Volume 2/Issue 5 September 2010

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‘‘There are singers who sing, then there are singers whose sheer power of expression can knock you off your feet. Eli ‘‘Paperboy’’ Reed falls firmly into the latter category . . .

ThE finEsT soul bElTER of his gEnERaTion.’’

—MoJo

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Magazine

CONTENTS

Volume II/ Issue 5

September 2010

FEATURES 37 Warped Tour Punk and Emo’s annual outdoor festival

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43 Mayhem Fest Metal’s Summer Camp 57 Kris Allen Q&A with the American Idol winner

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28 Zakk Wylde The guitar god is back with a new album.

30 Les Paul One year after his passing, he still lives on.

14 a Rocket To The Moon From the Moon to Warped Tour

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CHECK OUT OUR BRAND NEW EXTENDED DIGITAL VERSION WITH BONUS ARTICLES, INTERVIEWS, PHOTOS & REVIEWS

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Departments Warm Ups

*new section

*new section

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Main Support

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Headliners

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A Thousand Words 50 Live Reviews

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Q

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&

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Cover photos provided by: Sam Nodelman (Warped Tour). Ray White (Korn) & Alaura Christine (Rob Zombie).

Executive Managing Editor/ Photos/Writer: Ray White Editor: Justin Sarachik Assistant Graphic Coordinator: Paul Seach Staff: Kristin Tully Gerard Ucelli Kayla O’Neill Luis Vazquez Meghan Messana Alaura Christine Arin Segal Jill Bednar Ray Decker Greg Rothberg Laura Bo Markos Papadatos Pat Slyman Jennifer Leeflang Olivia Harrington Peter Tartaglione Joe Pennachio Bunni Elian Mike Camp Intern: Mariann Guagandino Broken Records Magazine is published by Broken Records Publishing. Broken Records Magazine and all its subsidiary companies are governed under state law. If you’d like to intern for any of the Broken Records companies, please email us @ BrokenRecordsMagazine@yahoo.com All Logos are used with permission and are owned by the respective artists.

Broken Records Magazine prints every 2 months, 6 times a year. To see more photos or to purchase other copies please visit us at: BrokenRecordsOnline.com

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By Peter Tartaglione You may have heard Honor Bright at The Bamboozle music festival in East Rutherford, New Jersey as you walked through the gates bright and early in the day.

They set the tone for an event filled with mega stars and world-famous bands.

“We had a blast playing Bamboozle,” said Liam DiCosimo, the lead vocalist for Honor Bright. “We started playing right as they opened the gate, but the fans came and we were playing to over a thousand fans.”

Honor Bright, the pop-punk band from Syracuse, New York, was started in 2006 by DiCosimo and band mate Tim Paige after they had moved on from a post-hardcore project and were looking to try something different. Along with DiCosimo on vocals and Paige on guitar the band also includes Curt Henry on drums, Anthony Merritt on bass, and Ryan Gilmore on guitar.

The band hasn’t always been known as Honor Bright. They started out as “Trouble on the Dance Floor,” but soon found that they were often being confused with another up and coming band.

“As we were starting out, Panic BrokenRecordsOnline.com

at the Disco was gaining popularity quickly,” said DiCosimo. “People would constantly confuse us, and we didn’t want to have a band name that people would forget so easily.” The band then came up with Honor Bright, an English slang for being honest.

It comes from the story “Rocking Horse Winner” by DH Lawrence.

“It was a book I had read in the past, and we really liked the meaning behind the phrase,” said DiCosimo.

The band recently released their new album, Action! Drama! Suspense! with Triple Crown Records. “Our previous releases, such as ‘Build Hearts from Stars,’ we were still cutting our teeth as a band,” said DiCosimo.

“There is a lot of variety. We moved a little more towards rock and roll.

We want to put our best foot forward and show that we are

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capable of more than pop-punk.”

As for the title, DiCosimo said the band wanted it to seem as if they were in a movie. They are huge movie buffs and say many of their songs are inspired by movies. “We wanted the title to invoke emotion, and it sort of fit. The record could be the soundtrack to an action film.”

DiCosimo likes what the future holds for Honor Bright.

“The label has been very supportive; they have been pushing the heck out of this record. When the time comes we’ll make another record, hopefully with some more rock and roll.”

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Interview with Singer, Sergio Interview by Kristin Tully You guys have been touring relentlessly for awhile, through the good and the bad. What drives you guys to keep going and pursuing a career in music?

There’s a bunch of things of course, but obviously the fans, friends, people we’ve met along the way, that believe in us and tell us that ‘you’ve got to keep going’. But also I think everybody in the band enjoys it and even the struggles and stuff, it’s part of what we do and none of us have these careers aside from music, like “I was studying to be a doctor”, no. We have all kept music first our whole lives.

It’s what we do and this is how we function. We don’t like the real world, we like living in the music world!

It is a hard pursuit. When did you know, “I could actually make a living out of this?”

Well, in 2008 we started pushing a song called “Sacrifice” on the radio and we starting seeing we were getting noticed. Being in Miami, there isn’t much of a scene at all so we figured, “You know something, we have got to go to them! Go to the people! We can’t just wait to get signed. We need to become a band, and be a real band!” Our mantra has been, you’ve got musicians…and then you’ve got bands. You’ve got musicians who are solely about the music and then you’ve got bands that are a musical team. You’re not a team if you don’t go out and play.

Speaking of “Sacrifice”, the acoustic version has such a different vibe it’s almost like two different songs. Was that intentional?

You know it’s funny because we were just in my condo down in Florida and just jumped on it and said ‘hey let’s do an acoustic version and get something new going on here’. It was awhile back, but we just stuck a couple of mics in the room. We didn’t go to the studio or anything like that, we just kind of used whatever feel we had in the room. We didn’t calculate the way it was going to sound, we didn’t plan it out. It became a really chill version of the original because we were in a place that didn’t have that aggressive feeling. It was almost impossible to put that aggression and anger on an acoustic song so we decided to go darker, sort of like an Alice in Chains kind of vibe, and we were really happy with it.

Have you guys finished the first album yet?

We finished the full album, pretty much right away. We got signed at the end of January and they put us in the studio right away. We did four tracks with David Bendeth and some other great producers, then immediately within a month we had the whole album tracked and mixed.

Everything has been done for a few months now and it’s strange to sit on an album but it’s let us prepare for touring and promoting and

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doing a lot of rehearsing. It’s done!

It’s there! We just got to get it out!

So what’s the album name?

It’s “Love Is In The Missile”. The name came from the song that we wrote prior going into the studio.

The chorus was “We’re coming in/ We’re blowing down your city/ Love is in the missile” and we kind of thought the song wasn’t all that great but the lyric was really strong.

We felt like it embodied the feel we were going for of being explosive and as powerful as you can. Then again it also does have a very sexual underlying sort of vibe too- which is naturally going to be there with anything we put out. It’s just the nature of the album, it has a lot of sexual vibe- we are a bunch of guys!

The first single “Do Her Wrong” is it a song from personal experience?

It’s definitely a personal experience, and I think at the end of the day it’s about as honest as any guy can really detail themselves. It’s kind of like the reality that men are dogs, you know? Especially when given the opportunity. It’s about messing it all up, no matter how great or how amazing the person is. The chances of screwing it up are very likely especially with men not thinking with their brain, the way they do, all the time.

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see them live, Jeff from 3 Pill g Morning n i is warning you to be rn

starting to make a name for themselves thanks to their hard work and nonstop touring. 3 Pill Morning was formed from members of all different bands.

They got their name based off the fact that no matter what the pills are, almost everyone in the world is popping some sort of pills when they wake up in the morning. They recently got noticed by Jagermeister while touring and soon after were signed by them. They will be playing some Jagermeister shows, but as of now, they are finishing up their tour with a band that they love, Framing Hanley. 3 Pill Morning loves the aspect of touring, especially meeting new bands and all of their fans from out of town. If you are planning to

dance to. Jeff said this song is easy to relate to as “Confrontation is a part prepared for a high energy show. of everyday life. How are you going The band gets their fans involved to deal with it?” You can also follow without giving them a choice. Their 3 Pill Morning on their Facebook number one goal at a show is for people to feel the music and just have a good time. While sharing the stage with big bands such as Papa Roach, Chevelle, Taproot, Buckcherry, and Non Point, they are ready to head back into the studio to write a full length CD followed by another tour in November. Jeff wants to thank all of his fans for their support

by Greg Rothberg and asks them to, “Tell 5 friends, 10 friends, and anyone and everyone and Twitter pages for their upcoming they can about 3 Pill Morning.” news and tour. Make sure to catch You can check out their latest single them at one of their live shows as “Confrontation” on their Myspace they are loving every minute of being page. Jeff explained “Confrontation” on the road. as a song that you could sing and

A band that started from two friends in high school, The Influence, are getting their chance to go big time. They are releasing their first major record on September 28 called “Falling Objects.” The band has previously released two other full length albums and one EP on their own. The Influence is newly signed to Flying Eye Records, BDG/ RED, now they will get a chance to expand their audience. Although, these Virginia Beach natives maybe facing new roads ahead, they weren’t far from success before. They opened for acts such as Papa Roach

and Jimmy Eat World, gaining many fans along the way. Their fan base already extends from Florida to Connecticut and as far out west as Alabama. Aside from gaining an audience, opening for these major acts helped them to step up their game and get even more motivated for success. Them getting signed wasn’t the beginning of the album process, they began recording for this record themselves to try and get onto a label. To their surprise, in the process of recording they got their big chance finding each

o M T h e l l i Minneapolis based 3 Pband, 3 Pill Morning is really

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piece they needed along the way to finally get signed. The first single off the record is “Slippin” and they themselves have already recorded a video for the song for a mere seventy bucks. The band consists of five members, Matthew Archer Stephenson on vocals, Will Clark and Chris Kendrick on guitars, Chris Tully on bass and Collin Cogan on the drums.

by Mike Camp

A Good Year to be a

Graduate If you’re a member of the Illinois band The Graduate, then you’re having a good year. With a record contract, new album, and a 43 city tour, these guys are out living the dream of local bands nation wide.

We caught up with lead singer Corey Warning to talk about this past year.

It all started with a pen and a mailbox. “We signed the record deal, put it in the mailbox and literally started recording the next day,” said Warning. The Graduate signed with New York based Razor and Tie Entertainment this past May, beginning an open relationship. “They let us make the record we wanted,” said Warning.

And with lyrics like “I know I’m going where I’m not supposed to go, I don’t care what they say anymore” it seems the band is

by Melissa Bunni Elian

adamant about being themselves.

With the deal in place, the Graduate began experimenting and crafting their sounds. “We’re not one of those bands that play three chords and there’s a song,” said lead singer Corey Warning. “We try and incorporate a lot of different sounds and effects with our music. We really want people to get lost in everything that is going on, not just the lyrics or the drum beat.” The result: a rockpop album with a twist of seasoned Graduate. As Warning puts it, “We still sound like the Graduate, but with a little more miles on it.” The album, Only Every Time, drops on August 31st.

With their album release date set, the band is getting back on the saddle and will begin touring again. These guys are no strangers to playing on the stage, as they’ve

graced the venues of The Warped Tour and Lollapalooza. They’re getting ready like new kids on their first day of school. “There are some nerves,” said Warning, “…because we’ll be playing so many new songs, but we’re mostly excited.” Though the focus is on their newer material, the set will include older songs for the faithful fans. “Kids who come out will see we are going to be way more energetic just because it’s been a very long time since we’ve played a show,” said Warning.

The band has had some major set backs in the last couple years with their first label, Icon MES, folding in 2008. But as seasoned veterans with four albums and a few tours under their belts, Corey Warning says The Graduate is simply focusing on getting better. “We’ve stepped it up every time.”

Broken Records Magazine

By Markos Papadatos A Toronto native, Serena Ryder first performed in clubs and bars at the age of nine, and at nineteen she landed a deal with a major record label. Her biggest musical influences were AM Radio and oldies such as John Prine and Roger Miller. Ryder remarks that "It feels great to be performing at Jones Beach," since it is a "beautiful venue with beautiful surroundings" and she "went on a run on the beach today, and actually ran up and down all the stairs at the venue twice today."

"I love collaborating with other people a lot," Ryder says. In the future, Ryder would love to do a BrokenRecordsOnline.com

duet with artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Ray Lamontagne, a fellow artist who is also opening up with her for English musician David Gray.

A Juno Awardwinning artist, Ryder was afforded the opportunity to experience several "magical moments" on tour and on stage.

"People come up to me afterwards and talk to me about how what I do touches their life and has changed their life.

It's pretty profound to have that happen when you actually have someone come up to you and say that you’ve changed their life, because of being honest with yourself and your feelings and songs," Ryder says.

From all the songs she has recorded, her personal favorite is "Dark as the Black," which is the last song off her new record and the song she chose to open her foursong set list with at Jones Beach tonight.

The hardest aspect of Ryder's job includes "being true and honest with yourself." "Trusting yourself is really a difficult thing as well, because there are so many influences

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coming in from so many different places, and so many people you can compare yourself to," Ryder states. The hardest part of my job is "staying focused and keeping my arrows pointed inwards," Ryder adds.

