Broken Records Magazine
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Table of Contents Features CAVO: 8 Letting Go
THE ALMOST: 10 Are Monsters
SKILLET 22 Waking Up CREED 35 Not a Reunion. It’s a Rebirth HEIDI NEWFIELD: 44 After the Pony
CMA AWARDS: 50
on
the cover CARRIE UNDERWOOD
America’s Country Sweetheart “Plays On”
Country Music’s Biggest Night is Taylor Made
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8 Warm Ups: Features up and coming Buzz Bands: 18 Main Support: Features music’s biggest stars: 46 Headliner: Features our cover artist 50 Encore: Featuring Show Reviews: 56 CD Reviews 57 Last Word: Columns and Latest News
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Editor: Nicole Seblano Online Staff Run By: Tom Stamfli Staff:
Kristin Tully: Ray White Angela DiBartolomeo: Joe Pennachio Marie Scarsella Kayla O’Neill Joshua Kail Alicia Gallagher Kyra Kverno Victoria Barone Luis Vazquez Lindsay Shapiro Rene Mata Alaura Christine Michael Marcuiliano Chtistina Seblano Michael Simonovsky
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By Joe Pennachio Photo by Scott Vollweiler Crue, Rev Theory, Shinedown, and Staind to name a few. When asked what advice Casey would give to bands looking to make it in the music business, he responded, “Stay true to your self and write as much as possible”. He said that, at the end of the day, what matters the most is that you write music that is true and honest. Although Cavo have no official plans after the tour ends, I am sure they have plenty more to come. This band has a long and bright future ahead of them. If you like straight forward, hard-hitting rock music with memorable choruses and great riffs, look no further than Cavo.
Missouri rockers, Cavo have a lot to be happy about lately; their newest album, Bright Nights*Dark Days, has been all over the Billboard charts. The album, which was their major label debut, was released in Aug of 2009. Their first single “Champagne”, starts the album with a catchy bass intro and it has an infectious hook The second single they released, “Crash”, shows off the band’s vocal ability with great harmony lines, and is busy climbing the charts. The third track “Let It Go”, is a beautifully constructed modern power ballad with a fitting guitar solo. As the album progresses, Cavo continues to deliver great rock choruses and awesome musical instinct. The album ends with the song “Useless”, which ends the album on a nice energetic note. Cavo, which means, “hollow places” in Latin, was formed in March 2001 by guitarist Chris Hobbs, bassist Ryan Kemp, drummer Chad La Roy, and singer Casey Walker in St. Louis, Missouri under the name “Hollow”. The name change came about after doing a copyright search and realizing that many other bands had the same name. In 2006, the band released their first full length album called “The Painful Art of Letting Go”, and bassist Kemp was replaced by Brian Smith. In 2009, their song “Let It Go” was featured in the movie, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, and is available on the soundtrack album. When BRM spoke to lead singer, Casey Walker, about their recent success, he said that the band is very humbled by the experience and that the response to their album had exceeded their expectations. Casey mentioned that Zak Maloy of The Nixons had co-wrote a song with the band entitled “Ghost”. He went on to say that he is a huge Nixons fan and that it was an honor to work with Maloy. Cavo, Casey says, approaches song writing as a band effort writing everything as a four piece with everyone writing their own parts. Casey told BR that everyone in the band has many different musical tastes ranging from funk to grunge. At the time of this writing, Cavo is on tour with Daughtry and Theory of a Dead Man. Casey said that everyone on the tour is treating them great and that they are having a blast. Cavo have also toured with Motley Broken Records Magazine
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Natalia Segura by Luis Vasquez
When one looks at the continentnation of Australia, what comes to mind is the heavy accent of a Mel Gibson or Russell Crowe. You picture barrier reefs and shark-infested waters. What does not fit the image are Latinos. What do you say? Latinos in Australia, Never knew that? “The civil war in El Salvador was so threatening that my parents were taken by Amnesty International to Australia. They didn’t know a word of English and had no relatives, but they persevered and we benefited from this.” Well it is not a large community but it makes a lot of noise in clubs and festivals, especially the largest one, Fiesta, which is an annual event. If you found yourself at one of the three stages over the course of that celebration you may have seen a young lady catching eyes and taking names. She is Natalia Segura. Let that roll of your tongue. “The community is small but is well received by all walks of people in Australia.” Well, just like a young blond performer by the name of Shakira made her Lebanese-Columbian heritage something danceable and American, so another pearl was unearthed in the sands near Sydney, Australia. She is Salvadorean by heritage and she brings a lot to the table. So much so that Univison used her along with future star, Paula DeAnda on their promotional album of that year. “They approached me and paid my way to visit New York which wet my appetite to do this in the future.” It is not really a surprise. At 24, she is young, bilingual, and strikingly beautiful. In addition she plays guitar and has lent her voice to the lead of several bands since she was 13. She is free-spirited with a basic core of values that were impressed upon her as a child. “My Broken Records Magazine
parents, especially my father was stern but I understood where the line was, yet I have this desire to be famous and I want to match my ambition.” She is respectful but it is that spirit, that sense of adventure that emits from a single glance of her eyes that drives her to work on her music as she constructs the package that will be her debut album. Yet Natalia seeks to be well-rounded by taking acting classes and taking part in several photo shoots on the modeling end, even though you would have a hard time convincing her that she could make a living at that. “This is a case of learning to be seen and to prepare to be received by many eyes.” She believes in proper preparation. She is also a natural. She taught herself to play the guitar. She was quite the athlete growing up, which explains her physical attributes which can be compared favorably to a young Marilyn Monroe. All these talents were recently on display at the 2009 DTM Trendsetters awards which honored Willie Colon and Laura Posada. She was a curiosity until she took the stage and displayed her range and polished act. “I am thankful for everything my previous managers did. It’s important that they know that. On the other hand I look forward to my new management group as I feel I can express myself in many more ways now.” It goes without saying that in a Latin market whether spoken in English or Spanish, that Natalia Segura is the pearl that will make the music industries oyster in 2010. “The album will be a mix of my various experiences traveling in El Salvador and Uruguay, as well as Australia. I can’t wait to get out there again and perform for the people in the United States. Its home now and I want to show as much of Natalia Segura that the public can swallow.”
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Are Monsters Broken Records Magazine
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Broken Records Magazine: Take me back to when you first had the idea of forming another project outside of Underoath. When and why did you start thinking about putting together “The Almost?” Aaron Gillespie: It’s mostly a stylistic thing. I wanted to write music that didn’t exactly “fit” the underoath “format”. I guess it was about 2006 my wife and I had a long talk about doing something “else” I guess its just the style thing I love both, I just wanted to do something different.
co writing with other artists...if you haven’t already? AG: Thanks man! Yeah, I have so many things I pull from and the biggest one is self, and the strain and pull of understanding yourself and learning to be real and free in this life mess. As far as co writing I would love it!!!
BRM: I see there is a new drummer? Now be honest… why the switch? You being a drummer yourself, do you find it hard to find someone that plays parts as you hear it? AG: Our old drummer quit, our new drummer is a dude BRM: I know you recorded all the instruments I’ve known for ten years, and as far as a drummer goes, on the first record yourself…Did the whole and he’s the best I know, he is for sure better at drums than write and record this album together? If so, why I am so it’s a easy transition the switch? Did it have a different dynamic to the process? BRM: Lastly, why the idea of a concept album? It AG: Yes I did, and yes we did. I think it made a seems so common as of late? Was it done intentionally difference in the sense that doing a record alone or did it just pan out that way? is hard. There is no one behind you to look at and AG: It was completely not on purpose; we really set out ask, “Does this suck” but when you have a band to make just a rock record and then as I started writing helping you, you have each other, you have fam- it just happened. The monster needed a place to go ily, and you have community and I feel that these things are a perfect mix for music. BRM: The new album is FANTASTIC! Honestly. Sounds like an album that could crossover into many genres, especially tracks that include dobros and lap steels. What made you decide to write such a diverse record rather than something closer to say Underoath? Are country music and southern music in your background? AG: I grew up listening and still do listen to mostly country music. It is my heart and soul it’s my favorite music and I think it finally found its way in everything BRM: Do you find it a hard switch to move from the backline to the front man? They say Dave Grohl always felt like a frontman-just behind the skins. Is that how you felt too? AG: I don’t think I feel that way; it just came to a point to me where I could completely write behind the drums. I love the drums first, but music is so important to me and writing it is huge to me. BRM: Lyrically, and musically, the album is so deep. Where do you find your inspiration to pen lyrics that mean so much? Have you thought of Broken Records Magazine
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BRM: How long have you all been playing together? KP: Transmit Now has been around for about a year now. Andy, Greg, and myself have been in a band before, so we know each other pretty well. Andy and Tony were in a middle school band together, and they played in high school as well. Greg and I are twin brothers, so shit, we’ve been playing together since we were in the womb. But this lineup now is definitely the reason we’ve been able to move forward so quickly. It all hinges on having the right people and chemistry. It makes it so much easier when we’re out on tour for months because everyone gets along well, and we all have the BRM: How was it working with Brett Hestla on the same goal each night. album? KP: It was so laid back making the record. I feel like BRM: How did you guys get teamed up with Jeff Hanwe have a really fun album. Working with Brett was a son? blast. It felt more like we were just jamming out, which KP: I’m really not quite sure. I just remember him we kinda were. Then every 10-15 minutes in between sending us a message on Myspace. The funny thing is, jamming Brett would say, “well lets go ahead and track Jeff can be really short and to the point in his emails. something.” And that’s pretty much how the record All his email said was “From Silent Majority Group, went. It was so easy recording. I think that’s pretty I’m interested, someone fill me in.” We get so many much the vibe on it, just how much fun we were having. spam Myspace messages, so I said “what do you want He really helped us just take it to the next level. us to fill you in on?” Then Andy, our singer, calls me and says “you realize who that was?” BRM: Do you have a first single picked out yet? KP: “Issues” is going to be the first single we’re gonna And I told him “No, I don’t.” run with, unless something else catches on a freak ac- Andy goes, “That’s Jeff Hanson’s label!” cident. Then I’m like “Oh my God,” because Jeff Hanson is Broken Records Magazine: You have your first full length album Downtown Merry-Go-Round coming up for release soon. How cool is that for “Transmit Now”? Kevin Parrow: I really can’t wait. We were signed in February ‘09, so it’ll be about a full year since that. We finished up with the record in July, so we’re ready to hit the ground running with this album. It’s been great so far because we’ve actually been able to go out and tour, so it’s not like we’ve just been sitting around waiting. But I am really stoked for the album to come out.
