Friday, July 31, 2009
Slow Burning Cars' Blazing Interview
Slow Burning Car dedicated to creating a one way source of "rock" through the compositional application within the audio world. Have come to unleash a unqiue style all their own, maintaining a source and feeling they can instantly relate too when making music. Their lead man Troy Spiropoulos (Vocalist/Bassist/Catalyst of Slow Burning Car) spoke to me about how the band came together, whats in store for them, and what to expect from their latest achievement, "Vol.2 - The Scattering".
1. Tell us how Slow Burning Car came to be. How did you guys get together?
Troy Spiropoulos: I started Slow Burning Car back in the spring of 2007. I had originally conceived of recording a 12 song cd of my own original material (tracking all guitars, bass, vocals, keys, samples) myself. I had no plans of starting a band, it was just a hobby or personal project for myself. I named that cd "Blowback" and named this one man project Slow Burning Car (which was the title of one of the first songs I had ever written years ago).
Then my friend Mike Zimmerman, who tracked the drums on Blowback, suggested we start a band based on the songs off the cd. I was game. Our next step was to recruit someone who could play the keyboard tracks (which were minimal), and launch the samples used on the cd live. This turned out to be Mike's childhood friend from Boston and one of my closest friends Victor Bishop.
We then recruited two guitarists, Corey Birkholz (who is no longer with us due to the fact that he lives in Minnesota and his wallet and sanity just couldn't cope with the cross country trips) and Duc V Le (or as he told us upon meeting him "...just call me Jim") who learned the material rather quickly.
2. Tell us about the band's name... where did you come up with it?
Troy Spiropoulos: I basically named the band after a song I wrote called "Slow Burning Car". It had a nice ring to it and seemed to slip off the tongue rather easily, plus as stated earlier, we weren't a band yet it was just working title for a recording project that I liked so it was kept.
3. You go off and try to promote your newest "Vol.2 - The Scattering," before and after it comes around. Tell us about that experience and how it affects you as a whole.
Troy Spiropoulos: We didn't really do much promotion for this CD beforehand with the exception of simply telling people we were recording a new CD. We played it close to the vest. On the final month of mixing I contacted a gentleman named Joe Scrocca and sent him a few tracks in hopes of getting established on his companies management roster (Scrocca Entertainment Group). He liked what he heard and signed us to a management deal and is currently booking us shows on the east coast to promote the CD. This signing has had a positive effect on the band giving us confidence to really spread our music out to as many people as possible. We are doing this not only through SEG, but also by ourselves sending out press packages to secure as many reviews of the cd as possible in addition to garnering airplay on both terrestrial and internet stations.
4. You are of course a metal band and many people consider metal music as "evil", what do you have to say to those people?
Troy Spiropoulos: Metal is actually less evil than some rap artists I've heard. The majority of it is fantasy based where as certain rap artists promote physical harm in one's daily routine (labeled a lifestyle). The only true evil I've seen in Metal (and in other genres of music as well) is the advantages taken by representatives of artists who are supposed to be supporting, developing, and protecting their artists.
5. How did you decide to play the type of music you play?
Troy Spiropoulos: I grew up on rock music and just basically wanted to pay proper tribute to my record collection. Whether it was Elton John, Kiss, Bad Brains, New Model Army, Love, or Queens Of The Stone Age i just wanted to mix and match various sounds and vocal melodies til I could come up with something all my own.
6. Tell us about the messages in your music. What is the goal with your music?
Troy Spiropoulos: The messages are primarily musical as opposed to lyrical. Writing and recording should be treated as a laboratory process. Try different tempos, different sounds, tempos, etc...see what fits what doesn't. Write a fast punk riff and mix it with a bluesy southern rock breakdown...take a tribal drum beat and mix it with a waltz...see what happens!!!!
Lyrically, I tend to lean towards science fact and fiction. On occasion, I will write personal observations regarding myself and those around me. On this cd Vic and Jim have each added one of their own songs to the mix and quite frankly those are two of my favorite songs on the entire cd.
7. You guys have built a big fan base and it continues to grow within the music scene. Tell us about your fans back home and how they've shaped you as a band. What have they done to help you get to where you are today?
Troy Spiropoulos: The fans we have have watched us evolve over the last two years not only performance wise but recording wise as well. They've also seen us develop a disciplined approach to how we market the band, and how we carry ourselves as individuals. I think performing strongly promoted shows every 7-8 months plays a role in their support for us as well because they are not saturated with solicitations to come see the band every month. When we do perform at home its a special event for all involved.
Also, Mike and I have played together in 2 other bands. Some of our fans have been with us long enough that they saw us perform in those past bands. They have basically watched us develop musically and watched us mature as people over the last 10 years. With those fans we have now developed a lasting friendship so that helps as well.
8. Tell us about getting signed by Slow Burning Records. How did that come about?
Troy Spiropoulos: The president of the label was good friends with a cousin of mine. He heard some demos I did 3 years ago and said if you ever get a band to play these songs I will finance your recordings. When I decided to record "Blowback" he was right there to pick up the tab without feeling the need to exert any serious control (and I thank him for that) over the project. Pretty innocent really.
9. Your latest "Vol.2 - The Scattering," is out now, what are your plans as of right now?
Troy Spiropoulos: Right now the plan is to create as much of a buzz about the album through as many interviews/reviews we can get through on-line and print media. We're also planning a college radio campaign in September as well as lobbying for airplay on other terrestrial and internet stations. The album was pressed 6 weeks ago so we've got a lot of time to tour behind it as well.