Ryder notes that there is a huge difference between performing live and singing in the studio. According to Ryder, "I really love both for totally different reasons. In the studio you don't have the energy of singing to hundreds of thousands of people. You're singing in a studio and you know that you can go back and fix something. There is not that immediacy of energy. I find it a bit more difficult to get that energy out in the studio."

Ryder's plans for the future are to continue touring and to keep on making music. For hopefuls interested in making it in the music industry, Ryder remarks "we could always use more beautiful music, and we could always use more people who are playing music to change the world to make it a better place; if that is the reason why they are doing what they are doing, then they will be very successful at it."

Success for Ryder is "loving yourself and being satisfied." For her faithful fans, Ryder concludes "thank you very much for listening.

I hope you keep listening. It's an honor!"

Just over 4 years ago, Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones shared a stage in a karaoke bar in Nashville for the first time. Little did they know at the time it would be a night that would change their lives forever. Not only did they find a partner on stage, they found a partner offstage as well. And it’s been a whirlwind trip every since that night.

Thus the duo Steel Magnolia was born.

Since that fateful night, Steel Magnolia have gone on to accomplish quite a bit in a very short period of time. Not only did they compete on the second season of CMT’s “Can You Duet”, they won the competition. Though as Meghan explains, they weren’t really even sure they wanted to be on the show to begin with.

“We were not expecting it to be as good as it was.

We didn’t necessarily want to try out for the show in the beginning.

It was more about them not allowing us to be ourselves, and sing the songs we wanted to sing. But we got there and it ended up being the opposite, we picked all of our own songs, our own clothes and really be true to ourselves.”

And being true to themselves earned Meghan and Joshua first place, and a record deal with Big Machine Records. Although Meghan admits they didn’t think they would win the competition at first. “It was funny, because we didn’t even think we would get on the show in the

first place, just because we didn’t think we were in “the box” enough for country music on that show. We definitely figured we wouldn’t win,

By Ray White

but as we got further in I thought it was kinda crazy, but maybe there’s a chance we could win. But even up to the finale, I was still nervous. “ Since winning Can You Duet, Meghan and Josh have been working non-stop, or as Meghan referred to it, “put in a blender almost right off the bat”. With their first single “Keep On Lovin’ You” peaking at #4 on the Country Music Charts and hitting #68 on the Top 100 Billboard, they

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were rewarded with 2 nominations at the 2010 Academy of Country Music Awards and also 2 nominations for the 2010 CMT Music Awards. Meghan explains the feeling, being at the first of many to come CMT Award shows, “I think when we finally sat down in our seats, the lights went down, we were looking around at who we’re sitting by and hearing our names announced over the loudspeaker…….that was the moment when we actually looked at each other and we both realized we’ve come a long way. It was almost a ‘pinch me’ moment, like I was in a dream. A year ago we were heating our apartment with our oven, I was working at a karaoke bar and Josh was a valet parking cars.”

Meghan and Josh also got to play at the Grand Ole Opry for the first time.

“You just feel like you’ve almost made it almost.”, says Meghan on playing the Opry. It’s almost like there’s this ghostly feeling there, where the hair on the back of your neck stands up. It’s really magical.”

With their debut album set for a Sept 21 release, this young couple is going to turn some heads and ears in the country music world. With the combination of different musical upbringings, being a couple both on and offstage and the vocal sounds of Meghan singing the lower parts and Josh with the higher singing voice, it creates a fresh set of dynamics and sound in a music industry flooded with the same old “studio produced sound”.

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Rocket to the Moon, a new and to get backstage and see Rocket to the upcoming band is already taking the Moon, don’t worry because they have a music scene by storm. You can catch nonstop touring schedule ahead of them. them on this After the Warped Tour, year’s Warped you can catch them opening Tour, but only for Hansen. Rocket to the if you’re lucky Moon submitted their songs enough to get into to play the tour and Hansen’s their exclusive manager got back to them acoustic set pretty quickly telling them backstage. they made the tour. This Rocket to the was exciting news for the Moon takes 20 band as they are the only – 30 lucky fans band opening for Hansen. at every When you see them Warped performing at a live Tour show, show, you can see how gives them a they are all best friends bracelet and just by watching them brings them on stage. They have a backstage for fun time while playing an intimate each song. On their tour, acoustic you can be sure to catch set.

The them performing their band loves single “Like We Used performing To”. Nick explained these shows this song as something as it gives that a lot of people can them the relate to. The song is opportunity about heartbreak and to really get about breaking up with to know their someone you thought fans. Rocket you’d be with forever to the Moon and it didn’t work was formed out that way. They

by Greg Rothberg

by Nick, who a also recorded a music couple of years ago video for this song that started playing some electronic music is definitely worth checking out. Also on his own, and then added the rest of on the tour, you might be able to catch the band to give it a more rock sound. Rocket to the Moon perform an acoustic The name came from the original roots cover of “Billionaire”. After their set on of the electronic sound. Nick says that the Hansen tour, you can hang out with the name fit perfectly with the music the band because Nick said that they will that he was writing. The band consists be out in the crowd to watch Hansen of members from Massachusetts, play. Nick wants to ask all of their California, and Phoenix. They all met fans to come out and support them this through touring. Even though they live fall for the Hansen tour. Their touring so far away, they are on tour so often schedule won’t end with that as they that they are together a lot to practice. It have more plans for the future including was tough for Nick to play home shows heading out to the U.K. in November. in Massachusetts because of the big Remember to check out their Myspace, hardcore music scene that Boston has, Facebook, and Twitter pages to keep up but he still loves playing home shows for on their touring schedule and everything his family and friends. If you can’t get else that you want to know about Rocket yourself a bracelet at the Warped Tour to the Moon. photo: Scott Vollweiler

a Rocket to the Moon

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Meet Country Singer & Songwriter

Terry Lee Bolton

By: Markos Papadatos

A Detroit native, Terry Lee Bolton used to play in a heavy rock band.

His musical influences include Motley Crue, Van Halen, Kiss, Led Zeppelin and Alice Cooper.

In country music, Bolton has been inspired by “everybody,” since “at some point they had something that I liked.” Bolton loves “the people that love country music.” He remarks “I love the stars that are in country music. They stand for good American qualities and things that I value. I love the production quality of the music and the consistency of it.”

From all the songs Bolton has written and recorded his favorite is “Riding on the Wind,” since it sums up one of his personal philosophies, in which “We’re not as focused as we need to be in this world where everybody wants to be free, but we’re just riding on the wind.”

Particularly impressive about Bolton’s talent is its versatility; he writes, produces, records, play instruments, masters, releases, and promotes his own music.

In the future, Bolton would like to collaborate with Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley from Kiss, and Alice Cooper, since he “really studied those types of guys and their philosophies on songwriting.” From the females in country music, Bolton would like to work with Gretchen Wilson who is “up his alley,” as well as Leann Rimes, Jewel and Taylor Swift.

Bolton’s upcoming album, entitled “You Can’t Have It,” is “more of a guitar record”. “I have become a better guitar player. I want to have a record that reflects that. I’m primarily a drummer

who became a singer and a guitar player out of necessity to survive in the music business,” says Bolton.

In his upcoming release, Bolton notes that there are going to be at least five singles off the record, including “You Can’t Have It,” the title track.

His plans for the future include filming his own music videos, as well as doing some acting in the movies.

For hopefuls who wish to pursue careers in country music, Bolton states “You gotta be yourself. You can not be fake. I think fans, especially in country music, can spot a fake from a million miles away. Your songs have to reflect qualities in life that other people share. You gotta have something that means something to the masses out there. You gotta dig into your own soul and own life and reflect that in your lyrics so that people could understand where you are coming from.” Bolton adds “I’ve been doing this for a lot of years, and if it was about the money, and the fame and being a star, I would have quit a long time ago.”

For his fans, Bolton recommends they “live large, work hard, play hard, and enjoy their life.” Furthermore, “Don’t let people make you feel less than what you are. Love my music.

Love one another, and be kind to one another. Be smart about the life that you live, and you’ll do well and feel good about yourself,” he adds.

M o s t people spend their lives trying to get away from their hometowns, thinking that getting out of their “prisons” and moving to big cities will help them grow as artists. And in most cases, this is completely true. Graham Czach on the other hand is an anomaly. He fully attributes growing up in Chicago, IL to helping shape him into the musician he is today. The city both “influenced and impacted” his career. The combination of a supportive family and an eclectic music scene while he was growing up was the reason why he got far in his career as a musician and composer without ever feeling the desire to break away from his home. His family is behind why he got into music in the first place. His grandfather is a bassist and Graham’s older brother who plays guitar convinced him to take up bass in the first place. His grandfather’s favorite instrument was the upright bass, which Czach took up in college. He admits to it being probably the hardest instrument to learn since there is so much room for error. His experience learning it revolved around him being forced to learn a slide in a matter of minutes, and then having to play it in complete darkness. This way of learning caused Czach to “internalize” the music, and helped him become more proficient with one of the most difficult instruments to play.

While Czach’s family always supported him and his two siblings, and left it up to them to be independent and find their own paths, he didn’t always know he wanted a career in music. Even though Czach grew up around music and played bass from an early age, he originally studied Pre-Med in high school, and at some point realized that music was his passion. While accepting the fact that he would go down a path that would not necessarily be the best financially,

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he felt that he could “Change and help more lives with music.” His main objective in making music isn’t to become rich and famous, but to get out messages on issues in our society that he feels most musicians today don’t acknowledge. Graham’s goal is to “Wake people up from this blanket of technology and laziness and apathetic mindlessness that our society is filled with.” He doesn’t want to be another artist who only talks about materialistic things in his music, but wants to leave an impact on people so that he’ll be remembered when he’s in his grave. Graham has ample faith in people, and feels that anyone can do anything. He hates hearing someone say that they can’t do something because “The instant you say you ‘can’t’ do something, then you shut your mind off from it” and while natural talent is definitely a helpful thing to have, anyone can do what they want if they work hard enough for it. When it comes to his new solo album “Lucid,” Czach prefers to refer to it as a “record of good music with good messages and great people aboard.” He hates the connotation “solo album,” and gives credit to everyone else who helped put the album together while putting his ego aside.

Lucid isn’t the last project for Czach. Along with a record release party for it in October, he has several records planned to be released with other groups, such as the Matt Nelson Trio and Chicago Afrobeat Project, later this year. A breath of fresh air from a world of fame-hungry artists, Graham Czach will definitely leave the impact he hopes to leave on our society.

by Meghan Messana

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Weatherstar began as the solo project of American/British singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Cameron Walker in the summer of 2009. Earlier this year, drummer Billy Totti officially joined the band to round out an unstoppable duo.

Since its formation in the summer of 2009, Weatherstar has already accomplished so much in just a year’s time.

Their list of accomplishments include: a number one EP on Indie music website Pure Volume, being named one of Pure Volume’s Top Unsigned Artists of 2009, being selected as a part of Hot Topic’s “Shop Til You Rock” tour, and numerous features in media outlets, including MTV. They have also shared the stage with quite a few national acts, including Never Shout Never, American Hi-Fi and Hit the Lights to name a few.

The band has released two EP’s, one the self-titled Weatherstar, and the other a beautiful 3 track acoustic EP, titled Acoustic, which includes an acoustic version of their single Postcards. Walker certainly has a talent for writing thoughtful lyrics, which are only enhanced by his pure and heartfelt voice. When you toss in “catchy hooks” and “huge rock choruses”, you have an unbeatable combination and one can certainly understand why the EP Weatherstar quickly found its way to the number one spot on Pure Volume.

What makes this success story even more remarkable is that Cameron has been able to make his mark in the difficult Pop/Rock genre, through a great deal of self promotion and hard work. Utilizing social networking, dedicated street teams, and indie music sites. Weatherstar has developed quite the following and if their current level of success is any indication of what’s to come, it’s definitely sunny skies ahead.

I caught up with Cameron, who was doing some last minute shopping in preparation for The Caffeine and Skinny Jeans Tour. Weatherstar will be hitting the stage along with The Bigger Lights, The Graduate and You, Me and Everyone We Know. Check out my interview below: Can you give me a little background about yourself and how Weatherstar was formed?

Basically, I have been playing music my whole life. I was in an out of a lot of different bands and just felt like it was time to do my own thing. Initially I started Weatherstar as a solo project and kind of just went from there.

Can you tell me a little about the EP Weatherstar, what it was like working on it and what the song writing process was like? The EP was just kind of all the stuff I was working on for my solo record which eventually turned into Weatherstar.

We did five of the tracks with Greg Dunn. He is in a band called Moving Mountains. He produced the initial five tracks. After that we went and recorded Postcards which ended up being the single, with Jon Kaplan who has worked on a lot of cool records. He mixed the most recent We the Kings records and he mixed a bunch of Never Shout Never stuff.

So we went to him for the single to BrokenRecordsOnline.com

get that big radio sound. The song writing process was interesting. I wrote them over the course of two years. I feel like there is a pretty clear growth towards the beginning of the project to where I wrapped up.

I read that the name of your band comes from your interest in the weather. I do find it interesting that a lot of your lyrics also reference the weather but it’s not overdone. I’m just wondering, are the weather references intentional, or just part of your natural writing style? I don’t know. They’re definitely not totally intentional. Going back to how I explain the name, there’s just something about the weather that interests me. I don’t know why.