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this mythical figure here in Orlando. So for a hot second I thought I had pretty much blown our chances cause I thought I was being rude in the response. It was actually a pretty scary moment. I’m not sure exactly how he found us. His record speaks for itself though. And they’ve been great to us since then. So I think it was the right decision. BRM: Your song “Let’s Go Out Tonight” has been everywhere, from Sportscenter, the VMA’s, and “Making The Band.” How was that for you guys? KP: When it came on the VMA’s, I was jumping up and down, running around my apartment. We were like giddy little school girls. It’s so cool to see that stuff popping up. And then Sportscenter, which is one of my favorite shows was awesome. Just to hear our band, 2 to3 times a day for a couple days was so kick ass. BRM: Transmit Now won the “I want My Music on MTV2” contest. How difficult was that? KP: Well, in the beginning we had to finish in the Top 10, and I think we were either 2nd or 3rd overall. Then it went to a judging panel. When we got to that point I felt pretty confident that we were going to win it. It got pretty hectic though waiting to see the votes online. It was a pretty tight race. A couple of days before the deadline it really didn’t look like anyone was going to kick us out of the top 10. Winning that contest was huge though, it’s what got us on Paris Hilton’s show. MTV sent a film crew down and filmed the very first show with Tony. They even played it during the commercials with Garnier Shampoo and told everyone to go check us out. We were all huddled together in a hotel room in like Selma, Alabama on tour just glued to the TV. It was so surreal, but we started to realize this has the potential to turn into something really cool. And so far it has.
Interview by Ray White
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By Ray White Catching your first break in the music industry at age 12 can have both positive and negative effects on a potential talent. Some, like 19 year-old Sara Haze, are able to embrace it and nurture it. With her first album My Personal Sky now available on iTunes, Sara is getting out on the road performing in support of her effort. The song “Lovely” is Sara sharing her experiences with record execs, who tried desperately to mold and conform her to their ideas, which she resisted. “It’s a song I think everyone can relate to in some way,” says Sara. Her track, “My Own Hands To Hold,” really took off after a short spot on an episode of MTV’s “The Hills.” “It was amazing to see how strong of a reaction we got to the song with just a 30 second placement,” says Sara about the reaction to her song’s spot on the show. “It was toward the end of the show and we were kinda worried because my name wasn’t listed; everyone had to go online and search after the show.” With rave reviews from industry legends such as Randy Jackson and Gene Simmons (quite a pair), Sara seems to be on the right track. With a soothing voice and old soul lyrics tied into smooth and melodic piano playing, My Personal Sky is the type of album that can be enjoyed by a cross demographic. From teenagers going through the social rigors of high school, all the way to our older generations, longing for the feelings of their younger, simpler days. My Personal Sky is the vehicle to drive both groups and all in between where they are trying to get to. Look for Sara to be on the East Coast in early 2010. For more info, check out www.sarahaze.com
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INTERVIEW BY SCOTT VOLLWEILER Broken Records Magazine: As it seems, fans and critics alike are praising the album. How’s it feel to debut at #4, and selling 63,000 copies first week? Do you feel you’ve finally made it? Alex Gaskarth: It was definitely a very surreal feeling to debut that high on the charts. I think it speaks volumes to how dedicated and supportive our fan base is that they came out in such force the first week to buy the CD. I don’t know about having made it but I do know we’re very lucky to have the fans that we have. I’m fortunate enough to be doing what I love with my best friends so I guess in that way I have made it. BRM: Tell me about the album process. When did start writing and recording? What made you use so many producers? And The Dream? Where did that collaboration come from? AG: Recording and writing this CD was a totally different experience than we’ve ever had before. We used to write more as Broken Records Magazine
PHOTOS BY RAY WHITE a band but we’ve been touring so much that this time it was more me going in with different producers and writers. The rest of the guys would then come in and add their input and make their parts their own. There were so many great producers that we wanted to work with and that wanted to work with us. We thought it would give the album a sense of diversity to work with a number of different people. I think everyone brought out a different side of our band which in some cases people hadn’t seen before. I’ve been a fan of Tricky and The Dream for a while now. Monti Olson, who is our publisher and now our A&R at Interscope, has a tight working relationship with them and he was able to hook it up. They’re so amazingly talented and it showed me a totally different way of approaching a song. I think it pushed us in directions that people have never seen from us before. BrokenRecordsOnline.com
BRM : I love the new single..and the video is great. Was there a story line being thrown around during the writing of the song? Did you know that would be a single? Where did the idea for the MILF teacher come from? AG: The song was actually pretty much written in an hour. Butch Walker and I wrote it at his house one morning and recorded the rough demo on my Iphone. I think we both knew right away that we’d stumbled onto something that had single potential. The hook has certain tongue in cheek quality to it and we thought we definitely needed a video to match. I’m not sure exactly where the concept came from but the idea of the Jerry Springer, Tyra Banks style talk show just seemed perfect to us.
tour together and we immediately thought it was a great idea. We’re really fortunate to be able to tour with a bunch of great bands that are also some of our best friends. Hopefully we’ll give kids a great show and possibly something different than they usually see. Our shows are always about having fun and not taking yourself too serious.
BRM: Lastly, I read about the collaboration between you guys and Mark Hoppus. How did that get set up? How was it working with him? And when will we ever get to hear the fruits of that session? AG: Our manager had hit up Mark’s manager to see if he’d be interested in working with us and we were all blown away when he was. Working BRM: Tomorrow is the official launch of the Glam- with him was unbelievable since Mark and Blink our Kills tour. How did this come about? Where all were one of the biggest influences we’ve had as the bands hand picked? Sounds like an awesome a band. I think it took me the entire first day to line up of bands. What do you hope to accomplish get past the fact that I was working with him and on this tour..since you are the headliner support- finally be able to contribute something to the session ha ha. He was super creative and easy to ing a hit record. AG: We’ve been friends with Marky (the owner) work with and hopefully we’ll get a chance to do and everyone at GK for a few years know and we something else together in the near future. The all kinda came up together. We met him when he song we wrote was done so far before the rest of was designing shirts in his parents basement and the CD that didn’t end up fitting with the vibe of the we were touring in a van playing in front of a 100 other songs. Hopefully everyone will get to hear kids a night. He approached us about doing a it very soon. Broken Records Magazine
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CARL VERHEYEN Broken Records Magazine: You just finished up your European tour, how was that? Carl Verheyen: Oh, it was great! I did this one solo guitar. Sometimes I tour by myself and do a concert that is 50% acoustic, then switch to electric. In London there’s a famous venue, though it doesn’t sound like it, called The Pizza Express. All the heavy guitar players play there from Pat Metheny to John Scofield, you know, all those kind of guys. And I sold it out! Which was really a good thing, I felt so good about that. Then I played another big concert in Brighton. Then I played one with another guitar player, like a duet thing, down in a town called Becks Hill, which is in the south. I did a couple Master Classes at the various music schools. All in all it was really successful in England. Italy was hard work because they had me running around quite a bit. Lots of flights and trains, stuff like that. But, I lived to talk about it. And also my gig with another guitar player, Guthrie Govan stood out because he was just playing his butt off, he’s a monster. And we had a great time.
CV: Every single track was unique in its own way. I have to say, when I did my “trading” with Joe Bonamassa, we just got together in a studio, got our guitars set up, and just played live. And within an hour and 20 minutes we were finished. So that one went really quick! Robben Ford also. He was able to listen to it top to bottom as he kinda dialed in his sound. And then just said “roll tape,” and the whole track is him in one take with no fixes! It was just a perfect solo; he was inspired and just nailed it. So that one was a lot of fun. With Scott Henderson, he and I kinda worked it a little bit harder. He was never satisfied, he told me “ I always need a producer when I record, because I’ll just keep going and going. And I might go past it.” So I told him, “I’ll be your producer, I’ll tell you when to stop.” So he does one take and I tell him “stop”. But he said “No no, I’m doing more man!” So it went about 4 or 5 takes and we had something with him. But still it was pretty painless. Each one of these guys was such a pro and such good
BRM: Did you get a chance to do anything outside of actual shows? CV: There was one thing I did that was just beautiful. It was a Master Class at the International Academy of Music. They actually had a handful of their students put together 3 of my songs, a bass player, a drummer, and a guitar player. And they performed with me. I cringed when I heard they wanted to do that, but they were brilliant! They played really well. It was a really nice thing to do. BRM: I know you’re about to go on tour for a handful of west coast shows, any plans to come east soon? CV: Well we need to do it, haven’t been there in quite awhile. I think it was 2005 that we were last there. I’m working on getting a handful of shows together though. BRM: Talking about the new album Trading 8’s, it’s a great gathering of a lot of different talents. How was that, working with everyone on the recording? Broken Records Magazine
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friends. The only guys I did not get a chance to be live in a studio with were Steve Morse, cause he lives in Florida. And Rick Vito, the slide player, he lives over in Maui, Hawaii. Poor guy. But everyone else I actually recorded with in the studio.
ing you live!” So I went home and learned a really cool version of it. I felt real good about it. At the rehearsal they had pictures of people like Meryl Streep and Brad Pitt, Penelope Cruz and all these other fabulous actors in the places where they would be seated. So I’m playing the BRM: How did you come up with the concept for the rehearsal with just the pictures. But on the day of the new album Trading 8’s? show, I go out there and could literally touch Meryl CV: Well trading 8’s is an actual jazz tem. It’s when Streep’s foot from my position sitting on the stage. It jazz players are playing together; they’ll get to the end was quite a trippy experience. of the song, and then trade eight bar phrases with the drummer. That’s been going on forever, and it’s really BRM: Over the last 30 plus years you’ve played in tons a cool tradition. Everyone goes, trumpet player, sax, of different venues, any favorite spots? keyboard, guitar. Then the last time each guy will take CV: Well, over in Europe, there’s a great place in Hama turn playing eight bar phrases then let the drummer burg I play. Rome is great. When I played with Superimprovise by himself. I thought it would be a lot of fun tramp over in Europe, we’ve played places like the to just do it with guitar players. Roman Colosseum in Nimes, France twice. And each time there was a full moon, and you could see the moon BRM: How has your career “evolved” over the years? rising up through these ancient columns. We’ve also CV: The second half of my career I’ve been a studio done some giant festivals like Nürburgring, which is a musician here in L.A. There have been some amazing big racetrack around Nürburg, Germany. And 150,000 experiences over the years as I’ve played on various people would show up! We played one in Néon, France, people’s records or movie dates and TV shows. in front of 180,000 people. Aerosmith, KISS and James Earlier this year in February I played on the Academy Brown were there too. So it was an amazing lineup. Awards Show. And about 3 days before the show at the rehearsal down at The Kodak Theater they told me, BRM: So you teach Master Classes, work as a studio “Hey Carl, musician, record both instructional DVDs and your don’t forget own albums, all while still getting out on the road and you’re going playing shows. Which do you think you enjoy the most to be playing out of it all? an acoustic CV: I think performing is my favorite, the only drawdown on the back is you have to be away from home. And I’ve got edge of the a family I have to be away from also. It’s tough to be stage, a solo away from my 14 year old son and wife, but it sure is guitar version fun to get out there and play music. of “Moon I look at studio work as, well you know, when I get River.” Are back home there will always be something there for you ok for me to do. But it’s really special to play live somewhere that?” and see all those people singing along to your song you So I said wrote in the kitchen back in 1988 that they know the “Yeah, can I words to. It’s a really special feeling. read music?” And they re- BRM: Anything else you would like to add? plied, “Nope, CV: Yes, for any of our fans out east, look for us to play it’s better not some east coast shows come May or June, 2010. That’s to be reading when we plan on coming out that way. music because there will be . 68 million people watch-
by Ray White
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Getting Away With‌Everything
Interview and Photos by Kristin Tully BrokenRecordsOnline.com
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IPapa Roach guitarist, Jerry Horton, talks about everything from guitars to touring. sound now, as opposed to then? Jerry: Yeah, I think back then we still sounded like our influences. At the time we were heavily influenced by hip hop, rap, and other things and I think now we’ve found our own sound- which I really don’t know what it is! A lot of people can tell when they hear a song that it’s us. Even though a lot of the songs are different from each other I still think we have a certain sound, obviBRM: You guys have been touring for awhile with this ously Jacoby’s voice, which is the main indicator. We album. Do you have a favorite song to play live from kind of have a way of distinguishing ourselves. Metamorphisis? Jerry: I would say, probably, “It’s The Life” or “Had BRM: As far as your sound goes, as the guitar play, Enough.” We just released “Had Enough” as a single what guitars did you use on this album to give it that Papa Roach style? actually. Jerry: On this album I played a lot of different guiBRM: Do you have a video out yet for it? Or will we tars: a Gibson Les Paul, I played my own Schenker’s, Fender Tele, and a Schenker Tele. On the road though see one? Jerry: We don’t have one out yet. There are a few fan I’m playing all Schenker’s. On stage it’s all fairly the created videos which are really cool but we don’t have same. You have the same guitar and amp combinations an official video done yet. We plan to at some point but so you have to get creative. So I try to create different sounds depending on each song on stage. the label has to approve it and all that kind of stuff. BRM: I’m sure you’ve had this question asked a million times but I couldn’t find the answer, so remind everyone who doesn’t know, where did you get the name Papa Roach? Jerry: Really?! You couldn’t find the answer to that one! Jacoby’s grandfather’s last name was Roach and he named it after his grandfather.
