring either for that matter... so it's hard to say if we can get one done for the first album.

7. Many of your songs are so hard and intense that I am sure they translate well into a live setting taking on a whole new life in front of a live audience.
How does it make you feel when the emotion and power that you envisioned in the recording studio, come to life while playing in front of a crowd?

Kam: Well... as weird as this may sound to some - BONE GNAWER hasn't yet played a live set together. We are all accomplished musicians in our own right... but this band has yet to perform live together. I know once we do - it will be crushing - I know we will bring that raw unhinged style and sound to our live performance that we brought to the album! And I know and feel the crowd will be able to feel that intensity as well.

8. What are the upcoming plans for Bone Gnawer?

Kam: We are hoping to get enough interest from promoters so we can tour. And like I said, our label doesn't give us tour support. So we need to rely on our album reviews, and sales, as well as our fan base to get us promoter interest. We are hoping that once the album has been circulated awhile - that fan interest will allow us to tour. In the meantime - we have just recorded 3 new tracks that will be appearing on a split with the band BONESAW - out on Aphelion Productions from the UK, hopefully around Halloween 2009. And we are working on "new" material for our follow up release. We will be seeking labels of interest for our next full length album, and hopefully will find one that can financially back us for a tour.

9. How has MYSPACE and the internet impacted your band and do you think downloading helps or hinders the artists?

Kam: MySpace helps a lot, but also can hinder too. I had to take down my own personal MySpace site because of being 'hassled' by immature haters and nay sayers. But over all - using it as a promotional tool for a band is good. Down loading from a respected, trusted, and 'legal' site to me is o.k. it's not what I prefer as I like to hold a product in my hand (such as a CD or DVD) - but I support it if it's done thru proper channels. However, I think 'illegal' down loading is killing the music scene from the inside out though... it sucks - because for smaller independent bands it can make or break a band. For big name bands it doesn't really affect them as much - but for a small fledgling new band, it can be devastating to the band existence. Fans think it's cool to Bit Torrent or illegally download a bands CD, but honestly those that do are 'stealing' from the band members... might as well come over and steal food out of their house, because that is essentially what you are doing. If you really - want to "support the scene" - you don't steal from it. But we live in a selfish society made this way by modern technology that makes it easy for people to steal.

10. What is the toughest lesson you ever learned in the studio and on the stage?

Kam: Don't drink heavy amounts of alcohol until after your finished performing - either in the studio or on stage. Haha!



11. What bands would you like to tour with and who has been your favorite to tour with this far? Any particular reason?

Kam: Any of the classic Swedish Death Metal acts like ENTOMBED - GRAVE - UNLEASHED - DISMEMBER - that would be great, Also as an opener for MORBID ANGEL or even CANNIBAL CORPSE would be great too! CARCASS, NAPALM DEATH, or BOLT THROWER, ASPHYX, any of those band or bands like them. I toured with GRAVE back in the early 90's while I was in MASSACRE - and those guys were great - I would tour with them again anytime!

12. Every band has its musical influences. What are some of the other bands and artists that have greatly influenced you guys and your music?

Kam: Well like I said before - it has to be the early 90's style Swedish death Metal bands and the early 90's FL death Metal bands.

13. What's your reaction when/if a fan told you a very meaningful statement such as
"Your music changed my life?" Has this ever happened to you?

Kam: Well - not so much changed someone's life - but I guess I have influenced many 'vocalist' in my time. Many times from many vocalist that do recognize my influence in the death metal scene, I have been told that I'm the reason death metal vocals exist. That's something I feel very proud to be a part of. I started in Mantas/Death back in 1983 - at only 14 years old. To have become such an influence on the music scene all of this time and all of these years later to still be recognized for doing that is a huge thing and an honor. I may never get into the "rock-n-roll" hall of fame for creating death metal growling style vocals... but at least some fans recognize my direct influence in creating the style, and that is cool.


14. All of that passion that you play with must be tough on you physically.
How do you prepare for the physical demands of a tour?