Just the whole idea of it and just the way it makes you feel. And for me personally, it’s just something I write about. I don’t know, its weird, but it’s definitely not intentional but just seems to happen in every song I write.

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How did you feel when your EP went to number one on Pure Volume? It was crazy, completely crazy. The whole thing with how I initially released the album was that I released it for free on Pure Volume.

That’s where the traffic came from and that’s how things kind of started to get rolling. It was an awesome feeling. Pure Volume definitely helped me out a little bit along the way. It’s just great.

by Jennifer Leeflang

Walt Disney once said: “All our dreams come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

An individual who exemplifies this quotation is Jaron of Jaron and the Long Road to Love.

Jaron’s first public performance was on August of 1993, thus marking his path into music. In the late 1990s he recorded as a duo, Evan and Jaron, with his twin brother Evan and their song “Crazy For This Girl” was a Top 15 hit.

His debut album, Getting Dressed in the Dark, was released on June 22, 2010 via Universal Republic Records, debuted at #2 on the Country Charts and received

for You” was a hit, peaking at #13 on the country charts and reaching #34 on Billboard’s Hot 100 charts. His personal favorite tune is his newest single “That’s Beautiful To Me.” In country music, Jaron “loves the lyrics, stories, lessons, and the fact that when I want to hear a song, it makes me think about or contemplate about my life more often than not, and take an emotional inventory. A country song can do that for me.”

Jaron’s biggest musical influences include Billy Joel, Elton John, the Eagles, Tom Petty, Peter Gabriel and Simon & Garfunkel. Jaron would like to someday collaborate with Billy Joel, and would like to do a

Broken Records Magazine

The hardest aspect of Jaron’s job involves “keeping it all together.” In addition to singing and songwriting, Jaron also runs a management label [Jaronwood]. “I spend a lot more time ‘behind the scenes’ than I do behind the microphone.” His biggest challenge involves keeping everybody on the same page, and wanting to make sure that he has a hand in every part of the process.

Jaron’s proudest professional moment was “leaving a comfortable lifestyle that I had in L.A. because I had a dream and a vision. I moved to Nashville in 2009, and I wasn’t coming home until I had achieved what I had put out to do. I was

By: Markos Papadatos

rave reviews from music critics.

Jaron remarks “It feels great to be accepted.” The title of the album refers to Jaron returning to music after a six year hiatus. “I did not know who was going to embrace me, and what genre I would end up in, and what audience I would have.

I wanted to tell my stories and be accepted as much as possible and have faith in myself. To come out and have the #2 album in the country was amazing!”

A Georgia native, Jaron either wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on the record. His debut single “Pray

duet with Taylor Swift. “I think she’s fantastic. I think it would be fun to do a ‘dueling act’ with her,” he adds.

Jaron notes that a difference exists between singing in the studio and performing live.”There’s no audience in the studio. I’m very easily affected and influenced by my audience. When I am in the studio I am generating all of the feelings from me, but when I play live, I look on somebody’s face and factor it in into what I am doing.

I act and react in real time. When you have energy coming from the audience, you can adjust on the fly.”

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leaving success to start over again.

I gave up a lot to come and do it.”

His future plans include touring in solo acoustic acts and going around the country to meet people and get himself out there. Within the next couple of weeks, his first single “Pray for You” is going to move over to pop, and the second single ‘That’s Beautiful to Me’ is starting in country.” Next year Jaron hopes to kick off a headliner tour.

For hopefuls interested in pursuing careers in music, Jaron recommends “The only way to make it is to be you. On an artistic

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gin blossoms There are not many bands that are still kickin’ it twenty-three years later and making good music. The Gin Blossoms are of the few, with their fifth album, No Chocolate Cake, due out on September 28th.

With multi platinum hits under their belt, and an enormous following, things are much different this time around for the group. Scott and Bill remain in their hometown of Tempe Arizona, but the rest of the band has set up home on opposite ends of the country, with Jesse in California, and Robin in Long Island New York.

The distance can make things tough, but the days of endless touring are over. Back in the 1990’s the Gin Blossoms would tour endlessly, jam packed into a van or a bus with all of their equipment, hitting the big spots, and anything else that seemed like fun along the way. Now with families of their own and individual “grown up lives” the guys will hop on a plane and head to a destination rather than spend three days driving there. Scott Johnson admitted to not being the biggest fan of flying, but in reality they each cherish the time spent with their families. Jesse proudly spoke of his family being his biggest accomplishment, but also noted “When you’re not on the road, you don’t know what to do with yourself.”

Gin Blossoms have recently been BrokenRecordsOnline.com

Kickin It Through the Changes doing some acoustic performances, which have a much different vibe, but at least “my ears don’t bleed” said Johnson. The big difference for guitarist Jesse was the lifestyle, “I can’t live like I’m 25 anymore, you got to stay within your own realm.” That doesn’t mean there is no fun, the guys had a fun filled evening recently in celebration of Paul McCartney’s birthday, during their brief trip to Minneapolis.

The best thing about any band is the fun facts you find out when you meet them, and every band has something they do right before they go on stage. Jesse Venezuela always checks his fly, and Scott Johnson used to be the one chuckling and poking fun, until he didn’t check his fly. He ended up playing an entire set with his fly down, and a few fans pointed it out after the set. Johnson won’t be poking fun anymore about the XYZ thing before a performance.

Not only has life for the Gin Blossoms changed, but the industry has changed as well with the digitalization of music, and Scott Johnson

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had both pros and cons about it. He believes that digital downloads have leveled the playing filed for artists, and the band seems to have a new legion of fans because of the web.

On a more personal level he didn’t seem to be a big fan of Twitter or Myspace, let alone Facebook. “If you get a flat tire, your facebook friend isn’t going to be the one showing up to help, and why do I want to be friends with someone from fourth grade?”

The new album sounds amazing, with a true Gin Blossoms feel to it, their first single “Miss Disarray” is out now, but make sure to pick up the album and watch out for their upcoming tour dates!

by Laura Bo

Broken Records Magazine

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FRAMING HANLEY Where did the name “A Promise To Burn” spur from? LUKE: That one was Nixon. He does most of the song writing and we kind of had a story idea going with this album that he had come up with so we sort of let him title it. I think it’s representative of disillusionment- everyone agreed the album has that facet of how it’s about how the music industry isn’t as cool as everybody thinks it is- so it’s connected to that but really its just going in with this promise of how you BrokenRecordsOnline.com

believe your life is going to be and how great it’s going to be and then somebody sets it on fire.

BRANDON: I think we were all trying to figure out what the record meant to us. Coming up with the name “A Promise To Burn” was kind of this symbol of the beginning of the end; The first song being the promise, the last song being the burn. There was a concept with this album but we were going for a so-called ‘concept record’ we were just trying to write songs that

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meant a lot to us. Each song on the record has a lot of individual meaning to the members in the band.

Now you guys released a DVD with this album? BRANDON: We were just trying to do something new and just kind of show the writing process and the whole process of putting the record together. It also showed each individual band member in a more personal basis.

song and then never hear from you again. Yeah really felt like we had to prove something, but we also felt like we had progressed as musicians since the first album that it wasn’t going to be to hard to differentiate ourselves from that.

FRAMING HANLEY

Interview by Kristin Tully You guys really made your name off of the cover “Lollipop”, does that ever make you feel you have more to prove, especially putting out this second album? LUKE: Definitely.

It’s a risk to take anytime you do a cover song like that, especially where it’s kind of a novelty song or a crossgenre song because you kind of get stuck with that and people attach your name to that. Everyone kind of assumes that, that’s all you’re going to be and they’re going to hear that

There is quite a different sound from the Framing Hanley we heard on the first album. How was the recording process different for this album? BRANDON: We were all still kids- 19 and 20- when we wrote and recorded the first record and you know we kind of just slammed it together in forty-five days. With this one, we spent three years on the road and all of us have matured and grown up as musicians. So with the new record we got to focus a lot more and spend a lot of time putting more emotion into our writing and things like that. We also went through a lineup change.

We had a guitar player who quit the band in the summer of 2008 and we found a new guitar player, Ryan, and he’s been a huge inspiration to the record. He plays a lot of piano as well as guitar and is a great writer. So thankfully for him, I feel this record is a lot stronger and represents more who Framing Hanley really is.

LUKE: We spent almost three years on the road, and playing your instruments all the time you get better and better as you go along. I felt like I, personally, almost learned to play my instrument again, even though I’d been playing it for six years. I feel like I really know what I’m doing now, and I’m sure the other guys would agree. We’ve also gotten a bit more complex in the song writing and a little worried about what people are going to like and more worried about making music that makes us happy.

Broken Records Magazine

“You Stupid Girl”. LUKE: That was based on- we don’t like to name names and talk crap about people- but it was an ex-girlfriend of one of the band members and we felt it’s very appropriate.

Now does she know the song was written about her? LUKE: I don’t think she knows anything…which is good because this chick could have also been called crazy. So I think it’s for the best that she doesn’t know.

Everyone has their own idea of how they describe your sound.

How would you describe Framing Hanley’s sound? LUKE: I have the worst time with this question! I’ll tell you why because I’ve had people who tell me we sound like Hoobastankand I don’t hear that at all- and I have people who tell me we sound like Hinder- and I don’t hear that at all -so I don’t know what other people hear when they hear us. It’s just interesting to try and understand exactly what other people hear when we play.

Genre-wise we’re somewhere in the middle ground between what’s on the radio and the indie world. The indie world is really big so maybe somewhere in between the radio and post-hardcore.

You guys have been out on the road quite a bit lately. Any fun road stories? BRANDON: A lot of crazy things happened when we partied with Veer Union- but I can’t recall anything extremely wild. I just know that when this tour first started we were kind of worried of what the fans would think of the new stuff. Seeing them singing along to the new stuff even more than the old stuff with each show we played though, it felt really good inside. But as far as crazy stuff Give me a little background on we made a truce amongst all the bands the first single off this album, where we wouldn’t rat out each other.

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Devon Allman Taking the name in a new direction

At first glance, anyone can see that Devon Allman is definitely the son of Gregg, but the last name and looks may be the only common qualities between them. After sitting with Devon I’ve discovered he possesses his own unique qualities that make him much more than just Gregg Allman’s son.

Keeping things extremely casual, I met up with Devon on a busy street in Midtown Manhattan on a weekday evening. After walking aimlessly for about a minute, we wondered into a Hilton hotel lobby and proceeded directly to the bar area. Devon seems to blend into the scene of the big city, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt with a fresh haircut that he gave himself. We sat down and ordered a beer each and got right to conversation. Devon’s warm, friendly personality was exposed immediately as he began asking me where I’m from and what kind of music I am into. We spoke about everything from girls to football, and I found out much more than I intended about the amazing guitarist.

To my own despair, I found myself guilty of being bias when I first heard of Devon. Listening to second-generation artists such as Jason Bonham and Dweezil Zappa, I immediately assumed Devon would have followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in music heavily based on that southern rock “Allman” style that his father and Uncle coined.

“Sure my father had a huge influence on me, but growing up in the suburbs with my mom I was always out to become a musician based on my own style that I hoped to adapt to as I progressed. And that’s exactly what I did- I learned more and more musically, and about my own BrokenRecordsOnline.com

likes and styles that I gradually put all together; that’s what you hear.” In fact, it wasn’t Gregg who first put a guitar in his son’s hand. “When I was thirteen years old, I went over to my

friend’s house and saw an acoustic guitar standing against the wall, I asked if he played, and he picked it up and played me some Stone Temple Pilots. It’s funny thinking back on it now, because that was the first time I’ve ever had somebody play guitar right in front of me; and rather than being blown away and inspired- I just remember thinking to myself ‘I can do that.’ so I got my mom to buy me my own and so the journey began”. And what a journey it has been. Allman’s first success came from his band Dark Horse- which achieved limited success in the South especially. Devon and Honeytribe (his new group) have just released a new album entitled Space Age Blues. If you classified your music by genre, this would probably be on the complete opposite side of the shelf than your Allman Brothers Band albums. Devon writes and composes all of the music himself, and incorporates a wide range of instruments, effects, and sounds that make each song unique in its own way. Devon breaks each song down and can either make an extremely complex mix of different instruments combined with his own vocals and

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filtered to flow together perfectly just as in the title track; or as simple as “Blue Est Le Vide,” an instrumental track containing nothing but an acoustic guitar. Either way, there is no doubt that behind each and every one of these songs is something that is becoming more and more rare in mainstream music, heart. Devon has no problem showing his emotions both through his instrument, which is usually guitar but he also plays piano, and also through his heartfelt vocals and sentimental lyrics that he works just as hard on. “I really appreciate what music has done for me, and I think everyone does. I like to think of it as a well. Whenever you’re feeling down or you’re just in the mood for some good tunes, you reach into that well, and after taking and taking every day of my life, I think it’s time to show music my appreciation and give a little back to it.” There’s no doubt that Devon’s unique personality is shown through his music, as he tends to make plenty of analogies just as deep as this one in his lyrics At the young age of 35, Devon Allman has already accomplished so much, yet what may be even more admirable is the drive he has to continue. “It’s all about constantly learning. Right now I’m working on some things with music and production but tomorrow I may choose to take up something else, who knows? The important thing is that as people we never lose that want to learn, because that’s when things go downhill. The way I feel now, I hope to be learning and working hard until the day I die, because there’s so much out there in the world that the biggest fool is the one that thinks he has learned everything and gives up on the pursuit.” by Pat Slyman

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ELI YOUNG BAND

by Meghan Messana Live photos: Jill Bednar 23

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Together for almost ten years, the Eli Young Band is no stranger to the spotlight. Mike, Jon, Chris, and James met in college and managed to work hard and stayed together long enough to sign a record deal with Universal Records in 2008. Mike Eli says that the first five or six years that the band was together were the hardest since they were all going through college and still figuring out what they wanted to do. He also says that was the time when they all “paid their dues.” Even though it was difficult, the band was able to draw significant attention and sell records without a label, which in turn, drew attention from producer Frank Liddell, who brought them up to Nashville to record. When it came to choosing a label, Jon Jones says they were “lucky because they had a number of labels to talk to who wanted them.” Universal was an easy choice because they “believed in them and their vision,” according to Eli. The band released their debut studio album Jet Black & Jealous in 2008, and they haven’t had much time to rest since then. Things didn’t change too much for them after they signed, and Chris Thompson says it was kind of “a continuous path” for them. Their single “When It Rains” drew in more attention, which got the band more attention.

