Worldwide Underground Indie Music Magazine
JULIE GRIBBLE
Issue 1 • February 2013
AMERICA’S MUSICAL EDEN
AARON 5 MIC-Z FORTE HEAD TURNA
NICOLE FLORES CAPTURING HEARTS A Woman of much inner, as well as outer, evocative charm
a decades worth of experience and knowledge
Features 04 Nicole Flores Capturing Hearts and Helping Humanity 06 Brothers N’ Arms Band
Taking The High Road Never Sounded So Good
08
Jeffrey Young
Maturity That Belies His Youth
10 Julie Gribbles
Carrying The Weight of History
18 Trip Ezy
America’s Musical Eden
14 Jesse James
The History That Will Become His Legacy
interviews/reviews 20 Ichi Stone
Creating Calm in the Chaos
COVER STORY 12 5 M.I.C-Z Lights Down To Romance, Hearts Up To Passion
Lifestyle 16 5 Stages of Getting a Gig Looking, Hooking and Booking an Gig 22 Five Steps to Bandom
A Leap into the Unknown
ENTERTAINMENT 09 Rock Against Dystrophy
Creating Worldwide Awareness
24 BWD Records
2 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com
The Independent Music Label of the South
FROM THE EDITOR Having continuously been recognized throughout the music world as a vast movement with an undeniable force we at BWD Radio are now turning our attentions to bringing you the best music and individuals within their field in a more easily digestible format; with a dedicated online magazine packed to the rafters with news, reviews, features and phenomenal artists from across the globe. Synonymous with breaking new ground and talent our aim isn’t to deliver you an aggregator of articles; more like, the BWD Bible of breaking talent and breath taking bands turning heads and volume dials up to eleven. In this ground breaking first issue we reveal the winners of the BWD Radio’s Indie Music Featured Artist Competition, the Texas trio Brothers N’ Arms Band is setting the standard on page (6), with their singles The High Road, Breathe, and His Words, My Ears (currently in rotation on our station’s play list) proving a good tune isn’t limited to whatever celebrity judge endorsed single is currently riding high in the iTunes download chart. Also in this first issue we bring you the newest faces in the world of modeling to watch out for, Nicole Flores taking the honours and first place in BWD’s (Featured Model Competition); future star of the catwalks in Paris and Milan. And though that may be enough to fill the covers of most magazines we’ll be taking things even further with exclusive ‘first-looks’ at the best in indie talent, our unique
Editor In Chief
position within the world of media affording us the opportunity to bring you the next
Veralyn Keach, bwdmagazine@gmail.com
big hitters before anyone else.
Associate Editor All that and much, much more, including; An Exclusive interview with UK underground
Robert Baker, madashellpromotions@gmail.com
artist David ‘Ichi’ Stone, a self-styled experimental trip-rock beat hop artist, whose single Cruciatus reveals a new sound emerging and beginning to dominate the UK club scene. Altruism being at the core of everything BWD strives to attain, we will also be bringing you interviews with some of the unsung heroes of truly inspirational charities and organizations committed to improving the lives of others, our first issue seeing us talk to RAD (Rock against Dystrophy). All the freshest new faces and hottest new talent in one magazine, BWD Radio is committed to setting the standard of what you deserve from a magazine. ADVERTISING: BWD are at the top of social media experts, our network of outlets
Lead Contributing Writer Robert Baker, madashellpromotions@gmail.com
Contributing Writer Veralyn Keach, bwdmagazine@gmail.com
Art Director Veralyn Keach, bwdgraphics@gmail.com
Graphic Artist Veralyn Keach, bwdgraphics@gmail.com
offering us the opportunity to bring your name into the homes and minds of people across the globe
Circulation Officer
.
Marilyn Thompson, bwdmusicpromotions@gmail.com
Covering all aspects of media promotion (from social media sites through to music video promotion) we are able to offer the best when it comes to brand awareness and public recognition of your name or product.
Sales Officer Marilyn Thompson, bwdmusicpromotions@gmail.com
For advertising enquiries, please contact us via the contact details to the right where we can discuss your specific requirements to ensure maximum exposure across the plethora of BWD’s media outlets.
bwdradio.com facebook.com/bwdmagazine
BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 3
nicole’s stance of ‘make it happen!’
nicole flores When Peter Paul Rubens gave the world his gift of immortalising the female form to
Capturing hearts and helping humanity, it seems Nicole Flores is a woman of much inner, as well as outer, evocative charm.”
canvas, he captured the zaftig of the voluptuous woman in a manner none before had been fully capable of delivering; in such stunning beauty. Fashion and favour have since exposed a multitude to the Rubenesque vision of beauty, and though the foibles of a celebrity led media opinion may attempt to dictate our perception of same, it is heartening to see a more natural figure grace us with their presence. In DTF Radio’s Host, Nicole Flores, are we reminded of the stunning depth of splendour captured and contained within a curvaceous form made all the more alluring by a demeanour of justified confidence, hiding behind her eyes and radiating throughout.As
4 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com
Ever altruistic Nicole was quick to put others first when announced of her win.”
if born from Rubens’ hand and brought to
of enthralling wonder, the selflessness
deter from the mainstream medias carbon
life by man’s desire, Nicole Flores is the
she displays not unexpected in one so
copy of what is beautiful, entertaining and
embodiment of an ageless beauty that
already naturally blessed.
interesting.’
in attempting to capture and fully real-
And though the road has not been an
Capturing hearts and helping humanity,
ize; like the Mona Lisa before her, Nicole
easy one to travel, Nicole’s stance of
seems Nicole Flores is a woman of much
has an allure to intrigue both the mind
‘Make it happen!’ has proven itself time
inner, as well as outer, evocative charm.
and the soul and a presence to capture
and again; as it will this Fall when she
the heart and imagination. We crave to
makes her appearance at the Fall and
Contact Information:
know what hides behind her eyes, to
Winter 2013 New York Fashion Week for
NicoleFlores225@gmail.com
bask in her aura and drown in the vista of
the Underwraps Ann Nahari collection.
