May 2016
Kissing Candice's Joey Discusses the Meaning Behind the "Kiss"
Kissing Candice started as a mere vision in early 2012. Ex-Dr. Acula keyboardist and sample mastermind, Joey Simpson, was looking to start a project that would combine metal, hardcore, industrial and electronic music in a unique and cinematic fashion. Taking on the role of frontman, Joey brought together members to create what Kissing Candice has become today. Releasing a couple of EP's and a full-length with extensive touring, shows, and more on the horizon, there is no stopping these guys from doing what they love! Frontman vocalist Joey Simpson himself took the time to discuss with his, the band's beginning's, middle's and the end to the future?
1. First of all, who are you, and what do you do in the band?
Joey: Hey my name’s Joey! And I'm the front man (screams).
2. Let's talk a little about the history of your band. When did you originally form and is this the original line-up?
Joey: I started KC in 2011 after quitting my old band I immediately entered the studio with producer / song writer Jeremy Comitas. We wrote the 1st EP called "Murder". After finishing it I started to look for members. This band has been through a few line up changes. Some have stayed and some have gone. It's not easy wearing a mask and jumping around on stage.
3. Do you remember how the idea of forming the band first came up?
Joey: I always wanted to do a Theatrical horror band . It was going to just be a side project kinda thing. Iv always had a love for anything horror/ Halloween and dressing up and just being weird .
4. How long after you formed was it until you played your first live show?
Joey: Our 1st show as a full band was the summer of 2012, our very 1st 3 shows in a row was a date on the " All stars tour", and 2 back to back days on Knot fest"
5. What are your memories of the performance?
Joey: Nervous as fuck!! These were all big shows. Packed out. And this was the 1st time playing out as a band. We had a few kinks but over all we killed it.
6. How would you categorize the style of the band?
Joey: A little of this and a little of that. Mixed with a bunch of weird dudes on stage in creepy masks.
7. Why the name Kissing Candice? Does Candice, refer to an actual person? What about the "kiss" symbol that's plastered here and there within the band, is that Candice's kiss? What does the kiss symbolize?
Joey: It's a LONG story but to the point Candice was a real girl I went to high school with. I really liked her I kissed her one time and after that nothing ever happened. So to me that one kiss was a make or break kinda kiss. I wish I could tell you we ended up together . But we didn't haha.8. Who are your influences and how have they shaped your bands sound?
Joey: Slipknot is my biggest influence. Not only because of the masks. But the chaos on stage. The aggressive music. Their stage show blew my mind. Same with bands like Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson. Big production is the key.
9. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?
Joey: We always send out a positive message. Question everything . Think for yourself, it's ok to be who you want. Don't take shit from anyone. And then we have some songs that are based on horror movies. We like to throw them in the mix a little.
10. Let's talk a little about your latest release, what are the listeners in store for with this release?
Joey: Blind Until We Burn has an overall positive message for everyone . It's got it's heavy parts and it's catchy parts. Over all it's a fun album.
11. What is the concept behind the album and how did the idea come about?
Joey: It's a simple meaning. That in life we are all blind to things . Everyone at some point is blind to things around them and sometimes it's to late and we get burned.
12. What was the writing and recording process like for the album?
Joey: It was a good time. We had lots of good ideas. Some made the album And some are on the back burner for the next record. I must say the snow storms that we got hit with while tracking the album sucked. It delayed the process for a few days.
13. Why do you think people should check out your latest album?
Joey: It's something new and fun. If you like different and outside the box we might be the band for you.
14. Do you have anything new in the works, in terms of a follow-up release?
Joey: Yeah we have a brand new song we hope to release this summer. And possible pre-production for new album in the fall/winter.
15. How do you promote your band and shows?
Joey: Lots of socials media. These days everything is on the Internet . We also like to. Hit up shows in our masks and hand out flyers.
16. How do you rate your live performance ability?Joey: You can expect everything and anything.
17. What does 2016 have in store for Kissing Candice? What are you most looking forward to this year?
Joey: Summer tour!!!!
18. Do you have any last comments for our readers?
Joey: Buy our music. Buy all music. Keep music alive. And come to our live shows!
Ever After High Reveals San Diego Comic Con Exclusive
Ever After High will be returning to this summer's San Diego Comic Con, convention with another exclusive doll, this year it being Cedar Wood the daughter of Pinocchio. Check out photos below and expect to find her at the convention as well as Amazon and Ebay sellers!
