Volume 2/Issue 6 by Broken Records Magazine

Broken Records Magazine

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Broken Records Magazine

‘‘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 6

December 2010

FEATURES 40

40 SLASH Former G’n’R Guitar God Releases his Deluxe Edition

28 Black Country Communion The Next Big SuperGroup

46 Big time Rush Q&A with the Nickelodeon Pop Group 37 tommy lee Sex, Drugs and Mayhem

50 2 times taylor Taylor Swift Speaks Now during her NBC Taping 32 Randy Houser Call Him Cadillac

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

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Departments Warm Ups

Main Support

Headliners

A Thousand Words 44 Q

Live Reviews

REVIEWS

Cover photo by: Scott Vollweiler. Design By Robin Hadfield

Executive Managing Editor/ Photos/Writer: Ray White Editor/Writer: Justin Sarachik Assistant Graphic Coordinator: Paul Seach Staff: Kristin Tully Gerard Ucelli Markos Papadatos Kayla Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill Luis Vazquez Megan Messana Alaura Christine Arin Segal Jill Bednar Matt Ryan Greg Rothberg Laura Bo Pat Slyman Jennifer Leeflang Olivia Harrington Peter Tartaglione Joe Pennachio Laura Desantis-Olsson Mike Camp Intern: Mariann Guadagnino Broken Records Magazine is published by Broken Records Publishing. Broken Records Magazine and all its subsidiary companies are governed under state law. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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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It’s not easy for any band to get far in the music business, but coming from the small town of Anchorage, Alaska didn’t make it any easier for Static Cycle. Guitarist Josh Witham says that “although Alaska has a decent amount of good bands, it’s difficult to get out in the music scene since touring is nearly impossible. Not being near any states makes it hard for most bands to leave Alaska at all, especially financially.” Josh, originally from California, met singer Jared Navarre in 2005 through Josh’s wife. The two came from different music backgrounds; Jared from a softer one and Josh more familiar with hard rock. It took the two almost a year to work through songs together before deciding on a sound somewhere in between their two musical backgrounds. Years later they found drummer Dennis Smith, and soon after, recorded their first album. The band is currently under their own label, Black Records, and has been since the beginning. Josh says that the

band isn’t currently looking to sign with a major label for fear of losing control of their music and since the music industry isn’t very stable at the moment. The band performed quite often in the beginning but according to Josh didn’t want to “oversaturate Anchorage,” and now play fewer, larger shows. Static Cycle got their name out in the music

scene by leaving Alaska and touring, since staying in such a desolate place would have made it hard for them to become popular a n y w h e r e else. They plan to tour again in 2011 all over the United States, as difficult as it may be for an Alaskan band to do so.

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Apocalyptica:

Taking Over the Globe...One Cello at a Time

Countless mainstream metal bands such as All By Terri Caputo That Remains, As I Lay Dying, Bullet For My Valentine, and August Burns Red usually consist of fast paced drummers, a bassist, two guitarists, a singer or screamer, and the occasional keyboard or synth player. As far as conventional bands go, Apocalyptica is far from the norm. Cellists Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, Max ™ Lilja, and Antero Manninen formed Apocalyptica in Helsinki, Finland in 1993 with the original intent to be a Metallica tribute band. After their first public appearance in 1994, the media convinced the band to do an album with the cover songs they played live, and they succeeded; over one million copies of Plays Metallica by Four Cellos were sold. Since then, Apocalyptica has written original songs and LPs and has featured many guest musicians on them. They’ve worked with Ville Valo of HIM, Lauri Print Ylönen of The Rasmus, Corey Taylor of Slipknot, and Dave Lombardo of Slayer. Whether these appearances were what drove the band to fame, no one knows. “[We had] no idea,” current drummer Mikko Sirén said about the ever-growing popularity of Apocalyptica across the globe. “We didn’t plan it.” Most of the musicians that the Finnish guys have worked with came up to them at Postage Click festivals or contacted them personally, saying they liked the band and wanted to collaborate. On their latest effort, 7th Symphony, Gavin Rossdale Print official U.S. postage right of Bush, Joseph Duplantier of Gojira, Lacey Mosley of from your PC and printer. Flyleaf and Brent Smith of Shinedown were all featured. 4Never go to the Post Office™ again! When asked about the newest album, Sirén spoke about how the writing of this album was different than their past 4Print exact postage and address in one step. albums. Before Symphony’s release, the band was on a 4The fastest, easiest way to send letters and packages. two and a half yearlong tour and was not very prepared; 4Save up to 80% compared to a postage meter. most of the tracks were arranged during recording. When talking about the album artwork, Sirén said he wanted it to be “dark, dangerous, but [also] beautiful, fragile and romantic.” 4-week trial plus Recently the band has cancelled all shows in the United States, because one of the members was really sick. All shows will be postponed, including a show at Starland Ballroom on March 17th, 2011 with opening act Process of Fusion. Mikko hopes to see more of a response To get the offer, you MUST to Apocalyptica’s music in the states, because “[most enter the promo code print263 people have] no idea what the band is about. [Hopefully they will think] we’re something good to see.”

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By: M Runner Runner’s biggest musical influences include Elvis Costello, the Killers, Goo Goo Dolls and Lady Gaga. The band notes “their love for New York and they are very excited about every chance of performing here.” Their proudest professional moments include hearing their song on the radio, signing a major record deal, and appearing on national television such as David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel. On being part of David Letterman’s show, the band remarks “it’s a surreal and amazing feeling, as well as a dream come true.” Runner Runner’s label is EMI Music which houses artists such as Katy Perry. The band remarks “it’s amazing to have the support that we have from our record label.” The band shares their admiration for Katy Perry and hopes to play some shows with her in the near future.

The band feels privileged that their hit song “So Obvious,” is heard on the radio all over the country, as well as seeing their fans react to it. It is the first track off their debut album which is expected to come out soon. Their song selection for the album was a “very tough process, especially narrowing down sixty songs to twelve.” The hardest aspect of their job is traveling, living out of a suitcase, as well as being away from family. In the future, Runner Runner would like to collaborate with Jason DeRulo, Bruno Mars, Brandon Flowers from the Killers, Ryan Tedder from One Republic, Adam Levine, and Bryan Adams. Runner Runner’s plans for the future include “touring, working on songs, making new fans, traveling out on the road,

having fun and living our dreams.” For hopefuls who wish to get their big break in the music business, Runner Runner recommends they “stay passionate, driven and don’t give up on what you want to do. Everything is possible. Keep that in mind. It might take work and it might take time. Nothing’s going to happen overnight. If you believe, then others will too.” In their spare time, they “hang out on their Facebook page since they love to hear from their fans everyday.” For Runner Runner success means “redefining the word success. If you do that, then you’ve reached a goal; time for a new one.” For their fans, the band concludes “thank you for supporting us. Without you guys there is no Runner Runner. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts just for being there.”

Broken Records Magazine

In the music industry today, most music is broken up into genres. But some bands, rather then let others classify their music, make their own rules, and let their fans call it what they want. In 2007, Island Records signed a deal with a band called Ludo from St. Louis, Missouri. Since then, Ludo has made a large impact on the music scene with their unique mix of punk inspired music infused with comical lyrics that you would not usually hear being sung from the driver in the car next to you who happens to have the windows down. Getting the chance to speak with Tim Convy, who plays synthesizer as well as providing backing vocals for the band, was just as interesting, and at times about funny as listening to one of their songs. Convy filled me in on the bands journey thus far. They have all been friends since High School . However, each played in a different band until they eventually decided to all come together and form what we know as Ludo. Deriving it’s name from a character in the film Labyrinth, Ludo began playing wherever and whenever they could, funding themselves independently. This includes their first two albums, Ludo and Broken Bride. Their break came in 2007 when they caught the eye of Island Records. Since being signed, they have released two more albums, You’re Awful, I Love You, which contained the hit single “Love Me Dead”; and most recently, they released their newest album Prepare the Preparations, which went on sale in September and contains “Whipped Cream”, the critically acclaimed hit song that has been turning heads since its release. “Whipped Cream” has been given more praise than just plays on the radio. The video has been featured on Will Ferrell’s website entitled “Funny Or Die”, and Ludo has been enjoying some success which includes performing on the Jay Leno Show, and touring with such bands as Relient K, The Spill Canvas, and The Presidents of the United States of America. They have also ben featured on popular tours including Warped Tour. When I asked Convy about the genius behind “Whipped Cream”, BrokenRecordsOnline.com

he said “Whipped Cream is something we just fell into. Since the beginning, we’ve just been going with what works, what feels good. Whipped Cream started out as an idea, then we hit the studio and just went with what seemed to work.” I then asked Convy if this theme of comedy is something they purposely aim for. He said, “Every band has their thing, their style, whatever it is that makes them original. Not that we’re purposely aiming to be different, but what we have been recording just feels right, and definitely has worked thus far. So if you want to call it comedy, alternative rock, power pop, or whatever; the point is that it is working and we’re having fun, which is what it is all about, right?” Ludo is coming off the promotional tour following their most recent album, Prepare the Preparations, which was released on September 7th. Convy has defined the experience thus far as “a great new experience, it is definitely a major change since our independent days, and definitely a change for the better.” Convy would not comment directly if they had yet begun to work on their new album, but instead said, “I would be very, very surprised if Ludo did not release another album.”

By Pat Slyman

Broken Records Magazine

Jordan Corey by Megan Messana Growing up in a small town in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, Jordan Corey wasn’t constantly surrounded by the same eclectic music scene that took place in larger cities. Combined with her unbelievable shyness as a child, it seems almost impossible that this girl would grow up to become a famous singer. But between the musical theater her mother forced her into in the third grade and the classical piano she played for six years, Jordan eventually found her voice and her place At just 16 years Josh Golden old, Josh Golden is already making an impact on the music scene. He has been strumming on the guitar since he was only 10 and really got serious about music when he was 12. Even though Josh has been touring nonstop, that hasn’t stopped him from getting an education from being home schooled and writing new music. He also makes new Youtube videos while on tour to stay connected with his fans. You may be familiar with Josh’s “Miley Come Back” Youtube video that he made for Miley Cyrus when she deleted her twitter page, which he filmed with his dad in a New York City hotel room. After finishing his schooling, Josh plans on chasing his dream of doing music forever. One of his biggest dreams would be to share the stage and tour with one of his biggest inspirations, John Mayer. Josh’s next plan is to make his first music video for his new single “Mary Go Round” which he just released on Myspace because his

in the music industry. In August 2009 she began independently recording her EP Truth, with the help of various songwriters and producers. One year later, her album is out and drawing attention. When the decision came to record independently, it seems like there wasn’t much of a decision to be made. She prefers to be hands on with her own music, and at the time of recording Truth wanted to see just how far she could go on her own. She says that although it would have probably been easier to record under a label, since there would have been less work for her to do, she still enjoyed recording independently. Corey wants to sign with someone in the near future and is talking to different labels at the moment, but is also currently using social media networks such as Myspace, Facebook and Twitter to build a fan base and spread her music. While doing a studio recording was fun for Jordan, she still loves and prefers performing live, and wants to do an acoustic album at some point. She says that all her moments on stage are memorable, and her audience is what makes it special. Jordan has a strong love for her fans, and hopes to become an artist that they love and is just as memorable to them and they are to her. fans got him to 14,000 followers on twitter. Josh says that his new album reflects on him growing up a bit and being more mature and him finding out who he is. Josh also loves playing back at home in St. Louis as he finds that as his comfort zone, but he loves playing on the road as well, so he can see new places and travel the world. If you are planning on seeing Josh play live, he says to be prepared to have the best time ever. If you want to meet Josh, all you have to do is hang out after the show as he always signs autographs and take pictures with his fans. Josh wants to thank all his fans for being the best. Check out Josh Golden on his Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter page for all the upcoming tour and album information.

by Greg Rothberg Follow Us On Twitter @BrokenRecordMag

Broken Records Magazine

Egypt Central is hitting the music scene hard, and they have no plans of turning back. Getting their name from a street that runs through the hood of Memphis, Tennessee, the five members of Egypt Central chose their name so that they would always be reminded of their roots and where they came from. They won’t let the industry or anything else in life change them. The band loves playing at home in Memphis for the fans who have stuck with them for almost a decade. If you’re not from Memphis, you can still check Egypt Central out while they are touring with Non Point. They have been writing a lot of new material on this tour, and they are ready to hit the studio and record their new album which comes out early next year. Egypt Central has put so much hard work into writing that John Falls, vocalist, believes the sky is the limit for their future. Falls says they are ready for that second level of success. After their new album

drops, you can get another chance to see them perform live as they will be back on tour. Falls explained their live shows are their secret weapon. This is where the guys can really go crazy and take out all of their aggression. He also said if people like an energetic show, then they should definitely check out Egypt Central live. You never know what you may see at a live show; from Joey Chicago playing his bass with a fan’s prosthetic leg to Blake Allison climbing up onto a balcony and jumping off into a hotel pool. If you have ever heard of Egypt Central before, it may have been from seeing them perform at the Family Values Tour, at Ozzfest, or even live on Monday Night Raw. Egypt Central’s music has also been featured in WWE video games and Stone Cold Steve Austin’s

movie “The Condemned”. Even though Egypt Central have gained many fans over the years, Falls wants to thank each and every one of them for sticking with them and being patient while waiting on the new music that will be out by early next year. The guys from Egypt Central are very excited about the new music, more touring, and spending time with their fans.