BRM: You guys have been tirelessly touring how do you manage to keep it fresh, especially when spend so much time on the road doing live shows? Jerry: We try to change up songs here and there and we know when to give each other space, which is important. We’re pretty much married to each other. It’s one of those relationships where we can get on each others nerves but at the end of the day we love it. It’s good to have alone time though, it keeps us where we need to be. We do try to build breaks in every so often to get away from each other, and it’s not to say that we don’t like each other it’s just that we get tired of looking at each others faces after a couple of months. BRM: From the last resort video to now, you guys have progressed and evolved so much, both physically and sound-wise. How would you describe your Broken Records Magazine
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BRM: You guys work so hard and tour so much, and especially with your show, it’s so physically demanding, what makes it worth it to you to go out on stage every night and just play your heart out? Jerry: The most obvious answer is the fans. The energy that we get between the crowd and us is what makes it worth it. There is really no describing it any further than that. It’s something we are so lucky to experience all the time. It’s what drives us. That’s what keeps us going. BRM: So what does the future of Papa Roach look like? Jerry: I guess that depends on how the single goes. We know we’re at least touring until the end of the year and then we’re hopefully going to start up again in February with a co-headlining tour. There are a couple of bands we’re talking to, we haven’t made a decision yet though. So come out! BrokenRecordsOnline.com
Interview and Live Photos by Broken Records Magazine
Kristin Tully
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Skillet’s front man and bassist
John Cooper
takes some time to talk about the bands latest album, and what it’s like to rock the
Christian Band Label.
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Broken Records Magazine: Why did you decide to go with naming the album just Awake instead of awake and alive? John Cooper: We were gonna call it Awake & Alive but somebody said it sounded like a Live album, and I was like “Oh I guess it kinda does sound like a Live album- can’t do that!” So we called it Awake, which is still cool. The reason for the song “Awake & Alive,” which is basically the same thing as the album title, thematically, is because every single day you wake up there is a war going on, and its between lots of things. It’s between the fact that the world is going crazy and there are all these terrible things happening and it seems to get worse and worse and worse and you have to make a decision if you are going to fight that fear or not. And the second part of that war is that not only are things getting worse and worse, but there is also fighting for your soul everyday, fighting for what you’re going to believe in, who you are going to be, and the world and its eyes telling you what you need to dress like, how you need to act, what you need to believe in, what you need to talk like to be cool. And all those things are going on and it’s time to become awake, believe what you know is right, believe what you know is true and it doesn’t matter what anyone else says or thinks. You stand up for what you believe in and stay unafraid, that was the concept. BRM: Is there a stigma with being a Christian rock band? Do you feel you have to play harder and better to prove yourself? John: Yeah, being a Christian rock band is a little like being a girl drummer. It’s like, being a girl drummer, it’s not enough for you to play as hard as the guys, you’ve got to play BrokenRecordsOnline.com
like “You’re evil!” I’d be like, well I still like Back In Black but if I went to the show and they were cursing me out and saying “Meat is murder,” then I’d be like alright I’m not coming again. I like meat and I like Jesus. That’s a total t-shirt. BRM: A lot of bands these days don’t advertise it though- you like them and don’t even know they are a Christian band. John: You just don’t know. Half the hardcore bands are Christian, like Norma Jean and As I Lay Dying. These bands are Christian bands and nobody knew. I think younger people are like “Whatever.” BRM: Why did you then decide to label yourself as a Christian band? John: I guess it’s true. You label yourself by being in the Christian market. But I wasn’t thinking I want to be called a Christian rock band. I was just doing shows at churches and things- we’d play anywhere that would listen- and so when people ask what kind of music you play, I don’t say Christian rock, we play rock music. I grew up listening to Christian music and I’ve always believed in it because it’s the only thing I had growing up and I’ve always liked the idea of my music having a message and I think that’s why I got involved in the Christian music scene. So in some ways I could see it as a negative term, because it has hindered us harder than the guys. You definitely have something to in some ways, but on the same token I’m prove There is no question about that because there is proud of it because I love Christian music. I love what the stigma that Christian rock is the Diet Coke of Colas. we’ve done. I love our fans and our fans love it when Like it kind of tastes alright but not as good as the real we stand up for it. Because it makes them feel credible thing. So you definitely have that stigma and that’s ok. I and I know how that feels. When POD crossed over I don’t necessarily mind, but sometimes you just want to was like “Alright! I’ve known POD for a long time, now be judged on the music. You don’t like to be prejudice they’re getting played, are they going to stand up?” And based on radio stations, but I think its less true with mu- they did. I thought that was really awesome. sic listeners and more true with the music gatekeepers. I think kids are like “Whatever, I don’t care! I like POD, BRM: It’s cool you can just stand up and say “this is I like Flyleaf, I like Red.” Well then maybe it’s not a what I believe and I don’t care what you think!” big deal. As a joke I always say, I love meat! And there John: Yeah it’s cool! Why not?! It’s what rock and roll was a band that was hardcore vegan, as long as they is about! Isn’t it?! It’s the heart of rock music. This is don’t preach at me and tell me I’m evil for eating meat, my song! I don’t care what you think! I don’t mind if they’re vegan or not, I’m gonna buy the record. If ACDC was a bunch of vegan-heads that were BRM: You’ve been through a lot of changes musically Broken Records Magazine
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and physically, with changes in band members. How would you describe your sound on this record? John: I’d just say it’s….hard melodic rock- that’s what I call it. We do actually have some symphony elements to our songs and classical elements. You hear that on the song “Awake & Alive” and “Forgiven.” You heard it more on our last record and we wanted to keep that kind of theme but not overdo it on this record, so we only did it on a couple of songs- which is kind of what we’ve become known for, the big string thing- which is cool, but songs likes like “Hero” and even “Monster” are hard rock but they’re very melodic. They’re kind of epic sounding. Now it sounds like I’m bragging. Epic doesn’t mean it’s awesome. It just means it sounds like a soundtrack.
my friends and she was really mad about it. But it kind of came to where there was nothing she could do about it, but she got sick with cancer when I was in sixth grade and passed away when I was fourteen. So that obviously ended that kind of struggle, but my dad at that point just didn’t want me playing music. He just wanted me to be able to have a real job. But it’s been a long time. I’m not a kid anymore and I’ve got a family that I support. My dad is just happy to see his kid supporting a family. He’s kind of old school that way…like “You be a man! You don’t play music! That’s for girls,” but that’s my dad! He doesn’t care for the way I look. But that’s alright, what are you going to do. He’s a part of my life and I’m really thankful for that.
BRM: You have that symphonic element to you, so are you classically trained? John: I grew up taking classical piano for eight years. My mom was a piano teacher. So that’s where I got my start. I wasn’t aloud to listen to music growing up. We just didn’t listen to music, but I was around classical and we sang hymns in church. So hymns and classical music and I didn’t know there was anything else until I was in fifth grade and my friends were listening to Metallica and I was like “Oh this is awesome!” but my parents wouldn’t let me listen to rock music. That is why classical music is my core structure.
BRM: Tell me about the song “Lucy.” John: Lucy is the only song is my whole career of- is it seven records?- we recorded, probably eighty-five songs for this record, and it’s the only song where I’m like, “I’m not really telling what that song is about.” It’s a little bit of a secret. I want to let it mean to people what it will. It’s funny because after a show, people will come up to me and say “There’s that song- and I don’t know why- but I love it. I love the way it makes me feel, but what is it about?” and I’m like that’s why I don’t want to tell anybody yet! I will down the road, but it is about losing someone and wishing you could have a second chance. BRM: So what do your parents Hopefully it will inspire people to have to say about you being in a take advantage of the relationships rock band? they have now. It will probably unJohn: I know. I’m getting them fold throughout the year. We’ll see back now! My mom was really ul- where it takes us. tra concerned about the rock thing and I started to sing with some of Broken Records Magazine
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Interview By Mikel Schardt Photos by Alaura Christine Broken Records Magazine: How was BRM: Seeing that you’re just finishing up
touring the States? How is it different from touring Europe? Andrea Ferro: We enjoy both. Touring in North America is more comfortable because the tour buses are more comfortable and you’ve got all the 24 hour places to eat or to shower; it’s a bit more comfortable to tour. But in terms of the crowd it’s pretty good in both places. I mean the kids are really great here in North America..They do have a little different approach in the public. They like to have more head-banging or stage-diving or that type of more aggressive kind of enjoying the concert while in Europe they stand still a little more but they still scream and clap so it’s cool everywhere.
North America was there anything that really stood out for you? Any shows or anything...like a “Spinal Tap” moment like you couldn’t believe it or extraordinary or anything like that? AF: Hahaha! Mostly, we have had pretty good shows every night and I have to say even though the combination was kind of different cuz there was a very crossover line-up on the tour with all the bands being so very different. One night we had to play without our bass player cuz he injured his shoulder so he had to cancel a few shows and the same night, our drummer had a problem with his big toe so our drum tech actually learned all our songs in basically one night. That one night we played our show without a bass player and with another drummer!!
