CVWW March 2016 by CV WorldWide Magazine

MARCH 2016 THE MAGAZINE FOR MUSIC ENTHUSIASTS AND CUSTOM LIFESTYLES

ALWAYS FREE

High Intensity! In your face! Rock! Example: An out of control freight train coming at you a million miles an hour. They will play anywhere from a Bar to a Church. They have never shoved God down anyone's throat. They just offer hope to a hurting world in the form of face melting Rock 'n Roll and let the chips fall where they may. They were here in Vegas recently and we had a chance to sit down with them and Oz Fox of Stryper who produced their album "Get The Hell Out". Great group of guys and we are excited to see what the future holds for this amazing band! P. 6

Contents... Off The Beaten Path:: 8 Stupidly Easy Things You Can Do To Keep Your Camera Working Into The Next Half-Century 3 News You Can Use : Tips For Riding A Motorcycle In The Heat Of Summer

Jamie Paullus Jamie Paullus continues to WOW our readers with the BEST Spokane has to offer - He brings us Rhandy Rhoads Remembered from NAMM 2016 Page 36

News You Can Use: On The Road Again– Getting Your Motorcycle Ready for Summer 28 Order in the Chaos: Ignorance Crowding Out Wisdom HAIR TRIGGER: a Comic from Anthony Hitaffer

32 40

* COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN BARRY* CV WorldWide Magazine

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Sherry Keith Mystic Photography continues her up close and personal view into the Vegas music scene with Y&T... Page 24

proval. Publisher assumes no financial responsibility for the errors in ads beyond the cost of space occupied by error. 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 person’s name or photograph.

8 Stupidly easy things you can do to keep your camera working into the next half-century.

Do you clean your lens with your shirt? Major son why your eye doctor tells you not to clean Fail. Whether it’s a sub-$200 compact or a DSLR your glasses with your shirt. Besides shirts, this and a set of lenses that cost more than $10,000, also applies to Kleenex or paper towels. The digital cameras are pricey investments regardless above image demonstrates what you should of your income, yet many of us treat them like the NOT do. The best way to remove dust or prints disposable plastic shooters you buy at Walgreens. is to use a lens tissue, microfiber cloth, a specialWith proper care and following common-sense ty brush made for cleaning lenses, or an air blowtips, your camera and lenses could last for a long er – NOT compressed air. time. The next time you shoot, keep the following Strap it on in mind. Chances are that you’ve had a lot of things slip out of your hands (there’s probably a joke in there Your shirt is not a suitable cleaning cloth somewhere, but you get the picture). We can’t tell The clothes you wear soak up dirt and sweat, so you how many times we’ve seen people drop their point-and-shoots or smartphones while taking a why would you want to transfer that gunk onto shot. What surprises us is the number of people your lens? Yes, it’s convenient when you’re in a who use DSLRs without a strap – and those things are expensive. Use the strap that comes jiff, but it’s a surefire way to damage the glass. with your camera – whether it’s a budget compact The fabric can also scratch the lens – same rea- or a pricey DSLR. If you don’t having a noose around your neck, try a gadget like the Capture

Camera Clip v2, which tethers your camera to a belt or backpack strap.

Cap it shut As you know, your camera loves photographing Mother Nature, but it hates the crap she throws at it: dirt, humidity, liquid, etc. When not in use, cap the front of the lens, as well as the back of the lens and the front of the camera if you have the lens removed. This should be common sense, but we’ve seen this infraction way too often. Lenses are your most valuable assets, so be sure to treat them with just as much care as your would with the camera body. Check out these lens care tips from Canon. (Image via Visionstyler Press/Flickr) Don’t overexpose the sensor If you’re using an interchangeable lens camera, you’ll inevitably have to expose the sensor whenever you switch glass (you can rely on an “all-inone” lens that covers wide-angle and telephoto, but what’s the fun in that). The problem is that the sensor is like a magnet for dust, made worse if you’re outdoors. The key is to minimize the amount of time the sensor is exposed to the elements – do it quickly, don’t go ordering a coffee while you’re swapping lenses. Also, face the camera downward as you take off/put on lenses. Since the sensor is the heart of your camera, take extra care when you clean it. There are tools made especially for cleaning sensors, like the SensorKlear Loupe Kit from Lenspen. Memory is precious Memory-is-preciousIt goes without saying that you should never remove a memory card while the camera is on, especially if it’s writing to the card. If you see a rapidly blinking light after you’ve shot an image, it means it’s transferring data to the card. Ejecting the card while the camera is on could damage it, wiping out all the beautiful food porn you shot at the Caesars Palace buffet (or was that just us?).

Never hurts to charge it Canon-powershot-n-batteryEven if you aren’t using your camera extensively on any given day, batteries can still lose their charge, even lithium-ion variants. A drained battery won’t ruin your camera, although you’re more likely to miss some important Kodak moments. However, if you leave an alkaline battery in a camera for a long period of time, corrosion could occur. Also, make sure the battery is actually inside before you take your camera out (we’ll admit it, it’s happened to us before). Hold it like you mean it holding-cameraWe’re guilty of one-handed shooting due to years of holding a compact point-andshoot. Break this habit by always gripping the camera with both hands, as it’ll minimize shaking that cause images to be blurry. If you’re using an interchangeable lens camera, grip the right side with your right hand and support the lens from the underneath by holding it on top of your left palm. You should be able to easily adjust the lens while keeping it secured and steady. Use a tripod for even more support. Don’t be left without your bag Poler-Camera-CoolerIt may be cumbersome to haul around a bag or case while you’re out shooting, but it’s the simplest way to care for your equipment. But don’t just throw it into any backpack – get something that offers cushioned support for your camera body and lenses, if you’re carrying several (make sure each lens has its own compartment). Camera Care

<CV> I understand that Chaotic Resemblance tion was started in 2006 by Travis when you were a freshman in High School. Tell us a little about that. <TRAVIS> Yep, Yes Ma’am. I always felt like I was supposed to play music and stuff, I felt called by the Lord to do it. To go out into a hurting world and spread hope through the music and through the rock n roll and the songs he has given me. In 2006 I started Chaotic and kind of been going from there. We didn’t start full time until about 4 years ago. <CV> So you went full time with Chaotic 4 years ago? <Travis> Yes <CV> *laughing* So, I don’t know how to pronounce the city so I am just going to say.. Oklahoma, is that correct? < Travis> Let’s see how you do it. <L.A.> *laughing* What do you got, what do you got? <CV> *laughing* Nope, not gonna do it. *everyone laughing* <L.A.> Oh no, you got to give it a shot, give it a chance <CV> I think I’m going to pass *laughing*

tion all up to make it sound like “potato almost* <TRAVIS> Poteau. See, the story goes that an Indian was walking and he stubbed his toe and he said “oh, my po toe” <CV> Really? *laughing*

That’s

how

that

went?

