Broken Records Magazine October 2012 Issue featuring Scott Stapp by Broken Records Magazine

BROKEN RECORDS MAGAZINE

Page 42

BROKEN RECORDS MAGAZINE

BROKEN RECORDS contents Magazine October 2012

Volume 4 Issue 2

features:

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on the cover:

in SINNER’S CREED PAGE 42

SCOTT STAPP reveals all

by SCOTT VOLLWEILER

ODU CIN WAR MU G P LIVI NG CON LEGEN DS CER T RE IND VIEW IE SP S OTL CAT IGH CHI T A TH NG UP WIT OUS H AND MAI N SU WO RDS PPO HEA RT EDL INER

INTR

departments:

BROKEN RECORDS MAGAZINE

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER Resilience and persistence are undoubtedly two traits that are rare. Here at Broken Records Magazine, we understand that. Like many companies, we have dealt with hardships during these rough economic times. Luckily, with love and support from you, our readers, and all of our friends, we were able to overcome it and survive. Like us, Scott Stapp, the lead singer of the multi-platinum rock band Creed, had to survive and overcome. You may ask yourself, “What does a huge rock star have to worry about? Where to eat? What to wear?” Stapp survived near death experiences, suicide attempts and overcame addictions stemmed from a horrid childhood. Moral of the story, believe in something and you can survive and overcome. -Scott Vollweiler

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR-in-CHIEF Hey everyone, Justin here. I just want to share a little something on the importance of support. Broken Records Magazine loves YOU. Now who is “you?” “You” encompasses our amazing readers, our talented feature musicians, and our fantastic up-andcoming locals. From the top to the bottom, BRM wants to be here to support all those we hold dear to our success. With that being said, we urge you to read through the magazine and look at every artist represented, and look them up. Give their music a shot and see what they are about, you never know what you’ll come across. This issue, we are previewing our first annual Broken Records Music Festival. We are mixing together hip-hop and rock, along with signed and unsigned artists. It’s going to be a great time! Lastly, I would implore you to continue to read our humble magazine. I mean seriously, we have Scott Stapp on the cover! (By the way, he’s a huge fan of ours). Please help us continue to spread love and share with your friends and family. Most importantly, thank you. - Justin Sarachik

BROKEN RECORDS MAGAZINE EDITORIAL TEAM

Publisher/Managing Editor Scott Vollweiler

Editor in Chief Justin Sarachik

Deputy Editor

Markos Papadatos

Photo Director

Laura Desantis-Olsson

Photo Editor

Michelle Michalski

Web Editors

Megan Messana Danielle Gittleman

Staff Writers

Arin Segal Mike Camp Christianna Marks Cindy Vasko Gerard Ucelli Greg Rothberg Jennifer Leeflang Josh Wright Kayla Rodgers Kirsten Coachman Ryan Zerfas Yasmin Noor

Staff Photographers Matt Ryan Keeyahtay Lewis Kristen Tully Dani Tell

Advertising Paul Marino

Intern Kayla Sarachik Webmaster Thomas Stampfli

BROKEN RECORDS MAGAZINE

INTRODUCING...

Photo courtesy of the artist

hat do you get when you combine five absolutely gorgeous singers with unique style and British accents? If you are thinking of a certain “spice” group, well, you are off. Meet, Parade. With over forty thousand followers on Twitter and just under that amount on Facebook, they don’t need much of an introduction unless you live in the United States. They already have a top 10 and another top 40 hit across the pond under their belts and are riding high after parting with their label and releasing their latest single, “Light Me Up.” “Since we left the label, the caliber of people we are working with now feels like a real team,” the quintet told me during our video chat on Skype. “It just feels right this time. It’s people that really believe in us, not just people getting paid by the label.” As for “Light Me Up,” the group co-wrote it with mega-producer, Tim Powell. “We were in the studio in Brighton with Tim and the studio was right on the beach..it was very inspiring. He played us these few

chords and as soon as the chorus hit, on fire then maybe I’ll reconsider.” we were like, ‘GIRLS...that’s it’” If you haven’t stopped reading the article to check the group out yet, maybe having The Wanted as friends will be the reason! Apparently, they’ve known the boys for awhile. Sian (pronounced Shawn) grew up in the same town and “used to hang out on the streets” with them. So when they discovered that both had singing groups, it was an easy decision to tour together. “They are such silly lads,” Sian tells us. With that, the five-some start busting out laughing about this time in Parade’s dressing room. With obvious interest, I asked “So what happened? You have to tell me!” One of the boys from The Wanted “poo’d’ their toilet and “left it” and it The song has a fun but sexy overtone. “stank worse than anything.” The group didn’t want to write the If you ever get a chance to typical boy/girl dance song so they tweet the group (@Parade) ask decided to write something from them about their dressing room a “different perspective.” Instead experiences with The Wanted, they they wanted a song like, “I’m have many more stories to tell. happy where I am, chilling with And of course, if you love my girls just having a laugh, but if the gorgeous British accents of something comes along and it can five gorgeous singers, check out light up my world and set my world their latest single, “Light Me Up.”

PARADE

The Long Island female fronted band, Blameshift, is a “high energy rock” band that features lead singer Jenny Mann on vocals, Tim Barbour on the guitar, Nathan Saake on the drums and Vincent Monticciolo on the bass. Blameshift has a big fan base and an amazing live show, a perfect band that should be signed, but isn’t. Jenny explained why, “We got some offers that weren’t worth it to us. We made a career out of this. We are not

one of those bands that are signed to a label just to say they are signed.” A big reason for their success is their live show. Tim told me what makes their show better than anyone else. “We just try to bring a show in every aspect, from making things more memorable to the audience to our light show that we run, whether it’s a smaller venue or a bigger venue, which brings a more a live show atmosphere even if it’s a smaller venue.” So what separates Jenny from other female lead

BROKEN RECORDS MAGAZINE

PROJECTED

featuring members of Sevendust, Creed, Alter Bridge and Tremonti Project

interview with

John Connelly

Will you be taking Projected on a US tour or a European tour at some point? I would absolutely love to try and hit the stage and to try and get overseas. We would possibly do something at the beginning of the year as the Call Me No One guys want to get back out on road also. I’m not going to say no or commit myself or Scott to more than one show but with schedule permitting I would love to get over to Europe for sure.

What was the creative process of the album like? It was kind of similar to how I approach the Sevendust stuff. Once we had a decent idea of the line we wanted to work along it was easy. A nice thing about the Projected stuff was that some of it was already written, we had those 5 or 6 songs that had seemed to have fallen through the cracks previously with Sevendust because of being different but totally worked for this record. We enjoyed the process so much! How would you define the sound of this record? It’s hard to define this record but I would say for Sevendust fans it’s a step or two lighter and for Creed/ Alter Bridge fans a step or two heavier. Did you all agree on the direction the record was going, and the finished product? We were ecstatic with the finished product and part of that was because we set off to start this thing and our only goal was to finish it, We wanted to do it on somewhat on a budget but not on a budget as I wanted to push the envelope a bit to see just how much we could do in my home studio, so a lot of this was an continued on page 11

Projected Photo courtesy of the artist. Blameshift photo by Dani Tell

Where did your inspiration come from to put together Projected? Was it something that you always had a vision of doing away from Sevendust? It was one of those things as far back as 10 or 11 years ago, we were doing a lot of touring with Creed and Sevendust and we developed really close friendships which led to the discussing of a side project. We finally got that 6 month break and everyone was free, so it worked out perfectly. I wanted to do something a little different away from Sevendust, I stepped out and started singing and I felt it was a way to push myself and the other guys as musicians, but at the same time not wanting to put a ton of focus on this, Sevendust, Alter Bridge and Creed aren’t going anyway, those are our day jobs so to speak. We just wanted to do something different.

singers? She told me, “I’m not putting myself up against other female lead singers. At this point, I feel like everyone has their own thing. I just try to be true to who I am as a singer. I rather support them, then to be up against them.” You can catch up with Blameshift on their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ blameshift and all their music is available on iTunes, so check it out. By Mike Camp

BROKEN RECORDS MAGAZINE

INTRODUCING... PROJECTED

continued from page 9 exercise and at the same time I got to pretty much spend all the time with my family which was great.

How did the transition from backing vocals to lead vocals feel for you? It was really exciting and the beauty of having a lot of these songs written ahead of time gave me a chance to really dive into the lyric and melody of it. It was nerve wrecking and you really have to focus on things more that you are not happy with. It really makes you focus on the song. It was definitely cool to step into the role and to learn the limitations of my voice. I’m really really glad I did it, it was a lot of fun but also really happy to be back in the studio with Lajon.

Can we expect more from Projected in the future? Absolutely! You know, this record surprised us so much and we set the ball pretty low but just wanted to do something that we were proud to put our names to. At the end of the day it turned out so good that we are really excited about the prospect of a tour and we already have two or three songs for the next record that are kind of written. We How did the other members of had such a good time and I can’t Sevendust feel about your project wait to do it again! away from the band?

XFACTOR1 First and foremost what lead to the name of the band being Xfactor1? We threw a lot of names out there. HiLow, Burn Into Nothing, and a few more. But we kept coming back to XFactor1. We liked that it sounded like the #1 intangible in all things. And we thought the X showed strength and had an anarchist feel. How did you all meet? Were all of you friends prior to being in the band? Both of our guitarist, C~Lok & Cody were friends from way back. The rest of us knew of one another but didn’t know each other personally. Sooner or later serious musicians seem to gravitate towards each other when you’re in the same scene for a while. What motivated you to pursue a career in the music industry? Well my/our love of music and

They definitely accepted it. The fans tend to see a lot more stuff into it than you might intend. There was a lot of speculation into whether this was the last Sevendust record and then all of sudden you come out with two side projects and the guest spot with Lajon definitely had more meaning once we did it as it dispelled the myth that this was the beginning of the end for Sevendust but it’s these types of things is what makes us stronger and it really pushed myself and Clint to step out to do something that we weren’t used to doing and I have so much respect in the world for Lajon because it isn’t easy to get out there and be a front man. I’ve learned so much from him and it was cool to get him involved.

by James Kingsley

being able to live life on your own terms is the main reason. Sex and money seem pretty cool too. Of all the bands that you have played and toured with, whom was your favorite to listen to? And would you go on tour with them again? That honor would go to Mushroomhead. Great musicians and great live show. It never got old. And yes we would love to hit the road with them again. What was your favorite venue you’ve played? There’s so many. The L.C.Pavilion in Columbus, Ohio is awesome. So is the Altar Bar in Pittsburgh. That old church rocks. What musicians were the most influential to your music? Hetfield, Dime, Chino Moreno, also David Williams (RIP) really

rocked I thought. What was the influence for the song “Break You” off your latest album? The nay sayers, the haters, corporate American greed, racism, religious intolerance. All that stuff. It’s the “enough is enough” song. Why can’t people just live there life and let others live theres? I never understood the waste of energy on negativity. If you guys could set up your dream tour, who would be on it? Metallica headlines, Slipknot, Disturbed, Korn, Deftones and throw us in there as an opener for these legends. Do you have anything else to add? Factor1 is coming to a town near you. Please request XFactor1 at your local radio rock station. XNation...RISE!