CADAVERIA + NECRODEATH = MONDOSCURO
MONDOSCURO will be the title of the EP involving CADAVERIA and Necrodeath, currently in the studio together to complete the mix of what promises to be the most diabolically unusual release of 2016.
The title refers to the cinematographic genre "Mondo film" of explicit documentaries, born in the 60s and depicting sensational, bloody and shocking scenes.
MONDOSCURO also clearly recalls Mondocane project, the legendary collaboration of Necrodeath and Schizo from which the album "Mondocane: Project One" was born in 1989.
MONDOSCURO will not be a normal split, but a joint partnership that will see the two bands interacting strongly, through a track-list that alternates new songs to covers and that will include many identity exchanges.
The EP will be released in a few months via Black Tears of Death.
The Strokes Announces New Music
The Strokes will be releasing new music in the form of a new EP called "FuturePresentPast" and will include such tracks as "Oblivius", "Drag Queen", and "Threat of Joy". Pre-orders as well as streaming of the whole EP will be happening HERE. Check out the artwork below.
3D In Your Face - Lost In The Volume
3D In Your Face is back with what will be their fifth album to date, "Lost In The Volume" the follow-up release to 2013's "Midnight Devils". Two years later, the band is still going strong, releasing one single off the album as it were, "Static Renegade", which has shown to be quite the track to stand out for this release. Whereas the rest of the album does some standing out noted here and there with such tracks as "Sound Of Recklessness", "2 Miles Down", "Loud", and "Ringing In My Ear". Each of these, being their own thing, having that flare if you will, having the style be punk rock meets metal, being more upbeat and catchy. That's pretty much what this release ends up being, an album that's more upbeat, catchier, and easy going, having the melodies, lyrics, and then some just stand out, being there, where you could enjoy it, no matter the track number. 3D In Your Face's "Lost In The Volume" is a follow-up and fifth album that surely steps back, from what previous context they have done before, and stands out, sorry for repeating one's self, but it does, so, because it gives these guys the ability to improve and grow as musicians, in more ways than just the one.
Our Frankenstein's Ryan Talks Debut Album, Touring, and More!
Our Frankenstein is a theatrical metal, industrial, electronic, rock and roll act from Southern California. They specialize in creating a shocking and theatrical stage show as well as creating catchy and heavy music, you will be a witness to what they can do for you! Frontman vocalist Ryan Frankenstein, discusses process on debut album, touring, and much, much more!
1. First of all, who are you, and what do you do in the band?
Ryan: My name is Ryan Frankenstein and I am the lead singer.
2. Let's talk a little about the history of your band. When did you originally form and is this the
original lineup?
Ryan: Sure. We originally formed in the summer of 2013 under the name “Cherry Frankenstein”. At the time it was just me and my keyboardist Ivan Vermillion. Soon we began communicating with
Angel Nightmare who at the time didn’t live in California with us. He didn’t join the live band up until recently but at the time he worked as a key songwriter and programer for the band. Eventually we changed our name to Our Frankenstein because keeping it as Cherry Frankenstein would have been an awful idea. The lineup we have isn’t the original one though. We’ve gone through a few different changes but Ivan, Angel, and myself are the only original members.
3. Do you remember how the idea of forming the band first came up?
Ryan: I’ve been in other bands and never really felt satisfied. That’s usually how it goes for most people. And I was extremely bored with what’s been going on in this new wave of alternative music. So I wanted to start something and take every social stigma and shove it into one project.
4. How long after you formed was it until you played your first live show?
Ryan: About one year. For a long time we were wondering if we should start performing without Angel being in the live lineup. So we just decided “fuck it” and did it.
5. What are your memories of the performance?
Ryan: Oh God. It was terrible. We did not have our act together at all. I had the feeling people were saying we did great just so we wouldn’t feel bad for ourselves. But I do remember how great it felt to finally be on stage as the lead singer for Our Frankenstein.
6. How would you categorize the style of the band?
Ryan: It’s a clusterfuck of many different things. We definitely have a large heavy metal and rock
influence in our sound. But we also have a huge love for electronic music such as industrial and
EDM and we actively try to incorporate those genres into our music a lot.
7. You decided to go with calling yourselves Our Frankenstein, why pick that iconic horror
character, and how does your version of Frankenstein differ from other variations out there?
