Detroit Live Magazine june 2001

June 2011 detroitlivemagazine.com

Danny D Some Guys Have All The Luck EXCLUSIVE

Sully

Godsmack’s Frontman talks to Detroit Live

Carissa Knoles Dreaming Of Monsters

Cake

The Cult of Cake

Nate Jones

American Troubadour

Rickett Pass The Al Qaeda of Bluegrass

John Sinclair DL Radio

Iron Lab Test Your Muscle PHOTO CREDIT M.G.NADER

Danny D and Sara Hoffman

Cover model furnished by RAB Detroit Ent.

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CONTENTS SULLY TALKS TO DL MAG THE CULT OF CAKE NATE JONES CARISSA KNOLES MG Nader BENNY JET AND BOB RICKETT PASS-BLUEGRASS TERRORISM THE MUSIC IN MY VEINS / IROCONJI DANNY D WHAT TO TAKE ON TOUR / MR. POSITIVE OUTSIDE THE ROPES ADVENTURES OF A COVER BAND PT. 10 FAILURE, THE BEST TEACHER/ CANNABUZZ BOWL 28. MED LAB/DL RADIO JOHN SINCLAIR

DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE //////////// June 2011 Sully This Months

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Contributors: Benny Jet, Bob Harris, Ryan Lapointe, Karin Elizabeth, Eric Harabadian, Jordan Weatherhead, Tim Cook, Steve Wallag, Tony Pertile, Donna James, Ken May, James Chapman, The Impaler, Darian Counts

cover is a tribute to the July 1991 edition of Rolling Stone Magazine featuring Rod Stewart and Rachel Hunter

pg. 6 Cake

Our Version features Danny D and Sara Hoffman

Graphic Design: Darian Counts, Olin Ezra, Cover logo magic: Olin Ezra/M.G Nader Story Editing: Donna James, Photgraphers: M.G. Nader, Steve Sexton, Dante Desaro, Matt Dolinar, Ryan Lapointe, Shane Glenn, Tom McNaughton Editor-In-Chief: Darian Counts

NOW AVAILABLE! DL MAG E-EDITION DELIVERED MONTHLY TO YOUR EMAIL!!

TO REGISTER FOR DL MAG’S E-EDITION LOG ONTO: WWW.DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM

pg. 7

pg. 11

Sales: Darian Counts Ryan Lapointe

Rickett Pass

National Media Coordinator Ryan Lapointe

Cover model furnished by RAB Detroit Ent.

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Detroit Live Magazine - Get into it! 5

SULLY

places in the world to play. The fans in Detroit’s hearts are really about music.

From Godsmack talks with Ryan Lapointe from DL mag. They really love live SE: This is still in the baby stages, and I performances and you can want to nurture it and see it grow. Hopefully see it in their faces and they light up more people around the world will embrace this than anywhere in America. They have a true and it’s nice to see such a broader audience. appreciation for music, and I love that about All we can ask for is continued love and your city. support from people like Detroit Live to educate everyone about how special this is DL: Thanks a lot for your time Sully, and show them what gift music is. anything you want to say to your fans?

DL: You’re going right from the solo tour to headlining Mayhem Fest with Godsmack, how did that come about?

SE: They asked us to co-headline with Disturbed, and we really enjoy the outdoor festivals in the summer. The bands are great, we get to play with Machine Head, Megadeth and many awesome bands on this tour, and it’s going to be a busy year!

Very rarely are you able to catch your favorite artist 2x over a summer, especially when they are performing with two completely different acts. This year, Detroit fans of Sully Erna will have that opportunity as he embarks on his 1st solo tour in support of his album Avalon, then goes right from there to a headlining spot with Godsmack on the Rockstar Mayhem Festival. Detroit Live had the chance to talk with the poker playing author and vocalist as Avalon started making steam on the charts.

numbers and he was the 1st guy I called along with Lisa Guyer (vocals) who is a longtime friend of mine and she brought a couple people. Irina Chirkova (cello), who’s Bulgarian, we found during a studio session DL: Being a father to a 9yr old girl, is it in Boston. Everyone contributed bringing tough being on the road so much? this person or that person, it organically built itself.

SE: It’s hard for both of us, she’s older now and I know she misses me, as I miss DL: The reviews for Avalon have been great, her while on tour. She’s kicking ass in but I like many others when artists do a solo gymnastics and cheerleading competitions venture, sometimes expect the same style and I try and get to as many as I can, but of music. You went for a different sound, Dad has go to work. That’s one of the and people are liking that, you’ve got to be DL: Hey Sully, so tell me, how’s it feel to downfalls of being a musician, but I won’t digging that? have released Avalon? do it forever. If I do decide to perform forever, I won’t do it this constantly, I just SE: It’s been great; we’ve been in rehearsals SE: It’s awesome! It’s a really special, feel I have a lot to do before I tone it back. all this week. We’re very excited to take this intimate, personal and vulnerable album Hopefully someday I’ll complete these and on the road; it’s going to be a very intimate, for me, and I hope that translates to the her and I will someday sit on a audience. I know the people have seen me cool, mystical, musical experience. beach and reflect on the great come from Godsmack, which is a heavy memories. st tough rock band, and I’m trying to transition DL: Will this be your 1 time performing them with me through this experience. I love the songs from Avalon or have you played DL: You headlined Rock on Godsmack, but I have another side of me some during Godsmack shows? the Range last year, and now that I really need to get out of my system.

Mayhem Fest this year; those I’m a musician and that’s what we do, SE: I played “Eyes of a Child” and are some pretty big slots, constantly dabbling with pianos and guitars “Until Then...” during some small solo what’s it like to headline such and creating different things. I enjoy it a lot “storytelling” shows, but it’s always been big events? separate from Godsmack, a whole different and it makes me feel powerful in a different vibe. way, and having for the balance is important.

SE: We just love to play; we told Disturbed they can st DL: Are you nervous about going out there DL: Is Avalon the 1 time you’ve been on an headline every show for without the band behind you? album not only as a vocalist?

Mayhem! We like playing SE: I played the drums on the first two second to last sometimes so we SE: I have a great 8 piece band with me, I Godsmack albums, and half of the third. can play for a full crowd, then have more musicians than I can afford! I’m Usually with Godsmack I sing and play come hang out and watch the really excited about the tour; it’s been a fun guitar, except on the double drum solo with end of the show. As long as we project to put together. I have musicians Shannon (Larkin, Godsmack drummer). get to play the music we love from all over the world involved, from This is the first band that I’ve gotten behind to play, that’s all that matters.

Bulgaria, from Ireland…. the piano and played different instruments.

All the members of the band play several DL: You’ve been to Detroit DL: How did you go about choosing the instruments and even if there wasn’t a show, many times, any cool stories band? it’s fun to watch all these people jamming. to share?

SE: I found Niall Gregory (percussion), who DL: Will there be any more solo work after is in the Irish band Dead Can Dance, while this album/tour? they were playing in Boston. We swapped

6 Detroit Live Magazine - Get into it!

SE: (laughing) Oooh Detroit!

I mean this from my heart; Detroit is one of my favorite Go to detroitlivemagazine.com and sign up for the E-edition of DLM

SE: I’m really looking forward to getting out there with Godsmack and the solo tour.

As far as the solo thing goes, I encourage people to check out the music and see what it’s about. Take your parents, and grandparents, it’s a very universal style of music. I’m really looking forward to coming to Detroit and putting on a couple great performances. All we can ask is to keep supporting us and helping us grow, once you hear the music, it sells itself.

For more info on Sully Erna and to pick up Avalon, go to www.sullyerna.com.

Make sure you check out his solo show June 3rd at the Motor City Soundboard.

For more info on Godsmack, go to www. godsmack.com Make sure you check out Godsmack headlining the Rockstar Mayhem Festival coming to DTE Energy Music Theatre on August 6th. www.rockstarmayhemfest.com Photo Ryan Lapointe

The Cult of

“A Piece of the Cult Cake”

It was drizzling on and off on May 18th as I crept past the Royal Oak Theatre to see the sold out Cake concert. Two lines on either side wrapped around the building as I struggled to find parking. With the recent release of their 6th full length album, “Showroom of Compassion” and having been in the music scene for 20 years, it was no wonder people lined up so early for a good spot in the general admission venue. I met Marc Nader (Detroit Live’s resident photographer) outside, both of us smiling from ear to ear as we walked in past the sea of wet fans. As we entered the theater I noticed that the eager Cake enthusiasts did not fit the typical stereotype I had been expecting. Instead, I found fans of every age, race, gender, and sex. Some hippies crowded around the corner table by the smoking doors with their hemp necklaces on.

Some mid-fifties gentlemen dressed in their Docker’s and loafers with their polo shirts tucked in holding Corona’s. There were young females dressed up, toting their boyfriends and Mike’s Hard Lemonades along with them as they made their way to front and center stage. In addition there were some middle aged couples, a few groups of singles in their twenties taking shots at the bar, even some late seventies folks sipping what I am going to assume would be an Old Fashioned or something of the sort. It dawned on me that really, it doesn’t matter who you are, you either love Cake, or you don’t.