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WARM UPS... AM I WHO I SAY I AM?

P.O.D.

- Sonny’s reflections on having faith in the music industry

Nu-Metal reggae rap-rockers, P.O.D., are finally back with a new album, Murdered Love, and after four years of inactivity, have thus far recaptured some of their old mojo albeit some controversy.

P.O.D. is excited to get the ball rolling again after the hiatus, “Feels good, we love to play music, but we just needed a break,” said the now 20 year veteran of music, lead vocalist Sonny Sandoval. He explained the band had to get their lives in order and take care of their personal needs. “Music doesn’t define me as a person. I’m a daddy and husband first.” Sonny was extremely happy about the response to the new record so far and said they were back to “having fun” and is happy people “dig it.” When asked about Murdered Love being a throwback to old P.O.D. he said the sound was merely coincidental. “[It’s] just how it happened. It’s a So-Cal sound to me.” Sonny said throughout the years they lost track of what the major trends were in music, and never worried about what they should sound like. “It’s doesn’t matter. Make the record you want to make.”

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Sonny describes the theme of the album turning out to be very apocalyptic despite no intention to have a concept or story. “It’s more of a state of mind, and I’ve always been intrigued by end times.” “The name Murdered Love is about the crucifixion of Christ. Jesus came with

open arms to save and then He was taken from us.” Sonny drives it home by simply saying, “God is love.” Being no strangers to controversy because of their self-professed Christianity in a non-traditional market, P.O.D., received some criticism and disappointment for one of the album’s track, “I Am.” The track is written in the perspective of a non-believer in Christ questioning why God would want to save them. Sonny wrote as if he was a drug user, someone who has been sexually abused, a prostitute, murderer, con-artist, and someone struggling with sexuality. The controversy is in the chorus. It says: “Are You The One That’s Come To Set Me Free? Cause If You Knew Who I Am, Would You Really Want To Die For Me ? They Say You Are The Cursed Man, The One Who Hangs From This Tree I Know This Is The One and only son of GOD But Tell Who the f*** is He!” The key here being the “F” bomb dropped, which is a serious no-no especially after using the name of God

before hand. P.O.D. has always focused their music on positive and inspiring messages as well as hope for those experiencing tribulations. Some feel this song is “too real” and the use of profanity along with the scenarios depicted in the song are too much. “I don’t have a problem making self-righteous Christians uncomfortable. We are all sinners. We live in a dying and hurting world,” said Sonny of the song. “The Bible says to confess our sins, we can all have salvation.”

Sonny said the band came to a mutual decision to censor the “F” word on the album after much prayer, and overall said the song had more “lovers” than “haters.” However, there is a version of Murdered Love for the Christian market that does not contain “I Am” at all. While on the subject of music being “too real” for some of their demographic, Sonny spoke about his personal relationship with God and his feelings on the church. “Because of our imperfections as people we are able to see God’s perfection. Instead of focusing on the negative, we have to think more

“It’s about being willing to admit ‘I need a Savior, I’m messed up.’” He said if the church wasn’t so quick to judge all that come through the doors and used actual honesty, they would always be full. After all the serious talk the mood became fun while talking about P.O.D.’s biggest “rockstar moment,” although Sonny adamantly denies being one, “I’m just Sonny from the block,” he said with a laugh. The top moments include playing the Latin Grammy’s with Carlos Santana, and the first time the band went to the Philippines. “We had eight bodyguards, and the kids were going nuts outside the venue and rocking our van.” He continued, “They had to shutdown the freeway just to get us out. We felt like the Backstreet Boys.” Sonny said one of his worst moments with the band was a performance on the “Howard Stern” show. P.O.D. had to perform their smash hit, “Alive,” off of their 2001 album, Satellite. “I had lost my voice and couldn’t even speak for the interview, but they made me go out anyway. It was the worst disaster of a performance and it was live.” The last question of the interview proved to be the most difficult for

Sonny to answer. “If you could work with any artist that is no longer living, who would it be?” After a 30 second pause of flustered thinking, he said, “I don’t know man. Too many… Bob Marley I guess.” With one of P.O.D.’s signature sounds being reggae infused rock, it comes as no surprise. “Old-school reggae is all rooted in Bible scriptures. I’d love to sit and just pick his brain about music and life,” Sonny said. Wrapping the conversation up, Sonny wanted to leave the fans with some final words. “It’s been a great journey and a blessing I never expected in just getting here. I don’t look toward tomorrow but today. Love the world in the name of Jesus.” by Justin sarachik

POD photos by Scott Vollweiler

He went on to talk about how they were never fully accepted by all Christian audiences because of their tattoos, image, and loud music and were also alienated at times by the mainstream because they were too Christian. “We are not a poster child for Christian music. I follow my heart and try to be the church that a non-Christian will never have.”

about the good,” he said referring to the message of “I Am.”

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With Emily’s first hypnotizing yell I was hooked. The energy in the music and in her performance forces its way into you and jolts through your whole body so quickly that you don’t realize you’re rocking out just as hard as she is, until you’re already doing it. Dead Sara, from Los Angeles, released their first selftitled debut album in April of this year. Since then, they have taken over the rock scene touring with bands such as The Used and Chevelle. They also toured as part of the annual Warped Tour this past summer and even rocked Jimmy Kimmel Live. They recently opened for the Offspring at the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ. I was nervous and excited to interview the band I have come to love in such a short time. It’s been awhile since a band has completely made me fall for them in every way possible. Emily’s extremely talented and unpredictable vocals paired up with Siuoxsie’s (pronounced Susie) incredible riffs on the bass will blow you away. During our chat Emily, Siuoxsie, Chris (bass) and Sean (drums), who were completely down to earth, chatted about their recent success and how humbled and excited they are to be doing what they love and to be touring with such great bands. “It’s great and it’s crazy…the ride itself is pretty cool. We’re just doing what we love and we are all pretty excited that other people like it too,” Siuoxsie told me. In past interviews they’ve attributed their recent success to doing so many live performances. When I asked them about this Emily responded, “It’s the real way to do it.” She then added, “We’re a rock band. When you listen to someone on your iPod or computer it doesn’t really convey, but when you go out to a show, you get the real experience. It’s the best way to show people who you are. It’s the truest form of us.”

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They not only started a band but they also created their own label “Pocket Kid Records.” The band “admires” Pearl Jam for the way they “handled their career” and they themselves want to remain in control of their music and careers to ensure that they don’t lose their individuality and vision as artists. Emily explained

BROKEN RECORDS MAGAZINE that, “It has more meaning this waywe can sing about anything. If you’ve been through a lot, it can be a form of therapy. It comes out in a song and can be inspiring to others.” Siuoxsie jumped right in stating, “We are in control of everything we do because it is our own label. We get to learn the ins and outs of the industry more rather than just being the artist, which we think is very important. To be fully aware of every decision and everything that’s going on with your music is very important.” This control is what allows them to cross over into so many different genres. Their music crosses the line into many genres of music including punk, hard rock, grunge, blues, and even a few emotional ballads. Whatever Emily wants to write about and however they are feeling at the moment is what they get to do. They wrote their first single, “Weatherman” during their very first rehearsal. Sean recollected, “from what I remember, Siouxsie started playing a riff and I was like, ‘keep playing that riff’. Then I started playing a simple beat over it and Emily started singing…(Emily belts out) ‘I’m the Weatherman’. Emily wanted to change the lyrics cause she thought it was stupid, but we all thought it was weird and cool so we didn’t let her. We’re happy we didn’t.” I left the interview smiling from ear to ear and even deeper in love with not only their music but with them as artists and people in general. Do yourself a favor and check out their music and go see them live. You won’t be disappointed. Grunge is back and it’s returned with Dead Sara in full control of the reigns.

Story and Photo by Michelle Michalski

BROKEN RECORDS MAGAZINE

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Q&A with

ANCHOR & BRAILLE’s

STEPHEN CHRISTIAN

On the release date of Anchor & Braille’s new record, The Quiet Life, I sat down with lead man Stephen Christian before their show at the Bowery in NYC to ask him a few personal questions about himself and the record. Drawing upon the theme of the record itself, he opened himself up willingly and without hesitation. Anchor & Braille’s feel and lyrics are said to be drawn from your personal experiences, endeavors, struggles, and triumphs. Do all of the songs have truth and personal meaning to you? I think if they don’t have personal meaning to you then all you’re doing is trying to sell pop music. Like people that have their songs written for them, it devoids it from any meaning. I don’t think I could sing someone else’s song and call it my own. So for me it has to be about life. It has to be about true experiences. Just like a painter paints as he sees the world. I am just writing how I see the world. A lot of it is just venting and a lot of it is just frustrations that I can’t put anywhere else. So for me lyrics have to be personal. The album is supposed to be about your life as a nomadic musician, is this why you chose ‘The Quiet Life’ as the album title? What was your writing process for this album like? That’s absolutely why I chose this title, because it was kind of like an oxymoron in the fact that titling a record The Quiet Life sounds like I have it or have obtained it. But it’s just the opposite. For me I think it’s something that everyone hopes for. Whether some people call it the American Dream or other people call it the moment of stability. I feel like my life is so unstable that it’s this eternal dream and I may not ever obtain it. It’s something that I feel like

even if I had I wonder if I would enjoy. It’s one of those things that you’d miss the struggles and just life itself. Life is absolutely exciting. I wouldn’t trade my life for anybody’s. On the other hand the only stability I’ve ever had is instability. You know like I don’t know where I am going to be tomorrow, you find out about tour a couple weeks in advance. It’s always exciting. What was the recording process like; were the ideas mostly yours or was there a good amount of collaboration between you (keyboardist) Kevin Dailey (of the band Civil Twilight) and (Anchor & Braille guitarist) Micah Tawlks who helped co-produce the album? There was a good deal of collaboration. I mean basically I would sit down and write the bones of the songs. I would come up with the cords, I would say here’s the progression I want and then I would hand it over to them. That’s why I chose them as producers, it’s because me and Micah have almost identical taste in music. I wanted the structure to be in there but I wanted it to be creative. So, if they felt like putting in a french horn or throwing the microphone against the wall to make a noise that sounds fun. So we would sit down just the three of us and work over what we could do. I wanted this record to kind of be like– you have to listen to it a couple times to really get it. I wasn’t trying to write verse chorus,

