CVNW August 2013 by CV WorldWide Magazine

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THE Custom Lifestyle Magazine for Car, Motorcycle, and Music Enthusiasts

Muscle Car of the Month!

Cover Story: GRIND; An Alice In Chains Tribute Gary Allen opens up about being a tribute band, working with the families of AiC members, and the memory that powers his soul. p. 4

Rock Calendar

6 Tricks of Car Salesmen

Drumiture

Orange Crush Hot Rod

Drums the Pros Use

Guitars the Pros Use

Motorcycle Road Tripping

Tattoo Gallery

December In Red p.26 Lani Linton of SM Photography braves the crowds to bring you the finest in Seattle bands! This month, from the UPROAR Mayhem Festival…

Jeffrey Easton of Metal Exiles braves certain death and spends time with Heidi Shephard and Chris Warner of the Butcher Babies P. 40

Amon Amarth Born of Osiris Children of Bodom Emmure 5 Finger Death Punch Thrown into Exile

Jamie Paullus of PureSin Photography gets up close & personal with the best of Spokane music. This month… Candlebox PopEvil P. 34

P. 18 CV Northwest Magazine

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CV NORTHWEST MAGAZINE © 2012-13 is published monthly and NO reproduction of content is permitted without Publisher’s prior approval. Publisher assumes no financial responsibility for the errors in ads beyond the cost of space occupied by error; a correction will be printed. Publisher is not liable for: any slandering of an individual, or group as we mean no malice or individual criticism at any time; nor are we responsible for the opinions or comments of our columnists; and promises, coupons, or lack of fulfillment from advertisers who are solely responsible for the content of their ads. Publisher is also to be held harmless from: failure to produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond control; all suits, claims or loss of expenses; this includes but is not limited to, suits for libel, plagiarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a persons name or photograph.

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Mechanism One Gun Shy She's Not Dead Strawberry Roan Mechanism She's Not Dead IRONY Oriya Strawberry Roan IRONY Mechanism Prophets of Addiction Strawberry Roan Whiskey River Guillotine Necktie Prophets of Addiction Prophets of Addiction Strawberry Roan Whiskey River Witchburn Whiskey River Prophets of Addiction Strawberry Roan Strawberry Roan Maiden NW Mechanism Metal Church She's Not Dead Mechanism Metal Church She's Not Dead Strawberry Roan

the Royal Bear One Eyed Jack's Tonic Lounge Ballad Town Billiards the Royal Bear the Silverstar Bar Malibu's Hard Rock CafĂŠ Wrangler's Bar & Grill Eastern Shore Park Bubba's Roadhouse the 4th Avenue Dr Feelgood's Bar Rockin' the Rivers the Brickhouse Wally's House of Booze Bubba's Roadhouse Rock Creek CC 7 Cedars Casino Slim's Clearwater Casino LVCS the Mad Greek Deli Wild Hare Saloon Hawthorne Theatre the Liberty Theatre the Liberty Theatre Malibu's the Roseland Theatre the Roseland Theatre Vantucky Tuneshine Festival Swan Island Dahlia Festival

Algona, WA Lynnwood, WA Portland, OR Forest Grove, OR Algona, WA Longview, WA Vancouver, WA Seattle, WA Canby, OR Vancouver, WA Sultan, WA Olympia, WA Aloha, OR Three Forks, MT Vancouver, WA Wenatchee, WA Sultan, WA Portland, OR Sequim, WA Seattle, WA Suquamish, WA Las Vegas, NV Portland, OR Canby, OR Portland, OR Puyallup, WA Puyallup, WA Vancouver, WA Portland, OR Portland, OR Fern Prairie, WA Canby, OR

From the ashes of loss, rising like a phoenix, GRIND has spent the years mesmerizing audiences with their show, their talent, and the energetic performance of front man Gary Allen GRIND, the haunting tribute to Alice in Chains, continues to earn international support and recognition through their chilling resemblance musically and visually to the classic and tragic original lineup of AiC. Formed in Lexington, South Carolina in 2010, its mission is solely to pay tribute to the late Layne Staley, Mike Starr and the memory of his own departed son, Aaron. “Grind is a great surrogacy for fans that miss Layne or never had the pleasure of experiencing him live. For fans of AiC, and anyone else, they are a must see.” CV WorldWide had the honor of speaking to Gary about the band, the tragedy of AiC, and the memory of a son that moves his soul. <CV WW> Give us the lowdown on who’s in the band. Myself, David Corbett on drums, Billy Price on Bass and Manguss on Guitar.

<CV WW> Did you gather your bandmates with AIC in mind from the start, or did it evolve? With this particular project, yes. I was completely focused on a serious Alice in Chains Tribute. So Tell me about the process of put- the process was always about pickting together the band. ing the right people who believed It continues, it‟s always a in and fit into that niche. process of perfecting the pieces! It's no secret, it's tough to assemble <CV WW> Why a tribute band? four guys who believe in your misI had learned a lot from a sion and can physically do what it former tribute project and made a takes to succeed in a really tough decision to go forward with somemarket. I think we have our strong- thing more in honor of those who est foundation since early 2011 we've all lost. right now and the stability is much <CV WW> Ok, why Alice in needed. Chains though – was it just be-

very high standard and the band share it. A fly on our wall would see that we work very hard on small details for a better overall experience. So yes, I hope people are freaked out (in a good way) and relive their own Alice in Chains experiences with us and through us.

cause of the people they had lost along the way? Did you particularly admire them? Had you been a diehard fan for years? Cuz you know there are a bunch of bands you could have chosen. The story of Alice in Chains merely still existing today in my humble opinion is remarkable. Of course the saddest of stories also lies within their history. I think I connect with these losses as a father who has suffered the same grief and to Layne and Mike's families, especially their Mom's and siblings. I also admire Jerry Cantrell so much as an artist, and for his contribution to the history of heavy music. Above all, his willingness and that of Sean, Mike and William to continue to express themselves publicly for all of us to enjoy, is an inspiration. <CV WW> You guys really do sound like AiC, does that freak fans out sometimes? Thank you. I hope we have an impact on our fans. I have a

bution to the signature style of Alice in Chains are not to be overlooked. He was a brutally powerful bassist and his energy onstage was infectious. There is no mistaking his tone when you hear it to this day. Finally, I hope that people, especially kids learn from the tragic losses of these amazing people and live a positive life in their hon<CV WW> Why did you choose or. the name “Grind”? I chose the name Grind be- <CV WW> How do you feel this cause I knew that's what I was in lineup meshes so well on stage, for. what works so well about Grind? <CV WW> A tribute band is I try and listen to my friends much different than a cover and just stay aware onstage. I can band…how much harder do you tell you these guys are focused and feel you have to work to get no- realize the value in what is happening for Grind, making my job a litticed & accepted? That's a loaded question. tle easier in the process. Most imThere are a lot of cover bands portantly we're all Alice in Chains wearing the tribute band label and fans; camaraderie of purpose and I'm no person to judge, that's just focus help us greatly. not what Grind is about. Authenticity is critical in light of the loss of <CV WW> Tell us about how two founding members of the band you’ve succeeded in a tough we portray. We have built a stage, place being a tribute band, what production, characters and scenes do you think is your key to sucthat amount to our total musical experience, all with a hopeful message. As far as acceptance I feel really fortunate for any level of it but this is for me, and I accept it. <CV WW> You say “we have built a stage, production, characters, and scenes that make up to our experience, all with a message”…what message is that? A hopeful one. I prefer to disregard the negative element and focus on remembering what an amazing talent Layne Staley was and that he left so many positive, beautiful things for us all. And Mike Starr, his memory and contri-