Facebook: XponentialCurve
has driven men to the brinks of insanity
timeless elegance and grace, as well as,
Twitter: @XponentialCurve
to be allowed the privilege of apprecia-
Ever altruistic Nicole was quick to put
Linkedin:
tion her demeanour invokes.
others first when announced of her win,
nicole-flores/54/6b6/b4
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/
‘I’m thankful for BWD Radio featuring me. I To know of the work she undertakes
thinks it’s so important to showcase under-
Photo Credit: Tyquane Bates of Photosbykai,
in the name of Human Rights is to be
ground musicians, models and grinders
Full Figure Fashion Week Photographer
enchanted yet further under her spell
whose eccentricities truly add flavor to and,
and Full Blossom Magazine Photographer.
BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 5
Talented Trio Rock Band that sounds “more powerful” than imagined, after hearing the word TRIO. ” 6 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com
brothers n’ arms the powerful trio
S
tripped down to the basics
‘We are excited to be a part of BWD’s Indie
of bass,
guitar,
Artist Magazine’s initial launch,’ the band
and vocals, Brothers N’
said when informed of their win. ‘Being
drums,
Arms (BNA) delivers the
chosen makes us feel honored, blessed, and
very essence of the music in a man-
appreciative to have wonderful people in
ner that belies their three piece status;
this world that their sole interest is to work
the thundering rhythm beating you into
towards shedding light on Indie bands.”
a welcoming submission of Texan-bred hard rock.
Contact Information:
The High Road his words, my ears and breathe ARE just the beginning
Website: http://www.brothersnarms.net Led by the renaissance-man lead of
Email: booking@brothersnarms.net
Daniel Vines, BNA’s delivery is one of
Twitter: @BNABand
intensity and passion for the song, his
Facebook: BNABand
ability on the guitar matching the range
Photo Credit: Thomas Ross Photography
of vocal authority he stamps on every lick, lead and soliloquy of each song. The foundations of which are built from solid drums supplied by drummer Hoss, a man whose control behind the skins; steers the song tightly through the tempo changes and stunning rhythms of BNA’s combined force.
Brothers N Arms show you that, if music were a weapon, Texas could be accused of creating WMD’s (Weapon’s of Mass Destruction) and iTunes of being an illegal arms dealer.
Building on such foundations and bringing with him a cache of rhythmic interplay and natural style, bass player Jesse James adds layers of trills and patterns to create an overall strengthening of the songs, the final unique ingredient that goes into creating the mushroom cloud of sound that is Brothers N Arms.
The “Brothers N Arms” experience is definitively a notable one. It’s an experience that falls right into line with the saying, “Never judge a book by its cover.” Better yet, “Never judge a gift by its size.” BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 7
jeffrey young “Maturity that belies his youth”.
A
spiring to be the best is no
future ‘Forbes faces’.
you a step closer you hop on it and ride out!’
strong
Being blessed with the kind of physique
With a maturity that belies his youth of
easy feat; it takes dedication, commitment, and
work ethics that sees only
that sends both gym memberships and
twenty years, and a future that promises
those who are prepared to put themselves
temperatures soaring, Jeffery’s devastat-
much in becoming the name synonymous
into the fray time and again for their shot
ing Spartan form is matched by a natural
with the world of modeling, Jeffery Young
at the stars, emerging as the cream of
beauty reminisce of the Romanticism
looks set to become the first name to
their profession. The names you read-
movement of the late eighteenth century,
begin to inspire the next generation of
ily associate with success – Zuckerberg,
an evocative appearance indicative of his
success.
Gates – weren’t born into greatness, but
commitment to becoming the name in
through diligence and self-sacrifice they
modeling.
have gone on to become the inspiration
Contact Information: Email: Jeffrey_Y@live.com
for the next generation waiting in the
‘It’s a big step to jumping off my career as
Twitter: @KiiD_Fro
wings to bestride their mantle.
a Pro Male Model,’ he said when discuss-
Facebook: jeffrey.young.71
ing the announcement of winning BWD’s
Photo Credits: Tracey “Energy” Hawkins
With Jeffery Young of Columbia, South
competition. ‘It’s hard work making it to
ModelMayhem: YoungSuccess
Carolina, we have found the first of those
where you want to be in life, so when you
names to be etched into the annals of
get presented with an opportunity to put
8 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com
Rock Against Dystrophy
M
rad
adasHell: As is the norm of these things, could you please tell us who you are and what you represent? Turbo: I’m John Shatesky, Jr. but I’m best known as Turbo in the
rock and metal scene. I host the internet radio show THE ASYLUM, co-own and operate Bullspike Radio, and most importantly co-founded Rock Against Dystrophy with my brother Josh Shatesky who is best known as Jay Scorpion. MaH: What drove you to be a part of Rock Against Dystrophy? Turbo: My brother and I got the idea for Rock Against Dystrophy (R.A.D.) after we began to become friends with bands in the local rock and metal scene here in New York; as a result of my brothers college radio show, The Scorpion’s Lair [which now airs on Bullspike Radio] and because we both have Spinal Muscular Atrophy, which falls under the umbrella of Muscular Dystrophy as a neuromuscular disease, we both use wheelchairs to get around and need assistance with even the simplest task.
Band members wanted to get involved in fundraising and raising awareness after we
Turbo: We did our first Rock Against Dystrophy benefit concert
shared our story with them and that there are 40 different neuromuscular disorders
on May 2, 2009 at The Trash Bar in Brooklyn and shows at Cha
with no treatment or cure and that the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA);
Cha’s in Coney Island, Kenny’s Castaways in Manhattan, and a
which is the organization that does fundraising to find cures, treatments, and help
few other local spots, all of which have had better turnouts
those with neuromuscular diseases; gets no government funding.
than expected. We’ve raised $3,895 with only 2 to 3 events.