BROKEN RECORDS MAGAZINE verse chorus. You know like a poppy chorus and then everyone sings along. For me it was kinda like, how can we make this so interesting that people are excited to hear what the next song may bring? We tried to change it with every song but also add cohesion throughout. It has been mentioned that when Anberlin started you had many songs written that Anberlin would never use, but you were not ready to share such personal experiences on a large platform. What made you change your mind? I was so undefined starting out with Anchor & Braille, basically it was just a hodge podge of songs that I kind of wanted to put out and see what would happen. Over time Anchor & Braille became more defined and the more it got defined the more I realized, hey Anberlin isn’t full time. I really want to put this stuff out and I really believe in these songs. The further along down the road it got, I realized this is what I have to do and I’m okay with this. In the beginning it was just all so very sketchy and I was so unsure of the whole process. Now it’s just like man this is so much fun. This is what I gotta do, these are the lyrics I want to write, and these are the songs I want to put out.

everyone has this idea of how the record is going to sound and they are all different. So when you add that all in to this one same pod it’s not going to feel exactly how you want it. It could be for the better though because all of these guys have such great ideas. This guy is an amazing guitarist so he’s going to add this in or this guys a great drummer… whereas for A&B it’s just me. So everything that I can imagine with how I want it to sound, I can just put it down on record. Like on “Him for Her” it’s literally how I wrote it on my piano. I just hit record and Micah added some background vocals and it was done. It’s literally how I envisioned the song and how I played it, every note. That’s the biggest difference. I don’t think one is better. People say two minds are better than one. A&B is more piano and coffee shop while Anberlin is like a steel mill. I feel like I would miss either one. I would miss the atmosphere but I would also miss the high energy. Tonight I’m just standing and playing there and I’m having a great time but I don’t sweat. Anberlin I’m freakin’ drenched and someone’s bloody onstage. There’s no way I could deal without Anberlin or the creative outlet that I’m allowed to have with A&B.

Interview & Photo by Michelle Michalski

What is the meaning to the name of Anchor & Braille? Does being a part of Anchor & Braille, which is closer to your life, fulfill you more than being a part of Anberlin, which is more mainstream? The whole idea behind the project was to write songs with depth and feeling. So for me the words that I came up with was anchor for depth and braille being feeling. As far as fulfillment I think its two totally different demons and I’d be missing something without either one of them. A&B allows me to be just me. With Anberlin there are six different inputs,

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW

WESBORLAND?

I must express the fact that after 15 years, Borland is still very relevant in the music world today. If you have never heard or have never seen Wes Borland before, then you are were either in your pre–school years of your life, or you had never watched MTV or listened to any rock station on the radio. While making a rock star career out of being the lead guitarist for Limp Bizkit, Borland has never lost sight of his musical dreams as he now writes, tours, and sings for his band Black Light Burns. Formed by Borland, Black Light Burns lets him explore different aspects of his musical talent. Borland says that “he misses touring with his band mates in a van and setting up his own equipment before playing a show.” With Black light Burns, he gets to relive that life. Although he is not playing in front of a sold out crowd of thousands that he is accustomed to, Borland “enjoys playing the small intimate shows and getting to meet his fans.” He also prefers “the low budget music videos as he gets more say in what takes place as opposed to being told what to do by the record label.” If you want to get inside of the mind of the man who paints himself black from head to toe on stage and designs his own full body costumes from a human disco ball to a skeleton, then pick up Black light Burns new album The Moment You Realize You’re Going To Fall. It shows Borland’s musical passion outside of Limp Bizkit. From his past projects: Limp Bizkit, From First To Last, Big Dumb Face, Marilyn Manson to Black Light Burns, Borland has solidified his name in Rock N Roll History and with new albums and tours coming up with Limp Bizkit and Black Light Burns, Wes Borland is a long time away from hanging his guitar and ending his legacy. By Greg Rothberg

BROKEN RECORDS MAGAZINE

Tristan

Prettyman

by Markos Papadatos EMI recording artist and singer-songwriter Tristan Prettyman encompasses the soulfulness of Norah Jones, the expressiveness of Adele and the mellifluousness of Sarah McLachlan. Her newest album, Cedar and Gold, was released on October 2 and it features the catchy lead-off single “My Oh My.” “I wrote this song on my couch in fifteen minutes with Kevin Griffin from Better Than Ezra,” she says. The album title originated from a dream that she had of her late grandmother and it refers to the ceilings and cedar walls in her home where she recovered from her heartbreak, as well as the gold that she spun from the terrible situations that she went through. “I took these situations and made them in beautiful and valuable songs. That felt very magical, mysterious and mystical,” she says. “I believe in this record so much and I am very happy and I feel fortunate to talk about it as much as I can and brighten people’s days with it.” Although all thirteen tracks on her record are stellar, she lists “Say Anything” and “Second Chance” as her two favorites at the moment. “I love all of the songs on

there so whenever I am making my set-list for my live shows I always have a difficult time deciding which ones to pick,” she admits. “I definitely put all of my heart and soul on the album.” “My most favorite thing to do is to be on stage and share my stories and songs with people,” she says. “I love the people that I get to meet and the fans are awesome.” Prettyman is accessible for her fans via her social media networks and she is a firm believer that people can learn a lot from each other based on their stories and the things that they are going through. “We all have a perspective and an opinion and we all see things differently. I find that to be fascinating,” she says. Aside from doing promo for “Cedar and Gold,” she is slated to embark on a tour in February in an effort to bring her music to new audiences. It is safe to say that Prettyman’s newest CD is more than just “pretty” good. It is utterly fantastic and it is bound to be the next “21” by Adele.

BROKEN RECORDS MAGAZINE

GIVE THE GIFT OF MUSIC THAT GIVES BACK! By Paul Marino The song “Drown” is about coming to terms with starting a new life. There’s a lot of glow in the dark paint in the video, is this symbolic of anything or was it more a of a fun video thing? It’s more of a fun video thing (laughing). It was a new thing we wanted to try out, glow in the dark paint, could be kind of fun. We had all this paint being thrown at us, it was cool and dramatic. You had all this water being thrown at you, “drowning” in this whole thing, it had an energy to it. Your song lyrics seem very personal, do these lyrics come from experiences in your lives? Yeah, it’s all personal, it all comes from ourselves, if not, there would be no way we’d be able to do this on a daily basis. We so songs from our heart. There are songs from a few years ago that are still ‘who we are, and who we’ve been.’ A lot of fans credit your music with helping them through some rough patches of your life. Do you have anything to say to this group of fans? That goes back to what we were saying before about our music, about being honest with ourselves and music. We find a way to speak to our fans. Where did the name “Carolina Liar” come from? That came from nobody ever believing any story I ever told them (laughing). I was with another band a while and this band imploded. I was thinking about names for a new band and my manager didn’t like anything I came up with. I was telling him stories about no one ever believing me, and he asked me ‘Where are you from again?’ I said South Carolina, and he said ‘That’s what you’re called dude, everything you do from this point forward will be called Carolina Liar.’ That’s it. Between the movies “Liar Liar” and “The Invention of Lying,” which is the better comedy? (Though they enjoyed Jim Carrey, the band mutually agreed that The Invention of Lying was a more intelligent comedy and favored it over Liar Liar.)

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AVAILABLE IN STORES EVERYWHERE AND DIGITALLY INCLUDING AN EXCLUSIVE JASON MRAZ TRACK Follow us on facebook at facebook.com/VerySpecialChristmas or facebook.com/specialolympics Since 1987, the AVSC series has generated support for Special Olympics programs around the world. By purchasing AVSC albums, you can help by making possible another kind of music: the rousing cheers of proud parents and friends, where once there was only the stifling silence of ignorance and fear. Thank you for being a fan!

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David Rogue

He made sure that it was known how much difference four years really makes, and it shows. by Danielle Gittleman On the album, Rogue worked with many famous It’s been four years musicians such as Phil Ramone and Tony Levin, since musician David which were amazing experiences for him. He knew Rogue has released right from the very beginning that working with any new music. these talented musicians would make a great album. Since the release of “On one hand I’m a fan,” Rogue explains, “but on the his EP, The Arrival, other hand they’re a colleague contributing to my back in 2008, Rogue new album.” Working side by side with musicians has learned a lot you look up to is any aspiring musician’s dream. and grown a lot “It’s something you get used to,” Rogue laughs, musically. All of “but you always appreciate their musicianship.” On Victim of Circumstance, Rogue notes that his experiences and inspirations he wrote eleven out of the twelve tracks on the have been debut album. “Some of these song are results of thrown into his me sitting with a guitar or keyboard trying to write brand new a song,” he elaborates, “but most of the time I will a l b u m , wake up with a song in my head, or I’ll be walking Victim of around town and the beat of my feet will make an C i r c u m - original melody.” Regardless of how the song is s t a n c e , written, all of his songs are inspired by someone which was or something that happened in real life, which released on September 25th. Rogue is finally in his opinion are the best songs on the record. Rogue’s first show since the release of his debut ready to take the music world by storm. record was September 29th at Joe’s Pub in New Four years is quite a long time, especially if it’s time between an EP and a full-length album. It York City. Rogue is hoping to continue to do more seems as if the music industry is always rushing. A local New York City shows in support of Victim new artist releases an EP and a few short months of Circumstance. “There’s been a lot of offers on later, a full-length album follows. Rogue has made the table,” Rogue expresses, “and hopefully we sure to do the opposite – he took his time between can keep building up the momentum and then each and for good reasons. “I never realized that start taking this show on the road early next year.” Rogue is really hoping to play some shows it takes a number of years to find your sound outside of New York City and play his music and find who you are as an artist,” Rogue says about his break in between his EP and album, “I on tour. Fans who have the pleasure of seeing learned what I liked and what I didn’t like.” More Rogue in concert will really get the show they’re importantly, Rogue struggled to find the perfect hoping for. “I’ve been told that my energy and producer for his debut album, which took more enthusiasm just takes to the audience,” Rogue time than he thought. “I tried to make an album, says, “it’s a way for them to get away from their and I tried to record, and mesh with different everyday life and have a high energy show.” When asked if there was anything he wants his producers,” he explains, “I spent a lot of time fans to know about the new album, he shares, “the with two different producers and met with a bunch of different people, and nothing really clicked.” songs all came from the heart. These are some of As for the long wait, it was worth it. Victim the best examples of my song writing. A lot of time, of Circumstance is much different than The energy, and love was put into this record.” Victim Arrival. “Between that first EP and this record, of Circumstance is now available for purchase and I’ve grown a lot as an artist. And I’ve had a for more information about Rogue and possible lot of different experiences,” Rogue states. upcoming shows, visit davidrogue.com.