cess? You guys are NATIONAL, tell us about the road to that sort of fame. Well, first of all, thank you for that compliment. Being respected in a national touring sense is very fulfilling. The road started with a little 90 minute show in a tshirt and shades for a beautiful group of about 150 in Hartsville, SC at a little honky-tonk called Gardner's. At the end of that night, I had some personal moments that lead me to our conversation today and I'm just as determined as that night. I'm proud to have established Grind without the ongoing or honest support of any major agency or management and of the relationships with venues, buyers and promoters worldwide I have been blessed with. <CV WW> You talk about being able to do this without any major agency or management team…do you think that adding that to your world would significantly change your path or your options? You’ve carved your niche already, do you think that might increase your

“ceiling” as a band? Without a shadow of a doubt I believe it could take us to a next level. I have expressed openly my hope for an experienced and honest industry professional to join our team. I have a lot of hopes for our show that even include a musical of sorts with some scenes and more elaborate production. Where we are right now, I really am doing as much as I can on my own but my resources are very limited in comparison to a major management group. I'm sure there is some taboo to it all and I totally understand that but, I also feel there is room for Grind in the worldwide touring arena and the right people could do us a great service, in trib- really cool memories but they are brief. ute to Alice in Chains. <CV WW> When you’re on stage, what are you thinking…do you feel you’re channeling someone like Layne Staley? Not really. Our show and performing in general is a very emotional thing for me so I have to try and focus on my role and not get too caught up. There are times when I let myself go and they are

<CV WW> You are recognized publicly by the families of Layne Staley & Mike Starr – tell us about meeting them, and how that came about. Thank you. I have not met Layne's mother. Obviously I would be humbled to. We have communicated though, and while I'll keep that private I will say she has a heart of gold and I wish we did not share the sad bond that we have. With the help of Mike Starr community leader Shanna Torp, I accepted an invitation to meet some of the Starr family and perform for them. They are a wonderful group of loving people who share their lives with the people who loved Layne and Mike. <CV WW> You performed at a Seattle show in honor of Mike Starr; what was that show like? It was a real challenge just to get there at first. Just the honor of meeting family and friends of this amazing man was enough. We

also got to play, how great is that? My goal was to personally ask for a moment to offer my gratitude which I was afforded. The night was incredible, with Mike's

you are coming. I actually think we could do tons more in that arena but I am only one guy and it takes a lot of time. I hope to have someone take that to another level for

was that a tribute band as well? Yes and it featured current Grind members David Corbett and Billy Price. They have been with me for a lot of this. <CV WW> With those projects essentially leading up to Grind, have you decided to focus solely on the AiC tribute? Right now Grind and writing are all what I am focused on but I do want to make myself available to artists who want a serious professional amongst them. I certainly would like to have a real shot on tour with a band before hanging it up. I've been putting my name in some hats hoping the right situation will present itself.

family in attendance, Steve Unger of Metal Church joining us onstage, Randy Piper playing, I met members of SATO, Xana La Fuente and many awesome Burien Villagers. All of that was just as special, but the personal things were my bounty. I'll admit it left me hungry to return as well.

me one day. <CV WW> How do you think social media has changed music? Accessibility. If you had to turn on a radio or go to the record shop for the next Metallica album, we wouldn't even be addressing this. I hope bands will go back to asking kids to wait for a song and buy it in a store to enjoy for the first time. It's all merchandise and tours otherwise, because people just won't buy what they can download.

<CV WW> How did you ever determine that the voice of AiC was in you like it is? When did you discover this, tell us about that process. Honestly, my connection to the songs makes me comfortable, <CV WW> Do you have any parand I hope that comes across well ticularly memorable shows? They all mean a lot but the when I sing them. ones with kids connecting to what <CV WW> I’ve seen you pretty is going on and with my family on active on social media…how rare occasions, those are really spehave you leveraged it in the cial. band’s life? Well if you want to see the <CV WW> In 2005 you formed world, you'll need them to know ReAlign, a salute to Godsmack…

<CV WW> We don’t want to pry, but you say Grind is also a tribute to your son, Aaron. Anything you’d like to share on that front? I'm glad you asked. I want the world to know about him and I so appreciate this forum to express it. When he died, I survived through music and performing, and

continue to do so today. I think we all cope with tragic things in our own way. This is mine. In reality everything I do starts and ends with Aaron. You said you want the world to know about him, do you think it might be important to expand Aaronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story a bit for our readers? My readers are only a minute part of our world, but you can feel free to tell the whole story if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like. Well I'd only say that I wouldn't wish the loss of a child on anyone and I'm certain I will never face a more tragic event. It's most important to express, especially to those I love the most, that I'm doing the only thing I know...to deal. I see Aaron's face every day, and I feel an obligation to find something good from such a really horrible thing. Again, we all deal with things in our own way and are affected in different ways. Gary Allen is dealing with holding his son as he took his last assisted breath through singing songs that helped him cope with the darkest day a young man could ever possibly imagine. I'm so totally thankful that

I'm being embraced for doing so. Nutshellâ&#x20AC;Ś Tell us about the support of your family; life on the road can be difficult, how do they strengthen your resolve and emotional well -being? Well I wish I had a fairy tale but I don't. My choices have taken their toll on many of my relationships mostly in part to a lack of understanding. I regret this, but I also know who I am and I'm comforta-

ble in my skin. I'm thankful for the support and love of my partner Sarah and many of my family and friends as well as so many fans of Alice in Chains, and I intend to continue respectfully in their honor. How do you feel the kids connect to AiC, what do you see that moves you in that process? I think parents are making the initial connection by bringing them out to the shows. I work hard with venues to make our events are all ages and for the most part the friends attending are really just having a togetherness, a kind of cool evening at the shows and it isn't all crazy like, say, a Pantera gig. I think the staging and myth might draw them in a bit too, but I hope that the songs and our performance keep them coming back. Also, we try to make a show out of the night. We have some little production elements that put some key points across in a respectful way and I think our friends are enjoying it. As far as what I see that is moving, I mean that starts with just anyone at all attending a show. That means everything. I don't take it lightly and I want them to get away

with me for 2 hours. It's always amazing to have kids up front and to see the stars in their eyes. I hope the ones in my own still shine like that. When the crowds of our friends sing, or we embrace the night, the show, the music, that is very special. I'm quick to remember that this is someone else's legacy though and I hope the way I honor it is acceptable. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s halfway through 2013, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in store for Grind fans and the band for this year and

beyond? Well first off I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x;t be happier about what we've accomplished already this year. Grind is already booked well into 2014, so we'll be around a while and I hope to further develop our production to enhance the experience for our friends. We have not been in the Northeast so we will focus some attention there and try to get up to New York, New Jersey and other states in that region. I think that's a realistic outlook. There's so much more I want to do and so many more places I'd love to take our show. Hopefully someone will come along who believes in this like we do and offer some support that puts us in more places. If I couldn't sing tomorrow it would be okay and I would be very proud of this and all it is about but, I still think I have a lot to say, I'm still very hungry and I would love to be heard. Gary

So You Want to Buy a Car, eh? CV WorldWide offers some MORE information on automobile purchasing...