Kam: Lots of alcohol - rough sex - and more rough sex and alcohol! Haha! And the fact that I'm a fucking insane brutal maniac helps as well! I'm full of lots and lots of ANGER and HATE! And that helps and keeps me fired up! When I'm home - and just sitting around... if I get too bored! I'll go the gun range and shoot off a good case of bullets, or pick up my chainsaw - and start it up, go into the back yard and cut into a few large stumps - or swing my axe a few times - chopping up some fire wood - while imagining it's the fuckers I HATE! I'm also training again in MMA (mixed martial arts) and that always get's my blood flowing. Although I get into a lot of fights because of my bad temper, and that's not good... I need to calm down before I end up in prison or someone decides to fucking kill me! Haha! I'm told it's because of the mixed Polynesian and Asian blood flowing in my veins, makes for a hot temper! I got into a knife fight awhile back at the beginning of the year and got stabbed in the face - and I almost lost an eye. So that made me stop and think and reflect on some things. But - I do take a lot of that anger and hate and channel it into my music... maybe that's why songs like "Hammer To The Skull" seem so emotional and anger driven. Now - I have a new track "AXE TO GRIND" and that one is even more hate ridden and anger driven then "Hammer.." So as long as I have my music to channel my hate - I think I'll be alright!!

15. Anything else you'd like to add?

Kam: Thank you for the interview, and I hope that fans will find out about us and support Bone Gnawer from it! We are hoping to get out and tour, and to bring the "Cannibal Cook-Out"to a town near you soon! In the meantime - you can help us - Spread Butchery! Buy our debut "Feast Of Flesh", ad us on your Myspace page (www.myspace.com/bonegnawerband) and even look for us on Facebook. Tell your friends about us and look for our "Appetite for Death" split with Bonesaw coming soon around Halloween! Check our MySpace page for information how to order our CD and to also order merchandise like T-shirts!
Cheerz and Thanx again!
Kam Lee

Day Minus 7 Makes Their Mark Interview

Day Minus 7 a rock n roll sensation sweeping the world by storm little by little. The time has arrived for these guys to shine and do what any musician would want to do in the music world. Make music, tour, and make as many fans as possible! Their self-titled EP has been streaming non-stop via their MySpace page among other websites and getting their musical talent and name out for everyone to witness.....
The band spoke to me about their upcoming plans, EP, and what is in store for the band within the upcoming months.



1. The name of the band Day Minus 7, is interesting to say the least and sounds as if there is a story behind it. Where did the name come from and what is the story?

A. ah the famous band name question...well the truth is, we tried for months to come up with a name for this band, until finally our manager gave us a deadline...we had 1 week(7 days) to come up with the name or else! Lol, and as we all sat there that night we knew we had the 7 days to do this....and that’s where day minus 7 came from....and it kind of stuck as the best choice.

2. Can you briefly summarize how the band formed and what you do in Day Minus 7?

A. Cliff (vocals) and Eddie (bass) worked on projects throughout their youth and teens. Cliff then moved to Cape Coral, Florida, Where he met Cody (drums) through a mutual friend. Soon after, Eddie moved down and our first band was born. The three piece, (with Cliff on guitar) played throughout Florida at local clubs, podcasts, and local radio block parties. As time passed they grew together musically. after a few years of working hard, we approached Eddie K at Red Rocket Entertainment, and he got us in the studio with producer Paul Trust (Diecast, Endo, EkoTren), who suggested Cliff put down the guitar to concentrate on singing. We decided to turn the band into a five piece so they could capture a bigger sound, So then we began the search for the right two guys. By chance Kit walked into the music store where Cliff worked and started playing guitar. Kit was in the band soon after that. Mike was part of the local music and was picked up along the way, and Day Minus 7 was born!

3. Your lyrics are infused with heavy detail and raw emotion. What is it that normally gives you inspiration when writing lyrics and is there a concept behind the writing of the EP?