<L.A.> He wasn’t good at English so he said *my poe toe* <OZ FOX> He wasn’t good at English *laughing* <Travis> Yea, so that’s it. No, actually it’s French I think. <L.A.> It means post, I think. *laughing*

<TRAVIS & L.A.> *laughing* No passing!

<CV> I hate trying to say things I can’t pronounce because then I feel stupid. *laughing*

<CV> Ok fine, you are from.. *laughing*

<L.A.> I do it all the time, every day!

<L.A.> Ok, it starts with a P! *laughing* <CV> I know it starts with a P, ok fine you are from Poteau, Ok *of course I mess the pronuncia-

<CV> Tell us how you came up with the name for the band? <TRAVIS> We actually got it out of scripture. Isaiah 40:19 <L.A.> 18 <TRAVIS> 40:18 God I gotta get that right. <L.A.> It’s ok, it was in the ball park. *everyone laughing* <OZ FOX> Hey wait a minute. Stryper did Isaiah 53:5? <TRAVIS> You better get it right because I didn’t get mine right. *Everyone laughing* Isaiah is a good band name maker right? <OZ FOX> Yea, I guess so. <CV> I was gonna say, you all better know. *everyone laughing* <TRAVIS> Chaotic Resemblance, we are striving to be a mirror resemblance of Christ but nobody’s perfect. So we are “Chaotic Resemblance” striving every day to be more like him. <L.A.> One day we will be. <CV> Absolutely. So there are only two of you, give me a little background on you guys. <L.A.> Well, one stormy night back in 1855 *laughter from everyone* A man named Richard Edwards created a little known invention that he patented through the federal government. Then in 1992 I was born. *everyone laughing* Then we fast forward to now. <CV> WOW I now feel old! *laughing* <L.A.> *laughing* Then we fast forward to now I joined Chaotic in 2012 and been in it ever since. I guess you could say we are going steady! *everyone laughing* <OZ FOX> Oh man, I wasn’t expecting that. Wow *laughing* <CV> The things we learn. *laughing* <OZ FOX> Yea *laughing* <L.A.> In 1855 was when it all started, crazy!

<TRAVIS> Yea we picked him up about 4 years ago <L.A.> On the side of the road <TRAVIS> *laughing* That was when we started touring full time. I used to play guitar and we used to be just a three piece, and I was like man, I gotta get somebody good. So I found L.A. <CV> Well, I have to give it you, you are good! I was watching you and I was like omg I need to get that energy, I’m tired! *laughing* <L.A.> I was tired the entire time! <CV> Well you did not show it! <L.A.> Well I was *laughing* <CV> Wait till you see the pictures <L.A.> I’m going to look tired in the face! *laughing* <CV> That is what photoshop is for. *laughing* <L.A.> Thank-goodness! *laughing*

<CV> What brought you all together and how <L.A.> seriously look it up, do a side by side did you know this was a perfect fit? and you will see it. *everyone laughing* < TRAVIS> We went to high school together, he was a grade below me but we knew each other. At the time the bass player that I had in the band was in L.A.’s old band, I stole him out of that band and then I stole L.A. out of that band. So I knew already that he was good because I had seen him with another band so I was like hey man you wanna play? He went out and bought a new guitar and new amp.

<L.A.> True story, so we are at I-hop right? Oz Fox, he’s looking at his phone, looking at me, looked over at Travis, looked back at his phone, flipped his arm and looked at me and said he looks like Barbara Streisand, and low and behold I do! *everyone is in hysterics*

<L.A.> Oh yea, go big or go home.

<L.A.> So anyways, when I was 14 I finally gave the guitar one last try, I was like I am going to do it this time because when I was 13 I gave it up because I did not sound crazy good ,so I gave up. When I was 14 I kept going and it felt like I had a job to do. That was using music and to tell people about the Lord.

<CV> Very nice!

<CV> Very Nice

<L.A.> Yea, even before I got the official <CV> It was meant to be.

<CV> What got each of you into music and at <CV> Tell us about your very first show togethwhat age did you know this is what you wanted to er, how did it go and how were you received? do? <TRAVIS> The very first show together or Cha<TRAVIS> Oh lord, as long as I can remember I otic in general? have been screaming out songs. *laughing* <CV> How bout both? When I was younger like we would be driving down the road listening to Southern Gospel in my <L.A.> Yea, both is a good one. Grandparents car, I guess that is why I sing the <TRAVIS> The first show ever, we played in way I do. I would just be screaming ,I guess I was some churches but our first real show was in a always meant to do rock n roll. They would be coffee place in Poteau, but it was where all the like shut up back there! Quiet down! *everyone bands would go, so we played there and we actulaughing* I always felt like I was supposed to do ally packed it out. There were people even standmusic, felt called to do it. I started playing guitar ing outside, we had a lot of friends , yea we didwhen I was ten; well the first guitar I got was n’t have that many people the next time we when I was ten. When I was eleven I started play- came. *laughing* It went alright. ing bass and twelve when I started playing guitar. I always kind of sang and wrote. <CV> L.A. How about for you? <L.A.> My mother’s side of the family is very musical and my grandfather used to be on the radio singing gospel songs. <TRAVIS> His Great Grandfather is actually Beethoven <L.A.> Yea my Great Grandfather was actually Beethoven the 5th. He made Great movies! <OZ FOX> And his Great Aunt is Barbara Streisand. *laughter from everyone*

Then with L.A. the first time we played it was great! I didn’t have to play the guitar and I was free and was jumping around like David Lee Roth or something, at least I thought I was. *laughing* <CV> You have an album that came out in October of 2014 called “Get The Hell out” that happened to be produced by this man standing next to me, Oz Fox of Stryper <L.A.> The one and only <CV> Which is very cool! < OZ FOX> I try to be cool, I’m not as cool as these guys. *laughter from everyone* <TRAVIS> you’re doing pretty good! <CV> Give me some insight on how that happened with Oz coming in, how has it been received? I think it’s an amazing album! <OZ FOX> Well I got a phone call from, well actually it was a text message from Aaron McCastle who is the keyboardist and guitar player for Phoenix here in town. His brother’s name is Sam and Sam worked with these guys. Apparently they wanted to find somebody to produce their album, and since they had a connection from Sam on to Aaron, Aaron got a hold of me and connected me with them. I think I made a phone call and say hey what’s going on, you guys were in town. I think your manager Rocky basically said hey you gotta hear these guys, we would love to have you work on their album, they need a producer to make them sound like rock. They had already had a lot of producers and engineers in the past that wasn’t quite what they wanted. I really wasn’t looking to produce anybody, in fact in the back of my head I was thinking I don’t know if I can do this. I had a lot of stuff going on, I was really busy that year in 2014 and Stryper was really touring a lot. So I said ok, book some time over at a rehearsal place and I will come and watch you guys play. I thought I would at least go and hear them. I went in and here they come and their hair is like this. *holding his hands far from his head*

