Worldwide Indie Music, Lifestyles, Entertainment Magazine
June 2014
arika kane
chasing dragons
breaking the billboard’s top ten
naked sunday
Crunching Riffs
Infectious hooks & Vocals
OVER a decades worth of experience and knowledge
jimmy rose AMERICA’S GOT TALENT only the beginning
buffalo bites Monthly Feature
Features 04 Steve Dunfee Number One Spot On The Charts
06 Arika Kane Breaking The Billboard’s Top Ten
10 Black Angel Band Packed Audiences To Adoring Fans
16 Jimmy Rose America’s Got Talent
18 The Outlaws Of Zen Three R’s Of Education
20 McCloy Promotions The Underground To Mainstream
22 Naked Sunday A Powerhouse Of Playing
COVER STORY 12 Chasing Dragons Crunching Riffs, Infectious Hooks And Vocals
Lifestyle 08 Put It On My Tab Get The Most Out Of Your Apps
14 5 Tips For Selling Your Soul True Value Of Worth
ENTERTAINMENT 23 Buffalo Bites (Monthly Feature) Over 20 Years’ Experience In The Creative Audio And Music Production World
2 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com
FROM THE EDITOR
last issue
Bridging the gap across all media platforms BWD Magazine is dedicated to turning the spotlight onto the figures and faces, names and in-the-knows hitting the headlines and filling the attentions of the entertainment world. From musicians to models, ground-breaking acts to artists and artisans, imagination is the only limit in BWD’s ambitions in bringing the audiences of the world to the names we feature. With over a decade’s worth of experience in the music industry and a crowd of millions worldwide spreading the word with each new release, BWD has established itself as the leader in its field.
BWD Magazine- ‘Leading Whilst Others Follow’
Editor In Chief V Keach
Associate Editor J Addams
Lead Contributing Writer J Addams
Contributing Writer V Keach
Art Director V Keach
Graphic Artist(s) V Keach, BWD Graphics
Circulation/Sales Officer(s) V Keach/J Addams
bwdmagazine.com bwdradio.com facebook.com/bwdmagazine twitter.com/bwdmagazine facebook.com/bwdradio twitter.com/bwdradio_ twitter.com/bwdPROMOTIONS
BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 3
his first steps to the coveted number one spot on the charts
My faith, life
I
nspiration and imagination are
him to the working-clock and gifting the world a
but two of the temptresses of
stunning new artist.
the soul that can sway a man’s mind from the dedication of life,
A hard-working man held in much regard within
living, and earning an honest
his then home of Central Florida it was when
day’s crust. For some the chance to throw cau-
Steve decided twenty five years of storing his
ues, and emotions are
tion and responsibility to the wind and take off
musical talents on the back-burner as he con-
across the great plains of the musical landscape
centrated on his ‘real-world’ career was enough
the foundation for my
are dreams that can prove too tempting an
to ask of any man, a move away from the stress
opportunity to ignore.
and never ceasing struggle of the rat-race sorely
experiences, core val-
songwriting.”
needed and undoubtedly deserved after a lifeWhereas some may see age as a barrier to
time of dedication to the wage-slave slog.
anyone over thirty being able to reconcile the responsibility or adulthood with the dreams of
Settling in the Eden-like environment of the
youth there are others who refuse to let the
Appalachian Mountains in Northeast Tennessee
guarded portal of acceptance minded over by
and a chance to breathe anew was afforded
the bulk of nay-saying doubt or fashionable
Steve, to be able to take stock and see that,
chart trending celebrities stop them in their
whilst no man is an island, neither is he a mule
drive to have one’s cake and thoroughly gorge
to be worked into the grave.
to satiation upon its frosted goodness. With the muse within freed from its constrains Living proof that lamentations and excuses are
of daily clock punching he stunned all in atten-
simply lazy acceptance of those prepared to
dance the day he took the stage, the bushel that
accept what is rather than what could be Steve
had hidden his natural gift of music torn aside
Dunfee has begun the journey the musician
to reveal how sorely lacking and bland the world
within him had long since consigned to the shelf
was without his musical creativity.
of unfulfilled promise, a chance performance at the MerleFest breaking the chains that bound 4 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com
Emboldened by the audience’s reception and
Steve Dunfee the next stop on his road-trip to realizing his dreams came with a
to take their future and make it the shape of the reality they want
performance at an open-mic competition in the Virginia Highlands
it to be.
Festival in 2013. To the chagrin of all other entrants that day Steve swept the board and claimed the honor of first place, underlining his earlier acceptance of audience appreciations and adding to the acclaim his performance had already begun to accrue. From the stage to the studio and a six hour recording session later and as the man himself says of his first steps to the coveted number one spot on the charts, ‘That’s when it all started...’ Writing songs that strike a chord of resonance within the minds and lives of listeners Steve pens missives of relatable realities and familiar-feeling themes, his hit single You Rescued Me is available on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, Google Play Music and Spotify for public consideration. Now firmly on the radar and adding to his growing catalogue of celebrations within his second career with the BWD Magazine feature win, he himself revealed to us when discussing his achieve-
Contact Information:
ments how his captivating sound and sublime style comes from ‘My faith, life experiences, core values, and emotions (which) are the foundation for my songwriting.’
Website: www.stevedunfeemusic.com Twitter: @SteveDunfee Facebook: SteveDunfeeMusic
With the enthusiasm of youthful dreaming and the experience of a life lived to maturity Steve Dunfee is truly to be considered the first amongst equals, the legend leading the change, and the inspiration
Photo Credits: Steve Dunfee - All Rights Reserved
for millions of others buried in the obsessions of outside influence BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 5
Arika Kane
T
housands of hours and millions of dollars of tex-
seeing her infiltrate the ears of a vastly growing worldwide audi-
ting charges have been thrown under the wheel of
ence.
a cynical music industry juggernaut in an attempt to steer audiences in the direction of their current
Imbued with an uncanny connection to her inner-self Arika bought
most profitable commodity.
forth the qualities of what she calls ‘substance’ to her debut release, the naturally named Substance.
Yet even an industry expert as a manager and a tear jerking backstory learned off by heart and broadcast before your unique take on
A reflection of the musician within the album sent her straight onto
Mama-Mia on bassoon and bagpipes and broadcast coast to coast
the radars of the industry itself, forcing them to sit up and take
still doesn’t guarantee anything more than the opportunity to help
notice of the undeniable impact and compelling draw such an artist
in scraping off the last vestiges of talent from the bottom of the
as she promised.
ability barrel. An amalgamation of emotional emphasis each track on the album Though they purport to be in charge of declaring whom amongst
was an experience through the soundscape Arika chose to compose
their singers has that elusive ‘X’ factor, it is the public and their
through, be it Soul, Rap, R&B or Blues; each a pin sharp view of
impact on the charts that will ultimately decide whether ‘X’ is more
the direction Arika picked for you to see, each track a substantial
‘Ex-’ - as in, ex-tremely easy to ignore.
heavyweight of depth, drive and delicately balanced sounds to tease with temptation.
So if one were to cast an eye over the resume of a certain soul star singer who can count breaking the Billboard’s Top Ten with their
Engagements to take the stage with the majesties of music like
sophomore debut, following it up with a second single slamming
Faith Evans, Frankie Beverly, Tevin Campbell and Charlie Wilson serve
into number seven, turned the stages and venues within the Tri-
as further evidence to the industry’s attentions, and with the touring
State area into their very own platform to enthrall and commanded
of her own “Kane’s Live Show” Arika Kane has become the next hot
a captivating voice of singular enrapture, that eye casting would
tip burning the lips of the gossip-gatherers of TinstleTown.
eventually catch upon the perpetrator of such a pitch-perfect performance on the playlist of plenty, the artist that is Arika Kane.
With her first album taking over the Amazon top spot for two weeks - with single release Waiting still beating all competition as
Bearing strong musical roots that combine her Celtic and Italian
Best Seller in Soul BWD Magazine busted out its best pair of slacks,
ancestry with her small-town Connecticut upbringing, the confi-
swept aside the pile of UNPAID ELECTRIC BILL FINE notices piling
dence of a natural behind the mic and under the spotlight shines
up on the office desk and, carefully avoiding the many and numer-
through as the uniquely elusive force Arika Kane reveals.
ous candles lit up about the place, we made a mental note to call the power company tomorrow and shot off to speak with Arika Kane
With a passion of emotion within her voice that comes from the
about her new tour, what exciting new sounds and powerful shows
forthright stance of relaying the depth of heartfelt integrity inside
we can expect to see, and which foot is best......
Arika is quickly tasking the broadcast world as her own theatre of performance, multiple appearances across the networks and MTV
6 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com
stance, along with society as a whole. I noticed the fans reaction to the
exclusive interview
album and they seemed relieved that there is still some substance out there. When I say substance, I’m referring to soul, rhythm, melody, raw emotion and lyrically relatable. Substance will always be a prominent
BWD: Thank you for granting us a moment to sit and chat, if you
piece to my music. The difference with my new album is my growth. In
would like to introduce yourself to our readers..?