A. Well without trying to sound cliché...Life, Family, Friends, Relationships.

4. You just released your new EP, how has the reactions been thus far? What can fans expect when they pick up a copy?

A. The Ep Reactions Have Been Really Good So Far, When You Pick Up The Ep we hope You'll Be Pleased, There Is Song For Everybody, it starts out with our first single hate you, the second song alive is a grove based song with a lot of melodies vocally and on guitar, Following Alive Is All I Wanted, The Emotionally Powerful Ballad That will touch the hearts of anyone. Ending The ep is the epic sucker punch to the face Never Free.



5. When it came to releasing the EP how did that whole package come together? What was the recording process like, how long did you have, was their any pressure on you?

A. Eddie our manager put us together with Paul trust, who was instantly interested in cliffs voice and the whole experience was amazing. The Recording was alot of work and we only had 2 months to do it, and there was a lot pressure but the effort payed off.

6. Has anyone approached you record signing wise?

A. We are managed by Eddie at Red Rocket Entertainment, and they are currently shopping us, even though its a bit too early to talk, the response has been very positive.

7. How do you think you will effect the metal scene you are part of? What are your thoughts on the growing popularity in it as well?

A. Well hopefully the "metal heads" will also like the stuff, the idea is to appeal to a wide variety of fans beyond genera's, and we think it’s awesome.

8. You guys are from Florida what is the local music scene like there? Any bands you'd recommend?

A. Its A Wide Varity Of Genera's, And Bands We Would Recommend Are Ekotren, Atom Smash, Gargamel And Trough You....and honestly there are many truly talented bands in Florida!



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

A. There's Nothing We would have done different, and our manager Eddie did the artwork, he is also a new media guy, and does great work, and we were all very happy with the results.

10. Many of your songs are so hard and intense that I am sure they translate well into a live setting taking on a whole new life in front of a live audience. How does it make you feel when the emotion and power that you envisioned in the recording studio, come to life while playing in front of a crowd?

A. Its Epic, And It’s The Best Feeling In The World, and really the reason we love doing this!

11. What are the upcoming plans for Day Minus 7?

A.

-SHOWS.

-More Fans.

-Record Deal(crossing our fingers.

-More Wonderful Interviews.

-And Having A Good Time.



12. Different groups have unique ways of writing their songs. How do you guys go about writing your music? Is it a collective effort or is it more the efforts of one particular member of the band?

A. We work with Paul Trust who is also a co-writer in the project, and basically Start With A Riff, And Add Layers....On From There, Kind of Like A Musical Sandwich.

13. Going back to the music business, what do you think of everyone downloading music, possibly even your music? Do you think it helps or hurts bands in the long run?

A. The short answer is, It Hurts Really Bad! it affects every band in every level. Its been some dark times for record labels, and we just hope they figure a way to make it fair for everyone...

14. How has MYSPACE and the internet impacted your band and do you think downloading helps or hinders the artists?

A. MySpace has been an amazing tool for bands, both new and old! Just the instant connection you can have with people is amazing, and we would not be doing this interview with you right now, if it was not for sites like MySpace, Facebook and others. As far as "Illegal Downloading" goes as we stated above...the truth is its killing the industry....

15. What is the toughest lesson you ever learned in the studio and on the stage?

A.

Cody: " Don’t Play With A Broken Hi-Hat Stand."

Eddie: "Don’t Stand to close to your guitar player."

Cliff: "Take Good Care Of Your Voice."

Mike: "Don't smile so much!"

Kit: "Watch Out For Cliff's Antics, And No matter how hard you think your rocking out, you can always rock harder."



16. What bands would you like to tour with and who has been your favorite to tour with this far? Any particular reason?

A. Have Not been On Tour Yet, But if you are talking "dream tours." We Would Love To Tour With bands like Avenged Sevenfold, Nickelback and Tool.