Watch for 6 Car Sales Strategies Most car dealers are wired to make sales. Even if it‟s a buyer's market, there's no reason to let your guard down in the showroom. Experienced salespeople have one goal in mind: to put you in a new car today. And it's their job to get as much profit out of every sale as possible. While most car salespeople are honest and forthright, others may be looking to take you for a ride. So before you set foot on the lot, be aware of sales tactics that could bait you into paying hundreds or thousands more than you should.

The Four Square A salesman puts four numbers in front of you: the new vehicle price, your trade-in value, your down payment, and the monthly payment. He's looking for your "hot button." When you focus on one of the numbers (say you demand more for your trade-in) he knows he can hook you by meeting your terms on that part of the deal. Problem is, the other three numbers are already inflated to favor the dealer.

The Waiting Game

"Let me go talk to my manager and see what I can do," says the salesman. It's a classic technique. After what seems like ages, the salesDealers start with numbers already geared man returns, ostensibly exhausted from negotiatfor maximum profit. They want to identify which ing on your behalf. "My boss is willing to come factor matters most to you, so they can appear to down — this is the best deal we've given anyone "come down" to your terms. on this car." Don't bite. The dealer's betting that the longer you sit, the more anxious you'll be to reach an agreement.

Foiling the “Four Square” Tactic

The Turnover House Sometimes the sales manager comes to talk to you himself. Now that you're talking to the boss, the thinking goes, you'll know you're getting the best possible deal. The truth is, the "boss" is a professional closer, brought in to win you over when the first string can't. It's not uncommon to go through three layers of sales people before you reach the dealer's true best offer.

The Sympathy Play "Hey, I need to make a little money on this deal, too," he says, citing the struggling economy or, worse, four kids to feed. It's only fair for the dealer to make a reasonable profit, but don't be

guilted into paying too much. Rest assured th dealer won't knowingly lose money just to earn your business.

The Now-or-Never "This deal is only good for today." Or, "There's another buyer interested in this car." Whatever the salesman's story, some dealers rely on fear tactics to rush you into a sale. You know better.

The Free Extras To sweeten the pot, your salesperson might throw in pinstriping, rust-proofing or fabric protection at no extra cost. But unbiased experts agree that these add-ons aren't worth much, despite what the dealer usually charges for them. Your best bet is to ignore them. Being street-smart about sly sales techniques is one thing; sticking to your guns and actually getting a good deal is another. So how can you tilt the odds back in your favor? The answer is simple: research, research, research. The Internet has helped level the playing field for consumers. And thanks to sites such as Edmunds.com and member-based resources such as USAA's Car Buying Service , you can enter the dealership armed with more information than the salesman himself. Not only can you research your preferred ÂŠ Cars.com, reprinted with permission

vehicle and every available bell and whistle, you can find out the dealer's invoice (also known as dealer's cost) and uncover special incentives and rebates. It's also smart to know the fair value of your trade-in by visiting sites such as Kelly Blue Book, get a quote for insurance on the new vehicle and get pre-approved for auto financing. Lining up these numbers in advance simplifies your negotiation in the sales office. Still, be sure to set aside plenty of time for your visit to the dealership, and avoid distractions while you focus on getting the best deal. An even simpler approach to consider is having the price negotiated for you before you step foot on the car lot. Taking advantage of carbuying programs that offer these special member prices and services can save you time, money and the hassles of negotiation. With solid knowledge about what you want and how much it should cost, you'll know how to spot a good deal. And all the slick salesmen in the world won't be able to change your mind.

Turning old instruments

into art! Instrument Art is something Terry at Guinner Graphix has been doing for years for many people that have a love for instruments. Terry has found, since being back in California, that local music stores have a endless source of instruments to bring back to life. He will personalize your drums, guitars, and any instrument you

have. He is currently working on a Mandolin Jewelry Box, a custom base for a member of the all-female band Zepparella, a commemorative CV WorldWide guitar, and somebody even asked him to do something with their piano! He can make a piece of furniture out of an unusable or unwanted instruments, he does it all.

To contact Terry, visit:

www.Drumiture.com

Terry has now expanded his repertoire to include different instruments, everything from mandolins to guitars of all kinds, making custom pic guards and head stock art. He is constantly on the go, working with different vendors and personalities to generate great art pieces, many for charities. Terry is also the nicest guy in the room, always willing to help people out

Terry‟s hope has always been to work with many wonderful people in many creative and unique ways, and in accomplishing that he is living his dream. He loves to save vintage or valuable drums in any way, using them to make individual, personal, one-of-akind pieces, his skill and perfection borne of his love of drums and art. Saving drums, meeting great people, helping those in need, and creating some very unique drum furniture is, to Terry, his life‟s calling, and one can see the passion and skill in his work.

In Terry‟s words; “to be able to save these drums and unwanted instruments or cherished mementos and see the appreciative faces of the people for whom I have made them is what truly makes me happy. I‟m excited to say that Drumiture has many new clients contacting me daily, and the donations of numerous unwanted instruments, which I see as „unfinished art‟, is helping me make my dream come true.”

Making a good pair of sticks begins by selecting the best wood possible. We manufacture many different models of sticks using Canadian maple and American hickory. Our maple is considered to be the best in the business and our hickory from the southern USA is known the world over as the top choice for stick manufacturing. We also use red hickory which comes from the heart of the tree, making it stronger and more durable for those who need a bit "more" from their sticks. We use only the finest grades of wood. Every dowel is hand inspected to ensure that the grain is straight and free from any defects. Only then does it go to our lathes to be turned into a LOS CABOS DRUMSTICK. When you purchase a pair of our sticks, you are investing in quality craftsmanship. With nearly two dozen models to choose from, Los Cabos Drumsticks offers something for every drummer. Contacts • Website: www.loscabosdrumsticks.com • Blog: www.loscabosdrumsticks.tumblr.com • Twitter: @loscabossticks • Facebook: www.facebook.com/loscabossticks

Monoprice specializes in a wide variety of electronic cables, home theater equipment, networking and IT gear, mobile accessories, and other computer components and tech equipment. Customers can easily navigate their website and choose from among more than 4,300 Monoprice branded and nonbranded products offered at very affordable prices on its website.

Orange Crush

Owner - John & Sharma Schlecht Year/Make/Model - 1970 Dodge Challenger Dyno says...650 HP!

Vitamin C Orange Paint 500 cubic inch stroker motor Edlebrock performer rpm aluminum heads 727 torqueflight transmission 4200 dynamic stall torque convertor, back halved and tubed Four link rear suspension with coil overs Narrowed 8他 inch rear end with spool 488 gears with 41 spline Dutchman axles Front tires 15x5 centerline rear 15x16 with 33x16 inch slicks 12 point cage 10 gal fuel cell.