They call themselves “a touring band” who love to be on the road performing. They generally spend their time on the West coast or in the South, but were in New York performing for two days. They had planned to play the New York State Fair on September 2, and had an extra day in between so they booked a show at the Bowery Ballroom. Their performance that night was their second one in New York City, the first being a concert at Terminal Five.

This night, however, would be their first time headlining a show in New York City, and the fact that people were buying tickets for it in advance meant a lot to the guys.

Playing in New York is a lot different for the Eli Young Band than performing in the South or West, mostly because they don’t get any radio play in this

city. New York, as I came to learn that night, does not have a country music station, so any Eli Young Band songs that people know here are spread by word of mouth. They get their music out there via Myspace and other internet sources, but mostly they rely on fans to spread the word, which has yet to fail them.

Four genuinely nice guys, it’s easy to see how they acquire so many fans wherever they go. Extremely grateful for everything they have, they appreciate it enough not to let the fame get to their heads. I was able to spend a decent amount of time with the band before they went on stage, and getting comfortable around them was one of the easiest things to do. They all kept insisting that they were lucky for all that they have, and barely spoke about any of the fame or fortune. Instead, they talked about how they spent their day in New York, since they arrived at around 11:00 A.M., and the sightseeing they did. Jon Jones was rather amused at their bus driver’s successful attempt to get the tour bus through the Lincoln Tunnel, and Mike Eli was amused that he slept through the whole experience. They didn’t come off as a famous band that sold out shows, but instead as four best friends having the time of their lives. A major reason they chose Universal Records is because they had the same goals in mind, and believed in their music. The band didn’t want to join a label that wanted to change them in any way. As Jon Jones said, “if someone’s gonna mess this band up, it’s gonna be the four of us.”

The Eli Young Band just finished recording another album, which they say will hopefully be out by the beginning of next year. They also plan on releasing a single within a month or so. Eli says that music “is their priority” and “as long as the music is right, everything else can fall into place.” Looking around the packed Bowery Ballroom that night on September 1, you can definitely say that things fell into place quite nicely for these four best friends.

“If someone’s gonna mess this band up, it’s gonna be the four of us.”

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Matt Kelly picks up the phone with a heavy Bostonian drawl, “Eh, great timing. I just finished a sandwich.”

The laid-back demeanor isn’t a front. Despite a 14-year career as the drummer with one of the world’s most successful punk bands, and despite the band’s own selfproclamation as ‘misfits’, the Dropkick Murphy’s are really just everyday guys. Albeit, they’re the tattooed ones who have the tendency to get rowdy, the gall to call you out and the guys that aren’t afraid to speak their mind; and perhaps that’s why they are so revered.

The Dropkick Murphy’s formed in 1996, a hardcore punk sound infused with Irish heritage, producing a force only rivaled by their fierce New England loyalty.

Despite a string of changes to the line-up, currently the band is comprised of Al Barr (Lead Vocals), Ken Casey (Lead Vocals, Bass), James Lynch (Guitar), Tim Brennan (Guitar), Jeff DeRosa (a musical Renaissance man), Scruffy Wallace (bagpipes) and Matt Kelly (Drums).

However, none are confined to a single position, each often using a plethora of instruments or contributing vocals on any given song. Confining the Dropkicks in any way would be near impossible, and true to form, Kelly comes out swinging. “I’m a Skinhead, I’ve always been a Skinhead,” he asserts in response to a question about the Dropkick’s early fan base. “But it’s become this kind of monster…[It’s} seen as a bunch of angry racists.

We ’ r e not about

that, jeez, not at all.” Within the next breath, Kelly is emphatically apologizing for the faulty phone connection. Whatever monster he may have been made out to be, that is certainly not the one on the other end of the line. While their sharp tongues may have fostered some of their reputation, the Dropkicks have never backed down from speaking, or singing, their mind. On their 2001 album, Sing Long, Sing Proud, the lyric sheet was adorned with a Martin Luther King, Jr. quote “We must learn to live together as brothers, or we are going to perish together as fools.” The song “A Letter Home” was written using letters from Sgt. Andrew Farrar, a soldier and Dropkick fan, killed in Iraq. Recently, they’ve started The Claddagh Fund, which helps raise money for organizations that focus on issues of children, veterans and substance rehabilitation. Yet, Kelly cautions against being seen as political, “Sometimes when musicians get on their soapbox, I wonder what their motivations are.” But there has always been an obvious theme that ran through the band’s decisions.

They weren’t political about something, they were political for something: the people.

Kelly acknowledges that over the years the band has found itself further in the pop culture mainstream. With anthems for the Red Sox and the Bruins, songs in Oscarwinning films and on television, he jokes about their increased popularity,

Dropkick Murphys

by Olivia Harrington

Broken Records Magazine “Sure, it’s ironic that the same people who feared us are now buying us on Rock Band for their kids.” But the Dropkick Murphy’s haven’t really changed from their early punk days, partly due to their dedicated following who have never asked them to. “Our shows, our fans, they’ve always been great. Sure, I’ve noticed a change [in fans]...It started off mostly Skins and now it’s grown. All types of people from all types of places.

People bring their grandmothers and y’know, god bless ‘em.”

Talking about their music comes easily to Kelly.

“We’re in the process of recording, writing, getting ready to release an album next year. It’s exciting.

Y’know we have seven guys, so things are available to do live now whereas on the first few records, the only time we’d add extra stuff was if a friend of ours played something...[like] Johnny from The Big Bad Bullocks played tin whistle. Johnny Cunningham, rest in peace, played the fiddle. So he came and threw something on.

So it was more a fun, ‘Hey lets see how that goes’, not a deliberate attempt to flower-up the record. Nowadays, we have guys who are so personal with these instruments. Something that might sound good on acoustic guitar might sound cool on a mandolin or bouzouki.”

And musical diversity has become synonymous with the Dropkicks, who boast an ensemble of guitars, banjos, tin whistles, bodhrans, mandolins, and bouzoukis as well as their now infamous bagpipes. “As far as writing and that process goes, it’s a few different ways.

Sometimes I’ll come in with a full song and then it goes through the machine. If

it’s a ballad it might morph into a fast song. Sometimes it’s totally spontaneous, and sometimes…like the “Worker Song” off Blackout, we’d been messing with that for years before we got a definitive song structure to it. So many different guys in the band, different ways they work, it makes for many ways for coming up with song, which, luckily for us, works.”

Having spent over a decade with the Dropkicks, what words of wisdom would Kelly offer to his younger self? “Relax. Y’know, I was an angry, angry little bastard. And don’t take things so seriously…I could’ve gotten in a lot less trouble.” Relaxing doesn’t seem on the horizon for the Dropkicks as they ready to start their second tour of the year, the “No Sleep Til” tour in Australia. And while the immediate future is promising, what does Kelly imagine 40 years ahead?

“40 years from now…Jesus, I’d be pretty old. I’d like to still have my hearing. And still be able to play music in some capacity. And be able to regale my grandkids with boring stories from the road.” Boring, really? “Yeah, you’d be surprised.”

When the interview ending, the Bostonian drawl snickers, “My final parting words? Read GK Chesterman.

That’s all I’m gonna say” After a slight pause, and with utmost sincerity, he says, “Oh, and thank you very much for the inerview.”

W h e n a kind, gutterpunk, headbanging, fanappreciating, m u s i c a l mastermind, Skinhead, hometown hero tells you to do something, you better do it. At least if you know what’s good for you.

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Broken Records Magazine In the heavy metal community, there are few guitarists out there who are branded with the title of “Guitar God”, but no one more deserving than the Berserker himself, Zakk Wylde.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Zakk picked up the guitar at age 14 learning all he could from his favorite records. Soon after, he began playing in local bands, earning his stripes in a band called “Zyris”.

At the young age of 20, Zakk landed the gig of a lifetime when he sent an audition tape to Ozzy, who was replacing Jake E. Lee at that time.

Zakk ultimately got hired and over the years contributed to some of Ozzy best albums, including Ozzy’s best selling album to date, “No More Tears”. His partnership with Ozzy, who Zakk calls “the boss”, would last over two decades.

Zakk’s guitar style has been said to be iconic, due to his amazing speed, versatility, and his prominent use of pick squeals, also known as pinch harmonics. In the past, Wylde has cited his influences to be Tony Iommi, Randy Rhoads, Al Dimeola, and Frank Marino, among others.

When Broken Records asked Zakk who he digs today, he went on to say he thinks Avenged Sevenfold has great guitar work, as does Shadowsfall, and Dragonforce.

In the 90s, during Zakk’s offtime from Ozzy, he released an acoustic album titled, “Book of Shadows”, and released an album under “Pride and Glory” which also featured White Lion bassist, James Lomenzo. Although, those albums faired well, it was his next band that would prove he was as furious as a frontman, as he is as a guitarist.

Black Label Society’s debut album, “Sonic Brew”, offered some of the heaviest riffs, blistering solos, and darkest lyrics of the 90s. Eight

albums later, he is still putting out incredibly heavy, versatile music.

Most of the BLS (Black Label Society) albums feature fierce riff oriented metal, some ballads, and a short instrumental track showing his shredding skills either with his acoustic guitar or electric. Zakk explained to BR magazine that this versatility isn’t a formula, but a way to break away from repetition.

Black Label Society fans, labeled Berserkers, are some of the most loyal in the world. Proof of this could be shown with the sales of BLS merchandise.

The online sales of items such as, leather vests, bandanas, patches, and shirts are number 3 in sales, behind only Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga.

2010 has been quite a year for Zakk Wylde. Earlier this year, Zakk was hospitalized for getting dangerous blood clots in his legs. Doctors had informed him that if he had kept up with his drinking habits, he would be dead by the time he reached 50.

So he gave up drinking completely and has been sober now for almost a year. Zakk tells us that he is in good health and feeling great. Another major event for Wylde was his ended partnership with his long time boss Ozzy Osbourne. Ozzy’s reasoning was that Zakk’s writing was making Ozzy' music sound too much like BLS. When asked how things are between them, Zakk says that it is as if he nothing had every happened.

Ozzy and Zakk are still great friends and see each other when they have time.

On August 10, 2010, BLS released “Order of the Black”, which, at the time of this writing.is number four on the Billboard charts. This album has no shortage of guitar wizardry, howling vocals, and piano ballads that one would expect from such a talented musician. One notable

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addition to the band, is ex-Static X drummer Will Hunt. Order of the Black was recorded in Zakk’s home studio dubbed “The Black Label Bunker”. The gear Zakk said, was the same equipment he has been using for years, his JCM800, signature Bullseye Gibson Les Paul and various effects pedals.

The album’s first single, “Parade of the Dead” features Wylde’s brand of brutal riffs, as does the track “Crazy Horse”. The piano ballads “Darkest Days” and “Time Waits For No One”, provide great contrast to the album, as does the song “January”, which Zakk says it was written for his father who had passed away in that month.

The album also includes a short instrumental titled “Chupacabra” which showcases Wylde’s ability to shred on an acoustic.

At the time of this writing, BLS is touring with the Ozzfest headlining the second stage. After that tour, Black Label will kick off their own headlining tour titled “The Black Label Berserkus”, featuring support from Children of Bodom, Clutch, and 2Cents.

Zakk, now in his 40s is not only a metal guitar god, but he is also a devoted family man. He resides in Los Angeles with his wife of two decades and his three children.

Over the years, Zakk has risen to become more than one of Ozzy’s axemen; he is a true guitar hero.

His style, sound, songwriting, and humor has put him in a class all his own. He inspires many people to pick up the guitar in hopes that they too can be one of the greats.

I should know, because I’m one of those people. Thanks Zakk.

Photo and Story by Kristin Tully

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LES PAUL LI VES

ON

This Past August marks his passing but Les Paul’s legacy, guitars and music survives.