My phone interview the following week was with Vince DiFiore. Vince plays trumpet, keyboard, and percussion for Cake, and does the harmony vocals. He answered the phone with a quiet confidence that was very reminiscent of Cake’s music style. They don’t need loud sounds, or roaring vocals to get their point across and still, you can hear them anywhere and know it’s them. Cake’s sound is the quiet underdog of the last two decades in American music.

When asked what first inspired them in the early 1990’s, Vince described their music as being, “an inspiration of a combination of different American styles.” Cake takes genres such as folk, country, jazz, soul (mostly music from Stax Records), and west coast funk. He told me someone once had described their music as being like, “If Hank Williams, Sr. and Sly Stone were at a party together and played AC/DC records backwards”. He chuckled softly at the comparison.

Photo by M.G. Nader

By Jordan Weatherhead

“Instead of mimicking those sounds, I think we’ve combined all of them to make a sound that represents our own voice,” DiFiore said.

That distinct and clever voice made for one hell of a show. During the course of the night Cake played some major hits such as, The Distance, Sick of You, Never There, Short Skirt Long Jacket, and Long Time. Cake used crowd interaction several times, splitting the crowd right down the middle for sing-alongs, subjecting the non-singers to humility. Cake made fun of the people who were “too good” to sing with the rest of the multitude and claimed the “do-gooders” thought they were better than all of us who did.

The audience reverberated with laughter at their expense. It was an entertaining night full of funny gimmicks, powerful instrumentals and captivatingly lyrical songs.

When I asked Vince what makes their 6th album (debuting 7 years after the last) so different from the rest Vince said, “It was just doing what we’ve already done, but doing it better. We developed a similar world view and compatible musical taste.”

Vince laughed when I asked what keeps them writing their fresh and daring material. I assumed “daring” was the comically correct term he’s heard far too often. He thanks John McCrea, Cake’s lead vocalist, for their lyrical wit that is more than plentiful by saying, “he’s a prolific writer. It’s never the case of writing enough songs for the album; it’s always choosing the right songs for the album. He’s able to continue with his love of words and wordplay without folding under the pressure.”

Another thing that made Vince laugh out loud, was when I asked about their love/hate style of music. He seemed to agree when I said, “It seems as though either your music resonates so strongly with people, or not at all with others.

Do you find it comical at all or relish in the fact that either you have strong, loyal, long-term followers, or people that just don’t get it, and won’t ever get it?”

Vince laughs a little louder than before, “I like the idea of being a Cult Band.

It maybe just means that there is something to understand about us. It sounds a little dangerous so yeah, I like that.”

Of course Cake hasn’t always had it easy finding fans. They struggled in the early 90’s as they tried to break the mold of what music should be. When asked how they dealt with the early criticism he said, “We understood that a lot of people

and music reviewers thought that everything should be very serious and sincere, and if anyone was poking fun at the music industry in general, that they were the enemy. Some sort of infiltrator that was trying to take the whole thing down. The business was making music, so we understood. It did help that we had radio play and so that was nice because we knew we hadn’t been completely discarded.”

Twenty years later and Cake finally decided to create their own record label. This is not out of sorts for the folk/rock infused band. They have always done things on their own from promoting to producing, and this album proves it has paid off.

“There’s something about someone else controlling what you do in any situation in life that makes you feel a little depressed and helpless. But if you’re in control of things, you live or die by your own efforts; and there is something that is empowering about that.”

No present signs of taking anyone else onto the label at Cake’s own Upbeat Records. Cake is busy with their own music and they feel there is too much pressure and responsibility for that big of an undertaking right now. Maybe someday DiFiore mused.

We talked a little more about the new album and what the songs are about and I can say Vince was nothing but humble and kind during the course of the interview. He urges people to log onto Cakemusic.com and check out their “BAND” section, where readers can see the tour from Cake’s point of view, and of course to buy their new album and keep listening.

Vince says, “There is only a limited window in which to be successful.” Their window

Photo by M.G. Nader

so far has lasted over two amazingly unique decades. People from all over the world are eating Cake up, and as for those who just don’t get? I say……. Who likes a pie-eater anyway?

-See you in your nightmares… -JSW

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feeling all around. With Capers I was playing their open mikes on Mondays. They were switching managers and making changes on Thursday nights. They picked me up so I’m gonna bring friends in to play with me and do more of a full

band show. We’ve got some saxophone players we might bring in too to liven up the night and get people in there.

DLM: What’s your opinion of the modern music scene?

NJ: I’m a fan of traditional music so I’m not diggin’ a lot of the modern pop and electronics that are coming out. It’s great listening music but we need to get back to the basics and real rock ‘n roll.

A lot of modern music is very over-produced and I’d like to see it get back to the passion. And that’s what my music is based on—a lot of passion!

DLM: What about the local scene? How well do you think the clubs are doing financially?

NJ: Downriver is kind of iffy. There are a lot of people that, if they were willing to invest and do the advertisements, there’s a lot that could be done. I think a lot of people are frightened to spend the money.

DLM: What about the general public?

NJ: The general public will spend money on something they wanna see. But the managers and owners are frightened to spend money because they’re not sure if the crowds are gonna come in.

So if you can bring in a crowd they are always willing to pay. They are just reluctant to make that move. You know, I haven’t played too far north or south, but I have played Grand Rapids and every scene’s different. I went to Grand Valley State, which is right there. There are a lot of college kids that wanna hear a good show if there’s something going on.

DLM: You play all different types of venues— nightclubs, VFW halls, house parties, restaurants, concert halls. Do you have to prepare in different ways based on the type of gig you’re doing?

NJ: If I’m playing a place like Cold Stone I’ll stay away from the bar-type hits because there might be some swearing in them or whatever. I’d want to create a more relaxed family atmosphere. If it’s a concert or special event I might prepare more with a specific set list. But with a club gig or something like that you can never really prepare because

Detroit Live Magazine - Detroit Rock City!!! 11

Cont. on Page 25...

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Detroit area singer-songwriter Nate Jones has a quote that is prominently displayed on his web homepage that states: “Music is both the calm and the storm.” And that basically summarizes the philosophical approach for this “American troubadour.”

He performs a wide range of cover and original material - at an ever growing number of key venues in the metro Detroit area- that runs the emotional gamut from soft and melancholy to spirited and audacious. It’s that balance of musical yin and yang that makes his style unique and engaging as a solo acoustic artist. Jones regularly plays in the Downriver area at Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Allen Park and the Cold Stone Creamery in Taylor. He will soon be performing Thursday nights at Capers in Allen Park as well. Detroit Live had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Jones after one of his recent Potbelly gigs at Starbucks in Allen Park. We got the scoop on where he came from, what inspires him to make music and what it takes to be a full-time professional musician in today’s world.

DLM: How did you get started?

NJ: I was fourteen years old when I picked up the guitar, but I’ve been playing since, like forever! I had an early church background so I was always singing hymns at church. My dad was the pastor of a church in a little town called Frontier, near Camden, Michigan. I’ve always had a love for music. I was writing songs when I was eight or nine years old. And I kind of grew up into it a little bit more and started being more professional. That’s pretty much my early roots.

My dad always played guitar when I was a kid and taught me my first basic chords and I taught myself from there.

DLM: Who are some of your musical influences?

NJ: Johnny Cash, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz. This is where a lot of my influences came from along with folk.

DLM: How would you describe your sound?

NJ: It’s pretty simple music. The lyrics I write are always pretty easy to grasp, but they have a deeper meaning. There is always some undertone to a story there. That’s how a lot of Johnny Cash’s songs were. I just wrote a song about a soldier that goes out to war and he’s got a love at home who’s waiting for him. And the whole time he’s fighting for this. On the surface you see that story playing out that everybody is fighting for something. The point of the song is all about what would be worth fighting for or what would you give your life for. I just finished the song as a tribute to our soldiers. I want people to know that I don’t support war but I support the troops.

DLM: You play around town quite a bit. Can you talk about some of your steady gigs and how they came about?

NJ: Potbelly was almost a mishap in a way. I was getting my AAA auto insurance next door and somebody told me they do live music in there.

They were getting rid of their current musician and I said I would come in and play for free and they could pay me after that if they liked me. They liked me and they have a great crowd always coming through there for lunch. It’s not a concert venue but you’re playing and people are hearing your music in the background. It’s almost like I’m getting regular practice every week but getting experience regularly playing in front of people. With Cold Stone, I used to work for them for about six months. But I just got tired of working for an ice cream factory. I continued to pursue my career with music and went back there a year later. They’ve got a great courtyard there—a nice family atmosphere. So I get to practice my family songs. If the kids are happy then the parents are happy and it’s just a good

12 Detroit Live Magazine - Someone has Gotta Rock...Why not you?

Carissa Knoles Recently I had the pleasure of catching an

By Donna James

acoustic performance of one of Downriver’s rising musicians. Carissa Knoles has been strumming the guitar since she was very young and she has a knack for writing witty lyrics that appeal to both children and adults. Now in her twenties, this talented, new musician gives it her all when performing cover songs as well as a few of her own. Performing rock/pop/country hits in the Downriver area, from Janis Joplin to Bob Seger to Sheryl Crow and Toby Keith, she has a fresh voice and is entertaining and captivating to watch.