17. Describe Day Minus 7 in three words.

A. Groovy, Dynamic And Melodic.

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

A. Cliff: "Fall Out Boy- 20 Dollar Nose Bleed"

Eddie: "Tool- The Pot"

Mike:"what's an iPod? :P"

Kit:"Tool, Three Days Grace, Lamb of God, and Nickelback"

Cody:"Kayne West- Heartless"



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

A. Well as a band I think we would love to go back to the big "MTV" days late 80's early 90's...Everything just seemed so massive! Big hair, big stages, monster shows! Would have been fun!

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

A. It Effects Us Just Like It Effects Everyone. But thankfully music will always be an escape from times like these...so that always helps!

21. What's your reaction when/if a fan told you a very meaningful statement such as "Your music changed my life?" Has this ever happened to you?

A. To us that’s just always amazing to hear, the truth is like everyone else, we have personally had those moments as fans ourselves where a band or a single cd had a major influence in our lives...so to think we can do the same for others now just blows us away!

22. Every band has its musical influences. What are some of the other bands and artists that have greatly influenced you guys and your music?

A. Tool, Deftones, A Perfect Circle, Fall Out Boy, David Boey, Kiss, Thin Lizzy, Lamb Of God, Avenged Sevenfold, Metallica, The Used.



23. All of that passion that you play with must be tough on you physically. How do you prepare for the physical demands of a tour?

A. Rehearse 5 to 7 days a week! we have yet to "Tour" as Day Minus 7 but definitely looking forward to it!

24. Is there a summer flick you just have to see?

A. Transformers 2.

25. Anything else you'd like to add?

A. We would first like to thank you for taking the time to chat with us! and also everyone who has been leaving us so many positive messages and comments on MySpace and our web site! and lastly, we would love for everyone who has not checked us out yet, to give us a listen at www.myspace.com/dayminus7

STOFMA aka Star Off Machine Roxy Event

STOFMA A.K.A. Star Off Machine Huntington Beach, California's very own rockstars, plans to deliver from them to you the viewer and listener a set up of 8-tracks off their latest "Burn This," album. Live up close and personal at the Roxy in the heart of the world famous Sunset Strip. Expressing the love, pain, and agony of what it truly is like to live the life of a rockstar. Giving you the full treatment from head to toe, your whole body goes into overdrive as soon as, Erick Holloway (Vocals), Robin Charlet (Guitar), Jeremy Whiteley (Bass) and Tut (Drums) hit the stage around 11 o'clock late that night…

The night took off with a bouncy start and ended the same way. Star Off Machine bounced up and down throughout their 8 song set list singing a handful of sing-along’s everyone in the audience automatically recognized. The crowd’s energy was set on overdrive throughout as soon as Star Off Machine broke the sound waves with “Inside Out,” not wanting to stop for a second. Going right along into the rest of the set, numerous tracks taken off the band’s debut “Burn This,” including that track, among others; “Lost,” “Almost,” “Bastard,” and “Disaster,” the whole performance was uplifted with intense energy from start to finish.

Star Off Machine throw on a show that matches the record no problem not leaving anything out what so ever. If you’re into the sides of rock n roll music then by all means be sure to go hang out with these living rockstars, it will be a night you’ll walk away witnessing a whole another lifestyle.



Set list:
Inside Out
Lost
Almost
Bastard
Nothings
Disaster
Side Of Me

Helsinki Vampires Roam Amongst Us

If you're dying of thirst and biting your lower lip every five seconds what is once other source of fluid available? Why blood of course and from this word on you are a blood drinker. Now that you have become a blood drinker this is another process you have to face which is death. Yes it sounds terrible but your time has come so on the count of three you shall be dead. Ready? One, two, three, now you must be wondering what exactly is going on, correct? Well you are dead somewhat you are now an Immortal A.K.A. Vampire. Welcome to the Underworld, the world of the undead where all unimaginable creatures lurk within the darkness. From blood sucking Vampires to howling Werewolves down to mythical creatures i.e. Unicorns, Tolls, Fairies, you get my point. But you are a Vampire, and I'd like you to meet Helsinki's very own ban of Vampires, known only as The 69 Eyes.