My brother and I began to think about how to get bands and people from the rock
MaH: How are you currently promoting Rock Against Dystrophy
and metal scene involved. We can’t sing [outside of karaoke] and can’t play instru-
and its aims?
ments so a band was out. Then it hit us, create a fundraising group that could do fundraisers to benefit MDA and raise awareness. And just like that Rock Against
Turbo: Other than the fundraisers we have our own website
Dystrophy was born and our motto “Rock Out To Knock Out MD” was coined.
(www.rockagainstdystrophy.org) Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/MDARAD) Twitter (http://twitter.com/OfficialRAD).
MaH: What is your ultimate aim to achieve with Rock Against Dystrophy?
We also have Rock Against Dystrophy: The Album, a compilation of songs donated by bands involved in helping us in our
Turbo: Ultimately we aim to not need to have R.A.D. needed anymore because cures
efforts. Available on Amazon, iTunes, an other digital outlets.
will be found for the diseases and fundraising won’t be needed. Until that time we are just aiming on continuing to raise awareness through fundraises and hope to
MaH: And are there any future plans in the pipeline you’d like
maybe get support from some of rock and metals big names, in addition to all the
to share a little something about with us now?
indie bands who support R.A.D. and to expand outside the NY/NJ area. Turbo: I can say that a second compilation album will be MaH: And how close to that becoming a reality are you?
released this year and we are working on our schedule of fundraising events at this time.
Turbo: The cure is still not in sight yet. As far as continuing our effort, we’re already planning our 2013 events and have so many indie rock and metal bands supporting
MaH: What is the best way for people to get involved, help
R.A.D. that it still amazes my brother and myself. “As for support from big names, not
spread the word?
yet but anything is possible if you dream big and believe that anything can happen”. Turbo: If people want to get involved they just need to e-mail MaH: Rock Against Dystrophy seems to be the only group of its kind. How do you
us through the website. Tell everyone you know about R.A.D.,
think this unique opportunity places you in taking advantage of creating awareness
come to a fundraiser, buy the album, or make a donation.
to your cause? MaH: And finally, what is the one thing you want people to Turbo: It’s allowed us to do several things. The obvious is raise awareness and
take to heart, the message of Rock Against Dystrophy to you?
fundraise but it also has allowed us to introduce bands to people. It brings to rock and metal community (specifically NY and NJ for now) together for great music and
Turbo: Rock and metal doesn’t give up and ‘Rock Against
a great cause. It’s a win all the way around; bands gain new fans, old fans learn
Dystrophy’ won’t give up until it has helped the Muscular
about the cause, and funds and awareness are raised to benefit MDA (www.mda.org).
Dystrophy Association cure all 40 neuromuscular diseases.
MaH: What has the response to Rock Against Dystrophy been like so far?
BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 9
julie gribble America’s musical Eden the thriving bud of lone grace
T
Endorsement through Martin Guitars and appearances on national television has seen Julies’ star rise.
he rarest and most beautiful of flowers are always
Nurtured in the performing arts as she grew, Julie found herself
presented as a single stem, their unique beauty
exploring film and television as possible outlets to realize her
matched only by the rarity of their showing when
talents before deciding to follow her heart to Los Angeles and
unveiled to an appreciative audience.
ultimately before an audience at an open-mic night.
Even when almost enshrouded by a phalanx of roses a
Emboldened by the audiences encouraging reactions, Julie was
Middlemist Red will
inspired to push her-
stand out as being
self even further in
singularly
unique
her craft through the
in splendour; much
self-taught school of
like the selection of
learning and napkin
albums available for
curriculum for writing,
the discerning listener
she wrote down and
the scenery can be a
studied the various
Hobson’s Choice for
chords and arrange-
similarity whereas –
ments
as with the single pre-
guitar to accompany
cious stem – there can
herself on stage.
on
acoustic
still be found an artist of unrivalled richness
Soon she was per-
unmatched by their
forming regularly to
peers.
appreciative audiences, and it was almost inevitable she would catch the eye and
Julie Gribble is the thriving bud of lone grace managing to shine
ears of a small independent record label who believed they had
amongst a bouquet of souls, her voice is one that Nashville will
found something truly unique in America’s musical Eden.
soon be talking about; while in the same breath as Shania Twain, Patsy Cline, and even Dolly Parton for the impact she surely
Plucked from obscurity she began putting down roots in the
stands to make on the World of Country.
hearts of Americans and music lovers everywhere with a tour that saw Julie cultivate herself as an established artist in her
10 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com
It’s always great to be recognized for all the hard work and for what I love to do, but the biggest reward is being able to hopefully reach new fans to share stories, journeys, and music with!”
Chance to start again own field of singer-songwriters. Within a few short years of turn-
As the world of touring has nurtured her talents, raised audience
ing gigs into gatherings and performances into pieces of musical
reception and encouraged the growth of Julie Bribble’s career,
art, Julie has amassed a resume across the world of music and
it has also allowed us to further appreciate the blossoming of
media; reflective of the burgeoning fan-base her hard work has
talents that encompasses an truly unique flourishing beauty.
cultivated. Contact Information: Endorsement through Martin Guitars and appearances on
Website: juliegribble.net
national television has seen Julies’ star rise, her music appearing
Email: velvetmirrorbooking@gmail.com
on the soundtracks to major cinematic releases and allowing
Twitter: @jgribblemusic
her fans to see Julie herself cast, in a large supporting role, of
Facebook: juliegribblemusic
Sony’s Picture films.
Photo Credits: Ashley Simpson Photography: Tim Bezy
BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 11
AARON
5 M.I.C-Z FORTE
“a decades worth of experience
and knowledge.”