BROKEN RECORDS MAGAZINE KISS AND MOTLEY CRUE

CONCERT

PNC Bank Arts Center September 21, 2012 The Tour by Mike Valente Sr. Two of the largest revenue grossing, over the top stage show bands of all time, Motley Crue and Kiss, on the same stage, on the same night. People said it would never happen. Until they announced it, I never gave it a thought let alone dreamed about it. Yes, that’s right I said dreamed about it, I am a huge Kiss and Crue fan. When the announcement came I thought that would be an incredible show to photograph and review. The night started with a relatively new band, The Treatment. I had never heard of but thought they had a pretty good sound. As I stood around after The Treatment went off, all I could think of was “I am about to photograph one of the bands that I have been listening to since I was a kid” and was so psyched for it. I am unable to explain how I felt. Motley Crue came out in a strange fashion. They walked through the crowd as the opening recorded section of Saints of Los Angeles

played. Tommy Lee, Nikki Six and a host of carnival looking folks walked in as if it was a ceremony, (Vince

Neil did not walk in this way and I assume it is due to his broken foot which occurred in Toronto) a very cool way to enter. They literally walked five feet away from me as well as everyone else near the sound

board. They played some of their biggest hits such as: “Shout at the Devil,” “Live Wire,” “Dr. Feel Good” and their newest single, “Sex.” All in all it was an awesome performance by these guys with Vince Neil belting his vocals out in his signature style. Nikki Sixx had all his bad boy rocker attitude and Mick Mars being Mick and playing the strings off the guitar to an insane drum solo where Tommy Lee took a grandmother…You read it right, a grandmother for a ride in his roller-coaster drum contraption. I don’t think I could have had a better experience and then I remembered I still had Kiss to shoot...oh man was I pumped. I have been listening to Kiss since 1978. I was 11 years-old and had just seen the inside of the Alive II album. Now I’m 45 and stood in the photo pit like an 11 year-old kid again, I’m sure you know how I felt, anticipation, worrying about standing there just watching

Country Music Hall of Famer Ray Price’s signature song, “For the Good Times,” garnered him a Grammy award for “Best Male Country Vocal Performance” in 1970, and it was named “Single of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music (ACM) that same year. In 2007, he added another Grammy to his mantle for “Lost Highway,” his collaboration with Willie Nelson. “Willie, Merle Haggard and I are really close,” he says. “The three of us did a tour a few years back and it was just fantastic. They are two of my favorite people!” LIVING LEGENDS In 1996, he was inducted in the prestigious Country Music Hall with Markos of Fame, along with Buck Owens and Patsy Montana. “That was pretty good. I was beginning to feel like Susan Lucci since I was nominated so many times,” he says. “It was an achievement in my life and I am proud of that one. I am accomplishing more and more today than I have been for years. Our shows are always sold out, we have big crowds and my fans don’t like the music that they have to listen to all the time.”

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and not taking any pictures, even a little apprehension. I have a bad habit sometimes of not thinking I am a good enough photographer to do this. Then I hear it, “HOLMDEL NEW JERSEY, YOU WANTED THE BEST, YOU GOT THE BEST, THE HOTTEST BAND IN THE WORLD, KISS!” I was transported back in time to the first time I heard Alive II and heard that and the first few chords of “Detroit Rock City.” It gave me chills, but as you will see I did not waste time on those chills. I took pictures, you could say of my childhood heroes, but it was also pictures of a band that kicked some major ass. Up next was “Shout it out Loud.” They covered the short list of classics from “God of Thunder” to “Hell or Hallelujah” (their new single from the new album Monster) and lots in between. The highlight of the night for me as always is when Gene spits fire at the end of “Firehouse” and the blizzard of confetti at the end of “Rock and Roll All Nite.” I will, as long as I live, love this band, and I know all the controversy about Eric and Tommy, but I don’t care. Kiss is and always will be……THE HOTTEST BAND IN THE WORLD to me!

Slash and the Conspirators By Yasmin Noor

Slash has once again revved up a wild crowd of rock n’ rollers at his Hammerstein Ballroom gig on September 18. Turning a windy, rainy Tuesday night into an intensely hypnotizing out of body experience, this was pure hard rock in its finest form. Hugging the fence between the stage and the crowd, fans were going absolutely insane for every single song. Slash and the Conspirators consist of Slash and Frank Sidoris on electric guitar, Brent Fitz on drums, Todd ‘Dammit’ Kerns playing bass, and Myles Kennedy’s insane vocal range tying it all together. With a wide variety to pick and play, the Conspirators dove into every era of Slash’s career, including songs off his last solo album, Slash’s Snakepit, Velvet Revolver, and of course, the almighty Guns N’ Roses.

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For a wild show like this, Foxy Shazam was hand selected to open for Slash and the group. Half circus act, half rock n’ roll. Their lead singer, Eric Sean Nally, asked the crowd for some cigarettes and a lighter. Over the heads of the audience flew an army of nicotine. Eric stuck ten in his mouth, lit them, smoked them and ate them. Yes, ate them. Along with the flips, stage diving, and incredible eclectic talent they possess, I was stunned. It was unlike anything I have ever seen in my entire life and the crowd was completely warmed up and ready for the cat in the hat. Slash’s most recent release, Apocalyptic Love, is a track listing of sleazy hard rock with a cause. After being introduced by That Metal Show’s own Eddie Trunk, Slash emerged from behind the dark curtains to the main stage where the band is their tightest and most comfortable. SLASH continued on page 22

Presently, Price is working on a new studio album which will consist of approximately ten to twelve tracks. It will not have any honky-tonk songs, nor any cheating or drinking tunes. “I have some great love songs for people that they will enjoy on this record,” he says. “Traditional country music is coming back and I hope my new CD brings it back quicker and stronger.” Although Ray Price loves the traditional country genre, he is not a fan of today’s modern country scene. “It’s a great disserve to call the new songs on radio ‘country.’ Traditional country talks about everyday life and it does not have any restrictions on it. I feel that RAY country is more like contemporary jazz since it does not have any boundaries,” he PRICE says. Ray Price’s goal in life is to become everybody’s favorite singer so he will not retire anytime time. He intends to work as long as he can for his fans. “I don’t care if I have to work to be 100,” he says. “If my fans are enjoying it, I am enjoying it as well. The more they like my music, the better I feel since it means that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing.”

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CONCERT

SLASH from page 21

Both singles, “You’re a Lie” and the latest video release, “Bad Rain” were both played beyond expectation. Fans bounced around to the new tunes, improvised solos, and the classics under the intensely lit stage. Slash never fails to mesmerize his audience with those fingers intricately weaving their way up and down the fret board. The set list is consistently and evenly divided, giving each of Slash’s previous bands a fair amount of songs. There is no stage presence like that of the dark silhouette created by the curly-haired legend. As the show came to an end, Gilby Clarke, an ex-member of Guns N’ Roses surprised the audience and joined Slash and the band to play “Welcome to the Jungle.” Confetti closed the entire event while Slash shredded away the last notes on “Paradise City.” Slash and the Conspirators always put on a mind-blowing show. The riffs and solos take your soul on a trip to another planet. Currently finishing up their US tour, they head on over to the UK to take over and rock the rest of the world.

Fozzy co-founder and lead guitarist, Rich Ward, has watched his band grow from a cover band to a full fledged power rock band. Most may know Ward as one of the members of rap/alternative band Stuck Mojo, who have been rocking faces since the 90s. In addition to Ward, Fozzy has a really famous lead singer, WWE superstar Chris Jericho. When Fozzy started in the early 2000s, they were more of a “joke” band that wore costumes and played awesome covers. But after two albums, and lots of positive feedback, they decided to go all in. “When we finally decided to take the band seriously we had a lot of things to overcome,” Ward said. “Anytime a band has a celebrity in it, people are automatically going to be a little guarded and say, ‘eh I don’t know.’ We had to work twice as hard to prove ourselves.” On describing his start in music and what was going through his head, Ward answered, “This is hard. I gotta be homeless for three years and drive around the country in a van, and basically be a hobo. I love it. Give it to me!” Fozzy’s new single “Sandpaper” has been getting a lot of buzz and play around the Internet and radio stations. The track features M. Shadows from Avenged Sevenfold. Interestingly enough, Ward said none of the song was really recorded together. Guitar, drums, and bass were recorded in Atlanta, and vocals by Jericho were done in Los Angeles. M. Shadows only worked through email or over the phone. “It ruins a little bit of the ‘in the moment’ being excited to work that way,” he said regarding the whole process. However, he does

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Sonny Sandoval, lead singer of pioneering heavy rock/rap band P.O.D., still has the same passion vigor to create uplifting music and perform after almost 20 years of fronting his band. When asked if he was looking forward to playing alongside some of the newer up and coming bands, he said it was “the best part.” “Hanging out with all the bands on the side, you realize the influence you’ve had in those bands. Some grew up on P.O.D.” “That’s part of the journey. You’re in this because you love it. We fight like brothers, we are brothers first. Sometimes we have to take the time off to recover,” Sonny said referring to some of the bands transitional phases in the last few years. “You just have to take that time off to refocus. For me it’s about my walk, and my faith in God, and my love for my family.” Sonny spoke about the bands two most current singles, “Lost in Forever” and “Higher” with excitement on how well it was doing on the charts. “We just found out it went from five to three, so we’re tripping.” “Higher kind of reminds me of ‘Alive.’ It was filmed in our hometown with friends and family in San Diego,” he said. feel it is helpful to do so because of the struggles of the record industry and the lower recording budgets of bands. “We are just mad that sales are down. But really the Internet has helped the music industry in so many ways.” Ward made sure to note that the band no longer engages in “Tom-foolery” because they are older and way beyond that. As a band they now realize the importance of staying in shape and being ready to play a show. “People paid a lot of money to see bands play. If you stayed up all night long drinking and doing drugs, cheating on your wife, and not focused in on why you are there; you are there for your fans. You are there to create a moment for several thousand fans to escape their life.” “When you are hanging with your best friends, it’s fun. But I’d like to get the extra hour of sleep now,” Ward said in closing.

He described the tour as being “so far so good. The sad story is that Papa Roach had to leave.” Sonny was supposed to be performing “Last Resort” with Papa Roach, which was sure to be a classic. Another band Sonny is fond of is, In This Moment. “I like the music, I like her voice, and they are super cool.” He continued, “I don’t hangout with rockstars man, so when these guys come up and they just want to know you, it’s cool.” “I like building relationships with these bands. You never know, they could skyrocket to the moon one day and it feels good.” After bands not having egos was mentioned, Sonny had a nice little diatribe just for that subject. “I like to watch it to see if it doesn’t change. We’ve taken out Linkin Park, we’ve taken out all these fools, and everybody blew up. And it’s funny but I ain’t saying no names, but it’s funny to watch people come and go, change, when it’s like, I’m trying to do the exact opposite. I’m trying to stay the same.”