UK pop/indie band Graffiti6 took a trip overseas to promote their new single “Stare into the Sun” off of their upcoming album COLOURS, set to hit shelves in America the latter half of 2011. Already featured in Grey’s Anatomy’s season premiere on September 23rd, “Stare into the Sun” is promising to be a smash single.

Gaining critical acclaim by England’s famed newspaper, the Guardian, calling them “New Band Of The Day” the band looks to spread that acclaim to the States and wherever else their music can be heard. Graffiti6 consists of: Jamie Scott, a singer/songwriter/actor who has opened up with Kelly Clarkson and Alicia Keys, and TommyD, a producer and DJ who has worked with countless acts in the industry like Kanye West and Jay-Z. The two of them initially paired together for collaborative purposes after a recommendation. After a period of fun experimentation they realized there was something more. Scott described the music as “Psychedelical northern folk with rock influence.” So save your comparisons because the album

ranges from the soft tones of Maroon 5 to a hip-hop techno infused beats with more aggressive vocals over it. When asked about G6’s reception differences between America and the UK Scott says, “The U.S. surprisingly embraced it, and in Europeeverywhere we went was packed.” Scott says Graffiti6 will do well in America because of the success of older folk artists like James Taylor and Neil Young. So what lies next in the immediate future for Graffiti6? We are going to be starting our European tour, and then we are coming back in January to conquer America!” he exclaimed. “But seriously, we have a passion to come to America and play,” he said. So be on the lookout for Graffiti6, as they try to “conquer” America and become the next big thing.

BrokenRecordsOnline.com

by Greg Rothberg

by Justin Sarachik

How do you think this album is different from the previous two albums you have released? Funny thing is some people don’t realize that our last album came out in 2005...90% of our last album was recorded in 2003. So it’s been a really long time since we sat in a studio and made a record. It’s a long time and people change their musical influences. I would say that it’s still Trust Company, it’s still us and over that period of time your going to change, your going to mature and we have different influences. Some of those influences will reflect on this album, but I think it’s still us. If you liked the first two records, you’re going to like this album ‘cause it’s still us. What’s the release date of the new album? The release date of the album is February 8, 2011. How does it feel to have the band back together after being on hiatus for the past five years? It feels good. We’ve actually been back together longer than people realize. I think the first time we started playing together again was mid 2007. We were on hiatus for about a year and a half. When we got back together we didn’t announce it. We wrote songs, we did some touring in 2008. We weren’t going to announce that we were back; we kinda got kicked around by the big machine. No one was enjoying writing music anymore so we just stopped and now we wanted to take a lot of time to enjoy the music. Do you have any advice for aspiring young teenagers who want to become musicians? That’s funny cause our drummer Jason and I were just talking about this recently about our journey when we came up and what we did. Two things stuck out to us-there were bands that were around for 2 or 3 months but Jason and I have been together for 17 years now. It’s hard for all 4 guys to stay together and have the same vision. That’s the first hurdle. The next thing is just putting the work in. Before we were signed, we used to play every single weekend. We are from Alabama, so every weekend we would play Tennessee, Florida, and Georgia. We were playing just to get our name out there and then when we were playing with bands we would talk to them and connect with them and exchange emails or numbers and then you’d play with them. You play wherever you can, make every connection that you can.

Frustrated by the music industry, and longing to expose his craft, rapper X Parallel is stepping out into uncharted territory. Being shelved by his record label for almost two years, X grew increasingly impatient at the prospect of not releasing music. He decided it was time to take action. X dropped all ties to the mainstreaam industry world, and even created a new music world for himself. X set out to be a secret rapper by becoming anonymous. Now here he is, sprouting up out of nowhere, all signs of the past gone. The music world doesn’t know who he is, and neither do most of his family and personal friends. Picking the moniker “X Parallel” really stands for “X” as in unknown, coming to form an “Unknown Parallel”. “Trying to pitch the idea to record labels wasn’t very easy,” X states. However, Mike Russell of Say It Loud Records was listening, and gambled on an intriguing situation. After signing, X needed to find producers willing to work with him and work on his terms. X found Trae Sevn, and went to work on his debut mixtape The Symbol, released September 14 with the single “The Symbol”. X said his hip-hop influences consist of some heavy hitter emcee legends like: Big Daddy Kane, KRS One, and Rakim. This is what makes X a breath of fresh air in the hip-hop community. Taking cue from his heroes, X is most proud of his storytelling ability and always conscious raps as an emcee. “Even though I am a different persona now, I’ve always being an intelligent rapper,” he says. X goes on to say “I’m even more underground now. I changed up the way I rhyme and my voice a little, but I’m still the same artist.” X knows the challenges ahead of him in his quest for anonymity. Everyone move has to be planned out perfectly, but he says it keeps him on his game. X is all ready discussing plans to perform live with his team. “X Parallel is a way to push the creative envelope and share a story,” he says. “I have to convey my message without preaching. All eyes are on me and I have to deliver through my character.” When asked how he thinks “X Parallel” will change by Sal Spurge the industry he replied, “Music is getting worse. The top 40 you hear is microwave fast food music. The underground is changing and conscious rap is rising.” “What I had to do was out of necessity. I wish I could be out there and work it out, but it is not so. Now I have the Internet as my venue to focus my art. I’m independent and unidentified, hopefully that will create enough of an interest.” -Justin Sarachik

TRUST COMPANY

X MARKS THE SPOT FOR X PARALLEL

Broken Records Magazine

DIRECTV has more of what you want to watch! Coming from Kansas City, MO, Jimmy Allen calls himself a redneck who was completely awestruck by Hollywood when he first moved there. He compares the city to Hell, saying that everything you see is so beautiful and amazing but it’s all completely unattainable. He talks about how Los Angeles is a completely different world, and even though he has an apartment there he still considers Missouri his home. Allen began forming Against All Will a few years back, and ended up creating a hybrid of several bands. After his time with Puddle of Mudd, Allen played with several musicians but never made any band commitments. When it came time to form Against All Will, the band mates came together through word of mouth and association instead of auditions. In regards to choosing the final lineup, Allen says that it “just felt right,” and the guys that ended up being in the band all had the same goals in mind and wanted to focus 100% on it. The label the band is signed with is an independent one that Allen and his manager formed, which was originally intended to be a joke but turned out to get their single in the top of the charts. The band will eventually sign with a major label, but thinks they’re doing fine on their own right now. Allen loves playing music, whether it’s in the studio or on tour, and wants to keep playing shows and putting out albums for as long as he can. Once he can’t, he says, he wants to write a book about all the chaos and adventures he and the band have gone through in Hollywood. Until then, keep an ear out for the next Against All Will single, which Allen hopes will be out soon.

-By Megan Messana

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°24-MO. LEASE AGREEMENT: Must maintain 24 consecutive months of any DIRECTV base programming package ($29.99/mo. or above) or qualifying international services bundle. FAILURE TO ACTIVATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EQUIPMENT LEASE ADDENDUM MAY RESULT IN A CHARGE OF $150 PER RECEIVER. IF SERVICE IS TERMINATED EARLY, A CANCELLATION FEE OF $20/MONTH REMAINING WILL APPLY. ALL EQUIPMENT IS LEASED AND MUST BE RETURNED TO DIRECTV UPON CANCELLATION, OR UNRETURNED EQUIPMENT FEES APPLY. VISIT directv.com OR CALL 1-800-DIRECTV FOR DETAILS. RECEIVER UPGRADES: Second advanced receiver offer requires activation of an HD DVR as the first free receiver upgrade and subscription to Whole-Home DVR service. Advanced receiver instant rebate requires activation of the CHOICE XTRA package or above; MAS ULTRA or above (or for DVR receiver, OPTIMO MÁS Package or above); Jadeworld; or any qualifying international service bundle, which shall include the PREFERRED CHOICE programming package (valued at $38.99/mo.). Additional advanced receiver upgrades available for a charge. INSTALLATION: Standard professional installation only. Custom installation extra. ^BILL CREDIT/PROGRAMMING OFFER: Free SHOWTIME for 3 months, a value of $38.97. Free Starz and SHOWTIME for 3 months, a value of $72. LIMIT ONE PROGRAMMING OFFER PER ACCOUNT. Account must be in “good standing,” as determined by DIRECTV in its sole discretion, to remain eligible. IF BY THE END OF PROMOTIONAL PRICE PERIOD(S) CUSTOMER DOES NOT CONTACT DIRECTV TO CHANGE SERVICE THEN ALL SERVICES WILL AUTOMATICALLY CONTINUE AT THE THEN-PREVAILING RATES INCLUDING THE $5/MO. LEASE FEE FOR THE 2ND AND EACH ADDITIONAL RECEIVER. †FREE HD OFFER: Includes access to HD Channels associated with your programming package. Number and type of HD channels based on package selection. To be eligible for Free HD you must activate and maintain the CHOICE XTRA package or higher, plus enrollment in Auto Bill Pay. Also requires at least one (1) HD Receiver and activation of HD Access. In certain markets, programming/pricing may vary. *DIRECTV® Whole-Home DVR service: Limit one remote viewing per HD DVR at a time. DIRECTV Whole-Home DVR service requires a DIRECTV Plus HD DVR, a Whole-Home-enabled HD Receiver for each additional TV, HD Access ($10/mo.), DVR service ($7/mo) and Whole-Home DVR service ($3/mo). For more information, visit directv.com/wholehome. ‡To access DIRECTV HD programming, an HD Access fee ($10/mo.) and HD television equipment are required. Number of HD channels varies by package selected. Programming, pricing, terms and conditions subject to change at any time. Pricing residential. Taxes not included. Receipt of DIRECTV programming subject to DIRECTV Customer Agreement; copy provided at directv.com/legal and in first bill. PHOTO CREDITS: The Penguins of Madagascar © 2010 Viacom International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. SHOWTIME and related marks are registered trademarks of SHOWTIME Networks Inc., a CBS Company. All Rights Reserved. ©2010 DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo, FAMILY and CHOICE XTRA are trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

THE DANCE Y T R PA “The Dance Party is a Mother F**ker” “The Dance Party is my life right now. My life.” “The Dance Party is my cross to bear” “The Dance party is a super sex robot from the future come back to save us all.” And thus began a wild night with one of DC’s craziest, glam-rock inspired, power-pop with punch, get-busymoving-or-busy-dying bands. Indeed, they may be DC’s only one. It’s hard to find another group like The Dance Party, who when asked to describe their sound came up with the answers above. But their music cuts both ways. Focus too much on their party image and you lose some of their wit and intelligence; spend too much time analyzing their motives and you’ll probably get trampled by the crowd of wild dancers. Of course, if TDP have it their way, you’ll be dancing too. The Dance Party began with school friends Mick Coogan (Vocals) and Kevin Bayly (Guitar). “We were messing around for a couple of years, drinking beers… playing parties,” says Bayly. Although a newer addition to the band, drummer Jon Jester quickly chimes in, “They built an amazing local fan base and home crowd that for a band that was started as a party, rough around the edges [type of band], it’s amazing.” And Jester’s words aren’t just lip service. The night was checkered with frantic negotiations with the venue as more and more people attempted to add themselves to the guest list or tried to come up and chat with the band. Despite this accomplishment the band remained humble, “You know, we want to make try and make everyone happy. It’s our friends, our family, our fans. We want everyone to have a good time.” It is no wonder that people were loyally pursuing the show; it marked the band’s triumphant return since heading to California to record their new album, “Touch.” The infectious pop-laden tracks, like their single ‘Sasha Don’t Sleep”, boast collaborations with the likes of Justin Hawkins (The Darkness), David Paich (Toto) and Scott Schriner (Weezer) along with a seeming surplus of other hard-hitters. Tales of their life during their recording days mirror the iconic, hedonistic 80s-rock music by which they are so influenced. Crazy parties, crazy times and even ‘Crazy Girls’, a strip club where they took up residency and

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quickly began playing to a sold-out crowd. “People were actually there to see us, which is kind of amazing when you think of who you’re sharing the stage with.” With ties to a strip club, the topic of pleasure is far from foreign to the guys; in fact it’s what they aim to do. “There is no such thing as guilty pleasures when it comes to music. What is ‘serious pleasures’? I mean, I don’t think we feel guilty about much, to be honest with you. That’s one thing with our band, we’re like…we’re not ironic,” laughs Coogan. Bassist Dave Kuehl then added, “People are going to play up the fact that we’re party animals, but it should be made clear that we take this very seriously. We’re very tight. We want to win.” Based on the night’s packed h o u s e d performance, the beer and sweat coated dance floor, and the pure exuberance t h a t characterized the audience, it seems The Dance Party may be the newest gold standard for a good time.