With their follow-up to "Angels" (2006) we receive "Back In Blood," twelve tracks of pure blood, goth rock n roll. Only a Vampire could relate too, from the opening being the title track you automatic know you're in for an adrenaline rush. The rush instantly draws you in the roaring rhythms of the guitars bouncing their way through as the vocals sail a top the instruments creating this wave of pure rock n roll insanity. "Dead N' Gone," "The Good, the Bad, & the Undead," "Night Watch," and "Eternal," are the handful of tunes keeping the dead awake at night the rapture of the instruments echoing throughout the cold chilling night the drums tapping on/off keeping up with the vocal chords that scream into the drumming pulsing action. Allowing the riffs presented by the guitar to ease its way slowly building up this musical vibe that doesn't seem to end. In close "blood is the new black."

BONE GNAWER - Feast Of Flesh

What do you get when you combine gore, horror and death metal? A very catchy music combination that has become one of the most recognizable styles around brought to you by Bone Gnawer. "Feast Of Flesh,” features some of the most elite musicians in the industry. With Death Metal icon Kam Lee (Massacre / ex-Denial Fiend / ex-Mantas/Death) serving up some of his trademark growls clearing stating “That will teach you to f**k with me!” Coming off the album is "Cannibal Cook-Out," "Hatchet Face," and "Defleshed & Skinned feat. Killjoy," is some of the most brutalizing tracks when it comes to "Feast Of Flesh." As instrumental goes the guitars bring out this heavy intensity unlike any other being fast and purely brutal. As far as drumming goes same ordeal being just as heavy and just as fast never missing a bit but making the music that more enjoyable to bang your head or twirl it in an unspeakable fashion. Bone Gnawer displays that death metal and the many fantastic sources to use in the way of gore and horror are alive and well. Do not pass this album otherwise you’ll live to regret it. You have been warned now listen!

Glendale’s Worse Nightmare.....

"Its' the drugs in me that keeps me sane," an interesting take on an amazing act that cannot be tamed, an act blending sex, drugs, and rock n roll in all forms imaginable. I’m talking about the one and only Midnight Reign, straight out of the forsaken depths of Los Angeles, California. This act brings out the pure insanity and intensity that rock n roll and heavy metal is well known to create and they decided to go a whole another route from electric to the mellow vibrations of acoustic necessities. Playing for a handful of loyal fans and new comers, Midnight Reign performed at the Glendale Galleria’s Hot Topic doing a 30 minute in-store set up consisting of old and new material. The old material taken off “Never Look Back,” their debut LP that has been sweeping the radio waves and online craze forever now and some material off cellist Starla Baker’s upcoming LP “Miserable,” not to forget Midnight Reign’s newest soon to be released follow-up “Are you Gothic?” due out later this year. The performance was clear but not as clean as the goofy quotes being discussed during their performance was thrown around sending numerous laughs from the eye-balling audience. When it was all said and done, it was a Hot Topic exclusive that the small town of Glendale shall not want to forget.






Set list:

1. The Hollywood Rx
2. Breath On Me...
3. Your?
4. XXX (Playground)
5. The Mourning After
6. Hollow Man
7. Dead Girls Don't Say No

Are you experience a Flatline? One is in progress, in Three, Two, One……

Los Angeles band Flatline has been paving the way for over four years now. They've made a name for themselves and been living off of it for some time getting it heard by performances and promotional sources the whole nine yards. "Pave The Way," in close has been hailed by all various magazines such as Revolver, Metal Edge Magazine, AMP, Decibel and others. The band consists of Travis Johnson (Vocals), Randy Weitzel (Guitar), Tim Hassemer (Drums), Hector Gonzalez (Bass) and Joe “Paulo” Guerra (Guitar). Since the band's formation like many Flatline has faced various line-up changes, money ordeals, trips to the ER but that doesn't hold back what this band plans to accomplish in the world of metal. Released four albums on their and done constant touring with bands like 36 Crazyfists, It Dies Today, Walls Of Jericho among many others in the business, these guys got what it takes to continue to spread their music as far out as it can possibly go. Whether it'd be by downloading or dishing out the cold hard cash to buy one of their many amazing albums, Flatline is metal, and there is nothing else left to be said. Drummer Tim Hassemer was kind enough to take the time in answering some questions about how life is out on the road to the band's upcoming plans. So take a peek on what went down!