B
orn in Newark, NJ on May 31, 1981 Aaron Forte is an artist that brings with himself a level of credibility that owes everything to musical talent and dedication and nothing to a cynical self-styled
back-story of ‘life on the streets’ so many rap artists in the genre feel as pre-requisite as the bullet wounds and eighteen fake gold teeth the industry has thus far produced. When an unexpected split between his parents led to relocating with his mother to Florida, a young Aaron found himself alone and starting anew. Throwing his efforts into schooling, he established himself with his abilities in the field of sports. Highly motivated and multi-talented he found that, despite excelling in physical activities, his musical side was beginning to become more the focus of his attentions. With his ethos of “Staying true to who you are” being his sole direction, he left sports to focus on what would ultimately become his life-long career. A peerless ability to harmonize alongside those artists who inspired him saw Aaron quickly develop his own voice and style amongst a slew of others emerging on the scene at the time. After a brief collaboration saw him create the group C.O.A. with his cousins he envisioned a more focused line-up would create a clearer vision. And with Stevie Jackson (aka Dirty Old Man Joe Reese) from C.O.A. on board Aaron Forte (aka Ryde Wit Me Dogg) formed the self-styled duo Ace Hygh. Support was duly won through hard-work and a high level of musical creativity that earned them the respect and attention from both fans and luminaries of rap; reaching such lofty heights
12 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com
cover story however, was not without its casualties.
comes his latest scene stealing release,
After several years of trying effort that
the intoxicating single Head Turna.
saw both artists stretched to the point of breaking Aaron realised the music,
Head Turna is a beguiling rhythm and
and more importantly their friendship
hypnotic tone that turns the lights down
outside Ace Hygh, was suffering, and took
to romance and hearts up to passion,
the regrettable but inevitable decision to
the vocals liquid intimacy that coax you
be the one to remove themself from the
through the track. As smooth as the silk
group and begin again.
shirt strewn across the floor and delivered with a sensual lust, Head Turna is a
My Name Is Aaron was the album mark-
song to turn dance floors into decadence,
ing these new beginnings, and birthed
bed-rooms into bliss and the night into a
him as a solo artist in his own right. With
world of indulgent promise.
production and writing duties falling squarely on the performer’s shoulders
The confidence in delivery and produc-
he unveiled his own musical vision to
tion marks it out amongst any you’d care
an overwhelming response. Amply car-
to line against it, the list of named artists
ried and heroically received, My Name Is
currently content to sit ‘at a level’ made
Aaron became the bench-mark Aaron has
all the more obvious and stark when
continued to reach and surpass with each
listening to the creativity and craftsman-
subsequent release.
ship of an artist fully in control and capable of taking everything you think you’ve
The following years saw a reuniting with
grown accustomed to, and presenting you
his former writing partner, Dirty Old Man
with a vista of panoramic grace that’s as
Joe Reese,
fresh and exciting as some named artists
the self-imposed distance
between the two friends allowing them
What do you get when you have an untold story, and a thug that’s in love? 5 M.I.C-Z
wish they could still be.
both room to grow and discover the scope of their abilities. Proving time
With such a start to his fledgling sign-
sharpens, rather than dulls a blade, the
ing 5 M.I.C-Z looks set to not just reach
duo found it almost effortless to combine
the heights of his luminaries before him
their new-found strengths into producing
but, with the backing of BWD, is set to
the collaborative single Lady Your.
become the benchmark of the genre he’s quickly making his own.
A decades worth of experience and knowledge has helped define Aaron into
‘5 M.I.C-Z’ music can be heard on radio
becoming the force de measure that
stations, college stations, internet and
culminated in his signing with BWD
satellite worldwide. Be sure to request
Records ‘The Independent Music Label of
‘Head Turna’ by 5 M.I.C-Z at all your local
the South‘ in October 2012; and with it
radio stations.
BWD Records, LLC The Independent Music Label of the South Contact Information: twitter.com/5_MICZ twitter.com/BWDRecords 5micz.com or bwdrecords.com
Head Turna is a beguiling rhythm and hypnotic tone that turns the lights down to romance and hearts up to passion, the vocals liquid intimacy that coax you through the track.”
facebook.com/BWDRecords.llc
BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 13
14 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com
Broad shoulders are needed to carry the weight of history associated with one of America’s most
Jesse James
infamous names; and being seemingly hewn from the
CARRYING THE
very rock itself, model Jesse
WEIGHT OF HISTORY
James shoulders are very broad indeed.”
From print to runway shows; comics to an extra in a movie, Jesse is more than a model.
Hailing from Cameron, Texas, Jesse began
Currently residing in the College Station
changing history with his first appearance
of Texas, Jesse’s part-time modeling career
Print:
on the modelling scene at age eighteen.
has moved him to rocking the Texas stages
-Male Perfection – Ripped, Shredded, and
Demand for his awe inspiring form saw
with the band Brothers N Arms. Both pas-
Muscular
him winning adulation and contests in
sions, keeping him busy.
-Arch Enemy Comics: Nadir-“Will Rodriguez”
equal measure, and it was only a matter of time before the world of television sought
Legends seldom write their own history
TV/Film Role Location:
out his Atlas-like physique to re-ignite the
but very soon the name Jesse James will
“Mad Bad” Extra - Concert Scene Dallas,
staid looking vista of actors.
be synonymous with the tale of a Greek
Texas
god of a man who ascended to the very top Not content with simply having the phy-
of the mountain once only the preserve of
Contact Information:
sique of an ancient deity, Jesses’ proficient
the Olympians themselves, to stand as an
Email: ghostrider_Z28@yahoo.com
skills on the bass guitar mirror the intensi-
equal only much more so.