Story and Photos by Olivia Harrington Follow Us On Twitter @BrokenRecordMag

Broken Records Magazine

NoaH, Shyheim, and Prodigal Sunn By Justin Sarachik

Noah, Shyheim, and Prodigal Sunn sat down to be interviewed about life, music, and their current project and song “Immortal” off of upcoming album to be released in summer 2011, Five Decades Below. “Immortal” will be released as a single on December 7th. Noah To say that Noah has led a simple life is an understatement. Described by many as the “Urban Rocker” it’s Noah’s roots that give him the unique style of soulful rock and R&B that has rarely been chartered. Starting as a child performer, he trained as a boxer, and then transitioned to freestyle dancer. He won the World Freestyle Break-Dance Championships at 17. From here, record labels were all over him to be packaged as a dance pop act. The next years proved to be frustrating for Noah as he bounced around between bands and labels Suddenly Noah felt it was time for a change, and began studying to be a priest. After wise words of a suggested career change from a mentor priest, he fully dedicated his life to music. He believes in “blessings and the path being laid out for him” which is what he attributes in his encounter with 36 Chambers Studios in meeting Shyheim and Prodigal Sunn. The idea behind the “Immortal” song came from “Life. It is spiritual and answers questions.” The song is a complimentary blend of essential Wu-Tang gritty raps with Noah’s unique booming yet grungy voice. The song is sure to be a splash hit which is evident by the leaked preview which was viewed over 40,000 times in its first 48 hours.

Shyheim Shyheim got his start by being introduced to RZA, who was his neighbor in the Stapleton Projects of Staten Island. From there this 14 year old kid became part of the WuTang family. Signing to Wu-Tang records as a Killa Bee, he was the youngest member at the time. Releasing his debut album, AKA the Rugged Child, Shyheim managed a smash hit in “On and On”. This record allowed him to show off his street smarts and knack for describing his life. “It was very weird; I came from the projects. My fridge had baking soda and water in it. I was on a promotional tour in 9th grade traveling with a tutor. When I came home, there were actually people waiting for me at the air port, I was just a kid. My friends would say, “Shy, we hear you on the radio everyday, you are on MTV too” and I would just laugh because I couldn’t believe it. Concerning the whole project of “Immortal” Shyheim says “It’s weird, because I feel like I’m back when I was a kid. You go through life’s ups and downs and now I’m back. Can I impact the world twice? I don’t know, but this is my first time with a band and I’m high off the freshness.”

Prodigal Sunn Prodigal’s claim to fame was with his early 90’s rap group, the Sunz of Man. Prodigal gets his name from Luke 15:32 of the Bible. The passage speaks about “the prodigal son” who comes back to his father after leaving the family. This name stood more prominent to him because it reflected his own life, “I left home as a child, I didn’t rely on my father. I’ve been on my own since 14, yet when I come home, the most important thing for me is family.” Prodigal Sunn describes his style as “Containing substance. It’s filled with science and Bible references.” That was the kind of sound he was going for both as an emcee alone and within his group. “You can’t make anything up. It’s from the heart and the mind, all real and not fake. We were ahead of our time, and we were so young,” he says. BrokenRecordsOnline.com

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Broken Records Magazine

Bright Lights, Big Hedley:

A Night in

by Laura Bo BrokenRecordsOnline.com

New York

Broken Records Magazine

Fans are a key factor in every band’s stimulating bass lines, lively drum beats, and success, and the fans of Hedley will go to great touches of danceable synth parts. The fame and lengths for Jacob Hoggard, Dave Rosin, Tom popularity has not gotten into the heads of Hedley. Macdonald, and Chris Crippin. On a rainy night At the Bowery Ballroom performance Jacob, in October, the Canadian pop-punk group took to Tommy, Dave, and Chris were more than happy the stage of the Bowery Ballroom in New York to meet their fans and chat before and after the City. The crowd was intimate, and filled mostly show. Even with such a busy schedule and little with Canadian fans, some of whom had driven to no down time, Hedley sure knows how to have nine hours to see Hedley rock out. a good time. Drinking beer, and goofing off is the Many Canadian girls would die to have norm for Hedley after a show, chatting with fans, the opportunity to hang with Hedley one on four- telling jokes, and making a ruckus. Who wouldn’t probably the reason why so many fans drove want the life of a rock star? down to see them along their US tour. It gives Touring with Hedley is like a “traveling fans a chance to meet and greet with their favorite circus” said Dave, and somehow they make it rockers. Hedley has gone multi-platinum with work, and stay sane. They have been all over two albums with the third approaching double- Canada, and on both the east and west coast of platinum, and has sold out theatres across Canada. the US. Performing at the 2010 winter Olympics “It’s nice to play at some of the smaller venues in Vancouver was another nice checkpoint for the on the US tour. The fans get a chance for a more band. personal experience.” said Tommy Mac. It was Hedley has formed a family of their own, a pleasure to be a part of that experience with with four guys having a good time, and creating Hedley. Girls would awkwardly run up to the something that people love. The quartet is also band for pictures, autographs, or just to express involved in some charity work and performed at their love and devotion. A girl even mentioned WE day in Vancouver. Earlier in 2010, Hedley that her friend had sworn Tommy Mac was her had the opportunity to visit Kenya with the Free husband. All bands have had their share of crazy the Children organization. They will continue to fan experiences, but Hedley shared a heartfelt raise awareness, and participate, and hopefully story about a family that had driven all the way create more amazing tunes in the future. to Pittsburgh with their autistic Spending a night with Hedley son. The young boy had is a magical experience. True apparently reacted quite well to pop-punk fans should make a the tunes of Hedley, and would point to catch Hedley on their “It’s nice to get up and dance to the fun next tour through the US. It play at some party songs, and would calm will be worth the wait, and down or fall asleep to the more of the smaller there is more than enough melodic tracks. music and videos to hold you venues on The attitudes and energy over until they make it back of the members of Hedley here. Everything you want to the U.S. tour. is clearly expressed in their know about Hedley and more The fans get a albums, but is undeniable in can be found at their websitetheir live performance. It www.hedleyonline.com. If chance for a is impossible to not smile you’re looking for a band more personal and move to the sound of that will make you get up and Hedley. They stay true to the dance, then Hedley is the band experience.” pop-punk sound with catchy for you. hooks, intoxicating guitar riffs,

By Megan Messana Photos by Matt Ryan

Having only been in New York for about ten hours total on the night of their show at Irving Plaza in New York City, Reel Big Fish wasn’t doing anything they hadn’t done before. Coming from Cleveland the night before, the band was already used to constant touring. Singer Aaron Barrett says how touring is “their only job” and they “made it their career to go on tour.” He also says that it has nothing to do with putting out new albums since people, including him, don’t “enjoy new albums.” Aaron says that the band realized early on that their best songs were written when they were teenagers, so they never felt the need to change their sound and put out different songs- if he knew what inspired those songs to begin with then he would write some more, but for now the band’s original music is their best music. Aaron says that getting to play music for a living and being happy with it is how the band kept up such a good image all

these years. Although he thought he’d be rich and flying in a private jet and owning a personal limo, he’s still happy with where they ended up. He has no issue with fans illegally downloading the band’s music because he “wants people to get a hold of their music somehow.” On their new album, The Best of Us for the Rest of Us, he says they felt like re-recording their old songs since they’ve been playing them on tour for years and they knew how to record them better, and it would be fun to rerecord those instead of putting out a completely new album. The band has kept many of the same fans throughout the years but others have joined in over time. And although the amount of crazy, die-hard fans has decreased, they still manage to play sold out shows constantly. Reel Big Fish has sold out almost every show they’ve played in New York within the past ten years, which goes to show that new albums being put out are not a surefire way to gain fans. Aaron

says that although ska music isn’t big on the radio today, the ska scene is constantly growing and both new and old fans come to their shows no matter where they play, whether it be in the states or most recently, other countries. They began touring in Eastern Europe in 2001 and soon included Japan, which he says is just as fun as playing in America. Most of the band, including Aaron, still lives in California where the band originated. He says that Orange Country had a big punk rock scene back when he was growing up, with bands such as Sublime and No Doubt just starting out. He decided to get into ska as opposed to any other genre because not only did he really enjoy horns in music, but ska was a genre that could really incorporate several different types of sounds, such as punk and metal and reggae. He never really considered getting into a

“We need to put out a new album every few years to show people why the old songs are better.”

Broken Records Magazine different genre because being in a ska band let him experience several genres at once. The band plans to put out a new album next year, even though they anticipate fans won’t be too fond of it. Either way, he says “we need to put out a new album every few years to show people why the old songs are better.” After being together for over a decade, Aaron enjoys touring now more than he did years back because the lineup of the band now seems to be working better. Reel Big Fish had changed members constantly, but have finally found a group that gets along and works together to do what they all want to do, which is play music for their fans and have a sh*tload of fun doing it.