BRM: And how the new album Shallow
Life going for you? AF: With this new album we are taking some different ways compared to last. We’re trying to explore new territories. So far the beginning of the cycle has been pretty good. We’ve been doing a tour with Disturbed. That’s been one of the biggest tours we have done. The album was # 16 on the Billboard and “Spellbound” has been doing really well on the radio as well as the new single “I Wont Tell You” which was launched just a couple weeks ago. Those are the two songs that are doing better than ever for us on the radio. We have never Broken Records Magazine
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BRM: Now you mentioned about
done so well on the radio chart. So we have to say we are approaching a complete different market in a way because the music seems to be changing so much lately that today we don’t even know what’s coming next right away. You know you can’t really plan anything. Taking things step by step, taking every opportunity, every new way of promoting the band. It’s pretty interesting. A new kind of working process”
writing. Have you actually sat down and started talking about a new album? AF: Um..no. Not yet but because it’s too early. The album is just out 7 months or so now so we still want to decompress and focus on the touring and maybe some other songs but not a full album. So I think we will wait till at least next year before we really start to collect ideas and material for the next album. We always take a little bit of time because we don’t really BRM: Is there a any certain song song write on the road. We need that your working on right now to be home and reflect and to sit you care to tell us about? down and see what we want to do. AF: We just had a song, one of the bonus tracks from “Shallow Life,” has been added to the sound- I think we will start to do that but it will take a few track for the movie “Toke” and then we are work- months. ing on a new special song that we are not sure if they’re gonna use yet but its gonna be cool.
“No Wait Policy.” All of our patients are seen within 15 minutes. Emergencies are seen immediately. Convenient location with plenty of parking. In private practice since 1987. Office Hours: Mon:10:30am - 1:00pm & 3:30pm - 7:30pm Tue: 3:30pm - 7:30pm Wed: 10:30am - 1:00pm & 3:30pm - 7:30pm Thu: By appointment Fri: 10:30am - 1:00pm & 3:30pm - 7:30pm Sat: 9:00am - 12:00 noon Broken Records Magazine
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Interview and Photos by
Ray White It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since GWAR first suited up for their intergalactic heavy metal battle. In that time we’ve seen them as guests on talk shows, news shows and they were favorites of Beavis and Butthead (remember them?). Not to mention the 16 different albums, and years of relentless blood squirting, limb ripping, ear pounding shows around the globe. On tour again for their 12th studio effort “Lust In Space”, they ventured to The Fillmore in NYC, where they absolutely destroyed the place, as only GWAR can. I got a chance to sit down with Oderus Urungus, lead singer, and Dave Brockie, the man behind the mask, and take a trip through the twisted world that is GWAR. The following is the Full interview with Brockie and a clean sample of the Oderus Urungus Interview. To view the unedited, untamed, and unbelievable interview with Oderus Urungus, please go to BrokenRecordsOnline.com
Broken Records Magazine: There have been some rumors floating around about GWAR breaking up. Is there any truth at all to that? Dave Brockie: That’s a load of sh*t. I have no idea why that would be out there. Everyone knows we’ve just started a huge 25th anniversary, 2 year long slayabration. We’re in the middle of our most intense production and touring schedule of our entire f***ing lives. So I really don’t think that’s an option right now.
BRM: Where do you get the ideas for the different stage antics you have going on? DB: Things that amuse us! We come up with kooky riffs and things that make us laugh. We spend our time working in the shop and trying to crack each other up. BRM: How did the idea of GWAR come to be? DB: Well, it was Hunter and he had these crazy costumes and I had this band that was practicing down the street from him in this weird old abandoned milk bottle factory. I saw the costumes and told him he should let us wear them. We had been playing in punk rock bands, playing really hard, practicing hard, working hard and still getting like 20 or 30 people at most to come see your band. Then all of a sudden we started doing this crazy costume band and every show is sold out. Promoters were handing us stacks
BRM: When you put the costume on, and the mask goes on, does the persona of Oderus Urungus just take over? DB: It takes up until you slap the rubber head on. That’s when any last vestige of your old personality is completely obliterated. I fully step into the persona of Oderus Urungus. It’s a clamy, wet, disgusting feeling but it’s also a rush of power. BRM: New York City was your last stop on this current tour, what do you have planned next for GWAR? DB: Well, we get to go home for a little bit and take some time off. And Broken Records Magazine
there are rumors of starting work on some new music projects for GWAR then back on the road again. We are going to spend some time this summer out in Europe.
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of cash. We were like “what the f***? You mean you can actually get paid to do this sh*t?” And it just took off from there. BRM: Who influences GWAR? DB: Anything that’s loud and fast you know. I love punk rock, I love metal. Personally, I started out listening to Ted Nugent, The Scorpions, and bands like that. Then I started getting more into the punk rock thing, like back when there were the Sex Pistols. I remember them being around. That’s how old I f***ing am. I was in high school when the Sex Pistols were still playing in England. I graduated in 1981 in D.C. right in the middle of the whole D.C. hardcore explosion. So then I moved more to the hardcore sh*t, like Minor Threat, Metallica, and Slayer. I do listen to everything though. Different pop and sh*t like that. Side projects often do have weird musical bends to them. It’s interesting to listen to, especially a lot of this pop bullsh*t. Sometimes the production is just so fascinating. It is like, “God, how many time can they layer one stupid bitches vocals?” Like the new Christina Aguilera commercial for cable, it’s just f***ing nauseating. BRM: GWAR claims to be Earth’s only openly extra terrestrial band. Are you saying there are others who are too afraid to come out in the open? Oderus Urungus: Everyone knows Michael Jackson was a space alien. We will be exposing his filthy secrets tonight. There’s probably some more out there. I don’t know why they would hide such a thing. I’m not ashamed of the fact that I’m from outer space dammit, I’m proud of it. Obama’s kind of alien looking. I’m not really sure though. BRM: What makes Balsac The Jaws of Death so damn “cultured”? OU: He claims he doesn’t have a scrotum for a face. By I say that he does. I think that he has a scrotum for a face and a face for a scrotum. Now he denies this, but I’ve never seen him take his jaws off, so I don’t really have the proof. But he is a very cultured fucker for a guy with a bear trap for a face. BRM: Flattus Maximus only eats vegetarians. Why is that? OU: Cause he makes stinkier farts. BRM: Do you have a preference? OU: I’ll eat anything but mostly crack and baby blood and I wash it down with children’s tears. BRM: GWAR has been on The Jerry Springer Show and Joan River’s Show. Why the hell hasn’t Oprah invited GWAR to be on her show? OU: I don’t know, you’d think that would be like the triple threat right there, the grandslam; Jerry, Joan and Oprah. I think she’s afraid I would rip her face off. BRM: In GWAR’s opinion, where are the scummiest humans in the country? OU: Maybe Cincinnati, that’s pretty much a sh*t hole of a town. We do have good GWAR shows there. Yeah, and Cincinnati but Detroit is a close second; Detroit is still rock city! Broken Records Magazine
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With a new self-titled album,
Hatebreed
is hitting the road and making sure to leave no table unturned in their wake. Jamey Jasta, Hatebreed’s vocalist, takes some time from the road to chat about the band’s latest endeavors and tour antics. Interview & Photo by Broken Records Magazine
Kristin Tully BrokenRecordsOnline.com
Broken Records Magazine: How was the crowd been reacting to the songs from the new album? Jamey Jasta: I couldn’t ask for a better reaction. We’re doing 3 songs, and I’d like to do 4 and people already know the words. The albums only been out about a month and usually it takes more than a month to absorb all the words and its been just great.
been reading my twitter too and I started to talk about leopard prints so now a lot of girls are wearing leopard prints to the shows. Which I am definitely not going to complain about!
BRM: Does it ever get monotonous for you playing the same material every night? JJ: Playing the show every night keeps you young, BRM: How has the change in the line up been? keep your interest. And we switch the set up so we realJJ: Great! I think that people appreciate that we got ly don’t play the same set every night- ever! And when our original guitar player back and they respect that you’re in a new city you try the local food or you go to we went that route instead of getting a big name guy a local hang out and you go out and try and do things or a guy who is from another band. Going back to the during the day. original guitar player was just a good idea. He was our guitar tech before. So now instead of standing behind BRM: Any goals or hopes in regards to where you want the amps he’s in front of them. to see this album go? JJ: Just get back out and do the rest of the world tour BRM: Tell me about the decision to name the album between now and next summer and hitting all the places HATEBREED and what we weren’t able to get to inspired you? with the last album, like JJ: We figured there the Philippines, Milawasn’t any other title or sia, South Africa, Russia, a word or a sentence that New Zealand. So we’re was going to describe the fitting all that in, plus we contents of the record scheduled Japan, Austraso we figured we’d just lia, we’re going back to called it HATEBREED, Europe with Machinemake it a self-titled reHead. We’re going to do cord. It’s our 5th studio a full eastern Canada tour, album so as far as inspiwhich we’ve never done ration it’s a snapshot of so we’re really looking to the last year or two and just getting to all the placeverything that happened es we neglected or places around us. That was rewe haven’t been to yet. ally about it. It was a fun recording process, BRM: There is a lot of as far as adding Wayne stereotyping as far as back into the band and hardcore goes, People the songs came out really tend to look at it in a cyncool and we were just vibical way, or as being a vioing off one another. lent music outlet. So how do you get past that stigma? JJ: Well we just try to go out and keep the message BRM: I know you’ve only been out on the road for positive and try to make people feel good. When somea little over a month but you have to have some good one leaves a Hatebreed show, most of the time, they road stories. feel empowered and they got a little bit of negative JJ: Well, the first couple of nights were off to a slow aggression or negative energy out in a positive way and start because its been awhile since we’ve been on the that’s all you can do. You’ve just got to go out there and road. Detroit was insane though! There was blood on do what you love and whatever feels right. Just go with the floor, moshing like you’d never believe- not to your gut and not worry about the nay-sayers. scare anyone away. It got a little crazy. A lot girls have Broken Records Magazine
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311 is a band from Omaha, Nebraska. They transcend the barriers of traditional music genres by incorporating different styles to form a sound all their own. There have been many rumors as to the origin of the name 311. According to lead guitarist, Tim Mahoney, the name has a funny story behind it. “Our bass player, P-Nut, and a friend of his, went skinny dipping and the cops came. I think they were in a public pool or something. Peanut got away and his friend got caught by the cops and he was totally naked and they took him home and the citation number on his ticket was citation number 311 - indecent exposure. Those guys started using it. Peanut had a band and they had it first. Then when we all started playing together, we stole it from Peanut’s first band. So indecent exposure is where it came from originally.” 311 has a very unique sound, due largely in part to their wide variety of musical influences. “Everybody in our band likes Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, The Beatles, The Funky Meters. Bob Marley is probably my personal favorite songwriter. I don’t think he wrote a bad song. If he has, I have yet to hear it.” Many of 311’s songs are about personal experiences. Among these is the song “Silver,” written about their friend, Terrence. “We had a falling out with him. He was just a friend who did us wrong, stole from us, and took us for granted. It was weird and it can be harsh sometimes but everyone can relate to somebody like that they had at some point in their lives, just someone you trusted that fucked you off. I guess it’s just the idea of trusting someone and not even thinking that they would act like that and then what it conjures up after. You’re just kind of taken aback, and you’re like, ‘Wait a minute! That’s not what I thought it was!’ Just being bummed out that someone would treat you like that.” The members of 311 have a house in California together called The Hive where they live and have recorded several albums. “We’re always together. You get off the road then you’re back in the house together… ‘Rock, paper, scissors’ is what kept our band together back then. Our communication over the years has Broken Records Magazine
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gotten better and better. I’m an only child… It’s the closest thing to having brothers. Living together really forced us to be like that early on and it just translated and stuck with us throughout the years.” 311’s sound has matured and changed throughout the years to captivate their ever-growing fan base. “I hope that we can still relate to younger kids. Every time we go out I see young kids out in the front. I think it’s important that we can relate to people our own age, and younger and people older than us. Hopefully we’ll always be able to do that.” The top priority for 311 is their fans. “It’s important to get the songs out there for our fans to hear. They support us by coming to see us play live and that’s how we can afford to keep playing music. That’s how we earn a living, by our fans coming out and seeing us.” 311 has played at venues all over the world. “Just being able to go out and play music is huge and then to be able to travel and meet people all over, it’s really special. We’re really fortunate to get to do that.” The latest album from 311 is Uplifter. It was released on June 2 of this year and debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 chart. What does 311 have in store for fans in 2010? “We’ll start putting songs together in January. We’ve been talking about doing smaller groups of songs and releasing an ep before the summer. We’re going to do a small tour to get ready for 311 day, which is March 11th, in Las Vegas this year.”