10. Do you have any upcoming tour plans? Tell us about your live show.
Troy Spiropoulos: The plan is to do a string of shows from late September to early October on the east coast with some of the other bands on our management companies roster (elysium, Ready In 10, Impulsive Decision). Come back home and play the west coast in the winter, then attack the midwest early next year. The live shows are high octane and we usually like to recharge our batteries every 3 months before jumping back on the RnR rollercoaster.
11. If you could pick the bands that you could tour with, who would you choose?
Troy Spiropoulos:. Queens Of The Stone Age, Muse, New Model Army, Queens Of The Stone Age...umm...did I say Queens Of The Stone Age??
12. Tell us something funny about each member of Slow Burning Car.
Troy Spiropoulos: HA!!!! That's like asking if a pig's ass is pork? My band members are nothing but funny. Hanging out with Mike and Vic for one night is like being the camera lens in "Good Will Hunting". They both have an awesome sense of humor and are quick witted. "Jim" is pretty funny too. He's the kind of guy who stands up just as a plane is taking off and the fasten seat belt sign has been lit to go to the bathroom. They are serious comedy and I love having them as bandmates but even more so as friends.
13. When it comes down to an interviewing who is the one usually stuck with answering the questions.
Troy Spiropoulos: When we're all together we all take a question and pass the pipe around (so to speak), and when they're not around...you're stuck with me.
14. One summer movie you just have to see?
Troy Spiropoulos: I'm a sci-fi comic geek so I'd say the Transformers sequel.
15. Any final comments?
Troy Spiropoulos: For any and all info readers can log onto www.slowburningcar.com or www.myspace.com/slowburningcar Come on out to The Brixton at Redondo Pier in Redondo Beach on Friday Oct. 9th at 9pm. We'll be opening for Warrant that night.
1. Tell us how Slow Burning Car came to be. How did you guys get together?
Troy Spiropoulos: I started Slow Burning Car back in the spring of 2007. I had originally conceived of recording a 12 song cd of my own original material (tracking all guitars, bass, vocals, keys, samples) myself. I had no plans of starting a band, it was just a hobby or personal project for myself. I named that cd "Blowback" and named this one man project Slow Burning Car (which was the title of one of the first songs I had ever written years ago).
Then my friend Mike Zimmerman, who tracked the drums on Blowback, suggested we start a band based on the songs off the cd. I was game. Our next step was to recruit someone who could play the keyboard tracks (which were minimal), and launch the samples used on the cd live. This turned out to be Mike's childhood friend from Boston and one of my closest friends Victor Bishop.
We then recruited two guitarists, Corey Birkholz (who is no longer with us due to the fact that he lives in Minnesota and his wallet and sanity just couldn't cope with the cross country trips) and Duc V Le (or as he told us upon meeting him "...just call me Jim") who learned the material rather quickly.
2. Tell us about the band's name... where did you come up with it?
Troy Spiropoulos: I basically named the band after a song I wrote called "Slow Burning Car". It had a nice ring to it and seemed to slip off the tongue rather easily, plus as stated earlier, we weren't a band yet it was just working title for a recording project that I liked so it was kept.
3. You go off and try to promote your newest "Vol.2 - The Scattering," before and after it comes around. Tell us about that experience and how it affects you as a whole.
Troy Spiropoulos: We didn't really do much promotion for this CD beforehand with the exception of simply telling people we were recording a new CD. We played it close to the vest. On the final month of mixing I contacted a gentleman named Joe Scrocca and sent him a few tracks in hopes of getting established on his companies management roster (Scrocca Entertainment Group). He liked what he heard and signed us to a management deal and is currently booking us shows on the east coast to promote the CD. This signing has had a positive effect on the band giving us confidence to really spread our music out to as many people as possible. We are doing this not only through SEG, but also by ourselves sending out press packages to secure as many reviews of the cd as possible in addition to garnering airplay on both terrestrial and internet stations.
4. You are of course a metal band and many people consider metal music as "evil", what do you have to say to those people?
Troy Spiropoulos: Metal is actually less evil than some rap artists I've heard. The majority of it is fantasy based where as certain rap artists promote physical harm in one's daily routine (labeled a lifestyle). The only true evil I've seen in Metal (and in other genres of music as well) is the advantages taken by representatives of artists who are supposed to be supporting, developing, and protecting their artists.
5. How did you decide to play the type of music you play?
Troy Spiropoulos: I grew up on rock music and just basically wanted to pay proper tribute to my record collection. Whether it was Elton John, Kiss, Bad Brains, New Model Army, Love, or Queens Of The Stone Age i just wanted to mix and match various sounds and vocal melodies til I could come up with something all my own.
6. Tell us about the messages in your music. What is the goal with your music?
Troy Spiropoulos: The messages are primarily musical as opposed to lyrical. Writing and recording should be treated as a laboratory process. Try different tempos, different sounds, tempos, etc...see what fits what doesn't. Write a fast punk riff and mix it with a bluesy southern rock breakdown...take a tribal drum beat and mix it with a waltz...see what happens!!!!
Lyrically, I tend to lean towards science fact and fiction. On occasion, I will write personal observations regarding myself and those around me. On this cd Vic and Jim have each added one of their own songs to the mix and quite frankly those are two of my favorite songs on the entire cd.