Carissa also enjoys writing children’s songs.

“Combining music and movement encourages healthy growth and development in kids”, says Carissa. Then for the mature crowd, she writes many lyrics which are “quirky love ballads and songs about the everyday dramas of being a female in a male-minded world”. Detroit Live Magazine had the chance to sit with Carissa and ask about her acoustic rock music, children’s songs and her new CD: DLM: Carissa, you have been interested in music since you were very young, who or what was your inspiration as you were growing up?

Carissa: I went to a Pat Benatar concert when I was 11 years old. I liked her music and I knew I wanted to be like her. I then got into theater and from there I started reading music.

DLM: At what age did you begin playing guitar & why?

Carissa: I started playing guitar when I was 14. A “guitar-playing” crush told me that girls couldn’t play the guitar, so I went out and bought one the next day and I’ve been playing ever since!

DLM: Were you ever in a band or have you always been a solo performer?

Carissa: I’ve never been in a band, always been solo.

DLM: You have a new CD out released by Dream Town Media called “Music with Ms. Carissa“. Do you have any other CD’s available or is this your first?

Carissa: This is my first CD. It is actually a prerelease to my full length children’s CD that is due to be released by the end of this year.

DLM: “Music with Ms. Carissa” is a sampling of some of your children’s songs. What inspired you to record a CD with children’s songs?

Carissa: I enjoy working with children. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Children & Families and I have been a preschool teacher for the past 6 years.

It’s what I enjoy to do.

DLM: The tunes are fun and catchy; my child loves your CD! What has been the reaction from other children after listening to your CD? Carissa: I play it in my classroom and at other child development centers. The children are excited when they hear me sing. They give me ideas for new songs as well!

DLM: With songs like “Dreaming Monster” and “I Love Me”, are there any personal stories behind the songs you chose for your children’s CD? Carissa: My little cousin Ben had the idea for “Dreaming Monster”. He had difficulties sleeping through the night when he was a toddler. He had talked about a monster under his bed and gave it a name, the dreaming monster. I wrote the song in hopes it will help other children with their bedtime insecurities. Ben also drew all of the illustrations for the CD, including the “Dreaming Monster” that is on the cover.

DLM: I hear you are “going green” with a recycled guitar craft idea?

Carissa: Yes! I use donated shoe boxes and empty paper towel rolls, put them together with a few rubber bands and craft a guitar for the children in my class. It’s a fun way to introduce recycling and music to young children.

DLM: Aside from your children’s music, you also acoustically perform rock/pop/country hits in the Downriver area too. Your acoustic sets are a mixture of cover songs and some originals. Is there a good story behind one original song in particular about online dating?!

Carissa: (Laughs) Every word in the song is true!

I attempted online dating and was unsuccessful. I had no luck dating but wrote a hit song about it!

I have a few songs that were written from failed love attempts. (Laughing) DLM: What are a few of your favorite artists to cover?

Carissa: My favorites are Pat Benatar and Pink.

DLM: What inspires you to write music?

Carissa: I always had a passion for writing poetry, which inspires my songwriting.

DLM: You perform many genres of music, but what is YOUR favorite genre to listen to?

Carissa: I like 80’s pop & rock. Especially the female performers like Pat Benatar, Stevie Nicks, Blondie, and Heart.

DLM: Where do you hope to see yourself (musically) in 5 years?

Carissa: I hope to be doing children’s music and educator’s workshops full time. And I’ll always be writing new songs!

Be sure to catch Carissa’s rock/pop/country acoustic performances at Keefer’s Blueline Grille and at other Downriver venues. Pick up a copy of Carissa’s CD with a sampling of her children’s songs. It’s sure to have you and your kids singing along. You can get one in person or by emailing her at carissaknoles@yahoo.com for just $5. For the latest info on her upcoming performances, check out Carissa on Facebook and “LIKE” her musician page (search Carissa Knoles). Also, go to www.musicwithmscarissa.com to read her blog and for more information on her Children’s Music Enrichment Programs and Educator’s Workshops!

--D James

Detroit Live Magazine - 13

Benny jet & Bob

everywhere. My friend Pee Wee said they are a great live WWW.BENNYANDTHEJETS.COM By Benny Jet & Bob Harris show. SYKOFISH, Chain Reaction, B-Dab, Justine Blazer, Underland, all bands promoting their Facebook. I guess all bands should have Facebook. Note: Benny and the Jets are still on MySpace. (LOL)

Long Branch Saloon, the All Around, Bumpers, Cheeks, Bayside Lounge waterfront dining sounds good. J Dubs, Front Row - sports bar and grill with girls blowing FIRE? Cecil’s and Quit n Time (Bob wants to know the name of the girls in their ad!)

New radio show Wednesdays 5 til 7 PM on www.wpon.com which is 1160 on the AM dial. The Doctor DooWop show which features Doctor Roman Franklin and yours truly - the famous Benny from the Benny and the Jets band. (Really, if you’re famous do you have to say “the famous Benny and the Jets band?) Dr. Franklin is a real doctor. A hematologist oncologist, which means cancer doctor, and has an office in Clarkston, Michigan. Yours truly, a guitar player with a long beard, who hangs around the doctor, and this guy we like to TOO MUCH FUN! How does that song go? I call Bob Harris here at the magazine. YES don’t know, but I’ve been told, there’s no such there is a Doctor Doowop Facebook and I guess thing as too much fun. you have to click the LIKE button? Call the

show 248-557-1460.

There used to be a band called Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen that may have played This is just too good! Johni Dee and the Mystery that song a time or two. Geez, kind of sounds like Train band loves how everyone in the music something David Allen Coe or even Ty Stone biz is related whether they know it or not! The might do too?

Mystery Train band used to play the All Around

Bar back in the day. His nephews were Jason Maybe not too much fun this time of year, but for Lollio who is in the Pistol Day Parade band, sure there is too much STUFF on my desk. Invites, John Lollio who is the singer for Mango Pie, and press releases, benefits, car shows, jam nights, Marco Lollio used to be in Bridge and now plays ladies nights, karaoke nights, NudeFest at Turtle with the Infatuations. Did I mention I used to play Lake near Jackson (hmmm better save this one), at the All Around and went to Jr High School with radio show parties - WRIF 40th, 89x Fest, WCSX guitarist Paul Warren? Paul knows Joe Lagraci open for Eddie Money contest with the Boa who plays in the Jamie Coe Band. And he knows Constrictors (friends of the Detroit Blues Society), Mitch Ryder, Stewert Frankie, Eddie Layton, Gasoline Gypsy, Deep End, 34 Bliss, Rhythm Curtis Hyflash, Doctor Pocket, and Ross Hellco, Kings, and the Since Roy’s. TapDetroit.com who used to play in the Sunday Funnies, who Detroit Live Internet network radio! went to Lowery High School with Blues Guitarist

Mark Falconberry, who also went to school with How can you fit all this STUFF in a column?

Johni Dee!

Shockwave may be my new favorite young local For more information, story ideas, or to contact band. These guys are really young and really good, Benny or Benny and the Jets band and hear play Google them! Christina Chriss is playing an early dates call the 24 hour hot line 313-730-1627. To show on Thursday’s at 5PM at Albert’s on the contact Bob Harris call 313-339-8285. Oh yea, Ed Alley. Very interesting idea. The Category 5 band and Emalee, Wendel and Brenda, Dave the Jeep is taking promo to a new level, a great semi truck, guy and Emma said they web site, tee shirts, necklace, CD and YES live wouldn’t come see me shows. Remedy is doing shows at Marlow’s. There play Sunday at the is live music at Shotmakers. Yes music, food, girls Fiddle BIKINI bar and car show stuff at the Blue Iguana. I really like if I didn’t mention that name. them in the paper!

The Full Tilt Boogie Blues band is jamming Bob Harris - Motor City Music Icon around town, check out the Timberwolf and the Trolley Stop. At the Rack n Roll - Wounded Warrior Project and Realm. Joe’s Prime Time remember the Dirty Dozen concert!

More STUFF! 3 Whisker Betty seems to be

Tiny’s

REVOLUTION OF ROCK Random reasons to love Detroit music.

I love Detroit music for...