<L.A.> His hands are very far from his head. *everyone laughing* <OZ FOX> I was going ok, and there they were and they started playing and every one of their songs was just amazing! The energy was there, the song content was happening, I started shaking. When something is going on my body starts quivering. That’s happened to many times when something great is going to happen. Like when “To Hell With The Devil” album was coming out I started quivering. I thought about it and I was like you know what? These guys need to get a great album and I want to see what I can do to help them make it. At that point we started making plans to do an album. So that’s how it all came together. <TRAVIS & L.A.> Awwww Oz, you are to cool! We are starting to quiver. *laughter* <OZ FOX> It’s also like 30 degrees out here. *everyone laughing* <L.A.> Something greats about to happen! *everyone laughing* <CV> I think that’s a GREAT story! I was given their cd, I think I was at The Hard Rock and

I met you guys through David Jones. < TRAVIS & L.A.> Yep, that’s where we met. <CV> I got in the car and I popped it in and I instantly loved it and was like wow! <OZ FOX> Yep! <CV> How did you guys like working together with Oz, I can imagine it was quite an honor for you guys. < TRAVIS> It was a total honor! <OZ FOX> I slapped them around a little bit. <CV> It gets worse and worse? Oh lord! *everyone laughing* *everyone laughing* <L.A.> It was ok *laughing* <OZ FOZ> Especially when it came to the vocals <CV> Oz, I hear you also played on a couple of tracks? right? *laughing* <TRAVIS> You know, I had his poster on my <OZ FOX> Uh, I played cow bell. wall, Stryper’s poster, on my wall and when we got back from the studio I tore that crap down. Nah I’m just kidding! *everyone in hysterics* No we had a blast! We would go grab coffee in the morning and go over what we were going to do that day.

<TRAVIS>*laughing* He did, he played cow bell. *laughter from everyone*

<OZ FOX> I played cow bell on a song, it was Son Of Man. So there was a cool break and I get to hit the cow bell right as it was coming back into the chorus. It was really great. *everyone laugh<CV> And you still did not have Oz’s famous ing* pancakes? <TRAVIS> He was the only man for the job. <TRAVIS> No, no we didn’t. *laughing* <CV> Did anybody yell more cow bell? <OZ FOX> But we had a lot of GREAT donuts! *everyone laughing* <TRAVIS> We had some amazing donuts! We <TRAVIS> Oh yea, we made all kinds of cow walked like 2 miles for them! bell jokes. *laughing* <OZ FOX> *laughing*

<L.A.> I honestly still have a fever! *Travis and <L.A.> Then they blamed me for eating them all, Oz laughing* which I might have done! <L.A.> I do, and the only prescription is Oz’s cow bell. *everyone laughing* <OZ FOZ> Ok, alright *laughing* <CV> I’m going to remember that one forever… <CV> I saw the van! *everyone laughing* <TRAVIS> You’ve seen the van? *laughing* <OZ FOX> You can’t miss the van *laughing* <CV> I’ve seen the van now. I was telling Oz I saw that video and then when I saw it I was like <CV> Give us some insight on the song and music writing process; is it a joined effort or does one they were not kidding! *everyone laughing* person do all the writing? <L.A.> It’s real, it’s real. We can’t help it and it <TRAVIS> You know honestly, we steal all our gets worse and worse. *everyone laughing*

stuff. No just kidding. *everyone laughing*

mixes blasting through my car?

<L.A.> Yea, then we mix it all together so no one <TRAVIS> Yup yup we did knows. *laughing* <OZ FOX> I mean, you gotta blast this music <TRAVIS> Honestly it will usually start with ei- through a mustang stereo system, that will be the ther a riff or an idea of a melody or with a scrip- best. *everyone laughing* You will hear the best ture we have been reading, something like that. mix ever! *laughing* Then we will sit down or if we are not with each <TRAVIS> That’s how we mixed the album, so other, I mean it’s me and L.A. that write all the if you are not in a Mustang blasting it, it’s not gosongs. He will send me a riff and I will write to it ing to sound right! *everyone laughing* or I will send him a chorus or a verse and he will write some riffs or solos and send me back some <CV> *laughing* Oh great, I drive a Kia so what more ideas like we could do this cooler here, so we does that mean? *everyone laughing* just write it out like that. The one we are working <L.A.> You need a Mustang! on right now we actually wrote on a napkin the other day because we had this idea and we just <OZ FOX> I’m sorry. It needs to be a Cobra SVT Mustang, black. grabbed a napkin. <L.A.> Write it down. *everyone laughing* <CV> That’s cool though! <TRAVIS> Yea we had this idea so we just found a napkin and just try to make some points and go <CV> What is the motivation behind the songs from there. your write? Do any of them speak to you on a personal level and if so why? <L.A.> Napkins <TRAVIS> Yea, all of them. We try to make every song have some kind of meaning because we only have such a small window because when someone is listening they are only going to listen for so long. So if you have a bunch of meaningless songs then all they are going to listen to is a <CV> Tell us about the recording process, any- meaningless song. We like to spread hope, we feel like Jesus is awesome so that’s what we try to thing you like or dislike? get across in our songs and stuff. To tell people <TRAVIS> I loved it all it was a blast. that there is a God out there that loves you re<L.A.> I loved it, it was challenging gardless of what you have done, that is pretty <CV> Really? That’s not something I hear very much what most of our songs are about. We have other songs, we have some love songs. We have often. *laughing* songs like that. < TRAVIS> No really, it was great. I really enjoyed it. We got it done quicker than we thought we would. We were ready to get in there and we did it. <CV> That’s ok, I’m the Queen of sticky notes. You go into my office and they are everywhere, then they will get moved around and I get all confused. *everyone laughing*

<L.A.> It was great, we got along good. <TRAVIS> We did a lot of practicing. There wasn’t too much grueling stuff, I mean there was some grueling stuff but it was more like new ideas. It wasn’t like oh my gosh you didn’t learn your part. *laughing* So it was good. We had a blast. <OZ FOX> Didn’t we kind of literally check

<CV> There is a ballad on this album, what is that song? <TRAVIS> Star <CV> Yes, I totally fell in love with that song. <TRAVIS> You can thank Oz, he made me. *laughing* <OZ FOX> See, I told you <CV> Oz, you made him? *laughing* <L.A.> He twisted our arm <OZ FOX> Part of the process for a producer is to pick songs. So it was one of those things where that was one of the songs they sent me, they sent me a group of songs actually. That one I thought, that has to be on the album. It’s different but it works. It really does. <CV> It totally took me by surprise. <OZ FOX> Yea <CV> It was like we were rockin out and all of a sudden BAM!