7. You guys have built a big fan base and it continues to grow within the music scene. Tell us about your fans back home and how they've shaped you as a band. What have they done to help you get to where you are today?
Troy Spiropoulos: The fans we have have watched us evolve over the last two years not only performance wise but recording wise as well. They've also seen us develop a disciplined approach to how we market the band, and how we carry ourselves as individuals. I think performing strongly promoted shows every 7-8 months plays a role in their support for us as well because they are not saturated with solicitations to come see the band every month. When we do perform at home its a special event for all involved.
Also, Mike and I have played together in 2 other bands. Some of our fans have been with us long enough that they saw us perform in those past bands. They have basically watched us develop musically and watched us mature as people over the last 10 years. With those fans we have now developed a lasting friendship so that helps as well.
8. Tell us about getting signed by Slow Burning Records. How did that come about?
Troy Spiropoulos: The president of the label was good friends with a cousin of mine. He heard some demos I did 3 years ago and said if you ever get a band to play these songs I will finance your recordings. When I decided to record "Blowback" he was right there to pick up the tab without feeling the need to exert any serious control (and I thank him for that) over the project. Pretty innocent really.
9. Your latest "Vol.2 - The Scattering," is out now, what are your plans as of right now?
Troy Spiropoulos: Right now the plan is to create as much of a buzz about the album through as many interviews/reviews we can get through on-line and print media. We're also planning a college radio campaign in September as well as lobbying for airplay on other terrestrial and internet stations. The album was pressed 6 weeks ago so we've got a lot of time to tour behind it as well.
10. Do you have any upcoming tour plans? Tell us about your live show.
Troy Spiropoulos: The plan is to do a string of shows from late September to early October on the east coast with some of the other bands on our management companies roster (elysium, Ready In 10, Impulsive Decision). Come back home and play the west coast in the winter, then attack the midwest early next year. The live shows are high octane and we usually like to recharge our batteries every 3 months before jumping back on the RnR rollercoaster.
11. If you could pick the bands that you could tour with, who would you choose?
Troy Spiropoulos:. Queens Of The Stone Age, Muse, New Model Army, Queens Of The Stone Age...umm...did I say Queens Of The Stone Age??
12. Tell us something funny about each member of Slow Burning Car.
Troy Spiropoulos: HA!!!! That's like asking if a pig's ass is pork? My band members are nothing but funny. Hanging out with Mike and Vic for one night is like being the camera lens in "Good Will Hunting". They both have an awesome sense of humor and are quick witted. "Jim" is pretty funny too. He's the kind of guy who stands up just as a plane is taking off and the fasten seat belt sign has been lit to go to the bathroom. They are serious comedy and I love having them as bandmates but even more so as friends.
13. When it comes down to an interviewing who is the one usually stuck with answering the questions.
Troy Spiropoulos: When we're all together we all take a question and pass the pipe around (so to speak), and when they're not around...you're stuck with me.
14. One summer movie you just have to see?
Troy Spiropoulos: I'm a sci-fi comic geek so I'd say the Transformers sequel.
15. Any final comments?
Troy Spiropoulos: For any and all info readers can log onto www.slowburningcar.com or www.myspace.com/slowburningcar Come on out to The Brixton at Redondo Pier in Redondo Beach on Friday Oct. 9th at 9pm. We'll be opening for Warrant that night.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Hello Echo Screen Goodbye Interview
Making you known within a particular scene is hard. It takes time, dedication, along with determination to get you out there. New Jersey 2003 a few friends wanting to full fill their lifelong dream of becoming musicians. But what to call themselves, what would make them stand out the most. Names had been tossed around of course until one finally suited them, thus Echo Screen was born. Front man Shaune Scutellaro's (vocals, guitar), regrouped, with Mike Badders (drums) and Tim Sager (bass). Created "Euphoria," that got the band going but they wanted something more so what is left to do. Write, write, and then of course write some more. "Goodbye Old Life," is their upcoming achievement which shall determine their musically fate. Echo Screen's frontman/vocalist Shaune Scutellaro caught up with me and spoke to be about their soon to be summer release along with your basic's on how the band came to be along with everything else in between.
1. How, when, and why did you form?
Shaune: We formed in 2003, which seems like forever ago at this point. My first band had just broken up, and Tim and our first guitarist Nick had also just left their last band. We added Mike a couple months later and the rest is history I guess.
2. Who do you consider your major influences?
Shaune: Our influences have changed over the years. At first we were all really into the Drive-thru Pop punk scene, bands like Midtown, Millencolin, The Early November and Brand New. These days I've been listening to bands like The Decemberists, Death Cab For Cutie, The Format, all those bands have had a big influence on me.
3. How would you describe your sound?
Shaune: The best word I have to describe it is "comfortable". I feel like it has taken me 8 years of playing in bands to find a sound that feels comfortable.
4. What are a majority of your songs about? Is there an underlying theme?
Shaune: When I was younger I wrote a lot of these Less Than Jake type songs about how I needed to leave my hometown and get out of Dodge. But these new song are more about, "OK, I finally left my hometown, and life doesn't really feel that much better."
5. What are your immediate music career goals?
Shaune: Having Fun!
6. What are your long-term music goals?
Shaune: Having more Fun...I'm trying to keep things simple these days. A big reason we stopped playing for 2 years was because the music business stopped being fun, so making sure this is fun is all I am banking on.