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Interview by Kristin Tully
Article and Photos by Scott Vollweiler
Many people make fun of my love for certain things in music: my affinity for country music; the fact that I’m the last heterosexual male Kelly Clarkson fan (judging from her recent NYC concert), and my love for the rock band Creed. Creed has had its share of drama in the public’s eye. Early on, they were called “Pearl Jam rip offs,” which I never felt was true. They were mich better than Pearl Jam. Then singer Scott Stapp feuded with Limp Bizkit singer, Fred Durst at DFP in California. The band then parted ways with bassist Brian Marshall before disbanding. Shortly after the split, Creed went two ways: solo career for Scott Stapp and guitarists/principle co-writer Mark Tremonti, drummer Scott “Flip” Phillips, and ex-bassist, Marshall, formed Alter Bridge. The two sides swore in various interviews, blogs and other outlets that there would never be a reunion; money couldn’t fix the problems and there was no pice tag on mending the band; all were said by the former Creed members. Lucky enough for the legions of Creed fans still swarming the world, the band is back; they have come Full Circle. In the weeks prior to the following interview, Broken Records Magazine got to catch Creed live in New Jersey for the first time in six years. The band looked as if they never broke up. The chemistry between these four musicians is unmistakable. It was great to see Scott Stapp, who has had his hand of legal and family troubles, looking healthier than ever before.
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Broken Records Magazine: How’s the reunion tour? Scott Stapp: It’s going great. Really, really good. BRM: Did it feel like a reunion for you? SS: Yeah. It has definitely exceeded all our expectations. It’s been amazing. BRM: How was it being back together for the first time. SS: You know, it’s like picking up an old shoe that fits well. We got on stage and the chemistry was there and we really connected with the fans and that’s what it’s all about. BRM: With all the animosity between you and the other members when Creed broke up, how did you all get past your problems to reunite? SS: Well, time heals I guess. You just make a decision in your life to forgive and move on and that was what we tried to do. BRM: Anyone in particulars idea for the reunion? SS: There had been rumors going around for about a year and half and we had managers at the time who were communicating about getting us back together and finally I just didn’t feel like the communication was getting through properly- that was one of the our problems back in 2002. So I gave Mark a call. BRM: How about the new record Full Circle? How did that name truly fit the band? SS: The name just kind of came out when we were at rehearsal. We sat down and started free styling a little bit and I guess the vibe and the moment and I guess that’s just kind of what we were feeling at the time and that kind of just inspired that word to come out of my mouth and we went with it.
ate. And we did! When you’re creating new songs and you’re excited about it everything else just kind of goes on the back burner; leave the past else behind. Try not to look back because if you live in the past you die in the past. BRM: Favorite song you like to play live? SS: We’ve got kind of a favorite song, just in general. Facless Man is the song we all really enjoy playing live and it has its own special vibe every night. It’s a song we really connect with and it’s become our favorite Creed song. BRM: What’s the future looking like for Creed? SS: We rap up the tour in three dates and then we head over to Europe and we’re trying to headline an international tour and then a tour next year and just continue to promote this record and make music that we’ve proud of.
BRM: How did you choose “Overcome” as the first single? SS: For the first song it was important for us to put our best foot forward and we chose a song that we felt represented the record in its entirety and represented the band and our brand of rock and roll and Overcome was BRM: Will there be any surprises forthcoming for Creed fans like Creed Quest again? the favorite. SS: Oh there are all kinds of tricks and surprises and games and all other kinds of stuff going on. When you BRM: How was the chemistry in the studio? SS: We went to Nashville first, prior to L.A., and spent get the album, in the art work there are clues everya good three weeks there just rehearsing and jamming where! And we will be having those games and new and trying to rekindle things and just write and cre- ones coming. So stay tuned! Broken Records Magazine
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Almost 2 years since their last album Funeral For Yesterday, Kittie is back with their 5th, most rounded and balanced effort to date. In The Black, released in September is a twisting, turning, grinding and gnashing journey through the myriad of talents this all girl metal machine from London, Ontario possesses. From the opening track “My Plague,” which is like getting busted in the head with a hammer out the door, to the melodic and soothing “Falling Down."The girls of Kittie leave nothing on the table with this effort. Sure to please any metal heads out there, and some non-metal heads. Recently I got a chance to talk with Mercedes Lander, drummer and co-founder along with her sister Morgan, about the new album, touring and what’s to come. Broken Records Magazine
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Broken Records Magazine: As a band you had very high expectations for this album, how satisfied are you with the final result? Mercedes Lander: I’m so happy with the recording of the album. We really haven’t been known for great production on our albums in the past. So this album for us is a big step in the right direction. We finally clicked with a producer that shares the same vision as the band. We never really worked with anyone that had that same vision. We’ve always had producers that tried to change us. I think what people need to realize is the band knows best.
“Forgive and Forget,” and the list goes on. It’s really hard for me to pick, but “My Plague” is one of the first songs we started playing live last year. We opened the set with it because it’s a really heavy song that just kind of kicks you in the face. So it’s the album opener as well. “Sorrow I Know” is one of my favorite songs also because it’s recorded in Waltz time. I love writing songs in Waltz time.There are a lot of other fun things going on in that song too.
BRM: How much has Tara’s Blues and Jazz influence helped with the evolution and growth of the band musiBRM: Were you given more creative control on this cally? album? ML: Tara is an amazing guitar player and brings a lot to ML: It’s not so much creative control, we’ve always the table. Morgan’s our rhythm guitar player and probhad that with songwriting and such. More so with the ably one of the fastest pickers I’ve ever seen. So Tara’s production of the album and the way we want things to like the Yin to Morgan’s Yang, she really helps bring sound. It’s much nicer to have someone who wants the that balance. album to be as heavy as possible. BRM: How has the bands chemistry changed as time BRM: So this album was a lot more fun to record? has gone by? ML: Yeah, it was great! We recorded it with Siegfried ML: Well, you play together long enough and you start Meier, who is a really good friend of ours. Because he’s to know what the other person is thinking. We can read known us so long it was the logical step. He loves what each others minds, it’s crazy, especially musically. he does and he cares. So we lived on a farm for three weeks and recorded an album. BRM: With you starting the band out at such a young age, how was it dealing with the pressures and ups and BRM: So is it any easier recording an album being so downs in the music business? isolated? ML: It was tough, but we had no idea what we were ML: Definitely! But you’d be surprised how much free doing. Most bands don’t have a clue. We just knew we time you actually liked to play. It was really super innocent in the beginhave. We spent a ning. We just did what we wanted, played music how lot of nights in and when we wanted, which of course was all the time. the trailer watch- It was surprising too. You’re 14 years old and all of ing bad movies. a sudden you’re playing showcases for labels, it felt weird. It’s just something you don’t expect. Seemed BRM: Do you like something so far away at the time. Like there was have a personal no way it would happen being from a small town in favorite on the Canada. new album? ML: I have a BRM: Did it make it tougher to get noticed being from couple, but it’s a small town? like trying to ML: The only advantage I think we had in that situapick your favor- tion was we were kind of close to three major cities. We ite child. But lived two hours from Detroit, two hours from Toronto, I’d have to say and two hours from Buffalo. So we had a lot of shows “My Plague” where we would just drive a couple of hours. We played and “Sorrow a lot of shows in Toronto in the beginning, simply beI Know,” and cause it was close and it’s the epicenter of Canadian Broken Records Magazine
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ML: Awesome!! We had so much fun with them! They are literally some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. The guys from Soil are just hilariously funny. They’re like the party monsters on the tour. We would always have a really good time with them. Their bus was the party bus, and our bus was the relax bus. And Straight Line Stitch actually ended up staying on our bus for a week and a half because their van broke down. So we took them in for awhile so they wouldn’t miss any shows. That was a lot of fun though. It was a full bus, 13 people in a 12 bunk bus. It was really tight there for a bit.
music. That’s where all the Canadian music happens, it’s THE Canadian music scene. It’s kind of like New York and L.A. mashed into one. BRM: “Cut Throat” is going to be on the “Saw VI” soundtrack. How exciting is that for Kittie? ML: That’s pretty cool. We’ve never been on a soundtrack before. We’ve had songs in movies before, but never on the actual soundtrack. It only took 13 years to do that. We had no idea about it though. We were just hanging out one day, I was on our message board and some kid posted a thread, “hey , Kittie’s on the Saw soundtrack.” And I was like “what? Really?” Our label thought they had told us, but they didn’t. BRM: The new video for “Cut Throat” is out, is it more fun making videos? ML: Well, we took a whole weekend and did the photo shoot for the album, shot a video for “Cut Throat” and a video for “Sorrow I Know.” So it was 3 days of no sleep. “Cut Throat” was really easy, it was literally like a performance video. We got our makeup done, which was a bad idea. It was about 120 degrees in this abandoned department store where we shot the video. There were no lights or electricity. So we were all just melting. We shot the song about 12 times, which I had to play in every one because I’m behind everyone. But that’s not bad at all. That was the easy part since it was so simple. For the “Sorrow I Know” video we had a call time that morning at 7. So that was a little much. But at the same time it’s so much fun. It’s what we do, so we enjoy it. And how could you not be excited about shooting a video? BRM: Anymore videos planned yet then? ML: Well, the “Sorrow I Know” video isn’t coming out until January. But we’re thinking of doing a video for “Die My Darling” which I think will be a lot of fun. We’ll see what happens with that, I’m crossing my fingers that we get to do it. BRM: How was the tour you just finished with Soil and Straight Line Stitch? Broken Records Magazine
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BRM: Any shows from the tour that really stick out? ML: We played for the first time in a town called Gallup, NM. It’s an Indian Reservation. And it was insane!! Anytime we play somewhere new or somewhere a lot of bands don’t go to, it’s usually the biggest surprise. We really didn’t know what to expect there in Gallup. The lighting rig kept falling down because the kids were going so crazy. We had so much fun at that show. Everybody there was so nice. Same in Dayton, Ohio too. We’ve never played there before, which I thought was odd since we’ve played everywhere else in Ohio. The show there was awesome. Everybody had so much fun. It’s always exciting going somewhere for the first time to play. BRM: Any thoughts on what we should expect from Kittie next time around? ML: We’ve already started kind of thinking about the new album. Doing a little riffing out. It’s gonna be insane! No idea when though. For now we’re just gonna stay on the road as much as we can. BRM: Any thing else you want to tell everyone out there? ML: Just that everyone should pick up our new album or die. No, just kidding. But really pick up the album.