BROKEN RECORDS MAGAZINE Rap/rock solo artist, Deuce, formerly of Hollywood Undead, is crashing parties, wooing ladies, and rocking out on Uproar all by himself. “It feels good, ya know, our stuff is different. It’s rap, rock, pop mixed. It’s dubbed to be different. It’s dubbed to be with a bunch of rock bands,” he said when asked about not being in a band. “It’s cool to give the kids something else. We have something different. We are mixed.” “When I perform that’s when I let everything out. I let all that angst out, and let all that stuff that’s built up inside of me out on stage,” Deuce said about his energy on stage. Deuce said first and foremost that he is a songwriter, so however the song needs to be, it will be. He developed his unique sound through his love for writing. “It’s all about having fun. Each song is different.,” he said. “Music is life, and life is music.” Deuce feels he’s already surpassed his level of success in Hollywood Undead. “This is me letting them know that I’m going to be around for awhile.” “I won’t ever change. I never have changed,” Deuce said regarding fame. “Triple platinum, single platinum, you’ll still see us out here, and we’ll be kicking it with you.”

Interviews by Scott Vollweiler Stories by Justin Sarachik

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NEWS One Direction Make US Chart History Again

“Live While We’re Young” Is No. 1 On Both The Digital Tracks And Song Charts Biggest US Opening Week Sales By A UK Artist Ever

The 40th Anniversary American Music Awards®” Nominations Announced

Small town Pennsylvania band, Candlelight Red, has brought their “heavy/ soft sometimes screaming” sound to the Uproar Festival, and are looking to further get their steadily growing name out to the masses. “We got the news we were doing Uproar Fest and were ecstatic. We counted down like it was Christmas,” said Hoke. Fresh off their latest release, an EP called Demons, they are encouraged by the positive reviews and radio play so far. “Things are looking up for Candlelight Red,” said singer Ryan Hoke. Hoke spoke of some of the highlights of the tour at that point being a party they had with Shinedown and Godsmack. “It was off the hook and we kind of got loose.” “Everybody has been really good so far. It’s gonna be a good tour, we are excited, it’s a good lineup and a great group of people,” he said regarding the almost family like atmosphere of all the bands. On being asked about picking a deceased musician to collaborate or hang out with for a day, Hoke said, “It would be great to have Dimebag Darrell.” He explained at the end of their set they usually do a tribute to him and play “Domination.” “We put our horns up. Ya know. he’s iconic for our genre.” Guitarist, Jeremy Edge picked John Bonham. “It would be cool to just pick his brain, and someone like Freddie Mercury too.” On why Candlelight Red deserves your attention, “Live we are energetic. You come to a Candlelight Red show and you are going to see us pour our hearts souls out onto the stage every single day,” Hoke said. “We throw down every single day.” Edge said, the diversity in their music is something that will draw people. “There’s something for everybody.”

Nicki Minaj and Rihanna Individually Lead 2012 Nominations Christina Aguilera Confirmed to Perform. New Electronic Dance Music Category Created

Rage Against The Machine To Release 20th Anniversary Box Set On November 27 XX- 20th ANNIVERSARY DELUXE BOX SET CONTAINS NEVER BEFORE SEEN EARLY CONCERT FOOTAGE

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over the last two years and so has Amy Winehouse.” Broken Records Magazine: “What will you miss most from the American Idol experience?”

On Wednesday, August 22, 2012, Broken Records Magazine’s Markos Papadatos chatted with this year’s American Idol Season 11 contestants prior to their show Erika Van Pelt: “My friends! I have always been at Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York. performing and I own a DJ company and I lead a band back home, so I will always be singing Broken Records Magazine: but I will miss the camaraderie and the “What do you miss most about tour situation since I may never get that the American Idol experience?” again. Deandre Brackensick:

American Idol Photos by Dani Tell

“Having the excitement of singing something new each week. That’s probably it.”

Broken Records Magazine: “Were Ann and Nancy Wilson from Heart big influences on you growing up?” Erika Van Pelt: “Big time! The Wilson Broken Records Magazine: sisters are just unbelievable and they “What are your personal have two of the best female voices of all favorite songs that you performed during this Idol season?” Deandre Brackensick: “My personal favorite would time in any genre of music. I admire them very much!” have to be ‘Georgia On My Broken Records Magazine: Mind’ or ‘I Like It.’ They both “Did you ever dream that you showed who I wanted to be. I would ever be singing here?” am a falsetto singer but I have Heejun Han: “No, I never imagined a low register too. That’s the that and it’s an honor to be here.” route that I wanted to go.” Broken Records Magazine: “How does it feel to be performing at Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York?” Elise Testone: “I am excited since we are getting closer and closer to where I grew up: New Jersey. We will perform there next Tuesday.”

Broken Records Magazine: “What do your plans for the future include?” Heejun Han: “I am working on my album right now and a television series.”

Broken Records Magazine: “I know that this is your second season on American Idol. Can you Broken Records tell us more Magazine: “From all of about that?” the songs you did on Idol H o l l i e which is your personal favorite and why?” Cavanagh: “Yes it is my Elise Testone: “Most people love ‘Whole Lotta Love’ second season. Last year, I but my favorite moment was when I sang ‘One and only made the Top 40 and Only’ by Adele. She has been a big influence on me

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this year I made the Top 4, so I am really happy.”

Broken Records Magazine: “What do you have in store for the future?” Joshua Ledet: “I am working on an album now and I am working on a deal with a label. We are still getting everything worked out and lined up together.” Broken Records Magazine: “Who would your dream duet choice be in music if you had to pick somebody living on non-living and why?” Joshua Ledet: “Michael Jackson.” Broken Records Magazine: “Who are some of your biggest musical influences?” Skylar Laine: “My biggest influences are Justin Moore and Miranda Lambert. I love them both! Justin is amazing and I want to be the ‘girl version’ of him.”

ORIANTHI

Ever wonder what Orianthi has been up to since gracing our cover in 2010? Orianthi finished her album, Heaven in This Hell which is slated for release in November. “I’m super excited about it!” she said. “It was a lot of fun.” “Capturing that live sound energy was really important to me,” she said talking about Heaven in Hell. “This album is more rock, blues, with a country vibe to it.” The single “Heaven in This Hell” is described by Orianthi as, “A heavy ass riff that’s kind of bluesy swampy rock. A little Led Zeppelin meets Hendrix vibe.” Orianthi also teamed up with Alice Cooper through a performance on American Idol. They stayed in touch over the next year, but one conversation stands out in particular to her. Cooper sent her an email asking if she could be the new lead guitarist of his band. Despite touring with Cooper, she says she’ll have plenty of time to promote her own music. “When he wants me to tour with him I will, and when he’s off and having a break, I’ll go in and be with my band.”

Orianthi Photo: Tina Jade

B r o k e n Records Magazine: “Is there a difference when you sing in the studio vs. performing live?” Hollie Cavanagh: “Yes, singing live we can do whatever we want and it is okay if we make a mistake. You get more energy live since there are people in front of you and you feed off of that.”

CATCHING UP WITH...

Broken Records Magazine: “What do your plans for the future include after the tour?” Skaylar Laine: “After the tour I am moving to Nashville and I hopefully I will get signed to a label and hopefully come out with some music.” Interviews by Markos Papadatos

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PINK Photo by Bill Menzel

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KISS Photo by Mike Valente Sr.

THE FRAY Photo by Laura Desantis-Olsson

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CARLY RAE JEPSEN Photo by Dani Tell

Nicki Minaj

Carly Rae Jepsen Photo by Dani Tell

STEEL PANTHER Photo by Michelle Sokolowski Less Than Jake Photo by Laura Desantis-Olsson

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311 Photo by Michelle Michalski

Carrie Underwood Photo by Michelle Michalski

Shinedown Photo by Michelle Michalski

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Interview and Photo by Arin Segal

From a tour opening for Snow Patrol earlier this year to playing the Olympic Games Closing Ceremonies with Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and now a sold out American headlining tour, I think it’s safe to say Ed Sheeran has had a pretty big year. Ed can pretty much do it all: beat-boxing, live loops, raps, ballads. Think the album sounds amazing? After watching him live, incredible is more the word I would use. Seeing him live earlier this year was a treat and now that he is back in the states, more people have the opportunity to enjoy what I was so lucky to discover back in April. The US tour kicked off in Orlando on September 8th and will run until October 6th in Seattle. After that, he will head back overseas for a long run of shows; but if he isn’t playing in your city, don’t worry because he will be back on tour soon. Ed and I chatted earlier today about the tour, live loops, and his guitar Nigel and here is what he had to say.

BROKEN RECORDS MAGAZINE right near where I’m from and it’s called East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice. Those two charities are probably the main thing at the moment. So what comes next once this tour wraps? Another tour. I’m going to be touring for a long time and then when that’s done, I’ll put together the second album and start it all again. When you play ‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You’ live, you tend to extend it and add in extra raps. Do you freestyle those or is it something you plan out ahead of time? Sometimes I’ll add different stuff and it’ll be freestyle, but most of the time it’s pre-planned. The iTunes music festival was a little over a week ago; so what was that like to play since, not only did

Main Support

What’s it like for you to come to the US for what really is your first headlining tour and have it sold out? It’s a bit overwhelming. I’m very happy to be able to come and tour a country like America and have the demands to have people come and see me live. It’s a very humbling thing and I’m happy to be able to do it. What was it like for you to play the Olympic Games earlier this year? Yeah, it was phenomenal! It was an experience that I’ll never get to do again, so it was very great – a very cool experience. I know you do a lot of live loops in your show and they can also be heard a bit on the recorded tracks, so when did you learn how to do that and how much fun is it for you? I started doing that when I was fourteen and I just think, you know, it’s a fun thing to mess about with different sounds and stuff and [also] just use the guitar and keep it solo. I know crowd involvement is a huge part of your live show, so what is it like to have that energy come back to you when you’re on stage since it is just you? Well I think, it just being me up there, that makes the musical element of the gig fifty-percent the crowd, so I think it’s very, very important to have them involved. It keeps them happy, I think. Which one of your songs is your favorite? Probably ‘Give Me Love’ again, or a song like ‘You Need Me, [I Don’t Need You],’ or something like that. ‘You Need Me’ is always a fun one to do. What difference have you noticed between the crowd at home and the crowd in the US? I mean, all the crowds worldwide have been very similar. I think [with] the American crowd, it’s most of their first time seeing me. In England, most of my fan base has seen me two or three times; so the only difference would be [that with] the American crowd, it’s their first time seeing me. In the past, you have been involved with some charity and philanthropy work; so as of right now, are there any causes that you are working with or that are close to your heart? There’s obviously Crisis, which is a homeless shelter, and then there’s a children’s hospice

you have a decent size crowd at the venue, it was live streamed for people around the world to watch and people can still see it? It’s a nice thing to know that anywhere in the world people could watch that, so it wasn’t just a gig for that venue. It was a concert for the whole world, so that was quite nice. What has it been like for you to have things moving so quickly this past year and not having too much time to just breathe and take it all in? I think I’ve just concentrated on what the next thing is. Just achieving everything that’s put in front of me and keep moving forward. Is there any significance to the paw print that has sort of become attached to your name? It doesn’t really have too much significance. It’s a tiger paw print and I really love cats and tigers and [that] sort of stuff. Are you on your social networks a lot reading what the fans have to say? When I’m in America, not so much because I haven’t really got wi-fi wherever I go; but when I have wi-fi, yeah I do read it a lot. What has been one of the coolest things someone has said or done for you when you met them after a show that has stuck with you? I had a girl in San Fransisco give me her eighteen month sobriety token from AA and she said my music helped her get through that, so that was quite a cool thing.