Gear the Pros Use! Kate Roxwell is the original drummer for the punk band, KLONDIKE KATE! out of Tacoma, Washington. She‟s played over 100 shows and festivals in the band, with punk bands such as Angry Samoans, Left for Dead, Graceland Five, Neutral Boy and many more. Roxwell incorporates many styles of rock, punk, and tribal beats into her drumming. Roxwell was schooled by punk legends including Bob Bulgrien of Seaweed, AMQA and Alphabet Swill, John Purkey of Subvert, Act of Sabotage and Sleeper Cell, and Matt Shuttle also of Subvert, Portrait of Poverty and 13 Scars. “Living in the Seattle/Tacoma area, I‟m lucky to jam with great musicians who play many styles of music. I‟m into it to learn, jam, and have fun.” “I play on two sets of Pearl drums. My practice (and recording) drums are an amazing set of Pearl Pro DLX Series drums. They feature 7 ply shells of birch, mahogany, and lamin. The set includes a 24-inch bass drum, which is hard to haul around to gigs, so I purchased a smaller set to travel with. On the road, I play on a Pearl Vision, goldflecked set with birch shells. I use Remo pinstriped heads on all my drums.”

Practice Set: Pearl Pro SLX Series - Burgundy lacquered finish, Birch, Mahogany and Lamin Shells 24 inch Bass 16 inch floor tom 14 inch rack tom 12 inch rack toms Gigging Set: Gold fleck Pearl Vision SST Birch Ply Shells 20 inch Bass 16 inch floor tom 12 inch rack tom 10 inch rack toms Snare: Pearl Sensitone 5x14 inch Steel Snare Cymbals: Zildjan ZBT 20 inch Rock Ride Sabian B8 18 inch Medium Crash Hardware: PDP Stands Tama 7000 Pedal PDP Stool Hickory 5A or 7A sticks

Gear the Pros Use! Since I first heard the metal riffs of Motley Crue at the age of 8 I was turned on to this lifestyle of fast cars, fast women and loud guitars! I began playing at the age of 15 when I bought my first guitar and from there the path of finding my style and sound has been a fun ride, similar to being in an X-Rated Disneyland®... Guitars: 2011 Tiger stripe LTD GL-200 Lynch model with screamin‟ demon pickups for that ripping sound that splits ear drums and send shivers up the spine. It has a black and yellow tiger paintjob and a bolt on neck. The body is basswood with a maple neck and fingerboard with 22 extra jumbo frets. The neck is not super thin like say an Ibanez wizard neck, but it is quite thin and thinner than most ESP/LTD models. The hardware includes a Floyd Rose special tremolo system and ESP tuners in black nickel. It comes standard with one ESP bridge pick up. Back up guitar Jackson Fusion 1992 model in a black cherry finish, Floyd Rose and dual humbucker pickups. Both guitars have the Floyd Rose tremolo. Marshall Amplification: DSL 100 This 2 channel monster delivers everything I need for a good clean bright tones to heavy ripping metal tones. The head has EL-34 and 12ax-7 Groove Tubes replacing the factory ones. The cabinet is Vintage 30-loaded 4x12 cab, the DSL100's clean channel is brash and punchy, in keeping with Marshall clean channels of yesteryear, with a powerful treble and a peaky, aggressive midrange that's mostly tamed by the tone-shift button. At the other end of the gain spectrum, the super-saturated Lead 2 sound provides practically endless sustain and a heavy overdrive that's more effective for single notes than power chords. The two voicings in between - the Crunch and Lead 1 options - are far more versatile and pleasing to use, the crunch voice is great for blues and classic rock with a Strat or Les Paul, while the Lead 1 voice sings and responds very musically, with all the right Marshall ingredients. Boss GT-100 effects pedal 200 user defined effect slots for you to play with, allows me to have any tones or effect I need or want. I can go from Panama to Stairway to heaven in the push of a pedal which is great for what we do in the band spanning all bands from the 80‟s I‟m able to play the songs in the right tone of the originators. It‟s also super easy to hook up for recording on my Mac as well. Strings: Ernie Ball super slinkys Cables: MONSTER! Picks: Dunlop heavy!

Since forming in the fall of 2009, the boys in December in Red have been expanding their horizons and gaining many fans and friends along the way. The ear catching song structure and broad range of abilities in December In Red's music shows a level of musicianship that sets this band apart from the local scene. They continue to use their skills, dedication, creativeness and passion to make some the best music in the Seattle music scene. How lucky is CV NorthWest? We got to sit down with the guys in the band and talk about their rise, their goals, and their bright future...

<CV NW> Okay, let’s get it over with, who’s in the band, and their role. Del McGeachy - Vocals Dan Gardner - Guitar Colbey Schnelle - Bass Marc Mercier-Drums <Del> In the band we each fill specific roles as well as our musical spot in the group. In addition to singing, I handle the social media responsibilities with Facebook, Twitter, ReverbNation, and any other things that pop up (such as our current involvement in the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands for a

spot on this year‟s Uproar Festival at the Gorge in George, WA). Dan takes care of the bands finances in cooperation with his girlfriend Katrina Kershner, who is our band accountant. Marc creates all of the art that we use for all purposes such as flyers, merchandise, and internet postings. Colbey Schnelle plays bass and handles all of the booking for the band. We really are a team!

looking for in music when they got it together? <Dan> The band formed in late 2009 as just a couple guys jamming after having been in serious bands for many years prior. It was just me and a drummer (Josh Dwyer) jamming to have fun. It didn't take long for us to decide that maybe we should just get a singer and bass player to round this thing out. The intention at the beginning was to just jam with our buddies, nothing too serious, and <CV NW> Who formed the band just do what we do. That's when in 2009? What were he/they we brought Del and bassist Bryan

<Colbey> At this same time, I was moving to Everett from Bellingham and just stepped right into the role as the new bass player. <Del> About a year after this, our original drummer decided to leave the band as he was unable to commit to the busy schedule that we had all decided on. Staying busy and working to win over new fans on the road is what we are good at and it's proven to be the right track for us as we continue to see positive results.

McKagan into the mix. <Del> Yeah, the original idea was to not have to worry about all of the pressure and obligation that comes with putting together a serious project. Bryan McKagan, who is our original bass player and the bass player for Josh's previous band Sayne, came to fill bass duties and I came in to contribute vocals. Dan and I had played in a band called Holotype for 6-7 years. Colbey was a guitar player in Holotype for the first 2 years and the two of us have been good friends and have played music together since we were teenagers. <Dan> After some pretty inspired song writing sessions, we decided to take it to the next level. <Del> Pretty much. After writing the first batch of songs, we went into the studio to record and realized that we had a really great sound in the works. This brought us back to playing shows and getting back into serious band mode. After the first year, our bass player Brian decided to leave the band due to a work injury and family obligations.

standable circumstances, Josh had to step down. It only took about a month to find our replacement, Marc. <Del> I met Marc when he tried out for a band that I was playing in prior to forming DIR. We stayed in touch, and when we began looking for a new drummer, he was able to fit right into the group and provide the missing piece. It was only a matter of weeks in between Josh leaving and us preparing for our first show with Marc. It was one of those things when everything just happened to line up at the right time and it works out perfectly. Marc's style meshes really well with everyone and itâ&#x20AC;&#x17E;s led to our sound becoming much tighter and more dynamic overall. <Dan> Once Marc entered the fold, the band became a solid force. We almost immediately hit the show circuit for the next year and a half and continue to do so now. We were also added to the roster of CaviGold records and are slated to play Seattle's Hempfest 2013 as well as currently holding the number 1 spot in our region for the Ernie Ball battle of the bands for the Rockstar Uproar Festival.