Twitter: @bnajessejames Facebook: bnajessejames
ty and complexity of the power wielded by Thor himself, adding even more substance
Credits include:
Photo Credits: Chet Yearly II
to his quite substantial style. -Dennis Quad Fashion Show Giadda-Rocco Though never letting accomplishment be
Runway Model
an excuse for arrogance, Jesse was mod-
-Foley’s and Millennia Latin Model Search
est upon receiving the news of his latest
2004 Semi-Finalist
achievement, quick to applaud the accom-
-Baylor University Fashion Show Runway
plishments and efforts of others over his
Model
own.
-Dillard’s Fashion Show Contigo Line Runway Model
‘I know Ms. V will do great things with this
-Runner-Up Male Model of the Year 2003
magazine,’ he revealed, ‘and spotlight some
at malemodel.8k.com
of the best models out there, so to be on the first issue is truly a blessing... ‘
BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 15
5 gig tips Life on the road isn’t all passports and Pot Noodle; some actual work is required before you start picking out bowls for your brown M&M’s.
1.
So you’re finally at that stage as a group when the frontman has stopped throwing up behind the amps in fear and with a ready list of venues a mere Google away you find yourself wondering how hard can this gig getting be ? Depending on your expectations it can veer
wildly from mind numbingly simple to financial manslaughter but is always a constantly changing ground of all-too similar themes.
5 tips
Most venues offer a modicum of what’s required for putting on acts; a P.A. of sorts for the vocals to be heard, a place for the drum kit to sit with
to consider while looking, hooking
enough room for cymbal stands and everything, as well as, enough space for you and your bunch of troubadours to stand and perform. But as those three minimum requirements can be as loosely interpreted by one venue as it is another, the chance to get caught up in the
and booking an gig.
wonder of being afforded a chance to play is one some will exploit to its fullest advantage. You should be looking to see what luminaries have played there before. They don’t have to be the sort that worry about where they’re going to park the limousine, but the difference between a
a good gig ain’t easy and an easy gig ain’t great
venue set up to meet a full five piece band requirements and one which primarily focuses on solo acoustic acts are very different indeed. If feasible, go to the venue and see it in person. For the most part the venue itself will probably be some sort of drinking establishment, so daytime hours would be best for asking for a quick look-see. If you fall on your feet and get somewhere with a big lock on the doors till six and bouncers thereafter, a call to arrange a time to see the place when
16 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com
closed to the public may be in order. Most will accommodate if you’re polite, and all will know how to respond effectively if you’re not.
2. promotion
So the venues been checked and the amps are insured and Kenny’s telling his mom he’s got Scouts that night and you’re onto stage two of a gig; promotion. The least you can do is actually promote the gig; this can be anything from posting flyers where the cameras can’t see or emailing friends and acquaintances
on social networking sites. The limit is in how much you yourself wish to invest in your own self-promotion, but if nobody knows then no-one will care . Some venues will offer you a slot some weeks in advance in order for you to properly instigate some promotion -whilst short notice gigs are a good way to fill gaps between gigs, they aren’t usually easy to promote.
tickets to be seen as reasonable enough in the eyes of your peers.
4. time slot
So what time suits you, Sir? Something early in the evening, say, just after the venue has opened? Or maybe you’d prefer a slot somewhat later in the schedule, allow yourself time to get in the right artistic frame of mind to give your fullest to your slavering audience. Why not aim for the
top spot then? A headlining act is always seen as the best on the bill, the one everyone’s really bought a ticket to see. Headlining seems wonderful, but the reality could be a cold empty room with someone on the doors waiting to lock up unless you suddenly
A good venue will also promote the gigs they put on in some way themselves;
become Metallica. Going on between half past seven and nine for the
usually they will have a web presence, which will include social networking sites
first few gigs is probably the best time for the biggest audience; it’s early
and e-mail sign-ups for regular visitors to be informed of up-coming shows. Put
enough for any previous bands and their fans to still be in the venue,
yourself on these sign-ups if you are in any way interested in playing at the venue.
along with the people you brought (of course) plus the people waiting to
By signing up yourself to these notifications you get a regular e-mail informing
see the bands following you. First on isn’t a bad slot for building up some
you of possible support slots for bigger bands, as well as knowing when bands of
road nerves and getting used to the stage – with less of a crowd there
a similar genre to yours are playing to take advantage of having an audience who
is less pressure in case something goes wrong, as well as being a good
likes the music you play and ready to be informed of your upcoming gig by way
live-test of new material to see if it has that ‘attention grabbing’ sound.
of you getting down there with some flyers and doing some good ole fashioned
Looking at the other bands on the bill will give you a good idea of how
meet-n-greet.
many people you can roughly expect to be in the venue at which time-
Which isn’t to say a venue that does none of the above is necessarily a bad
slot, what size crowd they are likely to attract and therefore the biggest
venue; I don’t think Broadway is too fussed about people knowing when the next
potential audience on that night for you to play before. It’s a bit more
run of Cats will perform.
effort than simply taking whatever time’s best for you getting the last
3.
Tickets guarantee nothing except the venue organizer
train back from the gig, and sometimes you may not even have a say in
covers the cost of opening the doors and having one
what slot you are given. However, doing a bit of research on the other
man on the pumps half the night. The allure of the
bands performing with you will still give you a general idea of what to
stage is tempered when presented by a dozen or more
expect audience-wise.
tickets to sell to your performance – and as they are
Think of it as part of your promoting and it’s easy enough to see what
generally priced by the organizer themselves, the cost
the other bands on the bill have done to advertise the gig, see what kind
will be whatever they think they can get away with. A simple sum: Five bands
of response they have been getting and what kind of numbers you can be
have ten tickets each to sell for ten dollars. That’s a potential five hundred dollars
looking at them bringing. Once you’ve done a few gigs to an empty room
straight to the organizer’s pocket. In the real world they’ll get about half that.
and a guy waiting to lock-up, the argument about who headlines becomes
tickets
Ticket sales guarantee people through the door – inasmuch as, ‘they’ve paid so why wouldn’t they turn up?’- but they also prevent people coming by the self-same reason. Not everyone will have the money or even want to pay for the privilege of witnessing you windmill your way through Stairway in some scabby bar down where they found those dead owls; if you’re still in the early stages of gigging your audience is still out there, unaware of your greatness, and you need to be realistic in your approach when dealing with the reality of having to move
one you wait until others have finished arguing over.