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Ed Kowalczyk

“Alive”... Now More Than Ever

By Pat Slyman

Broken Records Magazine

One of the many thrills of being in this business is the guarantee that every day holds the unexpected. This held especially true for me throughout my recent contact with Ed Kowalczyk. Having spoken to his publicist, I knew to expect a call from Kowalczyk. Ironically, this call came while I was driving on the Goethels Bridge. Too add even more irony is the fact that I was on my way to Starland Ballroom in New Jersey to shoot the Counting Crows performance. Being extremely apologetic, I picked up the phone and explained to Ed the circumstances, he completely understood and promised we’d speak again soon. It did not dawn on me until I hung up the phone that Ed Kowalczyk had just called me personally, and I basically blew him off. Trying to keep my composure, I promised Ed that would not be the last time we spoke. Thankfully it wasn’t, but it seemed karma was right there to get me. Conflicting schedules prevented us from speaking again for longer than we both had expected. But then, a new hope came my way, as Kowalczyk’s publicist got in touch with Broken Records Magazine, with the news that Ed was playing a show in New York City and would be glad to meet me face to face. What seemed to be a burden that would stick with me forever, as I blew off a phone interview with a superstar, turned into a blessing, as I got more than that. I got to meet Ed face to face and have a sit down interview, exclusively for Broken Records. At a small venue in New York City, the York Pennsylvania native had just finished up his sound check before taking a quick break just before heading out to one of his last U.S performances on his current world tour, promoting his new BrokenRecordsOnline.com

solo album titled “Alive”. This is entire life, and in the process has nothing new for Kowalczyk, having developed his own signature style been in active bands since age 11, Although we all know and love achieving the majority of his success this style, everything comes from with one of the greatest bands of something, which brought me to ask the 90’s, Live. After achieving Kowalczyk who may have inspired worldwide commercial success, him on the way to stardom. “I gotta which included multiple singles as say, my initial inspiration musically well as albums that held the #1 spot was Bono, and U2 as a band. They on a number of worldwide billboard are just so electrifying and it goes charts, Live officially past their music. It’s the way they disbanded in September 2009. are able to relate to each listener and For those that thought this may get everyone involved, it’s those have been the end of Ed Kowalczk’s footsteps that laid the groundwork fruitful career; it was instead, on for my music career. As much as I the contrary, only the beginning. want my fans to enjoy my music, I “Singing, writing, and performing think it is just as important to give is nothing new to me. I’ve been them the privelage to be more than doing it for many years, and the just a listener, but to get involved best part about it is that I never get in the shows and really see what tired of it. I love writing music and performing for my fans, so whether it be by myself, with Live, or as a member in any other band, I have no intentions of ever slowing down. I’m living out my dream!” said Kowalczyk. And there’s no doubt that this has always been his ambition. “I’ve showed a great interest towards singing since as far back as I can remember, when I was at a very young age just singing whatever I heard on the radio, and really any music I that my ears could attract.” Ed has been singing and writing Ed Kowalczyk performing live with Live at the Toms River Fest in NJ, August 2008 lyrics and music his

what the experience is all about.” Kowalczyk has been writing his own music and lyrics since a very young age, all through the Live days, and currently in his new band. And with such deep lyrics and the perfect melodies to match them, I felt compelled to find out how he goes about this process. “I know how I want my songs to sound, and it’s usually just me sitting around with my acoustic guitar looking for that sound to fit the lyrics. It’s the lyrics, however that I really put every part of my being into. I live my life as deep as I can, I see myself as a human just looking for a wonderful life experience. And the beauty of being a songwriter is the ability to sit down and take all these feelings and express them, just share them with the world, it’s a beautiful thing.” It is these qualities that shows just how dedicated Kowalczyk is to his work, even after his lifelong band’s dismemberment, he carries on with his dream, he definitely loves what he does. Kowalczyk is currently with a new band. His brother, who toured with Live and provided guitar and backing vocals, has joined in his journey as a full member of his current band. “I do not keep in touch with the guys from Live anymore, we’re all out doing our own things now, but my brother came along with me, which I’m

happy about. We make great music together. And I couldn’t be happier as far as my band members, I’m blessed to work with such a talented group of guys and I’m absolutely grateful to have the opportunity to perform with them. It’s that chemistry that we share, I think, that makes us perform together so well.” Working on “Alive” since 2008, Kowalczyk went into the studio in 2010 to begin recording, and the album was released in the United States on July 6th of this year. Having recorded the album almost immediately after the fallout of Live, I asked Ed if the title of the album was strictly a coincidence, or was he paying homage to his former band. “My fans have definitely connected with the album title, and sure there are similarities, but that is because I have always identified with that theme. That knowing that I’m alive, breathing, and living to the best of my ability. It’s that feeling of liberating yourself, and showing it. I guess you can say that by titling my debut album Alive, I’m expressing exactly how I feel, Alive. Sure I’ve been in the business a long time and I have enjoyed every minute of it. And yet it is now, now that I’m doing things a little differently and surrounding myself with new people and experiences; well let’s just say this is only the beginning. There is just so much

Broken Records Magazine

more I want to see from myself, and from my fans. I am constantly setting new goals for myself, if that means going in a new direction, or just taking a different approach to something, I never want to see myself slow down, it’s just not in my nature. And as for right now, I feel more alive than I’ve ever felt, and I have no intention of letting up.” Even just sitting with him for a few short minutes, Kowalczyk’s drive for what he does just comes screaming out of him. He has been a famed musician his entire life, led one of the greatest bands of an entire decade, and now is leading a new band. He never gives up, because he clearly loves what he does. With songs like “Grace”, Ed shows just how Alive he is, and thankful to be given the experience. He has the desire to write the sentimental music and express himself regardless of where he is in life, and who he is surrounded by. Some might begin to bring closure after such a long, successful career full of ups, downs, and everything in between. Kowalczyk instead sees every day as a new opportunity to move forward and assures his fans that this is only the beginning.

“I love writing music and performing for my fans... so whether it be by myself, with Live, or as a member in any other band, I have no intentions of ever slowing down. I’m living out my dream!” 27

Broken Records Magazine

Interview By Kristin Tully

Walking into a casual restaurant on a cool, cloudy day in New York City it takes only a once around the room to recognize the suavely clad duo of men I’m looking for. With black Ray-Ban sunglasses masking his eyes, the casual yet poised position of his body, sitting across from a cool all-American looking fellow, there is the undeniable presence of greatness. It takes no more than that one glance to spot Glen Hughes and Joe Bonamassa. The unlikely duo casually sit across from one another waiting for a third member to join them. If you know anything about music, there’s clearly no shortage of talent in the room, but as our third guest arrives to lunch, there’s no denying this is more than just a joining of great musical minds. As Jason Bonham scoots into the booth seat, it’s as if a trinity of rock has come together creating a super group, Black Country Communion. “I know before I walked in the room everything was still. Nothing happened right, now the fun begins.” Jason wise cracks as Glen concurs “Have at it!” Tell me about the name. Jason: It means f*ck all! Glen: First of all we want to make it clear we googled the name Black Country and there was no band named that, then later down the road, there was and we didn’t trademark the name. We were a little late so Jason and I had talked about adding the word Communion to the end of it. Black Country is the part of England Jason and I are from, it’s Zeppelin, it’s Sabbath, it’s Priest, BrokenRecordsOnline.com

and Joe is very akin and a big fan of that music- so we thought we’d pay homage to the place we were born. So the other band is called Black Country, we just added communionwhich means tribe, brother-ship, fellow-hood- and here we are. You all have some great musical history behind you, so how did you all come together as BCC? Joe: I’ve known Glen for four years and I’ve known Jason for almost six,

and the real glue is Kevin Shirely. Kevin saw Glen and I at a show last November in the House of Blues and... Glen: Electric it was! Joe: And people loved it, the crowd really freaked out, I mean I had a blast! Glen: It was Joe’s crowd and they accepted the rock guy, me, and that kind of gave us the green light. Joe: So within 15-20 minutes of us coming off the stage and going ‘WOW! That was a real blast!’ Kevin Shirely and all three of us were in

Broken Records Magazine

You all have very eclectic musical backgrounds s o how was that writing together in the studio? Glen: I got to write a record, with the kind of music, that is me, classic rock. But really I wanted to write a record where we didn’t think too much about it. We just came up with some ideas, there was no real big pow wow, or this is how we should do it. The songs were being written in the studio and we formulated the songs around each others virtuosity. I heard a rumor you’ve already begun writing the second BCC album? Glen: Bloody rumors! Joe: We haven’t started. Glen: We started cracking some ideas together and we are going to make a second record, it’s no big secret, but we haven’t started yet. the foundation room and we just rang up Jason and Derek and form a band. Then we decide to make a rock record. Kevin’s thing is we need to do this old school because there hasn’t been a collection of players like this that have come together in a long time. And he’s right. So that’s how it all started and here we are ten months later starting from an idea, with no songs to having a record out that you physically have in your hands.

A lot of today’s music is built around making it radio friendly or being marketable. How do you combat that idea of being a classic rock band in today’s market that k i n d o f h a s n o f o r m a t for you on the radio? Jason: We don’t think about it. This is the first album we’ve done where not one of us had that in mind. We didn’t really think about where it would fit at all, which worked in a good way I think. As we said, we really

did have that raw mentality. In the old days you really just hope the radio would play a tune for what it was. One song doesn’t describe Black Country Communion, one album does. That whole motto that Led Zeppelin instilled, the whole album is a representation of what we were at that time. It could nip it in the butt or it could be a good thing. It’s about time for a change. Agreed. But with media all being turned over to digital how do you fight something like iTunes that promotes the buying of single tracks rather than the full album, which goes against what you’re trying to do? Joe: I’ll tell you right now. There’s a very simple way to combat that; making a good album from start to finish! Make two singles and a bunch of shit and everyone will buy those two singles and you’re left with the bunch of shit. For those who haven’t had a chance to hear some BCC yet, tell m e w h a t c a n t h e y expect from this album? Jason: You know, Glen has really changed his style to more of that [making scream-o nonsensical noises] also a lot of blood, we’re going to sacrifice 40 year old virgins on stage, my girlfriends working on the costumes... she did say we need to remix the album and put some Dubly (spinal tap reference to the bastardizing of recording lyrics in such a way you couldn’t understand what they’re saying) on it. Well how would we describe it really? continuted on the next page

Broken Records Magazine

There’s one track, “One Last Soul”, that, when I first heard, I made one comment that it had a slight feel of Kings of Leon and Kevin Shirely wanted to drop it instantly. He goes “Oh! If it sounds like anything current we don’t want it!” It has this up beat kind of tempo going on and I’m just the worst at making comparisons so I was like “No, ok maybe it doesn’t sound like them.” I’m worlds worst, I always have to put a name to something and end up pigeon-holing it. I’ve done it in the past where I’ve said it sounds like something else and then everyone’s like “Oh that’s it! We’re not going to do it now! If it sounds like them already…” You know there are only so many chords in the book, you can only play them so many different ways. But it definitely has a classic rock feel. It doesn’t sound like anyone else. Glen: No, it really doesn’t. We do everything live, raw, lots of air, you can hear the separation, and I believe quote on quote, we have real songs!

that adds to the charm of the record and it also adds the last five percent. It makes the difference between wanting to hit repeat and eject. It really is. I’ve always dug that kind of sound. It’s real. Jason: I have an old friend who is a producer, and quite successful, and he said ‘the only reason you can here those things on those records, back in those days, was they didn’t have the tools we have today to get rid of things… and time and the money. But I said “Yeah but that’s what makes us authentic like the old stuff.” And he said “No, we would have taken it out, if we knew what we knew now, it wouldn’t have been on their in the first place. If we could edit it as easily as we do now, we wouldn’t have left it on.” I worked with a guy onetimeand don’t get me wrong, the track was phenomenal in the

has! There’s a vibe, and it’s real. Joe: There’s a part at the end of “Sister Jane” that you’ll go wait! Who’s that! Glen: You’ll go, “oh that’s…!” You’ve heard it before. It’s just a kind of tip of the hat; it’s fun! All this is like first take, or second take. You’ll hear as the songs go along there are no fancy endings, it’s just the way it used to be done. There’s no autotune going on, there’s no smoke and mirrors, no dog and pony show. It’s what you get from that opening track till the end, it’s in you’re face. So is this a really personal record for you guys? Glen: Well, I don’t write songs about goblins, and witches, and bowlweevils. I write about what is going on with you and me, and the human condition. I’m writing about something that may have happened to you or me. There’s a lot of celebration on this album. The opening track “Black Country” is really the track plant that this is rock. I am a messenger, this is my prophecy, I’m going back to the black country. Jason: With the goblins and the gargoyles and all those mystical things there! It’s all about the goblins! Joe: The goblins have feelings too!

anyt “If it sou hing nds l curr ike ent, we d want on’t it!”

So in the recording studio you record live together? Glen: Yeah. Joe: Live in the same room, altogether. All of Joe’s solo’s, except one, are live. Jason: Which is something that is rare. Yeah, especially with all the remixing and mastering today. Joe: It becomes sterilized like that. We were talking about this yesterday! On “Since I’ve Been Loving You”, by Zeppelin, you can hear the squeak of the kick drum peddle and all the little imperfections as a player that you get, BrokenRecordsOnline.com

end- but it wasn’t as I recorded it. He took my drum part and clipped it into a million pieces and put things where he wanted them. Not where I thought it should be. And I just thought “Wow!” and he said “It’s still you.” And I said, “Not really! It’s a bunch of fills that you like, in where you wanted them.” And everything is so easy these days that I hate to say I love the drummer in so and so, because it might not even be him! In the old days, if you couldn’t play the part, they got somebody else to do it. Glen: What we’ve got here, and it’s up to you to decide, we believe we’ve come up with the BC Communion sound. We’ve come up with a vibe that is us, which every great band

As your first album as BCC, what’s the ultimate hope for this recording? Glen: We just want people to hear it! Simple as that! It’s a new day and we’ve come together in a time in our lives which maybe couldn’t have happened any other time. So it’s a matter of being in the right place at the right time for us. Just have a listen and you’ll understand.