<CV NW> Tell the story of DiRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evolution and path to right here, to this lineup â&#x20AC;&#x201C; have you had changes in personnel, how did you choose your sound, etc. <Dan> The next year or so we hit the studio and started playing shows here and there. The main focus was recording an e.p. which would later turn into a full length album. Bryan ended up leaving the band during that process and that's when Colbey came in. <Colbey> When Brian left, Del asked me if I would like to join as a bass player, having known me and my previous positions in bands as a guitar player and a vocalist. <Dan> From there, the band stepped up in focus and intensity <CV NW> The current lineup rewith performance and writing. ally meshes together well, what Shortly after that, due to under- do you think is your key to

blending as a band? <Colbey> Our key to blending as a band I believe, is partly due to the fact that we all very much like most of the same bands. We all like similar things for different reasons. <Dan> Right, even though we're all very different people, we still have many of the same influences music wise. <Marc> I can't personally speak for the old line up but I would say that as of right now it feels more like brothers than just a band. We all have a passion for music and all of us have been in several different

bands and have been playing in bands for quite a few years. I personally have been doing the band thing since I was 15, so that would make me "old". lol <Colbey> We also have been playing for a long time, and we all play many different instruments. We've been fortunate enough to have had previous experience with very educated and talented musicians giving us a chance to learn and grow musically throughout the years. <Del> We make sure to each bring ideas to the writing process and try out each other's ideas. Everyone in

this group has a great ear and is very passionate about their vision as far as what kind of songs they want to write. Our current lineup is definitely the best it could be. <Marc> We are all pretty humble, down to earth guys. We are very open with each other and try to keep each other grounded in terms of ego's or anything of that nature. I believe that is a big part of our success in terms of blending/ working together. <Dan> We all love heavy music. I think we're all rooted in metal even though the idea of the band is to be more of a hard rock act. <Del> As a group we are all pretty like-minded about what we want out of the band and where we want to go musically. Our individual styles both blend well but also bring out the best in each other by allowing us to explore different territory during the writing process. <Dan> One band that everyone agrees on most is Deftones. Other bands that quickly come to mind are Sevendust, Incubus, Periphery, and Faith No More. Of course, there are many many others too countless to mention. <CV NW> Who are your musical (or other) influences? <Del> We all listen to a lot of different stuff so our influences come from a lot of different places. People mention Deftones and Incubus a lot and that makes a lot of sense because we all definitely dig that sound. Deftones is a major favorite among this group. I listen to everything from Tech N9ne to Micheal Bublé. Lately I've been digging Memphis May Fire, In Flames, and 36 Crazyfists... WHOA! Did you just say “Michael Bublé”? <Del> Yeah! I played a lot of jazz

as a kid. I still love that kind of shit every once in a while. <Marc> I have always had a passion for music. I started playing drums when I was 10 years old and I'm self-taught. My main influence when I started playing drums was Scott Rockenfield (Queensryche). I spent many years learning their albums start to finish and that's kind of where the roots of my playing came from. I listen to all music to be honest...Rock, Metal, Country, Jazz, Hip Hop, Djent, Dub step. With drums you can always find a pulse in anything you here and I have always tried to have an open mind to any musical style. <Colbey> My influences include Deftones, Incubus, Faith No More, Ministry, Nirvana, Hed PE. <CV NW> Where did the name come from, any cool story about how “December in Red” came about? <Dan> The name December in Red actually has no meaning unfortunately. The first lineup of the band decided to draw names from a hat and decide the name that way. <Del> At the time, we all decided to bring a handful of names to practice and write them on a whiteboard. After a while we had erased enough to where we had only a couple to choose from. December in Red matched our vibe best so we just went with that. <Dan> We each came up with 20 names and then whittled them down to the name I came up with out of thin air. December in Red. I thought it rolled off the tongue nicely. <Del> I wish there was a great story or a serious deep meaning but at the start there wasn't. Since then, it's taken on its own character in

that it's a little dark and sounds in- media as the other guys in the tense which matches the sound we band, but I'm getting there. tend to gravitate towards. <Colbey> Facebook has made it easier to connect with venues and <CV NW> You guys are pretty other bands. It's now easier to put active on FB and social media – your music out to a wider audihow has it changed the game ence. for DiR? How do you think it’s <Marc> I believe that today‟s sochanged the Seattle music sce- cial media has allowed us to gain a lot of exposure. It has opened the ne? <Dan> I think we're still building door to giving talented people a on the whole social media thing chance to perform. Not just the right now. We still have a lot of elite that happens to know this guy ground to cover but we're definite- and the next guy to play the hottest ly working on it every day. I, per- spot in town. sonally, don't do as much social <Del> It‟s changed the game not only for us but for everyone worldwide. A lot of bands rely solely on social media for connecting to their fans. This is a great way to start, but we are looking into setting up our own website which would be customized to our band and will include an online store. <Dan> It's definitely helped bring the band to where we are now, but we still wouldn't be nearly as successful if we hadn't been playing shows all over the region as much as we have been. That is the best advice to give to any band that wants to be successful. Get out there and play as much as you can.

It's really difficult when you have family and jobs and whatnot, but you have to make it happen if you want to get anywhere as a band. <Colbey> I also think it's made it a little tougher in the Seattle scene in some ways, because there are so many bands in the area that in a small way, you're kind of competing for different spots and dates at different venues. Sometimes you could be less likely to book a venue strictly based on your "Facebook" appearance. We've played with bands that didn't necessarily have the "coolest" Facebook, or the most "likes", but nonetheless were really great bands. <Del> Relying on Facebook works on the small scale when you are connecting to people, but when people go looking for information and products relating to your band, you need to have something professional for them to find. <Marc> In my 15 months with the band we have really tried to focus on networking and being more approachable with people. It's important to stay humble in my opinion. After all, if it wasn't for the people that came out to your shows, bought your album and merch, watched you perform and truly loved what youâ&#x20AC;&#x;re doing, we would not be doing it. So I believe that social networking has done a great thing in that sense <CV NW> Speaking of Seattle, what are your impressions of the local music scene? <Dan> The Seattle scene is starting to come along again as far I see it. When we started this band, it didn't seem like much was going on at all. Over the past year or so, more and more bands are popping up and playing shows. More quality bands as well.