“Thru The Veil” You will hear that any restrictions I felt prior are now released. I no longer feel like I’m fighting the ‘status quo’ or trying to
I am a singer, songwriter, producer, light worker and a woman of sub-
breakthrough. I feel liberated and that I have broken through! ;-)
stance. My family being singers & musicians, instilled music in my heart at a young age and my heart has led the way ever since. It’s been an
BWD: Without being too flattering it’s difficult to remember when
extremely bumpy ride, but I wouldn’t take back a second of it because
an artist has had such an impact, such a connection with their audi-
it has made me the woman that I am. I developed myself as an artist,
ence..?
perfected my craft, and was eventually connected with my current label BSE Recordings. BSE has supported my vision to the fullest and with
Awww thank you. That means a lot because I work hard at staying
pre-caution because the world waits for you to sell out and be someone
close with my fans, but at the same time, it brings me endless joy.
else that they can profit from. BSE and I have chosen to stay with who
Like I said, it keeps me motivated and reminds me of how impor-
I am at all costs; standing strong in my pursuits, and just letting them
tant my mission really is. I also feel like I am filling a gap right now
eventually figure it out.
because many major artists don’t feel compelled to interact with their fan-base on a personal level. I guess my whole mind set is
BWD: We’re grateful to you for taking the time to talk, we appreciate
completely different because I come from a place where the fans
it’s something of a busy time for you..?
are a critical part of everything, at least that’s the way it should be!
Music Lovers can look forward to hearing music they love! My current
BWD: And finally! Which foot is the ‘best’ one to put first when put-
project and upcoming album is called “Thru The Veil” which will release
ting your best foot forward..?
this summer. So far the theme is connected with liberation, breaking limitations & empowerment. The music covers a variety of genres, all
Always…..my Heart ;-)
with the elements of rhythm & soul, as well as heartfelt emotion. My Debut Single from the album has just released and is called “It’s There” featuring Brian McKnight. It’s available worldwide on ITunes, Amazon & Google Play. The video premiere is now up and viewable on my Vevo Channel. BWD: The world seems to have opened its arms to Aria Kane, from appearances with some legendary performers to television sending you across the air- and sea-waves..? Thank you! Public reaction is always the BEST reaction because it’s real! It’s also what keeps me driven and committed. To personally interact with my fans whether it be on a social media level or in person, this really keeps my fire burning because they remind me of why I’m on the path that I am on. Yes it makes everything worthwhile as soon as I hit the stage and express my deepest emotions on a personal level. It’s an indescribable feeling to perform all of your hard work with ease… Even through rehearsals, I tend to have a hard time getting sleep because I get extremely excited! ;-) Contact Information: BWD: Having cleared the ground for the foundations of what promises to be a much in demand career with ‘Substance’ where do you see your style going from here..?
Website: www. arikakane.com Twitter: @ArikaKane Facebook: ArikaKane
Substance is such a special album for so many reasons. It was created in a period of time where I felt that mainstream music was lacking sub-
Photo Credits: Arika Kane - All Rights Reserved
BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 7
put it on my tab Another month and another clutch of Apps to bring joy to your lives and enjoyment to your Tablet, as once more we deliver the essential
8 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com
Applications to get the most out of slowly filling up your home-screen.
RTF, or TXT, and should you suddenly be faced with need to un-Zip then a
Google Play Music
thumbs touch is all that’s required. An integrated browser function means you need never be stuck for the
Whatever your mood or fancy there’s a wealth
facts to back up your thesis or correct spelling of aluminum, and should you
of music on the internet fighting to become the
find the limits of this surprisingly ample app somewhat constrained then
next soundtrack to your day.
a simple in-app purchase unlocks the world of ODT, ODS and ODP recognition, as well as letting the more safety conscious amongst us password
However, when faced with the never-ending pit
protect our files; which can then be shared via Bluetooth, Cloud, E-mail and
of possibilities the World Wide Web affords the
more without even leaving the page on your desktop.
discerning ear; it can be difficult to locate the good from the god-awful. The Swiss-Army-knife for your Android Office Suite is a bit of a muddle to Fortunately the good folk at Google have leapt to the rescue of those lost
begin with - what with everything being slightly different and new smell-
in playlist-paradise with their Google Play Music app, a marvelous little
ing - but a few minutes invested seeing what happens when you press this
music-hound hunter that lets you see the wood for the trees and cut the
and before long you’ll wonder how you managed with the limitations of
wheat from the chaff.
Word for so long.
Putting the ‘mmmm’ in ‘mmm-usic’ this tiny app takes all the effort from thinking new ways to write ‘genre x’ in the search bar by bringing together
App 2 SD - LJMobile
the entire collection of musical experiences since time began and threw onto the ‘net and slapped a search option on top for your considered approval.
Space may be infinite and filled with stars but the space on your tablet is not - unless your
The Free Standard Option will let you add and listen to your own personal
hobby is downloading pictures of celebrities,
collection from anywhere in the world thanks to the wonders of a cloud
that is.
flavored synch, and with a small fee for their coffers you can add unlimited listens to the music of others, uninterrupted radio playback and the ability to share your favorite songs.
With only a finite resource of space to run and store everything on your Android it can get quite Sophie’s Choice when choosing which app to keep and which to delete when things start to chug
Building a custom playlist to suit your mood is as simple as applying thumb
and the Google Recommends harvest brings another fresh crop to enjoy.
to ‘phone screen, and being able to purchase new tracks to bulk up that
So being able to free up some space by moving things about a bit is where
20,000 track playlist, it’s difficult begrudge the few coins they ask for the
App 2 SD comes in, all guns blazing and riding a horse called Cavalry.
All Access Option. Opening the app presents you with a list of every other app stored on your
Office Suite 7
device, detailing name, size, and whether it can be moved or not. Check the tiny box next to the name of the app you wish to move and like a sleightof-hand artist it’s gone from on-storage space to external SD.
Whether composing the Best-Man speech for
Performance of the moved app is unaffected, though should you wish to
your sister’s wedding or creating an enthralling
return the desired application back into the warm glow of radiation on
world of ring obsessed midgets Office Suite 7 is
your internal storage then the same process will reverse the move in just
everything your literary aspirations could want
as quick a time.
and more. Free, functional, and frills free, it does exactly what it promises without fuss With the rather modest opening line of being ‘The world’s No. 1 mobile office
and should be considered essential for those with an external SD card and
editor for Android’ Office Suite 7 takes those more used to Word’s familiar
a desire to keep their Tablet thundering along like Billy-o.
surroundings and gently guides one through the new way of creating documents, reading .pdf’s, and so much more. Create, view and edit files with but a fingers flick, be they are DOC, DOCX, PPSX or any of the more commonly used and pc-infused formats. Open and view files from the further end of the alphabet such as PDF, BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 9
Black Angel Band
H
itting the right chord with packed audiences and
The Strawberry Alarm Clock’s very own Ernie and Cory Orosco that
adoring fans everywhere from their hometown
showcases the majesty of music whilst capitalizing on the bands
of Santa Barbara to the plateaus of playlists and
underlying innate multitude of talent.
applause of pundits the world over the Black Angel Band has spent nearly twenty years delivering
Throughout the years and line-up re-arrangements the Black Angel
music that defies pigeon holing into genres or
Band have successfully released five full studio albums; 13 Stories
generational gaps.
was released in 2001, building on the band’s sound and showing of song-craft enviable to many. Real Music for Real People came out in
Beginning in ‘99 and already aiming for the bulls eye, the momen-
2003, followed by triplet of titles O’ California and O’ Santa Barbara
tum began to build for what would ultimately become the Black
in 2007 and O’ San Francisco in ‘09.
Angel Band when J.C. Martin started laying the foundations for a musical legacy; revealing a
Ending 2007 with a Song
new group The Prophets to
of the Year Award from
the world’s eyes and ears,
Billboard Magazine was the
which were blown wide open
perfect way to start cele-
to a sound of incredible
brating the beginning of a
depth and captivating hooks,
New Year of opportunities,
the alluring Audrey Turner and
Black Angel Band already
rhythm master Ronnie Turner
having two of their previous
on vocals and bass.
releases selected by industry writers and journalists
During their period as The
for both Billboard Magazine
Prophets released a self-titled
and Rolling Stone Magazine
EP to a healthy reception and
as two of their Top Albums of
encouraging response, before
the Year.
both Audrey and Ronnie were called-up to take to the road and tour with the Rhythm Masters. Turning adversity into opportunity and
From the first notes played by The Prophets to the last chord ringing
bringing a new name to christen the group; the Black Angel Band
out on the final track of Pleasuredome the Black Angel Band have
was formed, forging ahead and fulfilling the promise set-out by The
continued to show the rest of the world how legends - and legend-
Prophets.
ary music - are made with an advanced copy of the album sent out last November receiving the band the Rock Album of the Year for
Over the years the band has been an evolving form, offered a
2013 Award by the Underground Blues Network.
port-to-perform within to Danny Darling (professional drummer responsible for the beating heart of the song to music for Stevie
Eager to taste the finer things in music for ourselves BWD Magazine
Nicks, Bonnie Raitt, Lucinda Williams and Leon Russell), the legend-
sat down and talked with the band, discussed the groups history,
ary Man In Black Johnny Cash’s granddaughter Tiffany Lowe, and
heritage and honorable members of the music-world, and more.