Ryan: That’s a good question actually. I’ve waited a long time to talk about this. To me, the story of
Frankenstein represents a lot of things like...creation, love, pain, and rejection. In the story of
Frankenstein, Dr. Frankenstein rejects his own creation which in turn causes the monster to go
on a rampage of sorts. The Monster was a reflection of the Doctor’s rejection. We like to think of
ourselves as a reflection of the world’s rejection. A reflection of the world’s fears. A reflection of
the world’s bigotry and hate. We are the world’s spit. Culture’s nasty little secret. A walking contradiction. A musical confusion. We mean nothing and yet we mean everything. So in a way, we are monsters ourselves.
8. Who are your influences and how have they shaped your bands sound?
Ryan: Personally I have some strange influences that have helped my songwriting ability as well as performance. The more unconventional influences I have are Johnny Cash, John Denver, Frank Sinatra and David Bowie. Their specific style of songwriting has really helped me create a different style of lyric writing for Our Frankenstein. As for the more conventional artists that have influenced this band, we are greatly influenced by acts such as Nine Inch Nails, Rob Zombie, Slipknot, Marilyn Manson, Ministry, and so on.
9. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?Ryan: Lyrical theme? I like to tell stories more than anything. We are currently in the midst of writing our debut album that does in fact tell a story. And as for a message...I suppose our message is nothing. Just live, thrive, create, fuck, eat, sleep, and repeat. Don’t just exist just to exist. Exists how you want to exist. Nothing happens in this world if you sit there and wait for it. Grab the universe by its balls and yank it! And also don’t forget to eat your vegetables and blah blah blah.
10. Are you guys signed or unsigned? What should labels/zines/promoters know about your
band? Why should they be interested in it?
Ryan: We are currently unsigned at the moment. And as for the rest...what people should know about us is that we are a whirlwind of confusion. We provide a theatrical live show that will stimulate every one of your senses. And I mean EVERY ONE of your senses. Why should people be interested in my band? Because we are coming. That’s all I can say for now.
11. What have you released so far and how were your releases received by the public/media?
Ryan: We officially have 2 singles released to the public. The reason why new music is delayed is
because we ran into some issues with an old producer that has caused us to delay our release
on new music. But the songs we have currently released have been received incredibly well by
the public and fans. It’s always fantastic to see some of our fans singing along to the songs
when we perform them live.
12. Why should someone buy your merch/music?
Ryan: Because we are the shit. No, but in all seriousness, we think that a lot of fans are bored with the state of current alternative music and they are searching for something to just blow them away. We are that something!
13. What's new in the recording of your music? Have anything in terms of a followup to "From The Grave (SINGLE EP)"?
Ryan: We are currently in the midst of recording our debut album, The Sovereign Of Violence. This album will tell the story of a weak and insecure character’s journey to fame, power, and spirituality.
14. Do you play live as well? How's your live activity so far?
Ryan: Of course. We’ve been playing live a lot recently and now we are currently preparing for our west coast tour with Justin Symbol and The Culling.
15. How do you promote your band and shows?
Ryan: I use the internet to my advantage as much as possible. I like to push my band in every orifice
and crevice the internet has to offer. Some of it I’m not too proud of.
16. Tell us about your next shows and why we should be there?
Ryan: We are doing a west coast tour with my boys in The Culling (formally known as Ginger V) and my homie Justin Symbol. The tour is called The Blood Tears and Lust Tour and it goes through Arizona and California. I think that to those who are able to see this tour package are in for a treat. We are combining 3 different acts that will shape the future of the alternative music scene.
17. What does next year hold for Our Frankenstein?Ryan: The new album, more tour dates, music videos, porno clips, maybe some cover songs, and who knows what else. Y’all will have to find out.
18. Where can fans find out more about you?
Ryan: The best way for fans to find out about us is by visiting our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OurFrankenstein.
19. What about listening to your music, where can we listen to your band and where can we buy
your stuff?
Ryan: The best place to find our music is on our Soundcloud at soudcloud.com/ourfrankenstein.
20. Is that your final answer?
Ryan: Yes it is.
Never Shout Never Announces New Tour
Never Shout Never will be heading out on a headlining tour with support coming from Hundred Handed and Me Like Bees. Check out the list of dates below.