<Marc> But I feel like Seattle is stuck in this time void and doesn't want to let go of the past. There is a huge variety of music in this town if people would just let go of the past and accept what is here today. I believe that the page is about to turn again and Seattle is going to be the place to kick the rock scene into high gear again. <Del> There are times when it's very difficult to get people out to

shows. A while back, there were a lot of venues, bands, and attendees to populate the local scene. It all seemed to die down over time when the venues closed and most of the bands that were working hard broke up. In the last couple of years, there has been a resurgence in the local scene with bands that have been driven to work harder to keep people interested. The result has been better music and events that have been worked harder on by those putting them on. Over saturation by too few bands leads to stagnancy that hurts everyone working to up the ante. <Marc> I think that the Seattle scene is frothing at the mouth to get noticed again. There is so much talent in so many bands from all over the Puget Sound including the rest of the state. <Colbey> But to be perfectly honest, the local music scene can be slightly "cliquey". We even sometimes end up playing with the same bands. We've become such good friends with some of these bands even outside of music, it just seems right to be playing together. We try really hard to break things up and ask other bands to play different shows. <Del> We feel that if you want to work your ass off and get people interested, then you should be willing to schedule your shows to be as frequent as possible in as large of a geographical radius as possible while being mindful not to over saturate your hometown venue. That's been the basis of our work ethic along with keeping the music sharp and to always be working on the next thing that will top the previous music and shows. Doing something to improve every day is essential for us to getting to the next level.

<Dan> We started to play a ton of shows with our good friends The Fail Safe Project because they are THE hardest working band we know. PERIOD. They're as pro as they come and we modeled ourselves after them as far as work ethic goes. Some other great bands that we love to share the stage with are Stillstand, Wide Eye Panic, Oriya, The Lion Oh My, Amadon, Riverpool, and Mosby just to name a few. The scene is thriving. <Colbey> It's good to try and be part of everything going on. There are so many good bands in Seattle, you just can't always hook up with all of them. I think everyone is aware of each other though. <CV NW> Any particularly memorable shows come to mind? <Del> Our CD release party on Dec 8th 2012 was very memorable. It marked the finish of the debut album that took us a long time to work on. Just having the finished mastered album in our hands was a huge triumph. It meant that all of the work and decisions we had

made up until that point had led to something meaningful and that we had something to show that we are very proud of for the sacrifices that we had made and continue to make. <Colbey> The two shows that stick out the most for me are; the Knitting Factory in Spokane, where we played The Fail Safe Projectâ&#x20AC;&#x;s 1 year anniversary. Biggest venue I've played to date; the second was Lani Lintonâ&#x20AC;&#x;s birthday last year. I had more fun playing that show then any show in all my years playing. It was the show that I could see how much every one of us in December in Red loved what we do. When I knew that we were all going to work hard for what we wanted and have a good time doing it. <Marc> Every show is memorable in my opinion. Some better than others of course but I try to take something from every show to hopefully better myself and the rest of the band.

"...a balance of melodic power and soul, heavy builds and hooks along with amzing vocals..." Urb Thrasher Flower Hour Radio Show <CV NW> What do you think is your greatest accomplishment to date? <Del> Our greatest accomplishment to date would have to be finding the lineup that we have and figuring out how to work together as a group. When you spend this much time with the same three guys, there are group dynamics that have to be navigated. <Colbey> I think our greatest accomplishment to date is not really a

show, or praise, but just the ability to work through our personalities. Most bands break up for the simple fact that they just can't get along. <Del> Sometimes it's tough but we are all very close friends and have so much passion for the group. It doesn't hurt that we have been fortunate enough this last year to do as well as we have. When we miss a practice, which is rare, we each feel the need to get back to it as soon as possible. It's weird not to be playing, even if it's only for a few days. <Colbey> Since Marc joined up we've pretty much been go, go, go. Through all the traveling and practice and decision making with band business, we've learned to work as a team. It's how we've been able to consistently be available for whatever comes our way......yeah it's cheezy. I know. <CV NW> Tell us about the experience of making the album in 2012? How was the process compared to your initial thoughts, easier or harder? <Del> This album took us almost a couple years to finally finish. We did the whole thing at One Shot Studios in Woodinville, WA with Dylan Fant and had it mastered at RFI Mastering with Ed Brooks. We took the four original songs that we recorded in early 2010 and recorded the next four over the course of about 8 months taking a couple of months off in the middle. By the time we were finished with those, we needed to re-record the guitar tracks and remix the whole thing to make it one cohesive album. Bryan had recorded the bass originally and when Colbey joined the band, we had him redo all but 2 songs. Bryan is

still on "The Fire" and "The Morning Air". Josh Dwyer, our original drummer, tracked the drums for the album. Not long after finishing, Marc came into the band and we finally had a lineup that was ready to work hard and hit the road in support of the album. The timing was perfect. We are all happy about the way it turned out. Dylan is really great to work with and is incredible at what he does so it wasn't a difficult process. Everyone loves getting down to business in the studio. The biggest challenge was getting the money together to get it done and schedule time to do it. <CV NW> You guys are pretty active with touring too (60 dates a year or so), is this a full time gig for you? How is life on the road? <Del> We all have full time jobs and families. I am an Engineering student and full time single Dad. I am fortunate enough to have a very supportive family and I'm able to commit to the busy schedule and still keep up with things at home. Dan works full time, currently as a painter, and has to hold down a household with his girlfriend and their two kids. Mark works at Boeing and recently got married to his

longtime girlfriend. Colbey works full time and spends most of his free time working on band duties. <Marc> We do play a lot and would like to do more. However, it is not a full time gig at this point. I still hold down a full time job, Monday through Friday. I love life on the road, I can only hope and pray that someday we can do this thing as an occupation. <Colbey> Right now we're pretty much weekend warriors. We've worked it out to where we know we can make different cities within a 13 hour radius. We're definitely working towards bigger tours though. Life on the road is awesome. We get to go so many places and see so many people. We're getting to the point where we have friends, fans and a place to stay in every city we visit. Lovin it. <CV NW> The band has shared the stage with some pretty heavy hitters, what do you take away from the experience of playing with a band such as, say, the Fail Safe Project? <Del> Playing with hard working, talented

bands such as The Fail Safe Project has definitely pushed us to be our best. It's important to always surround yourself with others who are willing to give it their all and bring a good attitude along with them. The process of trying to one up each other all the time keeps ups on our toes and leads to a lot of intense BBQ sessions. Having close buddies in my band and in the bands that we play with makes this experience a lot of fun. It wouldn't work otherwise. <Colbey> We've learned a lot from touring bands. We've learned how to be professional when dealing with venues and other bands. There's definitely show etiquette. You never know who you're dealing with, and really, there's no reason to be Shitty to anyone in the first place. We definitely try to now burn any bridges.