By Scott Vollweiler

B

ack in February 2009, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime. After several weeks of emailing back and forth with his manager, I was confirmed to sit down and talk to Les Paul, face to face. It had to be the most nerve-wracking moment of my life. It was freezing cold and windy. My fiancé and I took the trip into Manhattan from Staten Island and all I could think about was, “I’m going to meet Les Paul.” I myself, am a guitar player, so this moment was uber-important.

When we arrived, we were told that Mr. Les Paul wasn’t feeling well and was lying down. I immediately thought that he was going to be too ill for the interview and that would be that. Luckily for all involved, he was okay enough to sit with me. As I walked into this tiny room backstage at the Iridium Nightclub, I saw him. He was dressed well and still quite the dapper don. When we sat down to talk, he was very quiet spoken and an incredible gentleman.

The following is the blurb and transcript from the interview printed in Broken Records Magazine Volume 1/Issue 2.

It’s not everyday you get to sit down and talk to a legend, but earlier this year, I got to sit down and talk to Les Paul one on one before his weekly Monday night sets at the Iridium night club in New York City. In my years going to concerts and meeting my favorite musicians, rarely do I get starstruck. Les Paul is not only an icon but the man who single-handedly changed music; his invention of the solid body electric guitar has been a staple of rock bands since. Not only is the Gibson Les Paul one of the most popular guitars sold, it is also a prized possession on the vintage guitar market.

On June 8th, Les Paul turned ninety four years young. His live show still sells out, every week, every set. In this exclusive interview, Les Paul tells us about his take on the current music industry, how the world almost had a Fender Les Paul and his long line of famous friends.

What do you think of the music industry today? I think they’re making progress. Well the musicians are making progress, but I don’t think the music itself is making the same kind of progress. The business is kind of messed up because of the changes with the advancement of technology. So things change.

Radio went out, television came in, and now television is going out and ipod in. We used to work like hell to make a great sound, the kind that we could make with an amplifier and speakers. Now we hand it to an ipod, and here it is with a worse sound, just great distortion. When everything is wrong, it’s perfect for them to run down the street, and it’s a bummer.

How was the celebration that was held in your honor at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? I heard that Slash said that he had a hard time keeping up with you during your jam session. (Laughs) Well... That’s a nice compliment but I don’t think that’s true. I think he was just saying that to be nice. It was a pleasure.

He’s a good friend. The celebration went great.

Going back to the “Log Guitar,” the original guitar, is there a story?

What gave you the initiative to put a guitar together? It goes back to the very

beginning when I was just a young kid. I’d take my mother’s radio and turn it into a PA system, with a battery charger, and I’d sing into a telephone, build my own PA system and I was playing my harmonica singing country songs. Finally I was riding in the rumble seat of a car and someone gave something to the car hop to give to me. It was a note that said: “Red (what they used to call me), your harmonica is fine, your voice is ok, and your guitar is not loud enough. So I went home and I said to my mother, “I’ve got to do something about the guitar, I’ve gotta make the guitar louder.” So I took a piece of railroad track and put a string on it, took the receiver part of the telephone, and I took the string, and put it through the radio, and lo and behold it made sound. And I said I wonder what happens if you do this with a piece o f

soft wood. And the soft wood was pretty bad, so I said to my mother, the railroad track is the answer. She said to me “can you picture a cowboy riding a horse with a train track in his hands?” And so she shot that down, so I had

fooled around with wood because I knew that most everybody liked wood over plastic or metal. So I made the guitar out of wood and I knew it had to be hardwood and it had to be dense, and it was a matter of going down that road. I finally found that the best one was a 4 x 4 log and started that one up without the sides on it. It didn’t look like a guitar. It was just a four by four and I played the four by four in a night club, it didn’t go over. And I said to them, I’m going to put wings on this thing, go back to sand club and see what happens and it stopped the show. I was playing the same song, on the same guitar with the wings on it, and it looks like a four by four, so the people could hear with their eyes. I thought how can you make this very personal?

I had to design my guitar to be something to cherish. Something you couldn’t wait to get home, throw on some old clothes and just relate.

How did you develop a relationship with Gibson? Well I went to them, presented the log to them and they laughed at it. They asked me where the pickups were. They thought it was a joke. Ten years went by, finally they called me and said, “would you mind bringing that thing in again,” so I went in and they said “what do you think should happen” and I told them what I thought should happen and we made an agreement to split 50/50 and make this into a solid body electric guitar. First thing they asked me was “what’s the color?,” I said metallic gold. They then asked me, before you run off,

what’s another color you want, and I immediately said black, because you can see your hands flying over the guitar. They were unusual colors and very different too.

How does it feel to have musicians young and old, beginner to advanced, playing the guitar with your name on it? It was quite a nice feeling. I personally was completely in favor of the guitar, but I was anxious to see what the other guitar player liked and he’s an important part of building a guitar. It’s not what I liked, it’s what he likes. So it happened….beyond any dream.

It’s very rewarding to have your dream come true. It’s all about the musicians. And I thank all those players who play my guitar because if they hadn’t liked the sound, it wouldn’t have happened, and if the design wasn’t right, it wouldn’t have happened.

So what was your initial reaction to Gibson redesigning the Les Paul Model? (Gibson decided to create the Les Paul 2, which was later renamed the SG model.) Well I was like you can use it as a bow and arrow. You can change the pitch by bending the neck. I told them you should strengthen the neck a lot.

They were like “we want to leave it that way.” So I told them they can have it. Just don’t put my name on something I don’t believe in. I never felt those sharp points were good if you were flying up and down the neck.

You’ve also been credited with the recording technology and effects.

What made you get involved with that? Well, way back at the beginning, if you played something your mother or friends said to you, how nice or ugly it sounded. You’re playing it and you’re not hearing it back like they’re hearing it back.

And so I said, I’m going to have to

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build a recording device so that I can hear it like you can hear it. And I want to hear it like a layman would hear it, because it is vibrating in your hands and you are busy holding it.

So you’re not as good a judge as you are if you listen back to it. I got into recording heavily and then the sound effects kept coming on. My mother made a comment. She was visiting me at the theater in Chicago and she said “I heard you last night on the radio.” I said, “I wasn’t on the radio, I was here at the theater.” So she says, “well it must have been someone else but you should do something about it because the others are copying you and I can’t tell yours from the others.” And I thought about it and I said I want to go change my whole way of playing, my sound, and make it so that it’s different than everyone else. Also, I wanted my mother to hear me on the radio and know it was me.

You have had the privilege of playing and working with some legendary musicians. Has there been anyone in the industry that left you star struck and is there anyone you wish you could have worked with that you never had the opportunity to meet? I worked with just about everybody. It would be hard to find someone I haven’t worked with. As far as who I admired, my mentor was Bing Crosby and later Frank Sinatra. The important people in my life were Orson Wells and FDR. Frank Capra used to write me letters and he was a great talent.

To receive mail from Truman Capote or someone like that, it always lifts you up. There are so many wonderful people, if I was playing in a club or something, they’d be there and they’d do anything to be there and they did.

So those are great compliments. I don’t know...I’ve worked with Art Tatum, Django Reinhart, Amos and

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Andy, just anyone that comes to mind, we were friends. We worked together, played together, and shared our ideas. It’s great to be surrounded by so much talent. Just being friends and talking to each other all the time,

records back, listen to, and talk about them. And we were on the same page, because we were all going down the same road, looking for the same sound. How do you enhance it or make the sound better? What

easily could have been, the Les Paul Fender.

What did the people around you think of that? They were all in agreement. My manager thought I was crazy not to take that deal.

Les Paul Playing his signature guitars (left and right). Les Paul performing with Mary Ford and guest (middle).

it’s always great. It’s always great to be surrounded by talent, no matter where their talent lies.

Being apart of the world of Gibson guitars. Did you ever meet the likes of Leo Fender? We were friendly right from the beginning. When I moved to California, and when I had my studio, I was recording a lot of country acts and that’s all Leo Fender was interested in. He wanted to make a guitar and amplifier that would please the country player. And so he was in my studio night, after night, after night, after night. We would sit in the patio in the backyard, play the

sounds were we craving? Leo Fender and I would just side by side, but we took a different path to get there. It’s like a splitting up and me going one way and meeting somewhere in the middle. He wanted me to be a part of his company from the beginning and then they approached me again when CBS bought them. They almost had a deal and I said I won’t sign this deal with Fender until I talk to Gibson. So I talked to Gibson and that was the renewal with Gibson after 10 years.

They were all at a meeting at my house. We discussed it and I had to call Fender and say “no, I’m going to stick with Gibson.” But it very

What did Mr. Fender Say? He just said “it’s yours, don’t let anybody change it.”

Why do you play still? Why not stay home and retire? I think it’s great therapy to have a reason to get up and carry on rather than to lay back, shrivel up, and dry out. I just feel as though it’s nicer to share your talent or music or what you have with others who are willing to come in or would like to hear. It’s a great therapy to go up on the stage and see people; better than laying in bed. I think retirement, when a person says “well, I’m fifty five, sixty five, time

It’s very rewarding to have your dream come true. It’s all about the musicians. And I thank all those players who play my guitar because if they hadn’t liked the sound, it wouldn’t have happened.

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to retire,” and then they go somewhere, you just dry up and go away. There’s another approach to it and that’s the approach I took.

Work is a beautiful thing and work is good for you. I haven’t been feeling that well the last month or so but I still come to work.

Better than laying there moaning about it.

You fall apart, period. Eventually we’re all going.

Well, you still look and play like your half your age. You’ll be here until your 150 years old. (laughs) I don’t know what your counting on!

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Interviews by Gerard Ucelli

Alex Lipshaw (Hey Monday) Since this tour is like a daily routine for two months straight, what do you do to mentally prepare yourself for each show? It’s really hot like every show is hotter than any show we’ve ever played. That’s more like physically prepared. I try like chilling myself out because the crowds are very overwhelming on this tour.

It’s bigger than ever. I get really excited before I go.

On the long tedious bus rides to Warped Tour for each location, what do you do for fun? The good thing about being on the bus is that it travels at night.

After an 8 hour drive, it’s like “8 hours of sleep.”

Who are some of the bands on the tour you’re really looking forward to seeing? I love watching Four Year Strong. I love watching All American Rejects. I love watching Sum 41. I love watching Motion City Soundtrack. This hardcore band called Attack Attack! is on our stage and I love them.

I know it’s close to impossible to take showers on Warped Tour. If you had to ask a celebrity to use his/ her shower who would it be and why? I would ask Jessica Simpson just so I can hang out with her.

Brooks Betts & Derek Saunders (Mayday Parade) Since this tour is kind of like a daily routine for almost two months, what do you do to mentally prepare yourself for each show you’re performing at? DS: There’s not a whole lot you have to prepare for.

It is kind of a more stressful tour to organize I guess.

During the day you have to do press, signing, and play.

Between all of that, you get to hang out and have a good time. BB: There is a nice relief though when you get done playing. Even to this day, I still have this weird weight on shoulder when we play. It’s always all good when we play.

On these long tedious bus rides to each location, what do you guys do for fun? BB: I sleep. DS: On a tour like this or any tour like this really, the drives are at night so we get to sleep for the most part. If were hanging out on the bus, were playing videogames, playing guitar or watch TV. Who are some of the bands on this tour you are really looking forward to seeing? BB: Enter Shikari was one for sure. DS: All American Rejects, Four Year Strong, and Pierce The Veil. BB: It was cool to see Set Your Goals You’re mainly about touring this year. Is there any chance by having an album out next year? DS: It’s probably pretty possible that we have an album out by 2011. BB: I think for sure we will.

DS: We’ve been writing a lot of stuff and were excited about it.

What can we expect at a Mayday Parade show?

DS: Just a good time man. There is a lot of energy and a lot of fun.

What can we expect from a Hey Monday show? Lots of energy. Expect me playing guitar on the right side of the stage. We have a girl singer. She’s very energetic and bouncy. She’s always jumping around. Its fun and we try sounding good.

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Broken Records Magazine

Live Photos by Samantha Nodelman

you’re getting everyday here. As far as which bands, I’m a fan of the heavy intense stuff. So I like White Chapel, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Bring Me The Horizon, and Suicide Silence. I like Face To Face. There a band that just delivers the highest quality of performance. It’s flawless every day. I’m impressed, inspired, and happy to be here.

Andrew W.K. Since this tour is like a daily routine for two months straight, what do you do to mentally prepare yourself for each show? Before every show I stretch. Before every show I drink some water. I warm up my voice by going blahhhdabahhhhbudududuududdubah. (He was serious) Then pretty much I’m good to go. I roll myself on to the stage. I get psyched up. I say a prayer and thank the day and have some fun.

On the long tedious bus rides to Warped Tour for each location, what do you do for fun? The most fun thing to me about being on tour is actually being on the bus. That’s not the downtime. That’s to me the reward.

I’m working all day. I’m partying all day. The time spent with the band on my bus is just the golden hours. That’s where I get to really just unwind and enjoy myself. I watch a movie, some TV, something to eat, and enjoy life with people I’m closest to, which is my band.