...the emotion of Fall Prey ...the endless possibilities of Forest Wade ...the tornado that is Bat On Fire ...the future of Shockwave ...the guaranteed great time with Rickett Pass ...the power of SBU ...the craziness of Panama Red ...the intensity of Chaos Theory ...the legacy of Ray Street Park ...the ingenuity of Living Like Ghosts ...the newness of Bloodline Riot ...the endless drive of Lost Hope Productions ...the hard work of Ikkurruz ...the soul of Highwater ...the passion of 34 Bliss ...the rawness of Both Barrells at 11 ...the presence of Half-Light Music ...the everything about Underland ...the sound of Death of a Hero ...the love of Olin Ezra ...the brain of Darian Counts ...the fun of Potty Mouth Sissys ...the coolness of Myth Not Man ...the testicular fortitude of .12 Gauge Persuasion ...the loyalty of Six Months Gone ...the durability of Cover Band Killers ...the message of Myke Murder ...the improvement of MNSTRS ...the voice of Adan Garcia ...the surprise of Kastura ...the actual originality of One Click Gorilla ...the 100% given by Dear Maybe ...the WOW factor of 2 Pedal Getaway ...the musicianship of Sean Baker Orchestra

14 Detroit Live Magazine - Dirty DozenIII coming July 16th at Joes Primetime in Gibraltar!!!

...the no-frills of The Fake Take ...the punch of Brass Knuckle Karma ...the manners of Suburban Bloodshed ...the explosion of The Dead Still Dream ...the “I’m glad I heard them” of Dinner Date ...the bad-ass of Eternal Affliction ...the empowerment of Attracting Insanity ...the “I can’t wait to see them again” of Rose From The Ashes ...everything As always I have to talk about some new music that has blown me away and this past month I got a lot of it. This past month Tex Watson, Derby Mama, The Distinguished Gentlemen and Jesse Passage and The Tiny Water Flea Clocks. First up is Tex Watson, a true hardcore band straight from downriver. They played on a show that featured hip-hop, bluegrass, folk then came these young all-balls hardcore bad-asses and they owned it. Very impressive, I like their future. Next up was Derby Mama, just a solid, fun, no-nonsense band. Don’t remind me of anyone, very original and really excited to see them again. The Distinguished Gentlemen is a 2-piece rockabilly band that features a stand-up bass that pair up very well with the boys from Rickett Pass, all their songs are fun sing-a-longs that stir up the crowd of fans of originality. Plus they do the best Misfits cover I have ever heard.

Lastly, Jesse Passage and The Tiny Water Flea Clocks reminded me Dave Matthews Band if DMB hadn’t sold-out. Jesse and the boys have a very bright future, a very loyal ever-growing fanbase and more talent than I’ve seen in a long time. Check all of these amazing bands out and you won’t be disappointed.

Well, that’s it again until next time, drop me a line at tinytimrocks@yahoo.com, facebook. com/tinytimrocks or twitter.com/tinytimrocks.

As always remember Earth, Soul, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Life Rules! - Tiny

s s a P t t e k Ric

By Darian Counts

barefoot, broke and happy almost any bar in the downriver area, we can pull a good sized crowd. We’re glad to have such a great following. Now we are blazing new trails, hitting new areas. I’m convinced that we could do just as well in places like Ferndale or Royal oak, or anywhere on the east side for that matter.”

Mason Damn Tinsley Of all the bands in the Detroit area one of the most original and entertaining is the downriver bluegrass/folk trio Rickett Pass.

Composed of Mason Damn Tinsley (banjo, guitar, vocals), Ted Whitman (washtub Bass) and Joe Vega (guitar, mandolin) this trio is heavily steeped in originality.

Detroit boasts many varieties of music; rock, country, R&B, hip hop, techno. But there is one type of music that has just not gotten the attention of all the rest. Yep you guessed it, Blue Grass. Considering the fact that most of the residents of Southeastern Michigan arrived via the hillbilly highway after fleeing their appellation homeland you’d think there would be an abundance. Alas that is not the case. Which is precisely why Rickets Pass’ music stands out. Says band founder Mason Tinsley”People have really embraced our style of music. We’ve been together for about three years now and if we play a show, at

Joe Vega

From the size of the crowds RP is drawing it seems Mason is right on the money.

In the last three years Rickett Pass has carved out a niche for themselves. It’s as if people have a need for something different, something unplugged and substantial. Perhaps the sound of a banjo and washtub bass speaks to the inner hillbilly in many of us. Maybe it’s the originality of it all. In reality, it’s the sheer entertainment value of it .Granted when people walk into a room and see a guy playing a washtub bass, they stop and stare. Most people have never seen anything like it (except perhaps on and old episode of the Beverly Hillbillies).

When asked where he got his “washtub bass” training bassist Ted Whitman replied “training?… I was supposed to get training?

I just strung it up and started going to town.

Then, once I realized you could actually fret a washtub I was able to do all sorts of things.

In addition, the amount of bass I’m able to project is unreal; by putting a microphone under the washtub I can get frequencies that would vibrate your heart right out of your chest.”

DL: Was it difficult getting booked at first?

Mason: No not really. We’re all from this area and have all played in bands before. Granted not banjo’s and mandolins, but bar owners know us and know what we can do, so their usually willing to give us a chance. Also the fact that we’ll do a show with a metal band, a hard rock band, a country band…it makes no difference to us. Actually we prefer to do shows from different genres. I mean if you got to a metal show after 3 or 4 bands they can start to sound the same, then we come along and change the whole vibe... Everyone has a great time.

Ted Whitman Ted: Oh, and we’ve started something we like to call “Blue Grass Terrorism”. That’s where we just show up at a show (not ours) with our instruments and start playing, usually out in front of the bar. Eventually a crowd will begin to gather. With today’s smoking laws banishing smokers to the outdoors it seems we always have an audience. So people better keep alert, ‘cause you never know when Rickett Pass is gonna show up and throw down a little BGT. The music of Rickett pass is definitely Blue Grass But that’s not all it is. It’s has a down home feel. But don’t get the wrong idea, this ain’t Hee Haw. They’re are quick to share the fact that RP is not really a family oriented show (unless your part of the Manson family). A Rickett Pass show is all about

good times, good friends and the party. Sure they’re Bluegrass, but these guys refuse to be crammed into a category. You’ll find hints of rock, country, metal, blues or whatever they are feeling that night will show up in their music. The whole idea of Rickett Pass is a disregard for traditional expectations.

The product these guys produce is moldable to fit whatever mood they happen to be in at the time. The only mood that is consistent with these guys is that whenever or wherever they play it’s a full on party, but Rickett Pass doesn’t just play the party... They are the party! A large part of the appeal of the band is its fearlessness. Mason, Ted and Joe rush headlong into the bluegrass music scene with a heavy metal attitude. That gives their music an appeal that is compelling to music fans of all types, which is why Rickett Pass is quickly becoming the band that people are talking about all over town...Check them out at the Detroit Live Dirty Dozen midsummer rock fest this July 16th at Joe’s Prime Time... You won’t be disappointed!

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RICKETT.PASS

NAME THAT TUNE THURSDAY JUNE 2 BENCH PUB - LIVONIA FRIDAY JUNE 3 TAYLOR MEADOWS GOLF COURSE WEDNESDAY JUNE 8 TROLLEY STOP - TAYLOR FRIDAY JUNE 10 DEMOCRATIC CLUB - TAYLOR SATURDAY JUNE 11 KEEFER'S GRILLE - TAYLOR THURSDAY JUNE 16 BENCH PUB - LIVONIA WEDNESDAY JUNE 22 TROLLEY STOP - TAYLOR SATURDAY JUNE 25 KEEFER'S GRILLE - TAYLOR THURSDAY JUNE 30 BENCH PUB - LIVONIA

WIN GREAT PRIZES BOOKING: 248-640-8490

www. facebook.com/nttdownriver Catch the Darian Counts show. Wednedays 8-10 am on tapdetroit.com- 15

THE MUSIC IN MY VEINS

BY JAMES CHAPMAN

As I close the driver’s side door of my car, I hear the first distant pounding of the bass. I turn the corner onto Woodward Ave. and see the small line at the door of The Majestic Theater and my heart starts racing in anticipation. The constant wub wub wub of the bass inside teases me as I trek through the line, get my wristband and pay my entry fee.

Finally, the last thing to do is open the doors to the main room, and step inside.

The music hits me like a dump truck and I love it. The music seems to enter my body through the ears and inject itself directly into my bloodstream like some sort of auditory narcotic. I feel the subwoofers shake my ribs and my heart beats faster as a smile spreads across my face. I look around and see what one could easily describe as a rave. Some people come dressed in costumes or painted, and a plethora of glow sticks dot the dark breathing mass that is the crowd. People dance without caring what the person next to them will think, and their neighbors are doing the same.

The music accelerates; First slowly, then steadily faster. As it nears a breakneck pace I begin to move where I stand, having already found my way as close to the stage as I can get. Just when the beat can’t possibly go any faster and everyone has raised their hands into the air, surrendering themselves to this insane music, the bass drops with a BOOOM and the entire audience erupts into a chaotic frenzy as the bass enters their nervous system and compels them to dance. As I dance with all my might I grin yet again. My craving for bass has been subsided because I am here, and this is my fix.

This is Dubstep, and this is how it moves me.

Although it is easily classified as another genre of Electronic music, Dubstep has evolved far past the Techno style that Detroit made famous. Dubstep is hard. It brutally mixes its Reggae inspired beats with gritty, loud bass that rises and falls and moves the people who came to hear it. The main focus of the music is this crazy bass. Heavy manipulation of the bass is the focus of the music, sometimes simply driving the beat, other times evolving into a controlled chaos as it builds, drops, and swirls through the eardrums of the crowd.