INTERVIEW BY
Ray white BrokenRecordsOnline.com
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For 23 year old Kate Voegele, life is pretty good. Not only has the singer/songwriter toured the world promoting her multiple releases, she has become a household name after her acting skills landed her a role on “One Tree Hill.�
Broken Records Magazine had the opportunity to chat with Kate while on tour. She spoke to us about her favorite places to play, charity and her love for acting. Broken Records Magazine
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TOURING
ly, how do you start writing a song? KV: I usually start writing at really random times...I’m Broken Records Magazine: How is the current tour inspired while on a plane, in the middle of something really important, running through New York City in the going so far? Kate Voegele: The tour is going so well! We’ve had rain...so I usually bring a voice recorder everywhere I some amazing crowds and really fun shows. Overall go and just put down ideas and then revisit them once I the show is just more of a show than it’s ever been, and have a guitar or piano or some quiet. It’s cool because we’ve had fun throwing in some cool covers and blend- I think I get the best songs when I’m least prepared to write! ing old and new material. BRM: Where are you most excited to perform, where has been your favorite place so far? KV: I’m really excited to play in Austin, TX because it’s one of my favorite cities. I had my 21st birthday there and have played SXSW a few times (big music fest in Austin) so it’ll be so great to be back! The character of that city is just so unique and fun.
BRM: Do you have any musical projects on the horizon we should be looking forward to? KV: I’m writing a lot lately and working on exploring different sides of myself as a songwriter. I’d love to write some more acoustic music, maybe country music, and also maybe some more edgy rock stuff. I hope I can collaborate with other artists on a project soon too!
BRM: Can you tell us a little about your tour’s charity? Why you chose it and how it is progressing so far towards the goal? KV: The idea of this tour is to use the money that we would’ve spent on promo and advertising to fundraise for local schools. So far it’s been going so well and getting a great response. I think people are excited to see a group on tour doing something different and promoting something other than their record or TV show. It’s a great way to involve the audience and help a lot of people out!
ACTING
MUSIC MAKING BRM: Who or what artists would you say are your major musical influences? KV: I grew up on a lot of classic songwriters like Carole king and jams Taylor. I love Carole King’s “tapestry” record because the songwriting is simple but intoxicating and catchy and James Taylor is the same way. I definitely hope to build a career with the nature and longevity of those artists.
BRM: How did you get involved with acting? Have you always wanted to do both? KV: I auditioned for one tree hill when I heard about the casting call because I thought it would be an amazing look for my music and had no idea I’d get the part. I never thought I’d be an actress because I had no idea I could do it! I’ve really fallen in love with it though, and I’d love to do more down the road if the right roles came along. BRM: How do you manage to balance your life between performing music, acting on the show, and college? KV: Balancing everything was a huge challenge at first but it’s definitely about just being organized. Being organized isn’t easy when you’re entirely rightbrained and artistic but if you force yourself to do it you save a lot of stress!
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Heidi Newfield
by Marie Scarsella
At the age of thirteen, the average girl had no idea what she wanted to do with her life. However, growing up, country starlet Heidi Newfield was not your average girl. For Heidi, music was always her dream career. “I knew exactly what I wanted to do and I never really veered off that path”, she says. With supportive parents and a strong sense of dedication, Newfield never had to veer off that path. Knowing that their daughter had a gift, Heidi’s parents flew her from her home in Healdsberg, California to the great city of Nashville in order for her to record her first demo. Starting so young gave Newfield a taste for the industry, and in 2001 she eventually became part of the group Trick Pony. The band became very successful, and introduced Heidi to a new way of life. “What I learned [from Trick Pony] was endless. You learn everything [from being in a band]. You learn what to do, what not to do”, she claims. “I learned how to run a business – I learned how to keep a bus rolling and how to keep a band together; how to hold your show together and how to keep a crowd.” These lessons helped the band earn two top 40 singles, sell enough albums to go platinum, and win an ACM award for Best New Artist. However, Heidi Newfield’s run with Trick Pony eventually came to an end. Things just didn’t seem right anymore, and Heidi announced her departure from the band. When asked what caused her to decide to leave, she responded, “People change, people evolve and people grow.” There is more to it, however. “It’s also that we weren’t going in the same musical directions. When you get to a point where you’re like, ‘I’m really sick of this’, and you don’t want to get on the tour bus, then something’s wrong”. Broken Records Magazine
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It was when Heidi felt she didn’t want to pack her bags and leave that she decided to branch off on her own and become a solo artist. Soon after making this decision, she teamed up with famous producer, Tony Brown, and began work on something that is all her own. With the help of Tony Brown, Heidi released her first full-length solo album titled “What Am I Waiting For” in 2008. It has since reached number two on the US Country charts, and 10 on the Billboard top 200 charts. Her single, “Johnny and June” also broke onto the Billboard charts, reaching out to fans of Trick Pony as well as helping to build a new fan-base and draw in new listeners. Many new fans were drawn in by Heidi’s unique spin on country sound. Hhh“That’s what’s great about country music today – we’re not what we were 20 years ago. We can be that, or we can be southern rock. We have variety now, which is really cool,” she claims. Since the release of “What Am I Waiting For”, Heidi has slowed down a bit with her touring schedule, and has begun writing and recording a new album. She says the new music is “extremely cool and very introspective”. She also adds that it is not quite as ballad heavy as her last record, and will be packed with catchy songs that have a bit of punch to them. Heidi plans on eventually releasing her new music some time around the first of the year. For those who
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can’t wait until then, though, she will be playing some shows scattered throughout the month of December. Heidi’s experience as a solo artist, however, is very different from that of her experience with Trick Pony. She is adapting well, though, stating, “I love being a solo artist because it’s a challenge. It’s not that I’m a control freak, but it’s really nice to be able to take the reigns”. With this newfound freedom, Heidi has taken her music to the next level, and has allowed her songs to become a lot more personal. Clearly, Heidi Newfield has been working her entire life to get to where she is now. But what does she have to say about her journey and struggles in the industry? “I just love the life. I love music. It’s the universal language. Whether it’s New York or Los Angeles or anywhere in between, you’re playing music that touches people.” All her hard work has paid off, and the thirteen-year-old girl who longed to make it big in the country world and impact people through music, has done just that.
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America’s Idol, Carrie Underwood, has done it again. Ever since winning the top rated American Idol in 2005, Carrie’s career has been skyrocketing. With the release of her new album Play On on November 3, 2009, her television Christmas Special reaching millions of viewers, a “Play On” tour in the works, and not to mention the countless awards she has won, Underwood shows no sign of stopping anytime soon. Carrie’s new album “Play On” is bigger and better than her first two. When asked why she titled the album “Play On”, Carrie said “Whenever stuff goes wrong, you’ve just got to get up in the morning and you’ve got to play on, finish your song, finish what you’ve started, even when things don’t look good.” The new album features 13 tracks, 7 of which Carrie co-wrote. “I’m not an easy person to get to know, and I feel like I keep a lot of myself closed off to the world,” she says, “It’s really nice to be able to scratch the surface and to be able to open myself up a little more.” There’s something about country music that attracts people; it’s real, and that is exactly what this album is. There are songs that capture love, regret and of course some heartbreak. Underwood’s new album has all of these and more. The songs that stand out the most are the first single, “Cowboy Casanova,” as well as “Songs Like This,” both female empowering songs that will remind you of her previous hit “Before He Cheats”. Even though she shows her tough side in those songs, she also shows her vulnerable Broken Records Magazine
side in “Someday When I Stop Loving You” and “Look At Me.” This album is worth going out and buying. How could you not love Miss Carrie Underwood? When the excitement from the release of the new album died down slightly, Carrie had something else to look forward to. Fox had set the country star up with her own Christmas Special to air on television. The two hour “Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special,” aired on December 7th and roped in over 8 million viewers. Though we’re not sure you would call it a Christmas special, considering there wasn’t much Christmas music being preformed, instead most of the music was from Play On. Regardless, the show was spectacular; it included special guests Brad Paisley (her two-time co-host of the Country Music Awards), David Cook (another American Idol victor), the infamous Dolly Parton (one of her idols) and more. Of course, like any Carrie Underwood show, there were jokes, duets,
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and several outfit changes. In the end it was a great show. Hopefully there will be many more Carrie Underwood Christmas Specials in the future. On December 21st, Carrie’s publicist announced some big news. Sorry guys, but the country singer and boyfriend of over a year, NHL Ottawa Senators’ player, Mike Fisher, are now engaged. “The couple could not be happier,” publicist Jessie Schmidt announced. The couple had pretty much kept their relationship under raps, however Carrie did say “He brings out the best in me and I’ve felt myself grow with him, which is really good. Certain people in your life, I feel like you come across for a reason. I’m very glad that I met him. He’s been a really positive influence on my life.” There is no wedding date set yet. Carrie Underwood also hit another milestone in her Country music career last year. On May 10, 2008, Carrie was inducted as a member into the Grand Ole Opry, a weekly country music radio program and live concert broadcast, located in Nashville, Tennessee. It includes a prestigious group of Country music’s most successful artists. Membership into the Grand Ole Opry is very selective and is by invitation only. “I watched the ‘Opry’ since I was a little girl, always dreaming that one day I would performing there and even becoming a member myself,” Carrie shared in an interview. On March 15, 2008 that very dream came true when Randy Travis surprised her during her performance on the stage of the Opry with an invitation to become the next member. She jokingly responded, “Let me think about that,” which was immediately followed by “Yes!” Her induction concert was held on May 10,2008 and was hosted by the legendary Garth Brooks. “Nothing will last as long or be more important that this award right here tonight,” Brooks said. Carrie sang to a packed out venue and was completely grateful. “As I got in the music business and coming to Nashville, everyone was really nice to me and they didn’t have to be. Nobody knew what I was Broken Records Magazine
gonna do. I could have completely shamed Country music, but they kinda had faith in me. So it’s very special for everything to come around and for me to be a member.” Carrie Underwood ended this year with 11 awards such as a Grammy for “Best Female Country Vocal Performance” for “Last Name” and several People Choice Awards including “Favorite Female Singer.” Carrie was also nominated for “Female Vocalist of the Year” at the CMA awards and “Favorite Female Country Artist” at the American Music Awards. Unfortunately, Carrie did not take home any of the awards she was nominated for at either one. However, it hasn’t seemed to stop her in the least. She has recently released dates for her North American “Play On” tour that will start on March 11, 2010 and run 45 shows through May 30, 2010, with special guests including Craig Morgan and Sons of Sylvia. Tickets went on sale Friday, December 18, with prices ranging from $35-$55. Carrie Underwood is just as popular as she was when she was on Idol and she just keeps getting better. Not only is she a Country Music superstar and one of the most successful Idol winners ever, but she is also an amazing role model for young girls everywhere.