7. What kinds of instruments do you guys prefer?
Shaune: In our new set-up, I have been playing acoustic guitars at shows, and my favorite acoustic guitars are Takamine. They really give you a rich sound, and you don't have to spend $2,000 to get it. I recently just purchased a G Series 12 string acoustic that I'm really excited to play at shows.
8. Explain your ideas of an ideal show?
Shaune: Any show I am asked to play is an ideal show...I think that's the greatest part about touring or playing shows, you never really know how a show is going to be until Doors open and either people show up, or they don't. I have walked in to some clubs thinking that a show would be terrible and we wind up selling record amounts of merch...it happens all the time.
9. Out of all the shows you have played, is there one that stands out as a favorite? Is so, please explain.
Shaune: There are actually two shows. The first was one we played with The Rocket Summer and Daphne Loves Derby in Fort Worth. It was The Rocket Summer's latest CD release show, and there were so many people there, that guy really knows how to entertain. The second one was a show we played at Tim's brother's fraternity the second year we started playing. Everyone was drunk and loving us, people were all having a great time, and we played a bunch of covers; but that was really what it was all about. Just go out, having a really good time playing music.
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?
Shaune: I know they have hit some hard luck lately, but the Mile After was our favorite band to tour with, and they really taught me a lot about preparing your voice to play onstage, and how to make sure your voice sounds good every night. The Rocket Summer was also great to tour with. Those dudes were livin life good in a tour bus, and we were still in our van and trailer and they all treated us like brothers on that tour. Not to mention they were incredible every night.
11. Briefly describe your music making process.
Shaune: I write the songs on an acoustic guitar kind of flesh them out and then bring them to the guys. Sometimes I have a lot of certain things in mind, and sometimes I try to stay a blank slate and let Tim and Mike help me evolve the song after we start working on it. That's pretty much always the way we work.
12. What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Were you able to overcome it?
Shaune: Our biggest challenge has definitely been growing up and being able to keep it together. As all of us have grown up, we have grown apart a little musically, and found other interests that we really like. I got married and moved to Boston and then California! But as soon as I came back we all started it up again, so I would say we overcame those things.
13. What advice do you have for fans who want to start their own bands?
Shaune: My advice would be to work hard, and not expect any help from anyone to get you where you want to go. We always had this sort of dillusion of grandjure that if we worked hard enough, eventually someone would find us and basically make everything easy for us, like a label or a manager or a booking agent or whatever. But the bottom line is that even if you have those people to help your band, you are still doing MOST of the work it takes to be successful.
14. Why should people know about you? What sets you apart?
Shaune: People should know that we are more proud about what we're doing now than anything we have ever done before. We still love what we do and it shows in our music. What sets us apart is up to fans and critics and magazines. I love the music we make and I think it's interesting and cool, hopefully some other people out there do, too.
15. What’s next for you guys? Have any upcoming tours, releases, anything of that nature?
Shaune: We're releasing our new EP Goodbye Old Life on Tuesday August 4th and we're playing a real big hometown release show in Brick, NJ. It's always great to get family and friends together and play for them so this should be a great time.
1. How, when, and why did you form?
Shaune: We formed in 2003, which seems like forever ago at this point. My first band had just broken up, and Tim and our first guitarist Nick had also just left their last band. We added Mike a couple months later and the rest is history I guess.
2. Who do you consider your major influences?
Shaune: Our influences have changed over the years. At first we were all really into the Drive-thru Pop punk scene, bands like Midtown, Millencolin, The Early November and Brand New. These days I've been listening to bands like The Decemberists, Death Cab For Cutie, The Format, all those bands have had a big influence on me.
3. How would you describe your sound?
Shaune: The best word I have to describe it is "comfortable". I feel like it has taken me 8 years of playing in bands to find a sound that feels comfortable.
4. What are a majority of your songs about? Is there an underlying theme?
Shaune: When I was younger I wrote a lot of these Less Than Jake type songs about how I needed to leave my hometown and get out of Dodge. But these new song are more about, "OK, I finally left my hometown, and life doesn't really feel that much better."
5. What are your immediate music career goals?
Shaune: Having Fun!
6. What are your long-term music goals?
Shaune: Having more Fun...I'm trying to keep things simple these days. A big reason we stopped playing for 2 years was because the music business stopped being fun, so making sure this is fun is all I am banking on.
7. What kinds of instruments do you guys prefer?
Shaune: In our new set-up, I have been playing acoustic guitars at shows, and my favorite acoustic guitars are Takamine. They really give you a rich sound, and you don't have to spend $2,000 to get it. I recently just purchased a G Series 12 string acoustic that I'm really excited to play at shows.
8. Explain your ideas of an ideal show?
Shaune: Any show I am asked to play is an ideal show...I think that's the greatest part about touring or playing shows, you never really know how a show is going to be until Doors open and either people show up, or they don't. I have walked in to some clubs thinking that a show would be terrible and we wind up selling record amounts of merch...it happens all the time.
9. Out of all the shows you have played, is there one that stands out as a favorite? Is so, please explain.
Shaune: There are actually two shows. The first was one we played with The Rocket Summer and Daphne Loves Derby in Fort Worth. It was The Rocket Summer's latest CD release show, and there were so many people there, that guy really knows how to entertain. The second one was a show we played at Tim's brother's fraternity the second year we started playing. Everyone was drunk and loving us, people were all having a great time, and we played a bunch of covers; but that was really what it was all about. Just go out, having a really good time playing music.