10 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com
BWD: To the group we say welcome, and please; introduce the Black Angel
I have always been lucky to play with great musicians. I started out as a singer/
Band..?
songwriter. I was a Mick Jagger type who could never find my Keith Richards.......
Black Angel is a band that started in 1999 in Santa Barbara with Audrey (Mrs.
so I had to learn to really play the guitar if I was going to write great rock
Ike) Turner as the lead singer; Ronnie Turner (son of Ike and Tina Turner) on bass;
songs. Early on the band had such great singers as Audrey (Mrs. Ike) Turner; Lois
Ernie and Cory Orosco (of the Strawberry Alarm Clock touring band) on lead gui-
Mahalia (Kenny Loggins and Joe Walsh) and Andrea Buchanan (Blues Brothers
tar and keyboards and J. C. Martin as a guitar player/singer/songwriter/producer.
2000). We also always had three, great, female back-up singers. I haven’t given
The band soon moved to Los Angeles and started playing some of the biggest
up music because I still think that Black Angel music is much better than most
clubs there including The Roxy; B. B. King’s Blues Club; The Cat Club; The Coach
of the music I hear on the radio and TV today. I can book a show with my band
House (San Juan Capistrano); The Gig; The Joint; and more. After a couple of
at a small club on a week day night 60 miles from where they live and they will
years Audrey and Ronnie went back on the road to play with Ike Turner and the
show up and play.
Kings of Rhythm but the band continues to the day. From 1999 until 2011 the
When we were playing a cover version of Jumpin’ Jack Flash in front of 10,000
band continued to play shows and record. In 2003 J. C. Martin took over all the
people at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco during Fleet Week (when one
lead vocal duties. We had two albums in 2007, O’ California and O’ Santa Barbara
million extra people visit San Francisco over a two or three day period) and the
that were EACH chosen in the Top 35 Albums of the Year for writers by Billboard
Blue Angels are shooting across the sky about 300 yards above us and totally
Magazine and Rolling Stone Magazine. The single, One Beer, was selected as
drowning out our sound for a few seconds......damn.....it’s like you’re in the Rolling
the Song Of The Year for 2007 by Chuck Eddy, senior music editor of Billboard
Stones.
Magazine in New York. BWD: What would you say was the main driving force behind the groups BWD: With your latest release “Pleasuredome” already accruing accolades
focus for delivering consistently incomparable releases..?
even before its release it would appear 2014 is shaping up to be a momen-
I hate to be ego centric, but we have completed at least ten albums and there is
tous year..?
not one bad song on any of the albums. I feel that having strong songs; great
In 2011 I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and started a new version of
musicians; adequate recording studios; and lots of hustle have kept the albums
Black Angel. Our drummer, Pat Woods, has been in the band since October
at a high quality. I can’t begin to tell you the hoops that we have had to jump
2011. Our bass player, Mike Stever, joined in April of 2012, and our lead guitar
through to get albums completed. For two years we couldn’t find a good bass
player, Rubin Ray, joined in May of 2012. Since then this band has played over
player, so Santa Barbara drummer, Tina Stephens, and I went out and played as
60 shows and has recorded two, full albums. This group of musicians is far and
a two piece band like the White Stripes and Black Keys. We recorded an entire
away the most committed, talented and experienced musicians who have ever
album as a two piece band. We then started putting songs on the old Garage
played in this band. The album, Pleasuredome, was officially released on January
Band and received rave reviews so a year later I went back in the studio with a
2, 2014. We had sent advance copies to some radio stations that had played
bass player, another guitar player, a keyboard player and back-up singers and
us for years and members of the press. The Blues Underground from Canada
completed O’ Santa Barbara (voted as one of the Top 35 Albums in the world
received a copy of this album in November of 2013 and selected it as the Rock
for 2007.....beating out Madonna, Shooter Jennings and many others). We have
Album Of The Year for 2013.
always been lucky because we have always had support from a number of people
The songs on the new album Pleasuredome were mostly written in San
in radio like Ken Bailey of the Westfield Alliance Radio Network and some good,
Francisco where I spent a lot of time in 2012-2013. Pleasuredome is about
long term fans. My wife, Betty, who hated me doing music when we had all
walking around San Francisco and the amazing sites that you see in this beauti-
the delicious female singers has stuck it out and is now our biggest fan; never
ful city.......”She walks just like she’s making love.....She speaks in Cantonese......
missing a show.
Late at night under the neon lights, she says....Take me to the land of smoke..... Take me to the Pleasuredome”. The album begins with the song, “Act Up”. The title was borrowed from the
We have been very lucky to have played a lot of the Off The Grid shows at Fort Mason in San Francisco on Friday nights in front of 7,000-10,000 people at a time.
AIDS activists in San Francisco and elsewhere in the 1980s who refused to just
We are just starting to play live again after six months of recording and
sit by while AIDS ravished their communities. These crazy politicos threw pies
promoting our new Pleasuredome album. We will be playing at the San Mateo
and cow blood in politician’s faces and demanded action by the U.S. govern-
County Fair again this year on the Plaza stage right after the pig races (Jumpin’
ment. Actor Rock Hudson’s death and actress, Elizabeth Taylor’s, support for
Jack Flesh won last year) and the hypnotist who must bring about 200 hypno-
AIDS activism caused for a huge movement that led to the saving of hundreds
tized people with him to his show. We play at the fair on Saturday, June 14 at
of lives. We have other political songs like Full Growed Man which demands the
8:00 p.m. You can buy tickets to the entire fair online at the San Mateo County
end of the current, harsh drug laws and My Name Is Legion which is an anti-war,
Fair website. Don’t miss the pig races!
anti-violence song.
Contact Information
Black Angel’s biggest influence musically and socially is The Rolling Stones.... still the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band in the world.
Website: www.myspace.com/blackangelband Twitter: @BlackAngelBand1
BWD: Since the beginning and the early The Prophets’ days it seems the group has retained and built upon its groundbreaking sound..?
www.reverbnation.com/blackangelband Photo Credits: Black Angel Band - All Rights Reserved
BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 11
O
ften a comparison is drawn between two things of a similar nature for an easier understanding of what is trying to be conveyed; for instance, when initiating a conversation about the Legend Of Zelda franchise on the Nintendo consoles one would look to Mario rather than
Warcraft when describing the specific type of role-playing romps the pointy eared protagonist embarks upon. Similarly, when exposed to a new brand of energy drink it is to the bovine of rouge one turns for a mental tick-list of expectations, how the new sugary sensation stacks up against the familiar flavors of the caffeine cow both positively and negatively, and what satisfaction can be gleaned from this newest of taste titillations. More a foundation for building newer understanding than dragging an old one down, a good comparison can make or break the future gladtidings of whatever is being held up for critical consideration. So for Leeds based band Chasing Dragons to be building its future on a foundation of critical acclaim drawn from comparisons and appearances with such contemporaries and leaders of their genre as Avenged Sev-
chasing dragons
enfold, Aiden, Fearless Vampire Killers and InMe one can rightly expect something bigger, better, and blatantly better than any band before. Consisting of Laurie ‘Tank’ Carnan on vocals, Mitch Sadler on guitar, drummer Katie Bullock and Ant Varenne on bass this frighteningly talented foursome began redefining expectations of their genre since
Website: www. chasingdragons.co.uk Twitter: @xChasingDragons Facebook: MusicChasingDragons Photo Credits: Chasing Dragons - All Rights Reserved
their inception in 2011, a slew of shows with the aforementioned luminaries of the lick revealing British groups ‘next-level’ evolution of the Having started so strongly Chasing Dragons’ momentum increased genre to the amassed masses of gig-goers across the UK. at a pace, quickly gaining ground on their contemporaries claims of ownership of the aural airwaves and conscripting audiences to Displaying an intimate understanding of structuring a song to be as their army of fans with every new ear exposed and mind opened aurally impacting as their show-stopping stage-craft Chasing Dragons up to the Dragons discourse of delight. unveiled their talents with debut release Take Flight For A Firefight.
Produced by Graeme Atkinson and Carl Brown the 2012 EP delivered a As a benchmark for all other bands to consider when unleashing much-needed shot in the arm to the flagging genre, TFFAF a washing their own aural assault the band have further compounded the away of the old-guard whilst acknowledging the bands roots.
With listeners dragged through an emotional roller-coaster of incred-
frustrations of those less talented with their upcoming release Checkmate, released Trash Unreal Management.
ible highs that stretch on forever and soar past the horizon and pow- Having already surfaced on our radar back in 2012 it was with erfully realized lows that speak straight to the heart and play wistful some joy and relief the radar operator on HMS BWD (‘Defendmelancholy with its -strings Chasing Dragons began filling the big- ing The Shores Of Sound From The Tirany Of Terrible Tunes’) rebooted footsteps of their inspirations tread.
ported it was time to fly the flags high and dust-off the fanfare to
announce Chasing Dragons were back once more to help defend Delivering an equal measure of crunching riffs, infectious hooks, mes- against the dross of the download charts, armed and to the teeth merizing vocals and one-more-time missives of magnificent songs and with another heavily stocked armory of aural ammunition. singles the band struck the perfect balance of finding favorable critical
comparison to A7X and others whilst defining their own voice within A meeting with the band was quickly arranged, and to the backthe sound. drop of a flag flying gaily at full mast we gathered around the table and spoke with Chasing Dragons about what promises to be an uncompromising advance on the air-waves with their hotly anticipated album Checkmate. 12 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com
Cover Story
BWD: Ahoy, hello and please; introduce yourselves..?
artistic differences, departures, arrivals and everything in between, but we’ve
We’re Chasing Dragons, a female fronted, rocket-fuelled blend of metal hooks,
come out the other side much stronger for it. What started as the dreams of a
with a pinch of punk and healthy swagger of rock n’ roll.
some has become the reality of others, mainly through commitment and an awful lot of hard work, but what you hear now, is exactly who we are.