<Marc> I personally think that playing with bands such as, The Fail Safe Project, Wide Eye Panic, Royal Bliss and so on has only made us better. I believe that you need to take those experiences and grow from them. They are obviously doing something right to get them to the point where they are and I want to get there as well. <CV NW> Tell us how important it has been to have been signed by CaviGold records, and having that organization behind you? <Del> Working with Cavigold is going to give us a great advantage as they have gotten us into these awesome shows coming up in August and we're going to be signing a deal for the next EP that we are recording later this year. We will be working together on pushing the new EP and hopefully getting on

the road for some touring. We are a very hard working band and being partnered with a hard working label is going to produce some great results for everyone involved. <CV NW> Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s halfway through 2013, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in store in the next year for DiR? <Del> We have some of the biggest shows we have ever played coming up in August at the Seattle Tattoo Convention and Seattle Hempfest. We are also currently competing for a spot on the Rockstar Uproar Festival at The Gorge in George WA. Later in the fall, we will be taking a short break from shows to record a new five song EP. We are really excited to put the new one out and to get out on the road to support it. We definitely think that the new material is the best we have ever written.

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Planning a Great Road Trip

aka

“Motorcycle Touring 101”

It‟s AUGUST, and time for ROAD TRIPS (not that you haven‟t been doing any riding already)! But motorcycle trips demand far more planning than the equivalent journey in a car. Though riding provides an inherent sense of freedom, practical limitations require motorcyclists to think ahead when choosing to hit the open road. For starters, most motorcycles are limited in their storage capacity. Though all-out touring bikes such as the Honda Gold Wing and the BMW K1200LT offer numerous hard cases for the storage of extra clothes and gear, long distance riders are often forced to make tough decisions about the details of their trips, and how much of what items they need to pack.

The first questions you'll want to ask yourself when planning a trip pertain to how long you plan on being gone, where you intend to go, and what you have in mind for lodging. First on your list of "must pack" items is a safety and repair kit, in case something goes wrong; contents as follows: Most bikes come with toolkits, but you'll want to make sure you're equipped with pliers, wire cutters, and various wrenches (including allen wrenches.) A small, all-inone Leatherman®-style tool can be a handy complement to a traditional toolkit, and is easily accessible for quick repairs or adjustments. Bringing along extra fuses, bulbs, spark plugs, and chain oil can make the difference between traveling securely and limping to the next service station.

Ever been caught in the dark? A flashlight will save you the hassle of trying to use your cell phone for illumination. Blowouts are an all-too-common occurrence, and a flat kit which includes C02 cartridges for tire inflation will get you on the road again. If it's good enough for astronauts, it should be good enough for you. Unexpected mechanical failures or breaks can sometimes be held together with duct tape, providing a low-tech solution for potentially crippling problems. A first aid kit is something you never want to be without - whether its poison ivy or an ankle burn from an exhaust pipe, the cliché about an ounce of prevention being a pound of cure is absolutely true. Rather than assembling your own supplies, an easier and more thorough solution is to purchase a pre -assembled kit, which will ensure that key items are not missing.

Unless you're riding a fully fledged touring motorcycle, you'll probably need to invest in some type of storage bags; backpacks don't count. Options include saddlebags (which rest straddle the seat and rest on either side of the rear wheel, and are also known as panniers,) and tank bags, which sit directly atop the fuel tank (and often have handy clear plastic windows for displaying maps.) While hard bags offer more weather protection than soft bags, they are also costlier, add more weight, and require more involved installation. Centrally positioned tail bags are another option if you need even more storage. While more detailed inspection and maintenance practices can be found in our motorcycle maintenance section, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's T-CLOCS method is an efficient way to inspect your bike before traveling: T: Tires.Make sure both tires are properly inflated, using an air pressure monitor that you bring with you on rides. Don't risk riding on tires that might need replacement; if suspect a tire will not last long enough for a ride, have it replaced. C: Controls.Are your cables (clutch and brakes) and controls intact and working? L: Lights.Make sure your headlights (high & low beam), turn signals, and brake lights work. O: Oils & fluids.Check everything from engine oil and coolant to brake fluid. C: Chassis.Ensure that the frame, suspension, chain, and fasteners are all secure and intact. S: Stands.Make sure the center stand and/or side stand isn't cracked or bent, and that springs properly hold the assembly away from the pavement when stowed. For a more detailed, downloadable inspection checklist, go to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's website. Packing for a long distance motorcycle ride is a delicate balance between bringing enough items to ensure comfort, and not overloading

yourself with unnecessary weight and bulk. After you've planned your route, you'll want to check the weather forecast and get an idea of what to expect in terms the elements. A good touring suit is an excellent investment, and when choosing your clothes, consider packing several thin layers of clothing, rather than a few thick ones. Flexibility is the key to staying comfortable; it's far better to have the option to stop and shed or add layers as necessary, than to shiver or sweat your way through what would otherwise be an enjoyable, scenic route. Be sure to bring energy bars or trail mix and water; if hunger or thirst strikes while you're far from convenience stores or gas stations, the nourishment will come in handy and keep your riding skills sharp. When loading up your bike, always put heavier, more solid items on the bottom and sides closer to the bike (to centralize weight.) Lighter items should go on top. If you don't have saddlebags or tank bags, you should consider using bungee nets to secure loose items. If you must travel with items secured by a bungee net, ensure that they are snug and will not get loosened by winds or g-forces. Again, placing heavier , wider, and more stable items at the bottom will provide an anchor for looser, floppier pieces (like sleeping pads or pillows.)

Finally, equip yourself well. Always wear a full-face helmet for maximum protection - not only against accidents, but also from the elements. Full-face helmets can provide a shield from rain and cold winds, and if constructed with ventilation, can also provide a certain level of comfort in warm weather. It may feel constricting in heat, but the overall benefits of choosing safety over style are vast when considering your long-term health and well being. Though it's tempting to hit the open road and simply follow your nose, don't forget that you're more vulnerable to the elements, fatigue, and potentially serious injury on a motorcycle. Prepare yourself with clothing appropriate for the weather. Plan a route and, if you don't have a portable GPS system, do whatever it takes not to get lost - even if it means taping directions to the top of your fuel tank. Err in the direction of filling up with gas too frequently; because of their relatively low cruising range, most bikes will barely make it across some of the North American stretches of highway that are sparsely populated. When in doubt, fill up. Pace your travels realistically. Don't try to ride so many hours in a day that it might affect

your reflexes or decision making ability; after all, most of the fun is in the journey, not simply in reaching a destination. While riding, be sure to stop whenever necessary - whether for a snack, a stretch, or a nap. The simple act of taking a breather will make the ride all the more enjoyable. Once you've prepared sufficiently, enjoy the possibility of the unexpected. Riding requires a certain amount of discipline and logistical planning, but part of the joy of the journey is the process. Be open to re-writing your plans when necessary, and you'll have a blast no matter where you end up. By Basem Wasef, About.com Guide

ForeverGirl Designs Not only is she the ass-kickinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; frontwoman for WITCHBURN, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a talented picture ARTIST! Jamie Nova allowed us to talk to her about her personal art pieces and showcase some of her incredible work! We also got to delve a bit into her artistic mind... CVNW: Why do you paint, what is your inspiration? I have always loved painting. getting lost in the colors and the feel of my brush against a canvas. It is an extension of my soul, like my music. My inspiration is life, the vitality of existence. CVNW: Do you sell them personally, or as an official company? I sell them personally, through my Etsy site (http://www.etsy.com/shop/ ForevergirlDesigns) and also on my website (www.jamienovarocks.com) CVNW: How do you decide what to paint? Most of the time it is whatever inspires me that day or whatever my mood is. There are a lot of times that I have pieces commissioned and then I work with the buyer as to what inspires them and then I incorporate their ideas into my style. CVNW: Are they usuable drums or display pieces? The drumheads are for display only but I have been commissioned to paint some Kick Drum front pieces that will display my art without taking a beating from the drumsticks CVNW: Do you do special commissions? Absolutely! Canvas, drumheads, wall murals, t-shirt designs, tattoo designs.... you name it I will do it!