*laughing* You cannot use the story I told you <OZ FOX> Bam! It’s an epic song to so that is about lip syncing the great thing about it. <L.A.> uh –huh *laughing* No, I’m talking <CV> Yes, and Travis it showcases you have a about main stream music awards you know with wide range and that’s what else I liked as well. I Justin Bieber on their singing in a waterfall with was like wow. the mic five feet away from his face, it doesn’t <TRAVIS> Yea it’s actually all auto tune! matter. We are very raw, we don’t do tracks. *everyone laughing* <TRAVIS> We would love to bring back the <TRAVIS> No No, I’m kidding there is NO au- rock n roll to tune! *everyone laughing* <CV> Thank-you! < OZ FOX> We had the best technology we <L.A.> I think it’s coming around. I mean you could have see little boy bands now with leather jackets and <TRAVIS> Oz, you got me, you knew it. spikey hair so it’s starting .

<OZ FOX> I knew it, I knew it was going to do <CV> *laughing* I know right? *laughing* something to the ladies *everyone laughing* < TRAVIS> It is starting slowly but surely. <L.A.> How you doin *in a Joey voice* <CV> I am one of those where I like a little bit of *everyone laughing* everything. I mean people see me with tattoos, wild hair and then they will hear Bocelli coming <CV> Tell us about the music industry today and out of my office. *everyone laughing* where you think "Chaotic Resemblance" fits in?

<CV> It’s so funny because they will ask me are < L.A.> It’s a very pop filled, track filled, lip you ok, have you been drinking? *laughing* I’m like no, I like everything! I like Blues, I like Jazz synced filled

<TRAVIS> YES!!! <CV> Frank Sinatra, don’t even get me going. <L.A.> Frankie!!!! <TRAVIS> Now see, there is only one Frankie in my heart, know who he is? <OZ FOX> No, I don’t know what you’re talking about . <TRAVIS> Frankie Vallie <CV> Oh yes, very nice! <TRAVIS> Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons, all Four Seasons. I listen to that stuff! <L.A.> Four Seasons, His favorite hotel to stay at is the Fifth Season * everyone laughing* <CV> The reason that I bring that up is because a lot of the music I hear these days, I don’t really care for. It all sounds so redundant, it all the sounds the same. You can’t tell anything apart. <TRAVIS> Right <CV> That’s why I was really excited when I heard you guys. I was like YES! Finally! <TRAVIS> *laughing* It’s something different <CV> Exactly!

they buy way more of our stuff than people here in the U.S. We are very blessed to have that avenue to show off our music. <CV> I would love to go overseas, everything is so different over there.

<TRAVIS> Everyone might not like us but they can definitely say this is different. *everyone CV> Oz, this may be a question you would like to laughing* answer. How do you feel about music download <CV> Yes, but it’s amazingly different so you are sales, would you prefer a return to CD's and Vidoing a good thing. nyl? <OZ FOX> Well, I love vinyl. Vinyl is fun, you had something you held in your hand and you put a needle on it and it plays this great sound. I mean <CV> What are your thoughts on the use and I grew up with it, I love it and I miss it, but connecessity of Social Media? veniently, it’s very convenient to download. I < TRAVIS> Honestly if you want to get any- download albums all the time. I buy full albums where and you want people to see you, you have off of I-tunes all the time. to use Social Media. <CV> Yea, I buy a lot of albums off I-tunes as <L.A.> Everyone is on it.

well.

<TRAVIS> It has its pros and cons obviously, but it’s cool that you can connect with people from all over the world. We have tons and tons of fan’s and supporters from overseas that we have never even met and

<OZ FOX> It’s great because the whole catalog is there. I can find anything I want. That really is a neat thing to have. Then I can burn it and play it in my car. I have the best of both worlds really .So for me yea, I’m into it. Has it hurt the industry? I

don’t know if you want to say “it” hurt the industry as much as they put it together that way. They created it and didn’t realize what it would do to the industry, but it happened and here we are. We have to make the best of it. On the other side of it, I think for the sake of musicians that can’t get on a record label, that is a great platform to be able to put your music out and sell it online and have people download it. I think that’s kind of a plus too. <CV> I would have to agree with that. <CV> Ok, so you are obviously here in Vegas at have played so far, I see you have played RockVamp’d tonight, I’m sure you already knew that. lahoma and a few other festivals. *laughing* <TRAVIS> We have played everywhere from LA to New York, we have played a lot of places! <TRAVIS> Correct <L.A.> What? here? <CV> You have played with some of the greats, Y&T, Stephen Pearcy of Ratt, L.A. Guns, Enuff Z'nuff, P.O.D., Devil City Angels, Faster Pussy<L.A.> No one told me! *everyone laughing* cat, Oz Fox of Stryper and many more. Tell us <CV> You opened for Y&T, you have to be pret- how that came to be and how it felt to play with ty excited about that. You have opened for them a them. I can imagine how honored and excited you all were! few times from what I understand? <TRAVIS> Yes, we are excited, we love Y&T. < TRAVIS> We did not play with Stryper, but We opened for them a couple years ago in Okla- we did pull Oz up on stage with us once! homa City and it was awesome! <L.A.> Is that the first record of you playing <L.A.> They are currently playing one of our fa- bassoon stage Oz? vorite songs right now! This is a good time to talk <OZ FOX> Probably ,I had never played bass about Y&T. before. <CV> You didn’t know you *laughing*

were

< TRAVIS> We are gonna take that. *laughing* <CV> You have played Vamp’d a few times now < TRAVIS> Where was that, at Toadz? as well < OZ FOX> Yea, it was Toadz in Cedar City <TRAVIS> This is our tenth time playing *laughing* Vamp’d. <L.A.> He played bass for us that night at <CV> Is it really? Toadz in Cedar City He did great! <TRAVIS> Yes, within a year and a half. <CV> At a place called Toadz? *laughing* <CV> This is my first time seeing you live

<TRAVIS> Yea, I told him Oz, if you are going <TRAVIS> Within a year and a half *laughing* to play with us, you have to let your hair down and you have to sling it! *everyone laughing* So that is pretty cool, we love Vamp’d! <L.A.> Oh he did <CV> Tell us about some of the other shows you <CV> Did he sling it?