In the wilds of Vancouver, Canada, which is usually associated with heavy winter snows and hockey, is an apt description of this Band called Default. There’s no story behind the name, just good grunge and alternative rock songs from the soul. It was an inspired start. They sold one million records in their 2001 debut and gained love in two countries. The song “Wasting my time” was a defining moment for lead singer Dallas Smith and the band. “It’s the one everyone knows, the one everyone associates us with. It was a dream record, I keep that one as our stamp on the music industry. As far as our favorite one we’ve done, it’s usually the one we just finished.” It doesn’t hurt to be discovered by a successful band, especially when it’s Chad Kroeger of Nickelback. The public who came to see their shows got a first hand look at the band, and it showed as their first two albums The Fallout and Elocation rated platinum and gold respectively. It made them as popular in the U.S. as in Canada. Dallas concurs, “It definitely helps to have someone like Chad to open up for the first album.” Even though it would seem that Canada would be the natural fan base that launched this ship, Default found that the United States received them with more enthusiasm. Legalities that stemmed from their label TVT’s bankruptcy forced an inactivity which was far from welcomed. After “The Orchard” purchased the label in auction, the wheels finally began to turn again. “It was a difficult period. We went to places like Afghanistan and South Korea. Doing things like that kept us together. It reinforced in us to not give up. After seeing the world we realized it’s hard all over.” Dallas Smith has an opinion about downloads and the music industry. The downloading of music has had an impact on just about everyone in the industry and Default is no different. Dallas tells why. “It has affected it across the board including the touring industry quite a bit. The labels try to take a piece of your merchant and show revenue just to stay alive. The day of the artist like Neil Young or Tom Petty, who develops over several records- it takes three albums to really get into his career to develop the artist, those days are gone.” It also goes for fans who are not very patient to see what labels would produce, but the blame can be shared. It seems you have to be associated with a famous band or get your songs played on other entertainment genres like wrestling and video games to survive, or at least that’s how Dallas sees it. “The labels don’t have the patience or the brains to develop an artist. If a single does not react it’s on to the next. It comes full circle,

everyone is trying to get music for free by downloading it or stealing it, essentially they kick themselves in the ass. The soundtrack stuff and games is an unexpected extra that has been both fun to do and thrilling to be a part off.” However for default it’s now about two things: the music and the U.S. fans, something Default has come to appreciate as the successes they initially enjoyed now recess further into the past. “We really missed touring for the U.S. Crowd. We really missed touring down there. It’s a great country. I love being down there-love everything about it. I would like to get some radio success and tour... selling a million records would be amazing again. Even selling 500,000 would be amazing, just to be able to make a living and play for some of the crowds down there”, Dallas reminisces. In the end, Default moves forward once again. They are active and ready to go mainstream. The dreams are more reachable and more available to this very exciting band who once struck gold and spent the rest of their years looking for it to pan out again. Along the way, they realized how important the journey is and that’s ok with Dallas. “As far as awards I can care less. To do what I am doing and have people enjoy and have myself e n j o y doing it, that’s the main thing.”

By Luis Vasquez

B y: M a r k o s P a p a d at o s

An MCA Nashville recording artist, Randy Houser has been influenced musically by Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Conway Twitty, Don Williams, Delbert McClinton, Lyle Lovett and Bonnie Raitt. A Mississippi native, Houser is drawn to country music due to its “truth,” especially since “it represents the people as a whole that I know, and the people that I come from. It represents our lifestyle. Musically, the songwriting is really good.” On receiving 2009 CMA nominations for “Music Video of the Year” and “New Artist of the Year,” he remarks “that was really special. That was my first year out. It’s a true honor that they recognized the hard work that we’ve done. Even though we didn’t win, it’s really cool to be recognized.” His latest album, They Call Me Cadillac, released on September 21st, 2010, was either written or cowritten by Houser himself. “I just wrote the things that I needed to say.” According to Randy Houser “my producers were really cool in letting me do what I want on this record. They realized that I did have a vision as an artist. They realized that I had things to say and they let me be who I am.” His latest single “A Man Like Me,” released on October 3rd 2010, was written by Houser five or six years ago. “It reminds me of an old Conway Twitty or Randy Travis song. It talks about being in a relationship, learning to give, and trying to just be a better man. This was one of the songs that got me a record deal with MCA.” Although Houser loves all the songs that he has ever recorded from his

latest release, “Here With Me” and “Addicted,” which features background vocals from country sensation Lee Ann Womack, stand out to Houser in particular. On working with Lee Ann Womack on “Addicted,” he remarks “she is one of my Top 10 favorite country singers of all time. She was cool enough to come in and sing on this song. I really felt that it was her sound that had to be on it. She came in and nailed it. I couldn’t say thank you enough to her.” Houser’s proudest professional accomplishment is “getting to make music for a living.” The hardest aspect of Houser’s job is his “schedule and trying to keep up with everything.” “You go to bed at night and you wonder if you paid enough attention to everybody,” he adds. In the future, Houser would like to collaborate with fellow country artists Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, Lee Ann Womack and Miranda Lambert. His plans for the future include continuing to make music, writing songs, making albums and performing live. For hopefuls who want to get their big break in country music, Houser recommends they “dream their dream. Get out, play live and play everywhere you can. Learn who you are as an artist. Learn to write your own songs and write your story. A lot of times we get a cycle of recording the same ideas over and over. Come up with something that hasn’t been said. That is the most important thing.” For Randy Houser, success means “doing what you love for a living. That way you never work a day.”

Broken Records Magazine

Who Said Rock Is Only For Men?

By Kristin Tully, Arin Segal, Justin Sarachik and Laura Bo BrokenRecordsOnline.com

Broken Records Magazine

These Are

Chicks That Rock A polite rap battle is a pre-show ritual for Automatic Loveletter. Lead singer, Juliet Simms described it as a rap battle of goofy compliments, and good times for the band. Hailing from California, and carrying on the musical greatness of her family, Juliet Simms likes dirty, raunchy rock and roll, and has a killer voice. Residing in Florida, Juliet Simms knows how to rock. Simms has been in the music scene for quite some time, growing up surrounded by celebrities. She’s not phased by the glitz and glam of entertainment. She does admit that she may be stooped if she meets one of her inspirations, David Bowie. Automatic Loveletter has been together for five years consisting of herself, brother Tommy Simms, Ryan Metcalf, and newest addition, bassist Clint Fowler. Juliet chuckled at the story behind her introduction to Fowler, which started off with a drunken physical attraction, and mutual exchanges of being “pretty” at a New Years Eve bash. There have been several changes in band members, but Simms is in it for the music, “You’re either with me, or you’re not, and I’m not waiting.” Her mindset seems perfect considering the fact that before finally releasing Truth or Dare under Sony Music Independent Network (SIN), she had been dropped, shelved, and forgotten about. “It was a great accomplishment and feeling,” said Simms about the long overdue release. The album release is just the beginning of the list of things Simms has under her belt. Finishing her third Warped Tour (second with a full band), this past August, as well as performing at Bamboozle and Bamboozle Stage Left, Simms has plenty of experience with touring and performing. When asked about touring, Simms quickly made clear what her least favorite part was. The Porto Potties are extremely confined, and she referred to them as big boxes of “poop soup”. There were also many awesome aspects about touring for Simms, including the opportunity to hang out with

all of your friends and other bands: the opportunity to meet and greet fans, and perform for tons of people. Her favorite is the mayhem, chaos, and the debauchery that occurs after hours. Being a girl in Rock, why don’t you think there are more girls in Rock music? I think that there are. I think that it takes a strong band and a strong woman to handle this business. It’s a tough business because its art form, but you have to meld the two together. All of a sudden you have to learn really quick how to be a politician, how to talk to people, and rock 101: how to sing, how to write a song, and play an instrument. I think there are not just woman, but a lot of men out there, who are the select few that are actually able to push through that. You can read up all you want about what is like being in the music business, but you are never going to know with out diving head first into it and go crazy for many months and then finally something levels out and you figure it out. But as far as woman and music, I feel like it’s important to display the difference between “tampon rock”- being the certain girls that give woman in rock and roll a bad name, from the woman fronting a rock band. The bottom line is that there is a certain element of power to it. I’m not trying to compete with any guys or be a dude. The biggest thing that I like to say to girls is do what you do best. If you are going to go out there in a short skirt and heels, which I have no problem doing by the way, just have something to back it up because all of this will go away in a few years. Then, what are you going to be? What about groupies? Do you have a lot of guy and girl groupies? You know what? I’ve signed more boobs then

the guys. They can confirm that. At a meet and greet, a girl will come up to ask me to sign something and then just walk away. The guys will be like, “Really? Not for us?” I’ve had some amazing guy groupies. One in particular gave me a custom guitar pick that said “marry me, Lzzy.” The fact that he had it customized was amazing. I have the best male groupies in the business, I guarantee you. If not, the only. *Laughs* I’m not sure how many you have to compare to, but they’re really cool. How are you a ‘Chick that Rocks’? I think that I have my own style but it’s hard for me to compare myself to other people. I get comparisons but nothing direct, and I think a lot of the rock in our show is really energetic and in your face and nobody can really expect what I’m going to do next. Lyrically a lot of my songs are just empowering for women and I want to inspire them to be strong and confidant and not put up with BS from anyone. I see a lot of women who just go with the flow and don’t have their own identity of who they are and what they want. It makes me sad because I just see so much more potential. If you had to compare yourself to one person from the performance side who would it be? I guess there are two that I get compared to a lot that are more contemporary and that is Hayley Williams and Gwen Stefani. The live energy is similar to Paramore or No Doubt, but my songs are different and my voice is different. Who are some women in the industry that are role models to you? I love Gwen Stefani, she’s probably one of my favorites, along with Emily Canes, the lead singer of Metric. I’ve seen them a few times and she has amazing stage presence, and an amazing voice and is probably the one I look up to most at the moment. We have the same first name too!

As a female vocalist, who’s on your list of chicks that rock? Definitely Ann Wilson. She’s my favorite. I hooked onto Heart very early in life and I love them and I just love her voice. It makes me feel like I can’t sing every time I hear her. I’m like “I suck!” she’s so so good! I went to see them a few months ago, after we came off the HIM tour and we had a few days off. My husband surprised me with tickets and I was like “no way!” She has just such an amazing presence! And yeah, I know we’re talking about chicks that rock, but I’m a master fan of Corey Taylor from Stone Sour/ Slipknot. It was cool his drummer actually came to one of our shows in Iowa and I guess his daughter is a fan of We Are The Fallen and he was like “they know all the songs on your record” and I was like “are you serious?!” Another chick I love is definitely Dolores O’Riordan from the Cranberry’s. She was always amazing; I definitely grew up on that scene in Dublin. They were played on the radio like everyday, and I always just thought she was so cool. I think she drove her own horse and carriage to her wedding. That’s pretty rock. I just watch people like that and Ann Wilson, who has been doing it since the seventies, and it’s just effortless. She gets onstage and that voice just booms out of her. And her sister Nancy, is just everywhere with that guitar! It definitely has inspired me over the years.