I know it’s close to impossible to take showers on Warped Tour. If you had to ask a celebrity to use his/ her shower who would it be and why? If I can use anybody’s shower in the whole world I guess Barack Obama. I want to see what that presidential shower is like. I bet he has a shower on Air Force 1. That’s a big beautiful luxury airplane. It’s probably got a bathtub in there not just a shower. You can probably kick back while cruising in the air at about 35,000 feet and take a bubble bath. Obama, Please let me use your shower?

Would you use his stimulus package? Every shower at the White House has a beautiful stimulus package bathroom set. This has bath oils, stimulating massage gel, a loofah sponge to use on those more tender areas. The stimulus package is complimentary at the White house.

If that doesn’t get any better no amount of money will.

What can people expect from an Andrew W.K. show?

I would say don’t expect anything from an Andrew W.K. show. What you put into it is what you’re going to get out of it. If you go crazy I’ll go crazy too. If you have some fun then I’ll have some fun.

Who are some of the bands on the tour you’re really looking forward to seeing? So far on the Warped Tour, I’ve been enjoying a lot of the bands actually. I’ve been very impressed with the intensity, the brutality, the heaviness of a lot of the bands. I want to say first of all every single band I’ve heard has been incredible in terms of the level of musicianship, the level of performance, the quality of their sound and delivery. Just very high quality bands that may not be your favorite kind of music or song. You can’t deny the quality of performances that

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Jeff Tuttle (The Dillinger Escape Plan) Since this tour is like a daily routine for two months straight, what do you do to mentally prepare yourself for each show? You know what man, I think every show with Dillinger, were all the type of people that when we set the bar we can never go below that bar. Since the first show I ever played with Dillinger, I feel like whenever I get on stage I try to raise the bar. You get in sort of a routine for Warped Tour. We like to say it’s a punk rock groundhog’s day. You see the same faces every day for two months and almost the exact same parking lots. It’s hard to sort of get in routine, but we try to have fun and it’s been working so far. The tour has been great. We look at every show with a challenge. We have to win the crowd over somehow. This is not exactly our crowd demographic for Warped Tour. That challenge is even higher so we welcome that challenge. It kind of helps us thrive a bit.

On the long tedious bus rides to Warped Tour for each location, what do you do for fun? I’m a movie buff. I watch a lot of movies and the other great thing about Warped Tour is that you meet so many new people and there are so many bands. I’ve met a lot of people trading movies and stuff so that really passes the time.

Who are some of the bands you’re looking forward to seeing? Unfortunately, The Bouncing Souls played their last show at Warped Tour. I’m really bummed that their leaving. Alkaline Trio has been a longtime favorite of mine. Andrew W.K. is another one and a couple new bands that I’ve heard. There’s a band called Closure in Moscow from Australia. There’s another band called The Sparring.

I know it’s close to impossible to take showers on Warped Tour. If you had to ask a celebrity to use his/ her show who would it be and why? I’m going to pick Betty White from The Golden Girls. She probably throws down for her old age. She’s probably seen some sh*t you know what I mean. She can probably teach me a few things. F**k Megan Fox I’m going with Betty White.

What can people escape from a Dillinger Escape Plan show? People at a Dillinger Escape Plan show can BrokenRecordsOnline.com

expect to see a bunch of dudes sweating their ass off. I played the hottest show ever in my life yesterday it was unbelievably hot. I really doubt that you will ever see a show just more real and intense. We give it 110% every single day. When we talk to people they say ‘We never seen anything like that.”

Kelsey Merritt & Nick Rotunno (Kelsey and The Chaos) Since this tour is like a daily routine for almost two months, what do you do to mentally prepare yourself for each show? KM: For me recently has just been getting a good night sleep and be well rested. Get some coffee in the morning and eat some breakfast. I like to go to the back of the bus an hour before we play and listen to music. Then I’ll chill out and warm up into the zone.

Get away from people. NR: Each day before we play, we try to meet up and listen to high energy music and get pumped up. KM: We’ve been having Michael Jackson dance parties in the bus.

Who are some of the bands you’re looking forward to seeing? KM: We’ve seen Andrew W.K. a lot. He’s a trip. NR: All American Rejects. KM: Sum 41. There are a lot of good bands this year. NR: This year has a great lineup.

I know it’s close to impossible to take showers on Warped Tour. If you had to ask a celebrity to use his/ her show who would it be and why? KM: Probably for me it would be Adam Lambert. I don’t know why I love his hair and his make-up. I’d like to use some of his make-up. NR: We were on two years ago with Katy Perry- that would probably be something that I would do.

KM: Someone you would do.

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Dan Regan and Aaron Barrett (Reel Big Fish) Since this tour is like a daily routine for two months straight, what do you do to mentally prepare yourself for each show? DR: We do a lot of mental pushups. We do a lot of mental sex. AB: I mentally brush my teeth.

Do you mentally do steroids? AB: I mentally do steroids and get mentally pumped up and I mentally bench press. DR: You can see his brain swelling out of his nose sometimes and his ears. AB: I don’t know what I’m saying. We walk on the stage. I don’t know what happens before that. We’re not paying attention to the rest of the day. DR: We’re usually sleeping and they drag us out of our bunks and give us electric shocks. We shoot up cobra blood through our veins.

On the long tedious bus rides to Warped Tour for each location, what do you do for fun?

DR: Once a night someone has to get up and feed the cobras that we keep. AB: That way we harvest their blood. I watch a lot of movies that are clean and dirty.

We run around the track upstairs in the bus. We do some hurdles. For feeling crazy we break out the wiffle ball.

Who are some of the bands you’re looking forward to seeing? DR: I want to see Reel Big Fish. AB: I’m excited for Streetlight manifesto and Chase Long Beach who joined the Warped Tour. Good times. DR: I can’t wait for The Who and Frank Zappa to get here.

I know it’s close to impossible to take showers on Warped Tour. If you had to ask a celebrity to use his/ her show who would it be and why? DR: Definitely Andrew W.K. because he obviously doesn’t use his shower. He showers himself in positivity, gore, and booze.

What can we expect from a Reel Big Fish show? DR: We’ve already drawn out the blueprints for our theme park. We’re going to skip the energy drink thing and go straight to the theme park.

Michael Fuentes and Jamie Preciado (Pierce The Veil) Since this tour is like a daily routine for two months straight, what do you do to mentally prepare yourself for each show? JP: We normally have our little stretches and vocal warm ups and stuff, but I like to do a little bit of jumping jacks. MF: I think that’s the cool part of being on Warped Tour. You don’t find out what time you’re playing until that morning. You could play at 11:30AM or you could play 7:30PM. You always got to be ready to rock. JP: It’s a different routine from playing early in the morning to later in the day.

Who are some of the bands you’re looking forward to seeing? JP: There’s tons of bands man. There are a lot of our friends’ bands that we haven’t seen, but have been playing a long time. Obviously, the tour has been going halfway now. At first we were starting to see bands like Of Mice and Men, our friends in Mayday Parade, and other friends in Bring Me The Horizon and stuff. Then there are bands that we haven’t seen. I haven’t seen All American Rejects. I saw them play the other day and it was amazing. MF: I like Reel Big Fish too. They put on a great show.

I know it’s close to impossible to take showers on Warped Tour. If you had to ask a celebrity to use his/ her show who would it be and why? JP: I’d be like “Yo P Diddy can I borrow your shower?” because it’s made of all kinds of gold. MF: I’m going to say Megan Fox. She’s probably got a clean shower. JP: I think it’s dirty.

She’s a dirty girl.

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Top Left: We The Kings/Top Right: Emarosa Bottom Left: All American Rejects/ Bottom Right: Attack! Attack!

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John 5 of Rob Zombie Smashes His Guitar

Metal’s Summer Camp Interviews and Photos by Ray White I know you’re not playing, but from what you’ve seen, what’s the atmosphere been like on the tour so far? Oh man, with the heat, first off, it’s just the most unbearable thing of anything. Everybody - all these guys that put this stuff together every day, I don’t even know how they survive. But no, it’s been great, there’s a good vibe on the tour. There’s a Wednesday 13 lot of different bands, and it’s funny to see how many people know each other, whether it’s crew or band, it’s been a blast.

For me, I’m out here just doing press; I’m not even playing or anything, so it’s fun. I get to hang out and see bands, and do nothing at all most of the day.

Then some days I’ve gotta talk about myself for 8 hours, and that gets quite annoying, but the vibe overall is that everyone’s getting along great. It’s just a cool little summer tour. I just wish the sun wasn’t out.

What kind of stuff do you do to just deal with the normal rigors of being on the road?

On this tour?

Yeah, because you’ve gotta be even more bored, because you’re not playing. Well, the one good thing is I get to sleep as late as the bands most of the time. A couple days I’ve had to get up at

Additional Photos by Scott Vollweiler the crack of noon, but normally I sleep untill like 2:00.

Then I get up, and get dressed, and find wherever I’m doing press, and hang out. Joey and I do a signing every day around 2:45. That’s usually pretty chaotic. Then I come back and do more press, over and over and over again. And then sun goes down, and the drinks come out. Sometimes, when it’s a bad of Murderdolls day, the drinks come out before the sun goes down...

What’s been the wildest venue you’ve seen so far on the tour? Wildest venue?

Dude, every day is like Groundhog Day. Everything looks exactly the same to me.

THIS is the wildest thing I’ve seen. It looks exactly the same.

Any good offstage shenanigans going on? I’m not sure, but I think me and someone from another band drove a golf cart last night.

I’m not sure. I wasn’t driving though.

Not sure? Where did said golf cart end up?

We don’t know. We parked it nicely. It was nice.

You sure?

Yeah, I think. It could’ve been a dream, too. I don’t know.

ick of Otherwise

Patr Adrian and Ryan

od Blo s Of che 3 In k of lar ne C

What’s the atmosphere been like for you on Mayhem this summer? The atmosphere has been really positive. Morale’s been very high. All the bands involved are just doing their thing, but behind the scenes you get to know everybody a little bit. It’s kind of a cliché at this point for summer festivals, but it’s kinda like a summer camp, a little bit.

So how does it feel for you guys to be able to be a part of Mayhem? The way things worked out, and the fact that we’re on it, we’re happy. We’re happy to be here; we’re honored to be here, because this is something that every band should be thankful for, because we’re playing in front of thousands of people, and a lot of those thousands of people probably don’t know who you are. So that just allows us to do what we do, and what we do is – we’re a live band. We try and get the music to the people. So it’s one of those things – I have absolutely no complaints.

Who’s your favorite band on the tour to watch? Hatebreed.

I’m a big fan of those guys, as people as well. Their show is always exciting. Jamey Jasta, really, he’s one of those dudes who’s a master at getting people going. He actually invented the getting the circle pit around the front of house. It’s really cool. I’ve seen a lot of bands steal that directly, but he’s one of those innovators.

Sha

What has the atmosphere been like on Mayhem so far?

AP: The most overwhelming thing is the amount of knowledge we’ve gained. Its our first tour and for us to be doing Mayhem fest, the biggest metal festival of the year, is above and beyond a learning experience for us. Everyone has been really positive. All of the artists and crew respect what we are doing.

RP: They’re stoked for us driving, just the two of us, across the country.

AP: Yeah, we’re doing it ourselves. No crew, no bus driver, no bunks.

So how does it feel for you guys being a part of Mayhem?

AP: It’s amazing. We were doing a single with In This Moment and it’s called “The Promise.” I remember discovering that band and crying my eyes out listening to the song, ‘Beautiful Tragedy’ and now I warm up to that song before I go out on stage with them. It’s definitely a life experience, man. It’s one hell of an adventure for the two of us.

Who are your favorite bands on the tour?

AP: In This Moment of course. Atreyu is one of our biggest influences.

RP: We opened up for Korn back in our hometown and we played with them so they’re definitely one of our favorites.

AP: The guys of Three Inches of Blood are way cool. Norma Jean has been letting us use the pisser on their bus. So that’s good vibes, much respect.

James “Munky” Shafer of KORN

What’s the atmosphere been like for you guys on Mayhem this summer?

It’s been really hot, humid. A lot of fun though. Everyone is cool, you know. All the bands are getting along. I think the crowds have been good. It’s hard to go on after Rob Zombie. He’s got a gag for every song. We brought a lot of production, but we’re not used to having that sort of stuff. Usually for us, our gag is playing the song. But when you go on after him you gotta have some fire or sh*t. It’s crazy.

Who’s your favorite band on the tour?

It’s either between Chimaira, Norma Jean, and Lamb of God. It changes everyday. Those are the bands I try to get out to see everyday.

What has been the wildest venue you guys have played so far?

Well we did a show in Montreal that was pretty cool. That was a few days ago. The day before, Megadeth and Slayer played and then the next night we played. The crowd was just full on. It felt like European festival style. No seating, a dirt field, and 25,000 people.

Any other bands boycotting BP on tour with Korn?

I’m not sure, I haven’t seen the list lately. I just know our buses and trucks are using other gas. The impact that spill has had…it is just one of the worst man made disasters ever. If you compare it to WWII, I guess it’s not that bad. Still, it’s going to take years for the ecosystem [to recover] and the trickle down it has on the lively hood of the fisherman, their families, the environment, and the animals. It was the least we could do to make a gesture to prevent this from happening again. I think Disturbed is also with the boycott and the Deftones as well.