BWD: Since the band’s first coming together back in 2011 Chasing Dragons has drawn favourable comparisons with some of the best in the business,
BWD: It must feel somewhat incongruous to be sharing the same stage with
your debut release establishing you as something more than just a band of
bands that Chasing Dragons have seemingly surpassed in terms of style,
genre X..?
sound, and evolutionary musical compositions..?
Yeah, we’ve had some very kind comparisons and words about our debut “Take
See you’d be surprised! There’s a lot of unsigned and unrecognized talent on
Flight For A Firefight” although we’ve evolved a lot since then. We took a few
the underground scene that we’ve had the absolute pleasure of playing with.
years to find out exactly who we were as a band, and now that we have, our fans
We’ve shared a lot of stages but as we mentioned earlier, we haven’t always
can expect (in our opinion) a much more mature and developed sound from us.
been so “together”! We’ve spent a long time and a lot of blood, sweat, tears and
We’re a little heavier, harder hitting and definitely a bit cheekier than before! Our
heartache evolving to become who we are now and this has been reflected in
new record “Checkmate” will be released June 2nd and you can pre-order it now
the shows we’ve played and our written music. We can say though that since
directly from our website.
realizing, defining and sculpting ourselves into who we are today, every show has been as enjoyable as the last and as we’ve developed, it’s been great to see our
Checkmate is our mandate. It’s exactly who we are and what we wanted to write
fans acceptance and encouragement along the way. “Checkmate” is the start of
at the time. It strings together a lot of core principles that we hold ourselves to
everything we’ve yet to become.
and we hope that comes across to our listeners. It’s about the struggle and the fight to survive, but also the choices that we make along the way. It’s about the
BWD: As one of the very few bands to emerge with the ability and talent to
loyalty you have with your friends and comrades but also the hard truths you
take the genre forward where do you see the music world going in the next
have to accept and hear some times. It’s a very honest record and we’re proud
few years..?
of it. We will also be doing a UK tour this summer to support its release, so you
So complimentary! You flatter us… Tank’s blushing! We hope we can be a shaping
can sign up to our mailing list on our website to be kept in the loop with that.
part of our genre in the years to come. For us, we want to encourage fans early and new, young and old to keep coming and watching live music. The industry is
BWD: The world was sorely in need of a wake-up call, that’s for sure. Do you
in a digital age and it’s so easy to sit and watch a video on YouTube and forget
feel Chasing Dragons are ‘up for the challenge’..?
what the industry is really about, but it’s not the same! We were brought up on
We’d like to think so. We’re in this for life and it’s not about the fame and glory;
the sweat and black eyes of mosh pits, the heat of the flames of a thousand light-
it’s about the art, the connection and the drive to change our fans lives with our
ers in the air and the resound of a single wavering note... It’s all about the rock
music. That could mean brightening their day, or giving them something to hold
show; a place for us all to be exactly who we want to be, and we want to keep
on to when they’re feeling alone, but we want to be a part of their lives as much
giving that for many years to come.
as they’re a part of ours. So far we’ve gone down well both live and recorded, even with people who wouldn’t normally be interested in our genre telling us how
BWD: And finally, finish this sentence; I never promised you a rose garden..?
much they’ve enjoyed our shows and music, which is great; opening people’s eyes
Tank (Vocals): So I’ll leave with you forever in my thorns...
to rock music can only be a good thing! We’ve spent a lot of time in the last 12 months rebuilding who we are, because up
exclusive interview
until then, we had so many various turmoil’s to overcome with line-up changes,
BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 13
5 Tips FOR SELLING YOUR SOUL back whatever initial investment it cost you to get that bit of cloth and ink
Select and Connect
turned into a pair of Ghandi’s Hairdryer flavored underoo’s. This includes (but is not limited to) the cost of postage, packing materials, taxes and trifles such as cellophane wrapping around the CD cases or additional
1.
How much you charge for your merchandise is costing’s to ensure delivery on a certain day. entirely up to what you feel it is worth; priceless, obviously, as the amount of blood, sweat, and Divide the overall number between the numbers of units and tears gone into its creating can never be given a voila; that should be what you’re looking to make back on each true value of worth.
item.
However, a realistic approach to how much you think you can get for that Once that money is recouped anything above that can be considband-moniker thong is always going to be a sticking point for some, and ered pure profit. A ten to fifteen percent rise in that base level is a reality check for the rest.
enough to give yourself a tidy little profit per item without being too much for the fans to think as unreasonable. So if one T-Shirt
Thanks to the internet and the cupidity of an enquiring mind, your music costs you five dollars to get made, another two dollars for posthas probably already found its way onto some light fingered fellow’s age and such, and you should be looking at letting each one go playlist or gratis; as harsh as it may sound the majority of your sales for no less than around the eight bucks bracket. aren’t going to come from the magnum glorious you spent several hundred dollars and three drummers on. The bulk of your beer money will If you think you can round it up to a fulsome ten spot then there’s be from the shifting of wearables and memorabilia of the band (or artist) no harm in setting your prices accordingly. If this proves to stick emblazoned across the banner above the stage.
in the audiences craw then be prepared to bring the price down a bit. As long as you cover the outlay already laid out you should be
Trying to charge stadium gig prices for a pub performance ‘T-’ is one way able to find a sale without losing a fan. However, if it looks like a of seeing you unload a couple of dozen shirts from the back of the van little more incentive is required then fret not, for that’s when you before the gig starts, and loading on near-enough the exact same num- employ your secret weapon of... ber once the venue’s closed and the door-men are scraping the drunks off their boots.
temptation
Clearly, you will need to shift a fair ole whack to make anywhere near
As supermarkets will tell you the key to
the millions those herds of breeding ponycorns you’ve got your eye on are going to cost based on a mere ten percent profit per item, but that isn’t what we’re talking about here; all we’re bothered about is making 14 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com
2.
getting a sale is to first create interest in your product; we’re not talking about advertising what you have for sale - you
should already be doing that through your website and social media
a dress when what you wanted was jeans. If you don’t make it clear what
presence. This is purely about how you set your stall up to attract those
your merchandise costs, you’ll only be counting the sales that you’ve lost.
enquiring eyes.
be flexible Put low price-points at around the center of the table/middle of your merchandise, as most people naturally first see what’s directly in front of them. ‘Eye level is buy level’ as the old saying goes, so keep the higher priced items towards the edges of your merchandise. It may seem counterproductive to put the things you’re going to make the most profit on away
4.
A millionaire doesn’t stay rich by spending all their money, and you won’t become a millionaire by sticking too closely to your prices. When the merchandise goes on sale and before the night
from the glare of the public’s peepers, but a sensibly priced sticker will be
is too deep in people will be more than happy
a welcome mat to the wallet, a hook to catch the largest haul of interest
to pay a reasonable price for some of your quality goods and gubbins. Ten
and cash. As these will typically be the items you have paid less for anyway,
bucks for a shirt, a dollar or so for a pin... Whatever price you settle on
a profit will be made on each sale regardless.
should be thought of as an opening gambit for the prospective purchaser. Don’t get affronted if somebody asks for your lowest price on item ‘X’ - they
Seeing someone walk away with a limited edition box set of all your great-
have shown they want what you’re selling and are really just trying to find
est hits and bonus DVD highlights of your last show to the tune of a much
a middle-ground you both feel about. Begin by offering them a price a bit
fatter cash box is a great sensation for the soul; but seeing a sale being
lower than the sticker value and see what they say. As long as you keep in
lost because the velvet lined ultra-edition takes up much more prominence
mind what the specific item cost you to get made that covers your costs and
in the view than the dollar pins beside it is equally opposite in apposite
whatnot then you can go as low as you want. If it looks like things may be
sensations.
going south and the sale along with it then all is still not yet lost. You have one final bullet in the chamber to fire in the friendly face of...
Keep the display uncluttered and tidy and a smile of welcome upon your
freebies
maw; don’t expect people to ask how much something costs if it isn’t clearly marked up. Not everyone is comfortable breaking the seller/consumer wall of uncertainty, and if you’re busy jockeying the till or distracted by other potential buyers then they may well walk away rather than wait or interrupt. Because...
Confusion Causes Complication
5.