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?
Shaune: I know they have hit some hard luck lately, but the Mile After was our favorite band to tour with, and they really taught me a lot about preparing your voice to play onstage, and how to make sure your voice sounds good every night. The Rocket Summer was also great to tour with. Those dudes were livin life good in a tour bus, and we were still in our van and trailer and they all treated us like brothers on that tour. Not to mention they were incredible every night.
11. Briefly describe your music making process.
Shaune: I write the songs on an acoustic guitar kind of flesh them out and then bring them to the guys. Sometimes I have a lot of certain things in mind, and sometimes I try to stay a blank slate and let Tim and Mike help me evolve the song after we start working on it. That's pretty much always the way we work.
12. What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Were you able to overcome it?
Shaune: Our biggest challenge has definitely been growing up and being able to keep it together. As all of us have grown up, we have grown apart a little musically, and found other interests that we really like. I got married and moved to Boston and then California! But as soon as I came back we all started it up again, so I would say we overcame those things.
13. What advice do you have for fans who want to start their own bands?
Shaune: My advice would be to work hard, and not expect any help from anyone to get you where you want to go. We always had this sort of dillusion of grandjure that if we worked hard enough, eventually someone would find us and basically make everything easy for us, like a label or a manager or a booking agent or whatever. But the bottom line is that even if you have those people to help your band, you are still doing MOST of the work it takes to be successful.
14. Why should people know about you? What sets you apart?
Shaune: People should know that we are more proud about what we're doing now than anything we have ever done before. We still love what we do and it shows in our music. What sets us apart is up to fans and critics and magazines. I love the music we make and I think it's interesting and cool, hopefully some other people out there do, too.
15. What’s next for you guys? Have any upcoming tours, releases, anything of that nature?
Shaune: We're releasing our new EP Goodbye Old Life on Tuesday August 4th and we're playing a real big hometown release show in Brick, NJ. It's always great to get family and friends together and play for them so this should be a great time.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Peach is The Real Thing When It Comes to Music
Rising up from the underground music blues scene, songwriter/musician Peach has critics talking non-stop, saying she claims to have vocal qualities similar to that of Maria Maldaur and Bonnie Raitt. Peach's latest achievement "The Real Thing," finds herself accompanied by a group of playmates that includes blues legend Taj Mahal, who shares a duet with Peach on the title track. Garth Hudson of The Band, Paul Barrere (Little Feat), James Gadson, Lee Thornburg, Amos Garrett and Reggie McBride, show their contributions to "The Real Thing," as well showcasing their true musical talents and abilities to their finest points. Peach on the other hand has made an album with 13-tracks of absolute fun with upbeat catchy lyrics to find yourself singing along too to then finding yourself nodding your head to the beat of the music.
Some tracks that draws you into the music the most, includes "Lie Down," "Beyond My Wildest Dreams," "The Cure For You," along with the ones that includes Garth Hudson's showing off his worthy skills, from the keyboards, to the saxophone right down to the accordion. Peach has got the talent along with the well rounded writing ability which is in full blown effect from start to finish. “The Real Thing,” is indeed a real thing to listen in on, if you don’t then you have missed out on the bluest craziest adventure to date.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Nuthin But a Glenn Patrik Interview
Need to get your blues on? Can't find out what type of blues group or artist is the right match for you to get your groove on. Well why not put your listening ears on and groove right along with Glenn Patrik. He's an inspiring musician seeking the urge to craft together his musical needs to get his listening audience that includes you to join in on all the fun. Glenn recently responded to several questions I had sent his way and he replied with some very catchy and groovy answers and remarks. Find out what he had to say on his behalf of how his musical career formed along with how his current release has been hitting the musical scene right now as we speak.
1. How, when, and why did you form?
Glenn: This particular line-up happened around November 2008. I've been with Train for over 20 years., but had just started working with Ron when his old friend and former band mate Rusty Hall, came into town after a 2+ year stint of touring with Bernard Allison. Rusty heard my tunes and wanted in on the project. We couldn't be happier.
2. Who do you consider your major influences?
Glenn: I'm influenced by anyone with a deep groove. And deep grooves have been around for a long time. I was in Aomori, Japan just 3 days ago and Sen, the promoter, had a taiko drum crew and dancers with small cymbals come onstage with Magic Slim and the Teardrops (for those that don't know, a legendary Chicago Bluesman), the headliner of the festival. The groove that they carved was chubby!
3. How would you describe your sound?
Glenn: Our sound is a collision of Kansas City Blues style mixed with the Chicago Blues style. From shades of Lonnie Brooks to Count Basie and then some......
4. What are a majority of your songs about? Is there an underlying theme?
Glenn: The majority of the songs that I'm putting out now are about the women in my life, good or bad, and where the relationships have put us . There are a couple dealing with trust and respect between friends. Love. Lack of love. The human condition, that sort of thing.
5. What are your immediate music career goals?
Glenn: I have been on the books for a while to produce a CD for a great new acoustic Blues artist and we are about to begin this process the 1st week of August, 2009.
6. What are your long-term music goals?
Glenn: I just wanna sing and perform for another 40 years!