Dubstep brings to the Electronic scene the same intensity Metal brings to Rock and Roll and Gangster Rap brings to Hip-Hop. Much like these genres it is not without its share of people who despise it, both inside and outside the electronic community, and want nothing more than for it to fade into nothing.

It is raw energy and an unapologetic assault on all those who choose to listen and despite those who wish for nothing more than the demise of Dubstep, it is a growing genre with more people becoming bass addicts every day.

A night out at a Dubstep show is

definitely an event that everyone who likes their music loud and a fat beat to groove to should try at least once. The crowd is full of people who are there for the music, and they are a surprisingly gentle crowd for such a hard hitting genre. Many an accidental bump with an elbow or stepped on foot is met with nothing more than a smile and a passive wave that silently speaks; “Don’t worry about it” as they turn and begin to unrelentingly dance yet again.

Just about every weekend you can find a show downtown put on by Detroit Dubstep or Bass DUBauchary, showcasing local talent and big name headliners. Another great group is the people at Cirque du Womp.

They put on shows monthly at the Majestic and feature not only more local and national Dubstep musicians, but local artists and incredible stage performers as well, who bring their all to every incredible show they produce.

Look these groups up on Facebook and follow their events, for they are sure not to disappoint.

Love it or hate it, Dubstep is here to stay. It has crossed the ocean from the underground British clubs where it began and infused itself into the American music scene.

I can only hope that more people discover this music and become as addicted as myself. But it has been almost a week since the brutal womps of the Dubstep bass has shaken my bones, and I am in need of yet another fix.

ROCK OF AGES 31015 Ford Rd Garden City

M-S 11am-9pm sun 11am-6pm

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used cd's $2.99 each everyday !

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backpacks, wallets, belt buckles

thousands of official concert t-shirts body jewelry hats incense

I J N O C IRO

by Ken May

Band Name: Iroconji; Joann Layne - Vocals Tom Hickman Guitar, Backing Vocals

Lester Burton - Bass Anthony Fiolek – Drums KM:Where did the band name come from?

I:Iroconji (pronounced EAR-OH-CON-JEE) means nothing at all. We took the pronunciation from ‘Irukandji’, which is a deadly Australian jellyfish. We wanted something catchy enough to make people think and weird enough to make us stand out. I think we did a pretty good job at this because when you Google ‘Iroconji’, all you get is us!

16 Catch the Darian Counts Show Wednesdays 8-10am on tapdetroit.com

KM:How do you write your music?

I:There’s no formulated method to the way we write our music. Sometimes its based on a single chord which sets the mood for the whole song. For example, the first tune we wrote, I:We’ve all been very involved with music ‘Crimson’ (which can be heard on our website) for all of our lives. Growing up, Anthony and was based around the D dominant7#9 chord, Tom had formed bands together and Joann a form widely popularized by Jimi Hendrix. and Les have always aspired to be in a band together. We’re all working, going to school and The chord has such a raunchy, driving sound that making a beat based on the chord and a starting families and it has been increasingly funky rhythm took no time. Other tunes like more difficult to find time for music. Anthony, ‘Wide Open’ were written entirely on feel. being the drummer for the Detroit/Downriver The opening chord is an A minor, and the band The Wall Clocks keeps busy with his transition goes to an F minor -- pretty standard music career, but the rest of us had enough Root - Sixth progression in a minor key. The of a dormant musical career. The drive to rest of the song was written based on what felt get Iroconji going was purely for the love of right from the feel of the tune. It has almost making music. When Tom and Lester worked at Marshall Music in Allen Park together, their a dark, romantic feel that we all really liked. friendship brought Anthony and Joann into the The remainder of the song is very driving and powerful. So neither of those tunes were picture and formed the band. written with any grand scheme so to say, but KM:What does future of detroit live music look entirely on feel and emotions. All of our other songs were basically written the same way. like?

KM:What motivated u guys to form the band?

I: Detroit live music has been and will always be an integral part of the country’s music scene.

Detroit Rock City is famous for harvesting some of the greatest and most popular musicians from Motown artists to Eminem and Kid Rock. We share the energy and passion that Detroit fans have for music and it is such a huge part of why Detroit is so famous for its music. We truly hope to become a part of this soon. Logging in experience at Downriver venues and recording our music in the heart of Detroit, we think our future with Detroit live music could be a big thing, and we feel that living in an area with such a lively music scene is a big kick in the right direction for us.

KM:Where can we find your band online?

(734) 522-4590

updated weekly. You can check out photos, music and band updates at www.Iroconji.com.

You’ll also find links to our Facebook, Twitter and Purevolume, as well as contact info for booking.

I:We have an up and running website that is

KM:What genre of music would you say Iroconji falls into?

I: Generally speaking, we fit into the genre of Rock music. As broad as that may sound, there’s really no refined definition to the music we play because we are influenced by so many styles of music -- classic rock, funk, alternative, indie, progressive rock, metal, etc.

We like to say our music has a funk type feel to it, but we don’t like to limit our musical expression by throwing ourselves into a genre.

On the other hand, we understand that we have to move in some direction to keep listeners interested. A band who plays far too many styles can have fans lose interest very quickly.

If it helps, we could imagine hearing ourselves on 89x, 93.9 the river and 101.1 WRIF alike.

m-f 10-

3353 F Detroit Live Magazine - 17

18 Detroit Live Magazine

Register to get Detroit Live Magazine ONLINE at www.detroitlivemagazine.com- 19

WWW.DANNYDLIVE.COM

Story by Eric Harabadian

DANNY D AWARDS & RECOGNITION CIC Reel Award Winner Best Tribute Artist2011, select by a jury of his peers awarded in Las Vegas The voice for Art Van Running throughout the spring and summer of 2011 “Some stores have all the fun” Opening for Eddie Money Stars and Stripes Festival, Mt. Clemens, MI 2011

PHOTO M.G. NADER

cont on 29

WWW.DANNYDLIVE.COM 20 Detroit Live Magazine

PHOTO M.G. NADER

“I’

ve always loved music and being on stage entertaining people,” emphasizes Hamtramck born and bred Danny D. “When I saw the Beatles and Paul McCartney doing ‘Let it Be’ or ‘Hey Jude’ on TV I said that’s what I wanna do!”

That sounds like a typical rock ‘n roll themed story, right? You see your idols on television, hear them on the radio or see them live and it changes your whole life and career direction—end of story! But it didn’t end there for Danny. You see, Danny D. was born with Tourette’s Syndrome—a neurological disorder that causes one to possess vocal and physical ticks that prompt seemingly uncontrollable grunts, groans and occasional profanity. And while we were talking certain vocal utterances seemed to arise from time to time but, for the most part, remained in check.

It’s all about focus and, literally, mind over matter. “A lot of people born with Tourette’s are musicians or artists because it takes their mind off of it.”

Danny D. certainly has risen above all odds to pursue his dreams and follow his musical passions, having been involved in the music business for over thirty years. He has opened for a wide range of artists including the Romantics, The Tubes, David Lee Roth, Air Supply, Mitch Ryder and has done an annual Thanksgiving show with Uncle Kracker for years as well.

The blond haired raspy voiced singer started a number of successful businesses that paralleled his musical pursuits such as a vending/jukebox company and a mobile home rental company. And, in fact, it was the vending business

that indirectly allowed him to be discovered and set him on a new career path.

“I always did ‘Maggie May’ in my set and people said I looked like Rod Stewart,” explains Danny.

“While I was in Las Vegas for a jukebox convention we were unveiling this jukebox that was for Gene Simmons. Simmons grabbed me and said I looked like Rod Stewart and encouraged me to do some type of Stewart show. That got me thinking and it took off.”

What began as somewhat of a novelty turned into a full fledged production, with costume changes and a spot on dedication to Stewart that has taken him and his band to Las Vegas, Canada and throughout the United States. Danny even had the distinct honor of joining Rod Stewart onstage at DTE Energy Center in 2008 to sing “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy.”

“Doing the Rod Stewart show makes me feel like a rock star,” says Danny. “If I never do make it at least I’ll know what it feels like. It took on a life of its own, being stopped at airports, even walking through downtowns. It’s a lot of fun and I love doing it. I kinda started coming in the back door with the Stewart tribute but every year I get a little older, my nose gets a little bigger, I look a lot more like him and I do him a lot better (laughs)!”

But having released three CDs of original music, Danny has not forsaken his own material.

His upcoming fourth recording is still in the works and is set for a August/September 2011 release date.

Produced by Robyn Robbins, the album will feature a star-studded cast of national luminaries and hometown heroes including Mark Farner, Silver

Bullet Band alumni Robbie Robbins, Alto Reed, Shawn Murphy and Drew Abbott, with Rod Stewart’s own guitarist Paul Warren on board as well. Danny D has also been working with Tino Gross in the production of some songs and is doing a remake of the Art Lyzak/ Mutants’ tune “So American.”