5. respect
So it’s to the road with your three original compositions and one good cover song; you’ve suffered paper-cuts stuffing flyers into hands and had Microsoft investigating your e-mail account after it clocked an unfeasible amount of e-mails titled ‘Gig This Friday’ being sent in a three min-
thirty tickets at ten dollars each to a world who know nothing of your Duck-Walk/
ute span; foot leather has been expended and ears bent to spread the
Moon-Walk trouser less guitar solo.
word of your band’s gig and details.
Friends and family take the fallout from the first ticket-selling assault, as will
A ring-round beforehand has sorted which band is bringing the kit
significant others to anyone you know who will buy a ticket. By the third or fourth
and which needs to borrow your amp; breakables are the responsibility
time you’re waving a fresh clutch of ‘Admit One’, money sinkers, in their face you
of the individual who needs them and with all the work done it’s off to
may find people have unexpected alopecia training appointments popping up
the venue you go.
the very night of your gig. They’re not bad people; they just can’t self-fund your
When you’re there, check everything you arranged gear-wise still stands
future. You need to get an audience and build your fan base up, so try and find
and sort out where it’s all going. –bear in mind, if everyone has brought
venues where you can support more well-known bands to get your music out to
an amp and they all want to only use their own don’t stick yours furthest
a ready-built audience. You can even stage your own event with other groups you
away from where you load it on stage. Getting off stage at the end of your
know and split the costs between you for venue and P.A. hire – five or six bands
gig is a way of showing you’re serious about what you’re doing; you under-
promoting one event with your band name on the flyer is five or six times more
stand there is another band waiting to take the stage and by moving your
audience awareness you would otherwise have got.
gear, shows a level of respect towards your fellow musicians.
Tickets aren’t always a bad thing and if it means being able to take a slot
Make sure you respect the rules of the venue itself – unless you don’t
somewhere with a real stage and a backstage area separate from the toilets then
want another gig there, in which case I recommend kicking the toilets
it’s down to whether you think you can sell a significant enough chunk of the
over and peeing in the soap dispensers. BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 17
trip ezy
don’t push me not just taking but also making the history that will become his legacy
P
assing historical information through the medium
the situations at hand. As a listener you feel you’ve become an
of music is one most commonly associated with
eyewitness into Trip’s life, the feeling none more so succinctly
the Dark Ages, when the handing down of events
compounded than on the track ‘Don’t Push Me’ – a track to
or important information was made more dif-
inspire and possibly become rap’s next bench-mark in summing
ficult by lack of useable communication methods and a heavily enforced indoctrination of whatever ‘truth’ whomever ruled wanted the people to believe. Listening to Trip Ezy detail the episodes and incidents of his life throughout his songs feels very much like a minstrel espousing of events from a far away land, of information hidden from our eyes in plain sight that we had erstwhile been ignorant to. With experience his lyrics and a natural sense of finding the right musical beats as a backdrop, Trip takes us on a journey through the world he calls ‘life’; of what it takes to be able to walk a mile in his shoes each day and find the inner strength to refuse to bow-down before the malcontents hiding on the edge of sight. Never succumbing to self-aggrandising platitudes of his own importance and worth, Trip Ezy brings the role of the bard to the fore with his straight out, honest approach to the detail of
18 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com
up everything the genre stands for.
Much like the bard, Trip is his own master of his creations; ‘I have been going at this with a one man team with a one man dream,’ he said when discussing his BWD Number One status. ‘This proves to me that I have what it takes to make it and take it to the next level.’ Not just taking but also making the history that will become his legacy Waldron Hamilton (aka Trip Ezy) is a lone voice carrying not just truth in his words, but the teachings of the experience needed to conquer them all. Contact Information:
I have been going at this with a one man team with a one man dream.”
Email: waldron.hamilton@yahoo.com Twitter: @tripezy Facebook: tripezy
BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 19
ichi stone DAVID ICHI STONE Ichi: I think the biggest problem with the music industry has always been how music has to be labelled as ‘this’ or ‘that’ in order to make it easier for people who like a particular style access to the music they want to buy. Now you go online and find tracks labeled under several tags, several styles or genres, because they don’t just fit into that one pre-defined shape of what it used to mean to be, say, rock or dance. MaH: But if we had to push you..? Ichi: I’d push back with Experimental Trip-Rock Beat Hop.
M
adasHell: Thanks for granting MadasHell this interview, Ichi. So, from the
MaH: How does your background influence you, growing up here in the Midlands?
beginning; how did you first start to become the artist you are today? What started it all off?
Ichi: There was a game on the PlayStation 2 back in the day called Music Generator – it was
Ichi: You’ve only got to look around and see the diversity in culture and people living around here. It’s like an education in world music; reggae,
a music program that let you make some fairly decent sounding beats and tracks, fairly basic
bangra, more Western sounds like rock and two-
compared to what’s available now but was so user friendly, you could get lost in it for days.
tone… If you look at my cd collection now it’s like a jukebox in a Benetton advert.
Where I grew up there was a lot going on, so being able to sit there with a pad and basically paste these beats and sounds into place, replay them back, working on each part, getting it perfect; you could work out your anger and stress and actually make something
MaH: Given the dedication and concentration needed to maintain this high level of creative
that sounded like how you felt, sort of like how a painter paints or a sculptor sculpts, except
out-put, what future plans do you have in the
instead of visual it’s aural.
pipeline?