Pins and stickers cost mere pennies apiece, and a thousand will run you less than a round of drinks in a bar. Pool your money and get some printed/ made up, and immediately consider them valueless. Not worthless, valueless; as in, you can give
them all away and expect nothing in return except for a thank you and perhaps a friendly fist bump in appreciation. More like a flyer stuck to a
Picture the scene; you find yourself in the twi-
neighbor’s face, a sticker is an advert for your music; it informs the world of
light fug of a gig in full swing. The air is heavy
the wearers allegiance as well as creating awareness of your musical exis-
with noise and thick with dry-ice and sweat
tence. It can also be quite the incentive to someone if they’re on the fence
exploding from the bodies around and about you.
of whether to lash out on that GH limited edition box set we mentioned.
The band on stage are the cause for the hullaba-
Uncertainty on a sale is your opportunity to secure it by way of a not-so-
loo of hubris engorging your senses like a Medusa’s head with a guitar, and
subtle ‘I’ll also throw in a pin and a sticker/poster if you really want the
in a moment of clarity you realize your life will forever remain incomplete
box-set.’ Something for nothing is always welcome, and something more for
lest you away yourself to the merchandise table and avail yourself of some
the same amount is doubly so.
3.
Gandhi’s Hairdryer stickers and pins. Don’t break out the golden line of leverage straight away; work through the You’ve fought your way through the swirling mass and with a damp shirt
initial enquiry and weather the storm of the bar-room bartering and if it
smelling of someone else’s B.O. you draw up before the desk jockey proffer-
seems like a lost sale looming into view then - and only then - bring out the
ing GH goods. Pins and stickers and posters, to; albums and EP’s and signed
big guns of gratuity. Sales and ‘buy one get one half price’, or even offering
stuff too. Clothing and patches and USB sticks; even hair-dryer shaped cus-
a discount for multiple purchases can be quite a tacticians friend in today’s
tom six-string guitar picks. All of it tempting and inviting by gosh, if only
hostile merchandising market, so see which items you have for sale will
you could read what each product cost. You call to the body guarding the
allow a little merging and reducing of overall cost and get grafting.
wares, but cannot fight against the sound of the crowd in the air. You point to something fancy and shrug and make faces, but the lurking nerk is look-
Promote, push, and be aproachably polite, open arms ready for the custom-
ing in all the wrong places. Frustrated you grow and ticked off you become,
ers open wallet and a big stick beneath the table you refer to as ‘Complaints
as clearly there is little likely-hood of a deal being done. One last time
and Refunds’ and with a little luck you’ll soon be in the unenviable position
you try and finally, success! It seems you can make your desired pur-chase.
of choosing between buying a new house in the Alps or three weeks in a
However, with tears in your eyes and unfulfilled dreams, you depart with
rehab center. BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 15
I
f you don’t have a dream, a lyricist once penned, then
to the men under his charge, forging strong bonds of trust between one-
how’d you hope to have a dream come true?
time strangers in the ranks. With a final tour that saw him in service during
Sage words indeed, and when actioned upon the reali-
operation Iraqi Freedom Jimmy left the army and began building a new
ties can far supersede the lamentations of an imagina-
dream; though it bore many striking similarities to his previous one as a
tive mind.
musician it now incorporated two children and a loving girlfriend.
Just ask singer/songwriter Jimmy Rose, a 33 year old one-time miner who
As a devoted family man, it was his children who pushed him to con-
has seen his dream take him into the homes of millions as he stood before
tinue his dream of music, Jimmy forging his now re-shaped dream with the
the considered judgment of the nation on the worldwide hit show America’s
will of a man possessed. Jobs as a construction worker and a meter reader
Got Talent with the inspired self-penned track Coal Keeps the Lights On and
put food on the family table, whilst scholastic nourishment for Jimmy comes
out, touring across the States and into the center of audiences attentions.
from his studying for an Associate’s Degree.
From the humble beginnings in Pineville, Appalachia, Jimmy’s showing of
Now a master of the stage also Jimmy has built on his breakthrough on
talent began when, as a child, his vocal accompaniments during church
America’s Got Talent to reach out and perform on Waiting for Wishes, helping
hymns prompted his mother’s maternal insight into encouraging her son’s
raise over 1.5 Million Dollars. His various engagements performing at char-
obvious God-given talent for song.
ity events not only remind us of this naturally gifted musician’s altruism but
Regularly performing with his mother before church attendees
also helped raise over 20,000 dollars in the past two months.
Jimmy’s rise to the top of
With performances coming up
the musical ladder took
that will see him opening for
a slight left turn with a
Kix Brooks in Pineville KY, tak-
showing of professional-
ing the stage before sold out
ism on the football field
crowds at Freedom Fest, The
whilst still a student in
Poke Salad and a few others,
school.
BWD Magazine tuned up its
Through
triumphant
tonsils and set out a-warbling
wins and heinous losses
to Jimmy Rose’s door to ask
Jimmy’s skill within the
him about his career, his music
sport brought victory to
and more.
the school’s team aplenty; and though he could claim more than one win to his own strategic play, his altruism of emotion saw him sharing the suc-
EXCLUSIVE interview
cess of the team with his fellow players, a portion of the blame claimed without qualm when Lady Luck was not in the stands. Within a week of his graduation Jimmy found his first step on the path to
BWD: To the incomparable Jimmy Rose we say hello from BWD Magazine; please; introduce yourself.
his future bringing him closer to Mother Nature than most, a miner of coal
My name is Jimmy Allen Rose; I am a former coal miner, 4 year United States
as glorious a profession as the name itself would suggest.
Marine Corps Iraq Veteran, Singer/Songwriter, and Performer who is currently
Unafraid of the honest toil a man must oft-times undertake Jimmy set
chasing my ultimate dream as a Successful Country music artist.
himself to the daily graft with a saints measure of calm, the ‘right-now’ not as important as the dream he had in mind. Motivating circumstances seemingly afoot and shortly after Jimmy got
BWD: From small acorns… mighty oak trees grow, as seems reflective of your musical aspirations..?
‘promoted’ to be the one who deals with the explosives and a new career
My musical career all started when I was about 10 years old. My mother would
came calling, the crucial work of shipping precious hospital equipment
get me up to sing with her in church; since then I have always loved to sing,
across the globe a responsibility Jimmy grasped with both (still intact)
and entertain. It wasn’t until a later time in my life that I learned to play guitar
hands.
and write my own songs. I was on ship in the marines and a fellow marine by
Twenty four months later and the former coal-miner rose to the chal-
the name of Jason Bowling from WV brought a guitar on ship and showed me a
lenge of becoming a marine, specifically a combat engineer where - ironi-
few simple chord’s and it was a snowball effect. Jason would always play and
cally, perhaps - part of his duties involved dealing with the making of and
I would sing, and he would always tell me that I had something and I would
making-safe explosive devices.
go somewhere one day. I would always think it was just my guys being nice. I started writing songs about two weeks after I learned to play, and I wrote my
Rising to Sergeant with a pace he became leader, brother, and counselor
first song (A thousand Miles Away) a song about my mother, how she was
jimmy rose 16 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com
always there for me with just a phone call away to encourage me and lift me
new album soon, with a label, or as an independent. I encourage fans to stay
up no matter what I was going through. I realized that through my original
tuned to my Facebook Fan Page at Jimmy Rose, or follow me on twitter at @
music and the way people connected with me, I had something worth chasing
Jimmyroseagt. I inform fans, and stay in touch with them on a daily basis as to
and looking at seriously. I have been to Nashville and lived there for little
where I will be in concert, or what is to be expected. Sometimes I even upload
over a year right after the marines, but never had the networking system I
videos of original songs I have written to share with fans and get feedback
needed there to really understand how it all works. I moved back home and
before I consider them for my album. My music is a mix between traditional
continued to write and perform locally, for friends and families, around camp
country music, and some even have that southern rock feel, I also write gospel
fires and other places, parties, festivals, where ever I could. America’s Got Talent
songs, and almost have enough to consider for a gospel album alone. I write
was a window of opportunity for me to showcase my true talent and show the
from personal experience, things I have been through or things I feel near and
world who I was and a little of my originality. It was a gamble, but someone
dear to my heart. My songs are like chapters of my life. My family continues to
saw something in me and gave me the opportunity to perform in front of the
support and encourage me, and they were a big part of me auditioning for the
celebrity judges, which led me on the journey that took me all the way to my
show. When I told them I was going, they were pleased to hear that I was mak-
third place finish with my original song (Coal Keeps The Lights On). The public
ing that decision. They have always believed in me. On a last note, there were
reaction was overwhelming with my first audition, where I’m from, the coal
several pre- auditions before you actually got to go in front of the judges. My
nation has took a huge hit with the war on coal, there has been over 6000 job
very first audition was in NY, and we had to rent a car to drive up there. There
losses just in the state of KY, and it is a war on coal, so my song was a cry for
was six of us who went, and due to the small car, I had to make a decision as
the coal miners and their families, the coal nation in general. My coal song
to make someone stay home, or whatnot. I rode in the back floorboard of that
was written from experience, and it speaks of hardship, and everyone can relate
car, from Middlesboro, KY to NYC for my first audition, and I have pics to prove
to hardship in some way or another. The show has opened doors and gave me
that. Just a small story of my dedication of how bad I want this, sometimes we
opportunities I thought I would never have. I am performing my own show all
have to make sacrifices for what we want in life.
over the U.S and continue to do that, this is every artist’s dream, and I am living it. I continue to write new material and work on new things, I have a band with
BWD: Appearances with some of the most well-known performers in music
close friends that I entertain with and will continue to do that until a decision
and a statewide tour to boot... It must feel like dreams really can come
is made on my career. I am not sure where this will take me, but I am blessed
true..?
to be as successful as I am today.