1. You guys just got back home, welcome back where’d you guys go and did you have fun?

Tim: Yeah thanks, we just got back. We were out on the East Coast - New York, Connecticut, etc. There are fans out there that have been bugging us for a while to get out there, so it was good to finally get the chance. We were out with the Threat Signal, The Agonist, and Thy Will Be Done for about a month. It’s good to be home for a little bit. A lot of fun with a little bit of drama in the mix.

2. Well I would like to jump right into talking about the new record, “Pave The Way,” that has been out for a while now. Does the whole album creating process simply get more difficult as time goes on? Have you ever felt pressure to top yourselves?

Tim: Yeah pretty much every time we write we try to top everything else, so it gets a little stressful. As far as writing goes it gets a little crazy but it’s all good, it just makes us better musicians.

3. That being said, what can be said that hasn't been said about “Pave The Way,”?

Tim: Nothing *Laughs* I’ve just said so much about it already I can’t think of anything that I haven’t said. Let me think for a second..... I can’t think of anything. Got any more specific questions?

4. What kind of steps does “Pave the Way,” take in comparison to your older roots? How do you view the leaps of growth Flatline took between “Redefining the End,” to “Massive Aggressive,” and from that to “Pave the Way”?

Tim: Well, it’s completely different from all of the older material. We’ve had several different musicians in the band since the first demo and different influences to go along with it, plus an extra few years of practice. With the line up we have now, we have come out with a different product.



5. Do you care what people think when it comes to Flatline’s music?

Tim: I do, and I don’t. If people are just talking crap and trying to be a critic just to hear themselves talk, then I couldn’t care less about their opinion. But I personally don’t mind a bit of constructive criticism.

6. Flatline is at the point, and has been at the point, where you affect a lot of people, and the chance lives with the new release your music brings. How do you feel about being labeled as torch carriers for heavy metal in the somewhat mainstream zone? Do you think Flatline could be a gateway drug for kids into heavy metal, sort of how Pantera was in the 90s?

Tim: I kind of hope so. I think it’s the goal of every band out there to be labeled as such. That would be pretty amazing, there is a lot of metal out there nowadays and there are a lot of people doing the same thing we do, but if we got to that status that would be great.

7. What's left at this point? Are there still things left to challenge Flatline?

Tim: The whole thing is a challenge. When we’re on tour it’s a challenge, recording is a challenge, coming up with new material is a challenge, everything in the business is a challenge. But you do it because you love to do it.

8. So what do you have going on this year?

Tim: We have a couple of tours coming up in August for the summer but nothing is confirmed yet so I can’t really discuss it. We’ll probably be doing some writing for a new album to be released early next year. Keep checking our website for tour info www.myspace.com/flatlinemetal

9. What are the biggest and smallest crowds you've played in front of?

Tim: Well the smallest is easy. There are always shows where you’re playing in front of a bunch of bar stools and that’s happened a few times during our early stages. Some of the worst shows we’ve ever played were in our hometown. One large show that sticks out in my mind was a few years ago. It took place at the Ericson stadium in Aukland, New Zealand. That was probably one of the biggest ones we’ve ever played, because of the amount of people there, and because it was our first time out of the states.

10. You have a music video for the song "Generations Fall,” can you give a brief summary on how it all came together.

Tim: Well, when we signed with our Record label we had a budget to do a video. So our label rep set it up with the people from Axiom Films. We went down there and shot the video in front of a green screen. We had never done anything in front of a green screen before, so it was pretty interesting. A lot of the time was spent sitting around drinking beer.