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Country’s Biggest Night is Taylor Made They say “everything’s bigger and better in the south” and the Country Music Awards did nothing to deter those sentiments. The 43rd annual CMA’s were full glitz and glam and big over-the-top performances. As the show opened, the nights biggest victor, the big underdog (although it seemed that the show was crafted around her), Taylor Swift, performed her hit “Forever and Always” from sophomore release Fearless. She dressed in tight black clothing, a far stretch from her sundress and cowboy boots. Taylor commanded respect on the large stage, throwing chairs off a platform, and kneeling flat on the stage repeating the lyrics to the bridge “ B a c k Up, Baby Back Up” over and over as if she expected her huge teen following (most of which were home watching the show on TV) to sing along. Broken Records Magazine
And to make the night a little more “ Ta y l o r Made” she also performed again, singing “Fifteen” acoustic. As for awards, Miss Swift went 4 for 4 winning three on television (album, female vocalist and the grand prize, Entertainer of the Year) and music video of the year before the telecast. While Taylor had been very classy since the “the moment” at the MTV VMA’s, this night was just opposite. She made wise cracks about Kayne West multiple times, this only days after her Saturday Night Live performances where she made a few wise cracks in the monologue too. She needs to do what she does best: write intimate Country songs and be a sweet 19 year old. There was much more to the show than just TayBrokenRecordsOnline.com
Photos by John Russell of CMA
by Scott Vollweiler
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and lipping “No.” You think Brooks and Dunn were a little bitter since the show was to be their farewell party? In addition, Darius Rucker, yes the same Darius Rucker that fronted the band Hootie and the Blowfish, won “Best New Artist” for his Country debut. He was by far the biggest surprise of the night. Then again, he always had great vocals and catchy songs. As for performances, nothing was too crazy. As aforementioned, Taylor Swift performed twice while other performances included a special by rock band Daughtry featuring singer Vince Gill as they performed the track “Tennessee Line”; Lady Antebellum performed “I Need You Now”; and an insane version of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” performed by the great Zac Brown Band (the ZBB performance was the standout performance of the night and should put the band on a higher level performance wise). In addition, Barbara Mandrel was honored for her recent induction in the Country Music Hall of Fame by Martina McBride and George Strait. The CMAs have come and gone but not without changing Country music, possibly forever!
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Photos by John Russell of CMA
lor. The CMA’s were hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood for the second straight year, and for the second straight year they were comedic gold. Brad and Carrie seem to mesh better than most duos that are bands. Their opening skit involved plenty of harmonious singing while Paisley played guitar. They made jokes about Kayne, Brooks and Dunn’s “divorce,” and cracked jokes about each others smells. They joked that each other were wearing cologne by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, both of which have fragrance lines. While the award show had its not so surprising moments: Sugarland won Vocal Duo of the Year (their third win in three chances in the category), Brad Paisley winning Male Vocalist of the Year, and the last performance by Brooks and Dunn; there were a few “what just happened” moments. First and second being my favorites: Lady Antebellum winning “Single of the Year” as well as “Vocal Group of the Year” beating out the mighty Rascal Flatts. The trio seemed shocked and hugged the Flatts’ members before coming on stage teary eyed. Another moment seemed more awkward. When Sugarland accepted their award, Jennifer Nettles called up Brooks and Dunn to say some words since they just lost and I guess, should have won. The two kept shaking their heads
Review By Christina Seblano Press Room Photos By Scott Vollweiler December 11, 2009 Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden gave way to another sold out show on Friday, December 11, 2009, when it was the venue to New York’s #1 Hit Music Station, Z100’s Jingle Ball 2009. With artists from a variety of musical backgrounds, this was a show for everyone. The new party girl on the scene, Kesha, opened the show with her hit single, “Tik Tok.” Leading way into Boys Like Girls, who opened their set with a cover of the Black Eyed Peas, “I’ve Got a Feeling.” The crowd went crazy when they brought out featured singer, Taylor Swift, of the song, “Two is Better Than One,” for the first live performance of the song ever done with Taylor and Boys Like Girls together. The show continued with performances from artists such as Pitbull, performing an array of his hits such as “I Know You Want Me” and “Hotel Room.” Following this crowd popping performance was American Idol’s Allison Iraheta introducing her good friend, Idol’s 2009 winner, Kris Allen. His last song of his set was newest single, “Live Like We’re Dying.” But Kris also showed off his artistic side by doing an acoustic mash-up of Kanye West’s “Heartless” incorporating “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio. Unfortunately, due to the age Broken Records Magazine
of the crowd, this spectacular performance didn’t receive enough hype. Artists such as Owl City performed their hit “Fireflies” and Jay Sean performed his hits, “Down” and “Do You Remember.” He also gave credit to the other artists there by doing a beat box of some of their hits with his MC. For the millionth time that night, the crowd rose to their feet cheering. The Fray lit up the stage doing their singles, “You Found Me,” “Never Say Never,” and “How To Save a Life.” They were the first band of the night to keep up the Christmas spirit by performing a brief intro of “Silent Night.” Disney channels, Miranda Cosgrove, introduced Jordin Sparks who performed her songs, “One Step At a Time,” “Battlefield,” and an acappella version of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas, which showcased both her range and melodic voice. The stage really came to life when she began to sing hit single “No Air” and brought out Justin Bieber to perform the duet, which led way for thousands of screaming girls. John Mayer brought the crowd back to reality by playing his songs, “Waiting On the World To Change” and “Heartbreak WarBrokenRecordsOnline.com
Photo by Bryan Bedder/ Getty Images
Twelve artists. One stage. One night. Z100’s Jingle Ball 2009 definitely gave New York a good taste at hit music all coming together for one amazing show!
always, Taylor came on stage in her silver dress and cowboy boots with her signature sparkly guitar. She opened her set with “You Belong With Me” and then took it back with her country hit, “Our Song.” She gave us a little insight, into the mind of Taylor and what she went through that inspired her next songs, “Teardrops On My Guitar” and “Fifteen.” She then sat down at the piano and began her emotional anthem, “You’re Not Sorry” only to have the crowd completely taken back when she too did a mash-up and started singing “What Goes Around Comes Around” by Justin Timberlake. An amazing performance by Taylor Swift couldn’t have ended any better, until she ended the show giving us all hope for love especially during the holidays by performing, “Love Story.” fare.” He too, performed a duet with Taylor Swift, live for the first time called “Half Of My Heart,” and ending his set with “Say.” He was followed by the new Australian guitar genius, Orianthi, who to my dismay was only stage for about 2 minutes. Justin Bieber, the boy of every young teenage girl’s dreams, even with his broken foot, put on an amazing set including, “Favorite Girl” and “Lonely Girl,” where one lucky fan got to sit on stage and was given roses by the teenage heartthrob himself. But Justin blew the crowd away when he covered Usher’s, “You’ve Got It Bad,” and had Usher come out and join him on stage to perform it. Justin left the crowd screaming for more until he came back to perform his first hit song, “One Time,” to close out his set. Finally, to give an outstanding ending to an amazing show, Adam Lambert introduced the headlining superstar, Taylor Swift. Looking gorgeously stunning as
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Club Beats @ Best Buy w/ Dr. Dre, Jimmy Iovine, Noel Lee and Brian Dunn
Best Buy rolled out the red carpet at their new 24 hour location at Union Square, NYC, to announce the launch of their new in store section Club Beats (created by Monster and Beats by Dr. Dre). Attending the event were Dr. Dre; founder and chairman of Interscope Records, Jimmy Iovine; Monster founder, Noel Lee and CEO of Best Buy, Brian Dunn, all of which had a hand in the new Club Beats creation. Also announced are Dre’s new headphones, Monster Beats by Dr Dre which promise to give users the highest quality sound, the way the artists intended for their music to be heard, from the high highs, down to the lowest and heaviest basslines out there. Making musical appearances were DJ Diplo with Major Lazer, who got the crowd pumped up with some driving beats and Major Lazer’s seemingly endless supply of energy and excitement. Also swinging by was Black Eyed Peas front man, DJ, and producer, will.i.am, who spun an eclectic mix for all in attendance with Best Buy’s new “DJ in a box,” demonstrating what the system is capable of in the right hands. Best Buy says anyone can use and enjoy it, from aspiring future spinners who have never even touched a vinyl record, to the most advance DJ’s Article and Photo by Ray White out there, such as will.i.am. There is something for everyone.
Wyclef Jean @ Timbaland Store in SOHO Wyclef’s charity efforts with Timberland include the launch of a 16 boot collection under the name “Timberland Earthkeepers,” of which $2 from every pair sold will go to Wyclef’s Yéle Haiti foundation to support reforestation in Haiti. Wyclef Jean founded Yéle Haiti in 2005. Its contributions to his home country include: food distribution, mobilizing emergency relief, and building global awareness for Haiti, while helping to transform the country through programs in education, sports, the arts and environment. For more information check out www.yele.org.
Wyclef Jean made an appearance at the Timberland store in Soho on November 19th, promoting his new Mix Album From The Hut To The Projects To The Mansion, released on November 10th. This record Features collaborating efforts with some amazing guests such as: Eve, Timbaland, Maino, Cyndi Lauper, and others. Wyclef is also trying to raise awareness of his charity partnerships with Timberland. He spent time taking photos, signing autographs, chatting with fans, and cracking jokes. Performing a handful of songs, including tracks from the new album like “You Don’t Wanna Go Outside” and “Slumdog Millionaire,” he definitely did not disappoint any of his faithful Warriors who turned out.
Article and Photo by Ray White
Bon Jovi @ Best Buy Signing New Album
Article and Photo by Scott Vollweiler Broken Records Magazine
New Jersey’s favorite sons, Bon Jovi, made an apperance at the brand new, 24 hour, Best Buy in Union Square (Manhattan). The rare full band apperance was for the store’s grand opening. To make the night even more special, the band even signed copies of their latest album , The Circle, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts. Hundreds of fans stood out in the rain. Unfortunately, only the first 500 were taken in for the chance to meet the band. Once in the store, the album was playing over the loud speakers, but was quickly drowned out by the screaming of middle aged women who love the band. “Maria” from New Jersey told us, she had been waiting since the mid-1980’s to meet her favorite band. Well her time came and she was flipping out. “Ill never wash my hand again,” she exclaimed. It seemed to be the sentiment of the night.