I have had the opportunity to perform with and open for some great artist in the industry, Dierks Bentley, Joe Nicholas, Josh Turner, and Kix Brooks. After the
BWD: From a miner to a Marine and almost everything in between it’s clear
show, we did a major tour playing everything from the MGM Grand in Vegas,
your dedication to putting your all into something is a driving factor behind
The Greek Theatre in LA, and the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. I had the opportunity
the passion we hear in your music, so what was the one thing that prompted
to play at some wonderful places, and yes the tour and all of the above made
you to ‘take a shot’ at appearing before the judges on America’s Got Talent?
me realize that dreams do come true, it’s how bad you truly want them. How
I would have to say my girlfriend Heather was the driving force behind me to
much are you willing to put into what you want in life determines your success,
audition for America’s Got Talent. She educated me about the show, and sped
and having a solid support system makes or breaks a dream sometimes. My
me up on a former KY boy (Kevin Skinner) who won the show. I think it was
girlfriend Heather Morgan, my mom and dad, Larry and Virginia Middleton, The
Season 2. My family and friends, mom and dad have always encouraged me
small radio station in my hometown 106.3 the Big One with Brian O Brian who
to stay in the business, they would always tell me, (son when the right person
was playing my music long before any of this took place, the true people who
hears you, you will go far), and I have always held on to their driving support.
believed in me aside from all of this fame are my true hero’s and inspirations.
Once I got the opportunity to actually perform in front of the celebrity judges, I
My children Lexie and Preston, my family and friends in general who inspire me
made the decision to sing my song (Coal Keeps The Lights On) in support of my
on a daily basis to continue to just live and be how I am, the way I was raised
home town, my home State KY, and stand up for what I felt needed to be said
and the values that were instilled in me at a young age has defined me as who
about our coal nation. I felt this was time to showcase my talent as a singer/
I have become today.
songwriter, and stand up for what I felt was right. A lot of the world didn’t realize how important coal is to us here in Appalachia, or how it not only affects
BWD: And finally! Finish this sentence; When I turn out the lights and close
the miner, but the entire town and our nation as a whole. This song speaks of
my eyes...?
hardship and everyone can relate to that. They told me it would be a gamble
I thank God for all he has blessed me with, for the man I have become today
to sing my song, and encouraged me to sing something the judges knew, and
and the woman he has placed in my life that completes me. For the family and
the world knew. In the end, in the history of the show, I have been the ONLY
friends who are always there for me through the good, the bad, and the ups and
contestant to ever perform an original song on the finale, so I guess my song
downs. For most of all, knowing Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour
spoke for itself. That alone was something to be proud of for me and who I
and for giving his life so that I can one day call heaven my home.
represent. I have allot of original songs, close to 40 songs that I have written, and I continue to write every day. People can look forward to seeing and hear-
Contact: jimmyroseagt@gmail.com
ing more of me soon. I have some people making decisions on me and that
Twitter: @jimmyroseagt
will determine where this will all go on some level. Regardless, I will release a
Facebook: /pages/Jimmy-Rose/156183007876151
BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 17
the outlaws of zen
F
rom birth we are presented with rules and guidelines
leaving guitarist Korey Gillespie and drummer Travis Evans with the option
handed down by those who have gone before; look both
of giving up or going on. Attempts at creating new foundations to big great
ways, don’t pick the scab, and never run with scissors are
plateaus confirmed the need for further musicians, a different eye looking
all common sense and accepted missives in the game of
towards the horizon who could help forge the land into a shape more reflec-
life that help keep Death as a casual observor instead of
tive of their teachings.
an active participant.
Adding bassist Tommy Koppman to the collective instantly paid dividends
Similar lessons are learned - naturally enough - behind
in the bands writings bringing dynamics and depth, his broadening of the
the closed doors and knowledgeable walls of the educative system of our
band’s sound filling the outlying areas of aural adventure and hinting
lands. From a litany of laws lending you an insight into right angle arrange-
at even greater sounds beyond the trio’s own imposed boarders. When
ment to always warming up before embarking on physical exertion, each
they finally breached these boarders in October 2011 with the addition
lesson on the time table is a mine-field of must-do’s to maintain until such a
of vocalist Joe Gibson they finally had a voice to describe the details of
time examinations demand their
their directions and describe the
recall or the governing bodies
sights that lay beyond and about
decide they think fairies did it all.
and every which way where, a
Though incongruous and inac-
liquid soliloquy in song as well
curate the Three R’s of education
as sound and delivered across
have stood the test and confused
a string of educational pieces
eye of everyone who has ever
known colloquially as EP’s.
sat at the desk of learning, a
With no time to waste before the
teacher or tutor extolling the
band took off to spread its teach-
virtues of committing to memory
ings from the stages of venues,
this important and inelegant lore
prophets to disciples eager to
of the scholastic system.
learn, BWD Magazine hitched up
However, there does exist anoth-
its carpet and ‘Ommmm’d it to
er Three R’s rule that not only
the skies, scudding our lotus-
manages to have three words beginning with the correct letter but also
seated way to the font of knowledge that lay hidden behind The Outlaws Of
sums up its whole with an unforgettable ease; and like the literary version it
Zen’s front door, hammered until ingress was gained and, with barely a pause
appears within a lesson most will have encircled upon their time table page.
to sharpen our pencils, set about with the learnings and listened awhile we
Music is the lesson, and the lesson it teaches is that of a simple impartment
politely demanded some A’s to our Q’s.
without vague pretence of its own importance, the legendary Three R’s; Retro, Riff, Rock. It’s one that The Outlaws Of Zen, a four piece outfit out of the Tri-
EXCLUSIVE interview
Cities in Michigan have learned well, living by the mantra with an obsessives grip and presenting their results to their audience with a scholarly level of
BWD: To quote a famous man; ‘These are not the ‘droids you are looking for.’
authority. Inspiration through frustration it was the very surroundings and
So tell us, who are The Outlaws Of Zen..?
climate of their hometown that saw the bands inception, the dissolving of
The Outlaws of Zen are a group of laid back rockers who bring our blend of
a band heaping to the untenable aura pervading the air around them and
heavy working class rock to the people. Individually we are Joe Gibson (Lead
18 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com
Vocals), Tommy Koppmann (Bass Guitar and Backing Vocals), Korey Gillespie
get is good and it hasn’t changed anything other than all of us trying to keep
(Guitar), and Travis Evans (Drums). We intend to leave the biggest stain on music
topping our last performance. We live for the crowd. We are all huge concert fans
we can. We don’t hide our influences or hide behind them. We make real music
and we know as fans ourselves what we like to see, so we make sure to do what
with a real attitude for real people.
we can to full fill that same level of showmanship. We live for the moment when you connect with the crowd and feed off the energy in the room. Everyone’s
BWD: Once settling on a line-up The Outlaws Of Zen haven’t stopped
having a good time and forgetting about their troubles; living in that moment
appearing on stage at every opportunity and releasing a string of EP’s..?
makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Egos were checked at the door and we started creating music. A general running theme in a lot of our music is just being as raw as we can. We use an “it
BWD: As a self-confessed DIY band you’ve taken the self-management route
could end tomorrow” philosophy, so let’s get down to business and write some
as opposed to seeking management or similar?
music. We approach our live shows the same, pedal all the way to the floor,
Usually Korey and Travis take up most of the business side of things. They have
and are thankful if playing for 10 or 1000 people. To date The Outlaws Of Zen
a knack for finding certain opportunities and getting things done. It’s always a
have released two EP’s. The first was 2012’s “Don’t Bother Getting Up, We’ll Let
bit more work doing it yourself but it’s all about the experience and what you get
Ourselves In”. The Outlaws Of Zen started with Travis and Korey as a two piece,
back when you have done it with little outside help. That said it comes with its
it didn’t take them long to realize that they were writing songs for a full band.
challenges, like anything in life, but so far DIY is the only way we know. We like
With the addition of Tommy and Joe the songs developed into what you hear
the challenges and the feeling of accomplishment when we produce another end
today. “Death In The Afternoon” released 2013 was the next step for the band.
product. We have a great support system that is ever growing. Our brother band
The songs were more diverse with the additional influences of the members,
“Slumlord Radio” and Honyock Records, label owners have been awesome to us
we start our second release with stomping groove and end the album with our
and for us. They are a great bunch of guys and have helped out many bands with
bluesy song.
many aspects of what a band needs to survive. Not to mention the other bands on the label (SERITAS, The February Coma, etc.) that are all great supporters of
Lyrically everyone is in on the fun but primarily it’s been Joe and then Travis
the local scene. We all try to help out each other as much as we can, with shows,
coming up with the lyrical material and ideas. Lyrically the songs touch on
contacts, flyers, t-shirts, etc.
good times, trust/betrayal, conformity, and on deeper themes for each listener to find their own meaning. We pride ourselves on intelligent and witty lyrics,
BWD: We, much like our readers, are avid learners of knowledge, consumers
even when they are a little lowbrow. We have also been featured on a couple
of the collective wisdoms of the world as it were, so tell us; which lessons
compilations that are available. The first one was “Bong Hits from the Astral
have the band learned they think we could all benefit from knowing?