Terri Caputo and Rose Couchon are making headway not because they are in up and coming rock/rap band Process of Fusion, but because they are two girls who simply rock! Couchon is the crafty lefty guitar player in the band whose influences range from classical Bach to Between the Buried and Me. At just 18 years old, she is also an aspiring mezzo-soprano opera singer and has recently been performing in churches across Staten Island. Rose attributes her time in POF as, “…a genre of music that I would have never seen myself playing... I love that I’m challenged to make music that blends so many elements together, and above all I love that I’m forced to be creative.” When asked what it’s like to be a girl in a band she said, “It’s pretty awesome, but it’s got its negatives. I feel like girls are judged much quicker than guys are, especially if they’re playing anything other than pop music. There is a little bit of pressure, but I set high standards for myself because I don’t want to be another girl who just strums open chords… I want to inspire people, especially other females.” Caputo is a multi talented musician, playing guitar, bass, and drums, but in POF her claim to fame is the tempo. Having been in bands ranging from metal to indie pop, Terri’s experience is as vast as her influences, which include the punky sounds of Relient K to the soaring guitars and aggressive vocals of Thrice. Terri names POF as “The best thing that ever happened to me,” and her favorite moment occurred when Process of Fusion won their first Battle of the Bands. “Life experiences, my friends and family, and emotion, lots of emotions,” are what inspires her to music. And speaking of inspiration, she wants to spread this to other girls saying “There’s no pressure, but most people expect you to suck if you’re a girl. I love proving them wrong. It gives me satisfaction.”

Broken Records Magazine

A decade or so ago Tommy Lee wanted to try something a little different. He temporarily disbanded as Motley Crue’s drummer to make a collaborative effort with so many styles it’s tough to categorize. The project titled Methods of Mayhem featured appearances by Snoop Dogg, Fred Durst, The Crystal Method, U-God, Lil’ Kim, and George Clinton just to name a few. Tommy hit the road hard with Methods, scored a number of hits, and vented a very necessary release of pent up aggression for the world’s uninhibited enjoyment. It’s safe to say “Good Times” were had by all. Ten years later, here we are, and it’s time to stir sh*t up one more time—with a vengeance!

made the spectrum of songs ranging from hard rock anthems, to ballads, to dance tracks available for download on www. thepublicrecord.com. Tommy then openly encouraged anyone who wished to add their own playing and/or reinterpretation of the songs and send them back to the band. Next, is when the process took an insane turn, even by Tommy Lee’s standards. He, the master of mayhem himself, Tommy Lee, listened to every single submitted track. Totaling 10,000 submissions strong or what worked out to over 200 songs a day with his producer Scott Humphries in the studio, they chose the best selections to integrate into the albums final mix.

Crazy, insane or ambitious, nothing like this has ever been attempted by an artist with the world wide scope of Tommy Lee. In a conversation with Broken Records Magazine Tommy gushed over the new album “In a nutshell Methods (of Mayhem) is my adult sandbox allowing me the opportunity to f**king go nuts!” he continued “’You have your electroclub sh*t, your That’s right, anybody and rock sh*t, and everybody was invited to something like participate in the recording process ‘Fight Song’ of Method’s of Mayhem’s second makes you want release lovingly titled A Public to get up and Disservice Announcement, which break everything hit streets September 21st. in the room.” But this time all the big name stars in the world that could possibly be involved in a project of this caliber can stay home. That means “you” Gaga,Timbaland, Jay-Z, and especially “you” Fred Durst. The collaborative muscle for this project stems from your living room, or your neighbors, or their neighbors and their neighbors, neighbors. In fact, come one, come all, you’re all invited to the ball!

The process started with Tommy and his team – featuring singerguitarist J3, producer Scott Humphrey and others – wrote and recorded the core elements for an album of songs. They BrokenRecordsOnline.com

Many times during the interview Tommy conveyed the real joy in the process came from finding “the real

shit” in his music in a way that’s never been done before. That’s where the everyday fan comes in. According to Tommy: the process was long and tedious at times, but never without entertainment and reward. “There are a lot of talented motherf**kers out there” he exclaimed. He spoke about the process of handling one song a week “we’d go through each part and it really did take a long time, but we’d h e a r something and realize we can’t change o r shorten t h e

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“When Ozzy Asks, You Say Yes”

process risking missing something Methods material live, he seems of teenage age these days one has even better than before.” hell-bent on coming up with a new to wonder how that effects the way to represent the material – in disposition of the music. “Yeah, Once Motley Crue decided to take a way that hasn’t been previously they’re into it” Tommy confirmed a one-year break, Tommy knew seen before. “I’ve seen some and furthered “they picked the it was time to embark on another really incredible light and digital single…they said ‘I like this song Methods project. He spoke technology being around a lot of it or that song, but daddy I think about how the creative catalyst DJ-ing for a number of years now. EVERYONE would prefer this side projects can be for a band I’d like to bring some of the shit one’” about the first single “Time “(during the first project) It started you see at these amazing electro Bomb. Tommy then struck a chord something healthy and it needed light shows from that world, to the that one only could from the outside to…sometimes when you paint rock world.” He continued talking looking in “kids have a finger on the same picture with the more specifically about lenses the pulse adults don’t understand… same colors it makes you that incorporate video, lights, when things move them you go crazy…I don’t mean and camera features in an all-in- better f**king pay attention.” that as a diss. It’s just nice one moving light—presented in to be really creative on crystal clear visual transcendence You don’t need “Party Instructions” your own, get it out of that will blow your mind. to know how to enjoy this album, but like its process of recording, your system and come back refreshed.” Tommy seemed most excited to Tommy Lee gives you the unveil his plans for completing opportunity to enjoy the mayhem The goal was to deal he’s inked with the world. with his methods. The world should take a one year break Approximately 47-52 people, be frightened of the pandemonium, from Motley Crue, but according to Tommy were featured yet ultimately better off from the it doesn’t necessarily on the albums final mix. Just experience. always work out that exactly who gets credited was not way. While working revealed until the album, on A Public Disservice and all important album Announcement the notes, release September Crue played some 21st. “We plan to reach out FURNITURE THAT shows with Ozzfest to to them when we come F.I.T.S. Furniture In Tight Spaces which Tommy stated through their city or town “when Ozzy asks, and have them join us on you say yes”, and stage” he more excitedly those shows lead finished “I can’t wait to to a small series see the look on their face of European when they’re up there Order your FREE catalog and FREE fabric f e s t i v a l s . jamming right with us…I swatches online at think that completes the www.simplicitysofas.com/print215. Custom-built in High Point, NC. 100 in-stock When talking process—done deal!” fabrics available. Large and small sofas fit to Tommy through narrow doors and stairways. Assembles in 15 minutes with no tools.Ships in 4 weeks. about how The world is curious about S I M P L I C I T Y S O FA S to represent Tommy’s kids, imagine www.simplicitysofas.com/print215 the new that? Being that they are Shown with optional slipcover.

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A few times during each generation fans of rock music are graced by the presence of a guitarist that changes the course of their craft. Then in 1988, everyone knew there was something big coming after hearing the opening riff of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by a skinny kid with a top hat, sunglasses and a cigarette hanging from his mouth. In this, Slash made his name known to the world, and began carving his own version of rock, one that would influence budding guitarists even now, 23 years later. Since the days of Guns-NRoses, Slash has not slowed down, putting in time in a handful of projects. Slash’s Snakepit first in 1993, then an All-Star lineup for the band Velvet Revolver in 2002. Then in April this year, we finally got a taste of a true Slash solo album with the debut, simply dubbedSlash. It debuted on the Billboard 200 charts at number 3, and continued lighting up the charts all over the globe. Now we have the release of SLASH Deluxe Edition, an idea Slash says came about partially because of an overabundance of written material he wanted to get out. Slash explains, “I recorded 19 songs and they were all good songs. They were all good songs and five of them got cut off the record because 14 was pushing it to put on an album. I’m one of those people

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who like to go between 8 and 12. The songs that got cut out were really great songs, but they just didn’t fit in to the sequence that I put together. The real reason for doing the deluxe edition was to get those songs on the same package as the other 14 songs. We accumulated so much live material, video footage, interviews, and acoustic recordings over this past eight months, we began compiling some really cool other stuff to make the deluxe package that much more intriguing and worthwhile. That was really it, and we overloaded the deluxe package with things you couldn’t get anywhere else.” The album has an eclectic mix of music superstar guests as well, each of which were handpicked by Slash himself. A process that was pretty simple and had no shortage of eager musicians wanting work with the legendary g u i t a r i s t . “I just sat down and started focusing on writing music and casually writing what I really like without having any

outside input. Then I would think of who I thought would sound good on each particular piece of music. I would reach out to them and see if they were interested, send them the demo, and get together and put the song together.” So many talents collaborating on an album isn’t something we get to hear very often. All walks of music are on SLASH Deluxe Edition, including Ozzy Osbourne, Iggy Pop, Chris Cornell, Fergie, Dave Grohl, Ian

Astbury and Lemmy Kilmister to name a few. There is even a track where Slash is joined by Adam Levine from Maroon 5. Someone who, even Slash admits, is not who you would expect to hear him pair up with. “Working with Adam Levine, who was somebody you would never expect me to pair up with, turned out to be a hugely satisfying experience. The guy is amazingly talented. I knew he was good, but I didn’t know he was as good as he was. If you listen to that song, it is a little bit of a stretch, musically. It’s not something that you’d probably would expect to hear from me. I needed the appropriate R&B voice and in Maroon Five, I can hear Adam’s voice and he just came to mind for that song.” You can find out what went into each song with the including of a video interview with a track by track breakdown. Slash says “Any fan would be fascinated with the different artists and the interviews and

their take on the performance.“ Also in Deluxe Edition is an 18 minute behind the scenes documentary of the making of Slash. As well as numerous live tracks performed across the globe, a photo mosaic poster of Slash, and even a limited edition guitar pick. This was one I questioned Slash about as to if it was an actual replica of the picks he uses on stage. His reply, “Those are mine. We had replicas of the same line of guitar pics that I use on the road.” And with so many acts on the album, picking a singer to tour with could be difficult, but Slash decided to go with Myles Kennedy, who also is the only guest on the album to record more than one song. “I finished the whole record and I had two songs that were really cool, but during the process of making the record I never did figure out who should sing them. I was really attached to the material. I had to think of somebody, otherwise I had to start over with those two songs, which I really didn’t want to do. I was looking through all these catalogues of names of rock singers that might be appropriate and I

Broken Records Magazine

wondered what would happen if I just sent the song to this guy and see what happens with someone who I know is a good singer. I sent him one of the demos and he came back with this song called, “Starlight” and I was just enamored with the lyrics and the melody, and just his vocal style, period. So I flew him out from Washington to L.A. and I met him for the first time. We went in and recorded the song and after that was done, I started mixing and mashing the record. Then the second song made me want Miles to do that one, which made me realize the range that this guy has is just phenomenal. I asked him if he’d like to do the tour. He said yeah and we just went from there.” For any rock fan who appreciates true talent, SLASH Deluxe Edition is a must have. Not only because of the album itself, it also takes you on an 8 month journey from concept to the stage with one the greatest guitarists to ever touch a fret board. An experience very few people will ever have the chance to do.

“Any fan would be fascinated with the different artists and the interviews and their take on the performance.“ 43

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“Speak Now” Taylor Swift performing on the NBC Today Show Rockefeller Center, NYC photo: Laura Desantis-Olsson

“Just The Way You Are” Bruno Mars performing on the NBC Today Show Rockefeller Center, NYC photo: Laura Desantis-Olsson BrokenRecordsOnline.com

“Queen of Florida” Sierra of VersaEmerge performing at the Highline Ballroom in NYC photo: Matt Ryan

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“Superman” Bon Jovi Taylor Swift performing on the NBC Today Show Rockefeller Center, NYC photo: Matt Ryan

“Gotcha!” Rodney Atkins performing at Starland Ballroom, NY photo: Matt Ryan

“Need Somebody” Kings of Leon performing on the NBC Today Show Rockefeller Center, NYC photo: Laura Desantis-Olsson

QB&IG TAIME RUSH

Q&A

What is your favorite song off the new album and why? My favorite song is “Worldwide”, because it was a lot of fun to record and there is a lot of feeling in it. I think just as a group recording it was probably my best experience. When performing, what song do you think connects most with the fans? I love doing “Big Night”. It’s such a fun party song and I think people love it. Season 2 has started recently, what episode are you most looking forward to seeing? We’re shooting the episode for “Oh Yeah!” and I’m really excited about that. What crazy plot twists can be expected on this season of the show? There are definitely a lot more relationship problems and there is definitely a lot more gags. We just finished shooting the Christmas episode and it’s pretty amazing. We have some great guest stars; we had Snoop Dog,

Interview by Arin Segal

Miranda Cosgrove and Fabio back works and we have a lot of fun again so it’s going to be huge. doing it, it flows a lot more. I think the fans are responding so much What was your experience like more now and it’s the best feeling. performing on the Today Show? It was incredible, I was up at You are all funny on screen so like 4AM but to just go in there what are some off screen jokes? and have sound check and We have a rivalry with some doing the actual show, it was of the Glee kids and we saran unreal. The fans were amazing! wrapped one of the cars. They got us back by stealing our bikes, What has changed with the and we got them back by putting show from Season 1 to Season 2? stuff all over their truck. It just I think that the show looks better keeps going back and fourth. as a whole. I think our cast and What is a TV show or crew better understands how ‘Celebrity’ that you want t h e show to play a prank on? I think it would be a lot of fun to prank Dr. Phil. Although then we would have to go on his show and get therapy. What’s next for you and for Big Time Rush? Next we are going to finish shooting the show, we got picked up for nine more episodes and we will be shooting for the next six to eight months and then hopefully do a big tour.