7. What kinds of instruments do you guys prefer?
Glenn: I'm all Fender, all the time. I've got a bunch of old Teles and many of the old amps. Train likes small compact drums. Ron has somethin' different every time you see him. Rusty doesn't really seem to care, as long as it has keys and he can get the tones he needs.
8. Explain your ideas of an ideal show?
Glenn: No one gets hurt.
9. Out of all the shows you have played, is there one that stands out as a favorite? Is so, please explain.
Glenn: Recently, we performed the Kansas City Street Blues Festival. Kansas City is my hometown and I was really surprised to be presented with a proclamation welcoming me home from the Mayor.
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?
Glenn: That depends on who you're callin' big. I've been on the bill with everyone from Delbert McClinton, Kool & The Gang to The Village People and Bob Dylan. I've been performing live since 1964.
11. Briefly describe your music making process.
Glenn: The songs, lyrics and melodies, come to me easily, and by surrounding me with top musicians, we are able to materialize the tunes within very little time. Once we have a great version of a tune recorded, we perform it a little different every time that we feature the tune lives. It's the Blues.
12. What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Were you able to overcome it?
Glenn: The biggest challenge for any band is the expense of touring. Transportation, diesel fuel, hotels, food, you name it- always cost more this year than it did last year.
13. What advice do you have for fans who want to start their own bands?
Glenn: Depending on what you have in mind for an end result, it is the most work that you will ever do that will not likely make a monetary return. If you weren't born with the gift of music (everyone wants to be a rockstar) stay out of the way of those that were. Try to help promote a natural born musician instead of your part time musician ego. If you just want to have a little fun (remembers, no matter how great your friends tell you that your band is, keep it at home. They are drunk like you), go for it! The best musicians all start at an early age because they can't help themselves.
14. Why should people know about you? What sets you apart?
Glenn: I've been here for a long time. I've had the privilege to work with many of the finest names in Blues and have had much music passed on to me simply by performing with these various talented individuals. I was around doing this before it was hip to play the Blues. I am a Bluesman.
15. What’s next for you guys? Any upcoming tours, releases, anything of that nature?
Glenn: We just released Nuthin' But a Thang! and so far, have done a tour of the Midwest, Southern California and Japan behind this CD. Expect more touring as we book the dates. We intend to get on the festival circuit with this new act and CD and want to make it to any town that wants to hear our brand of Blues!
The Heat is On with I Am Ghost
What makes a live album? Well… you need a stage, a band, sound equipment, but what else is missing? Perhaps an audience to watch the show as it slowly forms to become something big and exciting for everyone. So you go off and post numerous flyers and posters and go tell your friends, family, grandparents, teachers oh wait it’s the summer but isn’t there summer school in the mists….. Well anyway once all of this is said and done that do all you need to do right? Wrong! Once that is all taken care of a live proportion is need to be put into place right, right so turn on the live equipment and let’s get things started. At least that’s how it went down at the hot and steamy Chain Reaction in Anaheim, California.
LOVEHATEHERO:
A night being the last night on the current touring run with LoveHateHero, headliners I Am Ghost among the local bands wanting to get a glimpse of the spot light. This night arose with a blast of adrenaline as soon as LoveHateHero took the stage with full bursting energy, sweat running up and down their faces and bodies. Getting the crowd jumping/dancing in every possible direction in the small impacted venue, the crowd themselves felt the overwhelming heat. Throwing together arousing set of 30 minutes that lasted longer than expected. The crowd needed to keep their hopes high on what to expect next.
LOVEHATEHERO:
Concluding the night was of course the headliners I Am Ghost. Not only that, but the band themselves had of course a little history with the Chain Reaction. This being the first place to entertain the weary-weak getting them in high pulsing doses of energy that would last for countless hours, soon after the band left the stage. But this night wasn’t like most nights; it was the night of recording a live album. I Am Ghost wanted the audience to get involved in every way possibly known. Breaking the silence around 10PM performing for an hour and 30 minutes, I Am Ghost dished out 13-tracks from oldest to newest the audience just wanted to get in on all the action.
I AM GHOST:
Some songs that got the crowd in total excitement included “Bone Garden,” "Killer Likes Candy," "Our Friend Lazarus Sleeps," "Pretty People Never Lie," and "Dark Carnival of the Immaculate.” When it was all said and done Steven had shouted out during the set “Shut Up” causing a sense of laughter into the air as the band rounded off the night in a world of chaos and darkness that can’t seem to be controlled.
I AM GHOST:
Set List:
Don't Wake Up
Our Friend Lazarus Sleeps
Bone Garden
Burn The Bodies To The Ground
Killer Likes Candy
Smile of a Jesus Freak
Saddest Story Never Told
Those We Leave Behind
So, I Guess This Is Goodbye
Dark Carnival of the Immaculate
The Dead Girl Epilogue: Part One
We Are Always Searching
Pretty People Never Lie, Vampires Never Really Die
Written/Photographed By: Natalie Perez
Tragic Tale of Death and Sorrow with Steven Julian I Am Ghost Interview
Hailing from Long Beach, California, Los Angeles based dark-rock group, I Am Ghost, was conceived by front man/vocalist, Steven Juliano in 2004. Little did he realize what his idea of forming a band would lead to. How about a quick signing to Epitaph Records, causing a major uproar, leading off to an EP and two LPs to get their name out? After various line-up changes over the years, 2007 had struck. Front man Steve Juliano (vocals) along with Timoteo Rosales III (guitars), Ron Ficarro (bass) and Justin McCarthy (drums), had re-formatted the band's direction/sound, returning to a much more raw, powerful intensity.