TOUR DATES:
June 18, 2016 @ TBA - Bakersfield, CA (No Me Like Bees)
June 20, 2016 @ Club Congress - Tucson, AZ
June 22, 2016 @ Launchpad - Albuquerque, NM
June 24, 2016 @ The Black Sheep - Colorado Springs, CO
June 25, 2016 @ Fox Theatre - Boulder, CO
June 26, 2016 @ The Vanguard - Tulsa, OK
June 28, 2016 @ Wooly's - Des Moines, IA
June 29, 2016 @ The House Cafe - DeKalb, IL
July 1, 2016 @ Beat Kitchen - Chicago, IL
July 2, 2016 @ The Loft, - Lansing, MI
July 3, 2016 @ HiFi - Indianapolis, IN
July 6, 2016 @ The Waiting Room - Buffalo, NY
July 7, 2016 @ Revolution Music Hall - Amityville, NY
July 8, 2016 @ The Met - Pawtucket, RI
July 9, 2016 @ The Ballroom at the Outdoor Space - Hamden, CT
July 10, 2016 @ The Hollow - Albany, NY
July 12, 2016 @ Ottobar - Baltimore, MD
July 13, 2016 @ Jammin' Java - Vienna, VA
July 14, 2016 @ Greene Street Club - Greensboro, NC
July 15, 2016 @ New Brookland Tavern - West Columbia, SC
July 16, 2016 @ The End - Nashville, TN
July 17, 2016 @ The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
July 19, 2016 @ House of Blues - New Orleans, LA
July 20, 2016 @ WorkPlay Theatre - Birmingham, AL
July 21, 2016 @ The Orpheum - Tampa, FL
Blessthefall Announces the "Back to Basics" Tour
Blessthefall has announced a summer headlining tour with support coming from Like Moths To Flames, Get Scared, and Picturesque. Check out the dates listed below.
TOUR DATES:
Jul 8 - Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
Jul 9 - Orangevale, CA @ Boardwalk
Jul 10 - San Francisco, CA @ Slims
Jul 12 - Tacoma, WA @ Real Art Tacoma
Jul 13 - Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw
Jul 15 - Edmonton, AB @ Mercury Room
Jul 16 - Calgary, AB @ Distortion Live Music Venue
Jul 17 - Spokane, WA @ The Pin
Jul 19 - Reno, NV @ Jub Jub's
Jul 20 - Las Vegas, NV @ Vinyl
Jul 22 - Phoenix, AZ @ Joe's Grotto
Jul 23 - Tucson, AZ @ The Rock
URBANGARDE's Yoko Hamasaki Reveals Album Details and Video for "I Like Chopin"
URBANGARDE vocalist Yoko Hamasaki has revealed the jacket image of her new solo album Blue Forest, scheduled for release on June 15.
Bringing a new sound and performance style from her work in the internationally popular "trauma techno-pop" group (URBANGARDE has performed multiple times overseas in Europe and America), Hamasaki shows her mature, sensual side in the music video for "I LIke Chopin", directed by Eisuke Naito (known for his films LITCHI ☆ HIKARI CLUB, PUZZLE).
Hamasaki produced the intensely personal Blue Forest herself, and the album will be available in a series of special editions in Japan:
TOWER RECORDS: Blue Forest Acoustic Ver. CD
HMV: Blue Forest Instrumental Ver. CD
VILLAGE VANGUARD: Blue Forest w/Music Video DVD
Hamasaki will promote the album's release with a limited number of live performances in June, titled "Into the Forest～Dark Blue Door":
June 18 Osaka - Club Vijon
June 19 Nagoya - X-HALL
June 30 Tokyo - Roppongi Super Deluxe
Check out the video for "I Like Chopin" HERE.
Moxy And The Influence - The Best Revenge
Having a style to define your age, age range between 13 and 21 is another thing, for rock n' rollers Moxy And The Influence or MIX for short, this all female act, has got their follow-up EP under wraps entitled "The Best Revenge". The follow-up EP to their previous debut EP release "Alive". This time around "The Best Revenge" is a mix of 4 songs instead of the previous 6-song EP, this one being more aggressive, progressive, and then some. In short, this release is pure rock n' roll feels, with minor screaming attics indicated here and there, throughout the release. Such songs as "Stomp You Down", and "Bella's Song", are two out of the four, that really stand out, while the other tracks offered, are just as good, but these here are just tops. They really showcase the band's skills and abilities as musicians, having the lyrics themselves being more meaningful and insightful, whereas the instrumentals are really easy going, having the music and lyrical context coming together to sound fully rounded, if that makes sense. All in all Moxy And The Influence's "The Best Revenge" is a release that will surly break the grounds, they walk upon, opening up bigger and greater things for them, for sure. Only just takes the time and practice and patience at that.
Blacklist Union's Tony says New Album will Touch, Move, and Inspire Everyone!