I got what I suppose you could call my first ‘proper’ music program, Magix Music Creator, soon
Ichi: I’ve been approached by a few people inter-
after that, really. Again, not as full on as something like Fruity Loops, what I’m using now, but a big enough program anyone can get to grips with. MaH: How do you go about creating a track? What inspires you in the music you make? Ichi: Sometimes it can be something as simple as just a beat I can hear in my head, other times it can be a way of almost like ordering my thoughts, creating calm in the chaos – like
ested in using samples of my tracks for their work, but I can’t really say too much about that at the moment, I’m afraid. I’m also focusing on giving each track that first impression feel, so each time you replay the track you can find something new, something you may not have heard the first or second or fifty third time.
a game of Tetris; I’ve got all the blocks, I’ve just got to put them in order. MaH: Your tracks run the gamut in style between rock with ‘Thirty Seven in a Row’ and a more dub-step feel to ‘Boomer Bile’, making it difficult for the mainstream to pigeonhole
Challenging the idea of music being a passive experience to bring the listener a unique experience each play-through,.
you into a particular style or genre. Was this a deliberate attempt on your part to subvert the ‘hipster’ crowd of vapid attachment?
20 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com
I’ve got all the blocks, I’ve just got to put them in order.”
DAVID ICHI STONE
Cruciatus Single Review
C
ruciatus has an edge to the track that manages to insinuate the promise of intent without ever showing its hand as to what its motives are. The air throughout is one of tempted sexual promise, an almost ethereal backdrop punctuated by a steady foreground beat to guide you into Ichi’s world. As the track continues it sustains a feeling of pleasurable unease, the artist understanding how to balance the anticipation of a resolution to keep the listener entrapped until they decide you are ready for what will happen next. It broods with a calming hand, creating a wanton uncertainty of a night lived behind the facade of the person you wish you were brave enough to explore.
As the track progresses it brings about growing sense of desire to ‘want’ without ‘getting’, to be kept on that edge where pleasure becomes pain, desire becomes lust; the aural foreplay of the chase that will forever be far better than the catch. As if in acknowledgement of this Ichi doesn’t present you with a ‘catch’; he just keeps the chase going for you. And you are very much welcome. Ichi can be reached in the following ways: Soundcloud: davidichistone Facebook: davidichi.stone
BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 21
five steps to Bandom finding band members
1.
Chances are you already know at least one other person with some musical ability behind a set of drums or bass strings or comb-andpaper combo, and these should be the people whose neighbours begin legal proceedings against when your faltering yet tireless rendi-
tion of Smoke On The Water has taken the last of the plaster from their walls and use of their one good leg. Whether these are the people for whom you will ultimately stand sad faced before a hungry press to explain D.N.A. testing on vomit has yet to prove conclusive enough to determine the cause of their death is somewhat immaterial – you are a beginner in the world of ‘band’ and as such need to learn the know-how and nuances of performing with others.
Starting a band is a leap into the unknown for any who
Rhythm, timing, and remembering what comes next are simple when playing along to your favorite song in your bedroom. Your mistakes
throw down the gauntlet and take up the mantle of enter-
aren’t as noticeable when the vibrations are kicking the pigeons off the
tainment through the medium of music; so before you start
roof as you drop-D your way through Hollerback Girl; passion and pride
checking out which celebrity rehab has the best wall climbing vines out back, here’s five things to consider on your way to the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame replacement septum surgeon…”
tell you how great you sound, and if your parents weren’t so old and so lame and actually ‘got you’ they’d stop with their stupid questioning of when you’re going to learn to play that thing properly and be able to see the guitar genius and future lord of the axe who stood in Spongebob shorts and socks before their loud red faces. Playing with another musician means not having the safety net of a backing track to disguise your fudged notes, and really draws out the areas in which your toe-tapping shenanigans may be somewhat lacking. Throwing down some chords and losing half of them midway can be remedied with the laxative of learning; it will purge you of those little lies that reassure you your mistakes weren’t mistakes at all, it’s just your style, and that the solo to Crazy Train sounds better at one third tempo
22 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com
and missing half the notes.
Which isn’t to say you shouldn’t try and learn the harder stuff – you should; it’s
You will lock-in as a group and start sounding more professional as you apply
what’ll keep you motivated when the magazines and online resources keep lie-
your individual sound to the group collective; it may be a cliché but you need
ing to you about practice being the only thing to genuinely improve your playing
to nourish something to see it grow, but that allocated slot in your schedule
despite the amount of Fast Fret or drum oil the man in the music shop tries to
is like the strip of dirt down the allotment to your bands home grown sound,
sell you.
giving you dedicated time and space to feed and nurture it to fruition as a fully
‘Keep It Simple, Stupid,’ Angus Young of the Iron-Man soundtrack said, and whilst there is no question of the oldest schoolboy in the world’s ability to run up and down the neck of his SG without leaving muddy footprints, it’s only through being a practice master and jamming with all and sundry that we get the opening to Back in Black marching out the speakers in a beat you could set grandma’s pacemaker to.
2. Rehearsal Space
Four walls and enough room to turn around in with-
flourished band.