11. When it comes to a show what do you like seeing, hardcore dancers, or mosh pit action.

Tim: I personally don’t care too much for the hardcore dancers. Actually, I can’t stand that stuff! I’d much rather see a giant circle pit going in front of me than a room full of Kung Fu theatre. However, if it’s a choice between Hardcore dancing and nothing at all, I’d rather see the hardcore dancing.

12. How has MYSPACE and the internet impacted your band and do you think downloading helps or hinders the artists?

Tim: Well, pretty much everything that we have achieved up to this point has come from the internet and MySpace. Our label found us through MySpace, some of the tours we’ve gotten on have been set up through the internet, and it’s a great promotional tool. I think the internet and MySpace are both great. As far as downloading goes if you’re a band like Metallica or some giant band then you’re probably getting ripped off. But for a smaller band that’s trying to get recognized, what’s the harm in downloading? It’s free promotion. I don’t see anything wrong with it. We’ve had people write us and say they bought the album and then burned 20 copies for their friends and I say, “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

13. What is the toughest lesson you ever learned in the studio and on the stage?

Tim: To be well rehearsed before going into either a show or the studio, because if I’m not, it can be a huge problem.

14. What is one hang-out spot in L.A. that you just have to tell everyone about?

Tim: Oh god that’s a horrible question. I don’t hang out anywhere but my house. I’m not a night person, well I am, but I don’t like going out and socializing a lot. I think everyone hangs out on Sunset at the Rainbow or something?

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

Tim: I would go back and visit my younger self when I started smoking, and kick myself in the face. That was the dumbest thing I ever did. It’s the hardest thing in the world to quit!

16. What's your reaction when/if a fan told you a very meaningful statement such as "Your music changed my life?" Has this ever happened to you?

Tim: I would say, “Thank you.” I am always very appreciative of what our fans say and it happens often. I haven’t heard that one quite yet but I have had a lot of fans come up and tell us how much they love our music.

17. One summer movie you have to see?

Tim: Oh, Harry Potter for sure! I just finished reading the sixth book, so I got to see the movie.

18. What's it like when you're not out on the road, does it feel awkward?

Tim: No it feels normal because I’ve spent a lot more time at home than on the road. Although lately we’ve been on the road a lot more often and after I got home from the last tour it was a bit awkward for a few days. When I get home I’m much more relaxed and don’t have these sweaty guys all around me.

19. Do you ever feel that when you perform or create an album that it may be your last?

Tim: My last? Oh no, hell no! I would never think that, I’ve never had that thought run across my mind.

20. What's the craziest thing you've ever done?

Tim: That’s also a very broad question. Crazy how? I’ve Bungee jumped off on bridges and cranes, Jumped off of cliffs on skis, jumped out of airplanes, been scuba diving in different countries, gotten married. I’ve done all kinds crazy stuff.



21. Are you always the one who gets stuck when it comes to doing interviews, that’s what I noticed.

Tim: Recently it seems that way yeah, and I don’t know why. The other guys don’t seem too interested in the interviews, or maybe I’m just the first person to get to them. I’m not sure.

22. What are your favorite person, place, and thing?

Tim: I have many favorite persons, places and things. Everyone in my family are my favorite people. As far as places go, I am originally from New Mexico, and I love going back there to visit. I think my favorite things are my cats Willy and Zena.

23. You did a cover of Cannibal Corpse’s “Hammer Smashed Face,” why did you choice this song? Do you plan on releasing a covers only album like Hatebreed?

Tim: My guitarist (Paulo) and I both have some background playing with death metal bands. We used to mess around with this song during practice, and the other guys thought it sounded awesome! A few months back, we were off tour and had nothing to do, so we decided to record a cover song to put up on our Myspace page. Recently our label rep asked us if we’d like to re-release Pave The Way with the Cannibal Corpse song on it. I don’t know if it will happen or not, but we’ll see.