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P I L L I H P

Former American Idol judge Paula Abdul once said: “It was like watching the Olympics and you are our Michael Phelps.” Although Ms. Abdul was referring to then-contestant Adam Lambert, another gifted vocalist and acoustic guitar player who is worthy of this quote is none other than Season 11 Idol winner Phillips Phillips, who received the majority of the 132 million votes that were cast at the finale, thus besting out 16-year old vocal powerhouse Jessica Sanchez. On Aug. 22, 2012, Phillip and the Top 10 finalists performed at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York. “I am so excited. It’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m going to get out there and have a blast,” he said prior to the show. Originally from Leesburg, Georgia,

Phillip has been influenced musically by such artists as Eric Clapton, Jonny Lang, Dave Matthews, Tool, AC/ DC and Jimi Hendrix, among other musicians. Throughout his tenure on the singing competition, Phillip emerged as a young “Dave Matthews” and he became a fanfavorite early on and never once landed in the “Bottom 3”; however, for the majority of the year he was battling kidney stones,

BROKEN RECORDS MAGAZINE which lead to him experiencing fatigue, energy loss and severe pain; subsequently, this resulted in his absence from the weekly Ford commercials that the contestants filmed. His favorite part of his Idol odyssey involved meeting all of the different people. “I’ve met some really good people and I saw all of the different cities on tour. It was a really cool experience,” he stated. For Philip, a difference exists when he is recording songs in the studio vs. when he is playing them in a live setting. “When I sing, I have a lot more freedom and I connect with the crowd. I have a good time with the people and have a blast with the band, meanwhile in the studio I am really making the song,” he says. Come September 21, 2012, when the tour comes to a close, he will miss being a part of the Idol family, where he has grown close with his fellow Top 10 finalists that include Erika Van Pelt, Heejun Han and Colton Dixon, as well as several tour managers and other people that work with the show. Although it was hard for Phillip to come up with his favorite song choice during the season, since he

noted that each of the songs that he sang every week had their own identities, he really enjoyed performing “Movin’ Out” by Billy Joel since he was able to change it up which was a cool feeling for him. He revealed that yet another fun vocal was “Have You Ever

PHILLI PS

Seen the Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival which he performed on two occasions, while he was in the Top 4 and during the season finale with John Fogerty. Following Idol, with no time to celebrate his win, he underwent a major surgery, which exceeded six hours, to remove his massive kidney stones. Thankfully, the surgery went well and he was able to recuperate just in time to perform on July 6, 2012, in Detroit, Michigan, which was the first stop in this year’s American Idols LIVE! Tour. Even though he has been tired from all of the traveling and the serious health issues that he went through this year, he noted that his health has improved substantially and that he is in good spirits. “This year was a lot for me, but I had great doctors and everything, so I am doing really well,” he admitted. Now that he is healthier and stronger again, Phillip intends to keep staying busy. He will be working on his new studio album, and he will continue playing gigs and embarking on radio tours. He has already written or co-written a few new songs and he hopes to get some production on them, which will include drums and saxophone. Although the majority of the songs on his upcoming album were written by him and his brother-in-law, he also collaborated with such esteemed songwriters as David Ryan Harris and Gregg Wattenberg. During this tour, Phillip performed a stunning rendition of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” each night as duet with Elise Testone. He also listed Hayley Williams, the lead singer of Paramore, continued on page 61

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Photo by Dani Tell

On Wednesday, August 22, 2012, Broken Records Magazine’s Markos Papadatos had the pleasure to chat with Colton Dixon, the seventh place finalist of Season 11 of American Idol, prior to his live show at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York.

Throughout this season, he had one of the strongest song selections out of all of the contestants and he was the most commercially relevant. Not only was he able to stay true to himself, but he challenged himself each week and the outcome was favorable. One of the most shocking eliminations in the eleventh He was successfully able to season of American Idol was that of Colton Dixon. tackle such classic hits This year, the Tennessee native did not plan to such as Fleetwood Mac’s audition for the show and was solely there to support “Landslide,” Billy Joel’s his sister, Schyler, who was trying out again after not “Piano Man” and Cindy making the Top 24 in Season 10. That quickly changed Lauper’s “Time After after all three judges (Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Time,” as well as modern Randy Jackson) convinced him to audition yet again hits as Lady Gaga’s “Bad and he delivered a spellbinding rendition of David Romance,” Paramore’s Cook’s “Permanent” that lead him to Hollywood. “Decode” and Lifehouse’s All judges complimented his growth as a musician “Everything,” thus since the previous time that he tried out for the show. showcasing his versatility Subsequently, he made it to the voting rounds, where and range as a potential America ultimately decided the fate of the contestants; recording artist. “The Lifehouse however, his sister was unable to join him on this song I did was my favorite since it journey since she was cut during the Las Vegas round. allowed me to pour out who I really am and it was a worship moment, where In her interview with The Hollywood Reporter with millions of people just loved it and it American Idol Season 9 alumna Didi Benami, Lauren was a great experience,” he admitted. Alaina, the runner-up of Season 10 of Idol, praised Colton Dixon as one of her favorites to win this year’s He noted that he had competition. fun playing Billy Joel’s “Piano Colton has been influenced musically by an array Man” on the of artists which include Switchfoot, 30 Seconds to Idol stage, Mars, The Fray and Chris Daughtry and that has been and he evident in his musical style. His energetic vocals are has been a blend of some of the greatest male vocalists in poprock music including Isaac Slade from The Fray, Chris Daughtry, Jason Wade from Lifehouse, as well as Johnny Rzeznik from the Goo Goo Dolls. His ability to play piano enhanced his appeal as did his charisma and stage presence.

BY MARKOS PAPADATOS 40

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performing it in his set throughout the tour. He is the sole contestant to perform an original composition, the piano-driven ballad “Never Gone.” Colton would love to someday sing a duet with Hayley Williams, the lead singer of Paramore, as well as Lacey Sturm from the alternative metal band Flyleaf. “I love Lacey’s voice. It’s fantastic,” he said. He is drawn to the fans that he has met throughout this Idol experience, whom he affectionately calls the “Messengers ” and he expressed his gratitude and appreciation towards them. “The fans are amazing! I don’t think they understand how much they mean to us. They voted and called in and they are the only reason that we are here. It’s really a privilege to get to meet them all,” he said. “Thank you so much for all your support. I appreciate everything that you have given to me and I hope that I can give that back to you.” As the American Idols LIVE! Tour is almost coming to a close, Colton noted that he will miss his Idol family. “I love those guys and we are nearing the end, so it’s a bittersweet thing,” he stated. Following the tour, Colton is expected to record a full-length studio album that will be released before the end of the year. Although he cannot reveal who he worked with on this project, he noted that this information will become available in the upcoming weeks. Colton measures success by his level of contentment and he can honestly attest that he is extremely happy with where he is at this point in his life and he should look forward to a bright career ahead of him.

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SCOTT STAPP OVERCOMES SIN IN SINNER’S CREED Story and Photos by Scott Vollweiler

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A sinner is defined as: A person who transgresses against divine law by committing an immoral act or acts. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary also states that “even the worst sinner can be redeemed.” As a vast majority of sinners look up to God for forgiveness, music fans look up to rockstars as if they were gods. If singing for the Grammy award winning, multi-platinum rock band Creed made Scott Stapp a God, where should he have gone when looking for love and forgiveness? For Stapp, his whole existence has been guided by sin, for better or worse.

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A CHANCE TO OVERCOME

SCOTT STAPP A CHANCE TO OVERCOME

”Fortunately I’m Alive... I shouldn’t be here and thats a fact” 44

earing “Fortunately I’m alive…I shouldn’t be here and that’s a fact” from a man whom millions of people immortalized, including myself for years, just stuns you. They’re strong words that chill you to the core. It’s a story that is in full detail in Sinner’s Creed, the behind the scenes tell-all by Scott Stapp. It seems that Creed and Scott Stapp are either loved or misunderstood. With any type of success there will be distractions, detractors and criticism to deal with. As it seems, Stapp had to withstand abuse in his youth- yet another obstacle to overcome.

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E just laid it all out. I needed to deal with it. I needed to quit carrying a big bag of rocks around and I found, and I’m sure we can all agree, life has its own struggles without making it more difficult.” Sinner’s Creed reveals that Scott Stapp was born Anthony Scott Flippen, a boy who only had a “few” memories of his father but as he says in the book, “for the first few years of my life, he made me feel happy and safe.” His father left home while Anthony was watching a cartoon with him. He remembers looking back for his father to ask him a question and he was gone. His mother said to him, “He’ll be back soon.” Mr. Flippen never came back. Soon after his infrequent visits with his mom and sisters to his father’s new house, the visits stopped completely. In fact, Scott didn’t see his father again until his young adult years and that was brief. His mother then met Steven Stapp, a man who at the time seemed to truly care about Anthony’s education and sports. As it turns out, Anthony was a top notch athlete, a trait that only added to his building ego. Once married, his new stepfather asked Anthony to take his last name- which was then taken even further. Born was Scott Stapp.