Danny also sends major props out to his live/ travelling band Darryl Lee (bass)— playing bass for over 40 years with Johnny Bassett, Luther “Badman” Keith and Benny Reeves, just to name a few, James Niemi Rheumatoid Arthritis and always (guitar), Jeff read Prevention magazine. He read Francis (drums) and Bruce Neault something about Tourette’s and said (keyboards). His search has been ‘hey, I think this is what you’ve got!’ wide spread and vast but he seems That was thirty years ago. Since then to be sitting in a good place right Maury, Oprah and all of them have now. “Putting a band together is a done shows on Tourette’s. It made it bitch,” says Danny. “Finding people easier to talk about it with people. My that have the same dream and have dad has always been a driving force in the time to do it can be a challenge. my success. He taught me to never be But this band has been hand picked a quitter. If it’s in your heart and you for the last four or five years. They need to do it—do it!” believe in the dream, the Rod Stewart thing and where we’re going. We’ve For more information on finally got the train rolling on the Danny D’s upcoming shows and same track and we all get along really events just go to www.dannydlive.com well.” or search Daniel Dzialo on Facebook .

Talking with Danny for any length of time there is genuineness --Eric Harabadian ### and caring for his craft and his fans that truly shines through. So, it’s no surprise that he gives back to folks when he has the opportunity.

“I’ve talked with kids at schools who were made fun of because they have Tourette’s,” says Danny. “I’ve tried to give them advice on how to deal with it.”

“When I was growing up nobody knew what it was,” continues Danny about his condition. “I was around 21 and my dad had Detroit Live Magazine - You know you love it! 21

22 www.detroitlivemagazine.com

Catch the Darian Counts show. Wednedays 8-10 am on tapdetroit.com- 23

24 Detroit Live Magazine

What to take on Tour.

When a band tours for the first time, they will usually find a few surprises on the road. Not just the smaller crowds that come with people not knowing who the hell you are but little details that a young or new band may be too excited to prepare for. As a result, here is a list of things to prepare for.

1. Do not count on a guarantee from a club to get you from one city to another.

A band from Boston played a show in Detroit once that I set up for them (part of a gig exchange which, they, by the way never followed through on their end). They got a guarantee of $50.00.

They did receive the money but one of the band members pointed out had they not gotten the money right away, they would not have had gas money to get to Akron the next day. I couldn’t help but think of those who have told me about shows they did where they had a guarantee but received nothing but a promise that they’d get paid on a future date.

2. Make sure the club remembered that they booked you. I did a show a couple of years ago at a Club in Macomb County, where the new booking agent booked us, not knowing the fired booking agent had booked a metal tour to come into town. The end result was twenty minute sets for everybody. I’ll never forget the reaction of the third band (I think they were from New Jersey) when they were told “one last song” after only playing two.

3. Make sure you know how you’re going to be paid. I had a club in Buffalo, New York tell me once that since we’re from out of state they assume we have no draw (boy were they wrong) but they still let us play. The deal was that we only got to sell CDs (we sold about 25) and got none of the cover. I only bothered to book the show because it was my son in law/guitarist hometown and I respected the fact that the booking agent was upfront about it.

In Detroit, it is a common practice to ask

By The Impaler people who they came to see and pay is assessed based on this.

Some out of state bands don’t know this (because they assume all clubs are like their home clubs) when they book a show and freak out when they find out that they’re not getting paid.

4. MAKE SURE THEY HAVE A P.A. I booked a show in Erie, Pennsylvania once only to get there and find out that bands in that area usually bring their own P.A. to do shows. We were saved by the owner, however. When he found out that we didn’t have one, he borrowed one from a friend.

5. Remember you’re ID. I had a drummer that missed two days of drinking because he didn’t have an ID. No club would serve him so the only alcohol he got during the whole trip was the stuff I brought back to the hotel room between dates. The clubs let him play (one club in suburban Buffalo did let him slide but I think the owner had a crush on him), but for the most part, he was out of luck. Surprisingly, the same thing happened at a single show last year with a different drummer.

6. Try not to get in a fight. The fines for getting out of jail when you’re from out of state can ruin your whole trip. In some states, if they choose to hit you with drunk and disorderly, you can get hit with a $600 fine.

7. When going to upstate New York, Canada is not the best route. Unless you have a license to play in Canada, the officials will give you such a hard time that you will lose any time that you would have gained by going through Ontario.

Just take Lake Erie and you can bring all of your equipment (and pot) without worrying about an international search.

8. Bring money for food. Sometimes people set up tours and forget they have to eat. Some really cool places exist, especially in Ohio, but they cost cash.

I hope that these little bits of advice come in handy while you’re out there. HAPPY TOURING

FALL PREY

APPEARING AT THE 2011 DIRTY DOZEN MID-SUMMER ROCKFEST JULY 16TH JOES PRIMETIME

SEE OUR FACE BOOK PAGE FOR UPCOMING SHOWS

www.facebook.com/fallprey

Nate Jones Cont. from page 11...

people always request things and you have to be open to that.

DLM: You told me you had over 150 songs in your catalog. That must span a lot of musical territory?

NJ: It’s everything! I play everything from Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin and Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash and Bob Seger. I also play modern stuff like Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz and Katy Perry too. It’s pretty broad!

DLM: I saw a clip on your website where you’re playing “I Got a Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas.

I thought that was pretty ambitious as a solo acoustic song!

NJ: There’s a lot of cover music going on now where you can put your own spin on it and do something original.

DLM: Do you have a standard process to writing your own material?

NJ: Not really. Sometimes the lyrics come first, sometimes the music. If I find a really good lick or melody I’ll try to sit down immediately and try getting something done. But I’m like everybody who usually procrastinates. And as soon as you do you don’t succeed with things. So if I wanna write a successful song that’s emotion-based I try to write it immediately.

DLM: Is it challenging to come up with ideas or subject matter for songs?

NJ: Not really. A lot of what I write about is from personal experiences or what I view from other people. Like, if I see a happy couple or just see something around me, it’s pretty simple to write a chorus line and then build off of that. Or I might hear a quotation from a movie and one simple thing will stand out. There was one in “Pirates of the Caribbean” where they yell “abandon ship.”

And I wrote a song I think called “Abandon Ship” or “Abandon Hope.” It was based off the idea that your ship’s going down but if you get off now you have a chance. I never know where inspiration will come from but when it does it’s always exciting.

DLM: Do you have any recordings out now?

NJ: I have almost everything recorded that I’ve written. But the recordings don’t really have the quality I’m looking for yet. I’ve always been able to sell discs at shows in the past. But now I don’t want to rush a bunch of uncut music if it’s not ready. Your reputation is really all you have, especially in music.

DLM: You do a lot of charity work, don’t you?

NJ: I love doing that. Being raised in a Christian background it’s easy for me to feel like humanity is something we should be expressing and just be good to one another. I don’t always have enough money to give but if I can play a show and get some people out then I did what I could do. I recently worked with “Relay for Life” and also worked with “To Write Love on Her Arms.” They help girls that have struggles in their lives. A lot of people cut themselves to release pain in their lives.

Instead of cuts let’s write love to show that there’s something more to life. There have been a number of other charities too.

DLM: What are the ups and downs of being a fulltime musician?

NJ: Winter is hard (laughs)! In the summertime everyone wants their patios played. I was lucky enough to pick up Potbelly and I am usually able to pick up two or three shows a month to get me through. This was the first winter I made it through

Mr.. Positive

as a full-time musician.

DLM: Maybe that’s a good sign that people are starting to hire live musicians again for various things?

NJ: I have noticed that. People seem like they want something more. I can’t say that it’s always been hard. It’s really about putting the effort in.

There’s really no bad turf. If there are forty or fifty bars out there one or two are gonna book you.

DLM: Do you have daily goals you set for yourself?

NJ: I try to do something each day where I, at least, make some kind of connection, write an idea for a song, meet somebody that’s gonna help my career, play an open mike or just sit and play for an hour. It’s all momentum based.

DLM: Thanks for your time Nate. And I have one final question for you. What’s your definition of success?

NJ: I worked with a company called The Southwestern Company and did an internship with them. We were selling educational books door to door. I moved to Minnesota to do this and everything about it was preparing us for the business world. And one of the quotes they gave us was: “To be successful you have to be willing to do what failures won’t.” It’s really just about that hard work mentality of not giving up until something happens. And that’s what success is.

It doesn’t have to be fame, it doesn’t have to be money but just feeling good about yourself, feeling happy with what you’ve done and knowing you’ve tried your best.

For more information on Nate just go to www.natejonesmusic.com .

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OUTSIDE THE ROPES

By: Tony Pertile

The sport of wrestling has captivated audiences throughout the years with superior athletes and unparalleled showmanship. Like any sport fans are drawn in because of the athletes but at DL we decided to unravel the mystery of the man in pinstripes, the zebra, that’s right the referee. Love them or hate them ( from an early age most of us are taught to heckle them) we wanted to learn more about them so we found two of the best and most experienced officials in the business today A T Huck, and Brian Gorie.