<TRAVIS> Oh yes, he kept up! <CV> Nice! *laughing* <L.A.> He put me through my paces! *everyone laughing* <CV> You learned a lot didn’t ya? *laughing* <L.A.> I did, he taught me everything I know. *everyone laughing* <CV> With all of the festivals you have played and all the amazing artists that you have played with, what did you take away from that? <TRAVIS> We are just thankful, very thankful and blessed that we even get to do this at all. <L.A.> Yea, that these two crazy red necked kids from Oklahoma can come out and play <CV> From a city this girl could not pronounce *laughing* <L.A.> Yea, exactly *laughing* Where did these guys come from? I can’t tell you. *laughing* <TRAVIS> You aren’t stupid enough to pronounce it right *everyone laughing*

he wouldn’t do it. So I was like yea, I’m the new kid and I want to show them up. I want to earn my spot, earn some dues. <CV> Oh no, so you took your pants off and threw them? *laughing*

<CV> I like to ask this and I get some interesting stories at times. Any funny stories to tell from tour life? < L.A.> Oh man, that we want to share? *laughing* <TRAVIS> We have many funny stories but *laughing* <L.A.> It’s not to say we don’t have any appropriate ones because we do. <TRAVIS> Oh wow, what’s a recent one? <L.A.> How about the hwy one? <TRAVIS> Yea, that’s a good one *laughing* <L.A.> Ok, so my first funny tour experience, we are almost home. Travis dares me to take off my pants and throw them at his dad who is driving. Me and the old bass player from back in the day,

<L.A.> Yep, I took my pants off and threw them at his dad. Next thing I knew my pants were out the window and on the hwy. *everyone laughing* <L.A.> Wait, no, I said, I want my pants back. So his dad says ok, I’m pulling over. You run around the van three times and I will give them back to you. So I got around one time and they took off. *everyone laughing* <L.A.> So I’m running down the hwy and my pants end up in the grass median between the hwy’s. So I run across the road, and they swing around, I get my pants and get back in the van. It was very close to our home town so I am sure everyone saw it. <CV> I wonder if it’s on YouTube! *laughing* <L.A.> No, that one isn’t. <TRAVIS> We’ve looked! *everyone laughing*

<L.A.> We have blocked and flagged them all. That is the only one I can think of right now. *everyone laughing* <CV> Oh, that is good enough! *laughing*

<CV> What can fans expect to see at a "Chaotic Resemblance" show? < TRAVIS> Hair slinging around <L.A.> Sweaty dudes, fast music. <TRAVIS> Chaotic <L.A.> Chaos in motion <TRAVIS> You are going to see a rock show. When you go to a rock show, you don’t want to just hear it, you want to see it. Like when you go to a movie, you don’t pay to hear the movie, you pay to watch it. I think that is what a lot of bands are missing these days. <CV> You are right. I will go to shows sometimes and I am shooting and there is a lot of times that one guy that is kind of like in the corner and just playing like he is not really into it, just standing there. So I’m like, ok I am going to take his picture but there won’t be many because they are all going to look the same. I like action and you guys are definitely that. I was kind of feeling bad for you a little bit, I was like I wish that drum set was not there because you guys would have been all over the place!

<TRAVIS> Thank-you! <CV> Your welcome! <CV> Do you have a favorite place to play and why? < TRAVIS> Really it’s here at Vamp’d. <L.A.> Oh yea, this is my favorite place

<CV> I feel really bad knowing now knowing that you guys have played here ten times now <L.A.> I almost tripped on my water bottle. and this is my first time seeing you play! *laughing* < TRAVIS> I know! <CV> I saw that actually *laughing* <L.A.> Where have you been? *laughing* < TRAVIS> It was like a five foot radius < TRAVIS> The people and the way they treat <L.A.> You had to own it baby us. <TRAVIS> Yea, you have to own your radius <L.A.> Yea, we really love Vegas, it’s a home *laughing* away from home for us. They treat us so awe<L.A.> Here is your allotted spot, own it. some, when we get here finally we are like oh we found our people and they found us. <CV> Do not cross this line *laughing* <CV> You are right though, people like to “see” <CV> Korie and Danny are really good people. a show not just hear it. So you guys are like the <TRAVIS> Oh yes, they are wonderful, thankfull package. you for having us so much! We appreciate it!

<CV> To Date, is there any one show that is memorable for you and stands out and why? <TRAVIS> Oh man, there are so many memorable shows. Let’s see, the last Rocklahoma was really cool! We were supposed to play Saturday night at Midnight but we got rained out and it was all stormy with tornadoes and floods. Two kids died. So we didn’t think we were going to play, but we ended up playing the next Sunday at 5. We didn’t know if we were going to have a crowd really because we told everyone we would be playing the night before. It ended up being so packed when we were playing and it was raining and stuff, so we were splashing around and rocking out in the water, it was rad! <CV> Was that the video I saw and you were crowd surfing? <TRAVIS> Probably

the journey of "Chaotic Resemblance" <TRAVIS & L.A.> *at same time* Las Vegas.* <CV> Smarties *everyone laughing* <TRAVIS> I think we are right where God wants us. I think great things are yet to come, we are writing and setting up our next tour and stuff and we just want to go through the right doors and not the wrong ones. <CV> You have to be careful, that is what Oz is for. <L.A.> Exactly, he’s a great Uncle. <TRAVIS> He’s our Uncle Oz. He is our Mentor. <OZ FOX> I am Uncle Oz <TRAVIS> He has taught us a lot of what not to do.

<CV> I actually posted it and I was like that is <OZ FOX> I have an open door with these boys. really cool! They have my number, they have not called me <TRAVIS> I do it quite often but it was probably at three in the morning yet. that one. It’s my favorite kind of surfing. <TRAVIS> Yet! *laughing* *laughing* <TRAVIS> Wait, we have talked at three in the <CV> I don’t know how you do that, I would be morning. afraid somebody would drop me. I mean, what if <OZ FOX> We have? you jump out there and someone drops you? <TRAVIS> We’ve sent some stupid videos back <TRAVIS> Well that one was scary, because I and forth. *everyone laughing* promise, you can see in the video that I’m gone <OZ FOX> Sometimes the older guys like us for a minute. have to be there for these guys. <CV> Yea, I was where did he go? <CV> A mentor <TRAVIS> I went down to the ground and then I went back up. I saw the ground and my face was <OZ FOX> The worst thing would be for them to like right there. I was like well, I shouldn’t have went face first. <L.A.> Travis is a man of faith, he took many leaps of faith, you can tell he is so faithful. *everyone laughing* <CV> Well that was a big leap of faith because I would not trust anyone to do that. <CV> Where do you think you are right now in

meet the wrong kind of people and then kind of screwed over. That’s something I would not want. If I knew they were going to hook up with somebody who was not good for them I would let them know right away. I wouldn’t hold back. <TRAVIS> That is exactly what we need. <CV> There are so many people out there just dangling carrots so you have to be careful. <OZ FOX> Yea <L.A.> No carrots, because I don’t even like carrots.

<CV> What do you like to do in your down time? Who do you like to listen to? Stryper of course. < TRAVIS> Stryper of course! <OZ FOX> Don’t lie, they’re lying. *everyone laughing* <L.A.> Anything with Oz in it. That was my road trip music when I went out of state.

<TRAVIS> It’s very very good!

<TRAVIS> We only listen to SinDizzy.