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10/31/09
BB Kings, NYC Review and Interview
by Mike Marcuiliano Halloween, let me paint you a picture. As I walk down the brightly lit streets of Manhattan at night, I’m faced with something I’ve simply never seen before, FREAKS! Everywhere! Which is what the Misfits are based on. Opening up the show was Zombie Mafia, a lackluster band who truly didn’t do anything for me, however the true moshers and horror punk lovers seemed to be happy with them for the moment. They set the tone in their ghoulish face paint and eerie stage props consisting of heads, special lighting, and fake blood. Then the true stars of the night showed their faces and the audience, all standing, showed their love for Jerry Only, and his Misfits Jerry - Bass, Dez Cadena - Guitar, Robo - Drums). They opened with one of their famed songs “Halloween” and rushed through it and played it hard like real punk rock of the late 1970s era use to be. The performance was filled with charisma and beat down guitars, moshers, circle pits, and crowd surfers being thrown through the air like a catapult from the middle ages. After the show, there was not one memeber of the audience who was not satisfied with the experience. As we were all covered in sweat and some covered in blood from a party city packet that was purchased earlier in the day, Doctors, Surgeons, Ronald McDonald, Waldo, Spiderman, and many other characters walked out of BB Kings with huge smiles on their face and loving that the night was still young. Overall, seeing the Misfits on Halloween just seemed right. Aferall, it is their most renoun holiday of the season for the Misfits, in New York City with people dressed in costumes, dancing, moshing, and adding to the overall effect. I would have to say this is one of the best punk shows I have seen in BB Kings. Broken Records Magazine: Hey Jerry, it's an honor meeting you, I've been a huge fan of the band since 8th grade! Jerry : Thats awesome, long time fan! BRM: You guys have been together now for 32 years. What is it like to be in a band for that long? Are there anymore lineup changes coming up? Jerry: Dude, it is by far very tedious, but ya know what? When you love what your doing, everything becomes not so tedious. It’s fun. As for the line up changes, Robo is having a lot of problems with his visa and with us going into other countries, which poses a huge problem for us to go to other countries and tour. BRM: You guys just recently released a new song I've heard. Jerry: Yes. It’s called “Land of the Dead,” and we also have “Twilight of the Dead.” Right now you can buy the vinyl records from our website.
Jerry : Well that’s easy, the loyalty. No matter where we go, the kids are great. We get everyone, some people I recognize some people I don't for obvious reasons (chuckles) but no matter what, my fans have been there since 1977 and we are a bunch of scary people; it's what I live for. I love music. It's in my blood and it's in my fan’s blood. As long as they keep buying the records, we will keep making them and keep making them E-EVIL. BRM: Awesome Jerry. Thanks a lot for taking the time out to give us this interview. I'm sure my boss will be proud. Jerry: Proud? He should give you a raise!
BRM: What makes your fans “the best in the world”? Broken Records Magazine
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CD REVIEWS
KE$HA- Animal Ke$sha’s release knocked Susan Boyle out of the #1 position. How can a debut album from a rookie artist cause a stir like this? Animal is dance pop album that is completely tongue-in-cheeck. If you’re a lover Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, this album is a must buy. Although Ke$ha is actually a great singer (displayed on the song “Hungover”) Ke$ha rarely shows her vocal chops. While the tracks’ production is as slick as an oil spill, the use of auto-tune is way over used. Standout tracks are the ultra catchy “Tik Tok,” “Party At a Rich Dudes House,” and “Your Love Is My Drug.”
ORIANTHI-Believe
If you are a fan of big hooks, great lyrics and wailing solos, look no further than Orianthi. Her debut album, Believe, was just released on Interscope/19 Entertainment. While Orianthi wrote or co-wrote many of her tracks, it’s not her songwriting which is the standout on the record (which is still phenomenal). Her insane solos and heavy but catchy riffs are stamped all over this 11 track album. From her lead single, “According To You,” which is blowing up Top 40 radio, to the ultra heavy, “Suffocated,” and the shredtasic “Highly Strung,” (with her mentor Steve Vai) there is no weak track. Her standout song is the title track, whose lyrics sink deeper than the ocean.
GWAR- Lust In Space GWAR’s latest album Lust In Space is everything we’ve come to love about the costumed,intergalactic thrash metal psychos after 25 years. With the opening title track Lust In Space, Oderus Urungus once again voices his disdain for humans and earth with a driving punk-thrash backdrop. Where is Zog? Is another great scream along track from GWAR that compels you to join in. And the closing track Parting Shot is a frenetic, gnashing kick you in the ass finale for the album. From start to finish, Lust In Space will up your pulse and leave you lusting for more. Sara Haze- My Personal Sky Sara Haze’s debut album My Personal Sky is an 11 track voyage through happy memories, love lost and relationships strained. With the carefree feeling of the first track Beautiful Day, to the first single My Own Hands To Hold, Sara Haze ties beautiful piano playing with her soulful voice, which has a familiar sound to it, to create a great ambiance from beginning to end. And she throws a curveball as well with Mama, a track that makes you think you should be watching American Psycho, a very 80’s throwback vibe from the opening note. Lots of fun. PUDDLE OF MUDD- Volume 4:Songs in the Key of Love and Hate
Following the success of their 2007 release Famous Puddle of Mudd is backing hitting all the major keys and even throwing in some new ones. Their fourth studio set, VOLUME 4: SONGS IN THE KEY OF LOVE & HATE- released December 8th 2009- sees the band returning to it’s heavier roots, trading in last albums pop driven sound for the distinctive “Puddle of Mudd” sound that propelled them to success on their debut album. It may not be ground breaking but the band proves they’ve still got a few new notes to play and even some old ones revisited- most notably, the rejoining of group member Paul Phillips on guitar. Phillips clearly influences Volume 4’s return to a heavier guitar driven, grunge sound on tracks like “Stoned” and “Uno Mas”. Lineup changes aside, Puddle of Mudd is no one-trick pony, taking on quite a wide spectrum of emotions. From their catchy, radio friendly hit “Spaceship” to heavier affairs like “Blood On The Table” all the way to power ballad “Keep It Together” the guys manage to throw around their sound without dropping the ball. It’s this unique ability to successfully keep their footing in some tricky ground that finds Puddle of Mudd still standing in perfect key with Volume 4.
Broken Records Magazine
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THE LAST WORDS The City Cowboy
The INDUSTRY INSIDER
Swift Emerges, Country Music Holds Steady in 2009
Welcome All To My World
Whether it was collecting one award after another at the Country Music Association Awards, having the year’s best selling album, hosting Saturday Night Live or having her Moonman speech interrupted, Taylor Swift emerged as country music’s main attraction in 2009. According to Nielsen Soundscan, Swift sold 3,217,000 units of her album Fearless which is quite an accomplishment given that digital sales continue to rise while album sales dipped 12.7 percent in 2009. With her honest song writing, Swift has been able to connect with audiences across many groups. Winning an MTV Video Music Award for best female video in 2009 cemented that notion, being the first country artist to win an MTV award. As for the rest of country music, despite seeing a drop in album sales of approximately two million in 2009, the loss is far less than other genres. Latin music saw a whopping 34.4 percent decline. Jazz, on the other hand, only saw a 0.1 percent decrease. Taking a glimpse into the 2010, it seems that country music is poised to remain in the mainstream spotlight. Carrie Underwood continues to find herself atop the charts, Tim McGraw is the third best selling artist from 2000-2009 (with Toby Keith right behind him at number four). And how can you go for an entire article about country music without mentioning Garth Brooks, the face of the genre in the ‘90s? Brooks returns from the comfort of family life and retirement to perform exclusive shows in Las Vegas. THE CITY COWBOY IS Paul Search
THIS JUST IN...
In addition...Haitian born, Wyclef Jean, is also doing his part to help his native country. In a statement given by the artist, Wyclef said, “I cannot stress enough what a human disaster this is, and idle hands will only make this tragedy worse. The over 2 million people in Port-au-Prince tonight face catastrophe alone. We must act now. Many people have already reached out to see what they can do right now. We are asking those interested to please do one of two things: Either you can use your cell phone to text “Yele” to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund (it will be charged to your cell phone bill)
In efforts to raise money for the horrific earthquake in Haiti, pop punk band, Blink 182, have released a benefit t-shirt. It is an exclusive Haiti Charity T-shirt. All proceeds from the sale of this shirt will go to the Red Cross. Each shirt is $15 and is only available on the bands official online store. For more information or to order the shirt please visit: http://www.blink182merch.com
Broken Records Magazine
Hello all. You may call me the industry insider. In my columns you will find lots of insight to what we “industry insiders” are looking for when looking for talent. But first, let me tell you about myself. I’ve been in record business for about 20 years. I have been A&R to many big name artists, discovering them and bringing them to the label I was employeed at. At my offices, I have dozens of platinum and gold record plaques on my walls. I know what good talent is. But let me guess, you think you have “it” right? We’ll see. Let’s start with just the basics. The genre of music you play.If you want to truly make it in the industry, don’t play what is in the underground at the moment; find a genre of music that is popular and will stay current years from now, While no one would have thought Britney Spears would still have a career, she brand of pop music is still the “in” thing. Choose wisely. Hip hop is on its way out. Not even 50 Cent goes platinum anymore. Although sales are plumetting daily, we are still called the music industry for a reason. We find ways to reinvent the wheel. Find a way to be the next stage of pop. Look at Lady Gaga and her clone, Kesha. Their songs are ultra catchy, danceable, and are lyrically terrible. Dress weird, write terrible lyrics but sing your ass off; it’s a guaranteed platinum records these days. Point is ladies and gentlemen of the jury...stay pop, for now. The pop formula works. Horrible verse, catchy chorus. It has worked since the old jazz days. If it ain’t broke, buy the record. Till next time...
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Best of 2009
Another Year has come to an end What did you think about this year in music You wrote us in emails facebook and myspace To be ranked on this list, The Following must have Been released or Happened in 2009
Favorite Artist
Best Comebacks
Lady Gaga Beyonce Taylor Swift
Creed Kelly Clarkson Britney Spears AC/DC
Most Disappointing Moment
BEST Albums Black Eyed Peas: the END Eminem: Relapse Daughtry: Leave This Town Kelly Clarkson: All I Ever Wanted Carrie Underwood: Play On
Bono’s voice on tour Susan Boyle loses “Britain’s Got Talent” Aerosmith Breaking Up
Best Single
Craziest OR Shocking Moment
Beyonce: Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) Kelly Clarkson: My Life Would Suck Without You Lady Gaga: Paparazzi Lady Gaga: Poker Face KeSha: Tik Tok
Taylor Swift’s VMA moment is Stolen Kris Allen beats Adam Lambert to become an American Idol Susan Boyle becomes the world’s most popular singer Michael Jackson dies The Passing of Les Paul
Best Shows OR Tours Taylor Swift: Fearless Tour Paul McCartney: Last Play At Shea Pink: Funhouse Tour U2: 360 Tour: Giants Stadium
Broken Records Magazine
Biggest Trend of the Year: Danceable Pop Songs Using Last.FM or Facebook instead of Myspace Using Auto-Tune on singers who can Sing Collaborating with equally as popular artists
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IN MEMORY OF...
Avenged Sevenfold's The rEv
Michael Jackson
lynyrd sKYnYrd's billy Powell Broken Records Magazine
les paul BrokenRecordsOnline.com
Broken Records Magazine
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