Adding a seamlessly mind blowing essence of metal, melodic-hardcore, and screamo tactics with sweeping sing-along choruses. Blending together fantasy/reality into one big twisted tale of death and tragedy. Juliano seems to want to reveal in showcasing the world a beautiful decaying fashion adding his own attitude to this depressing drama. I Am Ghost have been placed amongst the music scene aside most elite bands with the most energized passion and energy known. Set to unveil their music and their legion of fans everywhere they roam. Steven spoke to me briefly about how the band formed, what's exactly in store for the next set of months along with everything else in between.
1. Tonight you plan to record your first live album, is there a reason why you chose the Chain Reaction, and why now?
Steven: The biggest thing was that we were really proud of our live show. Most of the kids that talk about I Am Ghost, who have seen our live show aspect, get more of the real live energy than compared to our albums - Which we are really proud of. But when you listen to the album it’s totally different from the live experience I guess you can say. We really wanted to capture a live performance we could be proud of. I wasn’t sure if we’d be able to do it or not.
I think that will turn on more kids to the band because we are a live band more than anything else we’re not a studio band like other bands out there. We have amazing albums. When you get to see them live you’re like “eh,” so we wanted to see about what we could do live- the Chain Reaction is perfect. Our hometown shows are always fun, and this place has a rich history with us. It was where we had our first show ever and we love to come back here again and again.
2. What’s the secret show you guys plan on having?
Steven: It’s a small show this Friday at a place called Dipiazzas’ in Long Beach with our friend’s band, Vanity XO. They asked us to play and we told them, “Sure,” as long as we wouldn’t tell anybody until the show was over. It’s a small place that only holds 200 people, and it’s really intimate. It has a full bar, but it’s all ages, and it’s going to be a party more than anything else. Its $5 if you’re over 21 and $8 if you’re under 21.
3. Is there any work on the next album or music video?
Steven: We’re shooting a music video in August for the song “Bone Garden,” with an actually real plot this time. It won’t be a live version like the one up on YouTube. We decided to do a new video now that we have a budget, actors, stuff to use. Another album probably won’t be for a while, because “Those We Leave Behind,” is out right now, it hasn’t even been a year yet. Usually bands tour a good year before they go back and write another album. So we’re basically going to be touring for the next 6 or 7 months and then take some time off and write the next album.
4. When you guys started this band, where did you see it going? What were your goals?
Steven: Originally this band was just something we did for fun. Like we didn’t think we’d get signed so quickly. We thought we’d be your typical local scene-type band. We made a demo, by ourselves because we wanted to get shows, which are the main reason we did it. We didn’t do it to get signed; we didn’t do it to get big. We just loved the venues around L.A. Those venues told us “We’ll book you if you have a demo,” since then it just blew up. We were the ones more surprised more than anyone else, actually.
5. Did you ever see yourself being a "professional" musician?
Steven: If you would have told me 6 or 5 years ago I’d be doing this for a living I’d probably laugh, because I’ve tried countless times with other bands to get signed. It wouldn’t ever work out. No one wanted to sign my last band. So I decided with this band just to have fun with it. So do a demo the rest is history.
6. When and where was the first I Am Ghost show? Can you describe the scene?
Steven: The actually first show ever was a sold out show at the El Rey Theater with Sonia Bomb, they broke up a while ago. Our manager at the time put us on, as a favor at the time. We had just gotten the demo done. We’d had never played a live show before either. Having your first show having thousands of people watching your band play it’s overwhelming. Most were barely 17, our two guitarists at the time, so it was their first show too. Most of the time the first real shows were your basic backyard parties so it’s kind of cool.
7. What keeps you guys going?
Steven: The fans of course, but sometimes like every band tends to tour for like a month.
Then you get back, you realize that it’s a hard job, and business for you. You want to be able to provide and see your family, friends, and loved ones, since you’re always gone out on the road; you wonder to yourself “why do I do this?” When you see 50 to 500 kids singing along, going crazy for you, that’s the feeling that keeps me going.
8. Have there ever been any major road bumps where you'd consider you'd had enough of the band?
Steven: Not necessarily giving up but definitively a lot of bumps when it comes to losing members. We’ve gone through 4 different members since the band started. Losing Kurt and Brain was hard for us to handle. For us we just want to play-rock out, we haven’t been a band for that long only since 2006. It’s funny how people think we’ve been out a lot longer than we actually have.
9. Looking back, do you have a favorite album or any particular song, and why?
Steven: Honestly the new album, is my favorite I love “Lovers Requiem,” but to me I Am Ghost along with the members in this band now, all 5 of us is what I always wanted the band to be. We all get along, all hang out, and we’re all friends. There was something missing before, but there are always clicks you have a wife or husband to live for. When it comes to your band there’s always going to be our own little clicks. We’re finally together as a whole.