<CV> Nice!

<OZ FOX> Oh yea sure. *everyone laughing*

<TRAVIS> I love Frankie Vallie, I love the Beatles, Paul McCartney and The Wings, then you know Bon Jovi ,Metallica, pretty much anything rock.

<TRAVIS> 24/7 <L.A.> 25/8 actually we added a day. <OZ FOX> I don’t think she knows who SinDizzy is. <CV> I actually don’t. <TRAVIS> Well, Oz and Tim Gains had a band and Oz was the singer

<CV> Are your families supportive of your career? <TRAVIS> Oh yes, 100%

<OZ FOX> In the 90’s , it was a project. There is an album out.

<CV> Now Travis I know you are married, I saw you at NAMM and you introduced me to your lovely wife.

<TRAVIS> It was great!

<TRAVIS> Yes, five years now.

<OZ FOX> It isn’t a band anymore

<CV> Five years, wow

<TRAVIS> Go look it up, it’s amazing!

<TRAVIS> Right out of High School.

<CV> Now I am going to go home and look it up.

<CV> Awwwww

< TRAVIS> You will love it! < OZ FOX> I was the lead singer of the band

<TRAVIS> I snatched her up so nobody else could. <L.A.> Wonderful people! They let me eat all

their food at their house. *everyone laughing* <TRAVIS> Yes hopefully more will be booked They have not kicked me out yet. *everyone <L.A.> Hoping to pop out a single laughing* <TRAVIS> Yea, we would love to get a single out this year. Then we have a new music video we <CV> What advice would you give a band just are working on right now for “Invade.” starting out? <TRAVIS> Practice, Practice, Practice!

<CV> What would you like to say to your fans <L.A.> Don’t give up, if people quit just keep go- and our readers? ing. <TRAVIS> God loves you regardless of who you <TRAVIS> Yea, some people do quit. <L.A.> If you are not good get better. <CV> Call Oz to help you. *laughing* <L.A.> Call Oz Fox <TRAVIS> Oh yea, Sir Oz Academy!

are and what you have done, there’s hope. Thankyou so much for supporting us and listening to our music and watching our videos of our craziness and our dirty van. *laughing* <CV> I am not going to get over the dirty van. *laughing*

<L.A.> That’s right, SirOzAcademy.com He will give you the keys to the kingdom! He will open up your mind. It takes a lot to blow my mind, but the stuff Oz showed me did.

< TRAVIS> It’s really bad, really bad. *everyone laughing* Our shuttle bus is even worse!

<OZ FOX> Oh good!

<OZ FOX> I have not seen that one.

<L.A.> Yea, it’s bad! Just wait till you see that one!

<L.A.> My mind is still not together yet.

<TRAVIS> We have bunks and a T.V. in there so <OZ FOX> There is more stuff coming up so you it’s all good. can catch that on SirOzAcadamy.com <L.A.> We don’t keep the T.V. covered, we keep the pile of stuff below that. Everyone laughing* <L.A.> Go to it! <OZ FOX> Oh, well that’s just great. <CV> What is your favorite thing about being on <CV> So inquiring minds behind me want to know if you guys drive with Febreze *laughing* stage? What motivates you to do what you do? <TRAVIS> Oh yea, the people for sure! Getting < L.A.> Hey, Febreze is our friend! *everyone laughing* to do what we do. <L.A.> Getting to do what you are made to do <L.A.> Honestly, I fart a lot and my farts smell and we were made to do music and we love it, and we love people. <TRAVIS> That is how we talk to people, that’s the reason we do it. <CV> What does "Chaotic Resemblance" have planned for the rest of 2016? Any tours or projects in the works? <TRAVIS> Yea, right now we are booking. As far as the dates go our tour starts in May and we will be out for about a month. <L.A.> Hopefully more

so good, we don’t need febreze. It’s it’s own air freshener. *everyone laughing* <OZ FOX> It’s a febreze suppository. <L.A.> Exactly! Hey, that’s not a bad idea. *everyone laughing* <TRAVIS> We sell them at our merch table, $5.00 *everyone laughing* <CV> Oz, is there any final words you would like to say? <OZ FOX> Make sure you use Krusteaz pancake mix every time you make pancakes <TRAVIS> Absolutely! It matters! <OZ FOX> Add a little more water to it because you like them thin. Make sure you butter every one when they come off the griddle. There you go, oh and 100% pure maple syrup. That is all I have to say, thank-you.

News YOUSE Can Use Tips for Riding a Motorcycle in the Heat of Summer

The heat of summer calls for all individuals to exercise a certain amount of caution and common sense, but the extreme heat in Las Vegas must be handled with even more care and consideration. This is especially true for motorcycle riders. Because Las Vegas summer temperatures routinely top off over 100 degrees, motorcyclists need to plan and implement safety measures before venturing out on an errand, or out for a pleasure ride. Stay Hydrated This is a no-brainer for most people when it comes to hot weather, but this is just as important for a motorcyclist. Be sure to carry water on the motorcycle at all times, even if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t plan to be out long. Drink frequently to keep hydrated or you may risk heatstroke at worst, or dehydration at best. Along those same lines, you should be aware of the signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Dizziness, nausea, extreme sweating, cramping, overly red or pallid skin, and

rapid breathing can all be signs that the heat is causing your body problems. The best thing to do if these symptoms present themselves is to pull over, find shade, and rehydrate. Do not attempt to ride again until you feel recovered and back in control.

Dress for the Weather Unlike most revelers out in the sun, shorts and tshirt wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cut it for a motorcyclist. Fortunately, specialty clothing for riding in hot weather is available and can be a godsend. Ventilated riding suits and jackets can be found at motorcycle shops or online, but a best piece of clothing a motorcycle rider can own in hot weather is a cooling vest. A cooling vest is doused in water and worn throughout a ride. The water soaked up by the vest keeps the rider cool and comfortable. Take Breaks If you plan on riding for long periods of time, it is advisable to take breaks every 30-45 minutes to drink water, and relax in some shade to keep your body temperature regulated and hydrated. A break will also rejuvenate you, and give you more energy to continue your travel. Plan a Route Carefully Be aware of the route you plan to drive. Try to avoid stoplights, traffic, and construction that may slow you down, or cause you to have to sit in the open sun for long periods. It is entirely possible to ride a motorcycle safely in hot weather. It simply takes some forethought and diligence on the riderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part. Keep in mind that a motorcycle ride is meant to be enjoyed, not endured!