Basement” put out by the Heavy Planet blog and the second was put out by our
Treat your “music space” as a dojo, a church, a place of Zen. Don’t let outside
friends at Honyock Records and features a bunch of killer Michigan bands. We
interferences in, leave the rest of the world behind for the period of time that
have a pretty odd way of developing songs. Often times we write them musically
you are going to create and be creative. Don’t approach music half-hearted,
and just slam a strange title on it. At times it changes and other times the title
either do it or don’t. The same can be said about live performances, get up there
sticks and Joe develops the lyrics around the title. That is how we end up with
like you own the place, give the audience what they came for....a strong whole
songs such as “Pornstache (The Ballad of Thunderlips Johnson)”. “Thunderlips
hearted experience and leave them wanting more! When you are in an up and
Johnson” was the nickname of a friend in Korey and Travis’s prior band “After The
coming band you can’t afford to give anything less than 150%. You can find
Dust”. The title was about a bet we made with that member that he wouldn’t go
our EP’s at TheOutlawsOfZen.bandcamp.com or from Ozium Records (Sweden),
grow a full on moustache then keep it for thirty days. We rounded up a nice col-
or come see us at a show. We are all over the interwebs just search us The
lection from the guys and even promised him all the empty beer cans consumed
Outlaws Of Zen and chances are we are on that form (Twitter, Reverbnation,
at practice. He would have made out pretty well; lots of beer drinking in those
Instagram, Soundcloud, ect…) We are DIY, not lazy. If it’s worth doing it’s worth
days but he chickened out. His wife said “no”. Joe liked the name so he wrote
doing right and with all your heart. We take that working class approach into
lyrics about a fictional character. We like to dedicate it to Chris Crawford and
everything we do.
the spirit of his short lived “Pornstache”; just so we can watch people look at him funny for the rest of the night.
BWD: And finally, finish this sentence; Life is like a box of chocolates..? Joe: Take a little bite of everything before you decide which flavour fits you.
BWD: As a band you’re following the golden rule of the Three R’s to the let-
Travis: It’s fleeting so enjoy the ride or zit producing little tooth erasers; you
ter, representing an unabashed and gloriously honest sound..?
decide!
Music has to come from an honest place; if it doesn’t then it becomes a chore
Korey: Wash them down with a good beer.
and comes across clearly contrived. We have audience members come to us and say I can hear hints of “this band” or “that band” in our songs but we’ve never
Contact Information
heard, you sound exactly like...... We prefer that because we know that they hear
Website: TheOutlawsOfZen.bandcamp.com
our influences but we aren’t trying to sound like any one band. Our audience is
Twitter: @TheOutlawsOfZen
getting larger and enjoys the energy we bring. We try to produce the best experi-
Facebook: OutlawsOfZen
ence for people without taking ourselves too seriously. Most of the feedback we
Photo Credits: The Outlaws Of Zen - All Rights Reserved
19 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com
mccloy promotions
F
rom the unknown of the underground to the mainstream massive, niche musician to newly discovered artist, the route to stardom requires dedication, commitment, a healthy slice of talent and an unhealthy amount of late nights and later weekends, and the passion to maintain when all this and
more begins to burden ones brow. However, even with all the above it still behooves a musician to be thinking of attracting the attentions of a person capable of applying a little leverage in the all right directions, pressure on certain select points, for the wheels to be set in motion and take you off on your journey to the top. With an extensive array of business-minded talents tinged with the flair of a musician at heart McCloy Promotions has risen from nowhere to become the most exciting new platform for aspiring or established DJ’s, producers, musicians and artists to reach out and discover audiences worldwide. Providing a network that incorporates all areas of the musicians map - from bookings nationally and internationally to promotions and social networking - Sarah McCloy has provided an umbrella for the artist looking to shield themselves from the deluge of attention-seeking nuances of being a gigging musician, affording them the chance of being able to focus wholly on their music. Creating a colossus-like online presence across all social and media platforms her own McCloy Promotions has spun an integrated web, ingratiating with charm and unveiling artists with a flair befitting the greatest of names in the industry. Now broadening the roster currently seeing artists such as DJ’s Cardiac and Micky Star Lewis stand beside the sublime Scotty L and incomparable Andy Mouro BWD Magazine felt it time we grasped the pointed nettle of nosiness and stuck our proboscis firmly into the business called McCloy Promotions to ask founder and head Sarah about the company itself; what makes it so unique and has given it such weight in the industry and more. BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 20
BWD: With all the upheaval and happenings of the past few years
EXCLUSIVE interview
in your personal life, did you ever imagine there would be a light at the end of the tunnel or something positive waiting ‘just out of reach’..?
BWD: Hello and welcome; please, say hi to our readers. I will be turning 39 in August and believe it or not was a shy recluse Hello to all you wonderful people taking the time out to read BWD
practically for years, always bottled my emotions up and true thoughts
Magazine and this article! Hope you and your families are well!
to avoid upset but I was hurting others by not being honest with them or more importantly myself so last year I came to London; leaving my
BWD: From what seems like nowhere; the buzz, the word-on-the-
children in the care of my exes and families supporting them. I can’t
street, whatever you want to call it, is building around the future-
go into all the details but is going into my autobiography which I
legend called Sarah McCloy..?
am writing as diaries. Music, friends, fans and support worldwide is helping me to get stronger and come out the other side on days when
McCloy Promotions (founded early 2013) offers artists in the music
I feel like giving up but I soon change those negative thoughts into
industry, fashion, media, entertainment and businesses the opportu-
many positive ones and knowing I have a lot of people relying on me,
nity to reach a large audience globally via my widely growing social
having faith & belief in me brings me up higher and stronger still!
media platforms via articles, interviews and much more as the opportunities are flooding in. I seek passion, drive, honesty, respect and a
BWD: From what we’re hearing on the BWD Groovy Grapevine
love for life in my clients and I think what makes me stand-out from
you’re making 2014 a year for everyone to remember..?
the rest is the fact I like to talk to people as a friend, find out more about them as a person, what kind of struggles they have had in their
2014 is definitely THE year for all that became involved in my com-
life, seeing past their name or fame, seeing them for who they really
pany, DJs signing up, artists, and businesses looking for advertising! I
are BEFORE I consider working with them.
am still in talks with many event organizers and more each day and am working on a presence in the US for us as we speak!
McCloy DJ Agency followed on from that this year (2014) which is an International booking agency for DJ’s of any genre and at any stage
Thank you BWD Magazine for this opportunity bigups you guys &
from amateur to professional, offering them radio plays, event book-
oneluv!
ings in their country or abroad dependant on their commitments, dreams and building them an online presence as well as via word of
BWD: And finally! Finish this rhyme;
mouth. If ‘I’ think they are good then I want to let the whole world know about it!
There was three in the bed and the little one said..?
BWD: With a steadily building dominant online presence it must
I’m not rolling over for anyone!
seem a million miles away from where it all started..? Well in just over a year my name has certainly gone global and it has been rather overwhelming to say the least but I am doing it all for many reasons, I have a family to support and after having my beautiful children from the early age of just 16 up until the age of
Contact Information:
35 I feel it is time to show the world what Sarah McCloy is made of professionally.
Bookings: Mccloypromotions6@gmail.com Twitter: @McCloy15
The public reaction has blown me away many times and continues to
Facebook: MccloyPromotions
daily as I am a very humble person, last year I was being added to ALL kinds of lists on Twitter for sample Writer, Author, Top 5000 CEO’s in the world (wow), actress, VIP in the Music Industry and many more! This made me see that I could use my previous advertising sales experience to help artists and companies via social media and articles like this. My dream and goal is to have the largest most respected Promotions Company, DJ Agency and other agencies I have planned
Photo Credits: McCloy Promotions - All Rights Reserved
so watch this space!
BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 21
naked sunday
A
s our April cover stars Die So Fluid perfectly epito-
approach to their sound underlined their approach to creating
mised there is a certain charm, an allure, and a
music belying their clipped count, their motivation of composing
natural draw-ing of the soul to the number three
the music they wanted to hear a subconscious chauffeur driving
within our literative legacies. Folk-lore regarding
them on to the top-spot of your playlist - such dedication even
covens and witches always stipulate their gang as
extended to the band chartering their own coach for fans to see
comprising of the Mother, the Maiden and the Old Crone; fairy tales,
those opening new venues.
too, are replete with rhyme and song centred around a tri-force of protagonists (Three Blind Mice) and as a formula Hollywood
Invitations to appear with the likes of Molly Hatchett and White
seems to approach each new release with the design of it becom-
Coast Rebels can be counted alongside performances at the world
ing a three-quel (the heavily hyped hit, the quick cash-in sequel,
famous Vanfest, with the band exploding from between the pages
and the final milking of the cash cow of vestiges of profit) the
of worldwide music publications such as field leader and pulse
tri-brace of one’s has always held the top spot in our imaginations
fingerer Kerrang Magazine!
subconscious, the number somehow feeling right when attributed to endeavours of a greatness.