10. How long do you see yourselves doing this? What do you want to accomplish with I Am Ghost? Have any last words?
Steven: I want to do this for as long as I can, rather it’d be another year or if it’s another 5 years. There is always time for a family and settled down. There well as might be a day, where we’re all together for lunch and decided right then and there “Hey we’ve done what we can do.” As for now, 2009 we are 100% in this band, we’ll do anything we can do, to get us as far as we possibly can get.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
In Ancient of Days of Thy Will Be Done
Heavy Metal is more than just a style of music; it’s a way of life. You often come across this saying from a handful of various people from all around the world. But what does it really mean? What is behind the world known as heavy metal or simply put metal anyways? Well heavy metal is a genre of rock music actually, that developed within the late 1960s and early 1970s growing a mass community within the England atmosphere and the U.S. Causing a major uproar all its own which broke the sound barriers for all metal artists within the current time slot i.e. Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, Judas Priest, which attracted large amounts of audiences that were the breaking points for the metal genre overall.
Which slowly but surely made its way little by little into the music scene until it blew up with no one being able to control it whatsoever. Thus the birth of a dozen other sub-categories was awoken once the 80s and 90s had opened up the metal music world even further. Developing the glam metal zone down to thrash metal that lead down a more darker path of destruction, metalcore, black metal, death metal, hardcore, a wide range of various elements were blended in to create this outstanding obsession. This brings us back to how it all began with the simple genre known as “heavy metal”.
From the outskirts of Providence, RI a unique metal band gave birth since the very bringing with "Was and Is to Come," which was a solid piece of work with such raw intensity and emotion engraved behind it was sure to make its way to a follow-up which it surprising did once 2009 had struck and "In Ancient of Days," was unleashed. Delivering 11-tracks that truly displays a strong and distinct mix of their influences. Ranging from Testament, to Metallica, down to thrashers Slayer, Thy Will Be Done delivers and they deliver music in a whole new way.
"Unto The Sanctified," breaks the sound waves when opening up this album, creating this thunderous guitar rapture of heart pulsing guitar riffs with repeating soloing texture to back it all up sending a pulsing wave of energy that never seems to fade away. "And Fire Will Fall," tends to pour out the Metallica influences sounding a lot like "Master Of Puppets," with that enraging fast energy with ground breaking vocals that shatter the instruments altogether.
“(Rebel Or Regret),” makes you regret not listening to this album sooner wrapping up all the intensity that was previously played in one single rhythm that it makes you want to go back and listen to the album over and over again.
Panademic Invasion: the Interview
What can be worse than a little panademic? How bad can it really get to wipe the world to its very end? Well it can actually be very dangerous which brings us to this conclusion, to have a Panademic involving music. Which leads to a musical sensation that is sweeping the music scene both far and wide. I managed to catch up with the band and see how the band formed and what they have in store along with the process of upcoming plans and information upon whats in store with their debut album that is floating around. This is what went down.
1. Tell us about Pandemic... a little history... a little about the band members.
Pandemic started as a group of musicians playing the local New Orleans music scene in different bands. We always used to dabble with the idea of being in the same project and for one reason or another, we made it happen. We couldn't be happier with the outcome. We get along well and share the same vision when it comes to touring, songwriting and attitude.
2. If you had to describe your sound to someone what would you tell them?
On the road, we hear a lot of different things from people that we sound like an aggressive Incubus or a modern Led Zeppelin. As for us, we try not to compare ourselves to anyone. We just try to sound like US.
3. Your debut "Lessons in Trust," came out. Tell us about "Lessons in Trust".
"Lessons in Trust" was put together over the span of about a year and we were fortunate enough to have producer Jeremy Parker (Mudvayne, Nonpoint) help us out with the writing and recording process. It was a great learning experience and a chance for us to finally collaborate, and take our music in the direction we wanted it to go. It can be heavy at times and mellow at times, but mostly it's everything in between.
4. Pick one song on "Lessons in Trust," and tell us about it. How was it inspired?
"Lucky Me" is one of the first songs we wrote as a band. It's about a simple situation that most people will encounter in life. The basic message behind this song is that we don't always have to make our own mistakes to learn a lesson. We can draw knowledge and experience by watching other people's trials and tribulations.
5. Do you have any plans for the next release?
We're constantly writing new material. We have a handful of songs we play live sometimes just to see the crowd reaction. Hopefully by the end of the year we'll be back in the studio to start pre production on a second album.
6. What are your plans to promote "Lessons in Trust,"?
We're working really hard to play as many shows as possible. We're always looking for new cities to visit and new people to meet. Spreading the word about this has been a big challenge for us, but it's also been very rewarding. It takes a lot of sacrifice to be able to do what we're doing and we understand that. We're very proud of what we've accomplished so far and look forward to riding this album as far as it will take us.
7. What has the band been up too since the record's release?
Networking. Meeting the right people means everything. From bands to promoters, booking agents to publicists (thanks Shauna!), there have been so many people that have decided to jump on board and help us out. We couldn't do what we're doing right now without their support. At the same time, we always have to make sure that no matter what, every choice we make is in the best interest of Pandemic. This band takes up ALL of our time and we're OK with that. We're a bunch of workaholics.
8. What are your goals for Pandemic?
Before the end of the year we'd like to get on a national tour. We think that would jump start a lot of things for us. As far as long term goes, just as any other band would, we want to take our music as far as possible and stay focused.
9. What is one good thing and one bad thing about being in a band?
The bad thing about this is being away from our families and friends for so long. But all of our people understand what we're going through and they stand behind us. We have a great respect for all of our fans as well. They've shown us a lot of hospitality and love. That means the world to us. But the best thing about being in this band is just simply being able to do what we love. We're grateful for every moment we have on the stage and that's what it all comes down to.