Author: Mellisa Brewer Riding A Bike In Summer

News YOUSE Can Use On The Road Again - Getting You and Your Motorcycle Ready for Summer As spring transitions into summer, it’s time to dust off the bike and head back out onto the road. But, before you strap on your helmet and thumb the starter, here are my three tips for getting back on the road this summer. 1) Performing Maintenance Before taking your first ride you’ll need to make sure your motorcycle is up to the task. Hopefully you put your motorcycle away properly last fall, so it takes minimal effort to bring it to life. If not, you may be in for some frustrating downtime. With the help of a motorcycle owner’s manual, someone with moderately competent mechanical skill can perform most of the tasks we are about to discuss. For tasks that are not covered in your owner’s manual, please consult your dealer’s service center. These are the eight most important things to check on your motorcycle.

a) Fuel System One of the most common pre-season mechanical problems involves the fuel system. It is caused by riders parking their bikes without adding fuel stabilizer to the gasoline. The problem is that old fuel turns into a gooey varnish that can clog the small passageways in the fuel system. This is a significant problem on motorcycles with carburetors, but even fuel-injected bikes can be affected. If you neglected this task you may be looking at the time and expense of a thorough fuel system cleaning. If the gas in your tank is old it’s best to resist starting your motorcycle. Instead, drain the old fuel from the tank (and drain the carburetors if applicable). This can prevent stale gas from circulating through the system. If your bike runs poorly even after draining the gas, consult a mechanic and learn your lesson by storing your bike properly next time!

e) Engine Fluids Check your oil level, or better yet, change the oil and filter if you didn’t do it before tucking your bike away last fall. Old engine oil contains acids that are best removed. If your bike is liquid-cooled, check coolant levels, including the fluid in your overflow tank (see your owner’s manual). f) Brakes

It is important you maintain your brakes. Squeeze the front brake lever and press on the rear brake pedal to feel for a firm application. Look in the sight glass or at the brake master cylinders to see that brake-fluid levels are good and if the fluid is the color of apple juice or darker, plan on replacing it soon. Grab a flashlight and take a close look at your front and rear brake calipers to see how much brake pad material there is remaining. Most brake pads have a notch cut into the pad as a wear indib) Air Filter cator. If in doubt, have the pads replaced. It’s Check your air filter, as rodents seem to be particu- cheap insurance. larly attracted to building nests in air boxes. Remove any debris and replace the filter if it looks particularly dirty. c) Tires Tire pressure will drop significantly over the winter and nothing affects handling and wear more than very low tire pressure, so be sure to put a gauge on those stems before the motorcycle rolls out of the garage. If the tread is worn near the tread-wear indicators, or if the tires show any signs of rot, now’s a good time to replace the old tires with new rubber. d) Drive Train While you’re down there, check drive train wear. Sprockets should show no significant signs of hooking and the chain should not pull very far away from the back of the sprocket. Replace the chain and sprockets as a set if necessary. If all looks good, check the adjustment and give the chain a good lube. Hopefully you lubricated the chain before storage, which means no rust should be present. If this duty was neglected, give the chain a clean and lubricate it before the first ride, then perform a more thorough lubrication after the chain is warm.

News YOUSE Can Use g) Battery Weak or dead batteries are another common mechanical issue that can stand in the way of reviving a motorcycle after a long period of dormancy. Hopefully you kept your battery charged. If not, you will likely have to charge the battery before it will start the engine. If it will not hold a charge, a new battery is in your future. h) Lights, Cables, and Fasteners Once your battery is good to go, be sure to check that all of your lights are operational. Check that both front and rear brake-light switches illuminate the brake light. Check turn signals, taillight, and headlights (high and low beam) to make sure they work. Confirm that the throttle, clutch and brake (if applicable) cables operate smoothly before heading out. Finally, go around the whole bike, tightening any loose fasteners. 2) Awakening the Rider Now that you’ve made sure your motorcycle is ready to roll, you can think about your first ride. A word of caution before you press the starter button: spending many months in a car can cause you to become oblivious to motorcycle issues like visibility or road surface hazards. It’s a good idea to begin your season by taking a refresher course with a local motorcycle-training program. It’s also smart to take some time to brush up on your emergency skills in a parking lot. Whether you choose to attend a formal rider course or go it alone, we recommend that every rider practice the critical skills by performing some cornering and braking drills. Here are three basic, slow-speed exercises to awaken your inner rider.

3) Summer Roads and Inattentive Drivers Even if you and your bike are fully ready for the new season, remember that the roads may not yet be motorcycle-friendly. Roadways take a lot of abuse from snowplows scraping the surface and from the effects of repeated freezing and thawing. Expect surface hazards during the early summer until the earth thaws and the road crews can repair the scars. And remember that drivers arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t used to seeing motorcycles on the road, so be extra vigilant when riding in traffic. Study your ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manual and perform these routine tasks so you are prepared for the upcoming season. Also, be sure to carefully evaluate road conditions before venturing out. Taking the time to prepare for the upcoming season can ensure it is a safe and enjoyable one. Summer Motorcycle Maintenance

Order in the Chaos Ignorance Crowding Out Wisdom Man, I can play as good on my rig as the stars do using in practice with the band. Effectively interthrough THEIR huge setups… They don’t NEED rupting rehearsal every time you break a stick. all that crap! Well, most often times… yes, they do. A friend on Social Media recently made a comment in regards to his little drum set that he intended on restoring. “I can get just as much out of my little 4 piece than Peart, Mangini, or Wengren.” It was an off-hand comment that attracted my attention almost immediately. Because I have heard that comment in various forms supporting various instruments over the years. And, I have never understood it. I have heard guys say, “Yeah, it WOULD be cool if I could drag all of this sh-t down to the club for the $25 I’ll make on the gig… but it’s just not feasible.” Or, even better, “I don’t understand why you need a $2,500 guitar? I sound KILLER on my $189 Ibanez!” – um, yeah, okay. Keep kidding yourself, Jack… because nobody is buying it.

How about the guitarist who has a killer tube amp, but keeps putting crappy, low-grade tubes in it… everyone else can hear that the amp sounds like poop… except him. Cheap Bass strings, synthetic, inexpensive Cork Oil or Reeds used on your Sax, no-brand drum heads on your kit, etc. All can squash your performance and can make you loose respect in the eyes of your other band-mates. Why would you want to do that? Because, you say you aren’t trying to impress anyone? Or you don’t need expensive gear to sound good… Poppy Cock! Then why the “F” are you playing? Don’t you take yourself seriously? Don’t you take ME seriously? Don’t you take our TIME seriously? Then why should I take YOU seriously? So, you say, “But Kurt Cobain made it huge playing on cheap guitars people gave him!” That’s true… but last time I checked… you weren’t Kurt Cobain.