Throughout his twenty two year career A T Huck has been involved with various aspects of the wrestling industry including promoting, wrestling, but is most recognized as the no nonsense official who has been all over the country and has seen it all. Huck has officiated with several promotions like WCW, TNA, ECW, ROH, and now works the Midwest area maintaining order in some of the biggest matches in our local area. Huck explained “I’m not there to watch the match; if somebody tries to bring a chair into the ring it’s my job to stop them.

Rules are rules and I call it like I see it. I’ve been doing this so long that I just go with the flow and trust my natural instincts.” Huck’s introduction to big time wrestling came in 1990 during a Bo Bo Brazil vs. The Sheik match in which Huck recalled “I was busted open by a head butt from Bo Bo; then after the match I was victimized by the antics of The Sheik and was left bloody and bruised but also left with the belief that I had made it in this business.” Huck has been inside the ring with numerous legends including Ric Flair, Ivan Kolov, The Rock n Roll Express, and current stars like Edge, Christian, and Rob Van Dam and currently refs in the JCW, XICW, and all over the local area.

Brian Gorie is the Detroit areas other notorious official and with over twelve years experience and over eighty different promotions,

(including TNA, ROH, JCW) Gorie has seen his fair share of violence and continues to be an enforcer of the rules inside the ring. When I asked Gorie about his style he explained “no situation is the same, I take pride in the ability to adapt and react to whatever happens.” Gorie’s most memorable match; “That would be Brian Gorie vs. a real job. Kidding aside I got into this business because I wanted to become a great official; I watched wrestling and noticed that there weren’t a lot of good referees and I felt that I could be a really good one.” Throughout his career Gorie has appeared in the movie ‘Spun’, was on the hit MTV show ‘Made’, and if you can’t get enough Gorie follow him on facebook.com/Brian Gorie, or at twitter.com/Brian Gorie.

Recently the wrestling world was rocked by the loss of a legend when The Macho Man Randy Savage (RIP Randy Poffo) was killed in a car accident last month and died at the age of fifty eight. Also Ryan and I stopped by ‘The House of Truth Wrestling School’ more on that in future DL issues.

XICW returns to the Ritz in Warren June 12th for their Hall of Fame show. For more info check out www.facebook.com/xicwdetroit JCW returns to Southgate at The Modern Exchange June 1st, 15th, and 29th. For more info go to www.juggalo wrestling.com

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CANNABUZZ BOWL

ADVENTURES OF A COVER BAND, PART 10: FAILURE, THE BEST TEACHER For those of you who are wondering what happened at my X-factor audition, I’ll tell you: I didn’t make it. I didn’t even make the first round.

And here is why: I failed! Here’s my surprising reaction to my act of failure: I don’t care. Not because I didn’t want to make it, or didn’t think I could, but truthfully I am not too terribly disappointed. I was after a new experience, not necessarily a record contract. Whatever I learned from that experience makes up for the effort and time I put into getting down there and actually doing it. My philosophy is, no experience is wasted, so long as you learn something from it.

Also, sometimes it’s good to get your ass handed to you every once in a while! We all need to eat a little humble pie now and then. However I still don’t think the experience was wasted at all and I’m really glad I did it, because I learned.

That’s not to say I wasn’t disappointed at all.

We drove a long way, got little sleep, and waited hours in line and hours in our seats. There was plenty of effort and thought that went into this audition. I had a great number of supporters, family, friends and fans watching my progress on facebook, so there was a little bit of pressure there. I was freezing and my feet hurt, to say the least. The first day we were in line for four hours in the rain, and ditto on the second day. I had no idea what to expect in line, so I brought blankets, fold-up chairs, and an entire suitcase full of food; none of which was needed. The auditions actually took place on the second day, the first day was just to get a bracelet, which allowed you access in and out of the arena. I almost didn’t get my bracelet because I didn’t bring the right form of ID, which thankfully my hubby had on him at the time. It was actually a fun day, we got our bracelet and got out of there and went and window shopped in Chicago. I LOVE Chicago!

MICHIGANS FIRST ANUAL CANNIBUS GROWING COMPETITION

By Karin Elizabeth

Ironically, I was sitting directly behind someone that we knew! Zak, who worked at an Internet Networking company that Remedy played a private party for. This guy was the office clown, and he was really funny. As a joke during the party, he got up and sang Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” Now he was here to sing it again. This was also the song that I had picked.

I took it as a sign.

We sat there for hours and talked to everyone around us, including a woman from Chicago who was there with one of her four teenaged kids.

Occasionally, the sounds of someone really belting would drift up through the booths. We would clap and cheer for those getting through. I was pretty bemused to see everyone get through who was flying their freak flag; the big black girl in the gold Cleopatra Costume, the man with 6-ft pink wings who said his name was “Franny,” the dude wearing knee-high striped socks (a’la the wicked witch of the west) with cutoff shorts and a belly shirt. There were also several very elderly people, who got through, as well as a blind girl and a couple of disabled people in wheelchairs. It was actually very uplifting to watch them walk across the arena with their golden ticket to a standing ovation. Do any of these people have real talent?

Who knows. To me, it seemed like what they had in common was the ability to drive TV ratings up. People were coming out and reporting their experiences to their peers still inside. The general consensus was this: be ready to sing for fifteen seconds, then get cut off. This is where my jitters started as I began to wonder how I would chop up my songs in order to create the biggest impact right away.

Finally, we made it into line. I started shaking uncontrollably. Me? Nervous? Never. This is lesson number one that I learned. “Never say never,” as they say. Though I have been on stage for as long as I can remember, and in front of thousands of people, the thought of looking one judge in the eye as I sang my heart out had me The second day, the actual audition day I tried completely freaking! So this was good for me, to look a little sharper, even as I stood in the I will breathe through it. When I finally got into wet and cold. I put on my black trench coat and the judging booth, with an older, very serious yet fedora. X factor let us know that “they would trendy looking gentleman. I took a deep breath, be watching” and to look our best at all times. I looked him in the eyes, and began to sing. After was hoping that I would stand out a bit. Sure enough, I caught the attention of FOX2 news and a while I could see it in his eyes…I nailed it! I nailed Whitney Houston, which is difficult to do.

MTV news, both of whom interviewed me. In line, they began filming us and we were directed But then I was completely taken aback when he to smile, wave, and bounce our umbrellas to pop asked me to sing another song. This was unheard music that was blaring out of giant loudspeakers. of, according to the rumors! And this was my fatal error. I was so nervous, I forgot the words to my I was next to a bright, energetic seventeen-yearsecond song, so I had to switch to one I knew very old girl named Calyn, from Novi, and she was well and knew I would also nail; Janis Joplin’s beautiful and sang like a bird. I was sure she would get in. Calling on my teaching experience, Bobby McGee. I thought I also nailed this one, I was coaching her a bit. Standing in line all day but I knew instantly that I had chosen the wrong was pretty surreal, especially when you added in song. It somehow didn’t fit me, and I could see it in his eyes. the bits where we were being filmed, directed, and “watched.”

After a moment of contemplation, he shook his head and said, “You know, I’m going to have When we got inside the arena, we were told to to say no.” And just like that my bracelet got sit and wait. There were several rows of black snipped and I walked out with my hat in my hand. cubicles, in which judges would be waiting for you. If you got through, you would get the famed As I walked into the cloudy light, among all those “golden ticket” and walk past the audience amidst crying rejected people, it seemed perfect for that moment. It wasn’t my time in the sunshine…not applause. If you were told “no,” your bracelet would be snipped and you were sent in the yet. BW opposite direction, outside the arena.

June 18th 2011

This June Club Cannabus is throwing an event that will rival even the great “Cannabis Cup.” Patients and medical marijuana advocates across the state have been waiting for a local growers competition to form, and the almighty answer is the first annual “Cannabuzz Bowl.”

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Set for June 18th and starting at 10 am will begin one of the largest, most secluded outdoor MMJ events to date. With 30+ competitors already signed up to slug it out for a slew of trophies and prizes for best buds and more, the free samples will be plentiful. The gathering is going to be held at 1776 Field Dr. Riverdale, MI 48877. The grounds are private property at the end of a two mile, dead-end road; so privacy is most assured.

Guest speakers will go until 12 pm, and will include Matt Abel, as well as Ken Lipson of the Cannabis Insurance Advisors. There will also be representatives from MMMA (Michigan Medical Marijuana Association), NORML (The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) and the ASA (Americans for Safe Access).

Immediately following the speakers will begin an incredible fusion of music and marijuana, while more than 10 bands jam into the night for your pleasure. Some of the great local artists you can expect to be present are DC True, Numedia, Skeetown Skylee, Nocturnal Ninjas, Known Felons, Gunshot Amy, Above the Abyss, and Hands of Valor. As if that line-up and the thrill of the competition aren’t impressive enough, there will be free vape bags filled with high-quality organic samples handed out until 7 pm, courtesy of Club Cannabus and BudTimezFarmacy.

Vendors will be present everywhere, hawking sweet merch and promoting their products. The Forgotten Vets will be running a food booth; all proceeds collected will be donated to their most honorable cause, so let’s show them some love and support.