24. Do you think the other sub-cultures are at war with one another, i.e. emo, punks, goths etc.

Tim: Yeah, I think it’s pretty silly. It seems like there’s always some tension between the Emos and the Goths and the Hardcores and the Deathmetalers and the Punks. I thought going to a show was for the music. But I guess that’s just human nature. Can’t we all just get along?

25. Any last words?

Tim: No *Laughs* Thanks for the interview and go check us out on our website http://www.flatlinemetal.com and MySpace www.myspace.com/flatlinemetal
And go buy our album! We hope you enjoy it!

A Sweaty Night of Absolute Disaster: I Set My Friends On Fire, Sing It Loud, Escape The Fate

Want something absolutely free? That’s right free! What did I just say free! Now that’s out of the way what is “free” it s a rock n’roll show! Brought you by Epitaph Records with their fellow label mates I Set My Friends On Fire, Sing It Loud, and headliners of the evening Escape The Fate.

But this night wasn’t your ordinary night, this night started off with long lines. Not the ones you’d run into at your local grocery market but a long line leading into this historic event. Happening on a warm but cool Wednesday night out at the plaza where the famous Knitting Factory located in Hollywood, California always tends to uphold all the fun and excitement. A dozen young teenagers’ ages 13+ were hurried lining up or had been by the looks of it outside the plaza awaiting their approval to get inside. While on the other end was another line for all the applicants who had the lucky chance of getting into the venue early. I was being one of them.

(I SET MY FRIENDS ON FIRE)




As the venue began to let the early birds right on through the main floor of the Knitting Factory slowly began to fill up and clock slowly striking 6:30PM moving onto 7PM and later to 7:30PM where all the fun really uplifted and took off. Starting off with I Set My Friends On Fire who through together a miniature set up of songs that got the crowd of about near capacity of 500 people into an uproar. From flying up into the air into the crowd surfing mania that was unleashing itself to twirling their arms in an uncontrollable fashion. The whole crowd was into the band’s set shouting right along with the catchy upbeat lyrics being scream for everyone to hear. Once they were said and over with, Sing It Loud took it into their own accord and mellowed down the audience getting everyone into a jumping frenzy going into the exact same matter as the first act. Singing right along to each tune sung, loud and proud from start to finish everyone was into Sing It Loud and who wouldn’t be? No wonder they all were singing and having a good time.

(SING IT LOUD)





Rounding off the entertaining night was Las Vegas very own Escape The Fate throwing on a solid 45-minute set list consisting of the old and new material mixed in between. Getting the capacity level into overdrive throwing everyone in range into the stage, from constantly crowd surfing adrenaline action to jumping and mosh pitting action everyone was in motion when the entire set was said and done. But the set didn’t end so quietly as the band clearly announced “We’re Escape the Fate this is our last song” and performed it and walked off the crowd started bailing out of jam packed sweaty venue. As soon as the crowd started to decrease the fun came right back into full blown action as the crowd chanted with all their might “One more song, one more song, one more song” again and again the band who had walked off knew they had to finish off the night right and they did wrapping it up with “Sympathy Of the Dead.” Getting the crowd even more hyped and energetic as Craig shouted out “Everyone get you’re a** on stage!” and of course the audience responded.

(ESCAPE THE FATE)



Before the set list had drawn to a close, Escape The Fate had mentioned before going into the next song some funny quotes such as before going into “Situations,” Craig says “This song is about a guy placing his penis in between some girls breasts,” and then before hitting “10 Miles Wide,” Bassist Max Green commented “10 Miles Wide is about how big my penis is” as the crowd shouted and laugh and broke away into a utter chaos for the rest of the night. When it was all said and done the overall performances done by fellow label mates of Epitaph Records was a night that will forever remain to be nothing but a sweaty abyss.

(ESCAPE THE FATE)


Written/Photographed By: Natalie Perez

Escape The Fate @ Knitting Factory 6-24-2009