Blacklist Union has been quite active, since last speaking with them 3 years ago. Since then, the band has gone on to release another album "Back To Momo", release music videos and will be heading out on tour. Mainman Tony, vocalist for the band, discusses the new tunes and further plans.
1. Let’s start off with an icebreaker. If you could describe your band in 3 words, what would they be?
Tony: How about two words? "we deliver".
2. What has Blacklist Union been up to since we last spoke 3 years ago in 2013 when you released "Til Death Do Us Part"?
Tony: Well we released the new record called "Back To Momo", did two music videos, and we're booking a tour. We've been up to so much, we should have a blue light special.
3. What's the story behind the song and video for "Evil Eye"?Tony: The song is about my mother and how she treated me when I was a kid. She was very abusive, mean, cold, and shut off. This is a song about letting all of that go once and for all and not allowing it to interfere with my life anymore. I do not know my mother. It is sad really.
4. What's your take on "Back To Momo" as a whole?
Tony: It's a kick ass rock and roll record that will touch, move, and inspire everyone that listens to it.
5. What's your favorite song on the album right this second!?!?
Tony: "Superjaded".
6. Is it important for you to paint visual pictures with the songs?
Tony: I'm a very visual person and it's important to me that people can relate to the songs. That's what's most important to me. People process things the way they process things. In my case again I'm a visual person. Some people are different.
7. What would be the cinematic equivalent of "Back To Momo"?
Tony: Nacho Libre.
8. What would you say separates you from other bands in the scene?
Tony: We deliver the goods consistently. We have the hype AND the delivery.9. What does the band have planned for the rest of 2016?
Tony: Tour, do another video for Superjaded & start demoing for the next record.
10. Have you heard of Blacklist Union?
Tony: No and I did hear the singer is an asshole.
Monster High Reveals Teaser Trailer and Clips of "Monster High The Lost Movie"!
Monster High will be releasing another all new movie "Monster High The Lost Movie"! The Monster High Facebook page says "The rumors are true, mansters and ghouls! Your favorite Monster High and Ever After High characters are coming together in Monster High: The Lost Movie!" Check out a teaser trailer and clips HERE.
Ice Nine Kills Releases "Hell In The Hallways" Video
Ice Nine Kills has released a new video for "Hell In The Hallways" inspired by the 1970's horror flick Carrie, novelization by Stephen King. Check it out HERE.
I Am Ghost To Release New Music?
I Am Ghost made the announcement of their return this past April of 2016, with a comeback reunion show taking place this fall on October 22nd in Anaheim, California at the Chain Reaction. Tickets going quickly by the way, according to the venue and band, saying that they are less than 100 tickets remaining go grab yours HERE. But that's not all, the band went and posted a teaser clip showcasing new music and it coming this fall as well! Check out the new teaser clip HERE and expect NEW MUSIC from I Am Ghost!
Die Trying's Alex Talks of the Band's Demons in their Sound and BBQ Sauce?
Die Trying got their start in 2013, releasing thier "Self-Titled" debut EP which lead to a follow-up EP "Blues for the Cursed", which now has the band working on newier material, as well as playing shows when they want, doing what they want! Frontman vocalist Alex talks about the EP, new tunes, and playing shows, whenever they darn well feel like it!
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Alex: We formed in 2013. We knew each other because of our past HC/Metal bands and clubbing habits so when the the whole thing came up it was natural to start working together. Some of us also used to play together in other bands.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
Alex: I think it's a song title. It's our drummer's choice so I have to confess that actually I don't know.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Alex: We are all from Milano area. The underground scene is pretty huge there. Personally I really dig our bass player's other band, Young Blood. Halfway between Germs, early Coliseum and GG Allin.
4. How would you describe your style?Alex: Well, I think you could describe it as a molotov cocktail made of thrash, hardcore punk, southern rock'n roll and black metal.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
Alex: We have released two EPs and now we are working on the third one. You can expect a kick in the teeth!
6. Why should someone go and give your band a listen, what makes you guys stand out above everyone else?
Alex: Because we have demons in our sound. And BBQ sauce also.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
Alex: Absolutely yes! We are planning some gigs around Europe for the second part of this year and the first of next one.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?Alex: We are not a "long term plan" band. In three years we always did what we wanted when we wanted. That's the spirit! Then… who knows!
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Alex: Here's our bandcamp link where you can find all our songs in full streaming https://dietryingarmy.bandcamp.com/.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
Alex: To breathe. Cheers!