4. be realistic
Before you burn that neon wig and start worrying over whether the shop’ll take those tights back if you say the crotch was missing when you bought them, hang on; fantasies of grandeur and outrageous stage wear are par for the course in any band, and anything less than at
out snagging a drummer in your headstock, maybe
least one pose only your mirror and shame know how long it took to get
even a few amps or (at worse) a P.A. you can run your
right for the crowd in the showy bits would be to deny your artist within.
instruments and pedals through is the most basic
If all you want the crowd to remember is how your headstock took out
requirement in a rehearsal space for a band serious
the frontmans teeth when you failed to catch it coming back over your
about making some noise.
shoulder then it’s in the lap of the internet gods good graces to make
At a dime a dozen there’s a plethora of industrial estates and purpose built rooms riddling most towns and cities, a man behind the desk and a book to write
that video go viral and secure you, your infamy, and an endorsement from Teeth Smashers Weekly.
whatever is the least arguable name you can think to call your collective group
If you want them to remember the music you performed, however,
of merry troubadours in. So choosing the right one for your needs is an often
then you really have to be honest with the band’s sound. For a start, does
undervalued yet important essential step; a good rehearsal space will let you
anyone suck? A frontman is a notorious beast to find when starting a
feel comfortable whilst you rehearse, encourage and grow the various talents in
band, for instance, so the offer from just about anybody to stand behind
the band by way of a good sound system, decent equipment, a door you can block
the mic and thrust their crotch-less tights at the crowd for three and a
out unwanted ears with and possibly a selection of snacks out front to get you
half minutes of time is a tempting one indeed.
through that energy sapping eight minute bass solo.
Just like the other musicians in the band they need a competent
A bad rehearsal space will be a burden that never lifts, each time you practice
command of their instrument; broken notes or angelic dirge tastes will
the weight only increases the amount of effort required. A good rehearsal space
obviously vary, and what does for punk may not do for pop. But does their
will have carpeting or sound proofing on the walls; a bad one will have the nasal
own brand of belting it out blend with the band’s brand? There are no
extrusions of the previous occupants. A good rehearsal space will have working
solid rules as to what vocals are needed for a band to playing a certain
amps and a basic drum kit in each and every room. A bad one will have the faded
genre, but if you find yourself turning the amps up during the verse then
carpet where all those things used to sit and excuses why the P.A. is a karaoke
it’s time for some honesty amongst band members.
machine and car speakers.
Embarrassing and uncomfortable and in sore need of a professional
Put your foot to the floor and nose ‘round some doors and actually look at
company to do the dirty duty for you, telling someone you don’t think
what the owner is offering for you to patronise with your pennies; there’s such a
they fit the band is a massive stumbling block to overcome but one that
wide scope between what one person deems a good place to rehearse and what
will prevent you from progressing if no steps are taken. The alternative,
another may balk at the thought of, but a bad rehearsal space is generally one
of course, is a future where every gig sees you going off stage to polite
that has you leaving your next of kin details somewhere about your person and
applause that started five seconds after you’d finished your last song
thirty tickets at ten dollars each to a world who know nothing of your Duck-Walk/
because your ‘audience’ had been busy writing out the bars order for
Moon-Walk trouser less guitar solo.
tomorrow and hadn’t been paying attention.
3.
Once a week, once a month, or once the parents have gone to bed; whatever timeframe you choose to rehearse in stick to it like the suspect stains grandma claims her dog left on your bed sheets. By maintaining a regular schedule you not only
practice regularly
guarantee yourself time to practice your craft, should
life unexpectedly get in the way of your home practice, you also begin to train your brain into mentally preparing for the process of ‘doing band’ work. Like an alarm to wake you from sleep, that regular slot will be like a cold shower on
Don’t be mean, just be honest. And stand a bit back if they’re the punchy type.
5. recording
By building a back catalogue you have something to remind you just how far along you’ve come since first throwing shapes at the reflection in the mirror to the sounds of Lords of the Axe, and as a tool they are an invaluable yardstick with which to measure your future growth
as a musician.
your synapses, firing them up and re-invigorating your work-rut drudging brain.
Record as much as you can and listen back to it regularly; the more you
Your rehearsals will become more refined, more disciplined, with less time spent
do it the easier it will be to understand and see what separates you and
setting up and getting ready and more time spent writing the music you know
your band from your contemporaries. You’ll hear gaps that can be filled
will bring all humanity together in a spectacularly glorious unison as they chant
and ones that are over-filled as you begin to see what you can do to turn
the chorus of your latest quadruple-platinum selling number one hit throughout
just a song from the band into being the song by the band.
the universe. At Wembley.
BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 23
bwd records, llc independent music label of the south Continuing to set the standard for others to follow
Owing to their unique position within the world of
BWD Radio has extended its vast reach in the me-
music BWD were able to snap up and sign Flori-
dia with the launch of its own record label, BWD
da based rapper 5 M.I.C-Z to their label, an artist
Records, LLC ‘The Independent Music Label of the
that brings with himself a level of credibility that
South’.
owes everything to musical talent and dedication and nothing to a cynical self-styled back-story and
Taking over a decade’s worth of industry knowledge
whose first release on the label – ‘Head Turna’ – has
and experience BWD Records, LLC - ‘The Indepen-
firmly established the label as serious competition
dent Music Label Of The South’ - is the culmination
to the established status quo.
of BWD’s vast expertise in the field of music and artist promotion; not content with simply waiting
Continuing to set the standard for others to follow
to see what single or artist reaches number one
BWD Radio has proven again the need to change
BWD Radio took their position of being known
and adapt in this never static landscape of media
globally as the leaders in discovering new indie
and music is key to continued growth and success.
acts and on the 26th of October 2012 launched
Pushing where others are content to stagnate is
their own record label, BWD Records. Dedicated to
the secret behind where BWD Radio currently find
finding the best as-yet unknown talent out there
themselves today, and with the launch of their own
BWD doesn’t limit itself to one specific genre; rath-
label in BWD Records it gives you some idea of just
er it extends its horizons to include all genres such
how far BWD Radio are aiming to go.
as rock, metal, hip hop and dance amongst others. A smorgasbord of scintillating new acts are present-
“Don’t just make a Difference, BE the Difference.”
ed under the BWD mantle, representing the best of the best and most unique in their field, such as you
– BWD Records, LLC
have come to expect from one of the industry’s top
‘The Independent Music Label of the South’
media professionals.
Vi s i t w w w. B W D R e c o r d s . c o m o r w w w. Fa c e b o o k . c o m / B W D R e c o r d s . l l c