Award ceremonies will occur after 8 pm, and someone will receive the first “Buzz Bowl” blue ribbon, crowning them as the most elite grower. The party will rage on into the 19th and anyone interested in staying the night and camping on the property is encouraged to do so.

Tents only though please, no campers or RV’s will be admitted. Attendees and the remaining bands will be able to hang out Sunday and enjoy a relaxing day before heading back home for the evening.

The gate fee for the “Buzz Bowl” is $50 for card holders and will include a Judge’s pass and a three month Club Cannabus membership (optional). The fee is $10 for non-cardholders.

And just because those guys at Club Cannabus kick so much ass, you’re going to get half off the gate price if you like the Club Cannabus Facebook page. If you’re into the MMJ scene and would like to see and experience the best Michigan growers have to offer, than this is the place to be. If you just love camping and the outdoors, or you’re interested in seeing the advancement of Michigan marijuana laws this is definitely the event to attend. Everyday the citizens of Michigan are coming together and redefining the boundaries and limitations that restrict the use of marijuana. Come take part in the movement and exercise your right to medicate safely and collaborate with fellow patients and caregivers in a comfortable atmosphere.

SEE THE CANNABUZZ BOWL AD ON PG.35 for more info...

Detroit Magazine - 27 Catch The Darian Counts Show Wednesdays 8-10 am on tapdetroit.com - Get into it! Detroit Live Live Magazine - 27

MED LAB

The gas chromatograph emulates

By Ryan Lapointe the heating process of THC release as you smoke it or cook it. That’s why it’s the proper equipment to utilize for testing meds. As I watch the chemist I am impressed with the exacting detail and attention paid to running a sample. It takes time!

It was explained to me and I can see that it’s true that “med testing is only as good as the chemist and his/her abilities”.

I am sitting in a lab dedicated to adding quality control, efficacy, and trust in what you buy to the purchase of goods in the medical marijuana supply chain. That’s a lot of words for something that’s way overdue! Basically a lab test is the equal sign in the medical marijuana equation and right from the start I like what I see. I am writing this ‘on the fly’ so to speak but let me put it this way, I wouldn’t buy a prescription without knowing the dosage nor would I buy brownies or cookies without knowing what’s in ‘em, and certainly wouldn’t buy a bottle of vodka without knowing what proof it is! Unfortunately, that’s what’s happening currently in our distribution model for medical marijuana. So, here I sit, amongst brand new, gleaming equipment in a lab with one purpose…to add the necessary ingredient (excuse the pun) to the buying process. I won’t bore you with the fancy names of the expensive equipment, or the complicated processes involved with the chemistry but I will tell you that I like what I see and I like what I hear as I sit here surveying the future of medical marijuana sales in Michigan and in all states.

What I like about the service is the community building, trust building, helping growers and patients, providing a service and necessary education.

I best describe it this way; these folks have religion on this stuff. I was listening to three of the people involved with running the lab talk about the balancing, the importance of community via an important membership program balanced against testing at the most reasonable cost. Every person, grower, patient,

By John Sinclair caregiver, dispensary will have to become a member of testyourmedsclub.com. That membership will cost less than $100 and will come with free tests to help offset the cost of membership. “Membership will allow for open communication with members to make certain the lab is meeting the needs of the community,” I hear as they discuss the issues. Single tests will cost less than $40 and 10 packs make them less than $30 a test.

Tests are valuable to the grower as well as the buyer. Growers need an exacting method for harvest. Leave it too long or not long enough and all the hard work of months past is for naught. But with a proper test and a library of Those of you who have followed my quest to med strains, growers can nail down when to ‘explain’ the distribution network that is building harvest. No more guesswork. Growers will in Michigan for medical marijuana know also have validation of the medicinal properties that, like a food critic, I have always lauded and potency at time of delivery. accountability, responsibility, informed choice and professionalism. We hear all too often, that Tests have equal value for the patient who wants this person or that person is “spoiling it for the to know answers to the obvious. What’s in my rest us.” Invariably this is borne of folks we all meds? How potent is this edible or bud? Can I have witnessed, who game the system, don’t expect a reasonable analgesic effect, an upbeat play by the rules and never police themselves. experience or will it make me sleepy if I take Frankly, I disown these folks and abhor their this med? I don’t have to explain this to readers. antics. Therefore, when I see the opposite, well, We all know it’s a currently a game of chance I certainly must endorse, advocate and then whether a purchase is made in a dispensary or some. It’s past time we ALL police ourselves from an individual. We all need some quality and act more responsibly. In that vein I am not control. These are meds for heavens sake! simply writing an article on med testing…I am advocating for a much needed service to the Therefore testing holds huge value to medical marijuana community; a necessary first dispensaries. Frankly, I can’t believe meds are step in policing ourselves. offered without testing. How do dispensaries Iron Laboratories in Walled Lake is a closed lab but you can see chemists working through big glass windows. They have digital microscopes for viewing samples and sharing results for mold or pests. Presently they have a chemist working a fancy machine that tests THC potency, the component CBD which reflects medical qualities and CBN which tells if the sample is “overripe” and therefore not up to snuff. Essentially, this equipment is at the core of medical marijuana testing and was purpose built with software

By John Sinclair Free Amsterdam produced by John Sinclair, David Kunian, Josh Jackson and other associated independent producers;

designed for displaying results we can all understand.

purchase without a test? How do they sell without a test? Has the salesperson sampled each ware and bud; and can they somehow convey the experience and expectation? Isn’t question number one and two and three, “So, how portent is it?” Let’s shed some light on what’s in our meds. All things being equal, I’ll buy my meds only after they have been tested.

Let’s take the guesswork out of the equation.

For more info check out www.testyourmedsclub.com

28 Catch the Darian Counts Show Wednesdays 8-10am on tapdetroit.com

DETROIT LIFE RADIO WITH JOHN SINCLAIR

DETROIT LIFE RADIO is a project initiated by Holice P. Wood of Detroit Life, a production and grass-roots marketing company that shares space with the Trans-Love Energies Compassion Club at 1486 Gratiot in the Eastern Market district of the D. Detroit Life produces a line of branded shirts and other wearables, produces and promotes concerts like the annual 4:20 Music & Art Fair and the Service Street Fair in the fall, and generally promotes the idea of creative and productive life in the Motor City.

One night as Holice and I were medicating and talking over various ideas as we often do and he shared his concept of a Detroit Life Radio station on the internet as part of the DETROIT LIFE website (DetroitLife313.com). As I happen to be a pioneer of internet radio with the John Sinclair Radio Show since November 2004 and Radio Free Amsterdam, founded January 1, 2005, Holice was talking to the right guy, and I made a commitment to help him establish Detroit Life Radio by contributing a 60-minute radio program from Radio Free Amsterdam each day for the foreseeable future.

That was in the fall of 2010, and I posted episode 500 earlier this month, right around the time we approached TapDetroit.com with the idea of broadcasting our daily programs on their burgeoning internet radio station based in the Russell Industrial Center in Detroit. Now DETROIT LIFE RADIO is beaming out via TapDetroit.com every night at midnight Eastern Daylight Time.

and a series of specialty programs produced and hosted by affiliated independent producers like:

• Bartender’s Bop, originally broadcast by Tom Morgan at WTJU-FM in Charlottesville VA in the late 1980s and produced & hosted for broadcast on Radio Free Amsterdam by John Sinclair’ • The Blues Show with Bruce Pingree, originally broadcast on WUNH-FM, Portsmouth NH; • Highway 61 with Scott Barretta, originally broadcast by Mississippi Public Broadcasting • Jazz Roots and the New Orleans Music Show with Tom Morgan, originally broadcast on WWOZ-FM, New Orleans; • The Kitchen Sink Show with David Kunian, originally broadcast on WWOZ-FM, New Orleans; • Live from the Red Rooster Lounge with Cary Wolfson, originally broadcast on the Red Rooster Radio Syndicate

Hear John Sinclair on on the official radio station of Detroit Live Magazine WWW.TAPDETROIT.COM

DETROIT LIFE RADIO is produced by John Sinclair for the John Sinclair Foundation and Radio Free Amsterdam. Executive Producer: Holice P. Wood for Detroit Life.

DETROIT LIFE RADIO program schedule includes • weekly episodes of the John Sinclair Radio Show, now in its 7th year, emanating from coffee shops, cafes, record shops, outdoor venues and various dens of iniquity throughout the western world every Monday; • the Saturday night music program known as Sinclair On The Air, formerly heard on Salto Wereld FM in Amsterdam; • the modern jazz show called Jazz from the Hempshopper with John Sinclair, based at the Hempshopper on the Singel canal in Amsterdam and broadcast on Fridays; • archival episodes of the blues program Blue Dolphins with John Sinclair from the Dolphins coffee shop in Amsterdam; • archival episodes of the New Orleans Music Show with John Sinclair from the 420 Café in Amsterdam; • episodes from the Vintage Radio Vaults of Radio

Available at Amazon.com

Naked Truth

By Jordan Weatherhead Making a statement with her unique poetry.

Weatherhead goes against the grain and says “judge this book by its cover.”

Danny D cont from pg. 20

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