Q&A

Juliet Simms of

Automatic Loveletter

Interview Recorded on 10/29/10 at the Times Square Mariott Hotel

You guys just had a new album come out this past summer and we’re sure a lot of the fans want to know where a lot of the ideas and songs come from on this record? This record-like my first 2 EPswere love based. This is more of a mature record but there are bases of love, like relationship types, but there’s more inspiration of love for family, or your job or your life and it represents the trials the barriers like the good and hard times of the past 8 years of my life. I’ve heard from reliable sources that you have a huge tattoo enthusiast. Out of all the pieces so far, which is the one that you can draw inspiration from? Yeah! I have this one on my back

of a black panther clawing its later with my Brother and another way up my back and to me friend, on our way to a meeting. that represents what type of If the car had hit us a second person I am in my life. What I later, it would’ve been fatal. My stand for, who I am and every brother flew into the windshield, time I see it, I just think ‘F*ck I was knocked unconscious – the car was totally destroyed. It was Yea! I’m a badass.’! You’ve also ventured a wild experience- that same day into the business realm we wrote “Fade Away.” as well I’ve heard? Is there anything else going Yea!, actually where I got on for Automatic Loveletter? this tattoo from Jeff at Tamps We’re shooting a new video very Bay Ink and the owner of the soon which is going to be cool. shop is a really great friend of Also, we’re going to Japan for the ours and we’ve established a first time in January and I can’t relationship with the shop to wait to get out there! get musicians in there and get Interview by work from the shop done. So Lou Casteneda far, we’ve gotten VersaEmerge, The In Crowd, Valencia, and There For Tomorrow. We also went in there and played an acoustic set and HOLIDAY SPECIAL have thought about this Give the Perfect Gift and series on Youtube where musicians will come in and play an acoustic set if they can…we’re calling it “Ink Unplugged” You’ve got a great new album out now, that you mentioned, the Either Bouquet is only song “Fade Away” has $ 99 a great story behind it, +s/h what exactly happened? Oh wow! I drove my car Elegant GlassVase out to LA, only to get Offer ONLY available at proflowers.com/extra or call 1-888-640-4928 in a car wreck 2 days

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12 Christmas Lights Roses

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Q &JRandall A

Q&A

With a role in the premiere of “The Glades,” and a song on the Step Up 3D soundtrack, it was an eventful summer for musician and actor J Randall. His joyous personality and musical talents can be seen in the music video for Spirit Of The Radio, on the home page of jrandalland.com as well as on YouTube. “I loved watching people like Michael Jackson, N’SYNC, Justin Timberlake..” comments Randall. These artists can be seen in his work with his use of dance beats, creative dance moves and fun music videos. Randall loves what he does and it shows. He describes his sound and ‘heart and humor’ and if listening to a song like ‘Spirit of the Radio,’ the words are true. Randall can also be seen in a “My Coke” ad nationwide. His acting and singing careers may just be starting but Randall has a long future ahead. Does he connect with his fans? “I try to just connect to every fan that messages me, I try to at least re-tweet or respond to them…” Randall says His down to earth attitude helps make this star a true talent. There are plans for the new album to be out this winter and will be filled with songs that carry the dance vibe but still have a deeper meaning. What was it like being on the Step Up 3D soundtrack with some of the big names? It was an honor! I’m a small town kid who has been dreaming big for years and to get my song Spirit of the Radio on the soundtrack was a dream comes true! I mean seeing my name next to people like Busta Rhymes, Flo Rida, Jessey McCartney, Trey Songz and so many others, I mean these are all people I listen to in my car and to pop in the soundtrack and Who are some of your other hear my song among the company it was just a blessing, it was exciting musical inspirations? I’d say Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, and I’m just excited for what’s Michael Jackson, and even people to come. that are current like Bruno Mars. I’d have to say that Stevie is my Who is someone that you favorite vocal wise and Michael have not worked with performance wise but I like Usher that you want to partner and Timberlake like I said, but I’m with on a song? I want to work with Cee just a big fan of mainstream pop. Lo. Cee Lo is the man end What are some really personal of story. songs that fans will hear soon? My new record out in the winter is How would you describe with Akon, I can’t say too much, but your sound? the record will show a little bit of my I would say JRandall sound is heart humor so to speak. I mean I’m very and humor. I think it’s very hip sarcastic and I like to be witty with hoppy, it’s very poppy. There is a big my writing so I think the new single performance aspect to my music, its got good dance vibes. will show a lot of my personality. What got you into music? I think being a fan more so go me into music because I loved watching performers, people like Michael Jackson, N’Sync and Justin Timberlake and I think that growing up just mimicking those people and just seeing myself in that fashion kind of got me into wanting to become a musician. After that I just developed the craft and actually enjoyed making and writing songs.

by Arin Segal

Aaron Lewis of Staind

Starland Ballroom’s floor usually reserved for the antics of a most pit was transformed into reserved seats for an acoustic and low key event for what would normally be a ‘rock’ show into an intimate performance with Aaron Lewis of Staind. Aaron Lewis held the attention of an enthusiastic audience and rowdy intoxicated crowd by serenading them with old and new material from “Fade” through “Schizophrenic Conversations.” Aaron skillfully performed “Jolie,” “Country Boy,” “Blow away” and “Been Caught Stealing” earning

Solo & Acoustic

the respect of the crowd by proving his brilliance through these lesser known and cover songs As is customary for Aaron Lewis solo shows, people from the crowd yell out requests between songs and this crowd had a particular fetish for Shinedown’s “.45” for which Aaron sang better than the original. Another hit was “Bong Hits For Breakfast” which won the loudest applause for the night, even more than “Outside” and “It’s Been a While”. A few were yelling out for the “Beetle Juice” song, but Aaron saved that hit for another night. This show highlighted Aaron’s lyrical and vocal ability. Although he admitted to not feeling well and having blisters on his fingers- it showed why Aaron Lewis is a consummate professional. He fought through it and gave 100% to the audience. Because of this, personally, this wasn’t Aaron’s best night, but even on a bad night for him it is still a killer performance. The show ended to an encore without a microphone and the crowd silenced for just a moment to listen to his voice and acoustic guitar. As he walked off the stage for the final time, the crowd rose to their feet and awarded Aaron another much deserved standing ovation.

Photo: Scott Vollweiler

Review by RJ Ermola

The career of the band, Kings of Leon, has skyrocketed since 2008 with their first single, “Use Somebody”. As a symbol of success, KOL performed in Madison Square Garden November 16, 2010. It is known universally that New York City is the capital of the world, especially for music. Because the show was sold out in a landmark of NYC, it is safe to say that the once small band of brothers and cousin from Tennessee has arrived. The performance at Madison Square Garden was an experience impossible to forget. The brothers, Anthony Caleb Followill (lead vocals), Ivan Nathan Followill (drums), Michael Jared Followill (bass), and cousin, Cameron Matthew Followill opened up the show with “Mary”. This generated a feeling of equality and acceptance among the crowd. Because

Kings of Leon is known for their eccentric style of playing and vocals, they have a wide variety of fans helping them succeed. Concerts are events among society that give people the opportunity to let go and feel free, which is exactly what Kings of Leon accomplished November 16th.That one night allowed all different types of people to forget about living up to others’ expectations, and fitting in. Instead the one job for the fans was to practice the one thing they all had in common, listen to good music.

Review By Mariann Guadagnino Photo By Laura Desatnis-Olsson

2 Times Taylor

he weekend before Taylor’s big release of Speak Now, I was invited by a casting company to be apart of the taping for her Thanksgiving television special, “Taylor Swift: Speak Now.” The location was secretive and the details for the entire event were too. We were told to be at a spot across from Central Park West in NYC at 1pm. As we arrived, the line was long, but as long as you’d expect for some major Taylor Swift event. After we checked in with the casting director, we were then brought into Central Park and told to wait again. It seems like anytime there is an event involving TV and Taylor Swift, there is always a ton of waiting [see Volume 1/Issue 3 (Aerosmith Issue) MTV VMA’s 2009]. After standing at location two, I decided to stray from the crowd and explore. During my minutes of searching, I discovered what would be the “set” for the shoot. There was a piano with a string section behind it. There were blankets on the grass and a bridge directly behind the makeshift stage. I then decided to join the group again and walk with them to my discovery. Finally after about 3 hours of total wait time, we were brought to the stage and were told to find a seat. I was about 2 people deep. The audience of about 200 people watched the string section, which included Taylor’s bassist and fiddler player, sound check and rehearse their parts to the mystery song. Since the album was released that morning, fans didn’t really get a chance to study all the tunes by that point. Taylor eventually was brought to the set and seemed shocked and surprised (the shocked looked ended up being fake… which is evident when you watch the actual special). She walked by the crowd, shook hands and smiled for some quick

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photos. When we she sat at the piano, we were told that she would do about 3 takes of the song…which ended up being “Back To December.” The small audience sang back the lyrics that they knew. By the third take, the audience knew every lyric. After each take, Taylor would look at the crowd, form a heart with her hands and answer cat calls from the crowd. While many of the audience members were yelling, “We Love You!” some were actually trying to interact with her and ask questions, some she actually responded and had a “normal” conversation with her. Finally her job was finished and was ours. Taylor would eventually go on to do a billion more promo appearances for the album while in NYC, including a roof-top performance the next night-which was also on the NBC special.

ctober 26th 2010, was part two of Taylor Swift’s Speak Now performance, on the rooftop of the Rooftop Garden and Bar, 230 5th avenue, between 27th and 26th street, New York City. The scenery was beautiful, especially because the empire state building was just to the side of the stage. Taylor Swift had just arrived from her taping of The David Letterman Show. Lined up to see Taylor Swift, 350 lucky fans got tickets to see her. First her band came out and they greeted the fans, then Swift came out of the door with everyone chanting “TAYLOR TAYLOR!” She made her way up to the stage beside her fans and she was so excited to see everyone. Singing five of her songs from the new album Speak Now, Swift first sang Mine. Then she sang “The Story of Us”, “Enchanted”, Sparks Fly and Speak Now, which she said inspired the Album. In between performances Swift spoke to the fans in general, and also spoke about the CD. When done with her performance she thanked the fans and band. Taylor Swift has to be one of the most down to earth artists ever. At only 20 years old, she has three albums and each album was a big hit. Fearless, one of my favorites, was an amazing CD and hard to follow up. But, Speak Now, is the number one selling album, the announcer said at the show. Taylor Swift is not only an amazing singer/ songwriter, but she is an incredible person. Her fans cannot wait for the Speak Now tour, and what else she will come up with in upcoming albums. The show will air on NBC, Thanksgiving day.