How did Korn end up on RoadRunner Records?

We recorded Korn 3: Remember Who You Are, with our own money, in our own studio, with all of our own resources and we didn’t have anybody to tell us to do anything. We recorded the record and did everything ourselves. And then, it was like okay, should we try to release this on our own, but we didn’t have the right promotion. We didn’t really know how to put it together correctly for a big release. And we knew the record was special and wanted it to have an impact from the day it released. So, we started to shop around. We were with Sony for so long then we were with Virgin. RoadRunner approached us and the first time I heard Road Runner was interested in signing us it was really exciting. I was like, wow! How come we didn’t do this before.

How did Korn end up getting hooked back up with

producer Ross Robinson, who produced the first two albums?

It was funny because I was just reaching out to him and wanted to touch base with him, as friends. There was no talk about doing a record or anything. I got his phone number through his friend and called him and we talked for about an hour. Then he asked me for Jonathan’s number and Jonathan called me two hours later asking me how I would like Ross producing our next record. I was like, f**k yes! That was my exact response. From that point on is when the creative momentum started to build with the excitement of starting with him again. You could feel the pissed off kids from Bakersfield that recorded the first two records with him. So it was exciting to know that element was going to be introduced again into the sound.

How big was he with helping you guys tap into that original vibe and making the new album what it is?

He was a huge contributor because before every song, we would have this therapy session. He would say, “What does this song mean to you Munky?” What does it make you feel-like the emotion behind it. And he would always say I want to feel the violence in the song; bring every ounce of what your feeling and get it out there.

What was the biggest factor of getting back to that old school Korn sound, other than Ross?

I think experimenting with different producers and different strong structures and melodies stimulated that creative drive in you. And you sort of lose focus in making a record and I think we’ve missed him. After we contacted Ross, it was something you knew that was going to happen. Like your favorite food in front of you and you know you are going to eat it soon. You’re hungry for it. I think that is the best analogy I could use.

What prompted David Silveria’s abrupt departure from the band?

I think he needed to stay home for a while and maybe he didn’t like the direction of the band. I don’t think it was fulfilling him, creatively, but he didn’t say that. We

wanted him to be happy. You got to do whatever you need to do to make you happy and I’m thankful and I’m grateful that this band still makes me happy. And making music makes me happy, being on stage every night makes me happy, being in the studio makes me happy, and being at home makes me happy too. And there’s a delicate balance that you have to have to make everything cool.

Do you still talk to David?

I don’t talk to him at all. I tried reaching out to him during his hiatus because it was like we didn’t know if he was going to show up or not. I did try to reach out to him a few times and I even showed up at his restaurant, two different nights. Trying to hunt him down because he didn’t take my calls and he disappeared. I guess he wasn’t ready to talk to me or it was too painful or who knows. Let me get one thing straight. I love him, I miss him and that’s it.

Can you shed some light on the rumors circulating about Brian “Head” Welch stating he was asked to come back to the band?

It’s just that the time isn’t right. Either he’s not ready when we’re ready or we’re not ready when he’s ready. I honestly think that he hasn’t been ready the whole time. And frankly, I’m not ready for him, or ready to sit in a room with him yet. All it takes is ten minutes of sitting down with your old friend, hammer it out, figure out what you want to do, laugh, get your guitar and get on the bus. And maybe that’s not right. He feels strongly about his belief and his faith. And whatever Jonathan sings about and he is going to be offended by it, we don’t want him to be offended.

Scottie Henry of Norma Jean What’s the atmosphere been like for you guys on this tour so far?

Uh, it’s been amazing. It’s been super hot, but it’s been a great tour so far. I mean, we have tons of friends who we’ve been touring with for years, and it’s just great to get out, and it’s kinda like a metal summer camp, just hanging out, and having fun playing shows.

How’s it feel for you guys being able to be a part of Mayhem this year? Oh, it’s amazing. We were really stoked when we found out that we were gonna be part of it, and it’s been everything we thought it would be; it’s been great.

Who’s your favorite band on the tour? To watch? Oh, I don’t know, there’s a lot of good bands on the tour. I love checking out Lamb of God- they’re great and Rob Zombie has tons of stuff going on during his show that’s crazy to see. So those are two that I’m definitely stoked about every day.

Blake Bunzelof In This Moment What has the atmosphere been like on Mayhem so far? From day one, it has been nothing but just complete goodness. It’s been so epic on this tour with the friends you make, the people that come out, and the crowd participation. This has been such a f**king amazing tour.

How does it feel for you guys being a part of Mayhem? You know, we saw a lot of bands going into it for the first two years and come out thinking it was their favorite tour. It just made us so jealous. After the few summer tours that we have been on before, which were great in themselves and everything, to get on this tour and to be playing with Rob Zombie and Korn has made us grateful that this has happened.

Who is your favorite band on this tour? God, that is really hard to answer because I try to make it out to see everyone that I can. I’ve really enjoyed watching Korn every night with how amazing their stage presence is. You know, Five Finger puts on a great show and it’s hard to pinpoint one specific band because you are going to wanna come out and see each one of them.

people who we hung out with Now that Mayhem is over, everyday. The drummer for what was the atmosphere like Chris Adler of Lamb of God Winds of Plague was a great guy on the tour for you? It was pretty good. We came into it questioning if we should and we became good friends with the guys from Three do the tour. It’s not really our scene, meaning that Inches of Blood. We toured the world with HateBreed most of our fans aren’t really the biggest Rob Zombie and they just kill it everyday. They are such a great, or Korn fans, and we didn’t think that our fans would powerful band. On the main stage, we hung out a little really appreciate us doing a tour like that. But in the end, bit with the guys from the band for Zombie and the we learned very quickly that tickets were twenty five Korn guys are really very approachable and friendly. It dollars and there were about 12 to 16 bands, depending really was like a heavy metal summer camp; everybody on the day. There were also great bands on the second got along great and all of the bands did really well. stage and that in itself was enough to know that no one was going to be disappointed at the show. Thinking Any good off-stage shenanigans going on during about it further, it was a really great opportunity for the tour? Well, we are getting older and we’ve all us to get in front of the Zombie and Korn fans, who got little kids now, so we have definitely scaled may not have heard anything other than those bands, back. A lot of crazy people come out for these and to be exposed to a band like us may make them tours. I mean guys and girls doing the most ridiculous want to explore it further. I think it worked out really things. You mix a little alcohol with some people well and it was a lot of fun. We hung out everyday that have been out in the sun for fourteen hours, together, we had a great time, and it didn’t affect the and crazy things tend to happen. Although we may competition or anything. Initially, we didn’t know how not partake, there’s always the window shopping. it was going to go over with that kind of an audience, knowing that it may not be full of Lamb of God fans. It Who is the craziest band off-stage? On this particular ended up that a lot of Lamb of God fans came out and tour, I think the guys from Shadows Fall were really there were also a lot of fans who haven’t heard of us pushing it, as far as being able to take everything and we turned them on to what we had going on. It was possible in every single day and still survive the our last U.S. tour on the last album and I think it was night. Yeah, I saw those guys getting pretty vile. On very smart to do. I think we picked up some new fans. the main stage, it’s probably us because the other guys are older and sober. So I think we we’re the party guys

Who was your favorite band on the Mayhem Tour? on the main stage.

Man, there really were a lot of great bands and different

Broken Records Magazine

“Hey! Feelin’ Alive!”

The Jonas Brothers performing on the Camp Rock 2 Tour PNC Bank Arts Center, NJ photo: Scott Vollweiler

“Crackerman” Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots performing PNC Bank Arts Center, NJ photo: Scott Vollweiler BrokenRecordsOnline.com

“America’s Sweetheart” Carrie Underwood performing at NBC’s Today Show Rockafella Plaza, NYC photo: Scott Vollweiler

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Broken Records Magazine “Let Me Hear You Scream!”

Demi Lovato performing on the Camp Rock 2 Tour PNC Bank Arts Center, NJ photo: Scott Vollweiler

“The Headliner” Haley Williams of Paramore performing on the Honda Civic Tour (inset: Tegan and Sara) Nikon at Jones Beach, NY photo: Danielle Portera

“Light My Fire!”

Creed performing during their 20-10 Tour.

Nikon at Jones Beach, NY photo: Ray White

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Broken Records Magazine

Uproar Festival, featuring many of the best rock bands out there today was amazing, even from the start of my day. I arrived at the PNC Bank Center at 12p, even before the parking lots were open because I was determined to be front and center for the Jagermeister stage and my goal was reached.

The show kicked off with Jagermeister’s contest winner, Stereo Fallout. I have never heard of them before the show, but they got me even more pumped for what was to come. New Medicine hit the stage next. I had only heard one song from the band, but with their sound combination of Limp Bizkit mixed with Airbourne, got me to really enjoy their set. Up next was Hail The Villain, and this was the one I was waiting for on the Jagermeister stage and they didn’t disappoint. The combination of their style of music and Bryan Crouch, the lead singer’s energy brought the whole show together. If you never heard of them check them out!

My day got even better when my friend tapped me on the shoulder and told me that Stone Sour was signing autographs and all you had to do was preorder the album for a mere ten bucks! I have always wanted to meet Corey Tyler and this was my first and best chance.

So after a little wait in line, while enjoying Airbourne just a parking lot away, I finally got to meet Corey Tyler and the rest of Stone Sour. They were all extremely nice and I was honored to meet them all.

Then it was off the main stage and my sixth row seat for Halestorm. The amazing part was I wasn’t in my sixth row for their set, but snuck up to the front row. They played an amazing set, as always, this being my tenth time, I knew what to expcept.

After Halestorm, I went back to my seat to enjoy Stone Sour. Their set was extremely energetic and hyped me even more what was to come. Their guitarist, J i m Root, threw a guitar pick in my direction which I dove for in the aisle of PNC to get it.

Everyone looked down at me, but I was determined to get that pick.

The day had been long and as I looked forward to seeing Avenged Sevenfold, I needed a break, so I headed up and had dinner while watching Avenged Sevenfold from the lawn. Other than the music itself, what impressed me was there stage setup:a graveyard behind them, a real person hanging themselves (used as a prop) and tons of pyro.

Finally, the moment of the night I had been waiting for, Disturbed! They rocked the house!! Playing songs from The Sickness I haven’t heard in years which drove me to head bang and jump around like crazy. They played a great mix of old and new songs, exciting me more for the new album, Asylum.

From beginning to end of my day was amazing and the whole show didn’t disappoint at all. Overall I give the Uproar Festival 10 of 10 and hope they return with another monster lineup next year.

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Broken Records Magazine

Shawn Economaki (Stone Sour)

What’s been the wildest venue so far? Well, we’re only in like seven shows, so, actually, Columbus, OH was completely off the hook. They actually moved that one into an arena. That was probably our best show of the run.

When you guys saw the lineup, I know you guys know most of the bands on the bill, but was there anybody you were really looking forward to seeing and touring with? Actually I really wanted to see Hellyeah. I mean, we did some shows with them in Europe, and I’ve got some good friends in that band, but I don’t have a chance to see them that often, and I’ve yet to see them on this, so that’s who I’m still looking forward to seeing.

So what are the Uproar festival after hours like for Stone Sour? First few shows were extremely mellow.

Last night was my 4th in a row of just getting hammered every night, so I’m a little shot today. It’s starting to catch up with me. A lot of the guys, they’re pretty lax for Stone Sour. Corey Taylor’s been trying to save his voice, and he hasn’t been drinking as of late. He’s kind of been an old man and going to bed early. Josh Rand, Roy Mayorga, and I tho, we’ve been tearing it up the last few nights.

Have you guys hosted your bbq yet? Not yet.

Do you have a theme picked out? We do.

Do you care to reveal it? Star Wars based. That’ll be later in the run.

Jake and Brady (New Medicine)

Does it make it any more special for you guys to be on the inaugural Uproar tour as opposed to more established ones? Jake: It totally does-especially having the tour start in our hometown of Minneapolis. We’re getting to play with bands we’ve looked up to forever. It’s been really awesome. Brady: Being a part of the first Uproar tour ever is awesome. This line up is killer. Being one of the two up and coming bands in the whole tour…it looks like fifty bands were trying for two spots and the fact that we got to be on this was amazing.

Any bad behavior going on during the after hours of Uproar?

Jake: Absolutely! Everyday. Brady: Are you kidding? You know HellYeah throws the party every night, right? Those parties are infamous. Jake: We had a Fajita/Margarita party the other night.

They were making “jageritas”, and Vinnie Paul was back there making fajita meat. It’s pretty awesome. They have a beer hookah: it’s got like eight hoses on it and you have competitions with other bands, four on four. It’s pretty fun.

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LZZY HALE (HALESTORM) Does it make it anymore special to be on the inaugural Uproar Festival opposed to more established ones?

More special…absolutely! This is one of those tours that make you wonder when you are going to see another line up like this again. And whoever screwed up and made us the opener of the main stage, thank you very much. No, seriously. It’s quite an honor to be here and everyone is so cool. All of these bands are so incredibly down to Earth and I kind of feel like the little sister running around because I am also the only girl on the bill. It is very neat and all of these guys are just amazing to me.

What is it like to be the only girl on entire line up?