“Sinner’s Creed came about during a process where I was on a journey about self discovery and making and addressing much needed life changes,” Stapp told me during our sit down interview before a sold-out Creed concert in New Jersey. He added that it was a process about “understanding alcoholism and drug addiction and going back through this and reflecting on the past.” It was a past that the fans never truly knew about until now. “Through the process, I went all the way back to my early childhood and

The relationship between father and son became a deeply religious one. Scott had already been deeply rooted in his Christian faith and loved everything he knew about God. Prior to Mr. Stapp joining the family, longing for a father figure, Edward Davis, “Anthony’s” maternal grandfather, stepped in, not only as a strong male figure but as a heavenly father or at least someone who helped him “see” one. Mr. Davis was of the David Cherokee Indian clan from North Carolina. As deeply rooted to an imaginary God as “Anthony” was at the time, he was able to truly see God in nature. His grandfather made him understand that only God can make something as beautiful as fire, paint pictures in the sky with clouds, or wind as God’s breath.

Once the Stapp’s became a family, God and religion became a burden on a boy who truly loved it. Everything Scott did was a sin. Good or bad, it was a sin. If he would come home a few minutes late, it was sin. Listening to electric guitar in music was a sin too. This walking the line between good and evil became the true defining theme in the life of a man who seemed to do everything right in the public eye. His life as a rock star brought on the highest highs possible and the ultimate rock bottoms. Stapp toured the world as apart of one the best selling rock bands of all time, Creed. Success should not just come in the form of a paycheck or a billboard chart; it should come with happiness and love but in the music business, it also comes with negativity too. Drugs and alcohol are a part of the “sex, drugs and rock and roll” aura and Creed had that aura. While members of the band smoked weed or even did harder drugs, it was booze that hurt Stapp. The bottle brought him to the penultimate moment of his life on multiple occasions.

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“I’d try to inspire myself to get there and it was apart of my fight. To be able to create, record and write that was also another key thing and that’s the beauty of music it can be a shoulder through struggles and to have that shoulder for me to incorporate my faith, it saved my life.”

BROKEN RECORDS MAGAZINE Sinner’s Creed opens with one of Stapp’s darkest days, Chicago 2002. Without giving too much detail, and hoping you go and read the memoir, Scott was “at the end of his rope”. He was face down in his own blood. Stapp tells us, “I found that in the struggles is when I learned the best lessons and it’s unfortunate that I am so hard headed that I have to keep digging my hole because the rock bottom for some people- for most people, 99% of people, like what happen in Chicago in 2002wouldn’t have gone on 3,4,5,6 times.” He then admits, “I was very much in denial and driven by my ego and not facing reality and not having a clear perception because of what I was putting in my body but in its entirety, it’s just a matter of you have to stop digging and something just has to turn you.” Another demon that Scott Stapp had to deal with were the faces of people who were supposed to be friends. Wind Up Records owners, Alan Meltzer and his wife Diana, made sure that anytime Stapp wasn’t feeling 100 percent, their “rock docs” were there to drug the pain. This addiction, along side his drinking, kept his reoccurring bottoming out and heading to rehab. Stapp remembers, “…in fact, for 18 months once, I sat in a robe and drank a bottle of whiskey everyday.”

In addition, his love for his wife and children gave him the strength to pull through. He knew that when he would get home, if he did something stupid on TV or in the news, she’d sit him down and talk. “It was her strength and finally having a conversation with my wife that I knew she was serious and it was a wake up call.”

I remembered hearing about Scott getting into a minor car accident years ago. Like any fan, I hoped he wasn’t hurt. After a day of news, the story was never brought up. Stapp revealed in Sinner’s Creed that he in fact was injured. He was on his way to shoot a music video. Instead of going to the hospital and resting, his “rock docs” drugged him up and got him back on his feet. Addiction has been a vicious cycle that Stapp has tried to overcome on many occasions. He just “wanted to survive.” It was too big of a task to do by himself. While trying to understand why he is still on this earth, he goes deep into thought and said, “looking back, I don’t know how that, except somehow by the grace of God and believing in something bigger than myself, in the darkest moments, I’m not alone and God helped me.” He considers God one of his saviors. “Today, for 24 hours, I am sober. My faith is right with God. It’s been a process to get here. Once the purpose came into it, that’s when things just started serendipitously happening.”

“I have let God down almost everyday of my life...that’s the reality of it, but the God I believe in, and the god I love, loves me anyway. God has never let me down. Ever. Ever. I’ll continue to let God down. I’ll try to minimize how much and that’s okay. I have to accept that. It’s not a license to make mistakes”

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P P A T

S T T SCO

G N I L A

“I think I’m fortunate that I work off of inspiration and the moment and so all of my initial lyrical ideas and song ideas come from an emotional place and a creative moment” As the primary lyrical songwriter for Creed, it was Scott’s job to get his message across. As a fan of the band and his words, I didn’t understand every message he tried to put out. For the release of the band’s third record, Weathered, a game was created for fans to really dive deep into Creed’s visual and poetic imagery. “Creed Quest” often asked fans to read between the lines of the songs. As best as we could, fans tried to solve these weekly puzzles. In Sinner’s Creed, Stapp puts a stamp on some of his lyrics, lyrics that were as true to life as one would hope. The best songwriters often say that the best songs come from real life. His lyrics in song were often looked at as these uplifting, Christian-esque themes put to a non-Christian band. In our interview Stapp sets the story straight.

“Lyrics that I used (in the book) I felt that they were appropriate for the story I was telling at the time and I never really talked too much about that over the years. I didn’t want to give too much to destroy the meaning to the listeners. I’ve done that with some key songs like ‘With Arms Wide Open’ because that was so focused on one thing and I thought it was clear to address it. I think in my lyrics, there was a time period where people completely misunderstood me and thought I was writing about what

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S D R O W GH

U O R H T

I’ve learned and who I was, who I’ve become and that I arrived as this human being who just wanted to go higher and has no problems. I was communicating with myself. The music was speaking to me at the same time it was speaking to the fans. I was writing about the ways I wanted to think, not how I was thinking. I’d try to inspire myself to get there and it was apart of my fight.

“To be able to create, record and write that was also another key thing and that’s the beauty of music it can be a shoulder through struggles and to have that shoulder for me to incorporate my faith, it saved my life.” His poems and stories often bring him back to life when on stage. His smile lights up the dimly lit venues he often plays. It’s amazing to see his face when he gets to a lyric that brought him to where he is today. It’s almost like his soul travels back in time to the moment that he is often singing about or the moment he always wished for. These words are his way of overcoming. In growing as a man and as a human, Scott brought up the lyrics in his song “Criminal”. He wrote, “Why can’t you see me for what I’ve become, not what used to be”. It’s poignant for man who has to fight his demons daily.

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RUSTED

AND WEATHERED M

y story, on the other hand, starts back in 1999. I had heard a few songs by this rock band Creed but didn’t own any of their albums. A friend of mine hands me this CD and says, “Dude, this is Creed. Check them out. This album is pretty awesome.” So I did and it was. The album was Human Clay. And just like a good music fan did back in the day, I went to the local Sam Goody and bought what other albums they had released. Luckily for my pockets, they had only released one other record, My Own Prison. I was hooked. It didn’t matter if it was Flip’s raw but precise drumming, Brian’s deep and melodic bass lines, Mark’s beautiful transitions from clean to dirty riffs, or Scott’s baritone voice singing real life poems, I was a fan. I sat in the last row at concerts. I bought their magazines. I watched their videos on MTV remember, this was when MTV played videos and Youtube didn’t exist yet. In 2003, during their tour for their third record, Weathered, Creed booked a concert at Long Island’s Nassau Coliseum. My friends and I were front row. This was the pinnacle moment at the time for me as a Creed fan. Tremonti slapped a guitar pick in my hand and a band’s security guard came over and handed me a bunch of picks, including Stapp’s, who at the time played some guitar with the band. After the show, as we did often, we hung out by the tour buses in hopes of meeting the band. Out came Tremonti, Flip, and their touring bassist, Brett Hestla (now in the band Dark New Day [interview in August 2012 issue] - Brian Marshall had been ousted from the band. They all chatted with us, took pictures and just had a great time. Last to come out was Scott.

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He seemed to float by all of us with two blondes on his arms. It seemed to bother me way too much at the time and it stayed in the back of my mind. As the only member of Creed I had yet to meet until this interview, I had to find out what was up the clear August evening. “In 2002, I was under the influence of a combination of pharmaceuticals and mixing that with alcohol,” Stapp remembered. “I was in a chemically induced psychosis and I don’t even know who that was. I can’t remember. I went through months that I don’t even recall and I apologize and I will continue to feel that way for making decisions to allow that to happen.” Stapp, emotional admits,

“I’m glad I had the chance to make amends with you and in life with Sinners Creed. That’s a part of my amends to fans and to anyone I hurt while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. That wasn’t who I am and it became who I was. I’m glad I don’t know that person. I’m just glad we can get on that stage every night and meet the fans. I’m also excited about the song that’s coming out with my book called “Praying For Sunlight: Sinners Creed.” “I’m far from perfect man. I’m a sinner. The story of my life to date has been knowing exactly the difference between right and wrong and opposite of it at times. I think that’s human we all do it”

I’m far from perfect man. I’m a sinner. The story of my life to date has been knowing exactly the difference between right and wrong and opposite of it at times. I think that’s human we all do it

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MUSIC FEST

“I created this alter ego. He was me, only amplified. If I was charming, he is Don Juan. If I was smart, he is Einstein. If I was talented, he is a SUPERSTAR. He’s an unstoppable force with music flowing through his veins and electricity surrounding him.” - Anthony M.

t the age of 18 Anthony’s writing began to get recognized for its originality, catchiness, and appeal to the masses. Mixed with his smooth voice, charming personality, and no games attitude, Anthony was a hit with the men and women fans alike. Now in talks with big names in the music industry, Anthony poises himself to be the next big name in pop, hip hop, R&B…or just plain all of music..

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By the time V Jett went to high school he was introduced to the music of Tupac Shakur. This music inspired him along with his long time friend David Valdez AKA Cotton Weary to start the rap group know as Jett Row. In Sept of 2007 the official pressed copy of his most popular album to date, Words From the Sky was released, and in Nov. of 2007 Words From the Sky was reviewed in the Staten Island Advance. The album was described as a, “catchy very bumpable album which was put together quite professionally.” Set for release this winter is, The Return of the Jett: Surviving in S.I.N.Y.

CIG Winning many showcases and performing throughout the New York City area, Cig has been rapping since he was 13-years-old. Cig’s strongest trait is his versatility as he switches between club bangers, lyrical muscle flexing, and emotional tear jerkers. Having released three group CDs with his hip-hop group, Ghostown, Cig dropped his first solo album Next In Line, which had over 20,000 plays on Datpiff.com. His most recent album was released last year, Back Against the Wall. He is currently in the studio.