Day 1 By Scott Vollweiler Day 2 By Brittney Gee

Photo: Taylor in Central Park: Kayla O’Neill

Broken Records Magazine

Lee DeWyze Returns To Arlington Park For First Solo Show Lee DeWyze headed back to his hometown of Arlington to play a scheduled 45 minute set at Arlington Park: the same place that hosted Lee’s hometown concert during top 3 week on American Idol. His hometown concert attracted more than 41,000 fans and sold out in less than 15 minutes. Expectations of crowd size were high to say the least. This show was basically un-promoted unless you got mobile updates from Arlington Park or you are a member on LeeDeWyzeOfficial.com and Twitter. I was definitely thrilled that Lee returned to Arlington seeing as I only live an hour away. Fans from all over traveled to Chicago to see Lee’s first solo show after Idol. People were decked out in Lee shirts, headbands, buttons, wristbands and red beanies per Lee’s request via Twitter. It was so cool to see all the red beanies in the massive crowd. I attended the show with three other DeWyze fans and we purchased the orchestra pit tickets which was the standing area near the stage. We arrived at the park four hours early to guarantee front spot against the barricades. Unfortunately due to some bad planning and rude fans we got pushed back and ended up 3 people deep- but that’s alright; it was still a good spot to be. Lee was scheduled to start at 7:30 but didn’t actually get to the stage until about 8:00. His entrance by limo was greeted by fireworks and a countdown clock which the fans chanted the countdown. It was definitely amazing to see all the work that was put into the show and the support that was given to our hometown idol. Lee was in the zone for the whole concert. He had a great set list- choosing songs that were in his wheelhouse. He sang four songs from his pre-idol albums, four songs he sang on tour including a mashup of “Beautiful Day” with “Free Falling,” two songs he sang at his homecoming concert, a sentimental song he sang on idol, and a new song that will be on his debut post idol album. Here’s the complete set list: “Walk Away,” “So What Now,” “Rocket Man,” “Use Somebody,” “Annabelle,” “Beautiful Day/Free Fallin’,” NEW SONG: “Only Dreaming,” “Hallelujah,” “Crash Into Me,” “Stay,” “The Boxer,” and “So I’m Told.” He played with so much passion and intensity, particularly bringing everything he had and more to his song “Annabelle.” The ladies went crazy when he sang, “I’m a bad boy” during Free Falling. When he started his new song, “Only Dreaming,” I swear you could hear a pin drop it was so quiet. Everyone was so into the song and not really screaming at all. I will say Lee’s album is going to be killer if “Only Dreaming” is any indication.

Everywhere I looked people had a smile on there face. Here’s some little tidbits of info about the concert: Lee had promised on Twitter he would throw a beanie he owned into the crowd and he kept his promise, his backdrop was very cool- having a game cube like logo that had the initials LJD for his name Leon James DeWyze, he had multi-colored lights and a fog machine, the concert was an hour instead of 45 minutes because Lee didn’t want to leave, and at the end he walked off stage took off the red plaid button up shirt he was wearing and threw that into the crowd as well. Lee’s parents attended the concert sitting with Andrew Garcia (another season 9 idol finalist), Lee’s brother Mike DeWyze and one of Lee’s friends Brian Friedopfer. The show was amazing and I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. I have seen Lee a total of three times and he has not disappointed me at any point. After the show I looked on Twitter to find the attendance total. To my pleasant surprise there were a little more than 20,000 fans who attended the concert- an amazing total given the lack of promotion. Lee is definitely someone I would recommend anyone to go see in concert. Leon James DeWyze is a force to be reckoned with and everyone should be prepared for incredible things to come throughout his career.

Review and Photo byAshley Reitz Follow Us On Twitter @BrokenRecordMag

Broken Records Magazine

Joshua Radin and The Script

just as great as he does in the studio, and was able to capture the attention of everyone in the audience. His boy-band past certainly peeks through at times, but in a charismatic manner. Bass guitarist Mark Sheehan and drummer Glen Power rounded out the group with their sheer talent and sense of humor. The band really performed for the 3,000 spectators, instead of merely playing their music. It left both the old fans and the new fans all craving more. Many may think seeing the same show two nights in a row is foolish; I think it was one of my finer decisions.

November 4 and 5, 2010 Terminal 5, New York City By Danielle Choo

It was a two-day adventure filled with long lines, audience sing-a-longs, and screaming fans. Both nights were fantastic and every audience member left with a smile on their face. Joshua Radin took the stage, and considering the only song I knew was “I’d Rather Be With You”, I was beyond impressed. Song after song was causing me to fall deep into musical infatuation, but the end of his 45-minute set seemed to drag on with much slower tracks. While the songs were certainly beautiful and well written, the upbeat and mellow songs could have been rearranged to steady the pace a bit. Regardless of this minor flaw, Radin delivered with such an engaging appeal. He seemed so happy to be playing a show in NYC, and exhibited a sense of genuine humility. The sing-along to “The Ones With The Light” and the unplugged version of “You’re Not As Young” were both incredible. When arriving the second night, I found myself singing and dancing along to all his songs. I then came home to find myself purchasing them on iTunes. Joshua Radin, you win. The Script is a whole other story. The group is a major favorite of mine and they didn’t disappoint. They played the standout tracks from their debut album, including the radio masterpiece that was “Breakeven”. Also embedded throughout the set were four new songs off the soon-to-be-released Science and Faith. Even though it has only been out in Europe, the entire audience sang along to each song, especially “For The First Time.” The Script has really found themselves an intense fan base here in America. Each night at Terminal 5 was sold-out, a sign that the Irish band should take their next US tour to larger venues. Lead singer Danny O’Donoghue sounded BrokenRecordsOnline.com

What’s the Situation with “The Situation”? A Staten Island native, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, the star of MTV’s reality television show Jersey Shore, was scheduled to appear at the popular GLO Nightclub, situated in Westbury, Long Island on Saturday, September 18, 2010. This appearance involved an 11 p.m. press session with many wellrespected television, print, online and photo journalists; unfortunately, this turned into a two-hour wait, since “The Situation” made his appearance a little after 1 a.m. At this event, “The Situation” and his brother, Marc, received two customized Bentleys from Unique Autosports. The star’s family were also present at the unveiling of the Bentleys, showcasing their support for “The Situation,” as he received his “Unique Situation” Bentley. Sorrentino’s publicist oversaw the press session, only granting “The Situation” one-on-one brief media access with very few local press outlets, leaving many of the journalists that were confirmed for this event without an interview opportunity. During a brief Q & A with a local television network, one of “The Situation’s” answers was incomprehensible to the reporter conducting the interview. It is a shame that “The Situation,” who has been a figure of the public eye since 2009, as well as his publicity staff did not address the media outlets that were confirmed for this event with adequate professionalism and courtesy, especially since he has been cast as a contestant in this upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars, and could benefit from their publicity.

-Markos Papadatos

CD REVIEWS

Broken Records Magazine

Lee DeWyze proves on "Live It Up" that he is an amazing singer/songwriter and that he will surely be around making music for a long time! All 11 tracks are very unique in their own way, but every song is truly "Lee". Lee co-wrote 10 of the 11 tracks on the album and with his engaging lyrics and raw songwriting talent, he has the ability to take listeners on the many journeys of relationships! Each song tells a story and is able to take you back to "that place" in your life. There's the fun, upbeat, happy songs that brighten any mood while singing like "Live It Up" or "Sweet Serendipity" telling you to take life as it comes and just live it without holding back because "what will be, will be." From there you also have songs that are able to draw you back to a darker part in your life, such as the powerful heartfelt "A Song About Love" and the reminiscing of a loved one on "Dear Isabelle" Both songs written from the heart and very relateble for anyone missing someone they once loved! Lee's true emotion shines through as he sings "I pretended I was doing well but without you, it's been hell, Dear Isabelle" Then you have the love songs that put a tear in your eye with his powerful captivating lyrics, like "Earth Stood Still, or "Brooklyn Bridge", as he sings "feel like I'm dreaming with my eyes open wide, baby you make me feel so good inside". There's no doubt this album is a must buy for anyone who appreciates true talent, real lyrics, and music that pulls you in making you want more! -Jaime Caniglia First a legendary band’s front man, now a country music star, Darius Rucker has released his second solo album from Capitol Nashville Records. Titled after his birthplace and year, the thirteen-track collection reminds us of his talent and the natural appeal of his voice. Both “This” and his single “Come Back Song” are musically strong and capable of taking over the airwaves. Charleston, SC 1966 has a strong assortment of up-tempo beats and soothing ballads that certainly demonstrate versatility. On many songs, however, I’m waiting for Rucker to break into a chorus of “Hold My Hand” or “Let Her Cry”. (Ironically, the latter is a bonus track on certain versions.) If you are fan of Hootie and the Blowfish and still wish it was 1994, then this album will likely pull you in. If you want to hear something distinctively fresh, his prior album Learn to Live better fits that quota. This record is a little less country, but that makes it rank a little bit higher in my books. -Danielle Choo Besides the Glee Christmas album, this could have be my most anticipated release from the hit television show. The Rocky Horror fan that I am was highly looking forward to The Rocky Horror Glee Show, and for me, it was everything I could hope for. I pegged it one of my favorite Glee episodes ever, and it’s all due to the music. I was glad to see that Lea Michele and Cory Monteith don’t overpower the tracks, but instead the voices of the entire cast are present. Especially notable are Jayma Mays on “Touch A Touch A Touch A Touch Me” and guest-star John Stamos on “Whatever Happened To Saturday Night?”. Wrapping up the record is “Time Warp”, the song that Chris Colfer suggested and spurred the entire episode. On this song and the rest, the cast continues to show off their incredible voices while doing the provocative comedy justice. -Danielle Choo Weezer has become a household name for well over a decade now and with their ninth album, Death to False Metal, the band took a bit of a different route. The record consists of songs that never made their previous albums, but don’t let this fool you. Front man Rivers Cuomo claims the songs never seem to fit, but I think they would have been a perfect addition to any past record. The cluster of un-released tunes is sure to become fan favorites. After the second track, “I Don’t Want Your Loving”, I was completely sold. The album kicks off with the ever so catchy “Turning Up The Radio” and ends with a highly unexpected cover. We’ve heard Weezer do MGMT and Lady Gaga, but Toni Braxton? Yup, the concluding track is an awesome version of “Unbreak My Heart”. Once again, Weezer has demonstrated their versatility with these songs while ceaselessly proving they are worthy of all their success. -Danielle Choo

Broken Records Magazine

At the naive age of 16, Arizona teenager, Alec Benjamin has started to chase his dreams of becoming a musician. Up until roughly a year and a half ago, Benjamin had no idea he wanted to go into music, he was “just the chubby teenager with nothing going on…” Benjamin, who sounds like a young Justin Nozuka meets Jason Mraz, is popular among his friends but never really knew how to expand outside of that realm until recently when he started his Facebook and Twitter page. With almost 1,000 fans on Facebook in under a month and a constant growth on his Twitter account, sweet-natured Benjamin tries to connect with as many fans as possible always replying to his fans and asking for feedback on the latest song. As a dedicated student and musician, Benjamin is not only smart, but also busy yet he still finds time to pursue what his passion. Spending some time in California over the summer, he got a taste of his dream when he recorded a few of his original songs with Shea Welsh who has worked with artists such as Raven Symone and Jim Carrey’s daughter Jane. His unique voice and interesting lyrics are part of what shape this young man into the talented musician he is becoming. His musical journey has just started and is nowhere near over. Benjamin and I sat down to talk about his new career, influences and what he thinks people show know about him: What got you started in music? I got into music originally because when your in high school and when your younger there’s a lot of people telling you that you need to find a direction, that you need to find your way and I had no skills, I didn’t have anything going for me, I was just

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B A Le C n j a m i n By Arin Segal the chubby teenager with nothing going on and I was like, I need to find something because I’m scared and I don’t know what I want to do with my life and I found guitar and I started playing about a year and a half ago and I really enjoyed it and that’s why I started, but it became much more than just an idea for a career but it really became a love of mine. How have you used life experience to inspire your songs? I write my songs about a lot of different things. Something that I like to do with my music is that I used to be into creative writing and I like to put people or characters I make up into scenarios and make up a story about them so sometimes I just write about things

in my imagination but a lot of times I write about things that are going on with me. What would you say is your most personal song? My most personal song is one that I recorded this summer called ‘Must have been wrong,’ because it was really hard for me to sing and its hard for me to sing in front of other people because it’s about admitting that I did something wrong and I think that’s hard for most people to admit to, to come out and say that they’re sorry and they weren’t right and that is definitely a personal song for me and it took a lot of courage for me to write that song and to perform it. It was also one of the first songs I wrote.

Mouthwatering Gifts

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