Or maybe, “But, dude, I can’t afford new tubes or new strings every time they get old.” Or, Maybe you ARE a killer player. And maybe “Heads are BANK! You try to afford keeping you’ve been jamming on that cheap or small rig fresh heads on your kit for practice AND gigs!” for so long, you’ve become almost symbiotic with it. And, you’ve learned all of its tricks and Ugh, come on, really? Want to know how many special nuances. Your fingers have gotten strong times I heard THAT one? Here’s your answer, enough to pluck the hairs out of an elephant’s Genius… have TWO SETS OF HEADS! Probback from having to push your strings down hard lem solved. One set you toss on for practice, the enough to meet with the frets. Or, you tolerate others you toss on for Live or Recording. It’s rethe 10 pounds of sawdust around your kit while ally NOT that hard to figure out. It’s just that your band is expected to continue tolerating the (like all excuse givers) you are lazy. Period. Couflying missiles from the $1.99 sticks you insist on ple that with not caring, and you have a person

that will never make it anywhere. Or, if they do, if you have read Nikki Sixx’s book, you would they will not last unless they have the sense learn that they teased, ridiculed, and humiliated enough to HIRE someone to handle everything the guy for years. for them. So, you say, “You REALLY expect me to lug around a HUGE DRUM SET to a tiny gig?” No, of course not. Don’t be silly – or dare I say – “STOP being silly.” Play in rehearsal on what you intend to take out live. Why the hell would you bring a killer rig into rehearsal, essentially “setting a STANDARD in the room, that the BAND has come to depend upon” and then YANK the carpet out from underneath them all by bringing a little combo amp to the gig? And you wonder why the other guys are less than enthused to perform? Shoot, you shot the band in the foot before you even stepped up to the Starting Line. And, you didn’t even know it. Thus, is the reason I chose the word “ignorance” for the title of this article.

However, when I was given the terrific and AMAZING opportunity to create a pair of custom drumheads for Motley’s Final Tour… I was delighted! I got to go back stage when they rolled through Seattle (actually, Auburn, WA) and sit at that drum set with my 40” Tommy Lee “Kanji” head propped up above his tiny five piece kit... mounted to a riser that was then BOLTED to a Roller Coaster.

But, I digress, the point of this story is this… when we walked around and got the “insider’s tour” by my good friend Nick Engle, we got to look over Mick’s guitar rig pretty close-up and personal. It was MASSIVE! And he used EVERYTHING IN IT! There were no back-ups. It was all-on, or all-off (oh, sure, he had a Marshall Do you really think Dave Mustaine is going to head, sitting off to the side in case he blew somewalk out on stage in front of 70,000 fans with a thing) But, it was all set up to deliver EXACTLY Hondo II Guitar, and a cheap Costco amp he what his recordings over the years had implanted picked up for $65? into the heads of all of his fans. And that rig DELIVERED. Maybe, as a gimmick… but he would never risk his career over being cheap or having a low expectation toward his gear. Because, let’s face it, all excuses aside, it comes down to that maybe you do not care about up-keeping your gear is because you are cheap in not only your approach, but your thinking as well. No need to keep making excuses for it. Just stop doing it. Watch your respect from your peer grow. Let me put a real-world scenario spin on this outlook… Just about everybody has heard of Motley Crue. And, for good reason. They have achieved a great deal over the years. They deserve a nod, regardless of whether you dig them, or not. But, you cannot dismiss them. Anyhow, I had read that when the band was auditioning guitarists, in their beginning stage, Mick Mars showed up with a Les Paul and TWO Marshall Stacks. And, the guys in the band laughed at him. Made fun of him. Even,

Wearable Art

So did Mick. He was the only guy in the band that not only SOUNDED amazing, but played amazing, performed amazing, and was CONSISTENT and PRO with his entire being. And, it was a good thing, because as a musician and a guitarist who has played the “bigger” stage I can tell you, if it weren’t for Mick – the band would have fallen apart because they were ALL following him. Anyway, back to my point… How did I respond to my buddy who mentioned he was just as effective as a Wengren, Peart, or Mangini? Simple, I focused on one of the men he mentioned and said that the reason he has such a massive set up is because he is a perfectionist and a professional drummer who wishes to deliver to his audience exactly what it is he had recorded, when he plays live. It’s HIS choice. Why bag on them for it? Why attempt to exalt yourself over PROFESSIONALS by pretending you know more than they? Think of it like this… would you ask a carpenter to build you a boat to sail around the world if he has only a wooden mallet and a saw? He can build you a boat… but it sure as hell won’t make it around the world. And you will more than likely drown in the process of it’s dissemination due to the pounding and rigors of the tide. Musical Instruments and Equipment are very much the same. Cheap wood, cheap tooling, cheap electronics, flimsy necks, thin shells, pot-metal hardware… you can HEAR every one of those economical flaws every time somebody plays out with lesser-type gear. And, trust me, if you show up to a gig with gear that looks like your band just robbed a pawnshop… nobody is going to pay you any mind. Because, once again… you ain’t Kurt Cobain! And you never will be.

you guys as the winner as soon as your first chord was struck. You sounded PRO. And I would like to work with you. Here’s my number.” What? You mean my sound got ME noticed? Of course, better though as it got US noticed! That and our playing, tightness of the band, quality of all of our gear, and the quality of all of our performances combined, won us that night. Not just me. But the judge approaching me directly to tell me that meant I, and the band, were on the right track. As a side note, I have the same setup at home that that I use live and in rehearsal with matching pedal boards. Not that I expect everyone to do that, or to be able to afford to do that. I am just saying you need to be CONSISTENT… even if it means lugging your gear around for that $25 a night. Weren’t YOU the one who said you weren’t playing for the money? So, don’t let your ignorance cloud your judgment. Use the proper tools for the trade. And, for GOD’s sake, if someone who has accomplished more than you takes the time and effort to try to teach you something… LISTEN. I big part of the reason you are still in your bedroom impressing the posters on the wall with your talent is because you have not matured enough to realize that your cheap instrument brings a lot of bad noise with it and hinders your growth. Just think how fast your fingers would be if your action were lower? Or how much fluidity would enter into your ascending and descending rolls if your freaking toms would just stay still… or your kick drum would stop moving forward away from your beater… or your vocal processor has loud buzz or distortion in the gain… or your amp sounds too thin… or you brought a three piece to the show when all year, you’ve been rocking a 20 piece at rehearsal. Use your common sense, maturity, and respect for the other people taking time out of their lives to play with you drive you to step up and obtain better tools. Trust me, it will make you an even BETTER player!

When I go out to perform, there has never been a show where SOMEONE, either in one of the other bands; or someone from the audience doesn’t come up to me or mention my sound. Because I bring out LIVE exactly what I use in the room. Two Customized Marshall JCM2000 DSL100 Half Stacks running stereo. My sound is pro enough that when my band played the Hard Rock Rising competition in Seattle a number of years Brien DeChristopher back, one of the judges approached me after we Musician/Entrepreneur/Owner of Sic•Skinz Cushad won that night and said to me, and I quote tom Drum Wraps him, “My vote and the Judge next to me chose http://www.sicskinz.com

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