It is really cool, actually. It is not necessarily special treatment, but you stick out like a sore thumb. It is interesting because Vinnie Paul (drummer of HellYeah) actually pointed that out so every time someone walks down the hall, I know there isn’t any competition (laughs).

You know, being said hello to a couple thousand times by some handsome men on any tour is fine with me.

When you saw the line-up, were there any band on the bill that you were excited to see? Well, obviously Stone Sour or anything with Corey Taylor is fine with me. He is one of the most amazing male vocalists. If you only knew everything that he can actually pull off, it’s amazing. Also, Disturbed is one of the first new metal bands that I’ve gravitated toward. I’ve always been ten years behind when it comes to my interest in music. A lot of what I was listening to in the 90s was actually a lot of 80s metal like Iron Maiden, Dio, and that kind of stuff. But Disturbed, apart from Sevendust, were the first nu-metal albums that I got, so I loved The Sickness. I knew every word and just to see that was amazing. The great thing about this as well is that freaking Avenged Sevenfold, I did not have any of their records up until last week when I saw their live show. I mean, they rival Iron Maiden because they went really old school and more pyro then Kiss. It’s been a huge eye opener for me. It’s only been eight days and it’s already one of my favorite tours ever.

What are the Uproar “after hours” like? Oh, God. Okay, the after hours and the parties are the best thing on this tour. Like I said, it’s only been eight days and we’ve already had four parties. And it’s mandatory on this tour,

for everybody to host a party. So literally, everybody has to come up with their own theme and HellYeah was the first ones and they had a margarita party. HellYeah has been amazing hosts; they’re always willing. They get out the grill, they make the margaritas, they hired a band, there was a huge beer bong called Bongzilla. We don’t remember much about that night (laughs). Neither do the lovely Airbourne boys. But, it’s amazing. Everybody hangs out and there’s no one that is hiding on the bus.

Everybody is so cool.

Tom MAxwEll (HellYeah) Does it make it any more special to be on the inaugural Uproar Festival, opposed to more established ones that have been around? I think it’s kinda cool. There’s always a little apprehension the first time a big tour like this takes off. We’re a part of popping the cherry, so it’s good.

When you saw the lineup, were there any bands you were really looking forward to seeing? All of them. We’re friends with the guys from Disturbed, Stone Sour, Avenged Sevenfold, and we met Halestorm on the last tour. This is the first time meeting the guys in Airbourne and New Medicine and everybody on this tour is really cool, we’re all hanging out and BBQing. I was really excited to go out with everybody. Especially our boys with Disturbed- we’ve known them for years and the same for the Avenged guys. As for Halestorm, Lzzy is one of the baddest female singers out there. I can’t point toward one band because it’s a conglomerate of excitement with all of them.

What are the Uproar after hours like? A lot of drinking. A lot of BBQing and more drinking. It’s kinda like everyone just hangs out. We try to throw BBQs and a little bar area where we set a margaritaville and make daiquiris and Jager bombs and all kinds of shi*t. That is pretty much what it is- everyone hangs out and reflects on the show and there’s definitely no boring time, ever.

Broken Records Magazine

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Q&A

ALLEN AFTER IDOL

When Kris Allen won American Idol in 2009 he was the talk of the town.

Now, a year later things are still looking up for Kris. With his first single “Live Like We Are Dying” automatically becoming a billboard hit, his new single with Train’s Pat Monahan “The Truth” debuting strong, and touring all over the world, it seems Allen has the world in his hands. When Broken Records talked to Kris, he let us in on his life since his big Idol win.

Q&A

So Kris, when you released your first single “Live Like We’re Dying” it quickly became popular and it sends an amazing message. What went trough your mind the first time you performed that song?

Honestly, I was so nervous.

It’s hard to make that song sound good live because there is an overlap in the vocals. I was really just focusing on getting through it and making it sound good.

Now you’re newest single, “The Truth” just came out as a duet with Train’s Pat Monahan. However the album version is just you singing.

What made you decide to alter it like that? Also when can fans expect to see the music video?

Well it was the label’s idea for obvious reasons. Pat

actually wrote that song and Train is doing really well right now so why not? As for the music video, I’m really excited because we just finished shooting so really, really soon!

every time. Most times, it’s my wife, my friends, or my fans.

Are there any other duets that you are working on or would like to in the future?

The food in all the different places. I love food. Also, it’s really cool to meet the fans and experience them full range. I feel so blessed.

I mean, there aren’t any in particular. If anybody has a cool idea, come find me!

Is there a sophomore album in the works?

Yes! I’ve been writing and stuff but really haven’t gotten to the studio yet. I can’t say an exact date but hopefully soon.

When you are writing, what gives you inspiration?

So you’ve been on tour for a couple of months now, what is the best thing about being on tour in your opinion?

Since you already won American Idol, are there any other goals you would like to accomplish?

Musically, I want to win a Grammy. I think that is every artist’s dream and I really think I can do it. ayla O’neill

Interview by K

For me, it’s really different 57

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Q&A

SS

Secondhand Serenade Interview with John Vesely

by Arin Segal

Q&A

You have a new album coming out in early August, where does the inspiration for that come from?

It’s a little bit different from my previous albums. I mean my last two albums were very relationship based and dealt with that kind of stuff.

This one is a lot more self reflective and it’s more about me dealing with some of the bad decisions that I’ve made in the past and owning up to them finally. I kind of swept them under the rug for a while and now I’m facing them .In a way it’s kind of a therapeutic thing for me.

It deals with discovering why I’m really doing what I’m doing.

What would you say your favorite song off the album would be?

That’s a really difficult question.

There are a lot of different

songs off the album, but as far as how they turned out I think my favorite is possibly Hear Me Now, the title track. I just think it’s a really cool song. I got to produce that song as well as Something More and You and I, and I just had a lot of fun experimenting on that song. It was just a really cool experience for me.

Is there a tour planned for the album?

Absolutely! We are leaving on July 17th actually and going out with White Tie Affair and Runner, Runner. We ‘re going to be playing six of the new songs.

How do you connect with fans?

I personally connect with fans in every way possible! I’m always out with fans at shows walking

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around and watching other bands play before me. I always come back afterwards to sign autographs and take pictures. As far as off the tour, I’m always on Twitter and Facebook. I’m like a junkie as far as that goes, not because I’m addicted to tweeting and that stuff, but more because I started out as an online artist that got all my fans through MySpace. You form a relationship with fans and I don’t want to lose that because they are my army and it’s really important to keep that and nurture it.

What social networks can people find you on?

I do Facebook, MySpace, Imeem, Twitter and there are a bunch that are on my web site that my label runs.

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Q&A

MATT WHITE is a G O O D C R A Z Y

On September 14th, Matt White is looking for something special with the release of his second album, It’s A Good Crazy. This is more like an official coming out party. After a tremendous underground internet buzz he received from his first effort, Best Days, Matt is looking to bring the Piano-man back. Resurrecting the showmanship of Jerry Lee Lewis and the intricate skills of famous pianists Billy Joel and Elton John, you’re getting a throwback artist with a modern twist. Matt spoke to us about his days at Geffen, his two albums, why his music is like therapy and the label move that led to Woodstock and a re-birth of an artist.

Q&A

I understand you have had a love for the piano since you were very young. Your influences are noticed in your latest album. Tell us about that. For me growing up, I was always a fan of Jerry Lee Lewis and Elton John, definitely the piano man kind of set. The piano is different to me. It’s darker than the electric guitar.

Piano was the first instrument that I started my whole life with. I wanted to go back to that. I tried to do this record more along those lines.

What should we expect on this album? The majority of the album is an old-school, very organic approach. I kind of wanted a little more quirky, topical kind of songs on the album. Everyone here says one of the taglines of my life is “He’s crazy. She’s crazy” and that’s how the album came about.

It is said the difference between the first and second effort usually is quite great. Is that so with you? The first record was with Geffen records. Geffen was a great experience. I’ve been with them a long time. I made a lot of friends and learned a lot. You know, a lot of those songs were written out of college. It’s a different tone. The first BrokenRecordsOnline.com

record was more for the pop market.

This one is for the people writing that the music industry is over. I wanted to make something I personally love.

I love my first album don’t get me wrong, but I’m a fan of the throaty recording. Take any Beatles song, Led Zeppelin, any format whether it’s an MP3 or wave file, it’s better than any closet music made currently in my opinion. So that’s what I wanted to go for. Let players play. If there are mistakes, let them be heard. That was my approach I understand that you like using analog. Why in particular? To record the song that made me want to be a musician, I felt I had to study it live. As kids growing up, everyone liked sports, I liked music. I wanted to see if I could do it the way they made the old records. I wanted to see if I could make it as contemporary sounding as possible.

It is said your music is like going to therapy, please explain that.

Yeah, any kind of an artistic thingexpressive life, growing up in New York and people go to therapythat and being in your 20’s. This compulsion to want to get married and have kids, people are freaking

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out. Almost a dialogue but there’s people mostly trying to set kids up.

With this and that, a set of therapy to create, I bring that out in my music.

You were listed by Billboard as getting 400,000 downloads. Is that an affirmation of the power of the internet? Yes. Getting your stuff in movies and shows, from what I’ve seen is the best way to build a groundswell. Radio is so difficult and so competitive and it’s just getting your music out. The other ways TV, movies, something that saved my career- it’s easy with computer. I take it over the radio every time.

What does the future hold for Matt White? My hopes are to build enough of a foundation from this record to take it to the next level. The power of the internet, it’s something that touches people. My favorite song “Take on Water” is getting around much more. The first album made people live it more. This one, more people are coming out of the woodwork. It’s an everyday story.

“Heart and Soul.

Interview by Luis Vasquez

PAUL GILBERT

though-my instrumental music has had a really good response outside of Japan, where Japan tends to prefer my vocal music. Either way, I can never control how people will respond to the music. I can only do what I love and hope that other people will dig it too.

You are widely known for your very entertaining and informative guitar instructional videos. Can we expect a teaching video for “Fuzz Universe” as you did with your previous instrumental albums? I put a lot of work into planning those videos, so I’m just trying to find time to do it.

I’m really proud of the guitar parts on this album, so I’m excited to show everyone the details. I’ve already seen a few people trying to play the song “Fuzz Universe” on YouTube. All the people have done a surprisingly good job at figuring out the fast parts, but so far no one has gotten the chords right! I can’t wait to show that on the DVD, so people can start using the right chords.

Q&A

By Joe Penacchio

Somehow the older I get, the more the barriers between musical styles fall away. It’s a little scary because there is a lot of music that I couldn’t stand when I was a kid that I love now. I think I used to care a lot more about the texture of the instruments. If the guitar had a clean sound I would immediately categorize it as “wimpy.”

Now, I mainly listen for the structure of the chords and the melody. If those are good, I tend to the like the song no matter what kind of texture or arrangement it has. Sometimes I worry because I think the music that I listen to is so different than what my fans would like. I love Bulgarian Women’s Choir music, Lute music by Silvius Weiss, ballads from Melody Gardot and Justin Currie, Johnny Cash folk songs, B.B. King and Muddy Waters blues music, and all the arty pop music from the 60’s and 70’s from The Beatles and Beach Boys, to Pilot and The Partridge Family. I somehow squeeze all these influences through my heavy metal fingers and out comes something that appeals to Death Metal guys. I just hope that I can still have some appeal to the blues, pop, rock, and classical people too. That’s where I come from.

Q&A

Your new solo album “Fuzz Universe” is your third instrumental album since 2006’s “Get Out of My Yard.” How would you say this album differs from the others? “Fuzz Universe” is my 2010 celebration of how much I love the guitar. I tried to take the thing that I am best known for, which is fast and heavy guitar playing, and use that as a vehicle to explore all of the music that I like. I think the songs on this record are very different then what you will find on a typical guitar instrumental album, and I’m very happy about that. For example, I used a lot of minor-7 (flat-5) chords, which are much more common in jazz or pop music. I love this chord and I wish heavy metal guitar players would use it more often. So it’s my mission to open the ears of the guitar fans to a sound that might be new to them, and to give the music some more sophistication even though the band and I are bashing away at our instruments like cavemen.

The album was released in Japan sooner than in the states…how does the market differ out there compared to the US? Japan really embraced Mr. Big when we first toured there, and I’ve been fortunate to have success there ever since. It’s funny

Your last solo album, “United States,” featured singer Freddie Nelson, who at some instances, sounds remarkably like Freddie Mercury...How did you hook up with him and will we hear him again in the future? Freddie and I are both from the same area of Pennsylvania.

I moved to L.A. when I was 17, so I never got a chance to work with him until recently. I’m sure if I would have stayed in Pennsylvania we would have formed a killer band much earlier. I hope we can do more together in the future.

It’s just a matter of finding the time.

All of your projects are very diverse musically, how do you go from one style to the next? Is it an easy transition for you or do you have to be in a certain frame of mind for each style? The secret is to love the music.

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Within the last couple of years you have reunited with one of your previous bands Mr. Big. How does it feel to be back on stage with all those guys and can we look forward to some new material? The reunion tour last year turned out great. We played sold out shows all through Japan, Europe, and Asia, and best of all, we got along really well and enjoyed every second. We definitely want to do more touring, so right now we’re working on a new album so we’ll have some killer new songs to play.

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