KIDS WITH SOUL

was born and raised in New York City. This 19 year old creates music to mentally stimulate feelings that are so often neglected. Though only one person, the plurality of his name describes the abundance of personalities that each individual possesses. His genre holds no limits as he projects r&b, hip-hop, dubstep, electronic, ambient, pop, and much more into his music. His debut mixtape Puzzle’s of Ceres dropped in September. “ My passion is singing but rapping helps me express emotion in different ways; I’m not a singer nor a rapper, I’m just an artist painting pictures with words.” For Original music be sure to check out: http://soundcloud.com/kidswithsoul

FREESTYLE FAM “We bring the message of truth in the purest form possible.” -Quest the Wordsmith FreeStyle Fam, a hiphop duo out of Staten Island, deliver a unique sound when preforming on stage. It’s a heartfelt, deep thump. It’s a presence that demands attention. The two have been featured on DJ mixtapes and HipHop showcases around NYC including the famous EODUB.

V Jett(photo top right), Cig (photo top left), Kids With Soul (photo bottom left), Freestyle Fam (Photo bottom right).

V JETT

BACKSLASHES + BAD IDEAS Backslashes and Bad Ideas is a pop punk quartet homegrown in Staten Island, NY. Backslashes is comprised of four unique musicians with a mutual love for inspiring, honest, and passionate music. Comparable to the likes of early Taking Back Sunday, Brand New, and The Dangerous Summer, Backslashes combines the roots of uptempo and positive Pop-Punk with the raw emotion of Post Hardcore. Recently signing with Persistent Heart Media, Backslashes will be on tour with label mates Years In The Making in early November to promote their debut EP release Nothing Left To Give.

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RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL From the forgotten borough known as Staten Island, we call ourselves Radioactive Material. Forming back in the summer of 2011, our intent is to create, perform and record our music. A lot of song writers today don’t send out a very positive message and our mission is to do the opposite. We like to write songs about just being in a good mood, having an optimistic outlook on life, or even a typical movie-like love story. Each of our members has a natural passion for music and we love to get on stage and rock our hearts out. All in all, we just want to have fun and play our music for anyone who will listen and hopefully they’ll love it as much as we love playing it for them. Links: http://www.facebook.com/RadioactiveMaterial

FRIDAY’S NIGHTMARE is an indie/rock band from Staten Island, New York. Formed in 2009 by classmates Ilya Usorov (guitar, lead vocals), Steve Zimmer (bass, backing vocals), and Todd Stein (drums, glockenspiel, backing vocals).This up-and-coming trio is inspired heavily by the sounds of 2000’s-era British rock, but incorporates elements of Noise Rock, Twee Pop, New Wave, Post-Punk and just about every other type of music on the planet to create a unique brand of music that is entirely their own. After playing numerous shows to crowds on Staten Island venues such as The Cup and Killmeyer’s, Friday’s Nightmare began recording a four song demo in January 2010, which was finished and released to the public in Summer 2010.

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MAJOR LEAGUE HEADLINER FOR BR MUSIC FEST

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PROCESS OF FUSION

rocess of Fusion is a fusion of rap vocals and melodic release with progressive metal’s odd time signatures and heavy riffs. It’s a band listeners can not only enjoy for its uniqueness, but also for its blend of rap and heavy music.” Founded in 2008, Process of Fusion has quickly left their mark on the Staten Island music scene. Playing various tristate hotspots like Roseland, Mercury Lounge, Stony Pony, and Starland, POF were finalists twice in Bamboozle Battle of the Bands and participated in War for Warped Tour. With two EP’s under their belt, another on the way, radio rotation play, and the backing of their management team, this prog/rap outfit is the next big thing.

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IN THE NOW

Hailing from New York, “In the Now” is a band which fuses elements of Hard Rock, Fusion, Jazz, and Alternative music. Formed in early 2011, vocalist Emily Nacchio, guitarist Frank Bianco, bassist Mickey King, and percussionist Daniel Bradley had been preparing to release their first EP. They are currently planning on making their first music video. After a year of writing and recording two albums, “In the Now” plans to enter the New Year with an East Coast Tour.

GHOST OF EDEN

THE INKLINGS

Formed in 2009 after years of playing in The Inklings is a New York City different bands from the New York/New based, acoustic duo consisting of Jersey alternative, hardcore punk and metal Liz Klammer and Marina Zee. scene, the self proclaimed “Velvet Grunge” The two both go to LaGuardia band had a new shared focus: strong songHigh School for music. Here writing and great live performances. Inthey met, and developed a close spired by some of their heroes like Smashfriendship which later formed into ing Pumpkins, Pixies, Bad Religion, Pearl The Inklings after discovering Jam, Incubus, Dream Theater and Alice similar tastes in music and in Chains, GoE prides themselves on unwriting styles. The Inklings are forgettable guitar riffs, thought provoking a fusion of everything from pop, lyrics and melodies that are meant for the to jazz, to blues influences. They masses. GoE has recorded their self-proare currently in the midst of duced debut EP, Ignorance & Lies and their recording their debut EP, Cake 2nd EP, Something (Kinetic) featuring the Walk, Kitchen Talk. You can like single “Halo” at Big Blue Meenie Studios their Facebook page for more (Taking Back Sunday, Thursday, Helmet, Local H, information and updates! http:// Misfits, etc.) facebook.com/theinklingsband

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS

From complete strangers to a family, When All Else Fails overcame the road blocks and are here to show the world what we can and love to do. We want them to know they can always turn to us. All of our lyrics back our fun, catchy melodic pop riffs combined with brutal breakdowns, it comes from our heart to yours. We’ve been through it all whether its life threatening events, love, or anything in between. Who can you turn to?

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HEADLINERS FOR BR MUSIC FEST

MAC LETHAL

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WORD SPIT THE ILLEST

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Your support brings hope. When disasters like hurricanes and flooding devastate communities, your support helps ensure the American Red Cross is there to provide warm meals, shelter and hope to families when they need it most.

Visit redcross.org or text redcross to 90999 to give $10 10.00 donation to American Red Cross. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 90999 to STOP. Text HELP to 90999 for HELP. Full terms and privacy policy: redcross.org/m

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39 “I never dreamed that any of this would ever happen, and it was just an awesome experience and I feel so blessed.” as his dream female duet choice in music, as well as Similar to most of today’s modern artists, Phillip Grammy award-winning songbird and fiddle player uses his social media networks to stay in touch with Alison Krauss. “Alison has such a beautiful voice,” he said. his fans such as Facebook and Twitter, and he tries For hopefuls who wish to pursue the music to tweet his fans back as often as he can, whether it business professionally or for those who wish to is every few days or whenever he is not so busy and try out for American Idol, Phillip stated that it is tired. “The fans are so great and I am so thankful for essential that they know what kind of music they them,” he acknowledged. “I would like to thank them want to go into. “Know what kind of artist that you for supporting me and for trending things all the time want to be and stay strong! Don’t be scared to show for me and for really getting the word out there.” who you are and don’t be scared to write lyrics that Phillip does not measure success on the basis of album, might be offensive. Go on and write them,” he said. song or record sales. “If you are happy with where you His coronation song “Home,” co-written by Drew are and if you are making a living doing something Pearson and Greg Holden, has a Mumford and Sons that you love, then you are successful,” he said. vibe to it and the single debuted at #10 in the Billboard In the end, Phillip served as an exceptional role Hot 100 charts, where he became the first Idol winner model for the American public and for any aspiring since David Cook to score a Top 10 breakthrough hit. musicians who are living with medical issues, since More recently, “Home” has been certified platinum he proved that anything is attainable once you set your and it re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 Charts at #9 since mind and heart into what you are doing. He displayed it was used as the theme in NBC’s segment of the U.S.A. inner strength and he is the epitome of perseverance, women’s gymnastics team. “It’s amazing!” he exclaimed. faith and will power.

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13 Years: Linkin Park “Hybrid Theory” Revisited by Vincent Balestriere Popular music always has its “edgy” outliers – bands you tell normal people that you like, so they’ll think you’re cool. For example, the Foo Fighters: “hard” enough to give you some actual cred, but accessible enough for Z100. Linkin Park challenged labels like that – they burst onto the popular music scene in 2000 with the release of their first full album, Hybrid Theory. The album was a huge success, and paved the path for following nu-metal acts like Godsmack, Sevendust, and Disturbed to succeed in the mainstream. Hybrid Theory spawned a generation of new alternative music fans, giving rise to the biggest musical movement since the early 90s grunge years. Nu-metal and rap metal circles still claim Hybrid Theory is Linkin Park’s greatest work. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve heard nonsense like “LP sucked after Hybrid Theory, why can’t they make crap like that again?” Yes, the album was impossible to ignore – everyone from Rolling Stone (back when their opinion actually held water) to TRL, with super-clean

Carson Daly, loved Hybrid Theory. And for damn good reason – Hybrid Theory blew the doors off the sleeping alternative genres. (No, Rage Against the Machine doesn’t count if that’s what you’re thinking. Tom Morello was too busy making stupid sounds with his Strat until Audioslave’s debut album – two years later.) Hybrid Theory is so loved for its then-unique sound: Mike Shinoda’s quick-paced raps, Joe Hahn’s scratches, and Chester Bennington’s screams and harmonies. The songs were loud, brutish, and angsty – just what teens and young twenty-something need. Hybrid Theory represents a particular emotional and artistic period for Linkin Park, and it’s easily strong enough to stand

on its own as the spearhead of a movement. But that doesn’t mean it needs to be replicated. Do I like the new stuff more than Hybrid Theory? No. Hybrid Theory is still my favorite Linkin Park album – I rank it somewhere around 8th among the best 90s albums, a spot or two below Soundgarden’s Superunknown. Living Things and A Thousand Suns, Linkin Park’s latest albums, lack the straightforward power of Hybrid Theory. Linkin Park has grown smarter, more musically diverse – and the albums are just as timely as the first. You know all that dubstep sound you’re hearing in popular music these days? Oh hey, “Wretches and Kings” was two years ago. Led Zeppelin didn’t make Led Zeppelin I nine times – the world’s greatest rock band evolved and tried new things. If you don’t believe me, listen to “Communication Breakdown” then “Ozone Baby” -they were written by the same group thirteen years apart and sound nothing alike. Hybrid Theory was almost thirteen years ago. Let it go.

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Sheyla wants a different set of wheels.

St. Jude patient Sheyla: Skating Queen

But at this moment, she’s fighting cancer. That’s why St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® spends every moment changing the way the world treats children – with pioneering research and exceptional care. And no family ever pays St. Jude for anything. Don’t wait. Join St. Jude in finding cures and saving children like Sheyla. Because at this moment, she should be putting on skates and flying down her street.

Help them live. Visit stjude.org.

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