Faster than you can say heavy f**king metal, the Butcher Babies have clawed their way to the top of the Hollywood music scene to become the undisputed darlings of the Sunset Strip. The Butcher Babies are everywhere, they have had a mountain of press, but they have only now released their debut full length?

Why

have they made such huge waves? Their sinister presence, undeniably talented and heavy music and the fact that their two singers are insanely hot females with massive talent, that’s why. During a recent stop on the Metal Mayhem tour Heidi Shepherd

and

Chris

Warner

took

few

minutes to talk about the massive dirge that is their debut record, Goliath.

An interview with Heidi Shepherd and Chris Warner of Butcher Babies. By Jeffrey Easton Metal Exiles: You guys are out all summer on the Metal Mayhem Tour. What is your plan of attack to make the fans remember you? Heidi Shepherd: Just being ourselves on stage and we are known

for being a bunch of party animals so we have a sick time on stage. As long as we are having fun on stage everybody else will too.

Metal Exiles: You‟re about to drop your Century Media full length review but you guys have had a massive amount of press already. Do you think having two females up front is the reason? Metal Exiles: How were you able Heidi: I do not think that is the reato put two volatile singers in the son, I think it‟s because it is somesame line up and make it work? Heidi: That‟s simple because you could not as for a better combination that Carla and myself. We are like the Spice Girls on crack and having us fronting the band has helped our progression and also the publicity that the band has drawn because of it has been through the roof.

time of my life and being with four best friends on stage is all I need. Heidi: The best thing about Chris is that he has been in bands his whole life and he has done great things but to have him in our band is huge for us because he is an amazing drummer.

thing they haven‟t really seen before. I cannot recall a dual female fronted metal band before us. We are touching new ground here which people wanted to be a part of and we are more than welcoming to that. Metal Exiles: Shock Rock has had many faces so what can you add to that to make your fans stand on edge? Heidi: People say that we are but sometimes I do not see us that way. I think people are just shocked at a couple of girls acting the way that we do, I think that‟s what‟s mostly shocking. Besides Wendy O Williams, I haven‟t seen a female do anything shocking in music in a long time. This is really who we are but with the blood, the theatrics and the horror, those are things that we love, it‟s what we are about. It‟s part of our character, it is who we are when we jump on stage so it‟s not for shock, it‟s just how we feel. Metal Exiles: How do you feel when you are on stage beating the shit out of your drums? Chris Warner: I am having the

Metal Exiles: There have been some pics floating around of you guys performing topless with electrical tape covering you. Are you ever concerned that people will see those and judge you before they hear a single note? Heidi: We haven‟t done that for a few years and it was an ode to Wendy O Williams. She left us early and we wanted to continue what she started because she was the first female in metal to do what the f**k she wanted to do because she did not care. It‟s funny that those are the pics to surface but it doesn‟t matter, people are going to think what they want to think. Metal Exiles: Goliath is an angry, pissed off record. Who pissed you off enough to write this? Heidi: Goliath is something that we have held inside us for a long time. I have a green binder that I

have all of my writing in and I have had it since I was 12 so anything I have ever experienced in my life is in there and that‟s where we pulled a lot of the material from. A lot of things on this record are things that most people go through and we just turned a negative into a positive. Metal Exiles: Explain Magnolia Blvd. Heidi: It‟s about people moving to Los Angeles with a dream and the city swallowing them whole. People lose their focus in life and it can happen to anybody that goes there and gets wrapped up in the scene. Metal Exiles: What stands out on the album that‟s really personal to you? Heidi: There is a lot of personal stuff from the whole band on the record but Chris started The Mirror Never Lies. Chris: That song is pissed off, when you are looking at yourself in the mirror and you are questioning things you did, it is just inner turmoil and you just get frustrated with yourself. Heidi: In Denial is very personal to me and you can really hear it on the record. I wrote it about a recent experience in my life and while we were in the studio I was sitting on my knees screaming into the microphone and I just started crying. It was such a release for

me and all of those emotions I was carrying from that experience just came pouring out when I was singing it. Metal Exiles: I Smell A Massacre? Heidi: That is a song that we wrote after the Sandy Hook incident. There are so many things in the press these days about these massacres being caused by gun control or mental illness. I believe it starts in the home with how the

parents are raising their kids. Parents are raising their kids to be bullies, raising them very shitty, neglecting them, that is where it stems from. That is what is what Goliath is about in general but I Smell A Massacre is in the mindset of that incident. Goliath is about that villain in your life and you can make the decision to become that bully or you can change and not turn into Goliath. Metal Exiles: You talk about the frustrations in your life but you beat the shit out of the drums. How can you be frustrated? Chris: Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x;s what helps me, beating the shit out of the drums. There were situations in my life but Heidi and I ended up getting together, we (and the band) wrote them out and I just got it out of my system. I had these feelings

in my system but with writing and beating the drums I got it out of me. Heidi: Playing live shows with all of us going nuts on stage, we are all so much nicer because we get to do that. I think this has saved me from chopping up many people and going to jail.

Butcher Babies will be one of the most talked about bands in 2013, do not be denied the full experience of Goliath.

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Name: Kernal

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Chow/Retriever/Collie D o n at i n g t o F am i l y D o g s F a m i l y Do g s New L i f e i s a 5 0 1 c 3 n on pr of i t o r ga ni za t i on su p p ort e d so l el y by ou r ad o pt i o n f e es a n d by d on a t i on s f r om t h e pub l i c. W e re ce i v e n o t a x do l l ar s a nd ar e n ot af f i l i a t e d w i t h a n y ot h er c ou nt y sh el t er or h u m a ne so ci e t y . It â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s c os t s j u st o ve r $ 1 0, 00 0 p e r m o nt h t o o pe ra t e o ur s h el t er a n d w e rel y on y o ur do n at i o ns t o m a ke t hi s po ssi bl e . Y ou r d o n at i o n t o F am i l y D o gs N ew Li f e S he l t e r g o es di re ct l y t o h el pi n g u s s av e as m an y l i v es a s po ssi bl e . THIS SPACE DONATED BY CV NORTHWEST MAGAZINE

10 year old male 70 pounds

F AM ILY DO G S N EW L IF E SH E L TE R 9 1 01 S E S t a nl ey A ven u e P o rt l a n d, O re go n 9 72 0 6 5 0 3- 7 7 1- 5 5 9 6 w w w .f a m i l y do gs n ew l if e .o rg THIS SPACE DONATED BY CV NORTHWEST MAGAZINE

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