Having already heard the gentle refrains of rock-done-right cross the sea- and air-waves through BBC and Rockers Dive Radio, rattling
Make a list of all the bands and musicians that have found four
the speaker grills over at our offices and gaining a new fan in the
too many yet two not enough and the list would be nothing short
form of the lady who brings in the coffee, BWD Magazine got to work
of a name-check of music’s greatest names; Nirvana, Rush, The Jimi
and tracked down this three piece from England to dig deep into
Hendrix Experience, all three-piece performers packing a power-
their doings; discover the wonder of three and what wonders they
house of playing within their output.
may be, their upcoming appearence at the October 5th Aces High Festival in Nottingham, and if one is for you and two are for me, what
With their four track EP of 2014, the cheekily entitled ROCKSTAR
is three all about...?
release, you would do well to keep those pens handy for the time you inevitably add the band Naked Sunday to that list of fearsome threesomes.
exclusive interview
Delivering melodic riff laden layers enveloped within a classic rock sound its members Martin Stanyer on guitar and vocals, Laura Stanyer behind the bass, and Craig Stanley bringing an awesome
BWD: To extend a hand of welcome across the seas we say welcome
array of technique behind the drums, Naked Lunch have invested
to BWD Magazine; please, introduce yourselves..?
the two years between the bands inception and their latest release turning attentions their way and audiences to their call.
Martin Stanyer on Lead vocals, guitar, piano and general misfit; born in Stafford UK. Laura Stanyer Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals, and bendy arm
Becoming the envy of their contemporaries was no easy feat, how-
tricks; born in Cyprus; and Craig Stanley the man on the drums who
ever, with the group hitting the road like a ginger step-child and
likes the mums born and bred in Burntwood. :)
appearing at over seventy venues within twelve months. A dedicated
22 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com
BWD: To quote a song of the past ‘Three is the magic number’, and
University was our best performance. It was when the public reaction
with your latest EP Rockstar it seems Naked Sunday are making it a
started to get a taste of the flamboyant shows and when we realized
statement impossible to deny..?
we had something special as a band. Playing with Molly Hatchett was a dream come true, but then it’s time to create your own dreams and
Rockstar because we feel the need to redefine the term the bands
stories and that’s what we have started to do. We tend to favour playing
heroes have always been as these big larger than life characters. Jim
on pub roof tops, giving a visual - something different, something that
Morrison, Axl Rose Freddie Mercury, which a lot of today’s bands have
makes us stand out and that is what the public likes. We dress different
forgotten how to give more than just some songs. One of my biggest
and every gig do a different set-list. With the help of friends like Nick
inspirations is Nick Townsend of Weak 13 a real performer, we like to
Townsend it helps me believe in myself and that makes a great differ-
give a show an experience that makes you want to come back for more.
ence to how I approach each gig. Jason Becker - if you know his story
It’s an all-out party that usually lasts 3 hours with Laura pulling her
- has played a major part in how I approach my guitar, and so I like to
arm tricks, behind the head solos, 8 or 9 people playing drums with
play for him; giving that show he’s used to. We have grown as a band.
Craig as well as a Sambuca Conga line (yes we managed to get one).
Craig and Laura have this real tight rhythm section and that’s what is
The themes of the EP are tales of wanting a better life doing a job you
making people dance.
want to do hence Rockstar; there are tales of Heartbreak (I Miss You which was written originally 12 years ago and has been reworked),
BWD: We already know of your upcoming appearance on October
Sunflowers In The Rain a song about appreciating this life and what
5th at the Aces High Festival in Nottingham, UK, but we refuse to
you have as one day it’s going to pass you by. It’s an ode to youth and
wait that long to see the band perform live..!
being care free and then The Reaper, our finest, longest song which features Craig on his drums - he laid down a drum track with a trash
Well the EP released physically on Saturday April 12th at the Robin 2
can drum kit. The song is just a bit of fun with a nod to classic horror
in Bilston. From then onwards we released it on iTunes and Amazon
Rob Zombies House of a Thousand Corpses etc... A good bit of fun with
Worldwide, so type Naked Sunday; Rockstar in! We then go off to play
a sermon that’s dedicated to some fans of ours who have gone above
through a summer full of gigs around the Midlands - we’re hoping to
and beyond - especially Vinny and Kez. There are tracks on Soundcloud
top last year’s 77 gigs! We are also making an eye to come stateside in
and a video for Rockstar by Ben Rose. Anyone wanting physical copies
the New Year at the South by Southwest Festival ………if they’ll have us.
can obtain them from our gigs.
If they do we will play Naked!
BWD: Unabashed in the bands display of creativity and control, how
BWD: And finally, finish this sentence;
did Naked Sunday settle on its three members..? One for you, two for me, and three for..? We put an advert out for Drummer over Christmas of 2011, just after the Molly Hatchett gig, and we wanted a stable member. This guy called
Three for the bedroom :)
Craig and proudly he’s still with us today. We met in Wolverhampton for a jam before moving to Neon Studios run by this amazing couple Kate and Mike (it’s in Craig’s hometown called Burntwood). We have stuck it through; you ride the good times with the bad and vice versa, not everything can be golden but you’re a band so you stick it out and don’t fall at the first hurdle - put it this way - 3 years ago we played a venue called The Giffard Arms in Wolverhampton with an unstable line up to a crowd of 2 people. We played there last night to 200 people; that’s how far we have progressed and Saturday 12th of April we played to 800 people at the Robin 2 in Bilston. We have been building a following and honing our craft on the road every gig is different. We like to have some beers after. Sometimes Craig stays with me and Laura and we just enjoy the time as a band and as friends, which is where the bond lies. Craig and
Contact Information:
Laura are like brother and sister when they get going. Website: www.nakedsunday.moonfruit.com BWD: Appearances with Molly Hatchett, commanding the stage at
Twitter: @NakedSonday
world renowned Vanfest; of the bands highlights, they must surely
Facebook: /pages/naked-sunday
rank quite near the top..?
Email: tommyrai1@hotmail.co.uk
Both appearances do rank very high but as a band we feel that Keele
Photo Credits: Naked Sunday - All Rights Reserved
BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 23
buffalo bites monthly feature Hey guys, last month we delved into the dark art of ambient techniques
the room audio back (to the left) a sample at a time until the phase lines
while recording drums and guitar in a session with Birmingham indie band
up and it really thumps like it should. I hope you find this a useful addition
Malone Malone. This time I promised pictures from the session and some
to your arsenal of techniques. Happy Tracking!
vague illustration of what I’ve been trying to describe! The studio of choice for this session, and lately my favourite place to track bands, is a beautiful hideaway not too far from Welshpool in the hills of mid Wales. The converted barn houses a suspended control room and two high apex ceiling’d (is that even a word??) rooms which provide plenty of scope for extra room mics along with the usual close ones in a recording session. So! We got as far as guitars, using close mics on the cab, a single condenser a few feet back and a wide stereo spaced pair to capture the sound of the room it’s all happening in. A quick side note... It helps to have a great sounding room but can be replicated virtually anywhere handy be it a bathroom, store room, a garage, as long as you have a speaker and a mic to hand the possibilities are endless AND you don’t have to limit it to guitar sounds... The plot thickens.
Louis from Malone Malone having a warm-up while we set up microphones. The closest mic in the picture is a Neumann Stereo mic, which we were
The idea in essence is to reinforce some of the sounds in your mix by add-
using as the main ambient mic, this was flanked by the two LDC mics on
ing some character after the recording. It’s always easier to break down a
either side; back a few feet.
session to get what you want after tracking, when you haven’t got drums, guitars, vocals all going together and ‘polluting’ your spaces. I’m going to use the snare drum top mic to demonstrate what I mean. For this you’ll need a free output on your desk to send your signal out from, an amplifier of some description to play back your sound in your chosen room, and a mic or stereo pair to capture the amp in the room. Oh and a DAW like Pro Tools or Cubase etc... And maybe a re-amp box (the opposite of a DI box). Send your snare signal out to your amp, dial in a sound you’re happy with and while it’s playing, have a wander around to find the sweet spot of the room, this is where you place your mics. Ideally somewhere out of direct sight of the amp, it’s the sound of the room you want more than a direct
Re-amping a snare drum…. Through a snare drum!! Try it for a little extra
re-amplified snare sound.
‘rattle’!
When you’re back on your DAW, play back the track while recording the
Buffalo Music Production - www.facebook.com/gazz.rogers
room mics (you might need to mute the track you’re recording depending
Aiden Best - www.facebook.com/CowwHead
on your system... If it feeds back mute the bugger!
Foel Studio - www.foelstudio.co.uk/
When you’ve recorded your pass, play back the whole mix and add the extra
Malone Malone - www.facebook.com/malonemalonemalone
room track until it sounds massive! If it doesn’t sound massive try shifting
Photo Credits: www.Jay-cimagery.co.uk & Buffalo Bites - All Rights Reserved
BWD Magazine • www.bwdmagazine.com • 24